People of Thavnair VS Arkana Grey

## Arrest Report

### Description of the Incident

Arkana Grey is accused of using magic to subdue Rafial Kala and planting books about forbidden arts that details performing of necromancy, and set of embalming tools and knives on his estate with hopes of framing him.

### Place of the Incident

Thavnair: Royal Palace

Incident happened right outside the Royal Palace.

## Defendant's Statement

"Let me start at the beginning!"

"I first met Rasalas Kala around three moons ago [Around the 6th of September]. There was a poster I found about this airship that had crashed. Myself, Rasalas Kala, Narukai Nephilim, and Joshua Treegarden travelled to the crash site. The team of mammets there directed us to some graves they had dug for the bodies they found on the beach. While Narukai Nephilim and Joshua Treegarden dug up the bodies to confirm they were Rasalas Kala's family."

"While they did that, I went into the waters to find the lockbox that Rasalas Kala was searching for. I have a blessing that... Anyway, it doesn't matter. I retrieved the lockbox and used an age old trick of conjuring water inside the lock and freezing it to break it. Once it was opened we found all the contents had been replaced with clay, if I recall rightly."

"It was after this incident that I had my first interaction with Rafial Kala, the uncle of Rasalas Kala and patriarch of House Kala. He sent something to me, a box. I took the box with me to find Rasalas Kala and we attempted to open it together -- alas, I wrongly solved the box and upon smashing it to pieces a magically enchanted snake escaped and branded Rasa. The brand only became worse in the presence of magic and aetherial manipulation. What kind of man sends a stranger something like that?"

"When we went to visit Rafial Kala he outright locked Rasa away into a room and tried to do the same with me. Well, I fought back, didn't I? This sick old bastard tries to harm me and then tries to kidnap me? I don't think so! He should be locked up for life just for his psychopathic tendencies! Luckily he had some kind of charmed carpet, I tied him up and went on the carpet to free Rasa from his crazy old uncle."

"After that... Right. That was when the issue of the Necromancy comes into play. One of the graves on the island was empty, something clawed its way out. That was Suria's grave, one of the sisters. With Joshua apparently out in the field searching for her, she was found after some weeks and we tried to work together to get her somewhere safe. Unfortunately that's where the wanted poster from Limsa Lominsa came from, it was a misunderstanding! We didn't bring her back to life, or dig her up, we were just trying to help her!"

"So Rasa ended up taking her to the Far East and as far as I know, Suria's condition was neutralised and she moved on to the life stream. I wasn't there though, so I can't tell you what happened that day! If she's still walking around don't blame me!"

"Then fast forward to the letters from Rafial Kala congratulating me for helping and inviting me to a banquet. I thought he finally took my words to heart about family and all that -- Nope! That old cougar had a trick up his sleeve and decided to engage himself to me without any warning. Psychopath! I can't stand him!"

"So you see, how could I be his accomplice when all he's ever done is upset me, hurt me, try to imprison me in some form or another? Look at me now -- I'm literally in prison!"

## Prisoner Log Sheet

At time of the arrest, case officers could not determine if defendant was under influence of mind altering substances or magic. Their report states defendant looked healthy and conscious. Upon further inspection there’s been no records of defendant having any priors indicating any criminal activities in the system. Case officers also added that the only thing they could find was a chocobo parking ticket that’s been later dropped.

## Evidence(s)

##### Wanted Poster

Date: 04.11.22

*THIS WANTED POSTER IS NO LONGER IN CIRCULATION, THE ACCUSED HAS BEEN INTERROGATED ALREADY AND CHARGES DROPPED.*

WANTED: BODYSNATCHER ON THE LOOSE

Raen man, blonde, mid-twenties, wanted for the crimes of bodysnatching, grave robbing, and falsely posing as a qualified mortician. Suspect was last seen in a port-and-run incident at the aetheryte plaza, where he teleported away carrying a body in what is presumed to be the latest of a string of corpse thefts in the region. Any information leading to the successful capture of this dangerous fugitive will be rewarded 100,000 in gil.

Also sought for questioning related to the crime: one vieran woman, brown hair, age indeterminate, operating under the alias "Lluv" /// elezen boy, late-teens to early twenties, silver hair and dark skin, name and alias unknown.

If you have any information regarding any of these persons, please contact Officers R'thikki and R'thoka at the Maelstrom HQ forthwith.

Date: 20.11. 22

With approval of the Satrap, the Radiant Host have formally arrested Rafial Kala, head of House Kala, on Lightsday, the 20th of the Sixth Astral Moon, on suspicion of conspiracy to works of necromancy, and for propagating the practices of necromancy in violation of the High Crucible's tenets. He will remain in detention pending further investigation.

##### Eyewitness Statement

Date: 18.11.22

Multiple parties saw Arkana Grey in an engagement party with Rafial Kala

##### Personal Letters Between Arkana Grey and Rafial Kala

Date: 06.09.22

REWARD

Search for the "Divigamana" to begin at the Moraby Drydocks

Looking for stout, capable adventurers to follow in the trail of an airship thought to have crashed somewhere in the Cieldalaes region. Those capable of administering first aid to any survivors also welcome. Party is to gather at the Moraby Drydocks from whence a ferry will depart. On successful location of the wreck all members of the party can expect an equal cut of the valuables kept in the strongbox vault on board the ship. Contact: Rasalas Kala.

