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bonnefoisTitle: From The Silence Came Sirens In My Head
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Series: Ace Attorney
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 4382
Summary: The gentry of Khura'in do not take kindly to Ema's relationship with Nahyuta. What begins as simple gossip quickly escalates into something far more threatening.
Author's Note: kink meme prompt title came from Woodlock - Sirens.
Banu'puun: A Khura'inese dish that Nahyuta was reminded of when he test-tasted Bucky's soba.
Giah'pam: you run into these at the marketplace. It's hard to tell exactly which of the three things shown they belong to.
Pahpul Boljhig. hell: A special hell where the more you struggle, the lower you fall into the abyss, and at the bottom of the abyss, there's a vicious beast.
Nahmanda: A Khura'inese flower that relates to death and grieving.
Zuh'shiray matahmee yomah: A prayer that is given for a fallen one.
Ema pulled up on her bag, the glass tubes inside clinked gently, as she stepped into Khura'in's latest attraction: a coffee shop. It didn't resemble the places she'd gone into back in L.A. There was no jazz music floating from a speaker in the far corner, no modern art that definitely took ideas from Picasso.
It was dark--perhaps a little too dark, with a cluster of chairs and tables. It could've used with some fairy lights, or something to liven the place up, especially as the flowers in the vases were Nahmanda, the vases of covered with familiar mitahmah.
Nahyuta had slowly been bringing back the parts of culture he had found pleasing to his home country. New recipes, and now, new shops. But, sometimes, he took his dedication to the last rites of the dead a little too far. The last thing she wanted to be reminded of on a cold morning was the inevitability of death.
Still, Ema was thankful, as even if it wasn't Starbucks, she needed a coffee shop to start her morning. After long nights of working on cases, she didn't want to stumble to the coffee pot, only to realize after almost falling asleep that she'd forgotten to turn it on. All she wanted was to point, pass a few bills, and get the caffeine and sugar rush she so needed.
The cold of the mornings helped her be a little more awake, at least. She reached into her bag for dahmas, and scanned over the list written up. Yak milk latte, Coconut cream coffee... They didn't exactly have Pumpkin Spice lattes yet.
"One coconut cream coffee, please," she said.
Ema tried to tune out the din of the shop around her as she waited. She looked over the spread of pastries. A Magatah'man might be nice. A shame they didn't have any cheese danishes yet.
Ema knew change came slow to Khura'in, but damn if she wished they wouldn't import some more of her favorites, if only to make mornings more tolerable. A word knocked her out of her reverie. It had been easier when she didn't understand the language as well. Now, she could find the familiar old phrases that all added up to vile whispers.
How could someone as plain as her catch his eye? She's of impure blood, and she isn't even a believer!
To think, some foreigner, a commoner who isn't even a worshipper of the Holy Mother being the beloved of our prince regent.
For shame.
For shame.
"If you're going to say something, say it to my face," Ema muttered.
She couldn't even get a coffee without being the subject of gossip. Sure, she'd been talked about back in L.A, but that was people wondering if she and Nahyuta were an item, not people calling her a heathen. Ema rolled her eyes, and turned on the people behind her. They had richer silk robes than the rest of them, with thick brocade of a butterfly encased in an amber circle.
With a smile, she pronounced the words with slow, careful ease. May the Holy Mother smite you for eternity, and may you come back as the dark spot of slime you are.
That was one of the first things she learned when she came here, right after where's the bathroom and you've got to be kidding, give me a motel with a bed, I'm not sleeping on the floor.
The whispers stopped. They could only stare in stunned silence at her response.
Ema was a connoisseur of swear words. Wherever she went, she absorbed them. She still had quite a few German ones, back from when she used to mutter them behind Prosecutor Gavin's back. But Khura'inese ones were especially brutal. It wasn't enough to tell someone to fuck off, you had to tell them to fuck off for 800 million years, and personally be smote down by their deity for all eternity.
Ema turned back and grabbed her coffee. She smirked to herself as their gaze followed her all the way back to the seat near the window. They couldn't even think of a comeback.
*
"Detective Skye, please give your testimony."
He smiled at her. Even though he'd made it clear that their working place relationship and romantic relationship would be two very separate things, he still found ways to be soft to her. Ema pulled out her documents. But as she faced the gallery, she noticed a stony wall of disapproval. The first time it happened, she thought it was just Khura'in's usual fervor against the accused. But today, she recognized some of the gentry sitting in the front row. As she took the stand, their eyes narrowed.
The royal family was insular, with only a few amount containing the ability to spirit channel, a few distant cousins still clung to wealth and privilege that blood allowed.
She could practically feel the chill from over here. Come to think of it, she'd seen some of those people in the shop that morning. Slowly, she saw them lift their hands like a claw to their necks, and twist. One by one, every member in the front of the gallery did this, their icy gaze never leaving hers.
Their bent fingers reminded her of like a noose being tied.
Ema gulped. It'd felt like such a victory to tell them off, but for once, she felt like the one on trial.
"Um..."
"Detective Skye? Is something the matter?" Nahyuta said softly
Nahyuta looked on with concern. She couldn't bring herself to say the words I think the people of Khura'in hate me. Actually, I've got evidence they do.
