To Isabella de Veend from Alfred Delafosse

[zerotje]

Isabella de Veend,

It's Alfred Delafosse writing you, from my dwelling in the sunken towers.

I do not know how to begin thanking you and all others.
I shall commit my life in servitude to B'aara and Kula.

I heard lives were lost. That is the worst possible news.
To think for my sake others did not only suffer, but paid the ultimate price.

My measly existence isn't worthy of such great sacrifice.

Perhaps it is better to think they died protecting an ideal.
The ideal of kindness, compassion, trust and of good holy cause.

They will remain in my thoughts, in my prayer and in my heart forever and I will do everything in my limited power and capability to see their memories remembered.

Now comes more ill word. The Mark upon my body has not disappeared with the Djinn's banishment.

I require your help once again.

I believe a Holy ritual, a working together of priests, might smite the Sin that lingers on my soul and body.

The Astronomers could aid too, if they aren't more inclined to kill me. I would trust priests more.

Feel free to refuse me and I shall continue an eternal exilement.

Nothing was worth the price paid.

[Empress of Neon]

*An older woman reads the message with a somber look.*

[zerotje]

Isabella de Veend,

I would like to speak in person.

Words upon paper cannot convey my thoughts or feelings.

I've begun a project to remove my Mark.

All I wish to speak about is redemption.
I ask nothing else.

Since I am forbidden from calling people over, a code:
Wash the Sins away.

When I speak these words, I ask your presence to the Sunken Towers.

Alfred

[Empress of Neon]

"Dear Alfred,

You will have to forgive the delay in my response. Whatever you've heard going on in Ephia's Well has a hundredfold layers beneath it. This is difficult to write, but you still deserve and answer. And if possible, a road.

I must start by stating this; it sent a chill down my spine when you told me your mark remained. It also sent me into despair; not seeing you there to face your demons, even as the rest of the Well's guardians stirred to the deed. It then brewed me with dread, being confronted with another possible truth about the nature of your affliction.

The idea you've been lying to me. This entire time. A possibility that remains all too real in light of your condition. One I must assume at the risk of anymore souls being lost to the thing you yielded your very soul to.

Lojir and Piroutte are no more. There's no escaping this. They did not simply die; they were utterly and wholly devoured. Lost even to The Wheel. This is a fate worse than death; the very same fate I tried to save you from with spear in hand. It is also a wrong in itself. One many blame you for now in the Citadel.

Why didn't you come?

Deeds always spoke louder than words.

For the safety of my Oathseekers and Ephia's Well, I have to assume the worst. Nothing I want to believe changes the fact your mark remains; and as such, a door for the d'jiin.

I have done everything I possibly can; legally and in material. Right down to risking my very soul to see yours free  from this so great an evil. But I am out of means; as well as excuses for the picture painted before me.



All the same, there is one very last thing I can offer you. I know not if it will help save your life; but your soul may yet be spared. A ritual to capture the d'jiin. I can't claim to know what it will do to you.

You will need 2 diamonds; the purest of gems. 7,000 dinars for regents. A mirror, mosaic, lamp or jar of 2,500 dinars in value.

You will need the consecrating touch of a priest or priestess; arcanum of a 4th circle  magi and their 3rd circle apprentice (their faiths and interests must be aligned).

Lastly, seek out Atticus for the Bailail Injuction ritual. Do not bring any cats or animals.



I will pray for your soul. Mother knows I don't think anyone deserves the fate inflicted on Lojir and Piroutte. They paid the ultimate price to safeguard the realm and its people. It isn't right to keep expecting others to to risk all like that for a decision made in a moment of weakness. At some point, Alfred, we must take responsibility for our sins.

You must earn trust lost. And show you are finally ready to risk what they did and face this thing.

We tried to fight this battle for you. Now it is time for you to join that struggle.

~ Isabella"

[zerotje]

Dear Isabella de Veend,

The reason I wasn't there was that the Thing could control me to murder my friends. // That it was at 04:30am my time //

The Mark remains because the Thing remains. As far as I've understood, it isn't dead, it is banished and greatly diminished in power.

What happened to Pirouette and Loijr is beyond harrowing.
In all truth, it wasn't worth it. Two souls sacrificed to help Amelie, I cannot even process that in my mind.

It's why I prefer to think they died fighting for their ideals.
That their sacrifice was for us all.

Yes, many pin their deaths on me, but did they not volunteer?
Did they not came to Amelie's aid?

Am I truly to believe this posse of Heroes stood at the premises swords into the sky yelling "For Alfred Delafosse"?
None care about me. They were there to help Amelie, who stubbornly refused to kill me, to retain her Cinquefoil beliefs.

And because none care about me - it is easy and simple to cast the blame my way.
I hope it brings calmth to their minds, at this point shouldering the hatred of Ephia's Well has become routine.

You've not done everything, Isabella, you've done nothing.

You didn't stand at Amelie's side for my sake either. Don't pretend. I was already Marked.
And now you cast me aside, because there would be political rammifications. Your ambitions valued above your morality.
It disgusts me to hear both Balladeer and Oathseeker voices cram out nonsense about righteousness and justice - when the reality is so much different.

Your shopping list of reagents is useless.
Without support, alone and exiled, how would you imagine I would go about obtaining that?

You write this letter knowing full well that it is an impossible task. And claim to have helped.

I am both victim of my Curse and victim of my Mark.
I've never lied and never will utter lies.

But never, ever dare to think you or your ilk are morally good.
You are the same as a Banda Rossa, a Janissary or a Sol Auk. We are all the same. We all want to live and value ourselves over the rest.

This you have shown me.

Alfred Delafosse

[Empress of Neon]

*An older woman reads the letter; a tear rolling down her cheeks; before putting it away.*

[zerotje]

Isabella de Veend,

I will walk into the pyre to rid me off the mark.

My last letter was nothing but an outpouring of hatred, sadness and solitude.
The words must have harmed you, thus I apologise, as the pyre might claim my life.

I now understand why you do not believe me, you haven't known me for long enough.
The very short time spend with the Oathseekers from my perspective was several lifetimes.
That's what happens when doom lurks every minute of the day.

If I die, I forgive everyone for everything.
I expect not the same in return.

Alfred Delafosse