Spring 50th 703ov

The following afternoon, after my last entry, I met with Zargabaath. The three cargo ships were iced and covered in snow. The afternoon blizzard settled in the tundra as I stepped outside. Even wrapped up like a prized package, the frozen air penetrated my clothed defenses and scalded my skin. But, it was worth the discomfort to see the mighty Odin descend from the clouds to our location, her engines roaring even over the howling wind. I awaited her as her hangar bay opened and a snow speeder skidded out onto the ice - they had come prepared.

At first, I didn't recognize the judge magister as he walked out onto the blindingly bright snow. He had most wisely forsaken his heavy armor for more warm material, and he too was bundled up with a hat on his head and his grey hear tucked against him. However - he still donned the cape, the imperial crest of the magister flowing wildly in the wind. It took him a moment to find me, as I was almost completely covered in linens, but then, he strode purposefully towards me, back straight. Even under the eyes of the volunteer helpers, I didn't care - when he and I collided, I grasped him arm firmly, and his hand rested against back in silent communication.

Thank you for coming -

I know. We'll do this together.

I pointed towards the smoldering crafts of the Atomos, and the elder judge nodded grimly. We trekked to the broken and battered ships, followed by our rescue teams. Black smoke billowed lazily into the white sky, though no flames were licking at the ship anymore. The first of the Atomos crafts was too hot to be boarded, as the smoke laid testament. So, we marched to the next craft. Its twin was lying upright, though the entire back half of the craft was split and slowly ripping away from the main hull.

Zargabaath and I entered first, and cautiously. We pulled the emergency hatch open, and lit our sun magicite. Beams of golden light peered into the smoky darkness. I felt my stomach clench when our light found the first body - a man, burned and blackened within his armor, curled in on himself. Gods. His hands, they reached upwards, as if looking for something, and remained frozen in time, the pain of his movements transcending his own death.

I looked away.

We couldn't get very far into the craft, as the damage made the metal corroded and broken; sharp as blades. I held my light to an interior wall, and shook my head, pointing to a series of marks.

"This damage looks like it came from within, Zargabaath," I cursed, "the blast radius is extending outward."

And that meant, that if blasts came from within all ships, at the same time - it was pre-conceived. It was the workings of someone who not only planned this, but was able to execute the destruction without anyone finding out.

Somebody had executed this plan. Someone with enough knowledge and know how of archadian crafts and military, had done this.

Zargabaath and I shared a grave look, before turning around, and ushering the crew out of the dying ship. We recessed onboard the Odin. I peeled the layers of sweat and grime-soaked cloth away from my skin with distaste, dumping the scarf and outer layers into a waste bin while we gathered in the hangar bay. Feeling relatively more human, I stalked behind Zargabaath, the two of us making haste to his personal quarters.

"I have ill news," he grumbled, sitting heavily in the same chair we'd played chess in. I took my seat opposite him, gazing at the chess board - it was still in the same place we'd left off.

"The Atomos wasn't the only craft to go down last fortnight," the elder judge sighed, brushing his disheveled hair out of his eyes. "Bergan's craft was also attacked. Fortunately, they were docked for repairs and while he was supposed to be on board for consolation, he was with Vayne. His crew wasn't so lucky."

My mind felt numb to the whole situation.

"It appears someone is trying to dismantle Judge Magisters, or at least a good helping of our military," I accused, tired eyes on the chess set. "You've been round' longer. Has this ever happened before? Gods."

"Not to my knowledge. We must compensate immediately."

"I agree," I said, trailing my hand over the board and pieces, "Has lord emperor been informed?" I took my rook and moved it next to my knight. Zargabaath scoffed at me and my attempt to resume the game.

"Of course he has. He recalls us all home, for now. The outer patrols will be maintained by the other higher ranking judges, but not the magisters." Zargabaath reached forward, aggravated expressed compounded in his movements as he moved his queen to take the rook. I looked up at him, eyebrows stretching. In his anger -

"How fairs your keep?"

I trailed my hand over the space my felled rook had once stood and closed my eyes.

"We rescued seventy of the two-hundred. They are being taken care of."

"And Gabranth?"

Looked up at him again.

"We got here in time." A tremor of emotion crawled its way into my voice and I almost grimaced. I tried to quell the feeling, and stared at the chessboard again. I looked up at him, and then back to my hand. I took my knight - the last one, and moved it dangerously close to his queen, distracting it from my poor failing defense.

