"Ye cannae ken tha' she's all gone. Ye en't... Well ****." Edric replied when he heard Theodosia's report. He sat down, but he wasn't entirely convinced. "She needs tae get help. She disnae need a lie o' a life ta lead. Et's urgent noo tha' she gets help. Ee'll help ef Ee have ta, boot... We cannae do this." It seemed however, that nobody was willing to listen. Edric put his head in his hands. He always knew that there was something off about her, but being that ****ed up? He had no idea. She needed some serious assistance. Taking away her memories though... It was cruel. The worst part was that, none of them would even remember this injustice. It would all be lost to the world. Not a single person would be able to take them to account. "Where's tha damn justice here?" Edric clenched his fist. "Who'll take any o' this ta somewhere fair? Ee cannae believe tha' this es happening..." "Listen, Silvia. You do have a place here in this Guild. I'm sure that Damian is a good job, but he can't be everywhere. We need you to be here too, because you'll be able to help people. You'll be able to keep our guild members alive and healthy so that we can save the people we need to." Caliborn replied, trying to reassure her. "There's nothing that you could have done in any of those situations. Try to focus on doing what you can. You know, we haven't had any guild members of our own die. Not even seriously injured. It's because you're there, healing them and keeping them alive. Because of what you and the others do, you're helping people and protecting them. It's a matter of perspective young one. It doesn't feel like you're doing anything because you don't always do something personally, but the net result is that people are saved." When she began to cry, he pulled his chair closer to hers and gave her a fatherly hug, hushing her as softly. "Shh, it's okay. The other guild members like you, they accept you and they would miss you if you left. That's your lack of confidence talking, it's not the truth." Caliborn reassured. "You don't need to leave Silvia. You're fine, you belong here. I promise you. You have friends here." He let her tears run their course and simply stayed there, because that was all that he could do for this upset young lady. Hopefully she'd feel better for what he said. After all, it was his job to help all the Guild Members when they were upset about something. Not necessarily officially, but he hoped that everyone knew that he was there for them. Meanwhile, during the tournament. Caliborn walked his rounds vacantly, making sure that nobody died or anything horrible. There were some spectacular victories going on, and much pride for the winners and sadness or irritation or disappointment for the losers. He heard a familiar voice calling out to him from within the tournament, but he was stuck in his own head. He looked around and barely caught the last part of what he was saying. The trial was only a short time ago. He felt numb. "Yeah, good job." He forced himself to smile, but it felt so fake. She was bound to see it, unless she was totally clueless. "I'm sure you can do it. You're a strong Wizard." His mind flicked back to the scene that played out in that prison tower. He hadn't gone up since. He remembered how all her happiness withered away in front of him. And it was all his fault. He gave Cal an encouraging nod and walked away. He had more places to go and monitor. Besides, he might have to heal someone because he was a healer.
"Wha' the flyin' **** d'ya think yer doing?" Edric demanded, slamming his fist down hard on the armrest of his chair and the wood cracked beneath the strength of the blow. He stood up, eyes on fire and glared at Theodosia. "Wha' Trevor here is sayin, et's A-****ing grade right! I willnae stand fer ye pissing aboot en oor heads! Et en't right! Thoose memories are hers, and they're oors too. Ye cannae just stick yer mitts in there an' **** wi' everythin' like a ****ing puppetmaster! She has tha right ta her mind! Her memories! An' ye ken else, et's unfair fer Caliborn too! Didja see tha look on his face? The man's en a lot of ****ing pain right noo, an' ye plan ta make him suffer wi' wha' musta caused et? Ye'll take away his goddamn life you crazy bint! An' everythin' tha' girl has suffered en her life, tha' memories, ye'll take those away too? Ah suffer from somethin' similar, boot Ee'll be damned if Ee let tha' be taken away from me! An' Trevor es the same!" He hadn't been so angry in a long time. He had never heard of anything more hurtful or inconsiderate. You couldn't just take away peoples' reason for living, everything that they fought for and everything that they had suffered. Everything that she had been through... It would be made worthless. Nothing. Whatever happened, whoever was involved, their pain would be meaningless. And what if the past caught up? She'd never know. "Cassie, get yer heid on straight, please!" He looked at her pleadingly. "Can ye not see why et's cruel to steal her very soul away? 'Cos that's wha' yer doin'." Edric looked back at the woman. "Ei'll not stand here an' let you take her goddamned self away!" Edric concluded.
He knew what would happen as soon as he told her the truth. The effect was instantaneous. She was spite, anger, bitterness and despair. She was as bad, if not worse than she was before. Her mask had become a reality. But Caliborn felt like he had done the right thing. No matter what, she was damned. Better now than be crushed later. "I hoped that you might understand, and take things better." Caliborn spoke, watching beauty wither in front of him. He steeled himself, watching as everything went wrong. He was meant to look after her, to take care of her and to make things better. He had failed. Everything had been undone. The real Mikasa that had been suppressed under years of darkness had come out from behind the clouds of trauma and shone brighter than any star, before dying in the tragic supernova unfolded before him. He hung his head regretfully and turned his back to her. "Very well, Mikasa. I'll remember the girl inside, wherever she is. I won't forget who you were. My greatest failure." The last words were spoken in a tone cold and bitter enough to rival hers. He walked away and opened the door. He stepped out of the room, but put one hand on the doorway and looked around at the girl sitting as a statue on that chair. "I'm sorry that I couldn't save you, Mikasa." Caliborn said with a tone of finality before shutting the door, locking it and leaving the key in the keyhole. The Dragonslayer walked to his room, his mind a graveyard to happier times. As he traversed the guild hall to get to his room, he spotted the people discussing her fate. As he walked past, he looked over at them all. Anyone looking at him would see that he was upset. His eyes were still red and his face was no longer the mask of elegant composure. "The door is locked and the key is in the lock. You fetch her when the time comes. I can have no more part in this." He spoke to the people on the jury, his voice totally flat. He turned around and waked away. He walked. He walked. He walked. Lead feet carried him from the hall, up the stairs. Shaking hands pushed open doors and held him fast against walls as he shambled towards some kind of sanctuary. His trembling body stepped beyond the threshold of his room. The distance to his bed had never seemed so far before. Once he had collapsed on to it however, the burden of faking was gone. Caliborn allowed himself to cry once more. He cried for failing the woman that he had tried so hard to save, to protect, he cried for the woman that he could not love.
