Phaedra shakes Tristan's hand. "Well, I am not exactly used to big crowds yet either. Most of my work has been in smaller theaters and performing my craft at temple. This is just the kind of opportunity to make or end and actor's career."
In response to William: "I wish that I could remember what the play is about as well, perhaps if I give it more thought then something will come to mind. It certainly wouldn't hurt to know the reason why it hasn't been performed in so long."
Phaedra shakes Tristan's hand. "Well, I am not exactly used to big crowds yet either. Most of my work has been in smaller theaters and performing my craft at temple. This is just the kind of opportunity to make or end and actor's career."
Tristain takes small comfort in that.
"If I have no career to speak of, then I am not risking much, am I? Nonetheless, I shall attempt to do my best."
Tristain realizes that he still wants to punch both Thesing and the Dickector, but realizes that that will have to wait until after the performance.
* * *
William smiles and nods to Tristain as well.
Tristain smiles and nods back, now certain of what method of introduction he should have done with Phaedra.
"Greetings, William. I am Tristain." Tristain smiles and nods again, just to be sure he is doing it correctly.
"Have you been, uh, magicking a long time? Will you be using it to help your performance, William?" Tristain wiggles his fingers in the witchy-wizard gesture in case Williams doesn't get it. "I mean, can your magic, uh, help someone else who needs help acting?"
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Speaking to Tristain and William Guys don't be so worried about the acting part. If you've ever been with a woman, then you realize nothing is real...everything is fake on everyone's part. Plus around here, if you screw up you end up dead...just like with a woman.
Corey glances over towards Phaedra That's why I always tell the truth.
Corey wakes the three in closer Besides, remember WHY we are doing this...not just for Phaedra's and my craft...not for fame...but for the opportunity to get into THE PARTY. That is a goal in and of itself. And since we are a bunch of lowborn and unrecognized losers who could never get into the party anyways, here is our chance with speaking roles and all. The trick is staying alive...I hope you can really help with that Phaedra. It sounds like your part, being the comedic relief and all, will be key with 'futile healing in the face of great death or dismemberment'. I expect we will be giving a show that the audience will never forget.
Corey walks to the edge of teh stage and turns back the the other players So we will come, ready to face up to Asmodeous's servants themselves, give and take pain and suffering from their worship, all just for the invite into the home of the greatest theater fan in this corner of Cheliax.
Continuing to pace on stage and talking, almost ranting, uncaring if anyone is even paying attention to him any more... This Production and the Acts that follow should make Westcrown seem as if we had all just witnessed the second coming of Aroden himself!
William chuckles at Tristain. "If you are suggesting that I could summon you the wit of a thousand actors, and the showmanship of the bards of yore..., i'm afraid that is beyond my reach.
William sighs for a moment and rubs his temples. "No sir, my spells tomorrow are going to have a singular purpose, get us out of this alive. This is Cheliax, I suspect the stage fights are going to be live combat. And I need to at least play the part of the quick witted wizard."
William chuckles at Corey. "I will do what I can. Being the son of a devil binder doesn't give me a lot to pull from magically speaking. But I will do my best."
Phaedra eyes Corey as he continues with his little semi-rant. Yep, that one is an actual actor. Definitely the dramatic type. And if he always tells the truth, then he is certainly the first man I've met who has ever done so. Most will just say anything to get you where they want you. Or has he never noticed how many auditions end up with private follow-ups?
Not caring to get into a discussion with Corey right now on which sex lies the most, Phaedra chooses to attempt to get some rest for the night, sure that the next day will be a busy one. She will attempt to awaken before the others the next day to offer up her prayers to Shelyn and ask her to bless her and her fellow actors on their upcoming artistic endeavor.
William spends some time in study alone, pouring over his spells, preparing for what is to be a truly harrowing day.
He wakes at first light, and from under his robes produces a talisman, a holy symbol resembling a two-toned mask, half is black, and half is white.
He spends quite a bit of time in meditation, in a very serene lotus position on the ground, head held slightly upwards, eyes closed and breathing very rhythmic.
