Mephala's Web II

[Leyyuce]

"Perhaps it would be prudent to continue this discussion behind closed doors, my Lord?" Meeralei suggested awkwardly, recognizing the stupidity of a dancer's advising a Sultan yet desperate to salvage what credit he yet retained. He was thankful that attention had been placed now upon others, of course, though the matters discussed proved too convoluted to easily follow.

[The-Shadow-One]

Helion nodded at the king. "Dismiss all but your close court." He advised. "And deal with this matter.. privately."

[Eltee]

The Sultan, who glowered at most people in the room from his throne, nodded stiffly. "Everyone out!" He decreed in his voice that trembled with rage. "Helion, Adila, Faralen, Turnael, Vera, Laila, Arik, Pharomir, and... You too, dancer. Stay."

At his command, the stunned collection of kings and lords and servants exited the room.

As soon as the doors boomed shut, he stood.

[Avron the S'wit]

Faralen was much too exhausted and petrified to move regardless, so she was much relieved to find that she had no excuse to draw her trembling self up from the floor. She did, however, release an involuntary whimper as she blinked rapidly, trying to clear her cloudy vision of tears. Who could possibly come to the quiet and shy alchemist's defense now? She looked fleetingly, hopefully, at Arik before burying the lower part of her face in her hands.

[JVElEven]

Turnael merely sat on her chair, looking contemplative and a slight bit flustered.

[The-Shadow-One]

Helion sighed and rubbed his eye.

[Deandra]

Adila drew herself up and stood straight, trying her best to look proud and stately. Considering how her day had gone so far, this was not a trivial task. I am in too deep--I can't go back now. My only hope is to go forward and see this through, and hope that justice prevails. Talos help me, Adila told herself.

[Eltee]

The Sultan raised his chin imperiously. "We are going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another." he declared.

[JVElEven]

"I am not a Thalmor," Turnael said blankly.

[Deandra]

"You are--I and several other people have seen it with our own eyes," Adila retorted.

[JVElEven]

"On what occasions? You're never outside the castle!" Turnael shouted.

[Eltee]

"I haven't heard any credible accusations against Miss Faralen." The Sultan observed cooly.

[JVElEven]

"Which is why I claim that 'Lady' Adila is leading a personal vendetta against me as a person, rather than acting for the benefit of the Sultanate, my Lord," Turnael observed.

[Avron the S'wit]

Faralen, with plump tears hanging on her eyelashes, nodded to support Turnael. She wrung her hands nervously in her lap. "I w-would never," she declared to the sultan. "And I n-n-neither would Turnael. Why would we? We're ha-happy here." She lowered her eyes. "I was happy here," the alchemist added, much more quietly.

[Eltee]

"Adila herself has been assaulted within the last day." The Sultan said angrily, tugging at his beard. "And poisoned by the Argonian, in all likelihood... In the most humiating way possible! It is seeming more likely every moment that Lady Adila's vendetta may be justified."

He looked at Faralen, and his expression softened. "You have been a most loyal and beloved member of our court for most of my recent memory, Miss. I don't think that you would plot with the Thalmor."

"Turnael, meanwhile... She handles all of the enchantments in the castle, which have given us an edge in countless conflicts. Plus, she seems to be sleeping with my daughter. I'm not sure whether to be infuriated, but at the least my little girl is a good judge of character."

"Meeralei, now..." He said, eyes narrowing.

[Leyyuce]

Meeralei's anxious and uncertain fidgeting ceased upon the Sultan's accusing him, the Argonian raising his hands as in protest.

"I'm but an entertainer," he reasoned softly, "I've no grievances with any who reside within these walls."

[Eltee]

"You are new to my courts, while Adila, Turnael and Faralen have been here for years and are trusted. Plus, there is only one Argonian in the palace." The Sultan said coldly.

[Leyyuce]

"You're assuming that an Argonian must be responsible," Meeralei stiffly replied, "While a convenient and commonplace conclusion, it is in this situation incorrect."

[Eltee]

"And how did that get into her drink, then?" The Sultan thundered.

[Leyyuce]

Meeralei lowered both his chin and gaze given the Sultan's roar, intimidated as his accuser likely desired.

"I'm... uncertain, my lord," he pathetically contested. "My prior suggestion seems to have been ruled invalid."

[Eltee]

The sultan leaned back in his chair, and rubbed his eyes. "This is ridiculous." he muttered.

[Avron the S'wit]

Faralen only sniffed, bringing the back of her hand to her nose to stem any dampness as she observed the floor before her.

[JVElEven]

Turnael huffed, looking angrily at a piece of meat next to her on the table.

[Powerflex]

Arik breathed deeply and then spoke, loudly but calmly. "Alright," he said, scanning those who remained, "Can anyone think of a reasonable alternative as to how Argonian reproductive fluids ended up in the Lady's drink?"