Outside the tent, a certain beige-grey Aldani dragoness is out for her usual evening stroll, the same stroll she has taken every day for the past week. Her scales are damp from a recent dip in a lake, and she has put on clean clothes after a long, hard day laboring at the Excavation Site. She blinks as she sees the Queen's tent lit ... could the Queen be back at long last? Zetan blinks her eyes again and strolls over. "Is she back?" Zetan asks one of the guards standing outside the tent.
Moonlight nods to Zetan, "She is, do you need to speak to her?" No motionms are made to allow Zetan to enter, but she's not being sent away either.
Zetan nods. "Yes, I've been waiting to speak with her or Strethan for the past week. Would now be a convenient time to speak with her?"
Moonlight looks over to her twin who nods and ducks inside quickly. Hushed tones are spoken inside as she asks the queen if she is accepting visitors right now. Cirall sighs and nods, still going over paperwork with Burkaar now that they have a better idea of what's needed for trade deals. SunBright steps back outside, holding the tent flap back, "She will see you now."
Zetan nods politely and steps inside, quietly making her way to the Queen's desk. She isn't quite sure what to expect ... she doesn't know if the Queen's even been informed about Vigdis. She bows respectfully to the queen as she reaches Cirall's desk.
Cirall looks up as Zetan walks in, "Ah, Zetan. You're looking better. What can I do for you?" She has not been told about the Vehrakt for some odd reason yet.
Zetan asks, "Did the guards tell you what happened yet?"
Burkaar nods politely as Zetan approaches, smiling slightly, but remaining quiet. He finishes up a few figures and notes, then puts the paper aside, and listens... for he already has some idea of what Zetan has to say.
Cirall shakes her head, "I have been told of nothing out of the ordinary, Zetan. Would you care to tell me?" She's still in a friendly, if slightly tired mood.
Zetan nods. "To put a long story short, I helped capture Vigdis ... she seemed to by spying on the Excavation Site where I've been working since the festival."
Cirall looks confused, "And Vigdiss is who?"
Zetan looks at Cirall. "A Verahkt."
Cirall just blinks a few times as if not understanding at first. "Let me get this straight, you caught a Vehrakt spying on the excavation site?"
Zetan nods. "Yes ... on my lunch break, I was strolling through the woods near the worksite when I heard someone else in the woods ... she tripped and fell and I held her there and called for the guards. They've got her under lock and key."
Cirall asks casually, "And when exactly did this happen?"
Zetan says, "About a week ago."
Cirall just smiles and looks at Burkaar and says very casually, "I've been told that everything is fine and that nothing is wrong and now I find that I've had a Vehrakt under lock and key in my own campsite." You can almost hear her temper snapping. She stands up and in a loud roar, "MOONLIGHT! SUNBRIGHT!" Both guards are inside, weapons drawn, expecting a fight. Cirall waves the spears down and says in a very demanding order, "Find out where that Vehrakt is in my campsite and who is responsible for not TELLING ME!" She sits down and says more softly, "And bring them to me. Now go." Both guards are gone as quickly as they appeared. New guards take their spot outside the entrance. Cirall looks back at Zetan and says in a more casual tone, "Now have a seat, you're going to tell me everything."
Burkaar goes markedly quiet and still. He's seen Cirall like this now and then, and he is glad of the opportunity to remain unseen, and unheard, and out of range. He dips his head slightly, and goes back to his figures and inventories.
Zetan sits down and nods. "I like to eat my lunches out in the woods ... its peaceful and helps charge me through the second half of my shifts at the excavation site," she explains. "I was heading out to my favorite tree just a week ago during lunch when I heard some branches snap in the forest, then dead silence ... I called out to whomever was there, but they didn't answer. Then I heard a crash and saw them when they tripped over a tree root, landing on their back ... I picked up a large stone when I saw their spine color and stood over them, holding it while I called for the guards ..... it seemed a little too easy," she says. "She threatened to kill me when the guards arrived and took her away ... but I think I'm more bothered by how easy it was to capture her ... I mean, I'm not a guard ... I don't know how to fight ... and I know she knew how scared I was ... but she didn't even try to resist. I think she wanted to be captured ..."
Guards Crin and Rhonny take their places outside the queen's tent as MoonLight and SunBright begin their hunt for the Vehrakt in camp. Both twins call out to every guard as they fan out, "Find the Vehrakt! Bring it to the queen alive!"
Burkaar watches the rapid departure of the twins, grimacing faintly... quite glad he's not responsible for this particular bit of confusion. Instead, he returns doggedly to his ledgers and inventories... so much to do, before the next meeting with the gryphon traders.
Gerhim says, "Which vehrakt would that be?"
Zetan adds, "I searched for you and Captain Strethan, Queen, every day for the past week, but all I ever got from the guards was that both of you were 'unavailable.' I saw the light on in your tent tonight for the first time since I started looking for either of you ... I guessed it must have been something critically important for you both to not only be away from the Great Campsite during the construction, but I would have thought the capture of a Vehrakt spy would have demanded some attention."
Cirall listens to Zetan for a moment silently. She says to Zetan, "I have been here from time to time. That you were told otherwise disturbs me. Who told you I was not here?"
Gerhim thinks for a moment, then answers, "Oh this vehrakt? Crin said we should interegate the scout before filing a full report about the inccident.
SunBright stops and looks at Gerhim with a skeptic look on her face, "You have the Vehrakt already? Show me."
Zetan points over to Crin. "Him ... he was the one who told me you weren't available. He and the other one," she points to Rhonny, "were posted outside your tent when I checked in nightly, after work, to see if you were available."
Friggi lifts her head at the sound of the calls, giving one last vigerous kick to the prisoner's midsection. "Ahh... time to guard you," she mutters, turning and delivering a vicious whack with her tail to Vigdis' head as she does, coming quickly out of the cage, just as SunBright comes up. "Of course, Queen's Guard SunBright, I was just checking up on her. She's had rather a bad fall, it seems."
Gerhim moves over to let the Queen's guard into the small tent where Vigdis had been held for the past week. It stinks bad in here.
From the cell, Vigdis grunts fron the kick, hissing from the tail whacking.
MoonLight looks over Sun's shoulder at the beaten Vehrakt. She thinks to herself, 'That's too much beating from just a fall...' She looks at the two guards, "Very good you two. Please help the prisoner up to stand judgement before the Queen."