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The play is an adventure play but also shows the greatness of Asmodeus. So, in some regards, it's a religious play. However, it is notorious and was banned (and it was said all known copies were destroyed) for a simple reason: no cast has survived a production of the full, uncut version of the play. This actually led to a mild rebellion within the nobility, and the remaining actors tried to rally the citizens against the church. So, it was the church, at the pressing of the nobles many years ago, to destroy the play. Why they have decided to do it again? The current Lord Mayor Arvanxi is a huge fan of the performing arts. Under his rule, actors have gained a status and income unheard of, which may have led some actors to seeing themselves better than other people. Indeed, many actors believe they are under the special protection of the Lord Mayor himself, if you are famous enough.
You arrive back at the Limehouse Theater all ready to go. You notice that Robahl is nowhere to be found. Indeed, none of the actors have seen him or heard from him. As such, nobody has a script, which is most worrisome. Delour is absolutely in a panic, while Calseinica tries to calm her down, reminding her of her many years of experience and thus she'll find a way to improvise. Millech is already at the Nightshade Theater preparing for the show.
As you all leave the Limehouse Theater, there is a small crowd outside, tossing flowers on the ground as you walk. Apparently, there has been news of the play and those who want to see the actors on the mainland, this is their chance. One of the people in the crowd holds a rather familiar symbol on a sign while preaching hope to the people in the crowd.
You approach the dock on the western side of Westcrown, and there are two boats. One boat is rather lavish with velvet seats and several rowers. The other boat, well, let's say it needs some work. Thesling smiles and says, "Guess which boat is yours. Hahahaha." He steps into the lavish boat with Delour and Calseinica, who tries not to look at you. You all step into the other boat, which is adorned with, well, a fishing net on the bottom and some wooden bench seats that only have a few splinters.
Since your boat only has two rowers (two more rower spots are somehow empty...wonder how that happened), Thesling's boat outpaces you rather quickly and soon you lose it. As you reach the island and pass through the canal gate, you are amazed at how beautiful the buildings are inside. The artwork on the walls of the buildings is nothing like you've ever seen. The gardens adorning the houses are very well maintained. When you dock, you can see there WAS a small crowd that had gathered to greet the actors, but they have already left by the time you arrive.
In fact, you realize you might have lost track of time on the boat, and a passer by person tells you it is 3:15pm (15:15), and the show is about to begin! Running, you see Millech trying to get your attention at the side entrance to the Nightshade Theater. "Why are you so late! Hurry up, Robahl is going to be damned mad. We have to do the ritual and give you the script!" He ushers you inside the back entrance in a hurried fashion. Luckily, you all are in costume so there really isn't anything to prepare, except for getting your lines! Robahl sees you and wants to yell, but remembers he's in a live theater with important guests. "Remind me to kill you if this play doesn't. How dare you be so late to my play! The ritual for the blessing of the performance is about to begin. Do you have anything to say before we begin?"
About this time, you see an Asmodean priest with a young overweight blonde girl by his side "Greetings! We shall begin the ritual in a moment to bless your performance. Did you hand them the script, Mr. Nonon?" Robahl slaps his head and hands each of you a copy of your lines. The priest continues, "The master script is under lock and key in the temple, but these are your lines. When you are done, we will destroy your scripts so that the master script remains the only known version. Is that clear? So, I assume you all know the ritual, yes?"
Phaedra endues the scolding by Robahl without comment. Any attemp at defense only angers his type more. When the priest speaks of the ritual, Phaedra asks: "Could you perhaps remind us of the ritual sir? I am so nervous right now that I can barely remember my own name."
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I think i know this one....let me think a moment...we gather around a burning braizier and then *cough, ahem*...You put your right hand, then pull your right out, you put your right in and then you shake all about as you are filled with Asmodeus' unholy inspiration....Right? Corey looks at the priest expectantly...and then winks at Phaedra...
Phaedra's acting ability seems to fail her for a moment as she is unable to repress a slight snicker at Corey's comment.
Tristain only mostly crestfalls when William callously crushes his nascent dream of having magic help with his performance.
"Well yeah, I was hoping," Tristain says, obviously still worried.
* * *
Tristain will spent as much free time as he can practicing orating, wishing he a script to read an wondering about the absurdity of this plan.
Survive the play.
Get entrance to the Mayor's mansion.
Rob him.
