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In the Land of Arborea	By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6240 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tera Online. All rights go to ENMASSE Entertainment and their collborators. There is no profit being earned from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Review Responses found here: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/33366-in-the-land-of-aborea/
Sarrion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aidPZkVzFeM
Judge Phaeos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lyTj5BrUls
Council Members :
Penole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOkxsXuzJac
Josep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99QduUM861s
Hektor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCoFgQ15N0A
Basilya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ovu-oYnEY
Tyila: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgAVx9zFM6E

Chapter 7
          "Does your treachery know no bounds, that you would dig up this information to use against Luceus?" Traviis was itching to rearrange the thin man's face with his fists, but merely kept them clenched at his side. The information Reginaldd had just relayed was all true to a certain extent, but they were words that had not been given voice for many years.
          "If you seek the treacherous one, then look no further than my wife. This information was taken off Laeyla's assistant only moments ago." Reginaldd slapped the papers on the table before turning to gaze at Laeyla as if daring her to deny it.
          Laeyla glared at Reginaldd knowing that she would deal with him later. Slowly she came to her feet and glanced at Traviis apologetically. She felt even worse when she noted the hurt expression on his face. "Reginaldd give us a moment."
          Reginaldd scoffed before glaring at them both for several more seconds. "Fine, I have work to do. But know that the council will hear of Luceus' other character flaws." He turned and left the balcony.
          "I know it's no excuse, but I suspected you wouldn't tell me what happened with Rosalinda and I was curious. I had no way of knowing it was going to lead to further negative views on Luceus." Even as Laeyla spoke the words she knew they wouldn't be enough.
          "And now as a result you'll drag my sister's name through the mud, right along with Luceus'. Maybe you won't stop there, perhaps your investigators will go after my nephew as well." A muscle ticked in Traviis' angular jaw as he fought to control his anger.
          "Traviis, I would have ascertained that this information would not be used against Luceus. But as you can see my vindictive husband is beyond limit. However, if he attempts to bring your nephew into this, I will put my foot down. An innocent child doesn't deserve to be drawn into this mess."
          "It's going to happen anyways and you know it. Because I can tell you right now that this information will be too juicy for them to pass up. It's obvious that Rosalinda and Luceus are not a couple, plus they have their careers to contend with. As a result, Luke lives with my parents." Traviis sighed, "You have no idea how many people were hurt by this and will be hurt again with your husband's plan to air all their dirty laundry."
          "I'm trying to understand and give Luceus the benefit of the doubt here. But how does something like this happen? His own brother's fiancée?" Laeyla shook her head in confusion.
          "There were extenuating circumstances which I hope your council will listen to before judging Luceus too harshly." Traviis didn't expect he'd be retelling this story when he woke that morning, but he knew in order for Laeyla to understand the situation, she'd have to hear the full details.
          "Four years ago, Luceus lead a mission into Val Elenium when his team was ambushed by Deva's. Eleven out of thirteen died, but Luceus and Rosie managed to escape. However, they were soon backed into a corner at the base of a mountain, and all the magical attacks had left the snow atop it structurally unsound. They were buried in an avalanche, and if it weren't for Rosie's smart thinking to create a protective dome around them, they would have been instantly killed. They feared the Deva's would dig them out and finish the job, but it seemed they'd assumed the mountain had accomplished that for them." Traviis paused as he recalled the day Rosalinda came to him with the awful truth of their survival. It hadn't been pretty in the slightest. "They were stuck there for over a week with limited rations and at night the temperatures were below freezing. "Rosie knew clothing extension magic, which helped to provide further warmth for them, but it could only do so much. They realized that in order to survive long enough for rescue, they'd have to stay warm any way they could."
          Laeyla soon realized what Traviis had meant by 'extenuating circumstances.' Although, the fact that this happened to them was unfortunate, even more so if it cost Luceus his relationship with his brother. "I take it there originally was nothing between your sister and Luceus."
          Traviis shook his head. "Nothing at all, he supported Lycineus' relationship with Rosie wholeheartedly. But they had to stay warm -- and sex was the only option left to them. She'd said they've survived a full twenty-four hours before succumbing. They both knew that she couldn't keep healing their frostbite, for it would sap her energy faster than she could replenish it. She tried every day to contact our people on the outside, but the ice was simply too thick for any messages to get through. Finally on the eighth day when they were beginning to lose hope, the rescue team found them."