"Thank the gods for some good news," the man grumbled, "I was worried. I received communication from Drace - she was desperate for information on either of you. I told my comm to alert her to what news we had."

Distracted, he moved his queen to box in my knight, taking the bait. The man reached next to him and withdrew a flash of something - a red liquid sloshed within. He popped the cork and poured himself a glass. He offered me some with a look and I shook my head.

For a few moments, neither of us spoke. I could feel the anger, the disquiet, burning through the elder man and he sipped his wine generously. I stared at the board, the pieces coming into focus and then blurring again as I struggled to grasp my feelings and thoughts. I stared at his king - so noble, etched of glass, but poorly protected as his line of pawns were already mingling with my own. His powerhouses - his rooks, bishops - they too were poised for attack, nearer to my king and felled queen's space than his own. My defenses were waning - if only - I could -

His queen's attention was on my knight. Not my bishop, carefully hidden behind the line of pawns. If I could take his own bishop down - as his anger distracted him -

I lifted my knight, and it felt heavy in my hands. I brought it close to my face, my dirty, human fingernails blemishing the cloudy gray glass piece. The intricacy of the horse's mane was beautiful, though nicked at marred with years of use. Cuts or no, the piece would save his king, if I could just maneuver him with tact. I kissed his noble brow, and took Zagrabaath's bishop.

Zargabaath made a cluck of amusement as he rubbed the wine glass's rim. Without thinking, his aged hand took his queen, and captured my knight. I felt an unpleasant twinge in my right shoulder and I rubbed it absently as the man drained the rest of his glass. I flexed the muscle and eased the tension away.

I nodded, and took my bishop. I claimed his queen and looked up at him. It was not a victory, but it was something that could lead in that direction, save the least.

"Check."

Disbelief -

And then he looked at me, something in his eyes bordering on pride.

"I didn't even see that coming, Feneris."

His comm buzzed to life, startling me. Zargabaath reached for it while I massaged the bridge of my nose and ran a hand through my still dirty hair. The elder man made a noise of acceptance and hung up the receiver.

"We are ordered home. Mother Archades will send recovery ships when the time is more prudent, so says the emperor," Zargabaath stood and moved to his desk. "Let us recall the three cargo crafts back to the hull of the Odin. You can handle this task I prepare for our departure?"

"Of course, your honor," I nodded, and made haste to the bridge.

It didn't take too terribly long to get the three crafts into the Odin's awaiting hangar bay. Now, with more staffing, the first wave of mages and crew could finally rest on our nine hour flight back to Archades. And I could finally shower. It was glorious.

After bathing, and feeling relatively more like a human being than a sweat-soaked monkey, I grabbed onto the guest room wall's stability as the Odin began her accent. I watched outside the thin window, frost creeping up it's frame. Darkness had fallen, and there wasn't much to see as the ship climbed into the snowy night sky.

As the craft leveled off, I started to dress in my formal irons. It was the first time in several days since I'd felt the judge's suit on my muscles, and as I added each piece of armor, the weight grew. It was not bothersome, and actually felt good to my muscles. It felt good to be strong. It was the first time in many weeks the suit was a welcome weight, emotionally and physically. After spending a few days powerless to know if those you cared for were alive, and if you could even find them - the stability of knowing I had power in the suit was a comfort.

As I stood before the bathroom mirror, I added the last piece. The world went dark for a moment as the helm slid over my face, and brightened as my eyes found their purchase. The fearsome face of Judge Magister Feneris glared back at me.

The hallways were a little overcrowded as those healed from the Atomos started to leak out into the Odin. As my metal jingled with each step through the corridors, the people parted immediately. I noted the looks of gratitude and respect afforded to me. I did not acknowledge them. I was back to being a Judge Magister now. Rarely was I without my armor, and now, it was returned. I could physically feel the humanity of my character take second tier to the power and presence of the what made me Judge.

I strode into the healing wing. There were far more mages abound than were available to me during the rescue, and for that I was glad. Everyone was resting comfortably. And older man with reddish graying hair started towards me as I entered the quiet of the sleeping patients.

"My lord judge," he said softly.

"Status?" I asked lowly out of respect for those resting.

The man turned towards the softly lit quarters, raising a hand in the direction of the cots that lined the walls.

"All that you brought onboard are accounted for, and resting comfortably. Some will recover more quickly than others."

"Do you need anything?" I asked, scanning the beds for Gabranth, but not finding him.

