Ixora felt compelled to write the letters due to the fact that she felt so guilty. The letters were random incomplete thoughts addressed to her mother and stored in a wooden box with celtic knots carved into the nicely finished wood. She wrote them whenever she felt that she needed to spill out her thoughts about something or get something off her chest. It was sort of like confiding in a close friend without hearing a response.
Mother,

Docked somewhere. Rhy'din is what the place is called. Really far from home. You would never believe me if I told you it was in another dimension. Don't know how I got her other than that Levin got us off course when he was navigating the ship and that we ended up here. Looking permanent though. Xaphan had me meeting with some man in an alley. Man never showed. Imagine that. You can imagine how angry I was, you know I get all temperamental about those sort of things. Everything's turned out alright, I guess.

Met some man named Zeollas that night. Worked some sort of thing out to where I thought he was taking me to dinner. Made me pay for it. There's proper acting for you, Mother. Ran into the guy in the morrow though. Long story short, man named Kuro hired us on though. Don't know if I should share details. Maybe later. Zeo and I are on this man's crew though along with some woman named Kendall. She's younger than I am and posing as my sister as well.

Reminds me... I know I never did right by you with Ambriel. I apologize, you know. Still regret it. She was too young then and she's still young now. Shouldn't have taken her on the seas, but I had a soft spot for her. At the time she was innocent and I gave in. She's turned into a little brat though. Xaphan would have thrown her into the seas if I let him.

Back to Zeo... We don't really get along. He frustrates me. Not used to being jealous and not used to not getting what I want. Not so sure he's the one anyways. We'd probably be one of those bickering couples. I know I was due to marry Vitale. I never met him. Maybe he would have made a good husband, but I can't be just a house wife. I would feel like a servant. I would rather live a dishonest life than that.

Had a lot of trouble with that Kuro guy. Call him Chief. We fight a lot, tend to get lectures from him. Making the same mistakes as I did with you. Too damn stubborn, you know? Don't know how to listen and let go of my pride either. Can never say sorry.

Can't quit starting things with Zeo and Kuro. Got drunk the night before my first day of work. Then I let a stranger into the garage. Name's Toby. Seemed lost and innocent. I think I'll keep him. Shot the Flintlock off to show him how it worked since I found him again. Chief kicked me out of the BlackJade. The BlackJade is the garage, place where Chief lives and works. Toby's got a room there now.

Nothing's going right. Toby followed me out after Chief demanded I leave. Chief made it up later with a new pistol. Ironic.

Think I'll turn in. Got work in the morning.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Still remember the night Xaphan stole me. Left home at ten and two or three years. Was looking to spy on them pirates even though you forbid me of it. Wanted to be part of the action and do something I thought was useful. Crew dragged me on the ship. First time I had ever been on one. Love sailing now. First experience ain't anything to brag about. Tied me up by the hands and bound me to a rafter below deck. Crew took turns whipping me with a leather rope. Smacked my back with a sword too. Used it so the flat part hit. Only got a few cuts from that. Didn't think I was right when I told them I didn't know anything. Kept thinking someone was going to come after them. Scars are still there. Ain't ever taken my shirt off. Not for casual partners that I pick up at port. Not even for Alvaro.

Never knew Alvaro's real name. He was the only person I was ever serious about though. Made a fool of me too. Never would have been able to die for him though. I watched the attack. I knew his enemy was stronger and quicker. Didn't rush in and help. My fault he plundered my heart and left it in the sea.

Back to recent events. Met some guy named David. Forgot what it's like to get too much attention. Man stares at me. All the time. Every time I turn, his eyes are on me. Makes me feel off. I don't like having people watch my every move. Not sure if I trust him. Could be bad news talking to him. Man flirts a little too thick too. Like to tease. Toby could tell you that for sure. Make the poor boy blush every chance I get. Anyways, might rip this David guy a new one if he doesn't lay off just a bit.

So there's this friend of Zeo's I had coffee with. He's Aramil. Sugar wasn't enough to make me like it. Carried on with him, he's going to the Halloween party with me as well. He's a changeling. Going to get some files that Zeo wanted me to grab. He's set on doing that. Had a duel with him the next day. Didn't know it was him because he took a different form. David showed up again. Great stuff.

