Tulani escorted Cerise, Wretch and Swix to the roped off front row of seats behind what the Sphynx identified as the Prosecution table, which is the one closest to the bare table and the Mages. Both Swix and Wretch are a bit awed, having never imagined such a large room could exist. They were not the first ones there, as several heavily cloaked and hooded Eeee are seated further down, with several empty seats between them and Tulani's group. There are also armed guards dressed in the new police armor spread around the roped off section.
Cerise ... can't do much more than use her senses to try and feel out the room, especially those cloaked Eeee ahead. She has to wonder just who they are, after all. She also figures separation is for their protection as much as anything. "/Talk about a real show,/" the rat thinks, "/Why is it people always want to come watch real horrors unfold? What is wrong with people? Oh well, as long as they don't sell candy and such, then I would have even more issue."
From the sound of things, the upper balcony is already filling up, and there are figures appearing in the smaller private balcony seats as well. These luxury boxes are kept in shadow, however - Shadow Magic privacy fields, to be exact. The mages appear next, in the corner past the still-bare table ahead of the witnesses. Cyprian is first among them, surrounded by a nimbus of held spells. Mage Candifloss is there in her own circle, and a Khatta wearing the colors of the Sphere of Shadow takes up the third circle. More policemen come in from backstage, carrying boxes. They set these down before the long table, and begin to unload them. It is easy to recognize the bindings, stakes and some of the other items being removed and laid out on the table. There is also a box that isn't unloaded, but just set on the table.
Cerise doesn't want to know what is in the unopened box. If it's unopened, it must be even more horrible than what is already there, and that's ... bad. She shifts uncomfortably. Given her very nature as a supernatural ... thing makes being near a bunch of mages always uneasy.
A trio of large Naga slither onto the stage next, followed by a police-guarded line of shuffling Eeee. The shuffling is from the ankle-cuffs that limit how far they can move their legs. Wrists are also shackled, and wings bound. While they'd been stripped of any identifying jewelry, and wore the barest of tunics and shorts, their bearing is still one of pride. There are nearly two dozen of them, including one woman with a bandaged hand. They end up in the seats set up on the covered orchestra pit, behind the Defense table. The Nagas place themselves at that table, while attendants bring in dozens of folders and stacks of paper.
Next to Cerise, Tulani growls quietly at the attitude of the prisoners.
Cerise' ears twitch, a lot. She could do such horrible things to them and strip them of that arrogant pride ... but she resists. She cannot get involved outside of being a witness, no matter how much she wants to. "Justice will be served, one way or another," the rat mutters in Sylvanian to Tulani.
After the primary defendants are seated, the police guards bring in the other defendants. Guard Number One and Ashad are wearing muzzles and have their hands bound behind them, while the doctor and Guard Number Two have their wrists bound in front. Both of the Eeee have their wings bound as well. They are led to a separate roped off part of the orchestra pit away from the other defendants, a bit further back towards the audience seats, but still clearly on the defendant side of the court.
Swix waves to his mother, but if she notices she can't really wave back with her hands tied. Wretch does squirms a bit, unsure how to feel.
"Actors and supporters, interesting division," Cerise notes to herself. Then she feels like sinking down when Swix waves tot he doctor. "Please don't do that," she pleads inward. She has a hard enough time coping as it is.
"As I thought," Tulani whispers. "The Pit Crew is on there own."
The prosecutors come in next, greeting the mages in passing and looking over the evidence table. Two of them are young Eeee men, who carry documents and clipboards to the prosecution table. The third is a very well-dressed Savanite with a very un-slave-like bearing. He is busy examining the evidence closer. The fourth member is a rather physically imposing middle-aged female Eeee. While she wears the clothing of a government functionary, it is obvious that she was a former, if not current, Yodhrephath.
"/I could have easily ended up on trial many times,/" Cerise comments in Sylvanian. "I am by no means an innocent. But ... nothing to this degree of offense./"
"I'm sure even those times you had a reason," Tulani whisper-replies in Sylvanian. "There's no reason behind these crimes though..."
The Jury is brought in next. There are fifteen of them: five Eeee, five Naga and five Skreek. They don't bunch up together by group however, and sit more or less randomly. Some wear well made, high end clothing while others have simpler 'worker' styles. A few are wearing clothes that they seem unfamiliar with, which may have been provided for them by the court itself.
"Being poorer than dirt provides lots of reasons," Cerise notes quietly.
"Speaking of.. it looks like a third of the jurors are from the Streets Below," Tulani comments.
"Jury to provide prospective from all walks of life, I imagine," the rat comments as she looks to them curiously.
The jurors don't seem particularly comfortable - but they likely have no idea what the trial is about anyway. One very shabby looking Skreek is whispering with his well dressed Eeee neighbor, who can only shrug to him. Nobody's every had a jury trial in Babel before.
A few other functionaries arrive, including a thin Eeee woman who sits at a very small desk with a small, odd machine on it, and a large male Fnerf dressed in a uniform that is similar to the police one, but sported the Scales of Justice prominently. More people begin to fill the seats behind the witnesses, while on the other side people that were likely families or friends of the defendants sat. There are quite a few obviously non-natives in attendance as well. Mages and foreigners mainly, some of which looked very official - possibly from the new Embassies.
"Truth be told, I'd look as confused as them. In Sylvania, trials usually involve pitchforks and torches ... and lots of running," Cerise remarks quietly to Tulani.
Cerise can make out quite a few familiar faces in the crowd filling the seats though. She's seen most of them during the Barsunala's appearance in Inala's Paradise.. and also quite a few from the big get-together of merchants and Yodh from before that.
The rat also thinks some look better with their clothing on. Heh.
Once the last of the viewers has been seated, the doors are closed. The big Fnerf on stage clears his throat, and announces in a voice that is certainly suitable for an opera, "All rise for the Honorable Justices Xellian, Cabra and Thestra." Everyone rises.. save for the Eeee defendants, possibly to signal that they don't recognize the court. The judges are a Naga, a Skreek and an Eeee respectively. The all are well past middle age, such that it's difficult to identify things like gender under the loose robes and pointy hats that they all wear. The Eeee has a slightly feminine air to her though, and her expression is hard. Probably another Yodhrephath transplant.
Cerise rises, of course. This is not easy, but she has a cane to walk with now as her leg has not recovered fully. Even with the cane she has a pronounced limp and tendency to lean to that side when standing.
