As much as I am loathe to spread more words out here for public ogling, I must state that I am deeply sorry for putting my faith in a mission that I should have realized would force your hand and play upon your intense need for personal vindication. I do not bear you any ill will for your decision. I would likely have done the same - actually, I have done such in the past.

I did not ask to become Sibyl and join your council. That was Her doing. I did not want to give up the Gaian Knights Milabar and I had forged together, but I see now why she positioned Farrah in that council role instead. Far better to have a Champion who can lie adeptly and fake chivalry to spread Her influence to the civilised Guild members than one whose savage honesty is renown and untempered.

It was also obviously advantageous to place me where I might see signs of danger and feel compelled to act upon them for the Scions' best interest. I am loyal to a terrible fault and She better than anyone knows this. It had been a subject of many private critiques between us. Seeing the real wolves at the door is not my strength because my focus is always on the nest I'm standing watch over.

If it helps to assuage your wounded soul to criminalise me, then do so. I suppose there is some satisfaction for you in attempting to influence not just my departure from Eleusis but my life afterward. I take solace that, in time, you will come to see the truth of what has been written upon these boards for yourself.

Because every one of Her cycles has a beginning and an end.

TD


Penned by my hand on the 25th of Scarlatan, in the year 893 AF.