[ WEEK THREE – 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

[tightly]

[ All of those things are true, which is why... Which is why Chane endures it, really. She can live with a few moments of discomfort if it brings Xion some relief from her stricken.

When it seems like her torrent of emotion is easing, Chane slowly peels herself away. Nothing too sudden. She's being overly careful.

However, if Xion is willing to allow herself to be led, Chane will try to take her out of here. ]

[dubiousalignment]

[Tarvek smiles wryly]

And thank you for creating it in the first place. It was a honor to be part of it.

[Let's see, requests..."Build a barricade in front of the mines" "Keep the horses fed" "Try to arrange roommates to be in groups of three" "Build tents over the stocks to make shade" "Ask the Sheriff for a tape recorder and tapes" "Don't panic"

Then, after a moment of doubt -- may as well lend Xion a hand for maybe the last time.

"Watch over Xion and make her know she has your support and that her feelings are authentic" You as a group, of course. There we go]

You're doing a good job, Yuna. Keep it up.

[sidearmofthelaw]

[ For the first time Nisha looks a little annoyed at that. ]

Yeah, well, maybe you should have had that feeling a little earlier today.

[court_chesster]

Here we are...

[ Aaaawkward. But hey, look, Money's come back! He even correctly brought a deck of cards! Simon tosses him a peanut. ]

Thanks, buddy.

[court_chesster]

That's kind of you to say.

[ That is his strategy, after all! ]

It's sort of a gloomy topic, though. Maybe we could talk about our homes or... hobbies or something?

[court_chesster]

R-right! Sorry! Pretend I didn't say anything!

[thatsthespirit]

[yeah she certainly doesn't blame her for that]

I did.

. . . but I know the sentiment doesn't change the ultimate outcome. And I know there isn't anything I can say to make it better.

[ceded]

I'm sure the two of us arguing didn't help everyone's suspicions, [ she mutters, full of bitterness and anger at herself. But she breathes out, again shutting her eyes as she leans tiredly against the bars. ]

It doesn't matter how you found out about me. I wish you'd talked to me, but ... I don't mind you knowing. [ She looks up again, and the look on her face might be a smile. ] I trust you.

[ceded]

[ Xion does allow herself to be pulled to her feet, at the very least. She pauses there, trying to collect herself, using her arms to rub at her face.

Then she'll smile up at Chane, tearfully grateful. ]

I want to stay. [ There's a few people she needs to speak to on her way out. ] But ... I'll see you later?

[tightly]

[ if Xion wants to stay, then Chane's not going to speak over her. Metaphorically. Relaxing her grip, her hands fall back to her sides and she gives a short, confirming nod, not entirely without warmth. ]

[cherrypuncher]

Ehehe, it's okay! I...didn't hear anything..?

[this is the proper way to handle this situation right. she's trying]