[color=lightgray][center][color=a187be]Queen Alibeth[/color], [color=E77298]Princess Anastasia[/color], [color=ab274f]Prince Wulfric[/color], [color=00F8FE]Prince Callum[/color] and [color=peru]Stratya Durmand[/color][/center]

[center]Part 2[/center]

[color=a187be]Time:[/color] 8am
[color=ab274f]Location:[/color] A Tea Room in the Castle

[right][sub]Mention: [@TPartywithzombi]Ariella[/sub][/right]
[hr][hr]

[color=ab274f]“Any success with counter-spying?”[/color] Wulfric inquired casually.

[color=a187be]“No. They return either with nothing useful or they do not return at all.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Then we will have to change our approach,”[/color] he commented. Next, he turned to Anastasia, as what she had said regarding magic had caught his interest. [color=ab274f]“You have seen it? What do you mean that it is evil?”[/color] he wondered honestly.

Callum interrupted his brother’s question. [color=00F8FE]“Captain, doesn’t it make sense to not focus on one, unverified, suspect? Better to keep options open?”[/color] 

Stratya lifted her head from her thoughts, though she had been listening. She took a moment to consider just how she wanted to answer, before offering a deliberate reply, [color=peru]“While I agree, i’ would be best no’ tae ignorre otherr possibili’ies, I also nae think i’ wise tae ignorre such strrong suspicion. While action would be ‘ard to justify at this stage, as it soun’s, a deeperr, unbiased investigation into such an individual seems apprroprria’e. Alas, it soun’s like this ‘as also been frui’less. Therein lies the rub, huh.. hm.”[/color] She considered something over a sip of tea.

[color=peru]“Sometimes, ye jus’ have to rely on someone’s slip-up.”[/color] In an odd mirroring, in the investigation that lead to her knighting, her own old man had said something that had tipped her off, and had ultimately led her to making her hometown a safer place. She looked to Wulfric, empathetic. [color=peru]“His ‘ighness said something ye cannae ignorre, Prince Wulfrric?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Indeed,”[/color] he confirmed simply. She nodded slowly.

[color=a187be]“Stratya has a sound mind.” [/color] Alibeth complimented with a nod.  [color=a187be]“Perhaps we do not have full proof of Marek’s involvement but we would be fools not to investigate with the evidence we do have all leading back to him.”[/color]

Meanwhile, Anastasia leaned back in her chair, her discomfort visible within her body language. Her gaze lowered as she took a muffin in her hands to pick apart. [color=E77298]“When I was a child, I got into an argument with someone. Their eyes started glowing and then all this weird dark energy hugged her frame…”[/color] She shuddered as if it were happening before her in that very moment. [color=E77298]“I felt so much dread standing near them. It made me feel sick and I had never been so afraid.”[/color] Wulfric hummed, intrigued.

[color=a187be]“Who was it?”[/color] Alibeth demanded. 

[color=E77298]“I can’t say. It doesn’t matter.” [/color] 

[color=ab274f]“When did this happen, then? Was it only the once? Have you ever seen anything similar anywhere else?”[/color]

[color=E77298]“I was like eight years old, and it was once.  Only ever saw something similar with Darryn.” [/color]  

[color=ab274f]“Did this individual spontaneously manifest magic? Or did it seem as if whatever they did was purposeful?”[/color] It hadn’t escaped him she had mentioned an argument; it was likely the person had been another child. A woman around his sister’s age, then. A noble, perhaps.

[color=E77298]“It formed as they yelled at me. They were threatening the King and me. I am sure purposeful or not, they were happy to frighten me.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“And father didn’t execute her?”[/color]

[color=E77298]“I did not tell father; he wouldn’t have believed me. I was the only one who saw, I think.”[/color]

Alibeth looked between Callum and Anastasia, then she scowled. Her temper was barely contained as she asked coldly, [color=a187be]“Why do you two insist on defending random people and so easily turn on your own blood? Tell us who did it, Ana.”[/color]

At this point, Stratya turned her apparent attention to her muffin and tea, happy to blend into the furniture.

[color=E77298]“Gonna torture me if I don’t?”[/color] Anastasia blurted back defensively.  [color=E77298]“Why not give Darryn a fair trial? Why did you lock our friend Ariella up last night?”[/color]

[color=a187be]“Your father had Lady Ariella locked up for defacing his painting.”[/color] Alibeth said and rubbed her temples.

