Demented_Delila

Luisa's eyes water as she took the letter from Mr Squiggles so early in the morning, that eldritch cat having wormed his way into the bed with her and Ruben. She could only imagine what it meant, sitting up among pillows and blankets as she unfolded it, a hand reaching out to grasp that of her husband's as she read it aloud. Every word struck her heart like a knife, digging into it and causing it to ache. She could feel it shattering into dozens of pieces, cut to shreds by the words that her little girl had written her. The fact of everything is what hurt the most; her kleiner bar had written these letters, knowing that there was a chance she could die before they do. Her hands shake still, her whole body shaking shortly after. Tears streamed down her cheeks in rivulets, her aged face turned red. She never wanted to plan the funeral of her child, especially not of Marie, with all her wonderous, joyous laughter and kindly ways. Her daughter, the matyr, the soldier, the Dame. Her heart ached as she held tight to Ruben's hand, unable to contain her wailing any longer. The reality of it had set in, she would be the mother to bury her married daughter, to help a husband to dress his wife one last time, to help children grow. Yet, she felt like she was dying already, so close to losing everything. Marie told them to wait, but through bleary eyes, she knew Ruben would be going soon too, with how his condition had been worsening through the months. "...Ich am sorry Ich always called you a pest, Herr Squiggles, you made her happy as a child... I'm so glad you made her happy..." She mumbled to that Eldritch Cat, scooping him into her arms to hold him between her and Ruben for a time, before releasing him to finish his letters. There was a Marie sized hole left in her life, now, and it was unfillable. No more laughter, no more joy. Just a silent spot in the hallway where her child once lingered. There'd be an empty spot at the dining table, that Luisa had always set for Marie and Stefan- just in case they came for a meal. Her heart ached, broken into a thousand pieces, a grief beyond anything she'd ever felt before.

Discord: You got it Skin/s and Bid/s: Floral Fox - 400 @1tzHyper

Discord: You got it Skins and Bids: Floral Fox - 350 @1tzHyper

Discord: You got it babe Skin/s and bid/s: Floral Fox - 300 @1tzHyper

Discord: You have it, babe Skin/s and bid/s: Floral Fox - 200 A Summer's Day Stroll - 120 @Isolde

Luisa Klaire, the mother of the Bride, gently shook her husband awake from his napping on the lounge beside her after the letter is brought to her. "At last... now what to get them as a wedding gift...?"

Dele Seregon , in speaking to her eldest daughter, felt the phrase "nani the ****?" in her soul, long before she ever understood the words. She just smiles and nods along to her daughter's antics, sipping tea, and maintaining mild confusion as to why "Humanism" is a thing when there's hundreds of years of Elven Blood on the hands of men...

Luisa Klaire's glasses glint in the low light of her bedroom in the dusk as she pushes them up her nose. Brandt's handwriting had always been messier then her own, even since they were children. Her gaze drifts across the page and what meager smile she had prior slipped away. Her lips furrow into a thin line and her honey brown hues could not help but gaze across the letter thrice more, before carefully pulling it to her chest. To hear of her older brother's death shook her to her core, the aging woman sitting down slowly at the desk she shared with her husband, the letter laid before her. Brandt had, in every aspect of her life, seemed so untouchable. He had always been her invincible, reckless elder brother... And now, even that had come to fail with the passage of time. She felt nothing for several moments, simply sat there, shook to her very core as she is reminded of the mortality of man. She does not notice the barely there shaking of her calloused hands, years of delicate working having taken their toll, as she stood from the desk at last. There was a bottle of Carrion Black on the top of shelf of the wardrobe that she and Ruben kept for quiet evenings of reminiscing of what was and pondering of the future when their children were all grown. Luisa took three glasses with her to the small parlor in their wing of the keep. One is filled but half way and sat out on the windowsill, overlooking the sprawling valley of green that surrounded Reinmar's keep. At last, her vision became blurred as the tears welled in the corners of her eyes, droplets leaving trails down her face. She sat alone there, awaiting for Ruben's eventual return to the keep from his daily strolls, so that they could toast Brandt together. For the first time since receiving the letter, she spoke aloud, her words shaking and threaded by the thickness of her Reinmaren accent, one she'd never been able to shake. They were the spares, they'd never been born to be perfect, and she accepted that as she prayed onto Godan for her brother's safety in his flock. Her words turn to ones she hoped that her brother would hear, with the half-filled glass left on the sill for him. "Ich hope your name lives on for a hundred years or more, long after Ich have joined you at the gate, and the grandchildren of your grandchildren are re-enacting your victories in the stairwell of their Reinmar. Tell mutter Ich miss her, won't you Big Bruder? And let her know, Ich will be seeing you soon?" There was an empty seat at the dining table at the next breakfast, one which she had to clear the setting from that her Housemage Companion had put out. It was a sad little whistle that the wooden fox would make when she put the plate and silverware back in his basket.

