Closed Truth or Lies?

[Meadow]

5th Summer 516, A.V.

Zulrav's thunder roared above the city of Endrykas. The God of weather seemed to know all that was planned for the day. Helena walked into the Watch tent to a lot of racket coming from inside. Sighing the woman shook her head and called for silence.

"What is all the commotion about?" She growled looking around at everyone.

A taller, bald headed man stepped forward and cleared his throat to speak.

"Hello miss I am sorry to bother you all so early, but my brother has seen the person who is poisoning the waters. She is a non-drykas that lives next to us," the man said looking calm.

"I see both of you come with me please," Helena said and stepped into a back area with the two of them for privacy, "please state your names."

Shane and Oaken told the woman all that they knew. Helena wrote what the pair told her before looking up once more to address them.

"Thank you. We will take her into custody and speak with the council immediately. Stay close to town in case we need you to be there as well," Helena said and showed the men out.

Turning the woman walked inside and spoke with another about who the arresting Watch members would be. Once the two were decided the drykas stepped out and went to find her men.

"Weebly, Tackard! I need you two to go and bring a young woman by the name of Ixzo into custody. According to our sources she is highly dangerous, approach with extreme caution understood?" Helena asked.

"Yes, miss right away," Tackard said and motioned for Weebly to follow him.

---- Thirty chimes later ----

The pair of watchmen walked up to the pavilion spotting only one female at the moment. Weebly became nervous as she had not noticed the pair as of yet. Tackard cleared his throat catching the woman's attention though she did not appear surprised in the least.

"Ixzo I presume?" Tackard asked and nodded when she acknowledged him, "I need you to come with us. You are under arrest."


Weebly watched the man interact with the woman and walked on the other side of her once she was bound. Tackard ignored her constant growling and demands for an explanation.

"You know exactly what you did," Weebly said only antagonizing her more. Tackard gave a sideways glare to the young Ra'athi. Weebly spotted the look and quickly shut up before the elder decided to make him shut up. Tackard unbound her once at the cell and pushed her inside before locking it.

"No one is to open her door until word is sent from Helena," Weebly said to the guard as he nodded and watched the woman unamused.

All of the conclave members were beginning to awaken and prepare for the long day ahead of the. Slowly the members arrived most still working out the stiffness in their joints. Sitting down in their respective spots all made idle talk until Eli Grassmane arrived to start the days events. Eli walked in holding a scroll from the Watch.

“Good morning all. We will only be dealing with a few issues this day. Our most pressing matter is that of a non-drykas accused of poisoning the water. According to the written report the Watch have the suspect in custody already. The witnesses worry me some, but that is nothing to deal with at this moment,” Eli said taking a seat.

Calling for one of the runners the man sent for Helena trusting the woman to know who would escort the witnesses and accused. Several chimes passed before the runner returned saying that she would be a long shortly. Eli sat back and listened to several of the elder council members and younger council members talk quietly about the person. Looking when the woman walked in Eli smiled warmly to her.

“Ah Helena welcome. I am sorry for us having to meet again under such circumstances. If you will we need four of your most trustworthy Watch members to retrieve the accused and the witnesses please,” Eli said with a serious look on his face.

“Of course. I will round up my men and send them here immediately,” Helena said bowing her head before stepping out.

---- One bell later ----

Helena looked up as the four men came in, “welcome I'm sure several of you may know each other. But just in case I will hand out assignments by name. Azmere and Sparrow you two will be retrieving the woman from the cell and taking her to the conclave. Tackard and Weebly both of you find the Starrun brothers. They are the witnesses and need to meet at the conclave as well.”

Once everything was given out the woman sent the four men on their way. Tackard took the elder brother Shane Starrun, and Weebly took the younger brother Oaken. Sparrow turned to Azmere and smiled gently extending his hand.

“Hey man its been a while. how is the new pavilion coming?” Sparrow said and walked with his to get the woman.

Tackard walked up the drykas man and cleared his throat, “Shane Starrun?”

“Yes?” Shane asked looking at the man when he approached.

“I have been sent to escort you to the conclave,” Tackard said and motioned for him to follow.

Shane put his things down and walked with him wondering who had been sent to pick up his brother. Soon enough Weebly walked up to the pair with Oaken in tow. Shane growled gently under his breath not thinking to continue coaching his brother the night before. Oaken looked over to his elder brother and stayed close as the last of the party arrived. Sparrow and Azmere had joined the group shortly after their initial arrival.

“Sir everyone has arrived,” one of the guards spoke once stepping inside.

“Good see them in,” Eli said and looked recognizing the two brothers immediately along with Azmere due to the scar from his accident.