Zetan asks Cirall, "So you haven't been out of town the whole time? No one told you about my attempts to contact you?" She marvels. "What ... what about Strethan? I was getting much the same about him, I couldn't even find Ashia. Is he around as well? This makes no sense," she remarks in confusion.
Vigdis lets herself be maneuvered about by the guards, her will and strength sapped from her.
Friggi smiles faintly as she nods respectfully to MoonLight. "On your feet," she growls, grabbing Vigdis' arm and wreching upwards firmly, twisting the arm at quite an uncomfortable angle. She is actually somewhat helpful in the guiding along of the prisoner, but not particularly kindly.
There is a commotion outside the Queen's tent as the young High priestess approaches. "Is the Queen in? I must speak with her now." her tone is urgent, and high with worry, the guards behind her show signs of nervous awareness.
Cirall sighs and is not happy to hear this. "When SunBright and MoonLight return, remain silent until I ask." She turns to Burkaar, "Keep record of what happens here if you would please Burkaar? I have a feeling this is going to get ugly."
Zetan adds, "I did find it strange I wasn't approached or asked by a guard or anyone for my official account. I dunno if the wheels of justice are just a bit slow or what ... but ... things just seem fishy all around." She nods to the Queen's request.
Burkaar raises his brows slightly. "Of course, Cirall..." he answers, flipping to clear pages in his books, readying his scribing tool.
Crin tells the High Priestess, "One moment, your grace." He peeks his head into the queen's tent, "High Priestess Ashia to see you, your highness." Cirall looks up. "Show her in please." Crin holds the tent flap back for Ashia, "She will see you now."
Cirall calls for her handmaiden, "Go find Strethan, tell him it's important." Marith nods and dashes off in search of the Captain of the guard.
Crin and Rhonny exchange nervous glances at each other, this isn't good...breaking and running are an option...
SunBright leads the group towards the queen's tent, MoonLight follows it up. When Moon sees Crin at the tent already, she smiles inwardly and calls out, "Crin, can see you a moment please?"
Crin gulps and moves near the Archon, "Yes, Queen's Guard MoonLight?" He is getting very nervous and it openly shows. Rhonny is doing his best not to look as nervous and is doing a much better job of it.
Ashia gives a nod of her head and waves a hand at her guards, "Stay outside, I'll call if I need you." The guards hesitate, and one oens his mouth to protest till Ashia sends him scathing glare. Only then does the priestess enter the tent, and a nod of thanks to Crin, "What is going on, Cirall? The camp is abuzz, and there's a rumor there's a Vehrakt in the 'site."
Zetan smiles warmly as Ashia enters, scooting her chair a bit to make room after Sunbright and Moonlight's group enter. She remains silent but gives a warm, friendly smile and nod to High Priestess Ashia.
Vahn is a little slow, but finally catches up to his consort.
Cirall remains cool and collected on the outside, but it getting quite upset at the turn of events. She answers Ashia, "I just found this out just a few minutes ago myself, Ashia. Please, have a seat with me and help me get to the bottom of things. SunBright and MoonLight should be returning soon."
Vigdis continues to "hang out" amongst her "escorts".
Ashia nods to Zetan in returm, though her smile is forced... she's too concerned for a true smile. "This bothers me..." she murmurs, shaking her head, "Why don't you know at least?" her eyes glance up as her consort joins her, and she gives him a quiet nod.
Vahn approaches his consorts side, he is again regaled in his uniform and armor. his wounds have healed save for the lame arm and shredded wing.
Friggi continues 'helping' the prisoner along... though she's quite careful to make sure there's no chance of the Verhakt's escape. And, of course, she's not visibly cruel, once in the view of others who might not think well of it.
Cirall shakes her head, "I don't know that either just yet. Zetan here just informed me of it and I'm afraid that there's been a coverup from both myself an Strethan. We should be able to find out soon enough." She looks over at the entrance as SunBright leads the Vehrakt and guards in. MoonLight remains outside still with Crin and Rhonny.
MoonLight asks Crin, "What is this Gerhim tells me about you not wanting to inform her highness about the Vehrakt until she was interrogated?" She is quite professional about all this.
Crin swallows hard, "M-m-me? It wasn't *my* idea to not tell her highness, it was his! I w-w-was only d-d-doing what he told me to do." He looks very nervously over at Rhonny and the tent behind him.
Zetan turns her head around to look at the entrance at the sound of the entourage entering. Zetan looks shocked at Vigdis' emaciated state. She'd never thought Aldani capable of treating someone in that fashion, even to a sworn enemy like the Vehrakt ... she manages to keep mer muzzle shut, though, looking away from the prisoner and the guards down at the queen's desk in front of her to hide the look of disgust on her muzzle.
Cirall looks in near-concealed shock at the sight of the prisoner. She asks calmly, "And what has happened to this Vehrakt that she looks like this before me?" SunBright looks at Friggi and Gerhim, "These two had her. MoonLight has the third."
Ashia rests her hand against Vahn's side absently, "Most upsetting." she murmurs, mostly to herself. A soft gasp is heard from her as she turns to look at the enterance, eyes spotting the Vehrakt when she spots Zetan looking back and follows her gaze. Her face becomes unreadable, though those closer to her may see the clench of her jaw, and Vahn might notice her hand tensing against his side.
Gerhim stands proud, "We were told by Guard Crin to interrogate the prisoner for a full report and that he would take full responsibility for informing the Captain." Inwardly, he's getting nervous, but he's a strong and smart warrior.
Vahn notices Ashia's tension and follows her gaze. He bends down to whisper into Ashia's ear.
MoonLight points at the tent and tells Crin, "I strongly suggest you go in there and tell the Queen right now about the whole thing. Before I drag you in there kicking and screaming if I have too." She means it too.
Vigdis twitches a finger or two.
Friggi balks slightly, standing up somewhat straighter. "It is exactly as Gerhim says, your Majesty. We have been doing our best to extract what information we could from the prisoner, and preparing her for further and more exacting questioning."
Crin gulps and jumps at Moon's threat! He turns and almost runs into the tent, blurting out as he enters, "Your highness, it wasn't my idea, it was his! I was only following his orders!" He points at Gerhim, who he knows is inside already.
Rhonny remains silently at his post, hoping he gets missed in the commotion...
