Justicar Palace, Pre-Trial Hearing

[Kaelon]

Central to the stability of the Allerian Empire for centuries had been the rule of law, contributing to order, enforced through a system of justice. In the Imperial Capital, when citizens would hear of "justice" they would almost immediately look up into the sky to the Southern Palatine Hills of the Imperial Forum at the Basilica of Justice, the great golden temple of eternal justice facing the Capitolium from across the Via Ioannes. An unintended consequence of the grandiose stature of the Basilica of Justice, however, was that it by far eclipsed the lesser courts that nonetheless functioned indispensibly within the jurisdiction of the city of Alleria Prime. For cases involving minor commercial transactions, civil disputes, petty theft and the like, a state of Low Justice would be implemented at the Prefecture - a simple building of stone and mortar housing the Prefect of Alleria Prime, the Imperial Capital's chief judicial official for settling urban issues. For crimes committed within Alleria Prime of a more serious nature - such as murder, armed robbery, rape or treason - a state of High Justice would be declared, and the case would go before the provincial magistracy, the Justicar.

Justicar Juliara had served as Prime Province's Justicar for over five hundred years. An elf still possessing her youthful looks and enchanting charm, the blonde-haired judge had presided over numerous cases that were both contentious and controversial. The five foot elfish woman smiled as her blue eyes sparkled when she came up to the Imperial Forum. The soft white skin seemed to contrast against the unnaturally heavy bronze mantle that she wore. Though Prefects could often get away by wearing red robes over black tunics, Justicars were compelled by both tradition and regulation to wear heavy breastplates blazoned with the provincial arms over which they presided. The practice was as old as the position of Justicar itself; in the age of the Allerian Kingdom, Justicars were military officials responsible for dispensing justice in large lawless administrative districts. Juliara stretched her back and adjusted the tightly-fitting breastplate which accentuated her slender curves. A red stole draped underneathe clung around her rather elegantly, and she strode confidently past the fountains in the Eastern Palatine Hills of the Imperial Forum, trying to watch her footing on the cobblestone street.

The Palace of the Justicar was a magnificent building; with three stories of a classical pantheon remeniscent of the Ancient Allerian architecture found on the Isle of the Crown, the structure was wider than it was tall. At its heart, an open courtyard revealed an elevated platformed column constructed entirely of amethyst, utop which an emerald-embossed throne rest. Juliara seemed relieved with a sigh escaping her thin, pale lips to at last see her familiar seat. When she came up to the doorways, two human women of barbari descent clad in militia uniforms saluted her affectionately.

"Serale, Janu! Serale, Tera!" she smiled. "How has the watch been?"

The taller of the two, with fiery red hair and a gruff voice chortled and snorted as she blushed recognizing her own barbaric folly. "Quieter than it's been in months, Julie!" The companions had obviously developed a close friendship over the years. "I think those strange sentinels that the Rakrya unleashed last week seem to be doing much good. The Imperial Forum is safe for business once more. Those mages sure are pesky, though... they give me the creeps!"

"Even so, Tera," nodded Juliara, awaiting the two soldiers to open the rectangular wooden double-doors leading into the complex. "They have been fairly reasonable in allowing most institutions of government, namely the courts, to resume their functions. The last time we had a transition of government of this magnitude was with Empress Alyssa's Civitate, and let me assure you - the courts were closed for many years while that change was being administered." The Justicar of Prime Province winked as she strode into the palace.

She had arrived three hours prior to the first matter before her: the case of the Empire v. Alexander Nighthawk.

* * *

"The Advocate of the Accused shall rise!" proclaimed the voice of an obnoxious obese herald, shouting at the top of his lungs. The nasal sound echoed off of the open courtyard and frightened most of the gathered audience standing under the shade of the promenade encircling the Audience Chamber, but Professor Rachael Illiander did not experience such shock. Perhaps it was because she had been such an accomplished advocate and jurist, or that she was emboldened by the circumstances of the case she would try. In either case, she did not jump when the herald shrieked out his announcement.

