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>>1964514
"She has a point," the Rook rasps. "Pledge-keeping is a habit. Friendships, even unenforced by the Wyrd, take work. Or so I've been told, many times, by angry people." The Wizened rumbles in his throat, holding back a cough by letting it rattle in his closed mouth. "None of us are what you'd call a great catch. A disgraced Prince, a loose cannon, a reluctant youngblood, and an oath-breaker. Each of us is being asked to commit to the sins of the others."

"Colors, I take back the subtlety thing," Vickie says slowly. "Autumn come with drama classes?"

"Yes," Forum and the Rook say at the same time.

"...Fuck me, that makes too much sense."

"I'm buying shots?" Forum offers.

"Colors and I have to talk," Fancy says sharply; the dancer stands, her expression resolute. You nod, and the others look between the two of you before they step outside. The Rook, the last out, shuts the door behind him. "What the hell, Colors?"

"Did you think it was all glass rabbits and snow in Summer?" you ask; you can feel the pain in your voice, but the sensation in your chest isn't exactly fear or anger, just...hollow. "I told you, Fancy. I told you we're dangerous. I told you the Fairest of Lands is dangerous. If you want miracles, you get the black altar. You want angels, you have to have demons."

Fancy looks away, and after a long moment's thought, she sits back down. "You're a killer, aren't you?"

"When I have to be," you admit, in a low tone. "...I used to be a hell of a lot worse. A thug. A murderer and hatchet woman. When I joined Spring it was to leave that behind, to...to find the nobility I'd been looking for. To be a Knight, not an assassin. But Knights turn out corpses too. Justice isn't always nice. Honor isn't always clean."

"Why am I here?" she whispers.

"...I wanted to introduce you more slowly," you admit. "I guess the Rook felt otherwise. He asked you here to tell us if we were crazy. Why didn't you?"

Your friend has no answer. You see her face go through a series of frustrated emotions before she runs her hands through her hair and lets out a long breath. "Before, when people had to have the Sight to see, did you tell them?"

"Yes. We hid things from people without the Sight. We lied, to protect them and ourselves. We lied so much. I don't want to lie to you, Fancy."

The dancer puts her head in her hands, elbows on the table, staring down at it. "You trusted me. Mom always used to joke that a friend helps you move, a best friend helps you move a body. Is that who you think I am?"

> I don't have a lot of friends at all, Fancy. I hoped, but...this was the only way to find out
> It's not about if I trust you with my secrets. VALKYRIE has an idea, even if the public doesn't really. It's about not hiding from you.
> Who am I to you, Fancy? Why are you let down?
> Write-in?

>>1964547
>Write-in?
>I can move bodies on my own, Fancy - that's part of my job. With you, it's not about my job, it's about you. But you kind of have to live with my job if we're going to be friends, and defintiely more than friends. Honestly, I'm the NSA, the CIA, and the Police, all rolled into one, Fancy, because that's how we survive.

>But it's not just humans we have to be worried about, it's each other, and the terrible things that made us the way we are.

>>1964547
>> It's not about if I trust you with my secrets. VALKYRIE has an idea, even if the public doesn't really. It's about not hiding from you.

this with a bit of

this >>1964576

also, draaaaaamaaaaaaaaaa

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>>1964547
> It's not about if I trust you with my secrets. VALKYRIE has an idea, even if the public doesn't really. It's about not hiding from you.

This sort of thing is part of the package.

Before, we warned her to not do a thing and then she immediately went and did a thing. Now, I understand why she did, it's really fucking amazing to go from leading a mundane life to experiencing all this magic and wonder so it's incredibly tempting. So if saying "don't do a thing" isn't the best way to handle that, maybe this is a better way of easing her in. Give her a little glimpse of some of the dirty side of all this might be a better way of making sure she knows what's really going on over on this side of things. If she still wants to keep going, at least she's not going in entirely blind.

>>1964547
>It's not about if I trust you with my secrets. VALKYRIE has an idea, even if the public doesn't really. It's about not hiding from you.
>"I do not intend to ask you to help me move a body." [Only if we make it out of this without drama]
Fae are terrible.

'm alive. I'll be calling and writing after I hit some chores.

And called, writin'.

>>1964890
>>1964988
Or a real life interrupt happened.

Votes are re-opened.

I'll be back at like...ten PM EST or so.

>>1964514
>"I'm just warning you about what you're getting into."

Isn't a Vice something that PCs are supposed to struggle with? We haven't fulfilled our Vice even once in the thirteen threads since the beginning.

>Vice (Lust): Gain your Vice bonus (+1 on up to two rolls) whenever you take a risk or abuse your power or position to indulge your lust (Bonus inactive)

>Virtue (Faith): Gain your Virtue bonus (+3 on one roll) whenever you take a risk or go to great lengths to uphold the tenets of your faith or offer spiritual guidance to others (Bonus inactive)

>Rival: You have earned the ire of Cherry Kinkaid and those who respect or follow her opinions in the Spring Court. You suffer a -1 penalty on social rolls made against or on the behalf of those individuals.

What the fuck.

>You struck a deal that involved extracting her eyes in exchange for Erin’s assistance against Rainbow John; she seems to think she still has business with you.
Not sure I got this. It seems that she sold two things without being paid anything. How was this possibly considered a sale?

>Inky Jenny: She has powerful influence in her own Court because of her proximity to Arthur but spends most of her time helping to advise and administrate Summer. Rumors abound as to what has motivated this career decision on her part.
I still don't know, and I played King of New Avalon.

>>1965467
World of Darkness doesn't swing like that, exactly. Vice and Virtue both offer bonuses; Vice is smaller, but easier to get, which makes being a corrupt asshole mechanically optimal.

Which is the idea.

>>1965871
But shouldn't we try to get them, at least for character purposes? To show that it's something we actually want? Especially the Virtue bonus, since it has no downside.

>>1965900
We want to (and have had several chances to) do very spring-like things to a woman who is happily married and has a young daughter, but we haven't, because Colors isn't an asshole.

>>1965939
We also haven't done them to Fancy, nor have we done them to Vickie. Haven't even picked up a Pixie Chaser. It's like it's not Color's Vice.

>>1965871
Fuck optimization.

Colors isn't an asshole and doesn't want to be a fuckup. Vice of any kind makes life difficult.

>>1966849
I don't disagree, I was just trying to point out that WoD is full of bastards for a reason.

>>1965939
> very spring-like things
You mean like hand-holding?

>>1967368
This is a blue board, anon!

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>>1967368
Dammit man, control yourself! Don't make me come over there.

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>>1967368

Okay, I'm alive. Barely.

Called, writing.

>>1968971
> Barely alive.
QUICK! SOMEONE SET UP A CAFFEINE IV DRIP STAT!

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>>1968661
>>1968722
>>1968863
I REGRET NOTHING.

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>>1969481

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>>1964547
You shake your head and sigh. "Fancy...it's not about if I trust you with my secrets. You know I can make myself trust you, or at least make you pay, if I want to. You knew that when you asked me to be honest with you. People forget the Valks came out of the closet when we did. It's not like...it's not like normal people haven't ever known. I don't want to hide from you. You're not supposed to hide from your friends and lie to them and shut them out of your life."