"Ahem, it's nothing, I just lost my place."
She forced her gaze away, and back to the papers she'd prepared for the testimony. She could still feel their gaze burning down on her.
*
After the case, Ema was called back into his office. Scrolls were set in neat rows. Nahyuta never left his desk full of unfilled papers, or out of order. For a moment, she just watched as he gracefully drew the quill across the scroll. His long braid was draped over one of his broad shoulders. Just last night, her fingers had been tangled in his.
Ema looked away. She couldn't let herself get distracted by him.
"Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, was something the matter?"
"Formalities aren't necessary when we're alone, and the work is over," Nahyuta said. He smiled, and patted the chair nearest to his desk. If he reached, he could just touch her thigh.
"Come. Rest a moment."
Ema set her bag on the floor, and did as he asked.
"You've been so quiet, that isn't like you," Nahyuta said.
"You're saying I'm a loudmouth?"
"No, that's not--"
Ema sighed. The restlessness from the morning had made her irritable. And when she was irritable, she picked fights. Everywhere she went, it was like there were eyes on her. Judging the fruit she bought, her lack of faith.
And the gesture still haunted her.
"Tell me."
How was she supposed to tell him that the people he so loved would like nothing more than to see her gone? He'd only just begun to rebuild Khura'in. He'd been under Ga'ran's control for years, hopeless and forced to hunt down his own father and former comrades, in order to save his sister and mother.
The last thing he needed was this placed on his shoulders.
"It's....nothing. I'm just tired. Don't worry about it," Ema said.
He leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Go rest. You've certainly earned it."
The gesture she'd seen the people in the gallery make lingered with her. She'd tried to ask Ahlbi, but he'd rushed away in a fright when she made the hand sign.
"Hey, Pro--Nahyuta. What's this mean?" She repeated the gesture.
Nahyuta paled, and grew wide-eyed. "P-Pohlkunka! Did someone do that to you?"
"Uh--I just saw it somewhere," Ema said. "Is it bad?"
"Very bad," Nahyuta said.
"Are we talking about flipping someone off bad?"
He shook his head.
"Come on, cut the hot and mysterious crap. What does it mean? I tried to ask, and everyone freaked out," Ema said.
"No wonder," Nahyuta said.
"Nahyuta," Ema said crossly.
"It is a gesture made to those on the way to gallows. It isn't often published in dictionaries because of how harsh it is, thus it's hard to translate. If I were to personally take on the translation, I would choose..."
"I am overjoyed by the death of such a vile sinner as yourself, and wish I personally was given the gift of sending you to the deepest hells of Pahpul Boljhig, and would gladly tie the noose if I could. I will spend the rest of my life rejoicing that a putrid heathen such as yourself will experience unfathomable pain, for it is nothing less than a putrid person as you deserves. The Holy Mother is merciful, for I would personally send you to a far worse hell, for your putridness would taint this very earth."
Their cold gaze had never left her eyes. Each of them would gladly send her to the gallows, for some perceived slight. Ema shuddered.
"Ema?"
"It's just--brutal. ...All that in just a little gesture?" Ema said.
Nahyuta nodded. "There are many common gestures in Khura'in. I must teach you them, so you know what to avoid."
"I'd hate to accidentally damn someone when I was just trying to button my vest back up," Ema said dryly.
"I'll make it a priority." He glanced over the schedule book. She'd tried to get him to go digital, but Nahyuta was determined to haul that planner around. His brows furrowed as he flipped page after page. Ema didn't even have to see the book to know they were all filled.
"Ema, where did you see this?"
"The, um, gallery. They were making it to when the defendant was on the stand."
She watched for a sign of relaxation, like his jaw unclenching, but just as so often, she couldn't read him. His serenity was a wall she couldn't scale. "I see. That's not an uncommon thing to happen to the Accused."
Ema puffed her cheeks out. "Well, it's a crappy thing. He could be innocent, and here they were all gung-ho to hang the guy."
"That is the way in Khura'in. And may I add, saying the Accused 'could be innocent' is no way to act, given you are an acting forensics investigator. Don't tell me your little 'slip up' from before is happening again?"
His serenity turned chilly as he studied her. He'd surely looked into her records and seen that she'd done the same thing to Prosecutor Gavin.
Ema hung her head. She reached down for her bag of Snackoos, only to realize she'd finished it, and there was nothing more than a few crumbs. She'd eaten bag after bag after the trial, but the sweet taste didn't even begin to combat the chill she felt. "...I'm just tired. That's all," Ema said.
Nahyuta closed his eyes. His fingers were poised into a meditative gesture. "Go on to sleep. May your dreams be sweet."
Ema let out a yawn. "You're staying up?"
"I must thoroughly research this case. I will not rest until the last rites are achieved," Nahyuta said.
"Don't pull an all-nighter. You can't help find justice for that person if you're too tired to properly prosecute the case," Ema said.
Nahyuta smiled. "As usual, your wisdom is imperative."
"Good you realize that. Now try actually listening to it. Goodnight," Ema said.
"Good night." Nahyuta chuckled as she closed the door.