The judges sit, and so do the jury and counsels and the rest of the audience. "The People versus the Cannibal Cult will now commence," the Skreek judge, Cabra announces. "Prosecutor Zerastra, please make your opening statements."
The imposing Eeee woman stands and approaches the jury. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the Prosecution is going to supply you with overwhelming evidence that the accused are not only guilty of torture, murder and kidnapping, but of blasphemy and actions intended to destabilize our fledgling society. Their fates will be in your hands, as representatives of the affected species and of our city's future. I have faith that justice will prevail, as will the morality that takes into a new age. Thank you." The jury seems much more alert after that, sitting a bit straighter if looking more nervous.
"No pressure, or anything," Cerise thinks. "It's always easy to talk about what so and so deserves, until you are the one with the actual power to inflict it. Then everything changes."
The defense is called upon next. One of the Nagas - the biggest one - slithers towards the Jury, but ultimately turns away from them to face the audience instead. "We will ssshow that this entire trial is a farce," the reptile claims. "A puppet show put on by the Coalition to justify the persecution of those who oppose their heavy-handed looting of the Nobility in favor of foreign businessmen while manipulating the citizenry with populist fantasies of equality and justice." There's no thank you or acknowledgement of the jury before the Naga returns to his cohorts at the defense table.
"Reminds me of a captain that wanted to fly through a Forbidden Zone because 'it wouldn't dare challenge a nobleman'.." Tulani whispers.
"Not a good move to ignore those who decide everything," Cerise counters just as softly, "Pure arrogance."
There's quite a bit of muttering after the Defense's Opening Statement from the audience. The trial then begins, as Zerastra calls her first witness: Cerise of Chronotopia. The big Fnerf bailiff approaches the row where the Skreek is seated, and waits to escort her.
Tulani also gives Cerise's hand a squeeze.
Right out of the gate? Great. Cerise looks to Tulani and nods. She stands slowly and makes her way out of her seat. She approaches the bailiff, and has to use the cane quite heavily to keep her balance. she also keeps her head up, back straight. Injured and damaged as she may be physically, she wants the defendants to see she was never broken. She nods to the Bailiff, signalling she is ready to walk down.
"Do you need assistance?" the Bailiff asks quietly, prepared to offer an arm to help support the Skreek.
"I prefer to walk on my own," Cerise replies quietly, "Just watch me in case I fall."
So, somewhat slowly, the pair approach the witness stand. The click of the can hitting the floor echoes loudly, thanks to the acoustics of the stage. Once Cerise is seated on the padded stool, Zerastra approaches and says, "Mage Cyprian is using Mind Magic to detect any spoken untruths. Do have any issue with this?"
"None," Cerise answers as she balances to favor her uninjured side; the other is still quite sore and healing. She would say more about Cyprian, but it doesn't seem appropriate right now.
The Jury probably hadn't recognized Cyprian, but they certainly respond to the name. Zerastra holds up her clipboard, and says, "I'm going to read from the police report on the Pit raid. It states: The Skreek woman was seen by the forward scouts to be bound by hand and foot by implanted restraints, while hanging from a post and breathing through a long flexible tube. A giant, transparent serpent was then seen to begin swallowing her whole. The rest of the squad arrived, and we moved in to secure the area. After being swallowed whole, the Skreek was extracted only by killing the serpent and cutting it open to release her." She then looks to Cerise, and asks, "Is that accurate, to the best of your recollection?"
"Accurate," Cerise replies, "I remember it clearly, from the sound, to the feel, and the smell, of what that serpent did. I remember seeing some ruckus in the stands where ... spectators were watching, but only for a moment. Once I was ... " she has to pause there before continuing, "swallowed, it was like looking from under water or a through thick glass. I did not see them kill the serpent, but I do remember feeling what seemed like many hitting it, then it growing still and being cut out. I blacked out not long after, though."
Zerastra waits for the audience to stop chattering, and even gives them a rather cold glance. "Now then, was this some sort of performance, with a trained animal that was only meant to simulate a person being eaten alive while you were in no actual danger?" she asks, with a slight smirk towards the defense, as if trying to preempt their line of questioning.
"No, they were trying to kill me. Their last attempt ... backfired," Cerise answers. She pauses there, then adds, "Surprisingly literally, on some of the spectators, for that matter."
This causes a ruckus again, and the judges have to call order. "Ah, so the purpose of the transparent serpent and the air hose was so that they could observe you being crushed and digested before you could suffocate, would you say?"
"Objection!" the big Naga calls out. "She is asking the witness to speculate, your honors."
"Sustained," the Naga judge says. "Please rephrase your question, Prosecutor."
Zerastra flares her nostrils, and asks Cerise, "Do you believe that these actions against you were to prolong the experience for the spectators?"
"I cannot say what they could be thinking, only that I know they wanted me dead," Cerise says and looks towards the defendants, specifically at the Eeee with the bandaged hand. "I, after all, broke her fingers when they where trying 'catch' me in their little 'maze' event. So, yes, I believe they wanted to watch me suffer for as long as possible."
The woman with the bandaged hand suddenly tries to hide it between her legs, which is about all she can do because of the shackles.
"Perhaps it would be best if you were tell us things from the beginning, Miss Cerise," Zerastra says. "How did you first encounter members of what we refer to as 'The Pit Crew'?" She also gestures to the section with the doctor, guards and giant Naga, for the benefit of the Jury.
"I was attacked and drugged in one of the camps near the new worksites. Specifically, I was drugged with naga venom to paralyze me. This was so that Naga could swallow me and carry me out of camp in his gut," the rat explains and gestures to the large, muzzled, Naga. "The trip was ... unpleasant and would not be able to describe the route we took. I do remember being vomited up, and then those guards dragging me down a hallway, and into a cell." This time she indicates the guards. "They put me in a pair of stocks while my muscles started to ... work again. Balanced just so that if I started to falter, I would choke. I was left in the stocks for a while. I couldn't tell you how long because after a while time seems to blur. If I had to guess, it was at least a day, then the Doctor came in and examined me. And also told me what I could expect."
"And what was it she said you could expect?" Zerastra asks leadingly.
"That I would be tested for twenty-one days to see if I could become pregnant. If I could, I would be set aside as a breeder to produce children for the naga to eat. If I couldn't, then I was useless and would be sent to the pit to entertain guests for as long as I would 'last'. If I showed any resistance, I would be dealt with brutally," the rat explains. Then the rat holds up her left arm, then uses her pinky and sticks it into her left wrist up to the second knuckle. Then the rat smiles and shows the many missing teeth. "I showed resistance," she adds coldly in explanation.
