Just look into me eyes and play!
She’ll love it!
Yer voice is beautiful!
Sing loudly and proudly!
While the Crystalhue celebration is underway, Eunomia slips into the prison area to talk to the two boys. While she wants to support Addy, Crystalhue isn't a celebration of her goddess.
Finding the truth however definitely is.
"Oh! Wow!" Tyg exclaims.
The crowd already appears pleased by the show, even though the players have yet to play. Addy's own parents look to be especially enjoying the display, beaming with pride.
"Since it's so important, I guess there's no reason to be nervous," she muses in a flash of fey logic. The grig straightens her posture and readies her harp, coaxing her fey fellows to do likewise.
"Um...I heard bigginses like their songs to have names," Snickerdoodle speaks up, "but ours doesn't. Should we give it a name before we start?"
You don't believe the boy. He is too defensive, and it doesn't sound like he really believes what he's saying.
You strongly suspect that this was not nearly so much of an accident as they've made it sound.
Addy recalls the opening number from rehearsal. Low hums and gentle pluckings play like a snow flurry, with the sprites twirling about like descending flakes.
“We could call it Winter is Coming. Nah... that sounds rather ominous, now that I’ve said it aloud. Winds o’ Winter? Nope, nope, forget I said it. That title shan’t see the light o’ day.”
She considers the dance. Miss Tremaine and Lenore talked about dances. One kind of dance is a W-word, perfect for a Winter-alliteration. Addy snaps her fingers. “I got it!”
To the crowd, she bellows, “Ladies and gents, li’l ones of all ages, prepare yer selves for six minutes o’ pure bliss—that being the first song and dance of our fey troupe performance:
“Waltz—” Don’t say ‘of Winter!’ No more titles with ‘winter’ in it! “—o’ the Snowflakes!”
Addy is not a performer, but she is an artist with social grace. Thus, once the fey begin the Waltz of the Snowlakes, Addy poises her body to create the illusion that she and her white dress represent a winter landscape for the diminutive dancers.
The sprites and pooka...could have used some more practice. Perhaps their overabundance of enthusiasm bleeds over into their performance, but it simply does not do justice to the introduction given by Addy. Ultimately, their performance is merely adequate, but the spectacle of fey performers - combined with Addy's stage presence - greatly glosses over the small ones' shortcomings.
Tyg, though, is another matter. Despite the shrill squeak of her voice and the erratic bounciness of her personality, her skill at the harp would not be out of place in a city's finest concert halls. It is the grig's harp-work and Addy's impromptu addition that really makes the Waltz of the Snowflakes for the festival crowd.
In the end, there are smiles and sincere applause to warm the winter day.
"We didn't think he'd get hurt! It was just supposed to be a goof!" one of the boys pleads, erupting into blubbering.
She stands up, making sure to look both boys in the eyes. (If they can meet hers.) "You'll have some time to think while the festival continues, and there's one thing in particular I want you to think about. Are you sorry for throwing Coda off a cliff? Are you sorry he got hurt? Or are you just sorry you got in trouble?" She lets the words hang in the air for a moment, then inclines her head and turns to go.
Were mistakes made? Like a good winterscape, Addy did not react… but that wasn’t neutrality. She was doing all in her power to feign a mere smile which severely understated her euphoria as ladies no bigger than her hand danced about her body. And the harp-player on her knee was flawless!
She waits for all three of the winged women to take flight, then takes the hand of the fiddler at her side, and bows with the performers.
Backstage, her real feelings show in the form of an ear-to-ear grin. “Thank ye so much for inviting me to the stage! That was even better than how we rehearsed it! Did ye see me parents’ faces? Oh, I gotta go to them! Snickerdoodle, would ye mind helping me serve cups o’ yer berry juice to Ash and me parents?
“Oh, and all o’ ye’re welcome to take me seat during Wonky’s show. It’s front and center. I can introduce all o’ ye to me parents now, if that’ll make it easier.”
In any case, Addy intends to serve her parents and Ash, and she’ll offer one to Wonky as well. “Ye’re clear to set up for tonight’s finale, Miss Prong. I can’t wait!”
Her first stop is the militia members who found the boys. Ideally she'd prefer to get the names from them, rather than having to go back and ask more questions of the boys in custody. However, if the militia members have no clue, she will reluctantly go back into the cells to ask.