When she walked down the halls, the shadows reminded her of nooses and crooked fingers. As much as Ema tried to shake it off, she felt the cold grip of fear across her ribs.
*
Yesterday, Apollo had pulled out a turnabout worthy of Mr. Wright himself, and the trial had ended early. Despite the bowl of Banu'puun from the stipend of food given to all the Khura'inese prosecutor staff. Ema still craved something. What, she couldn't quite say. Maybe something fresh, or chocolatey. Definitely something sweet. She browsed through the stands of fruit and vegetables. Further along, there was a stand of burgers; Nahyuta's doing, of course.
Though their attempt at a Southwestern Jalapeno Burger hadn't quite worked, the cooks had formulated Yak Cheese Supreme Burger, though Ema hadn't tried that. She hadn't quite gotten enough bravery to try the yak milk, or yak yogurt, though even Nahyuta would eat that, and he despised most dairy. (Save for cheeseburgers, which he'd gotten a taste for.)
Something fresh sounded good. The aroma from the stacks was so compelling, Ema couldn't resist. Ema dug in her bag for dahmas. "A giah'pam, please," Ema said. Ema heard a throat clear behind her. She glanced back, to see the hard glare of a young woman. She recognized the colorful royal robes of the gentry. The woman held out a yellow Nahmanda flower to Ema.
"A Zuh'shiray matahmee yomah for your withered soul. An unbeliever such as yourself does not even deserve to look upon the royal residence, let alone dwell within those walls, and steal away our prince regent. May your shadow never darken the door of this country again, you gold digging whore!"
The marketplace turned quiet. The woman shoved the flower, associated with death, right into her bag, and rushed away. Ema was painfully aware of every eye in the marketplace on her.
Some of them probably even agreed with the sentiment.
As she looked around, she saw one by one, several of them made the gesture of curled fingers to the neck. Members of the gentry stepped out from shop doors. They were all around her.
For once, she had no smart comeback. The silence dragged painfully on. Each shopkeeper seemed so cold. These were the people who'd watched every execution, and cheered on the death of almost every innocent lawyer in the country.
Suddenly, she didn't have much of an appetite.
*
The coffee near her elbow slowly went lukewarm, then cold. Ema had ended up in the break room. Her lunch hour had long passed, but she didn't dare leave. It'd been one thing to whisper bad things about her. But to give her a flower associated with death, make that sign again, and such harsh words--that stung.
There was a television in the break room that was always running with the white noise of local news. Ema usually tuned out, too engrossed in her food.
This time, it was the flower that caught her eye.
Ema plucked the petals off. Loves me, loves me not. More like stay, or don't stay.
This was the best relationship she'd ever had. Nahyuta was gentle and affectionate, wonderful to debate with, and toe-curlingly good in bed. And while her first few months in Khura'in had been very interesting, once her relationship with Nahyuta became far less private, public opinion of her quickly soured.
He was the prince regent. She couldn't just ask him to run away with her. She plucked more petals. They fluttered down onto the table. Stay, don't stay. Stay, don't stay. With only four petals left, bells sounded outside. She knew that well, and glanced quickly up to the television.
Breaking news, the prince regent has taken to the stage for an important speech."
Nahyuta tapped the microphone. His serenity held a coldness beneath. "It has come to my attention that some among us have decided to judge my companion and forensics specialist unworthy."
Nahyuta's jaw tensed a moment. She saw his brilliant green eyes narrow is barely contained rage.
"An insult against Ema Skye is an insult to me. She has supported this country even though it was not her birthplace. Her processing of evidence has helped prove both innocence and guilt, and led to countless souls being read their last rites, and finally able to cross into the Twilight Realm peacefully. Through the hardest times, she has been my biggest supporter. Without her, I likely would not even be alive to be Khura'in's regent."
The microphone was torn from his hands, as Princess Rayfa pushed her way forward. "Who dares insult the goggle head? She has taught the kingdom of Khura'in many things, and deeply improved our forces."
At first, Princess Rayfa had been suspicious, but after letting her see just what some luminol and fingerprint dust could do, the princess was thoroughly convinced. Ema couldn't help but smile at the memory of Rayfa's shocked face. She always loved that first moment when people realized just how amazing science was.
From behind them, like an iron fist cloaked in silk, Queen Amara stood forward. "Now, Rayfa dear, save some time for my sermon."
"People of Khura'in, you have grown dogmatic. Perhaps my sister's vices have grown deep within you. The Holy Mother does not call for the hatred of foreigners. In her doctrine, she calls for gentleness to unbelievers. You have forgotten the verses that called for kindness, and turned hard."
"I am the Holy Mother incarnated upon this earth. My words are the remains of her soul, brought forth to you. Pray now you turn away from this hateful frame of mind." Lightning flashed, as she turned dark. The birds that had perched upon her shoulders fluttered away in fear. "And how dare you turn against my future daughter-in-law!"
Ema could only gape at the screen. The flower petal fell to the table. She didn't even bother to finish her coffee.
*
She barely waited for his response to her knock before bursting in to Nahyuta's office. She was slightly out of breath; his office was a very long ways from the luncheon halls and break room.
"Nahyuta... You...."
He closed the scroll, and glanced up at her with concern. "Did you hear the speech? I didn't expect mother and Rayfa to step in."