[color=00F8FE]“For improving a painting.”[/color] Callum corrected, glancing towards his sister. [color=00F8FE]“If you think it’s best not to name them, I support you.”[/color] He added, mostly to spite his mother. He wondered if he could get that name from Ana later, sounded exactly like someone he should talk to.

Captain Durmand hummed thoughtfully, washing down a bit of muffin with her tea. She held the cup thoughtfully in front of her, [color=peru]“I wonderr ‘ow much time t’..”[/color] she paused, glancing at Callum briefly, [color=peru]“[I]firrst[/I] ar’ist spen’, crreatin’ tha’ pain’ing.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Exactly,”[/color] Wulfric agreed with the captain. [color=ab274f]“Regardless of how you feel about the subject of the painting, Callum, the piece itself must have required painstaking effort and hours of time to create. Nevermind the years it had taken for the artist to perfect their craft,”[/color] he added. [color=ab274f]“Now, as for a fair trial…”[/color] he leaned back in his chair. [color=ab274f]“Let us consider the first example: Darryn Fletcher. Even disregarding his involvement with the Black Rose, he was negligent in his duty. Specifically, he abandoned his tasks as a stable boy to go on and do something which he knew his employers would never approve of, and it endangered you all. Granted, so did the two of you, so if by ‘fair’ you mean treating each individual equally, then perhaps all of you should have been whipped. Or no one should have been,”[/color] he rolled a shoulder languidly.

[color=ab274f]“As you are aware, nobles and royals are treated differently, whether rightfully or not. Compare with the second example: Ariella Edwards. I do not know if due process was followed with the investigation itself, but she wasn’t put to trial, was she? I am certain her family would sooner accept a punishment kept in secret than risk anything so public, however. Regardless, had a peasant been suspected, they would have likely faced execution on the grounds of having destroyed royal property,”[/color] he finished, and let his siblings draw their own conclusions. 

Anastasia listened to Wulfric’s explanation with a furrowed brow, her frustration building as he spoke. When he finished, she let out a sharp breath. She wanted to defend Ariella, but she knew little of what happened and she did not have a solid retort ready. 

When it came to Darryn, she wanted to know what happened, but she had little faith that anyone here knew anything yet. Truly, she just wanted to get away from the conversation at that point.

[color=E77298]“I have to get ready for that party.”[/color] 

She pushed her chair back abruptly, the sound loud in the otherwise quiet room. As she stood, she glanced at Stratya and forced a small smile.

[color=E77298]“Your muffins are really good. Thank you.”[/color] Before anyone could stop her, Anastasia hurried out of the room, the door closing softly behind her.

[color=00F8FE]“You think the punishment for doing one’s job poorly, or failing at one’s duty, should be lashings, beatings, or torture? You failed to keep Darryn safe, should we have you lashed, Wulfric? No, because you’re royal. That wouldn’t be right. But somehow it’s right to do it to Darryn, even though no one died when he failed his duty. Ari, she ruined a painting, sure. So have her pay the artist not toss her in a rat infested cell for the night. It’s not like these stupid rules are beyond our control. It could be fair, we could rule justly, you just choose not to.”[/color] Cal made no effort to hide the bitterness in his words, his disdain for how his family ruled. He stood up, still making no effort to look in Alibeth’s direction. [color=00F8FE]“I also have to be not here.”[/color] He said and followed Ana out of the room. 

[color=ab274f]“Just so,”[/color] Wulfric affirmed with a pleased smile. But his brother was already hurrying out of the door when he said, [color=ab274f]“We should change.”[/color] Unfortunately, Callum wasn’t listening. 

Stratya smiled, thankful for the compliment but also tempered with concern, [color=peru]“Thank you, Prrincess.”[/color] She watched Anastasia, and then Callum, leave, taking a deep, slow, weighty breath.

Alibeth fixated on a random spot on the wall as a silence followed. Finally, she glanced at the others and announced, [color=a187be]“I have some processes already in place as well as plans I would like to share.”[/color]

The Knight’s attention turned, she nodded once, [color=peru]“Then I will ‘ave more tea,”[/color] and poured herself another little cup of tea. Tea cups are so small.

