Trial by Error ( Open / Roland ) Rated M

[Breton Fair'los]

It was morning; The sun barely rising over the tree tops and horizon. Winter long past and now spring was coming at an end, Yet there were still no signs of the Goddess of Passion or had any been reported. The civilian's of Nova's spirits becoming discouraged by the thought of the Holiday of passion falling out of alignment. Either way, there was already a dread that settled and took hold over the kingdom. Even more so for one individual who had been held the prisoner for some time.

Today was the day for Roland's Trial.

The first person to be up, none other than Breton who stood at the window in his bedchamber. The room dark, barely lit by a single candle on a nightstand by the bed. He stared out his window with a cross expression. His lips pressed into a tightly pressed frown and his hands curled into fists. If one didn't know any better, it looked like he was about to attack someone from the clearly pissed off expression he had.

That woman's actions burned into his thoughts. Mysteria had betrayed him yet again, the final straw that 'broke the camel's back' as the saying goes. He could no longer accept this and stormed away from the window, out the door and down the main hall to the throne room. His pace rather rushed, though upon arriving at the throne room's entrance he motioned to the servants standing by the door.

" Tell the guards at the Dungeon Gates to retrieve prisoner Roland Walker. It's his time in the spotlight, for now. " Breton spoke with a bit of venom in his tone. One of the servants nodded and ran off to relay the message to one of the guards; meanwhile, the other servant stayed behind to open the door for the Regent to enter into the throne room. Upon entering, Breton's hard expression seemed to lift at the sight of the already set up 'trial room'.

Which was literally the throne room, arranged in a circular shape with the court chairs around a single stand in the middle of the ring. This is where the prisoner would be brought to be judged before his peers. The court of royals, nobles, and of course his employer… Either way, this whole scene excited Breton in some degree. Eventually, this whole place would fill up with people and the real fun would begin.

After inspecting the room further, Breton was shocked to find he was not the first to be in the room before the trial. His emerald eyes locked onto his majesty, who was leaned over in his chair and fast asleep. An odd sight for the regent to see, however, he said nothing as he walked over to where the king was and took his place on his right side. “ Your majesty… Former Royal Guard Captain Roland Walker will be here shortly, just so you are aware.” Breton hoped that his words would stir Noku from his rest, which it did. Enough to where he opened one eye and looked over at Breton with a frustrated look on his face. “ Thank you, Breton… Send out last notifications for the trial and those who want to attend. Also… Have the guards begin prep for the Gallows. “ Noku spoke with a grumble in his tone. Still looking at Breton with only one eye open, before straightening his posture to look more awake.


(( NOTE: Nobles and Royals are to be seated on Left side of the King, While anyone below the noble status will be seated on the right side of the king. I hope this helps with seating if there is confusion. )) 

[Deleted]

”Gallows? Did I miss the trail already?....Didn’t think I slept that long…” A sleepy voice sounded as the familiar rounded the corner as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes fallowed by a yawn. She held in her hands a steaming mug of helena’s brew to help her wake up. Which she cupped with fingerless light brown leather gloves. She looked at the two men; and gave them a sleepy smile. ”Morning, would either of you like a cup?” She held up her tea; she had a soft flask attached to a gold belt that hung from her hips, filled with more of the tea. It wouldn’t take much to go fetch two cups more if either one of them wished for some.

Aria was dressed neatly in a dress of sage green and cream. The neckline was slightly off the shoulder, decorated with a thin gold ribbon stitched along the hem. Her sleeves were long and close fitted; the sage green material tucked into her fingerless gloves. Closer to the shoulder her sleeves puffed out, split open in spots to reveal a gold shimmery material underneath. Her bodice was made with a light shimmery cream material which stopped at her hips in a point. A gold belt to which her flask was hung; acted as a border for the cream of the bodice to the sage green of her long flowing skirt. Underneath the soft green material was a lighter cream skirt that just ever so slightly peaked out at the hems. Her feet were clad in ankle high leather boots with a slight heel to them. Arias hair had taken minimal work; as her wavy red locks were pulled back in a low pony tail by a sage green ribbon tied in a bow.

