Tales of Neutral Ground IC

[3SecondCultist]

Castling

Magistrate Lann glances at the documents but doesn't take them himself; as you are all escorted into the Hall proper, he motions for a Deneith deputy to come and start the collection process. Both Lann and Nyctessa are standing aside to let the other officials do their jobs, neither wanting to get in the way of the castle's custodians. Draci, to her credit, doesn't resist at all even when they come for her gear. Piece by piece, her plate armor and sword are collected and locked up as she watches dispassionately. The half orc dips her head slightly at both Arimart and Drake when her time comes to be dragged off to her holding cell, not looking back once.

When it comes time for the Throne Wardens to take him into custody, Arano asks for just one more moment with Kett. He doesn't move in for a hug, or a kiss, or embrace; now is not the time or place. Instead, he leans in slightly to murmur in his mother tongue: "This is my choice, Kett. For you - and for her - I would do it all again. Promise me that you'll do what you can to keep our family safe on the outside, okay?" His lip twists into a grin, and for just one moment the day almost breaks through the windows.

"I'll see you when I see you," the Phiarlan spy waves at the rest of your group as he's being taken away. The guards lead him across the foyer to the same stairwell, and then he's gone.

Neither lawyer nor judge interrupts the farewell, yet they stand expectantly in its wake. You notice for the first time that Lann's face is creased with open worry, a stark contrast to the breezy welcome you received upon your arrival.

"We need to talk now, before the situation gets worse," Berem says in response to the earlier question. "This is serious, Arimart. The Tribunal is shaken, and I can't really blame them. Your allies would be greatly appreciated too; we need all the help we can get. Have them consider this a favor if they want, one that I would see repaid personally."