[ WEEK ONE – TRIAL ]

[sheriffexe]

TRIAL

In the morning, the town comes back to life. Birds crow overhead, a snake nearby hisses, a lingering coyote dips behind a shop before disappearing into the wild. It's a frightening contrast to the stillness of yesterday but it doesn't mean it's over yet. After all, today is the trial. The Sheriff stands on the porch of the Town Hall and brings his hand up to his mouth to let out a whistle. He'll thumb back to the Hall behind him and very clearly state -- "Trial time, folks. Get in here and figure out who did it." And then he'll turn to leave before pausing and adding on, "Bring a snack or somethin' too. The Town Hall is set up more like a court house, a Judge's bench at the front but instead of at center, it's off to the side as if more for observation than participation. There's a table at the front of the room already holding a small box and a pad of papers and pen, for voting apparently. A side room containing only a metal gurney is next and today it's obvious why there's a gurney there at all with the corpse, resting right on top of it. Aside from that, there are rows for everyone to take a seat and it's only after everyone is inside and settled, that the doors close and the Sheriff speaks. "Well, have at it. You've got till nine." And then, he points to a clock on the wall that reads 12:00. Good luck. Welcome to the trial post! Characters are free to discuss everything related to the trial here. They won't be let out of the room until 9PM when voting ends. Every character must vote and the voting post can be found here. If there are any questions, please shoot a message to this journal or to robowest.

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Comments

[elemancy]

[at least she can find something to smile about to the end.

even if it's incredibly bittersweet.

but there's really not much left to say, so with a bit of an awkward nod, he'll draw in a breath and move to take his leave.

(this has sucked the whole way through, but he takes at least a little solace in knowing he could say goodbye and talk to her before it was over. at least this time, he's got some closure.)]

[robitussin]

[Something nice about her home. It takes her a moment to think of anything that might qualify, but it doesn't necessarily have to be true, she thinks. It's not like Tiara is ever going to know the difference.]

In my house, we had these huge dogwood trees out back. I don't know if you've ever seen one while they're in bloom, but they're pretty great. They have these really bright pink blossoms growing everywhere. One summer, when I must have been... God, I couldn't have been older than six or seven, my dad put this swing on one of the branches for me.

[Despite the fact that none of this happened, her voice doesn't betray any uncertainty. She makes up details as she goes.]

During the summer, my mom would sit on the bench we put next to the garden, with a book or a glass of iced tea or something. My dad would throw the frisbee for the dog, and I'd climb the tree or play on the swing. We were all there just there, together... It was really peaceful.

[cherrypuncher]

Tiara!

[Tiara loosens her grip and Yuna scrabbles against the cell bars, trying to hold her hands tighter like she means to ground Tiara that way. She's crying now, silent except for her shaky breath but tearing up so viciously she can barely see. Reaching out, helping, staying by someone's side; it comes so naturally to her that she doesn't know how to be complimented for it, let alone by a girl doomed to die because of Yuna's failure.

But there's determination lighting up in her wet eyes, even as her hands shake.]

Tiara, I won't let you to apologize to me! You aren't ever allowed to be sorry for what happened when you were scared and far away from home and threatened! You've been so brave and strong, and you're a better friend than most people could ever think about having! Anyone would be so happy to have someone like you to stick up for them! And I...

[Could not do enough. Could not save her. Will not save her.

Will not burden Tiara with that thought now, will not send her to her grave with that.]

I promise. I promise I won't forget, but you have to promise me you won't be sorry anymore. If you do, I promise I won't forget, and I won't give up, either. No matter what happens now— [And this is where her voice starts to break, a little hiccup shuddering through her sentence, and she won't let go of the bars so she shakes her head to at least try clearing her tears.] —if it's true, and there aren't any limits to what you can ask for if you win, then I'll see you again.

[So, endure, Yuna Yuki.]

I won't give up or forget, but you can't be sorry. You can't ever think I wouldn't have wanted to stay with you no matter what.

Okay?

responds to this forever later I'M SORRY

[abasing]

[Tiara has no idea that any of it is fake. To her, it's a true, and peaceful and nice story, and it makes her smile, one hand pressed gently to her chest.

Ah...]

How wonderful. Did you spend much time with your family there?

[There might be a bit of wistfulness to her tone there--but it really is just like her to long for something that doesn't even exist.]

[abasing]

[It makes her feel strangely warm inside. Yuna is so fierce about defending her--that's just how Yuna is, isn't it? She's warm and she's sweet, she's kind and she's certain... and that ferocity is what gives Tiara hope.

Yuna might get through this, if she can hold on to that.

And that's all Tiara wants at this point. That Yuna survives--that Natalie, and Noctis, and Xion and all of the people who were so kind to her--

They must survive, because Tiara's time here is done.

She holds Yuna's hands in her own, and tries to commit the warmth to memory.]

I understand. Then... I will not be sorry. And you shall keep your head held high... and perhaps... perhaps that is true.

Perhaps we shall meet again. That possibility... that is enough for me. I promise--that I am happy.