The Leave

[Cervius]

From the Memiors of Cervius Malakai.

"...I didn't want to leave, but I had to...I couldn't allow such fine people to be dragged into a potentially savage and selfish war that I was getting into.

"The Cats have broken their last tie as far as I'm concerned. I hope that my assistance in this war will make a difference...

"Frankly, I don't care what the others think. I know, there will be speculation over it being because of Embermoon...or that I was selfish...they can believe whatever. I am doing this for them so the people I consider friends aren't hurt..."

[embermoon]

Rubbing her eyes tiredly, she looks up from her text, dropping her pencil with a clatter. She knew she had to keep working - time was running out - but one can only keep going strong for so long before needing a break.

Pushing her chair back, she stands and knuckles the small of her back. So much sitting and the best solution to that is a stroll! It would be nice to hear the voices of companionable people, even if only in the periphery. Opening the door to her private quarters, she stretches out her long supple legs for a brisk walk about the halls.

Ah, yes! The usual people were up to their usual things: some out adventuring and others chatting and enjoying each others company. But, try as she might, she could not find one person. Not being the sort to adventure regularly, his absence began to concern her. The pleasant stroll that she had started now became a search, passing through the main hall and smaller halls beyond, even searching through the service areas, but no sign of him.

She had come practically full circle back to her own quarters and still he could not be found. What had happened to him? He usually was about, ready to share a story and have a drink or three… Granted, she had not spoken with him often of late, and she missed an opportunity not too long ago, but had felt that other times would be available, so had not pursued visiting at the time. Sighing, her brow creased in concern, she spies a servant not too far ahead and sprints to catch up, tapping him gently on the shoulder.

“Pardon me, do you know where I may find Cervius Malakai?”

Turning back to face her, he replies “M’lady, he left yesterday.”

She straightens up quickly. “Yesterday? Where did he go?”

“He was muttering under his breath about not caring what others thought and something about hoping that his assistance in a war would make a difference. I know not where he went.”

Her eyes grow wide as the servant speaks, and she grabs his forearms firmly, practically shaking the poor man in her anxiety. “Tell me! Did he leave his tabard behind?”

The servant leans away from her sudden display of force, a slight edge of fear blooming in his eyes. “I…I know not, M’lady! Please…!”

Fingers springing away from his arm, she backs up against the wall. “I … I am sorry. Of course. I … yes … thank you.” The servant, released from her hold, dashes off down the hall and out of sight. Pushing herself off from the wall, she continues her walk back to her quarters, slowly opening the door and leaning heavily against it as it closes. Her vision blurs, eyes filling with tears as one thought runs through her mind…

“It is all my fault…”