“So… I have to pay a fine?”

While Jay spoke, Dys continued to scan the document that Vraekae had presented to her, reading and rereading sentences that seemed to have been purposefully designed to maximize their obtuseness. Legalese was not a language Jadis excelled at, and the archaic terminology used by a millennia-old continent-spanning empire wasn’t helping.

“That would be the outcome if I choose to go by this reading of the law, yes,” Vraekae answered as she slowly stirred a concerning amount of sugar into her tea. “However, before I am willing to accept the terms of this punishment, I wanted to confirm with you on how you would like to proceed. This case will likely set precedent for future interactions between the imperial legal system and Demon kind.”

The three of Jadis sat with Vraekae in her manor’s office, discussing Cobbler and the events of the attack made against the Fortune’s Favored compound. It was late in the evening, and the two had just finished off one of Han’s meat pies between them and were enjoying some imported tea. Jadis thought the fruity mix tasted a bit like mangos and was quite good, but apparently Vraekae liked a lot more sweetness to her tea than she did. That, or Vraekae’s pregnancy had given her some cravings.

While Jadis was having some trouble with overly formal and legal nature of the documents the magistrate had presented her with, she understood the gist of what Vraekae had explained to her well enough. Essentially, the legal status of a Demon was on the same level as a wild animal or magic beast. You could own one with the right permits, but they were heavily regulated. Any damage that they might do was the responsibility of the owner, and the punishments were usually quite harsh when it came to Demons getting loose.

In Cobbler’s case, she was technically within her designated holding area. She didn’t break out; someone else broke in. Therefore, the blame was solidly on the attackers who had entered the area without authorization. That said, Jadis and Fortune’s Favored hadn’t exactly been following the prescribed standard containment protocols that were typically required with Demons. If the magistrate was inclined to do so, a lot of penalties could be levied against Fortune’s Favored because of the unimplemented precautions and not following protocol. But the magistrate in this case, namely Vraekae, wasn’t interested in pursuing those charges. There were still some penalties that had to be applied, for the sake of evenly applied justice if nothing else, but those were for relatively minor infractions that would amount to little more than a mildly expensive fine. Ultimately, the blame for the death of the rioter was on the man himself.

“I’m not familiar with imperial law,” Jay said slowly as her other self continued to examine the paperwork. “I’m not going to pretend I know all the ins and outs. But my guess is, you are implying that if I accept this outcome now, it’ll be harder for me to argue later that Demons deserve the same rights as all other imperial citizens, correct?”

“Essentially, yes,” Vraekae confirmed. “By accepting this penalty applied to your company for the mismanagement of the Demon that was under your care, you will be reinforcing the premise that Demons are not free-thinking entities capable of making their own decisions, but instead chattel that has no legal standing beyond what the empire has assigned to them.”

Taking a sip of her heavily sugared tea, Vraekae raised a delicate eyebrow as she regarded Jay.

“I presumed that you would not be pleased with that stance.”

Jay sighed as she leaned back in the large chair that Vraekae had commissioned especially for her.

“Yeah, I can’t say that I’m happy about it, no. Then again, I’ve already been working within the empire’s rules and definitions for a while now. I even had to put that stupid band on Alex for a while. Wouldn’t it be better to just take the fine and move on for now? I could always worry about fighting legal battles later, when I have fewer pressing matters fighting for my attention.”

“That is an entirely reasonable response,” Vraekae agreed. “It is not unheard of to switch your stance on a position later. You could even argue your need for expediency during the demonic invasion forced your hand on the matter.”

When the blue elf paused to sip her drink, Syd leaned forward on one elbow to focus her attention on her.

“But you think I’d be missing an opportunity, don’t you?”

“Why do you believe that?”

Jadis smirked at the response. It was exactly the kind of leading question that her father used to ask when he was trying to teach her or her brother about some new concept. While Jadis was the first to admit that she wasn’t the best at long-term critical thinking, she did still try her best. That effort was why she already had an answer to Vraekae’s question.

“Self-defense is a legally permissible reason to take a life,” Jay pointed out. “Again, not an expert on imperial law, but I did confirm that much with Severina. Defending yourself or others against the imminent threat of death is not only lawful but also encouraged by Valtar’s scriptures. And if the assailant is killed in the process, that isn’t a fault of the defender, baring clear and provable evidence that the defender was seeking to take a life, rather than simply protect themselves. I’m paraphrasing, but that’s how the law works, isn’t it?”