[Ixzo]

The thunder of the morning only bothered her slightly. She was not yet as brave as Rufio, and did not go hunting the night before. Last season's expedition during the storm had ended unfavorably, and she didn't wish to repeat the events. Instead the lioness found herself peeling wild onions. She really had to work on being able to cook more than stews and soups, and was always thoroughly disappointed in the spices of the grasslands, which were nearly nonexistent.

Where she crouched on the side of her unlit fire pit, chopping small purple vegetables into the crock with her knife, she was acutely aware of the crunching footsteps that approached her. Not one, but two, and they were headed straight for her.

"Ixzo I presume?" She looked up, wide silver eyes darting between his for intention before nodding. She was never very good at reading these human emotions. So the next words sent a low shake through her body. She must not have understood correctly. Arrested?

"Arrested?" Her knuckles squeezed the knife hilt, and she felt the bite of the metal into the flesh of her thumb as she realized she had cut herself. Immediately, Ixzo dropped the knife, which was good because in the next instant she was standing, in Tackard's face.

"Excuse me? Arrested?" But he merely nodded at her, producing a strap of twine. A growl interrupted her next words and she stepped back, holding up one hand, and turning her other fist behind her back. No. She signed quickly and forcefully. The watchman's eyes hardened, and he stepped forward.

She wanted to bolt. To lash out and run. What had she done? Instead, the lioness put her hand behind her back as well, glaring at the man. She forced him to walk around her to tie her hands behind her back, not letting her eyes leave his. Without opening her lips, the deep growl distinct to a complaining feline traced out of her, and when Tackard walked back around, the hunter set her gaze back on him. No, she wasn't going to struggle, but she at least wanted to know why.

"Why." The words snapped out, and it was less of a question than a demand. What right did they have?

"You know exactly what you did," The other watchman, a child, who she had ignored spoke up then, and she turned her glare on him. He flinched, but only reacted to the look of the older watchman rather than herself. At least she had made him flinch.

❖❖❖

When they reached the cage, Ixzo actually did resist. Tackard had been lightly guiding her, but at the sight of the thing, she dug her heels into the ground and leaned back. Surprsied by this, the watchman lost his light grip, and she skitted back a few steps. She would not go in another cage. She was a lion! Where these barbarians so wild as to cage another?

Her mind rolled back to Merevekia, and she knew they were. Why did she put so much faith in the wild men of the plains? Clearly they didn't care for her. A cage!

Still, with a quick shove from Tackard, she was ducking into it anyway. As he closed the gate, with no intention of hurting the boy, Ixzo snapped near his fingers, the audible click of her sharp teeth hopefulling giving the effect she wanted. What the Hai was wrong with these barbarians?

❖❖❖

Her cheek had turned to raw meat a while ago, so Ixzo had to settle with surrendering her teeth to the violent grinding as they walked. She had no tail to flick in anger either, so her eye set to twitching as she fought off the scowl. Had they done this to her three seasons prior, she would not have held so much back, but Ixzo no longer had just herself to think about, nor did she have all of that Myrian Pride she had worked so hard to maintain.

Instead, the Kelvic altered between ignoring Sparrow's and Azmere's eyes, if they were looking at her at all. Shame, it was not a word in her vocabulary, nor an emotion the lioness was willing to think about. Still, she hated the icy fire that pounded in her chest as she dreaded what was to come. Endrykas was so small, she was not surprised she would know the ones that would entrap her. Still, she knew neither of them enough for them to have confidence in her word. Now, she wouldn't know them well enough to clean her name… if she got out of this.

What shit.

There was a loud grinding as Ixzo readjusted her teeth, trying to give her sore jaw a break. Still, it was better to clench her teeth than her fists, which remained calm and open. No doubt both men could feel the tension that rolled off her, but hopefully they would not see it as defiance. She didn't know why they had her, so acting against them could not possibly help her. Then again…

Nope.

"What is happening?" She blurted out in her rough accent, her fingers twitching to follow up with the sign to let them know she was not defiant, instead she would have to settle with her broken words and hope for a response.

Myri, she missed how she used to be, but then again she might be dead now if she had reacted how she used to when they had come to get her. Still, she would have liked to know more than just "You know exactly what you did," as a reply when she asked the watchmen who had come to get her earlier. Perhaps she could have behaved better in that case, but her head was not so clear then as it was now.

When her head was ducked into the tent, her eyes adjusted quickly. She took in the two other watchmen, Eli Grassmane, and a woman she didn't recognize. She was almost glad to see the Grassmane Ankal, as she had bought an Ox with Iollu from him in seasons prior. He was one of the few who was nice to her then, even if he was disturbed by her presence upsetting his animals. Was he only kind because of Iollu? Would he hold that against her now that the little one was with her family once more?

