Aryianna Nightshade – The End of Cliff’s Edge
She affectionately looked at the red Carbuncle lamp, touching it tenderly on a crystalline ear. A sad smile crept onto her face as she carefully wrapped it in paper and put it in the box with the rest of her personal items. Cliff’s Edge had been her life for years. Leaving it behind was one of the hardest decisions she had made in a long time. Cleaning out her desk was the only task that remained.
A few moments later she put the last of her personal affects in the box. She sighed as she wiped down the desk; meetings of the past rushing through her mind. When she finished she picked up her things then carried them into the meeting area.
“Are you ok Mrs. Ni…” the large Roegadyn paused a moment “… my apologies, Ary… are you ok?” Her voice was tender, like that of a mother concerned for her child.
Aryianna nodded, trying to hide her sadness “Yes, Susan. I am ok. Thank you.” She hands Susan the box. “I will be along shortly. Please meet Deri at our place in The Goblet.”
Susan took the box, gave a warm smile and nodded. “I’ll see you there!” She left the room and went downstairs.
Aryianna waited to hear the front door close then let out a sigh before she began her final tour of Cliff’s Edge. Her footsteps echoed as she walked. She slowly made her way around second floor, and then the main floor, and then the lower workshop, and then back to the main floor. Everything they decided to keep had already been moved out. The airships had been sold and the rest of the assets liquidated. They had made enough in their time here to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. She knew she shouldn’t feel this way but somehow selling this place felt like she was giving up.
As she approached the door for the last time she turned to take one last look the empty husk. In her mind’s eye she could see memories playing out on the building’s blank canvas.
She whispered “I miss you… all of you…” She turned to the door and opened it. Gingerly she reached up and reclaimed the chime attached above it. Then she stepped outside, closed and locked the door.