Location: Tar Valon City Courts

Attendees:

• Sionil Diolin - Magistrate and Aes Sedai.
• Kirill V'anterian: Defendant
• Meeko Unega: High Ambassador of the Tar Valon City Council
• Keats Hyprin: Body Guard to Meeko
• Johan Floren: Warder to Sionil Diolin
• Ibn Morcath: Master Gaidin to the City of Tar Valon
• Alesse Hithaso: Senior Lieutenant, City Guard Tar Valon
• Alona Sedai: Aes Sedai, Brown Ajah. (Audience member/posing for Prosecution)
• Wyntere
• Weste Sedai

Meeko is sitting with her guard, she appears calm for the moment. Awaiting the fate of the man she once loved, the man who has gone mad and threatened to kill her. Meeko looks around waiting for the ordeal to begin.

Escorted into the courthouse by a quad of armed guards Kirill V'anterian is taken to the front of the room and placed at a seat. The man takes his seat without much fuss and really doesn't look up to see who all is there in the room.

Morcath is near the back of the room, arms crossed over his chest. He watches the proceedings with cold blue eyes, saying nothing to anyone.

Johan waits up near the front by his ward Sionil. The man who is normally quit boisterous is anything but tonight. His face set with grim determination.

Seated in the brown Ajah balcony, Alona Aes Sedai watches all that is occurring below in the courtroom.

Alesse enters the room just after the quad of guards, dressed in her formal uniform as Senior Lieutenant of the Tar Valon Guards. Unless Captain Gregory attends the trial, she is the most senior officer of the guards present. She moves to the back wall on the opposite side of the door to Morcath.

At the front of the room, Johan waits for all to gather inside the courtroom before calling the court into session "This court is now in session. All rise for the honorable Magistrate Sionil Diolin, Aes Sedai and Sitter for the Gray Ajah!"

Malcom rises up as instructed.

Alesse stands up straight, pushing off of the far wall of the room.

Meeko rises, her face emotionless as the looks first at Kirill then toward the Magistrate.

Keats also stands in stoic silence.

Kirill rises with everyone else and looks up at the decider of his fate. At least there couldn't be a better person there that he trusted to decide his fate.

Sionil comes out of her chambers at the back of the courtroom and moves to her chair at the front of the courtroom, taking a seat she says to all "You may be seated."

Malcom takes his seat again

Both the Acting High Ambassador and Keats retake their seat.

Alesse leans back against the far wall.

Sionil looks to the prosecution side first and says to the lawyer there "Would you please make your opening statement"

The Prosecuting Attorney shuffles his notes and nods to the Magistrate. Rising he begins to speak in a firm and authoritative voice. "Madam Magistrate, people of the court. We are here today to show that Kirill V'anterian did willfully and unlawfully threaten the life of our own High Ambassador Meeko Unega. We shall also prove that this is not the first time that this man has shown himself to be a danger to this city, the people in it and to himself." He then returns to his seat and awaits further proceedings.

Kirill sits back down as the prosecution begins their speech.

Sionil gives a nod to the prosecutor and looks to the defense attorney "Does the defense have an opening statement?"

The defensive Attorney rises from beside Kirill and looks to the bench, "Yes your Honor. This case is not about whether or not Kirill V'anterian may or may not have said or done something to warrant the endangerment of High Ambassador Meeko Unega. This is a case about Justice. About protecting the light from what is truly an crippling ailment. I believe that we will show that without a doubt My client acted properly and with cause and that his actions should be heralded not frowned upon." He turns to look at the crowd now and then as he speaks trying to get all involved with his actions. Sionil nods to the attorney "Very well. The prosecution may call their first witness."

Morcath simply remains, as he is, impassive and unmovable. He looks as though he were studying the flawed forms of a learning trainee, or perhaps listening to their explanations of where they were when they should have been doing chores.

Alesse leans impassively against the far wall, watching the beginnings of the trial simply for the anticipation of the end. Her investigation was blocked at every turn with the simple phrase, Wait For The Trial, and so... here she is.

The prosecution attorney rises and looks to the Magistrate. "For our first witness we wish to call Senior Lieutenant Alesse of the Tar Valon Guard."

Alesse pushes herself off of the back wall and proceeds formally to the front of the room, heading to the seat that is indicated for her.

Johan moves to the front of the witness stand and raises his left hand and then says to the witness "Do you swear to tell the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help your soul to the Creator?"

Alesse nods to the Gaidin, 'I swear it,' she says, then sits in the chair in the witness stand. She runs a hand through her hair and looks to the prosecutor.

Johan nods and moves back to his position at the front

Sionil says "Please, start"

Alesse leans back in the chair, awaiting the prosecutor's questions.

Kirill sits in his chair and listens to this witness. Bloody what do they hope to get out of her? He never even met the girl till she guarded him in his cell.

The Prosecutor paces a moment or two before the witness stand. After a few laps he breaks his silence as he turns towards Alesse. "Senior Lieutenant Alesse, please state for the court what your involvement in these proceedings is."

Alesse nods slightly, 'I was asked to speak with those involved in the incident and to try and generate an independent investigation into what happened and why.'