NO UPFRONT PAYMENT

JOIN AT YOUR OWN RISK

## Full Transcript

**In order to see the transcript please press on expand button:**

The court is similar to others around the world, the main difference being the Thavnairian styling everywhere. Fabric drapes of all colours, the flag of Thavnair large and looming behind the seat of the judge.

> *"All rise."*
>
>

The Radiant Host member awaited for the room to stand before the judge, a dark-skinned hyuran woman in deep navy robes entered and took her place at the podium.
At the back of the room, a figure with his head and face completely hooded except for two pale, curving horns waited. He had entered with the rest and now observed what was taking place, tail whipping anxiously two and from under his cloak.
Sylvie sits in the audience, with her usual green clothes, she doesn't say anything but gives Arkana Grey a worried look, she clearly doesn't believe in the accusations against her.
Joshua Treegarden would have gladly skipped the proceedings if he hadn't been summoned to court. Dressed in his everyday travelling garb - like he was going to be arsed to fit in - he sat behind a tall Au Ra and an Arkasodara at the back of the room and watched. An anxious tail swished at the corner of his eye but he tried to ignore it.
A Hingan Raen entered the courtroom, he had a large brimmed hat and his long silver hair was tied behind him. Politely and respectfully he made his way to where he saw a familiar face. Narukai Nephilim sat down near Joshua and remained silent only giving him a courteous nod of acknowledgement. Joshua remembered whose side Narukai took at the Cieldalaes. He gave a curt nod before returning to the proceedings.

> The Radiant Host: *"Court is now in session with Judge Nashmeira Lahgari presiding. Please be seated."*
>
>

The judge looks over the room and nods toward a member of the Host and gestures for them to bring in both the defendant and the prosecution. Arkana Grey and Ramen Freewind file in first, followed by a Thavnairian lawyer and, following him, the one and only Rafial Kala. There is a murmur of whispers from the Thavnairian crowd. *"Isn't he the accused necromancer...?"*
Another member of the Host brings in the Jury for today's proceedings, a varied array of Thavnarian citizens ranging from Hyur to Au Ra to Arkasodara. They take their seats at the jury stand and take in the tense atmosphere of the courtroom. One or two seem to recognise Rafial Kala though they do not mention it. The Host swears in the members and when they are satisfied the Jury is seated. The Judge then looks at Rafial Kala and his lawyer.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Order in the court! Settle down... Calling the case of Thavnair versus Arkana Grey. Are both sides ready?"*
>
>

Rafial Kala's lawyer, a small Raen lady Yahsra Agarwal nods. *"Ready."*
Despite being charged with significantly more heinous crimes than Arkana Grey, it was plain that Rafial Kala had been kept in such impeccable conditions as a gaol cell would allow since his arrest some weeks ago. The Raen man, still at the outer brink of his prime and almost sixty years of age, arrived with a flash of glossy silks to stand before the judge at a sedate, almost languid pace. While his lawyer confirmed her readiness, Rafial Kala occupied himself with arranging thick braids that must have taken more pairs of hands than his own to work into his long blonde hair. Only then did he bestow the judge with the courtesy of a nod. The horrified whispers of the crowd made little impression, but he did give a smile of utmost pleasure at the perplexed look on Arkana Grey's face. *"Is that not the face of guilt?"* he murmured under his breath to Yahsra Agarwal.

Ramen Freewind has arrived at court dressed in an elegant Thavnairian getup and his characteristic visored turban, all matching in cerulean blue with some deep blue accents. The ensemble is a tad too garish for what one would expect from a legal professional, and the fabrics, although seemingly made of silks as exquisite as those Rafial Kala himself was wearing, could be discerned (by those of very discerning eye) as cheap satin made glossy with glamour. He walked to the defence's appointed place with confidence, courteously paving the way for Arkana Grey and paying no mind to the audience's whispers. On the judge's mention, he stands up readily and replies with a charming smile. *"Prim and ready, your honour."* Upon seating back down, he looks to Arkana Grey on his side, removes part of his visor and winks while doing a thumbs up, clearly a small fun gesture to ease his client's nerves.
Skolgur soon followed behind after. The dark-skinned viera was clad in Thavnarian garments of the deepest midnight blue, his dark firey hair tied back into a respectful ponytail and his face fresh and makeup free. He gave a stoic nod to the others in the courtroom ad he took large strides to take his place by Ramen Freewind's side. He folded his arms across his front and looked much like a bodyguard as he cast his green eyes over the room though he remained silent.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"First opening statement will come from the Prosecution. Please make your statement and tell us what evidence you'll be presenting to the Jury today."*
>
>

Rafial Kala turned his head, eyes piercing through the crowd which was bursting the courtroom to that one hooded figure in the back. Satisfied, he learned to whisper to his own representative. The little woman, Yahsra Agarwal listened close before she got to her feet, keeping the papers in her hand folded behind her back as she arrived before the jury.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Yahsra Agarwal, and I represent Rafial Kala, of the House Kala. I saw that more than a few of you recognise him. Truly, who would not know of House Kala within city bounds? Their good name is as old as the city itself. Centuries have they defended our lands and our lives as members of the Radiant Host. And today he is brought before you all accused of a crime so despicable it would blacken that name for all time... a crime of which he is wrongly accused, as I will prove to you all today."*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal strode to the opposite side of the juror's lectern, a swish of the papers she held directing their attention to Arkana Grey.

