“I think that’s just help him learn how to avoid and hide from his own taxation better.” Quentin replies 

"Well I doubt if the king likes to be kept waiting, so you should probably give some sort of an answer now..." Raven says with a shrug.  She has no problems with liars, cheaters, or those who evade taxes, since she has probably done all of those things more than once herself. 

Elwin frowned. "In my eyes, none of these crimes warrant death. Although, as a noble... live by the law of kings, die by the law of kings, eh?"

He shook his head, a defeated smirk on his face. "Nah, I couldn't even suggest it in spite. He may be a scoundrel, but he's not a murderer, yeah?

"Thing is, I don't think he could be trusted to do anything but get in more trouble if left to his own devices on a simple job. He'd probably find ways out of doing the work within a week. Hmm."

Rubbing his chin, a thought finally came to him. "I say we force the man to learn some manners, and some usable skills besides. Tell him he needs to complete a year at the academy, in any reasonable course, complete with passing grades and no infractions on his record. If he succeeds, he'll have learned the value of work, and should be less likely to go around stealing from others. If he fails, THEN have him spend a year in jail. And let him know that that's the penalty for failure going in.

"That's the best I got. How's it sound?"

“I guess that could work. Make him take the agricultural course. Doing some work in the fields plating, tilling, and harvesting.” Quentin replies liking the sound of it. 

That might count as a punishment for the Simuls, so give them a veto. But fine. Or whatever, transform the bugger into a potato bug. This seems like an impossible task. Maybe just put him in jail until he comes up with something to improve society. 

Actually, lets suggest the academy, but include all our reasoning in the speech - happy to give it if you all don't mind.

"Go ahead. The floor is yours Del." Quentin replies

Elwin nodded his approval toward Del.

Del nods to his friends, then stands and bows Majesty, this seems an impossible task. The crime does not seem like something that calls for a very harsh punishment. Ideally the sentence should use the accused skills to better society, or teach a lesson, or best of all both. But his obvious disdain for military and manual service when suggested leaves us at a loss. The best we could come up with is a term at the Thamasaille, where he would learn a trade and manners and respect, and be able to repair some of the damage done. If he cannot complete the course without passing grades and a clean record, then send him to jail. But perhaps that is an unreasonable burden on the Simuls, so they should be able to have a say in the matter. Perhaps all one can do is send Lemmet to jail until he comes up with something that will improve society. Or whatever, transform him into a potato bug.

The king looks toward the Simul faction.  They huddle together, whispering for a while. Finally, one elf stands and says, "We agree. Lemmet Naica will be accepted at the Thamasaille as a scholarship student, expected to work to cover the cost of his tuition. In return, we will give him the education his own family has not been able to--not only in magic  and knowledge of the world, but possibly in morals and character as well."

"Let it be so, then," says the king.  He stands, and the vines that formed his throne unweave and climb the wall with the others. The princes and princess stand when he does (a little hastily, as if they are afraid the vines will dump them on the floor) and the rest of the court stands and bows as the king departs. As he goes out the door, King Celairatar turns back to look at you and says, "It grows late. You are to stay in the castle tonight, of course." Then he leaves, a handful of courtiers trailing after him.

The nobles in the court straighten and begin to talk among themselves. The King's Guard escort a sulky-looking Lemmet over to the Simul faction.

"Whew," says Beezger. "Sounds like he gets the same deal I do, and he didn't even have to apply and beg for it.  Nice to be a noble. Still, I don't go to jail if I get expelled."

The page who brought you in earlier approaches and bows. "Sirs, and My Lady," he says. "I am Derez Lithelon, and it will be my honor to be of service to you during your stay at the castle. I can show you to the dining hall if you wish to eat, to your room when you wish to rest, and anywhere else you would like to visit. I stand ready to serve you."

I would love dinner and rest, thank you Derez. I will appreciate the castle's wonders better thereafter. Del is still a bit done. Is there a volume available - a history or an epic - of the founding of the kingdom and the castle? I could enjoy a quiet read this evening.

Brother Elwin, the winning idea, well done and a moving speech on justice as well.

