The Blood that Binds (storyline)/The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach (vignette)

The Blood that Binds, Chapter 2 Vignette: The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach

Months had passed since the meeting with the Ta’Illistim Mages guild and no real progress had been made towards locating Thanela Saxe. People had begun to lose interest in the search for the missing woman and it was up to Ladicius to keep it in the front of the minds of others. That job had become rather tedious, if he was being honest, though he’d never say that out loud of course. His sister’s fate was tied to his own, and he understood if she were to die, so would he. That was the only piece of the Saxe legacy that gave him pause. Power should not rely upon the livelihood of another. It is what a person does with their own abilities that generates power and he had a distaste for the Saxe binding rule that was laid upon all twin infants in the family. That ritual required that both siblings must be alive to ensure the power continued. He supposed that it was set up this way so that one person never held all the cards in the game of the Saxe coven leadership. Ladicius didn’t feel that was necessary – he was a great leader in his own rite. One day he’d marry and have his own children. That is when he would put into place some change of his own as the leader of the coven. Until then, he supposed he’d continue to prompt searches for Thanela, at least for a few more months.

A knock at the study door interrupted Ladicius’ musings, and he turned to give permission to enter his room as he watched a servant enter with an envelope in hand. “Parcel for you, Lord Saxe. It’s from the Minister.” said the uniform-clad young man, smiling as he handed over the envelope to Ladicius for his review. “Thank you. You may leave me.” Ladicious responded with a small wave of his hand toward the exit as he turned his attention to the item he held.

Bake Sale and Art Walk – Support your local Church of Koar Chapter
Join the fun at the bake sale and art walk being held off of the Liabo Esplanade where the ancient tree grows on the 8th, 9th, and 10th day of Eorgan in Solhaven.  There will be kiosks of baked goods and other refreshments, along with a large variety of artworks on display from local artists.  A lucky few will receive one of these works for their shop wall or on their premium home wall.  Stop by to socialize with your neighbors, eat some wonderful food, and help raise funds to support Minister Ezaihas and the local chapter of the Church of Koar.

Scrawled at the bottom of the flyer was a personal message from Minister Ezaihas, and it read “Ladicius, we have missed you at church recently.  I know the continued misplacement of your dear sister, Thanela, is heavy on your heart but the fellowship of your neighbors and friends can be a balm for your heartache.  Come to the bake sale and visit with your brothers and sisters in Koar.  It will do you good.”  The missive concluded with a simple closing of “I look forward to seeing you again.” and the Minister’s name.

A deep sigh escaped Ladicius as he stared at the paper for a moment longer, before folding it in half with a resigned expression. Slowly, he stuffed the paper into the envelope and gave a tug on a nearby bell, summoning a servant. As the servant appeared, he handed the envelope over and said curtly, “It appears I must attend a bake sale next month in support of Minister Ezaihas. Please add it to my agenda and make sure the tailor is aware as I’ll request a new outfit.” He stood and turned away to walk toward his wardrobe as he began thinking of what he’d pack for the weekend of the event, then gave a startled directive over his shoulder as if he had just thought of something else. “Oh, and please have some new flyers made up for Thanela, as we’ll hand them out at the event, I suppose.” before waving dismissively at the servant to indicate it was time to act upon his directives.