The Prosecutor nods and scratches his chin thoughtfully as he asks, "And what exactly did you find out from this independent investigation."

Alesse leans forwards a little, 'Very little that would support anything other than what has already been presented in your statements. I was not able to schedule an appointment with the ambassador, but I have spoken to others involved and people who know or knew the accused. The results were completely inconclusive. I was told by many to simply wait to hear what the man had to say at this trial.' She looks... put out by this, 'Nothing was said that would constitute a reason for attacking the ambassador.'

"The only thing that I did find of note, was that the defendant is in fear of his life being taken, enough to warrant a tripling of his guard and special precautions being taken to make sure that he made it to this trial alive." She smiles slightly in the direction of Kirill, "I think that we succeeded quite well."

Alesse leans back in the chair again, finished with her statement.

Kirill gives the woman a nod of the head. All should be able to forgive the lack of a smile in given circumstances.

Meeko shakes her head "Fear of his life from what?" she speaks low so that hopefully only her guard Keats can hear her.

The Prosecutor hmms to himself and nods. "Did the accused exhibit anything else that might be considered strange, besides asking the guard to be increased? Anything that might hint at any instability of the mind or that he still thought ill towards the Ambassador or wished her harm?"

Alesse shakes her head lightly, 'His reasoning's for attacking the ambassador were not told to me. Once again, I was told to wait for this trial. As for his instability of the mind, I do not think the man insane, only that he wishes to end his life.'

The Defensive attorney just sits there and takes some notes as he prepares for his turn with the witness.

Alesse awaits the next question from the prosecutor.

Johan folds his arms across his chest and listens to the questions and answers.

The Prosecutor nods and asks, "And do you know any reason why the accused wishes to end his life?"

Alesse shakes her head, 'Nothing was mentioned to me as to a reason that he might wish to end his life. Simply that he had nothing to live for.'

Sionil listens to the questioning watching both lawyers

Meeko shifts in her seat "my this is going to be a long one just to show what that mad-man did." she again speaks to her guard Keats as she awaits the continuation of the trial.

Keats sits there watching the proceedings in a calm, bored manner.

Wyntere slips into the courtroom. A small hawk sits upon her shoulder as usual. Both remain very quiet as she stands along the back wall. She just came to watch.

Morcath regards Wyntere and the hawk with only idle curiosity from his place at the back of the room. His blue eyes quickly return to the goings-on at the front.

"Is there any evidence that suggests that the defendant had any other cause to attack the High Ambassador or her guard?" The Prosecuting Attorney says calmly.

Alesse shakes her head, 'Nothing that has been uncovered in my investigation of those involved.'

Sionil looks to the prosecutor "Do you have any further questions?"

"None at this time Mistress. However, I would like to be able to recall the Senior Lieutenant at a later point." The prosecutor responds coolly, eyes flickering to the Senior Lieutenant.

Sionil gives a nod to the prosecutor "Does the defense have any questions for this witness?"

The Defense attorney nods and rises to his feet and takes a moment to clear his throat. "Tell me Senior Lieutenant. If what the prosecutions claim on Mr. V'anterian true, Why would they even bother to triple his guard. And not only that but restrict him to two visitors a day maximum? What in your estimation would be just cause for this precaution? Do the guardsmen offer this service for any accused criminal?"

Alesse leans forwards again, 'I believe that Captain Gregory would have to comment on the limits on visitors, however, I requested the extra guard. The defendant showed true worry that he would not survive, and since I believe that he should be able to voice his views at this trial, I posted the extra guard. It is my belief that this would be done for any prisoner who was fearful of their life

The Attorney nods his head at her response. "Can you offer to us a reason why in your opinion as a seasoned soldier he would be fearful of death in a prison cell in the Tar Valon barracks with how many hundreds of soldiers only a moments distant away at any given moment?

Kirill leans forward in his chair and listens to the conversations as they go back and forth. His eyes rarely moving from the people speaking to look anywhere else in the room.

Morcath simply watches and listens carefully, nodding very occasionally.

Meeko just sits silently and listens to the questioning, wishing this was done and over with so she can resume her life.

Alesse nods, 'It is my belief that the man fears an attack from Friends of the Dark. I state that this is my belief, and not something he said. It was put to me that there may even be people in the guard that might be the one to attack him, and so I had the guards issued with clubs instead of blades, since it does indeed take far longer to crush a strong skull with a club than to split one with a blade.' She says this all quite calmly, blowing over the comments about darkfriends as if she were talking about millers.

The Attorney smiles and gestures to Kirill, "Would /you/ or any of the guardsmen post such a guard because this old weathered man was such a threat to the common person? Were you fearful he would escape and wreck a death storm on the city the likes of which haven't been paralleled in decades? Yes or no please if you will."

Meeko leans over to her guard "This is a joke, what does this have to do with what he did to us?"

Alesse shakes her head, 'I would not, no.'

The attorney looks back to the bench, "The guards were not placed for fear of his attacking the city, far from it. Perhaps if he were truly dangerous, and a detriment to the city truly insane, perhaps then they might post one or two more guards. This man feared for his life and it is this fear that we are here today to address." He looks to the Senior Lieutenant, "Thank you I am through."

