p align="left"There was a surprising amount of open windows at the trial to decide the future of the relationship between humans and monsters, Cter reckoned./p
p align="left""If I could get your attention, please."/p
p align="left"She tilted down her head from counting the windows opened up on the second floor where was arranged seating a plenty for a supposed audience that had yet to begin pouring in. Maybe that was why there were so many windows open? The human that had called the attention then tried to continue the tour of how the proceedings should begin./p
p align="left"But was interrupted just as his mouth opened again./p
p align="left""The prosecuting side?" quipped Kurant just beside Cter's shoulder. "Why are we to be seated at the prosecuting side?" Her quip turned into a rather-suspicious question which both Kry and Sir Gerson reacted to. Not enough to say anything against her, but enough that the human who had been tasked to inform the monster side of the proceedings noticed. "Wasn't it Xoff who opened up this trial?"/p
p align="left""If I may," the human asked with his deeply tanned forehead wrinkling, "how come you say that this is the prosecuting side?"/p
p align="left""Because from where I was born in Xoff we had proceedings with the prosecution on the right and the defendants on the left," Kurant was quick to answer with confident points that had her robe fluttering from the surgical motions. "It was chosen deliberately to be in opposite of proceedings here in Noitaidarr."/p
p align="left"The tanned forehead's wrinkles smoothed as a pair of thick, black eyebrows sank low over the brown eyes. "And which county would that be, pray tell, Monster Mage?"/p
p align="left""Rekam." There was slight pride in Kurant's voice./p
p align="left""Rekam, east of Egepra?"/p
p align="left""North of..." Kurant leaned into the human's ear while glancing behind her at her colleagues. "North of Kcutsemoh."/p
p align="left"Kcutsemoh?/p
p align="left"Cter turned to Kry with an eyebrow raised. "Not a county Xoffians enjoy discussing with..." he breathed in through his clenched teeth. "With others that aren't natives for...contextual reasons."/p
p align="left""They have pride for it in a way that is difficult for foreigners to understand," Sir Gerson added with an even more hushed whisper to Cter. "Like how us monsters eat eggs with the shell on, in a way."/p
p align="left"Cter wasn't entirely convinced, but she wasn't gonna pry further about Kcutsemoh./p
p align="left"She felt like it was probably not a good idea to./p
p align="left""While I have not been told why the choice was made I can forward any complaint–"/p
p align="left""Observation," Kurant interrupted. "It was an observation. However, we would appreciate it if it was explained as to why we are to be seated by the prosecution's side. If it is what the human side feels is most appropriate then we will go along with it, but if it is possible, then please."/p
p align="left"Already balancing on the fine line between making a point against the humans yet not doing it too abruptly or hard enough to startle them. A smooth, careful convincing was what was needed./p
p align="left""I'll inform my superiors after this then." The human motioned in a half circle with his hand towards the prosecution side. "In any case, the Royal Guards are to be seated at the table with their human witness behind them. The chair that was made for Sir Gerson has been brought from the attic and given a fresh coat of paint and oil as a gesture of good faith."/p
p align="left"The turtle monster's green finger ran across the curved rim of his chair's backrest like he was checking if a glass was crystal. "Been a while since I sat in this," he commented with a nostalgic smile. "Do send my thanks to your carpenter."/p
p align="left""As you wish, Hammer of the Monsters."/p
p align="left"Again Cter's brow shot up, prompting a short chuckle from Sir Gerson./p
p align="left""My title when I was training the Xoff army at the behest of King Asgore's father in exchange that his son would be allowed up Mt. Ebott with his future queen." Sir Gerson looked out one of the opened windows towards the mountain in the distance. "The Hammer of the Monsters forging equality between the many County Generals so that the king would not have to bother with it. Even kings can become annoyed enough that they'd rather someone else deal with their problems."/p
p align="left"The human hummed neutrally. "Not how I see the situation."/p
p align="left""Well," Sir Gerson inhaled his chest filled up, "it's what he told me personally." He dragged an amused chuckle seeing the human's eyes widen. "Wa ha ha. Was only a jest, human." After a beat had passed he smacked his lips audibly. "It was the queen that told me."/p
p align="left"Another neutral hum was exhaled through the human's nostrils. "I see." An exhale that turned slightly startled as the large doors to the court room were opened with great confidence./p
p align="left""You will be seated alongside the defenda..." trailed off from the large, broad-shouldered man that entered first followed by his poncho-like uniform as well as a familiar entourage to Cter. "Oh!" the large man reacted as he noticed that the court room was already busy. His rugged exterior solidified as he noticed the scene he had barged into. "The monsters."/p