Slowly, Fancy's arms go down on the table. She takes a deep breath and looks up at you. "Why is this your job?"

"Because I'm good at it," you admit, with a distant shrug. "The night all hell broke loose I was killing time playing superhero, scaring muggers away from an old man. His family is alive because I was there that night. There's not a lot of us, you know. Even now that there is, there still isn't. There never will be. We have to do the jobs we're talented at. Especially now that everything is so...weird."

Your friend laughs. "Weird. Yeah. Colors...I'm gonna go back home, for a little while. You cut loose, alright? Spend some time with your new friends. I'll be in touch, after...after some time to think about all of this. And. Thank you, for not trying to say you're like Batman."

"...You're...welcome?" You blink. "Why would - the mugger thing."

The dancer ruffles your glass hair on her way out the door, making it ripple and chime. After a moment you get up from your chair and step outside as well.

You should probably be surprised that the Rook is waiting, but somehow you're not.

"People keep secrets with good intentions," the Wizened rasps. "Those good intentions are carted off from the ruins of their lives, to be used as paving stones for the road to Hell. I am not sorry."

"I'm not sure if I'm even mad, Rook," you admit. "...She had to know. I was trying to introduce her slowly, but...gods, maybe you're right. Who knows. Forum still insisting on shots?"

"He seems to think they'll get us celebrating." The Rook coughs into his sleeve. "To be honest, I've spent all day in this Arcade. I could stand to be out of the house."

You mull it over, then shrug. "Alright. Shots."

* * * *
August 10th (Present Day)

You have a vague memory of going to see Trista and her family after shots, which gets a whole lot less vague when you remember her husband had insisted on patching you up as best he could. It was one of those series of decisions that made sense at the time; letting them know you were okay, admitting you were drunk but wanting to drop by since the kids were asleep. There'd been coffee, water, and aspirin at some point, along with a long walk back to your house with the two of them, while Trista's parents were up watching some game show.

It comes back to you in pieces while you stagger through your morning check-through of the house, Bifrost in one hand, Gatorade in the other, sipping slowly and trying not to spontaneously die.

>>1969694
Dangit Colors, did you bone her?

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>>1969694
Your phone tweedles a text from Vickie: [Can I come over?]. You thumb your address at her, put some coffee on, manage a bagel, and succeed in getting your shower in. Arthur's holding Court today at high noon, and among other things it's going to feature the judgement and sentencing of Sam the Sliced and probably Venus Kennedy, Vickie being stripped of her rank, the formal recognition of your mission, and whatever surprise assignment Arthur has in store for your friend. It's gonna be a busy day.

When you answer the door for Vickie she breezes past into your house, full of nervous energy. You shut and lock the door behind her while she beelines for the kitchen.

"Help yourself," you invite, just as she's heading for the table; she curves her walk and goes directly to the coffee instead. "I'd ask if you're alright..."

"Oh my fucking God I am so far from alright." Vickie opens a jar full of white powder on your counter, realizes it's flour, and shuts it before she tries the other one and gets the sugar she was after. Five spoons go right into her coffee. "I can't get this whole 'new assignment' thing out of my head. It's supposed to be some kind of punishment or education or what-the-fuck-ever but what in Hell? I. I've always been a hatchet girl, Colors. That's my job. Leo knew, you know? Send Reeds in, get a corpse, that's the play. Not like there's a shortage of hobs and monsters to send me after. And now Arthur's on about some, some, I dunno, some noble purpose he thinks he sees in me? Where's he get off?" Vickie gestures sharply, sloshing coffee onto the floor; she swears under her breath, sets her cup down, and yanks paper towels to clean up.

"Are you happy, the way things are? Because you didn't seem happy."

Vickie pauses. At first you think you might have pissed her off, until you realize the irregular rise-and-fall of her chest isn't her controlling her breathing.

It's sobbing.

> Try to comfort her
> Just let it happen
> Walk her through it. Somewhere in here is what's really wrong.
> Write-in?

>>1969711
> Walk her through it. Somewhere in here is what's really wrong.

>>1969711
>>1969721
Though I should say that I'm not so sure about dismissing this as just a surface thing, this might be one of the many things that is wrong. Suddenly having people who believe in you can hurt like a bitch when you're not at all used to it.

>>1969711
>Write-in?
>Sidle up next to her, get to her level and stay where she can see you.
I'm not sure what you mean by walking her through it, so I haven't included that (yet).

>>1969711
>> Walk her through it. Somewhere in here is what's really wrong.

>>1969711
>"Change is pain, Vickie."

>Walk her through it. Somewhere in here is what's really wrong.
>Sidle up next to her, get to her level and stay where she can see you.

>>1969711
>> Try to comfort her

I don't think anything is wrong, but do I think she needs to be comforted. This is exactly what she wants to be, but she's scared. We just need to push her to be strong enough to take the opportunity she desperately wants and cast away her murderous cocoon.

>>1970163
*nor do I think she needs to be comforted.

She's strong enough to take this, and we should respect that.

>>1969711
>>Walk her through it. Somewhere in here is what's really wrong.
>>Sidle up next to her, get to her level and stay where she can see you.

'ma call and write in about an hour.

Called, writin'.

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>>1969711
Slowly, staying directly in Vickie's sightline, you cross the kitchen to where she is and kneel down to be next to her. She stiffens when your hand touches her shoulder, but doesn't pull away; a small sob escapes Vickie's lips, released by the shock of a friendly touch.

"I spilled your coffee," Vickie whispers, her voice tight.

"I have more," you soothe, softly. Vickie pushes her mass of paper towels deeper into the puddle of coffee and haphazardly throws more into the liquid. "Take your time, Vickie. Just take your time."

The Darkling shakes her head at first; her hands go to her knees, elbows stiff as she forces them away from the knives in her pockets, and she trembles beneath your hand. "Why can't I just do what I'm good at? Why can't that be good enough?"

"Would that make you happy?" you repeat, gently. Vickie lets out a frustrated sound from low in her throat, something partway between a sob and a scream, and she hangs her head.

It's a long moment before she finally says, "No."

"What is it you're so afraid of?" you ask. Vickie taps your wrist, and you take your hand back. The Darkling looks down at the floor instead of at you. "I can see that you're upset, but...I need to know why."

"What if he's right?" Vickie whispers. "If Arthur's right, if...if we can be this Summer he thinks we can be, then we're all awful people. Just. If I can be some upright and just person, if I'm not just a hatchet girl, then I coulda been that person whenever. Any time I wanted. All these years doing what I was told, hurt this person, bury that body, mail those fingers...I coulda stopped. I don't. I'm not sure I can handle knowing that, Colors. I don't think it's gonna be okay. Everything's changing..."

You pick up the soaked paper towels and toss them in the trash can before getting the rest of the roll and wiping up what little coffee remains. The moment of space gives Vickie the time she needs to calm down a little, to get her breathing under control.

"We make mistakes," you tell her, once you have the chance to sit back down near her, legs crossed beneath you. "We're allowed to do that."

"How do you do it, Colors?" Vickie pleads. "How do you live your life with your past dragging behind you all the time, with, with everything from the Fairest of Lands and what came after?"

"You think I'm living my life?" you ask, surprised.

