Assault and Battery

[Erendrel]

Official Findings of the Qeynos Guard in the Matter of Assault and Battery upon the Ladies Anaris and Namae by Sir Jodas Gallantius

Tribunal: Knight-Lieutenant Laughlin, Captains Duffy, Lovato, and Penley, Knight-Captain Erendrel Aldaron presiding

                Knight-Captain Erendrel Aldaron of Guild Saga brought the matter of an assault and battery before this tribunal. The evidence at hand is limited since only four individuals were present at the time, two of which were the victims of the assault. A deposition from the Kerran Ranger, Dulcette provided the decisive material. The findings are as follows:
   Two nights prior to this tribunal the party of led by Sir Jodas and consisting of Anaris, Namae and Dulcette made their way into Deathfist Citadel. At some point in their business, Sir Jodas was ensorcelled and made to attack the ladies. From all indications, Sir Jodas and no control over his body, let alone his actions, as Dulcette's deposition testifies. While any battery upon a lady is egregious and reprehensible, this tribunal finds that the actual perpetrator was the sorcerer who converted Sir Jodas into a weapon. Said sorcerer was slain during the combat.
   Sir Jodas has expressed his deepest regret for having laid hands so roughly upon Ladies Anaris and Namae. His reputation for honor and honesty, in conjunction with other evidence leads this tribunal to exonerate him of all charges.

[Anaris]

*reads the note five times, for halfway she kept getting distracted*

What?!  His reputation?  His reputation?!!  What about my reputation?!

*blinks rapidly*

You know, Jodas is very lucky that I 'extraorenated' him...*pauses*...is that the right word?  Anyway, he's lucky I forgave him last night for his brutal attack on us.  I do believe his apology was sincere...

*turns to Namae*

Quite frankly, the truth is, I can't believe that Erudite had the power to charm Jodas into doing something that heinous!  I don't even have that power!  And now the Erudite is dead so where can I go to learn this skill?  Obviously my batting eyelashes aren't enough...

*makes it a point to visit Starcrest Commune to find out more about this charming dead Erudite*

I'll do what it takes to learn this skill!  I'll even read a book if I have to.....or, have you read it, Namae, and then you can summarize for me?

*bats her eyelashes at Namae*

[Jodas]

*Jodas walks in and glares at Anaris and looks to everyone else in the room*

Now I have heard and seen enough of this nonsense!
These last days have weighed heavy on my heart, but I'll not be silent any longer!

*turns to Anaris*

M'lady

*kneels on one knee in front of her*

I beg of you to stop toiling with my mind, heart and soul, I have never wished you harm.

*pauses and closes his eyes*

I have been charmed by you since the day we first met

*Opens his eyes, slowly rises and advances towards Anaris*

I have loved you since first seeing you, I have waged a war within myself, I have sought council from friends and I have sat by while you have entertained Freeportians

*sighs and slowly continues*

Now I stand here begging you to stop questioning my Honor...my Love for you.

*turns to Erendrel*

Dear brother, I hope I have not angered you nor put doubts about me or our kinship into your heart or mind
The Lady Anaris knows well her charm and we know well the steps we take on this path.

*turns back to Anaris*

Marr as my witness, I have and will continue to offer my sword and my prayers for your safety and your protection
And I shall also offer my blessing to the both of you as I stand by your sides for as long as this Human can.

*takes a deep breath, looks to the heavens and closes his eyes*

[Anaris]

*stands there, speechless*



*faints*

[Jodas]

*catches Anaris as she falls and gently places her head on his lap*

We know the drill, fetch some water and a towel!

*looks around the room at the staring faces*

Move!

[Erendrel]

*seethes with rage*

[Wayena]

<stands idly by, watching from a short distance>

Interesting...

I wonder why Erendrel looks so angry all of a sudden?

<smiles>

And I wonder what Zerzal would think of that?

<continues watching>

[Jezerai]

Missa sat with her sister and guardian to hear the judgment  rendered in the case of her friend and guildmate, Jodas Gallantius.  She was relieved when he was acquitted, as she had felt sure he would be.  When he stepped into the forum, she had not been surprised.  After all, it was customary for a person acquitted to thank the tribunal.  But, listening to his speech, surprisingly eloquent for one she always considered so reserved, Missa was moved almost to tears.  It was so romantic!  It reminded her of the novels she so enjoyed reading.  All this time and no one suspected, even Anaris!  Not that she ever doubted that all the men who knew her could help but love her beautiful and clever friend!  Missa clasped her hands and sighed with happiness, a dreamy expression on her face.

Gilleana, sitting next to her, gave a snort.  "This is what is wrong with Qeynos!  Lucan wastes no time drilling his troops to destroy all that we are and we idle our time with bouts of love."  She uttered the last word in tones ringing with disdain.  "Our men clearly have too much time on their hands if all they can find to worry themselves is the heart of one girl.  Bah!"  She exited the forum, striding off to practice her swordwork and prepare for the war she was sure would be coming soon.

Boudeccai sat, watching the proceedings with concern.  She did not like having a matter that should be tried strictly within their hall brought before the city tribunal.  While she understood that Erendrel felt the need, her first instinct was to protect those in her family, not hold them up for public judgment.  She was unsure what it would mean to her if it were determined that Jodas, a good and honorable member of their guild, should be punished.  She was not sure that she would be able to stand by and watch that punishment carried out.  Her relief at the acquittal was heartfelt, removing as it did, any necessity for her to choose between the family she felt such a fierce desire to protect and her equally fierce loyalty to Qeynos and the Queen.