p align="left"Cter made sure to catch the rugged officer's eyes as his glanced across the monsters. She held them hard, both through and beside the loose side of her hair down her face. It gave the rugged officer pause for thought, and throughout the length of a long second his eyes narrowed slowly. Cter's sleeved arm clenched, but Sir Gerson slapped it open as he stepped in next to her. "Your aura," he remarked quietly while ordering Kry through a quick look to expand his to cover Cter's. "Don't engage while assuming that the humans set this up, Cter. Keep it in mind though."/p
p align="left""The Monster Mages," the rugged officer greeted after the long second between he and Cter had passed. "And..." he looked around to find someone else, but there were none. "And not the Clinic Hill doctor?" His hands dove behind the long fabric of his uniform. "I was told he was with you."/p
p align="left""Was," Kry acknowledged with a nod and a touch of his glasses. "He was called to give his thoughts and expertise with the remainder of the plague." Before the rugged officer could turn around in response, Kry shook his head. "Not here though." With a calm gesture he motioned with his naked arm to the rugged officer's entourage. "I take it these are the human delegation from Hjearta?"/p
p align="left"Kry was correct in his guess./p
p align="left"Behind the rugged officer stood Terri Fyed, the Royal Mage of Ice at Fenkeep Castle, along with a few other high-ranking humans that Cter vaguely recognized from when she spent time at the court of Hjearta. The ones she recognized had asked her rather-oblivious and borderline-stupid questions about magic and how it worked. That they were attending the trial didn't fill her with confidence./p
p align="left"Hopefully her answers and presence at Fenkeep Castle had sparked enough curiosity that the humans would then go along learning more about magic./p
p align="left"A lot of hopefully was needed though. Perhaps more than she had./p
p align="left"Strangely, one of the humans she did not recognize had an aura to them. An old human. Quite old, in fact. Old enough to be old despite the longevity of a mage's live. Cter had never felt an aura in an old human before. Rasliela wasn't old old like this human was. Who was it?/p
p align="left""That is true, Monster Mage," the rugged officer answered after regaining his composure. Even having seen him without it he was quite intimidating once he regained it. Rugged because he'd been hardened by the events he had conquered, and not because he was your everyday ruffian. There was respect and honor inside him, bursting at the seems of his scars. "They have just arrived, in fact."/p
p align="left"Cter nodded friendly to Terri as he managed to catch her eyes for a moment. His frosted hair made smoke-like streaks in the air as he nodded, and below him the heavy fog of his ice magic breathed out from the icy edges of his robes. He wasn't the Hjearta Royal Mage in his own castle, after all. He had to make a show of his magic while abroad./p
p align="left"Was he told that by Huvett and Huvtvao though? Was he there with them, or was the Royal Butler still at Fenkeep Castle? He was as much human as the Monster Mages were monsters, so surely he was taken along the journey, wasn't he?/p
p align="left"Seeing that Cter had lifted her gaze above the Hjearta delegation with some thought to it, Terri threw a thumb down the hall./p
p align="left"Gotcha./p
p align="left""While I do not wish to be intrusive, I also do not wish to in any way risk any bias between the two sides in the trial tomorrow. It's clear already that there are some...acquaintances already." The rugged officer glanced back and forth between Cter and Terri in a way that implied that there was...something between them? A suspicion that there was something, at the very least. "How much time will you monsters be needing to orient yourself enough for tomorrow?"/p
p align="left"The accusatory tone in his voice was very blatant./p
p align="left"Sir Gerson let that brush past him though like water down his large shell. "We were just about done," he answered the accusatory tone with his own calm, collective tone. "If you feel that it is necessary for the Hjearta delegation to be briefed post-haste then go right ahead, officer."/p
p align="left"A rugged smile was tugged. "It is Field General now, Sir Gerson. It was officer when I met the Clinic Hill doctor and the Fourth Monster Mage though same with the Third Monster Mage during your ice escort, so I do not blame you for not knowing. Communications aren't fully yet what they were."/p
p align="left"Well that was what the trial was supposed to restore, wasn't it? To try and restore communications between humans and monsters so that there would not be war on the horizon? With some luck the rugged Field General would be able to keep his pride over his recent promotion to himself enough that he didn't advocate for war so that he could brandish his new military rank./p
