The HaRT Knight Decaverse

Correspondence from the Afterlife

Letter 12

Monk's Wood Haven. One year and three months since Ezra.

Dear A.,

As the pages of existence continue to unfurl, their script continues to surprise and challenge me. The recent events have cast a shadow over the haven of tranquility that Ezra and I had cultivated at the Monk's Wood. The persistent undercurrent of suspicion and fear that runs through Cladis has erupted into open hostility, as prejudices and emotions surge to the forefront of our lives once more.
My initial optimism in offering sanctuary to Gami, the Shiki, was tempered by the stark reality that the world beyond the haven's boundaries remains rife with intolerance and fear. While Ezra and Gami's friendship bloomed within our haven's walls, the outside world remained a cauldron of mistrust, ready to boil over at the slightest provocation.
The intrusion of the Ravenmen--a group who vehemently opposed Gami's presence--has ignited a confrontation that I had hoped to avoid. The very ideals of compassion, understanding, and acceptance that I have strived to instill in Ezra's teachings found themselves tested by the harsh reality of prejudice. The Ravenmen's demand for Gami's sacrifice exposed the underlying currents of hatred that persist in Cladis, even within those who have themselves experienced the ravages of the blight.
Ezra's courage and loyalty, while admirable, also revealed the depths of his own inner turmoil--the struggle between his feral instincts and the virtues he strives to uphold. His visceral reaction, though born from a desire to protect Gami and those he cares for, is a stark reminder that the transformation of one's nature is not a linear journey. The journey of the soul is fraught with challenges and contradictions, and the road to true enlightenment is often paved with difficult choices.
As I intervened to quell the confrontation, the echoes of my past training resurfaced, and my skills were put to the test. The Ravenmen's intent may have been fueled by hatred, but their lack of proficiency in combat was evident. The struggle served as a reminder that even in the realms beyond life, conflict remains an ever-present element--a force that, while destructive, also bears the potential for transformation and growth.
Yet, the aftermath of this conflict raises further questions about our future. The Ravenmen's retreat may be only a prelude to the challenges that lie ahead. The fragile peace that Ezra and I have carved within the Monk's Wood now stands on a precipice, threatened by the hostilities that encroach from without. The bonds of friendship and mentorship that I have cultivated with Ezra will be tested as we navigate the storm that looms on the horizon.
My hope, my dear friend, is that the lessons of compassion and honor that I have sought to impart will not only guide Ezra's actions but also ripple outward, offering a glimmer of understanding to a world plagued by fear and division. Perhaps, within the heart of the storm, there exists an opportunity--an opportunity to challenge the status quo, to transform perceptions, and to forge a path toward unity.

Yours, Amidst Uncertainty,
Amobiel