[ WEEK FOUR – 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

[moraled]

[....................

He's just off to the side, arms crossed and brow furrowed.

He's got nothing, guys.

He tried.]

[elemancy]

[:( this is the worst, noct feels awful about it.]

[moraled]

[sorry noct... THEY ALL TRIED THEIR BEST]

[tightly]

[ Looks over and watches him move, a faint frown on her face. ]

[moraled]

[everything's fine here!!!!]

[tightly]

[ NOTHING IS EVER FINE WHEN IT COMES TO YOU, BARNHAM ]

[feminitis]

[She's got nothing, too. Since she doesn't seem to be accomplishing anything by yelling at people, she'll just head on over to join him, wiping at her eyes uselessly.]

This isn't fair, Mister Barnham...

[moraled]

... It is not, Sir Seizaburo.

It is not just, nor is it fair at all.

[...but what else can they do?]

[feminitis]

I hate this, I hate it, it's so wrong...!

[She buries her face in her hands, trembling.]

Why can't it stop...? It has to stop...

[moraled]

Sir Seizaburo.

[He puts a hand on her shoulder, focused.]

Take a deep breath. You must...stand tall. You must not give in, not to this, not to fear. We are still alive--and we have a duty to keep living.

[feminitis]

[She nods, but the tears won't stop coming, and she doesn't look up from her hands.]

I-it's just... it's unfair... it's so unfair. I killed people at home, but it was never like this. How can this sham of a trial feel so much worse than the countless lives I've taken in the line of duty before now...?!

[flippity]

[ gonna walk over and just kind of. lean against him. this is fine. ]

[moraled]

[everything is totally fine...... he unfolds his arms to rest a hand on her shoulder, but that's all he's got.]

[thatsthespirit]

[. . .]

[she has been sitting most of the trial, but at this point she finally stands up to approach Barnham and put a hand on his arm]

[moraled]

[Hi Milla......

He can't help but glance at her then, concerned.]

Are you well enough to be standing like this?

[Don't hurt yourself more...]

[thatsthespirit]

Of course. Standing, as long as I don't exert myself, doesn't get too badly.

[hesitation, and then--]

I'm sure the saloon will be open again after the trial.

[moraled]

[Poor Milla... He nods simply, accepting that she'd rest when need be.]

I believe... you may be right. I suppose I may join you there.

[because he sure doesn't want to go back to his room.]

[hydrokinetics]

[And he'll approach and, if Barnham will let him, squeeze his shoulder. That's it though. He knows how this feels, man.]

[moraled]

[Barnham... nods to Percy at that, acknowledging, but he doesn't say anything.

It's... definitely not an easy thing, and here they all are, stuck dealing with it week after week nonetheless.]

[hydrokinetics]

I'm so sorry, Mr. Barnham. [It's quiet, but must be said.] This keeps happening and it's not fair.

[moraled]

There is no need to apologize, Young Percy.

[Shit just sucks]

We knew... long ago, that the odds were stacked against us.

AFTER THE VOTING RESULTS...

[generously]

Inquisitor.

... I need to talk to you.

[ are you ok bro ]

[moraled]

[IT'S FINE EVERYTHING IS FINE.]

Yes? What is it?

[he's open enough to chatting at least, it seems.]

[generously]

I was waiting for the appropriate time to ask, but-- [ this isn't appropriate ]

--how do you feel about getting a new roommate?

[ asking for a mate ]

Oh, and it isn't me, so don't worry.

[moraled]

[wow Lust just died!!!]

... Might I ask on whose behalf you are inquiring?