p align="left""We monsters are here to communicate as much as will be necessary." Sir Gerson spoke what Cter was thinking, finishing off with a slight bow. "Since I am assuming that we will not see each other until tomorrow then I wish you all humans well for the rest of the day. All us monsters do." The Monster Mages bowed in unison and then followed Sir Gerson as he walked past the Field General with a respectable distance./p
p align="left"As soon as the large doors to the large, marble court room closed there was a long exhale from Sir Gerson who's hands clenched behind his shell. "All the way up to Field General..." he muttered to himself. "A national hero, in other words. Off the back of his success in reestablishing trade as a motivator but with the event at Clinic Hill as informing the decision." His right hand detached from clenching his left behind his large shell and found a new home on his chin. "We know that he sees the event at Clinic Hill as something to put the monsters to blame for, and if he became a national hero for putting blame on the monsters then..."/p
p align="left"The sound of Sir Gerson's scales crunching hard as his face deepened into worry echoed in the marble hallway./p
p align="left"Echoed enough to alert the Royal Butler at Fenkeep Castle standing at the far end talking with the ghost aide annoyed that the guest was interrupting him opening the necessary windows./p
p align="left""Huvett and Huvtvao," said Sir Gerson under his breath as the Royal Butler approached through the sun-drenched white of the hallway. That he was wearing his ceremonial armor to display himself further didn't help Cter's eyes from stinging. "Frankly I wish I knew how Hjearta will use him tomorrow."/p
p align="right""Greetings, Royal Guards of Jarasevo," the Royal Butler greeted with a deep bow of his two heads. "Allow me to extend to you my deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sund. He was the pride of Hjearta and his death will be mourned as if he was a Royal Mage."/p
p align="left""Thank you, Royal Butler," Sir Gerson extended back on the Monster Mages' behalf. "It is unfortunate that you have to inform us of this the day before we are set to decide whether or not we will be enemies in the near future."/p
p align="left""I say," piqued Huvtvao up from his bow. "And I should also preface that my lot will be with the humans. It would be a disservice to King Asgore should I not continue to be human when needed."/p
p align="left"Huvtvao's words felt strange to Cter's ears. She did not know whether to agree or disagree with the sentiment. Sure, relenting his humanity to be a monster under pressure would reflect badly no matter what happened afterwards, but if there was one situation in all of time that would necessitate Huvett and Huvtvao making a case for the monster it would be to make sure that the humans wouldn't consider the tragedy at Clinic Hill as something more than a tragedy./p
p align="right""I am not prefacing it lightly though. It is something I've spent the entire journey to Noidatarr reflecting upon and going back and forth about." Somewhere far down the castle hallway decorated with paintings and poncho-adjacent armors a large window was opened with a surprising cross breeze. "I am not sure how much I should say about the subject though. I may have said too much already."/p
p align="left"A dilapidated expression flowed from one head to the other as Huvett and Huvtvao's necks retreated into his large body like how Sir Gerson never did into his own shell. The Royal Butler was as conflicted about him being human as he was when Cter had visited Fenkeep Castle. She had helped him with his worries back then, but the worries the trial brought were far, far beyond what he had overcome./p
p align="left""You will only be one human among many," Kurant offered as respite to the Royal Butler. "We will not hold any ill thought to any single human during the proceedings, as we hope will be the same precedent for the humans towards us monsters."/p
p align="left"Kurant preached well even if it was towards the choir. Like spreading the message of not picking on people to a class of Loox./p
p align="left"Huvett blinked towards the large doors to the court room./p
p align="right""I remember feeling something similar to when I was first tasked to be the monster representative to Hjearta. When I was asked to put into practice my research on how humans feel and think differently from monsters. A sense of foreboding and fear against what it would entail for something that was only theorized about to come into light so...blindingly." Huvett's head came up too, blinking just as much against the bright of the castle hallway as he did about the thoughts that flooded him. "I even thought to myself that if I could manage to become a human then surely the theory about the human soul would be correct as I based my research on that. If a later loop in a chain fit then surely what begun the chain would fit too. Can't brandish a laurel without the bay that grew the wreath."/p
p align="left"Both of Huvett and Huvtvao's heads sighed together./p