Zerastra nods back to her assistants, and the Savanite carries a platter with the restraints, skewers and anti-chastity-belt on it. "Do you recognize these items?" she asks Cerise.
"Given I wore those for around two weeks, yes, I can say I recognize them," Cerise notes. "The holes in my wrists and ankles still haven't closed and my, to be blunt, sex organs are still stretched and droopy, potentially permanently, from the strain that belt put on them. The skin on my back sags too, from those longer skewers."
"I can demonstrate the condition of my wrists, if you wish me to," Cerise also offers, and motions to the skewers.
The Eeee takes a moment, then nods. The Savanite brings the selection of implements closer, so Cerise can pick the hook-ended skewer of her choice.
Cerise picks up one of the skewers that was in her wrist and holds it out so that the lawyers and the Jury can see it clearly. She then holds her left arm out, then with her right slowly pushes it back into that channel in her wrist. There is a bit of discomfort stretching, but no bleeding since the hole is lined with scar-tissue now. In a minute or so, the spike is sticking completely through her wrist. She then picks up the 'ringed' end and slips that over the spike. "These were bolted down and then used to control my movement or what positions I could be in." She pauses, then looks at the jury. "For two weeks. Every appendage and my private areas were stretched, pulled, and violated by these things for their amusement." Her voice is acid, tinged with anger now. The rat then pulls the spike back out. "And according to the mage treating me, it may heal closed eventually, or it may not."
The Savanite holds up the anti-chastity-belt next. From their auras, the Jury members seem a bit afraid, mostly ill and for about half of them, signs of growing anger.
"I am not sure it is appropriate to demonstrate that," Cerise notes, "But if the court wishes to see the results of wearing that for two weeks, I can ... show it."
"Just describing its purpose should be sufficient," Zerastra says.
"These eyelits here are hooked over studs embedded along the outside of my vulva," the rat explains rather bluntly, "And these straps here are attached to my legs and pulled tight so that things are stretched wide open. Even with my legs closed, which they rarely allowed, it kept me spread wide open. It was messy to wear, if you can imagine."
More audience ruckus has to be brought to order by the judges. "Since the goal was to get you pregnant, I assume the other Skreek captive, the male knows as Wretch, was involved?" Zerastra asks.
"Yes. He was ordered to have sex with me every hour," Cerise notes.
"And who gave him those orders?" the Eeee asks.
"The doctor," Cerise answers and gestures to the red naga.
"Was Wretch the only one ordered to rape you?" Zerastra asks.
"No, the guards were too, to try and increase my 'fertility'," Cerise says. She then gestures to one of the guards, and adds, "That one preferred to use my backside, though. I believe he did not wish me to get pregnant."
"Where the guards all the same, or did some act crueller or kinder to you?" Zerastra asks next.
"One was cruel. One was indifferent. One was kind," Cerise explains, "There were three at the beginning. The third one, the kind one, was the one who was swallowed by the translucent serpent before me, his wings were crushed and I could hear the bones grind. He was, and I quote this as I remember it vividly, 'The Gullible Guard'. If I had to interpret that statement, that means he too was always marked as someone to sacrifice."
"When your 21-day period was up and you were not pregnant, what happened?" the Prosecutor asks next.
"I was sick at that point. Some sort of respiratory ailment. I passed out around that time. I awoke in a room in the doctor's personal quarters when the disease passed. I was soon prepped to go to the operating room. I was then bound and my gut cut open on the side so that ... that Eeee there," Cerise says and points to one of the women in the defendants section, "Could stick her hand in my belly and feel around. It ... gave her an orgasm." The rat then leans to the side and pulls apart her clothing so that where she was cut open is exposed, then she parts some of the fur there, showing the purple scar-line on her side.
More gasps for this than the revelations of sexual abuse. "Were there any others who.. ah.. indulged in this activity?" Zerastra asks.
"That time? No. Later, when they cut open my butt and leg and ate some of my leg muscle at a 'party', it was a bunch of them," Cerise says as her hand coils around her cane. The tip slams down into the floor as she struggles to stand. "I didn't always limp. I used to talk like anyone else," she says once she stands, "And I can limp now at least thanks to the mage that has started work on repairing the damage to me." She stands there, arm with the cane visibly straining as she has to balance while using her other arm to pull back more clothing to show the fresh sutures on her recently-worked upon backside. "They had a little masquerade ball while that doctor sliced off strip after strip of my body so that some of those Eeee eat it after it had been cooked in wine. While they were masked, I promise you I could identify each by voice and scent. Skreek noses are quite good." That last bit comes with a glare at the defendants. "And if that were not enough, because they had paral
lyzed my limbs again, that naga dangled me with ropes like some dagh-brained puppet," the rat says and gestures to the large black Naga. As she sits back down slowly, she says, "It was quite the 'party'." Again, her voice drips with acid.
There's more ruckus, and the judges call order once more. Judge Cabra advises, "Miss Cerise, please do not volunteer extra information until asked, and try to remain calm, despite the circumstances."
"My apologies," Cerise says now that she is settled again and rubbing her aching leg.
The Savanite brings more evidence over, including the puppeteer rig and other things used in the dinner party. "What happened after the cannibal dinner," Zerastra asks next. As neutral as her expression might be, Cerise can tell from her aura just how pleased she is with how people are reacting to the testimony.
"Well, I couldn't move my arms and legs due to poison they injected me with. So, after they stitched up my butt, my arms and lets were tied to that ... contraption so that the naga over there could dance me around like a toy. They forgot to gag me, though, and I made a few ... comments during that. At least one of the guests punched me," Cerise explains, more calmly this time.
"Tell us about the time after that," Zerastra asks next. "What did they do to you next?"
"Well, I guess I was considered too damaged after that, so it was time to mess with me more. The third guard came in and claimed he was helping me escape. I wasn't born yesterday; I'm not that stupid. He was always too afraid to dare to disobey them, so I presumed it was all just a trap. I wasn't wrong. After being sent down a garbage chute, I climbed through the remnants of a sewer. Everything was 'conveniently' blocked to push me in one direction only, and that was up into a maze under the floor. That's when some of the defendants were then given sticks to jam into the maze through grates in order to hit me," Cerise explains, then gestures. "That one there, the one with the bandaged hand. I grabbed her staff and yanked her down. She fell, and her fingers came through the grate. So ... I broke them. I'm not ashamed to admit that. I absolutely broke her fingers. Why, because I knew there was likely no way out, so I decided to do something I was always taught about surviving. Whenever you
you're attacked by anyone, always leave a mark so that they can be found and caught, even if you don't make it."
