(Untitled)

[faceofjustice]

At the appointed hour, the Keep’s doorways would reveal only alien black halls to Anna and Kevas. Beyond the threshold, the Headsman waited, his axe is at the ready. They were dangerous, this pair, and he would strike at the smallest sign of resistance. It would end it all far more quickly

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[lucky_breath]

Aht is here, naturally. Kevas should've known she wasn't going to stay away. It would take an entire army of Gutrals to tear her away. She's at the fence, tense and willing herself not to cry while she waited for the first sign of Kevas.

These people didn't know it yet, but she was ready. She made sure her knives were extra sharp (or as sharp as she could make them) and her mace was tucked away safely. They weren't going to hurt him. Not while she was alive. And unrestrained.

[stillseecracks]

Xanth attends the punishment, too, but for the very opposite reason: he's here to see Kevas suffer. Vie died at his hands and lost things more permanent than her life - that bracelet wasn't coming back.

But Xanth spots a little horned girl looking antsy. She's, what, ten? At the oldest? This is no place for someone so young, so innocent. Xanth steps up to her and crouches to her level.

"H--Hey," he says. "I'm... I-I'm Xanth. What-- w-what's your n-name?"

[lucky_breath]

Aht's ears flick when she hears Xanth approaching. She turns to look and flashes a brief and obviously forced smile, before looking back out on the green. She didn't want to miss Kevas coming out. It might be an opportunity to set him free.

"My name's Aht." Don't you try to stop her, Xanth. This is a girl on a mission.

[stillseecracks]

Xanth returns the smile, though his is just as forced.

"O-Okay, A-- Aht. Uh. Y-You... you pr-- probably sh-shouldn't be here." The smile drops from his face. "Th-they're... gonna h-- hurt people."

[lucky_breath]

"I know." And she doesn't even bat an eyelash. Hurting people? She's seen that before. Her home world was at war, and she helped fight. And besides, Granorg was pretty infamous for its public punishments. Vanoss couldn't watch her all the time.

The minute she spots Kevas, the little thing looks ready to vault over the fence. But patience. Patience. Now wasn't the right time. She's not sure how much longer she can wait though.

That first scream will be her catalyst. She'll try to scale that fence before anyone can grab her. Just hold on, Kevas, your childthing is on her way.

[mutedmother]

Before Aht can get very far, Jael grabs her around the waist and shoulders and pulls her back, trapping Aht's arms to her sides.

Jael had been heading towards her anyway, worried about her watching the punishments. Now she was glad she had reached Aht before she could do anything stupid and potentially get herself in trouble.

[lucky_breath]

The minute Jael grabs her, Aht begins to wriggle. "No! Let me go! I have to help him! Please!"

Please Jael. Let her go. She can't take listening to Kevas scream like that. Not when she could help him. "KEVAS!"

[mutedmother]

No can do, Aht. Jael tightens her grip so Aht can't wiggle out of her arms. She tries to bodily lift Aht and turn so Aht can't see Kevas' suffering.

She winces as the screaming makes her ears ring. She's still not going to let go until she knows Aht isn't going to rush the fence again, or the punishment has ended.

[lucky_breath]

"KEVAS!"

Jael's tightened grip keeps her from escaping and she can't see anything anymore. But she won't stop fighting. Not until she wears herself out.

"Please let me help him! Please!" Her pleas are starting to dissolve into sobs. She's crying on your arms, Jael.

[mutedmother]

Jael feels terrible when Aht starts crying, but she still doesn't let go. Jael leans forward a bit so her restraining hold is more of a hug, but still doesn't loosen her hold.