The boys' parents are there, as well. One boy's father is haranguing him for his reckless behavior; meanwhile, the other boy's parents are instead shouting at the guards, trying to cow them into releasing their son, whom they claim is being held for "no good reason."
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"You, I take it, are the parents of these boys?" Ahto asks in a stern tone, intending to cut through the noise, especially the shouting of the latter couple. "Have you been apprised of what happened with the Cooperson boy, and that your sons confessed to their part in it? You will stop harrangueing these guard immediately. If you wish to speak with someone about your sons' treatment in this, you may speak to me."
The boy who confessed, whose name you previously learned is Arius, is the child of the aggravated parents, Ariscus Volso and his wife, Felia. The other boy, Marcius, is being browbeat by his father, Tullius.
Ahto's interposition quickly cows the irate Volso parents, allowing Eunomia's suggestion to readily earn compliance. The Volso family is willing to step inside the barracks to continue the conversation in private, but they are somewhat more reluctant to travel all the way into the castle for more formal offices.
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Ahto concedes to move the meeting into the barracks. He sends one of the guards to fetch his sword, but bids the others to remain outside for this discussion. "Councilor Verto, " he then says, yielding the discussion to Eunomia. Ahto stands ready to intercede, but otherwise says nothing for the moment.
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an amplified voice echoes out from somewhere near the stage as a star-spangled canine form trots serenely out to the centre of the stage and plops down in a seat, tongue lolling from his mouth,
Two star candles fire off in perfect unison from the sides of the stage in a criss-cross fashion, exploding in the sky above the gathered crowd in a conglomeration of colour and sparkles. As the colours fade, Wonky jogs from the opposite end of the performance space through the crowd to the stage, waving and smiling as she goes. Her coat gleams with a neon-green lining as she climbs onto the stage and Sprocket comes to her side, delivering a slobbery kiss. The gnome turns around and waves again at the crowd, then waves off-stage towards the stage right corner. Jhod Kavken dutifully pushes a large, wheeled, blanket-covered contraption onto the stage, nods at Wonky and then retreats back to the darkness.
Wonky walks over and whips off the blanket, revealing a mechanical doo-hickey with a wide-but-thin metal pole at one end, the top end curled over and attached to the remainder of the machine with a taut wire attached to a number of springs and gears. Wonky holds out her arms to the side as she presents the whatchamacalit to the stunned and confused crowd, then wheels the thing downstage to the right corner with the pole turned towards centre stage.
With a flourish, the green-haired gnome pulls a purple, sparkly, silken handkerchief from her glowing workcoat, waving it in front of her for the audience's (again-confused) approval. She then affixes the handkerchief at the top end of the curved pole, standing on her tiptoes to do so. Turning to the crowd with a smile, she puts her fingers in her mouth and gives a quick whistle.
Sprocket happily trots to the far upstage left corner and turns towards the gnome as she takes her place at a crank on the far end of the contraption, wedged between the edge of the stage and the gathered onlookers. Wonky then opens her mouth, calling out in her normal voice.
"Sprocket! Leum is faigh!"
The canine sprints towards the far corner of the stage and the purple handkerchief dangling from the pole a mere four feet off the ground. Sprocket leaps off the ground near centre stage and easily tears the purple handkerchief from its mooring, sailing off the edge of the stage and towards the onlookers. As his jaws make contact with the handkerchief, a spray of sparklers stream out from the tail end of his costume, showering the onlookers harmlessly with ephemeral motes of fiery ash that flicker out immediately. Sprocket lands and immediately spins around to Wonky. The gnome holds out her hand for the audience's reaction.
She is not disappointed.
Addy is on the rooftop quietly enjoying the combination fireworks-slash-dog show. She will be invisible for a couple more minutes. It looks like the show could outlast several potions…!
Addy finds a place where she can see the show, but is not easily seen. She remains still and reminds herself not to ooh and ahh like the crowd below.
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Wonky's crank progressively raises the curled metal rod higher and higher, requiring progressive step-stools, ladders, and eventually, taller people (specifically, Jhod) to replace the handkerchief at the top of the pole as Sprocket continues to spectacularly leap and retrieve the handkerchief, with resultant fireworks sparks each time. A few times, Sprocket doesn't succeed with the first leap, but no more than two subsequent leaps are required for success in those instances.
