The After Math (Closed - You know 9/21 ~ 9pm)

[Victor Castell]

The hall was a bloody mess by the time Victor arrived, escorting his sister back to the great hall where an hour ago they’d been feasting in her honor. The guards - those loyal to Sterlyn, Severne, and Castell - had been rounding up anyone and everyone still in the castle. Nobility, servants, the night’s entertainment. None were trusted. Victor’s group consisted of himself, and his sister, along with Fletcher, his guards. Ozzie was bringing up the rear with Aurelia and their prisoner, the ever weakening Raine Lorterra. Evelyn had done a number on the old hag with the dagger.

Others were still in the hall when they arrived, those with strong loyalties to the King. Victor approached Alrik, but his eyes were searching for Matthias, wondering still why the fucking lord had abandoned his sister while she was injured. “Your wrist will need tending too Evelyn. I want the best doctor in the castle to look at it.”

“Your Grace. I believe the fighting is over.” He motioned behind him. “Osric has a package for you.”

[Osric Severne]

Ozzie put a steadying hand under Lady Raine's arm, but it just happened to be the one attached to the shoulder where Evelyn's dagger had done its damage. Leading her forward, he kept his expression neutral, in sharp counter-point to the king's. Releasing her elbow, he bowed to Alrik, then removed the gag from the old woman's mouth as Victor had instructed him to do a moment before. Ozzie stepped back, and out of the corners of his eyes, he surveyed the state of the hall. Whatever he might be thinking of the horrific scene, his face was flat, as he focused his attention on the king.

[Donovan Castell]

Donovan, still alert and rather tense from the events that had just transpired, finally made his way back to his cousin. Being a knight had its perks in that he was actually allowed in -- He'd serve as one of Victor's guards. He walked in, his eyes first scanning the room, and then they settled on Victor. Hands clenched at his sides, he approached and opened his mouth to speak when he saw Evelyn. Relief washed over him at first at seeing her, but then concern when he saw that she'd obviously sustained an injury. "Gods, what happened?" he asked, his cold expression transforming for a moment.

What a horrible night this had turned out to be, but he couldn't even begin to imagine how this was for Evelyn. Her wedding day and here she was injured, the attending party either panicked or injured -- some would never be the same. Some wouldn't make it to morning... Tonight would be one they would all remember no matter how they wished to forget. He closed his eyes, the look of anger returning. Castells cut down, brutally murdered... This was not going to go without payment... Donovan wanted Raine Lorterra's head, but it was not his to ask for. So he would bite his tongue as he always did and let Victor do the talking.

He looked back at Victor, seeing the tale-tell signs that Donovan didn't exactly have all the pieces to this puzzle yet. He could wait. He was a very patient man, after all. Standing back, slightly behind Evelyn, he crossed his arms and played the part he'd been born and bred to play.

[Matthias Ashpool]

Once Matthias had made his way out of the catacombs, the entire event that played out was like walking through a nightmare. It was already too late by the time he got there, and to Matthias' horror, he picked his way through the carnage. How he got back to the main hall was a blur; he vaguely remembered stepping over bodies, checking the pulses of a few as he made his way, hearing the death rattle; randomly coming to a scuffle with a few fleeing guards and dispatching them quickly; there were people littered everywhere, hiding, fighting, crying. Dying. It was madness.

Matthias had checked the numerous rooms that sprang up along his travels, finding nobles who had sought refuge in private chambers. Banding what he found together, Matthias led many of them out of their sanctuaries and down the hallways, hoping to make his way to the great hall. By the time he arrived, the loyal guards were already dispersing people into separate chambers and those that were injured into the makeshift infirmaries. He searched desperately for Rowan and the girls, trying to make sense of it all, helping where he could with what little he could do.

It was when Matthias heard that Alrik was gathering the Province Lords in the great hall that he began to come out of his daze, and made his way to the scene of the crime. Most of the bodies were being removed and laid out, and the search was on through the rest of the castle for the hidden injured or those that tried to escape. The only reason Victor Castell hadn't noticed Matthias within the room was because the younger man was keeping very quiet, not a word slipping from his mouth, as he stood a few feet from the King, surrounded in an arc of loyal Sterlyn guards. He knew he'd be accosted upon entrance, but instead of binding him, the Sterlyn guards remained by his side, their eyes all over his movements. Matthias remained silent, his eyes downcast. He didn't know what part they intended to peg upon him during this fiasco, but it was best not to incite anything.