[color=a187be]“The murder of Darryn Fletcher is only one symptom of a larger disease, one that we must root out before it destroys us. I’ve already taken steps to ensure our safety and the security of this castle, but more must be done.”[/color]

She placed her teacup down, then continued, [color=a187be]“First, I have been calling upon magicae hunters to be utilized within castle processes, including our hiring process. They will ensure that every servant within these walls is free of magic use, and they will be making improvements to our documentation process. I already have four in use in the castle, and more are on the way from upper Caesonia. If either of you have met Torvi yet, she is also working closely with me, investigating… Furthermore, these hunters will eventually be dispatched throughout the city and placed at major events to secure our interests and root out any magical threats. I also hope to purchase enchanted objects from them and disperse them amongst our own guard as well. ”[/color]

Alibeth’s gaze shifted to Wulfric, her eyes sharp with determination. [color=a187be]“Wulfric, you will be vital in this effort. The spyglass I gave you, do you still have it? I need you to use it to identify anyone with red, black, or large, erratic auras. Report any purples directly to me. You must continue to integrate yourself into the social circles of this kingdom as if you are simply looking for a wife—attend events, flirt when necessary, and keep your eyes open. Collect information, even if it seems trivial.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“When it comes to the Black Rose directly, I want you to employ our spies and other trusted individuals to target the consumers of the criminal enterprises associated with the Black Rose. Sending individuals directly to their doorsteps has proven ineffective, so we will instead catch them at choke points. There are undoubtedly wealthy individuals enabling this system, and it is through them and these events that we may secure someone high enough to extract valuable information. ”[/color]

She paused, letting her words sink in before delivering the next set of instructions. [color=a187be]“Stratya, I expect you to attend Drake’s party and other large-scale events, monitoring the situation closely and reporting any suspicious activity and collecting information just as I’ve asked Wulfric. Instead of sticking to the wall, socialize, become close to people… I have a feeling our enemies are closer than we think, just among us. In fact, if you would like, I think I’d like to inquire about providing you with some magicae hunting objects and a source of information. Do not fret as they are objects whose prices have already been paid… Using magic itself will remain strictly forbidden.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“As for dealing directly with Darryn Fletcher, I suppose we could try to obtain information on what led up to his death, who he spoke to, and perhaps even inquire with this Riona if she knows if the substance she found could be used to trace back to someone potentially.”[/color] 

With a sigh, she looked between them and asked, [color=a187be]“Do either of you have any concerns, questions or suggestions?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Several,”[/color] Wulfric stated. He poured himself a cup of tea, for the first time touching one of the refreshments. [color=ab274f]“Firstly, let me address the Black Rose. You are correct that the enemy is in our midst, and of course, wealthy patrons are supporting the organization. [i]Edin[/i] does, and unless we handle that, how far could our efforts possibly lead us?”[/color] he questioned rhetorically. [color=ab274f]“Calbert Damien is one suspected associate. Alexander Deacon is a known one. Then there are their connections to the Merchant Guild; the legitimate cover they use under an individual named Marciano Giordano,”[/color] he relayed. [color=ab274f]“So, we must establish alliances. We must seek all who would be willing to work against Delronzo. The more the better.”[/color] He paused to sip at his tea.

[color=ab274f]“Secondly, I wish to state that as far as I am concerned, if there is a ‘disease’, or corruption if you will, it is the festering criminal underworld. It is the fact that so many influential members of our society are enabling crime. I do not view magic as evil, to use Anastasia’s descriptor.”[/color] He looked from one woman to the other, then addressed his mother. [color=ab274f]“You are willing to use enchanted items, so you do not absolutely reject magic. Why not go a step further? If we were to train individuals who would judiciously and sparingly use magic when mundane methods fail us, we could more effectively combat the true enemy. The people who would spread unimaginable suffering for enjoyment and profit. People such as Delronzo,”[/color] he stressed.