Suddenly, Wonky produces a golden handkerchief from a different pocket. The pole-top stands a full fifteen feet off the ground, and Jhod takes the golden cloth from the gnome and ascends the ladder to its height, affixing the cloth and turning to the crowd with a thumbs up.
Wonky gives a thumbs up in return, then draws and quaffs a vial with speed. Suddenly, her amplified voice calls out:
She then gives a different (and amplified) whistle, while Jhod pushes a ramp to centre stage, and Sprocket takes a different position at upstage centre. The gnome pushes her strange contraption out from her downstage corner, just to the left of centre. She returns to her post at the crank, nods to Jhod (who retreats), then calls out:
The bulky dog takes off for the front of the stage, racing up the ramp, its muscled-sinewy coat rippling with energy. At the top of the ramp, the dog launches himself upward, sailing skyward!
Sprocket sails off the edge of the stage, nowhere close to the dangling golden handkerchief. He lands with a grunt, wheels around and races back for the stage as the crowd gasps in disappointment. Wonky sings out:
She then whistles for Sprocket to return to his position and calls out again.
Sprocket repeats the actions, seemingly-unaffected by the recent failure.
The second time proves worth the chance as the dog easily grabs the handkerchief in his jaws as he flies up and up. From the edges of his costume, two small rockets fly off in opposite circular directions, screaming and spewing sprays of bright white sparks.
The crowd loses their minds.
Addy watches one amazing display after another, and upon hearing the Sylvan command, she pays close attention to Sprocket.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, the Vixen is surely seeing how a rocket-dog could be an awesome sidekick against a monster, but Addy tunes out that part of herself…
”A little before noon today your sons left the festival and headed out to the cliffs beyond the mill. They were followed by Coda Cooperson, an eight year old boy who was under the impression they were all friends. Your sons thought otherwise. They were throwing stones off the edge of the cliff when they grew frustrated with Coda continuing to pester them. As a ‘prank’ they took hold of his limbs and tossed him off the cliff as well.” She pauses briefly, allowing that to sink in.
”Rather than telling anyone what they had done or making any effort to help him, they then ran off and hid in the tannery. We only learned Coda was missing because his mother asked for help in locating him, and only found him thanks to his sisters knowing the approximate direction he had gone and being able to pick up the trail from there. When we found him, he was unconscious with a severe head injury at the edge of the water.”
”These facts are not in question. Coda’s sisters identified your sons as the ‘friends’ he left with. They originally claimed he fell accidentally, but Arius later admitted the truth.” She once again pauses to allow the parents time to process this information. ”They may be children, but they are old enough to understand that actions have consequences. Coda could very easily have died from his injuries. Throwing him off a cliff was bad enough, but running away rather than making any attempt to help once it was clear he was hurt is almost worse. The former could be explained, although not excused, as an impulsive act born from frustration. The latter pushes the incident closer to something that could be considered attempted murder if they were just a few years older.”
Her face is stern. ”We recognize their youth, and have no intention of punishing them as if they were adults. But an incident this serious cannot be excused as mere childish folly. Therefore we wished to discuss the matter with you, so that together we can determine the most appropriate course of action.”
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The show continues as Wonky quaffs another vial.
The gnome hops down off the stage, followed by a tail-wagging Sprocket, and politely asks onlookers to step aside and provide a clear trail leading one hundred feet in front of the stage.
During this walk through the crowd - allowing the two a chance to shake hands and wish people in person a happy Crystalhue - Jhod Kavken is again busy on stage, pushing what appears to be a thin brick chimney to the centre of the up stage area. He then removes the ramp previously used by Sprocket and replaces it on the ground in front of the stage, providing Sprocket a direct track straight up the stage towards the brick chimney.
After a bit of hand shaking and schmoozing, Wonky leaves Sprocket the Rocket happily wagging his tail, tongue lolling out, a full one hundred feet from the edge of the stage where the ramp leads up. Wonky returns to her contraption and turns to the audience once more.
Wonky pulls a red and silver metallic-appearing handkerchief from another pocket, waving it in front of her face for effect before cranking the spring down far enough to allow her to stand on her tiptoes to tie on the handkerchief.
Wonky says rhetorically, returning to the contraption and pulling a crank while depressing a large red button. With a loud metallic clang, the pole immediately springs to its full height, twenty-five feet off the ground!
