“The Trinity Guards of Arteria’s wealthier districts tend to be more harsh than their redcloaked counterparts. Selected as much for their obedience as much as martial prowess, they also maintain an air of elitism over the less well trained redcloaks. Though not a frontier force or expeditionary force like the Arterian rangers or Clover Legion respectively, they are still heavily armed thanks to their duties normally intersecting with the needs of the city’s wealthy populace. Who are more than happy to fund the privilege of being far better protected and serviced than the average citizen.”


    - Fmr. Captain Benjamin Gertryn, Pathfinder’s Guild, “Things To Watch Out For: Arteria - The Trinity Guards”


    <hr><hr>


    Elaria straightened her shirt, running her fingers to flatten what creases she could. Her nose wrinkled at the lingering smell of sweat and blood from the crowd. It was all too reminiscent of some of her rowdier performances on ships or in taverns, though they were also the most likely crowd to shower Raylani with coins.


    Speaking of which, she gave her companion a quick prod. The dark elf let out a nearly silent yelp, jumping up in displeasure before staring at her mistress. Elaria shot her a cheeky wink and the dark elf looked away, somewhat flustered. Heheh, a few months ago and she wouldn’t even react. Look at her now.


    Her other charge was her sister’s partner, an adorable little human called Aryana. The girl had proven herself a capable and steadfast friend to Elaria’s family. Unlike Sophie, Aryana was less combat capable but more knowledgeable in practical matters and a natural book smart human to boot. It was that very same quality that Elaria hoped to take advantage of today.


    She gently tapped Aryana on the shoulder, startling the poor thing. Elaria merely tilted her head down the hallway. They would present what ‘evidence’ she had to the commanding court officer and hoped that it would be enough to buy at least herself admittance to Sophie’s trial so that she could support her dearest sister.


    Ary recovered and nodded readily, the girl just as eager to support her imprisoned partner as Elaria. Satisfied with the enthusiasm, Elaria tugged on Raylani’s sleeve and urged the others forward. Keeping together and trying to avoid drawing attention, they kept close the walls and cut a path towards the commander’s offices.


    Elaria found herself taking a few moments and admiring the grandiose nature of the Chamber of Stalwart Justice. Marble walls, columns, plenty of age-old arts and other extravagant objects decorated the interior of the Chamber’s halls. If not for the dozens of guardsmen running about the place like maddened chickens, she would almost say that their armoured attire fit right at home within the Chamber’s halls. All extraneous expenses that were likely paid for by the very citizens they oversee. The great divide of society in the flesh, how fascinating.


    “Commander Scavea will see you now.” A trinite acknowledged her and her companions, holding open an office door.


    Elaria dropped a pleasant little curtsey and headed forward, the other two trailing behind.


    A well lit, almost gaudily decorated office greeted the trio. Elaria’s eyes immediately noted the six additional guards on standby, their arms sheathed by but all ready to pounce. Beyond them was what appeared to be a secretary’s desk, now covered in a map of the city and little markers instead of legal files. Planning an operation? Or just the defences I wonder? One of the guards silently gestured to a door he stood at.


    Opening it, the trio found themselves face to face with two trinity officers, one a man and another a woman, both carrying blue plumed helms under their arms. They raised their eyes at the arrivals before an older officer, dressed only in uniform without armour peeked out from behind them.


    “Lady Kastiane and company?” The older man asked.


    “That’s us.” Elaria replied.


    “You told my men you have evidence for the ongoing trial? Come in.” He ordered.


    His voice was professional but not cold, like a performer who had to put on airs. But Elaria could sense it, hidden far behind his words, a small sigh. The feeling of annoyance. We’ll have to be careful. I need access to the trial room and I’d rather do it legally. The rest of them are in enough trouble as it is.


    “Thank you for your time commander.” Elaria bowed.


    “Right.” Commander Scavea tutted, “So? What is it? We’re in the middle of a lot of things right now.”


    Elaria motioned for Raylani, the dark elf reaching into her own pack and producing several sheets of paper. Elaria glanced at the soldiers, the two officers and even the commander watched the elf’s every move. She recognised the same looks as those of patrons at her performances. Lust, curiosity, and amazement. Doesn’t seem like they’ve properly seen a dark elf before. Heh.


    “That elf… may I ask a question sir?” The female officer piped up.


