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Written By Isolde

April 1, 2017, 8:42 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

A Ritual of Cleansing

After a moment, The Acolyte emerges from the private rooms, dressed in a thick black robe, plain and severe, with the cowl pulled up over her head. Her full face mask is on, and she carries herself with the quiet reverence of the single minded fanatic for the Thirteenth. She carries a silver ewer of water, and incense and herbs, moving to stand behind the altar itself. She set down both and spreads her hands out over the bowls. "Let us be in prayer and offering, sacrificing pride and self upon this holy altar, to bring glory to the Darkest Reflection, and cleansing to this place of worship. We renew our vows to His service, and cleanse our souls of doubt, fear, and weakness." Taking the herbs and incense, she lets them fall into the bowl of coals, letting the smoke being to filter up and fill the air around them.

Taking up one of the candles, The Acolyte motions for the others to do the same, dipping it into the bowl, lighting it off of the coals and fragrent additions, holding it in front of her. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light, and without our Passions, we are blinded, weakened. Today, we bring the Light into the darkness of the acts of desecration, cleansing body, mind, soul, stone, and spirit from the darkess that seeks to corrupt, no matter the intention. We speak these words of devotion, pledging ourselves anew to strength, completion, and our truest selves." She dips her head slightly. "And so, the Princess Isolde sacrifices vanity, to let not her glory shine forth, but reflect the strength within others. She cleanses this from her soul, offering it upon this altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." She looks to the others, allowing them the opportunity to say their own piece.

Vanora listens and watches with that continued quiet reverence. A black candle is grasped between slim fingers, dipped into the bowl, and held against the brazier until it flares up orange-red, making her face glow brighter and the rest of her a vessel for dancing shadows. Holding the candle before her she looks into the flame for a moment, reflective. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light. Without our Passions we are weakened." The words are repeated like something of an invocation, and then she goes on. "Lady Vanora Pravus sacrifices resentment and self-pity. She acknowledges the truth...that her suffering has not been great, but small and petty. That being recalled to Setarco and then to this city of Arx was not what she wished for her life, but is not the great burden she oft lets herself feel it is. She releases her clinging to what might have been but never was, and embraces what /is/. For the Thirteenth, she pledges to look forward and not back, not ever again. To offer her compassion for the suffering of others and release any of her own perceived suffering as meaningless. She cleanses this from her soul, offers it upon the altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." Her voice is smooth with conviction, and words offered up as if there are no witnesses to them, no concern for what she might reveal of herself.

Driskell takes his candle and he dips the wick to the bowl, lighting the small flame. "To the Thirteenth I give my pride. May my self-confidence not go awry and morph into a cancerous lesion that boils and bubbles into something greater than I can control. The arrogance, vanity and ego, these things which attach themselves to my past and current accomplishments, may they be shed off so that only truth remains. May the Reflection I seek give me truth no matter how terrible, and the strength to look deep into Him without shirking back. I, Driskell Stillwater, re-commit my service to the Shrine, to serve all others before myself as they seek the Reflection's truth."

"And so, we who commit our lives to the truth of the Thirteenth do so cleanse our souls of the burdens that shackle us to lies and blind us to the Reflection. We, who come with pure intention and souls of service do so to wash from this altar that which corrupts the purpose of this place, and the need for the Darkest Reflection for all of humanity." The Acolyte pours water from the ewer into the second bowl, before positioning it in the center of the altar, in between the three gathered. She holds her hand over the bowl, nodding for the others to join her. "In reverence, strength, and service, I ask the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices of self, and let this altar, this shrine be renewed in purity of purpose. To reflect the darkness within us, that all may embrace their whole selves. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."

Driskell says "As agreed and said, so be it." as he puts his hand over the bowl adding his spiritual focus.

Vanora's hand is held over the bowl as well. "I too, beckon the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices and renew this altar with purity and purpose. That this Shrine remains the place where the Darkness within us all can be reflected and gazed upon without flinching. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."

"And so, with this blessed water, we wash away the physical and spiritual desecration upon this altar, renewed souls, renewed purpose. Let those that worship at this altar do so with purpose and strength, and may the Darkest Reflection strengthen us all. And so it is." With that last, she pours the water over the surface of the altar, and into the bowl of coals, dousing them and sending up a final gust of steam and scent, the temple filled with the lingering haze of the cleansing ritual.

Written By Ainsley

April 1, 2017, 8:34 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

"I have plenty of reasons to keep myself alive that don't include you." She said, angrily.

How clarifying a single, passionate sentence can be. I have plenty of reasons to keep myself alive, don't I? That don't hinge on any one person. Sure there are people who are on that list, but they are pieces of my world, not its entirety. Why do I fight? Why do I strive to _survive_ these battles?