Saw that Juri man again the first night I met Aramil. He kissed me. Tend not to care. Made me confused. I don't know if it was a casual thing for a friend or what. We didn't talk about it. I didn't ask him what it was for and I didn't do anything myself. Not sure what's going to come out of that.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Talk about dramatics. I went from one intense event to the next. I swear it was not my day.

First off, there's that David guy. He acted as though he lost interest in me which made me go after him. You know how that is. Or maybe not. Traded a kiss for a secret. He had the nerve to ask me if I would be his and let him be mine. Turned him down. Told him that physical relations and emotional bonds are different. Didn't exactly go into detail on that though.

Anyways, told him he would have to work for it since he mentioned that if he hurt me then I could kill him. That made him seem a little desperate. Ah well. Started to seem alright though before he asked me. Then I wanted to get away.

Was talking to Aramil after I thought he left. Kuro had drawn my attention from the man with Toby missing. So this David poked his head in the window, got me all riled up by talking about me primping for him. Told him I don't do that and claimed I didn't need to keep him waiting. I don't mind a cocky man, but he's a little overconfident. Don't remember quite how the conversation went. Something about me making my own choices so I sort of threatened him with my sword.

Met this Katt girl. She knows Toby. Said he was in danger. We ate cake and talked about him. He don't like her for her vampire blood. I'm sure that's what it is. She seems sweet. I think I'll keep her two. I'm going to need a second leash.

She left then Toby showed. Followed him out. Some woman popped up. Toby called her Lisa. She seemed like she wanted to kill so I used the dagger to call Juri there. Woman ended up leaving. Juri and Toby had some kind of fight. Don't know what happened there.

Spoke to Toby a little then he left me with Juri. Man stole my half eaten slice of cake and dug in. Smothered it in my face too, but I got even. Told me I'm lucky cause I attract drama and he likes it. I don't know if he was saying that because he liked me or because it's true. Mostly since I told him he wasn't making me feel special. Asked me how he could and I didn't know. Kissed me. I kissed back this time and then felt nervous about it. Don't know why. I sort of rand off on him. That man makes me think.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Ran into that Katt girl again. Toby wasn't happy about me meeting her the other day. I think. He showed up and the two didn't really talk. Tried to get Toby to eat since he had been missing. Don't know if he did. I left. Went to the garage later. Don't even know why. Just Kuro and Mimi were living there. Katt showed though. She was upset about something. Don't really know much. Just that it involved Toby. Said she was going into hiding. Tried to talk her out of it.

Went to the Inn. Had a drink with Juri. He asked to lay his claim on me... Said no because he deserved better. Told me he didn't want better. Prime reason was the secret that I was keeping.

Didn't tell a soul that I was seeing David in secret. He sort of challenged me. Didn't want to back down so I allowed him to claim me. Told him I didn't want him acting like we were something in public. Said everything had to be private. He agreed. Argued with him some time after Juri left the Inn because he came in. Told me to quit playing games. We left and I vowed to work on it and show him off. Didn't work out that way. I'll get back to that...

Met at a cafe with Kuro and Aramil. Discussed work things mostly then I left. Came back later and met the Chief's new tech person. Don't really know what he's doing. Said something about repairing cars at the garage. He was with Mai. Name's Scotty.

Ran into him again and asked him how the first day went. Told me the garage was closed up. Talked to Zeo as well and he said Kuro packed up and left town. Don't know why he left. Curious to see if he took Mimi with him though.

Was wondering the streets late at night. Met some mage or something who shot my Flintlock off. Wasn't happy about it. Never caught his name. Met some girl with apples as well. Don't know who she was. She seemed polite though.

Talked to Kenny and offered the apartment up. She told me I should ask this Tucker person out. He seems kind of shy. Didn't really talk to him much. Seems like he'd be decent if I chose to talk to him. Maybe I'll get to know him later. Partly since he's Kenny's friend. This Serena girl seems nice also. Didn't talk to her much either. That mage from the night before showed at the Inn. Started talking to me and Kenny a bit. Not much though. Burned lines into the counter with his fingers yet claimed he wasn't a mage and didn't do anything to my gun. Said I was blaming it on him. I know he shot the Flintlock off. Not me. Magic is lost on me though. Was always a fool with it. Don't think it likes me. I'll stick with what comes easy.

