Heart_Spam

The note from her mother dropped from trembling hands; Nisreen stood frozen in shock, disbelief. It was impossible - but why would she write if it was not true? The first place she went was not the clinic; it was to a tree, in the park, where her father had first taught her how to fight. And she swung her weapon at that tree until bark flew from it's trunk and Nisreen knelt upon the sodden earth, the tears a heavy burden that kept her from standing. Then, and only then, after her tears had dried and she'd composed herself into one of silent, stubborn resignation, did she make her weary way to the clinic to bid farewell to Esmond Reede de Astrea, her father, for the last time.

As Nisreen read the missive denoting the promotions, the young soldier pumped a fist in the air in celebration of her comrades!

If Cap'n Sam of the Sea Monkeys ever learned through the grapevine of this ISA soldier's death, she'd raise two bottles of rum in salute to the best, most honorable guard she'd ever met. She could still feel that blade to her throat in her nightmares...

And so it begins...

Daibhidh had been a good father and mother, the only parent Sìonag NicDaibhidh Sutharlainn had ever known, and wonderful despite his shortcomings. As she wept by her father's deathbed with her brother, she slowly built up her iron guard. Daibhidh had been the only one she'd yearned to please; she'd wanted to make her father proud of her accomplishments. And now that he was gone? How was she to search his praises? She would still, somehow, honor the Sutharlainn name, and continue Daibhidh's legend.

The Dunes stands once again erupted into cheers for their fans at the win! Those dedicated fans scattered about after the game, congratulating one another, the team players, and the mascot - but most importantly - one Dunes fan sought out Azzam's autograph, certain that it would go down in history as the most valuable piece of writing if the Dunes manage to sneak off a third win in the ABA finals.

The Fakhr Oasis erupted with roaring cheers after the final win that would send them to finals! An exciting season so far, and fans are pumped to watch how finals play out. And, you know, take advantage of the opportunity for complimentary cookies as long as they can.

A hefty Dunes fan gnashed their teeth together after this nail-biter of a game - and they certainly but their nails off! After leaving the match (and screaming praises for the Dunes all the way out the gate) they hastily set off to find a doctor, so their hands would have prime clapping capabilities the next week at what they prayed would be an epic Dunes win.

One frenzied, dedicated Dunes fan gnawed on their fingernails the entire game... And left the stands with bloodied knuckles after the match ended, from stress! Definitely. Yet the fan still strongly believed in their favorite team's capability! And in the practice of slipping small bits of cactus in the opposing team's shoes - if they could accomplish that.

Nisreen Reede de Astrea bounced around in utter happiness at the news - sending a flock of chickens scurrying away from her exultations! Then the teen burrowed herself in her room, determined to come up with the perfect wedding gift for her cousin Anya... If she didn't doze off first.

A dedicated Dunes fan hoped to spice things up next match by attempting to put... salt... in the opposing team's refreshments!

A feast would be prepared for the Dunes' winning team that very eve. Lamb, Qahwa coffee, ma'moul, kunafah, dates... all the delicacies Fakhr is most famous for. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, true, but it is also the way to boosted morale and fervent celebration.

Zahra applauded the Dunes' win, and sought out her brother Azzam after the match to congratulate him and the rest of the team on a game well played. One thing to note, however - there would be no eggs placed under carpets that night... as there would have been if defeat had followed the Dunes that game.

Preparations for a tribal feast began in the Fakhr Oasis, to celebrate the announcement of the Dunes heading to playoffs!! One excited fan set out to prepare the meat, shouting a victory cry. "We're having sheep tonight!"

Assistant Coach Zahra paced the sidelines during the close match between the Dunes and the Bucks. That pacing stopped the instant she saw her father, Hakim the Brick Wall, felled by a rock. Flashbacks to a certain camel incident-. Although the Dunes celebrated a victory this day with the usual complimentary treats at the Halwa, Zahra would have to speak to Head Coach Murad (@mrfruit_4) about refining training drills...