Wonky calls out again, beaming widely at the excited squeals from the crowd. She then nods to Jhod and calls out to her beloved pooch.
"Sprocket! Fly!"
Sprocket races through the crowd like an arrow, hitting the ramp onto the stage at break-neck speed and travelling straight to the brick chimney at the back of the stage.
But he doesn't stop. The dog's momentum carries him straight up the brick wall. Near the top, Sprocket amazingly has the capacity to push off of the wall and jump straight out towards the front edge of the stage and the so-called Rocket Handkerchief dangling far above the ground.
A sample video of what this trick looks like.
As Sprocket's jaws make contact with the Rocket Handkerchief, a boatload of hidden sky rockets and candle flares from within Wonky's contraption fly up and out, and Sprocket slowly descends to the stage with the Rocket Handkerchief firmly in his jaw, the main spring of the contraption gently bringing him back to the ground as the finale fireworks display from the very proud gnome shoot out in hundreds of directions at once.
The fireworks display goes for a full two more minutes before abating. Wonky spends the entire time crouched in a hug with Sprocket, ruffling his fur and waving at the crowd.
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After Ahto speaks, Addy leaps from the steeple…!
…letting her magic ring…
…slow…
…her…
…descent…
…onto the stage.
She curtsies upon landing.
“That about wraps up our evening. Before we take off, I’d like to take a moment to thank the leaders o’ this young kingdom for granting the opportunity to bring mankind and fey together on this Crystalhue’s celebration.
“We’ve our eloquent and fearless leader, Ahto Ulrych!” She pauses if there are crowd reactions (applause), before moving onto the next:
“Wonky Prong Junior, resident genius and creator o’ that amazing finale!
“Harmond Orlovsky, who’s celebrating the day with his distinguished family…”
She goes on to name the others before getting to those involved in the event at dawn:
“Eunomia Verto, who more than anyone I’ve e’er known, is unwavering when it comes to The Truth. So…” Addy makes eye contact with Eunomia. “…on a personal level, thank ye for being me Maid of Honor this morning, and for giving me the courage to face the truth, even when it’s hard on me.
“Father Barris, thank ye for being a fine religious leader, and for getting up before the sun to officiate a small wedding on me goddess’ day.
“And for those who’ve seen the Vixen and Ash together so much, best I let ye know I am the lady under the mask. Which makes me lovely wife the Vixen’s wife:
“Asham Kavinka. I could spend the next hour thanking her for all she’s done for this community, but she’s not the type to flaunt her accomplishments. All o’ ye know Lady Kavinka’s the one ye go to if ye’ve a business to set up, a monster to slay or any concerns ye’d like addressed or alleviated. Ye can be certain she’s done a bulk o’ the behind-the-scenes work that made today’s wild success possible. So when I say ‘thanks for everything,’ the word everything’s hardly an exaggeration.”
Addy smiles lovingly at Asham, then decides it’s time to close the event.
“Finally, I’d like to thank all o’ you. Those who ran games under tents, those who brought children, those who took the time to thank Snickerdoodle for her delicious berry juice, those who committed acts o’ kindness without seeking any reward—” If the nixie is present, Addy’s gaze lingers on her. “—and every one o’ ye just for being here on Shelyn’s day and making it the joyous occasion it’s meant to be!
“And seeing how there ain’t sprites dancing o’er me dress, best I get off the stage, leaving ye with a Merry Crystalhue…!”
“…I’m Mrs. Kavinka, thank ye and good night!”
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"The boys were just scared!" Arius' mother jumps in when it is highlighted that Arius and Marcius ran and hid after the incident. "No one would be thinking straight in a situation like that."
The music of mortal and fey alike is almost entirely forgotten by the crowd, effaced by the spectacle provided by Wonky and Sprocket. The riot of color and fire strikes the crowd as though they were witnessing dawn for the first time. The sounds of awe that arise are impossible to classify, but the universal language of applause is unmistakable.
Each stage in the performance only serves to heighten the crowd's excitement, reaching a climax upon duo's grand finale, then finding a new crescendo when Addy floats down from the ether like a fey herself and makes her pronouncement.
The Crystalhue celebration closes with two very important outcomes. First, although many residents remain wary of the fey, there is much more acceptance of them as neighbors thanks to their performance and assistance in rescuing the Cooperson boy.