> Yahsra Agarwal:*"In fact, the evidence gathered against him was planted in his home by the lady you see sitting yonder. A woman who, as her letters and actions and even her own testimony will prove, has been attempting to manipulate both Rafial Kala and his young heir to her own material benefit, and who sought to remove Rafial Kala by framing him for a crime of which he is innocent! We wish to call only one further witness; the guard who has personally stood watch over Miss Arkana Grey during her time in custody, Neylika Samur."*
>
>

With an adroit bow to the jury, Yahsra Agarwal glanced at each of them in turn before she closed her opening statement.

> Yahsra Agarwal:*"To convict Rafial Kala of the crime, Thavnair will have to prove that he did, in fact, commit it in the first place. They cannot, as you will all soon see. Thank you for your attention."*
>
>

With a prim turn, she made her way back to her chair, a glance of distaste flicking over Ramen Freewind's cerulean garments as she sat down.
The Judge then looks to Arkana Grey and Ramen Freewind.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari:*"And now we will hear from the Defendant. Please make your statement and tell us what evidence you'll be presenting to the Jury today."*
>
>

Ramen Freewind meets Yahsra Agarwal's disdain with a confident smirk. He gets to his feet and mimics the opposing lawyer in presenting himself in front of the jury. He walks with a quick but calm step and has fetched none of his papers from the defendant's table. He clears his throat and addresses the jury:

> *"Esteemed gentlefolk of the jury, my name is Ramen Freewind, attorney at law sanctioned by the Law School of New Sharlayan, and today I'll be defending the interest of Arkana Grey. Unlike in mister Kala's case, however, who is a known public figure, you might be rightfully asking yourselves... who in the Sisters' name is this lady?"*
>
>

A pause, and starts walking back and forth while continuing:

> *"Miss Grey is a woman of many virtues, perhaps the most notorious being her charitable spirit. She has been the owner of a number of reputable establishments in Eorzea, of which I will mention two: the Esper Care clinic, in which she and others provided free health care to people of Lominsa and beyond, and the Aetherveil Free Company, an organization that puts selfless adventurers in contact so they can work together for the betterment of the realm. I believe they both serve as prime examples of my client's exemplarity, and of her fervent desire to offer a helping hand to those that need it most... even when these endeavours don't reap her a single gilcent. So much for material benefit,"*
>
>

With a smirk, he looks to Yahsra Agarwal as well as to Rafial Kala.
> *"Today I will prove that miss Grey's gentle and naïve spirit has been taken advantage of by a criminal mind, who brandishes the illustrious name of his family as a tool to frame innocent souls of his own crimes. I finish this statement with a question... I ask you how, do you think, could a foreign lady with no ties to Thavnair since almost three decades ago, plant false evidence in the estate of an influential local lord? That will be all for now, your Honours."*
>
>

Arkana Grey watches Ramen Freewind hopefully and a small expression of pride shines on her face as he recalls her accomplishments. Perhaps it's enough to sway the Jury just a little at this early mark. Judge Nashmeira Lahgari nods in acknowledgement and waves a hand to gesture to Yahsra Agarwal.

> *"The prosecution may now call its first witness to the stand, or present its evidence."*
>
>

Ramen Freewind's opening statement is a hit with Rafial Kala. The Raen man sits and smiles throughout, even looking over to Arkana Grey and applauding her with a nod as her charitable engagements are read aloud for the jury. Yahsra Agarwal rises and rests her fingertips lightly on the table as she leans forward to speak with the judge.

> Yahsra Agarwal:*"I call on Arkana Grey to take the witness stand. Perhaps she will be able to answer the question posed by Mister Freewind at the end of his statement, that this case might be ended quickly..."*
>
>

Arkana Grey looks at Ramen Freewind nervously. The judge intervenes.
> *"Ms Yahsra Agarwal, you may not call the defendant to the stand. Only the defendant's representation may do that. What witness or evidence do you wish to bring first?"*
>
>

Ramen Freewind shakes his head and waves his hand slightly towards Arkana Grey in a pacifying gesture, and approaches to whisper to her. *"Don't worry, classic move to get you nervous! They can't have that much if they're resorting to these tricks, just breathe, it'll be fine!"*

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Understood, ma'am, of course, I understand that she can't be compelled to take the stand. I simply felt it would be in her own interests and that of my client if she felt she wanted to tell her side of things. However, since she seems... disinclined, I'd like to go through the evidence which was located in Rafial Kala's house."*
>
>

The little lawyer gets up and proceeds to begin an executive mission which could only be described as an attempt to kill off the entire jury by boring them to death one at a time. She presents many of the items which the Radiant Host took from Rafial Kala's home: several books about forbidden arts, one of which includes details of performing necromancy with some rituals in it which claim to bring back the dead; elixirs and potions to reverse decay; and a set of embalmers tools and knives.