Met some man named Rix. He's elven. Apparently touches faces when he meets someone. Felt mine up and said he could tell I had some elven blood in me. I do. Not much at all though. Ears ain't pointed or anything so it's hard to even tell. Didn't think him touching me would make him realize. No one else knows. Actually asked because he heard Mai talk to me and told me I had an elven name. Ixora ain't even my true name. Everyone here thinks it is. Xaph is the one who started calling me by my middle name. Had trouble pronouncing Qynine. You would have laughed the way he was trying to say it.

Anyways... David. Right? Didn't let Kenny know what was going on when he showed the other day. Think she might have suspected something though. Separated myself from Rix and her when he showed up. Made a big deal about kissing him because I thought he wanted one. He left me there. Felt upset a little. Didn't cry though. Ain't no man worth the salt in my tears. Kenny asked what went on. Think she was curious because I had a black collar on my neck that I was trying to get free and as soon as David left, the thing fell off.

Inn started filling up and my head was aching. Decided to leave. Kenny had Rix leave with me. Think he's got a thing for me too. Ain't quite sure. Didn't feel bad about taking the elf with me. I was talking to him first and she was talking to some other guy. Think I spoke with him briefly a different day. Never caught his name though. Too much for me to deal with.

With Love,
Qynine

Dear Mother,

Saw that Gale man again. We talked business. Talked about him getting set up with a forge and doing some kind of trading through Xaph. I hope he takes us up on it. Might be nice if Xaph had a reason to come back and forth from Rhy'din. Might allow me to sail once in a while since I chose to stay. Toby thinks I'll leave. Looking for him to let him know I changed my mind. Xaph's going to be heading out in about a week. He's taking Ambriel to you. Thought about it the other day... Did you ever have any other kids? It's been ten years since I saw you or heard from you so I wouldn't know.

Told Gale about how I gave he puppy to Toby and wanted to keep it. He has a pet that he carries around with him. Called Trouble. He reminds me of a rabbit. He's not. Gale said he's a chinchilla. The next day he ended up getting me a puppy. David tried to steal it from me. Met some guy named Ryo too. Introduced him to Kendall. That Serena finally learned my name.

Saw Gale and Ryo again, we had lunch. Some man assumed I was trying to get under the covers with Gale. Ryo tried to say he sorry since the feller was his friend. I didn't accept the apology. Said that I would rather not see him again. I don't like people assuming things about me.

So I ran into Zeo at the bar. We argued. What else does anyone expect out of us? He claimed he was going to my place to sleep on the couch. Said he was going to follow Kenny there. I think she moved out though. I left not long after him. He could have followed me as well. I didn't look for him on the way there and headed straight for my bed so I don't know if he made it in.

Didn't wake up with the pilot in my bed though. Said I was desperate and hopeful for thinking such a thing. I don't think so. You never know who the kind to take advantage are just by looking.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Not much to say really. Well. That's a lie. I feel strange... I offered my couch to Gale since he didn't have a place to sleep. Somehow that changed to my bed. We didn't do anything. He hasn't even held my hand. It was just different because of that.

I offered Kenny's old room to Katt. I ran into her in the Market. She told me to give it to Toby because his room had been compromised. She wasn't willing to discuss it at first because Ryo was there. He didn't stick around long though.

I finally got the whole story out of her. Somehow her body was taken over or stolen. I don't know the specifics, but this thing that controlled her tried to kill Toby. It caused a lot of problems between them. She had shackles on, I didn't ask about them though. Anyways... This thing killed some other people and she had a trial. Sometime tonight or tomorrow morning she finds out if she goes to the gallows.

I don't think I'll ever see her again. I wanted so bad to spend every last minute with her. I didn't want to leave. If she weren't sitting on top of one of the stalls in the Market then I think I might have hugged her and never let go.

The worst part is she loves Toby more than I could possibly imagine myself caring for another person. He doesn't feel the same way though. Worse yet... She doesn't want me to tell Toby what happened. She wants to just fade out of his life. She said he won't ask about her or look for her. It makes me want to cry to think about it. I want to go see Toby though I think he would be mad if I showed up. Maybe I'll write to him. Just so I know he's okay.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Still no sign from Toby. I wrote to him though haven't ran into him or hear word of him yet. I'm sure if he won't turn up then something will. I hope so at least.

