(Untitled)

[faceofjustice]

At the appointed hour, the Keep’s doorways would reveal only alien black halls to Anna and Kevas. Beyond the threshold, the Headsman waited, his axe is at the ready. They were dangerous, this pair, and he would strike at the smallest sign of resistance. It would end it all far more quickly

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Kevas

[faceofjustice]

Upon spotting him, the Headsman nodded once at Kevas and then once at the wheel before turning and leading the way through the black hall and onto the green.

Kevas could wait, follow or attack. It made no difference. His choices were between the wheel or death.

[drinkuntilidie]

Kevas wasn't going to run nor would he fight. He knew he deserved this so there was no point to it. However, he would meet this with some measure of pride. Fully clad in his armor, Kevas followed behind the Headsman with his head held high. For his credit he showed no fear for what was about to happen to him.

It took considerable effort not to look towards the crowd. He knew Nel and Talia would be out there, but right now he wouldn't be able to meet their eyes.

[faceofjustice]

The Headsman turned the wheel, bringing one of the higher shackles low enough that a wrist could easily be bound into it. Then he turned and stared Kevas down before pointing at the troll's right hand and beckoning him forward.

[drinkuntilidie]

Kevas stopped for a moment, rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, and took a breath. He just needed a moment to prepare himself for what was about to happen. It wouldn't be like this was the first time he was tortured after all.

"Alright let's do dis," he said, and stepped towards the Headsman.

Anna

[faceofjustice]

When the Headsman found Anna he regarded her quietly. This one had for a long time gone unpunished, but no more. He nodded towards the table atop the scaffold and motioned with his axe that she should follow as he exited the black halls onto the green.

[tigressina]

When he found her, she's terrified, pressed against the wall, hands flat on the wall. She was obviously unwilling and the urge to flee was incredibly high.

However - running from the consequences of her actions isn't something that Anna has ever done, and is something she will never do.

So, with her head held high, she followed, hands in fists at her sides.

[faceofjustice]

The Headsman moved to the table and paused, looking back to Anna before nodding to the table. The clasps for wrists and ankles would suggest she lie on her back, that the Headsman might lock her in.

[tigressina]

Anna is suddenly struck with the urge to once again flee, the contents of her stomach threatening to upset. Breathing comes in short pants, and Anna isn't sure she's going to be able to cooperate.

She hesitates, and looks over her shoulder.

[thii2ii22tupiid]

Welp, there's a punishment, so Sollux is there to watch it. Right up by the fence, of course. He's not sure what any of the punishments offered are, but so far these have always been entertaining. Maybe he'll get to see blood this time!
He looks more bored than eager, though. Nothing here ever turns out quite right.

[tvntrsdreadwolf]

He's had to piece together what's happening from things he's heard- the note, unfortunately, had been unreadable- but it's enough. Punishment for crimes. Even without the details, that much is universal.

Fenris stands at the fence, hands tight around it. Just looking at what's laid out on the other side, he knows it's probably going to sicken him, but better to watch and know than be ignorant.

[lucky_breath]

Aht is here, naturally. Kevas should've known she wasn't going to stay away. It would take an entire army of Gutrals to tear her away. She's at the fence, tense and willing herself not to cry while she waited for the first sign of Kevas.

These people didn't know it yet, but she was ready. She made sure her knives were extra sharp (or as sharp as she could make them) and her mace was tucked away safely. They weren't going to hurt him. Not while she was alive. And unrestrained.

[stillseecracks]

Xanth attends the punishment, too, but for the very opposite reason: he's here to see Kevas suffer. Vie died at his hands and lost things more permanent than her life - that bracelet wasn't coming back.

But Xanth spots a little horned girl looking antsy. She's, what, ten? At the oldest? This is no place for someone so young, so innocent. Xanth steps up to her and crouches to her level.

"H--Hey," he says. "I'm... I-I'm Xanth. What-- w-what's your n-name?"

[lucky_breath]

Aht's ears flick when she hears Xanth approaching. She turns to look and flashes a brief and obviously forced smile, before looking back out on the green. She didn't want to miss Kevas coming out. It might be an opportunity to set him free.

"My name's Aht." Don't you try to stop her, Xanth. This is a girl on a mission.

[stillseecracks]

Xanth returns the smile, though his is just as forced.

"O-Okay, A-- Aht. Uh. Y-You... you pr-- probably sh-shouldn't be here." The smile drops from his face. "Th-they're... gonna h-- hurt people."