It wasn't until her eyes landed on the brothers, her neighbors, that her stomach dropped. Silver eyes narrowed as she recognized them, still not scared enough to attempt to play nice. In the moment, a brief fantasy of ripping the hand off of the younger one crossed her mind, she let a small smile dance on the edge of her lips. She had been told such a face was terrifying for those unprepared, and she truly hoped that was the effect now. Still, she didn't hold their gaze for long, tearing her glare away from them to finally settle with staring at the ground while she waited for action.

She hadn't gotten along with those two the moment Rufio and her had set up next to them. After the first meeting, Ixzo didn't pay them any mind. She didn't like them, she didn't care to please them either. Now she saw her mistake in being so flippant towards a Drykas.

Well shit.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Azmere]

Azmere blinked and looked to his friend. Sparrow returned the confused expression. Neither one of them knew that someone was being held for a crime. The archer stood and began to put on his armor. He started with his chestpiece. His scarred chest was bared and before he put on his armor, a hand strayed to the square scars where patches of skin had been removed. Once he was in the piece, the Drykas fixed the hasps under his arm to make the hardened leather tight then pushed the hood back. He fixed his quiver on his back by adjusting the strap that crossed diagonally over his chest. After shrugging his shoulders in circles several times, the big man slipped an arm into his bracer and used the opposite hand to tighten the laces and then tie a knot. He repeated the process for the other bracer then strapped on his club. The watchman grabbed his bow and slung it over his head and shoulder. Vihar, his ancestral longbow, fit just shy of perfect over the broad chest. Sparrow adjusted his gear as well and was soon ready. Their superior had left without explanation so there was very little to go off of in the way of information.

The men moved out of the tent used as a gathering place for members of the Watch. Like all Drykas, they rarely went anywhere on foot so the warriors mounted their respective striders. Azmere climbed up on to the yvas and leaned forward to pat the strong neck of Skylla. He whispered a bit of encouragement to her and hoped that she wouldn’t try to run roughshod through town again. The archer and his companion each nudged their mounts ahead and started for their destination. Azmere used his thighs to keep a steady squeeze on the mare’s flanks. One hand rested on the yvas handle while the other stretched out to constantly stroke her mocha and white mane. The Drykas twisted his hips when they needed to turn while keeping the pressure of his knees and thighs on the young strider. The technique seemed to be working even though it was a decent amount of work for such a simple trek.

It didn’t take them long to get to the front of the large Watch complex. It was a series of many tents all attached and strung together. The largest part served as a barracks for those who wished to stay within the city while they served. There was another section which was about half as big that was used for meetings, instructional seminars as well as ceremonial purposes. Finally, there was a series of smaller rooms which acted as offices for the various leaders though these areas were seldom used for anything more than a quiet place to nap. However, on this day, one of these little corners had been converted into a holding area for some kind of villain. Azmere and Sparrow did not discuss their assignment though it was rare that an offender was caged. Upon their arrival, a fellow Ra’athi was standing outside the flap. Azmere signed his purpose and the man responded with a simple nod. He disappeared inside and returned shortly with a tall woman who bore many scars on her dark skin. Azmere blinked in surprise but did well to hide it on the rest of his emotions. Sparrow was not so subtle. Both of them recognized Ixzo right away. The supposedly routine task suddenly became much more complicated.

Without wasting time, Azmere lead Skylla to stand around behind the powerful woman. The mare did not like the smell of this person and she pushed sideways. Azmere waited until the strider had moved a few feet away and then led her right back where he had the first time. This took place two more times before Skylla eventually gave in to her rider’s demand. Sparrow was patient while his partner figured out the art of coercing a horse to stand next to a predatory kelvic. This also gave the younger warrior a chance to wrap his head around the situation. He had grown to respect Ixzo through the course of their journey in the spring. Without too much ado, the pair used their horses to escort the prisoner to the Conclave. As they walked their striders with the fierce woman moved slightly ahead, people stopped and watched. Azmere narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow. Some were quick to offer looks of judgment and yet he recalled the stories of how Ixzo had fought bravely at the beach as well as the tales from the tunnels and mine that Sparrow and Aris had related to him. Whatever she had done, they were soon to find out but the archer hoped that her deeds would not be so easily forgotten. When she asked her question, Azmere bent near to her as he could. “No one told us, Ixzo. I’m sorry.” He had a matter-of-fact tone but the look on his face was genuine. Sparrow’s silent agreement was reflected in his face as well.