Second and more importantly, as the newly founded Tamlyn enters its first winter, the people press forward with redoubled faith in their leaders.
Addy takes Ash by the hand to Miss Tremaine’s place. She remembers Tremaine’s fear of a bawdy surprise. Hopefully, Addy’s display of grace under pressure, when dealing with fey stage fright, shows that she is not easily rattled. And let’s face it—she’s a virgin in a brothel. There’s nothing normal about this…
“Whatever happens when we step inside, this is our wedding night, Ash. Let’s make it as joyous as the day.”
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”The Cooperson boy survived because a fae creature living in or near the water’s edge pulled him to safety,” Ahto replies in a level tone, as he fixes his gaze on the blustering man. ”If that being had not been there to intercede, Coda would have drown, and his body may not have ever been found. Again, I ask you, would it be ‘just boys being boys’ if your son’s body was the one that was never found?”
He doesn’t give the man a chance to formulate a response, continuing to speak directly at him, though his words are clearly intended for all.
”A child who never learns accountability and responsibility for the consequences of their actions, especially their mistakes, will inevitably grow to adulthood believing that nothing is their fault, and that they owe no consideration to anyone else. Civilization doesn’t work that way. The Law doesn’t work that way. Someone will take responsibility for your son’s recklessness and cruelty today. Will it be him, or will it be you?”
He fixes his stare as if to bore a hole through the man’s skull.
"As for fear, I agree they were scared. But were they afraid of the consequences to Coda, or only to themselves?" Her own gaze is steady as she looks Felia Volso in the eyes. "Were they afraid that they might have killed a small child, or were they afraid of getting caught?"
Eunomia joins in the wild applause after Wonky and Sprocket's spectacular show. For a moment she was able to forgot about the rather stressful afternoon, and just enjoy the spectacle.
She was not expecting Addy to jump from the steeple, and gasps despite herself. (Feeling rather foolish, as she knows the ring will protect her from any danger.)
As she listens to Addy's speech, she's not ashamed to have to wipe away some tears. She doesn't think she's ever felt as proud as she does this moment. Both Addy and the Vixen have come so far in the short time she's known them.
Once Addy has finished, she brings her fingers to her mouth in a sharp whistle. "Merry Crystalhue everyone! And three cheers for the newlyweds!"
She's never really celebrated Crystalhue before, but even if she had she thinks this would be the best one ever.
"And at least I taught my son how to swim. How's that for teaching him responsibility? If Cooperson had taught his boy how to swim, maybe he wouldn't have needed some damn water sprite to save him!"
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Ahto meets the man’s gaze without flinching. ”So, by your own words, your son is responsible for his mistakes. Therefore, he must face the consequences, since you will not. Now that this has been decided, we shall determine sentence for assault and reckless endangerment of a child. Since you feel that your son is a man, he shall be punished as one. Do you have anything else to say on this matter, besides blaming the victim?”
Mr. Vulso proudly considers himself a man of action. When he sets his mind upon a course, it is nigh impossible to change his mind. A wise man once said, "there is a time to think and a time to act." Well, Ariscus Vulso never finds the time to think.
"You don't have to worry about any of that because we're leaving your damned town!" he declares, growing red in the face. "The nobles back in Restov were bad enough, kicking us common folk around, but now we got that and some Abadaran telling us how to live, forcing us to celebrate his fey holidays."
He grabs the hands of his wife and son and turns to depart from the barracks.
Addy did notice the tears. Once off stage, she throws her arms around Eunomia. “I meant every word. And even then, I only told the short of it.”
_____
Addy reminds herself that the Vixen is not to intervene. Tomorrow’s another day… and that loud-mouth’ll surely be in a holding cell for longer than that!
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"You will not leave these premises with your son," Ahto says, infusing his voice with the Power of Abadar. "He is under arrest."
"Arius Volso, you are under arrest for assault and the reckless endangerment of a child. You have confessed to these crimes, and are therefore found guilty. Since your father is unwilling to take responsibility for you as his child, you will suffer the consequences of your actions as an adult."
He turns to Ariscus and Mrs. Volso. "The two of you may leave, but if you attempt to bring your son with you, you both will be arrested for aiding and abetting a known fugitive."