"You're better at it than me," the Darkling mutters, staring down at the floor again.

> I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.
> Faith. The Aesir are not gods that condone inaction. I have power; I need to use it to defend others
> I mean. I'm trying to bury that past, Vickie. Spring, remember?
> Write-in?

>>1973573
>> I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.

>>1973573
>> I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.

It's not like Colors is trying to change on her own. She does have some people who are trying to help her in that regard, like Ramona for example. Part of Colors' new lease on life is the fact that Ramona was willing to give her a chance. And now Arthur is trying his level best to give Vickie a chance. If she wants to know how Colors does it, tell her that she needs to take this opportunity and run with it.

>>1973573
>Bury it deep down and never think of it if you can help it.

If we could give good advice, we'd be in a much better place than we actually are.

Or we could vote to kiss her. I love unhealthy romances.

>>1973749
We can at least tell her to latch on to someone who seems to think you can be better. I mean, that's basically why Colors is the one and only knight sworn to serve Ramona.

>>1973797
Good idea. I support this one.

Not us, though.

>>1973573
>Write-in?
>"It's not like I'm the best example really, but I do have someone (Ramona) who is very invested in me being able to function in a 'normal' society"
>I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.

>>1973573
>> Write-in?
There's a difference betyween knowing of something and acting on it; you can know all day, but being ready to act on it is a separate thing.
Don't let that stop you from trying to walk the path you want.

>>1973573
> I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.

> Besides we all grow and change. The Vickie of back then didn't even know it was an option for herself. Like expecting a mortal to do magic, they can't do what they don't accept as possible.

> Kiss the Vickie and tell her that she can make real magic happen. That she can choose now, and you aren't surprised that she doesn't see it as a choice to be this new person.

I'ma update In A Bit (tm) but in the meantime I forgot to mention you've healed a hit point; editing the sheet now.

And called, writing.

>>1974413
Write in: Kiss the Vickie and tell her that she can make real magic happen. That she can choose now, and you aren't surprised that she doesn't see it as a choice to be this new person.

>>1973573
>I have to believe in a better future for myself. That's what Arthur believes in for you; he sees things like your courage and your yearning for honesty.

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>>1973573
You blow out a long breath, more to steady your thoughts than anything. Vickie reaches out, tentatively, for your hand, and you take hers; her grip is hesitant, trembling, but the Darkling doesn't let go.

Shadows squirm from her hair in a silent, writhing rain.

"Vickie, there's a better future for me. I have to believe that. I'm more than what I was made to be." Your friend flinches but doesn't pull away. "Dad liked this thing Lincoln said. He said, if I make my enemy into my friend, have I not destroyed him as thoroughly as if I shot him dead? And that's kinda how I see me going. This person who did those things I can't live with, she dies a little more each day. She's becoming someone else. Arthur sees that in you, too. You're brave, loyal. You yearn for the honesty and truth you think you can't have. That better future can be yours."

"Where'd you get to act so nice?" Vickie asks, bewildered. "Aren't you supposed to sack a monastery or something?"

You chuckle. "I can't be assed to swim all the way to England. Besides, war's an ugly enough profession. Why be an ugly person too?"

"...Arthur texted me some etiquette stuff. Said it's traditional in New Avalon for motleys to stand together rather than with their Courts for this sort of function. The others, they're, they're on board for that. If you are."

"I am." You stand, slowly; Vickie accepts your hand up. "Finish your coffee, we've got a long walk."

"No bus?"

"After Rainbow John?" You shake your head. "I'd honestly rather die."

* * * *

It still amazes you at times that a person can just put a ballroom anywhere.

These days the Juniper Building is legally a place of worship for the Seasonal Courts, in following with their legal classification as a kind of religion (there's not a day that goes by when Lost lawyers don't thank Vodoun, Wicca, Satanism, and diverse other faiths for setting a precedent for religions that practice magic), but before then it was, on the books, an apartment building. In one of the few moves agreed upon by the Valks, the Lost, and the United States Congress, Freeholds the nation over continue to provide shelter and support to newly-returned Lost, and as a result are generally fast-tracked special dispensations to maintain rooms and dwelling places, as well as given a certain amount of leeway when it comes to these 'places of worship'.

In all, it means the Juniper Building is still the gathering place it's always been, which is a hell of a plus. No one in New Avalon wants go meet out in the Hedge.

Court functions generally happen in the ballroom. Technically decoration for the events is the purview of the ruling Court. In practice there's a clique of Spring Courtiers that handles the requests and you can take that privilege out of their cold dead hands.

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>>1976618
Arthur's Courtroom is resplendent in the bright yellow and deep reds of Summer. The reigning King sits in a throne of bent rebar, his own creation, with Excalibur in its sheath across his lap. King Arthur has turned out formal, in a sharp-cut suit the blue of a Summer sky, because it is one; the clouds that roll across it match the outside. The burning Crown rests heavy on his head, blackening the skin it touches.

You stand with your Motley in solemn array. Inkie Jennie, arranging things, has you near the Throne for both presentation and convenience. The rest of the Freehold has turned out, and with the exception of those needed to guard the doors or to keep an eye on Hedge Gates, everyone is looking to Arthur.

Summer's soldiers shut the double doors into the ballroom with a hefty 'boom'.

Arthur clears his throat in a stony rumble that quiets what few murmurs still remain after that rather loud sign that formal proceedings are to begin. "Many of you have heard rumors of the Wonderlanders," the King of Summer begins. "Some brought the Court reports; others were actively involved in the gathering of intelligence. Today we are gathered to present the findings, to laud those members of the Freehold who ended the threat, and to determine matters of justice upon the guilty parties. Ms. Jennie will summarize."

Inkie Jennie's tattoos shift, warping and twining together into murals of Summer blooms made up of the pictures on her skin. She opens the thick book she's holding, one of those old-fashioned ones where the spine creaks when you open it and you can lay a man out in a pinch by swinging the thing, and starts from the top. She details the first discovery of the Wonderland tags, the Rook's initial investigation, and the joint decision of the Courts to form your Motley. Venus Kennedy is mentioned, with definitive links to Rainbow John ("as determined and verified by Zoe Morris and Brother Doc Ripples.") as their front girl and recruiter. Your investigation of Carroll House is mentioned (here Cherry stops to glare at you from amidst her friends in Spring, when your eye lingers that direction a little too long), alongside the presence of the Bloody Wing.

Jennie is more solemn in mentioning the battle in the Hedge against Rainbow John and the loss of two Autumn Courtiers. The Freehold bows their heads in a moment of silence for the Court of Fear's loss, broken only by Jasmine's gentle sobs. Zoe Morris, near her, puts a hand on the Ogre's shoulder with a sympathetic look.

"Dame Eriksdotter, the Rook, Deputy Vickie Reeds, and Squire Forum Troll are to be commended for their swift thinking and valor," Arthur says, when Jennie is done. "In due order, the Court will recognize them. For now, there are matters of justice to attend to. Bring in Sam the Sliced."

>>1976756
>Cherry stops to glare at you from amidst her friends in Spring,
Seriously, what's her deal?