He rose up from his desk, and stepped out closer towards her. Ema threw herself into his waiting arms, and held him tight. To think she'd thought about leaving. She rested her head against his chest as he stroked her hair.
Nahyuta kissed the top of her head. "Surely, this should change their mind, but... if it continues, then I leave with you."
She gasped. "W-what?"
"Do you think I was unaffected? The woman I love is being torn to shreds on a daily basis--by my own people, no less. Every day it felt as if I were being pulled in two. Ema, why didn't you tell me? I tried to bring you into my office several times, but you never brought it up."
"You could've asked," Ema said.
"You would've denied it, just as you did back then, with the hand sign."
Ema's shoulders slumped. "You knew, even then?"
Nahyuta nodded. "Your shocked face on the stand told all."
Ema stepped away, out of his embrace.
"Look--I didn't want to put more on your shoulders than is already there. At first it was just gossip, and I'm already used to that. Sure, it was mostly harmless back in California, but it's still something I've endured before. I didn't expect it to get so bad so fast."
Ema drew her shoe across the floor. As much as she wanted to not give a fuck, it still hurt that these people would want her to die. It was one thing to think she was annoying or a complete bitch, then she could just avoid them. But to wish she was executed, and then endured 800 million years of hell all just because she loved Nahyuta...that stung.
He brought her hand to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles. "May the Holy Mother be thanked that you decided to stay."
"Whaaat! You knew about that?" Ema puffed out her cheeks. "What, do you have cameras in the break room?"
"The only reason I did not act sooner, was because I was trying to formulate a plan of attack. But, it escalated much faster beyond what I had prepared for. I apologize thoroughly for my failings as both a ruler and a lover to you."
"You didn't fail me. You did a whole press conference and everything," Ema said.
"No, I must accept my faults, let them go, and move on. In my life, I have made many mistakes. A mere act of arrogance could damn my country. I can no longer cling to resignation, or be a victim of fate," Nahyuta said.
His gaze was intense. Ema looked down to her feet. Every date, every night in was shadowed by the lingering touch of Khura'in. And the country's needs always came first. His thumb traced across the back of her palm.
It was the same stalemate again. She was second to his country, and his country hated her. She would never embody the kind of woman they would want for Nahyuta. She was too much an unbeliever, too outspoken, too crass, too invested in science.
"It's always your country, isn't it?" Ema said softly. "I want it to work, I want us to work so damn much, but Khura'in is making it very hard."
"In just a few years, Rayfa will ascend the throne. Perhaps I've failed the crown, and mother would be a better regent than I ever could be."
"Don't say that. Nobody's given more for Khura'in than you," Ema said fiercely.
"I'm not willing to give you up for my country. If it comes to that, I choose you," he said.
Ema let out a long breath. She was dizzy with relief. "You would?"
It was all the answer she needed. In her mind, the last petal pulled on stay.
Nahyuta nodded. "We could go back to L.A. Or travel more around the world, taking on cases as we go. There are many souls to preform the Last Rites for, not just in Khura'in."
"But, there wouldn't be another prosecutor to take over," Ema said.
"I'm sure one could be procured. Chief Prosecutor Payne came from across the seas. I'm sure others will as well. Some of them might actually be competent."
"Wouldn't you miss your family? You've only just found your mother again," Ema said.
"I would. But you surely miss your sister. And if one of us has to ache, then I would rather it be me."
"Jeez, the last thing you need is more pain in your life. Your whole past is just varying shades of suffering." She squeezed his hand tight. "I wanted to make you smile more."
"Trust me, Ema, no one has made me smile more than you."
"You'd really turn your back on the entire country for me?" Ema said in a small voice.
"If I had a thousand lives and a thousand choices, I would every time."
"Let's stick around for a little longer." After all, watching their faces filled with shame, for being chastised by Queen Amara herself would go a long way to healing. Maybe she'd even learn a few of those verses, just to fight fire with fire, so to speak, and laugh as she mocked them with their own religion.
"If they disregard mother's sermon, we leave. Understood? I have seen far too many go to the gallows," Nahyuta said.
"Fair enough," Ema said. She smiled knowingly. "Future Daughter-in-law, huh?"
"It's her most recent prophecy," Nahyuta said.
"Do you think it will come true?" Ema said.
"I can only hope so. I cannot fathom a life without you in it."
"Don't be ridiculous. You already know my answer," she said.
He bent down to kiss her. The kiss lingered, gentle as Nahyuta pulled her back into his arms.
"Wherever I am in this life, I hope it is by your side. May our paths always intertwine," Nahyuta said.
Ema gripped her cheek, and gasped. "Wait, is it happening right now? Am I supposed to say something back?"
"No. I simply couldn't contain myself. But soon, your fingers will no longer be bare."
He let go of her, and looked to his schedule book. His smile disappeared as he flipped page after page.
"It's okay, I can wait," Ema said.
Though it'd make the people of Khura'in really angry, and she could smugly flash her new ring every time, and subtly bring into the conversation a nice conversation she had with the former Queen Amara, just to rub it in.
As long Nahyuta was beside her, Ema knew she'd be able to withstand whatever came.