Yep, that's a good plan.
* * *
Tristain takes the boat ride in good stride, even offering to help row just to take his mind off the play and what was coming up next.
Tristain waves off Millech's grousing.
"Millech, if we live through this, no one will care if we were late."
* * *
Tristain overtly shivers at seeing the daughter, taking it as a bad omen atop another bad omen mixed in minced omen sauce. He curses under his breath.
"So, I assume you all know the ritual, yes?"
No, I don't you bloated begetter of evil spawn. I follow a real god, not a perverted token of overwrought buffoonery that you adore to enhance your sagging self esteem. If you had any self confidence, you'd have a real god.
Tristain nods.
* * *
"You put your right hand in, then pull your right hand..."
Not realizing that Corey is joking (and not knowing any better), Tristain begins to hokey pokey, following Corey's words.
He looks to see if he doing it right.
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The priest grows angry at your antics and smacks Robahl hard in the face. "What kind of play do you think this is? Some kind of joke? Why did you hire these idiots? They don't even know the ritual!"
Thesling steps in, hearing the antics. "I know the ritual. Millech, get the device." Millech comes with a 4 foot tall wooden Asmodean symbol. Millech lays it on the ground and walks away. Delour and Calseinica come over as well. Delour says, "Oh my, uh, what kind of ritual is this?"
The priest responds, "This play hasn't been performed in nearly a hundred years, and it requires the utmost sacrifice if it is going to succeed. We can't have more failures." He grabs his daughter, who suddenly realizes what's going on and tries to pull away. He pushes her onto the 'star' formation and puts his foot on the girl's chest who is squirming trying to get up. Robahl pulls out some nails from his pocked and Thesling has a hammer. Calseinica cries out, "No, this isn't right!" Robahl says, "Shut it. You will take less damage with this sacrifice. Otherwise, the play will end too soon."
Phaedra looks on with growing horror as she realizes what is about to happen. Surely they cannot be seriously planning to kill this young girl like this? For just a play? This is crazy...
"Uhm, usually the pre-performance rituals I've seen involved a goat. Surely that would be enough? Not that I want any kind of sacrifice to happen at all, but they seem to have their minds set on some kinds, maybe I can at least talk them down from killing that girl.
Phaedra is clearly upset by this unexpected turn of events and hold her symbol of Shelyn for comfort. If we fight them on this and prevent the sacrifice, does that mean the play won't happen and we will have missed our chance to be invited to the Lord Mayor's house? Did Ariel know this was going to happen? If so he damn well should have warned us."
William blanches a bit at the attempt to sacrifice. His thoughts are at war, understanding Robahl's position all to well. At the same time, William looks down at the girl whom he had seen only once before, and his mind puzzles a bit, trying to understand.
William snaps to as a thought comes to his mind. "Master priest, forgive my inquiry, but why would Asmodeus look favorably upon sacrificing one of his own followers, and a next generation priestess, for something so trifling as a play performace?"
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You know, I'd rather take my chances on stage than suffer this girl as a sacrifice.
Corey thinks a moment...
You know the honorable thing would be for one of us to switch places with her...I volunteer Thesling. Then he can experience anal rape by a devil in her stead. He gives Thesling a wink ;-) and blows him a kiss :-*.
Diplomacy
Tristain stands frozen for a moment while trying to decide what to do...
On one hand, Tristain looks at Thesing's hammer, wanting to snatch it from the man's hands and begin nailing, all-of-the-sudden liking this ritual more and more for the chance at some measure of revenge upon his nemesis....
...and on the other hand, revolting and trying to stop the ritual and the clear child abuse. However, he knows. that in this society such things are appropriate and common.
Tristain's face twists with indecision. He looks at his companions, truly torn by vengeance and mercy.
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Tristain's face twists with indecision. He looks at his companions, truly torn by vengeance and mercy.
The priest said, "Oh, Thesling will survive, didn't he tell you? He's playing the accuser Haanderthan. Fine. She's not going to die, just be hung over your performance and drip sacred blood on the stage."
The priest is getting rather annoyed. "If you don't drip blood of a sacred child throughout the play onto the stage, it becomes much more dangerous. Now, do you want to take the risk of extra danger, or do you want to have the child crucified above the stage? Frankly I don't care, but don't say I didn't warn you."
