A Court of Judgement

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. Knowing this it feels quite odd to be discussing one's fate. I look below before me at the short gentlemen. He doesn't look as if he could harm a fly. He stares right back up at me, emerald slitted eyes reminding me of my cats. His soft features gentle the expression on his face, I'd say he looks furious, but I'd be lying. Though I'm sure he's attempting to glare it is coming off as nothing more than a pout. Rosy cheeks and skin no different from mine, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between him and a human boy. Well except for those eyes, I'd know those eyes anywhere.

My grandmother used to tell me stories. Stories of how the dragons came to be a part of the Valley, how they infiltrated hiding in human disguises. How they looked more human than even an elf, varying in height and size just as humans do. Having the same round ears, the same blush, the same average appearance. Unlike elves beauty or pointed ears, they were just as plain as we are. The only giveaway is their eyes. Unnatural for a human, hinting at the beast that truly hides beneath the outside. As grandma used to say, "They may look like us El, but keep in mind that we are nothing like them. They can transform into beasts the size of buildings, sprouting wings and scales at will. They are predators and we are nothing but their prey." So why doesn't this small man in front of me grow scales or claws and scratch at the guards that still hold him?

"Grey Underfell, you stand in front of the court today for an act of thievery at the first degree. How do you plead?" The kings voice booms across the grand room. I am lucky to be an advisor on his highnesses court, even if it means punishing those with less.

"I plead guilty." His voice is smooth, but weak. It's shocking that such a small voice silenced the court around me. the usual murmurs subside, and the grand court is completely still. In my year of service, I have never heard the court so quiet. I have also never heard someone admit guilt.

"Ahem, sire how do we precede with the hearing from here?" I see Brigs, lean close to the king voice barely above whisper but almost screaming the void of emptiness. The king is silent.

The same voice from before speaks before the king can respond, "If you wouldn't mind your majesty, if you would allow it, I wish to state my case either way."

"You may."

"I only stole that basket of bread because the baker had promised it to me. I've been looking for work and the baker offered me a position, claiming to feed me the burnt bread in repayment. When the job was done, he claimed he never promised any bread and that he only asked for a favor. When I threatened to take him to court in front of his majesty, he threatened to tell people I attempted to burn his bakery down. I can't even breathe fire sir, though I know people do not know much about dragons and if I were to claim so no one would trust me. I was hungry, so when he went back inside, I took the basket of discards anyway. It wasn't as if he was going to sell them. He planned to throw them out, rather wasteful if you ask me."

"Sire if I may interject, though this is rather wasteful of the baker, how do we know the dragon in front of us doesn't lie?" Brigs is surveying this poor fellow below us as though he'd be a tasty meal. I don't believe his ruling to be completely unbiased either way, there's been rumors about the castle for weeks now. Rumors that mention how Brigs continusly breaks law 74: Dragon shall not be hunted unless premitted with a warrent, just as every other citzen.

"Sir, my majesty, I do hope you pardon my intrusion as well, But whatever would the gentlemen even gain from deciet?" My voice is shaky. I have never been as bold as Brigs, to adress the king without him speaking first. Though this case is as good as any to start breaking my silence.

The king chuckles before his voice booms over the court,"Mm yes, Malicia this is a very good point. Brigs, could you give me any reason the boy may lie?"

"No sire."

"Well then I suggest we charge this young man with nothing more then a week in confinment, however we shall still put so to a vote," The king looks around acknowledging everyone at the table. Truly voting is just a formality, if the king suggests a decision it's most certianly going to happen.

"ALL IN AGREEMENT FOR THE GUILTY TO HAVE ONE WEEK IN CONFINEMENT SAY AYE," I almost forget what the shrill screeching voice sounds like in between decisions. Myres is the court announcer, and he was chosen for his ability to grab our attention. I do not believe that the king cares whether or not it makes our eardrums bleed in the process.

"Aye,"

"AYE!"

"Aye."

The chorus of approval rings out like wedding bells. All except for Brigs, who is pouting in his seat, seem to agree to this propastion.

"IT HATH BEEN SETTLED THEN. BY THE ORDERS OF HIS MAJESTY AND HIS COURT, TAKE THE GUILTY TO HIS NEW QUARTERS."