Counselor Windsor was first at bat with Va’lis. I knew this was a huge gamble on our part. We all know how volatile Va’lis can be. None the less, here we go.
The Draconians
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 24
I decided to leave Natasha up at the box to continue questioning Va’lis so that he’s prepared for every possible question they might throw at him. As they sworn in Carrie, she seemed strong… undoubtedly gaining some strength from her sister’s encouraging words. Counselor Windsor stood up but did not approach the witness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Couns. Windsor: “I have nothing for this witness, Chancellors.”
Chancellor O’Connor: “And why is that, Counselor?”
Couns. Windsor: “She brings nothing useful to our case here today.”
Chancellor Gray: “But you are basing your charges against Mr. Romanus on the fact that she and Mrs. Romanus are, or rather were, rogues. How is it that she brings nothing to this case?”
Chancellor Grimm: “Counselor Windsor is within her rights. Duly noted.” *looks to Counselor Talbot* “Any cross examination from the defense?”
Couns. Talbot: *smiles* “For certain.”
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 23
Marius turned to Lestat and I and said, “They are putting Va’lis on the stand.” Lestat immediately winced, “They not only forced him to make Carrie, they then abducted, tortured, and beat her. You really think he’ll be able to keep his cool? I know I wouldn’t.” I sat there thinking before I spoke, “I have some faith in him. I mean those are the biggest reasons we are here to begin with. Them taking Va’lis and holding him hostage for a week then forcing him to create a progeny. That’s a huge break in the laws. Even for rogues, you’re not allowed to force the creation of progeny on anyone.”
Marius looked at both of us, but said nothing. David came back and Carrie soon followed. She looked resolute, but I wondered for how long. She looked at me and smiled trying not to look at the Draco’s. Natasha apparently stayed up preparing Va’lis.
Carrie was sworn in without any dramatics and her questioning began. Counselor Windsor always going first.
The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 22
I listened to what Natasha and David had to say, “Absolutely not. I actually want my husband to come home. If you put Va’lis up there he’ll blow up the minute Draco hollers anything at him. Then everything will go to pot. No. Hell no.”
Va’lis looked at me, “Let me do this Pand, I can keep it together at times you know. I know I can get them to see how we were tied together long before I was ever registered to this stupid Order.” I turned to him, “And that’s exactly what I mean, this “stupid Order” has been around for thousands of years. We respect it. We abide by it. To you, it’s just a joke.” He sat for a minute there thinking long and hard, shielding his thoughts from me.