[Rikae]

Rikae reclaimed her walking-stick, shaking her head and muttering about impudent young people, and slowly made her way around the room, looking at each person in turn.

"Isabellkya, I don't think I care for the way you imply that the gifteds are against us, or your emphasis on your "vegetarianism" (vegetarian by day, at least, hmmm?). Such things from someone else would point to innocence, but your grandmother was prone to slipping wolf-hints into her speech, if I recall correctly... "

"Lhuna, you also have said something that doesn't sit right with me. Your claim that Gil-Galad knew Shasta was innocent just doesn't seem supported by the quote - it seems quite clear to me that he's saying, as I did, that the chances are high of lynching an innocent. It looks a bit like an attempt, on your part, to focus attention on an easy target who was suspected yesterday - and your sudden change of tone to an aggressive one is also somewhat suspicious. Why change?"

"Gil-Galad did indeed seem a bit 'off' yesterday; but he isn't here to defend himself, and I would like to hear more from him before passing judgement, if possible".

"Xyzzy's words actually seem innocent enough, and I'm inclined to trust Macalaure, Nogrod and Guy for the time being; although Nogrod's comment about the wolves being "desperate" doesn't really make sense to me, since going for those who seem innocent is pretty much standard wolf strategy, as far as I know, and Mac and Guy are, after all, still asleep."

"Mithalwen has not said enough to judge, yet, and as for Brinn - I think lynching him on this day in particular would not be right."

Rikae sank back to the ground, clutching her staff more tightly than before and casting a sharp glance in Nogrod's direction.