Fi’Maehr In Pursuit of New Knowledge Published 361 ES This newspaper was written on the part of several elves within Haense, in order to both familiarize our valah lliran with our habits and provide information to new elves entering the city. It should be expected Fi’Maehr will be posted every one to three elvish weeks, given time for the collection and articulation of information. Drink of the Year This year’s “Drink of the Year” has been declared a superbly rare vintage, the Curonic Mead at Wittenbach’s Warehaus, originally from F. Vintners and made in the year 1705 of the FA. For reference, this mead is from the northerly castle-city once called “Curon”, often known for its extensive array of roses, brews, and available schooling. In later years, all that remained of this once historic city was the fortress known to many as “The Eye of Man”. This vintage is a touch over a century, and likely not that good for you to drink anymore. Meads are a versatile drink, pairable with just about any meal or food you could think of. My preferred pairing is cold mead served with a fruit pie or baked cheesecake. However, I do recommend that if you seek to recreate the Curonic Mead, that you needn’t do too much research. Mead is an incredibly simple recipe and can be made by combining honey, water, and fermented yeast. You must heat it before adding the yeast, then store it in your cellar in bottles. You’ll want to strain it before serving, but it’s a relatively simple alcohol to produce. Once you have made it, you can also experiment with it by adding fruit to your taste, and extra sugars if you prefer a sweeter mead. Author's Note: Upon publication, this rare vintage has been sold. Recommended by a Librarian In remembrance of what was lost. Dear Mali’thill in exile and Haeseni readers, these last couple of years we have witnessed a number of publications attempting to tarnish the name of the Republic. Sure, that ought not come as a surprise considering that the one in charge of the sole newspaper in Haelun’or is a convicted impure who sold miracle cures and contraceptive methods in order to hoard as much gold as possible, but still, the attempt remains. So, considering that we are now celebrating two years since the fall of the Republic and the beginning of this schism, I consider it fitting to remember some of the Republic’s greatest accomplishments that, were the establishment to last more than thirty years, no doubt would’ve fructified into something even grander. I. The Haelun’orian Medical System. During the years of the Republic, courtesy of a handful of able and devout medics who oversaw the institution, the Clinic of Haelun’or was a center of medical progress and learning. Not that long ago, Maeve Elibar’acal and Lorelei Miravaris were the physicians to publish perhaps the most comprehensive curriculum of medicine to this date. That, coupled with the dedication of the medics and the most modern equipment readily available, rapidly made the quality of medical training one of the best. II. The Revival of the Eternal Institutions. During the last decade of the Republic, the change in leadership in the maehr department generated massive progress in the academic sector. The system of the Eternal College saw the meaningful changes designed to facilitate proper education and saw the resurgence of almost forgotten areas of academia such as the Elven language and Thaumaturgy. At the same time, many agreements were struck between the Eternal Library and other centers of knowledge throughout the realm, most significant of them perhaps being the one with the Northern Geographical Society, through the skillful use of Library pins. III. Steadfast Diplomacy. The Republic’s skilled diplomats secured Haelun’or’s position in continental politics, maintaining and restoring friendly relations with nigh on every nation, avoiding blunders like recognizing an illegitimate princedom ruled