Jaycol sighs to himself as he sits alone at his desk. A frown crosses his face as he considers the troubling news He had just heard. Leaning back in his chair he folds his hands behind his head, staring blankly up at the ceiling.Time passes quickly as he sits alone in silence. His mind tracing over the many conversations he had with his friend Ausuna over the last few months. He recalled in detail the events she had explained to him about the numerous attacks on her person and the parties responsible for those attacks.
He shifts uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes wondering about the room in unconsious effort. Thier random focus blends with the expression upon his face. Clearly that of an individual lost in thought. He shifts again, this time sitting forward bringing his arms to rest on his elbows, his hand folded again as he pressed them lighty against his tightened lips. His body rocks slowly as he considers the new situation with those mentioned in the past.
Remembering back to the many converstions he and Ausuna had shared. He had listened carefully as she explained the cowardly attacks upon her as she would attempt to try her skill with that of the Daylos Gladiators. The most revered fighters ever hired to compete in the arena. Knowledge of their fierceness in battle has lead many insipiring warriors to seek them out for fortune or fame. Many, falling quickly to their deaths in a feable attempt to test their talents against the best.
Ausuna had told him, the attacks had come while she was engaged in combat with a gladiator. While attempting to fend off the talented fighter, she had in vain looked for her assailant. Noticing only too late that the second attacker had done so from above. Posed in the stands outside the enclosed arena pit, casting spell after spell against her as she fought bravely against Daylo Gladiator as best she could. Trapped between the two combatants her strength quickly waned. Unable to defend herself against this new unchallengable attacker she turned to the only other honorable opponent on the open floor and awaited the fatal blow.
Xiosia had on several occassionions blessed her to return to the world of the living. Granting her yet another opportunity to continue her quest in life to seek that one rare treasure she had so desired to find. Even knowing in her heart that it may not even exist. With each passing between realms brought her new resove to try harder. Day after day she searched against the odds. Falling victom to either the Prowess of a gladiator or the spell of unattackable foe. If given the choice she had told Jaycol.
"If I could I would have excepted death one hundred times over by the hand of a Daylos gladiator out of my respect for its valor."
With a deep breath Jaycol sits up. Reaching for a blank piece of parchment placing it in front of him. Taking his Kikiri quill from the ink bottle upon his desk he begins writing a messege addressed to Ausuna.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My Dearest Ausuna,
My heart weighs heavy at the news that you will be leaving in search of new endevors. I feel some how that I failed our friendship in some way. I only wish I could have been that young noble warrior that you needed to stand beside you. But, a'laas it is only to be a wish.
I had worried so after your departure from the halls of the Call of Destiny. I think you know this as I never refused you my consel, or my hand of friendship.
I have resolved to do now, what I should have done when the oppurtunity presented itself. As you know I am restricted by bond of the CoD creed to ingage in any violent acts associated in term to warfare or any acts that can be held accountable to it's good name, nor, will I as long as remain a representitive of dear Salona's good faith.
I have hope that in this time of upheaval that has arose across our lands. That the hearts of it's good people may once again take hold to stand against the unjustifiable and cruel nature of a select group of individuals.
It is within dark times such as these that the greatest representitives of valor and honor arise from the turmoil to take lead against oppression and tyranny no matter it's form or purpose. A cililized people will not be ruled by fear and sword.
But, wars are not always won by the sword. The desire for peace and traquillity by a united people is yet the fiercest of weapon's known to be wielded. It is that weapon now that I take to the forge and it's edge shall be honed in the name of Justice.
I wish to inform you that I have issued from my office, a Trade Embargo and a Diplomatic Ban against any guild or individual closely associated in Unjustified deed or action. It is my full intent to rally support and/or involvement of my peers, rivals, friends and associates. To put these deeds to rest.
Good people rule evil, evil does not rule good people.
I send you this letter sister, with my fondest wishes for you in your travels. Where ever you find yourself in the furture I wish to convey to you that you shall always have a home here. Safe journey my friend.
Remember always,
Jaycol
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jaycol finishes writing. Looking over what he has written, he pauses. Quickly, he moves the parchment away as a teardrop falls from his cheek. He watches with watery eyes as it splashes out on to his desk. Inhaling deeply, he regains his composure. He reaches up to wipe his eyes upon his sleeve, clenching his jaw until his teeth grind against the strain. With another deep breath he folds the letter. Taking a second piece of parchment he folds it over the first. Then taking a candle drops the hot wax upon the folded edge. With a quick movement he graps his seal, stamping the wax before it cools. A quick brush of his hand clears away the broken pieces.
Walking from his office he summons the messenger that he had asked to wait for him. Giving the young male Enkidukai his instructions and a few circles he bids him haste. He watches as messenger scurries away. Waiting until the door closes Jaycol turns away returning to his office. His body weakens as he enters momentarily. With an effort he slams the door shut. Stepping backwards towrds the door he struggles against the strain of his emotions. Moments pass in silence as he stands ridgid. His body pressing tightly against the cold hard woodwork. The pain in his heart tearing at his resolve to supress it.
He moves slowly away, walking accross the open floor of office. Stopping in front of a large granate table he had specailly made some time ago. Kneeling he removes a wooden box from underneath it. His shaking hand opening it with some difficulty. Unable to hold onto the lid he drops it from his unsteady grip. Shocked, he glances at his once strong hands as if for the first time. The age cracked skin loosely surroundis the shinking muscle revealing his tendens and bone each time he clenches his hands. He closes his eyes and prays he has the strength for this.
Reaching into the box he removes a single candle. His trembling hand barely able to grasp it as he holds it out to light it from one the many candles already burning there. Tilting it slightly he lets the wax drop onto the table before resting it in the melted pool. Waiting until he sees the wax cool, he slowly lets go. "Safe journeys sister." He whispers under his breath. His body suddenly collapses under the strain. Slunping forward as he rests there on his knees. He brought his hands up to cover his face. Not since his childhood had he lost control of his feelings. Alone, and unashamed he finaly lets go of so many years of pain. And Jaycol cries.
[Jaycol will miss you Ausuna. I hope you stay]