Cirall looks over at the cowardly Crin. She arches an eyeridge and asks casually, "Oh?" She turns back to Gerhim, "Care to explain *who* is responsible?" No answers are forthcoming. She looks at all three. "Anyone at all?"
Ashia glances up and Vahn and nods, sighing before she stands, "Cirall, I request this prisoner be moved to where she may recieve treatment. I'm am not the best healer, but anyone could see she needs to be seen to." she frowns, giving the Vehrakt another look, "Once these... interrigations are over, of course." her eyes jerk, even as she speaks, to the guard that rushes into the tent now. Her head leans against her concort's side, This'll be interesting..
Zetan remains quiet, avoiding staring at Crin whom she's talked to night after night and getting the same ... what appears now to be complete slon-$#!t ... 'information' on the Queen's availability. Conspiracy to commit cruelty among the Aldani? Zetan turns her gaze back forward to gauge the Queen, hoping those responsible for doing this to the prisoner, however much Aldani loathe them, will be dealt with severely.
Gerhim glares at Crin, knowing that they're busted. But he's not going down easy. "Your highness, he is clearly trying to dodge taking the responsibility he claimed he would take! He is trying to make us look bad for his actions. Clearly you can see we are not responsible for his misactions."
Vigdis mutters the first words of the evening, "Zet-aaaaahn"
Cirall looks at Vigdis as she talks. Her eyes narrow as she realizes something. She looks at Zetan to see her reaction to being spoken to by this Vehrakt. She waves the guards silent so she can hear this conversation.
Crin is facing Gerhim with his own glare and doesn't see Cirall's motion. "W-why you conniving peice of sh--" His sentence is cut off as he's forceably silenced by a spear blade to the throat from the able hands of MoonLight. He looks over with fear in his eyes at the Queen's guard and the queen who is not paying attention to his predicament.
Zetan looks to the prisoner and tries to keep a straight face ... is the prisoner going to blame Zetan for her mistreatment? Zetan is so disgusted by Vigdis' condition, she considers it ... almost feeling guilty at having vaptured the prisoner. "Yes, Vigdis?" she manages to ask in a straight face. "Can I ... get you anything?" She wants to apologize to the prisoner severely and make it clear she had no idea this is what would happen to her ... but she bears in mind the Queen's order to remain silent until she asks and Zetan isn't up to breaking another of the Queen's orders. Her sense of revulsion at the thought of the prisoner's mistreatment, however, burns enough for her to meld into politeness toward the prisoner.
Vigdis dryly says in agonized voice, "W-whyyy." Almost sounds like it was Zetan's fault that this all happen to her.
Friggi blinks... this was NOT what she had expected. She glances nervously over to Crin, then to Gerhim... wondering exactly what's going on... and if she's going to escape this with her scales intact.
Ashia returns to her seat, deciding she'd do better to let this straighten out among the ones involved. Her hand nervously strokes Vahn's side, very much wanting to taking these guys aside for a 'talk' about proper treatment of prisoners.
Cirall looks to Zetan, then to Vigdiss. She asks kindly, "Care to tell me what happened to you, Vigdis? When last we met, you were in much better health."
Gerhim boggles at the queen. She knows this...person? It's everything he can do to remain calm.
Zetan glances at the Queen, a desire to speak burning on her mind. She looks Vigdis, saying nothing, but letting Vigdis see the look of shame on her muzzle for Vigdis' condition.
Friggi pales slightly as Cirall obviously recognizes the prisoner. Oh dear. This is getting worse and worse. She shoots a glance to Gerhim, then stands up very straight, staring absolutely straight ahead, at the unseen horizon.
Vigdis lifts her head up as much as she can to look at the familiar voice, "Ci..Cirall?" When they last met no rank was given to indicate the woman's status. "I. . . I w.. flying g-*cough* l-ost." So her story begins.
Zetan glances at the Queen, a desire to speak burning on her mind. She looks Vigdis, saying nothing, but letting Vigdis see the look of shame on her muzzle for Vigdis' condition.
Friggi pales slightly as Cirall obviously recognizes the prisoner. Oh dear. This is getting worse and worse. She shoots a glance to Gerhim, then stands up very straight, staring absolutely straight ahead, at the unseen horizon.
Vigdis lifts her head up as much as she can to look at the familiar voice, "Ci..Cirall?" When they last met no rank was given to indicate the woman's status. "I. . . I w.. flying g-*cough* l-ost." So her story begins.
Cirall nods to Vigdis while waving Zetan to the water pitcher on the table by the wall. "Zetan, water for her please." She tells Vigdis, "Go on."
Zetan nods and goes over to the wall, picking up a glass and filling it from the pitcher, then walks over to Vigdis and offers her the glass. "Here," she says, "drink up."
Ashia tilts her head, glancing between Cirall and Vigdis, "Here." she calls, "Cirall, send for some hot water and I'll fix Vigdis some tea. It should help with pain at the very least."
Cirall nods to Ashia, waiting to hear the rest of Vigdiss story before making any comments still.
Vigdis continues on, "saw con-struct-ion. landed. looking around. saw her." a weak acccusational finger points towards Zetan, "Sh-she h-he-hear me. Asked who there...I g-g-gave name. I t-t-tell her not yell out she screams out like a wimpering little girl. . .the guards come. . . I, I not resist." The Vehkrat shys away from the evil Zetan.
Cirall looks at Zetan briefly, "Is this true so far? She landed near here and you found her Zetan?"
Crin fidgets nervously under the watchful eye of MoonLight.
In a rather obvious effort to look somewhat better, Friggi actually takes the water from Zetan, and offers it toward Vigdis.
Ashia stands and leaves the tent at Cirall's nod, a moment later she returns and sits back down.
Zetan looks to Cirall and nods. "Yes ... I was strolling out alone through the trees near the Excavation Site on my lunchbreak when I heard noise that turned out to be her ... she threatened to kill me if I called for help ... but she tripped and fell and I held her at bay, didn't take my eyes off her while I called for guards. I held her until they came ... but I didn't lay a talon on her. I felt it would be up to the Aldani justice system to determine what should happen to her ... I certainly never though this would be the result," she adds in a disgusted tone.
Cirall nods slowly, "And who were the guards who took Vigdis away, Zetan?" She looks strongly at Zetan and with a firm voice, "Be sure you tell me honestly and correctly please."
Gerhim looks at Zetan with a hidden grin, he knows he wasn't there when Vigdis was first taken in...