For each of these items, Yahsra Agarwal firmly denounces them all as props, fakes fit only for the stage that has no magical or material value. The necromantic codexes she dismissed as a bunch of old books written with common ink, and uses a quick alchemy test performed before the jury to show that the book had no magical conductivity whatsoever. The elixirs and potions could indeed prevent or even reverse decay, but were not remedies to treat gangrene and other necrotic infections necessary and easily obtainable from any reputable alchemist in the city? The tools and knives she claims could also be bought from any blacksmith in the city for a handful of gil, and were hardly different from those used by any embalmer in the city. Finally, when the jury was wilting in their seats on the edge of sleep, Yahsra Agarwal sends back the material evidence and clears her throat.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Lastly, I wish to call the letters which Arkana Grey sent to my client so they may be examined by the jury."*
>
>

The Judge nods, watching the proceedings with careful curiosity. *"Bring the letters. I strongly suggest bringing a witness to the stand to testify against this evidence."*

> Agarwal answered airily: *"In that case, I'll leave it to Mister Freewind to prove if these items have any value for the practice of necromancy, and instead call Rafial Kala to the stand so we can go through the letters with his guidance"*
>
>

Rafial Kala looked down at his sleeve cuff and tugged at it with unnecessary attention to detail. It was the first time the man had shown any unease since entering the courtroom. A member of the Radiant Host leads Rafial Kala to the stand and swears him in as a witness, having the witness hold hand over his heart and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
*"You may proceed with your examination"* says the Judge to Yahsra Agarwal.

Rafial Kala endures the swearing-in with little ill effect. He spends some time getting comfortable in his seat, his eyes travelling across the crowd gathered in the court that day and resting awhile on the head of Joshua Treegarden before he turned to Yahsra Agarwal. The little Raen had donned a pair of thin-rimmed spectacles. In her hand, she held up a slip of parchment while copies were handed out to the judge, jury, and to Ramen Freewind and Arkana Grey.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"You recognise this piece of parchment? If so, please read it aloud and explain to the court what it is."*
>
>

*"I do indeed."* Rafial Kala shifted, eyes closing as he searched back in his memory to a time long ago as he recited the lines written on the parchment:

>
> *"I stand before and behind you*
>
> *With and against you*
>
> *I know you well and not at all*
>
> *What is my name?"*
>
>
>
>
>

> Rafial Kala: *"This is a riddle that Arkana Grey came to Thavnair to present to me in my own home. With it was a box. When I bade my mammet servant enter an answer into the box, it..."*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal stepped closer to the stand. *"Yes? Go on, Master Kala."*

> Rafial Kala: *"The box began to pour out an acid that burned the marble flooring. It was so strong it melted my mammet servant in a matter of moments. I dread to think what would have happened if I had tried to open the box myself."*
>
>

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"This was not even the first time Miss Grey assaulted you in your own home, was it?"*
>
>

Ramen Freewind listened to miss Yahsra Agarwal's lengthy dissertation on the evidence with great disinterest, in an almost disrespectful fashion. He seems a bit more attentive as he watches the conversation between her and Mister Rafial Kala, but the miqo'te seems unbothered by it thus far. He simply awaits his turn to comment on the evidence and on whatever may come next.
Rafial Kala sighs, his face evincing some discomfort before he was willing to answer Yahsra Agarwal.

> Rafial Kala: *"I found this parchment and the box after waking up from being knocked unconscious by the same woman. When she arrived with my heir earlier that same evening, it was late. I invited them both to stay the night. While Rasalas was shown to his room, I kept her behind to discuss the attachment I could see growing between them. I must have said something to her disliking because she touched a tattoo, here-"*
>
>

Rafial Kala pats at a specific place on his midriff.

> Rafial Kala: *"...and conjured a rapier by means of arcanima. She then attacked me, though I put up no resistance, nor attacked her in turn. She gave me a blow on the head. It wasn't until several bells later that I awoke, bleeding, to find her gone with Rasalas. This parchment and the box she had left behind for me to find."*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal nodded throughout. When Rafial Kala was finished, she turned to the judge.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"No further questions, for now, your honour."*
>
>

> The Judge asks Ramen Freewind: *"Would the Defendant like to cross-examine the witness?"*
>
>

Sylvie has a sceptical look of disbelief on her face as she mumbles to herself, unhearable to anyone else *"Even if it's true I am sure she has a good reason to do this."* Narukai Nephilim had remained silent, his expression one of mild frowning. Skolgur began to munch peanuts, not saying much and still standing near Ramen Freewind as if he were expecting someone to leap at him at any given moment.

