#icbalmaug

Early Morning brought new bounty postings in the cities closest to Ishguard. 

WANTED DEAD: Dangerous Black Mage. Last seen in the Grand City of Ishguard. 50,000gil reward upon proof of Death. See House Starshield in Ishguard to collect reward.

Bryce stood up on the snow covered hill, looking northward toward Ishguard. He had stopped in the Observatory and left a note with the Chocobo keeper for any who came looking for him. It was nothing more then a map with an x marking a small cave to the south. He was almost there, intending to hideout for the night. He knew it wouldn’t take his father very long to send out notice for his capture. He wanted to be long gone within two days, his idea to go all the way south to the desert and blend in among the other gamblers at the Gold Saucer. 

The inside of the cave echoed at the call. The snow blowing from outside piled near the entrance and covered any footprints that may have been there. Inside there was a burned out fire as well as a flat rock that seem to have been scorched with fire recently. Beneath the rock, to any who would look, was an old pocket watch, twisted and melted as though having been thrown into a fire years ago. Beneath the watch was a small note in Bryces handwriting.

To the house of Lady Deschamps on the second day of Heavensturn was delivered a small package, wrapped with unpracticed hands. Inside was a painted card featuring a blue butterfly in flight. It was clear that the artist was a novice, or even a very early beginner, in the art of painting. Along with the card was a handwritten note in print that was very familiar to Annette.

‘Dearest Fairy Lady,

It is my utmost apology that this gift comes to you so late after the holiday... I’m afraid to say my first three attempts to get this picture right resulted in spectacular failure of shaky hands and spilled paint. Though Lord Shadowstar assures me that such transgressions are naught but the steps of learning. Still I wished your gift to be most perfect. 

As you are no doubt aware, Lord Shadowstar has been instructing me in this fine art since my introduction to his house. From the first day I made it my mission to complete the most perfect Starlight gift for you. 

The butterfly was chosen for both it’s beauty and how it can transform from a strange little bug into such a beautiful flying thing. It reminds me of how you helped me in every way you did. Were it not for your influential letters, I fear I might still be a sad little caterpillar crushed beneath the foot of my household.

And so I put to paper in the only way I could to describe the joy and happiness you have brought me for being my saving grace all those years ago.

I hope your Starlight was one of great joy, and that many more will come. I look forward to next year when I might present to you a painting of much greater skill and dedication.

With love,