[color=ab274f]“I am afraid we do not have the leeway to create more enemies. You would destroy those we could use, [i]why?[/i] You would purge individuals based on the nature of their magicae? You would indiscriminately target magicals no matter their actions? Regardless of their potential for [i]good?[/i]”[/color] He laid his palms on the table, leaning closer to the queen. [color=ab274f]“If so, you are overlooking far too much.”[/color] He shifted back into his chair. [color=ab274f]“I believe you should rethink your anti-magic agenda. Against criminals like Delronzo, who gleefully abuse magic, how can we prevail if we are never willing to so much as use a single spell? Where will we get if we keep tossing people aside? People who [i]he[/i] would be more than happy to recruit for his cause,”[/color] he concluded.

[color=ab274f]“Then again,”[/color] he sighed, and drank the rest of his tea. [color=ab274f]“My idea is based on deplorably superficial knowledge of magic. So, why not share your experiences if you are convinced I am wrong?”[/color]

The Captain was glad to find she agreed so much with the Crown Prince. [color=peru]“Your Grrace, I must agrree with Prrince W’rrfrric. Things arre, themselves, scarcely evil. Any tool c’n be used wit’ ill inten’, c’n be used f’r evil. Guarding the tool c’n be tricky, ‘at’s true, but I'm nae keen to be givin’ ourselves such a disadvantage as choppin’ off the ‘and our opponent still ‘as.”[/color] She touched her hand to where a small scar adorned her chest absentmindedly. She'd saved her own life with one, once. A small, but fatal, injury.

Alibeth’s gaze sharpened as she weighed Wulfric and Stratya’s arguments, her voice steady but imbued with a cutting edge.

[color=a187be]“Wulfric, let me clarify. I never suggested we indiscriminately destroy every individual associated with magic. However, those with black and red auras must be dealt with severely. Black auras indicate a deep entanglement with dark magic and cruel intent, while red auras often signify a loss of control that poses a danger to everyone around them. These individuals will need to be executed. As for purple auras, they signify witchblood—these people should be brought to me for evaluation.”[/color]

She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, her tone deliberate.

[color=ab274f]“But you still intend to eliminate individuals because of the colour of their aura. I am not sure about those with a black one, but a red aura signifies only an increased likelihood of addiction, does it not? No matter the colour of the aura, however, it does not necessitate that the person in question is even aware of or using magic. That is why I claim we ought to judge individuals based on their actions, not because of a [i]hypothetical[/i] risk they might represent. Regarding witchbloods, if any are willing to serve us, that would be helpful, but if they are not, I would understand.”[/color] However, Alibeth didn’t comment. Lips pressing together, she moved onto the next point.

[color=a187be]“You’re correct that the Black Rose festers like a disease within our society. Alliances are indeed necessary, but we must tread carefully. Aligning ourselves with individuals solely because they wield power, without considering how they obtained it is a dangerous path.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“You speak of magic as if it were a neutral tool, something that can be wielded for good or ill depending on the user. But this isn’t simply about tools, Wulfric; it’s about the consequences of their use. The Black Rose doesn’t merely use magic—they compel others to bear its cost. Should we do the same, merely to avoid the erosion that magic causes to those who wield it? You propose training individuals to judiciously use magic against such threats, but consider this: who will train them? Who will oversee their actions? And how will you ensure that they do not become the very monsters we seek to eliminate?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Either we find those who can use magic and seem trustworthy, or we will have to oversee such efforts ourselves. There is no ‘ensuring’ anything - even the current system did not prevent Black Rose from taking root, did it? We simply have to implement as many fail-saves as we reasonably can. Since we cannot remove magic from the world, we have to find a way to work alongside it,”[/color] he argued.

[color=a187be]“The current system is one created by your father, so that explains that… I agree with most of your points, but minimizing it as much as possible will remain my prerogative.” [/color]

Alibeth straightened, her voice firm and unyielding.

[color=a187be]“Magic, particularly, isn’t just another tool—it’s a force that corrupts, that seduces even those with the best intentions. You may believe you can control it, that you can use it sparingly and wisely without succumbing to its allure. But history has proven otherwise. Time and time again, those who have sought to harness magic for the ‘greater good’ have ultimately been consumed by it, becoming the very evil they sought to combat. This is why magic is outlawed.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“My stance against magic is not born of fear, but of understanding. I have seen firsthand how it corrupts, how it destroys lives and, more importantly, souls. I watched as it slowly devoured my own sister. I will not allow that to happen here—not to this family, not to this kingdom.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“It is already happening. We should prevent ill-use of magic, even strive for overall minimization of its use, but would not a rigorous system which predicts its limited use as a last resort solve the problems you mentioned?”[/color]

[color=a187be]“Magic nullification spells can assist in solving the problems… However I hope to eliminate it on a large scale.”[/color]

The words were quite a blow to the Knight in the room. Decays the soul? Devoured the Queen's sister... Stratya had known magic was not without a price, but, this… she sat back in her chair, gazing at her teacup.