"I believe we will be fine until we reach Archades. Then, we will transport those still in need of assistance to a more accommodating healer's chamber," the man supplied, taking a look at his pocket cromo, before placing it back in the folds of his robes. I nodded.

"Judge Gabranth?"

The man pointed towards one of the doors to the left.

"In a private observation room, second to the left."

I made for the door, pausing to ground myself as the Odin hit a patch of turbulence. Equipment rattled in its holdings for a moment, before the craft's course evened out.

For someone bearing dozens of pounds of metal attached to my limbs, I managed to enter the small room relatively quietly, though the rumble of the engines helped mask my approach.

My mentor was on his side, arm up under the pillow and facing the door. The room was cast in blue shadows, and a small yellow light glowed faintly from beside the cot, on the side table.

He looked so small without his armor and blades. Pale against the grey sheets and pale in the dark room. It unnerved me for a moment.

"Feneris…"

His eyes were open as he lifted his head from the pillow. I hesitated for a few beats, then moved forward slowly. I practically towered over the low-risen cot, and looked down at him once I stopped at the bedside.

He didn't say anything, but I could tell he was more aware now than he had been earlier. His blond eyelashes fluttered as he swallowed. He leaned up on his arm and forward.

"Someone tried to kill you," I stated bluntly, the dark words bouncing inside of my helm.

The judge looked away for a moment, past me and into his own thoughts.

"Let us pray we can stop another attempt, should it be made. We are recalled back to Archadia - we will arrive by dawn," I informed him in monotone. For a moment, I remembered the curled figure of the burned man - it could have been Gabranth, just as easily. I closed my eyes and swallowed, knowing that the emotion could go unnoticed in my mask.

I heard the soft pad of fingers on metal, more than I felt it. I opened my eyes and tilted my helm downwards a few more degrees. Gabranth's hand was splayed on the second interlocking piece of metal that shielded my torso, right above my stomach. He traced the intricate carvings and adornments for a moment, before pausing and resting his palm.

"You… you are not the fledgling I left behind," he said quietly, reminding me of Albias, when he said those words before.

And again, I repeated -

"I am a Judge Magister, your honor."

He looked up at me, piercing eyes the color of an approaching ice storm in the darkened room.

"Take off your helm," he ordered quietly. I hesitated, then reached over his hand to my head, and gently lifted the piece away and held it by my side.

"Do you have other obligations before we reach Archades?" he asked formally.

"I must write up the reports of the attack to present to the council, senate, and emperor before we arrive, and I should best contact Drace lest she have my head upon reaching dock," I mulled, tracing my molars with my tongue. "Beyond that, I will have time."

"Then sit," he let his hand fall from me and motioning to the chair poised at the other side of the room.

And so, I sat beside him and waited. For a few moments, nothing was said. But then, Gabranth rolled again onto his side and balled up the pillow, resting against it.

"Tell me how you've been. And tell me about how you're suddenly an esteemed commander -" he paused, thinking, "And tell me how you saved your ships from a Rozzarian Warhead. For Gods's sakes."

And then, something lifted from me. Angst of the past few weeks, maybe. At first, my words were hesitant and cold, but as he just sat and listened intently, it started to poor out. The pressure of command, my concerns with the safety of Larsa (though I left out the Bastieel, and Balthier, for now), and that damned Bergan, trying to be my friend if only to cause tension within the Magisters. I told him about lighter things - some concepts for drawings and ship designs I'd sketched in my spare time, playing chess and other games with Zargabaath. It all just flowed forward, and by the time I had done speaking, I could sense that time had passed. Gabranth hadn't said a word, but his eyes were focused and intent upon me.

I blinked. I hadn't spoken that much with, or better stated, at, Gabranth in… weeks. A small smile claimed his lips.

"I have two things to say - well, three," he said softly, rubbing his scruffy unshaven cheek. "Firstly - I'm sorry I snapped at you; about Ffamran. I know you wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the boy on purpose, though I wish we had brought him back to his father that night. And I'm sorry it took a near death experience for me to get over my own sullen irritation and apologize.

"Secondly - I swear to the Gods themselves, if this happens again, I do believe Drace will murder you and I where we stand. As you start to grasp the intricate politics of Archades, you must realize - we are a team, even if we don't agree politically on the same matters. But we must always talk with one another, and know that business is business and that we mustn't take anything too personally." He reached for me, touching my armored thigh. "I have grown to respect and enjoy your presence among us, Feneris. I find I don't like not having you around, even if you are smaller than the rest of us."