*"... very much so."* Ramen Freewind says after a dramatic pause. He stands up and walks closer to Rafial Kala.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Let me see if I understood this correctly, mister Rafial Kala... according to your story, my client, who was romantically involved with your nephew, not only assaulted you at your own home, but she also just happened to leave proof of her villainess next to you as she left. I must say I'm very curious, mister Rafial Kala... as to why you did not report this. I think it pretty convenient that it's only now that you are shedding light on these events... now that you're in, let's say, hot waters."*"
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"I don't know about you, your Honours, but if someone assaulted me at my own home and ran away with a relative of mine, and I had proof of it right next to me, I think I'd be compelled to let the Radiant Hosts know - if not to protect myself, to protect my relative! Unless... this never happened, and it's a foul attempt to discredit my client."*
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"So tell us, mister Rafial Kala - can you provide either proof or a witness that this ever happened, aside from these cheap four lines and a half-baked story?"*
>
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Lounging back in the stand, Rafial Kala watched Ramen Freewind perform to the crowd with one pale brow crooked. He sidled an eye over to the jury and marked how more than a few of them were warming to this lawyer. Rafial Kala had heard miqo'te were supposedly famed for their ability to charm. He made a mental note that if ever he landed in a tub of shit this deep again, his first call would be to hire Mister Freewind.

> Rafial Kala: *"It was precisely because she had run away with a relative of mine that I feared to report this to the Radiant Host. Rasalas was essentially her hostage at that point. I had no way of knowing how someone of her... excitable ill-temper might react if she heard the Host were looking for her."*
>
>

He paused to resettle himself from one armrest to the other.

> Rafial Kala: *"I grappled with the dilemma for days. As it happens, there are a number of witnesses I could call upon. The apprentices who were working with me that day, for example. And owing to an unfortunate incident which took place in my home a mere matter of days after she assaulted me, the Radiant Host came to my house to investigate another matter entirely. They made a full report of my injury and the burns on the floor at that time."*
>
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Rafial Kala stopped, his head lifting to scan the crowd for the head of silver hair he'd spotted earlier. As his eyes came to rest on Joshua, they narrowed.
> Rafial Kala: *"In desperation, I also wrote a letter to an associate of Miss Grey, hoping he would be able to mediate with her."*
>
>

Murmured voices came from the jury, as an arkasdara spoke to the surly-looking aura next to them. *“Mr Rafial Kala puts across a good case doesn't he?”*
Narukai Nephilim meanwhile had gone from a frown to now a full-blown scowl as he sat back, arms folded and listened to the charges brought against Arkana Grey.
Ramen Freewind nods profusely and adopts clearly fake and overacted expressions of surprise at Mister Rafial Kala's story.

> Ramen Freewind: *"I must say, considering how often are the Radiant Hosts at your abode... perhaps they ought to consider relocating their office closer to your estate. That'd save them much time!"*
>
>

He delivered the line as a joke to the jury and the audience, with clear implications.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Anyways... thank you for your answer, mister Rafial Kala. In spite of your desperation, as you call it, you were able to proceed rather meticulously - dare I say, secretively - in these matters. Witholding information from authorities, investigating my client's circles... in comparison, you paint my client as someone with... 'excitable ill-temper'. I wonder who's better suited to be a criminal..."*
>
>

He walks back to the table with Arkana Grey.

> Ramen Freewind: *"No more questions, your Honours. We'll wait our turn to examine the evidence and provide our own."*
>
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Rafial Kala's glances did not escape Joshua Treegarden despite trying to make himself less conspicuous. *"So that's why I'm here."* He leaned back and rested his hands on his lap. A hint of a smirk crept up his lips.
The judge watches the exchange.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Ms Yahsra Agarwal, do you have another witness or further questions for Rafial Kala?"*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal was quick to her feet.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Respectfully, your honour, I would like it to be noted that Mister Freewind had only one question for my client but had a great many unfounded accusations to make. Can we approach the bench?"*
>
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> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Approach."*
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Golden heels clicking, Yahsra Agarwal trotted up to the bench, not above casting a glare over at Ramen Freewind. She didn't wait for him to join them, but immediately began making her protests to the judge in sotto voice.
> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Your honour, he is abusing my client! Master Rafial Kala has suffered horribly at the hands of Miss Grey, and now her lawyer is attempting to intimidate and bully him!"*
>
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> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Miss Yahsra Agarwal, your client is also subject to detention and another subject of this trial. Miss Arkana Grey is here on the grounds that she is an accomplice to his charged crime. If you are seeking to paint your client innocent of the crime then Miss Arkana Grey will also be released of her charge. I suggest you decide what your grounds are and bring a witness and evidence to prove it."*
>
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The judge then looks to Ramen Freewind.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Mr Freewind, you'd do well to remember that the witness is subject to questions, not accusations."*
>
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Ramen Freewind smirks at miss Yahsra Agarwal's reaction, perhaps interpreting her outburst as her losing her composure. He gets to the bench unhurriedly to defend himself.