Another yawn escaped her as she looked around the room; they certainly set this up fast. It was odd going to be on the other end of one of these trails…she wasn’t exactly sure where she was supposed to sit in the mass of chairs. Usually she would sit with the first persons he knew in the room; however in this case that would look odd…so she supposed she’d wait until someone else she knew showed up. Until then she just stood there silently sipping her tea; it was even too early for her to be chatty.

[Deleted]

Diamond had heard of the trial and saw things were going quickly and finished his training a bit early to at least freshen up. As well as change what he was wearing to one of his spare outfits. He had his weapons along with him, as the former sellsword was a bit paranoid after the gallows event sometime last year. So he wanted to prevent being caught off guard by anyone or anything. With that he opened the door to the throne room and saw a few individuals around. First was Noku himself and looked like he was not ready for the morning events. The other was the rather mysterious Breton, nighly the right hand man to the king. He gave a bow to both men out of respect and the fact that they were his superiors. With that done he saw Aria trying to be awake and fresh as it seemed that she was drinking something to make her feel alert and ready. "Morning everyone" he said in a rather calm tone to those that were already gathered. The white haired captain walked over to the right side of Noku where the non nobility seating was. Taking a spot near Noku, as a security measure for the most part. In all honesty, he was going to enjoy seeing Roland squirm a bit.

He wanted some vengence apon how Roland treated him, as the man had conscripted him into the guard. But it seemed that his over strictness and demanding of instant respect and athourity was hiding something. Perhaps this would be true in this sense and it would be coming out from the skeleton closet. So yes today Diamond was going to get some pleasure out of watching these events play out. It did not matter if Roland was guilty or not, his job was mostly over at this point. Diamond though would be sitting down calmly and was thinking of other things in his mind.

[Roland]

It was time...

Roland sat in his cell running his fingers through the beard that had grown under his chin since his incarceration, the infernal thing itched, but he did not make and move to scratch it. Instead Roland simply got to his feet as the guard approached his cell door. The guard's eyes lingered on the cuffs that restricted Roland's magic. Despite his disheveled appearance Roland had still been the face of discipline and enforcement for the crown for well over a decade, and those impressions did not fade easily.

Roland watched as the man reassured and then steeled himself before opening the door. "Get out," the guard ordered, no hint of fondness for his former superior in his tone. Roland nodded and stepped out of the cell. In truth imprisonment had actually been rather kind to Roland. He had been given adequate food and with nothing else to do had maintained his exercise regiment, in fact the guard captain may very well be in better shape now than he had before his imprisonment when he had been malnourished and spent most of his time behind a desk.

Roland followed the guard through the familiar passages and winced a bit as he looked out a window at the sun for the first time in what felt like years. He took a deep breath as they approached the main hall and stood up straight as the door was pushed open and Roland entered, his piercing brown eyes facing forward.

Whispers began to break out almost immediately. Some accusing, some encouraging, some uncertain, one did not become a public figure like Roland had without having many enemies and many friends. He held himself with confidence, no hint of fear, or uncertainty. Roland looked the same as he had throughout his time as the guard captain, certain, proud, and focused.

He stepped to the indicated location and stood silently waiting to be judged. He wanted to look around and see if he could find Aveline, but unfortunately he did not have the luxury.

[severine]

Severine burned.

She should have been happy, she realized- her great enemy, that man who had stolen her last jewel, her most prized possession away from her would die today. She was certain of that. But instead a burning itch consumed her body, from her neck spiderwebbing out through her veins. Under the high collar of her bespoke ivory gown long lines of red twisted down her neck, from where she had scratched at it and where the collar lay. It was setting her nerves on fire.

Her wine glass on the table, twice emptied from wine delivered from Breton, was doing nothing for her nerves. Instead she had almost spilled the deep red liquid, like blood, onto her gown. It would be impossible to hide on ivory instead of white, but she needed this gown today. She needed to be pure to stand beside his Majesty, to make her case, to keep the filth under her skin. Her eyes darted to the bottle again, fingers itching from an unseen anxiety before she snatched the bottle whole, upending the glass from the table and smashing it to the ground on the other side of the table. Sweeping around the shattered glass she drank directly from the bottle, tilting her head back like she was a girl again, gulping down the rich wine until it was drained. Finally a deep burning sunk into her limbs, followed by a heavier calm and confidence. This would do. She could do this task like this.