He truly did not understand Mikasa, not like he thought that he did. He wanted to smile, to be thankful that he had managed to bring her happiness. He was glad that her world was a little less dark because of him, but he wept instead, Caliborn's resolve ran out, and the man allowed himself to fall to his knees. He felt weak. He was afraid that this moment would come, and he was not at all ready for it. Her beaming smile, offset by the tears that had been rolling down her cheek. He could see now, that he was her light, the only thing that had kept her truly alive for so long. She loved him. Somehow, that girl ten years apart from him had quietly fallen in love with the man that had stood with her. He couldn't blame her. She was happy, she had wanted to tell him for so long, he could see that and yet... This only made Caliborn truly cry. For lack of anything else he could do, the dragonslayer placed his forehead on to the thigh, utterly despondent. He was breaking apart at all the seams. Mikasa had shared the love she had with him, but he had none to give back. Not what she wanted. How could he tell her now, in the face of everything that was happening, that he did not feel the same romantic love? That she was a girl that he cared deeply for, but never had romantic interest in? How could he say that, and destroy the most beautiful smile the world would ever see? Because it surely was. For there was happiness, for their way joy and bliss where there should not be in any. For someone who had seemed so dead, she danced and radiated life in this moment. Who was he to crush all that? He wanted to scream. Words alone could not define the primal anguish in his heart. This wasn't fair, it wasn't fair to either her or him. Possibly the last time they would see each other, and he was forced into this. They were forced into a situation like this. How was he supposed to do anything? What could he even do now? "This isn't fair..." Caliborn spoke hoarsely between teary gasps and breaths. "What kind of luck is this... Now of all times..." He lifted his head and let go of her hand, wiping tears off his face. He looked up at Mikasa, his eyes red rimmed and his mouth twisted in his emotional agony. He couldn't destroy her like this... But to save her... He'd destroy himself. He couldn't lie to her. What if she came back sooner than she thought, and then found out that he lied? Everything would be destroyed, but without him she wouldn't have the strength to go on. No matter which way he looked at it, the situation seemed hopeless. He couldn't figure out which choice was the right one. He wanted to lie. Never more than now had he ever wanted a lie pass between his lips and say the right words. He didn't want her to hear the truth. And yet... A lie would destroy her when she found out. Could he keep up that lie? Could he perpetuate it? He would live in eternal guilt, never once being able to escape the vicious cycle that was the lie. "Mikasa I...!" He began, the words about to come out. Love you. Two words, two simple words. That's all that you need to say and it'll be fine. "I... I lo- I'll never forget you. You'll always be dear to me, dearer than anyone else here..." The Dragonslayer stood up and looked her in the eyes with all the strength that he could muster. "No matter what, I wish you to understand. I care about you, more so than anyone here. If something troubled you, I'd drop everything and come to help you in a heartbeat, even if it was something else. Because you're special to me. Because... Because I love you I suppose but, Mikasa..." Though no tears flowed, he somehow looked sadder than he had before. "I don't love you the way you want me to. I'm sorry but, that's the truth. You're the closest friend I've ever had... Likely ever will. But still..." His voice trailed off. There was nothing more to be said. After all, it all already had been. The damage had been done. No words of his could alleviate it.
Something about all of this... It made his heart grow heavy. He could see as her eyes began to tear up, as her voice changed from that nondescript monotone to something emotional. He saw her single eye well up in tears, an errant teardrop sliding its way down her cheek. There was a sense of certain finality to everything that she was saying. It wasn't a foregone condemnation of her, but he couldn't imagine them being overly forgiving if he was honest with himself. Edric perhaps would give something tempered, but Quinn was likely going to act extremely. He never did anything halfway. His face fell too and his hands fell to his sides. What she was saying... Every word was a resounding strike against him. Each sentence sent him reeling, showing him how he truly had failed her. His greatest failure, that barely did justice to it. This was complete, and utter defeat. She was showing her real self to him, and that meant that it was over. She'd gone so far over the edge of despair that her well-crafted mask lay in tatters. Even she saw no point in hiding any longer. "Mikasa... Old friend..." He looked down at the floor. It was too painful to see her. To think that she joined the Guild so long ago, when she was only 14. He'd seen her grow up, maturing. He was closer to a father than he was a lover. It was the despair of a father that had failed his child that he felt when he saw her there, resigning herself to this. "I'm sorry. I am so, so, sorry." She may be right. This could be the last time you see her for a very long time, if ever. It depends on the judgement of the others, but you can't gamble on their mercy. With those thoughts, he looked up at the woman again. For what was likely the first time, she could see an expression of sadness on his face. He had remained stalwart and unshakable for the years that they had known each other, but for the first time in her presence his facade was gone. "So... This is what it took to see the real Mikasa... Of course it would be at a time like this." He mused solemnly. He walked away from the wall and crossed the room in a few brief strides. He clasped her hand with the necklace with both of his and looked into her eyes. "Listen to me. You keep that, okay? And just... Just remember that no matter what the others may say, or what the others may think of you, you're still Mikasa. You're still the girl who came here at fourteen, the one who I teamed up with in the S-Class trials. I'll fight however I can to make sure that you don't have to leave this place, that you can stay here in the Guild. Where you belong." His grip on her hand tightened and his voice became more strained. "I don't know what happened... But I swear to you that I'd make it all right if I could." He couldn't deny the pain that he too, felt. He would not cry, no matter how close to the precipice of doing so he was. "I hope that I was able to be a friend for you. And I hope that, if the worst does come, that you'll remember me fondly. I have no regrets. And I know all that I think that I can handle, so I will not ask you anything. But, I suppose... I want you to know that you meant- No; mean, a lot to me. As someone that have a fought alongside, talked with and spent time with, you're a comrade that I've been happy to stand alongside despite your flaws. I will tell anyone that questions me the same. I'll fight hard to keep you here, however I have to." The rational side of him knew that the game wasn't over quite yet, but in that moment everything else told him that it was. For him, someone that was unfaltering and unwavering, when the surety cracked... It was on a level different to others. By sheer will he prevented tears, but the burning pain in his throat said all that was necessary. He would not let his friend go.