p align="center""Never would I realize that it would go this far. With me, and with the human soul." Huvett and Huvtvao's brows sank in unison. "There is this legend among the humans here in Xoff. About a human who made wings from a monster friend who passed away before they could find peace with their last wish in life. The monster had wings, but could not fly. Its wish was to touch the sun and bring its warmth back to the surface so that their desert village could have warmth during the nights too. When the monster died, the human made their own wings from the feathers the monster had gifted throughout its life spent as the human's friend. With those wings, and with the monster's wish acting as a strong breeze, the human took flight. They flew up, collecting the sun's warmth as they did. Higher, higher, and higher."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao's necks stretched up higher, higher, and higher. Far up enough to just be a nose's length away from the painted sun on the hallway's roof. His hand rested hard on the hilt of his decorative sword which sheath ran the length of his body./p
p align="center""Alas though, the human collected too much. Too much warmth from the sun which incinerated the wings. The feathers were not meant for flying, after all. They were not capable of holding the warmth the monster wanted. The human plunged down, scattering the warmth they had collected all around the sky. That scattered warmth became the stars, warming the desert village during the night."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao met his own look, realizing that he spook as one. His heads shook on their own, one looking at the court room doors and the other looking back at the monster delegation./p
p align="right""I do not know what happened at Clinic Hill, but I do know that it was from the same reason the human took flight with his monster friend's wings. It was not due to any malicious intent." Huvett's breathed in long and slowly. "However, there is another, more popular angle to the story in which the scattered warmth plunged down with the human, setting ablaze the desert village. Where the flames reached into the sky was how the stars were born in this angle to the story."/p
p align="left""Don't have to say much more, do I?" added Huvtvao./p
p align="left"No, he didn't./p
p align="left""I would caution you against bringing the story up due to the fact that the more accepted and canonized version is the one where the stars are born not out of the final effort of a human's friendship and love towards a monster, but due to the final failure of a human's friendship and love towards a monster," continued Huvtvao in spite of not having to say much more. "It's a cautionary tale to the people of Xoff to not reach beyond what they can reach lest their failures will burn bright for all to see. If my memory don't fail me then that legend was used to protest King Kheydan's ascension."/p
p align="left""Same with protesting Clinic Hill," said Kry low with his brow diving beneath the golden rim of his glasses. "Same with my extended human family arguing against my parents making sure that I lived up to the magical potential I was born with." A sigh that the glasses sliding down his strong nose. He caught them as they reached the tip with two sleeved fingers./p
p align="left"A beat passed by before Kurant took tone with her naked hand rubbing her knee brace. It had squeaked once already while in Noidatarr Castle, but who was there to fix it? "Last night after we arrived I tried to study the stars I could see out the window of my guest room. I tried to discern if they were scattered warmth or holes poked by flames, but I could not see."/p
p align="left"Cter felt like it was her turn, but she wasn't from Xoff. Idyll was, and Cter could recall from Idyll's memories that her parents had told her the burning version of the story when she became a bit too brave with her family's cooking. Cter wasn't gonna mention it though, not in the moment that surrounded her. It would have been a pine cone in a fruit salad at best. A magical snow ball among molten rock at worst./p
p align="left"Sir Gerson keenly picked up on Cter's awkward silence, and he cleared his throat gently. "In any case which of the versions to the legend is true we need to forge ahead something that will work for us and not rely on old legends, be it with bleak or comfortable outlooks. What happened at Clinic Hill must not become that of legend, and that is why us monsters have been asked to present our case tomorrow." He bowed his head deeply. "I am pleased that you are in good health, Royal Butler of Fenkeep Castle."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao bowed back to the Royal Councilors of Jarasevo Castle./p
p align="right""I'll see you tomorrow during the trial then. You have my word and my heart that I will do my all to make sure that the Hjearta delegation will be as fair as can be."/p
p align="left""And then that we will meet the day after tomorrow as well."/p
p align="left"The Monster Mages followed Sir Gerson past Huvett and Huvtvao away from the court room doors where muffled speaking seeped through like hushed whispers. Cter turned to the whispers, reveling in how quiet they were. She knew that she would need to savor the quiet, for come morn, it would be anything but quiet. Come morn she would have to let the world know what the fusion was so that it could forget about it. To lay her soul bare about the bare soul that she had witnessed./p