Roland would die today. And she could rebuild.

Severine walked to the doors, letting the bottle drop to the stone floor behind her, shattering as well. Flanked by servants she walked to the throne room, taking her position fit for her station behind the King, burning dark eyes fixed across the room at the doomed, disgusting man.



---



Across the hall, Aveline sat alone and avoided. The changing weather had forced her to reveal her pregnancy with her clothing, but it didn’t matter. This tied her to Roland stronger. And he needed to know that she stood beside him in this. No matter what happened, she would not let him die. Not ever. Dressed in light blues and golds she sat, hair carefully braided and styled, eyes darting across the room for the accused. When she caught sight of him her breath caught, tilting her head up in silent prayer.

Goddesses protect him, she thought. From my mother and his Majesty. Let him live to see his son.

Her head tilted forward, lifting her eyes to where Roland would speak when it came time. He would be able to see her easily. He could speak to her there.



(Player note! For expedience until absolutely necessary I'll be combining the Severine and Aveline posts)

[Deleted]

Melda Delsaran Vanya

For Melda, being up at this hour was quite normal, and as thus she had been dressed and awake long before the time came when she needed to be present. The only difference in today, was that she did not take her routine stroll through the gardens; instead she sat in her mini parlour and ate her breakfast in silence, staring out her window. Today was not a day for strolling through gardens, or writing in journals. Today was too dark for those things in Melda’s opinion- though she would not judge those who believed otherwise. To reflect on those thoughts, Melda’s attire was vastly different, choosing to wear all black on this day, in high contrast to her skin tone and hair colour.

The dress itself had short sleeves, ending at her forearm, while the neckline was a square cut. The skirt bowed out into a bell form, completely blank of pattern, aside from a small ruffle of the fabric at the bottom. Overtop this, she wore a long black coat, the collar sticking up around her neck, while the sleeves cuffed at her wrists. It was closed together over her entire chest and waist, opening back up from there downwards. Her silver hair was up like it always was in court, braided back into a tight up-do at the back of her head. Some strands freed themselves and curled softly around her face and neck, but aside from that it was slick and clean. She wore no jewelry or accessories of any kind- this kind of event didn’t call for it.

Melda arrived just moments after Aria offered the King and the regent a drink, holding in a smirk. Still half asleep. Not surprising in the least. Melda mused lightly, more directed at Aria than anyone else. She turned her head slightly and greeted Diamond with a reserved look. She hadn’t spoken to him in a while, and for reasons that were only her own, she was unsure how to approach him. Although, she knew that today of all days he would be very focused on the outcome of this trial- she was no stranger to how he felt about Roland. 

As Melda moved to take her seat on the left side of the King, she turned her head back towards the door hearing it open once more. Ahh Severine. Of course, Melda wasn’t surprised to see the woman, but laying eyes on her left a bad taste in her mouth. Like rust. But, Melda had successfully avoided direct contact for quite some time now, and equally so, the womans wrath. It would do her good to just leave her be. So thats what she did, turning her head forward once more as she took her seat. Once seated, she looked around, she saw the young Aveline sitting alone. Melda sighed- her heart really did go out the maiden. Stuck with a mother so cruel- forced to watch her husband face whatever fate he was dealt. It wasn’t easy. Silently, Melda sent Aveline her hopes, wishing that she make it through this just fine, no matter the outcome. 

It was time. Roland emerged through the doors, walking with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Melda could feel the tension in the room rise almost immediately. Melda had only some contact with the man, and although she wasn’t fond of him as a person, she didn’t wish a bad fate upon him. Not to the extreme she felt seething from Severine, all the way from where she stood. This was going to be a long trial indeed.

Tagged: N/A
Words: --
OOC: Dress

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[Deleted]

❊ BACK TO NEVERLAND ❊

[Lilith had been more nervous for this day than for the dinner. She’d never attended this kind of event before, but she knew she had to get used to it… she had to, if she was going to be queen……… Lilith shivered. Ever since Aria had brought that notion to mind, she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. She’d never thought of it before then, somehow it just never crossed her mind. But following the path she was on- and quite enjoyed- she would someday be Queen, assuming everything went well of course. The thought of that sent more shivers down her spine. She’d been many things in her live; an orphan, a bookworm, a librarian, and a healer, but never something with such responsibility attached. 