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Series: Ace Attorney
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 4382
Summary: The gentry of Khura'in do not take kindly to Ema's relationship with Nahyuta. What begins as simple gossip quickly escalates into something far more threatening.
Author's Note: kink meme prompt title came from Woodlock - Sirens.
Banu'puun: A Khura'inese dish that Nahyuta was reminded of when he test-tasted Bucky's soba.
Giah'pam: you run into these at the marketplace. It's hard to tell exactly which of the three things shown they belong to.
Pahpul Boljhig. hell: A special hell where the more you struggle, the lower you fall into the abyss, and at the bottom of the abyss, there's a vicious beast.
Nahmanda: A Khura'inese flower that relates to death and grieving.
Zuh'shiray matahmee yomah: A prayer that is given for a fallen one.
Ema pulled up on her bag, the glass tubes inside clinked gently, as she stepped into Khura'in's latest attraction: a coffee shop. It didn't resemble the places she'd gone into back in L.A. There was no jazz music floating from a speaker in the far corner, no modern art that definitely took ideas from Picasso.
It was dark--perhaps a little too dark, with a cluster of chairs and tables. It could've used with some fairy lights, or something to liven the place up, especially as the flowers in the vases were Nahmanda, the vases of covered with familiar mitahmah.
Nahyuta had slowly been bringing back the parts of culture he had found pleasing to his home country. New recipes, and now, new shops. But, sometimes, he took his dedication to the last rites of the dead a little too far. The last thing she wanted to be reminded of on a cold morning was the inevitability of death.
Still, Ema was thankful, as even if it wasn't Starbucks, she needed a coffee shop to start her morning. After long nights of working on cases, she didn't want to stumble to the coffee pot, only to realize after almost falling asleep that she'd forgotten to turn it on. All she wanted was to point, pass a few bills, and get the caffeine and sugar rush she so needed.
The cold of the mornings helped her be a little more awake, at least. She reached into her bag for dahmas, and scanned over the list written up. Yak milk latte, Coconut cream coffee... They didn't exactly have Pumpkin Spice lattes yet.
"One coconut cream coffee, please," she said.
Ema tried to tune out the din of the shop around her as she waited. She looked over the spread of pastries. A Magatah'man might be nice. A shame they didn't have any cheese danishes yet.
Ema knew change came slow to Khura'in, but damn if she wished they wouldn't import some more of her favorites, if only to make mornings more tolerable. A word knocked her out of her reverie. It had been easier when she didn't understand the language as well. Now, she could find the familiar old phrases that all added up to vile whispers.
How could someone as plain as her catch his eye? She's of impure blood, and she isn't even a believer!
To think, some foreigner, a commoner who isn't even a worshipper of the Holy Mother being the beloved of our prince regent.
For shame.
For shame.
"If you're going to say something, say it to my face," Ema muttered.
She couldn't even get a coffee without being the subject of gossip. Sure, she'd been talked about back in L.A, but that was people wondering if she and Nahyuta were an item, not people calling her a heathen. Ema rolled her eyes, and turned on the people behind her. They had richer silk robes than the rest of them, with thick brocade of a butterfly encased in an amber circle.
With a smile, she pronounced the words with slow, careful ease. May the Holy Mother smite you for eternity, and may you come back as the dark spot of slime you are.
That was one of the first things she learned when she came here, right after where's the bathroom and you've got to be kidding, give me a motel with a bed, I'm not sleeping on the floor.
The whispers stopped. They could only stare in stunned silence at her response.
Ema was a connoisseur of swear words. Wherever she went, she absorbed them. She still had quite a few German ones, back from when she used to mutter them behind Prosecutor Gavin's back. But Khura'inese ones were especially brutal. It wasn't enough to tell someone to fuck off, you had to tell them to fuck off for 800 million years, and personally be smote down by their deity for all eternity.
Ema turned back and grabbed her coffee. She smirked to herself as their gaze followed her all the way back to the seat near the window. They couldn't even think of a comeback.
*
"Detective Skye, please give your testimony."
He smiled at her. Even though he'd made it clear that their working place relationship and romantic relationship would be two very separate things, he still found ways to be soft to her. Ema pulled out her documents. But as she faced the gallery, she noticed a stony wall of disapproval. The first time it happened, she thought it was just Khura'in's usual fervor against the accused. But today, she recognized some of the gentry sitting in the front row. As she took the stand, their eyes narrowed.
The royal family was insular, with only a few amount containing the ability to spirit channel, a few distant cousins still clung to wealth and privilege that blood allowed.
She could practically feel the chill from over here. Come to think of it, she'd seen some of those people in the shop that morning. Slowly, she saw them lift their hands like a claw to their necks, and twist. One by one, every member in the front of the gallery did this, their icy gaze never leaving hers.
Their bent fingers reminded her of like a noose being tied.
Ema gulped. It'd felt like such a victory to tell them off, but for once, she felt like the one on trial.
"Um..."
"Detective Skye? Is something the matter?" Nahyuta said softly
Nahyuta looked on with concern. She couldn't bring herself to say the words I think the people of Khura'in hate me. Actually, I've got evidence they do.
