The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 24

carrie-on-standI 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.

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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.”

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 22

pandora-at-tribunalI 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. 

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 21

merida-looking-at-chancellorsOn the way back to the others I caught carrie in a tight hug. “Be strong sister, I’m with you, do us proud.” I kissed her cheek and watched her go to the stand to take her place. As I entered the room with the others I Immidiately hugged Va’lis. I hate the man sometimes but when I’m strong for too long I need my sire’s arms. I then sat with Pandora and hugged her. “I hope what I said was enough.” Her smile told me I did them proud. That was enough for me, The door to the box opened to reveal Maharet. I jumped into her arms immidiately, feeling her comfort. “You did well. David and Natasha have called a comfirment. Something is up their sleeves.” I looked to her and tilted my head. “What could it be?” Maharet shook her head, ” another witness perhaps.” I glanced at Va’lis for a moment and thought…well…this could go two ways.

The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 20

merida-witness-standMerida was being escorted from the private boxes where the families were being held by the Order guards.  She looked defiant and slightly annoyed at the whole process.  Armand seemed to be talking to her, to which she smiled at him, placing her hand over her heart.  The love between these two was quite obvious to anyone that was around them.  It was the first time I had seen Armand so settled and the first time I had ever seen a couple of our kind live life so… normally. It was as if this affliction wasn’t something that was ever going to hold them back or keep them from being human beings. Quite refreshing to see.  My maker smiled and looked over to Armand, giving him a wink. I think he rather liked Merida and you could not have guessed that at one time Armand and Lestat were mortal enemies fighting over the love of a man that could not love either of them back because his heart had been so broken; our dear Louis.  As Merida moved past Marius she turned to him and she smiled at him too… Marius nodded with a wink.  I witnessed pride in him for this woman.  How fatherly of him.

The deputy took his position and went to swear Merida in.  She promptly replied, “Tell the truth… yada yada… so help me god… yada yada. Can we get on with it?”  So much like Maharet. She sighed dramatically and said, “I do.” Then sat down in the chair, crossing her legs, looking very much like the noblewoman she now is. Counselor Windsor would go first.

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 19

merida-skirt-heelsI watched my wife walk in, fully dressed in a slate Prada skirt suit that hemmed well above the knee, Dolce ruffle shirt that showed off her amazing rack, and  Louboutin maroon heels that accentuated her toned legs. I couldn’t help but smirk. Long gone was the little girl I had met at the Brew… Baroness Merida de Romanus stood firmly before us rolling her eyes at the guards escorting her. Even Lestat looked at me and winked in full approval of her attire. She turned to look at me and I mouthed to her, “I fucking love you.” She smiled then looked at Marius who gave her a nod and a wink. The old man was proud of her. Not just for this but of how she had stepped up to help Cherry care for Carrie in the aftermath of her rape and torture. She was now a full grown woman. When we got home I was going to spend hours making love to my woman. Mine. All mine. 

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 18

merida-portrait3I smirked as my name was called, at least they said my married name this time. I stood and hugged Carrie, “Stay strong, don’t let them see fear.” I turned to valis and was surprised with a fatherly hug. “Don’t worry old man, I won’t burn the place down. Take care of Carrie.” I kissed his cheek and walked to the stand. I would sit as calm and poised as a Baroness should be. If they considered me a rogue, I would prove them wrong. I was strong, fuck those old bastards.

The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 17

cherry-watching-the-trialMy husband and I entered the room together right as Merida was walking down to testify. Carrie was on her feet wanting soooo much to go with Merida but she was not allowed. Va’lis could do absolutely nothing for Merida but hug her. He had to let her go do her thing. I simply just confidently kissed her cheek. I knew my daughter would give them hell the likes of which they had never seen.

I looked over to Carrie and she had moved to the front and damn near pressed her face to the glass wanting to see everything and for them all to see her.  She was getting stronger by every minute. She wanted to be sure Merida could see her through the glass. I squeezed her shoulder before passing through and sitting down next to Falke. My husband stood by Carrie’s side for a while before sitting on the other side of me, next to Rich. Rich was bouncing his knee up and down. You could tell he was anxious and there was a sense of overprotectiveness to him. Va’lis put his hand on Rich’s knee to stop the motion. Rich gave him a haphazard smile. The two of them were getting along fabulously. At least one thing was going right for Va’lis. 