The girl looks up and says, "Please, I'm scared, don't let them do it!"
William watches the entire exchange, his mind puzzling at the entire affair. He thinks as he looks over to Phaedra and leans into whisper to her.
Phaedra takes a brief moment to think about what William has asked before quietly replying.
William nods and thinks, then looks over to the priest.
"Her blood must be dripped onto the stage, as you say, though no mention of her life being taken is mentioned. Is it possible that our dear comic relief paladin of Aroden could keep the child alive, while still providing the needed drops of blood? Seems to me the best plan. You keep your sacred child, we satisfy the ritual of blood, and it blesses the performance. Would that be acceptable?"
Tristain finally realizes what he must do: art. For Desna. For himself. To show the world that art can be found in even the darkest of times.
He steps back and lets Thesing go at it with the hammer.
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Robahl looks at William's suggestion, just as he's getting ready to nail the girl down. "Uhh, I know you're new to the acting thing, so, let me ask you two questions? Is it in the script, and do you think I'm going to ask her to do something not in the script?"
Seeing most of the group object to her being crucified, the priest says, "Well, okay, we'll spare my daughter's blood." He lifts his foot off the girls chest, who promptly gets up and hides behind Phaedra. "Best of luck Robahl, you're play is going to need it."
Robahl looks more upset than normal. "Damn fools! Scared of a little blood? Well, there's probably going to be a lot more blood now. Guess who's controlling your off-stage encounters? Yeah, that's right, the priest you just annoyed. Millech, get ready with your illusions, the cast is going to die soon."
"Yes Mr. Nonon. I'm ready."
Thesling smiles at your decision. "Good goin! Makes it easier for me anyway."
Delour tells Calseinica, "Those newcomers just put your life in danger! Those shouldn't be your friends." Calseinica replies, "Oh no!"
Mr. Nonon motions for everyone but Tristain to get on the stage before the curtain goes up.
William blanches at the man, and then nods with solemn resolve. Dear Nethys, give me the strength to keep these others healthy and safe. This is no way to live. I'll need every ounce of power to make it through this alive.
William comes over to the girl hiding behind Phaedra. "Are you alright? I'm sorry to have said such a terrible thing."
William smiles to her. "I am sorry to have caused you trouble. I'm afraid things may get a bit more difficult. We will do our best to try and keep you safe, alright?"
Phaedra glances down at the girl. "Well, perhaps next time he's about to pick someone else for this then, you will remember how scared you were and talk him out of doing it."
Phaedra looks back at the other actors, trying to sound reassuring and keeping her voice low so that Robahl and the priest won't hear her. "Just think, if that sadistic ritual actual worked as the priest said, then the play would never have been deemed too dangerous to be performed and would never have been locked up in the first place. It is just an extra bit of theatrics for people who can't even get off without the sight of some blood. I am sure that we will all make it through this play."
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Mr. Nonon walks out to the stage while you get into position in the stage. Millech puts shackels on Corey's wrists and a big devil-beard on Jimmy and then walks back stage. Without much practice, you rely on Thesling, Delour and Calseinica to point to you where to stand.
Mr. Nonon says to the audience, "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the premiere event at this wondrous new theater! Let me begin by extending my humblest thanks to the Church for providing the—how shall I say?—punch in tonight’s spectacle. And also my sincere gratitude and thanks to our illustrious and benevolent lord mayor, Aberian Arvanxi." The crowd applauds and the lord mayor stands up from his balcony seat and waves at everyone.
The mayor, never short for making a speech, says from his balcony seat, "I also want to thank the Church of Asmodeus for saving a copy of this play. Without them, this performance also could not have occurred. Please everyone give an Asmodean thanks to head priest Vestus Savaska." The crowd chants in unison: "Power! Glory! Asmodeus! Power! Glory! Asmodeus!"
Mr. Nonon concludes, "As many of you know, there is usually a ritual performed to sanctify the performance that blesses the actor's abilities and fortitude, protecting them from harm. However, to increase the excitement factor, our actors have decided to forgo the blessing. Thus, what you see is not benefiting from any Asmodean protection." There is a collective gasp in the audience and you hear whispering. Calisenica shakes and rubs her head, clearly worried. Mr. Nonon walks off the stage.
