Moping

Published; Upon the 12th of Malin's welcome of the year 183 amidst the Second Age “ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya” A chilling newsletter would pass across the land of Celia'nor, its contents roaming throughout the realm, bringing with it a wave of dread and sorrow. All denizens would come to know of a grave travesty that had befallen their beloved sovereign. In the shadows of the night, Prince Illthrak Ibarellan had been brutally thwarted in battle, sustaining devastating injuries that would ultimately seal his fate. The prince's mother, Illyria Ibarellan, alongside the Parir officer Mathi, had courageously reclaimed his body following an assault they endured amidst a fierce battle with a pair of demonlike beings and a manticore. Illthrak's body, marked by charring injuries, told a tale of the hellish encounter. His consciousness barely clung to him as they hastily rushed him to the medical office, a trail of despair following their every step. The medics, skilled and swift, worked frantically to save him, but the trauma was too severe. The Prince, aware of his dire condition, found the strength to briefly awaken. In that fleeting moment of clarity, surrounded by the diraar, medics, and his closest kin—his mother, Illyria Ibarellan, and his sister, Iryne Ibarellan—Prince Illthrak gathered his waning strength to issue a final decree. With the weight of his lineage and the future of Celia'nor upon his shoulders, he proclaimed his mother, the former Monarch, Her Highness Illyria Ibarellan, to reclaim the throne. She would serve as Celia'nor's sovereign until Iryne's destined time to ascend. His voice, though weak, carried the authority and love he held for his people. The medics' frantic attempts to save him continued, but the prince knew his time was nigh. With what could be his last breath, one he would also penn for the public as well with his last seam of strength, he entrusted the future of Celia'nor to his family, hoping they would lead the starlit land to prosperity. As the prince slipped into a deep, slumber-like coma, those present bore witness to his final act of sovereignty that to solidify, he had even penned as well whilst he could still muster the fleeting strength he bore. The diraar stood solemnly, the medics lowered their heads in reverence, and his family wept silent tears. The now former royarch of Celia'nor uttered no further words as he succumbed to his never-ending slumber. This tragic event marked a profound shift for the future of Celia'nor. The denizens, united in grief and hope, awaited the dawn of a new era under the guidance of Illyria Ibarellan. Thus, under the somber veil of night, a new chapter began for the cherished starlit land of Celia'nor. His writing read I Illthrak Ibarellan hereby declare Illyria Ibarellan Regent and Royarch of Celia’nor until Iryne had been deemed fit to take the mantle of Princess and ascend to the throne of Celia’nor ✵ AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor

Published; Upon the 5th of the Snow’s Maiden of the year 183 amidst the Second Age “ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya” _______ Beloved denizens of Celia’nor, By the will of the stars and my sovereign decision, it is with great confidence that I, Illthrak Ibarellan, stand before you to announce a proclamation that shall shape the future of our realm. Today, I declare that the next to ascend the throne of Celia’nor will be none other than my esteemed younger sister, Iryne Ibarellan. When her time shall come, Her Highness, Princess Iryne Ibarellan, will guide this prosperous land with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our people. Alongside her, following their forthcoming matrimony, will stand the soon-to-be Prince Consort, Ellisar Galanaeri, of the noble and respected family of the Glanaeri. In due time, he will be known as Ellisar Ibarellan. Together, they will usher in a new era of unity and prosperity for Celia’nor. Princess Iryne's ascension is not merely a continuation of our lineage, but a beacon of hope and renewal for all. Her leadership will accentuate the prosperity of our beloved people as she seeks to enrich our culture to endless bounds and capture the history along her way. Her reign will symbolize the enduring spirit of Celia’nor, ensuring that the values and traditions we hold dear are not only preserved but also elevated to new heights. With this proclamation, I affirm the bright and promising future that awaits us under the rule of Princess Iryne. Her dedication to the welfare of Celia’nor and its citizens is unwavering, and her reign will be marked by growth, unity, and cultural enrichment. She will stand as a true successor to her predecessors, embodying the virtues and strengths that have long defined our great realm. Citizens of Celia’nor, prepare to embrace this new dawn with the fervor and pride that have always been the heart of our nation. Princess Iryne Ibarellan is destined to lead us with the strength and wisdom bestowed upon her by the stars. Her reign will ensure that our cherished starlit land continues to thrive, flourish, and inspire. This proclamation is a testament to the radiant future that lies ahead. Long live Princess Iryne Ibarellan! Long live Ellisar Ibarellan, our soon-to-be Prince Consort! And long live the enduring legacy of Celia’nor! May the stars forever guide and protect our realm. Stand proud, noble denizens, for a new era approaches, and with it, the promise of greatness and glory for Celia’nor. ✵ AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor

Princely Letters for the Atmorice Talonnii Published; 19th of Grand Harvest, 180 S.A. “ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya” It is a pleasure to reward the Atmorice Talonnii for their hard work for the Principality of Celia’nor over the last century and elevate the standing of Miss Adelia Atmorice to that of Laurir. It is due to their loyalty and continued support within the Principality that they have earned their title through striving above what is expected of them. They are tasked with maintaining their lands and holdings within the lands of Celia’nor that they have been tasked with preserving and to continue to serve the Principality with grand diligence. AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor

Princely Letters for the Amethil Talonnii Published; 19th of Grand Harvest, 180 S.A. “ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya” It is a pleasure to reward the esteemed Amethil Talonnii for their hard work within the Principality of Celia’nor over the last century and announce Lauririi Raziel Amethil to be appointed as Laurir. It is due to their loyalty and accomplishments within the Principality that their kin has earned their title through progressing above what is expected of them. They are tasked with maintaining their lands and holdings within the lands of Celia’nor that they have been tasked with preserving and to continue to serve the Principality with knowledge and steel. AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor

THE TORDYǸǸAR CONCORD ✵ Published: 10th of the first seed of the second age 179 ARTICLE I: ON SOVEREIGNTY The Silver State of Haelun’or and the Principality of Celia’nor, here on referred to as “the signatories”, mutually recognize each others’ status as fully autonomous states. This includes the right to fully rule and govern their territories as they see fit and non-interference in internal affairs. ARTICLE II: NON-AGGRESSION The signatories mutually agree that any forces affiliated with their banner, nation, families-in-power, etc., will not engage in military action against the other party. If such an event occurs, diplomatic courses will be prioritized to resolve the issue. ARTICLE III: CULTURAL & ECONOMIC EXCHANGE The signatories mutually agree to collaborate on public activities with the intention of establishing stronger cultural ties. ARTICLE IV: MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE The signatories mutually agreed to train their militaries together when the chance arises to better invest themselves in maintaining good relations between the two parties. ARTICLE V: DURATION The signatories mutually agree that the pact is to last a period of 4 years with the option of renewal or abrogation once the duration has expired. AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor Her Grace, Ashwýn Sythaèrin, Sohaer of the Silver State of Haelun’or, Supreme Commander of elSillumir, Member of the Sythaerin Talonnii

A gloomy night drew near to the lands of Celia’nor whilst the Royarch sat within his tower looking to a large map of Aevos laid upon a table whilst small wood carved figures sat among the board, He was planning for the upcoming war that was delayed by the will of the skygods he decided his mind was filled and needed to be calmed. Once the moon shone on the white walls of Celia’nor he slipped out with his armor worn and a small bag of supplies with his blades on at his hip. Illthrak moved through the night into the far north. for days in and out he lived from the land and the cold that became familiar to him, but as he sat upon the edge of his camp fire one night something clicked in his mind, a thought that began to clear the fog and clutter from the Royarchs mind, his expression became determined he finally knew his goal. Illthrak then stepped forth into his journey back to Celia’nor with a bundle of 5 items taken from the north whilst he traveled, The new materials that will be used to craft 5 blades for the Companies of the Celia’diraar. And as he marched it became warmer the further he moved south until he saw the white walls sitting upon the top of the cliffside, a smile took over The Royarchs face as he finally returned home, He started to long for this moment, the moment he could start moving forward with his people once again. Once he entered the gates shrouded in a white pelt he peered to his citizens with a joyful expression, The Prince then turned into the Barracks and met his eyes with Mordu’lar Sylvir who was training within, “The time has come, We march west” The Ibarellan told the Mordu’lar, Then quickly after the horns of the Celia’diraar echoed throughout the city The Prince has returned

Ilthrak looked over his very own missive with a obscure smile as he gazed over Celia'nor"They have brought this upon themselves"The Royarch then went back to painting his nice picture of a mountain!