“Yes, you are correct,” the elf nodded in agreement.

“That being the case, if Cobbler stands trial the same as any other imperial citizen would in a case of self-defense leading to a death, she’ll be setting a strong precedent. If she wins, it’ll be a landmark case that proves that a Demon has the right to defend themselves, which is crucial to having all the same rights that everyone else has.”

“And even if she loses the case,” Dys added with a frown, “it’ll still be a strong precedent, because it would mean that the court was trying her the same as a citizen, not treating her like property. That could make a big difference in future arguments.”

Vraekae’s implacable expression showed the tiniest bit of surprise as she examined Dys.

“I am glad to see that you are thinking broadly. I had worried you would shrink away from such ideas for being too ruthless.”

“It’s a totally ruthless thought,” Dys agreed. “And I would never want things to go that way. But I’m not blind to the idea. I can’t afford to be ignorant, even if I’m an idealist.”

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“Am I missing anything?” Jay asked after a short pause.

“You have overlooked one consideration, yes,” Vraekae tapped a slender finger against her desk. “Before any laws regarding Demons would be altered, those changes would needed imperial approval. Right now, you have the favor of Emperor Somerulf. You are not guaranteed to have the favor of his successor, whoever that may be.”

That was an excellent point. Jadis had nearly forgotten that the succession to the throne was on a very real time limit. Somerulf was exceedingly old, and he wasn’t likely to be around for much longer. At the rate the demonic invasion was going, Jadis wasn’t certain that he would still be alive to see its end. Considering his willingness to give Alex her “pardon” and essential freedom to be an unrestricted person, Jadis felt like he was at least open to the idea of non-hostile Demons gaining citizenship rights. His sons, however…

Hraustrekr would never go for it, Jadis was certain. The first prince was cold to the plights of people outside of the empire. There was no way he’d be open to the idea of amnesty for Demons.

Kestil was a less certain proposition. Perhaps if he saw a reasonable benefit for himself, he could be convinced. Then again, he seemed just as likely to find advantage in some other way. Maybe he’d turn non-hostile Demons into tools to be used by businesses, no better than slaves. It was a dark thought, but Jadis knew that the sly prince could be ruthless when he saw reason to be, and the possibility of owning a force of sleepless, ultra focused laborers who you didn’t have to clothe or feed and could potentially live forever was a definite reason to be ruthless.

Pausing her own thoughts, Jadis realized that she might be attributing a negative impression to Kestil that he hadn’t earned. Really, when she considered it carefully, it was Samleos who had made the Demons the way they were and had led them for their entire history to be no more than a slave race who followed his will and no other. Would others do the same, given the opportunity?

Some people would, Jadis figured. But she hoped that neither of the two princes who had the potential to sit on the throne of the empire would do so.

“I’m not sure I can get things to the point where Somerulf will pass any favorable laws before he… passes,” Jay said with a deep frown. “One successful court case wouldn’t be enough, I don’t think.”

“It would not be, no,” the magistrate agreed. “However, it would be a step in the right direction. The favor of an emperor is not something to sit upon and wait, Jadis. Just as with the masses, such favor can be mercurial. It is best to strike while you have an advantage, not to wait until those who view you kindly have had time to cool, or for your detractors to gain their own support. Be decisive.”

“So, you think I should go for the court case, not the fine?”

“I see the merits in both positions,” Vraekae demurred. “I simply wish to make you fully aware of the possibilities laid before you.”

Tapping her own fingers against the armrests of her chairs in a unified concert of percussion, Jadis considered Vraekae’s words. She also saw the merits of both actions, but she felt as though she was missing an important detail. Tilting her heads to the side, Jadis realized the point she was overlooking and immediately felt like an ass for doing so for so long.

“Whether I want to go for the court case or not is ultimately beside the point. The real question is, what does Cobbler want to do?”

Vraekae stared blankly at Jay, her expression a mask of icy calm. Jadis stared back, her own stubborn determination rearing its head as she refused to blink first. Eventually, there was a small crack in the façade, a minor movement that was barely perceptible. Jadis caught it regardless, and she narrowed her eyes at the other woman.