The elf showed up at the Inn. We spoke briefly. At least it didn't seem like he was around long. I was right. Surprised though. I thought I was being full of myself. The elf has said that he wishes to court me and that he doesn't mind fighting over women.

I was somewhat thrilled yet also troubled. He mentioned when I met him that he didn't do well with commitment. He did mention he moved around a lot. I don't know if he was speaking of that or women. Perhaps both. He did give me the address of his current residence so that I might write to him. I think I will.

I did meet a woman at the Inn. She had a weird manner of speaking. I don't remember her name. She did say her friends called her Di though. That helps.

I haven't seen Gale since the night he slept over. I didn't give him a key. I guess he must be busy with his new work. Though I find myself curious to know if I discomforted him. I do wonder if he would accompany me home once more if we saw each other again though.

I think I will begin to develop a name for myself if I keep going on as the flirt that I am. Perhaps I already have. Still... Perhaps Kuro was right about one thing though I do hate to admit it. Perhaps I need to quit guarding myself when it comes to those affairs.

Rix did accuse me of being guarded though I brushed it off and lied my way out of discussing it. I don't know if he caught on or not. I'm sure I might tell him in the future. It depends.

I still worry for Juri. If he has left for his mission or if he is distancing himself from me for other reasons then I pray to the Goddess herself that he isn't harmed at all. I wonder if he would attempt to make his claim again if he were around.

I do feel very much the fool. I probably lead men on too much, make them hopeful. I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for.

I did forget to mention. Ambriel and Xaph both left. I will continue to write you and save them for when he docks in Rhy'din again.

I saw Katt. At first I thought her a messenger. She had two packages with her. Early Christmas presents for Toby and I. I think she plans to keep her distance and she has a sentencing. Goddess bless it wasn't the gallows.

With Love,
Qynine

A few days after Ixora had slid the note beneath the door of room twenty-six, she would find a crude, dingy envelop, with her name and address scribbled in pencil on the outside, resting amongst her other mail.

Within, was a simple piece of yellow legal paper, torn sloppily at the top. The handwriting, still in pencil, was made up mostly of letters that looked like blocks, making up three lines:

Ixora,

I am glad you are staying. =)

Toby

Mother,

I haven't heard from the elf after I sent the letter. I'm curious to know if he got it. There are more pressing matters though. Well... I just don't know how to cope.

Toby's been like a kid brother to me since the night he showed at the Garage. I have always loved him. Him and Katt both. Immediately let them in. Regret it in some ways. Not going to go into too much detail. Just that... For some reason he doesn't want us in his life anymore.

Trying to hollow myself out. Each time I run into him it gets worse. We fought. Mostly because of Katt and partly because I was trying to get rid of his new friend. Mayu's her name. He punched me in the jaw, shattered bone too. Stripped myself of my pride and shamed myself with my behavior that night. He still wasn't willing to forgive. Had brought him Katt's Christmas present. Went to run with it when he said he wanted no reminders. Think that's why he threw his dagger at my leg.

Ran into Katt. She was none too pleased. She had some kid with her who reminded me of Toby. He drifted off somewhere while I talked to her. When Gizmo ran to me, I found the kid and left for the coffee shop Aramil had taken me to before. Katt talked to Toby, I think. Didn't ask her. The boy I was with got drunk fast. He fell asleep in his chair. Might of taken him home and let him sleep on the couch because he reminded me of Toby. No shoes. Lost and innocent. Well. Toby don't seem so innocent anymore though.

Katt had me leave with her to Unity to see the healers. With my jaw, hurt to talk and smile. Hurt to drink and eat as well. Not much else to say about it.

I ran into Mayu. We talked. I admit that I wasn't friendly. Didn't feel I had to be after what happened. She threatened Toby's life and I attacked her. He showed while I had her pinned against the floor. He grabbed me off her. I started to explain myself. I wanted him to know that she was pure evil. He went to her. Didn't even listen to me. He just brushed me off as though I didn't exist. Hurt more than anything. I was trying to protect him and he could care less. Don't think I ever want to see him again.