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>>1976756
The doors are opened, and Angel, the Gargantuan Ogre serving as Summer's Sheriff, drags Sam in. The young Fairest fights every step of the way, growling under his breath and thrashing his manacled limbs. He howls in outrage when the doors are slammed shut behind him. Angel brings him in front of Arthur and drags the man to his feet; an ill-timed thrash ends with Sam on his knees instead, sucking in pained breaths from the shock of it.

His Spring Mantle is gone. There's not a whiff of it on him any more, not the sound of rain or the smell of flowers. He glares up at Arthur with his outrage and fury etched into his scarred face, where the spiraling patterns that started as Thorn cuts drip with phantom blood that fades away before it ever touches the floor.

"I wish it didn't have to be this way, Sam," Arthur says softly; genuine pity colors the Ogre's voice. "You stand accused of willingly colluding with enemies of the Freehold, with betraying the trust you were given for the financial and material benefit of those enemies, and with being party to a conspiracy which sheltered them and later concealed the activities of Rainbow John. Do you dispute these charges?"

"No." Sam's voice is ragged with anger, cut by jagged breaths that shake with his adrenaline. "I did it and I'd do it again."

"What did we ever do to you?" Ramona asks, her eyes dark with pain. "We never -"

"Of course you never!" Sam screams. "You let me get taken! All of us, taken! I remember the fucking history lessons, Ramona. A hundred years, is that right? Raven helped found this place in the early nineteen hundreds. To keep New Avalon safe. To stop people from being taken. Well here we all are, aren't we. Taken, all of us! Under his watch!" Sam glares at Raven, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Every year, more people. Taken. Killed. Victimized. Poisoned in their dreams, turned into puppets, sold to Goblin Markets. Every year. You failed. All of you failed. You let this happen to me because you're weak, and cowardly, and you won't do what has to get done. It's never going to be over until we take the fight back to Them. Never. You did this to me! All of you did this to me!"

Miserable sobs echo from the young Fairest into the silence of the ballroom. At last, Arthur stands, one hand on Excalibur's hilt.

"The traditional penalty for treason is either exile or death," the King of Summer says. "In light of the circumstances and nature of Sam's crimes, I cannot condone turning him loose to harm another Freehold by treachery. His guilt, supported by the testimony of the Freehold's agents and by his own admission, is beyond question."

"Just do it you stony bastard," Sam snaps. "Don't pretty it up!"

Arthur ignores him and instead looks out to the Freehold. "Is there any member of the Freehold in good standing with reason why Sam the Sliced should be spared death?"

>>1976820
Sam kneels in angry silence, a silence and fury echoed by the rest of the Freehold.

> Speak (for what reason, and with what solution in mind?)
> Remain silent

>>1976826
>Remain silent.

>>1976826
>> Remain silent

>>1976776
Bad roll on a diplomacy roll.

Basically we did her job better than she could.

>>1976820
> Speak (for what reason, and with what solution in mind?)

I want to know how he excuses using innocents, using mortals like we all once were as his catspaws. If what was done to him was so terrible, than how can he excuse doing it to others. Not even as a passive actor who allowed it to happen, as he accuses the Freehold.

But as someone who acted the same as the Fair One's, like a little Lord all on his own stealing these people away with a promise of a Wonderland where they could escape the hurts of this life.

I want to know why we had to break a young womans, a girl child's heart who had been told that the Hedge hid an escape instead of death and horror. If he actually gave the damn that he pretends to here, why he didn't actually help a single person.

>>Remain silent

>>1976912
We're just a member of the audience. Not the prosecution.

>>1976932
Fuck him. I don't want him dying thinking he was a hero.

We went in on the sharp end. We deserve an answer.

>>1976912
> Speak (To answer his accusation with the truth, to silence his claims of being in the right.)

>I want to know how he excuses using innocents, using mortals like we all once were as his catspaws. If what was done to him was so terrible, than how can he excuse doing it to others. Not even as a passive actor who allowed it to happen, as he accuses the Freehold.

>But as someone who acted the same as the Fair One's, like a little Lord all on his own stealing these people away with a promise of a Wonderland where they could escape the hurts of this life.

>I want to know why we had to break a young womans, a girl child's heart who had been told that the Hedge hid an escape instead of death and horror. If he actually gave the damn that he pretends to here, why he didn't actually help a single person.

In other words, supporting. Fuck that self righteous act.

>>1976902
Yeah, but in-character, she hates us for being in a brothel, even after we freed all of them from their bonds. It's weird.

>>1976826
>Supporting: >>1976912
How many people has he actually saved with all this?

Is there a twitter where I can be alerted when this quest goes live?

>>1977250
It is pretty much always running, at a bit of an undead crawl speed.
No social media, but he does have a tumblr: https://qm-vox.tumblr.com/
Please don't argue about tumblr.

>>1977194
> It's weird

Failed social roll.

Aight, I gotta hit work until 10 PM or so, maybe later depending on how this shift goes. I'll call and write sometime after I get home.

>>1977250
This anon >>1977286 has the right of it. I post each new thread as it goes up and otherwise try to keep the Tumblr out of the quest.

>>1976826
> Remain silent
Let's not draw attention to ourselves for no reason, Colors isn't exactly a social wizard and we don't want to steal Arthur's momentum

>>1977791
>Colors isn't exactly a social wizard
She's doing pretty good in small groups, but a formal ceremony is a different thing. Better not interrupt Arthur unless the place is on fire or something like that.

>>1976912
>1976871

>>Changing my vote to this
Previous vote:
>>1976871

>>1977909

Christ, did I click the wrong one? Whatever, this is me, just on desktop instead of mobile.

>>1977916

*dies*

I HATE TECHNOLOGY AGH.

Sorry anon. I clicked your post instead of mine. Mine is further down. I will now commit sudoku in shame.

>>1976820
>>1977393 and >>1976902 is me.


I was going to wait until I got back home since I don't like single ID voting but I support >>1976912

I want answers BEFORE Arthur kills him.

I can confirm my ID once I'm back home if that helps.

>>1977998
>single ID voting
What is this, or am I missing something very obvious

>>1978042
It's because I posted, then left my house so my ID changed and I hadn't voted yet.

>>1977909
Yeah that's my vote....

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>>1974413
>>1978042
God fucking damn it I picked the wrong one back in the past. At home now, just switched on to my wi-fi.

>>1978191
It's been a long. Very long. Day.

> Remain silent

>>1976826
> Speak (for what reason, and with what solution in mind?)

This >>1976912, but I also want to know if we are going to let any of the "Wonderlanders" speak about what he actually offered them and what he will tell them in front of us. I want to know what his sales pitch WAS, exactly, so we can counter it for PR.

>>1979563
You guys remember that Sam's crew was fighting John, right?

>>1979568
>>1976820
So vote:
That seems like a Good Reason. I'd speak up to at least let that be known for the record.

>>1979568
They also helped create him, failed to stop him, and we had to clean up the mess.

>>1979568
>>1979900

This right here. Dude was criminally negligent.

Besides they didn't go with us to take him down.

>>1979568
>>1976826

I actually did forget this. So let's ask why he didn't fucking stop it but we had to.

>>1980169
They tried and failed. He beat them in a fight. Then we came along and beat them, then beat him.

