Juno.

Siss'sira looked over the missive with a growing smile, folding and tucking it into her cloak as she joined Anordal in the forge.

IGN: Junoix Skin: Regal Monarch Bid: 20 Mina

A Frozen Year The Dedicant Trial of Melinoe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinoe awoke amongst the freezing snow, a massive headache racking her as she came to. She was dressed in barely anything which were the clothes she had been wearing earlier; she now cursed herself for not covering up more. Beside her was a stag femur, a pouch of seeds, and a six inch dagger, all of which she quickly grabbed. As she sat up, she took a look around her environment, greeted by only mountains, ice, and more snow; a pure white wonderland. The ground was rock solid and atmosphere frigid, with no other terrain spotted for hundreds of miles. The dark elf was actually stationed at the bottom of one of said mountains. Another curse left her lips as she hauled herself to her feet, shivering madly as her bare skin fought against the chill. It was clear that she needed warmth and shelter quickly, or she would die. So off she went, bare feet frozen as she hiked across the icy ground. She was soon able to find a cavern, though it certainly provided not enough warmth. Icicles hung from the ceiling and ice caked the walls, only some spots of the ground weren't frozen. The woman had gathered a few sticks along the way, which she set down before going out to find more wood. Lucky enough to find a couple larger pieces, she returned to her cave and quickly set to work on a fire. If there was one thing she was good at, it was making a fire, having done so several times. Melinoe came from a traveling banditry group, and was pretty good at survival; when it wasn’t in a frozen hell in the middle of nowhere. While she had some skills, it was clear this wouldn’t be easy, and death was more likely than she hoped. Meli gave up on the seeds, for in this cruel environment, there was no possibility of growing crops. She would have to hunt and search for berries for the next year, while also using the fur to keep warm. The first thing she hunted was a bear, mostly for its pelt. Melinoe knew she wouldn’t survive the night without the warmth. Jumping on the creature’s back and stabbing it with all her might did half the job, and eventually she was able to kill it, though she suffered her own injuries. Stained with a combination of the bear's and her own blood, she skinned the beast. She now had her pelt and first several nights’ meal, though not without injury and struggle. She tried to remain hopeful, but the odds weren’t in her favor. A couple months had passed and things were going decently. She had made a wooden bowl using a large piece of wood and the dagger, filling it with snow and placing it by the fire. She did this daily to get her water from the melted snow. Melinoe had certainly lost a lot of weight and muscle mass, as well as had a matted mess of hair, but she was alive. She continued to hunt and use her knowledge to eat the safe berries and leaves. The ice in the cave had mostly melted due to the fires she had running constantly. She spent most of her day looking for food and firewood, keeping herself as busy as possible. The dark elf hated boredom, and would not fall victim to it. As the fires she lit continued to melt the icicles away, Meli noticed one that didn’t seem to melt. As she got a closer look at it, she noticed it wasn’t an icicle at all, feeling nothing like such as she touched it. She broke the crystal off the cavern ceiling and kept it with her, noticing its faint glow when it was pitch black. It was about five months in when everything truly took a toll. She was running low on energy and lonesome dreams plagued her nights. Meli couldn’t remember the last time she cried, until she began to dream of her children and their father. Her son and daughter’s adorable giggles and her love’s bright smile brought tears to her eyes, resulting in her first meltdown in decades. She didn’t sleep that night, and struggled for several nights after that, her motivation waning. At one point, she even stopped eating, questioning what the point even was. That night, as she stared into the fire, she heard the howl of a single wolf, completely alone. She was used to hearing the songs of a pack, there being some wolves in the area, but this was her first time hearing one by itself. It sounded sad to her, almost like it was crying, and as Meli hummed along with it, she realized that she would not die alone. She would see her dear children and love again. The next day she got right back to it, resting only as she came across a single dead wolf not too far from her cavern. She said something softly to the dead animal before putting it's remains to use; wearing it's fur as a memento of what could of been her. She was reaching the end now, and thank the Aspects for that. The dark elf had a couple infected wounds, was suffering from malnutrition, dehydrated, and waning in spirit. She had to fight to survive; the environment, creatures, and her own inner demons. She was tired and missed her family, regretting the year she was away from their lives. During one of her final days, as she was out hunting once again, she noticed something strange happen in the sky, something she’d never seen before. A dark shadow was moving to cover the sun it seemed like, which the elf couldn’t exactly wrap her head around. She just stared at the sky, dumbfounded until the dark shadow moved to completely block the sun, only a white ring of it’s light peeking out around the edges. The world went as dark as dusk for a couple minutes, and wolves began to howl as if there was a full moon, Meli looked around in complete amazement. “Is this an eclipse?” She wondered to herself as the event finished and she started back towards her home. Perhaps it was a symbol of the change this journey had brought within her. She spent her final night reminiscing on the lone wolf and the eclipse she witnessed, sighing softly as it was about to come to an end. When she woke, it was to Miven shaking her, the dark elf unable to speak at first as she was dragged out of her year long home. Seldom words were exchanged on their trip back, and no smile graced her lips until she finally spotted her and her love's house in the Father Grove. "Finally," She murmured softly as the two neared. "I'm home."