Caliborn left as instructed and escorted Mikasa back to her tower, nursing the headache that had developed when Poryluscia had entered the room. As they made their way back, he pondered the revelation about Mikasa's mental health. It didn't surprise him per say, it explained some of her erratic behaviour at times but more so, it made him sad. What happened to you Mikasa, that made you that way? He dared not ask at the moment. It would be insensitive, and given the recent temporal proximity to her episode, it would be unwise to risk a repeat incident. He sighed to himself. He would rather not have to think that way about another Guild Member and friend of his. It was necessary though. It was definitely risky and he didn't want to risk her condition worsening on his account. Judging by her reaction in the room, she didn't exactly appreciate him asking her to explain everything in front of everyone. He severely doubted that she needed a reminder. The S-Class guided Mikasa into the top floor of the tower. "You can have the chair, you need it more than I do." Caliborn offered, electing instead to lean against the wall with his arms folded. There was an awkward pause before he said anything. "Mikasa, are you alright?" Mikasa was always an enigma when it came to trying to understand the right thing to say or do around her, but now it was even harder. How many times had he accidentally reminded her of something painful by accident? How many times in his ignorance had he been insensitive? "Listen, Mikasa... Is there anything I can do? To help? To make things easier?" He asked, knowing that it could end badly. "It's probably not what you want to hear right now but, I want to support you however I can." Something more relevant to him in this whole affair, was what Johanna had said. It was unmistakable. She truly did have feelings for him. He wanted to tell her that he felt the same, to hold her and try and make her feel better. But Caliborn was not a liar. He didn't know what to do, and could only hope that those feelings faded away or that it simply never came up. He couldn't hurt her by telling her no for certain, but was it right to leave it all in silence...? His mind flicked back to what Jack was saying earlier. The man seemed to have the impression that he was somehow wise, could handle everything perfectly and could never fail. He seemed to think that he was all sure of himself. How little, did that man understand. The Sky Dragonslayer had not lied when he alluded to the woman who was his greatest failure. The whole court case affair was winding into its final stages and he was glad for Mikasa that not everyone was there to witness it. If he had learned anything over his life however, it was that word travelled faster than the wind. Soon enough. someone was going to spill the information heard in the courtroom today and everyone would know about Mikasa. She would be a pariah, ignored and reviled for what she had done and who she was, because of the things that plagued her. That struck him as tragic, for he too knew her pains. For him of course, they manifested themselves differently. How long had she suffered in that silence, all alone? How many years of pain was locked away? How much was still chained up inside? "Ah mean, tae be honest with eeveryone, she needs help. I dinnae how ye plan on getting her tha' help she needs, but she'll some kinda support ye ken." Edric spoke. "She shouldn'a be on missions fer a wheel, boot furthamore she cannae be left aloone. Tha' Porehlloosha lass, she needs tae teek care o' oor Mikasa. Withoot her support, I'm afeard tha' she's gooin' doon a dark path." Before Trial and Tournament "Very well. The best place that I can think of is my room. It's unlikely that people will be there and I can ask people to leave if we need to." Caliborn led Silvia swiftly into his dorm room then set at the desk in the room, though first placed a chair next to him for Silvia to sit at. Then, she said it. She wanted... To leave? "I can understand that, it's not the life for everybody, but why do you say that Silvia? What has made you consider running away and leaving us? Perhaps I can alleviate some of the concerns that you have?"
