Toffee

Penned by Illynora Sylvaeri on behalf of Serinwë’s Hand in the 143rd Year of the Second Age. The healing methods described in this compendium adhere to traditional Wood Elven practices, including the intonation of prayers to the Aspects. As such, it does not include more modern surgical practices seen in the lands of Man and Dwarf. This compendium is a companion piece to A Herbalist's Guide to Aevos. Where the reader is instructed to apply a particular poultice or medicine, they should direct themselves to the Herbalist’s Guide. Healing Prayer After imbibing Cerridwen’s essence, sacred attunement springwater, speak these words: “O’ Haelun’Taynan, orlle ay’adiln divcerun’ehya, lae heya elillern’tayna lentera hiyluan’ehya y’ameantaynei. nae heya kae’leh taynan illerale, kae’leh wynan’anuh il’sulwaleh, nae’leh ehya orahernan illera. O’ Haelun’lle, y’kae anoh’suliera, kae ay’nae’leh tilrunhaleral mediera adontere, iyul kae orern nae tilruereh, nae’leh ehya lle’saere karin’ento.” “O’ earth Mother, benevolent to the weak and weary, Who spreads the gifts of life and good health over the emerald wilds. You who gifted me my own life, and their life, Pray for my soul and bless my hands with your healing light. O' compassionate Mother, look down upon me, I ask that you help your dutiful servant, so they may continue to serve you and spread your goodness across the land.” Last Rites If a patient follows the teachings of the Aspects and is about to pass on, or has just recently passed on, speak these words: “O' Haelun, y'kae oerneh suliera. ito suliera, iyul nae'leh illern'taynan ethere, Iyul divhiuw ito lae'leh/hae'leh taliiynan, divcerun'ehya ito hae'leh/lae'leh hiylun. Oerneh nae ito hileia lae/hae myumiera, ciwn'ehya uell. O' Maln, y'kae oerneh suliera. ito suliera iyul nae'leh illern'orran ethere, Iyul leyun ito lae'leh/hae'leh iheiuhii, lae'leh/hae'leh ehya taliiynan feta lentera. Oerneh nae ito Sirame lae/hae myumiera, cerun'ehya uell. nae iyl'hiylun, tenna eth, myumierala karinte, lae'ehya/hae'ehya Meracahe narna. taliyna ito nor, taliiyna ito vallei, tur ito malomii. Ahernal ito.” “O' Mother, look upon me now. See here that your gift of life has ended, That his/her heart is still and his/her Spirit weary. May you bring him/her to peace and slumber eternal. O' Father, look upon me now. See here that your gift of the hunt has ended, That his/her voice is silent and his/her blood grows cold. May you bring him/her to honour and strength undying. You have held this Spirit until the end, And he/she now passes into the Balance. Flesh to soil, blood to water, bone to dust. Blessed be.” Flesh Wounds The healer should wear tight sleeves rolled to the elbow. Wash hands in warm water and boil the necessary tools for half an hour prior to the procedure. Embedded Objects Where an object such as a weapon has been embedded in the flesh, this must be removed before the wound is able to heal. Numb the area with blissfoil poultice, being careful to apply this with a cloth or wooden spatula. If the object is beneath the skin, make an incision with a small knife and remove the object. In the case of embedded swords or arrows, soak a cloth with draugr tongue tonic and apply it to the wound. This will soften the skin. Carefully widen the incision around the sword or arrowhead. Remove the object and treat the wound as usual. Diseased Flesh When a wound has become infected, the skin will be red and shiny and the wound is likely to excrete creamy yellow pus. In advanced cases, the flesh may have mummified and become black, grey, red, and leathery. Numb the area with blissfoil poultice. Cut and scrape away the diseased flesh. In the case of infected wounds, make a small incision and drain the wound of pus. Treat the wound as usual. Treating Wounds Apply pressure to the wound with a cloth until it has stopped bleeding. If the cloth becomes soaked through, do not remove; apply more cloth on top. Where the wound is on a limb, elevate the limb to help slow blood flow. Once the wound has stopped bleeding heavily, clean gently with tepid water and gislocinovi tonic. For deep wounds, use hiding moss to pack the wound before stitching. For shallow wounds, apply tippen’s root salve to stem the last of the bleeding. It is recommended to hold a cloth soaked in peppermint oil over one’s nose and mouth to counteract the smell of the tippen's root. For shallow wounds that do not require stitching, mandragora poultice may be applied to assist with healing. Amberiddle sap can be used to seal shallow wounds. Deeper wounds will require stitching with a bone needle and silk thread. For medium to shallow wounds, use a continuous stitch, which refers to using the same piece of thread along the wound and tying it off at the end. For medium to deep wounds, use an interrupted stitch, which refers to cutting and tying each stitch; these stitches are not connected to one another. Continuous stitches are appropriate for long gashes, while interrupted stitches should be used for deep wounds so that the thread does not break. Apply frost vine salve to the wound for topical pain relief. Bind the wound with bandages, changing the bandages regularly. If there are any signs of infection, administer a dose of grobsnopper syrup (taken orally). Serpent’s stalk tonic can be used to reduce fever caused by infection. The patient may also be given mandragora tea to assist with healing and blood lotus stew to regain strength after heavy blood loss. Once the wound has healed, remove the stitches and apply aqua nymph oil to reduce scarring. Broken Bones There are three broad types of bone injuries. Closed fractures, where the bone is broken but has not pierced the skin; open fractures, where the shards of broken bone have pierced through the skin and are exposed; and dislocation, which is not precisely a broken bone but rather where the bone has been knocked from its usual position. Closed Fractures Apply frost vine poultice to the affected area. The patient can also drink atheros tea for pain relief. For clean breaks, manipulate the ends of the fracture to align them to their original position before splinting or binding. Splinting refers to placing a stick along the limb and securing it in place with wrappings. Binding refers to securely wrapping the limb or digit with bandages. Facial injuries — These fractures cannot be set and must be allowed to heal on their own. Shoulder and collarbone — Create a sling with a triangular cloth close to the body. Ribs — These fractures cannot be set and must be allowed to heal on their own. Do not bind the ribs, as this could lead to the bones healing in a malformed position. Arm — Splint. Fingers and toes — Bind to the neighbouring digit. Hip — Splint extending from the lower back to the knee. Knee — Splint from the hip to the ankle. Ankle — Bind securely, using small splints where necessary. Open Fractures Induce unconsciousness with two doses of nightsap syrup. Rinse the wound with tepid water and gislocinovi tonic. Set the bone by manipulating it into its original position. Treat the area as a wound (see above instructions). Dislocations Pulls should always be slow and steady, never abrupt. One will feel the joint slip back into place with a heavy clunk. The patient may be given atheros tea to reduce pain. Shoulder — Lay the patient on their back with the affected arm away from the body. Hold the hand or wrist and slowly, but firmly, pull the arm until the joint falls back into place. Wrap the arm in a sling. Knee — Stand on the patient’s affected side. Lift the leg slightly up and begin to extend it while pushing the kneecap back into place. This movement may need to be repeated several times. Tightly bind the knee for support. Fingers — Remove any rings to prevent injury due to swelling. Extend the finger and push the joints back into place. Splint to the adjacent digit to reduce movement. Burns Burns can range from minor sunburn on the top layer of skin to serious burns which afflict all layers of the skin. In all cases, carefully remove clothing and jewellery from the affected area. Rinse gently with tepid water, careful not to slough off too much of the burnt skin. Minor Burns Minor burns are characterised by red, inflamed skin. Apply aqua nymph & frost vine salve to the area for pain relief and to heal the burn. Apply aquate root & faerie truffle salve for relief from dry, chapped skin as a result of sunburn or other minor burns. Moderate Burns Moderate burns are characterised by redness, inflammation, and blisters. Boil gislocinovi leaves with shredded atheros root. Stitch the leaves together to form bandages. Apply aqua nymph poultice to the burn and bind with the gislocinovi bandages. Replace bandages as necessary. Serious Burns Serious burns are characterised by white, leathery skin. Numb the area with a blissfoil poultice. Cut away the burnt flesh. From the thigh or back, take a skin graft of the required size. This is achieved by using a small knife to cut a square of skin and lifting it carefully from the donor site. Apply the skin graft to the burn site, treating it as a wound. Clean the donor site with gislocinovi tonic and apply tippen’s root to stem bleeding. Treat it as a wound. Intense Cold Wandering in extremely cold areas without the proper clothing or equipment can lead to injuries and maladies. The first is exposure, where one has grown so cold their body ceases to function. The second is frostbite, where intense cold has restricted blood flow to areas of the body, leading the flesh to blacken and die. Exposure should always be treated before frostbite, as heating the limbs can cause cold blood to flow back to the heart, lowering the body temperature and causing death. The same impacts of exposure can also be induced from drinking too much serpent’s stalk tonic. Exposure Move the patient to a warm, dry location. Do not chafe or massage heat into the limbs. Remove any wet clothing and cover in dry blankets, leaving only the face exposed. Place warm, dry towels on the neck and chest. Brew shade leaf tea and assist the patient in drinking in small sips. This will help to calm the stress of their experience and warm them from the inside. The patient can also inhale steam from a bowl of boiling water to heat the airways. Frostbite Warm the skin in tepid water for half an hour. The skin should turn red or purple during this process. The patient can drink atheros tea to help with the pain from the feeling returning to their limbs. Carefully separate fingers and toes once they have thawed. Elevate limbs to prevent swelling. Where the skin has blackened and died, cut away using the instructions for Diseased Flesh in the Flesh Wounds section. If a digit or limb requires amputation, see the Amputations section. Amputations Amputation of a limb should only be used as a last resort where no other healing methods are appropriate. Administer two doses of nightsap syrup to induce unconsciousness. Clean the amputation site with gislocinovi tonic. Cut through the skin with a small knife then, using a larger knife, cut through the muscle. Sever the bone with a bone saw. Seal the wound by stitching the skin closed to form a stump. This should then be treated as one would a wound. Illness Most illnesses require rest above all else, though there are some medicines which can be administered to speed recovery and alleviate symptoms. Blood lotus stew also assists in recovering strength following an illness. Blocked nose — Bitter reed & coltsfoot tea. Sore throat — Flash fruit syrup. Fever — Coltsfoot tea. Serpent’s stalk tonic. Nausea — Bitter reed tea. Headache — Atheros tea. Muscle aches — Massage with diluted frost vine salve. Fatigue — King’s ivy tonic. Cough — Coltsfoot tea. Sleeplessness — Javens tea. Shortness of breath — Coltsfoot syrup.