Several of the Jury sit up straighter at that final remark. Most of the others have a slight grin as well, or nod subtly.
"And during this 'hunt', did the defendants refer to you as an animal, or as a person?" Zerastra asks.
"They always referred to me as an animal. Be it at the dinner, or in the maze. If I recall what one of them said, it was something like 'How cute that it actually thinks it is a person'," Cerise answers. "After I broke those fingers, I remember her screaming that 'It broke my fingers. It is over here. Get it!'. It." The last word in emphasized in tone and inflection.
"Clearly, you did not escape," Zerastra says. "What was your 'capture' like?"
"I was slammed to the floor and held there with poles. Then they hooked ropes through the leg-rings and drug me out of the maze area. Where they took me was, well, the first time they tried to 'sacrifice' me," Cerise says.
"Please describe this attempted sacrifice," the Eeee urges.
"I was tied spread-eagle between four posts, and with that device attached to me," Cerise describes and gestures to the anti-chastity device, "Then they lead in what looked like an insane Rhian. I don't know what was wrong with him other than he had an erection almost the length of my thigh and as thick around as my calf. Basically, they intended for him to rut me to death as the doctor there called upon 'Inala' to bless this 'Trial of Rugharo'. That backfired, though, as, well, I was able to take him. When the naga known as Rattlebones tried to force the Rhian to kill me, the poor creature swung back and struch the naga, hard. Probably broke his neck; anyway, that naga was dead as he hit the ground."
There's a sharp, sudden laugh from.. Guard Number Two at the description of Rattlebone's demise.
"Rattlebone was the viper Naga with the paralyzing venom?" Zerastra asks for clarification.
"Yes," Cerise confirms.
"So, when you survived, what did they decide to do with you?" the Eeee asks next.
"At that time all I knew is that I would be sacrificed to 'Glass' in some sort of ritual glorifying Zakaro," Cerise says. "Which is what I was rescued from. Glass was that see-through serpent."
"And you recognized the Eeee sacrifice as the guard who seemed to help you escape?" Zerastra asks.
"He was very badly beaten, but I am pretty sure it was him," Cerise answers.
"Thank you, Miss Cerise," the Eeee says, and turns to the bench. "No further questions, your honors."
"Does the defense wish to cross-examine?" Judge Xellian hisses. "We mosSSst certainly do," the lead defense Naga says. So as Zerastra leaves and the evidence is brought back to the table, the Naga slithers up and tries to loom a bit over Cerise.
"Pleasse tell the court what your professssion was at the time of your alleged abduction," the Naga asks.
And Cerise looks right up at the Naga, unflinching. "I'm not ashamed of it. I was a prostitute. I sold sex to the workers at the camp," the rat answers simply.
"Ssso, you are comfortable with selling.. ah.. renting your body to others?" the lawyer asks.
"Depending on what the client would want, yes. I have rules and limits," Cerise answers.
The Naga gives a smug look to the Jury, which don't seem to react to it. "And the holeSss in your ears, and the studsss and other piercings that you have.. were these forced upon you in your captivity?"
"No, I had some piercing before I was caught," Cerise answers.
"Sso, how can we be ssure that these 'restraints' were not merely an extension of your fetish?" the Naga asks.
"Because it's one thing to have a small stud in your ear, and entirely another to have a huge hole forced into your wrist," Cerise replies calmly. "I believe the phrase is 'order of magnitude difference'"
"I wouldn't know," the Naga claims. "It all seems equally perverse. Now, how much is the Coalition paying you for your so-called testimony?"
"I'm not being paid a cent. They're only covering the cost of my medical treatment," Cerise answers.
"Magical medical treatment," the Naga points out to the Jury... and to the audience. "That isss a considerable cost. I hope they have gotten their money's worth from you, Miss Cerise. No further questions."
"That I wouldn't have required were it not for their actions," Cerise comments as she struggles to rise and depart the stand.
The their is aded by a gesture towards the Doctor and the rest of the defendants.
The Bailiff escorts Cerise back to her seat. "You did well, I think," Tulani whispers in Sylvanian.
"Reasonably. It's hard to remain calm," Cerise admits quietly. "Very hard."
Zerastra calls her next witness: 'doctor' Sesstha. The bailiff goes past the hurriedly hiss-whispering defense lawyers to where the 'staff' defendants sit, and escorts the red Naga to the stand. "Please state your name and position for the record," Zerastra asks.
"My name is Sesstha," the Naga answers. "I was the surgeon at the Pit."
"So, that's her name," Cerise thinks.
"And what were your duties?" the prosecutor asks.
The Naga answers, "I was in charge of maintaining and conditioning the.. livestock."
"And by livestock, to you mean the kidnapped Skreeks?" Zerastra asks.
"Yes," Sesstha replies. "We were only to refer to them as livestock though. Wretch was not kidnapped, however, but born into my.. care. I saw to his health as best I could. Overall health of the Skreeks was not a priority, sSave for the production of infants."
"Do you dispute anything said in the previous testimony by the Skreek that was most recently under your 'care'?" Zerastra asks.
"Objection!" the Naga counsel calls out. "Irrelevant to this witness's testimony, your honors."
Justice Thestra asks Zerastra, "Is this line of questioning leading somewhere, Prosecutor?" Zerastra turns to the bench, and says, "It is important in establishing whether or not this witness can be considered hostile, your honors."
The judges confer for a moment. "Objection overruled, but just barely," Cabra announces. "You may continue, Prosecutor."
"Thank you, your honors," Zeratra says, and repeats her question to Sesstha, "Do you dispute anything said in the previous testimony by Cerise?"
"No," the red Naga says. "Her memory is accurate." This causes more hissing among the defense lawyers, and some whispers from the audience as well. Some of the jury look confused by this.
This surprises Cerise too.
"Would you please explain to the court how you became involved in the Pit?" Zerastra asks next. "The mages will give us notice if you lie."