>>1979598
>I'd speak up to at least let that be known for the record.
Seconded

>>1976826
Fuck it changing vote to

> pointing out that he failed to save ANYONE whereas we succeeded to at least save some people.

>>1979568
That awkward moment where you make a write in that's not quite sensible then other people pick it up.

changing

>>1976912

To

> Point out that he was partly responsible for all that, and that he not only failed to stop it but he failed to warn anyone else who could and that he was lucky as he'll we were there to clean it up.

> it's scummy to make other people pay the price of his childish indignation. We might not be able to save everyone, but we save who we can. He was willing to abandon the wonderland victims instead of getting help.

> Just fighting simply isn't enough to save people

Guys we don't need moral high ground, just don't say anything. Fucking hell

>>1981878
Seriously. We let the Broom Man go peacefully, Sam is no more guilty than he was.

They decided to fight Rainbow John.

>>1981888
We let the Broom Man go peacefully because that was necessary to end the fight with both them being gone and without any deaths on our side.

>>1976826
>Stay silent

Do people not understand court or just lack reading comprehension? Arthur isn't asking our opinion or for us to blather on about moral high grounds; he's asking if we have an objection to Sam's death penalty. Speaking out now about something entirely else is dumb and shows little comprehension for the situation.

I mean, we're an elemental and all but surely we understand this concept?

Man that weird attempt to change votes partway through fucked with this pretty bad.

As far as I can tell, though, some version of this >>1981304 and >>1976912 is our winner. I'll give it thirty minutes in case anon can point out that I tallied this wrong, then I'm writing.

>>1982053
Depends how you're tallying o wise one... seems kinda whack tho

>>1982091
It's honestly close enough that I'm not really comfortable writing the update either way and I'm not sure if I wanna try a recount (and lose my chance to update before work), throw a die (essentially invalidating the vote) or just pick it out myself (which is like throwing a die but with my bias).

>>1982125
I do not envy you this decision, I think one way or another someone's gonna be displeased. I think either do a good old fashioned final-destination vote or just go with your gut, you're the qm and anon trusts ya

>>1982125
I'd prefer we not say anything and just move on, makes sense narratively and doesn't fuck with anything. Also makes your life a lot easier than sifting through so many anon's word vomit

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I have faith in you Vox.

>>1981970
It's the nature of a knight to see justice done. To leave him a martyr isn't justice to the people whose lives he destroyed utterly.

>>1982205
>Leave him a martyr
The entire freehold hates him, there's no martyrdom there. What's his cause, even? There's no point to saying anything

Aight. I'm gonna call it for silence and keep this train moving.

>>1982205
And who are you really trying to see justice for or validate? People who aren't here, who do not know and won't care why he did what he did to bring the pain that was inflicted on them?

Or is this more for ourselves to shove our foot into our mouth because we're so afraid of our past and potentially being even close to who we were?

No, this is selfishly kicking a dying man while he's down because we can't accept a death on our hands unless we rationalize it or villify them beyond a doubt. We should shut up.

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>>1976826
There are murmurs amongst the Freeholders, but ultimately no one speaks for Sam the Sliced. Over in Summer's faction, you can see Whiskey Jack looking away, rubbing his arm and trying not to watch. If what you've heard is right, this easily could have been him. Ramona just looks disappointed; Natalia, near her, watches without pity.

"Sam the Sliced, you are condemned in the eyes of the Freehold of New Avalon for which the sentence is death," Arthur intones, formally. "The Court of Wrath formally extends the hand of mercy to you in your final hour; swear your troth on your life and you, like others before you, can be given the chance to learn from your mistakes and live a full, perhaps even happy, life."

A few of the youngbloods are visibly surprised by the offer, but the majority nod along. Whether they agree or not, Arthur made this same offer to the likes of Erin Peters, a privateer. You can see Sam consider it; fear flickers across his eyes.

After a moment, his dripping scars dry up, shedding the last of their blood, and he sits up straight.

"I refuse," he says in a clear voice. "I have an oath to my brothers. I will not live forsworn twice over."

Behind him, Arthur nods and claps the Fairest on the shoulder. He steps back and draws Excalibur; the double-edged blade gleams in the bright, summery light of the ballroom. Inky Jennie steps forward and raps on a diamond-shaped design on the floor in front of Sam, which opens up into the Hedge, directly over a rushing river.

"Speak your final words in this life," Arthur rumbles.

"The Cousins are coming for all of you. You'd better hope I'm wrong and that you're ready."

Arthur's swing is a clean arc that separates Sam's head from his body. A quick shove of the Ogre's foot spills the Fairest's body into the Hedge at almost the same time as his head, with a minimum of fuss. The raging currents sweep both out of sight.

"Justice is done," Arthur declares. He sighs and paces back to his throne, where he wipes the blood from Excalibur and replaces it in its sheath. "Bring in Venus Kennedy."

The Gildspinner comes in with significantly more dignity; having not fought her escort, she instead walks with an air of poised indifference. Worried mutters ripple through the Freehold.

The Hedge Gate snaps shut, leaving the scent of river water and a faint splatter of blood.

"I regret that you did not choose to handle this in private, King Arthur," Venus announces, as she folds her hands in front of her lap.

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>>1982350
"Justice is not done in back rooms or purchased in back room deals, Venus. It is not a commodity to be bought and sold, or an inconvenience to be brushed away." Arthur leans forward on his throne. "Gildspinner Venus Kennedy, you stand accused of willfully colluding with Rainbow John and his confederates, providing them material and financial aid, luring mortals into their embrace, and knowingly assisting in the transportation of mortals to the Fairest of Lands. Do you dispute these charges?"

"In part," Venus says. "Rainbow John and his confederates were my clients, yes. In pursuit of this relationship I provided a certain amount of material aid, in obedience to the laws of my Guild and, to the best of my knowledge, the Freehold. Included in this aid was a certain amount of scouting and recruiting for customers in search of a taste of magic - tourists for the Wonderland tours."

Angry muttering sweeps through the room.

"I have done nothing wrong," Venus insists, her voice prim and sharp. "I facilitated a business venture which was not, in itself, illegal. I profited by performing this service, as is right. I was and am enjoined by oath to certain considerations of discretion and privacy. Did I choose not to pry into my clients' business? Certainly. As I have chosen not to pry into the business of many here. I have no less than forty current clients int his room alone, including members of the monarchy. The services I provide and the discretion offered as part and parcel of my business is a vital function in this Freehold, Arthur. How many Lost can handle their money, or their legalities? How many here have homes, jobs, insurance, or cars because I was available to assist them? You wouldn't dare -"

There is a crash of thunder off of Arthur's mantle, one that startles Venus silent when the Ogre stands. "You aided and abetted the kidnapping of mortals and the exploitation of children by a madman and his slaves, and you will provide your complete testimony."

"I am bound by oath to the surviving members of my clientele." Venus folds her arms across her chest and raises her eyebrows. "I refuse."

A voice from the Autumn part of the room: "You pirate whore!"

"You are not too big to fail, Kennedy," Arthur warns.

"Yes, I am," the Gildspinner returns, absolutely calm.

Arthur raises his chin. "Dame Eriksdotter, Deputy Reeds, please offer the Court a more detailed testimony of your investigation and Gildspinner Kennedy's involvement in this affair."