by an illegitimate dynasty. One of the most important of the Republic’s diplomatic accomplishments was the securing of an alliance with the Holy Orenian Empire. Said alliance is what enabled the Eternal Library’s collection to be moved safely first to Helena, then to the Eye of Man and later to the continent of Almaris during the Fall of Arcas. So diligent were the Orenians in handling Haelun’or’s treasure that not one single book of the one thousand five hundred went missing or was damaged. IV. It Served the People. Lastly, but by no means the least important, the regime of the Republic was one of freedom. In regards to the individual rights acknowledged by the state, it was one of the most enlightened systems and served as inspiration to many of our lesser friends seeking to better their own lives and governments. It was seen as liberating by many foreigners fleeing from oppression. Now, the tables have sadly turned, and it is we, the Mali’thill, who are now fleeing from oppression. ~Maenor Aildhuin Aevaris Column Basic First Aid Everyone Should Know: Upon my full transition into Haeseni society, I have noticed the sheer lack of general first aid that anyone can do. Not to dissuade anyone from attending the clinic, especially when injury requires more advanced treatment. Cuts are the easiest to treat, just washing them and wrapping will save you a trip to the clinic in the long run. Burns are a little more tricky, depending on the severity of the burn. If it’s not blistering, just keeping it cool and covered will heal it quickly. If there is blistering or anything worse, do report to the clinic to have it be treated properly. Simple first aid kits should include: a small bottle of Carrion Black or high proof Vodka, clean strips of cloth or bandages, cotton swabs and some form of cooling agent (snail slime, aloe vera, and or frost vine salve). Keep the kit in the house or in a small waterproof pouch for optimal use. For any other questions, please contact the clinic staff. ~Aestenia Aevaris The Pillows of Sutica Unfortunate realization came to me, just this evening, as to the creation of more elvish body pillows. This time, the one I had the most undue luck of finding, starring the Trade Prince Mika Uialben. I am both alarmed and appalled by the existence of this item, as this one more then definitely seems to try to entice a buyer into more unsavory activities. Could you believe this? He is decorated with a smirk, and many jewels, all the more to seem enticing to good young lasses. I can only declare this much: any mali who consents to having their likeness made upon large, body sized pillows ought to be ASHAMED of themselves! Our ancestors outlived the White Rose, outlived tragedies, in all the hopes that we would live better lives than them. This is most definitely not what they desired for us, not in the LEAST. The objectification of mali, as a whole, is an affront to the population. It endangers us. I have lived this long, and I am most definitely not without memory of men and women approaching me with intent to flirt and woo. Of course, I was always appalled by this behavior, especially in scenarios when they approached believing I was relative to their age- usually early twenties. Something Valah do not realize is that Mali children, of every sort, are not adults until the age of fifty. These are age old laws instituted from the days of Malin. Of course, this doesn’t prevent the occasional case of less than savory men going for actual youths of sixteen or so. Twice, within twenty years, I encountered this. Men with power over young mali in foreign courts desiring them as wives and bedfellows! I will remain appalled by the apparent lust that exists for all mali, regardless of their gender, or type. I beg, as a living being, don’t make this stupid ****. An additional note, of course, is don’t do business with Sutica! Most of their fabric is DISEASED.