p align="left"And watched fall down into a blaze brighter than all the stars in the Xoff sky./p
p align="left""If I could get your attention, please."/p
p align="left"She tilted down her head from counting the windows opened up on the second floor where was arranged seating a plenty for a supposed audience that had yet to begin pouring in. Maybe that was why there were so many windows open? The human that had called the attention then tried to continue the tour of how the proceedings should begin./p
p align="left"But was interrupted just as his mouth opened again./p
p align="left""The prosecuting side?" quipped Kurant just beside Cter's shoulder. "Why are we to be seated at the prosecuting side?" Her quip turned into a rather-suspicious question which both Kry and Sir Gerson reacted to. Not enough to say anything against her, but enough that the human who had been tasked to inform the monster side of the proceedings noticed. "Wasn't it Xoff who opened up this trial?"/p
p align="left""If I may," the human asked with his deeply tanned forehead wrinkling, "how come you say that this is the prosecuting side?"/p
p align="left""Because from where I was born in Xoff we had proceedings with the prosecution on the right and the defendants on the left," Kurant was quick to answer with confident points that had her robe fluttering from the surgical motions. "It was chosen deliberately to be in opposite of proceedings here in Noitaidarr."/p
p align="left"The tanned forehead's wrinkles smoothed as a pair of thick, black eyebrows sank low over the brown eyes. "And which county would that be, pray tell, Monster Mage?"/p
p align="left""Rekam." There was slight pride in Kurant's voice./p
p align="left""Rekam, east of Egepra?"/p
p align="left""North of..." Kurant leaned into the human's ear while glancing behind her at her colleagues. "North of Kcutsemoh."/p
p align="left"Kcutsemoh?/p
p align="left"Cter turned to Kry with an eyebrow raised. "Not a county Xoffians enjoy discussing with..." he breathed in through his clenched teeth. "With others that aren't natives for...contextual reasons."/p
p align="left""They have pride for it in a way that is difficult for foreigners to understand," Sir Gerson added with an even more hushed whisper to Cter. "Like how us monsters eat eggs with the shell on, in a way."/p
p align="left"Cter wasn't entirely convinced, but she wasn't gonna pry further about Kcutsemoh./p
p align="left"She felt like it was probably not a good idea to./p
p align="left""While I have not been told why the choice was made I can forward any complaint–"/p
p align="left""Observation," Kurant interrupted. "It was an observation. However, we would appreciate it if it was explained as to why we are to be seated by the prosecution's side. If it is what the human side feels is most appropriate then we will go along with it, but if it is possible, then please."/p
p align="left"Already balancing on the fine line between making a point against the humans yet not doing it too abruptly or hard enough to startle them. A smooth, careful convincing was what was needed./p
p align="left""I'll inform my superiors after this then." The human motioned in a half circle with his hand towards the prosecution side. "In any case, the Royal Guards are to be seated at the table with their human witness behind them. The chair that was made for Sir Gerson has been brought from the attic and given a fresh coat of paint and oil as a gesture of good faith."/p
p align="left"The turtle monster's green finger ran across the curved rim of his chair's backrest like he was checking if a glass was crystal. "Been a while since I sat in this," he commented with a nostalgic smile. "Do send my thanks to your carpenter."/p
p align="left""As you wish, Hammer of the Monsters."/p
p align="left"Again Cter's brow shot up, prompting a short chuckle from Sir Gerson./p
p align="left""My title when I was training the Xoff army at the behest of King Asgore's father in exchange that his son would be allowed up Mt. Ebott with his future queen." Sir Gerson looked out one of the opened windows towards the mountain in the distance. "The Hammer of the Monsters forging equality between the many County Generals so that the king would not have to bother with it. Even kings can become annoyed enough that they'd rather someone else deal with their problems."/p
p align="left"The human hummed neutrally. "Not how I see the situation."/p
p align="left""Well," Sir Gerson inhaled his chest filled up, "it's what he told me personally." He dragged an amused chuckle seeing the human's eyes widen. "Wa ha ha. Was only a jest, human." After a beat had passed he smacked his lips audibly. "It was the queen that told me."/p
p align="left"Another neutral hum was exhaled through the human's nostrils. "I see." An exhale that turned slightly startled as the large doors to the court room were opened with great confidence./p
p align="left""You will be seated alongside the defenda..." trailed off from the large, broad-shouldered man that entered first followed by his poncho-like uniform as well as a familiar entourage to Cter. "Oh!" the large man reacted as he noticed that the court room was already busy. His rugged exterior solidified as he noticed the scene he had barged into. "The monsters."/p
