Part of the Sublimation SL
It had been a good while indeed since Brian Ravenlock had visited the old grounds that once belonged to the Jewell Ravenlock Centre for Community Partnership. In fact it had been over two years since he had visited this particular area of the grounds, or the small colorful garden that he had now found himself standing before with a bundle of roses in one hand, and a small bucket of water and towel in the other.
Back then, this was where the main lobby of the ?JRC? had been. Now--- courtesy of a sick and rather twisted chain of events brought forth by one Jacyn Ravenlock, it was simply a field of green with one small garden standing out along the blanket of grass. In the center of that small garden was a marker.
A marker in the shape of a granite cross.
A monument to what was considered the first victim of Jacyn?s horrid machinations against his own family, and more so the entire city of Rhy?Din. Some saw it as a testament, more so than a monument. A testament to those who fought against Jacyn, and his forces, a testament to the resolve of the city itself, and its people who would not be forced into fear and despair, a testament to avenge those who fell in the wake of Jacyn?s ruthless aggression. Some would say it a marker of a new beginnings as well, others think if it as courage and hope.
Brian Ravenlock saw it as a monument and something else?
A failure.
?Elle?, said the eldest Ravenlock softly as he neared the garden and took another glance around the area a moment. A knee was taken before the cross, as fingers traced the intricate lettering that had been engraved into the granite.
?Elle Downing. Taken from the world long before her due, loved and missed always, 07-23-2011?
The roses and bucket were gently set down next to him, as he went from one knee to two. His eyes looked over the flowers, as hands carefully sifted through the colors, picking out the dead and setting them aside. ?I?m sorry it?s taken so long for me to visit you, Elle.?
More of the dead were picked, and set aside. His mouth opened to speak once more--- and nothing. He couldn?t find the words, in all honesty. So he sifted through the colors in silence, picking and preening, because he had no idea, of what else to do?
After what felt like an eternity of silence, he finally spoke. ?Not too many, Elle. That?s good. Let?s get you cleaned up, yeah??
The hand towel was dipped into the water and rung out, and then he began to wipe down the granite cross with care. ?Weather?s been good to you, Elle.?
Brian continued to clean the monument, failing to even detect the few people that happened to have been passing by. Some of which paused to watch the man, tend to the monument. Some paused in recognition of the man himself and others out of sheer curiosity. In either event, they weren?t noticed by Brian at all, as he continued his work.
?Wish I had the words, Elle?? Brian?s hand slowed to a rest on the cross, as his head lowered more so. A soft winded sigh took hold of the man, as his eyes slowly closed, giving way to memories of that which had been.
It had been a good while indeed since Brian Ravenlock had visited the old grounds that once belonged to the Jewell Ravenlock Centre for Community Partnership. In fact it had been over two years since he had visited this particular area of the grounds, or the small colorful garden that he had now found himself standing before with a bundle of roses in one hand, and a small bucket of water and towel in the other.
Back then, this was where the main lobby of the ?JRC? had been. Now--- courtesy of a sick and rather twisted chain of events brought forth by one Jacyn Ravenlock, it was simply a field of green with one small garden standing out along the blanket of grass. In the center of that small garden was a marker.
A marker in the shape of a granite cross.
A monument to what was considered the first victim of Jacyn?s horrid machinations against his own family, and more so the entire city of Rhy?Din. Some saw it as a testament, more so than a monument. A testament to those who fought against Jacyn, and his forces, a testament to the resolve of the city itself, and its people who would not be forced into fear and despair, a testament to avenge those who fell in the wake of Jacyn?s ruthless aggression. Some would say it a marker of a new beginnings as well, others think if it as courage and hope.
Brian Ravenlock saw it as a monument and something else?
A failure.
?Elle?, said the eldest Ravenlock softly as he neared the garden and took another glance around the area a moment. A knee was taken before the cross, as fingers traced the intricate lettering that had been engraved into the granite.
?Elle Downing. Taken from the world long before her due, loved and missed always, 07-23-2011?
The roses and bucket were gently set down next to him, as he went from one knee to two. His eyes looked over the flowers, as hands carefully sifted through the colors, picking out the dead and setting them aside. ?I?m sorry it?s taken so long for me to visit you, Elle.?
More of the dead were picked, and set aside. His mouth opened to speak once more--- and nothing. He couldn?t find the words, in all honesty. So he sifted through the colors in silence, picking and preening, because he had no idea, of what else to do?
After what felt like an eternity of silence, he finally spoke. ?Not too many, Elle. That?s good. Let?s get you cleaned up, yeah??
The hand towel was dipped into the water and rung out, and then he began to wipe down the granite cross with care. ?Weather?s been good to you, Elle.?
Brian continued to clean the monument, failing to even detect the few people that happened to have been passing by. Some of which paused to watch the man, tend to the monument. Some paused in recognition of the man himself and others out of sheer curiosity. In either event, they weren?t noticed by Brian at all, as he continued his work.
?Wish I had the words, Elle?? Brian?s hand slowed to a rest on the cross, as his head lowered more so. A soft winded sigh took hold of the man, as his eyes slowly closed, giving way to memories of that which had been.