RP; Of a Feather; No More

Every morning in Haven dark wings would spread out and seek new adventures; every morning Jana would take to the skies of Haven and find the little one. Though she now has learned the child's name, her habits and dreams, Jana has not changed what she calls hers. "The little one" has grown too, near a year and a half has she seen since their first meeting and no longer must Birki of the north hide herself behind a facade of subservience. Growing quick, and strong, the two had begun taking on ever more daunting jobs but now comes the morning when Jana does not show. Of course this has happened before but never without Jana first coming to say bye; never without some warning. Days pass before her wings drive the currents of Haven, and when they do it is first to her little one that Jana goes. What she does and says there she will likely never tell to anyone, but when she leaves, a single feather from her wing has she lost, and her hoot is that of deep sorrow; a hoot not soon heard in Haven again.

Next Jana flies about Haven; leaving small rolls of parchment scrawled in a neat hand which words are usually so very formal; almost important sounding, but the now almost cryptic messages leave much to be wanted and lack much of Syvil's usual tendency to include facts and instead favours riddles and metaphors. To the Tipsy Mermaid; Adolfo. Dear friend, I have left. The Empire's mask has fallen and no longer will I be coming to the warmth of your hall but instead now prepare to face the coming winter. Their agents are truly terrible and I ask that you take care for worry one might that you could do something drastic. I have enclosed a single of Jana's feathers within and should you need me you can call upon me. Yours in summer, or winter, Syvil. A second scroll is left at the mermaid, this one a bit longer. To my friends. Please forgive me my disappearance but as you will have heard things have be drawn to an edge; an edge that seems bound to cut us apart. But this is not for ever or always; I await you on Maladon and you have but send word. Marokin has been coming and going for a few days now and I am sure he will carry you any news you would seek. Know that is not the end; but the beginning, and I hope only that when the time comes, we will stand as friends; as allies, Syvil. A third scroll is found by Oswald as he tends to be strange shrub-like bush that was once gifted to Cain. Inside is a single feather of an owl. To my brother, to Cain. It seems we now stand apart, and though I would not have it so my path is now chosen. If there was a single wish to be granted me it would be that we could stand shoulder to shoulder, not only in mind, but in body. Call me when the time comes, Syvil. A fourth and final scroll is delivered to a hideout beneath a heavy trap door. This scroll holds a different meaning and message, its wording not such as the other's. To you. There's been a bit of trouble I'm afraid and I will have to stay out of Haven from now on. While a visit is still possible I think it best that any such be kept a rare occasion. I... I want you to come with me. I cannot promise you a comfortable life, or even a safe one, I can only give my love, and word that together we  can forge our own path. Should you want to then send me a message back with Jana; you know there's no need for ink. Before you decide you should know that my allegiances have forced me to act. Like you I don't swear to a person, or an idea; I swear to good. And in so doing I've had to make some decisions; hoping only that what I do will be right. My love, and thanks; always. This last scroll bears no name but instead a single oaken leaf has been enclosed, together with a feather; and a platinum band. The ring has no carvings, no symbol, but should she wear it a sense of safety would come to her, and the eternal sense of spring, ever growing stronger around Syvil, could be felt as more than a memory. (That ring is one of two and as per the spell of Warding Bond I wish to tie Syvil to her permanently should she accept the ring.)

As soon as he sees Syvils note in the taproom, Adolfo removes it; luckily, the taproom was empty, as it was early morning. That evening Adolfo calls together all those involved in the recent sally to Bael's Isle and talks to them in a side room of the Tipsy Mermaid. He looks older and more worried than you have ever seen him Yes; you stopped the Rebels, and there will be a celebration and much pagentry, but watch the faces of The Great and the Good at the feast. They are terrified. Rumours abound in the City that several important Imperial Officers disappeared during the foray and we also lost a goodly number of ships and men too. There are accusations of treachery going around. Our own Lord Darvin is currently under house arrest and is being interviewed. The Hand have been unleashed and they are all over us. Trust no-one, not even other Sashes, and if anyone asks; Syvil and Sharleen are dead. The Hand are asking about them all through the City; where they are and what happened to them. I think it best if both 'died' during the shipwreck. Otherwise, I fear for the Sashes and our future, and for the fate of our friends. Keep your heads' down and lets hope this purge proves as brief as that storm.