    Her request had been unexpected. Elaria watched with a faint hint of amusement as the commander seemed bewildered and momentarily lost composure before recovering just as quickly. Well, well. Here I was thinking we’d have to soften him up a little. Guess we got lucky with his staff.


    “Speak freely, captain.” Scavea affirmed.


    “Uh… that’s the ‘dark elf’ right? She’s following you so does that mean you’re ‘The Nightengale’?” The captain asked.


    Elaria chuckled softly, “So that’s what they call us. But if you’re thinking of a bard and her dancing assistant, then I suppose that’ll probably be us.” She raised her left arm at an angle and did a performative bow.


    “Nightengale… nightingale…” The commander murmured from behind his desk, “Ah!” He snapped his fingers reflexively, “You performed at Saint Lucia Plaza a few weeks back. For umm…”


    “Lord Kouzal?” Elaria suggested.


    “Right, House Kouzal’s post new year’s celebration. Grand event that was. Damned mess to assign guards to though. Took me half a day to get through all the reports.” Scavea snickered to himself.


    “Oh! That! Found it a bit weird when some rich noble poached the inn for a performer. But it worked out," She chuckled, "Pleasure putting a face to the name.” Elaria smiled.


    Taking advantage of the jovial lull in the conversation, she looked behind her to grab Raylani’s documents, catching a most curious expression on Aryana’s face. I’ll tell you later, she mouthed to the redhead, shooting her a wink that made the girl blush and look away.


    “To think you’re so young.” He mumbled before clapping once,”So? What do you have for me? What do you want”


    Like a switch, both the commander and the officers became a bit more serious, prompting Elaria to respond in kind. She slipped the papers onto his desk, giving the commander a moment to peruse them before she spoke again.


    “We have detailed ledgers of logistical inconsistencies, material mismanagement, and potential connection to the assassination attempt on Academy grounds. All of which carry the seal or markings of the Braveskull trading company.” She stated.


    The man shifted through them, giving each page a few seconds before looking up.


    “And you’re looking to submit this to the public trial for the instigators? Which I’ll just pretend to assume that you obviously had no idea about before this.”


    “Of course.” She lied, “We merely got ahold of the documents and did our best to sift through them without bias.”


    That elicited a snort from the commander, though whether he was amused or annoyed, she couldn’t tell.


    “Assuming that’s the case. Why are you submitting this to the instigation trials instead of the accusation trial? Especially seeing as how this is more related to the later instead of the former.”


    “Because I have been assured that these documents would also reach the other trial. Besides that, as an official student at the Academy, I have to think about the reputation and honor of the institution should it be damaged by such events. Even beyond that, one of the accused on trial, Sophie Kastiane, is my sister.”


    Commander Scavea’s brow rose in minor surprise, the man letting out a quiet hmpf before leaning back in his chair. “Unbiased my arse.” He snorted, “But…” He paused, his frown betraying his inner disquiet, “I suppose you have no objection that myself and my staff quickly review these papers?”


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    “No sir.”


    “Very well then.” He nodded before motioning to his subordinates.


    The two captains joined him and she watched as they tried to skim through the pages as carefully as they could. She smiled.


    It had been a gambit when asking the church about original documents. Only luck and a sympathetic priest saw them being able to make replicas of the documents acquired from the raid on the trading company headquarters. Thanks to Evaline’s connections, they were able to secure a replica seal of approval as well to mark the documents as authentic.


    The commander was right in that regard. These were meant for the official trial should needs arise. Sophie’s plea had been caught at the last moment, necessitating a desperate plea for the church to be the one responsible for discreetly supplying documents to the main company trial. A plea that was too readily accepted for her liking. Almost like they had anticipated this.


    No use thinking about that now. She brushed her tongue against the top of her mouth. Annoying. Scattering her thoughts, she looked behind her to find the other two dutifully waiting, though Aryana was already fidgeting nervously. Elaria’s mind then began to shift, her thoughts stirring her towards a different realization, a new angle to get a better bearing of everything that was happening. Her own conscience chimed in and she grimaced, she’s definitely not going to like this.


    The trio waited, the trinite officers occasionally mumbling or discussing amongst themselves. Elaria’s eyes landed on a clock. It had only been five minutes, but time seemed eternally slow here. Whatever she would say in court, she had to be ready. Before her words were fully formulated, the verdict was delivered.