I met with Katt and she was asked for her hand in marriage. She's thinking about it. Some kid named Aren. Don't know what she'll say. She left for her sentencing though. I think I'll try and keep to myself until she returns. I gave her the address to the place if she ever wanted Kenny's old room though.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Goddess... I have so much to share with you. First off, I've been hanging around that stranger a lot. The shy one who reminded me of Toby? I'm sure I mentioned him to you before. I call him Junior and he ended up calling me Freer. I can only guess it is because I picked the lock on his shackles. I also broke into a locked box he had. I had to trade him a kiss for that. Said I had to pay him with a kiss and a date to test the blue powder inside. Well... The tests failed so he isn't getting paid.

Just writing about things as I think of them because quite a bit has gone on. I suspect Toby and Katt ain't doing the best right now, she told me he ditched her. I think it might be why she was clinging to that Junior guy. Ain't the greatest name to give someone, but I ain't too creative when it comes to that. Oda bought Katt a house and she gave me the key for it, I told her she needed to stay there too though. I think he was the one she was supposed to serve her sentencing for? Can't remember.

I feel kind of low though... I was with Katt and Mayu, didn't even tell them I was leaving. I just wanted to talk to David because he showed. Things didn't end too well.

Which reminds me. I saw Zeo last night, we talked a bit. He's working for a Guild. At least that's what it sounded like. Saw him again today and he said he had three months off. Somehow... I think he tricked me into asking to take him out. Yeah, I'll admit that I've always found him good looking. He didn't exactly say no, he asked when and where. We didn't really set all that up so it ain't quite official, but we'll see how it goes...

Each time I start to genuinely like a guy, they leave. I think that's why I seem so... I don't know what the word I'm looking for is. All I know is that I've been paying men more attention than I might if I were with a man. I was told that I was a fool for being closed when it came to men, but as soon as I start trying it seems like the man takes off forever.

Can't really say I genuinely like anyone now though... I think I'm just going to jump into whatever passes me by and take the risks. I ain't so worried anymore. Katt and Toby have had a lot of downs, I think I can manage and I think I'll always have her to help me through anything if I need it. I don't think I'm such a wreck though. Unless things get really serious then I'll get along just fine.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Twenty and six years old now. Was kind of surprised with how the day turned out. Never really told anyone that the day was coming up. Just Katt. Still.... I spent all day in the tea shop. David came and went three times that day.

Katt and Mayu were the only ones there at first. Mayu gave me a pet rock. What a riot? David came and bugged shortly after. I told him he had to leave unless he had a gift for me. He did leave and I think he got Katt angry with him. She threw a peanut at him as he was leaving and then asked for the Flintlock. Thought she was going to shoot him.

Well, Katt left and I had started to talk to Mayu when David returned. Really wasn't expecting a gift and with what he got me.... I don't think I wanted it. All I'll say is the outfit is for intimate nights with your lover. I had to head out after that because I was too flustered to talk to Mayu properly after a gift like that.

I did come back later that night. Mayu was still there and she was with Toby and Katt. Toby got me a necklace with a sword on it. Won't go through the trouble of describing it. I really liked it though. Katt pretty much said she made him. He got us all teddy bears the other night when they went shopping and she told him that he couldn't say the bear was supposed to be an early present since Mayu and Katt got one too. Wouldn't have really cared though. Katt embedded the Flintlock with diamonds and the like into a bit of a rose design. Ain't the greatest with explaining. I treasure it more now though.

Zeo showed up followed by Junior. The kid left though I don't know why. I think he might have been jealous of the pilot. I can only guess... I didn't expect Zeo to have any knowledge of the day. Certainly didn't expect a gift. He bought me a bottle of some pretty fancy rum. Probably expensive too. He really makes me think at times. I think he enjoys confusing me. He told me he would take me to dinner the next day. Katt says I have to wear a dress... Just great.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,

Never intended Mayu to think I hated her. We talked and I tried to tell her it wasn't so. Didn't mean to make it seem like I was only interested in being friends with her because of Toby and Katt. Words had that effect though. Toby and Katt are a part of the reason. No doubt about that. They both spend a lot of time with her. Know Toby is fond of her. Almost to the point that it makes me jealous. Don't understand how he works or anything. Just know that when we had our falling out that he acted like she was something special.