Upon seeing Evelyn enter the room, Mattias glanced up, happy to know she was fine, but concerned now as to the whereabouts of Aurelia. He would have moved to her side, but he was restrained from crossing their distance by his bevy of guardians. Instead, he hoped she'd catch his eye.

[Evelyn Castell]

Evelyn nodded. "Victor I thank you for your concern. I can stand the pain a little longer. I know it is important that I be here, my testimony must be heard while it is fresh in my mind. Has mother's...body been seen to?" Her voice caught when she spoke the last words. She didn't want her mother's body here, in this carnage. She wasn't going to show any emotion, she couldn't show weakness. Some people might think her cold and unfeeling, but that was the Castell way. The healer who had met them at the door, was Cynthia Sterlyn. The girl had forced a foul smelling drink on Evelyn and she had whispered that the drink would ease her pain for a short time, but not dull her senses.

Her heart lifted when Don came into the room. She was so very happy that he was alive and well. She was a little frightened for Ramira, but then again if Ramira was truly injured he would be with her. "Don, I am alright, it is just a broken wrist. The tale of how I came by it will come to light soon. Do not fret." She smiled warmly at her cousin.

[Alrik Sterlyn]

Alrik, still holding Cedrik's hand, glanced over at Victor's approach. By the name of Ursai, this place was a disgusting mess, but he wasn't planning on leaving until it was all said and done and he sure as hells wasn't letting go of Cedrik's hand either. Just behind Victor was the damnable bitch Raine, who was responsible for everything.

There were still many people left behind in the hall and now they all seemed to be coming out of the woodwork since that the arrows ceased: the province lords, and other select few, including the trusted guards. How had they never seen this coming!? The bitch had orchestrated the largest slaughter the history books of Forsilvra would ever visit, and nobody had ever seen it before it arrived on the doorstep.

Why?! What had ever possessed this woman to do such a thing?! At least one thing was certain: a lesson was learned. Women are just as deadly as men, given the right tools.

Alrik knew this was no place for ladies, least of all Lady Evelyn Castell. Raine's bitch-ass would just have to wait her turn. Alrik glanced over at Osric, his eyes clouded was hatred and anger. “Gag her until I'm ready to ask her what I need to ask,” Alrik instructed, the fury evident in his voice.

“Lady Evelyn. This place is not for ladies. So, if you would be so kind as to provide us with a brief account, we'd be glad to hear it. Whatever you feel easy telling us and then you can be out of this room,” Alrik finished, his voice soft, as if he were speaking to his own sister.

[Christopher Mallory]

Christopher did not know why he was asked to stay, but he wasn't about to question or argue. More than anything, he wanted to find his sister and his cousins, but he trusted Edmond to take care of the family and would just have to wait patiently. He stood a bit off to the side next to Theodoric Severne who kept looking at him as though he had something to say but kept thinking better of it. He didn't look confrontational or angry though, so Christopher wasn't worried. In fact, he could be mistaken, but at one point, he saw the Province Lord smile in his direction.

He looked over at the Castells. He didn't much care for any of them, but he did feel a touch of pity for Evelyn. He once or twice debated offering his help -- A healer he was not, per se, but he was certainly skilled enough in sciences and had experimented more than a few times. He could pass as one, certainly. That reminded him... After this, he'd need to seek out Ambrosios. He figured anyway that Victor would rather cough up a lung rather than let Christopher help his only sister. Donovan looked like he hadn't had quite enough blood either, so he'd hang back.

Raine Lorterra was brought in and Chris felt the bile rise to the back of his throat. Many people had died today because of her. His sister had almost died. She was gagged but he couldn't help but continue to glare at her, even as Alrik asked Evleyn to begin her account of what had happened after she was dragged away.

[Theodoric Severne]

Theodoric had returned quickly after having saved Fallon, Rowan, and Lyneth. He had been quick to tell Alrik that Fallon was all right, just a little scuffed up. Her pride was hurt more than anything. The little scuffed up part he knew Alrik still would not take well... Hells, why should he? Theodoric was rather furious about it himself. But there justice had been carried out... All of the men involved were being gathered up, dead like they should be for thinking to harm ANY woman in that manner. Things had calmed down considerably now, but were far from over.