Fi’Maehr In Pursuit of New Knowledge Published 359 ES This newspaper was written on the part of several elves within Haense, in order to both familiarize our valah lliran with our habits and provide information to new elves entering the city. It should be expected Fi’Maehr will be posted every one to three elvish weeks, given time for the collection and articulation of information. Notable Mali in Haense Tarathiel Asul’onn of the Lily, Kastellen Steward of Karosgrad This edition’s notable mali is the well known Tarathiel Asul’onn, proprietor of The Old Stout Crow, and Kastellen Steward. She has been in Haense for over a decade, if not more, and has maintained its tavern establishment since Arcas. Miss Asul’onn served eight consecutive years on the Royal Duma, along with maintaining her found family. One of her proudest achievements, she says, is rustling the old tavern in New Reza back to life. She took an inactive workplace and turned it into a buzzing hub of activity. I applaud Miss Asul’onn for her marvelous abilities of multi-tasking but also for managing such a chaotic environment as The Old Stout Crow. Our interview was unfortunately cut short due to multiple interruptions regarding cries of vampiric entities, a Father of the Church demanding to see people’s teeth, and several tense moments of people accusing each other of being “Blood-Suckers”. That just goes to show, Tarathiel is an outstanding member of the city of Karosgrad for being able to endure such a chaotic workplace. I work in a clinic, and it’s seldom ever this bad. Drink of the Year I am proud to announce that this year’s “Drink of the Year” has been declared the Pear Cider, available at Lune’s Herbs at Merchant Stall IIV. Most spectacularly this drink is non-alcoholic, so it is perfect for gatherings with individuals who are unable to drink or choose not to. This cider has a flavor that I can only refer to as “autumnally happy” and that should definitely say something! The Author recommends serving Lune’s Pear Cider with caricature boards and lighter dishes for the beginning of a meal. I served this at a mid-day brunch for my llir and I, alongside some fresh mozzarella and prosciutto; we were not disappointed in the least with how well these got on with each. Prosciutto tends to be a bit salty, as does the mozzarella, but Lune’s Pear Cider truly balanced it all out. Recommended by a Librarian With our departures from Karinah’siol, many of us have lost access to the unending amount of books sheltered in the Eternal Library and, thus, we must seek progress in other temples of knowledge. Thankfully, Karosgrad boasts many such institutions, possessing books of the highest quality, readily available for all to read. It was in such a place, in the library of the Northern Geographical Society, that we came across a newly published paper, written by April Vallei’onn, titled “ON THE METHOD OF SCIENTIFIC THINKERS ''. This fascinating essay lays down the steps the scientific mind must follow when attempting to uncover the mysteries of nature. While not necessarily unique in its topic, it offers yet another authentic perspective on the process, the author describing the scientific method from its own point of view, diligently constructed after many years of personal studies and investigations. It is commendable that the paper itself is simple enough and makes use of examples so as to be understood and teach even those uninitiated in the sciences how to tackle problems like a scientist. Overall, this new study is an enjoyable read, concise yet thorough, and utterly perfect for those aspiring scientists wishing to grasp the means of pursuing progress… or even for those that are simply bored of reading whatever propaganda the Silver State is spewing and desire reading something actually intelligent. ~Maenor Aildhuin Analysis of Reported Actions When I left my home early morning in the month of the Deep Cold, I was not expecting to be startled or swayed by a newspaper. But I was. There at a stand, for three mines, I found to be an article in the Karosgrad Times, titled in big, bold letters “CROWN PRINCE MAKES NOBLE LADY ‘AS UGLY AS SHE IS INSIDE". Needless to say this title inspired both wretched curiosity and morbid fear of what I may read. From my own time in a bygone era of the Silver State, I was filled with a dread that the Prince-Regent had done something truly horrible to punish another. Much to my surprise, it wasn’t something like the tongue-cutting I had seen practiced in the early days of New Reza or the many hits of an axe to a criminal in Old Reza. Nor was it something so heinous as what I have watched High Elves do unto Humans, such as “crowning” them in liquid gold or turning them into lab subjects. He simply shored up the Lady’s