Penned by Illynora Sylvaeri on behalf of Serinwë’s Hand in the 143rd Year of the Second Age. To harness the natural power of herbs, one must learn how best to prepare them. This guide draws upon traditional Wood Elven practices for preparing herbs and includes practical wisdom on how best to harvest them. The herbs listed are not exhaustive but cover most of the herbs a healer will ever have cause to use. This guide also has a companion piece, The Healer's Compendium. Harvesting Below is a guide on where to find herbs and the part of the plant which holds medicinal properties. After harvesting, herbs can be preserved by bundling and tying with twine, drying the herb in the sun until the moisture is gone, and hanging in a cool, dark space. The herb may then be stored in tightly sealed jars. Alternatively, Cryptus Mushroom may be dried, crushed into a powder, and sprinkled on herbs in order to dry them quickly. Some herbs are particularly dangerous to harvest. Blissfoil pollen can numb the senses when inhaled and the skin when touched. It should always be harvested wearing gloves and with the nose and mouth covered. Mandragora releases spores which can render one paralysed. There are stories of herbalists drowning in shallow water. When harvesting this herb, one should always travel in pairs and cover the nose and mouth. Beard Weed should always be harvested with gloves to prevent unwanted hair growth on the hands. Other herbs are especially delicate. Aqua Nymph must be wholly transplanted to a pot and brought back to the clinic or prepared at the site, for it is extremely delicate. Damage to any part of the plant will render the medicinal bulbs useless. Hiding Moss expands rapidly when exposed to light. One should either harvest it at night and keep it in a lightless container or harvest it under bright light, ensuring that the container is large enough. Otherwise, the container could break when the moss expands. Amberiddle In the branches of trees. Found in the central plains and the pine forest west of Haense. Stems and leaves. Atheros* Dense forests and jungles, in the undergrowth. Roots. Aquate Root* Around freshwater sources like lakes, ponds, and rivers. Bulbs. Aqua Nymph Swamps and jungles in shallow freshwater such as ponds. Found in the areas surrounding Lurin, Nevaehlen, Amathine, and Balian. Bulbs. Barrier Bush Frozen environments. Found in the frozen lands of the northwest and the tundra north of Norland. Branches and leaves. Beardweed Dense jungles and forests on low branches. Found in the pine forest between Haense and Talar’nor and in the forest north of Nor’Asath. Moss. Bitter Reed Muddy soil around ponds and lakes. Found in the marshland north of Lurin, on the western shore of the lake beneath Númendil, and in the marshland near Balian and Haelun’or. Stems. Blissfoil Growing on or around birch trees. Found in the woods near Veletz and Aaun, with some small patches near Haense and Urguan. Petals. Blood Lotus Deserts. Found all across the southern desert. Flowers, leaves, and stems. Coltsfoot* Along paths and roads. Leaves and flowers. The roots are toxic. Cryptus Mushroom* In caves or crypts growing on rotting bodies. Fungus. Draugr Tongue* Grassy plains and meadows. Flowers. Dwarf’s Pumpkin* Swamps. Leaves. Faerie Truffles Forests, among the roots of trees. Found in the forests and plains surrounding Norland, the forest north of Nor’Asath, and the mushroom grove surrounding Nor’Asath. Truffles. Flash Fruit* In the canopy of jungles or forests. Skin and meat of the fruit. Frost Vine Cold climates. Found in the frozen lands of the northwest, the pine forests surrounding Haense, and the pine forest north of Norland. Vine and leaves. Gislocinovi Found in the southeastern jungles. Stalks. Grobsnopper* Humid forests on the trunk and lower branches of trees. Flowers. Hiding Moss Found in the southwestern swamps. Moss. Javens Sandy soil. Found in the savannah just west of the southern desert. Burrs and seeds. King’s Ivy Grows over large rocks, tree trunks, and ruins. Found along the river running through the southern desert. Flowers. Mandragora Found in the southeastern jungles and the southwestern swamps. Root vegetable. Nightglow Found in the forest north of Nor’Asath and the plains between Haense and Veletz. Flowers. Night Sap Sap found on branches. Found in the plains between Haense and Veletz and the pine forest west of Haense, Sap. Paddfoot Found in the plains between Haense and Veletz. Petals. Serpent’s Stalk Found around the lake east of Aaun. Stalks. Shade Leaf* Shaded areas in forests and woodlands. Leaves. Swamp Blossom* Swamps. Sap inside the stems. Tippen’s Root Growing in and around carcasses. Found all over the continent. Roots. The flowers are what make this plant smell foul. Raw Herbs Some herbs are best used in their raw state, or with very little preparation. Beardweed Promoting hair growth. Blissfoil Numbing and pain relief. This is an incredibly dangerous herb which can lead to permanent loss of feeling. Blood Lotus Can be made into a soup or stew to help replenish strength, particularly after heavy blood loss. Faerie Truffles Healthy eyes, hair, skin, and nails. Hiding Moss Because of its absorbent nature, this herb is used to pack deep wounds. Oils Dry vast quantities of the herb in the sun until the leaves or petals begin to wilt. Shred the herb into a glass jar and cover with a clear, distilled spirit. Place the lid of the jar on tightly and shake for several minutes. Store in a dark cupboard, shaking three times per day. Repeat until the herb loses colour, which could take up to one week. Strain plant material through a cloth, pouring the liquid into a bowl. Repeat the entire process several times using fresh herbs but the same distilled spirit. Place the jar in a dark cupboard and leave for a few days until separation begins to occur. Freeze the jar in an ice room, a frozen river, or in the ocean under the shade of cliffs in winter. The distilled spirit will not freeze, but the oil will solidify. Skim the solid oil from the top of the jar and place into a dark glass bottle. The dark glass will prevent sunlight from weakening the medicinal properties of the oil. Once the oil has fully melted, it is ready for use. Medicinal Oils Aqua Nymph Scarring, when applied to the skin. Dwarf’s Pumpkin* Staving off fungal infections from inhaled spores, if oil is dropped in hot water and the resulting steam inhaled. Smells strongly of garlic. Other Oils Nightglow Glows faintly, meaning it can be used for invisible ink that is only visible in the dark. Paddfoot May be treated with alchemy into an oil that, when applied to footwear, can muffle sound. Poultices Cut the herb into small pieces. Crush using a mortar and pestle, adding water until a paste is formed. If using dry herbs, add more water. Poultices are to be used fresh and are not suitable for storing for later use. Medicinal Poultices Aqua Nymph Burns. Blissfoil Numbing and pain relief. This is an incredibly dangerous herb which can lead to permanent loss of feeling. Always handle with gloves when grinding into a paste. Coltsfoot* Gout. The leaves and flowers of this plant should be used, as the roots are toxic. Frost Vine Topical pain relief. Mandragora Aiding in the body’s natural regeneration, though when applied unnecessarily can lead to painful warts. Tippen’s Root Stemming blood flow on shallow, surface wounds. Smells strongly of rotten eggs. Other Poultices Faerie Truffles General skin care. Salves and Balms Creating salves and balms requires oil; the method of extracting oil from herbs is described above. Melt infused oil with beeswax. Less beeswax will lead to a liquid consistency, which can be considered a salve. More beeswax will result in a solid consistency, which can be considered a balm. Salves and balms can be stored in containers for long periods of time, though they will eventually go rancid. Many of the herbs which can be prepared into a poultice or paste can also be used in salves and balms. It is often worthwhile to combine herbs so that the salve or balm serves a dual purpose. Medicinal Salves and Balms Aquate Root* Dry and chapped skin. Aqua Nymph & Frost Vine Healing burns with added pain relief. Blissfoil & Tippen’s Root Numbing and coagulation of wounds. This salve should never be applied with bare fingers and should be used sparingly. Dwarf’s Pumpkin* Fungal infections. Smells strongly of garlic. Other Salves and Balms Aquate Root* & Faerie Truffle Moisturiser. Tinctures Fill a jar with the herb of choice. Half fill the jar with boiling water. Fill the other half with a clear, distilled spirit. Store the jar in a cool, dark space for one month, shaking daily. Strain the liquid through a fine cloth. Pour into dark glass bottles. The dark glass will prevent the sunlight from weakening the medicinal properties of the tincture. Most teas and tonics can be made into tinctures, although the taste is much stronger and more unpleasant. Medicinal Tinctures Shade Leaf* Calming the body, particularly after a traumatic experience. Teas and Tonics Blot the leaves or flowers dry, then leave to dry fully in the shade. Steam the dried leaves or flowers, then allow the steamed leaves or flowers to fully dry in the sun. Store the dried tea in a wooden box in a cool, dry place. To prepare the tea for use, place two spoonfuls of dried tea in a cloth and allow to steep in boiled water for five minutes. Remove the used tea leaves and discard. To prepare a tonic, boil fresh herbs in water for one day, stirring occasionally. Tonics are not suitable to be stored for long periods of time; instead, a tincture should be made. Medicinal Teas Atheros* Minor aches and pains. Has a bitter taste. Bitter Reed Coughs, colds, and nausea. Coltsfoot* Coughs, colds, flu, and fever. The leaves and flowers of this plant should be used, as the roots are toxic. Excessive consumption can lead to growths. Javens Insomnia. Mandragora Aiding in the body’s natural regeneration, though when consumed unnecessarily can lead to painful ulcers in the throat and stomach. Shade Leaf* Relieves minor stress. Medicinal Tonics Draugr Tongue* When applied with a cloth, this can be used to soften the skin and make removing impaled objects easier. Exposure to open wounds stings terribly. Gislocinovi When boiled, this herb can be used to clean wounds. It is not to be taken orally. King’s Ivy Wakefulness. Serpent’s Stalk Reducing fever, though this herb should be used carefully as three measures will induce hypothermia. Syrups and Saps Create a tonic using the method described above. Add the tonic and honey to a pot. Swamp Blossom sap can also be used for a syrup with a thinner consistency. Stir constantly over a low heat until the mixture develops a thick, syrupy consistency. Allow to cool completely before bottling. Syrups are suitable for storage in a cool, dark place for up to half a year. Medicinal Syrups (taken orally) Coltsfoot* Shortness of breath. The leaves and flowers of this plant should be used, as the roots are toxic. Excessive consumption can lead to growths. Flash Fruit* Numbing a sore throat. Grobsnopper* Fighting infection. Nightsap One measure will result in five hours of calmness and joy; two measures will result in dreamless sleep. Medicinal Saps (applied topically) Amberiddle Sealing wounds. Barrier Bush Repelling moisture.