Rising slightly the prosecuting attorney says sternly, "Sionil Aes Sedai, I object on the grounds that The Defense is asking the Lieutenant to speculate about the nature of the guards being posted. "

Sionil looks to the Prosecution and nods "Does the defense have any questions that pertain to the investigation the guardswoman has made?"

The defense attorney interjects, "it is not speculation the witness said herself that /she/ ordered the guards. And it wasn't that he was insane that was the main point to be addressed."

The attorney shakes her head, "no, your honor."

"An action that was not based upon any more evidence than the Defenses case has thus far been able to argue. " The prosecutor remains as calm as an Aes Sedai.

Alesse simply waits to be addressed, watching the courtroom calmly.

As it appears that no further questions are being addressed the witness Johan Gaidin walks over to help the woman step down from the stand.

Sionil looks to the Prosecution "Please call your next witness."

Alesse accepts the Gaidin's help and steps down, thanking him politely. She walks to the back of the room again, putting her back to the wall.

"The prosecution calls the High Ambassador's Guard to the stand Sionil Aes Sedai." The prosecuting attorney says loud enough to be heard throughout the courtroom.

Sionil nods "Please come up and take the same oath as the Guardsman Alesse"

Johan awaits the bodyguard, to issue him the oath of the creator before testifying.

Keats rises and reaches for his staff, which isn't with him today due to the trail. With a slight grimace the man makes his way towards the witness stand. (Since I didn't hear the oath...) He comes up and takes the stand, speaking the same words as Alesse did and swearing the same oath.

Sionil looks to the Prosecution "Please start"

"Master Keats, can you tell us what happened on the night in question. Please remember your oath." The Prosecutor intones again.

Keats nods and takes a moment before starting. "The Ambassador and I were in the Grove enjoying some quiet at the pond she is fond of. There were some noises in the forest nearby that were a little suspicious. I rose and was going to investigate when this man *gesturing towards Kirill* came out of the woods and addressed us. Or rather, Meeko. They seemed to know each other from before my employ with the Ambassador. The man said he had come to warn Meeko that he was going to kill her, to make her fail and fall in disgrace." Looking towards Sionil he goes on to add, "Now I had been hired during the fiasco with that Mez fellow and I was wary of such threats. So I advanced on this man here and a fight ensued. From what I've been told, he is very good and could have bested me if he wanted to. I am not sure how much of that I believe, though it does make me wonder if he /wanted/ to be caught..."

Morcath shakes his head a little, though only those in the back would even notice.

Sionil looks to the attorney for further questioning

Wyntere glances over to Morcath and makes her way over towards him. She smiles up at him with a friendly nod and then glances back to the trial.

Weste comes in from the hallway leading outside.

Morcath returns the girl's nod and shifts his his left a little so that Wyntere would have more room between her and the door. His arms are still crossed over his chest and he still watches with, well, hawk-like attention.

"Master Keats how long did you conversation with the defendant last?" The prosecuting attorney asks eyes focused on the gentleman on the dais. Keats hmms, "I'd say only a few minutes at most. He said he had just come to warn Meeko, and that next time he'd kill her. I think he would have left after saying that if I weren't there to threaten as well."

"Can you repeat the reason he said he was going to kill the High Ambassador?" The prosecuting attorney says calmly.

Weste opens and closes the door silently as she steps in. Her cheeks are flushed from the embarrassment of arriving late, but she was not quite willing to miss this trial.

Keats hmms and scratches his cheek as he thinks. After a moment he says, "I'm not sure he ever really sad it. He kept dancing around the subject, saying that all he had loved had died, or anyone he cared for did, though wait... I think he did say something about Meeko deserving to die but no, I don't think he ever came out and said it. Just that she deserved to die and that he'd be stringing both our guts from the windows like clotheslines.

Sionil frowns slightly at the intrusion from the former Mistress of Novices but does not make any comments, looking back to the witness stand

Meeko sits silently watching her guard testify. She occasionally glances to Kirill but her look does not linger.

Sionil looks to him "Do you remember his exact words?"

Damned right he had his reasons the vile witch; in it's truest sense of the term deserved to die. Not like the honest women of the tower. Kirill thinks as he sits there quietly while the man is questioned.

Keats shakes his head, "No, I do not make it a point to memorize everything I hear."

Sionil nods and looks back to the Prosecutor for the next question

"Thank you master Keats. I request the right to recall the Guard." The prosecuting attorney says sitting down again.

Keats nods and rises to return to his seat.

Wyntere glances to the door and a smile crosses her face. She nods to Weste and motions her over nearby if the former mistress wishes to stand by her.

Sionil shakes her head 'Please wait Master Keats... The Defense has a chance to talk to you now"

Keats ohs and nods, sitting back down having not actually left the stand yet.

The Defense rises and prepares for his turn at the man, "Did you state in your comments that Kirill was /not/ attacking you? He merely threatened bodily harm in the future is that correct?"

Keats responds. "Not at first, though when..."

The Defense interrupts, "Just answer the question. He merely threatened you. Correct."

Keats tries to say again, "Not at first, but..."

The Defense again asks for a simple answer.