          "And how did Lycineus react to the news of what they'd been forced to do?" Laeyla wanted to know.
          Traviis lowered his gaze briefly before replying. "They didn't tell him for three months. They thought they would spare him the knowledge of this depravity. When it became apparent that Rosie was pregnant and that the baby was Luceus', she couldn't live with the guilt anymore. She told Lycineus the truth, he ended the engagement right away and returned to his post on the Argon front intending to have nothing to do with Rosie or Luceus ever again."
          "That was a little harsh don't you think? He had to have known they would have died otherwise. Plus I'm guessing that your sister truly loved Lycineus, not Luceus."
          "Rosie loved Lycineus with all her heart." Traviis may have spoken of that love in the past tense but sometimes he suspected that Rosalinda loved Lycineus still. He'd noted some unguarded moments where a deep sadness reflected in her sea-green eyes. "And while I'm certain he would have eventually gotten over what they did to survive, it was the waiting three months issue that was the last straw."
          Laeyla nodded her understanding. She knew personally that secrets kept could be explosive when finally they saw the light of day. "Traviis, I thank you for explaining this to me, and I promise I'll try to reign in my husband."
          "It's too late Laeyla." Traviis shook his head in defeat. "It's too late for everything."
          Laeyla realized he wasn't only talking about the release of his sister's secrets, but of their own newfound relationship as well. His next words proved this to her.
          "I must return to Herald Fort. Goodbye Laeyla." He turned towards the exit of the balcony before pausing to say a few last words. "It was fun while it lasted."
OOO
          The following day...
          Luceus balanced his entire body upside down on one hand as he stretched his muscles from his recent work out. Although he was under house arrest, the apartment he'd been placed in possessed all the modern necessities. Other than not being able to contact Tristtan, Luceus didn't want for anything. His horns were mere inches away from the exercise mat, yet he kept himself steadily aloft thus avoiding contact. He was still in this position when he heard the doorbell ring. He knew all visitors were screened by the Velika guards that were stationed there and realized that whoever was coming to see him must have had clearance. He quickly performed a dismount and landed nimbly on both feet. He didn't bother to get dressed and soon arrived at the front door wearing only a thin pair of black shorts. After yanking it open, he managed to hold back the frown that threatened to cross his features. "You."
          "I imagine I'm the last person you expected to see here," The newcomer replied but did not seek to hide his frown.
          Luceus shouldn't have been surprised to find Lycineus standing in his doorway considering the fact that he was on trial for past misdeeds. If his enemies had learned of the incident with Curttis then it was only a mater of time before they found out about what had occurred between him and his brother. And now they sought to gain another strike against him through Lycineus.
          "Well, aren't you going to invite me in?" Lycineus frown deepened indicating that he probably wanted to be anywhere else but there.
          Luceus stood aside and allowed Lycineus to enter before closing the door behind him. "Make yourself at home."
          "I don't plan on staying long." Lycineus crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you know why I've been recalled to Velika?"
          Luceus shook his head as if the matter didn't really concern him. "No, but I can take a guess if you like."
          "Is this some big game to you? This time you've really done it Luceus. You've managed to piss off somebody out there with enough power to take you down. And where Ulrikk failed, they will succeed. Everything you have done in the past is now being put under a microscope." Lycineus' expressive golden eyes glared at his brother willing him to understand the trouble he was in. "I have been subpoenaed to testify against you. Apparently the prosecution is trying to prove that you have major character flaws. Enough to revoke your rank as General."
          Luceus ran a hand through his dark hair but said nothing. It was as he suspected and if this was Winstone Stanhope's doing, then the man was certainly thorough.
          "And then there is what happened with Curttis. Despite the fact that his death was ruled a self-defense, they are bringing that to light since you two were the only ones in the room, there is no way to know what truly happened. You're really in for it this time, Luceus. And I can't help you."
          "Well it's a good thing I didn't wake up this morning wishing you would come to my aid." Luceus' couldn't help the terseness in his tone. Although he'd admitted to being wrong in withholding the truth about him and Rosalinda for so long, he could not defend Lycineus' unreasonable stubbornness to shun a woman that still loved him with all her heart. Yes, a child had resulted from their unplanned union and Luceus had been willing to step aside and have Lycineus raise Luke as his own if he'd so desired. He vowed that he would never renege on that decision and Luke would know him only as 'uncle.' However, Lycineus had shunned them both, but Luceus still hoping he'd have a change of heart had remained blissfully absent from Luke's life. The boy was now three and as far as he was concerned, Rosalinda's parents were also his own. Luceus did feel guilty that even Rosalinda herself did not spend much time with their son. He would have provided her as much leave as she'd required from the fort in order to do so. He didn't understand what was going through the healer's mind, and could not bring himself to question her motives.