Zetan looks around the tent. "Well, he was one of them," she points to Crin, "and that one bound her arms and wings in leather straps, before they took her away" she points to Friggi. She looks at the other guards carefully, at their muzzles. "There were four guards in all that landed and took her away."
Vigdis listens as best she can then continues, "I I ask f-for her name. She n-not give it, say that I kill fa-family if I know name. I not kno-know name until I h..hear it in camp. She d-d-did this." Ok so maybe Zetan didn't have any direct involvement in the beatings but it'll take a while to pursuade Vigdis of that. Vengence is sweat. After all, if Zetan didn't cry out who knows. . . All might have been spared this tragedy.
One of Ashia's guards pokes his head in and calls, "Your Grace?" Ashia goes to him, and takes what he offers, a mug steaming with hot water, and sits back down. To the mug, she begins adding a few things, murmuring softly as she adds them.
Cirall wants to be very clear on this and asks Vigdis, "So you're saying Zetan beat you?"
Vigdis slowly shakes her head, "H-h-her cronies did thissss. Whyyy?" The creature shuddeers.
Zetan shakes her head at what Vigdis says, wanting to say something, but looking between the guards and the Queen, stays quiet.
Cirall looks at Zetan, "Care to explain your side of this acusation Zetan?"
Zetan looks to Cirall. "I never laid a talon on her ... I menaced to ... but I was really scared of her. I felt whatever was to happen to her should be up to Aldani justice ... but if I'd known this is what woulda been done to her," she at Vigdis, then at Crin and Friggi, "I woulda let her go. I never even saw her after the guards took her away ... I went looking for you and Captain Strethan immediately ... and that's when I started getting a runaround finding either you or Strethan. That was a week ago."
Ashia hold the tea up after a few moments, "Give her this." she says, glancing at Cirall, "She can sip it as she talks, it shouldn't effect her thinking."
Cirall nods to Ashia and finally looks at the accused guards. "Any one care to explain themselves over here?"
Crin almost immediately jumps at the chance to save himself at the cost of his pride by blurting out again while pointing at Gerhim, "It was his idea! He said we would be heros and get promoted if we got any information out of her first and then we were gonna hand her over! Honest!"
Gerhim glares again at Crin's cowardice. He decides to take another route to weasel out of this. He points at Zetan, "She suggested it would be a good idea if we interrogated the prisoner first for information before turning her over. Crin here jumped at the idea. I only went along at his order." He sounds almost smug.
Crin screams and lunges for Gerhim, "LIAR!!!" But he is stopped short by MoonLight who saw something like this about to happen. She tackles him from behind, wrestling him to the ground. SunBright is there with a spear blade to Crin's throat. He holds still after that, but if looks could kill, Gerhim would be dead ten times over.
Friggi's resolve slips as Crin shoves the blame along... followed quickly by Gerhim. She tightens her jaw, then nods. "We took our orders from Crin, your highness... poorly considered and aaack!" She calls short as Crin charges, moving to interpose herself between Crin and Gerhim... but for no need, as the queen's guard are, understandably, far faster.
Rhonny hears the commotion outside and prays he's still being ignored.
Vigdis looks around as best she can at all the commotion going on.
Zetan blinks at Gerhim's lie and looks at him, looking to the queen and shaking her head - Zetan most certainly made no such suggestion to the guards, but Zetan waits for her turn to answer to that or, preferably, for Vigdis to tell the truth that Zetan voiced no such suggestion, knowing Vigdis could hardly be accused of lying to cover Zetan, given Vigdis' pronounced and genuine hatred of the one who held her captive. Zetan didn't even know Aldani were capable of lying ... she feels disgusted that one who did would be entrusted to serve as protectors of Aldani freedom and justice.
Cirall is mildly surprised at the outburst. Conspirators tend to act like this when all are confronted, but by her own guards? This will not do. She waves to have Crin stood up and held as she stands up and walks around her desk to stand in front of him. He's much taller than her shorter stature will allow for a face to face look, but that does not stop him from being intimidated. She asks quietly, "Crin? Tell me who all was involved and how. Be honest and I will be fair. Lie and I will be most unhappy."
Crin gulps and stays silent until he is shaken by MoonLight who holds him. He looks nervously at Gerhim and Friggi. "Um...uh..."
Friggi would very much not want to be Crin at the moment, for even at this distance the queen's displeasure is almost palpable... and the gentle words bely considerable menace to one of a station such as hers. She flicks her gaze outwards, toward the flap of the tent, and freedom... wishing very much that she were out there, and someone else stood in her place.
Cirall says softly, "I'm waiting Crin."
Burkaar certainly has a great deal to transcribe, with all of this activity, and his pen fairly flies across the page as he notes who has said what, about whome... and what actions are taken.
Ashia sets the mug of tea down and stands, "I need to return to my tent." she says, "I'll be back later, Cirall. I'd like to hear more of this." that said, the High Priestess bows and strides out of the tent, her consort on tow.
Crin gulps and points with his looks, "G-Gerhim had the idea to hold her for information and F-Frig-ggi was all for the chance to get back at a Vehrakt. G-G-Gerhim told me and Rhonny that if w-we didn't go along with what he said, he-he'd beat us black and blue and get us in t-trouble. H-He made us distract Zetan so s-she couldn't r-rat us out."
Burkaar bows to the priestess respectfully, murmuring a quiet "Be well."
Cirall nods to Ashia, "I'll let you know how this turns out Ashia. Thanks for the tea."
Cirall looks back at Crin, "So Zetan did not tell you to not inform myself or Strethan?"
Gerhim glares his own daggers at Crin. He plans his own revenge on the weak coward!
Friggi's expression tightens as Crin buckles further... but says nothing until spoken to... volunteering information at this point would be stupid.
Vigdis glances around the group of gathered folks. Such a fuss for just one person. Slay the culprits in this order, Zetan then the guards.
Crin gulps and nervously shakes his head, saying no more than he already has.
Cirall sighs and looks over at Vigdis. There's still a question that hasn't been answered. She steps over so she can be more easily seen by the Vehrakt. She asks softly, "Vigdis, why were you flying in this part of the sphere? I told you it was dangerous to do so when we last met."
Vigdis looks up to Cirall, turning her head away to cough a little blood, "Lost, looking a'round, not know where I was. Jus' tryin' to get back. You nice, just trying to get back."