I felt a smirk burn me and I tried to hide it, glancing down.

"And finally-" he said softly, "I'm very proud of you. We… are equals, now. In every way."

I looked back up to him, blinking rapidly to subdue the sudden burn of emotion that crawled its way through my gut. A look that I rarely saw on him crossed over his features. I don't know how to describe it, only that it's the most at peace I see him. His eyes relax and his frame eases. I wonder if this is what the man called Noah was like before he was made Magister.

"Thank you, your honor," I said quietly.

Behind us, the door whooshed open. I turned to Zargabaath entering the small room.

"Gabranth," he said not unkindly, removing his helm. "I am most pleased that you are safe."

"Indeed," Gabranth replied, "And I and my fleet are in your debt."

"Thank us both," he motioned to me, "Without Feneris's fierce determination, you would have all perished before the Odin could even have gotten here." He came forward and placed a friendly hand on my shoulder. "We need to start hashing out reports soon. Would you rather do it now? Or rest first?"

"Now, would be preferable, while its fresh in my mind," I told him.

"Then, I will order some dinner for us and have you meet me in my quarters shortly," the elder man suggested, nodding to us both before striding out of the tiny space. I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to scatter the feeling of foreboding that had taken residence in my chest. The rustle of sheets pulled me from my thoughts and I made a sound of protest as Gabranth swung his legs over the edge of the cot. I jerked back to avoid hurting him with my sharp knee points on my armor.

"I will accompany-"

"Absolutely not. I forbid it. You need to rest-"

"I am your teacher-" he growled.

"And you just told me we are equal did you not?" I smirked. He glared at me, hunched over while he gripped the edge of the cot. We stared at each other for a moment, a battle of wills. Then, the eye contact broke as he glanced at my torso and armor, before coming back to my eyes. He lifted a hand quickly, and I flinched involuntarily. The movement made him wince, as if reminding him of the rift that had come between us these last weeks. More slowly, he reached for my head. His fingers ran through my hair affectionately and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to savor the sensation. I'd always loved the feeling of fingers against my scalp. My father had used to braid my hair when I was younger, and I always enjoyed the simple touch.

Gabranth's hand came to rest at the base of my scull, and he leaned forward, touching me as safely as an unarmed man could a magister. His temple brushed against mine and we sat like that while leaned forward, in a Judge's embrace, for several minutes, just breathing.

"I'm so glad you're alright," I whispered softly.

"As am I."

Afraid I'd cry, I stood , his hand sliding down my ear and neck as I rose. I didn't look at his eyes, but I pulled the chair back to the other side of the room and replaced my helm upon my head. Protected, I turned back to him. I pointed wordlessly to the pillow. A flit of a smirk could be seen before he leaned back obediently against the mattress. I grabbed his shoulder quickly and squeezed before turning and exiting the room.

Zargabaath and I mulled over our reports for hours that night, and eventually, I chose to relax against his office's couch and take a brief nap before we landed in Archades. I woke about an hour away from the capitol by the annoying buzz of the comm before he could grab it from its cradle. Exhausted, but awake, I pulled out this book, scribbled as much as I could remember, and now we are upon Archades.

Let us pray we can find the culprits behind these acts. If it is Bastieel, then my hand will be forced. I will not allow my emperor's military leaders to be cut down like cattle. I will make contact with Balthier as soon as I have time away from the prying eyes of Vayne and the Archadian guard.

It will be good to see Drace again, as well.

Spring 52nd 703ov

It was good to see Drace again, though at first, impersonally.

Gabranth was not strong enough to bear his armor, so when we docked, he stayed onboard the Odin until the Archadian Grand White Magnus could see to him, on Gramis's orders. Thus, it was Zargabaath and I who marched into the imperial chambers. Drace was awaiting us, with Larsa at her side. Larsa abruptly ran past his guardian to me, clinging to my lower leg like a lonely pup.

"Lord Feneris! I was so worried! Drace told me everything," the young prince gasped, wringing my hand.

"She did?" I asked, amused.

"Oh yes," the elder female judge's voice carried to me as she strode forward. "We were most concerned. Lord Larsa and I are visiting Gabranth onboard the Odin." I nodded and the little boy sped past towards the docks. Drace was considerably slower, and grabbed my arm.