          "If father could see us now," Lycineus quietly commented. The brothers had been inseparable while growing up, but one single incident had driven a wedge between them so completely that there was no turning back. Trust was the one thing if they didn't have, then they had nothing at all.
          "Perhaps it's a good thing he didn't live to see how stubborn you've become."
          "Or to see you lose your rank as General." Lycineus noted Luceus' scowl yet he continued. "you were always better than me Luceus, better looking and better skilled thus your lofty promotions while I withered away on the front line. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't have a preference for cock that maybe you would have settled for Rosie, and I'm sure she would have accepted you with open arms."
          Luceus glowered at him and said the first thing that came to mind, "Get out of here."
          "Gladly." Without another glance at his doomed brother, Lycineus left the apartment.
          Luceus sighed once he was alone. He didn't want to fight with Lycineus, he didn't want to be stuck in this room awaiting what would no doubt be a biased trial. What he did want was to see Tristtan again, to hold the younger man in his arms and caress his soft skin before they'd make love through the night. Never did he think that this entire situation would become one big, giant mess that for the first time he wasn't certain if he'd get through it.
OOO
          Tristtan had expected his mother to be able to attend his meeting with the council that morning, but was surprised to learn that she had been excluded from the event. He was certain his father had something to do with it. What better way for Reginaldd to manipulate the entire situation by ensuring that Laeyla stayed out of it. Tristtan did however, receive Reginaldd's word that he'd allow him to contact Luceus after the meeting. He couldn't wait to see and hear the General's voice again. It had been barely forty-eight hours since they'd last seen each other, but coupled with the earlier separation of his captivity, even longer.
          Tristtan had arrived -- via teleportal - at the outer doors of the Consul meeting hall, which was as far as Laeyla was allowed to go. She wished him luck and since he wasn't certain how long the meeting would take, he made her promise not to wait outside for him. He then turned his attention to the stern-faced guard who allowed him into the hall.
          The area was not necessarily well lighted, with only narrow glass panels on the ceiling which allowed access of partial sunlight. Dual stairwells led to a lower level of which sat two long tables in the center absent chairs. They were separated by a glass design on the floor which held a submerged, floral watercress beneath. There were books and stacks of paper upon the tables, but the council members who preferred to stand were blissfully absent. This didn't surprise Tristtan one bit. Their time was precious, and although they had summoned him to his meeting, he was still forced to await their arrival. The only other person present beside the guards was a com-healer which meant that the meeting was to be recorded. The female High Elf did not even acknowledge him, so he returned the favor.
          Since there was literally nowhere to sit, Tristtan remained near the right stairwell as he waited. A smile crossed his face as he imagined Luceus thumbing his nose at etiquette and simply sitting atop one of the council tables. Tristtan was almost tempted to do so knowing it would irk his father and perhaps embarrass him in front of the other stuffy men and women of the council. But alas, he didn't put it past Reginaldd to revoke his promise to allow him to contact Luceus, and he wanted to be able to do so with all his heart.
          Tristtan waited for a full ten minutes before finally, a door adjacent the end of the hall opened, and a group of six men and women were ushered in. He recognized his father right away as one of the four men on the council. He also recognized Councilmember Penole who was the youngest man on the council and had been to their home on several occasions. His striking silver eyes demanded attention as well as his flamboyant style of dress which included a high collared jacket of black and purple which lay open a the waist revealing that he wore no shirt beneath it. His hair was a nondescript pale gray, most of which was pulled in a bun atop his head. However, the front was left flowing and was parted right down the middle. Black leather pants, with matching boots and gloves completed his attire.
          Other than Penole an his father, Tristtan was not familiar with any of the other councilmember's but he did know them by face and name. The two remaining men were Councilmember Hektor and Josep, and the women were Tyila and Basilya. He watched as they took specific positions around the first table.
          "Come forward, Tristtan Stanhope," Josep the oldest of the group spoke up.