Creeds are an expansion of elnarnsae’ame, the Wild Faith. They are philosophies on how the Wild Faith and Aspectism should be interpreted and practiced. However, the core tenets of prayer and offering, bodily purity, and upholding the balance may not be strayed from. A creed is a way of life which Aspectists may choose to pledge themselves to. The first creed was the Emerald Way, created by Awaiti Sirame. This was followed by the Ichorian Path, created by Valor Caerme’onn in opposition. Then came the Way of the Sage created by Sister Owl. Finally, the Creed of the Sanguine Fire was created by Miklaeil Arvellon. Each of these creeds is an interpretation of the Wild Faith with its own customs and traditions. Illynora Sylvaeri practices and teaches the Way of the Mother, a creed informed by her unique beliefs. I: Elven Unity For centuries, the misguided Dream of Elvenesse has led to attempts to unify the Elven people under one crown, as Elves were once united in the days of Malin. This dream is for fools, tyrants, and would-be kings. Elvenkind has changed since the days of Malin both physically and culturally. There are the Elves who followed Irrin Sirame into the dense forests of Malin’s kingdom and became the Wood Elves; the Almenodrim who followed Sylvaen Everflame into exile; Larihei’s followers who bathed in the golden pools and became High Elves; and those who were cursed with insanity alongside Veluluai only to have the curse lifted by the Moon Goddess Luara, for a price—thus were born the Dark Elves. To expect all of Elvenkind to live in harmony when our history and cultures wildly diverge is an empty dream. Such a dream can only end in bloodshed and heartbreak. The Dominion of Malin collapsed under the weight of silently warring factions after many years of tension in the wake of the Bronze Rebellion. The Crown of Elvenesse was a result of the forcible merging of the Almenodrim of Aegrothond and Wood Elves of Siramenor which ended in a painful fracturing and the founding of the Vale of Nevaehlen. Such wounds remain to this day between Nevaehlen and Amathine, the successor-state of the Crown of Elvenesse. Let us not forget Malinor, that shining dream which soon crumbled to ash and dust when a usurper attempted to claim the title of High Prince with no assent or support from the other Princes. The Aspects cannot mean for us to have unity between the Elven people when history shows that unity violently upsets the balance. Competing cultures and customs under one crown inevitably leads to one culture devouring another, or Aspectist practices being eroded to fit with the broader culture of the nation. The Aspects would want Elven unity to look like cooperation and friendship but never merging—and certainly never merging by force. In all things, the balance. There can only be balance if Elven nations are separate from and complement one another. The Elven people are not homogenous and never should be. II: Druidism To walk the path of the druid is a noble calling, but one need not be a druid to uphold the teachings of the Aspects. The core tenets of Aspectism are prayer and offering, bodily purity, and upholding the balance, all of which can be achieved without becoming attuned. Prayer and offering and bodily purity are easily upheld without becoming a druid. One may question how the balance can be upheld without the powers and abilities granted by the Aspects. The answer is through protecting nature with your voice and with your deeds. Do not fish more from the river than what Danaay Taluwa, Prince of Salmon, provides. Do not fell trees for lumber, but rather create houses between the roots and in the canopy, living with the forest in harmony. Condemn those who would upset the balance and shield nature with a loving and protective hand. With that being said, the lessons taught during dedicancy are often vital for understanding the Aspects’ teachings and should not be overlooked, nor should the process be rushed if one does decide to walk the path of the druii. Becoming a druid means that you have taken it upon yourself the sacred task of upholding the balance in the name of the Aspects. That means that one should not be a druid if one cannot fully commit to this way of life. To that end, princes and princesses and to a lesser extent royal councillors should not be attuned until their reign is over. To be a prince and a druid is to split one’s allegiance between the best interests of the people and upholding the will of the Aspects. III: Family When one binds themself to another in the eyes of the Aspects, this is a sacred oath which cannot be forsaken. The humans have the concept of divorce and annulment woven into their scriptures and courts of law, but no such law exists in the life of a true Aspectist. In sun or storm, elation or heartbreak, a marriage vow cannot be broken. If your partner lives, you may not take another. Even in death, this vow is a powerful one. To sunder it would be a grave affront to the Aspects. The only duty which eclipses this sacred vow is the duty to have children. It is the duty of every Elf to bear a child, as Elven children are so rare and precious. In having children, one honours Cerridwen. This duty is regardless of personal desire. If your life partner has a child, whether that be before your union or due to infidelity, that child should be treated as your own. Because Elven children are so rare and precious, to shun a child for their parentage would be to upset the balance. The Wood Elven people have a long held custom of adoption, both on a personal level and through the concept of Seeds. This means that family is often more important than bloodline. Therefore, even if a child is not of your body, they can still be your child in the eyes of the Aspects and should be cherished as such. IV: Worship One can take a Mani as their patron, but worship should be reserved for the Aspects. Let prayer and offering only be for the Mother and the Father, and where one prays at the shrine of a Mani, this is in recognition of the fact that the Mani are the guardians of the Aspects domain. The Aspects come above all, but that does not mean one cannot recognise and respect other religions. In particular, there are many pantheons which recognise the Aspects by another name. Take, for example, Anbella of the Brathmordakin, who has long been rumoured to embody Cerridwen under another name. See also the sea goddess Thalassa of the Almenodrim, who embodies maiden, mother, and crone. Many hold the belief that Thalassa is another, more wrathful face of Cerridwen. That the Aspects should be worshipped above all extends to the prohibition on worshipping mortals. Just as as there is no King but Malin (the principled belief of the Free Elves of Aegrothond), no mortal should be worshipped. Build statues and mosaics in honour of the dead, but leave no offerings at their altar. V: Healing The Way of the Mother is also the way of the healer. Traditional Wood Elven healing includes the use of natural tinctures and tonics derived from herbs, natural bandages instead of fabric, and the use of wooden and bone tools instead of metal. Healing is deeply intertwined with faith, including the intonation of prayers to the Mother while healing a patient, or the Mother’s blessing spoken over a newborn child. This can also include the imbibing of Cerridwen’s essence, sacred attunement springwater. In many ways, alchemy goes against traditional Wood Elven healing practices, for it is unnatural and draws on forces beyond nature to heal and achieve otherwise impossible feats. True adherents to this creed will not practice alchemy, but will recognise that alchemical potions can save lives, which is of paramount importance. VI: Violence To follow the Way of the Mother is to embrace pacifism on a personal level, but to recognise that there can be no peace without war, no balance without violence. Adherents to this creed walk the path of the healer, but with healers there must also be warriors. Other creeds such as the Emerald Way preach inner balance. The Way of the Mother embraces societal balance. Just as those who tread the Ichorian Way embrace the Father and the life of a warrior, there are those who will only practise the gentle art of healing. To achieve balance across society there must be those who follow every calling. VII: Ilmyumier One of the core tenets of Aspectism is bodily purity. What this means is not allowing one’s flesh to become corrupted, such as with magics of the Void, vampirism, or other dark curses. Some may also interpret this as not imbibing substances which alter the mind or the body such as alchemical potions, alcohol, or narcotic herbs (although there are also those who would argue that such herbs are natural and their consumption brings one closer in mind and spirit to the Aspects). Bodily purity does not mean keeping the skin as smooth and unblemished as the day one was born. Scars and ilmyumier—the status tattoos of the Wood Elven people—are symbols of pride. To receive ilmyumier is to proudly display one’s heritage, family, feats, and calling upon the skin. It is a sacred art and one that should not be taken lightly. Ilmyumier should only ever be applied to another; never apply ilmyumier to your own flesh. To do so would not be ilmyumier but a simple tattoo. When applying ilmyumier, one should use traditional tools carved from bone or shell and pigments derived from charcoal, plants, and insects. When receiving ilmyumier, no pain relief should be consumed or applied to the skin; feeling the pain is what gives ilmyumier true significance. Followers of the Way of the Mother should display the ilmyumier of Cerridwen’s Vines, otherwise known as the Mother’s Mark, on the backs of their hands. This is the mark of the healer and takes the form of teal flowers. Because ilmyumier has deep cultural and spiritual meaning, one should not display ilmyumier that they have not earned, for example, Morea’s Teeth. The Oath I vow to draw upon the strength of the Mother to heal those in need. I shall wield the natural power of herbs, learning their secrets and harnessing their medicinal properties to mend skin and bone. I promise to hold reverence for the cycles of life, embracing the eternal dance of birth, growth, death, decay, and rebirth. I will foster understanding of the delicate balance the Aspects have charged me with protecting. In the presence of the stones, the trees, the rivers, and the stars, I pledge my heart, my hands, and my spirit to the Way of the Mother, dedicating myself to the healing of the world.