At least there was some good news. The crown was safe. Alrik was alive and Cedrick was unharmed... Thank the gods for that. He looked over at Christopher Mallory. Before he had not thought much of the man... if at all. Some banner lord from Svavel -- Not too ostentatious... Rather to himself, which was fine. A lot of people were like that. But he never really pegged the man as selfless either. It didn't matter though. At this point, his good friend's son was alive and well thanks to this man, and that made Mallory one of his favorite people at the moment.

When he spotted Raine, all thoughts about the bright side were washed clear from his mind, and he could only focus on ripping her head off. How dare this woman remove his sister and his cousin from a room to allow gods knew what to happen to them by the hands of her lecherous guard? He wanted to rip her heart out now and step on it in front of her... But he had to remember that Alrik was in charge here and that his friend would take care of her the way she deserved. He just had to be patient.

[NPC Knight]

“Your Grace,” A voice called out across the hall. Sir Tarry, one of Alrik’s guard, strode into the great hall, carrying the body of a teenage boy. He approached the King, choosing not to wait for the King to acknowledge him. The information was too important, and Alrik was wise enough to understand that. “I was chasing one of the traitors when I stumbled across this body laying on the banks of the river.” He set the body down in front of the King. Instead of out place, the body appeared to belong in the hall that was already littered with corpses.

“The face is chewed beyond recognition, but the clothing...” He trailed off. The clothing was clearly House Lennox, clearly nobility, clearly that of a young heir. He didn’t need to say anything else.

[Rollo Letalis]

Killing men was a nasty business, one Rollo didn’t like to attend to. He’d been fortunate, though, and thanked the Gods for their mercy that he wouldn’t have to pay for his sins yet. He had managed to escape from the madness unwounded, which was a feat itself. In the end, he’d had to kill a few men, but it was in self defense. Looking around, he saw a few living souls, but most of the bodies in the room were of the departed. It sickened him a little bit, but he tried not to show it.

Rollo lingered over by Rex, watching the people who were in the room. Most of the people were gone now, and it was clear to him that the guards had been clearing out the lower houses. Rollo wanted to leave the room and go back to his quarters, but he would stay until the king was done and Rex was free to go. He glanced over at Raine, and frowned. While he couldn’t understand doing something like this, he did feel a bit of sympathy for her childhood. Rollo doubted he would be sane if he had gone through what she had been, but then he wondered why the Ashpools hadn’t kept a closer watch.

At the presentation of the young body, Rollo turned away, unable to handle looking at the tiny, broken and sad body.

[Evelyn Castell]

Evelyn nodded at the King. "As you wish your highness" She then recounted word for word everything Raine and said and done. She skimmed over the part that included Aurelia, she wasn't going to air the dirty laundry in front of the King, especially without talking to Victor first. "I do not know why Aurelia was involved. I will leave her to tell her side of that story." She was getting ready to take her leave when the Knight brought in the tiny broken body. Her uninjured hand flew to her mouth and she turned on her heel and buried her face into Don's shoulder.

"I think I would like to take my leave now." Her voice was shaken and clearly disgusted. It was one thing to see the dead bodies of men littered around her but it was another to see a mutilated body of a child.

[Donovan Castell]

As Evelyn recounted her story, the rage and anger continued to build up behind his well practiced look of un-emotion. His blue eyes were cold, unfeeling, but if one looked hard enough they could see the hate. Not only for Raine Lorterra, but for Lord Ashpool. If Victor was not already thinking it, Donovan would seriously have to discuss with him the possibility of a divorce. He could not fathom leaving Evelyn in such an environment with a man callous enough to leave his new bride with such an injury -- Especially when that new bride happened to be his beloved cousin. Where was the ass anyway?

His eyes tore away from Raine and he looked at the knight carrying the small body in. When in his sights, the calm, collected demeanor changed instantly. Few things could break his outer shell and truly shock him. This would be one of them. His eyes widened, his mouth partially fell open. It was easy to discern, after a moment, who the child was and despite his feelings towards Devin and House Lennox, he never would have wished this on anybody's child. His stomach began to churn from the disgust and uneasiness of it all.

Instinctively, he reached out for Evelyn, holding her face against his shoulder so she wouldn't look. "Victor..." he whispered, his other hand going around her to hold her.