    “Are you sure you’re dead set on supporting your sister? I get it, family. But this stuff… could be helpful in the case against the company.” Scavea wagged the papers in the air.


    “Most definitely.” Elaria affirmed, at least, if the church isn’t lying. But how do I make sure… She sighed, “Would it trouble you to hear one last request?”


    “Since you''re here, go ahead.”


    “Is it possible to have these two be allowed to observe the main company trial?” Elaria gestured at the others.


    “Hmm… it’s possible. I don’t see why not.” Scavea grumbled.


    “What?!” Aryana screeched. Ahh, I knew she’d get mad.


    “Ary-”


    One of the captains got ready to subdue her but the commander waved for them to stop. He’s more reasonable than I thought he’d be, hmm.


    “S-sorry.” The redhead quickly apologized, but her face was now red with fury, her cheeks puffing out in displeasure, “But what do you mean?” She glared at Elaria accusingly.


    “Exactly as it sounds.” Elaria tried to smile, “You and Raylani will observe the main trial and we’ll reconvene. Your mind is the most astute one out of the three of us and most likely to remember the details that could be lost to us.”


    “But aren’t we here for Sophie? To help her?” Aryana was caught between anger and disbelief, her slowly rising voice hurting Elaria’s soul. Sorry Sophie, hope you can forgive me for pushing your partner forward a little.


    “We are. But at the same time, I want to know what’s being said in the other trial. While in theory we can’t use information from one room to another. If by chance, the company is ruled innocent, you can bet they’ll somehow make that work in their favor.”


    Commander Scavea scoffed, the man amused at the idea but not denying it outright.


    “Yeah? So why can’t you do it? I’m here to help Sophie!” Aryana did not care.


    “I know. That’s exactly why.”


    “What do you mean?!” Aryana looked ready for a fight. In contrast to her usually bubbly demeanour, Elaria could sense that the redhead was on the verge of rage.


    “Because the moment Sophie catches sight of you, her composure will break. After whatever the hells happened, which we can both assume was pretty rough. I think you’re the first person she wants to confide in. If that happens in the trial or during recess, I know for damn sure she’ll break whatever professional facade or mask she’s trying to wear. If the other side catches wind, I just know they’ll try to use you to break her.” Elaria explained.


    “And how do you know that?! You haven’t-”


    “I’ve seen more than you could know.”


    Aryana looked ready to retort but bit her lip, the girl practically vibrating in place. Rationality and emotion were battling for control within her. Elaria’s heart tightened as she saw the poor girl’s lips start to quiver, rage and shock growing too overwhelming for the redhead to handle. But Aryana swallowed and closed her eyes, a softer, more haggard voice emerging to question Elaria once more, “What do you mean?”


    “Sophie loves you, I’m damn sure of that. But that’s why we can’t let her get distracted. Beyond that, what I said about the other trial is true too, I want to know what’s going on in case it matters.” Elaria explained, her own voice growing more gentle as she rested a hand on Aryana’s shoulder. And because I want to see if the damned priest keeps his promise.


    Clearly dissatisfied, Aryana just growled but did not rebuke her. The redhead turned to the dark elf for reassurance, Raylani nodding before offering a small smile. She would protect Aryana, and for that, Elaria was glad. She sure as shit won’t want to be around me for a while.


    “Aryana?” Elaria hesitantly asked.


    “Fine.” The girl hissed back, “Fine.”


    “It’ll be okay, I promise. I’ll help Sophie and then it’ll be all better.”


    “You’re just like Eva.” Aryana snarled, “Just like how Sophie described her.”


    “Oh?”


    Caught speaking her thoughts out loud, Aryana froze, but with her self control being eroded she continued, “Eva always has a plan and always sounds smart to Sophie. And whatever she says, Sophie goes along with it.”


    Elaria pictured the image before snickering, eheh, if only you knew. Her laughter catching even the officers off guard as they were all witness to the unpleasant exchange.


    “What?!" Aryana snapped, a tad more nervous as her own bravado began to fade.


    “No, no. It’s… heh. I’ll explain it when we’re done. But do you trust me?”


    The redhead scowled but did not reply.


    “Go-” Elaria tried to continue.


    “Excellent. I suppose you lot have delayed my staff and I long enough.” Commander Scavea clapped his hand and interrupted, silencing the bard, “Captain, get the guards to see them to the trials. Is there anything else?”