Serinwë's Hand was founded in 1700 alongside the Institute of Healing in Aegrothond. It was intended as a company of healers who travelled the continent healing those in need. In the modern day, Serinwë's Hand has two additional purposes: to spread healing knowledge and supplies, and to build connections between clinics so that Serinwë's Hand can come to the aid of nations in times of need. Given recent darkspawn attacks, join Serinwë's Hand to learn how to heal cuts, stab wounds, bloodloss, and burns; the most common injuries inflicted by darkspawn. This lesson will be conducted by Illynora Sylvaeri in the Hospital of Saint Amyas in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Sunday 20 August, 5pm EST

Thank you for your hard work! Could you please clarify what you mean by this? Are other players supposed to ignore active combat as if it's not happening/they can't see it? Or are they just not able to join combat after the time limits specified in the rules?

The Seven Stars of the Mariner The seven stars at the top of the sigil represent the constellation Narnir’vallei, otherwise known as the Mariner. These seven stars can be found on the heraldry of House Sylvaeri in recognition of the importance of this constellation to the Almenodrim as a seafaring people. The seven stars can also be said to represent the seven sons of Sylvaen: Aegnor, Edrahil, Renarion, Muindir, Ilurien, Vitras, and Erendriel. The Ame’lie Tree The ame’lie tree is of great cultural importance to the Wood Elven people. Ancient Wood Elves in the time of Irrin Sirame would selectively cultivate these trees. In the Lay of Aegrothond: The Tale of Vitras, Vitras sails back to the forgotten kingdom to claim the seeds of elder trees and bring them to the Almenodrim in exile. However, finding none, he returned to his people empty handed. In the modern era, some say that Vitras was in fact successful in bringing elder trees to the mainland in the form of what is now recognised as the ame’lie tree. The ame’lie tree on the sigil of Amathine represents the delicate intertwining of the Almenodrim and Wood Elven cultures which started in the Principality of Aegrothond and was solidified in the Crown of Elvenesse. The Crown of Tides “To you, Heart of the Sea, I bequeath the Crown of Tides—that in the glory of thy name, and upon thy brow may rest the bond ‘tween sea and wood.” These were the words spoken by Sea Prince Fëanor to his sister High Princess Idril upon crowning her. The elegant chains hanging from the crown are made up of pearls taken from the shores of Aegrothond in Arcas. The significance of High Princess Idril’s crown on the sigil of Amathine is in recognition that the Crown of Amaethea was renamed to the Crown of Amathine upon High Princess Idril’s ascension to the throne, indicating that the nation had once again returned to Sylvaeri rule. Mountains Almenor was founded by Sylvaen in the mountainous regions of Malin’s kingdom. It is in these mountains where Sylvaen and the Almenodrim first came to befriend the Dwarves who mined precious gemstones far beneath the earth. These gems would come to be used in the master craftsmanship of Almenorean smiths, a tradition upheld to this day. Waves It would be remiss to not include waves in the sigil of Amathine. The Almenodrim are traditionally a seafaring people and the ocean retains a special place in the culture of the Almenodrim in the modern era. That is why the Almenodrim are sometimes referred to as Sea Elves. Sylvaen and Aegnor The two Elven figures depicted are Sylvaen Everflame and Aegnor Starfinder, father and son. Reflections of one another. Sylvaen founded the ancient realm of Almenor in Malin’s kingdom, while Aegnor was the namesake for Aegrothond in the modern era. Amathine is a direct successor state of the Principality of Aegrothond as well as being ruled by a scion of Sylvaen Everflame. House Sylvaeri are direct descendants of Sylvaen through the line of Aegnor, his firstborn son. Walnut The walnut-shell shape of the sigil represents the walnut, a symbol of wisdom and discernment. This pays respect to the Glade of Hileia as the bastion of Wood Elven knowledge and history, and to the Maehr’evar Order as the seekers of knowledge and pursuit of academia.

Name: Mary d’Arkent Age: 7 Home: Balian Do you agree to the code of the company?: Yes MC name: toffToffee Discord: @meggiebyte Timezone: NZST (GMT +12)

Medli gathering herbs in the jungle, circa SA 130. Calling all healers, herbalists, and those who wish to learn! Come with us and learn how to safely harvest mandragora and hiding moss from the treacherous southwestern swamps. Hiding moss is useful for packing wounds, while mandragora can assist the body’s natural regenerative abilities. Your guides for this expedition are Illynora Sylvaeri and Medli Oranor, two members of Serinwë’s Hand. Serinwë’s Hand, otherwise known as the Company of Healers, is an organisation founded in Aegrothond in 1705. Its purpose is to travel the continent healing those in need and teaching those who wish to learn more about the healing arts or use of medicinal herbs. If you wish to learn how to harvest and use these herbs, join us on the beaches of Illivira where we will navigate the southern ocean on skiffs, making our way across to the swamps. Illivira is located to the west of Amathine - please see the enclosed map.

IGN: toffToffee Discord: meggiebyte Category: Creative writing Title of piece: The Emperor Who Never Was (excerpt from a WIP novelisation of the Aster Revolution) (ty to UnBaed for proofreading and letting me use her character as the POV <3)