“Prepare for trouble! And make it triple!” High Prince Illthrak of Celia’nor and Prince Alfred of Reinmar upon inviting the Koyo-Kuni Shugonate to join the brewing coalition, 174 S.A. TO THE TWO RESIDENTS OF RAVENWOOD, One of the greatest mysteries of life is how the likes of you built a city in the northern wastelands of Aevos. You have no bureaucrats, you have no soldiers, and you have no populace. The funds you utilized to build your cesspool that you dub a ‘capital’ derive from the absence of life. Every time we venture north, we find your gates closed. Every time we send an Envoy to parley with your government, we find your tongues empty with words. And then. . . we found a Vampire, lurking in the shadows of our city. We met them with Aurum Blades, and when they fled, they fled to your lands. You’ve ignored our attempts to contact you about it so one must begin to wonder, what else you have to hide. Inspired by your isolated state and the attraction it draws to the Vampires of Aevos, we’ve launched a task force regarding such, and in cooperation with our fellow descendant realms (something you could not comprehend), we the triarchy of the Principality of Celia’nor, the Dual Principality of Reinmar, and the Koyo-Kuni Shugonate, have unearthed your cooperation with the Harrowers of Ailmere. Your government runs ripe with traitors. Those who have bent to the will of the Harrowers and have constantly undermined descendant efforts to remove their twin fortresses. Finally, through a show of force, we gained an audience with you. Our Royarch of Celia’nor and Prince of Reinmar confronted you in the middle of your own square and what did you have to say for yourself? Nothing. Perhaps your city has become infected against your better knowledge but we find this to be far from the truth. While our generals parleyed with yours, do you know what we noted lurked high above your castle walls; a Pale Knight. The same Pale Knight that has become notorious for harassing the roads of Reinmar and Celia’nor. One that we dispatched just an elvish day ago from our own vineyards. We refuse to believe that you’re simply this blind to the citizenry that your city plays host to. Your crimes have become a blatant mockery of Mali culture and we cannot allow this to continue. Therefore, it pains us to come to this conclusion. For your cooperation with the Harrowers, Vampires, Pale Knights, and whatever else stalks your empty halls, you have left us no choice. Your petty state will no longer be allowed to make a home in the Northern Wastelands of Aevos. You have betrayed everyone and everything you’ve touched. You‘ve ruined the ideals of what it means to be considered ‘Mali’. And your further aggressive expansion on the borders of Reinmar proves that you’re incapable of changing your ways. Therefore, by the decree of the Principality of Celia’nor, the Principality of Reinmar, and the Koyo-Kuni Shugonate, we conclude the following; FOR THE CRIME OF CONSPIRING WITH HARROWERS OF AILMERE AND OTHER DAKRSPAWN; The State of Ravenswood will issue a FORMAL apology to the residents of Aevos for enabling and aiding the plague that is the Harrowers. The State of Ravenswood will issue a FORMAL apology to the residents of Aevos for housing and entrusting countless Vampires and Pale Knights. The State of Ravenswood will surrender its governmental personnel to the authority of the states of Celia’nor and Reinmar to be tried under their justice system for their crimes of conspiracy with the dark elements of Aevos. FOR THE CRIME OF INTRUDING UPON THE FRONTIER LANDS OF REINMAR; The State of Ravenswood will relinquish all of their holdings to the Principality of Reinmar without contest. The State of Ravenswood will issue a sum of 2500 mina to the Principality of Reinmar or the equivalent (as evaluated by the stewards of Reinmar) as a monetary apology for their intrusion into their de jure lands. FOR THE CRIMES OF THE BASTARDIZATION OF MALI CULTURE; The citizenry of the State of Ravenswood will submit themselves to an oath of loyalty to Prince Illthrak Ibarellan of Celia’nor. The State of Ravenswood will surrender ALL of their titles to the Prince of Celia’nor for him to use as he wishes. The State of Ravenswood will issue a sum of 2500 mina to that of the Principality of Celia’nor or the equivalent (as evaluated by the stewards of Celia’nor) as a monetary apology for sending legions of darkspawn into their domain. Perhaps your hibernal isolation has plagued your memory to forget that each of us is a scholar of the blade. Should you fail to submit to our terms within forty-eight elvish hours, the combined forces of the Principality of Reinmar and the Koyo-Kuni shall march north with the Principality of Celia’nor arriving from your east. You will have nowhere to run. We will reduce your city into the ashes from which it was born and your ‘legacy’ shall forever reside in the dustbin of history. MAY YOUR GODS SAVE YOU, FOR NO ONE ELSE WILL, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of the Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALFRED, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen and Freimark, Baron of Madvon and Freising, Lord of Sankt Johannsburg, Neuburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg, and Rozenfeld, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren KATO OIJIN the Black Swordsman, Shugo of Koyo-Kuni, Legendary Sanbushi, Governor of Sakuragakure and Protector of the Farfolk and Descendants of Ai-Zho