"I'll follow your lead," Vickie murmurs, sotto voce.

> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy
> Try to spare Kennedy

And in case you want them, these are relevant:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1643258/#p1663349

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1744605/#p1759636

>>1982389
May I make a writein, because I don't like either of the given options because both smell like we'd be changing our story to see either done.

>>1982397
Write-ins are always a potential option.

>>1982350
oh thank god, I was worried some stupidity would win, good shit vox

>>1982397
>>1982399
However, a few things to note: you've characterized Colors as essentially honest thus far. The question isn't necessarily if you're altering the story, but rather a combination of if she's on Arthur's side of this argument (justice must be done) vs. Kennedy's (the Freehold needs her) and how she interprets what she's seen and heard.

>>1982379
>> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

>>1982379
>>1982406
Yeah i agree with >>1982397
>Be as honest as possible, which includes making it clear that although we believe justice should be done, it is not going to color our recollection of the facts

>>1982379
>>Be as honest as possible, which includes making it clear that although we believe justice should be done, it is not going to color our recollection of the facts

>>1982379
>"Our investigation lead us to the location where Miss Kennedy was doing her business, We found multiple mortals who were in various states of desperation, looking to make an exchange, something of theirs, for the gold Miss Kennedy can make, The nature of what was given is something she would not disclose. At this time, we have no evidence to suggest it would be anything harmful."
>"We have a witness who says Miss Kennedy told them her exploits were sanctioned by the Freehold, as an 'Outreach program' of sorts. Miss Kennedy then told us that she knowingly went behind our monarch's back to set this up. The advertisement she used was laced with magic to target desperate, open minds."
>"In her recruitment for the "Wonderland tours" she made made the trip seem grand, exciting, or things similar, to get more people to take these 'tours'."
>"I cannot ignore that she also helped a number of people." (The gold stock market is so far the only thing in danger of getting axed.)

>Try to spare Kennedy's life
So I went digging (thanks Vox) and most of this is pretty incriminating and while she indirectly put people in danger, and her reasons are 100% selfish, I don't believe she should be killed off just like that. That doesn't mean she can just go without paying for her gross disregard for our monarchs, though.
Justice doesn't always need (a lot of) bloodshed.

>>1982476
>>Try to spare Kennedy's life
No.
Somebody with that much contempt for the monarchs in a official Court session is willingly putting her neck in a bear trap.
She shall receive the rewards - and risks of her business in full. And dont tell me she is the only Gildspinner in the city.

>>1982476
>>1982512
Okay, so maybe scrap the
>spare
In favor of being completely honest and up front.

>>1982379
> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

Okay, I might have been hesitant about trying to screw her over, but seriously.
> "Yes, I am," the Gildspinner returns, absolutely calm.
If the Freehold allows her to live after saying that, it's done. Changelings have trust issues, and if Arthur backs down in the face of someone so brazenly corrupt, no one will trust him ever again.

At this point, she's got to die, if only to demonstrate that shit like that does not fly.

>>1982379
>Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

But agreeing with this.
>>1982422
>Be as honest as possible, which includes making it clear that although we believe justice should be done, it is not going to color our recollection of the facts

I will lay odds she tries to pull the forsworn card on us for doing it too.

To all the people who think that just going down the middle is a good idea:

It is much more important that Kennedy get the same choice (and potential punishment) as Sam. Think about how this looks coming immediately after Sam being executed. Sam accused the Freehold of being too weak and cowardly to fight against evil. He accused it of being too willing to sit back and allow horrible things to happen. If Kennedy gets lighter punishment than him, then he'll be proven completely right.

Both of them contributed to the rise of Rainbow John and the creation of the Wonderlanders. Kennedy arguably much more so than Sam. If she gets a lighter punishment than Sam, then everyone will see that the Freehold is to cowardly to confront evil when it has power. Kennedy has proudly proclaimed that her money makes her above the law. If the Freehold can't stand up to something as mundane as an arrogant rich asshole, who will ever trust it to stand up against something like the True Fae?

As has been mentioned, the fundamental premise behind the militias is hard to argue against. "You know those shits that kidnapped us, tortured us, and hunt us to this day? Yeah, fuck them." That has appeal. It's made even more appealing if the existing power structure is clearly unwilling to actually take any risks to defend its people. There are already people in the crowd who are probably thinking that maybe Sam had a point, even if he went about dealing with it the wrong way. Maybe the Freehold is weak and cowardly about confronting evil. If that is immediately followed up by someone who is just as guilty getting away with it because they have money, then any sense of loyalty those people might feel to the Freehold will vanish.

There is a lot more at stake here than just Colors being totally impartial and unbiased.

>>1982970
Who gives a shit what Sam has to say? Most of the freehold had no idea this thing was going on, and now we find out he was some pirate scum and we're supposed to take his claims seriously?
No one cares about his weak shit

>>1983007
> Who gives a shit what Sam has to say?
As long as the Freehold proves that it's nonsense, no one will. But if it fails to do so and instead proves that what he said was completely on point, then people will care, and some will start to take it seriously.

> No one cares about his weak shit
Changelings will. You're missing the fact that everyone at this court has probably thought about what he has said at some point since they escaped from Arcadia. "If the Freehold exists, and it supposedly protects us, then why was I still taken?" And here is a new kid, asking that same question, and more than a few of them are probably thinking that could easily have been them. These are all damaged people, lost and afraid. I don't think you realize how much a lot of them are going to sympathize with Sam. Notice that while there was heckling from the crowd in Kennedy's case, calling her a pirate whore. But in Sam's case? Nothing. Hell, consider this:
> Over in Summer's faction, you can see Whiskey Jack looking away, rubbing his arm and trying not to watch. If what you've heard is right, this easily could have been him.

Kennedy has zero sympathy because she was doing all of this out of greed. But Sam was a scared, angry kid. A lot of the Lost are, at hear, scared and angry kids. If it looks like Kennedy is getting better treatment than him, there will be hell to pay.

>>1983085
Agreed.

>>1982379
> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

>>1982970
How the fuck would NOT taking sides cause Kennedy to get a lighter sentence?

>>1982379
> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

>>1983085
You have a lot of good points.

Politics aren't something Changeling can avoid.

>>1982379
>>Be as honest as possible, which includes making it clear that although we believe justice should be done, it is not going to color our recollection of the facts

>>1982379
> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

>>Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

>>1983190
Well, you CAN, it just sucks sweaty Ogre balls being on your own.

>>1982379
> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

We can literally hire tax accountants and shit to teach these things to changelings.

Get some reasonable oversight up in here.

Sadly for her, the current "reasonable oversight" is Arthur and Excalibur.

Never think you're irreplaceable.

> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy

She was literally the recruiter for the Wonderlanders: she says so herself back when we met her:

>"I have been engaged to make certain arrangements, which involve procuring volunteers for...a third party," Venus explains. "This third party is Lost and enjoined me to protect its anonymity. In volunteers, it expressed a preference for those willing to fight, or to learn to fight, and to support others in such an engagement."

She now knows that these people were Militia. And that the one she was working for specifically is Rainbow John, who was literally giving the desperate over to one of the Gentry to turn into Changelings.

And she still maintains that she has done nothing wrong.