The story of Aegrothond is complex, riddled with controversy and bitter enmity. From a small island refuge to grand seaside citadel, the Principality of Aegrothond’s rise to prominence from the ashes of the Dominion of Malin was set to the backdrop of what is now known as the Elven Cold War. This account chronicles the founding of Aegrothond on Atlas but falls short of the events which transformed the Principality of Aegrothond into the Crown of Elvenesse and later the Crown of Amaethea. Preface: The House Sylvaeri and Clan Ithelanen Conflict It is important to understand the enmity between House Sylvaeri, rulers of the Principality of Aegrothond, and Clan Ithelanen (sometimes known as House Ithel’an), rulers of the Kingdom of Gladewynn. Both states claimed spiritual successorship to the collapsed Dominion of Malin, and the conflict between the ruling families is the central cause of the Elven Cold War of 1686–1712. Belestram Sylvaeri and Kairn Ithelanen—Bronze Princes alongside Khaine Csarathaire—were central figures in the Dominion of Malin in the wake of the Bronze Rebellion of late-Axios. However, the beginnings of conflict between Belestram and Kairn began to stir with the crowning of King Abelas Caerme’onn in 1676. Belestram, in the tradition of the reformed Dominion, intended to be named High Prince Kairn’s successor by moot. However, Kairn controversially declared himself King following the War of the Loftywoods and later bestowed the Kingship on Abelas Caerme’onn, forgoing the traditional voting process of the moot. This succession was later confirmed by the Upper Council of the Dominion of Malin, and Belestram was named King Abelas’ Lord Ambassador, claiming a seat on the Upper Council. Although conflict did not directly arise between Belestram and Kairn at this time, these events would later be the basis of the principled claim made by the free Elves of Aegrothond that there is “No King but Malin”. An additional cause of the conflict was Belestram’s marriage to healer and fellow diplomat Illynora Aureon. Illynora and Kairn were betrothed, with Illynora having received the esalathe’lan (cultural tattoo) of Clan Ithelanen in anticipation of their marriage. The relationship was fraught with tension due to Illynora’s induction into the Aureon Seed, a family which Kairn was engaged in a decades-long blood feud with. More fractures arose when Kairn engaged in a duel with the Rex of Krugmar, the outcome of which would determine the fate of Caras Eldar. Illynora was opposed to the duel, claiming Kairn's hubris put the Elven people and way of life in danger. These differences proved to be irreconcilable, and the pair separated. Some years later, in 1678, Illynora and Belestram were wed in a private ceremony in the Naelurir Grove by none other than King Abelas, who was a druid priest of the Naelurir also known as Brother Caribou. There is speculation as to whether Belestram chose to pursue Illynora in an attempt to wound Kairn’s pride. The Elder Alliance and Slaying of King Abelas: 1678–1679 Lord Ambassador Belestram Sylvaeri and diplomat Illynora Aureon orchestrated the Elder Alliance of 1678, ratified in 1679. The purpose of this alliance was to recognise the sovereignty of the Dwarves of Ord as the true inheritors of Urguan as opposed to the Frostbeards of Kaz’Ulrah. The Dominion of Malin and the Dual-Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska hereby recognize the conglomerated Kingdom of Ord and Temple of Az’adar as the true and only representatives of moral Dwarvendom upon Atlas, and recognize also their unilateral claim as inheritors of the legacy of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, which has been lost. The undersigned denounce forthwith the traitorous Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah, born of kinslaying and murder- and oath that they shall not rest until the banners of the Azwyrtrumm are torn and bloodied beneath the bright sun of Urguan born anew. The hordes of Haense are unleashed, the emerald banners of greater Elvendom fly, and all righteous Dwarves march in lines to war. Although this cause was believed to be righteous and just, it must be noted that Belestram had a personal connection to the Dwarves of Ord and Runelords of Az’adar by virtue of the fact he was a Runelord himself. In light of this, some posit that he should have raised the Sylvaeri banners independently of the Dominion of Malin, rather than use his position as the Lord Ambassador to rally the Virarim of the Dominion to this war. Nevertheless, King Abelas undersigned this alliance with the understanding that other human nations would remain neutral in the upcoming conflict. However, during negotiations, the Empire of Man rose to prominence, and the Kingdom of Haense withdrew from the alliance as it became a part of the wider empire. Despite this, the Elder Alliance continued. When it became clear that the Empire of Man would side with the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah in any upcoming conflict, King Abelas unilaterally withdrew from the Elder Alliance without consulting the ambassadorial arm of his council. The purpose of this was to save the Elven people from the horrors of war, having so recently recovered from the Orcish conflict in the War of the Loftywoods. Dwarves are an ancient and proud people, and King Abelas’ method of withdrawing from the Elder Alliance was seen as a deep slight which demanded recompense. A delegation of the Dwarves of Ord, lead by Atandt Irongringer, entered Caras Eldar and challenged King Abelas to an honour duel. He lost and was subsequently slain. History becomes murky at this point in terms of Belestram’s involvement—some say that he intentionally allowed the Dwarves into the city with the knowledge and intention that they would assassinate King Abelas. Belestram speaking the words “Do with him as you will” when looked to by Atandt Irongrinder at the conclusion of the duel was seen by many as an invitation for King Abelas’ execution. Others say that Belestram could not have intervened in the duel, as this would have been a besmirchment of Abelas’ honour. The latter was the prevailing narrative among the Elves of Aegrothond in later years when King Abelas’ slaying sparked the most bitter conflict in Elven history. Immediately following the duel, Kairn called for Belestram’s arrest. During the trial, Belestram had his right hand—the hand that signed the Elder Alliance on King Abelas’ behalf—cut off by Kaz Ithelanen on Kairn’s orders. He was then banished on account of treason from the Dominion he had helped to build. Exile: 1679–1684 Immediately following the banishment, Fëanor Sylvaeri, who was Praetor of the Dominion at the time, accompanied his wounded father to the Runelord Palace of Az’adar in Holm. He wrote to Illynora, urging her to travel to Holm at once to tend to Belestram’s wounds. Belestram’s connection to the Runelords meant that he was swiftly outfitted with a hand carved from basalt and animated with glowing red runes. Belestram had assumed that his son would resign from his position and join him in exile, but Fëanor waited until his father’s wound was healed to inform him that his duty was primarily to the Elven people, not to House Sylvaeri. He returned to the Dominion of Malin, where he continued to serve as Praetor and the head of House Sylvaeri in his father’s stead. Meanwhile, Illynora leveraged her position on the Dominion’s council to petition her husband’s banishment. As Head Healer of the Caras Eldar clinic, she had close ties with much of the citizenry, and used this as an opportunity to begin rebuilding Belestram’s reputation among the people. Queen Renn initially entertained these petitions, but when it became clear to Illynora that the banishment would not be lifted, she resigned from the council and left the city in 1682. This led to a rift forming between Illynora and the Aureon Seed, particularly her Seed sister and mentor, Awaiti. Awaiti had a child by King Abelas who they named Artanis. Illynora had helped bring Artanis into the world and tended to Awaiti in the aftermath of a battle with the September Prince, where she was rendered unconscious. Awaiti in turn was Illynora’s druidic guide and had begun instructing her in the teachings of the Emerald Way. When Illynora left Caras Eldar, this also ended her dedicancy. While in exile Belestram was contacted by Kaz Ithelanen and agreed to meet him in the neutral Trade Nation of Sutica under the rule of Trade Princess Cyrene. During the meeting Kaz proposed a deal: he would vouch for the lifting of Belestram’s banishment if Belestram agreed to bring Atandt Irongrinder to the Dominion of Malin to face trial. Belestram refused to betray the hospitality of the Dwarves of Ord, who had allowed him to live in Holm, and declined. Despite this Kaz still saved the lives of Illynora and Belestram when a group of Orcish assassins waylaid them as they left the city. Belestram and Illynora later moved to the human village of Nordengrad under the rule of Earl Thoromir II Ruric where Illynora served as the village healer and Belestram as a humble blacksmith. They lived a quiet, anonymous life in hopes that no further assassins would be able to find them. It was during this time that the Isle of Mists (discussed in the next chapter) was founded, although Illynora and Belestram continued to partially reside in Nordengrad. It was only after the Siege of Nordengrad in 1690 where Belestram fought and Illynora tended to the wounded that the pair left the settlement for good. More and more Elves flock to the island, circa 1690. Isle of Mists: 1684–1689 The Dwarves of Ord gifted Belestram and Illynora a tiny, crescent-shaped island west of the mainland in 1684. Belestram set to work on construction, carving living spaces out of the stone in the traditional style of the ancient Almenodrim. Over the next several years the island transformed. What was once a crag of rock with scraggly trees and rough stone beaches turned into a comfortable seat for the exiled House Sylvaeri. At the centre of the island was a small cavern which was dug out to form the Great Hall; an open-plan room consisting of a hearth and long dining table, the forge, and a curving staircase to a rudimentary library on an upper level. Windows framed by stone arches looked out over the small bay, hugged on either side by the arms of the island. The western arm was home to natural freshwater springs—discovered when excavating Illynora’s subterranean clinic—and a stone pavilion where Belestram and Illynora resided. The eastern arm housed the entrance to the island, a watchtower, and a shrine to Sonnos. In 1685 Belestram and Illynora welcomed their first and only child together, naming her Serinwë after the ancient matriarch of the Almenodrim. It was in this same year their first guest came to the island: a human by the name of Swithun Aldor, whom Illynora had befriended during her visits to the northern lands of Haense. Swithun was the tutor and close confidante of Elizaveta var Ruthern, later Queen Elizaveta of Vidaus, whom Illynora had tried to treat for her childhood illness. A disagreement between Kairn and Queen Renn of the Dominion culminated in the formation of the Kingdom of Gladewynn, a nation of great military strength which would later assist the Empire of Man in the successful Siege of Nordengrad. In 1685 Illynora was still in contact with Mae’lyrra, a cleric who had also been a healer in the Caras Eldar clinic and someone whom Illynora considered so close as to be a sister. This relationship fractured with Mae’lyrra’s induction into Clan Ithelanen, although the two remained in infrequent contact. It was Mae’lyrra who informed Illynora of the rising tensions between the Dominion of Malin and Kingdom of Gladewynn, which is why Belestram and Illynora elected to keep the island fortified and closed to most guests. Exceptions to this were Cedlas, Belestram’s adoptive son, and Fëanor, who was at that time still the Praetor of the Dominion of Malin. Tensions were rife between father and son; Belestram maintained the belief that Fëanor should abandon Caras Eldar and permanently reside with his family on the Isle of Mists. Fëanor remained true to his belief that his place was in the Dominion of Malin, the heart of the Elven people, so that he could attempt to ease tensions between the Dominion and the rising Kingdom of Gladewynn. An additional source of tension was the fraught relationship between Fëanor and Illynora. Fëanor had known Illynora first as his healer and peer; she had tended to his malefic burn wounds, and although she was fifty-two years his senior, their initial relationship was one of collegiality. When Illynora married Fëanor’s father, she stepped into the position of a mother-like figure, even though Fëanor’s mother, Eris Storne, was still alive. It took many years for the stiffness of their relationship to thaw. It was Fëanor’s clear adoration for his sister, Serinwë, that eventually brought him and Illynora closer together. By 1689 the Isle of Mists consisted of half a dozen stone pavilions, housing the small number of Elves Belestram and Illynora had tentatively allowed to live on the island. First came Victivus in 1687, otherwise known as the Ravenkind. With him came a gnarled, barren tree which sprouted through and around the watchtower on the eastern arm of the island. The Ravenkind claimed it was the Widukind but the truth of this remains lost to time. Although Illynora was not a druid, as her dedicancy under Awaiti had been severed upon leaving Caras Eldar, she was a devout Aspectist. The presence of the Widukind filled her with unease and she considered it an affront to the Aspects, although she could not quite articulate why. The ideological differences between Victivus and Illynora lead to her banishing him from the western arm of the island to keep him away from the clinic and her healing students. One such student was Salhassan Sa’roir, the late King Abelas’ granddaughter. Most students, such as the Forest Dwarf Bjor, travelled to the island for lessons before returning home. However, Salhassan and Illynora came to form a familial bond, leading to ‘Sal’ residing on the island in 1688. Although Belestram was banished from the Dominion of Malin and shunned from the Mother Grove for the part he played in King Abelas’ death, Illynora was free to travel as she pleased. She made several trips to the Mother Grove to pray to the Aspects and refill her dwindling healing supplies. While there, she came to befriend Eretria (Sister Wildlife) and Nerrin (Brother Bat), who later moved to the island. She also met frequently with Miklaeil Silma, head of House Silma, but Miklaeil was hesitant to commit his family to a side in what he foresaw as an ugly and brutal conflict. This was a wise stance, for the fledgling Kingdom of Gladewynn continued to rise. Belestram was formally unbanished in 1688, however, no official announcement was released by Queen Renn for fear of angering Gladewynn. A scant year later, Queen Renn would be challenged to a duel for the crown by Awaiti Aureon, who had previously been High Princess of the Dominion. After Awaiti won the duel and became Queen, it was her first and final act to dissolve the Dominion of Malin, ceding Caras Eldar and the Dominion’s lands to the Kingdom of Gladewynn. The Company of Aegrothond preparing to defend Caras Eldar against the September Prince, circa 1695. Friends and Foes: 1690–1705 With the Dominion no more and the Kingdom of Gladewynn at the height of its power, it was time for Illynora and Belestram to gather allies in anticipation of an attack. 