Sesstha gives one slow flick of her tongue, and begins her tale. "I was born in the Streets Below. I never knew either of my parents, for I was abandoned immediately. A common practice among Naga down there. I was found and raised by a gang of mixed children, since I was small enough still to fit into old pipes and other areas the others had outgrown. We were constantly gaining and losing members - there were always more children we could find, and those that survived long enough to reach adolescence broke off to find their own way. I survived long enough that I had to leave."
"I did not get far on my own," the red Naga says. "I was caught by a group of Naga men, and kept aSs their plaything. Being female without a protector in the Streets Below usually leads to this. I was not strong enough to resist, and they still fed me enough to keep me alive, if not healthy. I became pregnant several times, but did not birth any live offspring. That changed with my fourth clutch. One was alive, one that looked just like me. While the men argued about what to do with the child, and which one fathered it and thus deserved whatever value could be gotten from it, I escaped and fled into the Streets Below."
"Running was difficult. I had not recovered from the energies expended on my pregnancy, and little Swix seemed far too small," Sesstha continues. "I made my way towards the docks, hoping to find passage on an airship, but I was caught by guards before ever making it there. They brought me to their master, who told me that.. that he could fix my child. But that I would have to serve him in exchange."
At the pause, Zerastra asks, "And who was this benefactor making the offer?"
"Lord Hastur Velkarno," Sesstha replies. "And his wife, Lady Celise Velkarno."
The mention of Velkarno causes a lot of hushed conversation in the crowd, and the judges have to call order again.
Cerise frowns. Yes, she hates the doctor, but she always suspected there was more to her. Another victim. Does this excuse her actions? No, but will her death make any of it right? Also no.
"And what was this cure that would fix the problems of your son?" the Eeee asks.
"He must eat a living, sapient being," the Naga claims. "Specifically a newborn Skreek. It was explained to me that Skreeks were the natural prey of Naga, who could not realize their full potential without having devoured one. This would provide what Swix was lacking, and allow his brain and body to develop fully."
"And you believed him?" Zerastra asks.
"I.. had hope," Sesstha admits. "And no other options. I agreed, and was taken to the Pit where I was apprenticed to the doctor, an elderly Naga named Calcho. Shortly after arriving, a pregnant Skreek was brought in. I was shown how to keep her.. at the edge of survivability. It was not necessary that she survive childbirth, but she did. The babies were suckled for a week, until their eyes opened. I was given two of them - one for me and one for my son. Swix didn't understand what he was supposed to do, so I.. showed him. I swallowed the first infant in front of him. He just clung harder to his. So, I let him keep it. We named it Wretch, because we knew his life would be wretched."
Wretch actually starts to sniffle and cry a little in his seat, but keeps it quiet.
The 'queasy' color of the Jury's aura goes up several notches at these revelations.
Cerise knows that is far from true. But, what a horrible thing to tell someone. She closes her eyes for a moment, then reaches over and squeezes Wretch's hand.
The Skreek smiles to Cerise at the gesture. He's also holding Swix's hand with his other one. The Naga doesn't seem upset or confused though.
As the Naga continues to talk, a larger picture is painted. The Skreeks were just the start. Velkarno began bringing friends to visit, and demanded that entertainment be provided. This is when the cannibal dinners began. At first, the entire Skreek would be devoured - either by the guests or by pet groks. Then it was decided that the victim should be alive, so the more surgical methods began. And then the Rhian, Beyard, was brought in. Velkarno claimed he was a criminal, and wanted him turned into a monster - a parody of the Sabaoth Seven demon, Rhugaro. It took weeks to destroy his mind and bring to the state of an animal, once kept constantly drugged or enraged. The audience started to grow, and Beyard was used to kill the 'used up' Skreeks by raping them to death.
And then came Glass. "Velkarno was very proud of his monster serpent," Sesstha testifies. "Especially when he brought the mages to turn it clear. He claimed they were Royal Mages who served the Sabaoth himself. Things changed drastically after Glass arrived." It was soon after this that Velkarno would come with a masked pair of his friends, escorting a drugged child. Usually adolescent, always a boy. Each time, the boy would have his memories suppressed by drugs and hypnosis. He would become one of the guards for the Skreeks. And finally, he would be sacrificed to Glass.
If there was a ruckus about Skreeks being 'sacrificed', it was even worse at the notion of Eeee children ending up with an even worse fate. It takes several minutes to restore order, and lots of gavel banging.
Cerise rubs her forehead, feeling a headache coming.
The audience continued to grow, and demanded more as time went on. The Maze was the next torture to be added. "The Skreek would be told by a guard that there was a way to escape through sewers. He would take her to a garbage chute and set her on her way. They never refused at that point. Any escape, by death or otherwise, was preferable. This would lead to a maze of waterways in the adjoining structure, a former slave market. Here the Skreek would be hunted by the guests until cornered and caught, then taken to the auditorium and given to Beyard. Sometimes, we would use the sacrificial guard - called the Gullible Guard. He usually came up with the idea on his own, and would try to genuinely help the Skreek. Either way, he was destined to be beaten and fed to the serpent."
"When I had finished my training under Calcho, he told me that now he could retire," Sesstha says. "So he hanged himself. It was the only way any of us would be leaving the Pit. And I had to care for my son, for as long as a I could, so I continued. Sometimes a guard would go crazy from it all, but they were easy to replace. It became routine, an emotional purgatory. And then, Lord Velkarno stopped coming around. But the others still did. We learned that Velkarno was dead, but that nothing was going to change."
"Where you ever given any rewards for your service?" Zerastra asks.
"None," Sesstha states. "What can you give to the damned that would mean anything? I served devils for ten years. That makes me a demon. I had to explain this to my own son, but he understands my fate. That, I suppose, is enough to ask for."
"No further questions, your honors," Zerastra says, sounding just a bit less satisfied than when she had Cerise on the stand. Even Yodhrephath have limits.
The big defense Naga goes up, and tries to look intimidating again. "Your son was given medical treatment.. magical treatment.. by the Coalition," he claims. "Was the price of your testimony?"
Sesstha blinks. "My son was cared for?" she asks, as if hearing it for the first time. And Cyprian doesn't make any motion to suggest otherwise, either.
The defense Naga pauses, and takes a different tack. "Under the 'new laws' of the Coalition, a witness cannot be forced to incriminate themselves by their own testimony," he says, looking smug again. "Since you have no counsel, where you even aware of this law?"
"The prosecutor explained it to me and the others," Sesstha claims. Still no 'lie' signal from Cyprian.