The hell we are going to help her get off the hook. It doesn't matter if she is too big to fail if she keeps working with the Freehold's enemies behind your back. Even if she was essential, she's proven to be more a liability than an asset.

>>1982476
>I don't believe she should be killed off just like that.
Who said death is the only punishment in Arthur's book ?

>>1982379
>> Frame your testimony to condemn Kennedy
Being good at what you do doesn't make you irreplaceable, being /trusted/ at what you do makes you irreplaceable.
Furthermore, at the decision point where Bad Things Are Obvious and there was no more excuse, she chose greed, herself, and 'a business deal' over the Freehold and the commonly accepted values.

>>1984071
Also she was taking advantage of *children* and other extremely vulnerable populations.

Like.

Fuck you bitch.

>>1984023
I believe she should DEFINITELY be killed off.

Make a statement. Nobody who would act for or like the Lords and Ladies gets a fucking pass.

>>1984500
Erin Peters was spared.

>>1984569

Erin Peters asked for forgiveness before she got caught, and helped out before being under duress.

This bitch said she was too big to fail. She's still treating it like it's part of some big game. Get caught, get your slap on the wrist, move on. Punishment is too expensive? Move out.

She has to die to show people that there are lines, and while they can be re-crossed, they can't be ignored.

Erin Peters is being rehabilitated. Kennedy isn't willing to do that, and as such is an intolerable threat both short and long term.

That's why she needs to die, whereas Erin proved herself worthy of the offer to atone and redeem herself.

>>1984569
Erin Peters was the Criminal on the Cross.

Kennedy is Pontius Pilate.

Home after an hour and ten minutes of overtime. Don't expect an update tonight.

>>1984785
Just end the thread and take a break dude.

Don't burn out

>>1987016
Death before dishonor.

Nah I just got off work at a reasonable time and now I've got the spoons to update.

Called, tallying, writing.

>>1987923

Spoons are good.

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>>1982379
You step forward and stand at attention, one hand formally resting on Bifrost's hilt. All eyes in the room are on you. There is anger here, but also an undercurrent of fear. Kennedy is right; many Freeholders use her services, perhaps even need them.

But there are other Gildspinners that might be hired, other accountants that might be retained. There will not be another opportunity for justice, in the name of all those she hurt and helped hurt.

"Your Majesty," you begin formally, nodding to Arthur. "The Rook's intelligence included prophecy from the Autumn Court, suggesting that my investigation should make contact with a white rabbit in order to pursue the Wonderlanders. Deputy Reeds and I, following a hunch on my end, went to the Colonial Theatre to make contact with Miss Fancy Miller, a friend of mine who matches that description."

"There is no Lost by that name in this Freehold," Arthur points out.

"Miss Miller is mortal," you confirm. "I befriended her when I was first joining the Spring Court here in New Avalon. On our way into the Theatre, we met a paralegal on his way out. He seemed very grateful."

"He smelled like ended fear," Vickie clarifies.

"Am I to be tried at the end of your assassin's nostrils?" Kennedy demands.

You put a hand on Vickie's shoulder without a second thought. Good move; she was already lunging. The Darkling remembers herself at your touch and goes still, the mask of hate on her face smoothing back over to professionalism.

"Deputy Reeds's nose is a matter of legal precedent, much in the same way as Detective Fie was," Angel speaks up from beside Arthur; he folds his arms and raises his eyebrows. "We can swear her to absolute truth if you'd like to take that precaution."

The contingent of Darklings in the room doesn't murmur or shift, but damn if that isn't the loudest, angriest silence you've ever not heard. You clear your throat.

"I would like to make it clear at this point that we were surprised to find Venus Kennedy there at the Theatre, as well as a protest there by local Christian churches against her planned activity for the day. There were discreet advertisements, promising 'gold for wishes', enchanted to call out to those in desperate need. We obtained a sample of one, which was turned over as evidence."

"My sorcerers confirmed the nature of the enchantment," Zoe speaks up. "Subtle, but indiscriminate."

You nod. "Ms. Miller claimed the Theatre had been told that Kennedy had permission to be there as a community outreach program and had hosted her with that understanding. To the best of my knowledge, no such approval was ever given."

Arthur looks at Raven. Raven looks at Zoe. Zoe looks at Misery Monroe, who in turn looks at Ramona and Natalia.

"I lied," Kennedy admits, with a soft sigh of pure irritation. "I had no oath with those mortals and they are by definition not Lost. They had no right to expect honesty from them."

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>>1987976
"The Freehold has a right to expect you to care for our good name!" Vickie snaps.

"Spare me," Kennedy scoffs. "Did anyone you meet seem like I left them with a bad impression?"

"You left Fancy with one," you answer. "And the dancers at the Theatre."

"I doubt mortal society will be highly swayed by the words of strippers squatting in an outdated playhouse, Warlock Knight."

Vickie's gentle hand on the small of your back is appreciated, but unnecessary. You wouldn't give Venus the satisfaction.

"We interviewed Kennedy," you continue. "She confirmed that she was enjoined by a 'third party', who was Lost, to recruit warriors and to maintain their anonymity. She further implied that the group she worked for had an enemy, which she was enjoined to never support."

Venus gestures. "Which makes this entire thing a farce. You yourself let the Bloody Wing go."

"Except it wasn't the Wing you were recruiting for," Vickie says in a low voice. "You wanted us to think that, because it kept us off you and John. You certainly did everything you could to imply it was John, but the Bloody Wing, they weren't running the Wonderland tours. You and John and his crew were, and you took advantage of us being in a hurry to twist it around. You wanna play head games, don't play them with Darklings, you fuckin' bitch."

Kennedy's confident distance is falling apart rapidly. She looks around the room at the condemning faces, the building anger, and opens her mouth. "King Arthur, you make and have made use of my services. Your judgement is clouded by conflicts of interest; my execution would clear your debts to me."

Arthur raises a hand, cutting off the Freehold before anyone can react. "Fair," he says. "Is there a member of the Court in good standing without such a conflict?"

Into the moment of silence that follows comes the metallic click of a Zippo's heavy lid, and the soft 'fwoosh' of flame. Zoe Morris, who would be Queen in Autumn, steps forward with her hands dancing in orange-red flames, twirling her lighter between her burning fingers.

"You played a stupid game, Kennedy," Morris says. "And now you've won a stupid prize. On my honor as a Fairest I do so swear that I have never and will never accept the professional services of Gildspinner Venus Kennedy in a financial or mystical capacity and that I owe her no debt beyond that of the common bond in sisterhood implied by the Freehold, and may your sorceries wither me if I have lied."

Reflexively, many of the Lost present bind the brief pledge. There is a chorus of nodding while Venus backs away.

"Going somewhere, Kennedy?" Zoe asks. Reminisce takes off from her shoulder in an eruption of movement, tackling Kennedy to the polished floor. "You should have let Arthur sentence you. His justice is neat, and clean, and tempered by mercy."

"You can't -" Kennedy begins, only to scream in agony when Zoe seizes both of her wrists in flaming hands, blackening the flesh and melting the muscle in a steady burn.

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>>1987992
Zoe's mantle ripples with burning leaves that swirl and bluster around her, whipped as if in a twister. "What exactly can I not do?" she yells over the sound of Venus screaming. "You didn't want this the nice way! Now you get it Autumn's way."