Carrak and Alanna were almost there, but they saw the gates opening from a distance. That meant that someone was coming. Fortunately, this vale had plenty of cover. He grabbed Alanna around the waist and dived into cover. They landed roughly, and the sorceress grunted but otherwise kept quiet. The false Witcher kept a cat-like eye on the man riding hell for leather out of the vale. Once he was a safe distance away, Carrak emerged and helped his companion up, who was scowling at him. He grimaced, and thus was prepared for the slap. "Adolin Bonhart! Have some manners!" She exclaimed. He took the reprisal graciously and made his best admonished face. "I apologise, I merely intended to get us into some good cover. We wouldn't want to be spotted by that man." He replied. She shook her head and sighed, brushing dirt and twigs off herself. Apparently there was a small insect in all that, which she threw at him. It landed on his armour, and he nonchalantly flicked if off. "Happy?" She turned away with her arms folded and humphed at him. "I suppose it'll do." He breathed a sigh of relief. It would be a headache for hours if she insisted on being angry at him about it. The air returned to something less tense and he refocused on the task at hand. "The Kaer is just ahead. Are you ready for this? It looks like fate has favoured us and spared us one problem already." Adolin spoke. The sorceress began to start walking out of the bush, which said everything. He followed and overtook her with his longer strides. Her silence meant that she would follow, but she was still a little irritated and he did not feel especially like trying her patience and prodding the hornet's nest more so than it already had been. The first objective was nearly at hand. "That woman," She began, folding her arms and looking at the stranger pointedly. "Has been served and her food is on the way. So, we can talk. I appreciate that you're new here and don't know the way this works, but you treat me and my customers with respect. You do not tell me what to do when on my establishment. Otherwise, you'll have more than just Corwyn and I to deal with." Some of the Nilfgaardian soldiers and a couple of farmers in the room looked around at the stranger that Delaine was lecturing. Lady Ellyn's food was finished cooking and Corwyn brought it over with a knife and fork placed on the plate. He put it down on the table in front of her. "It's a little hot, mind out." He warned her, before standing next to his wife. Delaine noticed and gave Corwyn a quick smile before facing the troublesome customer. "So, what business were you discussing with my wife again Mr...?" "We were just trying to sort out this gentleman's sleeping arrangements. He seemed to have things confused. Cots are individual. It is just a large room where we put people. That will be 10 crowns if you choose to go for that, otherwise, leave. We're not having you on the floor. That is messy and gets in everyone's way." Delaine spoke with a tone of finality. "That's alright. Don't worry about it if things aren't coming to you. You've had a stressful few hours and you'll need the time to recover." Derrick reassured. A brothel... Rough. She hasn't had it easy then. He didn't inquire on that subject. They could learn a little more about their new guest some other time but for now, he let her walk around and stood there primarily for support. He noticed that the Crow had disappeared. That was strange, he didn't often make a habit of pulling a disappearing act especially if there were guests present. He saw Olivia at the door, and Tatiana was just moving around. She mentioned something about Aaron being terrible with horses and he chuckled. "He was indeed, bad at them. You should have seen his buck him off. I've never seen a horse that angry before. I'm not sure what Aaron was like when he was young, but he hasn't got much better now. I think the horse is just used to him." Then it hit him. She knew Aaron when she was young? That meant only one thing - Family. That was interesting. Most of the time, Witchers didn't see their family again but presumably, Tatiana was family and he had found her. Of course. He thought he heard the man mention it one time, and now it all added up. This was the sister he spoke about. It had to be. He didn't say anything however, because there was an issue at hand. "I will be right back, Tatiana. I just need to see where Veceslav got himself off to." Derrick said, before running over to Olivia. "It looks like you're ready to go somewhere, but stay here just a minute. I need to find the Crow." Derrick ran to the first place he thought of, Veceslav's room. If he was going to be anywhere, then it would be there. He wouldn't have just left the Kaer on a whim like that. When he reached the chamber, he found the doors were already open and a hastily scrawled note was on his desk. That immediately caught his eye, because he could see the pen and ink used to write it out and it looked like it was still drying, if at least almost done. He immediately looked at it. Derrick, I apologise for doing this, but there is no other way. You can probably piece together what the hell happened I must try and stop this before it is too late. Do not try to follow me that goes double for Olivia. I'll see you somewhere along the way. He looked at the note, initially confused, but the puzzle answered itself soon enough. He mentioned stopping something, and come to think of it Veera and Aaron hadn't come back. Worse, he hadn't seen them anywhere. The Witcher raced down the stairs again and past Olivia and looked into the stables. Three horses missing and Olivia's ready to ride by the looks of things. That made Veceslav, Aaron and Veera, conspicuously disappeared by their horses' absence. So, Aaron was in on Veera's mad plot? Derrick cursed and headed back to where his female counterpart had been. "Olivia, listen to me a moment. Veceslav has gone out to stop Veera and Aaron from murdering every Doppler they can find. He left me some instructions, one of which is to make sure that you don't follow him. So, well, don't. Besides, it looks like there are some guests at the Kaer and we'd best take care of them." Derrick explained. He looked around in the hall to keep an eye on Tatiana and Kreuz. Who knew what that strange man was going to do, given that, strictly speaking, he wasn't even meant to be here in the first place.
