October 15 and October 27, 2026
Presiding Magistrate: Kelli
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I represented Lady Nadia in her complaint against Edward, while Jessika Roberts represented Edward. Nadia testified that he entered her home without invitation, ignored her requests to leave, touched her cheeks and lips, tugged her clothing, and pulled her closer. She described resisting his contact, taking up a broom, and calling for assistance. She acknowledged that he had not pushed her through the doorway and that she suffered no physical injury.
Edward gave a conflicting account, claiming Nadia invited him inside, removed his boots, and attempted to seduce him. When asked for the words of her invitation, he did not provide them. At the final hearing, I asked whether he had touched Nadia’s face. He answered, “I do not recall touching her face.”
Jessika questioned why Nadia had not fled, sought a physician, or used a stronger weapon. Nadia maintained that the contact was unwanted and explained that she wanted Edward to leave without provoking a more dangerous confrontation. My objection during the final questioning was sustained. A statement attributed to the slave Tayir was withdrawn during the first hearing after questions about its admissibility.
Jessika presented Edward’s boots as evidence supporting his account. I challenged the suggestion that he needed Nadia’s assistance to remove them. Kelli admitted the boots but ultimately concluded that either person could have removed them.
In closing, I asked the Court to consider Nadia’s testimony, distinguish unwanted contact from physical injury, and reject enslavement without proven lawful grounds. I also asked that her later alleged disobedience be judged separately. Jessika disputed Nadia’s credibility, sought Edward’s release, and argued for Nadia’s enslavement.
Kelli dismissed the case for lack of conclusive evidence from either party. He clarified that neither side had proven its account. Nadia was not ordered enslaved.
Her alleged disobedience of orders to remain in Turmus was reserved for a separate trial after the festival. Kelli did not place her under arrest and instructed her to remain in the city. He also refused Jessika’s request that Edward be notified if Nadia were later enslaved so he could consider purchasing her.
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