Keats finally grumbles and nods. "Yes, that is true."

Sionil leans back "What brought on the physical attacks then?"

Keats says, "I advanced on the man in hopes of detaining him. Who wouldn't after such threats? And then he attacked as he tried to get away and I fought to keep him there."

Morcath mutters something about "...attacked from behind..." that only those at the back would hear, unless there were some Wolfkin or embracing Sedai about.

"Is it not true that it was not Kirill that attacked? He as you said was backing away to leave. Instead it was a pair of daggers that were thrown by that woman there" The attorney points to Meeko in her chair. "That was the real beginning of the conflict was it not? you two were pressing an attack on a single man."

Weste spots Wyntere's gesture and nods back to her. She makes her way carefully over to the youngling, keeping her attention riveted to the proceedings all the while.

"Objection. The Defense is speculating on the events. Is this trial now going to be based upon what the defense thinks might have happened rather than the facts?" The prosecuting attorney says calmly rising slightly.

Sionil looks to Keats "Did Meeko start the conflict by throwing her daggers?"

Meeko just stares at the Attorny and waits her turn on the stand.

Keats looks back to Sionil and answers, "I do not know, Your Honor. I know I advanced, he attacked and I attacked in return. When it was over I know there were wounds on Kirill from daggers but I'm not sure when they were thrown. I do not think she could have thrown them first though, I believe I was in the way.

Wyntere yawns silently and then looks up to Morcath and then back to those on the stand. Yes, this is long and slow. But, she's curious enough to come and wait.

Sionil nods 'Okay, Eventually I'd like to hear Mistress Meeko's version. But until then, Defense, please don't try to lead the witness."

Morcath catches Wyntere's glance and her yawn. He offers a slight smile to the girl and then turns his cold blue gaze to the proceedings.

The woman questioning the man nods her head at the answer getting at least part of what she wants out of it. "Yes your honor. Did Kirill manage to harm either you or Meeko?"

Keats says "He did not manage to harm Meeko since I was in the way. As for myself... I know enough with my staff to be a tough match against a swordsman. Though I fear if the match were any longer, I would have met with more injuries than I had."

The woman smiles, "then you now say you were in the way for the fight ans she couldn't have thrown the daggers...which was it?

Keats says, "Throwing daggers have a greater range than a sword does. If Kirill had them, I am not sure I could have kept Meeko from harm."

The defense clucks her tongue, "Not the question Sir. I am through with you. Your honor."

Sionil nods "You may step down Master Keats. Does the Prosecution still wish to recall the guardswoman?"

Keats hmphs and grumbles, "Then you should have been clearer."

Kirill sits at the front of the room silent as the next witness is lead off the stand. It is only a matter of time till all is done.

Keats returns to his seat.

Meeko pats her guards' arm "you did well Keats it was a traumatizing nite."

Keats grumbles unintelligibly and sits down.

The prosecutor rises and moves to the front of the room. "The prosecution calls Ambassador Meeko Unega, your Honour." He waits as his witnesses takes the stand.

Meeko rises as she is called and walks to the stand awaiting the swearing of the oath.

Johan takes the moment to give Meeko the Oath of the creator to tell the truth before she is questioned.

Meeko agrees to the oath and takes her seat awaiting her chance to tell what happened and why she took action.

"Now, Ambassador, can you tell us how the evening progressed, starting from when the defendant appeared at the Grove?" The prosecuting lawyer asks, pacing slowly as he does so.

Meeko Nods then clears her throat and begins. We were at the Grove when Kirill came out of nowhere and startled me and after the first encounter I had had with him at the loft, I was already a bit distraught. He swore he would see me dead. He said something about his family dead and everyone he ever loved dead. Then he said this was a warning because of what we once meant to each other and that he would not rest till he destroyed me, and saw the guts of my guard and myself strung from a line between the buildings. He then began to retreat and wouldn't stop." Tears well up in Meeko's eyes remembering the horrible evening. "I, well I feared he was still mad as the last time and I knew we had to stop him. He is a good fighter after all and I did what I had to to stop the man. I am very good with my daggers and if I meant to kill, not stop him, he would not be here right now. He is dangerous, he is sick He kept yelling I was a danger to the city and of all things I was a pawn of the dark." she shudders at the words "my entire time here has been spent helping others and I have no idea where he has come up with such accusations." Meeko's dark eyes glisten from the tears "Untill yesterday I wore his mark, the mark he and I both had that pledged our love for each other. I know he started using a drug sometime back and from that time on he has been different. He has been very violent towards me and anyone he encounters. He even got me hooked on the drug but I was fortunate a good friend helped me get off the evil stuff." She shakes her head. "Later when I went back to the shop I found Maria all upset, it seemed that he came in there, full of rage, yelled at her, ordered her to tell him where I was and when she said she did not know he destroyed part of my shop." pausing to calm herself from the ordeal the High Ambassador continues "is that the mark of a sane and safe man to be out in the city?"

Kirill wants to jump up and say something...but for the most part that is all true.

The prosecutor nods as Meeko relates her tale. "Did you feel your life was in danger and do you still, even though he is under lock and key at the Guard Office? Have you ever struck out violently in anything but fear for your life or that of others? Perhaps in revenge or to keep a secret safe?" The lawyer acts is if he knows the answer already.

