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Post by Daos on Dec 8, 2019 16:28:31 GMT -8
"For what reason?" he asks. "For it had better be a good one."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 8, 2019 18:27:49 GMT -8
"It is a delicate situation that is much better dealt in private, your Lordship," Ladonna says. "You were once an adventurer as well, so it is my hope that you would understand."
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Post by Daos on Dec 9, 2019 13:05:01 GMT -8
"This is a hall of justice. And justice does not occur behind closed doors," the count argues. "Unless you have something to tell me that would risk the well-being and safety of the people of this city or this county if made public, I will have your answer now. I assure you, my 'understanding' will not change whether there is an audience or not."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 9, 2019 16:34:41 GMT -8
"I don't know where they are," Ladonna says. It was the truth too. They could be anywhere at this point.
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Post by Daos on Dec 9, 2019 17:11:25 GMT -8
"And why don't you?" the count asks. "Did you actually find them or just give up without trying?"
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 9, 2019 19:34:31 GMT -8
Having already been caught in a lie, Ladonna decides it is best to just tell the truth. "They weren't exactly poachers, your Lordship," she explains. "At least, not intentionally. They were refugees, and as such the situation needed to be handled differently."
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Post by Daos on Dec 9, 2019 19:58:18 GMT -8
The count turns away from her, and moves back to his throne, sitting down again. "I sense you are being truthful now, and yet what you say makes no sense. Were there refugees in my land, why would they be in the Sunwoods, and not seeking aid in a town or city?" he asks. The two guards flanking Ladonna stand at ease and take their hands off their hilts, but do not return to their posts.
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 9, 2019 23:36:39 GMT -8
"To understand that, you would have to put yourself in their shoes, my Lord," Ladonna explains. "Say that it was you seeking refuge in another country for whatever reason. There would be conditions to receive aid such as converting to a strange religion," she says. In this case, she is simply giving an example. She knows she isn't lying because it is one of the things that the Castien had mentioned about why he didn't seek out help from the current government. "As a paladin of Gonto, you would have a problem with that condition," she points out. "Since they knew that there would be conditions that they couldn't accept, but they couldn't stay in their homeland, they took the chance of getting caught," she explains.
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Post by Daos on Dec 10, 2019 13:45:16 GMT -8
There is more murmuring in the court, and the count's eyes flash again. "'Strange?' Perhaps you think the faith of Gonto--a faith dedicated to truth, justice and order--to be 'strange.' But I do not. And what you describe is no excuse. You are trying to justify their crime by saying they did not wish to follow the law, which is why I dare say anyone commits a crime. But even so, the reason behind committing the crime does not excuse committing a crime. Perhaps if you did not view the faith of Gonto as 'strange' you would better understand that," he lectures.
"So you disobeyed me directly and chose not to arrest the poachers on my land, because they fed you some sob story, is that it? But what I want to know is, why did my warden not step in when you refused to do the job I sent you to do?" he asks.
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 10, 2019 14:37:54 GMT -8
"My Lord, I was presenting you with an example from their point of view. Not my own point of view," Ladonna says. "I am a faithful follower of Gonto, which can be attested to by my regular dues," she explains. "Children were involved, my lord. If these people had been nothing more than adults, then the story would have been different. Though, I am not one to deny that I made a few mistakes such as lying to you and letting these poachers go, so I accept full responsibility for them. Punish me as you see fit for I am the one that made these decisions. As for your warden, he did his job the best that he could considering the circumstances."
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Post by Daos on Dec 10, 2019 16:05:53 GMT -8
"And these children must suffer, living in the wilderness like goblins, because their parents commit these crimes," the count retorts. "All the more reason to bring them in and give them good homes." He shakes his head. "Talbot!"
The count's military advisor steps up. "My lord!"
"Put together a group of men and send them to the Sunwood to find these poachers that have been allowed to go free," he says. "And I want Sidhanar questioned. Perhaps he will paint a clearer picture of what happened."
"At once, my lord," Talbot responds, bowing.
"As for you, Ser Marche. I certainly hope you prove more competent at protecting and caring for the Lady Escott than you have on this mission. You disgrace yourself and your family name, and the people of Buho. Get out of my sight, before I decide to clasp you in chains and toss you in the dungeon," the count says to her.
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 10, 2019 16:14:02 GMT -8
Ladonna bows to the count, and takes her leave silently. While she doesn't look like she is in the mood for someone to speak to her, she knows someone is going to open their mouth, so she braces herself for whatever might be coming her way.
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Post by Daos on Dec 10, 2019 17:00:35 GMT -8
Once the two have left the room and entered the hallway outside, the only thing Lillian says--reassuringly--is, "You did the right thing, no matter what anyone else says. Try to take comfort in that."
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Post by HorizonsDream on Dec 10, 2019 19:44:59 GMT -8
"And yet, according to the law, I didn't," Ladonna says. "Not that it matters either way since they are going to go round them up," she adds with a sigh. "And on top of that, my father is going to hate me at this point since this pretty much makes it nearly impossible for him to get into the guard. I basically just sabotaged myself, and nearly everyone I know. I knew the consequences of course, so I guess I'm prepared for whatever is going to be thrown my way. I have to plan on how to dig myself out of this now."
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Post by Daos on Dec 11, 2019 14:41:19 GMT -8
"Do you think Sidhanar will get into trouble over this?" Lillian asks.
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