When they arrived at the center of Endrykas, Azmere was quick to dismount and take hold of Ixzo’s elbow. He led her inside being sure to hold the flap open wide. He was strong but not rough in his urgings. The Watchman had to put his duty before the uneasy feeling in his gut. Until he heard the case, he could not make any kind of judgment calls especially considering how little he knew Ixzo, directly. They had only met once but he had gotten the impression that she was a woman full of strength and a will that was mostly good. Once inside, he moved her off to the side. There they would wait until summoned. The archer had never been inside the Conclave before but he was immediately able to pick out the players. Of course, it wasn’t hard because Endrykas was not a very large population. Sparrow moved up on the other side of Ixzo. Though she was the prisoner; a criminal awaiting trial, the men on either side stood in such a manner that she might feel protected. In truth, Azmere viewed his job as such and given his knowledge of his partner the sentiment was certainly similar.

NoteIf something doesn't make sense or there is a glaring gap in thought, etc; please let me know. This was typed while a toddler and I were wrestling.

Textbox courtesy of Firenze

[Meadow]

Helena watched the four watch members enter along with one Ixzo and the two accusers the Starrun brothers. She was extremely judgmental of the pair. Since Shane, the elder of the two brothers, took over there had been nothing but trouble with the pavilion. He was a hard man with a very arrogant poor attitude towards others including Drykas. Oaken was the exact opposite of his brother; the younger was very kind and understanding. The elder of the two's alpha personality seemed to trump the youngers when the pair was near each other. Clearing her throat once every one was in the guards at the door closed the tent doors so that the group of people would have privacy for the proceedings. Looking at the pair of Ra'athi that brought the brothers she nodded for Weebly to begin introducing everyone to the Conclave. The man seemed to take a shaky breath while stepping up before the group of men. He raised his head proudly forcing his voice to stay strong.

“Hello all. We have brought you one Ixzo who has been accused by elder brother Shane Starrun of poisoning the water supply. These poisonings as you know have caused many animals to die and at least one family currently known to have passed as well. If you will allow the first you will hear from is Oaken Starrun who has witnessed her strange ways,” Weebly said cutting his eyes to the woman before stepping out of the way.

Eli turned his head to the two brothers and nodded to Oaken. The young man walked up appearing nervous without his brother beside him. The older drykas made a note of his body language as the young man wove a tale about the woman. Two of the Conclave members rolled their eyes hearing the stuttering mess before them. Eli was not surprised that though the previous ankal had wanted Oaken to take over; Shane instead took over with his dominant personality.

“Hello sirs. I will not take up much of your time. I have witnessed the woman in question many nights and sometimes during the day attempting to create strange items. Most have not worked out.” Oaken said looking down.

Shane growled low in his throat knowing he would have to remedy what his idiot brother had said. He slightly glared as his brother walked over before walking up in turn. He signed his greetings to all the members bowing his head slightly to them before standing strong before them.

“Excuse my brother. He often gets nervous among so many people. Oaken has come to me on many occasions talking about the strange activities of the woman in question. She has exhibited a....” Shane paused looking for the right word, “sort of volatile personality with many of the business owners. I have seen this side of her as well. There is no doubt in my mind that she would poison those she had no care for.”

Eli raised his hand looking at the man as his face contorted to that of anger for being interrupted.

“Thank you Shane. You may step down. Ixzo hello again I hope all is well and that we can get this settled soon. Please tell us your side of everything,” Eli said motioning for her to step forward next.

[Ixzo]

Ixzo couldn't help but laughing when the younger brother spoke. She made no effort to conceal it, anger clouding her brain. She didn't understand this barbaric way of talking through a lie. If they were so convinced she had killed someone, by cowardly poisoning the water nonetheless, shouldn't they challenge her? She itched for a fight, one she knew she would win, to prove her worthiness. She didn't care so much for innocence, she didn't know how to argue with a lie, she just wanted to take her anger out on someone.

She forgot about her position, angled in a somewhat hidden stand behind the two watchmen. Truly it would have been better if she stayed silent, but the lioness could not let it go. Just after Shane apologized for Oaken, the Meerkat that could not hold up a lie as well as his hyena brother, Ixzo made eye contact with him. "Ma'khan'um…" She growled, tapping her inner thigh to show him just where he could eat it. No other person in the tent would understand the insult, but in a childish way she already felt a little better. More willing to turn her gaze towards the leading barbarian, Eli.

"All is not well." She couldn't help the guttural growl that furthered her thick accent. An even and measured voice would not come easily to her. In the back of her mind, the stupid learnt ways from living with the Drykas, she knew it was not smart to be hostile towards everyone in the room, but the anger in her gut wouldn't allow any different. Instead she let her reflective gaze flutter shut and took a deep breathe, holding it for a tick then letting it go through her nose.

With a careful glance, visibly working not to glare at him, knowing she had no reason to, Ixzo found Azmere's eyes, slowly stepping past him as Eli asked her too. He seemed too calm and she still couldn't read him, but she did not worry at the moment. Turning her attention back to Eli, she took a moment, making him wait. How on earth was she supposed to address this?

