clearlynoko

Andromeda Adiler leaned over the paper as her mother showed her the missive. A frown grew on her face. Her father in law and her sister mentioned. "I'm going to show this to Sylvii." She mumbled. "I don't understand---he didn't go back, did he? I thought he was done." Her hands came to her face, a quiet groan leaving her. Her Bard Apprentice chittered, hiding in her skirts to get away from the stress. "Ugh, Elijah, why do you do this to yourself?" @Little_Kitty48

Andromeda received the letter on her daily mail check. She'd hopped her way to the inconvenient aviary of Wynlomere, hoping for nothing or good news. Her short lived dreams were shattered by that purple wax seal. She can't recall how she ended up in her house, her recently born Apprentice in her lap feeling just as despondent as she was. She can't recall how long she sat there, not quite in tears, not quite happy. Shock, numbness, whatever it was. She couldn't care to put a name to it all right now. Her daze was broken by her mother, poor Luthien, who walked in full of cheer. "Check your mail," Andromeda spoke to her quietly. She wished she didn't. Maybe she should have let Luthien be happy a little longer. In Medea's home, they sat on the plush violet carpet, in front of a box. Her mother clutched a rabbit coin, Andromeda by her side fighting her own tears. She stayed completely silent, opposing the wails of her mother. Closing her eyes, she tried to stay strong. She was good at that, staying strong for other people. She was good at that.

Aurelith's daughter in law sneers at the missive, pocketing it for later. Perhaps she should have been less of a bystander about the alleged mistreatment of Lorandil's poor girl. "Maylii, come look at this nonsense," she calls to her wife. @Little_Kitty48

A certain elven woman mourns such a disheartening idea...

Andromeda Adiler hummed to herself as she helped her mother cook for an upcoming wedding. Her magic burst around her in vibrant gold fireworks, red smoke stirring a spoon around a pot for her. Meanwhile, she was occupied with cutting up some vegetables. She thought of her first and only student. Her best friend. A man she would hold any secret for. Stars, a man she had lied to her own mother's face for. She never did get to teach him any spells. Andromeda thought of that lightning, how it made him tremble and grow pale. A smile touched her lips at the memory. He ran headfirst into wild animals, Darkspawn, and violent men, but had to be convinced that housemagic wouldn't explode him. Maybe in the Seven Skies, he would be able to learn. The elf would never truly know.

There many bitter, untrue thoughts Andromeda Adiler wanted to take back. Who cares if she dies? She'd thought it a few times when she deliberated over her own immaturity. For her to stay angry at Morwen for years, to ignore her presence- years Andromeda knew she would never get back. She thought she had time with Morwen. She had always thought she had time. Andromeda thought she had time when she saw Morwen less and less in favor of the friends she felt less terrified of. It was never Morwen that scared her of course, but it was the bold face of Humanity she had feared as a child. She should have never taken that out on her first friend. She thought she had time after the argument. So what if Andromeda held a grudge for maybe five or ten years? Morwen had two hundred of them. It was Morwen who cut those words into her heart, and it should be Morwen who apologizes! She'd wrongly assumed Morwen had good graces with her family. Andromeda sat in her apartment, a half eaten bowl of stew discarded. She stared down into a booklet of names, an invite list to her wedding. Many names had been scratched out with vitriol as the war settled, as people chose sides. It was a sour feeling that she had no name to scratch out for Morwen. Another regret to her list. She rose her knees to her chest and took a deep breath in. The news had come hours ago, but it didn't feel real. Surely she could go to the bar and see Morwen there nursing a drink, and the two would look at each other and not say a word. Surely she would see flashes of Morwen’s silver gaze as they defended their home against the raids. The elven woman stood, and went to the bar. Ignoring the few patrons that milled about, Andromeda ducked behind the bar counter. She didn't know what Morwen's favorite was, nor did she drink herself, so she selected a random one. She took a rag and wrapped up a raw chicken in it, then made way to the small sandy beach area in Cerulia itself. They had no body to burn. It wasn't a good idea to burn alcohol and chicken in the middle of the square anyway. With nothing to mourn, Andromeda made her own. She dug out a small chunk of sand and placed the chicken and alcohol in. Then she covered it up, found a piece of driftwood, and jammed it into the sand above it. "Do not despise Idunia for their actions, as I have, for they are ignorant of what they do." That was a tall order, but Andromeda would try to give a dead woman's final wish some amount of effort.

