A Letter to Ryan

[Nyssis]

After much snooping around the Second Wind Inn and some assistance from Jack Calico, a folded note is deposited into the jamb of Ryan's door. One side contains the letter that he previously wrote to Lasvi, undisturbed by mark or mar and clearly well taken care of, though the opposite holds a fresh missive written in Espruar.

There was a lot of destruction outside of the Enclave when I began my watch last eve. My heart maintains hope that you are well. I want to

The message drops off and is unsigned, though the ink dots of a quill mark that she intended to write more.

[Nyssis]

Yet again her boots sound her exit after an unspoken delivery and they carry with them a sluggishness unbecoming of her. This letter is folded neatly of crisp parchment with almost perfectly aligned seams, but the Elven text scribed within is broken and trails awkwardly as if she couldn't control her own hand.

I want to know what it is like to be hated for something beyond your control. For something that makes you what you are from birth.

- L

[Nyssis]

A different pair of footsteps guarantee this letter's delivery, though the corners of what was once fresh parchment are wrinkled as though someone tried to read its contents. The once-lackadaisical Elven writing has renewed vigor in it, thankfully, so each line is straight and uniform as per her normal penmanship.

Kyle has been incredibly kind to deliver this to you on my behalf, though he might not be able to snoop as he hopes. I write to you to explain everything and give you well wishes because we haven't the opportunity to talk at length.

I am being held in the Triad's temple for crimes of necromancy, according to the High-Adjudicator. A performance of my dirge at the Myrkulites' graveyard drew forth some force from the soil that destroyed the undead and the priests animating them, but it was not my original intent.

My weapon has the means to enhance chosen emotions and my desire to avenge the desecration of the dead overpowered putting them to rest. Now my arms and freedom are stripped from me for a reason I could not control. Instead of figuring out the truth behind this whole circumstance, the paladins only desire that I repent or die to Sundarian law.

I confess that I don't want to die. I want to help you and that takes priority over what Sehanine has in store for my end. My father told me once that I would experience a millennium of things throughout my life, and I would prefer to do so at your side.

My heart maintains hope that we can see each other again and I can do something for you instead of emptily talking about it. Though I desperately want to escape this place, leaving would pin ignorant blame on my shoulders and the damned High-Adjudicator would have what he wants. Please take care of yourself. My prayers are only for your safety.

-L

[Nyssis]

Another folded parchment is slipped beyond the barrier into Ryan's room with the same pristine care it usually has. Opening the letter reveals a lone petal of a blue rose, its presence lending an apologetic feel to the note's contents. Nothing otherwise appears out of the ordinary from a glance, the script inked in Espruar and trailing perfectly from seam to seam.

The Knight-Commander expressed that she is proud of what she has done and was even rewarded by her leash holders for raising a hand against you. If this was spoken in truth or in boast, I cannot be sure but I certainly do not want to let it stand on the wizards' part.

Recent word on the streets is that a warlock is running amuck, and I have little doubt in my mind that Lauan is part of the problem. I will look into somehow clearing your name even if I have to take the burden as my own. It is about time that I did something for you, now that I am free of the false accusations the law imposed upon me.

There is no talk about an inquisition or a gathered force to kill you, but Lauan will undoubtedly seek you out in the future with the knowledge that you are alive. Words cannot express how sorry I am for anything I may have done to compromise your safety. You do not deserve this.

- L