hair! It is just hair and it will grow back in a matter of time, the same mine did when a far more fiendish foe cut mine as a trophy. I was relieved, to say the least, but still mildly perturbed by the anger that was reported. I highly doubt that the Prince-Regent will remain as such, as most of us begin to mellow with time as we settle into our rhythms. Whatever the woman did, a hair cutting seems leaps and bounds better then a caning, or a lashing. Open Letter Column A letter from common housemage There had long been times where I would be working either in a tavern or the clinic where wary eyes see brooms float on by or medical needles cleaning themselves basked in the glow of my mana. There have been people who have been rightly suspicious due to previous notions of magic and mages. I first learned housemagery to do the chores I did not have the time for. My oem’iian were too young to be left alone and I needed an extra set of hands so to speak. I ask you, the reader, to continue on with an open mind. Housemagery is not a voidal magic and does not require a connection to a deity. It is simply using the energy within to help around the house and other trusted areas. Little dolls that come to life to play with young oem’iian or tools that clean your house while you write up the next report all come from the mage, and nowhere else. I love my magic and the time afforded me, and I ask for a less wary gaze when magic is being casted. Unless brownies are involved, then be wary of every single bite. ~A Housemage Body Pillows: Against Canonist Law? In most unfortunate news has been the resurfacing of long pillows, commonly called body pillows due to their, boasting embroidery of a mali’ame. The long pillow is typically meant to be held or laid against at night and I was deeply perturbed to see such an item in the markets. As a follower of Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, I have a strong stance against the mixing of Elvish and Human Blood, which this “artful” pillow seems to entice. Is there no law that could be made to prevent the creation and sale of these to the masses? No Canonist creed that prevents the sin-free ownership of such an item? Surely, a man must not attend confession often enough if he owns this sort of thing, or a woman, in fact. I am unable to tell the gender of this mali’ame upon the pillow. In fact, if there are no laws that exist currently, I implore the Aulic Council of Haense and the Church to do so! It ought to be a crime considering how disgusting it is. The Silver State was long known for its “Dichotomy of Lewdness'' which long discouraged extramarital relations and other… similar activities; perhaps something like that could be introduced in Haense and the Church to prevent the lewdness being directed at elves? A Word with the Lord Marshal Friedrich Barclay, Lord Marshal, Duke of Reinmar I had the joy of delivering this bright young man to Manfred and Isabella just shy of thirty years ago now. Needless to say, I have not been disappointed in the man he grew to be. Recently appointed as Haense’s new Lord Marshal, this young Barclay upholds a long, prestigious family history. I managed to get ahold of our newest Aulic Councilman to ask him about his plans during his tenure in his position. His most important plan, I argue, is the reinstallation of a sense of brotherhood in his commandants. I lobbied the question of whether or not mali would be included in this, due to prior issues regarding the HRA and anti-elf sentiment, I received a relieving answer; “Why would it not?” -Friedrich Barclay, 11th of the Deep Cold, Year 9 There are already several elves in the HRA and I am more than relieved to know that this Lord Marshal shares sentiments similar to mine. His toleration of racism is nonexistent, as such makes for poor bonds in the brotherhood of arms. “If they are unable to trust elves because of their race, that is a problem.” -Friedrich Barclay, 11th of the Deep Cold, Year 9 I am quite happy to hear such statements, and truly, it seems Haense has become a home for all elves in these times. Among the frost and snow, we have at last found kinship that has been lost since the days of the First Malinor. At long last, cousins are able to fight side by side, without a bladed bite held for each other. I’ve high hopes for this Lord Marshal, as I would any other. As I stood to leave, he stopped me a moment and shared one final remark, that should undoubtedly ease the uneasy minds and hearts of those who have come to live in Haense. “The Haenseni Royal Army is an institution and a professional army that has strived to protect the kingdom and its people. Whoever lives in Haense is its people, no matter their race.” - Friedrich Barclay, 11th of the Deep Cold, Year 9