Volume Two Eventful Events! Excitement Brews Within the Grand Kingdom of Urguan! With great pride, Cerulia will be hosting the Second Grand Auction of Urguan! Come to the amphitheater in the basement of the tavern on (Sunday, December 14th at 1PM EST). Attached is the official missive from the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, so please check that before you reach out. Those interested in selling may contact Barundin Jewelbeard (Cpt_Noobman) or Gusiam Jusmia (PrinceJose270). The GRAND KING OF URGUAN ULFAR gave the Cerulite amphitheater a visit the other day, likely for the auction, and was given an astounding performance by our beloved Bardmaster Solaris Maiheiuh. So astounding, in fact, that he and his College, known as the College of the Four Arts, or Vailu Valmiran, have been invited to play at a future feast! The date is currently unknown, but the performance will no doubt be even greater than what the Grand King had enjoyed. Stay tuned! The Lubba Press will continue to bring updates on the happenings of this performance. Geese Flock, Have They Come to Stay? It has been observed by the local population that geese have invaded the city for a great while, and continue to do so to this day. They have a Goose Mother, whose true identity was requested to stay secret. The Mother has been seen helping in Cerulite affairs and is quite pleasant to be around, save for her judgemental hat. Does Cerulia have a native goose population now? Only time will tell. An artist’s rendition of Mother Goose. LANDZKAR, Incredible as Usual LANDZKAR makes another wonderful performance within the Imperial crossroads, playing absolute bangers despite its location. They are also releasing a new volume of Ruby’s Musins soon! Keep an eye out for their missives for more concert dates and band related updates. Color Eating Man Strikes! A mage named Arthur stole Lenore’s hippo’s color—thankfully the hippo made a speedy recovery. And Lenore’s hair is back to orange. Whispers have been heard wanting it to go back to rainbow. Obligatory Advertisements: As usual, the Cerulite military is also actively looking for new recruits! Benefits are: tax cuts, free gear and training, free limb replacements, and Mika’s approval. Contact Alaydia Vacare if interested. Wish to have your news featured? There is now a Lubba Press Box by the noticeboard! Write your news, sign the paper, and place it within the Lubba Press Box. If it is page-worthy, I, Lady Lantern, will send a letter of reply. That is all that the second volume of the Lubba Press has to offer today. Enjoy the rest of your day, dear readers, and stay tuned for the next volume! Sincerely Authored, Lady Lantern Trust me with your news!

Volume One A Performance to Remember! On the eleventh of the Sun’s Smile, year 262 of the Second Age, the beloved band LANDSKAR debuted their new album. My personal favorite was Eye of the Darkspawn. Currently, merchandise of extremely high quality is being sold within the bottom of Cerulia’s tavern, courtesy of the Bardmaster Solaris Maiheiuh. Make sure to get some before it runs out! That will not be the only stage presence though. Soon, a dress competition between the men of Cerulia will be held, where you can behold your favorite men in gorgeous dress wear. The date is unknown, but the Lubba Press will be the first to notify the people. Alas, all the men-lovers of Cerulia will have to stay with their imaginations. Earlier, there was also the first Cerulite culture lesson held by Luthien de Viola within the library, and will likely not be the last. See the noticeboard by the bank for upcoming events, news, and important details. The Cerulite military is also actively looking for new recruits! Benefits are: tax cuts, free gear and training, free limb replacements, and Mika’s approval. The news of the day comes to an end, and so is the first volume of the Lubba Press. Enjoy the rest of your day, dear readers, and stay tuned for the next volume. Sincerely Authored, Lady Lantern Trust me with your news!

Andromeda Adiler had no knowledge of who the Warlock she chased until the sand dragged her armored form down was. Which was ironic, as mere days before she had been asking Onyx Flavius of Shahan's whereabouts. All she'd received was a cast down gaze, and never found out why. "Stop chasing me!" The Warlock screeched at her in terror. It had thrilled her. For once, she was the one to make a creature of darkness afraid. "Stop being a demon!" She had responded. She never had a clue that he tried.

Andromeda Adiler gazed upon the golden ring and its amber gemstone on her left ring finger as her hands entwined in silver hair. She sat within the Cerulian clinic's surgery room, braiding her father's hair, attempting to calm her storm now that she had seen the man alive. She had no clue what the future held for her, but she knew one thing only: her purpose, her forever, was now Sylvia.

Andromeda Adiler approves this message!