Cirall sighs, shaking her head. "I'm sorry this happened to you Vigdis, but I'm afraid you're in no shape to travel much right now. If you want it, I will have the healers tend to your wounds and see you are taken care of properly until I can think of what to do with you next."
Vigdis nods slowly dryly speaking, "You say it was dangerous. It was. I owe you a debt for saving my life." Oh the shame of being saved. Viscious circle this life is. "Yesss, I'll accept your offer Cirall."
Friggi stands slightly to the back and to the side of Vigdis, now... after the brief scuffle with Crin. And appears to be doing her best to attain statue-like status. Perhaps if she simply doesn't move again, at all, she'll be overlooked. That would certainly be for the best.
Cirall nods to Vigdis and moves back behind her desk and sits down. She uses the time to think of what to do now. "Zetan, go fetch a healer, tell them I have a wounded dragon here, do *not* say who. SunBright, get Rhonny, I want all four of them here." SunBright nods and heads out, knowing exactly where Rhonny can be found.
Rhonny looks over as the Queen's guard steps outside and looks directly at him. He knows he's been caught and wordlessly enters the tent before Sun. He stands proud, knowing he has dishonored himself, but not lost his pride like Crin obviously did.
Zetan nods and heads out of the tent and heads straight for the Healer's tent.
Vigdis certainly does look thankfull, rather beaten up but thankfull, "Your kindnesssss issss appreciated."
Zetan says to the guards outside the healer's tent, "I need to speak with a healer now! Queen's orders!" She doesn't look to be in the mood to be given more any more run-around.
Cirall looks to Vigdis, "It is the least I can do given the circumstances, Vigdis. But keep in mind that your priestesses will tell you I am an evil person. That I more than likely did this to gain your trust and put you at ease so I can use you to whatever foul end we Aldani have in store for the Vehrakt. I tell you to look with your heart and judge for yourself. You were an innocent, but you are also a witness to what is going on down here. The Vehrakt know what we are doing and where, but I do not know how much you saw of what. You may be in for an extended stay here. Please be aware of that, but also trust in my promise that you will be better treated from now on."
A healer comes running to Zetan, "What's wrong? Is it the queen? We heard commotion...." He wears the robes of a priest of Terra and the badge of a healer. He has a satchel used by field medics.
Zetan says, "It is someone in the Queen's tent and by the Queen's order that they are treated," she says, motioning for him to hurry to the Queen's tent. "You will see when you enter."
Vigdis nods slowly almost sadly, "You live in tents. We live in city. I know not what you are doing here. But may it bring peace if that is what you trully wish. I will not deny that our species, the Vehrakt, are a waring race. If I am to be a martyr then so be it. But let it be know that I came by accident, meant no harm. Even a fool knows when to give up and hopefully walk away."
The priest looks oddly at Zetan and follows her in as told. He looks at the shape of Vigdis and looks around for other possible wounded. Cirall motions him to Vigdis, "See to her wounds, no unnecesary questions please."
Cirall tells Vigdis, "Actually, we used to live in Menari, that big city around the pyramid. But the Vehrakt forced us out of half of it and it was decided to move me and my court elsewhere. But there was no place appropriate, so we are building one. That is the construction you saw. The tents are only temporary until our new home is built. We are trying to keep the insides secret from the Vehrakt as long as possible. That you made it so far in without being spotted by a guard is either impressive or supremely dumb luck. Either way, I'm afraid you must be my guest for a while."
The healer priest nods and moves towards Vigdis, asking her quietly if it is okay with her that he treat her? He smells the scent of Ashia's tea nearby.
Vigdis glances to the healer and nods with approval. "Then your guest I shall stay. Even as I do so, I can hopefully learn more of my, hosts."
Zetan stays near the healer, ready to get anything the healer might need.
Cirall nods to Vigdis as the healer begins tending the Vehrakt's wounds. "I hope to use you in a far more different manner than the priestesses of Viktiss might think. By showing you exactly as we are, both good and bad, then you will be able to judge for yourself just how true their words are about us. Perhaps one day you may be able to show us how wrong we might be about the Vehrakt in turn."
Vigdis nods slowly, "If that is my destiny then I hope that I fullfill it to its fullest. I've a hunger. A hunger to learn."
Burkaar looks up from his note-taking at this comment from Vigdis, and smiles faintly to himself. How curious... and how delightful.
Cirall smiles and waves at Zetan, telling Vigdis, "As does Zetan here. Perhaps you two can learn together in your own unique ways. Maybe you'll even learn to tolerate each other. And that would make me very happy."
Gerhim sneers at the mear suggestion to tolerating a filthy Vehrakt. He keeps his muzzle shut though, he knows he's already in it up to his head, no need to bury himself in it.
Zetan nods and looks to Vigdis. "I'm sorry they did this to you," she says sincerely. "Had I any idea ... I would have just let you go. I've never known any Aldani to act like this in what time I've been here," she glares at the guilty guards. "I don't like that you threatened to kill me, but as far as that goes, if you apologize that'll be enough of that charge. I wish it were up to me to apologize for what they did to you ... but it isn't ... but please do know I am very sincerely ashamed that these few bad Aldani guards are supposed to be using their positions to help keep Aldani safe and following and protecting our justice and laws but instead used their positions to take their revenge out on you."
Friggi manages to keep her expression firmly neutral, but her shoulders tighten and hands clench slightly. But like Gerhim she writhes internally at the thought of doing anything but cruelty to the heathen Verahkt... as cruelties have been done to her friends and family.
And perhaps Vigdis could slit Zetan's throat and blame it on the guards too. "You had your chance to let me go. Your choice. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nothing would have become of this. But now...I am here, getting my wounds tended to. And I only threatened death because there was hope that you would have been a smart thing and let me go. If you were Vehrakt guard and even at the slightest hint of failure would have been killed. But you are spared because you are Aldani. So my faith in the Aldani and some hope of survival have been realized this day." Or something like that.
Crin looks at Zetan with jaw dropped. He finally gets enough courage to tell her with scathing accusation, "How *dare* you accuse us of being the bad guys, you Vehrakt-lover! That...*thing's* people forced us out of our home! They slaughter us when they get the chance! They wear our skins and wings as clothing! What we did was much kinder than what she or her ilk would have done to us! We--irk!" His rant has gone on long enough and is silenced by a firm taloned hand holding his throat and the spear blade close behind.
