Did I cause this to happen? Is this my fault?
Esfin, dear Esfin...
I tried to warn you of her influence so many times. I tried to warn you of mine. You are gone now. Bodies cooling, ready for burial. Yours and that of another. I tried to tell him that his plan was folly. He would not listen.
Atop the bridge he spoke to me. I tried to talk him out of it. I tried to convince him that it would not work. I failed. Firui lies dead at your side and I weep for my part in it.
I sent the warning. How could I not? My hand laying down the words upon the parchment. A warning and a plea. One was heeded, it seems. The other disregarded. You and he paid the price for my interference. Forgive me, zîr zîrân. Forgive me.
I did not know. I had hoped that he would listen. I had hoped that he would show mercy. I had hoped to save you all. I should have stayed my hand. I should have left well enough alone. Would you be here now if I had?
I look to the sky and I remember what you believed of the stars. I see no answers there, however. I see no ancient wisdom or smiles from the departed. I see only the silver lights as the world turns to ash in my palm. Everything I touch burns.
Is he lost to me, as you are? Is there hope yet for his salvation? Cyfier, your killer and yet a dear friend to me. Do I dare to try? A smile to touch a heart... and then death. I did not mean it. I did not act from spite or seek such an outcome. My motives were pure, but the consequences are poison.
My heart bleeds for your loss. I try to take comfort in knowing that you shall now be with your daughter, but all I feel is sorrow and guilt. I must push that away, however, at least for a time. I cannot be distracted during the ritual tomorrow. I cannot fail another friend.
Agannûlun ugruda ki, nê-yâdim. Ni-yôzi zîr ki-yad.
