Oswall gave an acknowledging grunt to Meesei before turning to face the crowd. He surveyed the clan gathered in front of him as he slowly pulled his axe from its loop on his belt. For want of a gavel, Oswall struck the stone of the balustrade in front of him with the blunt end of his weapon over and over again, sending deep cracking sounds through the echoing chamber. The clan responded with their attention as their murmurings faded away. Anyone nervous with crowds would have been paralysed at the sight, but not the practiced lieutenants. The only one who seemed to be having trouble was Vera, though her anxiety was not simple stage fright.

"Packs of this home, hear us!" Oswall projected his voice to all, "There have been whispers abound this past two days. Though we have been secretive recently, it has been necessary for the clan's safety. Everyone's collective patience has been appreciated, and as events have progressed it is now time to be forthcoming." The entire chamber was dead silent, save for a crying baby hidden away somewhere. Everyone waited with baited breath. Oswall's voice was authoritative enough to still be heard, but all could tell that his tone was becoming solemn. "Two nights ago, while inspecting the clan ledger, Jerrick was found dead in the meeting room. He was poisoned."

There were a few gasps from the crowd, many looked about in fear. Before Oswall could continue, the murmurings returned. Oswall had to strike his axe on the stone twice more to quiet everyone.

"I know this may seem sudden. Many of us knew Jerrick well. He was respected, wise, and canny. Our community is lesser for his loss. Many of you may still have questions, we will attempt to answer them as best as we can. Darahil?" Oswall turned his head to Darahil and stepped back.

Darahil nodded and stepped up to address the crowd, taking a breath in. "The death of our leader, especially in circumstances as these, brings about several obvious questions. As for the culprit of this crime, the champion Meesei and her pack volunteered to investigate as a neutral group, free from the vested interest of any of us lieutenants. The champion has been gathering evidence and has brought a case against our companion, Harriet. Before we start to-" Darahil was all of a sudden drowned out by a building outrage in the crowd.

Oswall had to step forward to strike the stone again and shout at the top of his lungs, "SILENCE!" The command of Oswall's voice was surprisingly effective.

"...as I was saying," Darahil continued, "Before we start to point fingers, note that at this stage none of Harriet's pack members, or indeed anyone else, have been implicated in the crime. Most crimes are arbitrated by us as leaders, but given the circumstances a public trial will be held. Starting tomorrow, all events in the main chamber will be cancelled for the trial to proceed. The judges will be made up of confidants picked from the entire clan, trusted by all and free from agendas conflicting with justice. There, evidence will be heard for and against the accusation against Harriet. Harriet will be given the opportunity to defend herself. There, the guilty and innocent will be revealed. Other matters, most notably matters of succession and Jerrick's funeral, will be decided later. The reason for this will be explained by Jerrick's wife, Vera, with the most important message of all today." Darahil glided back from the balustrade and looked at Vera expectantly. "Just as we discussed, Vera," Darahil reminded her.

It took a few seconds for Vera to muster up the courage to confront the crowd, but she managed a strong posture. Her tone took a moment to get loud enough at first as well. "I...I know that many of you may be angry, or upset, or suspicious in this. Probably all three. It should be known, though, that whoever...killed my husband...this was their plan. We have grown large enough that many of us would sooner divide ourselves in fear than stand united against our enemies, but I must beseech all of you, this is not the time to hate. More than ever, we need to stand together against those who would see us scattered and picked off. Our strength is in our numbers, but also our resolve." Vera had a hard time keeping her voice level at this point, "I know that the last thing Jerrick would have wanted would be to see this clan broken. I knew him better than anyone else. As a person who loved him, who by rights should be the most upset, the most angry - as well as one of your leaders - please," Vera licked her teeth nervously and held back her tears, "I need you all to honour Jerrick's will, even in his death. Stay together. Do not fall for rage and retribution. Justice will be served without our destruction. Thank you." Vera shakily raised a finger to her eye and wiped away a gathering tear before it could fall, but her grief was evident on her face.

In an odd display of empathy, Darahil stepped up beside Vera and gently took her shoulders. His face was still a stony scowl, but Vera hid her face against his shoulder as he silently gave her permission to let loose her emotion. With a couple of steps, he guided her away from the forefront to be replaced by Oswall. Oswall placed both his hands on the balustrade and leaned forward slightly. "Anything administrative can be discussed with us later, but for anything else, are there any further questions?" Oswall asked the audience.

Still with Vera lightly sobbing against him, Darahil turned his head to Meesei. "Was there anything you wish to add?"

The first question posited to Oswall was one from a bearded Nord near the front. "Who are the judges going to be?" Oswall turned his head slowly to Meesei to confirm with her.