Dele Seregon pauses a moment, squinting at the name "Lothar Alimar" "...Huh, ain't that kind of funny- I could've... sworn- Ah. ****." She then went to find a certain Kharajyr.

Fi’Maehr In Pursuit of New Knowledge Published 358 ES This newspaper was written on the part of several elves within Haense, in order to both familiarize our valah lliran with our habits and provide information to new elves entering the city. It should be expected Fi’Maehr will be posted every two to three elvish weeks, to provide ample time for the writing and collection of articles. Notable Mali in Haense Renae Arvellon the Surgeon General This notable mali came to the scene as Surgeon General in the aftermath of the late Eleanor Barclay nee Amador’s passing. Her mal’onn, Becclain, had originally considered applying but decided against it as he grew older, and thus Renae applied in his stead. Her tenure thus far has been marked by the full settlement into Almaris and the revival of the medical staffing within Haense after a bout of poor service activity after Eleanor’s passing. It should be noted, as she has pointed out, that a great deal of Mali have come to Haense and now serve as medical staff at Saint Amayas’ Hospital. Additional programs are in the works to see outreach to train those who are willing to learn. “So far, everything is well!” - Renae Arvellon, 14th of Malin’s Welcome, Year 9 When asked about her life in Haense and what part of it has been the most fulfilling, thus far, Renae stunned me with her answer; teaching in the academy about her life’s pursuit to a younger generation so that they too may pursue their own path in it. It seems no matter how far an elf may roam that they will always have the desire to share and obtain knowledge within. Drink of the Year After much deliberation, this year’s “Drink of the Year” has been declared Wittenbach Warehaus’ Karosgrad White Wine! Notably, Karosgrad White is made with local grapes that have managed to prosper in the frigid climates of Haense’s borders. The resilience required for such makes this wine truly remarkable. Though, this wine is perfectly sweet for the tongue that does not appreciate the more acrid flavors of bitter reds available in the city, with full body and plenty of flavor. The Author has several suggestions on the best way to pair this local speciality, and will more than happily share them below: Serve chilled with warm, spiced dishes to balance the palette, |OR| serve alongside salty dishes for that desired sweet and salty affair. It is, however, implored of you to not pair this wine with chocolate, not even dark chocolate; for desserts, pair the Karosgrad White with caramels or butterscotches, vanilla, coconut, or fruit. Mali Owned Businesses and Start-Ups With the influx of mali added to the local population of Karosgrad, it was only to be expected that businesses would follow those who came through those gates to seek something new and untamed. While this has been meager, at best, it is only expected that more businesses will join the lot. A staple prior to the population boom was the Rising Sun Boutique, formerly Asul’onn Goods, offers tailory services alongside fine jewelry. It, additionally, sells homemade wine from the talonnii’s “Sunlit Brewery” made with a sweet berry blend, comparable to a zinfandel. For the not so wine inclined, a zinfandel is a type of red wine that could be easily mistaken for a rosé. Straight from its historic hub in Haelun’or, Seregon Goods and Imports is now fully available in Karosgrad’s Wittenbach’s Warehaus. This shop was founded in the mid 1740s in Arcas and had a small stall in Oren’s capital Helena towards the end of the descendant’s time on the continent. The most notable, recognizable, product from this long standing business is the Seregon Strawberry Port, and is best served without chilling. The Author hopes to see a rise in more mali owned businesses in coming years, for the pursuit of progress and health of all of us. Theft in Haense Oddly enough, the arrival and boom in the population of elves within the city has not been without incident. With so many new faces traveling in and out of Karosgrad, it seems a mali burglar made themselves apparent on the corner of May’s Alley and Robert’s Road, at the Asul’onn Household. A report was filed by the family after ascertaining that they had, in fact, been burglarized. The HRA has yet to turn up a suspect, but there will be an uptick in patrols due to the number of burglaries, both attempted and successful, that have been noted. All elves within May’s Alley and Robert’s Road are encouraged to secure their valuables and check their locks regularly. Only cowards steal childhood belongings. A Note to the New Mali of Haense Despite everything that has happened with the fall of Haelun’or, Haense has continued to be welcoming to all Mali. I had started working in Haense during the Inferni conflict because I wanted to better my medical skills without having to worry about messing up on a fellow mali. During this time, though I did fight a few on some different ideologies (a certain bortu comes to mind), I had come to realize that much like the city we left; if you work to make a name for yourself, you will do much better in Haense. There are many alleys you may pursue, and each offers a chance to differ yourself while not necessarily losing our ways. Yes, it’s weird and frustrating to have to debate the notion of a creator and whether or not they are an actual being, but it is worth to have more opportunities to show the others our ways while we live among valah, bortu, and other mali. Signing off for now, ~Aestenia Aevaris