Meeko looks directly at the Prosecutor and speaks "I did feel my life was in grave danger. I do not fear the man now that he is safely locked away and no I have never, in my remembrance struck out violently at anyone or anything. I have no secrets to keep. I have must reiterate, I have protected myself before but that is all." she calms herself by trying to enter the void as Kirill taught her a while back.

The prosecutor asks, "Were you angry with Kirill?? Angry enough to perhaps lose control? Can you, to the best of your knowledge, remember what you were thinking when the defendant was leaving and not responding to your questions?" The lawyer looks over at the defense for a moment before continuing his slow circuit.

Meeko does not take long at all to respond, "I was not angry I was afraid that he would harm someone. I was afraid for my life and the life of my guard. I knew he was a violent man and he hurt me the last altercation we had at the loft prior to his disappearance, I should have reported it but we were in love and he was on that drug. He left that nite and I hadn't seen him since untill the Grove so of course I was afraid and I knew enough about Kirill to know he does not threaten without planning on following through."

Sionil says, "How did he hurt you the previous time?"

Meeko looks to the Magistrate "he shoved me and struck me after yelling at me calling me an evil witch." Tears again well up in Meeko's eyes, she is not that good at holding the void yet.

Sionil nods "Please continue with your questions"

The prosecutor nods slowly and moves to stand right in front of Meeko. "So, Ambassador, you were minding your own business, enjoying the peacefulness of the Grove when you were interrupted by someone you thought was quite mad and posed a violent threat to you and your bodyguard. You only reacted to that threat. Would you say that is an accurate summation?"

Meeko nods "yes that is accurate."

The prosecutor turns and says, "I have no further questions for this witness, Magistrate." The lawyer returns to his seat.

Sionil nods "Defense?"

"That is quite the damning statement Ambassador. You have painted the picture of a violent man, with little heart, addicted to vile substances and a danger to everyone about him." The defense says as she moves closer.

Sionil says, "Do you have A question or do you wish to make your closing argument?"

She continues, "So when he threatened you and began to move away you feared the man so much you you felt the need to attack him then and there is that correct?" Meeko looks to the defense "I only related the truth of what I know. I asked him to stop and not leave and he continued to leave spewing vile remarks at me, and threats on my life. I was afraid if he got loose and went into the city he would, since he is good at vanishing, never stop till he kept his threats. I had intentions of stopping him and then getting a guard."

"Would it not have been more appropriate to alert the guardsmen and have him detained rather than take on the position of vigilante or lynch mob?" The defense states, "Just how many times do men in a drunken stupor say things they do not mean? Was Kirill a heavy drinker?"

The prosecutor rises and says, "Objection, your Honour. Whether or not the defendant was drunk, it does not remove him from responsibility for his actions."

"No but it does affect ones character. The statement is important your honor." The defense rebuts.

Sionil raises her hand "One moment. The objection is sustained. You may ask if the defendant drank a lot. Not if men in general say things they don't mean when they are drunk"

"So he is a violent drunk as opposed to simply violent?" The prosecution counters.

The woman nods and turns to Meeko, "Did Kirill drink heavily?"

Meeko nods "yes if there were a guard there but there was non in sight and I feared loosing the man. I am sure if he didn't stop when asked he wouldn't have waited till we went to fetch a guard on the street." she shakes her head "I have seen Kirill drink men larger than he under the table, act drunk only to find it was all an act as part of his thief-catching skills. He rarely if ever, when I was with him, was actually drunk out of his head. On the other hand the drug he was taking seemed to cause him to be a different man, violent and cruel."

"How long ago was it that you last saw Kirill? When he supposedly beat you?"

Meeko stops to think "well with so much going on in the city the exact time is difficult, it was prior to the famine here and the rising of the rivers." she sighs "His family was still alive that I knew of then."

The defense nods and steps away from the stand, "I have nothing further for the woman at this time, but would like to reserve the right to call her back to the stand after further witness."

Sionil says "Before you step down, I have a question or two for you"

Meeko turns to the Magistrate and awaits the questions.

Sionil says "One, what was this controlled substance he was taking. Two, Where did he get it? Your store, or another source? Three, since you have seen him under the influence of it, in your opinion, had he been using it at the time of the incident in question?"

Meeko continues to look at the Magistrate as she speaks "I am not sure exactly the source of the drug. He came to the loft to visit one night complaining of how old he was feeling and then took this white power from a small pouch I think it was. Anyway he gave me some and it gave you great energy. I didn't realize it was addicting, as I had never seen anything like it before. I cannot say he was on the stuff that nite but he was acting as insane as the last I saw him on it so to be truthful it would be an assumption based on knowledge on my part to definately say he was on the drug then."

Sionil says "You say it was addicting. Did you fall under its influence and become addicted to this substance?"

Meeko sighs and nods "Yes I began to crave the drug and he would give it to me. Fortunately I spoke to a friend one night, not to long after using the stuff and she took the little I had. She found some liquid she gave me and told me how to take it to cure the cravings. It was very difficult but with her help I got free of the evil powder."