Assistant Coach Zahra cheered from the sidelines for the Fakhr Dunes, along with Head Coach Murad (@mrfruit_4) and Assistant Coach Marah (@discojazz). As the match came to a close and the crowd erupted in cheers for the victory, Zahra began mentally counting the number of fresh-baked celebratory cookies prepared - and wondered if there would be enough to satisfy the vivacious team spirit.

Sìonag Sutherlainn cared for one thing and one thing only in preparation for this upcoming event. Bottles?

🌼 She is beauty, she is grace. She will smack you in the face. 🌼 Mattie was a Ranger, an Outrider, a Guard of Elysium. Yet she was also a mother, a wife, and a friend. Her life was fulfilled through her service to others, whether this was through her duties as a guard, ensuring the cookie jar in the White Bear Tavern remained thoroughly stocked, or remaining sleeplessly by her husband's bedside. There were many joyous moments to be remembered: falling asleep on a swingset to the sound of birds and a warm, gentle breeze. Manning the tavern while listening to tales of times long past, of ancient legends, or of faraway lands. Watching the children of Elysium grow, marry, start families of their own. Visiting Yong Ping with Chryssa, Katya, and Aylin, a trip which resulted in trying a very suspicious drink and much laughter over Aylin's demise. Visits to the Fakhr Oasis to visit with old friends and teach Marah some of her recipes. Donning a golden mask as Aylin's bridesguard, an honor and a fond memory she carried with her. Tugging a raft to the top of an icy hill, alone, to sled down and relive a bit of spirited childhood. Sure, she shattered her shoulder, but it was fun. Teaching her daughter the art of the quarterstaff. Pride in the accomplishments of those around her. Everyone who knew Matilda, or Mattie, as a certain young man first called her and the name stuck as a bittersweet nickname amongst those who knew her best, knew trouble was prone to find her - or rather, she tended to seek it out. Mattie climbed her way through the ranks of the Elysium Rangers with a stubborn fire that never wavered, that pushed her onwards through every battle, every mission, every rally, every training session and every injury. Nothing kept her down for long. Not an irresponsible trek through the icy mountains to peek into the caves of trolls, and returning home with a dislocated shoulder due to her recklessness. Not her first true fight, only an Initiate, against dire wolves that invaded Elysium Park, during which she and Amethyst saved one another's lives and sparked the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Not fights against invading trolls, devastating news regarding the death of a dear friend, or watching the same undead friend dispelled before her very eyes could curb her spirited temperament for long. When a terrorist attacked Elysium and threw a thanium bomb in the midst of those gathered in response, Matilda was hovering on the brink of death and it was only thanks to Aobh Aldin's quick work that her life and those of her children were spared. She did not waver in her convictions as she helplessly watched the MRA slaughter innocents of her home during wartime. Her stubbornness was a heavy blessing to bear. Many times, it nearly sent her to the Allfather's Halls. Yet, it didn't claim her. Not the rally against a cave of bandits that would ultimately earn her the status of Outrider, during which she sustained multiple injuries and yet would not allow herself to be treated until she ensured every other of the Rangers she led was safe in Elysium once more. Not when she set out three times after a figure threatening the lives of Elysian citizens, each time returning a little worse for the wear. The third time, she returned, nearly dead, bearing her Captain, but with righteous blood staining her blade. Not even the swarm of Naga she fought alongside her fellow Rangers, at one point on her back in the snow and swarmed by the smallest of the vile creatures, could halt her determination, nor could a small group of bandits ambushing an envoy to Elysium. All of these fights she threw everything into, whether she won or lost, and yet her fiery will kept her alive. Physical and mental battles she overcame with time. Matilda didn't go out in the fiery blaze of glory, defending her children, her home, or her friends, leaving behind a story of honor and blood to tell, as she'd hoped one day she would go. She went suddenly, unexpectedly, losing against one battle that crept upon her, unawares, that none, not even her own self, realized she was fighting. A sickness that crept in, slowly eating her away, until it finally burst and no longer allowed her to live. A swift, raging torrent against which there was no hope of standing, that caused her to collapse in the arms of her dearest friend, Aylin. It was the battle she couldn't win, the one she didn't know she was fighting, that ultimately helped her headstrong heart to rest.