Dele Seregon eyed the missive as her daughter showed it to her, shaking her head and very promptly shredding it. These shredded pieces are fed into the fire of their stove. "This does not concern you, Alyssa." @Orlesian

Dele eyed the notice left on the board, squinting. The mali'aheral genuinely wasn't sure what to make of this aside from confusion. Haense will be interesting to say the least. Luisa on the other hand ecstastically claps about this, moving along to go purchase a few so her son could have them for his collection!

7th of the Deep Cold, 6 SA Even the curious eye had known Dele’s presence was a peculiar one. Her early days marked by the Diarchy’s empowerment, and her later ones cloaked in mystery as to where she’d been. The sunny days of the mali’thill’s era in Laureh’thilln were ones of adventure, strife, and isolation. It seemed that this was much the same fate when she set foot in Karinah’siol. Her heart knew passing tides, fleeting and fractured by time spent under the heel of watchful eyes and knives in every corner. It yearned for freedom untouched in near a century, yearned for a time when cares were to be found in the gentle breezes and the sweeping valleys of far off lands. And so, as if a specter, the good Laurir Seregon seemed to vanish overnight. Her apartment was empty, devoid of a speck of dirt or dust, her beloved storefront quiet and unlit. It seemed as if she’d put her life in her bags and without a trace, had gone with the winds. There were a few letters delivered, by way of a flock of spritely pigeons. To My Oem’iian My darling children, my whole wide world. I have accepted that you all do not feel at home here, and have gone wayward in search of where you might feel that way. I, too, seem to have made this decision and I hope to reunite with all three of you whenever we can. Faustien, you best hurry home if you get this letter. I’ve quite a bit of nagging on you to do as my eldest. Alyssa, darling, keep on with your work with the NGS, I know you’ll do wonderfully. Marette, my youngest, you know best to find me when you are ready to do so. I’ll be waiting for all of you. To Lorelei, Aestenia, and Maeve My daughters, not of my own blood but of my own bond, I am so proud of you all. When you all were younger then you are now, I was wary in times such as those. I didn’t know who could be trusted and who would be resilient enough to keep learning. Thus, you have given me the strength to learn what I need. To Anethra The only mali aside from Mayan I have ever come to adore and praise as my lari’onn. I want you to know something, so deeply important, well a few things actually. They’re all pretty important. If you seek me, you will find me, no matter how far I will go from you, you need only call for me and I will be there. Secondly, my dear Ane, you must know: there is only so much you can bleed before you cannot keep bleeding. Remember that, if you would? To Aiera Perhaps you do not expect letters from an ‘ata like myself, as you all seemed keen to believe this much about me. I wish we’d been able to be friends, and I perhaps largely regret ever regarding you with the gaze of childish hope that perhaps I had found an older mali upon which I could rely for the advice I needed. I apologize, truthfully, for whenever it is I made you uneasy with my seeming unkindness and bite… Even in my greatest ire, my teeth would never turn upon you. To Ikur You did almost drive me out a few times, frankly, my good cousin. You would demean me over little things, insult my intelligence, insult my personality. I’m sorry I wasn’t everything you wanted for your next Laurir. Enjoy your retirement and understand I haven’t ever truly forgiven you. To Muja My vhneat, as you call me, I needn’t say very much to you, do I? We had our discussion, and you know where to seek me out. Perhaps we may have those pina coladas you talked about. I always enjoy them a lot more when they’re drunk with a friend. To Khaeryr and Maenor You boys best keep your best heads on your shoulders. Aiera relies on you alot more than she lets everyone notice. I’ll make a habit of sending some brews your way whenever I can, and maybe interesting taxidermy if I can gather more. Best of luck, and I’m sorry I won’t be finishing out the coursework in Maeve’s stead. To the Clinic… There is a certain ache that comes with leaving you and my legacy behind here within these silver walls. I built you from nothingness, I kept you running even when I was alone. I do not believe I would’ve lived as long as I have without you, and the legacy of which I leave behind with you. My students, as you may find this letter, please. Letter me and I’ll make a small return here and there to fulfill your questions and lessons. Whenever you want me to, wherever you will meet me. [[OOC: Hey folks, I’ve been a part of this community for… a good bit now, did my time as an Okariran and honestly? I reckon it’s time for me to go, as Dele just isn’t that fun to RP in Haelun’or anymore. So long, and thanks for all the memories in the cities, present and past. I’ll be ‘round OOCly and I will still be doing steward things until the seat is filled. If you need me, you can DM me.]]

Luisa receives her grandmother's final letter, reviewing it quietly. She sniffles lightly, holding the small slip of parchment to her heart at that. "...Oh Grossmutter..." Now she needed to find those precious rings, if Marcella cherished them so.

THE BALLOT ((MC name: Demented_Delila )) Name: Dele Seregon Vote for Sohaer: ( XX ) Arelyn Iyathir ( ) Nuala Telperion

A matronly mali'thill reviews this essay, chuckling lightly as she sups from her tea cup. "Better this no-name then Nuala. I like her so far."

Dele Seregon looks up from packing a go-bag for herself, as old habits seemed to die terribly hard, to regard her daughters' question. "I'm dreadfully worried but just be ready to go at a moment's notice. Aiera would never want to be Maheral... I don't know why the Daft Diarchist woman is demanding we appoint her as such.... I worry for what may come next in all this." @SilkieSilky @Vic

Dele has to read Eredael's letter not once, but six times. At no point was Galanthil to be permanently Maheral, simply to appoint the next in Ikur's stead.... But Maheral has never been a challengeable seat, for the Maheral simply is. Eredael simply was not.