Sionil nods "Very well, you may step down. Does the Prosecution have any further witnesses?"

The prosecutor rises and says, "The prosecution has no further witnesses at this time. We believe we have clearly shown that Kirill is guilty, regardless of whether or not he was in the grip of any substances."

Sionil nods "Then the Defense may call its first witness"

Meeko rises and nods to the Magistrate then walks back to her seat to rejoin her guard.

The defense rises and states clearly, "We would like to Call upon Gaidin Morcath Master Gaidin of the White tower."

Keats welcomes Meeko back with a comforting hand.

Johan gets ready to swear in the Gaidin before taking the stand

Morcath uncrosses his arms and moves to the stand. He waits to swear himself in.

Once the swearing in is done the Defense comes over towards the stand and bench. "Tell me Gaidin, how you became involved in this situation."

Morcath replies, "I am the Master Gaidin, the Guard Captain reports to me. I am also a friend with the Ambassador she also approached me. Further, I have no small interest in matters of justice."

"Yes, so you were talked to by both parties. You are a judge of character at the tower, a man in your position. Can you tell us if you believe Kirill to be crazed or insane as the prosecution claims he was to make such statements?"

Morcath says, "I am no Yellow to make judgments about his mental state. I have interviewed both the defendant and the Ambassador on my own without anyone asking me to do so. I believe Kirill when he says he was acting because of his reasons, but that he believes he is right in what he asserts. I also believe the Ambassador when she says she was afraid for her life, though perhaps not to the extent that would be required to attack anyone, especially if they were leaving."

"And do you know what Kirill's reasoning's were for supposedly threatening and attacking the Ambassador?"

Sionil says "Restate that question."

The prosecution rises and says, "Objection, there is no proof that the defendant was telling the Gaidin the truth as to his reasons and not just saying that he thought the Gaidin wanted to hear."

Sionil says "Did he tell you his reasoning's, Morcath Gaidin?"

The defense nods and waves to the magistrate's way of rephrasing the question. Morcath nods and says, "He told me his reasons, your Honour. And, /if/ he is right, I cannot fault him for acting how he did. /IF/ he is right, that is. I cannot say he is correct, but he believes he is."

"And what did he say his reason was? Exactly?"

Morcath pauses as though collecting his thoughts, giving both Kirill and Meeko a quick glance before replying, "He claims that the Ambassador is a Darkfriend, that not only does she serve the Shadow, but that she brought him into that same service. He also claims that she is lying to the Sedai in the White Tower on a very serious matter. Because of those two reasons, Kirill told me, she deserves death." The Gaidin is cool and calm, despite the heaviness of his words. Kirill nods his head from his chair at the accusation. If only he were a female channeler like Sionil and could prove it.

Meeko shakes her head and sighs "he is sick Keats I wish there were some way to help him." she tries to speak softly.

Keats makes no comment.

Sionil hmms "Strong accusations. Did he bring you any proof of them?"

The prosecution looks rather... shocked at the denouncement. However, he can say nothing.

Keats hmphs at the accusations and glances sidelong at Meeko. Mayhap as if judging her against the accusations.

The defensive attorney steps back and lets the Judge ask the very questions she was going to ask...with the right spin to them that is.

Morcath answers, "With respect, Magistrate, it is very difficult to prove anyone is a servant of the Dark One and not simply cruel. However, he said that the court would know she is lying about the serious matter I mentioned earlier by performing a test. One that I do not think will work, though." The Gaidin pauses and then says, "He offered no test to prove she is a Darkfriend, your Honor."

Sionil nods and looks to the defense "Please continue your questions."

The Defensive attorney comes to Morcath. "Is there anything im the ambassadors past that might lead you to believe such wild accusations? You did state that you basically believed his comments."

Wyntere shifts in the back of the room at this talk. Okay, feet are starting to hurt. But she remains quiet as her blue eyes glance over all in the room.

Morcath gives the defense attorney a quick look and says sharply, "I did not say I believed him, only that I believe he think he is correct. There is a difference, counselor." He pauses and says, "I do not have /concrete/ proof, your Honor." The emphasis on 'concrete'... is that intentional?

"This is not unfortunately a trial of Ambassador Meeko. However if his statements are true then it sheds a great amount of light on the situation and his actions. IF you were face to face with a known to you Friend of the dark what, in your experiance would be your first reaction? And would it be justified?"

Meeko leans wearily against her guard "Shame people must try and destroy my good name just for their means." now this may have been a bit louder than Meeko thought.

The prosecution rises and says, "Objection, your Honour! First, the witness is also not on trial here. Second, how is he to know how he would react in that situation, he was not in that situation."

Sionil bangs her gavel once "Order." looking directly at the High Ambassador. Then to the prosecutor she says 'I will allow the question. Please answer, Gaidin"

The prosecution sits down, not looking happy about this at all.

Meeko apologizes to the court and flushes slightly.