She remembered the day she realized Ragin's Flame was flickering. When he looked at her with eyes that suggested she was a fresh face, that he had forgotten who she was. After, her mother told her of the human condition, of truly how sick one could get in their elder years, where they can't even remember the ones they love most. She never once tried to get him to remember. What was the point of making an old man suffer more? "Ragin has gone to the Great Halls," Xavier told her in passing. Her initial thoughts had been oh, finally. They all saw it coming, there was no reason to grieve over a man who had been dying for ten years. She watched as Xavier etched the name Raginolf into the stone walls of the Flamekeeper's Keep, a memory forever kept. She could hear the man complaining already. They were making such a fuss over him! Months later, she sat on the bench of the Flamekeeper's Hill, staring into unblessed flames. Letting her mind wander, she thought of that old man for the first time since the news. She let herself wonder how he was faring in the Great Halls. Was he lonely? Was he fighting? Was he finally resting? "We will see him again," Xavier had said, but that was not any time soon, hopefully. That would not be until centuries down the line, should their Flames keep burning strong. What of those who do not have the Blessing? They will never greet him in the Seven Skies. He died a Templar, a small tragedy in its own right. And, oh, how she idolized such, for if anyone deserved the Blessing, it was Raginolf. A deep and heavy weight draped itself over her shoulders, restricting her breathing and causing tears to stream down her cheeks. How cruel! A fate she wanted for herself to be one she cried over. The words dug in deep, only now settling and making a home in Andromeda's fresh heart: Raginolf was dead.

Andromeda Adiler peers at the missive with a frown on her face. Being quite intoxicated from drinking a mystery substance like the idiot she was, there was little in the concerning note she could read. However, the word IMP stood out to her, and she growled at it like the missive had feelings.

PEAAAAAAK

PK POST FOREWORD/INTRODUCTION On this day, tragedy has befallen the County of Stirland. It was a peaceful noon when Simon Peter Rovare, the eldest son of Adonis Amyas Rovare, recently appointed Count, came rushing back to the boats with fear in his voice and tears in his eyes. In an alchemy accident, the boy bore witness to his father’s unfortunate death and reported it immediately. The Will My Darling Wife, Konstanze, will receive items of personal value. I apologize I left you, but may my family continue to grant you the warmth I promised you so many years ago. My Youngest Brother, Godfrey, will receive my titles and position as Count of Stirland. I pray you lead the charge far stronger than myself and our father. You and your wonderful wife, Eleanora, may also have my collection of alcohol. My Eldest Son, Simon, will receive my favored blade, which has served me well for years through war. May it protect you, and remind you that your life is now yours. My Youngest Son, Giovanni, will receive my second favored blade, a trophy that has sat on a shelf for many years. I won it in a jousting tournament, much to my own surprise to this day. May it protect you, and serve you well. My Only Daughter, Margery, will also receive items of personal value, ones I hope are interesting to you. I pray you will live a happy life surrounded by the people you choose. My Closest Friend, Ser Aviel the Flamehound, will receive the spoils of war that I inherited—a single dulled blade, looted from one of the Goldenvine forces that attacked Alba back in Aevos. You will also receive a crate of mangoes. May you and Selyne get sick of mangoes after eating so many. My Only Sister, Lucrezia, I am thankful for everything you have done for me. Through thick and thin, through the best and worst times, you were someone I could always count on. You led me through life when nobody else was there for me. I felt, sometimes, that you were the only one to understand me. I leave you, in true brotherly fashion, that one cursed doll created by housemagic that you got for me to help with medicine, for I know you despise them. It can be friends with the furby.

I WANT TO PLAY FISH +1

The Navigator Santiago hears his Captain's orders as he squints through the storm and rain. His eyes flick down to the compass pointing straight North. "PULLING TO THE SHORE CAPT'N!" He calls through the ship, yelling as loud as he could over the storm. He angles the ship to the side, slowing the ship to park safely against the shoreline as the crew lowers the anchor.

Adonis Rovare reads upon the missive in bed, resting his body and mind from the most recent Mountain attack. His disinterested gaze sparks into wide eyes and he sits up, hissing at the pain in his shoulder. While he was fighting for his life, his sister was getting engaged?! "LUCREZIA!" He yelled, kicking off his blankets. How dare he find out through a missive and not the woman herself!