"Some food and then sleep."  Raven says, still exhausted from the lack of sleep.

 "Quite so. Than I will waste no time. I will fetch your book  while you eat, and have it waiting in your chamber," Derez promises.

He leads you to the dining hall, where a feast is being laid out. It seems that nearly everybody who attended the trial is remaining for the after party. The king is not here, but you can see the Princess laughing with her ladies in waiting, and Prince Kalrondo and his friends are loudly telling hunting stories. Various nobles seem to be trying to talk to Prince Lintelér at once, and he is nodding politely at them, and every now and then giving a longing glance at the law book he still has with him.

The families seem to have mostly divided into their own factions here, though there are visits back and forth between the tables. Lemmet Naica sits with the Simuls, sulkily stabbing a slab of venison with his fork.  Beezger is there as well, sitting beside Teydaar and looking half worried about being thrown out. Speaking of which, Roffles is still here, but seems to have the sense to keep flitting from table to table, not settling anywhere long enough for anyone to demand his removal. By the Aldalire table, you see Rayna, sounding like an actual 12-year-old, saying plaintively and incredulously, "Grandmother, I LOST!" and a steely-eyed, old elf replies unsympathetically, "If it was going to be easy, you would have learned nothing from it."

"Sit anywhere you like, it's an informal occasion," says Derez. "If you have no more questions or requests for the moment, I will be off to find that book you wanted."

"Can I be led to the baths later please?" Quentin asks before he makes his way towards Lady Rayna a kind of determined looked is his eyes as he approaches ands says, "Lady Rayna and Lady Rayna's Grandmother I apologize for the intrusion. May I have a word with you please?" 

"Greetings, Lord Quentin," the old elf says. "I am Warden Avalêhen Aldalire, head of the Aldalire family. Are you by any chance related to Lord Locklieth Adiyodi? He traveled through Lomalos some time ago...it must be nearly five centuries now. A charming man, and a most accomplished wizard..."

Overhearing Quentin's request, Elwin tried to sniff himself as discretely as possible. "Derez, I'd like a bath afterwards as well, if that's alright. Then I could use some shut-eye."

After his request, the young warlock sat down at a table away from most of the families and was soon enjoying his meal.

Mindartis looks around the room with a verying state of discomfort. He's used to places that are free and unrestricted. This, at least to him, felt stuffy and restricting. He collects himself a plate of food and eats at the nearest available seat, watching the room as he does.

Quentin smiles and says, "The only other Adiyodi's I have personally met our my parent's and siblings but it's not entirely not possible. I've been in the Ellentar Court most of my life so any extended family member's I haven't met. Though I will say if you say he's an accomplished Wizard I sure do hope he's my Grandfather since I'm positive you wouldn't say that about just about anyone." 

"Will you join us for dinner, Lord Quentin?" Warden Avalêhen asks, gesturing toward an empty seat.

"Oh. I'd be delighted too. Thank you for the invention." Quentin replies with a smile before saying, "I'd love to hear where Lady Rhayna got her aptitude for Law from, and...if she doesn't mind, where that nasty rumor about me started." 

"There are many lawyers in the Aldalire family," Warden Avalêhen answers Quentin. "She is naturally gifted and receives training from many family members. Rayna is expected to succeed me one day as the Aldalire Warden. I have always considered the lawyer to be the larval stage of the politician, so we have started her in law. This was her first case."

"They gave me a rotten case to start with," Rayna grumbles. "How can you prove someone innocent when everybody knows he did it? Stupid Lemmet. Anyway, I heard you were a highwayman from my cousin Syndel, and he heard it from Giran Simul, and he heard it from Searani Naica, and she heard it from Dandrath Naica, and he's one of Reglan Naica's informers, and Reglan Naica is a professional information broker. Even Grandmother and the king buy information from him. So of course, I knew it was true. Reglan took off and left me holding the bag, though." Rayna scowled. "Grandmother, am I still too young to start an enemies list?"

"One name is not enough for a list. Besides, Lord Reglan provides a useful service."

Rayna sighs. "I suppooooooose. So...what's it like to be a highwayman?"