Seeds of Chaos

[Moping 542]

 

Published on the 10th of The Grand Harvest, 217 S.A.

Spoiler

 

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To the Saint Raguel and all those who question Celia'nor.

 

The claims of the demons against the Principality of Celia’nor are unsubstantiated and deeply misaligned with the truth of our actions. We can confidently state that we are steadfast in our eradication of darkspawn and their ilk. There is no place for such foulness within our borders.

 

If your information stems from the words of darkspawn or their servants, we urge you to reconsider placing trust in the deceitful tongues of those who thrive on turmoil and strife, the foul beasts seek to sow seeds of chaos and would have us fight amongst ourselves instead of the darkness. Despite the accusations we have tirelessly fought the darkspawn within the midlands and beyond, in which our allies will attest to. We will continue our fight against the infernal forces, regardless of the outcome of the meeting. We fight for the safety of our citizens.

 

Nevertheless, we will not ignore these claims. We will meet you at the ruins of the Aaun cathedral, as you have requested, to address this matter directly. We will come with the intent of diplomacy, confident in the truth of our words, deeds, and the honor of Celia’nor. We trust that this meeting will serve to dispel misunderstandings and reaffirm the principles we both uphold.

 

 

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Signed,

 

AY’PUERAN;

 

His Highness, the Honorable Prince, Illthrak Ibarellan, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, of the Principality of Celia’nor 

 

Her Grace, the Honorable, Iryne Ibarellan, The Royal Heir of the Principality of Celia’nor

 

 

[Morigung-oog 5697]

Far away, in a city beset by troubles of its own, a pallid thing paces amidst the quiet hum of reverent prayer and solemn tunes played on organs. Her gaze is lowered and her brows are furrowed, the tension in her shoulders poorly veiling the turmoil that brewed within.

 

"My Herald, why do their struggles worry you so?"

 

A ghastly presence inquired from within, its voice echoing throughout the elfess's mind. A familiar chill was felt down her spine. Where once it would have invoked dread, it felt more akin to the embrace of an old friend after all these years. Pursing darkly painted lips, a quiet sigh was exhaled through the nostrils, as though that would rid her of the countless thoughts plaguing her conscience. The query was not met with an immediate reply, as though the answer eluded even the centuries-wise minds of the trio that inhabited that husk.

 

Eventually, it came, with much effort and pondering.

 

"Because after it all, I still care.."

 

It was a truth that left bile crawling up the throat of the usually stoic mali'fenn, one she loathed to stomach. After all this time, she'd wished to wash her hands of the complex issues of her once-kin. Initially, they had made it all too easy to do so.

 

"You seek to hide it, yet still, you weep for them."

 

It pointed out; she could practically feel the tilt of Verandis's head despite his lack of physical presence. She brought her eyes to a close, clutching not one, but two tricorns in her grasp- both ancient relics yet only one remaining in the possession of its original owner. A mournful glance was spared to the tag on the one unexposed to the tolls of time, the elements... 'I. Ibarellen, The Silver Phoenix'.

 

Valindra's eyes glossed over.

 

"Yet still, I weep..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Venomous_Pup 2978]

Within some ruins, a tower afar from civilization did a Wayseer of the old Stars look upon the missive delivered. Those pale eyes flickered over the words and did anger stir—bold lies from one who'd erred so tragically, heralding ruin to Celia'nor. She wonders how things might have been different, had he not courted with HIM, inviting darkness within the Starlit City. How things might have been different, had they closed their borders to strangers, who sought to abuse them. How things might have been different, if Celia'nor had stuck to its 'principles', and not betrayed its citizens for years with undisciplined Diraar that seemed intent on beating its citizens, had they stood for her in one fateful moment, rather than bend a knee in fear..

She could return, scream what she had seen, what they needed to do, just as she did for Braxus Ni'leya, despite the differences she'd with him. But she had already been down that path, unheeded. She remembered those glorious moments, fighting side by side with those who held the ideals she'd along with Ivarielle. She recalled how the conversation went, Haelun'or had gotten what it deserved, and nobody had cared about them for their misgivings and cruelty inflicted upon the Mali and Descendants.

How strange it was, that she did not see that the same doom would be pronounced to Celia'nor all those years ago. She wanted to weep and lament for the home she built, and the friends she made, but only indifference permeated through her, just as it did all those years ago, for all those same reasons and more. All that she loved within Celia'nor was gone, Ivarielle lost within the wastes between stars, her work callously forgotten much like Ayliana Valwynn was, and most of her friends to brighter shores. Next time she will not be so blinded by passion, by men and women so transparent they were seen through by the very people they claim to fight. 

She moved towards the bowels of the tower, taking chalk in hand, and she wondered about that eternal city among the stars she'd seen in her dreaming, if not Celia'nor, which banners hung upon those structures of light?