Morcath nods as he is directed to answer and thinks for a moment. "First, we are assuming there are no Sedai to prove that what I believe is correct, are we not? We are also assuming that there are no Sedai around who may be in a better position to administer a decision, it seems." The Gaidin thinks again and replies coolly, "In Shienar, Darkfriends who are exposed are killed. Would I react the same way that the defendant did? No. I would have killed her on the spot if I knew for certain - mind you, there would have to be rock solid proof - that she was a Darkfriend. Her bodyguard, unless I knew he was as well, I would have left alone provided he did not try to stop me. I would not have killed him, though, unless it were necessary to save my own life." He doesn't look happy about what he said, perhaps feeling as though he betrayed a friend.

The defense nods satisfactorily, "Thank you Gaidin, no further questions."

Sionil nods "Cross examination."

The prosecution rises and says, "Gaidin, you are a trained fighter are you not? You are also known to be one of the better fighters at the Tower with a number of weapons."

Morcath nods, "The first is correct, I will not speak about the second."

The lawyer muses, "How very modest of you. Tell me, have you ever killed anyone? Or perhaps attacked someone without provocation?"

The defense attorney says, "objection Morcath isn't on trial here Kirill is.""

"It's leading to credibility, your Honour."

Sionil says, "I'll allow it, but don't go out on too many limbs."

Morcath replies, "I have killed before. And yes, I have in the past, attacked without provocation. Tower records can show that." The Gaidin does not look pleased, but answers nonetheless.

The prosecution then asks, "Have you ever been accused of a violent crime and had no one believe you? You have, haven't you... a few years ago, in fact. You attacked a young student without provocation." The lawyer paces a little and then says, "But what does that have to do with now? You see, I'm wondering if maybe - just maybe - you are trying to rectify what was done to you by.... trying to see that the one who is not believed goes free."

"Objection speculation and to what purpose would his actions even serve?

Sionil frowns "I am well aware of the witnesses past. Please move the questions back to how it will affect the defendant."

"Simply, your Honour, that the Gaidin - an honest and honourable man - could be unconsciously be trying to rectify the miscarriage of justice in his own past by trying to make Kirill's crime less serious, or perhaps even justified."

Sionil nods "I understand your point. If you don't have any further questions for the witness I will allow him to step down."

The prosecution says, "Just one. Gaidin, do you believe that the Ambassador is a Darkfriend?"

Sionil says, "This is not a trial of the Ambassador. Do not answer that"

Morcath looks to the Magistrate and then nods, but stays silent.

The prosecution says, "No futher questions for this witness, your Honour." He takes a seat.

Sionil nods "You may step down. Does the Defense have any further witnesses?" The defense rises once again, "This leaves us with one final witness, Kirill V'anterian himself."

Kirill rises to his feet and moves over to Johan to swear an oath of truth on the creator before taking the stand.

Morcath moves back to his place at the back of the room.

Meeko speaks softly to her guard "this is going to be interesting." she smiles at Morcath as he goes by.

After the oath the attorney turns to Kirill, "We have heard the story from Meeko's point of view it would be best to hear it from yours I do believe. Tell us what happened."

Kirill nods his head and turns to address Sionil where she sits. to any watching it wouldn't be hard to imagine that she is the only person that he speaks to. "I returned after finding and bringing justice to the five men who killed my family so many years ago. I found in my life i needed redemption for my actions, and to receive that I had to clear up my many mistakes. one of them included killing Meeko. She it was she that convinced me to become a darkfriend. It was she that led me in the oath to the dark one. It was she I cheated on my wife with believing I was in love. It was this reason, her being a dark friend that I came to her to kill her. But it was out of my feelings for her that I gave her warning... My soul will not be at peace till her secret is revealed and she is brought to justice. Light I just hope it is at my hand."

Kirill says, "I warned her and her guard and backed away to depart. And it was then that I was attacked. Fortunately she still fears discovery of her ability to channel unblocked or I surely would have been dead before I could tell her dirty little secret. Instead I was wounded by dagger and staff."

Meeko shakes her head "Keats he is truly ill."

Keats nods.

Sionil sighs and leans back in her chair "Do you really wish to make these accusations, Kirill?"

Kirill takes a deep breath, "Yes Sedai, It is the only way I can find redemption in the light and find peace for my soul. I am not a crazy man as has been painted. I am a man who has made many, many mistakes. But even if made innocently one must be punished for their crimes." He at last looks away from Sionil to stare at Meeko coldly, "We all have to pay for our crimes."

Meeko does not look away but simply shakes her head as sadness fills her eyes for how this man she once loved has become completely delusional.

Sionil looks to the Defense attorney "Do you wish to allow your client to continue. You know the seriousness of these statements."

The prosecutor rises "Objection Meeko is not on trial Kirill is for assault and since assault can also mean mental anguish that is what we need to stay with and not stray to these foolish accusations."

The Defense attorney nods her head, "Yes your honor. I might like to add that he has admitted to being a dark friend. Knowing the punishment, it must give credence to his statement on the ambassador, for what would it gain him? Death?

Sionil raises her hand to the prosecutor "I know who is on trial." then to the Defense "Do you have any more questions for the witness?"

The defense shakes her head, "No your honor I believe all has been said."

Sionil shakes her head in amazement, "Yes... it has. Does the prosecution wish to ask anything of the witness?" The prosecutor shakes his head "No Magistrate."

