Secrets

[MeloraBelikov]

Thank God if there ever was one. Thank. God. Azura had exactly the right idea, there was no more need to go around and around about the details. If they needed to know more for an investigation, Melora would be more than happy to tell them all about the woman's death in gory detail.

Speaking of investigations, Melora heard a ruckus coming down the hall, starting into the room. The huge doors opened with a creaking noise loud enough to break any sort of tension laying thickly in the air. A pair of men held a vampire in their clutches, feet just above the floor. Her wrists had been bound together but her feet were free to dangle inches above solid ground. It was almost a sorry sight, a beautiful creature being manhandled by two men obviously bigger than her, until it was remembered that the beautiful creature could likely crush the mens' skulls if given the chance.

Melora slammed her palm to the thick wooden table. "My turn to ask. What the fuck...?!" Her patience had run out. Like the last grain in an hourglass, her last grain of it dropped when Rima Donovan was carted into the room, held before the council. Her green eyes narrowed on the members of the court, obviously not caring what her outburst would cost her.

"She was brought here because it's possible she has information related to your case" One of the men replied, shifting uncomfortably at her reaction. Damn right he should be scared.

"You would bring a Blackraven before us knowing full well that our guest has just suffered a loss at their hands? And you..." She started, head snapping to face Rima, hair falling in her eyes with the motion. "You just pop up everywhere, don't you? If you have information then you'd better spill it now and quickly. There is much more we need to get through." Her acid tone caused everyone in the room to go silent. No Judge stood to face her, the silence fell thick around them all, as if her words had caused all sound to suddenly make it's exit. Each Judge looked from Melora to Rima, waiting for an answer to the question at hand. What did Rima know that was so important?

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

‘Pathetic humans.’ The thoughts repeated in Rima’s mind even after she was cuffed. It would be easy to snap these links binding her wrists, simple, like a child breaking a plastic toy. But she wouldn’t. For the time, she was on good behavior. And she supposed there was worse, such as the guillotine or the stocks, but then again those had been banished from this society long ago.

Then she was halted in the court room, right in from of several people up on podiums with absolutely reeked of power. “I suppose I do pop up everywhere.” She inclined her head to Melora, her pupils back to human ‘normal.’ Rima had taken care to wear her glasses now, just as a precaution to keep her eyes from slitting and making her appear as a threat.

“And I suppose what information I do have, might be considered of value, but I haven’t any details on what happened. I was only informed of Sargon’s murder myself earlier this day.” Her words were truthful, but it was the court’s choice to believe her or not. No matter though, her aura was still dignified and professional.

Rima's grey-blue eyes shifted and rested on Azura, readying herself to stop him if he made threats or actually managed to inflict harm on her.

[AzuraGallu]

Azura growled at the vampiress, baring his fangs at her. The look of malicious intent was evident in his eyes though he made no move to rise. However, all around him became stock still as he tensed, like a tiger waiting to pounce.
"Turn your eyes away from me or I'll rip them out through the back of your skull, woman." He spat, words coming out through the incredibly long incisors that marked him as one of his kind, and more importantly, of a pure line.
His hand gripped the arm of his chair, grooves becoming apparent and taking the shapes of his fingers as he waited, not at all patiently, for the court to get the hell on with it.

[Doctor]

Here Anshel was, thrown into a giant fucking mess, expected to unravel a sinister plot and new complications kept being dragged into the light for him to grapple with. The interruption and acidic words forced him past anxiety all the way into the realm of fury. And, unorthodox as he was in most things, this viciousness was not directed towards the probable enemy shackled and held up by his guards.

He had a responsibility now far greater than he had ever had. This was his domain. And he would not allow this type of commotion bullshit in his court. So, Anshel spoke with sure and even words.

"Azura. Feel free to speak at your leisure, but you are not in Gallu Castle. This is my court. The fate of the accused falls to me and my council. You will respect that and leave your hands unsoiled until our prisoner is transferred to your jurisdiction."

Decades Anshel had spent here. The corruption, the thirst for blood and revenge, the prejudice - for years he put up with what he could not change. But the intricate carvings that cradled his back and the smooth ancient wood of the throne's armrest told him with conviction that that was no longer the case. They could all fuck themselves.

"Melora," he turned to face her. "You will watch yourself. You have spoken out of place and have disturbed the peace of this chamber. Should this become a habit, you will be dismissed." Had the seriousness of the situation not dampened the atmosphere, Anshel would have felt far more satisfaction from saying those words.

