“Acquittal?â€
Captain Jenlyns Straightblade arched a brow, looking up from the document in his hand to the woman who handed it to him. Ser Crofte stood at attention, posture rigid, professional; her hands were tucked behind her, her eyes staring straight ahead. When the Captain posed his question, her green eyes lowered to meet his. She nodded firmly.
“Aye. Ser,†she said with certainty. “In light of Ser Deneith’s exemplary record, it would be a travesty to believe the accusations of one ex-spy without further evidence.†She stepped forward, nodding to indicate the pile of papers she had just laid out before him. “Especially when it is painfully clear that Ser Deneith is loyal to the City-state. She may be Garlean in her mind, but she is certainly Eorzean in her heart.â€
Jenlyns noted the confidence in both her tone and posture as she spoke. It was something that he had not seen before, since her promotion into her current ranking. He smiled inwardly and tapped the parchments together. “And what of the testimony of the ex-Garlean spy?â€
“Recanted. Ser. Kage Kiryuu conducted the interview and is processing the corrected testimony.â€
Jenlyns pinched the bridge of his nose. “He was an unreliable witness all along.â€
“Indeed, ser.â€
“And what of the aether poison found in her cell? The one that was of Garlean make?†He had already read her report on the matter, but he wanted to hear it from her in person. The Captain regarded the woman carefully.
“As you know, ser, Ser Besten was found murdered. While it is a shame that one of our own was lost, and the investigation into his death is still ongoing, it does throw a suspicious light onto his involvement in Deneith’s case.†She narrowed her eyes in thought. “Were it just the poison that was found, it would put Ser Deneith’s innocence in a poor light, but she was also poisoned with a near-fatal dose of somnus. Someone clearly wanted her dead, ser.â€
“Hm.†Jenlyns leaned back against his heavy chair, fingers steepled. “And we do not know who.â€
Ser Crofte shook her head, but did not waver in her argument. “I consider that a separate matter, and one that should not have any bearing on Ser Deneith’s innocence. She has only cooperated with me since she surrendered herself, and I believe her, ser. I will give my own testimony to her behavior, her character, and my own belief of her innocence. I also have listed the names of others who are willing to do the same.â€
The Captain looked at the document on his desk for a long time, his brows furrowed in thought.
“If I may… ser.†The Highlander woman broke the silence. “After this Jin’li disaster and the attempt on the Sultana’s life, you know me to be loyal to her Grace. I would give my life for her. I believe Ser Deneith to be of the same heart. She helped Mergrey infiltrate a Castrum to retrieve the device that held us captive to that madman’s whims. I would trust the Sultana’s life to my ward without fail.â€
Jenlyns let out a long exhale, casting an expectant look on her. “Your recommendations?â€
Ser Crofte straightened again in attention, her chin lifted. “With the recanting of Cicero’s statement of the conspiracy at the mines, and with the addition of Shaelen Stormchild’s testimony that Gharen Wolfsong was also unaware of the ceruleum theft, I recommend that the accusations of conspiracy be stricken from the records of the three Sultansworns involved, and their suspensions lifted. And exoneration of Ser Deneith from the accusations of being a Garlean spy.â€
“Bold.†Jenlyns considered that, letting the silence fall between them. The Highlander woman waited patiently in attention, but her countenance remained calm. Almost undaunted. She is growing into her role. “Granted,†he said finally.
Crofte’s expression broke into a bright grin, before she quickly cleared her throat and subdued her obvious joy of triumph.
“Good work, Crofte.†He tapped a finger on the documents. “I am going to keep Mcbeef under your command.†When she gave him an odd look in question, he answered back with a wry expression of his own. “You two made a good team for once. And…†He could not hide the amusement in his tone. “She can submit her reports to you now.†When it looked like she wanted to say something, he continued. “Having someone under your command will make you think of their welfare, and their actions will also reflect upon you. It lends a new perspective on things, Crofte.†He knew this was the next appropriate step for her own growth.
“Dismissed,†Jenlyns said as he returned to whatever random paper that was in front of him. But as she saluted and pivoted for the door, he looked back up to the woman. “And file the report regarding Wolfsong with the Immortal Flames as well. I suppose he is no longer a wanted man either. I will inform Taeros.†Jenlyns furrowed his brows at the thought. “Also inform the Blades. Kiryuu and Deneith are both welcome to return to duty when able.â€
“Yes, ser.†Crofte turned and saluted again before ducking out of his office.