“You thought about this already, didn’t you?” Jay pointed at the ghost of a smirk that had flitted across Vraekae’s lips. “What the fuck! You totally did, didn’t you?”

“Of course,” the elf replied without a hint of shame. “What would be the point in fighting a battle in court that could change the fate of an individual’s rights if that individual did not care about their rights?”

“Okay, another good point,” Dys conceded as she set the paperwork down on Vraekae’s desk. “I guess I better ask Cobbler what she thinks. It’s going to take me some time to explain everything to her, so you’d better take me to her right away.”

“No need,” Vraekae said, motioning for Jadis to stay in her seats. “I have been discussing the court proceedings with Cobbler almost daily, thanks to the services of several trusted priests. We have already come to a consensus.”

“You have?” Jay asked in surprise. Leaning back in her seat, she looked Vraekae up and down. “I… that’s great! I mean, I’m really glad to know that you’ve been treating her like a person. Not that I thought you wouldn’t, I just… I’m really grateful.”

Vraekae gave her one of those looks that told Jadis that she had said a little too much. Taking a trio of deep breaths, she started over.

“I’m glad to hear that you and Cobbler have already been discussing all of this. What does she want?”

“She stated that she would prefer her case go to trial as a self-defense, rather than accept a chattel fine. However, she also stated that she would defer to your judgement in the matter.”

“My judgement?” Jay asked, surprised twice over. “Why me?”

“Cobbler sees you as a figure of authority. She has faith in your ability to judge what is best.”

“I… that’s a heavy weight to put on me, you know that, Vraekae?”

“I do,” the magistrate nodded solemnly. “It is better that you feel the gravity of the influence you have now, then find out later at an inconvenient moment.”

Knowing what Cobbler wanted didn’t change Jadis’ opinions, but she felt her decision cement in place. Taking the easy way out was never her way of doing things, not when the path to do what was right required hardship. If Cobbler was willing to take the risk, Jadis would back her all the way.

“No fine,” Dys said as she flicked the edge of the papers in front of her. “Cobbler isn’t property, she’s a person. She has my full support if she wants to go to trial.”

“Very well,” Vraekae accepted Jadis’ response without argument or critique. “I will make preparations. I doubt resolution will come swiftly on this matter, so I will endeavor to keep you informed.”

“Thank you. Anything you or Cobbler need to help with this, just ask. I’m going to be pretty busy for a while, but I’ll do everything I can to assist.”

As Vraekae took the rejected paperwork away to secure it within her desk drawer, Jay downed the last of her fruity tea in one gulp while her other selves did the same. Shifting forward in her seat, she looked out the window behind the stoic elf to try and gauge the time. It was definitely late, but she figured she had a couple more hours before she had to return to the compound for sleep. She, Alex, and Wilhelm would be departing in the morning to return to Volto.

“Do you think we have time to visit Cobbler?” Jay asked. “I really should see her, at least for a little while, before I head back.”

Vraekae paused for a brief moment, her expression revealing nothing. Setting her clasped hands carefully on the desk before her, the red-eyed magistrate looked up at Jay with a serious gaze.

“There is one other matter I would like to discuss with you, before you leave for the night.”

“Oh? What’s that?” Jay asked curiously.

“Have you been studying the gift I gave you?”

Jadis blinked, her bodies showing her momentary hesitation as she reoriented her line of thinking to a completely different track.

“…you mean the book on ancient Nephilim sex techniques?”

“Yes.”

“Regularly,” Syd smirked, her tone amused. “Chapter nine is my favorite.”

“Excellent,” Vraekae nodded once. “I would like you to show me your improvement.”

All of Jadis stared at the elven woman silently for a long span of tense seconds.

“Vraekae, I’m pretty sure you’re already pregnant with our child,” Jay pointed out.

“I am.”

“Then that would mean we don’t need to have sex anymore, since you’re pregnant and that was the whole point of us having sex,” Dys continued.

“You are correct.”

“…so that means, you want to have sex with me?” Syd asked, leaning closer to the other woman to make sure she was meeting her gaze head on.

“That is also correct.”

There was another long, silent pause before Vraekae spoke again.

“I do not believe there was anything in our arrangement that says we cannot occasionally enjoy each other’s company, when we are available?”

All three of Jadis slowly grinned.

“So. How’s your new bed?”

“Large, comfortable, and,” Vraekae let slip a small smile, “reinforced.”

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