"Lies." She said simply, throwing a sign for frustration. It wasn't necessary, as anyone in the tent could see the anger that had been trembling from her shoulders moments ago. "How to argue lies?" She asked, opening her mouth to continue then clamping her jaw shut when no words came. It was true, they had seen her meddling in malediction, a magic that frequently didn't work for her. She didn't keep it a secret, she didn’t see a need to. So far she'd succeeded in one item, to which the effects were minimal at best, and she had done it for protection.

"If I wanted to kill… not be with poison." She turned to Shane, extending one long finger towards him to make sure he understood. "With teeth." The bared her teeth and grinned at him, knowing he may not realize she took a much more intimidating form. If she had truly wanted to kill his family, which she had no reason to other than mild annoyance, she wouldn't have poisoned him like an Alvad human. She would have fought him, and anyone who knew her would have known it.

Not a good argument. The rational thought rang through her mind once more. As she realized that she was not directly being attacked by these Drykas, the Kelvic begun to take a clearer look on things. Of course they would instinctively trust their own before her, but she knew many of them, did that not stand for anything?

"I do not fight with… traders." She begun, trying to backtrack. She might be a little more forceful with her haggling, but was that a crime? She didn't know what he had called them, but she understood what he was talking about. "I bring meat and hide for gold." She turned away from Shane, back to Eli. "I buy ox from you with little one." Remember? She tried to remind the Grassmane Ankal of it. "I fight the sea-barbarians, I take care of her." Her heels dug into the ground sharply when she turned back to Sparrow. "I fight slave-keepers." Remember! "Why do I be coward now and poison two who I do not care for." She tossed a flippant hand back towards the accusing brothers, spitting out the cowardly word.

"These two, I do not care. Why poison?" She tried to make the Drykas she knew see reason. She couldn't argue against a lie, but perhaps she could give them a doubt against it. But Ixzo didn't soften her stance or her gaze. She would not plead with these people if they would not listen. Immediately her thoughts came to the idea of living in the wild again, hiding from the pride's which she did not belong and feeding off of rotten meat to barely get by. It was possible-- a pang of distress flooded her at the thought of Rufio, it wasn't possible. She had to stay here, she had to do it for her bond-sister. This thought softened her mouth a little, turning into a frown rather than the set line it had been. What if they took her away from Rufio?

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Meadow]

The elder drykas listened as the woman growled to the brothers. Eli thought about everything that had been said through the rumor mill about the pair. He knew and suspected that she would be furious about the sudden arrest and accusations. The elder watched her as the woman calmed herself down before speaking once more. She spoke of buying the ox with the child which he remembered clearly, and of the sea barbarians attack where she took the child in. The man had been surprised to see someone outside of their race take one of them in so suddenly. Raising his head some the drykas could see Jonas becoming furious as she made gestures to the brothers. Eli would not have to even ask what the man would decide. He could remember her being one of the many women to sign up for the trip with the slave.

“I remember you and the child well. Our people cannot express their gratitude enough for all you have done. From protecting the child, fighting the pirates, and to even going with them to fight slavers. You in no way owe us such kindness. Please do not think that they will go unheard either. I would like to hear from Sparrow as well before everyone steps out,” Eli said very calm knowing any kind of emotion could set her off.

Helena nodded to Sparrow as he got Ixzo to step back for a moment. She watched the Conclave members expressions clearly seeing how Jonas and Pratal felt. The woman was no surprised to see that Thomas and Cyrus seemed to be on the same page. Yet Quar’he, Sorrel, and Eli remained stoic and serious. Once the young Ra'athi finished speaking he bowed his head respectfully to the men before him.

Sparrow stepped up taking a deep breath looking to all before him. He would speak with truth and nothing else. The young Ra'athi refused to let the ankals scare him into submission.

"I fought along side Ixzo and many other strong women at the mines. There are many Ra'athi that I would be nervous to side with in a fight, but I will never think twice about fighting with her. She has shown more courage and determination than any other I have met. There is no doubt in my mind that she is innocent of these crimes. Why would she fight for our people so bravely only to turn around and poison us? It makes no sense at all to say she has done this unspeakable crime. I please with you listen to reason, throw aside your hate and hear the facts presented before you. See that Oaken couldn't tell a lie such as this without crying on the ground. See that Shane is using theses tragedies to further his own gain. Please see that Ixzo is innocent," Sparrow said looking into the eyes of each man before him.

“Thank you, Sparrow. If the Conclave is satisfied with the information provided I ask that everyone step out until summoned once more. Azmere and Sparrow you two are to keep the woman out of trouble. You will also be escorting her to Bull and Rosemary,” Helena said with her head held high before turning to the other four, “Tackard and Weebly you two will stay with the Starrun Brothers. Keep them close around the area, you will also be escorting them to Bull and Rosemary as well.”