          Tristtan straightened to his full height before complying. He came to stand by the empty spot at the table that was specifically for guests. He kept his eyes on Josep and ignored the stern look on his father's face. Josep possessed charcoal dark hair that was pulled back in a ponytail and tied with a rope braid. His face was slightly withered with age and he was considered the wisest of the council. He soon waved his hand to cast a brief spell upon Tristtan who became instantly alarmed. "What was that?" He wanted to know.
          "A mere truth spell," Josep began. "We require that your answers be genuine."
          Tristtan had a sinking feeling at this bit of news and fought to maintain his confident outward appearance. He just had to keep believing in both him and Luceus in order to get through this.
          "Are you the lover of General Luceus Magelus?" Penole asked.
          Tristtan didn't hide his surprise that the youngest of the council began the questioning. "Yes," He truthfully replied.
          "And how long have you two been lovers?" Penole eyed the young man before him shrewdly knowing that he had no idea just what was in store for him.
          "Ever since I arrived at Herald Fort -- so, maybe three months."
          "Has your coupling always been, consensual?" There was a slight smirk on Penole's face as he regarded Tristtan's attempt not to sweat these questions.
          "I -- "Tristtan paused as he recalled at least on two occasions where he hadn't been willing, at least not at first. But did that justify a 'no' answer? He'd always enjoyed sex with Luceus, he perhaps had not been able to always wrap his mind around the concept initially, especially that first night they'd met at the banquet hall when half the fort had been watching.
          "Just answer the question, yes or no. When he fucked you were you always willing?" Penole directed.
          Tristtan glanced from Penole to Reginaldd and had a strong suspicion that these questions were really coming from Reginaldd. He realized he couldn't delay any longer and gave his answer, "No."
          Penole nodded, "Just to make clear to the council, the subject has admitted to being raped by General Magelus."
          "That's not what I said!" Tristtan blurted out.
          "Silence!" Josep thundered. "You will control yourself and only answer the questions which are directed to you. Is that quite understood?"
          Tristtan felt the contents of his breakfast stir in his stomach as a feeling of nausea overcame him. What they were forcing him to say and the fact that this meeting was being recorded did not bode well for him or Luceus. "Understood," He replied softly.
          "Moving on," Penole began. "It's come to light that your application to Herald Fort was only accepted due to General Magelus' perverted interests in you. It's been stated that you'd been offered the position of his consort, can you deny that?"
          Tristtan lowered his gaze to the stack of papers on the desk before softly replying, "No." He couldn't understand how the council was so well informed. Had his father paid someone off in the fort to gather all the dirt they could find? He'd always suspected when Luceus didn't treat him like a normal soldier that perhaps sex with him was the only reason he'd been accepted there in the first place. But he'd wanted to prove Luceus wrong and had only gotten himself into more trouble.
          "Is it not also true that your capture by one General Ulrikk, was indeed Magelus' fault?" Penole asked.
          "Ulrikk's men were the ones that took me, how can you blame Luceus for that?" Tristtan wanted to know.
          "Then I'll rephrase. What was the reason you left the fort that day? We know you weren't on a mission, therefore was your departure a result of a situation concerning General Magelus? Yes or no?" Penole pinned the boy with the calculating stare of his kohl rimmed eyes.
          "Yes," Tristtan felt so sick to his stomach he wondered if his skin had gone paler than usual.
          "Just to summarize for the record," Penole began. "Tristtan Stanhope was manipulated into joining General Magelus' ranks at Herald Fort where he was mistreated including rape, resulting in his capture and subsequent abuse at the hands of a rogue General."
          "Please father, don't let him do this." Tristtan leveled pleading blue eyes toward his father. The man had not said a word since the meeting began yet Tristtan knew him to be responsible for all the damaging evidence against Luceus.
          "Do not attempt to use our relationship to curry favor." Reginaldd's expression was stony cold. "If you must address me in this meeting, then your Excellency will do. You should be pleased, we're almost finished here."
          "Are you ill, child?" Councilmember Basilya noted that Tristtan's pallor had gone grey. She couldn't help feeling sorry for the boy knowing that his father treated him like a random subject, rather than his own flesh and blood.
          "I'll be fine," But even as Tristtan said those worse he felt the bile rise in his throat. He suddenly bent over as he deposited the contents of his breakfast on the well polished floor.
          "Well, be certain to cut that from the recording." Reginaldd didn't seem the least bit concerned that his son had gotten sick in the middle of the meeting. Even now he glanced at the boy on the floor as if he were a disgusting, lowly insect. "We can take a short recess while he gets cleaned up."