She woke that morning and prepared herself in a daze, trying not to think too much about it until she needed to. She dressed herself in a cerulean blue down of silky fabric, the neckline a V-cut while the sleeves bellowed down her arms, her hands peaking through. A silver celtic pattern lined the neck line, as well as her waist, meeting in the middle and traveling down the front of the dress. A cloak of the same colour rested around her shoulders, clasped together at her collar bone, the hood down. She was never any good with up-do’s, so her hair fell down her back softly, strands of it braided along the sides of her head meeting at the back to keep it out of her face.

Once she was ready, she headed to the castle, the sun still not up yet as she had to travel ahead of time to arrive before the trial started. Once she reached the big doors to the throne room, she paused, taking a deep breath. She then nodded to the guards, who opened the doors for her, allowing her entrance. She paused again, taking a moment to look around. Thankfully, they were mostly familiar faces. She saw Aria, whom she wanted to hide behind, and Noku, who looked grumpy and groggy, and it wanted to make her smile, but she held it in, just in case. And then she saw Aveline. She knew this wasn’t a good choice on her part, but she could just let Aveline go through this alone. Lilith moved away from the doorway and towards Aveline, stopping a foot or so away from her. Lady Walker… I give you my deepest wishes that today goes in your favour… I swear to you. She spoke softly, only for her ears. She would then wait for her response, before bowing her head politely, and moving away to where she knew she needed to be.

As she approached the seat on Noku’s left side, wondering who the man was on his right. She looked to Noku as she got closer, and smiled softly at him, hoping to cheer him up. Good morning… She said softly, curtseying lightly- she wasn’t sure if she was still supposed to do that or not, but she did it anyway, just incase- the worst that could happen was that he told her to stop. She then took her seat, and held her breath as she faced forwards, her hands shaking from nerves. She wasn’t even talking to people, but she was so scared. She saw the doors open again as Severine made her entrance, and Lilith’s heart almost fell into her stomach, even more so when she took her stand closer to Lilith than she was fully comfortable with. It would be okay, just breathe. Lilith glanced over to Aria, a nervous look all over her face. However, before much could be said, the doors opened again, this time with Roland behind them. It was time. She had no idea what would happen next.

WORDS:--- TAGS: @tag NOTES:Dress.

SHIN OF GS + ADOX

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was almost late for the trial, having overslept. She dressed quickly in a gown that was mostly dyed a deep, royal purple with short, off the shoulder sleeves and a sweet heart neckline. The neckline, the sleeves, and the hem of the dress were all edged in the same black lace. She braided her hair up into top knot, letting her bangs fall to frame her face. Satisfied, she hurried from her chambers and through the halls to the room where the trial was being held.

Upon entering, Lucinda noticed that she was later than she thought. It seemed most of the room was full already and she recognized a few of the faces: Aria, Lady Melda, Archduchess Severine and her daughter, and her Uncle's new lady friend. She remembered her from the dinner. The accused, Roland, was also already present. A light blush colored the princess's cheeks as she quickly found a seat on the appropriate side of the room, settling her face into a cool, calm expression. This trial was highly anticipated and she wasn't sure yet how she wanted it to turn out or even how it would likely end. Gossip abounded about the situation of course but this was a rare chance to hear the true details on the matter.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki was running late for the trial she knew that for sure the only reason she was even going was one she had met Lady Aveline and she was a darling personality. The second reason was because she preferred to be there for the true events of the trial without having to hear it from someone else. The reason she was running late was because she had to attend to some early morning business and only gotten back a little over an hour ago. She had a pot of tea prepared with a cup on the side as she quickly slipped into a less elegant dress for the matter. A simple knee-length pink and white dress with little bows and ruffles and white stockings. Grabbing her little basket with the teapot and cup in it, she ran out the room.