[Fletcher Leiham]

Fletcher tried to be silent, hiding against the wall, and listened to the tale being retold. How many people had he killed, he never counted, nor did he care. He knew Victor would take care of the lot of 'em, getting revenge for their losses, but his mind was also wandering elsewhere. His mother and his wife were both in that dining hall and he'd yet to hear a word from either of them.

He'd done is duty and rushed off behind his lord, his best friend, but at what cost? You would think that knowing your wife was with child should have kept him there at her side. He scratched his head, and then folded his arms.

What a fucking mess ... Now a Lennox boy was added to the roster of bodies. This was getting to be a bit much, the amount of damage each house took was beyond anything he could have ever imagined. His fear for Lorrella's well being had just grown tenfold.

[Osric Severne]

Ozzie had stood off to the side, having replaced Raine Lorterra's gag as ordered by the king. His expression did not change as Lady Evelyn recounted their tale and when the guards brought in the body of the Lennox heir, his eyes flicked to it then quickly flicked away. Life was brutal, even to children. The sins of the father . . .

He focused again on the king, his stomach growling unexpectedly. He had been too preoccupied earlier during the actual feasting to eat. Now he found he was famished.

[Aurelia Whitstone]

Hearing Evelyn’s tale was too much for Aurelia, even if the Castell girl had breezed over her involvement. It didn’t matter. The details flashed before her eyes again, all of them, the daggers, the torture, Matthias.... it was like one long stream of memories that came to her in random orders, some more intense, others less so. Her eyes traveled from Raine, to Ozzie, to Matthias and then to Evelyn, the five of them a part of that horrible moment deep under the castle.

She breathed deeply when Evelyn finished and then stepped up. “I’d like to leave as well.” The body of the young man only added to her discomfort, and she wanted to be away from.. all of them.

[Mason Lennox]

Mason had taken his customary position next to the king, listening to the Castells before them speaking. He'd only taken an arrow to the arm and he'd patched it up as quickly as he could. He was so glad that Isadore had stayed at the temple, she was out of harms way and would not have to know about the situation until it was clearly over.

The knight who brought in the body, however, had gotten Mason's undivided attention. The boy was from his family, faceless, deceased, and desecrated. He stiffened, looking away, and biting the inside of his cheek. He made a quick mental list of all the young men of his family and came up with only a few names.

He could feel disgust welling up at the back of his throat, how repulsive.

[Victor Castell]

So the male line of the Lennox family had been run through. An interesting turn of events. Victor felt nothing for the dead boy or the father who had also perished. He glanced at Matthias - they would need to have some words about the proper treatment of his sister. Or maybe he should just end this little deal, considering House Ashpool had nothing to offer now.

“So the Lennox’ are traitors and dead for it, Your Grace. What do you wish to do with her?” He glanced towards Adeine. Somewhere out in the palace, her daughter also still lived.

[Adeline Lennox]

The guards had found Adeline not too far from Samer's body, clearly the one responsible. They had grabbed her and escorted her to the hall, but they were careful not to be too rough with her - she had just killed a bannerlord after all, who wanted to trifle with that? Plus, word had spread quickly on Devin Lennox's fate.

They stood towards the back of the hall, waiting to be summoned. Unfortunately, this was soon before Garrick's body was brought in. Adeline knew immediately, and no matter how strong she was planning on being throughout this questioning, the tears began to fall. But as she listened to Victor's words... she had never quite bought into House Lennox's hatred, sure, the Castells were ruthless, but one could say that about many houses. But right this moment, she hated him more than Devin every could muster. How dare he? Victor was far too smart to fall for this half-assed frame up, wasn't he? Well, she started to pull it together, if only because she'd need to defend herself and her husband's reputation... even if only in retrospect on his part.

The guards had been planning on waiting patiently until summoned, but if Victor was going to point them out.... one of them cleared his throat. "Your majesty, my men found this woman standing over a dead bannerlord... with this sword." The sword was still bloody.

[Ysolda Sterlyn]

Ysolda had escorted Devin to the infirmary... it was only a formality, really, but she couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Then, the summons came to Hugo and their sons from Alrik, and Ysolda decided to come along. It was no place for a Lady, true enough, but Devin was asleep from the pain brews the healers had given him, and Cynthia was busy helping the healers. There was no place else for her to be right now.

