What Is Justice?

During Niiman evening, on the 9th day of the month Phoenatos, two Vaalorian elves enter Malwith’s Inn in Ta’Vaalor, order a few drinks, and seat themselves at a table. Sitting alone at her own table nearby is a Nalfein elf holding a quill and a sheaf of parchment, appearing to be completed immersed in whatever it is she is writing. The Vaalorians sip their wine in silence for a few minutes, their thoughts the same as most everyone in town, echoing what they had heard two nights prior:

“Let it be known that the trial of Lyrna on charges of murder, high crimes against the state, and treason will be held the Day of the Huntress, the tenth day of Phoenatos at ten in the evening as the elves tell time. The trial will take place in the meeting hall in Wyvern Keep. Due to the seriousness of the charges, the trial will be open only to full citizens of Ta’Vaalor.”

The older Vaalorian is the first to break the silence, “This trial is a farce. She is charged with treason among other things. Everyone I know of who has spoken to her says she does not deny her guilt”

“But Legionnaire!” says the younger Vaalorian, “I’ve heard she was under magical compulsion. That makes the case far from simple”

The Legionnaire replies, “And just what do you think you know, Squire? There have been issues following Lyrna around her whole career. Never could she stay out of trouble, even during her century. But the fact that she was raised by Faendryl to infiltrate the Fortress and the Legion? She may have been cleansed of that Faendryl taint by the High Priestess, but that doesn’t mean it gave her honor. Doesn’t mean she’s one of us.”

“She may have been raised to hurt the Fortress, but she’s fought to protect the Fortress, same as you and I.” The younger man retorts, “I’ve seen her risk her life like any good Vaalorian to safeguard this town. Should be we just forget that?”

“Shouldn’t forget it, but doesn’t make it right that she’s here.” The Legionnaire returns with annoyance, “And she says she had spells on her. Even if she did and her will wasn’t her own like she says, she still gave away our secrets to our enemies, attacked a High Legionnaire, and endangered Our Sovereign on multiple occasions. She pulled in others to help her and risked their lives to help her too. Even if all those spells are gone and her mind is her own, she still did those things. But if it wasn’t of her own will, it MIGHT be forgivable.”

“So then you don’t think she should be charged?” the Squire asks, sounding slightly confused.

“She still did the crimes, Squire.”, the Legionnaire replies sharply. “And as bad as anything else was the fact that she failed to report the danger she presented. She put the lives of everyone in the Fortress at risk. You can’t do that and not expect there to be consequences”

“I still think there’s more to this than we know,” the Squire replies.

“Well, that may be,” the older man says as he finishes his drink, “But it’s not for the likes of either of us to decide. They’ll be deciding it tomorrow, whatever the case. And we’ll be back here drinking either way.”

“I’m glad I don’t have to try to figure it all out,” The young man finishes his own drink.

“Me too,” the older man slowly agrees, ” Me too.”