    The female officer saluted the commander.


    “No sir.” Elaria humbly bowed.


    “Then get moving.”


    Taking the documents back, the trio shuffled back out, their mood notably more sour than when they had entered. But it was done, Elaria had managed to sift Aryana and Raylani to the main trial to listen in. It was a hard ask, but she needed to know and couldn’t afford weakening Sophie’s chances at all. I’ll make sure you get some proper time with Sophie, I promise. Just endure this separation for now.


    She rolled her tongue around in her mouth, irritated. For that still left the problem of trying to secure Sophie a better deal. Despite everything, from how casually the commander seemed to just let them act, Elaria still remained a little suspicious. He might have a good heart, just not care, or be setting something up. I’ll have to be careful, at least this way, the only one likely to get in trouble is me and not the other two.


    As the newly assembled group reached their separation point, Elaria smiled warmly at Raylani. The dark elf shot back a pleasing smile and nodded. Aryana was still sulking but more accepting of events, merely grunting at Elaria before following Raylani and their escort towards the other public hearing.


    Once the others were away, she followed the captain towards another floor. Going up, more secretive, less members of the public. Troubling.


    As their boots echoed on the marble steps, she turned to regard her escort. The woman had recognised her, an unexpected but understandable occurrence. But it was the name ‘The Nightengale’, and the reaction it brought about from the commander that concerned her. It would seem the guards had created a profile or at least a series of reports about her and Raylani.


    In theory it didn’t matter much, especially because it was likely the result of the duo being a little more prolific in their performances after the post new year celebration. That had cemented their reputation within Arteria as ‘the bard and the strange elf’, much like they had in imperial territory. The coin was good and they had fun. Yet, she couldn’t help but worry that with the situation in the city deteriorating, the trinity guards were planning something greater, or at least part of someone else’s plan at something. It was an uneasy feeling and she didn’t like it.


    “Mam.” The captain stood in front of the trial hall.


    Elaria sucked in a deep breath and then slowly let it out. She plastered what smile she could on her face and nodded at the officer.


    “Pleasure meeting you in person, nightingale, good luck in there.” The captain bobbed her head, a flash of genuineness across her face.


    “Thank you.” Elaria smiled, more truthfully this time.


    “Once I go in, you follow me until we reach halfway. I’ll keep going and inform the advocates and justices about your evidence and the commander’s affirmation of its inclusion. You’ll find a small podium at that halfway point so just stand beside it until one of the officials asks for your name and to restate your purpose.”


    “Understood.”


    “Good. Now, follow me.”


    With an authoritative declaration, the captain knocked on the double doors before pushing them open. Elaria flinched as the rush of stale courtroom air brushed past her, a bright light momentarily blinding her eyes. She heard the collective shuffling of seats as everyone turned to the interruption.


    “Captain Linora Essel of the Second Trinity Guards! Pardon the intrusion. I come with an urgent request from Commander Scavea of the Trinity Chamber Guard and the delivery of a person of interest for the case at hand.” The captain bellowed before snappily saluting.


    Elaria followed her decisiveness and politely bowed, lowering her head but scanning the room. Half citizenry half rich folk, unfortunate. As she raised her head, her eyes met Sophie’s, her sister currently sitting at one of the desks at the front while a minotaur was at the witness stand. She could see the girl’s look of shock as their eyes met and Elaria couldn’t help herself. She smiled, properly, and winked. The hope in her eyes, she realized Sophia heard her after all. It’s too cute. And besides, it’s up to the older sister to protect the younger. Her mood immediately soured, Sophia… once I’m done here, I’ll think of something, I swear.


    WIth her resolve reaffirmed, she stood a little taller. Her presence grew and she could feel more eyes on her. Most curious, some recognising her, others wary. All she could tell at the moment was that most of the courtroom seemed highly dissatisfied by something. To that, she could only smile, the perfect audience for a bard.


    “I present to the court, Elaria Kastiane, student at the Academy, sister of the one of the accused and the nightengale of Arteria. She came to us with evidence and after thorough examination, have deemed the evidence and testimony she would provide as necessary for the case at hand.” Captain Linora gestured to her.


    She bowed, shooting Sophie an inspiring grin. Help has arrived sis, my turn to take the stage.