          "I think we've heard and seen quite enough," Councilmember Hektor spoke up. "Adding this to the list charges already brought against General Magelus should be sufficient."
          "I agree," Councilmember Tyila stated. It'd been difficult to sit through that interrogation, especially since she suspected that the boy cared deeply about the General. It would seem neither of them would see a happy ending from this.
          "So do I," Basilya began. "What say you, Josep?" She knew he would be the tie breaker on the vote to adjourn the meeting early.
          "Another charge has been leveled against Magelus only yesterday, coupled with this -- I'd have to agree," Josep stated.
          "Then it's settled." Hektor was the first to leave the table. He didn't care one way or the other what became of Tristtan or General Magelus, but he wasn't a sadist. And he could tell that both Penole and Reginaldd seemed willing to badger the poor boy to death. He honestly believed they had more important matters to deal with.
          Basilya went to Tristtan's side before helping him upright. She then produced her own silk handkerchief for the boy to wipe his mouth with. "Let's get you back to your mother."
          Tristtan wiped at his mouth quickly before replying. "Thank you consul, but I can make it back on my own." He glanced down at the handkerchief but realized it was now soiled.
          "Keep it," Basilya smiled at him encouragingly. "Take care of yourself Tristtan."
          Tristtan nodded briefly before heading towards the entrance of the hall. If only the other councilmember's had been as nice as Basilya then maybe he would not have aided in the downfall of Luceus. Some help he'd turned out to be.
OOO
          "You do realize I was called for the prosecution." Lycineus ate casually from a small bag of nuts as he regarded Luceus' military defense lawyer, Sarrion Desmais who sat across from him behind a large, oak desk. Since he was stuck in Velika until the trial which was set to take place in two days, he'd been minding his own business intent on avoiding Luceus until then, when Sarrion summoned him. The human defense attorney regarded him candidly before speaking.
          "Since they intend to use you against Luceus, I hope to turn that in our favor," Sarrion explained.
          Lycineus scoffed, "A secret we have kept for four years is about to be made public knowledge and you expect co-operation from me?"
          "These are some serious allegations being laid against Luceus, he needs all the help he can get." Sarrion's aquamarine eyes implored Luceus. He knew there was no love lost between the brothers and now he understood why. However, he couldn't imagine that Lycineus would revel in Luceus' downfall, which was why he was banking on the younger brother's help.
          "There should be more than enough of his subordinates that will sing his praises to counteract the negativity of what happened between us."
          "Very few of his soldiers are being allowed as witnesses. Judge Phaeos feels they may be biased."
          "Wouldn't that be enough grounds to throw out my testimony as well, seeing as it will hardly be unbiased?" Lycineus popped another nut into his mouth.
          "I already questioned that, Phaeos is allowing it. She's also allowing a pre-taped testimony from Tristtan Stanhope, who I just learned will not be attending the trial."
          "That's the cadet Luceus was sleeping with -- the same one they mounted the rescue for. What sort of damaging testimony would he present for the prosecution?" Lycineus wanted to know. He hardly believed that one of Luceus' lovers would bad mouth him.
          "I don't know yet, I haven't seen the recording. I've asked to have a copy of it sent to me post haste." Sarrion ran a large gloved hand through his short, spiked, silver-blond hair as he prepared to change the subject. "Now, back to your testimony. The prosecution will attempt to show Luceus has major character flaws given what he did to you. Now I know you haven't forgiven him yet, but it might be the time to re-consider that stance."
          Lycineus rolled his eyes before slamming the bag of nuts down on the desk, he rose to his feet and turned towards the window that overlooked the pebbled Velikan streets below.
          "Listen, I know this is hard, but if anything at least Luceus will owe you one."
          "He'll owe me two, actually." Lycineus turned around to gaze at the human. "It was through me that he was able to learn Ulrikk's location."
          "Good, that means you two are capable of working together." Sarrion rose and crossed the short distance to lean in front of his desk.
          Lycineus lowered his gaze as a muscle ticked in his cheek. "Luceus and Rosalinda ripped my heart out." He then leveled his gaze to Sarrion. "If you expect me to help a person like that," He shrugged his shoulders. "I just don't think I can do it."
          "Do you want to see Luceus stripped of his rank, do you want to see him sentenced to prison? Should he be given the same treatment as Ulrikk? If the late General Magelus were alive, how would he feel about all this?"