Ariscus Volso achieves the rare feat of mustering the strength of will to defy Lord Ahto Ulrych. Unfortunately, this is hardly a cause for celebration for anyone. The blowhard's muscles tense and strain, especially around his thick neck, as he forces himself to move despite the divine pronouncement.
There is another muscle spasm around his shoulder and arm. In another rare feat of restraint, Mr. Volso resists the instinctive urge to allow his fists to take over the conversation. Of course, rather than logic or good sense, it is likely the presence of Ahto's sword that stays the man's hand.
He opens his mouth, but his words are cut off by Tullius, the other boy's father.
"Shut your trap, Ariscus!" he shouts. "You're picking a fight with the Headsman! It'd be safer to bait a bear without a chain or cage. Just shut your trap before you land your entire family on the block or the gallows!"
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"Mister Tullius," he says, turning to the other man. "You have accepted responsibility for the actions of your son. Your sentence is to make a formal, public apology to the Cooperson family for the actions of your son. It is upon you if you wish your son to make a similar statement of contrition, but he is not required to do so. You will also pay restitution to the Cooperson family in the amount fourteen silver pieces or the equivalent in livestock, produce, or goods and services."
"Arius," he says turning to the boy. "Your sentence is one week of indentured servitude to the Cooperson family. You will make a formal apology before the assembly, acknowledging your culpability, and then present yourself to the Coopersons for service. You will live with them. You will do as you are told, without question. You will sleep where they tell you to sleep, and eat what they serve you without complaint. You will not shirk on any task or attempt to run. You will be marked with the brand of Indenture for the duration of your sentence. If you do not perform your service to the best of your ability, I will extend the sentence. Do you understand?"
"As for you, Mister Volso," Ahto says in an ice cold tone. "If you ever presume to put yourself above the Law again, you will be found guilty of sedition and executed publicly. The mere fact that you showed the presence of mind not to raise your fists to me saved you from that very fate today. Consider yourself fortunate. This grace will not be granted a second time."
With that, he turns to face all assembled. "These proceedings are closed until the end of the ceremony. Your sentences will be the last order of the day's business."
Eunomia bites her lip as the situation devolves, but remains silent. She knows little of politics, but she knows enough of being a soldier to not disagree with her commanding officer in public.
So she stands, silent and stone-faced, while Ahto makes his proclamations. She makes a mental note to follow up with the Coopersons after the proceedings to ensure that they are okay with the outcome; as well as to ensure that Arius will not be treated too harshly in their care. She'd never spoken with any of the Cooperson family before today, and while she doesn't think they would be cruel to the boy, best to be safe.
After the proceedings are over, she waits until everyone but Ahto is out of the room. "Permission to speak freely?" Assuming it is granted, she adopts the same hands-behind-her-back stance that she had used while presenting the evidence.
She begins quite bluntly. "You went too far. Not with the sentencing, which I agree is fair. Although it might have been better to check with the Coopersons first, and we will be giving them a small amount of money from the treasury to pay for Arius' upkeep while he is there." Her tone brooks no argument on that point.
"No, where I think you went too far was at the very end. Ahto, you said Mister Volso should consider himself fortunate you aren't having him executed for arguing with you. That's not...if that kind of 'sedition' is in our laws as an executable offence, then let me know so I can bring it up for possible revision at our next council meeting." She's clearly struggling for words by this point. "Even before you made that threat, and threat it was, Tullius knew it was coming. He openly warned Ariscus that he was risking the lives of his entire family by picking a fight with you. That's the kind of reputation you have. Is that the kind of reputation we want?"
For the first time she relaxes out of her straight-backed posture. Her shoulders slump, and she looks weary. "I think Mister Volso is a despicable man whose insistence on blaming Coda for Arius' actions is appalling. However I don't think he deserved to be threatened with the gallows, even if he had hit you." She closes her eyes for a moment, then returns to her former posture, gaze straight ahead once more.
"Please understand that I respect you Ahto, and I respect what you've built out here. But part of that respect is telling you when I think you've gone too far."
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Ahto listens to Eunomia's criticism of his actions with a stoic expression.