The Royarch Illthrak would gaze upon the missive with a smile curling his lips he muttered to himself"This shall be fun"The Prince went back to the sharpening his blade from atop his tower as he looked over the Realm of Celia'nor

ORDERS OF MOBILIZATION “Nuts!” High Princess Ivarielle’s response to the Horde’s denial of peace; 78 S.A. Published: 11th of Malin's Welcome 173 SA DIRECTIVES OF PREPARATION The Royarch of Celianor has issued an unequivocal decree that the Celia’diraar must mobilize immediately in response to any aggression that presents itself against the realm. There can be no compromise when it comes to the peace and sovereignty of our homeland. Therefore, every citizen and armsman of the Realm must prepare themselves for the defense of our Principality. As per the directive, the Celia’diraar must begin making all necessary arrangements for the risk of war without delay. DIRECTIVE OEM: READINESS OF THE CELIA’DIRAAR Every able-bodied elf who bears allegiance to the realm is summoned to take up arms in defense of the realm. Diraar is to be drilled relentlessly in case of the sudden opening of hostilities. DIRECTIVE NIUT: PRIORITIZATION OF LOGISTICS & RESOURCES The Quartermaster Corps of the Celia’diraar is instructed to begin stockpiling resources, arms, armor, and provisions for a potential extended campaign. These actions are to be coordinated with the civilian government to maximize the efficacy of resource procurement DIRECTIVE HAEL: RESERVIST MOBILIZATION All Reservists of the Celia’diraar are hereby summoned to report to the Celia’diraar Barracks to fully integrate into active duty. DIRECTIVE VAILU: ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS All members of the diraar must carry on them at all times, a suit of armor, a longsword, a short bow, and a quiver of arrows. Diraar’s who do not currently possess these effects should report to an Officer immediately to rectify this issue. DIRECTIVE KULIN: ON TRAVEL PROCEDURES During this time, all diraar’s will be forbidden from traveling to foreign lands without being accompanied by another member of the diraar. Only those given expressed permission from a Parir or higher will be exempt from this ruling. This applies even while a diraar is off-duty.

THE PACT OF THE THREE PRINCE ✵ Published: 2nd of Snow maiden, 173 SA ARTICLE I: ON SOVEREIGNTY The Principality of Reinmar and the Principality of Celia’nor, hereon referred to as “the signatories”, mutually recognise each others’ status as fully autonomous states. This includes the right to fully rule and govern their territories as they see fit and non-interference in internal affairs. ARTICLE II: NON-AGGRESSION The signatories do mutually agree that any forces affiliated with their banner, nation, families-in-power, etc. will not engage in military action against the other party. If such an event is to occur, diplomatic courses of action will be considered to resolve the issue. ARTICLE III: CORRESPONDING TRADE The signatories do mutually agree to grant the other signatories a tax-free stall within the borders of their respective capitals. The signatories do mutually agree that large scale trading agreements between each party can be of either the purchasing kind (meaning that wares are purchased for minae) or of the bartering kind (meaning that different wares are traded on rates mutually agreed upon or previously set by precedent) for the duration of 15 years. ARTICLE IV: MILITARY ALLIANCE The signatories do mutually agree to a full military alliance, promising the whole of their forces in the instance of aggression towards either nation. In the event of an offensive war, the signatories agree to attain the assent of the other signatory before a declaration of war is promulgated. ARTICLE V: MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE The signatories enumerated do mutually agree to train their militaries together when the chance is afforded to better vest themselves in the maintenance of good relations between the two aforementioned parties. ARTICLE VI: DURATION The signatories enumerated do mutually agree that the pact is to last the period of 15 years with the option of renewal or abrogation once the duration has expired. ✵ AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALFRED, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen and Freimark, Baron of Madvon and Freising, Lord of Sankt Johannsburg, Neuburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg, and Rozenfeld, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald

Illthrak was confused by the nonsense. he looked at it and simply laughed, he muttered to himself"Who is we?"he said outloud still confused by the entire missive"Who am i being hostile to again, Maybe im loosing my mind"The Royarch of Celia'nor then shook his head going about his day

Illthrak Would recall for a moment when he jumped into the mouth of a earth worm in order to save that of a stranger, for the simple fact he was in danger, for he bore his very own injuries from this decision, was it in vein? was it worth the scarring and pain he felt from this choice? Was it worth boiling alive in the stomach to save a magi, Illthrak could not know this answer, but all he recalls is the pain he felt while slicing that beast open and dragging this stranger from the fierce inferno that was the belly of the worm.

Festival of the Phoenix Published 13 of The First Seed, 168 S.A “ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya” ✵ TIME TABLE OF THE FESTIVAL (Friday, 4:30pm EST) I. OPENING CEREMONY II. INTRODUCTION OF CARNIVAL III. TOURNAMENT OF THE PHEONIX It was amongst a staple within Almaris that those within Fi’andria would enjoy the riches of wealth and festivity that the realm and her people can provide to the Principality of Celia’nor. Now with the expansion of her territory. His Majesty, Prince Illthrak has commissioned a carnival ground, one not just for nobles but for all Celia’norian and allies to take leisure upon. For many of its traditional game of arms tournament to strength contest, and sharing tales of fortune to be returning back to this newly developed land. To even smaller events and games and celian trinkets to buy from. Also there’s a bouncy castle named after Ivarielle… ✵ Current Events We take this opportunity to support our sponsored vendors who wish to grow their businesses below. Hemoss Jewelry Come one, come all, to feast your eyes on the most beautiful and stunning jewelry that Celia'Nor has ever seen! This stall is being run by Peregrine Hemoss, and it includes necklaces, earrings, and various other jewels. Viserra Glanaeri If you've ever wondered about your future, fear not, for Madame Glanaeri is here to read your fortune. A card shall determine your future, your fate, and your current dreams, all carefully interpreted by Viserra Glanaeri. Let her delve into your fortune and see how the cards turn. The Clinic Compendium Have you ever felt ill? Or perhaps you want to take a dip into learning about medicine, but you have no time to head to a class. Maybe you don’t have the books to do so? Have you ever wandered off, and by the end, you’ve been yearning for a kit to heal your aching leg? Worry not! Renna Py’lire has a tent just for you! The Blushing Sohear After participating, perhaps you need a drink to relax your senses. A place where you can unwind, meet others, and even bet on who's winning the tourney. Worry not, as Madame Vulla has just the drinks for you. Her cidery, running swiftly by her, will surely be one of the highlights of your time at this event. Luthien’s Perfume. Have you ever wanted a new scent in your life? Yet, you simply can't find the right one? Feeling floral but lacking a floral perfume? Feeling bold but lacking a scent to match your mood? Worry not! Madame Luthien has a stall just for you. Come by and grab a perfume or two. ✵ As we send Invitations towards the following as we humbly wish for their arrival: The People of the Principality of Celia’nor Foreign Guest/Dignitaries: Golden Lubba, Lumia Anarion of Lurin and the people of Lurin Primarch of Nor’Velyth and the People of Nor-Velyth His Royal Majesty, JOHN ALEXANDER, by the Grace of GOD, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion The Princes of Reinmar and their High Chief of the Reinmaren the Reinmaren people His Serene Highness, Ivan Aleksandr, Grand Prince of Kusoraev Sigrun ‘Undeadslayer’ Stonehammer Grand King of Urguan SOVRÈN MAJESTÉ, Reine Medea Amaranta Viola De Astrea, the Queen of Vikela, La Violetta Celia’norian Peerages/Nobilities: Húrin Ibarellan, the High Prince of Malinor, the Sword of Ivarielle Evarir Irelia Py’lrie and the Py’lrie Talonnii Evarir Thalon Nullivari and the Nullivari Talonnii Evarir Sylvir Cerusil and the Cerusil Talonnii Virar Amisra Akaln’riv and the Akaln’riv Talonnii Virar Thalien Wynasul and the Wynasul Talonnii Laurir Freya Anarion-Athri’onn and the Athri’onn Talonnii Laurir, Ronan Acaln’sae and the Acaln’sae Talonnii ✵ AY’PUERAN; His Royal Majesty, The Prince of Fi'andria, Evarir of the North, Descendant of The Silver Phoenix, Enforcer of the Star’s Will, Prince of Celia'nor, Illthrak Ibarellan of the Principality of Celia’nor