"We will speak later. Gabranth…?"

"We talked," I supplied.

"Good."

And that was that. Zargabaath and I were ushered into a private conference with Emperor Gramis, followed by council with Gramis, Ghis, Bergan (whom, for the most part, didn't seem too concerned with the death of most of his men), a select few senators, and Vayne. We went over every detail, deliberated over a course of action, and argued for hours. Literally, hours. Against my will, I felt my body grow heavy and my eyelids turn lead. I fought the battle as well I could.

At long last, Gramis seemed to become aware of our exhaustion, mine in particular. We were given recess from judgeship for a the afternoon and evening. I praised the Gods.

Zargabaath and I parted ways, I stumbled to my quarters, stripped everything in a heap on the floor, and collapsed in my bed.

It felt like no more than moments had passed before I heard knocking on my bedroom door. I opened an eye and cursed, considering for a moment pretending to be dead, but then sighing and lifting my body from the mattress.

I stumbled to the door, opening it fully and leaning heavily on the frame.

"Drace. Gabranth. To what do I owe this delight?" I groaned, squinting. "Why is Gabranth even up walking around?"

"I'm not dead, you know," he huffed, crossing his arms over his simple black shirt and dark sleep pants. I glared at him, stretching and arcing against the doorframe with a squeak.

"I was making some soup and bread for him in his quarters, and we thought perhaps you'd join us," Drace invited, jabbing a finger in the air in towards his cabin. I scratched my chest through my thin black undershirt and winced, feeling exhausted and disoriented. Glancing at the chromo, it was only early evening, and I'd slept bare more than a few hours. But, then again, it had been a long time since I'd spent time with the two judges, and I missed it.

"Let me - find clothing," I grumbled, moving stiffly back into my room towards the closet. Sliding the door over, I reached into my drawers and grabbed blindly for sleep pants and a thicker shirt, dressing disorientedly and then moving back into the common room. They had already left, and I winced as I walked into the bright corridor.

I fumbled with the universal code and stepped quickly into Gabranth's quarters. Gabranth decorated sparsely; the majority of his personal affects were half read books left open on the coffee table and counter, with papers and parchment spread around them. He was sitting on his own L-shaped couch in mirror formation to my own, sipping a mug of seaming liquid. He looked to me when I entered, and then was distracted as Drace made an irritated noise from the kitchen as she prepared her meal.

I wasn't particularly hungry, which was odd. I think I was simply too stressed out. I sank heavily into the couch across from the elder judge, my head lolling as I worked the kinks out of my neck.

"Here," Drace said, handing me a cup of soup as well, with a hunk of bread. Sadly, nothing in the world looked less appetizing and my stomach rolled at the thought of food. I swallowed.

Drace sat beside Gabranth and chatted comfortably about something Larsa was doing during his tutoring while sipping her soup. Gabranth leaned towards her with interest, and I could practically feel the relief coming off of Drace in waves.

It was then that I pondered the nature of their relationship in earnest. There was chemistry, but I had never seen either act upon it. Closeness, intimacy of space, gentle touches. But - never an open hug, or hand on arm. They acted like best friend to best friend, while both having crushes upon each other, but never acting upon it.

I sipped on my soup, and tried to looked entertained in their conversation for sake of recreating the normalcy we hadn't shared in the past few weeks. Things felt more normal after an hour or so, and it was hard to believe a few days ago a situation like this would have been awkward as hell with my friends.

I set the mug and bread down on the table as Drace chattered on, hoping she wouldn't notice my lack of appetite. The sound of her light banter and occasional chuckle from the lower voice slowly undid my wakefulness, and I was content to doze. However, I lost my sense of control when I faded into complete unconsciousness.

And I was dreaming - only I didn't know I was dreaming. I was locked in the dying Atomos while men screamed and burned and died. I was trapped here, along with them, and I was going to die with them -

"Feneris!"

My eyes flew open and I inhaled sharply, disoriented.

"Its alright," a disjointed voice said to my left. The low rumble of thunder shook the air and I tried to swallow, my throat dry. Gabranth was beside me, I was leaned up against his shoulder while he read a book. Drace was nowhere to be seen.

"I - how long have I slept?" I rasped, quivering. Gabranth set down his worn text to the coffee table and, very unlike Gabranth, slid an arm around my smaller frame, rubbing my shoulder.

"A few hours. You were out cold. I didn't want to wake you. And…" he paused, trying to find the right words, "I didn't mind having you here after these past weeks."