This seems to rattle the lawyer. "Then why did you do this? What did they offer you?" he demands, almost angrily.
Cerise leans over and asks Tulani quietly, "Do you think they would let me speak at the end of all of this?"
At this Sesstha leans forward, almost right into the lawyer's face. She raises up her shackled hands, and says, "Because I am free." She rattles the shackles at the other Naga, and grins. "As free as I can be. For a decade I knew exactly how things would end. When I was no longer of use, or a replacement was found - both I and my son would be the ones used for their amusement and appetites. But that's not going to happen. Now I just have to die, and I am hardly afraid of that."
"You tell'm, Mommy!" Swix cheers.
Tulani whispers, "The prosecutor could add something in closing remarks, probably." She jumps slightly at the cheer.
The big defense Naga rears back in shock, and says, "No further questionsss, your honors." He retreats quickly back to his table, where there is a lot of hissing from the other two Nagas and lots of glares from the defendants.
As the Bailiff escorts Sesstha back to the staff section, the red Naga can't help but grin at the Eeee defendants. Number Two is trying hard not to break out in laughter from the look of him.
"It's just ... yes, I want revenge ... but that isn't justice. I'm also not sure killing her is, either. For her son, I want to ask for mercy," Cerise whispers. "The streets below need a good doctor. She could perhaps tend to people who cannot normally afford medical care as her punishment. And get a chance to live with her son without fear of more horror."
"I don't know how much the Jury is able to decide," Tulani replies. "As far as sentencing and such.. I think it's just guilty or not guilty."
"Punishment, though. That should have some discussion," Cerise notes.
Zerastra approaches the bench again. "I would now like to call.. Guard Number Two.. to the witness stand." This causes more muttering in the crowd. Calling two defendants?
The lightly-bound Eeee is brought to the stand, and is all smiles. Probably the only time Cerise has seen him smile. "Please state your name and position for the court," the prosecutor asks.
"I've no idea what my real name is, so Number Two will have to do," the Eeee says. "And I was the longest serving guard at the Pit. Longer than Number One.. numbers don't mean seniority or anything, it's just the position being filled."
"What exactly were your duties as a guard?" Zerastra asks.
"Mostly I guarded cell doors, down in the dungeon. Let people in and out, listed to the prisoners, brought them food," Number Two says. "And of course there were more hands on things. Punishments for the prisoners, or other guards. Unlike some, I managed to.. not look forward to them. I liked monotony. But it really got to some of us."
"But my most important job was taking in the new guy. Number Three. Showing him the routine.. punishing him when he refused to follow an order. I remember going through that. Disobey, and old Rattlebone would paralyze you, then you get locked in a coffin for a day. But I remember all of the Number Threes. All of the Skreeks too."
"And what about the defendants?" Zerastra asks, gesturing the bleachers where the Eeees sat. "Did you work with them?"
"Us guards, we were strictly 'downstairs' only - except for Number Three, but you've heard what happens to him," Number Two says. "It wasn't until Rattlebone found an easy out that I met any of the clients. I didn't know about the cannibal stuff, or Beyard or Glass. But I had to step in and be an usher for Glass." The Eeee shudders then.
"What do you mean when you say that you 'remember' all of the Number Threes and Skreeks?" Zerastra asks.
"Oh, I can't remember who I was before I ended up in the Pit, but whatever they did to me made me unable to forget anything," Number Two says. "I can describe the fur pattern of every Skreek, and all the physical details of every Number Three. And of the clients, too, now that I've seen them. And I just realized something about that!"
"And just what is this realization?" the prosecutor asks.
The Naga lawyers are all risen up, and ready to shout "Objection" at a moment's notice..
"The Threes.. they sure bore a lot of resemblance to some of the folks that came to see Glass," Number Two says, his grin a bit more menacing now. "Parent and child levels of resemblance.."
"Objection!" the Nagas all cry out.
"On what grounds?" Judge Xellian hisses.
This makes Cerise blink. "Did people give their children for that? Who can do that?!?" the rat thinks.
"Speculation! This man is hardly qualified to make that sort of claim. By his own admission, he has no memory of life before the Pit, so how could he even know about parents and children?"
To that, both Zerastra and Number Two look at Sesstha, and then a little over to the side to see Swix, who looks just like his mother.
The Judges confer, and eventually say, "Sustained.. however, we ask that the witness provide as much detail as possible about the appearances of the various victims."
Cerise glowers. Using the shadow she bets she could prove relationships.
Seeing the defense Nagas squirm a bit seems to really amuse Number Two. With the court reporter ready, and several artists as well, the Guard begins to describe the Threes and the Skreeks in exacting detail, down to odd scars, birthmarks, missing teeth, eye color, build and fur patterns for the Skreeks. It takes some time, since there are over a dozen of each to go through, and refinements to the sketches.
Zerastra looks even more pleased than Number Two. "No further questions, your honors," she says when the guard has finished.
"Defense?" Judge Thestra calls, while the Nagas argue with each other. Number Two licks his lips, as if really wanting the Nagas to question him.. but in the end, they say, "Uh, no cross-examination at this time, your honors."
Number Two returns to his holding area, still grinning like it was the happiest day of his life.
"Given that testimony, I would like call my next witness," Zerastra says. "Yodhbarada Cricket." One of the cloaked figures seated past Swix stands up. The cloak is dropped, and Cricket makes her way with the Bailiff wearing her official robes.
"Huh, well, speak of Alptraum's would-be youngest lover," Cerise thinks and sits up a bit.
Instead of a ruckus, there is silence. As Cricket takes the witness stand, the Savanite assistant takes a bound leather book from the box on the evidence table, and brings it to Zerastra. "Thank you for coming, Yodhbarada," the woman says, giving a little bow. She then presents the book to Cricket, and asks, "Could you please explain to the court what is in this ledger?"
Cricket takes the ledger and leafs through it. She's actually looking serious, and her one silver eye looks like it needs refreshing though. "This is the Ransom Ledger," she begins to explain. "It records the details of the kidnapping and ransoming of heirs to the Noble Houses. This was something of a sport between the Houses during the time of the Sabaoth."
"Objection!" the big Naga claims. "Irrelevant to the case at hand, your honors!"
"Hmm, I will have to visit her again," Cerise thinks, then sighs as she also realizes that yes, Alptraum will probably actually bed her next time, too.