Matilda read the flier and chuckled to herself, shaking her head... "Gotta find this lad an' lass an' 'elp 'em in their undertakin," she muttered, a mischievous twinkle lighting in the old hag's eye.

Matilda's usual cordial smile twisted downwards into an intense frown. A hand idly crept upwards to rub irritably at her right ear; she almost crumpled the missive in irritation at the words she read, but finally simply folded it and stowed it away with the other bulk of letters she hoarded. First Oren, now the Ferrymen - would peace ever return? She was too old for this.

Man, and I'd been hoping this was true... (kidding, kidding, we love you Gen) <3

╔═══════════╗ Scavenger Jubilee ╚═══════════╝ ☼ Citizens and friends alike of Elysium are invited to partake in the Elysium Scavenger Jubilee. ☼ Bring your spyglasses, dirt sifters, and treasure-hunting caps! ☼ The Jubilee will consist of a scavenger hunt throughout all areas within the bounds of Elysium. Hunters will gather at the Elysium park to be sorted into teams and sent off into the wild blue yonder in search of nine items. Each item will be accompanied by a riddle, which hunters must solve in order to discover the item and its location. Upon finding each of these items, hunters may return to Elysium Park where they may return their list for an award. In addition to smaller individual awards for each hunter, there will be one grand prize awarded to each member of the first team to complete their list. [!] A map detailing the location of the Elysium Park is attached. [OOC: Event will begin in the Elysium Park on Monday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. EST]

As cool spring air melts into summer warmth over the vibrant, rolling hills of riverside Elysium, the quiet town continues to bask in the spread of summer blooms. Sweet scents of roses, daisies, and snapdragons spark upwards from the earth, casting a fragrant blanket over the town. An abundance of hues speckle the grass, from summer wildflowers springing to life by the gate to achromatic rose bushes lining the paths. As such, a certain few bustle about Elysium, posting flyers in the tavern, town hall, the square, and by the ranger's keep. In addition, they send off flyers to be delivered to Elysium's allies and friends. [!] At the top of the flyer is adhered a flower - either a rose, daisy, sunflower, or snapdragon. Beneath in careful script reads: All citizens, friends, and allies of Elysium are hereby invited to attend the Elysium Flower Festival in celebration of our community. There will be music, dancing, and all manner of games and frolic. The event will be held in the Elysium Park on the Day of the Grand Harvest, SA 30. [!] A small copy of a map of Elysium is tacked to each flyer detailing the location. [OOC: Event will take place on Saturday, June 26, at 3pm EST.]

Bile rose in Matilda's throat as she read the missives once through. That was enough; she swallowed hard as she slowly folded the papers and laid them away. Her face hardened, her knuckles clenched. She said nothing, but to those who knew her, they would notice the anger thinly veiled.

In Matilda’s eyes, Rabbit had been a charming lad, although a bit odd at times, whose intelligence surpassed what she had deemed possible. Memories of training against a drawing of a goblin tacked to a tree, playful banter over her cooking, and praise of Rabbit’s accomplishments flooded back; equally bringing a flood of tears. Rabbit had been the one to first give her the nickname of Mattie, a nickname she had delighted in, but would now only receive with a bittersweet fondness. Matilda laughed bitterly as she stared at a new type of cookie that she’d set aside for Rabbit to try the next time he came into town; she’d hoped he would like this one better than the first ones he had called “too dry.” With a heart torn to shreds, she carefully crumbled the cookie between her palms and sprinkled it over the ground in one last farewell.