"I understand your perspective on the matter, Councillor, and your objection to my behavior in this matter will be recorded in the official record," Ahto replies. "I would, however, like you to understand my position. Volso is a bully. He made it clear that he felt no remorse or concern for the well-being of the Cooperson boy, only that we were holding his son. Despite the fact that the boy confessed to his role in the attack, he was insisting that we turn him loose, without consequence. When I made it clear that was not going happen, he continued to rail against my decision, even attempting to walk out, in clear defiance of a legal proceeding. It was a clear statement that he saw himself and his family as above the law. He is not above the law, no one in Tamlyn is, myself included. I do not need the people of Tamlyn to love me, or even like me. I need them to see, however, that the law is applied fairly, and that blustering, arrogant fools like Mister Volso cannot bully their way out of the consequences of breaking those laws."
Eunomia nods. "Again, I am not objecting to your sentence, nor to your use of magic to prevent Volso from leaving, despite my personal distaste for such enchantments. But surely there must be some middle ground between allowing him to get his way and threatening to execute him for sedition." For a moment she actually smiles slightly. "Make no mistake, I personally would have had no objection to seeing him thrown in the stocks for his behavior."
The smile fades. "No, Tamlyn's people do not need to love or like us. But I would prefer that they not fear us." She straightens, and her own tone becomes more formal. "Thank you for listening, Lord Ahto."
After the punishments have been doled out and the families have been dismissed, the newlywed councilor Asham approaches the party.
"I have a report for the year's end to deliver, but it will have to wait until tomorrow," she explains. A sheepish look crosses her face. "I...um...promised Addy that I'd abstain from work for the day, to honor the holiday."
Addy says to Ash, “That’s right, me love. The day’s Shelyn’s and the night’s ours. Reports from you and ass-kickings from the Vixen’re on hold until… further notice.”
Eunomia doesn't even attempt to hide her smile. "It's your wedding day. If you weren't taking the day off, I'd have concerns." She makes a vague shooing gesture. "Unless the capital is about to burn down around our heads, it can wait. Go. Enjoy the rest of the festival."
Tullius promises that his boy, Marcius, will make a public apology, and vows that he will stand alongside him when it happens. He would have it down as soon as tomorrow, if possible, to settle their account as soon as possible.
Ariscus Volso storms off, fuming but defeated. His wife tarries behind, offering some words of encouragement to Arius before parting. She remains angry, albeit not nearly to the extent of her husband, but she prioritizes her son's well being over some petty feud.
The Cooperson family is, at first, quite shocked to hear of the lord's pronouncement, putting Arius in their care and service. Coda is happy with the news, as he somehow sees the older boy as a idolized friend, even after all that's happened. While the adult Coopersons are mollified by the support the council will provide to care for the new mouth, Coda's sisters remain wary. They view Arius bitterly, hating him for endangering their little brother.
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Ahto takes a moment to speak with the Cooperson girls. He does not forbid their parents from listening, or send them away, but his words are for the children.
"I can see what you both are thinking. It's written plainly in your faces. Do not harm Arius Volso. He has admitted what he did was wrong, he has apologized in front of the entire community, and he will be spending the next week working hard for your family. If you harbor resentment, and dwell on getting revenge for the harm caused to your brother, it will only escalate matters. Arius's father will repay any injury you inflict on his son, and before you realize it, your families will be embroiled in a blood-feud. My words are both advice and warning. If you harm Arius, you will stand trial just as he did, except your sentence will be worse, because you were warned beforehand. Do you understand?"
Addy gives her parents a hug and a kiss goodnight, and makes sure to mingle a bit, as her relationship with Ash may or may not have noticed the chemistry between Ash and herself (as the Vixen).
Addy approaches the honeymoon suite with thoughts of the last wedding she went to. Vikki was her friend, and always will be. But Ash is the soulmate Vikki never would have been. Thus, the perpetual mourning must end. If Addy could have been happy for Vikki, had she met “Mr. Right,” surely Vikki is happy for Addy now.
Addy just barely manages to fight the tears as these thoughts run their course. The feel of Ash’s hand in hers as they reach the threshold certainly helps.
“I love ye,” she says to Ash. The words come easy to her now. What’s not easy is stepping through that door! What she and Ash are about to attempt, she’s only read in trashy novels! Who knew the anticipation of something so beautiful could bring more trembles than those moments before imminent battle?
Well, we did start off our relationship with a wyvern lurching o’er us.
Addy bravely takes Ash’s hand, and leads her into the room…