Slowly her steps as she got to the throne room she, took a glance at her basket making sure nothing had spill before nodding to the guards. Looking around the room she saw many familiar faces, giving a low curtsy to Noku before quietly taking her seat.

Outfit: Dress

[Deleted]

Aria sipped her tea slowly; still waking up. She did noticed both men looked entirely grumpy. Breton looked especially pissed. Sooo sleepy Aria, being sleepy Aria, decided to try to lighten the mood. ”Hey Breton, look still no pants” She picked up her skirt just above her ankle and wiggled her foot giggling a sleepy giggle. Referencing the first time that she ran into the regnant…being late at night and wearing only a very large shirt as a nightgown. After that seeing how Noku wished to have some tea she went off to go get another cup, giving Melda a sleepy smile as she passed.

When she returned the room certainly had filled, it would seem Roland had been brought in as well. She had two cups of tea in her hand, one was hers and one was for Noku. After giving him his cup of tea she went off to the left, seeing Lilith near Aveline; who rightfully looked quite worried…and pregnant. That sight made her pause in her step; she had not known that Aveline had become pregnant…and by the looks of her belly. She was right along where Aria’s own child would have been had she not miscarried. Aria’s pause was only for a moment, but she continued forward placing a comforting hand on the womans shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze. Unhooking the flask of tea that she had on her hip, offering it to the young mother to be. ”Helena’s brew, has mint in it.” The mint had helped her morning sickness when she had it….and considering the circumstances she couldn’t imagine Avelines stomach being well.

Not long after that Aria spotted Lucinda walk into the room, she turned back to Aveline for a moment ”Best of luck; may the gods watch over their own” Aria at that moved over towards Lucinda. Her eyes drifting to the others in the room. She nodded towards Lilith and Daimond, now awake enough to notice more than just a couple of faces. She also glanced over at Severine who had taken a seat behind Noku….why behind when everyone was to the side was beyond her…it was like a creepy stalker in the background. Aria finally took a seat beside Lucinda. Her eyes traveling finally towards Roland who stood in the middle of the room. Not many knew it but Aria had indeed spoken on Rolands behalf; even before he had requested her presence down in the dungeon. She though him guilty of nothing but incompetence. She had said that much the night when she had returned from Palico with the flight of drakes. If it came to it she would say it again. She did not particularly have any fondness for Roland, however that didn’t mean she wanted to see him on the gallows.

[Deleted]

Leon was up early, just as the sun was beginning to rise for his morning routine. Grabbing his bow he would go to the training grounds to practice his shooting to maintain his skills with the bow. After spending some time shooting and seeing people start showing up in the training grounds he realized that the sun was up and most people seemed to have awaken already, realizing it was about time for him to leave, he started walking to the entrance and realized there was more commotion than usual. Listening to what it was about he realized that it was about the trial he was informed of some time ago, and realizing he would be late he started running reaching his room taking a quick bath to get rid of the sweat before changing into some presentable clothing. Brushing his hair to the side before quickly heading to the location hoping he wasn’t too late.



Though Leon had no personal reason or attachment to go to such a trial he believed that he should at least take the time to learn of what this kingdom’s trials would be like and it would be something he maybe able to talk about with his family when he heads back and they ask about his travels. As he was thinking back on that next thing he knew he was in front of the door to the trial and entered hoping he wasn’t extremely late.



As Leon entered he noticed the amount of people in, looking around he noticed a sole person in the middle of the room which he assumed to be the one standing on trial. He also noticed for the most part that all the people sitting on the left were nobles he either saw or conversed with during the dinner and believed it would be less awkward to sit on that side, so walking over there quickly without making noise he found an empty chair and squeezed himself in trying to not make too much of a disturbance.

[Deleted]

Aveline’s concentration shattered when Lilith stepped into view, the clear tension and anxiety in her gaze that was not so apparent from far away came into sharp relief up close. Her dark eyes are wide as she looks to Lilith, speechless at first and hands shaking as the elf speaks.

“I-” her voice cracks, weak and shattering, before she simply nods. It was all she could do, despite her thankfulness. There were so many words she wanted to say to this woman but none would come out- she could only pray that a nod would suffice.