p align="left"Cter made sure to catch the rugged officer's eyes as his glanced across the monsters. She held them hard, both through and beside the loose side of her hair down her face. It gave the rugged officer pause for thought, and throughout the length of a long second his eyes narrowed slowly. Cter's sleeved arm clenched, but Sir Gerson slapped it open as he stepped in next to her. "Your aura," he remarked quietly while ordering Kry through a quick look to expand his to cover Cter's. "Don't engage while assuming that the humans set this up, Cter. Keep it in mind though."/p
p align="left""The Monster Mages," the rugged officer greeted after the long second between he and Cter had passed. "And..." he looked around to find someone else, but there were none. "And not the Clinic Hill doctor?" His hands dove behind the long fabric of his uniform. "I was told he was with you."/p
p align="left""Was," Kry acknowledged with a nod and a touch of his glasses. "He was called to give his thoughts and expertise with the remainder of the plague." Before the rugged officer could turn around in response, Kry shook his head. "Not here though." With a calm gesture he motioned with his naked arm to the rugged officer's entourage. "I take it these are the human delegation from Hjearta?"/p
p align="left"Kry was correct in his guess./p
p align="left"Behind the rugged officer stood Terri Fyed, the Royal Mage of Ice at Fenkeep Castle, along with a few other high-ranking humans that Cter vaguely recognized from when she spent time at the court of Hjearta. The ones she recognized had asked her rather-oblivious and borderline-stupid questions about magic and how it worked. That they were attending the trial didn't fill her with confidence./p
p align="left"Hopefully her answers and presence at Fenkeep Castle had sparked enough curiosity that the humans would then go along learning more about magic./p
p align="left"A lot of hopefully was needed though. Perhaps more than she had./p
p align="left"Strangely, one of the humans she did not recognize had an aura to them. An old human. Quite old, in fact. Old enough to be old despite the longevity of a mage's live. Cter had never felt an aura in an old human before. Rasliela wasn't old old like this human was. Who was it?/p
p align="left""That is true, Monster Mage," the rugged officer answered after regaining his composure. Even having seen him without it he was quite intimidating once he regained it. Rugged because he'd been hardened by the events he had conquered, and not because he was your everyday ruffian. There was respect and honor inside him, bursting at the seems of his scars. "They have just arrived, in fact."/p
p align="left"Cter nodded friendly to Terri as he managed to catch her eyes for a moment. His frosted hair made smoke-like streaks in the air as he nodded, and below him the heavy fog of his ice magic breathed out from the icy edges of his robes. He wasn't the Hjearta Royal Mage in his own castle, after all. He had to make a show of his magic while abroad./p
p align="left"Was he told that by Huvett and Huvtvao though? Was he there with them, or was the Royal Butler still at Fenkeep Castle? He was as much human as the Monster Mages were monsters, so surely he was taken along the journey, wasn't he?/p
p align="left"Seeing that Cter had lifted her gaze above the Hjearta delegation with some thought to it, Terri threw a thumb down the hall./p
p align="left"Gotcha./p
p align="left""While I do not wish to be intrusive, I also do not wish to in any way risk any bias between the two sides in the trial tomorrow. It's clear already that there are some...acquaintances already." The rugged officer glanced back and forth between Cter and Terri in a way that implied that there was...something between them? A suspicion that there was something, at the very least. "How much time will you monsters be needing to orient yourself enough for tomorrow?"/p
p align="left"The accusatory tone in his voice was very blatant./p
p align="left"Sir Gerson let that brush past him though like water down his large shell. "We were just about done," he answered the accusatory tone with his own calm, collective tone. "If you feel that it is necessary for the Hjearta delegation to be briefed post-haste then go right ahead, officer."/p
p align="left"A rugged smile was tugged. "It is Field General now, Sir Gerson. It was officer when I met the Clinic Hill doctor and the Fourth Monster Mage though same with the Third Monster Mage during your ice escort, so I do not blame you for not knowing. Communications aren't fully yet what they were."/p
p align="left"Well that was what the trial was supposed to restore, wasn't it? To try and restore communications between humans and monsters so that there would not be war on the horizon? With some luck the rugged Field General would be able to keep his pride over his recent promotion to himself enough that he didn't advocate for war so that he could brandish his new military rank./p
p align="left""We monsters are here to communicate as much as will be necessary." Sir Gerson spoke what Cter was thinking, finishing off with a slight bow. "Since I am assuming that we will not see each other until tomorrow then I wish you all humans well for the rest of the day. All us monsters do." The Monster Mages bowed in unison and then followed Sir Gerson as he walked past the Field General with a respectable distance./p