Advocate Illiander stood on the floor of the courtyard, a wooden desk complete with several scrolls and freshly sharpened quills provided for her to the left of the great platform which towered twenty feet above her. To her right, utop an ornate iron chair rest the familiar likeness of the same Inquisitor that had interrogated her client, former regent Alexander Nighthawk, just a day earlier. Alexander had undergone a fearful inquisition by arcane means, and he now rest incarcerated at an undisclosed location. Most pre-trial hearings were held without the accused present. Her emotionless expression might have instilled more fear into Rachael than any herald's shouts would have, for the Inquisitor appeared conservatively confident. Judging by the stacks of documents on a desk next to her seat, one could assume that the Inquisitor had quite a bit to present.

"Her Imperial Honor, Justicar Juliara presiding!" shouted the herald, who waddled back away into the shadows with the audience. Several hundred citizens packed the promenade today, eager to learn of the fate of the controversial leader who ruled in regency over the empire.

Juliara strode from behind the elevated platform on a circular staircase, until she reached the top of the columned elevation and sat on her magnificent throne. She rest her fingertips along the smooth silver ball at the edge of her right hand-rest and lift the mighty orb, slamming it down with a thundrous crack that brought all discussions to a firm close. "This Court is now in session," she commanded. It felt odd for her to say it, for ordinarily, she would invoke the grace of the Emperor in the statement. Though, Alleria had been without a real monarch for decades, a generic reference to the Emperor was almost always retained. Now, the man who had once embodied the imperial government and the Emperor whom she would ordinarily invoke was on trial.

The Justicar dismissed the awkward moment and gave thanks that she didn't have to invoke the Rakrya, or worse yet, First Guardian Julos, since such would have been an abomination to the principles of Imperial Government. Smiling, she looked over a scroll to her left and nodded. "The Case of the Empire v. Alexander Nighthawk, Pre-Trial Hearing in Plenary Session shall commence. Madame Inquisitor, you may present."

The Inquisitor rose and nodded fiercefully, her raven black hair shifting in the wind. "Mistress Voluria, Your Imperial Honor, presenting for the Empire," she introduced herself, giving a name to her nameless existence at long last. "We have an addendum to the charges listed, Your Imperial Honor. The State intends to demonstrate that Alexander Nighthawk cannot prove his innocense in the charges as follows: one count of public disorder, one count of disruption of an official gathering of the Allerian State, three hundred and seventy-nine counts of attempted murder, one count of graft in office, and Conspiracy against the Sacred Three. Additionally, we move before the court one count of Conspiracy to Commit High Treason against the Rakrya."

"Very well," nodded Juliara. "Before I demand a proponderance of the evidence to conclude reasonable guilt, Advocate Illiander, what plea will your client enter against these charges?"

[Ahana]

In a distinct change from the last time she had laid eye on the Inquisitor, Professor Rachael Illiander was now quite well dressed in a pure silk emerald suit that flowed in gentle curves around her frail body. As always, for no one had ever seen differently, her long grey hair was wrapped in an intricate, yet practical bun and secured with a small golden band beset with tiny flecks of green jade.

Advocate Illiander rose as commanded by the ridiculous waddling crier and set both of her hands on the smooth wooden desktop that had been provided for her. She sighed, quietly, and let her gaze meander across the wrinkled and age-spotted hands that had written decades of arguments for the court. Even now, standing here, she could hardly believe the third Empire had come to an end and she, Rachael Illiander, daughter of a simple Merchant and his arranged wife, was defending the former Lord Regent on counts too plentiful to list.

The absence of the Emperor’s blessing struck a chord with the aging Professor and she couldn't help but shiver slightly at the silence where the invocation should have been. It was blasphemous. Could she hope for a fair trial in a court that failed to invoke the grace that had protected them all these years? The question brought another shiver to her frail body.

The elderly advocate stood idle as the charges were read once again. She had heard them already. As horrible as they were, they failed to provoke even the slightest reaction from the seasoned Advocate. That was, until the Inquisitor spoke of an addendum to the charges.