Illthrak lay mellowly in his bed sleeping soundly, then suddenly he heard a voice. The voice was a meer whisper, “My Prince?” the voice would rise in volume, “My Prince?” He would then suddenly feel his body being shaken by someone's grasp ”My Prince!” Illthrak’s eyes finally opened, but he was not in his chambers. His gaze was faced down, he quickly realized he was in the heights of the palace looking down upon the ashes of Leyu’sil, a few buildings still ablaze but the city was mostly destroyed. Illthrak’s expression was dumbfounded, a meer moment ago he was in his chambers, and now, and now this ”What, what has happened?” his voice wavered as the words left his lips. His gaze then went toward the one who was shaking his arm, he would immediately recognize them as the noble Nefeli Py’lrie ”Are you ok?” - “They are withdrawing now” Nefeli told Illthrak, stepping back, he looked behind her witnessing a large gathering consisting of many he would recognize as nobles, civilians, as well as many wounded Celiadiraar. ”Who is attacking us?” He muttered in a disoriented tone his eyes still set upon the injured “What do you mean? It is the —----” He had seen her lips move but heard no words. His confusion intensified as he strode toward the location where the defence was held, walking past the dozens of bodies many he would recognize ”Sylvir, Hurin, Illarion, Renna'' He whispered the names of the fallen he knew, his pace hastening through the palace he would mutter more of those whom he recognized, “Mathi, Iolas, Laerdya, Valindra'' The list of the dead he has seen grows with each step through the palace, only for him to finally halt at the base of the palace gates. ”Is this, My fault?” He asked aloud, more to himself than those who may have followed behind. His mind was in shambles, it shook, his eyes jittered around everywhere witnessing death each direction his eyes shot, a body he did not recognize coming into view, he would walk up to get a closer look and once his gaze was on the face of the enemy. He saw nothing. Nothing at all. A faceless face, a body without recognition, and the more he looked the more he saw. The faceless enemy was everywhere, amongst the bodies, that of his very own was strewn all over the palace. His concern and confusion grew each moment he witnessed something new ”Was this me?” His voice shook once again, his feet now guiding him beyond the city gates, each pace he walked the bodies piled higher and the people began to blend in with each other, simply making piles of dead upon dead. Suddenly as Illthrak walked by the vineyards of Celia’nor, he saw the faceless dead begin to rise, their heads turning and following him with a soulless gaze, before he was surrounded by walking dead men. None of which he could focus on, all were a when he attempted to look upon them. Their eyes, and mouths twisted into an amalgamation as they walked. Before he could react, he was surrounded by countless bodies bearing no face. Suddenly, one spoke, ”Do you not recognise us?” The dead spoke in an eerie unison, now surrounding Illthrak. A chorus of cursed laughter left each of the dead’s mouths once more, sharing haunting words, ”You do not expect yourself to be your downfall, and yet you are.'' The faceless body emphasized to Illthrak, his expression growing far more confused as he looked at the countless bodies encircling him, ”How was this my fault?” The prince replied as the bodies remained around him. Their empty eyes felt cold on his body, their presence heavy on his soul, all the bodies he saw each began weighing on his soul, the Royarch spewed out another question to the dead ”What have you done?” Following the question the bodies laughed hysterically. Unfaltering, Illthrak remained steadfast as his head swivelled watching these deadman act, they would respond once the cacophony of laughter came to an abrupt end. ”You mean what WE have done.” Each face of the dead around him began to take shape, and as Illthrak set his silver gaze on the faces his expression contorted, flashing between that of stunned, terrified, confused, disbelief. So many thoughts flooded his mind as he saw the face of the dead bore. It