“Thank you Helena. We will try to not take up too much time before calling you all back. Now please excuse us,” Eli said and motioned for them to exit.

As soon as the group of Watch and none were out of the tent with the flaps closed Jonas and Pratal started shouting. Eli watched them silently rant about how the woman needed to be kicked from the city as a danger to the people. After several moments Cyrus and Thomas had enough and began to shout back about how the two were being ridiculous believing two lying brothers. Looking back and forth the elder took a deep breath ready to stop this stupid shouting match.

“ALRIGHT ENOUGH! Everyone simmer down, shouting will do no good. You all know everyone's point of view on the proceedings will be heard. Now Jonas you first,” Eli said as the four men quieted and sat back looking at each other.

“She is not one of us! A Walahk has no right being in the city without being owned. The woman needs to be shown her place as a slave as she should be,” Jonas growled looking at everyone.

Eli was not surprised in the least what the man had already decided just upon her race. He next turned to Sorrel and nodding figuring he would not have much to say.

“I am unsure of if she truly did the actions that Shane and Oaken accuse her of. The younger could barely look us in the eyes, then the elder was able to easily excuse his brother. There may very well be some truth to their words,” Sorrel said completely unsure of how to feel.

Pratal and Jonas instantly looked at each other seeming to come to the same agreement. They had to at least get Sorrel on their side in case Thomas and Cyrus got to Quar'he first.

Eli nodded his head to the younger man before nodding to Pratal next. The next man gave him a sense of unease knowing that he would side with whichever would benefit his pavilion in the end.

“I think she should be banished as well. Barely anyone knows her so it would not be a huge loss to the city in the end. Certainly it would be better to release her than to endanger the whole,” Pratal said looking at everyone.

Thomas instantly began talking not needing Eli's direction to defend the woman's worth and actions.

“Listen to you two. Your hatred for the outsiders is clouding your judgment. This woman has no reason to suddenly turn on our people. She has done nothing, but protect us when many of your clans would not step up,” Thomas said with a glare to the men as they glared right back at the man.

“Cyrus?” Eli asked looking to him next.

“I agree with Thomas. There has been no rhyme or reason for such an attack by the woman. I have had to send men to deal with the Starrun pavilion several times in the past seasons. Since Shane took over everyone who was once affiliated with them has denounced them,” Cyrus said forcing himself to stay calm.

“Quar'he you are last,” Eli said looking to the man.

“With all of the strange actions lately, I am having a hard time seeing who to truly believe. But I can say this, I do not believe Ixzo has any reason to harm our people,” Quar'he said looking at everyone calmly.

“Thank you all for your opinions. We will reconvene in five chimes. Everyone stretch your legs and think hard about what you will choose,” Eli said and stood up.

All the members dispersed only to group with whoever agreed. Pratal instantly walked after Jonas while Sorrel walked towards the back in order to truly stretch his legs. Thomas caught up with Cyrus quickly as the pair went to speak with Quar'he.

“We need to move quickly before they can get to Sorrel next,” Jonas growled seeing them.

Pratal and Jonas walked over almost seeming to pin Sorrel into a corner without looking outwardly alarming. Sorrel turned and was surprised to see the two most powerful men of the clans behind him.

“You will side with us boy or we will make your life much much harder,” Jonas growled as the threat was crystal clear to the younger man.

Sorrel nodded and heard Eli call them all back. He walked over and sat down nervous about what would happen should the pair against her not win.

“Has everyone decided?” Eli asked.

Each member nodded yes to him. Looking forward he motioned for the group to return. The young boy hurried to get everyone bringing them in once more.

[Ixzo]

As soon as the soft padding of his leathered feet on the ground before them sounded, Ixzo's head snapped towards Sparrow. What was he going to say? Was he going to lie as well? Somehow she couldn't believe it.

When he spoke, her heart picked up. She had the sudden urge to leap forward and hug him, although she doubted that would be taken kindly at the moment. Instead a steady grin built on her face. Perhaps it seemed a little more victorious than grateful, but Ixzo was thrilled nonetheless. Flipping between emotions with ease, she was watching the judges' reactions with a different sort of intensity. Did they believe him? Why wouldn't they? He was a watchman, after all. Still, she was at a loss to understand the emotions, or lack thereof that crossed these human faces before her.

With a far too large grin still plastered on her face, the Kelvic spun on her heels with the watchmen, still determined not to appear as if she was being escorted, as if that would fool anyone. Yet she did not walk too far ahead, unsure how they would react, instead keeping pace. It was only once they exited the tent that Ixzo heard the immediate up rise of voices. Something selfish inside her was amused by how much havoc was going on. Although perhaps more due to a selfish Drykas than herself, she was a little prideful he saw her as enough threat to pin such ridiculous charges on her. The only thing that kept her from laughing at it was the reminder that if all believed him, then she would be back in the wild… without Rufio.