The woman's silvery brow lifted in surprise. Treason?! Quickly, Advocate Illiander regained control of her expression before the venom in her thoughts translated to her face. Treason.

Her eyes were determined as she swiveled back to the Justicar. 'Your Imperial Honor,' she began in a calm and level voice. 'The former Imperial Marshal, former Lord Regent Alexander Nighthawk will enter a plea of not guilty on all charges.'

[Will de Ryes]

OCC: My post is of course assuming that the hearing is open to the public and that one poking around daily would know of it. Otherwise, delete my post with my apologies.

IC
With still no knowledge of Nighthawk's whereabouts, this was the closest that Will figured he would get. He wasn't sure if the Guardians were activily seeking him out as a co-conspiritor or what. It would have depended on what Nighthawk was forced to tell them. Either way Will knew that he might be risking his life, but then this was for the Empire and his children. If he was detected and/or apprehended then so be it. He needed to find out something.

Clad only in simple light leather armor and covered with a brown cloak he had scrounged from the officer's quarters, Will causually mingled in with the crowd of citizens. Armed only with a small dagger, he knew anything else would have been too obvious and of no use against those accursed sentientals.

Will sat back and noted the participants. None were familiar to him.

As the charges were read, Will cringed with anger. He clinched his teeth and balled up his fist. Nighthawk was no more guilty of those charges than a gnome was guilty of being too tall.

[Aramil H. Thamion]

Aramil shuffeld into the court-room for this historical event. Aramil managed to hit the charges; and was partially taken back by them. Aramil agreed for the most part, but it just shocked him to hear them. Aramil tried to shake his bewilderment as he walked to take a chair towards the front of the room.

Aramil's crimson robe, bore no symbols this day. Aramil was not feeling prideful enough of the Empire or Rakrya to display his allegiance to either. Aramil looked to the judge, letting a proper bow of the head follow with a smile.

[Will de Ryes]

Will leaned over to the person sitting next to him, still trying somewhat trying to conceal is identity.

In a low voice so as not to disturpt the proceedings, Will spoke to the person. "Excuse me, but this Advocate Illiander, who is she? She appears to me more like someone's grandmother than a jurist. Is she from around here?" Will tried to keep his inquiry light so as not to draw any undo attention.

Somehow the secretcy of his actions seemed to excite him a little. He wasn't sure if they was necessary, but seeing the Sentinals in action, he wasn't going to take the chance. He wondered what his father and mother would think if they knew in what he was involved; if they were alive that is.

[Ahana]

'Ar, she's a right frank professor fromma 'stute a hiyer learnin.' answered the man next to you in a low hiss. Unable to tear his dark eyes from the scene before him, the man scratched idly at his chin. He'd shaved special for court today - tried to make himself look presentable in an attempt to catch the eye of one of the lovely ladies that he thought would be here. As proof, the line of his jaw was red with the irritation of his razor.

'She's one a the few teacha's who done escaped that 'ole fiasco. I think she's a smart one, but I dunna really know. She looks ole enough t'ave learnt a thinga two.'

[Will de Ryes]

"Hmmm," Will uttered softly as he screnched up his lower lip and pondered the gentleman's information. "Thank you much my friend."

Will glanced one last time at the man's redden face. The site made him wince at the assumed pain. Obviously shaving wasn't a daily task for this man.

Leaning back over to the man while keeping an eye on the proceedings, Will spoke again in a low voice. "Next time soak a towel in boiling water, ring it out and apply it to your face for about 15 minutes... really softens the beard."

[Ahana]

'Ahhh.' the gruff-faced man replied. 'Works huh? I'll havta give ita try. That obvious huh. I tried ta shave it but it gets tougher en pigs hide boiled too long. Thank salot.. ' he murmured back to Will. One more full-faced smile graced his grizzled face before the stranger turned back to watch the trial.

[Calaban]

Cloaked in blue robes, and moving slowly into position near the front of the procceedings, two individuals who held a great interest in the trial about to unfold.

Calaban shook his head as Alexander's charges were read. He also found it crude that they would hold a trail to determines one fate, and not even allow him to be present. No doubt confirmation that knew this case was less about truth, and more about setting an example for the new ruling government, and sealing it with Alexander's blood.