"Overruled," Thestra says casually. "Testimony of a Yodh is to be considered relevant via provision 12-B of the Expert Witness clause. Please continue."
"Yodhbarada Cricket," Zerastra asks, "Are there any entries in this ledger that deal with heirs to the Houses of the defendants?"
There is a lot of quiet chatter between the defendants and their counsel, and Cricket says, "Yes, quite a few. There are entries of them kidnapping and ransoming the heirs of other Houses, and of their own heirs being kidnapped.. hmmm.." She flips some pages. "My, but that is unusual.. it seems they've all had heirs kidnapped, but no ransom demands on them. Curious.."
"Does the ledger also contain descriptions of the missing heirs?" Zerastra asks.
"Oh my yes, it wouldn't be properly thorough otherwise," Cricket claims with a bright smile.
"Ouch," Cerise thinks.
"I would like to enter this ledger as People's Exhibit 7, your honors, and have it compared to the descriptions given by Guard Number Two," Zerastra says.
"OBJECTION!" all three of the Naga lawyers shout in panic. The big composes himself first, and says, "The Yodhbarada only provide such information for a price, your honors, and Code 12 of the Corruption Act states that evidence cannot be purchased by either the defense or prosecution."
"Sus.." Cabra starts to say, but Cricket interrupts with, "It's not being sold. There is another condition where the Yodhbarada may freely disseminate privileged information."
The Skreek judge looks to Cricket, and says, "Please elaborate, Yodhbarada."
The Nagas all get a horrified look, even before Cricket explains. "Why, when enacting Barada's Curse, of course," the girl says. "In the event of the Curse being called, every dark secret of the cursed is made public. And by order of the Council of Yodh under the High Princess, anyone who commits blasphemy is automatically subject to the Curse."
Zerastra grins, and asks politely, "And what constitutes official Blasphemy, Yodhbarada?"
"Ouch, again," Cerise thinks.
"Any and all practices and rituals related to the worship of Diphath," Cricket explains. "Cannibalism and child sacrifice among them."
The defendants all start yelling and arguing at once, while the crowd likewise gets chaotic.
Cerise rubs her temples. "Yeah, the judges will not be pleased,/" the rat thinks, and sighs.
"QUIET DOWN!" the Bailiff roars, causing Eeee ears to ring. Judge Thestra adds, "Any further disruptions will be met with expulsion from the proceedings."
Once things have calmed down, Zerastra says, "Thank you and your order, Yodhbarada Cricket. No further questions."
"But I definitely need to reward Cricket somehow for this," the rat thinks. Even if it is a bit unethical, the girl deserves it.
"Defense?" Judge Xellian calls, sounding amused for a Naga.
"N-no cross examination at this time, your honors," the big Naga replies. He, and the others, look a bit haunted still at the revelation that Barada's Curse has been enacted.
Cricket hops off of the stool, and saunters back to her seat. She smiles at the defendants as she passes. It's very much an 'oh boy this is gonna be fun' sort of smile. It isn't returned.
This causes Cerise to shake her head. Okay, so maybe certain behaviors shouldn't be encouraged.
Zerastra makes a show of looking through her papers, then returns to the bench. "I would now like to call High Priestess Mave of the Temple of Inala to the stand," she announces.
Cerise sits upright and looks wide-eyed at Tulani.
The crowd has been warned, so can't break into whispers over this, but there's a lot of shifting in their seats. The next cloaked figure rises up, and removes her cloak. Mave really is there, and really is wearing the robes and jewelry of the High Priestess. If the lighting wasn't so subdued, she'd be almost painful to look at. Tulani looks just as surprised when the Yodhinala walks past them. Mave does take the offered arm of the Bailiff as she is escorted to the witness stand. The Savanite produces another book, this one white and gold, from the box on the evidence table and brings it to Zerastra.
"Mave should not be going to things without consulting me," Cerise hisses to Tulani.
The Jury seems mesmerized, until Zerastra clears her throat to get their attention. "Thank you for appearing, High Priestess," she says with a bow. She then presents the book, and asks, "Do you recognize this, Yodhinala?"
Tulani looks lost. "I had no idea!" she whispers back. "How'd they even know about her, except for that one party.."
"I am going to strangle her," Cerise hisses quietly.
"This is the Record of the Pit of Dark Desires," Mave says, taking the ledger. "It records the Yodhinala who have given their final service there, and those who attended or participated. This record was kept at the behest of the Sabaoth when he decreed that the Pit be formed. It also contains the names of those who wished to witness or participate in certain acts, should they become available.. and of those who were banned from the Temple over their requests."
"And what sort of requests would earn a person a place on the banned list?" Zerastra asks.
"Blasphemy, of course," Mave says. "The drinking of blood or eating of flesh from a Yodhinala, desecration of the body, the use of children or pregnant women, and certain acts of bestiality."
"I would imagine that banned list to be rather short?" Zerastra leads.
"It is actually quite long," Mave says. "Only the Sabaoth could override a banishment.. that would only mean the formerly banished were free to attend sanctioned activities."
"Given that Barada's Curse has been invoked, can you tell me if any of the defendants are on the banned list?" Zerastra asks.
"All of them are," Mave says. "As are their parents and grandparents."
The Nagas are really huddled now, trying to come up with an objection that might stick.
"That many generations?" Zerastra asks in mock surprise. "Not everyone is a suitable parent, even among the Nobility it seems."
Cerise resists laughing.
The big Naga seems bent on objecting that.. but just deflates.
"With the Yodhinala's permission, I would like to enter this ledger as People's Exhibit 8," Zerastra says. Mave nods her permission.
"Okay, so maybe I'll just give her a really severe spanking," Cerise grumbles to Tulani.
Zerastra bows to Mave then, saying, "Thank you for gracing this court with your presence, High Priestess. No further questions."
Smiling, Mave says, "The honor is mine for being asked to participate in such an important and righteous public endeavor." She then smiles in that beatific-sultry way of hers at the defense.
"Defense?" Cabra calls, almost singing it from the lilt she adds.
"No questions at this time, your honors," the big Naga says, his voice almost cracking.
Mave stands, and sweeps across the floor with the Bailiff. She does, however, don her cloak again before sitting down. That leaves two more cloaked figures though.
"Who in the world is left of the Yodh to interview?" Cerise wonders.
After the ledge is put on the table, Zerastra returns to stand before the bench, and says, "I would now like to call High Priestess Koldesh of the Temple of Rephath to the stand."
