Snippet #2821077

When it was finally time to leave, Neden had followed Rosie and the others to the Court House, anxiety had taken over them from the inside out, but they managed to contain it. Somehow. Neden knew it would take some time for the townspeople to all gather, take their seats, and for the entire trial to begin. And seeing as how Neden would now be needing to defend Travis in a trial, they had to stay close enough by him until the time came. They watched as he excused himself to the bathroom, and waited for a few minutes until Evie would give them the cue for when it was time for them. And eventually, it came. The female vampire returned to where Neden was, and gestured it was time. Neden stood up from their seat and walked over to the bathroom where Travis was, and knocked lightly. "You good in there" they questioned, and waited for his reply.

Neden waited patiently for the door to unlock, and watched as Travis emerged. Apologizing. "Don't be. I'd give you more time if I could but..It's time." the angel gave him a bit of a sorrowful look before turning on their heels and motioned for him to walk ahead of them. The three finally took their seats within the main room, Neden shooting Rosie a look to signal they were ready when she was. Anxiety still running deep through their body. Their heart was racing heavily, it would be surprising if no one else could hear it.

They watched as Rosie got up, gave her speech and then next was the representative of the town elders. Neden sat in their seat entirely still as the man spoke. They even half hoped he'd keel over, but no such luck. Instead, he gave a suprisingly well spoken speech, giving reasons and examples of why Travis should face the punishments for his crimes. And while Neden did agree to a degree, they knew their purpose in all of this. And they just hoped what information they garnered was enough for the people to at the very least, consider their punishment for him in the end.

Finally, Rosie got back up and addressed those who would be acting as defense for Travis. Evelyn and Neden. The angel took a deep breath and rose to their feet, clutching the messenger page they had with them closely. Slowly Neden made their way up to the podium, gave Rosie a small nod and turned to the courtroom. Neden took yet another deep breath, "Fair people of Greythorne. I am both honored to be able to stand before you today to bring evidence in hopes of aiding Mr. Graveson here. But on the same hand, I am also regretful for what I learned in my time away from Greythorne." Neden began, their eyes scanning over the room as they spoke. Neden removed the bag and carefully placed it beside the podium, retrieving folders from within.

Neden looked back around, "I have spent the past two weeks, largely scouting for any outposts and hideouts for The Branded. As I knew what I'd need would be within at least one of their compounds." Neden began, shuffling through the folders on the podium. "I won't lie, I did almost give up towards the end. I had managed to look through at least four different compounds, just outside of Greythorne borders. And I will give you the coordinates of each one. Know where to avoid and keep your eyes on." they said with a small nod before continuing.

"But I am thankful to say that I did find information for Mr. Graveson here." Neden began, swallowing the lump in their throat, "I'm just not sure how he will react with what I bring to you." their eyes flitted over to Travis for a moment. Gauging his reaction so far. They knew what information they had would most likely destroy him. He'd feel betrayed and angry. But he deserved every right to know what they found.

Neden retrieved one of the folders, removing a few papers that they removed from within. Scanning it for a moment as they took a deep breath. "While I am here to defend Mr. Graveson, I also can't help but try to remain unbiased here. We all know what he's guilty of. Slaughtering countless Supernaturals throughout his course within The Branded. We all know that. And there is no denying that fact. We ignore that, then what are we really here for?" Neden asked with raised eyebrows. They took another deep breath, "But what we didn't know, was why. Why was Mr. Graveson apart of all of this to even begin with? What motivated him to do what he did? To get involved with all of it to begin with? Because there most be a trigger to that, right?" Neden's eyes moved around the room, taking in how the jury acted.

"I found several documents pertaining to Mr. Graveson. Those that were his entry forms, documents about his progress and activities out in the field when he was apart of The Branded. And the last one, was his discharge form from their side." Neden cleared their throat before continuing. "I discovered, that upon Mr. Graveson joining The Branded, he joined under the pretense that his family had been killed due to Supernaturals. All he wanted was justice for his family, that he believed were killed by the Supernatural. But with what I had found out as well, everything that Travis was told and made to believe-" Neden paused for a moment, not able to look at Travis as the following left their lips, "-was all based on a lie." Neden finished as they placed two folders on the table that sat in front of the Elders.

Neden turned back to face them, "The reality was, Mr. Graveson's parents were killed by the monsters he was led to believe. If anything, the monsters in question were the ones who lied to him in the first place. No supernatural forces were involved in their deaths. Only humans." Neden looked away for a moment, making the briefest eye-contact with Rosie before continuing. "Within those folders, you will see the fabricated story that the recruiting officers of The Branded forged, to gain Mr. Graveson's loyalty. Like most of those who get involved with The Branded, are lied to and deceived to bolster their ranks. They have one goal in mind, to wipe out the supernatural, not caring what means they must take to achieve it. Even killing innocent people to accomplish their goals." Neden finally looked at Travis, a sorrowful look overcame their face for a moment.

There was silence that filled the room for a moment as Neden took a moment to let it all settle in everyone's mind for what was revealed. "While it does not excuse Travis of his actions while within The Branded, and it never will pardon him for his actions. At the very least it explains why he did the things he did. At least consider it in your decision. While it is unforgivable, it is at the very least understandable. A young kid wanting justice for his parents murder." Neden took another moment as they walked back up to the podium. "Retrieving this evidence nearly cost me my life. The last document, which is The Branded's claim for what happened to Travis. They have it documented that he betrayed them and was killed in combat. They believe him to be dead, as that was what a few of their own Hunters claimed during the last attack." Neden held up another folder, and gave it to the Elder's Representative.

"What I will say, to finish this off. Is that while Mr. Graveson here is responsible for dozens of deaths of innocent Supernaturals. He is also responsible for the deaths of dozens of Hunters that belong to The Branded. He's fought just as hard for us, if not even harder than he ever has. And that at the very least has to count for something. We don't expect nor want you to forgive and pardon his past actions. but to acknowledge them, and at the very most, be willing to consider giving him a second chance to prove himself." Neden's eyes flickered around the room one last time, before giving a small nod, "That is all." Neden retrieved their things and made their way back to their seat. Awaiting for whatever evidence Evelyn had to report for Travis' case. Neden's eyes kept grounded to the court-room's floor. They didn't know if they truly aided Travis and is cause, or only made things worse. All they could do was hope they'd at least head him out and decide based on evidence alone.