"Ahem, it's nothing, I just lost my place."
She forced her gaze away, and back to the papers she'd prepared for the testimony. She could still feel their gaze burning down on her.
*
After the case, Ema was called back into his office. Scrolls were set in neat rows. Nahyuta never left his desk full of unfilled papers, or out of order. For a moment, she just watched as he gracefully drew the quill across the scroll. His long braid was draped over one of his broad shoulders. Just last night, her fingers had been tangled in his.
Ema looked away. She couldn't let herself get distracted by him.
"Prosecutor Sahdmadhi, was something the matter?"
"Formalities aren't necessary when we're alone, and the work is over," Nahyuta said. He smiled, and patted the chair nearest to his desk. If he reached, he could just touch her thigh.
"Come. Rest a moment."
Ema set her bag on the floor, and did as he asked.
"You've been so quiet, that isn't like you," Nahyuta said.
"You're saying I'm a loudmouth?"
"No, that's not--"
Ema sighed. The restlessness from the morning had made her irritable. And when she was irritable, she picked fights. Everywhere she went, it was like there were eyes on her. Judging the fruit she bought, her lack of faith.
And the gesture still haunted her.
"Tell me."
How was she supposed to tell him that the people he so loved would like nothing more than to see her gone? He'd only just begun to rebuild Khura'in. He'd been under Ga'ran's control for years, hopeless and forced to hunt down his own father and former comrades, in order to save his sister and mother.
The last thing he needed was this placed on his shoulders.
"It's....nothing. I'm just tired. Don't worry about it," Ema said.
He leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Go rest. You've certainly earned it."
The gesture she'd seen the people in the gallery make lingered with her. She'd tried to ask Ahlbi, but he'd rushed away in a fright when she made the hand sign.
"Hey, Pro--Nahyuta. What's this mean?" She repeated the gesture.
Nahyuta paled, and grew wide-eyed. "P-Pohlkunka! Did someone do that to you?"
"Uh--I just saw it somewhere," Ema said. "Is it bad?"
"Very bad," Nahyuta said.
"Are we talking about flipping someone off bad?"
He shook his head.
"Come on, cut the hot and mysterious crap. What does it mean? I tried to ask, and everyone freaked out," Ema said.
"No wonder," Nahyuta said.
"Nahyuta," Ema said crossly.
"It is a gesture made to those on the way to gallows. It isn't often published in dictionaries because of how harsh it is, thus it's hard to translate. If I were to personally take on the translation, I would choose..."
"I am overjoyed by the death of such a vile sinner as yourself, and wish I personally was given the gift of sending you to the deepest hells of Pahpul Boljhig, and would gladly tie the noose if I could. I will spend the rest of my life rejoicing that a putrid heathen such as yourself will experience unfathomable pain, for it is nothing less than a putrid person as you deserves. The Holy Mother is merciful, for I would personally send you to a far worse hell, for your putridness would taint this very earth."
Their cold gaze had never left her eyes. Each of them would gladly send her to the gallows, for some perceived slight. Ema shuddered.
"Ema?"
"It's just--brutal. ...All that in just a little gesture?" Ema said.
Nahyuta nodded. "There are many common gestures in Khura'in. I must teach you them, so you know what to avoid."
"I'd hate to accidentally damn someone when I was just trying to button my vest back up," Ema said dryly.
"I'll make it a priority." He glanced over the schedule book. She'd tried to get him to go digital, but Nahyuta was determined to haul that planner around. His brows furrowed as he flipped page after page. Ema didn't even have to see the book to know they were all filled.
"Ema, where did you see this?"
"The, um, gallery. They were making it to when the defendant was on the stand."
She watched for a sign of relaxation, like his jaw unclenching, but just as so often, she couldn't read him. His serenity was a wall she couldn't scale. "I see. That's not an uncommon thing to happen to the Accused."
Ema puffed her cheeks out. "Well, it's a crappy thing. He could be innocent, and here they were all gung-ho to hang the guy."
"That is the way in Khura'in. And may I add, saying the Accused 'could be innocent' is no way to act, given you are an acting forensics investigator. Don't tell me your little 'slip up' from before is happening again?"
His serenity turned chilly as he studied her. He'd surely looked into her records and seen that she'd done the same thing to Prosecutor Gavin.
Ema hung her head. She reached down for her bag of Snackoos, only to realize she'd finished it, and there was nothing more than a few crumbs. She'd eaten bag after bag after the trial, but the sweet taste didn't even begin to combat the chill she felt. "...I'm just tired. That's all," Ema said.
Nahyuta closed his eyes. His fingers were poised into a meditative gesture. "Go on to sleep. May your dreams be sweet."
Ema let out a yawn. "You're staying up?"
"I must thoroughly research this case. I will not rest until the last rites are achieved," Nahyuta said.
"Don't pull an all-nighter. You can't help find justice for that person if you're too tired to properly prosecute the case," Ema said.
Nahyuta smiled. "As usual, your wisdom is imperative."
"Good you realize that. Now try actually listening to it. Goodnight," Ema said.
"Good night." Nahyuta chuckled as she closed the door.
When she walked down the halls, the shadows reminded her of nooses and crooked fingers. As much as Ema tried to shake it off, she felt the cold grip of fear across her ribs.