1690 saw Fëanor and his partner, Delmira Aureon, move to the island, followed in 1691 by the majority of House Silma. By this time the island’s population had greatly expanded, necessitating the construction of a system of warrens to house Elves fleeing the collapse of the Dominion. This resulted in the appointment of an Elf named Leyne as Madam Steward to manage the increasing administrative burdens that came with such a rapid expansion. With the city of Caras Eldar in a state of chaos, Fëanor was able to recover the city’s large bronze bell and bring it to the island. It is a relic that exists to this day in the Realm of Amathine. Belestram and Illynora searched far and wide for potential allies. Diplomatic talks with Princess Cyrene of Sutica were warm, but when she abdicated in 1693 her successor remained firm in Sutica’s long-held stance of neutrality. Illynora turned her eyes southward to where the Elves of Fenn had made their home in the frozen wastes. Illynora, alongside Elros Silma, frequently travelled south to coordinate with the Fennic Elves on the threat posed by the Vaeyl. Aegrothond and Fenn would later go on to sign an official Pact of Friendship in 1696. As part of this, the two groups attended feasts in one another’s lands and Illynora traded healing knowledge with Fennic healers. In return, Prince Aelthir permitted her to harvest herbs only found in the frozen crypts beneath the city which housed the Fennic dead. At one point, Elves from Fenn, the Warhawkes, and the former Dominion sat around the table in the great hall, awestruck that there had been a time they all battled against one another and now they were friends and allies. Illynora and Delmira travelled to the human realm of Rosenyr to discuss diplomatic relations, but with the Empire of Man posed to devour all human nations, the people of Rosenyr were not prepared to enter into any formal agreements. Around this time, Vydrek Volaren pledged men to House Sylvaeri to aid in the upcoming battle against Gladewynn which all were certain was coming. This was viewed as a certainty because an assassin arrived on the island, allegedly sent by Layla Le’Cai, and a few short weeks later Fëanor received letters from Kairn saying that he was coming for Belestram’s head. Despite these threats, it was not Gladewynn they should have been worried about, but the very ocean itself. A giant hermit crab attacked the island in 1695 and Tanager Volaren lost his life while protecting Belestram from certain death. While the Elves of the Isle of Mists tended to their wounded, Azkel ‘the Scholar’ Frostbeard arrived on the island with Swithun, who had since been banished from the Kingdom of Haense by his former pupil— now queen—Elizaveta of Vidaus. Together, Swithun and Azkel grew the library. This was the precursor to the famed knowledge guild founded by Azkel in Arcas. Tensions with Gladewynn continued to brew under the surface, but there were frequent attempts at mediation and peace. Khaine Csarathaire called for a conclave between the three Bronze Princes, but when a neutral meeting place could not be decided, this fell through. Guyden Aureon also tried to speak with Illynora about the possibility of unity with Gladewynn, but she turned him away. The only time that reconciliation seemed possible was when the Elves of Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought side by side against the September Prince in the wreckage of Caras Eldar, a city they had once all called home. When the battle seemed lost, the Aegrothond Company managed to flee with all intact. That was the first time Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought together against a common foe, but it would not be the last. The second time would be against a group of slavers when the Kingdom of Gladewynn had been transformed into Alderyn on the continent of Arcas. Other Elven groups were not the only ones who wished for unity between Gladewynn and Aegrothond. On a diplomatic visit to the Empire, Emperor Augustus told Belestram and Illynora that he wished for the Elves to be united. Diplomats from the human nation of Curon—Lady Ambassador Klaudia Suffolk and Lady Rosemarie Stafyr— expressed similar ideas. Although not reaching diplomatic agreement at this time, Curon sent healing acolytes to be taught by Illynora. The Wild Faith was prevalent on the island. Miklaeil and Illynora became the unofficial leaders of the faith, leading frequent prayers and sermons to the Aspects, Hamatsa, and Sonnos. Artimec Caerme’onn called Illynora and Miklaeil to the Naelurir Grove in Caras Eldar for what was supposed to be a gathering of the faith but turned into an attempt to negotiate a pact of non-aggression. It was at this point that followers of the Wild Faith began to break away from the Naelurir Grove and form their own sect on the island. There was discussion of the creation of a new grove, for those followers of the faith who were also druids. The tensions grew so high that some druidic teachings became circleless. While Illynora was not a druid, she guided Nenar Terin (a student of Artimec’s) on some of her dedicancy tasks, including teaching her of Kwakwani the Trickster and gathering feathers on the beach. Nenar later went on to become Sister Wicker and helped to found the Vale of Nevaehlen, home of the Father Circle. Despite the influence of Wood Elven culture, many aspects of the ancient culture of the Almenodrim were revived on the island. First came lesser renarias, the art of embedding seashells, sea glass, and bits of coloured stone on clothing, jewellery, and household objects such as door frames. The tradition of epic poetry also returned, with Edrahil Sylvaeri often telling tales from the Lay of Aegrothond—the ancient writings which record the history of the Almenodrim from the time of Sylvaen Everflame. House Kaeronin (one of the Great Houses of the Almenodrim) arrived on the island at this time, prompting an acceleration of cultural revival. Most starkly was the culture seen when Cedlas Sylvaeri, adoptive son of Belestram, was Name Cleaved. Name Cleaving is the brutal process of removing a disgraced Elf’s ring finger, the finger which bears the oath ring they took upon becoming a member of the Almenodrim. In this way, they are ousted from their family and from the culture. This was done to Cedlas after he attacked another Elf on the island. At this time, there were no official laws in place on the island. The final word of law came from the Lord and Lady Sylvaeri as heads of the Seastone Court. Cedlas’ attack precipitated the drafting of a legal codex. The unsanctioned attack by Solaria on an Orcish settlement that Turge was involved with prompted the construction of a gaol. Both the laws and system of punishment would not be finalised until the migration to Arcas. Gladewynn continued its aggression, sending agents to gain access to the island. The Seastone Court was assembled and the Harbourblades created—the fledglings of what would later become the military force of the Principality of Aegrothond in Arcas. Aegrothond also entered into official defensive alliances with both Fenn and Agnarum in preparation for an attack. Once again, the attack did not come from where anyone expected. A wyvern attacked the Fennic capital and the Harbourblades assembled, coming to their aid. Illynora helped to heal the Fennic people after the attack, including Prince Aelthir. In addition to the Harbourblades, a force of healers had been assembled, called Serinwë’s Hand after the healer-warrior matriarch of the ancient Almenodrim. After Khaine Csarathaire’s ascension to Archchancellor of Gladewynn, the blatant aggression ceased. Khaine attempted to engage in diplomacy with the Seastone Court. He suggested he send Artanis, son of Abelas Caerme’onn, to Aegrothond to serve as ambassador. In response, Belestram demanded that: the accusations of kinslaying for the death of Abelas Caerme’onn be withdrawn, and an apology for Belestram’s maiming at the hands of Kaz Ithelanen be made; and denouncements of House Silma and other Elves of Aegrothond be retracted; and claims by Gladewynn to be the sovereign of “all Elves” be relinquished; and the attacks by the Silver State upon Aegrothond (the Silver State was at that time a vassal state of Gladewynn) be denounced. This was met with a scathing response by Khaine, prompting a gathering of the Seastone Court. In discussion with the people, it was decided that the Ithelanens were still not permitted on the island, and the Csarathaires were now similarly considered persona non grata. In the words of Belestram, “We are the hope of the People. When this is done, they will remember us as those who were strong and resolute when times were dark and stormy—the Flame of Malin the Everliving, guiding the People ahead.” An exodus to new lands was swiftly approaching. Illynora and Elros Silma led a congregation to Endmoor for a meeting with the Vaeyl. At this meeting, they learned of the grave threat posed to the continent, and plans were prepared for how to flee to new lands. Great ships were constructed, supplies gathered, and the Elves of Aegrothond thought they were as ready as they could be. Elros led an expedition into the Darkways, where Nenar went missing. Illynora ordered a scouting party and Nenar was recovered with minimal injuries. Still, the experience had shaken her, and shaken the resolve of all of the Elves of Aegrothond, who were afraid of the cataclysm which would devour their world. All their preparations proved to be for naught because all of the denizens of Atlas had to travel by foot over the southern ice wall, coming to make camp in Serrimor. Aegrothond stayed close to Fenn’s camp, and it was at this time that Vulnir Syllar from the Sable Enclave entered into talks with Belestram and Illynora with dreams of a future for the Dark Elves. High Prince Fëanor holding an assembly of the Seastone Court, circa 1710. The Seastone Citadel: 1705–1712 The Principality of Aegrothond was founded on Arcas in 1705. The city itself was a large island just off the shore of the mainland with a central cavern at the centre. Subterranean housing was built in the lower levels of the cavern, while guilds, restaurants, and shops were tiered and led out into the open spaces of the island. At the very top of this Seastone Citadel was more housing open to the sea air. Looking out across the waves were two huge statues carved in the likeness of Sylvaen Everflame and Aegnor Starfinder, who Aegrothond was named for. With more room, the art of greater renarias came into fashion—great sea glass mosaics on the cavern walls and on the cliffs around the citadel. Cullas Sylvaeri constructed most of the mosaics seen in Aegrothond in Arcas. This tradition continues to this day in both the Crown of Amathine and the Sanctum of Illivira. Many new initiatives came to fruition in the early days of Arcas. Belestram, as Sea Prince and High Prince of Aegrothond, was responsible for the external affairs of the nation, including international relations, trade, and the military. Illynora, as High Princess, was responsible for the domestic affairs of the nation, including stewardry, law, and religious affairs. In this role, she entered into discussions with Guyden Aureon about the construction of a grove. She also wrote the Aegrothond Codex of Law, a simple document outlining the de facto customs which had already been observed but never set to paper. It was also at this time that Illynora created the Gatekeepers—an organisation that was responsible for who could be allowed into the Seastone Citadel and who could be granted citizenship in the Principality of Aegrothond. Illynora had sent Serinwë away to keep her safe, but she returned as a young woman in the Principality of Aegrothond and became one of the Gatekeepers. Other Gatekeepers included Annil Silma, Cassius, Cullas Sylvaeri, Delmira Sylvaeri, Edrahil Sylvaeri, Elros Silma, Fëanor Sylvaeri, Kacper Silma, and Miklaeil Silma. This was a complex system filled with bloated bureaucracy, meaning visitors to the city were frequently turned away. Aegrothond was accused of xenophobia, considering the high reluctance to allow non-Elves into the main city. In later years, Illynora was known to say that this was one of her deepest regrets, and that their position of power and safety on Arcas should have been a time of sanctuary for any who wished to enter. The lifeblood of society were the three guilds housed in the central cavern of the Seastone Citadel. These were the Maehr’evar Order (Guardians of Knowledge), founded by Elros Silma and Cullas Sylvaeri; the Institute of Healing, founded by Illynora Sylvaeri, and Sylvaen’s Hammer, founded by Fëanor Sylvaeri. When Illynora abdicated as High Princess in 1707, she passed leadership of the Institute of Healing to Eraami Aureon, who later passed it to Medli Amaeden. Sylvaen’s Hammer was renowned for producing master gemcrafts and exquisitely detailed arms and armour. It was endorsed by the Dwarves as a leading place to learn the art of smithing—a high honour, considering the Dwarves’ considerable skill with metalwork. In the early days of Arcas, Gladewynn became Alderyn, ruled by Empyreal Princess Layla. Alderyn was in its dying gasps at this time, and did not pose much of a threat to Aegrothond. However, Aegrothond still kept up its diplomatic relations with Fenn, including attending a festival in the new lands. There was also a meeting with the Vira’ker Council, where it was agreed that the island of Harlond would be passed to the Sable Enclave as a vassal state of Aegrothond. The halflings also came to reside in Aegrothond’s lands in a village on the shore just beside the Seastone Citadel. The Matriarchy of Siramenor would also come to reside in Aegrothond’s lands, but not for a number of years yet. When Nenar and Ailis were captured by slavers, Aegrothond, Fenn, Agnarum, and Vira’ker rallied forces to save them. Artimec Caerme’onn rallied the dwindling forces of Alderyn to assist; this was the second time that the Elves of Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought side by side. Soon after, Belestram and Illynora met with Princess Layla, who was willing to concede and have Alderyn absorbed into Aegrothond. Layla would later go on to marry Miklaeil Silma, who ceded the title of Lord Silma to Elros in order to create a new Wood Elven Seed with Layla known as the Arvellon Seed. In modern day, this Seed resides in the Vale of Nevaehlen and is led by Eretria Arvellon (Sister Wildlife). Having decided that Aegrothond was in a stable place, Illynora and Belestram abdicated in 1707, passing the titles to Fëanor. Fëanor had always been concerned that House Sylvaeri was less a family and more a political entity. This concern would guide his own reign as one of peace and prosperity. He was successful in forging a peace between Sylvaeri and Ithelanen in the Compact of Lathadlen 1712. Article II of the Compact read: The Principality of Aegrothond, following the dissolution of the Amber Throne of Alderyn, discards its previous identity as a splinter state of the Dominion of Malin to henceforth establish itself as the Crown of Elvenesse, with High Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri presiding over the unified peoples of Aegrothond and Alderyn. Illynora remained in retirement for well over a century and was thought to be dead. Belestram, loath to relinquish power, returned to Aegrothond in the later days of Arcas and early days of Almaris. His renewed involvement in what was now the Crown of Elvenesse led to civil strife and the splintering of a faction of Wood Elves which would later become the Vale of Nevaehlen. That tale, however, is not within the scope of this chronicle. Conclusion History is a living tapestry for the Elves. There are Elves alive today who were alive at the time of Aegrothond’s founding. The concept of the past is difficult to comprehend, as what would be considered historical events in the eyes of Man are one long strand of the present in the eyes of the Elves. Enmity and blood-feuds burn brightly for decades or centuries, without the death of their instigators to quell the flames. Fëanor’s commitment to peace and ending the blood-feud between House Sylvaeri and Clan Ithelanen is the guiding star in the constellation of his centuries-long reign. Medli Amaeden (later Silma and now Oranor) was a young Elf of only fifty years when she became Illynora’s student on the Isle of Mists. After Eraami’s retirement as Healer on High of the Institute of Healing, Medli took on this role and continued the legacy of traditional Elven healing practices for a new generation. In later years, she married Evar’tir Oranor and became the High Princess of Amaethea—the successor-state of the Crown of Elvenesse. In founding the Sanctum of Illivira, she continues the traditions of the Almenodrim that she learned in those early days. Finally, with Idril Sylvaeri as the High Princess of Amathine—the successor-state to the Crown of Amaethea—House Sylvaeri returns to the upper echelons of Elven society. In the ongoing history of the Elves, hers is a chapter still unfolding. No doubt her legacy will be woven in the tapestry of Elven history, just as many others of her House have.