> Ramen Freewind: *"With all due respect, your Honour, I never accused the witness of anything - it is factual the Radiant Hosts visited his estate twice in recent times, and by his own admission he withheld information from them and contacted my client's circles. I was merely rephrasing his answers to check if I understood correctly, but I will be mindful of my words in the future."*
>
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Upon being dismissed, Ramen Freewind would stick out his tongue to Yahsra Agarwal upon turning around, careful not to let the judge see it. Yahsra Agarwal seethed at him. Skolgur rolled his eyes at Ramen Freewind.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Would the prosecution like to bring another witness to the stand? If not we shall proceed to defence."*
>
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> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Not at present your honour."*
>
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The little lawyer nodded to Rafial Kala who rose from his seat in the box. Together they returned to their seats, both leant together engaged in intensive whispers.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Then the defendant may now make their case. Mr Freewind, do you have a witness to bring to the stand?"*
>
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> Ramen Freewind:*"I have your Honour, but first I would like to take on the prosecution's prior invitation to examine the evidence provided by the Thavnairian state. I promise I will not take nearly as long as my rival."*
>
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Yahsra Agarwal looks up from her hushed bickering with Rafial Kala to flick Ramen Freewind a discreet but also rather coarse Thavnairian hand gesture under the table. She pulls a grimace of a smile at him and turns back to her client.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Proceed."*
>
>

Ramen Freewind does as instructed. He rapidly flips the pages of one of the tomes and shakes it rashly with the pages facing down to see if something falls. He then examines one flask and throws it a few ilms into the air to catch it in a cool gesture... he almost lets it fall. He clears his throat to cover the mishap and looks around with a smile to see who noticed - many could tell he was just putting up a show.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Respectfully, your Honour, while I was compelled to at least give this evidence a look, in truth we have no interest in proving or disproving its authenticity. What mister Rafial Kala has at his home is his own business. This defence only takes issue with the prosecution's accusation that my client planted these items in mister Rafial Kala's estate so as to incriminate him. If there is no evidence of this, we are compelled to disregard that accusation as speculation."*
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"What's more, we'd like it to be noted that the evidence's apparent unauthenticity is in conflict with the main accusation of my client being a necromancer. After all, why would a necromancer plant evidence that could be dismissed as fake, instead of authentic materials from their own collection that could pose as irrefutable evidence?"*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal got to her feet, first nodding to the judge and then the jury.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Mister Ramen Freewind has a faulty memory it seems, so I'll remind him that my client is not accusing her of necromancy, but of trying to frame him of that crime. The fact that she was caught in her own snare later on when the Radiant Host assumed she must have been an accomplice only highlights that the Host has reason to believe she was involved, to begin with. We'll gladly continue to present more evidence of her scheming later."*
>
>

The Judge looks to Yahsra Agarwal and then to Ramen Freewind.
> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"In the interest of keeping these court proceedings coherent, I ask Mr Ramen Freewind if he has a witness or further evidence to bring to light before we continue. If everyone has finished their presentations we can move to Final Statements. Right now it appears that the Defendant, accused of being an accomplice to a man who insists he is innocent of the crime also if there are no witnesses that saw her commit the aforementioned crime and no evidence that lends her to be at the scene of the crime, we can pass onto the Jury to judge if she is guilty or not guilty. Likewise, if there are no witnesses for Mr Kala's presence at the crime scene or evidence proving his whereabouts there are not many cases for him to be imprisoned also. However if there is any new evidence or witnesses present today who wish to testify then we have the time to do so."*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal retook her seat and the pair bowed their heads together and hissed at one other. Eventually, with a shaking head, Yahsra Agarwal climbed to her feet.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"I feel it's in the best interests of my client that he accept the jury's decision and sue Miss Grey for damages to his good family name later and he has agreed."*
>
>

Rafial Kala, however, wore an expression of one chewing on a mouthful of rusty nails. He folded his arms and glared over at Ramen Freewind. Judge Nashmeira Lahgari looks to Ramen Freewind for his decision. The arkasodara that spoke earlier spoke out again *“I am glad I gave up my fishing trip for this, who knew jury duty would be such fun!”* An elderly Au Ra also sitting in the jury responds to the Arkasodara: *"Truly, 'tis not only entertaining, but we are also doing our duty to ensure the safety of our nation."*

> Ramen Freewind: *"Miss Yahsra Agarwal has a penchant to be the centre of attention it seems, for she failed to see I was referring to the Thavnairian state's accusation with my second point."*
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"But of course, apologies for going on a bit of a tangent there. I wish to call on two witnesses at the same time since they have overlapping knowledge about the matter at hand. I call Mister Rasalas Kala and my own client, Miss Arkana Grey  to the stand."*
>
>

Rafial Kala's reaction to Ramen Freewind's sudden spin on events is to tip back his head and burst out laughing. The sound of it echoes around the chamber. Yahsra Agarwal gives him a slap on the arm.

Arkana Grey looks to Ramen Freewind in shock, it seems that they were both about to be let go, surely? But she rises from her seat at the bench and moves to the stand, swearing her oath of truth and takes her seat there. The sea of eyes staring at her usually wouldn't unnerve her, but today was an exception. Sylvie is sitting so Arkana Grey clearly can see her, she smiles at Arkana Grey to inspire confidence in her.

