Heart_Spam

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.

[OOC]: Thank you for playing such a wonderful character. I've enjoyed every minute of our brother-sister feuds, pranks, arguments, rare wholesome family moments, Azzam's overprotective big brother-ness. R.i.p Azzam the Misunderstood.

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 note has been tacked to the Halwa Bakery counter, accompanied by a cactus flower.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

When the winds and sands create a melody

What can one do but to sing the harmony?

My dear family, my friends. Abi, ummi, akhis, ukhti. It is with a heavy heart I write this note, but I know that if I were to seek you out, I would not be able to speak. 

There was once, years ago, when I waited until it was almost too late to follow a call. That hesitation resulted in regret, anguish, and despair that locked me in a cage. Recently, another call has beckoned me, and I dare not hesitate again. So I am taking Fatimah, and we will retrace the wandering footsteps of our ancestors. Habibis, do not fear for us. Rest well knowing we are covered by the grace of Allah.

Ahebbak habibis.

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?

Zahra smiled as she read the invitation, a look of genuine happiness on her face - this one untinged by sorrow. "Finally," she whispered under her breath, shaking her head lightly as she carefully as she stowed the invitation away carefully. She leaned on the edge of her balcony, listening to the waves lapping against the back of the home, listening to the children playing in the streets, the birds singing their joyful songs. The mark of a new season in the Oasis.

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SCAVENGER HUNT

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Be sure to break out your thinking caps and slip on your competitive shoes, because the mind and physique alike of both the young and old will be tested during the next Qali Day of the Grand Harvest. 

A scavenger hunt is to take place, pitting teams against one another in a frantic race to solve riddles and hunt down nine items. Participants will gather in the Harir Marketplace, where participants will then be split into teams. Each team will be given a list of riddles, which must be solved and completed before the team may return with their found items to win a prize! The answer to each riddle points to an object that must be found. There will be a grand prize for the first team to complete the hunt, as well as smaller prizes for completion of the hunt. You don’t want to settle for anything less than the grand prize.

[OOC: Event will start in the Harir Marketplace at 5:30p.m. EST, Saturday, September 4.]

Stumbling upon Thamer's body was the most heartwrenching experience a newlywed could bear. Nothing could have prepared her for this moment, headed home after a pleasant trip to Providenciyyah - a trip that ended in the most devastating encounter possible. 

A relationship that had budded slowly, in the most pure sense, with mutual respect and honor; one that had been wrenched apart at the very heart and soul in a disgusting, foul manner that desecrated the care and devotion Zahra had tried to show until the moment he was ripped from her.

Zahra mourned her husband's loss, too stubborn to step away from his body until he was laid to rest beneath the sand.

Zahra al-Hattan received a copy of the letter sent, perusing it carefully. With a smile tinged with concern but also hope, she carefully folded it to store away while she continued other preparations about the Oasis.

🌼 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.

OOC: pre-marital not-even-looking-at-each-other to pre-marital wedding planning

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