Didn't like the attention he gave her. Not because I love him or anything. Do love him as though he were family. Katt loves him too though. Been so determined for those two to get together. They won't though. Don't know if they ever will. If they do then it would be a miracle. Don't know if Toby's able to be with someone like that. Or maybe it's because of something he ain't sharing. I'm sure there's some kind of reason for it. Don't know if I'll ever find out. I want to. I've tried. He gets mad usually.

Did see Katt and Mayu in the Market. Was going to catch up with them and then an old flame showed up. We fought. Just verbally though. Couldn't understand why he was in Rhy'din. Katt was angered by him. Don't know if she's bothered by me too. Hope not. Going to fight him though... He called Katt out for fighting my battles for him. Never been able to back down to a challenge. Provoked too easy. Never lost to him in the past. Might strike some kind of deal with him. Make him leave if he loses or something. Don't want him here.

With Love,
Qynine

Mother,


Saw that angel the day after the kiss incident when I went to the Inn. Saw Gunnar too. Got my pay and a holiday bonus from him. Put me in somewhat of a good mood. Was unable to keep my eyes off Toby... He was with the Claymore. Lisa. She showed shortly after him anyways. Was hard to stay away. Couldn't hear them though.

After a while she hurt him a bit. I stepped in and demanded her to release him. Ace tried to get involved too. She asked me to step back. Said she would kill Toby otherwise. Angel made a full of himself. Wouldn't keep away. Didn't even know Toby. Made me angry too. Some stranger made a comment. Said we weren't helping our friend. Ace was the only one making the situation worse. Exchanged few words with the man only to distract me from jumping back in. After Lisa helped the stranger offered assistance. Helped me get Toby off the ground and into a chair. Healed him too.

Man seemed rude at first. Guess he wasn't so bad after all.

Tried to get information out of Toby. Lisa had asked me about a change. Said Toby's eyes had gotten golden. Wasn't sure if that were true or a dream. Don't know what good it did her either. Tried to find out why she was there. Wouldn't really tell me. Managed to get out of him a bit. Found out the night of the kiss that Katt stabbed herself. Don't know if she was suicidal or not. Ain't too happy with Toby or Mayu right now. How could they hurt her so much? I don't get it. Everything's complicated... Why does everyone have to love someone else is what I want to know? Seems like no one can love each other. Never quite cared for someone that way myself... Just wish everything could be like it was before.

I tried to talk him into going to bed. Didn't want to listen. Thought he was going to find Mayu after I asked him to rest first. Couldn't even walk. Carried him over my shoulder and up the stairs to his room. Laid him on the bed and stood in the doorway. Toby didn't seem to want to talk. Made excuses to stick around myself. Asked about Zeo. Don't even know why. I have no reason to find the pilot. Still... Toby was too quiet. Decided to head out after that.

With Love,
Qynine

A grin spread across her face after the wax seal was broken and the parchment unfolded. She never thought she would be so happy to recognize the scrawl that graced the paper. She could imagine what it looked like even as it was being written for she had been present on a few occasions when letters were to be sent out. She could even hear Xaphan's voice as he paced the quarters of his room in front of the desk. The scribe seated at the desk, gaze boring into the parchment while the feather moved from scratching against it to the bottle of ink. She figured he was keeping the same scribe as he had for the past ten or so years. It was just before she had turned ten and six years that Nazaire had boarded the brig and started working for Xaph, she stared down at the parchment.

Jungle Flame, Ixora, Fire of the wood,

She snickered aloud as she read that. Xaphan always tried to be such a poet. She glanced up, realizing that the sound of amusement had only managed to receive a cursory look from the woman at the counter. Iced orbs dropped, falling on the parchment once more to read further. She knew that the words that followed were not completely her father figure's words. Nazaire had a much better way with words and would have written it differently so that the person reading could decipher Xaphan's nonsense. She had spent enough years on the brig to be able to understand the meaning, but she figured it was force of habit. Xaphan himself didn't know how to read and write which was why he had to have a scribe work for him. Even so, she imagined his writing wouldn't be very easy to read were he capable of it.

I have taken Ambriel home as you may very well know. I did not go back on my word. Your sister was always a constant sore on my behind anyways. I have not read your letters, I spared you from that. She hasn't read them yet. She was much to thrilled to see that girl and her monkey. Too bad, I was growing fond of her pet. I had hoped she would leave him behind. Your mother refused to read the letters at first. Only because she was firm in not wanting to forgive you. I told her that it wasn't because Ambriel was a bother that you insisted she return and whether it was completely true or not, I fibbed and told her that you were going to settle down with a man. You have a brother now and I have informed them that I will be bringing you to see them come Spring. You do not have a say on that matter.