Friggi's jaw clenches bitterly as Crin's words ring true in her ears... for they are true, every one. She's seen the wingcloaks. She's heard tales of the slaughter and cruel tortures to the death. And she has no doubt in her mind whatsoever what would have become of her, had she been taken prisoner similarly.
Cirall looks over at the guards, her attention refocused on them. She tells Crin and the other three firmly, "Yes, the Vehrakt have done many bad things to us and still do to this day. But does that give us the right to be just as cruel and evil as they are? Would you have us be no better than them and treat our prisoners, no matter who they are, like refuse? Let him go, I would hear his response."
Zetan angrily steps up to Crin in response to his tone with her. "*YOU* abused her. Did she hurt you? Did she resist? She followed every order she was given from what I saw. What kind of justice is that? What color are your spines? You act the way I hear Vehrakt supposedly treat their victims ... that makes you no better than them ... and I feel ASHAMED you have the same spine color as myself, the Queen, Captain Strethan or any of the other Aldani who haven't shown the slightest bit of deception or unkindness to anyone!" she rants in his face. "If I knew you were just going to abuse her instead of giving her due process, I would have let her go."
Crin shakes SunBright's hand rudely away. he tries to stand straight and regain some of his lost pride as he glares at Zetan, answering her, "You have not seen the horrors the Vehrakt do, we have. You did not lose your home to them as we did. You did not watch as they brutally murdered your loved ones, we did. They continue to believe we are weak and spineless, that we give up too easily and are weak for it. We've only just begun to show them what we really are made of. You would do well to remember that, new one!"
Friggi opens her muzzle to speak out in protest and anger... silently curses herself... and shuts it again. Let Crin speak... he says much of what she might... and it's likely his hide to get raked for his troubles. But curse it all... he's right. She's lost beloved friends of many decades to the depredations of the Vehrakt, and the thought of what became of them has made her cry in the night too many times. Vigdis doesn't say anything about being a new one either. She'll just relish in the healer's touch, wincing here and there or coming up with some sort of profound thing to say instead of crying out in pain.
Burkaar is simply present as scribe, and so keeps his opinions about these things completely to himself. He's too busy about his temporary duty to do much else.
Zetan 's veins flush somewhat red in anger. "Did /this/ Vehrakt do that to you or your family? She threatened to kill me ... but she didn't even try to lay a talon on me when she easily could have ... I'm no guard, I'm no warrior, I don't have any fighting training and I know she knew how scared I was facing her alone. On the world I came from, before landing here in these scales, there was a lot of violence ... people killing others because their skin color was different or they followed different religions. A lot of innocent people died all the time because some extremists who happened to be of the same ethnic makeup did some atrocious things ... you know what all this did? It just made each side hate the other any more. Violence and terror only begets more violence and terror ... /you/ abused the faith and trust I put in you and the other guards that Vigdis would receive justice and due process! Not only did you abuse her, you abused the faith I placed in you because I've known how honorable the Queen is and the Captain of the Guard ... you abused the faith that all Aldani that put faith in you who desire peace and abhor violence and abuse!" Poor Burkaar is going to have some very sore, tired wrists before the night is over ...
Cirall interupts the conversation by saying firmly to Crin, "And *you* would do well you remember *your* place, Crin. It is *not* for you to decide what happens to prisoners. Your job is to bring them into custody and report them *immediately* to your superior, which all four of you BLATANTLY did not do." She's getting quite upset now, so she pauses to take a few deep breaths and calm herself before continuing. "Now, I know what attrocities the Vehrakt have done, do you think that *I* have not suffered too? Was your previous queen not also my own mother, killed by the Warlord of the Vehrakt himself? Do you think I am at all happy with the decision to leave Menari to them? But it is not for you to judge one Vehrakt for her entire race, just as she can not judge our entire race by the actions of you four."
Rhonny actually looks ashamed for what he has done, but remains silent until spoken too.
Gerhim just looks as frustrated and silent as Friggi. He feels the same as Crin and Friggi, he has no shame in what he did, but he still didn't want to get in trouble over it...
Against her will, Friggi winces visibly as Cirall's gaze slides across her... the words cutting deep. But still, she feels no real remorse for her actions either. At the very worst, they were far kinder than she would have recieved at -their- hands. Vigdis hasn't been raped, maimed, flensed, broken... or suffered more than a good beating.
Crin visually backs down in the face of the queen's words. He says formally in a subdued voice, "I do not apologize for my words or my actions, but I will respect my queens opinion." He's not near as cowardly as he had been before.
Vigdis silently repeats five to herself. Let them fight amongst themselves now. She sighs, "What's done is done. The past cannot be restored. Only the future can restore. I am a new one as well. Memories slowly fade. Let not the past repeat itself as it has for eons in other lives. I do not fully understand the life that has been thrust upon me." Broken yes, look at the wing there. hehehe. "You all have some hatred for what my form stands for, but please don't shoot the messenger."
Burkaar pauses for a moment to roll his wrist, grimacing slightly as he works the knotted muscles of his forearm. Ahh, why couldn't the official scribe have been here? Still... it's been an interesting evening's work, a peek into an area that he has blessed little to do with, most of the time.
Zetan looks to Vigdis. In a calm, somewhat apologetic voice, she replies, "I have no hatred of you ... I am close to completing my studies as a New One, including recent history, and know what some of your kind have done to Aldani ... in the history of the world I came from, there were some very atrocious things done by other peoples as well ... mass-murders and tortures whose victims numbered in the /millions/ ... but I find no blame for someone because they come from the same land, speak the same language, follow the same religions as those who commit such atrocities. When I hear of someone supposedly of the same culture as myself committing such atrocities, however, it makes me feel ashamed. I must admit to fearing you, partly because of the history and partly because of the threat you made ... but I do not hate you, Vigdis ... especially if Queen Cirall thinks well of you, as she has shown me nothing but great kindness and fairness since I arrived here some few months ago."
Cirall sighs inwardly at Zetan's words. She thinks to herself, "Such a trusting young dragoness...." She looks back at the four guards and thinks on what to do with these four now and hoping Marith suceeds in finding Strethan soon.
"Your, Queen, shows great compassion. We should all learn from it. But even she has motives as she has said. But for now let us have cooler heads through this moment. Let events of the future be unravelled like skeins of thread.", remarks Vigdis.