"I'm glad you only like me for my twitching sack of unconscious self," I murmured, but allowed myself to lean against him. It felt good. I rested my head on his shoulder. That felt good too.

"What are we?" I asked softly.

"What do you mean?"

"Are we pawns? Are we just flecks of flesh and blood, here and then gone, and what? For nothing?" I lifted my hand up and bunched it into a fist before allowing it to relax. "Someone told me that I was meant to be here, and it was decided before I was even born. I… I don't think I like that concept, Gabranth."

I could almost feel him frown.

"Who told you that?"

"It's a long story."

I felt him lean towards me, his breath on my brow as his cheek rested gently against my head.

"You can trust me."

And there in lay my dilemma. Gabranth? Yes I could trust Gabranth. Or rather - Noah - the human part of Gabranth. But if Vayne over heard, or learned of my actions…

If Gabranth was forced to choose between my intuition and the order of the emperor, I knew what that outcome would be. I sighed softly, and let myself doze against him for a while, evading the topic.

A while later, I grew sore from being balled up, and stood, shakily. Gabranth followed as I wobbled to the front of the cabin, blood sugar low and causing me to feel faint. I winced, and turned around to find myself staring at Gabranth's darkly clad chest. It rose and fell evenly, mesmerizing. A loud clamor of thunder shook the building and I don't know if I moved forward or he did, but soon my nose was buried in his chest and his arms were tight around me.

It was safe.

"I don't want to leave this," I heard my voice rumble, completely without my consent.

"Leave what?"

I pulled back, and looked to the side.

"I like feeling like the world isn't entirely on my shoulders, and there's somewhere safe to hide away for awhile." I looked at him quickly before my gaze darted away. "Thank you."

He didn't say anything for a few moments and I wondered if I'd overstepped my boundaries. I winced at my lack of control, wishing I hadn't said a word, and turned to go. But, I felt his hand on my shoulder. It slid down my bicep to my forearm and finally, my wrist. He thumbed the light switch by the door, casting the room in darkness. He tugged gently upon me and pulled me to the left. Blinded by the lack of light (I'm dearly photosensitive - a bright flash or loss of light and I'm hopelessly without sight for several minutes), I followed without question. He led me and released me, pushing me downwards. I stumbled and sank into a mattress. Had I been more coherent and not quite so stressed out, I might have found the situation awkward, but; he was beside me so fast I didn't have time to think. And then, all of the world was just warmth. He slid an arm under the pillow my head rested on and bushed my cheek gently with his nose. And it was then, that I was lost. The rain, the clean smell of him, the soft of a real bed, and for once not questioning anything but just accepting that I was in fact alright for the moment - it was good. It was a release. It was sanctuary.

I woke first that following morning. I was on my stomach, and Gabranth was rolled away, breath rattling in even pushes of his back against my side. A dim light filled the room, and still it rained, the sound almost lulling me back to sleep.

Gabranth's bed quarters were like mine, only more naked of personal affects. My eyes searched the room and I found that other than oddly scattered books, some cleaning oil for metal, and a set of pens, it was nothing but an elaborate dormitory. But - there, on the dresser - from one of the handles, dangled a necklace, with a forged metal bird, wings upwards. It glinted faintly in the dim light. I glanced back to my bedmate, whom had apparently allowed me to steal most of the black sheets during the course of the night as they lay wadded up beneath me.

I rose and climbed over him, managing not to wake him. I stretched silently, feeling and hearing several tendons pop. I leaned over my companion, pulling the covers back over him and smiling gently as he stilled his movements.

I padded into the hallway and made haste to my own quarters - I wasn't so sure I wanted all of Archades to know about my sleeping habits.

And when I returned to my room, my comm light was beeping - I had received a message sometime that evening. I hit the receiver and waited.

"Dear Judge, it's your friendly neighborhood sky pirate," Balthier's voice drawled over the static of the comm, "And I need to see you soon. It seems we'll need some close watching over you and your kin - I can tell you that the judges are in danger." Well, obviously, as two of their ships were attacked, I thought grimly.

"Oh - and I fear that your fatherly Zargabaath is the next target, courtesy of my father."

I froze.

"Let us meet tomorrow in Lower Archades, plain cloths. (a sigh,) things are getting terrifyingly complicated."

I had about an hour before my first court session today, and I wrote all this down in an attempt to calm my nerves.