Xaphan

She rolled her eyes after having finished reading over the paper. When did Xaph and Nazaire become such saps. It was too emotional for them and a scowl nearly formed in the process. She would go see her Mother and the rest of them, but he didn't have to say all that and he could have written more about what the crew was up to or at least had them write her. She couldn't believe he would pause by Rhy'din to deliver that small excuse for a letter though it was possible that Nazaire had written it on his own and saw that it was delivered to her. Xaphan might have known about it, but that didn't mean that he didn't give the scribe the privilege of writing it all on his own? That would make sense... Xaphan's letters were never like that.

Her gaze traveled over to the package lain out on the table and she drew it close, tearing the rope off of it and prying back the deer hide that covered it. Twin daggers awaited her and she stared in awe. She realized that she had informed Xaphan once that Toby knew how to fight with a dagger and that she intended to teach him how to wield a sword. Xaphan wouldn't have bought Toby something and not her though. There had to be something special about them. Xaphan knew she was a collector of rare and valuable weapons. Ones that she didn't ever seem to use, but still.

She began to examine the weapon further, bringing one of them up close to study it closer. The handle was lacquered in black and made of wood, she figured it to be an ebony after having realized that. Runes appeared to be set into the hilt and there were words engraved into the blade. She figured the language was elven, she could recognize it yet she had never taken the time to learn it. She would have to wait until she was able to ask Xaphan what the daggers did or seek out someone who could at least read what was written and be able to decipher the capabilities of it.

Mother,

I apologize for the way I acted last time I saw you. Something that's difficult to explain... Was only there to research, really. Things have happened... I have a strange condition... Don't think you would understand. Stayed away from Katt, Toby, and Mayu because of it. Didn't want to cause harm to anyone I didn't have to. Stayed away from the villa. Was washing in the Glen and finding a spot in the Market to lie down for sleep. No one saw... Spent a lot of time with Zeo lately. Demanded for me to sleep on his couch.

Never going to believe it... Couch forms into a bed somehow. This tech deal amazes me sometimes. Never seen anything like it. Was getting ready to sleep and he told me to get up. Said I couldn't sleep that way. Started to make me angry then he took the cushions off. Wasn't sure what he was doing. Grabbed some hand thing and pulled it up... Bed wasn't no feather stuffed mattress like at the Villa. Better than the streets though.

Speaking of Zeo... Told you I was due to be his wife. To be honest... Never really kissed me. Not at all. Unless kissing me to drive me away from David counts. Think he was bribing me to get away from that man anyways. That was the time he showed me the Suit. That tech flying thing I told you about?

Anyways... Zeo hasn't stopped bothering me to marry him. Can't say I love him. Thinking that it is all a game to him... Don't know too much about him. We tend to argue. Never talks about himself. Tried asking before... Mostly we fight and tease. Sort of agreed to accept his ring. Only because I'm tired of hearing his rambling on about marriage. Hoping he'll quiet now...

That Aukai. The red skinned man. Avoid him when I can. Kind of hard when he's always in the tea shop. Always trying to seduce me and whoever else is around. Warned Mimi of him and she crawled into his lap anyways. Kind of think maybe I draw men in with flirtations. She's always all over men. Like she jumps on them as soon as they pop up. Oh well...

Saw Katt twice. The first time she seemed upset. Second time she took off. Think it was because she was fitting around in her sleep and Toby slapped her. All I noticed was him hitting her. Started to get after him and she said it was okay. Next thing I knew she was gone. Her scarf was hanging in the door. Talked to Toby for a minute and we walked after her. Chided him about considering Katt's feelings.

Went on a search for her. Didn't find her. Man named Tylor showed, spoke of having a pet who screamed and squirmed and how he enjoyed it. Made a snide comment about his wife... Conversation carried on and finally discovered he was talking about Katt. Can't seem to stop stressing over how he's treating her. Wanted to hurt him. Wanted to kill him even. Knew it wouldn't do me any good. Would only cause Katt more harm if I hurt him. Might never find her if I killed him...

With Love,
Qynine