The great doors close behind Tuiwen and Eldred. Torchlight crawls over the living rock, while the gathered court falls silent beneath Thranduil's throne.
Thranduil
Tuiwen, daughter of my house, the White Council names you traitor. Saruman claims you sought to turn Mirkwood against the Council. Why should I hear your defense before I command your arrest?
Tauriel's hand tightens on her blade. Eldred steps forward, placing himself beside Tuiwen, his stern gaze fixed on the throne.
Eldred
Because Saruman's accusation is the lie. I witnessed his pursuit beneath Dol Guldur, and I saw him offer Tuiwen a place in his shadowed cause when she refused him.
Thranduil
Witness is not proof. Saruman has the Council's authority, and his message reached these halls before you did. What evidence remains after his hunters stripped your trail bare?
The question hangs over the court. Tuiwen's shattered heartstone evidence is gone, but Radagast's warning and Eldred's testimony now stand between her and a traitor's judgment. Thranduil waits to learn whether Saruman's treachery can be proven without the artifact.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a chance to defend myself before Thranduil
✓ Quest Accepted
Prove Saruman's treachery to Thranduil
“"Dear Father, if I have not betrayed you in 250 years, why should I do so now? Do you imagine I would make common cause with Dol Guldur, whose dark shadows I have so often lamented? I call to witness Radagast the Brown, who has truthfully reported what occurred and should be questioned further, before I am condemned."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Tuiwen
Dear Father, if I have not betrayed you in two hundred and fifty years, why would I do so now? Would you believe I would make common cause with Dol Guldur, whose shadows I have so often lamented?
Her voice carries through the stone hall without breaking. At the frame's edge, her injured shoulder remains held stiff beneath its cloak.
Tuiwen
I call Radagast the Brown to witness. He reported what occurred truthfully. Question him further before you condemn me.
Silence follows, but it is no longer the silence of judgment. Several courtiers turn toward the inner passages, weighing the name of the Brown Wizard.
Thranduil
You have spoken as my daughter, not as Saruman's caricature of you. I will hear Radagast's account before I decide your fate.
Tauriel
Then let the record show that Tuiwen is granted a hearing, under guard if need be, but not condemned on accusation alone.
Eldred
That is all she has asked, my king. The truth can withstand questions.
Thranduil
Rest first, Tuiwen. When Radagast's testimony is examined, you will stand before me again, and I will listen.
Quest Complete
Deliver the warning to Thranduil
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Superb→Legendary
Quest Complete
Secure a chance to defend myself before Thranduil