"The victim of the supposed attempt on her life does not believe that her life was in any danger. This is more than just requesting lenience for her, she is actively suggesting that Mikasa did not attempt to harm her. I ask that this be taken into consideration." Caliborn spoke once Johanna had answered the questions that he wanted answered. That should hopefully be fairly convincing. Johanna was the one who would of course know best in this matter. "That is all Johanna, thank you." He smiled and nodded at her, before his face returned to his serious expression and he faced Dale opposite him. He could see that the boy was tense, and he was only acting on what he thought was right. For the most part at least. He had heard there were issues, but whether he was petty enough to make that the main issue here was a whole other question and not entirely relevant. If that was the reason, then it would be put down anyway. Evanora would figure it out. Dale's resolve faltered when Johanna said that Mikasa wasn't really intending to kill her. She wasn't one to lie, so... Even if she was being naive, surely she would want to be protected if Mikasa really did intend harm? He shook his head. Even still, she had to answer for attacking the Guild which was truly unforgivable. He considered calling his brother up, but they were beaten on that front. There was no winning on the attempted murder part now it seemed. Boreal was meant to be the nail in the coffin with Johanna's help, but that front was gone and there was no point in trying to beat something that had already been refuted. The only thing to do at this point, because nobody else could really provide any good evidence, was to call in the psychiatrist. They'd need to go over Mikasa's mental state. "Before the trial as you may or may not know, we called in a psychologist to evaluate Mikasa's mental condition. I would like her to come up and give her report." Dale requested. In theory, this should provide the evidence that he needed to prove that she was definitely responsible. Caliborn - Before Tournament "Silvia, would you like to sit down somewhere and have a drink while you try and talk about this? Clearly, it's not an easy thing for you to talk about." The S-Class said. Whatever it was, she was incredibly worked up about it. Surprisingly so. She did need help. Alessia grunted as the attack hit. Her attack hadn't been as effective as she would have liked and his was more so. How did he break through her defences like that? She gritted her teeth and tightened her grip on her weapon. This would be over in two more passes, she was certain of it. If there was to be two more, then she had to be able to survive the third one. He was quicker, so he'd get his hit in first. Unless... He was weaker than her. She could see that. It was time to roll the dice. If she drew out the battle for another two passes, then there was a serious risk of everything coming apart. However. She could see that there was something that she could do. If her attack was of a great enough force... She could win this. She had to give up two of her other abilities to do this, however... She had learned a technique. It was difficult to pull off to be sure, but it could be done. She'd take that wager. Her defences would have to hold through this. Alessia put one foot backwards as Zephyr sped towards her. She lowered her head and leaped forwards, black hair splaying out behind her as she ran in to meet the charge. Putting all of the strength she could, channelling magic into the blade and moving as fast as she could make herself, Alessia jumped forwards and sliced Zephyr with her sword, hoping for the one strike to win it all. Alessia used Binding Strike (I do have this, check OoC). Before the tournament: "Well, yeah. I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure right?" Alessia replied, shrugging. She didn't exactly have any idea of where to start, or even how, but the gesture seemed to mean a lot. At least he wouldn't be alone in the search, because she imagined that it wouldn't be easy. She didn't really know what else to say, so she just waited to see if he said something.
Dale smirked as Gexln delivered his account. He almost felt bad about being so happy about condemning another Guild Member and especially doing this in front of Caliborn, but it was necessary. Mikasa had tried to hurt Johanna and she needed to pay for it somehow. He didn't want to kill her or anything, he had calmed down enough for that, but she needed to have some kind of punishment metered out in order to deter her from doing something like this again. She had turned into Titan form and attacked people for the Gods' sakes, how could she possibly be acquitted of this? With the S-Class' piece done, he left it to Caliborn to decide whether he had any questions to ask. "I don't think that this needs further questioning. How about you Caliborn?" Caliborn sighed. Gexln's account didn't contain anything good for sure. It seemed as if there was an argument that occurred, that led to the outbreak of this to a certain extent. Of course Mikasa had managed to get into a fight with Gexln. The two were particularly stubborn and had always been contentious, so it was hardly surprising that they managed to come into conflict. Gexln did have his pride, and what in the world led Mikasa to believe that he wasn't a 'real Dragonslayer'? He had no reason to lie, and chose to believe that she had said something like that. Whatever reason could she have for making such an accusation against him? More problems to unravel in a situation where heaps of them were piling up. "No, I see no reason to question Gexln at this juncture. By all means, please bring in the next person to testify." Caliborn answered evenly. "Very well." Dale replied. Gexln was removed from the stand and he considered who to bring up. He wanted to bring in Boreal, but it was likely that he would be blown off immediately. It was a little early in the case he felt, but it seemed that Boreal was going to need to play support rather than primary evidence for the incident that he wanted to report. It was time to bring out the girl he loved, Johanna. This trial was for her benefit after all. "Johanna, can you come to the stand please? Tell us what happened when Mikasa kidnapped you, and the events leading up to me meeting you on the stairs." Dale requested, looking at Johanna, then Evanora, Caliborn and then Mikasa.
Dale folded his arms and couldn't help but look a little smug as Ra explained rather clearly, and in no uncertain terms, that she was certainly guilty of the assault and intending to kill accusations. In the process, he had even managed to get him out of trouble to a certain degree.by suggesting that it was part of a plan to betray Delphine. To be fair, as soon as he found out about the insane dragon plan he would have sold her out. He wanted to blow off some steam and get away from things for a bit to calm down, not destroy the whole town with some crazy woman's pseudo dragon. Even he wasn't that impulsive, and he knew that he wasn't always the most rational of people. "Thank you Ra. You may leave the stand unless Caliborn has anything he wishes to ask you." "No, I have nothing to ask at this time. By all means, continue calling your witnesses." Caliborn replied. Dale looked smug already. Ra had more or less confirmed the majority of the accusations against her, however he hadn't won yet. He would do well to remember that, though it was not his place to say and doing so would likely harm his position more so than anything. "Thank you Ra. Next, I would like to ask another person present at the time, Gexln. Would you please come up to the stand and, as Ra did, explain what happened?" Dale requested. He'd have to call up his brother soon. Judging by what he had already asked him, there was some damning evidence in his hands that he could use. Something that would really show how terrible she was.