He finally looked back to the cause of the upheaval. A small, pretty thing. And despite her face, he sensed her years. It was common knowledge vampires grew more powerful with age. The shackles and guards would stay in place, but things had to change.

Anshel stood, this time knees steady, back-straight and head held high aloft, and dictated with an authority he would imagine Bartholomew might be impressed with. "This is Banglaire Court. We," he looked around the circle, but kept his hands at his side, "are judges. This clan is not barbarous, nor disrespectful of the Laws of Neutrality or basic dignity." His lip curled in disgust. "Do. Not. Forget this."

He stalked to Melora who still stood and walked around her, grabbing her chair and taking it in his hands, "Melora, I will be requiring this seat. You may continue to stand or call to the ladies outside to grab you another." He lifted the chair easily and swiftly walked with it, placing it down...

...right behind Rima.

"Your shackles will stay on. You have been kind enough to leave them on for show. Please extend that kindness and keep them on," he said, walking back around to face her. "Sit. That cannot be comfortable." He motioned for the guards to stay at their positions, then turned to face the others.

"We are judges. She is the accused. Already our party has shown hostility and she is without representative or support. And therefore, it is our responsibility to be sure she is advocated for. That is the decency we will show." He didn't bother staring them down. His voice made it clear.

[AzuraGallu]

The solid wood of the chair beneath Azura's clenched fist splintered into a thousand tiny pieces as he rose, inclining his head to Anshel.
"If this is how the court receives its criminals, then I will be elsewhere. I have more important things to do." his voice was low, threatening, but he made good on his word and began to stride toward the massive doors of the court with purpose.
As he went, the air around him dropped several degrees, ice* beginning to form on the chair he'd just vacated, and the floors after he stepped upon them.
This was the wrath of a vampire. Quiet and deadly, not full of mindless tactless rage. While the Gallu were capable of such behavior, it was a joy to slaughter. This was not amusing him in the slightest.
They would all be lucky if the wrath of his entire clan didn't come down on their heads for this. He was here to get information on his father's murder to protect his people, not sit around and have some god damned tea party.
Useless.
He could just as easily go find another Blackraven and lay into them. Someone would start talking.
He shut the door firmly behind him, out of the stifling air of the court, but this didn't calm him, as evidenced by the sheen of ice clinging to the door.

*Ice in relation to a vampire's mood is the result of a voiding of life or any representation of such in the nearby vicinity. It is most commonly seen when deep sadness or intense anger are prevalent. Vampires do not need to wield an element in order to produce this effect.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima had to fight herself to keep from baring her teeth at Azura. These young vampires had no self-preservation, nor respect for their Elders. But, it was her head over the chopping block, or at least that was the way she saw it, so she shifted her attention to the Court Judges. Mainly to Anshel who was speaking.

She gave a curt nod in reply to his words. But her thin, black eyebrows rose in surprise as he gave instructions to Melora and the aggressive young Vampire, Azura. Cleary she was surprised at this, having not encountered it before.

Anshel had then taken Melora’s chair. Once again they rose as he brought a chair behind her, much like the old gentlemen of her time would do. Without much more prodding she eased herself back into the seat, folding her shackled hands neatly in her lap.

Another disturbance took place: the Gallian Prince, Azura. He was angered by her presence. It was saddening. A visible degree of color left her already fair flesh as the ice formed. She wouldn’t be able to defend herself, she realized, not with her hands bound and she was used to more… stealthy combat.

[Doctor]

Anshel never understood how advocating for peace and equity always ended with him looking like the enemy. They lived in such a violent world.

"This appointment will resume when I have returned with the Gallian King. For now, stay vigilante," he gestured towards Rima. The judges nodded in understanding. Ping, Nikeese, and Darius stood, taking defensive positions. Anshel knew they would hold it for days if that was how long it took.

"Miss," he addressed Rima and excused himself.

Stalking down the path of cold death that Azura had left in his wake, Anshel momentarily regretted not putting his jacket back on. He stepped through the doors and stalked down the hall as they closed behind him.

He reached the courtyard and found the King lying on a stone bench, facing the stars.

"Azura," Anshel said.