There was a time when she was terrified of the ocean. Born into the forests, cradled in the shade of boughs of trees stretching endlessly into the sky, the thought of water stretching just as far beneath her feet filled her with roiling dread. She had to let that fear go when her home became an island and the perilous depths were the only thing keeping her safe from the terror and violence of the mainland. Hundreds of years later, she found herself on the shore of Illivira, the rough sand between her toes tethering her to the earth. I am here I am here I am here, the endless ebb and flow of time hadn't washed her away. She watched Medli—first her apprentice, now her daughter—combing the beach for sea glass to turn into a great mosaic on the cliffs. Pride sparkled through her, so powerful she almost tried to reach out and touch it, to take it in her hands like the fireflies that drifted through the trees at nightfall. Illynora felt at home at last.

I'm a simple woman I see Xarkly post I read I upvote

I used to RP in present tense when RP was the only writing I did, but since I started "writing" writing I switched to past tense. I write in past tense, 3rd person limited and it's hard to switch back and forth on the rare occasions I do decide to play

Dominion of Malin - The preeminent elven nation on Atlas, with its roots tracing back to the Malinor of old. Traditionally, High Princes were elected, but Kairn Ithelanen broke this tradition by naming himself King of the Dominion. He chose his successor, King Abelas, which was controversial considering the history of elections. The Dominion began to stagnate and fracture, and at some point Kairn and his followers formed another nation named the Kingdom of Gladewynn after King Abelas' death. Gladewynn later annexed the Dominion of Malin after Queen Awaiti bested Queen Renn in an honour duel and dissolved the Dominion. In Arcas, Gladewynn became Alderyn under Empyreal Princess Layla, but this nation soon crumbled and the elves scattered to various places. Aegrothond - after Belestram Sylvaeri was banished from the Dominion of Malin for his role in the death of King Abelas, he and his wife Illynora founded a small island nation off the coast of Atlas. This grew towards the end of Atlas and became a nation in Arcas called the Principality of Aegrothond. Belestram and Illynora abdicated at the beginning of Arcas, passing Aegrothond to Belestram's son, Feanor. Under Feanor's rule, the blood feud between the Sylvaeris and Ithelanens was put to rest, and the Matriarchy of Siramenor settled on Aegrothond's land under former Queen of the Dominion, Awaiti Aureon/Sirame. Elvenesse - The Principality of Aegrothond and Matriarchy of Siramenor merged some time in Arcas to form "Elvenesse", the name of which comes from the long-held dream of uniting the elven people. This was under the rule of Feanor as High Prince with representatives from Siramenor on the council (I believe). After Belestram's return, he brought with him a lot of strife and internal politics which led to former members of Siramenor fracturing from Elvenesse to form the Vale of Nevaehlen. Amaethea - Under the rule of Evar'tir and Medli Oranor, Elvenesse became Amaethea after the city was destroyed by Azdromoth. This was to symbolise a moving away from the dream of Elvenesse which had been pushed so hard by Belestram. During this time, the title of the leader of Amaethea was changed to Prince Royarch instead of High Prince. The nation is now the Crown of Amaethea but some people colloquially refer to it as Elvenesse still. Malin'or - Prince Vytrek Tundrak of Fenn formed Malin'or in Almaris with the hope of uniting the elves. Under Malin'or was the Crown of Amaethea, Princedom of Fenn, Princedom of Nor'Asath, and Princedom of Celia'nor. They operated as independent nations under the High Prince of Malin'or (Vytrek), who was responsible for overall international relations and military stuff. Vytrek abdicated and there was an election for another High Prince, but Malin'or inevitably crumbled and the nations went back to being truly independent as they were before. Although the dream was a united elvendom, this wasn't truly achieved because the Vale of Nevaehlen and Haelun'or did not join Malin'or. This is obviously a TLDR and there is a lot more nuance and detail in a lot of it but that's the gist

Absolutely phenomenal, great job!!

1. Democracy is hard - elections are a huge administrative burden, keeping people on side is a constant occupation and exhausting, and the very nature of voting creates factionalism. Also political/legal RP is boring (sorry not sorry). 2. (most) People play LOTC for escapism - the majority of the server are from Western democratic nations, so being able to roleplay in kingdoms with archaic power structures like absolute monarchy/aristocracy is interesting and different from IRL. The politics involved in court life are more nuanced and tied up in social interactions compared to campaigning and meeting with constituents. It's more fun :)) 3. Unlike IRL where there are huge institutions and structures set up to support democracy, LOTC is populated by teenagers and young adults who either a) don't have the knowledge or expertise to uphold such structures or b) don't have the time because this is a game. 4. Elections can be and are rigged all the time (High Prince elections in the Dominion of Malin anyone??). Unlike the OOC process of selecting an heir, the OOC process of messing with IRP elections gets messy and toxic super fast and is just not fun.