Dale listened impatiently as Evanora said all the necessary rubbish that had to be said for these legal proceedings. He had never been in one of these before, but he decided that they prefaced things with far too much nonsense. Couldn't they just let things be an open discussion? This was a Guild. They weren't exactly in a proper court. He could understand if they were taking it directly to the law but this was strictly internal and Evanora was going to such a great extent to get things done officially. She had even got the Guild Hall dressed up like a bloody courtroom. Finally, she was finished and it was time for him to make his opening statement. Having never done this before, he was unsure how well this would turn out. "I would like to thank Evanora for allowing this trial to happen so that we may bring the S-Class, Mikasa Ackerman to justice for the crimes of the attempted murder and kidnapping of Johanna Evtheven, as well a a further crime - Assault on other members of the Guild." Dale spoke. He glared at MIkasa balefully. "Her actions were an act of unprovoked harm against Johanna who has had nothing to do with the situation. I will ask my witnesses to stand and prove definitively that there was no excusable reason to attack Johanna and that she is most certainly guilty of the crimes she is accused of. Her kidnapping is a random act of violence against an innocent woman, and the reason for it is something that I would very much like to ascertain today." Looking at Dale, he knew that the man was angry. He could hardly blame him. Truth be told, the S-Class was hardly pleased but he put on a show of being more forgiving for Mikasa's benefit. He hoped that she would be able to keep that promise that she made him. he hoped that her punishment was not too harsh. What she was not acceptable, but equally he had to make sure that it did not go to any great extremes. Some people in the room had high running tempers and if they got out of hand, then there could be a severely disproportionate carrying out of 'justice'. When it was his turn to speak, he looked straight at Dale and held himself as high as he could. "Thank you for offering the opportunity to defend Mikasa, and thank you all in advance for taking the time to listen to what I am saying. I hope that you will consider things as fairly as possible and that you will be inclined to give some leniency to her." Caliborn began. "My aim today is to disprove an allegation made against her, and furthermore to win her some leniency. Her actions are not acceptable, I will be the first to admit that, however I prescribe a lighter punishment than certain others might suggest. I hope to show you that severe retribution is not necessary. You will see that Mikasa did not in fact, attempt to murder Johanna. I believe, and even do so now, that she would not stoop so low." Hopefully this is enough. And acceptable. He too had never done such a procedure before. How this would go would be... Interesting at the very least. "If that is all that you have to say, Caliborn, then I would like to invite certain members of Team King who were there on the mission when Mikasa went rogue. The first person I would like to ask to speak is Ra." Dale declared. Once Ra had stepped up, he looked at the armoured man. "Ra, please explain, from your point of view the events that led to this trial. From the encounter outside the inn to the confrontation at the Guild Hall."
Vance eventually roused himself when the time of the tournament came. He dressed as quickly as he could while making himself look smart. Every part of his outfit and his hair was arranged for optimal neatness. It was a day of battle, but that was no reason to look scruffy as far as the nobleman saw. Collecting his staff, Vance walked to the place of the tournament with confidence, certain that he would acquit himself well on this day. Assuming of course, that green witch did not appear and ruin him as she did in the first competition he had undertaken at this guild. When he got down there, he could see the strange hatted man and some of the people from the tavern that they had attended milling about in the crowd. He even managed to spot Shani and Florica in the crowd, who made their greetings. Shani was outrageous of course, and though he managed to suppress the blush there was definitely an element of embarrassment. He felt it in his chest, along with a strange feeling of nervous excitement. Given their previous exchange, he was certain that he liked the idea. He smiled back. "If I manage it, then I shall certainly take you up on that." Vance replied smoothly. Then, he turned around and looked blankly at Zephyros. "Thank you." There seemed to be something sarcastic about the way the man said it... Before the tournament and not in the trial timeline. Goodness, there are three frigging Caliborns running around now. As he wandered the guild in anticipation of what was going to happen with Mikasa, he encountered a highly upset SILVIA (definitely did not say Thea before). He was in the midst of considering what was going to happen with that situation and how he was possibly going to be able to defend her, given the severity of what she had done. He was quickly shaken out of this consideration when he spotted the young lady in distress. He approached swiftly and put a fatherly hand on her shoulder. "Silvia, are you quite alright?" Caliborn asked, concerned. In the tournament timeline. Caliborn patrolled the arenas, watching each guild member fight each other. It was quite the event. It was livelier than it had been in some time. The spectators were going to get a varied show, that much was certain. When he walked past Calxiyn's arena, he saw her immediately wipe out Thea. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. She was... Remarkably strong actually. He didn't expect it to be over that quickly. It was a little concerning actually and he hoped the little one wasn't overly hurt. It was a mixed image so far, with some battles ending instantly in one strike, and others lasting a little longer. It was an interesting event at least.
Tatiana came to rather suddenly, and she was more than a little confused. He noticed her stirring and turned to look, but as soon as she began to groggily ask her questions he knelt down in front of her on one knee. "Relax, you're safe. You are in Kaer Morhen, a stronghold of the Witchers. My name is Derrick of Kaedwen, the dark haired man is Veceslav and the third man here is named Kreuz." Derrick explained calmly, keeping his voice fairly neutral to try and ensure that she did not panic. "Aaron was here, though he has gone out now. As for the other woman... Do you mean Veera? I'm not sure where she is at the moment." Then, the pain seemed to hit her. Even though whatever had happened was clearly healed, she clutched her side regardless. A side effect of the Swallow that she took? He looked around at Veceslav. "Crow, she's in pain. Think it's the Swallow?" He asked. When he turned to look at her again, it seemed to have subsided but he could see the tears that she was trying to hold back. "Has the pain gone? We'll see what we can do for you here. Honestly, it's probably best not to move you unless there's a definite way to keep you in good health available where you go back to." Delaine shook her head and put her hands on her hips. She looked at him severely. Does he not know how things work in real life? "Listen stranger, I don't think you know how this works. Corwyn and I don't own any of the land around here. if you want to work for coin, go ask one of the farmers, or Bowen if you're into hunting of some kind. I run my business. You can pay for the cot or you're not sleeping here." Delaine replied. Now he wants to know where the shop is? He makes very little sense. It's not like it's going to be open at this time of night. "And the nearest shop belongs to Wilfred Hoover, our blacksmith and general handyman. He's not going to be awake now so you'd best wait until the morning unless you want him to, what does he say Corwyn?" "Batter the **** out of you!" Corwyn called from his spot over in the kitchen. The knight's meal needed a few minutes just to cook now, so he had taken to the table and was serving the various farmers and soldiers that wanted something to drink. He noticed some of the regulars looking oddly at the one that Delaine was dealing with. He supposed that he really was a stranger as even the Nilfgaardians were looking at him suspiciously. Well, gotta say one thing for the Black Ones. They do seem to care about the people who give them drinks. Suits us just fine. "Yes, that." Delaine continued. "So, what's it going to be? You going to get a cot in the main room? They're good enough for most people coming around, even the Nilfgaardian officers. We're not having people sleeping on the floor because that just gets in the way."