Boudeccai was not surprised by the emotions expressed by Jodas, nor the eloquence of his actions.  She had seen him sneaking glances at Anaris and it had not been the look of a man indifferent to a lady.  Nor did she miss Erendrel's response and sighed.  She wondered what Anaris would do, if indeed she would change in the slightest.  Anaris played at love the way a concert pianist played at music.  Shaking her head ruefully, she sighed and hoped that she would not be called upon to save her little family from destruction from a different source in the coming weeks and months.  Then, remembering words of love and devotion uttered to her so many years ago by her own husband, she smiled softly to herself and wished them all three equal happiness in their life's pairings.

[Anaris]

Anaris slightly recovers from the sudden shock but continues to lay down with her eyes closed pretending to still be faint.  She opens one eye slightly, but not enough so anyone would notice.  As she takes a quick peek around the room, she notices the tension of the whole situation.  "Awkward!" she thinks to herself...  She catches sight of Bou's expression and nearly dies of fright.  Then, she quickly remembers a bit of Jasyn's drunken words of wisdom:  "Rather than enunciating the SIN, I recommend feigning ignorance and whistling innocently."   So, she takes Jasyn's advice (shocking!) and continues to feign unconsciousness, hoping everybody would leave or that Namae would blow something up to distract all present.

[Corsair]

*Oozag fetches a small jug*

I got sum medisin dat'll help da Anaris....and I got anudder jug if der be celebratin'...or drinkin' an wound cleanin' fer afta da fitin' if dat happenz.

*pulls a block of cheese from his sack and takes a bite*

*scratches*

[Jodas]

*Feeling Anaris twitch when she wakens, Jodas lifts her up and places her on her feet*

M'lady

*turning to Erendrel*

Now would be the time that you should look after her, not I

*motions him over*

Jodas pauses a minute and places his hands on his hips*

Marr save me *he whispers*

*Turning to the small crowd that has gathered*

My heart is open, is yours?....do you hold inside the Love for another?...do you keep it burried?
Has Erollisi Day taught us nothing?!

*Turning to Erendrel*

Remove the Hatred from your eyes, I have not wronged you, I have done nothing to dishonor you nor my name!

*pointing at Erendrel*

It is you who hides behind a veil of emotion, not I, not any longer, brother!

*Focusing back on the small crowd*

Do not let Love wither and decay...Marr's words!...do not let Her be forgotten, do not!
My heart is open......is yours?

*Turns to Anaris*

As open as just a Human's can be.....

*Walks out*

[Erendrel]

*Turns to the stunned onlookers*
So now you all know.

*Wraps an arm around Anaris' waist to steady her*

We said nothing, would say nothing of this until the proper time. But Jodas is wrong. I do not hide behind a veil of emotion. I would have revealed this, shared this joy. But I would not have my lady's reputation ruined, for we knew she would be blamed. I say to you, I was not her doing, nor ever was it. Indeed, it was Jodas who encouraged it, and with whom I shared it, in utter confidence. So if there is anger, it is for the betrayal of a trust.

*Moisture forms in his eyes*

And now, all is ruined....

*Gently brushes back an errant strand of Anaris' hair*

Or is it?

[Anaris]

*shivering a bit from all the commotion, Ana avoids looking at anyone in the room*

Erendrel, take me to my sister's house, please!  Now!

[Anaris]

Just then, a hooded figure appears out of the crowd, wearing a sweeping black robe.

Anaris, you come here this instant, girl!  I'm taking you home and you'll not see the light of day for a while!  This has crossed the line enough!

Aramaia removes her hood and glares menacinly at both Anaris and Erendrel.

First you accuse that poor paladin of beating you senseless when you well know it is a coercer's ability, I know you've been wanting to study it for a while and I've forbidden you from learning that dark magic!  But to take it this far, to accuse an innocent man of doing you wrong?  And now this too?    *Angrily nudges her head toward Erendrel.*

Enough!  You're coming home and STAYING home.  And NO mail either! 

Aramaia grabs Anaris by the arm and forcefully whisks her away.  Aramaia pauses for a minute and stares at Menemas.  Then speaks to Menemas with uncharacteristic sarcasm.

Well done, Elder.  Good watching out for your members. Try getting your house in order for once.

They leave amid Anaris protesting.

[Lyrima]

*Kiaria watches it all with wide brown eyes*

Ana..! Darling !

*with a worried look cast toward Erendrel, she hurries after Ana and Ara*

[Lyrima]

*steps up as Kiaria leaves*

Aight!

THAT's some innerestin' turn of events

*beams at all and sundry*

What 'bout Zerzal?

*quirks a black brow, amused mischief in lurking in green eyes*

[Lyrima]

*Zhapaja flutters in*

*looks around*

*frowns in concern*

Who hurt?

I nurse of day! He hurt?!

*points to Erendrel*

I heal him! Doktor say so!

[Erendrel]

*Waves the Fae away*

I don't need healing, I need Anaris.

*Pulls himself together and sets off in the direction of Aramaia's house*