          Lycineus chuckled bitterly before shaking his head. "You pull out all the punches don't you?"
          "The fact is Lycineus, my back is up against the wall here, and many in the Valkyon are expecting me to save your brother. I refuse to let him down."
          "Fine, you want me to lie about my true feelings on trial? Then I'll do it, for I'm certain my father's ghost would love nothing better than to see both his sons thrown into prison." Lycineus didn't wait for him to respond and quickly left the office. How he longed for the war torn solitude of the Argon front.
OOO
          Tristtan was less than thrilled when he arrived home to find he had a visitor. Juleus Truth stood with his mother awaiting him in the sitting room. Only after the servants brought tea and pastries did he realize that Juleus was there in the capacity of a suitor. When Laeyla excused herself, Tristtan was of a mind to ask her to stay. He'd mainly disliked Juleus because of the high handed nature he'd taken with them after his rescue. The man was attractive enough but Tristtan held no interest in him in that way. He was about to say this out loud when the Commander accidentally spilled lemonade on him.
          "Well this is embarrassing. I'm usually not so clumsy." Juleus produced a tissue from his pocket and began to dab at Tristtan's shirt.
          "Please don't, I'm fine." Tristtan intended to brush him off but the man persisted. He knew his father wasn't at home yet, but the only thing on his mind was Reginaldd seeing his promise fulfilled. Perhaps his mother would be able to allow him to contact Luceus if Reginaldd continued to remain absent. He was so distracted by these thoughts that he didn't notice at first as Juleus inched closer to him. When he was suddenly crushed in the other man's arms with bruising kiss being applied to his lips it left him genuinely stunned. But that surprise quickly turned into anger.
          Using both hands, Tristtan shoved the Commander away before balling his right hand into a fist and letting it fly. His hand stung afterwards, but he knew it'd make Juleus think twice before trying that again. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" He demanded.
          "I merely wanted to see what those lips tasted like." But to Juleus' dismay, he may have been looking at Tristtan's lips, but he was imagining Brie's luscious ones instead. It angered him to think of his rival in such a way, which made his next words particularly harsh. "But it seems the taint of your General has rubbed off on you. You're a lovely flower with a hidden wasp."
          "Leave!" Tristtan yelled through clenched teeth.
          "Tristtan, is that anyway to speak to our guest?" Reginaldd had just entered the room.
          "It's fine, I was just leaving." Without another glance at Tristtan and pausing to bow slightly before Reginaldd to offer respect, Juleus exited.
          "That man deserves congratulations for his aid in your rescue, and yet this is the way you treat him?" Reginaldd did not hide his disapproving frown.
          "I appreciate what he did against Ulrikk, but not the manner in which he ordered me back to Allemantheia." Tristtan took a deep breath before changing the subject. "It's good that you're here, I'm ready to contact Luceus."
          "Yes of course, the com-healer is just outside ready to record your message," Reginaldd replied.
          "What? Message? You promised that I could speak to him directly!" Tristtan was still upset with his father from the earlier meeting with the council. And now it seemed the man was reneging on his promise and only allowing Tristtan to send Luceus a one-way message instead.
          "Be grateful you'll get a message out to him at all," Reginaldd began. "And I may even see about him getting one out to you."
          "When does his trial begin? I'll need to travel to Velika."
          "The date hasn't been set yet," Reginaldd lied with a calm face. "I'm going to send the com-healer in here, think about what you want to say to him. It may be your last time contacting him." There was a smirk on his face as he left the parlor to do as he'd promised.
          Tristtan glanced at the communication expert and waited for him to let him know when to begin. Once he got the signal, he took a deep breath and spoke from the heart.
          "Luceus, it's been a great honor to serve under you. I trust and respect you and -- I wanted you to know before --" He cut himself off realizing he couldn't complete that sentence. "I just wanted you to know. Thank you for rescuing me, I shouldn't have left the fort that morning, it was a mistake and I never blamed you for my capture. This whole thing will be over soon and I know you'll get through this because you're strong and nothing they have against you will stick. I look forward to the day when we can once again work together for a better world." Tristtan paused slightly before continuing. "I pray for the next time we meet again, goodbye."
          "That's enough," Reginaldd stated as he re-entered the room and indicated for the com-healer to leave. It was at that moment that he witnessed the silent tears in Tristtan's eyes. "You ask me to treat you as a man, yet at every turn I witness you being the boy that has yet to grow up. I know you may consider this tough love, but Luceus is no good for you. Be grateful that I have the presence to do something about it before you ruin your life." Like I almost did. Laeyla and Reginaldd had both trusted Winstone, and had paid dearly for it.
