YouKnowItsJuno

The morning of the 9th of Malin's Welcome, 1550, a new letter seems to be scattered about the city in various places, secured with the typical blue ribbon and sealed with a blue dove. ((A new letter had been added!))

With a sigh, Renee de Aryn thought of the young woman who had confided in her and deemed her a friend. She was ambitious, that was for sure... as to her background, Renee decided she didn't really need to know. "What will Papa think of her?" She wonders, remembering that Gwyn had said she'd be visiting often.

In his room in the palace in Khalestine, the young son of Arlen Kharadeen stands looking out the window at his city. Though it would only be for a year, this was what he had to look forward to as he grew older and when his father would eventually pass the title of Sultan to him permanently. This would be his first taste of leadership. He had no doubt his grandmother and the council would advise him well, and it was nice to know he'd be overseeing things jointly with her. Still, fear lingered in his heart. What if he couldn't do it? Fakhri Kharadeen shook these thoughts from his mind before turning away from the window, leaving his room, and going downstairs to consult with his grandmother.

Upon entering the city of Felsen or the various major cities of Oren, rolled up letters secured with a sky-blue ribbon could be found scattered about in odd places - on the edge of fountains, sticking out of doorjambs, or even under a tankard of ale in the tavern. Upon unrolling the parchment, in a scrawling script written in a heavy hand, would be various letters from one penned "The Dove Maiden," with a seal printed on the last page of each letter. There would be no further indication of who the author was besides that she was an unmarried young woman (supposedly; the letters could have been written by a man) of Orenian origin. New letters would appear on occasion in the night, ready for readers to partake in the next morning. Who was "the Dove Maiden"? Was she someone who condemned others or someone who encouraged them? Letter 1 - 18th of Sun's Smile, 1549 Letter 2 - 9th of Malin's Welcome, 1550 Letter 3 - 12th of The First Seed, 1551 (To the Imperial Family)

Emelie de Bar and Annabelle d'Amaury greet Milly with open arms in the Seven Skies. "... Poison tea too, eh? Welcome to the club, sister."

Locked due to obvious reasons.

I want to send one to my true love, craigr341 <3 muah

Back in her library, which was once flooded with sunlight was now dark in the shadows of the shelves. Not one soul stirred except it's broken librarian. She trembles with echoing sobs as she reads Nafis' proclamation. Everyone knows of my shame... and Adil will not come and face me for what he's done... She tells herself in her head as she lowers her head and wishes she were dead from humiliation and loneliness. Fakhri Kharadeen looks out a window in the Caliphate, his expression too grim for a boy of his age. His mother had been released, but at what cost? He had been asked to do something wrong in order to get his mother back, and now he was torn. He decided that he must answer for his mistakes, and take responsibility for what his father and grandfather asked of him. He settles at his desk and pens a note to Almas Yar. Almas, despite what I did to you, I am glad you have been set free. Let it be known that your capture was my doing and mine alone. I thought I could please the Caliph with your capture and also help in the release of my mother. I was wrong. When you were here, you saw what we Kharadeens were like. Despite what I would like to say, you saw us as snakes, and you weren't wrong. This is what war has reduced us to. I personally would like to come before you one day after this war is over and beg your forgiveness at your feet. If you had any part in my mother's release, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I meant what I said when I said I wanted to be your rafiqi. I understand if you don't wish that now, but if one day you deem me worthy of such an honor, I would be a happy Qalashi. Best of luck to you, Fakhri Kharadeen.

It had been a while since she'd been outside, but today Rajiya felt well enough to walk about the city. On her stroll, she spotted Malik Kharadeen leaving the palace in a hurry, wiping his eyes. She frowned. They had their own little past, but she still felt bad for him. He had suffered much in his life, and had little consolation from it. Deciding she would make sure he was okay, she followed him. They left the city. Raj thought that Malik was only heading to his home right outside the gate, but instead he crossed the river and trudged into the distant woods. The young woman's lips pursed, and she followed him over hills and through the forest for a while until they came to a wide open field, the tall grass waving in the wind. In the field stood a lone figure. She stayed on the edge of the forest, hidden in the shade of the trees. The wind carried portions of their conversation towards her: "Fight.... dishonorable scum... give up...!" Her eyes widened as she heard the clash of swords. She squinted her eyes to see whom Malik was fighting. It was Adil. She couldn't believe it. It had been at least two years since she'd seen him. After the war started, she had only seen him once at home. The man she once called her lover was fighting her emir, and a former friend. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched hit after hit - a slash at a leg, another at an arm, a stab to the stomach, several punches... All at once, Adil brought down his sword and cut Malik's arm clean off. He was brought to his feet, and as Adil realized what he'd done, he told him, "It didn't have to end like this, Malik. You could have joined me..-" Suddenly, Malik lunged forward and clamped onto Adil's nose with his teeth, and with a scream it was torn clean off his face. With a gasp, Rajiya stumbled from her hiding place in the forest, moving through the grass with tears in her eyes. The men looked at each other, thought not with the hate she thought would be there. Regret was in their eyes, but it was too late now. Rajiya screamed, "No, Adil!" With a final cry, Adil drove his scimitar into Malik Kharadeen's chest. He stared at he who was once his brother in arms, and he fell back into the grass with a dull thud. He was dead. Rajiya let out a scream and stopped in her tracks, not ten feet away from them. She met Adil's gaze only once before turning and running for the city. Today, on the 17th of the Amber Cold, 1543, Malik Kharadeen, Sultan of the Caliphate of Khalestine, died in honorable combat. May Allah watch over you, Rafiqi, and give you rest.