p align="left"As soon as the large doors to the large, marble court room closed there was a long exhale from Sir Gerson who's hands clenched behind his shell. "All the way up to Field General..." he muttered to himself. "A national hero, in other words. Off the back of his success in reestablishing trade as a motivator but with the event at Clinic Hill as informing the decision." His right hand detached from clenching his left behind his large shell and found a new home on his chin. "We know that he sees the event at Clinic Hill as something to put the monsters to blame for, and if he became a national hero for putting blame on the monsters then..."/p
p align="left"The sound of Sir Gerson's scales crunching hard as his face deepened into worry echoed in the marble hallway./p
p align="left"Echoed enough to alert the Royal Butler at Fenkeep Castle standing at the far end talking with the ghost aide annoyed that the guest was interrupting him opening the necessary windows./p
p align="left""Huvett and Huvtvao," said Sir Gerson under his breath as the Royal Butler approached through the sun-drenched white of the hallway. That he was wearing his ceremonial armor to display himself further didn't help Cter's eyes from stinging. "Frankly I wish I knew how Hjearta will use him tomorrow."/p
p align="right""Greetings, Royal Guards of Jarasevo," the Royal Butler greeted with a deep bow of his two heads. "Allow me to extend to you my deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Sund. He was the pride of Hjearta and his death will be mourned as if he was a Royal Mage."/p
p align="left""Thank you, Royal Butler," Sir Gerson extended back on the Monster Mages' behalf. "It is unfortunate that you have to inform us of this the day before we are set to decide whether or not we will be enemies in the near future."/p
p align="left""I say," piqued Huvtvao up from his bow. "And I should also preface that my lot will be with the humans. It would be a disservice to King Asgore should I not continue to be human when needed."/p
p align="left"Huvtvao's words felt strange to Cter's ears. She did not know whether to agree or disagree with the sentiment. Sure, relenting his humanity to be a monster under pressure would reflect badly no matter what happened afterwards, but if there was one situation in all of time that would necessitate Huvett and Huvtvao making a case for the monster it would be to make sure that the humans wouldn't consider the tragedy at Clinic Hill as something more than a tragedy./p
p align="right""I am not prefacing it lightly though. It is something I've spent the entire journey to Noidatarr reflecting upon and going back and forth about." Somewhere far down the castle hallway decorated with paintings and poncho-adjacent armors a large window was opened with a surprising cross breeze. "I am not sure how much I should say about the subject though. I may have said too much already."/p
p align="left"A dilapidated expression flowed from one head to the other as Huvett and Huvtvao's necks retreated into his large body like how Sir Gerson never did into his own shell. The Royal Butler was as conflicted about him being human as he was when Cter had visited Fenkeep Castle. She had helped him with his worries back then, but the worries the trial brought were far, far beyond what he had overcome./p
p align="left""You will only be one human among many," Kurant offered as respite to the Royal Butler. "We will not hold any ill thought to any single human during the proceedings, as we hope will be the same precedent for the humans towards us monsters."/p
p align="left"Kurant preached well even if it was towards the choir. Like spreading the message of not picking on people to a class of Loox./p
p align="left"Huvett blinked towards the large doors to the court room./p
p align="right""I remember feeling something similar to when I was first tasked to be the monster representative to Hjearta. When I was asked to put into practice my research on how humans feel and think differently from monsters. A sense of foreboding and fear against what it would entail for something that was only theorized about to come into light so...blindingly." Huvett's head came up too, blinking just as much against the bright of the castle hallway as he did about the thoughts that flooded him. "I even thought to myself that if I could manage to become a human then surely the theory about the human soul would be correct as I based my research on that. If a later loop in a chain fit then surely what begun the chain would fit too. Can't brandish a laurel without the bay that grew the wreath."/p
p align="left"Both of Huvett and Huvtvao's heads sighed together./p