Sonna snorted as she read over the paper, rolling it up and placing it in her satchel before moving off to the citadel.

Sonna Vuln'miruel felt the pang of a fellow druid leaving for the Eternal Forest, eyes saddened as she walked through Elvenesse. It was only once she saw an unfamiliar fox run through the city towards the Arvellon Seed Hall that reality hit her and she rushed to find Renae with haste.

Vuln’miruel The Foxhole Home to the Orphaned, Widowed, and Outcast -=- =-= Vuln’miruel was officially formed in the Deep Cold, Year 1 of the Second Age after founder Sonna had a conversation with High Prince Feanor Sylvaeri. It was during this talk that the Royarch and High Priestess decided that a Wood Elven Seed would be formed for elves like herself; orphaned, unfit, and rejected. The seed was named Vuln’miruel after the founder’s totem and Sonnos is their patron. Their colors are red, gold, and green and their mark is of a golden fox wearing a crown of twisted branches. Philosophy “The fox is witty and clever, and following the fox’s tail will lead to fortune. That is the path we will follow, our strength in our wit and grace as we weave through the obstacles of life.” The religion of the seed is elnarnsae’ame, The Wild Faith, however, members of the seed are free to practice whatever religion they wish as long as it is not a dark religion, or involve dark and voidal magic. As long as the members respect the seed's official religion and honor what the patron stands for, they can do as they wish. [The Wild Faith] The patron of the seed is the Fox Mani Sonnos, Prince of Vulpine. He represents cleverness and wit, traits valued by the Vuln’miruel. Members of the seed may pray in front of the Sonnos shrine for these traits as well as advice on how to face a certain situation with tact. The fox is their symbol, as their family tattoo is a golden fox wearing a crown of twisted branches, meant to signify the Prince of Vulpine. [Sonnos Lore] The founder often refers to these beliefs as “The Way of the Fox”, and believes that good luck comes to those who randomly encounter a fox. She also believes that following after a fleeting vulpine tail will lead to good fortune, and has stories of doing such herself. - - Rites “After the fleeting tail.” To become a member of Vuln’miruel, Vuln’ii must complete three rites. Facing Your Obstacles When a mali first wishes to join the seed, they must first face the tragedy they have endured in the past, whether internalized or not. They do this by forming a relationship with the Chieftain or Vuln'sae, until they trust them enough to open up to them and share their past experiences. The Chieftain or Vuln'sae will then comfort them, in their own way, and give them advice on how to move past it. Befriending the Vulpine The founder of Vuln’miruel found their lifelong companion in a red fox named Suna, gifted to her by Feanor when she first came to the village of Siramenor in Arcas. Thus, she believes that every member of her seed deserves a loyal companion like she has. After their first task, the Vuln’ii will be sent into the forest to find a lone fox or orphaned kit to befriend. They are not allowed to capture the animal, as they must gain its trust naturally until the fox follows them willingly. Following the Red Tail Once they have finished their other trials, the Vuln’ii complete a final trial that is common in many wood elven seeds and even in the Priesthood. The Cheiftain or Vuln'sae has the Vuln’ii smoke herbal substances and then leads them deep into the forest with their fox companion. Once there, the Chieftain or Vuln'sae will leave and the Vuln’ii must follow the quick vulpine back home while facing whatever they see along the way. Once they return, the Vuln’ii will tell their mentor what they encountered and reunited with their vulpine. They will then be named Vuln’miruel and receive their ilmyumier. - - Ranks “Come, malii vulmiruel’onn” Chieftain of Vuln’miruel Chieftain of the House and Leader of the name. They take in and teach Vuln’ii and watch as they do their rites to become Vuln’miruel, and nominate Vuln'sae to do such in their absence. They also hold a wooden fox mask passed down to each leader of the house. Vuln’sae A Vuln'miruel who has proven devotion to the seed through either time and/or tribulation, and has thus been given permission from the Chieftain to take in new Vuln'miruel and conduct their trials. Vuln’miruel A fully fledged member of the seed who has completed their rites and has received their ilmyumier. Vuln’ii Meaning “little fox”, Vuln’ii are those officially undergoing their rites to join the seed. They will gain the name Vuln’miruel from the Chieftain or Vuln'sae after completing their trials and receiving their ilmyumier. - - Practices “Gather round” New Birth When a mother in Vuln’miruel welcomes a new child, matching crowns of pine leaves, holly, and white rose buds will be made and put on the mother and child’s head. The leader of the family will then say a prayer to Cerridwen to watch over the two followed by a house wide feast. A Dark Scavenger Hunt Foxes are quick, clever creatures that are also scavengers and most active at night. To mimic such, a competition that entails a scavenger hunt in the woods at night will occasionally take place. The winner of such competition will get a prize. Story Telling Occasionally, the seed may get together around the hearth and share stories with each other. This is a warm family event where everyone can catch up with each other, share some laughs, and enjoy tea by the fire. Non-members of the seed may be invited, but they must share a story of their own if they come. - If you’d like to join this seed, find Sonna in game!