Sionil nods "Then please give your closing arguments."

Kirill launches to his feet and tries to climb over the railing to get to meeko, "You will die! You evil witch!"

Sionil blinks and motions to Johan and the other guards in the court to restrain the man

Keats lurches up to put himself between Meeko and the madman. This time he does at least refrain from doing anything else.

Johan quickly moves to get between Kirill and the Ambassador. Their blades are drawn quickly to keep him from doing anything else stupid.

The prosecutor rises and faces the court "We have heard several testamonies that show the High Ambassador Meeko was in fear of her life and in fear of the life of others so stopped a man she thought drug crazed. We have heard the unsubstantiated accusations of a man gone mad who would do or say anything to destroy this woman. I leave it to the court to fairly and unbiased judge who is ..." stepping out of the way as Kirill goes wild "I rest my case." as his arm toward the actions of a man with a horrible obsession.

Meeko rises from her seat as her guard lurches up and moves farther back in the courtroom "see he is crazy, he is not in his right mind." she shakes from the fear of this man and grateful for her guard.

Sionil bangs her gavel "Kirill, sit down." she says quite firmly and in a voice with a bit more volume then has been used this evening

Kirill turns to the bench and Sionil. "Mark my words Sionil Sedai. The last words of a dead man, I will be proved correct one day and you will see that a man was unjustly prosecuted." He keeps talking through gritted teeth. "She will cause pain and suffering here in the city as ambassador. You will regret your decision.""

Sionil bangs her gavel once again "Does the defense wish to say anything that may convince me of a verdict in their favor?"

The defense can only shrug and shake her head. What can be said after /that/?

Wyntere looks to Cale and nudges the young hawk upon her hand. After shaking her head softly, she starts heading for the door. Once the verdict is given, she should get back to Paulo's for dinner and sleep.

Meeko returns to her seat as the guards control Kirill, she looks a bit pale and is visibly shaking.

Keats returns to his seat when the madman is under control.

Sionil nods "Then it is the decision of this court that the accused is found guilty. However because of the confessions of the accused, the charges of assault are not enough... The accused confesses that he is in fact a dark-friend. Something as such is not simply released as a charge of assault may be. The law states, for charges of assault, the maximum sentence is branding and exile from the city of Tar Valon. However, this trial has grown too much for such a sentence... For the safety of the land at large, to protect them from a confessed darkfriend, the only sentence must be as is done in the borderlands... Kirill V'anterian I sentence you to hang upon the noose until at such a point you are dead. May the Creator forgive you for your crimes while you were still alive." The Aes Sedai bangs her gavel as a final sign of her power.

It was to be expected. He knew that that first night in the cell when he told Sionil his secret and she could say nothing but back away and leave in shock. He lowers his resigned to not say another word letting his last words be his proclamation of Meekos' own guilt. Let Sionil, Meeko and the rest live with his death on their hands.

Meeko clutches her guard as the sentence is read, tears roll down her cheeks for the man she once pledged her love to "Keats I would have never dreamed he was a friend of the evil one. I fear my life is not safe as this is the second that has tried to kill me." she looks to Kirill "May you find peace Kirill" Meeko then slumps against her guard as the tears flow freely.

Keats comforts Meeko as best he is able to, though it looks more like a rock giving comfort than anything else.

Johan and the other guards prod Kirill out of the courtroom at blade point not about to let him get a chance at attacking anyone else,

Sionil rises up "Court is adjourned. This case is closed." She bangs her gavel once more to close the proceedings for the night.

Epilogue:

=============================) White Tower (============================
Message: 8/33 Posted Author
A Hanging Wed Dec 27 Kirill
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The trial of Kirill ended much more lively than it began. In the end when Kirill took the stand he not only named himself Dark friend but also Meeko, ambassador of the city of Tar Valon. There was little that Sionil Sedai had left to try and judge on when he jumped to his feet and tried right there in court to get at Meeko and try and kill her proclaiming

"Mark my words Sionil Sedai. The last words of a dead man, I will be proved correct one day and you will see that a man was injustly prosecuted." He keeps talking through gritted teeth. "She will cause pain and suffering here in the city as ambassador. You will regret your decision."

The result was this decision:
"It is the decision of this court that the accused is found guilty. However because of the confessions of the accused, the charges of assault are not enough... The accused confesses that he is in fact a dark-friend. Something as such is not simply released as a charge of assault may be. The law states, for charges of assault, the maximum sentence is branding and exile from the city of Tar Valon. However, this trial has grown too much for such a sentence... For the safety of the land at large, to protect them from a confessed darkfriend, the only sentence must be as is done in the borderlands... Kirill V'anterian I sentence you to hang upon the noose until at such a point you are dead. May the Creator forgive you for your crimes while you were still alive."

It is with that that Kirill was escorted out of the courthouse and sent to the noose to hang till dead. The next morning his body could be seen hanging outside the city left there for all to see the punishments that befall those that walk on the wrong side of the law.

OOC: Thanks to everyone that played at one point or another in the last 3 years or so with Kirill. He was a good but troubled character. I really enjoyed playing him. it was a fitting ending for him. Tootles!
======================================================================