ATTN: Everyone, concerning Riley and his position as CFO

[Locus Sarania]

Big shout out to the Execs here and for fast acting. As for everything else...we can get through this.

 

[Ilissa al'Nari]

Indeed, thank you for the signature. It's lovely.

 

[Yarrow Al'Vare]

I did not know Riley at all, but from what I have read, he seemed like a pretty nice guy. I am shocked and saddened that this happened in our wonderful community. I am also very proud of the members of this community for handling this so well. I have full trust that Mother and leadership will make the right decisions.

I am proud to be a member. :grouphug
The Tower stands!

 

[Tree]

uh, I just want to request that we not project our existence to the aliens just yet... I want to at least pack first.

 

[Kelgan al'Moranwin]

 

[Lilli O' Neeus]

uh, I just want to request that we not project our existence to the aliens just yet... I want to at least pack first.

For some reason, this tickled me to no end. Thank you, Tree, for keeping things practical.

 

[Jordan Rayne]

:rofl Oh thank you for that Tree!

 

[Tree]

I was dead serious.

 

[Jordan Rayne]

*giggles helplessly*

Although... You do make am excellent point... :shifty

 

[Meirah Zaïde]

Hammar and Tree, do you know something that we don't concerning aliens? *senses a conspiracy*

 

[Tree]

I’m just thinking that before I travel the galaxy, I’m going to want more than just a towel.

 

[Kelgan al'Moranwin]

This is wise *nods*

 

[Arafel al Dama]

Perhaps two towels?

 

[Ismene Gillandred]

I just want to say, like all of you, I am stunned, shocked and saddened by this news.

I'm really just struggling to process this information right now.
Of course, Riley had bonds with other Aes Sedai before me, and others after, but ultimately, he was MY Warder. I feel, in some way, partly responsible. How could this have happened? Why on Earth didn't he ask for my help?

Riley has been my best friend and closest confidante on the site and in Real Life. I've shared some of the most intimate heartaches and joys in my life with him, and he has always been a steady support. People say that it is a bunch of superstitious "woo-woo" when people claim they can feel a "fictional" bond, but I really felt like I did.

I feel awful, and like a bit of a failure as an Aes Sedai. I knew that he was in a tight financial situation - I should have known, I should have done something, I should have been more active on the site. Honestly, I feel like the Riley that I thought I knew has died. This information doesn't square with the man I thought I knew: dependable, thrifty, kind, a committed Christian, compassionate. What kind of a bond did we really have if I am completely blindsided by this? Was our whole friendship simply in my imagination?

I'm heartbroken.
There's nothing more I can say.

 

[Ismene Gillandred]

Hi, I'm sorry - let me add just one more thing.
I noticed that as I was composing this reply, this thread has filled up with some spammy/silly comments.

Please. Have some respect.
The Tower has so many places for silliness and spam. It's what we're built on in many ways.
I know we all handle grief and stress in different ways - some with humor, some not, and it may be an attempt by some to "lighten the mood."
Please. Don't let this thread - the end of my bond with my first and only Warder devolve into this.

Thank you.

 

[Emerald ní Róhan]

s Ismene

 

[Kelgan al'Moranwin]

Ismene.

This is not your fault, and not your responsibility. This is no one's fault but Riley's. You can't know what he won't tell you. And we're here for you and Raevyn during this difficult time.

 

[Arafel al Dama]

I do feel your pain and confusion. I don't know what I would do without the support of my warder. My heart goes out to you sister. This site is so much more than those looking in can ever know. Many of us have built relationships that others do not understand and many think are silly or unthinkable. But this site is made up of very special relationships that we all cherish.
There are just times where one must make light when one feels like crying.

 

[Jordan Rayne]

^This

I'd be lost without my Warder, and I do feel that bond with him, I know when he is upset or bothered by something, even from 1100 terribly long miles apart. It's not crazy Ismene AMD it's certainly not your fault. No one saw this coming.

 

[Eleyan Al'Landerin]

Ismene, you are absoluteltly not alone in these feelings. Among many other feelings, I've been questioning myself and I have been feeling very lost. I am, most certainly, in a very confused type of mourning. You are not responsable for anyone's actions but your own. I am not responsable for anyone's actions but my own. It is hard to reconcile that fact with the very real feelings we have and responsability we feel and trust we have in the people we love.

I would give you a call, but I don't really have anyone's numbers anymore (my phone was stolen by 8th graders....). But feel free to call if you want to. I understand, and I can listen.