          Tristtan buried his face in his hands and began to sob uncontrollably for a full minute. Finally, he leveled a wide eyed gaze at Reginaldd as tears poured from bloodshot blue eyes. "I hate you!" He snapped at him before bolting from the room.
          Only for the first time did Reginaldd believe that he may have gone to far. He'd not witnessed his son weep like that in a long time. However, the feeling lasted all of a few seconds before he once again took firm hold of the belief that he was doing the right thing. He left the parlor to locate the com-healer. There was one thing left to do before that message could be sent.
OOO
          "How well do you know this Tristtan?" Sarrion waited to ask his question until Luceus had been ushered into his office and the door closed behind him. They were down to the wire before the trial begun, and he'd just received the pre-taped testimony from Tristtan Stanhope.
          "What have you learned?" Luceus asked knowing that something must have prompted that question.
          "Here, I'll let you watch it yourself." Sarrion accessed a com panel in the shape of a flat tablet. He then pressed a specific button and a recording of Tristtan's meeting with the High Elven Council projected from the tablet in the area just above it.
          Luceus watched the transcript in silence noting that some parts appeared to be sped up, indicating that Tristtan may not have been answering the questions as quickly as it was portrayed. When there was no reaction from Tristtan to Councilmember Penole's damaging statements, that sent up a red flag to Luceus.   "They seemed to know exactly what to ask," He finally commented.
          "Yes, and the fact that he was under a truth spell made the information even more damaging." Sarrion leveled a concerned gaze upon Luceus. "He couldn't lie."
          "Clearly you can see the conversation was manipulated."
          Sarrion nodded his agreement. "But Judge Phaeos won't be able to tell the difference since she doesn't know the parties involved. I only have thirty-six hours to finish building my defense. But if we can prove that someone on the High Elven council is biased against you, then it could throw that entire testimony out. I need to get started on this as soon as possible." Sarrion noted a second tablet on the desk that had yet to be activated. "Oh, and this one is for you. A personal message from Tristtan I guess, so I didn't view it. I have to run to headquarters, I'll be right back."
          Luceus accepted the tablet and waited for Sarrion to depart before activating it. A part of him dreaded what he would find here and with good reason. He realized Tristtan was aware of the true reasons he'd been chosen at Herald Fort and it did embarrass him considering that he felt so much more for the younger man now than he did then. He had to wonder if perhaps that was enough to turn Tristtan against him. The first thing he viewed on the tablet was Tristtan in a lip lock with Commander Truth. He felt his anger begin to rise until he realized it was nothing but a still picture, and pictures rarely told the true story. After that image ended, then an actual recording from Tristtan began. Luceus noted right away that he seemed strained and under pressure. Which was why the words he stated didn't make a lick of sense to Luceus.
          "Luceus, I wanted you to know, to serve under you was a mistake, and I blamed you for my capture. This whole thing will be over soon, and I pray we never meet again. Goodbye, Luceus."
          A frown marred Luceus' handsome face as he played the recording once more. He knew something wasn't right but couldn't determine the truth until he spoke with Sarrion. He stood and exited the room, he noted his guard was immediately at attention. "You there, contact Sarrion and tell him I need to speak to him as soon as possible."
OOO
          Night had fallen in Velika, yet Judge Phaeos had granted a hearing by request of Sarrion. The lawyer even now sat with his client behind a wooden desk in the court house, the prosecution sat on the opposite side of them.   Sarrion had promised he wouldn't waste Phaeos' time, which was why she'd allowed the hearing despite the fact that the trial was set to begin in one day. "Councilors, approach the bench if you're ready to begin," The human female stated.
          Sarrion turned to glance at Luceus. "This is your last chance to change your mind about this. Once this is done, it's done."
          "I understand that, I won't change my mind," Luceus stated calmly.
          "Alright," Sarrion stood and walked towards the Judges' counter, his opposition, Prosecutor Jayleen also approached.
          "Well counsel, care to tell me what was so important for us to be gathered here this late?" Phaeos brushed her dark bangs from her face as she regarded both men.
          Sarrion took a deep breath before speaking. "Yes, your honor, my client wishes to plead guilty to all charges, and we await your sentencing."
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In the Land of Arborea