"I did it! I did it, I did all of it, I was paid in tokens and favors and pledges!" Kennedy screams.

"We are well past the point where I care if you did it or not, Gildspinner." Zoe squeezes, and Kennedy's wrists crack. The Fairest lets her victim's arms fall to the floor before she extinguishes her left hand and hauls Venus up by the collar. "Nobody gets to be a law unto themselves in my city. You hear me? Nobody. One man could have gotten away with that shit, and he's moving to Japan specifically because he doesn't want to."

"Zoe," Arthur begins.

"I'm sorry, you seem to have a conflict of interest in this affair," Zoe interrupts, before she plunges her fingers into Venus's eyes, burning and digging. A few people in the crowd vomit; you can feel your own stomach turn at the screaming and twitching of the wretch in Zippo's grasp, but mercifully it only takes her moments to die; Venus Kennedy goes limp, and what's left of her Mantle burns up in Zoe's presence.

Zippo Morris drops the corpse to the floor and extinguishes her hand. The look in her eyes is pure joy.

"Nobody gets to just screw my Freehold like that and walk away," Zippo declares. "Nobody. We've gotten this far by standing together, not falling apart, and not by tolerating weasels like her who think they can hit a button and make all their wrongdoings go away. I did my time, like I deserved to, for what I did. Erin Peters, over there, she's doing hers. Whiskey Jack. Dame Eriksdotter. Even grim motherfuckers like Raven or Misery Monroe show mercy in New Avalon as long as you own up to your fucking shit. You youngbloods might wanna think about that."

"Holy shit," Vickie murmurs from next to you, looking paler than usual. She can't stop staring at Kennedy's body, at least until Inky Jennie opens the Gate and dumps her into the river.

"We will now take a ten-minute recess," Arthur declares. He and Zoe share a look, and without a word she proceed towards the throne to have a conversation in low tones.

> Find someplace to sit and breathe (skip to the next part of court)
> Talk to the motley
> Seek someone else (who?)

>>1987998
Well that's certainly one way to set the tone or your rule.

>>1987998
>> Talk to the motley
Goddamn Zippo

>>1987998
> Talk to the motley
I recall Rook saying something about Zoe being all honey and no spooky.

>>1987998
> Seek someone else (who?)

Erin

>>1987998
>>1988017
Wait, actually, change my vote to
> Seek someone else (who?)
Cherry.

While I don't think we are going to be able to smooth things out, we should at least make the effort. Now that the investigation is over, maybe we can try to talk things through? A lot of the conflict between her and Colors at Carrol's House was a mix of misunderstanding and elemental spaghetti. Both Colors and Cherry were trying to help the people there, so now that Virgo is dead maybe we can try to mend fences?

>>1987998
Supporting: >>1988022
deleted and changed my vote.

>>1987998
>Seek someone else (who?)
>Cherry

>>1988022
>>1987998
I'll switch to this too.

Point out that we accept that we have a penance to pay for being forsworn, but that the freehold is all about accepting fuckups and helping them get better.

We don't want to end up like Kennedy. Not how she died, but how she lived.

>>1988017
He didn't say that she was too kind, he said that she couldn't back her promises up. She can talk the talk but can't walk the walk. Killing isn't the same thing as ruling or administrating.

>>1987998
>Cherry.
>Do not be conciliatory. This is Cherry's problem, not ours. We will accept her apology.

>>1988061
Eh. More like redefining boundaries.

We're still forsworn, and in the process of atoning for that.

But we're all working together to make the freehold better, as well as ourselves.

Being conciliatory is exactly what we need to do to reconcile.

Like reconciliation is literally what we're trying to achieve here.

>>1988058
No, he thought that she didn't even talk the talk. He said that she was all smiles and hugs.

> "She's Fairest, a known oathbreaker, and a toothless wretch. Does she have to have done anything? She will wreck the reputation of Autumn and turn us into soft scholars and sorcerous decorations to be paraded before the mortals. She talks about embracing our role as advisors but she's soft, unwilling or unable to remember that the Court of Fear is meant to take up the dreadful duties that others will not." The Rook takes a deep breath, his voice wet and jagged. "But she is pretty, and I am hateful. She smiles and I threaten, and so they follow her, assured that they will get a hug instead of the lash. She's weak. Irresponsible. Ignorant."

>>1988104
Okay.

That's so weird, though. The woman who was known for burning people, too nice?

>>1988108
It is the Rook talking. His definition of "too nice" is probably very different from a normal person.

And then there's also the fact that he has repeatedly been just plain wrong. I mean, he's only running around with us in the first place because he read his situation and his rivals completely wrong and made a bunch of mistakes that cost him an eye, an arm, and his former position. It's entirely possible that he was still underestimating Zoe just like he did in July at Christmas.

>>1988061
> Do not be conciliatory. This is Cherry's problem, not ours. We will accept her apology.
That's exactly the opposite of what we should do. This whole thing is based on an initial misunderstanding due to limited information that wasn't defused properly because both Cherry and Colors were being unnecessarily snippy.

Yes, Cherry shouldn't have remained quite so hostile after Colors explained why she was at Carrol's House. But Colors could have done a better job at explaining things (like not putting in a bit of an accusation at the end). Ultimately, pride and insistence that it's the other person's problem is what is going to keep this rivalry going. Someone needs to make the first move in order to bury the hatchet, and it may as well be Colors.

This isn't a case of one person needing to apologize to the other. This is a case where both people need to get together, talk it over with a bit less hostility this time around, and hopefully agree to move past it. The fact is that both Colors and Cherry want to do right by the Freehold, and that is more important than holding on to a grudge and insisting that the other person be the one to apologize.

>>1987998
>>Seek someone else (who?)
>>Cherry

>>1988026
Adding in that I WOULD like to be conciliatory up to a certain point.

I suspect Cherry is going to continue being combative, and I further suspect that we're going to be a doormat.

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Hokay, so here's what's going down: I need to close the store tonight. I may, or may not, update sometime after 1 AM. Tomorrow I'm gonna kick over to a friend's place to spend my birthday hanging out and/or gettin' real drunk, with the full intention of repeating on Sunday. This means that there may be a hiatus until Monday morning or afternoon.

Thank y'all for your patience, but I regret nothing.

Also, have Amy and a smol harpy https://wildwestscifi.net/filler/16566-watering-a-flower

>>1988783
>https://wildwestscifi.net/filler/16566-watering-a-flower
Cute.

>>1988783
>Tomorrow I'm gonna kick over to a friend's place to spend my birthday

Bit early then but Happy Birthday!

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>>1988783
Happy birthday.

>>1988783
Fijne verjaardag!

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>>1988783
> smol harpy
Cute!

>>1989217
Who or what is that pic?

>>1988783
Happy birthday Vox. Enjoy yourself, or at the very least do not allow the world to ruin your day.

Also, super-dooper cute birbs always make me feel better.

>>1991397
Nude dancing Flamesiren Fairest with tattoos?

>>1991397
I had a penchant for drawing bejeweled sorceress warriors for a while.

Called, tallying, writing new thread

>>2001847
>>2001847
>>2001847
>>2001847

NEW THREAD