[AzuraGallu]

"I'm trying to not tear her head off, Anshel. What are you gaining by prodding my ire?" He opened one eye, looking at the Hunter with a passive expression.
He was surprised he wasn't angrier at Anshel, given that it was his actions that had caused Azura's anger to spike. But he was a friend, and only doing what he thought was right. Just what Azura did for his own.
The prices that had to be paid for leadership.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima remained passive, leaning back against the chair. The stability beneath her was comforting. Honestly, it would be fairly easy to kill Azura, but only if he came at her first. Even in that event, she swore to herself that non-lethal methods would be used first. Reprimand would be terrible if Azura were to fall by her hand. However, killing his was not her intention.

Goes to show what a human, or Vampire, mind can do because of curiosity that gets one in trouble.

Rima’s shoulders were squared in a dominant position, refusing to be drug down because of any activity around her. She set to work, true nature coming out, as she looked around the room, taking in the beautiful art of the furniture and structure.

[Doctor]

"I have everything to gain," he said, softly. Anshel was a worldly man and an ancient one at that. He could empathize with Azura. He was familiar with that flavor of rage that could goad one into doing epically violent, unspeakable things.

Blue eyes met amber ones. "You and I very alike, Azura. Deep down we know what we are. We accept it. We take pride in it. And the men we are... are not the type of men suited for the roles that have been thrust upon us. But then, the type of men we are..." He trailed off not wanting to launch into a lecture about loyalty and integrity. Instead, he just bowed his head solemnly and continued. "I trust you to understand why I must upset you now."

[AzuraGallu]

Azura sighed, turning his head back to look at the stars above him, seeking some sort all consuming solace from the inky blackness.
"I understand," he said as a few moments spanned the silence as he thought. Finally, the barest a smiles touched his lips as he sat up, looking fully at the Hunter before him. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it. Back at home, you know how we treat our criminals. I've never seen this judicious system you've put into place. It must have its moments of glory, but now you must understand why I'm upset. I have done nothing since my father's passing. Effectively, I am useless to my clan, Anshel."
His body weight was supported by the heels of his hands as he leaned over the side of the bench, legs apart to also aid his positioning. He didn't look at all like a King, or even a vampire. he simply looked like a distraught human teenager. Which was exactly what he was, at least in the years of his kind.

[Rima Elaine Donavon]

Rima amazed herself at the ability to keep calm despite all of this. Still, she was a tad thirsty, but 600 years gives one a hell of a lot of time to build up self control.

There was a small line of what were paintings. She could smell them from across the room. Oils. And very old. The friendly scent nearly taunted Rima into a false state of security, the last thing she needed at the moment.

It was time she be allowed a bit more details. Clearing her throat softly, she brought her attention to one of the judges. Her words were directed at Darius. He appeared to carry the most authority. “Posso chiedere un po' di informazioni?” She asked in her native Italian, then realized that nobody in the room would have been able to understand that most likely. Rima’s voice lowered to a point that was directed specifically at the men around her, to Darius. “Can I ask for a bit of information, regarding what happened to Sargon?” She asked, English laced with Italian accent.

[Doctor]

"You are new to this, Azura. Not just this system of law, but to your position. It's difficult for a young man to take on, especially for men like us who demand instant gratification."

He took a seat beside him on the bench. Not only were they outside, but Azura was still creating a cold void around himself and Anshel shivered, but nonetheless spoke firmly, "You're a King now. You solve problems differently once you reach a certain height of power. Remember that patience does not equal inactivity. You are doing what you can, starting by letting that woman in there live to answer your questions, while being a diplomat and acknowledging the standards of court."

Anshel nudged Azura with his elbow. "Take solace in knowing that taking things slow? Usually leads to an infinitely more satisfying climax." He drawled it out and raised a brow at him, daring him not to smile.

[Doctor]

"No you may not," Darius snarled back at her.

"Darius!" Nikeese scolded him. Darius looked immediately apologetic and tried to redress himself in a judge's cloak of impartiality, but Ms. Belikov's account had him on edge. Nery was a darling friend. While the majority of the clan consorted with vampires, he was one of the very few to actually befriend them.

"I apologize for the harshness of my words," Darius replied monotonously as an apology to Rima, the cloak now on. "You will be receiving little to no information as it may interfere with the investigation."

[AzuraGallu]

Azura snorted and placed a hand on the back of Anshel's head, shoving him none too lightly forward, but the act was not aggressive.
"Would have never thought a wise word would come out of that mouth."
He stood, lifting his arms above his head to stretch his back.
"I'll go back, but make no mistake, I'm not about to invite her to my birthday party." He said, pointing an illustrative finger at Anshel before giving him a smile. It was obvious his sour mood had lifted, causing the air around him to return to its natural state.