The curtain rises rapidly and the lights from the candles is relatively bright, briefly blinding you. Once your eyes adjust you note that the seats are packed with people dressed in very formal attire.
Thesling (Haanderthan) is perched on a high-backed obsidian bench, while Jimmy (Baliff) looks like a bearded devil, standing next to Corey (Larazod). Some random stage-hands from the Nightshade Theater sit in a group to represent the tribunal .
BAILIFF
Jimmy says in a thunderous voice, "Order in the Tribunal! The Court of His Honor Paraduke Montigny Haanderthan, Black Tongue of Asmodeus, Magistrate Maleficarum, now holds session. All rise!" Jimmy stomps his weapon on the ground when he tells everyone to rise.
HAANDERTHAN
Thesling waits a moment, allowing everyone to grow a bit tired of standing as he looks around at everyone and the crowd. "Be seated, members of the Court. Today this court seeks truth, or at least shadows thereof, from one Larazod Rilsane, honored veteran of the Shadestar War, member of a once gloried house, of recent fallen in Asmodeus’s regard. The accused stands on several counts of failed conspiracy, evidenced thereof by the industrious interrogations of the court’s own Seeker, Drovalid Vorclune, administered with his usual diligence and severity. In these interviews Vorclune gathered from notable sources, only a few of whom survived their conversations with the lash, that Larazod of the Rilsane held audience with undesirables—the topic of their whispered covenant the activities of none other than myself. A most serious affair." Thesling has been pointing at Corey with his finger as he says his lines, and rises out of his seat at his last line to point his finger right to Corey's face. He continues after his pause, "Service to Asmodeus’s ever-darkening glory is never without risk of menace, betrayal, and threat of doom. My family and I have long suffered the bumbling attempts of assassins who would tear at our dark lord’s visage as casually as they befoul their mothers’ beds."
Thesling stops pointing and sits back into his chair, "What they lack in cunning they bolster with sheer desperation, evidenced by consorting with all manner of Aroden-suckling knaves, and aged wiz-worms who trust in mystic secrets over the Dark One’s love." He stands and points at William and Phaedra as he says these lines.
"You hereby stand accused, Larazod, along with your ill seeming compatriots, of conspiracy to undertake grievous harm to the institution of this tribunal, namely myself, Paraduke Montigny Haanderthan. How answer thee these charges, Larazod of House Rilsane? Be thou maligned by a scandal-brewer’s wagging tongue, or dost thou cleave to my comings and goings as a bloat fly to a fresh cadaver?"
He waits a second. "Speak! And know that lies are my closest friends. They’ll betray you before I. Speak the truth or do worse than die!"
In the background from the curtain, you can hear the director say, "Thesling you idiot, stop staring at the girls in the audience and start acting!"
William looks at the crowd, then to Corey as he recites his lines, raising his voice a bit, and using a rather harsh tone, like he always remembers his father using while he trained in the summoning room.
Dentris
"Hold your tongue, boy, and we’ll escape the firebrand yet. Your father was the model of a devil’s squire. Summon his wiles now, and keep shut that Abyss you call mouth, before we all tumble down into its darkness. Had you been born deaf and dumb, this loyal servant would yet live to see another midnight."
Trying to ignore the fact that this is, by far, the biggest crowd she has ever performed for, Phaedra steps up on her cue to deliver her lines and hopes that she does not forget anything.
"Hurl his arrogance and accusations back at him Larazod. He wants precious, golden-yoked truth? Give him more than he can choke down. For whether revealed by the brilliance of Aroen's eye, or the long red shadows cast by your Dark Lord's fiery gaze, a man false at heart and shrouded in hollow faiths is nothing more than a traitor to all. Let him that judges false be judged by wraiths. smote by his own brand should he fall."
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Corey bows to the "devil" and the straightens. Larazod knows no lies, great magistrate, and no slanderer’s tongue caresses my dignity. The accusations you speak are as true as Asmodeus’s sword. They cleave clean through. Let the witnesses suffer no more lash. To burn their innards with pokers and steal their eyes is simply to waste precious toil better spent in Asmodeus’s service. There is but one point misaligned in this dark constellation—I seek not your death, though the secrets you harbor in your feeble heart deserve a gruesome demise.