Back in the Caliphate, the young emir Fakhri Kharadeen paces back and forth, fists clenched. He shoots glances at his father, who makes the preparations to send representatives. They have my mother, He repeats in his head. They have her.... What about my sisters? What about me? They take away a wife and mother for the things my grandfather did and for my father who wishes to preserve the Qalasheen people. I'll gut them... I'll gut every last one of them... starting with Nafis Yar. Traitor!

Still quite ill, Rajiya recieves word of the Imam's words. She looks out her window at the city below and frowns. "This war... taking sides... we should have never gotten involved. We will never be the same..." She settles back in her bed and thinks of her love Adil... had he followed Rovin and Nafis?... and Nafis, what would become of his daughter? Standing in the crowd, Fakhri Kharadeen cheers at his grandfather's inspirational words. "We may bend, but we do not break!" He cries.

As Fakhri Kharadeen stood and watched his grandfather pass over the title of Caliph to his father, his shoulders square and his chest swells with pride. He stood with his mothers, sisters, and the other sons of Khalestine as Allah chose his new ruler for His people. "Though we may bend, we do not break," whispers the young emir.

Updated! Age 10, Woo!

Rajiya wonders how come Collin is no longer seen clamped to Adil's back at any given time.

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

Rajiya al-Shamrani frowns as she reads this 'census'. "That religious man twisted my words around... took them out of context..." She mumbles, making note to never speak to another monk while in Felsen. "How shameful."

Name (MC name in parenthesis): Rajiya al-Shamrani (YouKnowItsJuno) Age: 25 Gender: Female Faith: The Righteous Faith (Traditional Qalasheen Religion) Why should you be chosen as Duridal's newest leader?: I have shown great dedication in organizing, maintaining, and creating events at the Grand Library. I believe that though I have little experience running a city, I work often with Decimus and Faiz, and believe that with their council and obtaining the proper people to help build and delegate jobs to (such as stewards, tavern keeps, advisors, etc.), I can do the job and do it well. I have observed from the many cities I've visited in my travels and interacted with those in positions of power, and I believe I know what a fair but just leader looks like. Besides what I've learned in my travels, I want to go back to the Qalasheen roots of Khalestine and create laws that honor said culture while also opening arms to the ideas and cultures of Valior. Should I be chosen, I will delegate my duties at the Grand Library by training a few new librarians and serving as management while working on the city and on the library. Do you believe you can continue its former legacy and ensure your people's safety and happiness?: Yes; I believe that I can create a sense of purpose for the people of Duridal and promote commerce and fellowship, while at the same time protecting its people from danger and providing a strategic checkpoint and reinforcements should the capital city of Al-Wahkrah fall under siege. What are your first motions to pass if you became leader?: The construction of homes, a market, a religious sanctuary, guild-houses, barracks, etc.The formation of a small council to aid in the government of the city and the hiring of builders and laborers to build the cityThe creation of laws that fall closely in line with the national laws of Vandoria and KhalestineThe establishment of a levy/guard force in times of war and for defenseThe cultivation of surrounding land (particularly along the river) for crops and livestock (to provide amble trade for Vandoria/Khalestine cities)The purification of the land (just to make it look nice; too many cities today are cluttered and not aesthetically pleasing)The establishment of an exclusive Scholar's Guild to work closely with the Grand Library of Al-Wahkrah to enrich and enlighten all of Valior

Upon hearing news of Kolohe's fealty, she sighs and sits down. "Be careful, my rafiqi. War is a messy business, and you're in the thick of it all."

The Grand Library is now hosting lessons! They start tomorrow at 5 PM EST! https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/137246-grand-library-now-offering-lessons/

The Grand Library of the Calipahte of Khalestine now offer classes! They will be held weekly (On Sundays) and are free to the public of Valior. The current lessons we offer are: Reading and Literacy Lessons (5 PM EST)History Lessons (5:30 PM EST) More lessons are being planned! If you are interested in a subject or wish to teach one, please inform Librarian Rajiya (YouKnowItsJuno)! All classes begin the next Kharadeen day (Sunday, November 29th)! Directions: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/137083-a-grand-library-for-all/