When the touch came to her shoulder she jolted, turning her head sharply to look behind her. Who would come that close to her now? That answer was soon given when she saw Aria. Her fear of this woman had faded but uncertainty still remained, if only due to the fact that she didn’t know her. But now, what reason would Aria have to show her kindness? Especially such public kindness? She nods again, reaching up with shaking hands and eyes that are beginning to blur with unshed tears. With trembling hands she drinks from the flask- something she never would have done before- feeling the calming effects of the tea sweep through her. “Th-thank you.” she whispers, shutting her eyes to fight back tears and nodding again, handing the flask back to Aria. “Gods be with you.”

[Deleted]

    Theo had received notice of the trial early that morning. He brewed some tea, threw on a grey suit for neutrality, kissed his mother and sister farewell then headed over to the castle throne room to ensure his presence in the trial. Theo hadn't known much of the situation other than what he had heard through word of mouth and through what his father had briefly mentioned in conversation long ago.

    After arriving in the castle, Theo pushed through the throne room doors and looked about the room. It had been a long time since he had seen this much nobility present in the castle affairs. This had obviously been a big deal. Theo recognized some faces from brief interactions, but for the most part he only recognized Melda fully. Walking past Noku, he paused, then bowed, to both the king and his lady of interest. Then he moved onward to the left side of the room and sat next to his Aunt Vanya, "Good morning..." he said with a twinge of nervousness in his tone.

[Deleted]

When the news that the trial for Walker was being held that day, the headmaster cleared his schedule. Not only was this a matter of expectation as his role in the court dictated he have a presence, Roland being a high profile mage brought concern to the Headmaster since at times past he had held his own class in the Arch of Ages. In the time that he met him shortly after talking with Ellaria at the falls, he should have known something was up. In a way he was grateful he didn't know at the time that he was a wanted man. The mage wasn't sure how he would have reacted or been expected to in that case.

Adrain would be seated in the rear of the room to left of the king where the nobles were expected to be. He had arrived as early as he could, maintaining a low profile with a cowl up and covering his head at first whilst the others in the court would situate and seat themselves. His bodyguard Iris would be next to him, naturally. As he arrived beforehand, he nodded to the guards, the Regent, and the King before quietly taking a seat unless he were asked for something. He didn't make any indication to be social with others he had come to know such as Melda, Yuki, or Aria, laser focused on the objective.

Not only was this a matter of uptmost seriousness, but in his gut he couldn't help but to feel that something more could happen. While Iris would likely have had to forefit her weapon at the entrance to be stowed, he already made it clear he would conjure something if the situation demanded it. Adrain himself wore a thick leather armor vest beneath his robe and his headmaster's attire beneath. Maybe he would be paranoid, but he couldn't help but be at unease. Something seemed off, not that he would have told anyone.

[Deleted]

@tagged

616

we must be K I L L E R S

CHILDREN OF THE WILD ONES

Iris didn’t know who this “Captain Walker” fellow was, nor did she really give a rats ass. He was on trial for some reason or another- Iris didn’t follow along with drama like this. Normally, Iris wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere near the first district, let alone actually in the castle throne room. Yet here she was, following two steps behind her white haired boss, into the trial room. 

She was his bodyguard now- a handy little job she must admit. She quite liked it if she was being honest, but it was events like these that were annoying for her. She was just going to sit in a room, and watch some poor shmuck get interrogated and probably hanged or some shit- she didn’t completely know the customs in this world yet. 

Iris followed as Adrain chose were to sit, her face blank. Despite her own opinions on the matter, she knew Adrain was taking this very seriously, and letting her own emotions show would reflect badly on him. She looked around the room, recognizing no one. When Adrain sat, she sat next to him. She took notice that her attire was far different than the rest of the rooms- seeing as she only wore a cloth around her waist to cover her lower lady bits, and a fur pelt of a top, her arms and collar bone bare. Her golden hair was down as per usual, her bronze horns wrapping through the hair nicely. Iris couldn’t remember the last time she brushed her mane, but it looked fine so who cared. With a quick glance at Adrian, she faced forward, waiting for the beginning of the trial.

WHERE DO WE HAVE LEFT TO R U N ?

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