He will cast "Innocence" on himself and then turn his back on the cast and faces the audience walking towards the edge of the stage.
I carry no assassin’s blade, nor breath-stealing spell to rob your mortality. He opens his hands to show they are empty and then cast's "Dancing Lights" as a glowing humanoid shape pantomiming choking silently, To end you I need only know you, and to cast you in an honest shade. I pierce your “shadows of truth” and show you for what I know—a false knave, a demon-supping wag-tail, a balor’s bawd, a pus-leaking cataract in the eye of Asmodeus’s justice, and subject to the multi-handed ministrations of a marilith whore, dretch-loving plunderer, and traitor to our great Dark Lord.
Tristain watches from the wings, trying to learn what he can before he is called to stage. When he is not watching, he reads and re-reads his lines, going over them in his mind.
I sure would feel better about this if there was dripping blood of the 'innocent' falling upon us as we acted.
Are you joking?
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ILSANDRA
Calseinica looks at the audience and speaks directly to them. "And to think I almost spent this session in the orgybaths of Kalrath. None of their fleshy delights could compare to the ecstasy this half-breed’s words stroke within me!" She begins to rub her body while looking at Corey ..."See his fierce aspect burn in fury, even below the tribunal’s culling justice. But how shall Haanderthan answer?" She then returns back to her pose.
HAANDERTHAN
Thesling shakes his head at Calseinica's poor timing. He points his boney finger at Corey again and says, "Heavy words for a forked tongue to manage, boy. You juggle them well enough, but like a poor fool, offer jest and jape. I assume this glib outrage, obviously a threadbare attempt to throw off the keening blade of justice, is backed by the testimony of a thousand law-loving fiends?" Thesling looks around at William and Phaedra.
"Perhaps the ancient augurer at your side, ever your father’s faithful lap-lizard, probed the ancient secrets of the cosmos and uncovered my blasphemous treachery? Or have you a soulbonded scroll of bone-white parchment upon which my scrawled hand appears next to some Abyssal conspirator? You amuse me, half-breed, and it is the only reason your sniveling soul is not yet blasted away in hellfire and borne on a river of sorrow to some ignominious corner of the Nine." Thesling smiles, as he enjoys calling Corey a half-breed .
"Whereof comes this lunacy? What disease vexes your broken mind? From what mystery of psychosis do you draw your lies?"
Phaedra scowls at Thesling. "Your mewl lies like a sullen maid on her wedding night, O Great One. Even a lord may be smote in darkness as Asmodeus sees the truth of you - A base and lowly thing, sniveling in crimson robes. These devil-bowing citizens about us are affront enough to Aroden's divine will, but ye, whose left hand clasps the devil's cock and right reaches out for demonic boon - O double dealing fiend lover, who allies with the Abyss. Infernal oaths and Abyssal blasphemy spew in one breath from your twisted lips."
Wonder if anyone will catch that ever so slight word change? It hasn't been performed in the lifetime of anyone here, so I doubt it.
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HAANDERTHAN
Thesling is actually rather angry that you turn away from him! Almost screaming, he yells, "You persist in this foolishness?! It shall go hard for you and yours!" He continues, a bit more somberly, "Recant and your deaths shall be swift, your souls consigned to diligent service in Hell. Refuse, and enlist in agony’s service, consign your soul to wallow in the most ignominious corner of the Nine, and take eternal suffering as your bedmate!"
ILSANDRA
Again she waits too long after Thesling finishes. Robahl says quietly from the side, "He's to have..."
Calseinica then says to the audience, "He's to have a much more interesting bedmate, if I’ve anything to say!" The crowd laughs. "The fire that one shows at tribunal, will no doubt burn even stronger between my sheets!" Calseinica moans. The crowd keeps laughing.
William smirks, casting his gaze to the audience, using his best deep sultry tones, which for a nineteen year old isn't much, but he tries nonetheless.
That one grows hot betwixt her infernal thighs. Hope beyond hope. One voice of dissent on the council and the slenderest chance of salvation is ours to clutch. Let this waxen sliver of hope not melt until she does—let her find her tongue.