"Thank you." She turned to sparrow first, rushing with the thickly accented Pavi words to evade the thoughts that threatened to take over. She was doing her best not to send the negativity to her bond-sister, fearful Rufio may come looking for her and wind up in trouble herself. The half-Drykas was very similar to her in that she wasn't exactly tactful when angry. Sparrow seemed stressed to offer minimal acknowledgement to her, and she realized he was not her friend at the moment, but a watchman. Deciding not to push him, she turned immediately to Azmere as they walked.

"Thank you." She said pointedly, although he had not spoken. "You know I tell a truth?" She asked, focusing a silvery gaze on him. She knew more of this man than she knew him directly, and the most recent news about the notable watchman began floating in her mind. Maybe she attached herself to the broken, but it seemed like an opportunity to her. Surely most of the Drykas would see little more than a man struggling to become an Ankal, for there were many large established Pavilions with generations of power beneath them.

"You look for Pavilion?" Curious, stories. She asked after getting her answer, coming straight to the point. He seemed kind to her, and was not quick to blame her as some of the others, and she was going to juice it for all it was worth. And what it was worth, was protection. "I am no Drykas, but I have bond-mate, we work well." Useful, together. She rushed, seeing that their destination was near. She was keenly aware of Sparrow beside them, but did not worry the man would judge her. At least if he did, she did not worry about his judgement. "She tell fortune, I hunt. Will you take us?"

Why did Pavi have to be such a foreign language? Although she had picked up the grassland language quicker than the common tongue, Ixzo was reminded of the frustration of the language boundary. She usually got what she wanted to say across, albeit not in the words she should have used. And often, the Drykas seemed to ignore her words when they did not understand them, simply nodding to a question about the weather, or laughing and agreeing when she let them know their sack had a hole, and continuing on. It was crucial her words got across now, and she wasn't going to let it drop until she got an answer.

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign

[Azmere]

Azmere was taking in the strange atmosphere of the Conclave. It was nicer than any pavilion that he had ever seen but amidst the tension, hard stares and upturned noses, there was an air of doom and gloom that made every fine thing seem tarnished. The Watchman was careful to observe facial expressions while testimonies were given and he noted the sour looks of some as well as the defiantly satisfied of others. He was grateful that his friend had been given a chance to speak. Sparrow was a good man and it spoke volumes to the archer about justice in his city. He was pleased to see the leadership asking the common folk for opinions of the accused.

The Drykas narrowed his eyes at the brothers Starrun. He had never directly dealt with either but Tent City had a very active rumor mill. Azmere knew firsthand how quickly information made its way around the nomadic town. He was slightly disappointed in the pace of things. The elder brother was cool and calm like a giant stone holding firm within a storm. Shane had a certain way about it that just chaffed the Watchman. He felt uneasy for the entire duration of the man’s speech. Little brother, Oaken, was a diferent story. It was clear that he was impetuous and hot-headed but there was nothing below the surface. Azmere began to suspect there was more to this than just a simple observation despite having heard truth behind the rumor about the woman from the jungle. He knew almost nothing about malediction or how it worked but Azmere had heard that Ixzo practiced the discipline. As his contrasting eyes darted around, he caught smiles at odd times from various members but elected to keep this information to himself. When all was said and done, they were excused outside to continue the escort of the accused.

The Watchman was taken back by the gratitude. He hadn’t done anything to benefit her aside from his duty to bring her before the Conclave. Azmere did recall that she was a bit strange but his memory of her was short and vague aside from the way she reacted to his scars. That kind of compassion spurned the thought that she could do such a treacherous thing to a nobody. He nodded at her first question and signed a reaffirming response that he believed her. His fingers moved slowly because he wasn’t sure how much Pavi she actually knew. Having taken in the young woman from Kenash, Azmere was adapting to being more direct and intentional about his signs and words.

When Ixzo switched gears and started asking about his pavilion, he narrowed his eyes momentarily and exchanged glances with Sparrow. Azmere nodded about the pavilion but made a sign that meant rebuild. He wasn’t starting something new but rather trying to restore a bit of what had been lost. He listened to Ixzo talk about her skill and those of her bond mate. His right eyebrow rose into an arch. There were only a few people in the city who could read fortunes. The archer wondered if it was the one he knew. The she asked the direct question. Azmere smiled his crooked smile which was caused by the stiff scar tissue on the eft side of his face. He stopped them near the Anchor of Gold and Green. Sparrow moved off to the side and his partner tucked in off the beaten path as well. He inclined his head only slightly at Ixzo. “Clear your name first, hunter.” He signed three words slowly; truth, inside and revealed then continued to speak in well-annunciated Pavi. “Then we talk about putting storms in your veins.”

