#warsinger

His voice alone was all it took to spring tears into my eyes, and I felt my face scrunching as my lips tightened.

“It hasn't been that easy these last few years, I'm afraid,” I whispered. “Feels like the dawn hasn't been quite as bright.”

“The clouds sometimes get in the way,” Tindorin said in an airier tone, tilting his head back to bump it lightly against mine. “But the sun is still there, shining just as bright as it always has, even when we can't see it.”

I wiped at my eyes, closing them. My rough fingers dragged against my nose and forehead as I shook my head back and forth.

“I don't know why you're here now, Tindorin. But before you go, I need to tell you — I need you to know I loved you. I’m sorry I never said it. I was never too good at family.”

“You never had to say it.” I could always hear it in his voice when he smiled. “From the moment we left that awful woman's grove, to my last day in my dear heart's arms. I always knew.”

The threat of tears seemed gone in an instant, and I pressed back against the sylvari's head as I half turned to face him behind me. I could see little more than his leafy shoulder and vibrant arm.

“You knew that fast? I've got to say, pal, that makes me feel a lot less strange about something else. Just as I fell asleep, I was thinking about you. I was nearby someone else, a new friend I've been getting close to.” I laughed. “If I'm being honest, I'd say we've become fast friends. Probably a little too fast by normal society standards.”

“From the smallest blade of grass, to the largest mountain, where life goes — so, too, should you,” Tindorin said. The words were memorized in his heart, and were spoken like a blessing. “If that path leads you to new friendships, then I'd say you're on the right track.”

He paused, and asked, “What sort of person are they?”

“Honestly? She's a lot like you. Like we were, before. I mean, she's not running around trying to save the whole godsdamn world, but she's steady and she's compassionate. She fights for something, not against it. Out duties, our mission — they align and compliment. Makes me think maybe I can do better again. She'd like that saying, uh, 'Never let a wrong ripen into evil.'”

“That sort of bond, warsinger — the kind that brings out the best in you? Well, it's hard to argue there is any better kind. Nurture this seed with the same love and compassion you showed me, and you'll watch it grow into something that continues to give you hope for a better tomorrow. That's the gift you gave me, and I cherish it.”

I stared quietly for a moment, gazing at the tangle of the jungle overhead. It seemed that as I did, the dawn Tindorin faced rose higher into the sky, filling my dreams with a supernatural warmth.

“You've got my word, brother,” I whispered. “I'll see it through. There's more trouble brewing, and... I can't afford to to be half-assed about it. And, you should know that I still carry your sword. I hope that means you'll be with me.”

“Now and forever,” Tindorin replied confidently, not without a bit of bravado in his voice.

I turned my head again, spotting his shoulder, arm and now his knee. After a moment's consideration, I lifted my hand and balled it into a fist, leaning back with it toward him. The sylvari answered with his own knuckle against mine, laughing in delight.

“Whatever the trouble is, I will always be there,” he said. “Tell me, Janto, do you still remember that song? The one I heard in my dreams?”

“Sure, I remember.”

“Will you play it with me again? It is your song, after all, and it doesn't quite sound the same if I play it by myself.” There was a flash of light behind me, and as Tindorin's hand withdrew, I saw he had in it a flute.

“You're a sap, Tindorin.”

“You don't say.”

“That pun wasn't on purpose,” I said.

“Yes, I'm very certain.”

“...shut up. How am I supposed to summon an instrument like that?” I asked.

“It is your dream, Janto.” The Warrior of Dawn let a fond, warm laugh fill the clearing.

I laughed as well, and there it was in my lap: an old, beat up guitar. But also like me, it still played.

Date:  Colossus 1330 AE

Time: Half past four bells. 

Persons involved: Exemplar Janto Adega Cadell, reporting officer, herein designated in the first person; Magistrate Tyrinnis Sylvante, witness; Lord Edward Avatagne-Valsace, witness; Lady Solice Sylvante (deceased),  Seraph Lieutenant Kusumura Corsano, prior investigator; Doctor Lucien Nether, witness

Not long after four bells, I was in Seraph HQ providing details on a prior incident when AVATAGNE-VALSACE arrived to report an incident at 45 Archen St., Salma District. As that address belongs to SYLVANTE, a loyal servant to the crown, and to the queen’s subjects, I volunteered to conduct the preliminary investigation. See AVATAGNE-VALSACE’s testimony in Seraph File [                ]. The residence in question is used as a home and office for SYLVANTE, who is privately employed as a counselor.

Upon arriving at 45 Archen St., Salma District, I witnessed SYLVANTE sitting on the front steps of her home. She did not appear intoxicated or inebriated, but showed signs of shock. 

SYLVANTE reported AVATAGNE-VALSACE investigated an odor in her closet that had built up over the past few days, previously believed to have been the result of mold or similar damage. He found a previously undiscovered cellar hatch, and found a scene he believed to be a crime. SYLVANTE had moved into the home two months ago. It previously belonged to her sister.

SYLVANTE reported AVATAGNE-VALSACE is a client. This was his second visit in two days. The first was professional in nature. The second was made at SYLVANTE’s request, regarding the odor.

SYLVANTE stated no other clients had access to her home when she was away. She also noticed no suspicious activity. She stated none of her clients are criminally violent.

SYLVANE stated her sister went missing four years ago. She moved in two months ago with the aid of DOCTOR LUCIEN LETHER. She placed a public advertisement for an assistant on (September 16). She said no other friends, family, acquaintances or former employees had access before she, or as she did. She stated that she found the house to be dusty when she moved in.

Upon investigation, I found the smell of rot and decay when I entered the home. The scent was stronger when I entered the closet, and more when I descended with SYLVANTE. The ladder was unstable, poorly angled, and covered in dust. Only one pair of hand and boot prints were present, likely from AVATAGNE-VALSACE. 

For an itemized list of evidence, see Ministry Guard report [         ] in regards to a thorough investigation and collection.

I witnessed a broken rattle, a crib, and other signs the room was meant to be a playroom for an infant. Baby toys and clothes were strewn about. I also witnessed a collection of gowns for a woman. 

I witnessed ankle chains resting in a bloody heap of meat chunks and bones. It appeared the body had been decaying for a matter of months, surely far less than four years, but likely longer than two months. I estimate roughly four to six months of decay. 

Rats had began to make a meal of the body, and their own filth covered the room.

SYLVANTE again stated her sister went missing four years ago. A SERAPH LIEUTENANT KUSUMURA CORSANO, FALCON COMPANY investigated at the time.

[Attached is a request to interview Corsano]

SYLVANTE stated she did not know her sister to have been with child. She said CORSANO had mentioned slavery.

I searched for a secret way into the room, but found none. I transferred SYLVANTE to [REDACTED].