I often consider myself a sounding board as I’ve always reminded in which I’m able to relay the messages of the people through any form I can. My methods may seem controversial to some, and I personally have been known for my controversy on a general level, but even I’m not able to deny one party their chance to be heard even when providing this person with a platform is widely frowned upon recently in light of current events. Therefore, at the behest of feeding our favorite gossiper’s endless appetite, I’ve been requested to print this statement directly from the Davenport golden boy himself, Sebastian Ainsworth.
“Firstly, I want to pen this letter as my first public declaration as I take my place as the head of a company passed down through every Ainsworth generation from father to son, and in this case, from sibling to sibling. It was never an intention I was to be handed the torch so early on while the training at my brother’s side was yet unfinished, but as we know in our lives, unfortunate events can occur at the drop of a hat without warning. Theon’s passing left a hole I couldn’t easily fill with thoughts of running a business so soon after, a hole I knew deserved more than a kid who fought so hard against his legacy. And I admit, while my relationship with him was strained, while we weren’t perfect, we never reached the level of forgiveness for anything we’ve ever done to the other even if I firmly believe he wouldn’t have likely forgiven me for my sins. For anyone who has ever lost somebody, then it’s simple to understand why I chose to spend the months away from the city figuring out who I was and what I wanted in the absence of Theon. I acknowledge how this action could be deemed as cowardice. I’ve made many mistakes in my life that I face every single day and rushing off will constantly be one of them.
Secondly, I wish to also acknowledge the fact most citizens of the city have charged me with two crimes that I cannot ignore any longer. The first is the catalyst of the harsher of both crimes, my relationship with Ryan Vincent. Love is a mystery we’ve yet to understand as one humanity and those that have been in it will tell you that you can’t help nor stop who you fall in love with at times you never anticipate. I’m paying the price, we both are, because of something she and I couldn’t control. I know this betrayal hurt not only us and our factions, a notion I wasn’t blind to when Ryan entered the picture, but my former fiancée, Eleanor Cabello. Looking back, it wasn’t clear to the outside world that I still cared about her while my heart strayed elsewhere and I wouldn’t erase my surprise if she thought me selfish either. I’d hold the same reaction in her shoes. So, this letter also represents a starting apology I will continue to provide in person if she will take me as I am.
And then there is Benji Evans, my best friend, my brother who suffered the greatest of punishments for doing what every loyal sibling had by keeping the secrets of his brother safe. There isn’t a day that passes where I don’t wonder what I could have done differently and between me and Benny, we both know nothing prevented our sibling from sending him away. He’s aware of all the ways I have essentially ruined his life, and a new family in a different faction doesn’t diminish those reasons. Not for me.
The second crime I am accused of, of course, are the circumstances in Newford and this time, I’m inclined to address specifically the party responsible for such a horrendous assassination of my character. It is disappointing and shameful how low some will go to rake a name through the mud when it best suits their climb of power, even if condemning an innocent of attacking the family of the woman he loves is the only way in burning him to the ground. Whoever you are, however I may have slighted you, it gives you no excuse to ruthlessly take from a man who’s all but already lost everything. Reasonable men know, however, that you won’t step forward and come clean, so just remember instead that I will find out your identities and proceed accordingly. And as for the people of St. Cascadia, I implore you to read between the lines while I work on gathering solid stone proof that I am not the monster accountable for these attacks. I know I’ve a long way to go before trust can be built, but put your faith in me to clear my name and become the leader you can show pride in.
My love for this city, my home, and my faction is infinite. It’s seen the worst of me and the best of me, provided and taken away. It fills me with a newfound hope that I am able to finally give back and materialize a future worthy of my namesake. Your needs and the lives of my faction come first, that is the promise I make to you. No more running, St. Cascadia, no more burying my head in the sand. After all, a phoenix rises from the ashes of adversity.
Sebastian Michael Ainsworth.”