The hooded figure at the back pulled up from the wall in shock. Slowly, Rasalas Kala pulled back his hood, revealing his face to all. He looks just as astonished as Arkana Grey, coupled with a great deal of fright. Already, there are whispers as the crowd filling the public benches turns to look at him. Alarmed, he pushes past the benches to get to where Ramen Freewind and Arkana Grey were seated... With great reluctance, Rasalas Kala let himself be ushered past Skolgur and the other guard to take his place on the witness stand. Once there he stood close to Arkana Grey and searched for her hand from under the long cloak. Like her, he blinked back at the sea of faces all staring their way. When he spotted a familiar pair of golden eyes in the crowd, sitting near a silver-headed individual he'd rather forget ever existed, he gulped. The look on Narukai Nephilim's face alone was enough to cow him without the rest of the crowd to face as well. Narukai Nephilim watched as Rasalas Kala came to the stand, glaring at him much like an angry elder brother would, his golden eyes following from across the room.
Joshua Treegarden pulled out a pack of murukku from his pocket and started crunching. At least Thavnair had good snacks.

Rasalas Kala reached the front and leaned over to hiss at Ramen Freewind.

> Rasalas Kala: *"Are you mad? Get her off the stand! It's what he's been waiting for."*
>
>

One of the guards left their position to put a hand on him, ready to steer him back from the miqo'te if need be. Skolgur stepped up his Dalmascan accent as thick and heavy as molten chocolate. *“Back off!”*
Ramen Freewind only has time to get a few words in before the guards take Rasalas Kala back.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Come on, she can do it, have some faith in her!"*
>
>

It was possible the miqo'te thought that her client not speaking during the whole trial would look bad for her, especially after mister Rafial Kala's own confident act. He also scoffs and does a pacifying wave of his hands towards Skolgur to reassure him that all was fine. Once he deems the situation sufficiently defused, he proceeds to address the witnesses. Skolgur stepped back though he was posed at the ready, like an attack dog waiting for the order.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Mister Rasalas Kala, Miss Grey... we all just listened to Mister Rafial Kala's own version of the events that transpired at his estate, that fateful day in which he was apparently assaulted. I will start with a very simple question: do you sanction his version as the truth?"*
>
>

Yahsra Agarwal is quick out of her chair.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Objection, your Honour, prejudicial."*
>
>

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"The question is asking if they find his testimony as truthful, there is nothing inherently prejudiced about that question. Overruled. Please continue Mr Ramen Freewind."*
>
>

Arkana Grey looks nervously between the parties and then at Ramen Freewind, who seems more satisfied than bothered by the objection.

> Arkana Grey: *"Which part, specifically? He said a lot..."*
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"He sure did, didn't he?"*
>
>

After a moment of pondering, the miqo'te decides to recontextualize his approach.
> Ramen Freewind: *"Alright, let's make this more simple! Why don't you two tell me what happened on the night you were invited to Mister Rafial Kala's estate? From the moment you arrived to the moment you left. Feel free to add anything you might consider relevant."*
>
>

> Arkana Grey: *"Myself and Rasalas Kala were in Radz-at-Han staying at an apartment, arranged by the tavern owner if I remember rightly. A small mammet came to the door and told us that Rafial Kala was expecting us, and led us to his home. I remember seeing these great, big, automatons guarding the house. Inside, Rafial Kala became angry about something... There was this box he had sent me and inside the box, an enchanted snake came out and bit Rasalas Kala's arm. Rafial Kala was angry because the snake was meant for me, not his nephew. In the end, Rafial Kala ordered an automaton to take Rasalas Kala to a room and keep him there until Suria was found, which could be days, weeks, months... And when myself and Rafial Kala were alone, it's true that I summoned an aetherial blade... but purely for self-defence, Your Honour. I don't take kindly to being kept anywhere against my will. I had no intent to hurt Rafial Kala morbidly, so I used the pommel of the sword to put him unconscious and free us from the house. If I had intended to hurt him, I could have done it there and then, but I didn't! I just wanted my freedom. In the house was an enchanted carpet, which I got on to get into Rasalas Kala' chamber through the window and get him out. His hand was covered in blood where he had tried to open the door to no avail. We left after that."*
>
>

Narukai Nephilim raised a brow, finding this all rather hard to follow and believe.

Rasalas Kala delivered his testimony along with a sullen glare at his feet. He flatly refused to look in Rafial Kala's direction in case the sight made him want to commit murder right before the judge.

> Rasalas Kala: *"What Arkana Grey says is true. At that time I had no idea what had become of my sister's body. I'd enlisted the Maelstrom's help but to no avail. And soon after Arkana Grey received a box via a courier, which when opened spilt out a magical serpent. I still have the scar from the brand it gave me."*
>
>

He lifted his arm from under the cloak and held it high, showing a pale scar winding up his arm.

