Wufei was called by his father from his field. He looked up curiously and put his book and glasses inside. He walked straight and proud next to him, curious as to what was happening.
The elders were in counsel. Wufei was to join them in a judgment. Puzzled, Wufei sat. He could see the people of his family in the crowd including a scowling Meiran.
"Shen Treilan is accused of the murder of her husband," announced the herald. Gasps, titters and other noise passed through the crowd but stopped when asked for silence.
Wufei leaned forward. The woman had long greying hair, a proud mouth and nose and a defiant air.
"Is this truth?" asked the chief elder.
"Yes." More gasps.
"Why?"
"I feared for my life. He would have done the same to me without qualms."
"She is guilty and without remorse. She must be-" Meiran shook her head violently. Wufei opened his mouth, interrupting his father.
"We should take the time to look into this," he said loudly. His mouth felt dry. "There is no reason to make a decision so quickly." He looked at his father's unreadable face and swallowed hard. "That is what I think."
"So be it. Her sentence is delayed." Wufei's father stood and walked past him, not looking at him. Wufei knew his father was disappointed.
Meiran joined him afterwards. "You did the right thing," she said quietly.
"Tell me why I shouldn't go revoke my word right now?"
"That would be dishonourable."
"Little late for that. I already made a stupid decision."
"What if I can find you proof? What if you could show everyone that she was right to kill him? What then?" Meiran demanded.
"I would present it to the counsel and she would be freed."
"Then come on, I have an idea." Meiran dragged Wufei to his rooms.
"You. Owe. Me. For. This," Wufei stated firmly.
"Yes, yes. Whatever. Are you dressed yet?"
"Yes," Wufei grumbled. He came out of his room dressed in the garb of a young... girl. His hair was tied in pigtails like Meiran's.
"Let's go," said Meiran, trying not to laugh. He looked JUST like she did.
Wufei and Meiran walked to the laundry area. They set down their bags and started to scrub the clothing and linens. The other women greeted them and continued with their work. The talked among themselves about this and that. He almost felt like it was a waste of time. They then brought up the subject of the trial.
"Yes, she was smart to kill him before he killed her. He wouldda done it too. He beat her often enough. He couldn't break her though."
"What?" said Wufei without thinking. The speaker, a grey, toothless crone peered at her.
"Who're you?"
"Wulan," Wufei said, faking a high voice.
"Hmph," said the crone. "Most of the men beat us once in a while, but this one was worse. That's how he killed his first wife. She was scared, despite her brave front. That's why she did it."
"But I never saw...."
"Of course not! We hide it. We would go to a doctor to cover up any marks."
"Where could I find this doctor?"
"You find him in the Green Dragon Sector. He sells herbal teas."
Wufei nodded. They continued washing.
Wufei and Meiran walked through the Green Dragon sector. Wufei grumbled as he massaged his red chafed hands. Meiran snickered at his discomfort. They found a shop with various herbs hanging in the window with an ornate sigh saying 'Sooth's herbal teas.'
They walked in and a deep belled wind chime sounded. A tall young man with short hair came out smiling. His brown bangs brushed his eyes and bowed politely to them.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, um, I was wondering, about the women who come here because they were beaten?" The young man saddened.
"Unfortunately, more people come here to cover up domestic violence then my teas." He brushed his bangs out of his eyes. "I remember the poor woman who came in here so often because of her husband. He often beat her so badly she could barely walk. He once followed her here, ranting and threatening to kill her."
"Would you be willing to testify to this?"
"Of course."
"The counsel has heard this testimony and has reached it's decision. You are blameless in this matter. You are free." The head counsel member nodded. Treilan nodded gratefully and departed. Wufei's father looked at him with new respect.
"You are wise, my son. I am proud of you." He clapped his son's shoulder and departed.
Meiran walked up to him. "Congratulations husband, you made a good decision."
"You advised me well. I believe I will listen to you in the future, wife."
Meiran blinked. She watched her husband walk away.
"What do I owe you?" she yelled after him.
"Leave your hair down for a while. It looks pretty that way."
The End
Gwynn 'The long hair of the Law' Whitelock
Sooth is one of my friends, and he has a thing for herbs, teas, incense, candles, gems and minerals...
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