p align="center""Never would I realize that it would go this far. With me, and with the human soul." Huvett and Huvtvao's brows sank in unison. "There is this legend among the humans here in Xoff. About a human who made wings from a monster friend who passed away before they could find peace with their last wish in life. The monster had wings, but could not fly. Its wish was to touch the sun and bring its warmth back to the surface so that their desert village could have warmth during the nights too. When the monster died, the human made their own wings from the feathers the monster had gifted throughout its life spent as the human's friend. With those wings, and with the monster's wish acting as a strong breeze, the human took flight. They flew up, collecting the sun's warmth as they did. Higher, higher, and higher."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao's necks stretched up higher, higher, and higher. Far up enough to just be a nose's length away from the painted sun on the hallway's roof. His hand rested hard on the hilt of his decorative sword which sheath ran the length of his body./p
p align="center""Alas though, the human collected too much. Too much warmth from the sun which incinerated the wings. The feathers were not meant for flying, after all. They were not capable of holding the warmth the monster wanted. The human plunged down, scattering the warmth they had collected all around the sky. That scattered warmth became the stars, warming the desert village during the night."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao met his own look, realizing that he spook as one. His heads shook on their own, one looking at the court room doors and the other looking back at the monster delegation./p
p align="right""I do not know what happened at Clinic Hill, but I do know that it was from the same reason the human took flight with his monster friend's wings. It was not due to any malicious intent." Huvett's breathed in long and slowly. "However, there is another, more popular angle to the story in which the scattered warmth plunged down with the human, setting ablaze the desert village. Where the flames reached into the sky was how the stars were born in this angle to the story."/p
p align="left""Don't have to say much more, do I?" added Huvtvao./p
p align="left"No, he didn't./p
p align="left""I would caution you against bringing the story up due to the fact that the more accepted and canonized version is the one where the stars are born not out of the final effort of a human's friendship and love towards a monster, but due to the final failure of a human's friendship and love towards a monster," continued Huvtvao in spite of not having to say much more. "It's a cautionary tale to the people of Xoff to not reach beyond what they can reach lest their failures will burn bright for all to see. If my memory don't fail me then that legend was used to protest King Kheydan's ascension."/p
p align="left""Same with protesting Clinic Hill," said Kry low with his brow diving beneath the golden rim of his glasses. "Same with my extended human family arguing against my parents making sure that I lived up to the magical potential I was born with." A sigh that the glasses sliding down his strong nose. He caught them as they reached the tip with two sleeved fingers./p
p align="left"A beat passed by before Kurant took tone with her naked hand rubbing her knee brace. It had squeaked once already while in Noidatarr Castle, but who was there to fix it? "Last night after we arrived I tried to study the stars I could see out the window of my guest room. I tried to discern if they were scattered warmth or holes poked by flames, but I could not see."/p
p align="left"Cter felt like it was her turn, but she wasn't from Xoff. Idyll was, and Cter could recall from Idyll's memories that her parents had told her the burning version of the story when she became a bit too brave with her family's cooking. Cter wasn't gonna mention it though, not in the moment that surrounded her. It would have been a pine cone in a fruit salad at best. A magical snow ball among molten rock at worst./p
p align="left"Sir Gerson keenly picked up on Cter's awkward silence, and he cleared his throat gently. "In any case which of the versions to the legend is true we need to forge ahead something that will work for us and not rely on old legends, be it with bleak or comfortable outlooks. What happened at Clinic Hill must not become that of legend, and that is why us monsters have been asked to present our case tomorrow." He bowed his head deeply. "I am pleased that you are in good health, Royal Butler of Fenkeep Castle."/p
p align="left"Huvett and Huvtvao bowed back to the Royal Councilors of Jarasevo Castle./p
p align="right""I'll see you tomorrow during the trial then. You have my word and my heart that I will do my all to make sure that the Hjearta delegation will be as fair as can be."/p
p align="left""And then that we will meet the day after tomorrow as well."/p
p align="left"The Monster Mages followed Sir Gerson past Huvett and Huvtvao away from the court room doors where muffled speaking seeped through like hushed whispers. Cter turned to the whispers, reveling in how quiet they were. She knew that she would need to savor the quiet, for come morn, it would be anything but quiet. Come morn she would have to let the world know what the fusion was so that it could forget about it. To lay her soul bare about the bare soul that she had witnessed./p
p align="left"And watched fall down into a blaze brighter than all the stars in the Xoff sky./p