[ 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

[combattente]

I refused the offer of rewards. I may be an assassin, but I... the work I do isn't for the enjoyment of someone too cowardly to show us their face.

I refused until I was threatened. First, it was my life. Va bene, I'll die then. Then... it was the lives of everyone I knew.

[thatsthespirit]

[ah. her mouth curls backwards into an unfriendly frown]

So you were protecting the lives of those you care about.

It's disturbing to know the Sheriff and his employers have that sort of leverage over us.

[combattente]

Sí, my family. I would do anything to protect them. Even now I worry that somehow I've broken the rules, and... and it will have been for nothing. I'm trying to forget that, honestly.

[thatsthespirit]

There is no rule against confessing one's guilt a few weeks after the case has been tried and they weren't acquitted.

[not any rule that she knows of anyway!!]

It'd be cruel of them to kill your family just because you took responsibility for your actions.

[combattente]

That's what I thought as well, but you know- in this situation, I don't know what to expect.

[thatsthespirit]

[mmmmmmm she hates that he's right]

Perhaps this is a good question to ask the Sheriff, before tomorrow.

[a pause]

For what it's worth. . . I'm sorry.

[combattente]

It's alright. As I said, I was willing to offer my life before.

[He laughs weakly.]

I probably should have died a long time ago.

[thatsthespirit]

No.

[she shakes her head]

If you're still alive, then you're alive for a reason. You should make the most of it. There is no "I should have died a long time ago" about it.

[combattente]

Trust me, I have. And there is still more I'd like to do, as anyone would, I imagine.

But... I've spent a good portion of my life narrowly avoiding death, avoiding executions in fact. I guess, what I mean is this is to be expected.

[thatsthespirit]

[aaaw Ezio :( she's silent for a few moments]

If it isn't too much to ask, can I inquire as to what that note Manfred had said? It's been bothering me since our second week here.

[combattente]

It is fine, but honestly I don't remember the exact wording. It was something about a way to escape? It was all lies, really. It was the only way we could think to get him out of the hotel.

[thatsthespirit]

[a nod. that satisfies her curiosity]

I thought as much.

. . . your death tomorrow-- and Higekiri's two weeks ago-- will not be in vain. I know several of us here are fighting to ensure those who perish during this game will be returned home safely. I ask of you, if you can, to believe in us.

And tell Higekiri the same when you see him again.