There's a loud thunk as one of the defense Nagas slams his head down against the table.
This makes Cerise blink. That one dislikes Alptraum a bit. So, yes, Alptraum showed them up a little once, mostly to establish trying to kill him would be a bad idea.
The cloak falls. Of course Koldesh is wearing armor, and has a Skedat sword at her hip. Of a more ceremonial nature is her dagger, which also has a set of scales on it. She marches up to the stand, causing the Bailiff to jog to keep pace with her.
Once again, the Savanite assistant takes a book from the box on the evidence table, this one in telltale red ptera-hide. He brings it to the prosecutor, who nods to him and turns to Koldesh. "There is a certain appropriateness at having you grace us, High Priestess." The tone is slightly familiar, so the two likely know each other. Zerastra holds up the new book, and asks, "Could you please tell us the nature of this book?"
Koldesh actually scowls as she takes the ledger. "By nature it is an insult," she says. "Another unwanted edict of the Sabaoth, no longer in effect now that he is no longer in effect. But when we had to bow to his authority, this was the Book of Tithes." She opens it with a gloved hand and flips through the pages. "Very few knew of it.. only those in the Sabaoth's favor, really. When a claim of vengeance was officially made against a person or House, they could instead pay a tithe to the Temple of Rephath to have it.. forgiven. Only the very rich could afford it of course.. and the very rich, by their nature, needed to use it often."
Cerise twitches.
"Ob.. objection?" one of the junior Nagas says, uncertainly. "Relevance, your honors?"
This earns a scowl from Koldesh.
"Overruled, of course," Thestra notes, but looks to Zerastra. "I'd like to know the relevance myself though, counsel."
"If it please the court, I am trying to establish a history of undermining and subverting public values by the abuse of privilege on the part of the defendants," Zerastra explains.
"Proceed," Thestra says.
"Well.. I suppose you know my next question then, High Priestess," Zerastra says. "Are there records of the defendants or their Houses buying their way out of deserved vengeance?"
"Of course there are, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered coming," Koldesh growls. "And yes, they go back several generations, right to when the Sabaoth instituted the damned thing."
"Since this practice is.. dead, would you mind if took this ledger and entered it into evidence?" Zerastra asks. Then she has to grab the thrown ledger out of the air (she has very good reflexes) as Koldesh says, "You can wipe your asses with it for all I care, so long as I get to officiate the executions."
"Well, if nothing else, I respect Koldesh," Cerise thinks.
"I'm sure your presence will be requested should.. things go that way," Zerastra says, and holds out the ledger. "People's Exhibit 9, your honors. No further questions."
"Defense?" Judge Xellian calls. As a Naga, he (or she) is the only one who can still speak with a straight face at this point. The Nagas of the defense are still caught in a staring match with Koldesh though, as if hypnotized. The call is repeated, and the junior Naga yelps, "Don't eat me!" Before the big one can say, "No questions, your honors."
Koldesh snorts, then exits the stand. The Bailiff follows behind her, and when she passes the defense table she suddenly stops and stamps one foot towards them. Papers go flying as the table is nearly toppled by the Nagas jumping away.
With a laugh, the High Priestess returns to her seat.
Cerise really likes her at this point. She is as scary as Alptraum can be!
While the defense recompose themselves (and pick up their documents), Zerastra takes a deep breath, as if to calm herself down. "I have one more witness to call, your honors. Yodsunala Asterezadze, please take the stand."
Another Alptraum intimately knows! She can be scary too, but always treated Alptraum with respect. Cerise is curious what she will say.
The final cloak drops, and the very dour figure of Asterezadze makes her way to the witness stand. After all, who else could follow after Koldesh?
As expected, the Savanite procures another ledger, this one black, from the depths of the Box of Doom and brings it to Zerastra. She bows to the Yodhsunala, and offers, "We are honored by your presence, Yodhsunala, and warmed that you would deign take an interest in mortal justice."
"My interests are in divine justice," Asterezadze says. "And like my previous colleague, I have a great distaste for those that would interfere with it."
The ledger is offered up, and Zerastra asks, "Could you please identify this for the court?"
The Yodhsunala does not reach for the ledger. "It is the Ledger of the Sin Eaters," she explains. "Another of the late Sabaoth's ideas which we were 'encouraged' to institute. To put it simply, it was a means by which a person's sins could be transferred to another, who would then be put to death to suffer their consequences."
This makes Cerise's narrow. She knew nothing of this and given what she has seen ... how that sort of horror could be used is ... ghastly.
There's a gasp from the crowd, but the judges don't call for order. They look stunned as well.
"Yes, it's as horrible as it sounds, and also a secret ritual," Asterezadze says. "But money can buy anything it seems, even someone's soul. Especially if they are poor, or have family to be concerned about. The details of the sins were never known. The Sin Eater was buried without the rites of purification, while the sinner was now officially 'pure' and given full rites. And yes the defendents' families were some of the biggest users of this foul practice."
Cerise's claws would dig into her chair, if she had any.
"And now that the Sabaoth is gone?" Zerastra asks.
Asterezadze grins, and it isn't pleasant. "Until recently there really hasn't been anything we could do to rectify things. Of course, the Barsunala is at large now. It avails us to certain possibilities."
"May I?" Zerastra asks, holding the ledger up.
"We'll be wanting it back before long," Asterezadze notes.
"Thank you, Yodhsunala," Zerastra says. "I would like to enter the Ledger of the Sin Eaters into evidence as People's Exhibit 10. No further questions."
"Defense?" Cabra asks this time. The Nagas shake their heads. "The witness is dismissed then," the Skreek judge says.
"I have no further witnesses to call, your honors," Zerastra says as Asterezadze returns to her seat. "The prosecution rests."
Thestra strikes her gavel then. "Very well, court will recess until tomorrow to hear the defense," she announces. "Court adjourned."
Cerise lets out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. It's funny, the rat is rather back to feeling like a kid playing 'dress-up'. The Yodh are so formal and stern ... and Alptraum so rarely is. It leaves the rat feeling ... off, somehow. Out of place. But also at least somewhat heartened that the Yodh seem to at least somewhat believe that certain aspects were wrong. Three High-Priesess' were not called. Zakaro, Blakat, and Gorphat. She should be thankful for that. Making Yodhgorphat Scourge appear would be a bit tricky, and that's not even dealing with her issues. "I need a nap," she admits to Tulani, thankful for the reprieve.