Alessia is switching Cure and Fire Surge for Binding Strike.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Zephyr." Alessia said as sincerely as possible. It must have been hard, living without his parents like that, and for so long. Losing his Dad at 2 and his mom at 4? She couldn't imagine losing either of her parents now, let alone earlier in her life. It seemed that he was alright though. And he even went out looking for his dad but, by the sounds of it he hadn't actually managed to find him. She reflected on how lucky she was to still have her parents, and wondered how many people in the Guild were like him - Missing family. She guessed that the little girl, Thea was without her parents. If she wasn't, then what kind of parents brought her into a dark guild at her age? "I hope you can find him one day. If you want help with trying then, I can. It's not much but, you never know..." It was a big commitment she was making, but that seemed like a good thing to say. She liked him so, there was no reason not to help him find his father. He probably wouldn't even accept her help anyway. One timeskip later. Alessia stepped into the arena with her sword drawn and her new shield in her hands. Her face was an image of determination and she was prepared to fight whoever faced her. She felt a little nervous, because she wasn't the most powerful person in the Guild she knew full well and she could be facing one of the most powerful people here for all she knew. When Zephyr stepped in to face her, she wasn't sure how to feel about it. He was pretty tough. It was going to be a close one. "Good luck." She smiled, then set herself in to attack. Zephyr surrounded himself with a Fire Surge, an attack that she knew well. It was time to try out something new. She activated a cloak of electricity around herself and charged forwards fearlessly, shield out in front and ready to swing in with her sword at the right moment. Alessia used Thunder Surge.
"Cintra to Novigrad eh? That's a long trek. Come all the way from Black One territory." Delaine replied, nodding knowingly. "If Corwyn and I weren't tied down here, I'd be tempted to go travelling. Perhaps another time." At that point, someone dressed in a black coat and hooded appeared. Delaine regarded him suspiciously, she didn't trust anyone that hid themselves like that. It only, in her opinion, added a sense of urgency to dealing with them. She nodded to Elwyn. "You'll have to tell me a little of your travels later." Delaine stood up and turned to face their new customer, though first she shouted over to Corwyn. "How's that food coming Corwyn?" When he looked over, she gave a subtle nod at the new guest, to which Corwyn replied. He was now aware that there was someone that his wife considered potentially problematic. He could hardly disagree with his wife either, he didn't seem to be the most savoury of characters if his garb was anything to speak of. Not to mention the hour of his appearance. "Bubbling in the pot love!" Corwyn shouted back. Then, the hostess turned to face the stranger. "Yes, this is where you can get a bed. It'll be ten Crowns for one of the cots in the main room. We're out of single rooms, so you'll have to go in with the drunk Nilfgaardians and other folk." Delaine explained coolly, standing tall and looking directly at where the man's eyes would be if they weren't obscured by the cloak. The two of them had made their way through the mountain pass and were now securely on the way to the elusive fortress. In fact, they were just making their way there now. They had found the path up to it, and now it was time for them to achieve stage one of the plan. Carrak of Cintra, or rather, Adolin Bonhart grinned. It was time for them to begin in earnest the plan that he had been contemplating for some time. He looked at his companion, who merely raised an eyebrow at him. "Is it not exciting, Alanna? We've almost made it - Stage One. The rest will soon follow." He said gleefully. She of course, was not going to fall into this particular trap. Adolin, for she refused to call him by the name of his false identity when she didn't have to, was easy to stir up into a never ending gibbering frenzy if pushed at times like this. When she had made the mistake of asking about what he was taking about the first time, she knew full well to never ask again. It was also her first hint that something was not quite right with her Doppler friend. She said friend. Captor would be more appropriate but there was a kind of almost friendship between them. They were not bored of each other's company, and that was enough. "Yes, yes, very exciting. I'm sure that you're thrilled to be within sight of getting one thing actually done with this insane plan of yours." Now things looked to be getting interesting, and Alanna had to consider her stance. If, not when, Adolin succeeded in pulling off his stunt here with her help, then she would automatically be complicit. This posed an obvious problem. If they were caught, which they were very likely to be, then she was in a great deal of trouble. She doubted that the Witchers would spare her if they discovered her involvement with this individual. And yet, she had very little choice. "Oh, rest assured, I am. This is your part Alanna. You are essential. We'll never make work without you." She rolled her eyes. This, again? He hadn't caught the sarcastic tone at all. "I know Adolin. I know." Alanna comforted herself with one fact as they continued their way up to their ultimate target. It would be almost impossible to destroy Kaer Morhen.