A flap and creak of wings outside heralds a hasty arrival, the tentflap swept aside as Strethan strides into the tent. Marith has given him a basic idea of what he's coming in on, but one glance around the tent tells him he has missed much. Bowing respectfully to Cirall he says in a voice tight with concern and no small amount of anger at what he has heard, "You call, my Queen, and I answer. Is what Marith tells me true?" The glance he gives the accused guards is smoldering.
Friggi's pose becomes just a bit more perfect, as captain Strethan enters... her gut roiling, but her gaze staying perfectly focussed at the horizon.
Cirall thinks to herself, "Let's just hope they're the right motives Vigdis..." She decides to wait on further comment until Strethan can be found. Let the four stew in their own thoughts for a while. Luckily, it's not long. "I am afraid it's more than that, Stethan. These four, "She waves to all four guilty guards, "have taken it upon themselves to take revenge upon a single Vehrakt by themselves and to keep such information from you and me."
Rhonny's stance also becomes very formal as his captain enters the tent. He may be busted, but he's going down with what honor he still has.
Zetan smiles warmly at Strethan, pleased to see him for more than one reason ... at the moment mostly because of her faith in him that he won't carry the grudges for what she's sensed (but not been outright told) about what the Vehrakt did to him as well as to Ashia's consort, Vahn, on to letting them off the hook ... but she lets the formalities stand as he enters, not speaking unless asked to be spoken to. She is standing near Vigdis, however, as her last conversation was with the Vehrakt.
Strethan's jaws gape slightly in disgust as he looks the accused over, fangs aglint. "And is it true that they kept this prisoner a secret for a week?" His gaze travels up and down Vigdis's battered form, and he gives his head a small, slow shake.
Cirall nods, "It is. They have let their hatred for the Vehrakt race cloud their sense of duty and judgement. They debased themselves by beginning to sink to the level of other Vehrakt. Vigdis here is still new to her form and was lost. By sheer dumb luck, she made it all the way to the excavation site and was found by Zetan. She will remain as my guest until further notice and under my protection until I see fit to do otherwise. But these four must be punished for their lack of judgement and bad actions. As their captain, wht do you suggest their punishments be?"
Vigdis glances from Cirall, Zetan then to Strethan not saying a word but slowly mustering up strength as she tries to shift will still being tended to.
The healer priest is about as done as he can get for now without moving Vigdis to the healer's tent to have that wing better tended too. He stands up, walking over to Cirall's side and leans over, whispering her that exact thought. She nods and whispers something back to him. He nods back and goes to stand near Vigdis once more.
Strethan's jaws snap shut audibly and he nods stiffly at Cirall's words. He inhales a long, slow breath, and growls, "Dereliction of duty. Violation of their oaths to Queen and people. Abuse of a prisoner, a New One no less. Betrayal of every principle they are supposed to be defending..." He bends his neck to gaze down at his toeclaws for a long moment. "At the least they should be demoted. The ringleader should be stripped of rank at the least. That doesn't even begin to make reparations for what they have done in our name."
Friggi stands proud and tall, but a quiet note of despiration and sadness comes over her features. She wants so badly to speak out... but she knows it would bring only worse upon her head. And a part of her knows how true they are, however right she may feel she is. And so, she is silent against her commanding officer's words.
Zetan remains silent, glaring at the guilty parties, then looking to Strethan, hoping for some strong actions against those who betrayed the trust placed in them to protect the Aldani by torturing a prisoner and taking it upon themselves to lie and deceive to prevent anyone even mentioning the existence of the prisoner to either of them. She gazes at the far wall of the Queen's tent as she ponders her own role in this, feeling guilty herself ... why had she confronted the Vehrakt alone? Because she wanted something to help make up for her betrayal of her word to the Queen while at the festival ... this makes her feel even more guilty, that her role in this stemmed from something personal, that she needed to 'prove' something to herself. Her look droops from the wall to the floor of the tent as Strethan starts his judgements of the guards.
Cirall sighs, "That is where we hit our first problem. They cannot tell me who the ringleader is. So far, the only two who have acted appropritely have been Friggi and Rhonny here, while Gerhim and Crin cannot stop blaming each other while showing much guilt of their own. They will *all* be stripped of rank and duties, but further than that I cannot decide yet." She notes Friggi's noise and asks quietly, "You wanted to speak Friggi?"
Friggi tightens slightly, then says in quiet but firm tones, "No, your highness. It is not my place."
Zetan looks to Strethan. "There were guards outside your tent who gave me the same run-around every day when I tried to find you as those two," she motions to Crin and Rhonny, "gave me when I tried to find the Queen." She has a bit of a guilty expression as she points some more fingers ... and finally voices it. "I feel ... guilty ... for my own motivations in the incident"
Strethan growls, "If they will not reveal the ringleader, they will all be held equally responsible. Perhaps in the mines of Light's Gate we can be sure they will not have any helpless New One's to torture?"
Strethan gives Zetan a searching look. "And what were those...?"
Rhonny inhales deeply, he expected some sort of punishment along those lines. He knows it will be hard, but he will survive and work his time off.
Crin and Gerhim both glare at each other, inwardly blaming the other for getting them in this predicament.
Zetan can't meet Strethan's gaze, her stare at the floor. "I've been ... searching ... for a way to show my loyalty ever since I betrayed my word to the Queen at the festival," she says. "I guess when I discovered Vigdis, I saw an opportunity to redeem myself to the two of you ... or maybe to myself ... I never knew it would lead to her being beaten ... but I shoulda just let her go when I found her," she sighs and turns to Vigdis. "I'm ... sorry."
Friggi finally can't stand it anymore, and steps foreward, head bowed. "I cannot speak on the actions of others, Captain Strethan, but I admit my guilt in this." She looks back at Vigdis for a moment, then to the ground before her. "My hatred, not my training, guided my actions. I have failed the Guard in the shame I have brought. I surrender my colors to you, and will report to the mines for the next shift." That said, she stands silent, head bowed, and awaits... anything.
Cirall sighs and nods, "So be it. The Aldani Crin, Gerhim, Friggi and Rhonny are all hereby stripped of any titles and are to be turned over immediately to the mines of Light's Gate where they will work off their crimes for the next 50 years at which time they will be judged again on their behavior and actions. Remove them from my sight and send them on the next caravan to Light's Gate." 50 years is actually not that long a time in dragon years.