AME AME AME

Decree of Banishment issued 13th of The Amber Cold, 1789 [!] The following letter would be published within the Isles of Almenor, and a copy sent to a limited number of individuals. The individual known as Casca Terin Puerokar is hereby forever banished from the Isles of Almenor and its constituent lands of the Caras Aegrothond citadel and Siramenor in violation of the Codex of Law for the following crimes; treason, interbreeding, and contempt for the crown. Crimes Against the Crown Treason “Any citizen who willfully assists an enemy of the Crown is guilty of treason. This includes and is not limited to: passing sensitive information, publishing private documents and health records of any citizen, sedition, and slander. Punishment for this crime will result in banishment from the Isles of Almenor and its constituent states.” Casca allowed and condoned the actions of her orcish lover; attacking the father of her child and citizen of Siramenor in our own borders. This constitutes as treason as she was still a property owning citizen of the Isles of Almenor herself at the time of the attack, later verbally expressing her approval to some of our council members and guards. Crimes Against the Crown Interbreeding “Any coupling with intent to produce offspring with a member of another Descendant or lesser race than that of one’s own shall be considered interbreeding. The punishment for such is banishment, especially should the coupling bear a mixed child -- for they have brought into this world unnecessary burden upon the offspring, who must contend with more than one Curse. Knowingly coupling with those who possess Dark Magics shall also be treated as a crime equal to that of interbreeding. Such coupling may decree abuse or neglect on behalf of the parents.” She has been charged with interbreeding for coupling with an orc, which she failed to deny when brought before justice. The sin of coupling with another race is a vile deed which sullies the Elven soul. The Curses of the Descendant Races cannot be undone by any power. Therefore, the act of knowingly producing offspring which carries more than one Descendant Curse is equal in the eyes of sensible Elves to that of abuse and neglect. Crimes Against Justice Contempt “Contempt for the Crown and its agents is considered a crime in the Isles of Almenor. While individuals are free to make logical arguments in defense of themselves, they must keep a level voice and be respectful throughout the proceedings. Contempt shall also include failure to heed warnings or banishments from a member of the Council or the Sea Prince himself - this shall result in banishment of the perpetrator from the Isles of Almenor, and may include immediate removal from the Isles of Almenor.” Casca continued to insult, ignore the warnings of, and even threaten the newborn child of the council members and guards present. She was told to remain quiet as her crimes were read aloud to her, a command she failed to follow, thus resulting in her charge of contempt. I would also like to provide a further explanation of the punishments she received. Her ears were taken as she betrayed her people, thus no longer deserving of the defining feature; her right finger was amputated as that was the punishment that befell the last traitor of the crown; and finally, her flesh was burned to purify her sins, scabs that must be shed in growth. By the power vested in me by the Crown Seal of Elvenesse, Ahernal ito Council Member Sonna Sirame

Best Edad ❤️

Sonna Sirame folded the announcement, holding it close to her heart with a long, soft sigh. “And so it begins..” She murmured softly to herself as she went back inside the Sirame Seed hall.

Sonna Sirame let out a long and tired sigh before her eyes steeled with determination. The priestess gathered her medical supplies and the bow from her monster hunting days before running off to find Tanyl. ”Aspects watch over me..”

This new seed kinda crazy. Can’t wait to see it in action!