RP Courthouse

Yeah, it's a courthouse.

Zinnia was forced into the room.

A solemn-looking judge eyed Zinnia up.

Judge: Ah. So this is her. The dirty one.

Arum bristled at the name.

Judge: Captain, please state your name for the court.

A: Captain Arum Maglor.

Judge: And this delinquent's name?

A: Miss Zinnia Albar.

Judge: How ironic, 'albar' meaning white.

His distaste was obvious.

Judge: State your crime, Miss Albar.

Her brown eyes met the judge's clear blue ones, but she couldn't hold the gaze for long. Instead she looked at her hands, bound by sturdy rope. Brown hands. Dirty hands. She blinked back what might have been a tear, and faced them once more.

Z: Unlawful protest. And... er, injuring an officer.

Arum kept his gaze fixed straight ahead of him.

J: Serious crimes... you have a choice, Miss Albar.

Z: A... A choice?

She looked worried.

J: Your punishment. These are serious crimes and we live in a dark time for our people. We must be heavy-handed. There is no room for leniency. Either you choose active service or the death sentence.

Arum's eyes shot to the judge. Something this severe? Surely not... don't be a martyr, thought Arum.

Zinnia looked around at the unblinking faces around her. This was ridiculous! She had been incarcerated for throwing a firework, and now she was to be put to death if she refused to fight? Her knees trembled, but she stood tall.

Z: I... I choose... er...

J: We haven't got all day, Miss Albar.

To fight in the war? To be a soldier? Surely she would die there, too! A slower death.

She had to be brave.

Z: A... Active service.

Arum let out a breath he wasn't aware that he'd been holding. She'd make a good soldier, once he'd fixed her beliefs. The judge gave a twisted smile.

J: Good. Captain Maglor, you have a month to whip her into shape. If she doesn't pass the physical examination, she's put to death.

Z: What?

She cried, as she was pulled away from the stand.

Z: But... Where am I going?

J: The barracks. Enjoy your month of hell, Miss Albar.

Z: No!

She tried to catch the Captains eye as she was dragged away.

A: Am I permitted to go with her, your honour?

J: If you must. She starts training tomorrow.