Alibeth softened her tone slightly, though her resolve remained clear.

[color=a187be]“That said, I recognize the complexities of our situation. My witch hunters, who are often witchbloods themselves, are trained from a young age to control and use magic discreetly. They follow the strict philosophies of their familial ancestors and are allowed to use a limited set of spells within this kingdom, spells I have personally approved. As a compromise, I am willing to share this list of authorized spells with our most trusted guards… ”[/color]

Her gaze slid to Stratya and she offered her a conservative  smile, [color=a187be]“To you, Stratya, if you so consent,”[/color]

Her name lifted her mind from itself, she drew a breath to steady herself, swallowed the lump in her throat. [color=peru]“Sorry, ma’am. I..”[/color] She didn't really want to get into it, and it didn't seem like discussing that old business had any real bearing on the current discussion. More importantly, she'd been asked something. Captain Durmand shook her head once and cleared her throat, resolving herself, [color=peru]“I was rrememb’rrin’ someone I.. think I los’ ta t’ same. I accept, Y’ Grrace.”[/color] A sip of tea, then the last bite of her muffin went into her mouth.

Alibeth rested a hand supportively and briefly on Stratya’s shoulder and simply nodded. 

Wulfric nodded. [color=ab274f]“That is a reasonable compromise. And you mentioned that there is a way to train individuals to be responsible with magic? Is this method effective for adults, as well?”[/color]

[color=a187be]“Witch hunters seemed to have perfected a way to use minimal magic; however I am not well educated on the matter. If you can find Torvi, she may be better able to answer that. Or perhaps if you encounter one of the hunters in the castle or a witchblood at all.” [/color]

[color=ab274f]“I will.”[/color] He [i]would[/i] find the answers he was looking for. [color=ab274f]“One more thing. When you find any magicals, whether amongst the servants or elsewhere, will you try to recruit them first? Let me do so, even. We needn’t rush any executions. For those who are too dangerous, we may even find a way to seal their magic instead.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“Very well, Wulfric, however you must think with your head and not your heart. If I deem them to be stable, I will send them to you to deal with.”[/color]

With that, Alibeth rose. 
[color=a187be]“I will dismiss you both for the Edwards party now… Regarding the King Edin dilemma, I do not know much just yet myself. I plan to confront my husband. Please keep things on the down low until more information is available, as I want to find out if Marek has any blackmail, and if it involves any of us.” [/color]

[color=ab274f]“I am sure he does,”[/color] Wulfric sighed. [color=ab274f]“Father did mention it is ‘too dangerous’ to oppose him. The more pertinent is the information of how we will mitigate those risks while dealing with him as we must.”[/color] He stood soon after the queen did. [color=ab274f]“As you say, however, it is time for the party.”[/color]

Ah, the party! The now-somber young lady had almost forgotten the event she was due for. It had been the first reason she was baking today, though she would have happily made bread just for the Princess’s (or anybody's) bottle ache. [color=peru]“I wouldn't dream o’ speaking of i’, ma’am. Ooh, speakin’ o’ t’ par’y, I think the cinnamon rrolls shoul’ be on t’ rrack by now.”[/color] Thinking about baking helped her find a smile, but also, [color=peru]“I'm gon’ ‘ave ta be verry rrestrrained.. [sub]I c’n ‘ave [I]one[/I].[/sub]”[/color] She was telling [i]herself[/i], of course. She caught herself and her self-directed instruction and blushed just a bit before rising from her chair to excuse herself, [color=peru]”I mus’ check on t’ rest o’ my bakin’. Prince W’rrfrric, I ‘ope you will ‘ave some o’ my breads at t’ par’y. They're delicious~”[/color]

He nodded, and took his leave as well.[/color]