*
Yesterday, Apollo had pulled out a turnabout worthy of Mr. Wright himself, and the trial had ended early. Despite the bowl of Banu'puun from the stipend of food given to all the Khura'inese prosecutor staff. Ema still craved something. What, she couldn't quite say. Maybe something fresh, or chocolatey. Definitely something sweet. She browsed through the stands of fruit and vegetables. Further along, there was a stand of burgers; Nahyuta's doing, of course.
Though their attempt at a Southwestern Jalapeno Burger hadn't quite worked, the cooks had formulated Yak Cheese Supreme Burger, though Ema hadn't tried that. She hadn't quite gotten enough bravery to try the yak milk, or yak yogurt, though even Nahyuta would eat that, and he despised most dairy. (Save for cheeseburgers, which he'd gotten a taste for.)
Something fresh sounded good. The aroma from the stacks was so compelling, Ema couldn't resist. Ema dug in her bag for dahmas. "A giah'pam, please," Ema said. Ema heard a throat clear behind her. She glanced back, to see the hard glare of a young woman. She recognized the colorful royal robes of the gentry. The woman held out a yellow Nahmanda flower to Ema.
"A Zuh'shiray matahmee yomah for your withered soul. An unbeliever such as yourself does not even deserve to look upon the royal residence, let alone dwell within those walls, and steal away our prince regent. May your shadow never darken the door of this country again, you gold digging whore!"
The marketplace turned quiet. The woman shoved the flower, associated with death, right into her bag, and rushed away. Ema was painfully aware of every eye in the marketplace on her.
Some of them probably even agreed with the sentiment.
As she looked around, she saw one by one, several of them made the gesture of curled fingers to the neck. Members of the gentry stepped out from shop doors. They were all around her.
For once, she had no smart comeback. The silence dragged painfully on. Each shopkeeper seemed so cold. These were the people who'd watched every execution, and cheered on the death of almost every innocent lawyer in the country.
Suddenly, she didn't have much of an appetite.
*
The coffee near her elbow slowly went lukewarm, then cold. Ema had ended up in the break room. Her lunch hour had long passed, but she didn't dare leave. It'd been one thing to whisper bad things about her. But to give her a flower associated with death, make that sign again, and such harsh words--that stung.
There was a television in the break room that was always running with the white noise of local news. Ema usually tuned out, too engrossed in her food.
This time, it was the flower that caught her eye.
Ema plucked the petals off. Loves me, loves me not. More like stay, or don't stay.
This was the best relationship she'd ever had. Nahyuta was gentle and affectionate, wonderful to debate with, and toe-curlingly good in bed. And while her first few months in Khura'in had been very interesting, once her relationship with Nahyuta became far less private, public opinion of her quickly soured.
He was the prince regent. She couldn't just ask him to run away with her. She plucked more petals. They fluttered down onto the table. Stay, don't stay. Stay, don't stay. With only four petals left, bells sounded outside. She knew that well, and glanced quickly up to the television.
Breaking news, the prince regent has taken to the stage for an important speech."
Nahyuta tapped the microphone. His serenity held a coldness beneath. "It has come to my attention that some among us have decided to judge my companion and forensics specialist unworthy."
Nahyuta's jaw tensed a moment. She saw his brilliant green eyes narrow is barely contained rage.
"An insult against Ema Skye is an insult to me. She has supported this country even though it was not her birthplace. Her processing of evidence has helped prove both innocence and guilt, and led to countless souls being read their last rites, and finally able to cross into the Twilight Realm peacefully. Through the hardest times, she has been my biggest supporter. Without her, I likely would not even be alive to be Khura'in's regent."
The microphone was torn from his hands, as Princess Rayfa pushed her way forward. "Who dares insult the goggle head? She has taught the kingdom of Khura'in many things, and deeply improved our forces."
At first, Princess Rayfa had been suspicious, but after letting her see just what some luminol and fingerprint dust could do, the princess was thoroughly convinced. Ema couldn't help but smile at the memory of Rayfa's shocked face. She always loved that first moment when people realized just how amazing science was.
From behind them, like an iron fist cloaked in silk, Queen Amara stood forward. "Now, Rayfa dear, save some time for my sermon."
"People of Khura'in, you have grown dogmatic. Perhaps my sister's vices have grown deep within you. The Holy Mother does not call for the hatred of foreigners. In her doctrine, she calls for gentleness to unbelievers. You have forgotten the verses that called for kindness, and turned hard."
"I am the Holy Mother incarnated upon this earth. My words are the remains of her soul, brought forth to you. Pray now you turn away from this hateful frame of mind." Lightning flashed, as she turned dark. The birds that had perched upon her shoulders fluttered away in fear. "And how dare you turn against my future daughter-in-law!"
Ema could only gape at the screen. The flower petal fell to the table. She didn't even bother to finish her coffee.
*
She barely waited for his response to her knock before bursting in to Nahyuta's office. She was slightly out of breath; his office was a very long ways from the luncheon halls and break room.
"Nahyuta... You...."
He closed the scroll, and glanced up at her with concern. "Did you hear the speech? I didn't expect mother and Rayfa to step in."