was him, he was the dead who mocked him. ”Cat got your tongue? Can you not accept that your own neglect has led to this?” The dead continued, ”Pathetic” they called out with a disgusted tone on their lips, the feet of the doppelgangers stepped forward, encroaching on Illthrak in the middle. “And the Wheel keeps on turning~” it sung in an almost sing-song-like manner. The prince trembled, they approached and yet he could not act. He was stunned, shaken to his core, unknowing of how this could have happened, how this was his fault, his mind was thinking of all he had done, all he could have done to cause this. An endless loop of thought held him hostage, frozen as each of these bodies encroached on him, all such drawing blades nearing distance to strike. Still, the Royarch’s mind was in shambles, with nothing to focus it on, he searched for the answers to the questions he asked within himself, but none came. Until something lit up the horizon, a glaring light, Illthrak covered his face once he had seen it. All dead now focused on the light that drew ever close to them. A few moments later it could be seen, a great Silver Phoenix flying across the sky towards them, towards him. The Phoenix would peer down at the gathering, the mighty bird’s gaze locked upon Illthrak for a moment, at this moment something stirred in him, something deep inside the depths of his soul, inside the very fabric he was made from, he then felt something, something warm, this warmth began to fill his body, then a voice, he could not hear it per se, but he could feel it within him, in his blood, as if it was programmed, engrained to his very being, these commands, orders, directives, told him one thing “Do not falter” This mantra echoed, for a seeming eternity as it rang out for him, as he heard this, and felt it, he came to. The Phoenix then lifted itself back up, soaring straight over Celia’nor and toward the west. Illthrak looked now around him once again, the dead bearing his face still standing around him, before suddenly they all began to draw blades. He saw this occur and knew he could not stand idly, even in the face of certain doom mere odds could not vanquish the feeling he had before. With no hesitation, Illthrak drew his Truesilver talon. The longsword’s silver blade gleaming in the darkness, he suddenly stepped toward the enemy as they drew their blade, his slash would aim for their heads taking two of them with a single blow, the others now took another step toward the Royarch, a smile apparent on the fiends faces as they were cut down, now the Prince turning to the other foes as they closed in on him, he had little chance of winning, and yet he perseverance persisted, and yet his expression was enthused, thrilled even, he felt reinvigorated, his soul was re-entwined with himself and his predecessor’s, his will would not waiver any longer. They advanced towards The Royarch, Illthrak made a brisk step toward the closest enemy swinging his blade from low leaving a clean slash across the chest of the dead, then he felt a sting in his shoulder, and his head swiveled to the right where he felt such a pain, a long blade was wedged in him, his expression remained the same, his will also resolute, Truesilver talon then found itself taking the head of the one who harmed Illthrak, his body then began to sting in many other locations, his gaze shifted once again now down to his body. It seems he was too slow, the enemy blades were sticking through Illthrak, his time was nigh, he knew it, and yet his will did not waiver, It did not falter. He swung his sword ahead of himself, slaying three more, before his gaze caught a glimpse of a blade approaching his head. Illthrak then sat up, but his confusion was apparent on his face. He was no longer battling but in his chambers, drenched in sweat and freezing, the ashes of Embers filled his nose. He looked at his hands and his body, no wounds befell him, but he could not forget he would not forget. He remembered all from his dream, for how could he forget? He pondered for hours upon hours staring at the ceiling of his room as his mind trailed off, one memory was imperative to remember, Do not falter