[Meadow]

“Welcome back all. We will make this as brief as possible. Helena if you will follow them to Bull and Rosemary after the guilty or not guilty's have been said and let the pair know how we feel about this. Ixzo please step forward,” Eli said looking to the warrior woman as she walked in first then turned to the dark skinned woman.

“Of course sir,” Helena said bowing her head some.

“Good. We will start with Jonas Pridesun,” the Emerald leader said looking at the man.

“Guilty,” Jonas said with a glare to the woman.

“Sorrel Rainmirror,” Eli said looking to the next in turn.

“Guilty,” Sorrel said holding his head high as if to hide the nervousness he felt.

Helena was truly surprised at how the man had voted. She had not thought the evidence to be so condemning the way that the brothers presented it.

“Thank you. Pratal Turningleaf?” The elder asked next.

“Guilty of course,” Pratal said and smirked cutting his eyes to Jonas earning a smirk back.

Ignoring the pair Eli turned to Thomas Heartsong, “and you Thomas?”

“Not Guilty,” Thomas said looking to his elder in years and knowledge.

“Cyrus Windreaver?” The man asked looking to one of the heads of the Watch clan.

“Not Guilty,” Cyrus said not bowing to any.

“Lastly, Quar'he Starhammer?” He asked looking to the last of the Conclave members.

“Not guilty, Eli,” Quar'he said looking at the man in the eyes.

“As it stands there is no clear verdict from the members,” Eli said looking at everyone.

“You have still not voted on the woman,” Jonas spat looking at him.

Eli looked to each member of the Conclave in turn, before turning his attention to the woman before him. The man contemplated everything that he had heard and personally experienced about her behavior and sisterhood to their people. Taking a deep breath the man looked at the dark skinned lady in the eyes and gave his verdict.

“Not Guilty,” He said calmly turning to look at Jonas.

“How could you betray your own people!?!” Jonas growled infuriated that he had lost.

“It has been decided, Jonas. Peace now,” Thomas said in defense to Eli.

“Now, Ixzo you will be taken to Bull and Rosemary for the decision on your status in the city. Helena will tell them our decision before theirs is made,” Eli said and motioned for all to leave.

Shane growled hearing the not guilty verdict from the last of the members. His eyes flared with his own hidden ability beginning to show. Oaken was scared of his brother's wrath and power, for one so young he could destroy a pavilion if he truly wished.

[Ixzo]

Then her heart took off. Much faster than the beloved Striders, faster than a dragonfly zipping across the river bank, and faster than a strike of lightning by the newly (at least to her) discovered Zulrav. Three confirmations of guilt, and three denials. She had to remind herself that she didn’t care, but the Kelvic still held her breath, eyes trained on Eli when his turn came. She was too much in love with erh Goddess to abandon her realm in a time like this. A time when she would most benefit from not expecting anything, going with whatever outcome was given to her. Yet hope was the only possible thing to keep Ixzo from tearing the first person she could get her hands on to shreds. Answer or no, the accusation made her angry enough to see red throughout the trial. Yet at the moment, Ixzo cherished the serenity in hoping for the best. It could be the highest satisfaction or the furthest fall, depending on the last answer. When he looked her directly in her unsettling feline eyes, her heart slowed, as if it too were waiting for the answer. Whatever his answer, he was giving it to her.

"Not Guilty." A smile that could only be described as sly parted her lips to let out a deep purr of satisfaction. She wanted to say thank you to the man, and to the other three who believed her, but she did not speak in time. An outraged cry from one who named her caught her attention, but she could not be bothered to distress over it. A chuckle of joyous laugher rumbled from her throat, and the Kelvic settled into looking satisfied. She had nothing to prove, she never had. That was just as it was supposed to be.

Sparing a glance to the brothers, she first caught the distressed younger's eyes, as he quickly dropped hers, before following the glare of the older brother. Like a child, she wanted to stick her tongue out at him, although she didn't think those Drykas who had just put their faith in her would appreciate the gesture. But she held his gaze nonetheless, daring him to be the first to drop it. She supposed he must be terrifying in the moment, although the Kelvic felt suddenly invincible and did not head the growl as a warning.

"Now, Ixzo you will be taken to Bull and Rosemary for the decision on your status in the city. Helena will tell them our decision before theirs is made," He head snapped up, as the words tore her from his gaze. Her status within the city? Was she understanding correctly. The faint scarring on her right cheek bone tingled, as if she needed reminding of the seasons she had spent in the Kenashian chains.

"What?" She looked at the leading woman, then quickly turned to Azmere for an answer. "What?" Confused. "I am not guilty…" No more worry. Done. "Yeah?"

Myrian | Pavi "Speech" Sign | Common | PC/NPC "Speech" Sign