He rose up from his desk, and stepped out closer towards her. Ema threw herself into his waiting arms, and held him tight. To think she'd thought about leaving. She rested her head against his chest as he stroked her hair.
Nahyuta kissed the top of her head. "Surely, this should change their mind, but... if it continues, then I leave with you."
She gasped. "W-what?"
"Do you think I was unaffected? The woman I love is being torn to shreds on a daily basis--by my own people, no less. Every day it felt as if I were being pulled in two. Ema, why didn't you tell me? I tried to bring you into my office several times, but you never brought it up."
"You could've asked," Ema said.
"You would've denied it, just as you did back then, with the hand sign."
Ema's shoulders slumped. "You knew, even then?"
Nahyuta nodded. "Your shocked face on the stand told all."
Ema stepped away, out of his embrace.
"Look--I didn't want to put more on your shoulders than is already there. At first it was just gossip, and I'm already used to that. Sure, it was mostly harmless back in California, but it's still something I've endured before. I didn't expect it to get so bad so fast."
Ema drew her shoe across the floor. As much as she wanted to not give a fuck, it still hurt that these people would want her to die. It was one thing to think she was annoying or a complete bitch, then she could just avoid them. But to wish she was executed, and then endured 800 million years of hell all just because she loved Nahyuta...that stung.
He brought her hand to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles. "May the Holy Mother be thanked that you decided to stay."
"Whaaat! You knew about that?" Ema puffed out her cheeks. "What, do you have cameras in the break room?"
"The only reason I did not act sooner, was because I was trying to formulate a plan of attack. But, it escalated much faster beyond what I had prepared for. I apologize thoroughly for my failings as both a ruler and a lover to you."
"You didn't fail me. You did a whole press conference and everything," Ema said.
"No, I must accept my faults, let them go, and move on. In my life, I have made many mistakes. A mere act of arrogance could damn my country. I can no longer cling to resignation, or be a victim of fate," Nahyuta said.
His gaze was intense. Ema looked down to her feet. Every date, every night in was shadowed by the lingering touch of Khura'in. And the country's needs always came first. His thumb traced across the back of her palm.
It was the same stalemate again. She was second to his country, and his country hated her. She would never embody the kind of woman they would want for Nahyuta. She was too much an unbeliever, too outspoken, too crass, too invested in science.
"It's always your country, isn't it?" Ema said softly. "I want it to work, I want us to work so damn much, but Khura'in is making it very hard."
"In just a few years, Rayfa will ascend the throne. Perhaps I've failed the crown, and mother would be a better regent than I ever could be."
"Don't say that. Nobody's given more for Khura'in than you," Ema said fiercely.
"I'm not willing to give you up for my country. If it comes to that, I choose you," he said.
Ema let out a long breath. She was dizzy with relief. "You would?"
It was all the answer she needed. In her mind, the last petal pulled on stay.
Nahyuta nodded. "We could go back to L.A. Or travel more around the world, taking on cases as we go. There are many souls to preform the Last Rites for, not just in Khura'in."
"But, there wouldn't be another prosecutor to take over," Ema said.
"I'm sure one could be procured. Chief Prosecutor Payne came from across the seas. I'm sure others will as well. Some of them might actually be competent."
"Wouldn't you miss your family? You've only just found your mother again," Ema said.
"I would. But you surely miss your sister. And if one of us has to ache, then I would rather it be me."
"Jeez, the last thing you need is more pain in your life. Your whole past is just varying shades of suffering." She squeezed his hand tight. "I wanted to make you smile more."
"Trust me, Ema, no one has made me smile more than you."
"You'd really turn your back on the entire country for me?" Ema said in a small voice.
"If I had a thousand lives and a thousand choices, I would every time."
"Let's stick around for a little longer." After all, watching their faces filled with shame, for being chastised by Queen Amara herself would go a long way to healing. Maybe she'd even learn a few of those verses, just to fight fire with fire, so to speak, and laugh as she mocked them with their own religion.
"If they disregard mother's sermon, we leave. Understood? I have seen far too many go to the gallows," Nahyuta said.
"Fair enough," Ema said. She smiled knowingly. "Future Daughter-in-law, huh?"
"It's her most recent prophecy," Nahyuta said.
"Do you think it will come true?" Ema said.
"I can only hope so. I cannot fathom a life without you in it."
"Don't be ridiculous. You already know my answer," she said.
He bent down to kiss her. The kiss lingered, gentle as Nahyuta pulled her back into his arms.
"Wherever I am in this life, I hope it is by your side. May our paths always intertwine," Nahyuta said.
Ema gripped her cheek, and gasped. "Wait, is it happening right now? Am I supposed to say something back?"
"No. I simply couldn't contain myself. But soon, your fingers will no longer be bare."
He let go of her, and looked to his schedule book. His smile disappeared as he flipped page after page.
"It's okay, I can wait," Ema said.
Though it'd make the people of Khura'in really angry, and she could smugly flash her new ring every time, and subtly bring into the conversation a nice conversation she had with the former Queen Amara, just to rub it in.
As long Nahyuta was beside her, Ema knew she'd be able to withstand whatever came.