Calaban turned to his co-hort, a look of concern on his face,

"Alexander may be beyond the aid of the Phoenix I fear Kace."

[Cepalico Kiel]

"You might be right, Calaban." a familiar voice piped in before Kace could respond.

Cep had entered the proceedings moments after her friends, and had found a seat just behind them. When she'd heard of the terrible fix her 'brother' had found himself in, she knew she had to be here. She only hoped that she might have a chance to speak on his behalf, as she had when Kevlar had been accused of real estate fraud so many years ago.

Things didn't look good for Alex, and the worry and sorrow for him showed in her blue, soulful eyes.

[Calaban]

Calaban took the hand placed on his shoulder, instantly recognizing the soothing voice of the Matriarch of the PhoenixClan.

Calaban couldn't help to feel sorrow for Cep, perhaps even moreso for her than for Alex. For one person to face such trials, and endure so much loss in one lifetime seems almost unimaginable. Yet still recovered from the loss of Kevlar, and standing here watching Alex face impending doom, the Lady Cepalico seemed to still be a pilar of strength.

Cal tightened his grip on Cep before letting go in a silent show of support,

"Are the children of the Phoenix forever condemned to a life of persicution and misforturne."

The question was more a solomn rehtorical question, than a direct inquiry of those around him.

[Cepalico Kiel]

Cep found some comfort in Calaban's silent show of support, but sighed at his comment. Not sure what to say, she just shook her head and looked to Kace. If anyone knew what she'd been through, it was him. There was a longing in her eyes, a mixture of sadness and a plea for comfort. But she could not bring herself to show anymore than that. Alex needed their support, and if she were to fall apart now....

The half-elven woman straightened her back, placed her hands in her lap, and stared straight ahead. She had to be strong, whether she felt like it or not.

[Aramil H. Thamion]

Aramil set staring at Alexander. His mind turning violently scanning his memories from classes in law. Aramil could not clearly see a way around such issues, without outright breaking all known laws. Aramil was thinking to no avail, when a smile crossed his face. An idea crossed his mind, one he took a moment to write down in his journal.

Aramil finished, and turned to look who had entered. Slightly stunned at the new arrivals, and their ability to enter without him hearing; he gave each a solemn nod of the head.

[Kaelon]

Justicar Juliara nodded ostensibly, basking in the radiance of her lack of surprise to the plea. Though pleas could not be changed once entered, she had suspected that a high profile trial such as this one would be anything but perfunctory; it was the standard that most criminals would enter a preliminary plea of guilty, with the hopes of receiving lenience. "The plea of not guilty is accepted by this court," she said, turning to face the mage-prosecutor. "Inquisitor Voluria, what preponderance of the evidence exists to bring this matter before the Province of Prime?"

Mistress Voluria stood and spoke clearly and confidently. "Your Glorious Honor, the Empire has at its disposal witnesses who testified and have signed affidavits as to all charges, save the last; we have uncovered a conspiracy through arcane inquisition and shall present the evidence in the form of memories."

Raechel Illiander could sense a veritable quandry emerging; arcane evidence was inadmissable under the Articles of Imperium.

[Ahana]

'Your honor.' began Advocate Illiander in a voice marked with the strength of her years. 'As I'm sure both you and Madame Voluria know, the Articles of Imperium expressly prohibit the introduction of arcane evidence.'

Rachael Illiander took a deep breath before she continued. In truth, the elderly professor was mildly shocked that the Inquisitor hadn't made an effort to mask and shroud her evidence in false affidavits since her mind probe was so defiantly illegal in the courts of the Empire. The Advocate's voice was both level and controlled when she began after a single breath's pause.

'Since the prosecutor admits that the entirety of her evidence for a charge of treason was obtained through arcanic means, which are by nature inherantly volitile and unable to be collaberated, and since evidence obtained through arcanic effort is specifically and wisely forbidden by the Articles of Imperium, I move that the charge of treason against the former Lord Regent be dismissed.'