Yardie (prime)/Winds of Change
The teakwood sofa slightly sagged with the specter of Wrendiel’s visit, its weight reminding the Panicky Phantom of the ant colony of traitors working beneath the surface. Worlds collided, cultures clashed, and the ways of the old conflicted with the changing times, not to mention Faendryl ambition. Power was a drug—addictive and intoxicating with its seductive allure. By its very nature, it would be impossible for all Faendryl to accept the ways of the Patriarch, and Yardie saw that firsthand when he was coerced into leaving New Ta’Faendryl. The web of conspirators extended beyond the capital, spiraling out like tendrils, ensnaring all who perceived the corruption a little too late.
Dissent grew, not like a shout but as a whisper that spread in murmurs. The shouts came in violent bursts, like Enomna the Betrayer, driven by her disapproval of her Human husband among the Basilica. It was an excuse, a half-truth that metastasized into desperation and destruction. Luckily, she was apprehended before their treachery spread to others and tarnished the already shaky reputation of the Faendryl.
And now, Yardie saw another warning sign, one brought to his attention by a future Palestra candidate—a shadowwalker like the Panicky Phantom, though subject to far more discrimination than Yardie’s simple quirk of lacking magical talent. It was that conversation that prompted Yardie to take action. It was the right thing to do, despite the consequences and criticism that would follow. Besides, Yardie never stayed silent on issues that bothered him.
With his silvery lor quill, Yardie began writing.
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To The Daesavreh Tristar:
I write to you requesting your aid and support on a contentious matter. In my last missive, I expressed my concern regarding the actions of Henshor and Enomna, and the wanton acts of madness and destruction they inflicted upon not just New Ta’Faendryl, but also near Ta’Illistim. I informed all of you about my theory regarding Enomna, and her husband, Henshor, as possible members of the Dusk Coven, conspiring to disrupt, distract, and destroy the Faendryl from within while putting the Elven Nations and Human Empire at odds, so they can continue their machinations as the rest of the world loses focus. I also explained that Enomna’s reaction to the Basilica’s denouncement of her marriage with Henshor the Human, while inexcusable, also exposed a gaping hole built on archaic thinking that has been the detriment of the outside world’s view on the Faendryl people.
Within this or next year, the School of Mahkra will return in search of new candidates for Palestra. Truthfully, I have been approached by many who wish to be candidates, and they are training diligently, hoping to follow in similar footsteps and represent the Patriarch and the Faendryl. In anticipation of a concern, many of these candidates are from New Ta’Faendryl, but they are Half-Elven. In my time back home, I have heard stories the deplorable treatment of these people who, if fortunate enough to survive as newborns, have been subjected to gross discrimination from an outdated, archaic, and bigoted practice, one that we protested and took offense with our removal by the Elven Nations for their lack of tolerance.
Let me make myself abundantly clear: Half-Faendryl are Faendryl. They represent the fabric of our ways despite their mixed lineage and heritage. If the actions of Enomna are any indication, it is that the old ways are in question, and those who dissent will take drastic steps. My words are no threat, only an observation that these archaic practices create extremists within. I imagine Enomna has answered for her crimes. I believe power crept into her black heart, manifesting into defiling the late mother of our Patriarch as a lure to manipulate the Patriarch’s son into her image. But the catalyst was the intolerance of her husband, despite her decree that he had been a far more talented demonologist. His quick dispatch without so much as an interrogation of what he knew only confirmed the bias that spurred her treasonous action, and the Dusk Coven exploited this for their gains.
Returning to the subject of the Palestra Trials, if and when Half-Faendryl candidates show, I will extend my support in their candidacy. However, my voice lacks the strength and support to influence others. As a result, I hope to gain your support in this pursuit. The consequences for even voicing such a request would be severe, and despite my rank, I remain no one special in the entire scope of our people. But if I can help change one aspect and prevent another Enomna or whoever else lurks in the shadows, it will have been my highest honor.
I await your response.
I remain,
Yardie Blade of the Vanguard of Mahkra
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At the mailing office, the Panicky Phantom looked at the three letters for the Tristar. He was deliberately provoking trouble, worried about potential consequences. He let out a soft sigh, then firmly handed the letters to the mail clerk, saying, “Send these, please." He responded to the woman’s smile with one of his own and then left the building.