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The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 16

falke-thinkingThe main thing I did while in that private box was observe and listen- from the beginning of Maharet’s oath taking, I knew that she was in control. Or, at least, she felt that way. I didn’t really know much of anything down here… But I had to grin at her reply to the Order’s deputy and his whole spiel. I enjoyed how Maharet schooled the counselor Windsor, and I felt no pity for her when she got scared by Maharet standing up. I didn’t know what all happened, but I hope that bitch learned a bit about her place. Is that vicious of me? Should I even care? I mean, these people surely are not my own. Quite the opposite- they want to harm those I care for. I take a mental note to myself to always remember this, and vowed to always keep the Draconian family far away, or under my complete control. I did, however, cringe when Maharet admitted to burning Zeeke even though Merida was being released- I knew that bitch deserved all she got, and that Maharet was not the one being charged here, but one should never admit to anything in a court of law.

I saw Cherry leaving with Va’lis. It was hard to stay in my seat- she was the one who had invited me to come with the whole troupe, and I could tell something was wrong. I had no clue what- but it had to be important… Important enough to warrant my aunt- my favorite aunt!- leaving the place where it’ll be decided if Marius faces prison time- while it was being decided! And Marius is… Well, important! But because Cherry had invited me, I also knew that I had to be good. I wanted to impress her with how I handled this important event. I knew I needed to stay in my seat, and remain proper. I waited, then, interested in hearing whatever cross interviewing techniques and tactics the Counselor Talbot took, and wanting to hear Maharet’s replies.

The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 14

merida-devious-look-2I saw Va’lis and Cherry leave the booth. I got up and took Cherry’s chair and sat beside my sister. I felt the emotions dully but I could still feel Va’lis’ emotions as I could Carrie’s. I listened to Maharet and smiled. I really do love that woman. I almost couldn’t wait to be the one on that stand. Rogue indeed, those old fuckers haven’t seen rogue yet in their lives. I knew Maharet could feel my amusement over the questioning they gave her. I looked beyond into the booth where Marius, Lestat and my husband sat. The look on Lestat’s face was the same amusement. I swear that man is something else.

I looked to Carrie and took her hand. In a soft whisper I asked, “Are you ready for this Carrie? You know I am here and I will always be.” She smiled weakly to me and nodded. I hoped they would call for me first. I would be strong for her. She needed to see that strength to get through it. I looked to see Khayman looking at me, I smiled to him. I simply adore the old man. I watched as they called Maharet off the stands and gripped carries hand. One of us were next…who would it be….the suspense was killing me.

The Tribunal of Marius de Romanus, Pt. 13

maharet-sexyNatasha called my name as a witness.  It had been a long time since I actually heard my real name spoken, “I call to witness, Maharet Revanatziah of House Kemet,” Natasha stated. “House Kemet gives their consent to the witness?” Chancellor Grimm asked.  Khayman stood up, “It does.”  Of course it does, Khayman did as I told him to do. This was really my house, everyone knew it.  I walked forth to take the witness stand and sat down.

The Order deputy came to me and asked me to raise my right hand and repeat after him, “On the Order’s Laws by the right of government granted us, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth by penalty of perjurious imprisonment as sentenced by the High Council?” His own hand shook as he stood in front of me. I gave him a somber look, “What do you think?”  Chancellor Grimm interjected, “A simple, ‘I do’ will suffice.”  One day I am going to rip that old vamp’s throat right the fuck out and sever his head from his body as I drink straight from his dead heart. “I do,” I said as I looked straight at him.

Counselor Elisa Windsor represented the Draconians.  She was smart, talented, and ruthless.  But she too, like the deputy, felt uncomfortable standing in front of me. But then again, most felt that way towards any of House Kemet, for they know we are the progenitors of all bloodlines on Earth.  Our dear David Talbot would be the counselor from our side to cross-examine me.

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