"See?" Saoirse Baruch, newly returned to the city from years of travel, waved the pamphlet under Eugen's nose. "They 'ave much more sordid things tae write about than the likes o' us." @__Stal27

IGN: toffToffee Category: Writing Work: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PflIUyr9UwkIeiZc0RpOqWUw62RAMYja9H83csUrNAA/edit?usp=sharing

It was strange seeing Molia sitting at the head of the table, reclining in the throne-like chair as though she were the Queen. Strange, and yet, it suited her. The easy way she smiled and laughed with King Sigismund across the feast laid out between them, how she navigated the dinner with deft steps, slipping and weaving through the threads of conversation with the silken ease of a noblewoman born into this life. Josephine sat with her mother on one side of the table, opposite Princess Anastasya and Prince Marus. A great slab of mahogany separated them, yet Josephine heard the princess' voice as clear as day as she whispered to her brother that Josephine was an Imperial *****. Molia's voice was icy, her eyes like stone, but it was nothing compared to the thunder on the King's face. Anastasya, outside. For her insult, the princess was forbidden from speaking until her wedding day. This was the King of Haense Josephine had known; firm and just, expecting from his family the highest magnitude of duty and honour. The realm would be a wilder place without his guiding hand.

Art not by me. Weak light seeped through the canvas, setting the tent aglow. Godan, morning already. Saoirse was not used to rising with the sun—the maids in Castle Lichestadt would close her shutters at night, locking out the bitter northern air, opening them only when she was awake and bathing. On the road, the forest streams were her bath, the flowering meadows her parlour. She donned her cloak and shuffled into a world of blue and silvery grey, light as morning but brimming with midnight stillness. What? Saoirse rubbed her eyes, disorientated by the fat silver coin of a moon gleaming on the pond between their tents. Night was never so bright as this in the north. How could that be? Same moon, same sky, but that first step out of Karosgrad’s gates a fortnight ago had been a leap into another world. Saoirse left the camp, trekking up a short rise to stare northwards. Homewards. Across that vast stretch of land, her sisters dutifully sat in their castles, weaving fresh strands into the great tapestry of House Baruch while Saoirse unravelled it with every mile she rode further south. Soon, she would have no thread left to pull. “Do you miss it?” Eugen appeared beside her and she startled, touching her fingers to the pearls at her throat. She never took them off, even though there was no use for them in the wilderness. Feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath her fingertips calmed her racing heart. “I wish you wouldn’t sneak up on me like that.” She turned back to the rolling hills. If she avoided his eyes, she could avoid his question, and ignore the gaping space in her heart no measure of freedom could fill. They stood in silence, the moon arcing overhead. “I miss it, too,” he said, but when she looked at him he had vanished, padding back to the camp as quietly as he had come. Night gave way to a milky dawn. Saoirse trudged down the hill to find the tents cleared and their horses tacked up. Eugen wordlessly handed her the reins and helped her into the saddle. They rode two abreast, their horses plodding leisurely along a wooded path dense with birch and aspen, alien to the pine forests between Valwyck and Karosgrad. This is why I left. Frothy white and yellow blooms on either side of the path spilled over like beerheads; she carded her fingers through the branches and they came away wet with dew. Feel the morning on your skin, taste the air, breathe in the world and never look back. Isabel would have told Daid by now. And Margrait. A pang shot through her and she spurred her horse into a canter, as if she could outstrip the guilt, as if it wasn’t crowding in on her from within. Why, Saoirse? Isabel had asked. Why? Why, indeed. Eugen was a perfectly acceptable match—the second son of a Duke, as she was a second daughter. Eirik would accept their courtship if she had only asked him. A nighttime flight from the Kingdom, leaving her bedroom bare, no note, scant good-byes; it was excessive, unnecessary. That was what Freya would say. She caught glimpses of her sisters between the trees, the white blossoms making up the trails of their wedding gowns. First Isabel, then Margrait, then Eileen. Freya, undoubtedly, would be next. Duty. Honour. Sacrifice. Isabel, swollen with child, because the future Duchess of Valwyck must have an heir. Saoirse drove her horse faster and faster, the world a blur of yellow, white, and green. Eugen called her name but he was far away, his voice barely a whisper over the wind rushing in her ears. This was freedom. Cold stinging her cheeks, leather chafing her palms, her pulse thundering like the horse beneath her. A wedding gown was a prison unto itself, layers of wool, velvet, and tartan, pure as snow, heavy as iron. Weighing down every step to the altar, stones in her pockets, drowning. Seeing Eileen seal her sentence with a kiss had snapped something inside of Saoirse, something that had begun to fray at the very beginning of Lifstala. I’m not looking for love. I will marry whoever my father tells me to, for that is my duty as a Baruch. Those were the words she had spoken beside a shallow pond in the Nikirala gardens, Eugen sitting a polite distance away on the picnic blanket. Aloisa, their diligent chaperone, had stood a short way off. How long ago Lifstala felt. A lifetime. I wished for you to know that before you had any real intentions of courting me. She had enjoyed his company. They spoke of horses, painting, and all the places they wished to travel once the war was over. Yet, when Margrait’s machinations drew her into another man’s orbit, Saoirse cared little. A noose was a noose, and it would tighten no matter who pulled the lever. “Saoirse!” The trees thinned. Eugen’s horse was faster on the open plains and he soon caught up, drawing level with her. “Saoirse, stop. You’ll overwork the horses, and there’s still miles yet to go before we reach Elysium.” Saoirse reined her horse in, the memory fading around her in patchy greyscale. She thought the gardens had taught her colour, but they were naught but dour brick and slate compared to the landscape unfolding around them now that they were clear of the treeline. Verdant hills rolled gently into the distance, lapping at the base of gargantuan trees. Even miles off, Saoirse imagined ten men with their hands interlinked wouldn’t reach halfway around the trunks. She sat breathing heavily, staring at those trees to keep from meeting Eugen’s gaze as he brought his horse up beside her. “You’re shaking.” She was. Everything ached and her heart trembled, bleeding out the adrenaline. She slid from the saddle and stalked to a nearby berry bush on stiff, uncertain legs. Get a hold of yourself. The iron fortress around her soul had begun to rust at her mother’s death, grief corroding the metal until it was thin and jagged. Calling her sisters’ faces to memory punctured it further. She was wearing out, as rickety as the play fort her sisters’ friends had played in as children. “Let’s rest for a while.” She kept her back to Eugen, plucking a berry and rolling it between her fingers. “We have plenty of hours of sunlight.” He caught her wrist before she could bring it to her lips. “Don’t eat that.” Prying the fruit from her, he flung it off into the grass. It bounced and rolled, falling into a narrow brook with a splash, carried away downstream. “It’s poison.” The bandages wrapped around his knuckles scratched her skin, rough and inexpertly tied. She had tried her best to patch him up that night, the night the letter came and she found him crumpled and broken beside the campfire, his hands a bloody mess. Bark lay scattered everywhere, a nearby tree viciously pummelled. The raw wood had looked strangely naked in the darkness. Konstanz is dead. No other words were spoken that night. What could you say to a man who had lost his brother and estranged the rest of his family in the span of a heartbeat? “Thank you.” Saoirse wiped her hand on her cloak, in case any of the poison lingered on her fingers. Finally, finally, she looked at him. No longer was he the boy too hesitant to approach, lest the Hearsay of Hanseti-Ruska sharpen its quill. A shadow of a beard graced his jaw and his eyes were too hard to belong to anyone but a man who had lived so little but endured too much. Saoirse had not run away with him to elope. She longed to be free, to drink in the world and commit it to paint without her ancient lineage looming over her shoulder with every brushstroke. Out on the plain, a forest at her back, a sweet breeze in her hair—there was no one to see them for miles, nothing to stop him from running his thumb over the back of her hand. She had presumed her inevitable marriage would be for duty. A sacrifice, by mountain, river, and coal. But she had slipped the noose, absconding in the night with the boy she had said she did not and could never love, not in the way that mattered. Eugen slowly took her hand and, in that moment, Saoirse knew of no other she would rather have as her companion for this grand, unfurling adventure. No one else in the world.

Clamorous voices swelled to the curved, painted ceiling. Saoirse knew the ceiling well. She knew every paint stroke, every wisp of cloud against the blue. It was better for her mind to float around up there instead of wallowing down in the pews, holding in her scream. How could they sell Mags off like this? When would her parents do this to her? The voices died. Everyone had left. They were alone the three of them, Saoirse, Mags, and their mother. Anastasya was as regal as ever, the pearls on her kokoshnik catching the sconce light. Anastasya. When had Saoirse begun thinking of her as Anastasya rather than Mamej? Likely when Isabel and Margrait's betrothals were announced; from that moment, the proud, sharptongued woman had been Prinzenas Anastasya. She was too authoritative and astute to be anything else. Anastasya held Mags close, stroking her hair over the veil. Despite her titles, her achievements, she was still their mother. She taught Saoirse to play the piano and how to cut a person to size with a few razor sharp words said in just the right tone. It was only yesterday Anastasya had done as much to Rosemary Vuiller, whittling the other woman down with such ferocity there was nothing to do but be impressed. How could she be gone? Saoirse sat at the piano, playing a listless tune with one hand. In the empty keep, each note echoed, forlorn. A woman like that, strong, fierce, and full of life, yanked from this world by a golden thread pulled not by war nor heroism nor even political poison, but a simple meal. How mundane. Saoirse's fingers went stiff and the notes curdled and turned discordant. How disrespectful for Godan to give her mother such a death. Saoirse would not cry. She would not eat. She would only remember.

Saoirse Baruch cleaned her hands of paint, gazing through the window above the wash basin. Day had dawned clear and bright, with perfect lighting for painting on the shores of Lake Voron, but for her sister, Saoirse would pack away her paints and cease being a shut-in. Now, if only she could find a dress...

Saoirse loudly and obnoxiously crunched on honeyed almonds in the Baruch apartment, leaving the empty paper bag on the window seat. It was all very sporting to a bored, spoiled girl who had not experienced the true horror of bloodshed. Eager for the upcoming fight, she sought her sisters so they could all sit together and watch the pummelling. Of course, the Barclays would have to accept... it was only honourable.