Zephyr said that it wasn't her fault, so that was something. She was inclined to believe him. Why wouldn't she? He wasn't going to make everything out to be fine when it wasn't, that would just be silly. Despite the fact that it was probably private, she was also kind of curious as to what sort of complicated that he had in his life. Hers really was quite easy, fairly stress free. Judging by the people she had seen, she guessed that she was one of the only people who had lived a normal life before coming here. "I don't mean to be rude but, what's complicated about it?" She asked. "Did you not get on with your parents?" Apparently that happened with people. She didn't get that so much though, given that hers were nice and her friends back home didn't really seem to have many issues either. For Halloween... "You intend to vanquish me with that pathetic little blade? And your weak physique? Honestly, you should just give up now, it'l be less embarrassing for you." Vance said, parrying her blows with relative ease. "If you give in now, you'll be spared the worst of what may come. You'll live comfortably, and in time happily. Yes. Join me, and together we shall rule over the moors as husband and wife!" The marriage bit is being more generous than she understands. Back in the real world where Vance isn't horribly weird about women. Finally, he had cleaned up the mess that Tessa had made with that thrice accursed wind spell. He stretched himself out, groaning pleasurably as his muscles expanded. He took off his coat and hung it up next to his bed, then did the same for his shirt. It was plenty warm enough and honestly, he didn't wish to ruin his clothing by wearing it in his bed. He also removed his boots and switched to a pair of trousers he had specifically made for optimal comfort. Then, the young nobleman tucked himself into the bed and attempted to get himself to sleep. His thoughts roamed his mindscape for a time, creating webs of connections to represent the social relations that he was aware of and started to consider some countermeasures against the obviously unstable woman that had recently managed to attach herself to Conrad. One with a hatred for noblemen too, Still, the other man would be fine. He was, relatively speaking, new money and he wasn't quite yet entrenched in their world to the same degree as the Dorians. Perhaps that would give him some leeway with that strange witch by the name of Tessa.
Were the circumstances different, it would have been nice, almost endearing to see her laugh and smile. Sadly, the situation wasn't quite the gentle, friendly one that would be optimal. At least, he supposed, she was admitting that she had some faults. He hadn't a clue as to how to correct any of it, or make her feel better, so he sat there uselessly until she saw the necklace. Despite everything, seeing her pure, honest reaction brought a little warmth to him and his face changed from the stern expression to a smile. He hadn't seen her smile like that... Ever. Not to mention how she looked even slightly teary eyed. He knelt in front of her and wiped the tears off her face. "Alright Mikasa." Caliborn said. He put the necklace around her neck. "I'll hold you to that promise." He stood up and sat down again. "Now then, I suppose we wait for Evanora to decide what the plan is and then get you out of here since I have it on faith that you won't do this again." He spoke, reclining. Some of the tension was eased by her words. He wanted to believe. He wanted this woman that he had known for many years to be able to be different. Not just her cold, antisocial self, but rather happier and just... Better. "I've deactivated the mana drain. You should feel more comfortable. I'd let you out if I could, but I believe that Evanora will grill me for turning that off, let alone freeing you."
"I understand, and yet... It still doesn't feel right to me." Caliborn spoke. He listened to Mikasa's report of events. A lot of things about this situation were disappointing and what was going on with Dale was also disappointing. And then the actions of Trevor and... Boreal? Trevor seemed to be the nicer of the man's personalities, and Boreal wasn't meant to be out of his cell. Things seemed to be getting incredibly complicated. Mikasa's reasoning with things was flawed. It didn't add up. He didn't trust her to tell the entire truth here and honestly, everything felt wrong about it. Johanna certainly wouldn't have gotten involved if it was just a trick on her part. Still, he wanted to believe in her, so he was torn. They'd have to speak to Dale and the others and get the story off them. Hopefully this Daphne person would be dealt with soon, because whether or not Dale had actually helped her actions were a danger should she have succeeded. "We'll see. We do need to talk to Dale, and the others to see what was happening. I'm not sure what to make about this situation." Evanora reported that she was leaving to speak with Dale. As soon as Mikasa was gone, he deactivated the mana drain device but left the suppression chains on. "Still... There were better ways than fighting everyone Mikasa." Caliborn sat down in his chair and put his head in his hands. "However, what you did does seem to have saved us some trouble." He was at a loss for words now and the room fell into an awkward silence for a minute before he remembered the thing in his inner pocket. He took it out and showed the necklace to her. "I got this for you while I was out today." Caliborn said. "I want to give it to you. Just... Promise that I can have faith in you. It should never have come to this in the first place."
Evanora came quickly to the scene, almost immediately. It wasn’t perhaps surprising, given the noise and really it was amazing that she hadn’t intervened before. Of course, she began to immediately give her orders as was expected. “I can’t say for sure, I just got here myself. I was supervising Cal and ran into Edric when I spotted her in her Titan form. You’re better off asking Gexln frankly, given that he was here when I arrived.” Caliborn replied. As soon as she said to get a healer, he reached out and cast a quick Sky Dragon’s healing spell on the people present. Having been applied to everyone, and the relative speed, it might not have been a quality heal but it would stabilise any wounds. Johanna could deal with the rest later. He took the objects and pocketed them, then picked up Mikasa. He reluctantly carried her to the tower and placed her down. He looked around and noticed something odd. Boreal, who they were holding before, had disappeared. The chains he was in were fine and in fact, it looked like he was allowed out. He couldn’t feasibly have lockpicked his way out, could he? That was beside the point, though he would raise the issue with Evanora at some point. He set up the prison, though he wasn’t comfortable with it. It would drain away her magical energy and he was distinctly uncomfortable with this. When Evanora arrived, the questioning begun. He was disappointed, but that was necessary. Honestly, he mostly felt a little disgust. Seeing his friend chained down and degraded like this, her very life force being drained away… He was disappointed with Mikasa but he hardly approved of Evanora’s methods here. “First of all Evanora, let us get this done quickly. I dislike having one of my friends held in such a manner.” He stated. “There’s no dignity in it.” His voice was clipped and cold. He sighed, and shook his head. “Well Mikasa, I have to ask – Why did you do it?” He asked. “And what happened out there? What brought you into conflict with the other members of the Guild?”