> Rasalas Kala: *"When we went to visit my... when we visited him it was at Arkana Grey's own request. Not because she was angry and wanted to confront him about the snake, but because she believed we were the only two of House Kala left alive that we knew of, and we needed one another. She didn't know him then. As soon as we arrived at his house, he made it plain we wouldn't be leaving. His automaton dragged me to a room and locked me inside. I was afraid of what he would do to Arkana Grey so I tried to escape... But I couldn't get through the door. In the end, Kana arrived on the carpet, and saved us both..."*
>
>

Rasalas Kala curled his fists, showing small white scars on his knuckles.
Joshua Treegarden handed a murukku to Narukai Nephilim. *"It's good."*
Yahsra Agarwal's mouth hung open for most of what she heard during the paired testimonies. When the bounds of confusion were reached she leaned over to Rafial Kala, asking him something with a look of fury. Rafial Kala shrugged back at her. With a blink, Yahsra Agarwal got to her feet. *"...no objection, your honour."* As she sat down again, she distinctly yanked her seat away from Rafial Kala.

Even Ramen Freewind seems a bit fazed by the testimonies, taking a few moments to let it all sink.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Uhm... no more questions, your Honour... oh but, two things before I forget... my client's confession on her assault should be noted on the grounds of self-defense... and I'd like to file Mister Rasalas Kala' scar as evidence..."*
>
>

> Ramen Freewind: *"No more evidence or testimonies... unless the prosecution wants to keep thrashing about in the mat. Actually, I request permission to briefly negotiate with miss Yahsra Agarwal now to reach a settlement."*
>
>

Arkana Grey and Rasalas Kala are released from their place in the stands. The viera returns to her place on the bench with her eyes lowered, feeling humiliated by the entire affair. Ready to catch any lifelines regardless of the direction it's coming from, Yahsra Agarwal uncrosses her legs and sits up to nod at the judge in agreement. Meanwhile the Judge, exasperated, nods to the two lawyers.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari: *"Very well. In the meantime, I will have the Jury go and talk amongst their selves. If you cannot come to an agreement they at least will have a verdict ready."*
>
>

The Radiant Host leads the Jury out to deliberate. The question to which they must decide: Is Arkana Grey guilty or not guilty of her involvement in Necromancy?

Ramen Freewind walks up to miss Yahsra Agarwal's table, taking advantage of the recent distance she's put between her client to speak to her 'in private, but ultimately not caring much if mister Rafial Kala happens to listen. He speaks in his more characteristic informal tone.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Look, I know we've had our beef, but at this point... one thing I think we can agree on is that this is way above our paychecks. If I win, I risk having a deranged noble sticking a magickal snake up my arse when I'm all cuddled up in my nice futon. You win, you risk this crazed power-couple flying to your place on their carpet of choice and playing chirurgeon on you with their magickal tattoo weapons. Hells, if the necromancy thing is true, you'll be tortured pre and post-mortem. And if we lose, our own clients could turn against us. It's a frigging lose-lose for us."*
>
>

Ramen Freewind leans a bit closer and continues, trying not to let her rival think too hard.

> Ramen Freewind: *"There's a way out though - you drop the framing charges, we drop the whole kidnapping thing. Pretty sure none of our clients are gonna be charged with necromancy, so that means everyone walks home scott-free with no grudges."*
>
>

Ramen Freewind finishes his monologue by extending his hand in a handshake.
> Ramen Freewind: *"Let's look out for each other, from one legal professional to another. Settle?"*
>
>

The little lawyer's gold-painted nails ticked against her sleeve as she listened to Ramen Freewind's proposition for them both. She shed a glance in the direction of the odd pair of witnesses who left the stand at Ramen Freewind's suggestion they might turn up and poke her full of holes with an aetheric rapier.
> Yahsra Agarwal: *"Honestly, my boss was furious with me for even considering taking on a case about necromancy. Nobody else in the firm wanted to touch it, but what can I say? It looked like a simple case of a gold digger inventing the whole thing. You think you've hooked a carp on the end of your fishing line and instead, you pull up a drowned corpse. I'll probably be sacked before long."*
>
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With a sigh, she pushed her glasses up her nose before extending a hand to Ramen Freewind.

> Yahsra Agarwal: *"We can drop the charges on our end if you drop yours. And if you ever need a junior in court to help you... let me know."*
>
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> Ramen Freewind: *"... you're a junior? Dang, you put up a hell of a fight for one!"*
>
>

He stealthily produces a business card from the inner fold of his jacket.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Give me a call anytime, I'll be in town for a couple of days. Heck just drop by the Meyhane tonight, we'll discuss our bright legal future over a couple of liquored lassis."*
>
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Ramen Freewind finishes with a couple of fingerguns. He then turns around with his arms extended in a big arc.

> Ramen Freewind: *"Let's go home your Honours, charges dropped!"*
>
>

He then turns to the defendant's table and aims a couple of thumbs up towards Arkana Grey.
The judge brings the gavel down.

> Judge Nashmeira Lahgari:*"If the Jury are in agreement then the case will close."*
>
>

Narukai Nephilim just sits there blinking, rather dumbfounded and not knowing what to do or say, he does, however, take the snack that Joshua Treegarden handed to him.

> Joshua Treegarden: *"Well, that was disappointing... But who am I to argue with the foibles of a foreign justice system?"*
>
>

Sylvie looks quite surprised at this turn of events, but her worries leave her and she beams at Arkana Grey.