Tristain watches from the shadows both awaiting and fearing his turn on stage.
I should force myself to vomit before going on. I really should.
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HAANDERTHAN
Thesling nearly slips backwards, not expecting to be pushed. He gives Corey a dirty look. "Innocent, of course! And so judgment is passed. My right as magistrate puts YOU to the flames on my command! My word is the law."
William smirks, moving up to pull Corey back just a tad, Like a disapproving father, while at the same time casting a very stern gaze and almost condescending smirk towards Thesling. Maybe if Corey can push him a little bit, without overdoing things, we can put any foibles of the play on this hack of an actor.
Respectfully, my lord, when I was a barrister of the tribunal, it was common practice to ask Consular Consent in any judgement of a matter involving the Magistrate personally in the case. Has the ancient code of Asmodeus’s court, scorched on the Tablets of Law by our Great Lord’s own fiery talon, so fallen as to warrant its complete disregard in this tribunal?
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HAANDERTHAN
Thesling shakes his head. "Of course, you are correct, old man. I’ve no intention of affronting our Great Lord. Council, what say ye on this matter? Do you concur with my judgment? These heinous slanders cast upon my great name warrant utter annihilation. So sayeth I, Magistrate of this Gloried Tribunal. Do you agree?" He folds his arms in front of him, nodding his head as he knows the answer.
Councillors mutter and call out “Aye.” There is a brief pause, and Thesling gives Calseinica a dirty look.
Robhal whispers from the curtain to the stage, "Horse sound."
ILSANDRA
Calseinica remembers and says, "Nay."
HAANDERTHAN
Shaking his head in disgust for several reasons, Thesling says, "My ears deceive me. Do you, august erinyes, daughter of Hell, speak against our cause?"
ILSANDRA
Calseinica turns to Thesling and says in a quiet but stern voice, "I speak against your judgment. Our cause is yet undetermined by my mark. According to our oldest codes, truth can be drawn from an offender, as pus from a wound. Asmodeus’s Trials show the true heart from the false. Why, simply put the half-breed to the flames. Let us try him properly in accordance with the OLD ways.
William smiles, gripping Corey's shoulder gently as he smiles to Calseinica. I get the feeling from what I read in this script, that these trials, are more than just an act. Nethys preserve this man as we all endure them. Father of Magic, show us the path.
Well done, lad. Your pretty infernal face is good for something, even if your tongue offends all who hear. We may live yet.
William steps back, behind Corey, examining the stage, and then casting his gaze out to the crowd for a minute, to try and see if perhaps he could recognize some of the attendees.
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HAANDERTHAN
Thesling shakes his head and sighs. "Tut, the business of the tribunal heaps higher day by day." He turns to the council, pleading with them. "We’ve cases waiting in the wings by the thousands. Penitent souls SINGING out for justice. Shall we delay their flight to Asmodeus’s waiting embrace to engage in infantile contests? Nay, expediency is our charge when matters so lacking in evidence are brought before our bench."
ILSANDRA
Calseinica wipes her forehead with a hankerchef and says, "Come, come, sweet magistrate. The spectacle of a few trials would do my poor heart well. I wane at these tiresome sessions. Let the trials commence. ’Twould arouse me. ’Twould tickle me. ’Twould drive me to distraction."
HAANDERTHAN
"Trials you say? How now? If it is to be so, let us sweeten the pot!" He begins to pace back and forth. "A price I would exact for trials as you insist. If this half-breed fails, not only is my name cleared of all preposterous charges, but YOU shall compact to me for a full moon’s service, to do MY bidding and satisfy ALL my...unwholesome needs." He begins to make humping motions.
ILSANDRA
Calseinica starts to blush and replies, "Let it be so agreed. I hunger so for trials, I happily wager my body to your whim. We shall see if this half-breed’s words strike true or false."
HAANDERTHAN
"So be it. Larazod, you stand in trial. By my discretion you shall face SIX of Asmodeus’s fell tests. You stand alone in the face of terrors over which no mortal has prevailed!"
Phaedra moves up to stand beside Larazod. "Not alone my Lord. I shall stand with him!"