The wind howled outside the Wayfarer's Inn, its icy breath creeping
beneath the door like an uninvited guest. Othorion Sha'evlas pulled his
cloak tighter, the weight of the moment settling over him like a heavy
fog. Inside, the warmth of the inn contrasted sharply with the storm
beyond, and from the east, the sound of merriment drifted through the
air laughter, clinking glasses, the kind of peace that existed only
when justice was someone else's burden. 

Yet justice had come calling for Othorion this night. 

Near the entrance stood Ghaoshen'ite, The Great Crystal Wyrm,
Jurist of Kwainin, of the Crystal Court. Her gaze, calm as still
water, rested on him with quiet scrutiny.

"I have a job for you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet
carrying the weight of authority. "I do not know if you have the stomach
for it."

Othorion met her eyes, searching for any hint of jest. He found none. 

"Greetings, Great Crystal. I will consider the proposition."

Ghaoshen'ite inclined her head. "I need a competent solicitor to defend
the accused, Broukai. He is currently detained and awaiting arraignment." 

Othorion raised a brow. "A defendant charged with breaching Zandreya's
gifts?" He traced a thoughtful finger along the shaft of his staff.

"Surely, you do not ask a Cloth of the Mother to stand in defense of one
who has wronged her?"

 "Exactly."

A quiet chuckle escaped him. The request was bold-almost absurd.

"You understand, this is a tall order," Othorion mused, his voice laced
with careful neutrality.

 Ghaoshen'ite smiled, though her eyes remained keen. "Correct. And who
better to do it?" 

Othorion exhaled slowly. To defend the accused was to place himself in a
delicate position-one that would require absolute impartiality,
even in the face of his own faith. He would be the accused's voice,
not his judge. And the precedent this trial set could ripple far
beyond its walls.

"The case will define how the Realm tolerates such experiments,"
Ghaoshen'ite continued. "If he is guilty despite your best defense, the
Crystal Court will stand on stronger ground to act against future crimes."

 Othorion nodded, the weight of responsibility settling deeper upon his
shoulders. "May I take a day to consider? I wish to consult the Mother
and ensure this does not conflict with my duty to Shalonesti."

"Of course." 

His mind swirled with questions. Would the Elves perceive his role as a
betrayal? Could he serve the law while honoring his faith? He turned his
gaze to Ghaoshen'ite once more.

"If I am to do this, I must remain impartial. To that end, I would ask for
an official statement. Something I can present to the Senate to clarify
that my role is one of legal duty, not political or religious alignment."

Ghaoshen'ite gave an approving nod. "I would require it."

Othorion felt the first seeds of resolution take root. There was more to
consider, he would need to speak to the accused, understand his mindbefore the prosecution twisted its narrative.

"Can I be taken to where he is held?" he asked. 

"Seek the bounty hunter, Locke. But you may not speak with him before
accepting the assignment."

 "Then allow me at least one message," Othorion said firmly. "Tell him:
'Answer no questions until you have proper representation.'"

A moment passed before Ghaoshen'ite gave a small nod. "Permitted."

"You will be compensated thirty jeweled eggs, and another thirty

should you secure an acquittal."

Othorion shook his head. "I will not require payment. If I accept, it will
be a trial for myself as well." 

"You must be compensated," she countered. "Otherwise, it could be argued
that you did not try in earnest."

Othorion exhaled a soft chuckle. "Then the sum will be donated to a
cause I deem fit." 

"The Natives of Tropica," she suggested, "or the Church."

"Perhaps." He dipped his head in agreement.

Ghaoshen'ite's gaze softened, but her tone remained steady. "When you
are ready, I will swear you in."

Othorion gave a final nod, before leaving.

As he stepped into the cold wind outside, he whispered a quiet prayer
to Zandreya, seeking her wisdom in a trial that would test not only
his faith, but his very sense of justice.