THE THIRD TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE THIRD TRIAL

[Once the final clues are found, the unsettling chimes sound three times again. However, the Debate Hall doors do not open for the Titled. At least, not for a moment or so.

When they do, though, and the Titled descend the stairs, they will find that the desks have been completely updated, up through the deaths of the previous night. It is...unsettling. Have they truly lost half their numbers in such a short time? But, what can they do about it?


The logs are on the desks, and the Intercessor finishes up the final touches of the evidence they made, placing it on the desks.

There is no chanting on the stage. The dragon, also, seems to be gone, leaving only traces of arms and legs and goo. So, the Intercessor simply goes and sits on the stairs, looking at the remaining survivors. They sound tired as they speak.]

All right. Everyone...do your best. Take your time, and...good luck.


[The trial of Raphtalia, the Dreamstrider, and Farkas, the Outcast, has begun.]

Comments

[carries_war]

Maglor...we need to know what you saw.

[He walks over to crouch down in front of the wolf. His voice has gone from commanding to gentle, like the flip of a switch.]

This is the first time we've actually had someone we know was there. What you have to say about what happened could save all of our lives.

[bythewaves]

A low whimper, and the wolf creeps up to lick his cheek sadly.

A soft whine and then fur shivers back to skin, Maglor curled in on himself in misery.

[carries_war]

[He sits down, legs tucked under himself, and puts a hand on Maglor's arm. His voice is still soft, but firm...like he's talking to a scared child.]

I know, you probably don't wanna talk about it...but we need to hear what happened. How did that frenzy potion get into you?

[bythewaves]

"I don't remember." He admits hoarsely.

"I am sorry. It might have been me. I don't remember!"

[zephyranthe]

Start from the beginning. What were you doing that night?

[carries_war]

[He shakes his head.]

I don't think it was. The scene just didn't look right for if you'd cut someone in half and gotten covered with blood that way.

[He looks over at the greatsword, left lying by Killua's desk.]

Do you recognize that sword?

[bythewaves]

"I..."

He trembles and then masters himself. He shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath and when he opens them again his voice is flat and emotionless. Reporting as he might have done to his brother, long ago.

"Raphtalia asked for a spar. I agreed. We chose a quiet place...she is very good." A hint of pride, trainer's pleasure in skills well learnt. "And she learns fast. We had finished the spar...and then my memory fails. I...remember pain. A foul taste in my mouth. Raphtalia screaming."

He falters and then breathes againn looking at the sword and shakes his head. "I do not know it."

[carries_war]

The foul taste...did it match what the frenzy potion smells like?

[bythewaves]

He frowns thoughtfully and then nods.

"I think so. The wolf... " He falters, and there is something old and painful in his eyes before he masters himself again.

"The wolf doesn't... think the way we do. But... yes, I think it was the same."