MC Name: clearlynoko Discord: clearlynoko Image: Description of Image: A framed painting of the Holy Aenguls granting their blessings Dimensions: 2x1

Publicized on the 5th of Malin's Welcome of 2039 I.T. by the Meridian Society: Domus Naturae et Culturae. {!} Symbol of the Meridian Society. Opening Word It is without a doubt that, within Aevos, the role of healers are vast; between Shamans to doctors to aspiring herbalists, no healer will be the same. This is the same for their morals, and where one practitioner says no another may say yes. Ten self-proclaimed healers were interviewed, regardless of race, culture, or location, in favor of discovering one thing: is there a set of moral standards all healers abide by? The purpose of healing, the quality of healing, and the amount of pacifism one who devotes themselves to healing should have were all scrutinized for the sake of this discovery. On the Purpose of Healing The purpose for someone to learn how to navigate the living body and what it means for a healer to practice medicine is important, for without that, there would be no driving force behind these actions. Among all interviewed, there was a common theme despite vastly different answers, which was empathy. This would be strongly found in the sentiment of Morwenna, a nomad, who believes that “everyone has the right to be healed. No matter one's age, race, or creed - all are deserving of it." To her, healing is a right, and by no means a privilege—her ability to empathize with the sick and injured is admirable. Hirano Jiro, hailing from Koyo-Kuni, has a similar view. “Healing is about relief, it is to ease the anguish and suffering of our fellows,” he stated. In his eyes, healing is a mercy to give for those injured. Even those who do not have such a steadfast belief in mercy still believe in sensitivity. Einin Greye-O’Rourke, from Numendil, claimed she became a healer as it was her family’s legacy, and because there is “an awful lack of healers, especially in Numendil.” To pick up not just a skill, but a way of life, due its scarcity, as well as ancestry—to devote one’s life to healing others—is certainly a feat of empathy on its own. Malna Loa’chil, also from Koyo-Kuni, initially learned healing for herself, “a means of survival…[as she] always got hurt…it evolved into me caring for others.” Even she, who picked it up from necessity, had begun to continue that path for the sake of her empathy: healing those who are injured and could not heal themselves. Empathy is the most common driving force amongst those who dedicate themselves to the life of healing. On the Quality of Healing When presented with the question of what makes a healer quality, the results found to be far different than the answers of the first; primarily, two different results stemmed from the question—a far more practical answer of skill, and a far more emotional answer. There were a few who believe it is a matter of skill that makes a healer a good one, with Doctor Apricot, also known as Dr. A, from Alba in the Heart of the Empire of Man, said “there is nothing more important” and that kindness “won’t help in the end if you have no skill.” A sufficient and practical belief, as there truly is no use for passion without skill behind it. Vicnan Hawkins-Gylldene, hailing from no particular location, shared this view, claiming that “experience” was the most important, as “nothing beats hands on knowledge.” This implies that while one can read as many books or have as many fantasies as they like regarding healing, it is true that it is the experience that truly makes a healer. Hirano Hanako, of Koyo-Kuni, believes “a good physician knows when to act, and when not to…never perform something where the risk outweighs the benefit.” This, too, is a matter of skill, and comes with years of both experience and knowledge. As for the answers of the heart, indiscrimination and care for one’s patients is the most important matter. Gantar Lythian, of Arbor, claims “a good healer is one who can separate their personal beliefs to assist the wounded…if someone can be saved, they deserve the chance.” To heal without care who one’s patient is, be they friend or foe, big or small, is a show of care and personal belief that all those who save lives should have. Malna Loa’chil states that “if you truly do not want to help someone, what’s the point?” It is a healer’s duty to help those in need, and to do so without would be to go against one’s duties. There are a variety of answers to the question, it seems as though both are just as equal in importance, for there is no drive to learn without heart, and no heart put into the practice with just skill. On the Pacifism of Healers Finally, the primary question that sparked the research: may a healer wield a weapon, and use it to harm? The answers given were far more cut and dry than the other questions, with a resounding yes from every interviewee, with certain conditions. “It is of benefit to none if…your potential patients…be slain by enemy, beast, or Yokai,” claimed Hirano Jiro. Defense, rather than senseless violence or slaughter, to protect one’s patients, is accepted. It is not just by him, either, as Morwenna claims the same, stating “to defend someone else… we as healers are meant to preserve life.” Once more, it is the protection and preservation of the innocent, injured, or ill that is brought forth. Gantar Lythian, echoes the sentiment with "everyone should know how to wield a blade, in defense of themselves and others.” A healer who is dead cannot use their skills to heal anymore, and it is important to defend oneself as well. The answer is yes, should it be in defense with a person’s best interests of health in mind. Closing Word The morality and duties of healers are vast. With a firm belief of caring for those in need, not turning one’s back to them, it is empathy that gives most healers purpose. Any good healer requires both skill and heart, as without both there is no substance to their practice. It is, also, one’s duty to wield a blade in defense of the innocent, injured, and ill, to preserve life, and to preserve one’s own. Authored by,