Vigdis looks to Zetan, "Asss I sssaid. Itss your fault. Your own thirst for redemption to your queen hasss clouded your judgement. You are jusst asss guilty ass the resst." What a
Burkaar dutifully scribes the official judgement rendered against the four, upon a seperate sheet, and prepares it for the signatures of Cirall and Strethan.
Strethan nods to Cirall and lifts his head, passing his gaze over the four guards so named. "Your hatred for the Vehrakt led you to emulate them. For all that they have done to us, you forswore your oaths and tortured a New One in the name of vengeance. We cannot allow you to make us into that which we oppose. Take this to heart, and in 50 years we shall see what you have learned. By order of the Queen you are cast out of the guard and sentenced."
Rhonny goes dutifully with the two Archon guards of the queen peacefully.
Strethan steps to the tent flap and summons an escort for the condemned. "I will see them to their cells personally, my Queen."
Crin dot not go so peacefully. "Noooo!!!" he tries to make a run for it out the tent, but with MoonLight still behind him, it gets ugly. Gerhim is about to do the same, but SunBright's spear blade to his throat makes him decide to go peacefully too. These are some sharp guards. More guards summoned by Strethan arrive quickly and help bind the still struggling Crin and drag him kicking and screaming towards his awaiting punishment. The rest file along quietly.
Zetan looks to Vigdis. "I overheard stories of a Vehrakt sharing your name, or something very similar to yours ... but given the Queen doesn't seem to associate you with this Vigdiss I have heard about, I may be mistaken ... but I have no hatred for you because of your spine color. My guilt was my own motivation for doing something foolish. I did not strike you, did not mean for you to be abused as you were ... please do not believe me to have the same desires and motivations the guards did ... not that having any self-centered motivations is good." She looks to Strethan as he prepares to leave ... no comment? She hoped for something, good or bad, so she can settle things with herself. She hadn't even thought of checking on Vigdis because she felt it wasn't her business to.
Strethan's own blades materialize from their sheaths with a metallic hiss, glittering in the lamplight. "You've shredded your honor and soiled the colors of the guard as it is... at least go to your just punishment with some last tatter of dignity. Anything else will only go badly for you." There is a deadly edge of determination in his voice.
Cirall sighs, reaching up to rub her temples with both hands. This has been a very stressful day. But it's not over yet. She looks up at Vigdis and the healer, then over to Strethan at the tent's entrance. "Strethan, to me please once you have that in hand."
Strethan and the guards ensure that the prisoners are well in hand, and he turns to Zetan before joining Cirall. "Do not blame yourself for their hatred. I have no doubt you placed your faith in their honor as guards and Aldani. I am only sorry that they betrayed that trust so utterly." He nods to her, "We'll speak at length, and soon." So saying, he follows the Queen.
Cirall points at Vigdis, "See her safely escorted to the healer's tent so they can try to fix her wing and keep and eye on any possible infections. Keep and Archon posted to her at all times. She is free to wander inside the campsite, but not anywhere near the excavation site or loading grounds. She is also not to leave the campsight without talking to me first about it. Is that understood?
Zetan nods and takes the cue to leave the queen and captain of the guard to speak. She looks to Vigdis and asks, "Could I buy you something to eat? There's a great place, not too far from here, serves some great Slon steaks..."
Cirall gets a wild idea. "Zetan, a moment of your time please?"
Vigdis nods to Cirall then asks, "How should I address you Cirall?"
Zetan says to Vigdis, "Pardon me a moment," and quickly walks over to the Queen. "Yes?" she asks quietly.
Cirall talks to Zetan quietly. "Why don't you take your free time from working on the excavation site to show Vigdis around, show her the good side of Aldani? No preaching, let her see the good and bad if she wants. But show her we're not as bad as she will be lead to believe later."
Strethan bows to Cirall with a flare of wings, "I will defend her with my life, in your name." He nods reassurance to Vigdis, and says to Zetan, "Bring the steak to the healer's tent, and we'll all talk there." He falls quiet as Zetan approaches the Queen.
Zetan nods. "I'd be honored ... but would still need an escort ... if the guards are any indication, I'm sure others in the general population wouldn't hesitate to abuse Vigdis when they see the color of her spines." She gazes at Strethan and a smirk erupts on her muzzle with a crazy notion ... "Perhaps the Captain of the Guard, if he could spare the time...?"
Cirall shakes her head, "No Zetan, she will have an Archon, one of the highest level of guards possible in the Aldani. Strethan stays with me, he has other duties to attend to. but you are correct to point out that others will not appreciate Vigdis for her spines, so it's up to you to be a friendly face for her in a sea of hatred. Can you do this for me?"
Zetan nods. "I can and will, my Queen."
Cirall nods and waves, "Alright then, I leave them both in your capable hands Strethan until you can find an appropriate escort for Vigdis. Now if you will all excuse me, I still have some other work to do before I can go to bed for the night." She looks over at the rather extensive writings from Burkaar and groans as he hands over the separate sheet for her to sign with the official decision on punishment for the four. She picks up quill and ink and starts signing it.
Vigdis glances around at the face that will closely guard her fate. She gives the healer her thanks for work done this far.
Zetan gives Vigdis a warm look. "I'll go pick up a pair of steaks and meet you at the healer's tent ... any special seasonings you prefer?" she asks.
Cirall answers Vigdis, "Whatever you feel is appropriate, Vigdis. You are not an Aldani, so I leave it all up to you. Is there a way you wish to be addressed, or will Lady Vigdis suffice?"
Vigdis glances at Zetan, "Anything non-fatal will be fine thank you." Then to Cirall, "If there trully is another with my name and if you think that it wise then Lady Vigdis will do. You are not my queen, but your rank and privilege is even recognized by me. Queen Cirall."
Cirall nods, "Thank you. As for your name, the Vehrakt worship Viktiss. We do not know much about him, but I believe the priest with you can answer some of your questions as can our other healers. Until we meet again though, good night Lady Vigdis." She goes back to her paperwork.
Zetan bows to the Queen, the Captain of the Guard, and to Vigdis. "I shall go and get the steaks now," pausing for a finaly moment to see if any have anything further.
Strethan nods, "It will be my privilege, my Queen." He stands by, ready to escort Vigdis to the healer's tent... and knowing that he'll have to face his own share of Burkaar's paperwork.
Vigdis mutters something about not knowing much about Viktiss either. She stands ready to move with her escorts towards what ever tent that she's to be conveyed to.