A particularly well-connected mali'thill to the Barclay household squints as she reviews this. They left out some of the juicy details about his courtship with Kamila! And his violin skills! What a travesty.... On the other hand, sat within her shop's study, a delighted middle aged woman reviews the paper written by her cousin on her vater. She seems rather happy with the results!

Dele reads the letter a few times, squinting after a bit like she's stared at the sun too long. "Be free you magnificent gremlin. Go on, go terrorize Anethra in her basement more and throw some boots. Enjoy your retirement." She'd then just... stash the letter away into a much too large book called... "**** Ikur Did"

THE BALLOT ((MC name: Demented_Delila )) Name: Dele Seregon Vote for Okarir'tir : ( XX ) Valorin Celia'thilln ( ) Ellisar Aevaris ( ) Olrin Hildinyr

╔✦Seregon Goods✦╗ ╚ ✦ & Imports ✦ ╝ Established in the First Age, Early 1740s, Arcas. When I established Seregon Goods and Imports, I was not expecting it to prosper as long as it has. When I established it, I expected to leave it all behind, but such expectations were seen to be false. Now, I stand in the early twilight of the Second Age, my shop standing once again in Karinah’siol, same as it did in Laureh’thilln. I am proud of the preservation that has come with my business. I am hopeful for the many more contacts I am bound to make through my endeavours, and grateful for the ones I already have. In Arcas, I had two shops, my main location in Laureh’thilln, Haelun’or, and a stall in Helena’s busy streets. Now, in Almaris, I am currently standing at one shop in the Ellir’siol Shopping Centre in Karinah’siol. A secondary location has not yet been decided, as everyone is aware that the economy is a little rocky. Seregon Goods and Imports was founded on a few base ideals… ✦ High Quality Goods for Low Costs ✦ Unique Goods, not found anywhere else. ✦ Our homebrewed liquors, local to Haelun’or ✦ As well as the import of foreign goods so that the Mali’thill may have access to such goods within the city, without risking safety in inclimate relations with the rest of the world. What started as a tiny project for a festival in the Duchy of Westmarch many years ago, with a few blankets and toys, has grown into this. I can’t say I’d have it any other way, as unexpected to me as it was. Here's too many more years in business. [!] Included are drawings of some of the current stock in Seregon Goods and Imports. It is not a complete list, it seems.

"Don't you worry, I'll be back home soon." Luisa watched the cold wind blow on the boughs of the fir trees beyond that outer gate, biding her father-in-law good bye. She , in that moment, did not expect this to be the last time she would speak to him. She left, with Rosalind at heel, the whole city in a minor uproar about some sort of wolfish creature that seemed too unnatural in her mind. Yet, she thought Ivan would be coming home. She believed it. He was too stubborn to die without goodbyes... surely? The news would've broke her when Manfred approached her, asking for a private conversation, away from her now five year old daughter Marie, were she not knowing of Ivan's death soon to come. It ached the way broken bones ached when it rained, deeply within her chest. Her first thought flickered to her will, given to her many years prior to then, just in case. Telling Angelika was harder then she thought it'd be, to tell the woman who loved a man for so many years that her husband was dead, when already her son was gone too. She told Angelika in the Bascilla, sat with her there in that back pew, staring up at the ceiling and counting seconds that ticked by before the woman spoke her denial and grief. The older woman was praying when she left. It was time to tell her own husband of his father's passing, albeit heroic feat, it would hurt all the same. Marie, too, would need to be explained to as best as one could explain death to a five year old. Her little voice broke her heart when the question came from her lips... "Does he not want to see me anymore?" They cried as a family for a time after that, before innocent, big brown eyes closed and went to sleep, too tired by her grief to stay awake much longer. When she went to lay to sleep at last that night, she stared up at the ceiling, hands folded over her stomach. Ruben laid beside her, and whether or not her husband heard her solemn words didn't bother her at all. "You said you'd come back home. Niet the home you were supposed to leave for yet..."