Captain Jenlyns Straightblade arched a brow, looking up from the document in his hand to the woman who handed it to him. Ser Crofte stood at attention, posture rigid, professional; her hands were tucked behind her, her eyes staring straight ahead. When the Captain posed his question, her green eyes lowered to meet his. She nodded firmly.
“Aye. Ser,†she said with certainty. “In light of Ser Deneith’s exemplary record, it would be a travesty to believe the accusations of one ex-spy without further evidence.†She stepped forward, nodding to indicate the pile of papers she had just laid out before him. “Especially when it is painfully clear that Ser Deneith is loyal to the City-state. She may be Garlean in her mind, but she is certainly Eorzean in her heart.â€
Jenlyns noted the confidence in both her tone and posture as she spoke. It was something that he had not seen before, since her promotion into her current ranking. He smiled inwardly and tapped the parchments together. “And what of the testimony of the ex-Garlean spy?â€
“Recanted. Ser. Kage Kiryuu conducted the interview and is processing the corrected testimony.â€
Jenlyns pinched the bridge of his nose. “He was an unreliable witness all along.â€
“Indeed, ser.â€
“And what of the aether poison found in her cell? The one that was of Garlean make?†He had already read her report on the matter, but he wanted to hear it from her in person. The Captain regarded the woman carefully.
“As you know, ser, Ser Besten was found murdered. While it is a shame that one of our own was lost, and the investigation into his death is still ongoing, it does throw a suspicious light onto his involvement in Deneith’s case.†She narrowed her eyes in thought. “Were it just the poison that was found, it would put Ser Deneith’s innocence in a poor light, but she was also poisoned with a near-fatal dose of somnus. Someone clearly wanted her dead, ser.â€
“Hm.†Jenlyns leaned back against his heavy chair, fingers steepled. “And we do not know who.â€
Ser Crofte shook her head, but did not waver in her argument. “I consider that a separate matter, and one that should not have any bearing on Ser Deneith’s innocence. She has only cooperated with me since she surrendered herself, and I believe her, ser. I will give my own testimony to her behavior, her character, and my own belief of her innocence. I also have listed the names of others who are willing to do the same.â€
The Captain looked at the document on his desk for a long time, his brows furrowed in thought.
“If I may… ser.†The Highlander woman broke the silence. “After this Jin’li disaster and the attempt on the Sultana’s life, you know me to be loyal to her Grace. I would give my life for her. I believe Ser Deneith to be of the same heart. She helped Mergrey infiltrate a Castrum to retrieve the device that held us captive to that madman’s whims. I would trust the Sultana’s life to my ward without fail.â€
Jenlyns let out a long exhale, casting an expectant look on her. “Your recommendations?â€
Ser Crofte straightened again in attention, her chin lifted. “With the recanting of Cicero’s statement of the conspiracy at the mines, and with the addition of Shaelen Stormchild’s testimony that Gharen Wolfsong was also unaware of the ceruleum theft, I recommend that the accusations of conspiracy be stricken from the records of the three Sultansworns involved, and their suspensions lifted. And exoneration of Ser Deneith from the accusations of being a Garlean spy.â€
“Bold.†Jenlyns considered that, letting the silence fall between them. The Highlander woman waited patiently in attention, but her countenance remained calm. Almost undaunted. She is growing into her role. “Granted,†he said finally.
Crofte’s expression broke into a bright grin, before she quickly cleared her throat and subdued her obvious joy of triumph.
“Good work, Crofte.†He tapped a finger on the documents. “I am going to keep Mcbeef under your command.†When she gave him an odd look in question, he answered back with a wry expression of his own. “You two made a good team for once. And…†He could not hide the amusement in his tone. “She can submit her reports to you now.†When it looked like she wanted to say something, he continued. “Having someone under your command will make you think of their welfare, and their actions will also reflect upon you. It lends a new perspective on things, Crofte.†He knew this was the next appropriate step for her own growth.
“Dismissed,†Jenlyns said as he returned to whatever random paper that was in front of him. But as she saluted and pivoted for the door, he looked back up to the woman. “And file the report regarding Wolfsong with the Immortal Flames as well. I suppose he is no longer a wanted man either. I will inform Taeros.†Jenlyns furrowed his brows at the thought. “Also inform the Blades. Kiryuu and Deneith are both welcome to return to duty when able.â€
“Yes, ser.†Crofte turned and saluted again before ducking out of his office.