And she was glad she was there, too, when Victor started running his mouth about her brother and being a traitor. It took all she could not to blurt out some choice words for the man, but stopped herself. Being proper was terrible sometimes. They brought forth Adeline, bloodied up, but soon enough Ysolda noticed it was not hers at all. She had killed Samer Rassent? On another day, she might have been surprised, but right now, she understood. Ysolda had wielded a sword herself in the protection of her children today, and not many who knew her would have seen that coming.

Adeline would testify truly, Ysolda knew this. If the King did not believe her, well, maybe then Ysolda would have to do some improper blurting things out. She had seen Samer direct those 'Lennox' troops with her own eyes, seen his sword go into her brother's stomach.

[Alrik Sterlyn]

By the gods, it was getting worse by each passing minute. “Please escort Ladies Evelyn and Aurelia out. They shouldn't have to see any more of this,” Alrik said after the Lennox boy's body had been presented. He tightened his jaw, trying not to let any of his emotions be revealed upon his face.

“Remove the body,” Alrik said, his voice low. “Place him on the Forsilvran Pride. We will take him back to Orqua for proper burial,” he instructed. Alrik uttered a silent prayer for little Garrick Lennox as he held tight to his own son's hand. He glanced over at Christopher Mallory. It seemed things were coming together in the worst way possible.

And now, Lady Lennox was being accused of treason? “Let's not jump to conclusions,” Alrik snapped, trying to keep his voice calm. They had to sort things out, and sort them out correctly. “So far as we know, Raine Lorterra is the only one who has proven her guilt accordingly. I will not have false accusations flying about, tarnishing names that might otherwise be innocent.

“Take Lady Lennox to a secure, and comfortable, location. A library. She is not to be touched otherwise. I will speak with her later,” Alrik said, giving his guards explicit orders.

“Now, Raine,” Alrik said, turning to the older, still gagged woman. “I would call you lady, but seeing how you've managed to tarnish that title, you are no longer worthy to be referred accordingly. It's obvious that you are responsible for the heinous atrocities that have been committed here tonight. If you would be so kind to advise us who else you plotted with in order to carry out these diabolic schemes?” Alrik inquired, nodding to Ozzie to remove the gag. The bitch had to speak, after all.

[Christopher Mallory]

For the first time since Raine was brought in, Christopher's eyes darted away, locking on the body that the guard had carried in. He froze -- Every ability he had to think clearly was washed away as he stared at the faceless corpse of who was quite obviously Garrick Lennox. But that he was a Lennox hardly factored into his mind. All he could think about was his own son. He clenched his teeth together and tore his eyes away, unable to look anymore. His eyes instead fell upon Adeline Lennox. To lose a son... He would not wish that pain on anyone, but that her husband also lay dying could only expound on such grief.

When Victor spoke of their treason, Christopher almost snapped back to attention, ready to defend their name. He was glad Alrik's words beat him to the punch for Christopher's tone would have been much more venomous. He knew how one would jump to those conclusions if one took everything at face value, but that Alrik was able to stand back and look at it objectively, was willing to wait for the facts to come to light before passing judgement to Adeline was exactly why Alrik made a far better ruler.

He turned back towards Raine. At this point, allowing her to speak would only allow for lies to pour from her lips. But sometimes, even the truth could be plucked from a lie, and Alrik was no fool.

[Raine Lorterra]

Raine looked up at Alrik and only laughed, “Really, Alrik, as you’re not worthy of the title of King either. That crown belongs on the head of a Lorterra. That crown should have been my brother’s and his children and them after. No, you’re the one who who had tarnished your title. Do not expect words from me. I have no desire to tell you anything except that your family brought this upon yourself for their arrogance to think they could rule where a Lorterra should have.”

She laughed again, her eyes filling with madness. It was the end for her. She knew that. But she would find a way to go down with a bang.

[Alrik Sterlyn]

He peered down at her as one might look down at a cockroach after crushing it beneath one's heel. That's all she was. Vermin that defiled the ground simply by crawling on it. Same old story, it seemed. He deserved to die because he was not the rightful king. That's why everybody deserved to die. She had arranged this to start a revolution, to raise her name back up. Well, she had failed miserably. "Ah, Raine," he started. "It is a pity you think so. I hardly think the crown would look good on your head once it has been removed from the rest of your body. If you have nothing left to say, then I no longer have any use for you." With a nod to his guards he said, "Take her to the dungeons. Be sure she is guarded at all times. She is to wait there until her execution."