- Lark, so much rests upon your shoulders and I would try to share those burdens.
- Aiden, my sweet little brother, I want to hear more about your birds, always.
- Ailys, my patient little sister, your heart is too tender-- I must protect it.
- Cara, cousin now by marriage you've become a sister in my heart; I want to be there to see what family you and Laric create.
- Laric, my stoic cousin-- I _have_ seen you smile, just a tiny bit. I want to see you laugh.
- Reese, my cousin of steel and ribbons-- I want to see you do the amazing things you are surely meant for.
- Gabriel, my uncle-- I want to do you proud, I want to follow your footsteps.
- Silas, who else will do your paperwork? ...who will be there with you cleaning up the Iron Guard and making them proud? Someone will fill my spot, but I don't want them to.
- Aleksei, somehow you've become my best friend. You'll never forgive me if I up and died on you, I'm sure.
- Tikva, if I die I won't get to learn more about you, and I want to know it all.
- Tiber, despite my poorly phrased offers to your mother-- I want to see what kind of a man you grow into.
- Grayson, I'm not just a Voice. I am not just a Prince. I must remember-- my family, my fealty cares for and loves me. I am not just a sword to them. They would feel my loss.
- The Compact, I wish to see it safe, always.
- Iron Guard, I made promises to my guardsmen and to the compact-- we must be a bastion of what service should be.
- Gloria, I may not come across as very religious but Gloria has always inspired me to honorable combat, and while dying is not a sin... I could not go, knowing I had not strived for my best.
- Lagoma, I am not done growing, not done changing.
- Vellichor, I have not learned all that I can learn.

I have many reasons to live. I could probably spend days thinking up reasons to add to this list.

Written By Karadoc

April 1, 2017, 5:01 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Uh... More work... Calypso and Kima have asked me to answer Crown Princess Lark's summons... I've done so, and assisting where I may. Will this travesty ever end?... Surely once the siege is lifted, I can return to my tower in piece...

Written By Korka

April 1, 2017, 4:35 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

Percy has a job for me. But no idea how I work. Go look for answers in a book, he says.
So I went to the bar. Books are boring.

Written By Roran

April 1, 2017, 3:56 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Orazio

The path our lives take can often find us in surprising places. Nearly twenty years ago, Legate Orazio was there when my mother was lost to me in an act of violence without purpose or meaning. A devotion of Limerance and beautiful singer, I could find little reason in the loss of her and a bitter understanding of reality grew within me. It was Legate Orazio, then only a godsworn priest of the pantheon, who helped me through my feelings of regret and anger.

Two decades later and he is the Legate of Concepts and I am the Archlector of Lagoma. We do not always see eye-to-eye on all matters of doctrine or purpose, but I trust him and count him as a friend. I am glad to find him again here in Arx.

Written By Artorius

April 1, 2017, 2:03 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Caelis

Ever since my return to the family, I felt in the beginning I didn't know my sister like I used to. I am happy to say that notion has changed extensively.

She's the only true family I have left, aside from Serah. She is the family member closest to my heart.

I missed you Cael.

Written By Artorius

April 1, 2017, 2:02 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Ophelia

I hope she and Serah are well. I grow worried what may become of them if we lose this fight.

Ophelia's smart. She'll keep herself and my sunshine safe.

Written By Artorius

April 1, 2017, 1:36 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

The days are dark.

Legends themselves come to attack us in droves....and now, black magic stands to be our newest enemy. Or at least in my opinion.

I don't know if we will win this battle, but what I do know, is at all else, we will buy the world more time.

On my sword, I swear this.

Written By Nix

April 1, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Peregrine

The worst example of what a woman could be.

She could likely trounce me in a straight-up fight...with my leg injured as it is, at least...but should she?

No.

This world is falling apart.

Written By Nix

April 1, 2017, 1:19 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calarian

Met him in the Hall of the Dead.

So far he is just another Prince I do not like.

His wife steps in front to protect him.

HA.

Written By Magpie

April 1, 2017, 1:10 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calaudrin

Calaudrin paid me another visit last night. He's so bold. So much raw man. It was all I could do to keep myself from dragging him to a dark corner and ripping his clothing off in ecstasy and desire. Tell me, Journal... Why do I lack the courage and conviction to share my true feelings with him in person? Why must I write about them here instead in vain hopes that he'll take but a moment from his heroic day and stumble across my pining?

Oh journal! What am I to do?!

Even though there is a siege and an army of demons at our gates, my thoughts are only consumed with Calaudrin Estardes.

Magpie Estardes... it sounds nice, doesn't it?
Mag Estardes?
Calaudrin Grayhope?

Does anyone do floral arrangements? I'd like to send something to the Iron Guard barracks.

Written By Dulcinea

April 1, 2017, 12:49 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Dear Me,

I do not want to write maudlin poetry and so I shant.

Deal with it.

In utter opposition,

Me

Written By Dulcinea

April 1, 2017, 12:03 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calaudrin

Dear Me,

I mentioned, when I rhapsodised about Esoka, a man-at-arms who boldly seized the moment to become our commander. His name is Calaudrin, and it should surely be sung.

Without him, we would have lost the gate, without question. The archers would have fallen into chaos. T'was his idea to light the arrows aflame, which panicked and weakend the enemy.

Also, he stepped in a bucket of pitch and burned his leg.

T'was only a moment, but a moment of such comedy and self-deprecation in the face of such awesome responsibility and peril, still marshalling the forces without missing a beat. He was such a storybook hero then, not shining and flawless but fearless and real.

I admit, if I were not already a little in love, I'd probably follow him like a puppy, longing for just another moment of that dry wit and authenticity. He is a joy of a person. Oh ye lovelorn, take note.

I do believe he's single.

Love and Puppy Love,

Me

Written By Dulcinea

April 1, 2017, 11:48 a.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Esoka

Dear Me,

Esoka! What a brilliant, brave name for a force of nature! She's beautiful and her arms are magnificent, the arms of a woman whose blade is an extension of her every movement. I'd love arms like that, graceful lines of muscle from shoulder to wrist.

She leapt from the ramparts when we defended the Seawatch Gate. I would never have had the courage or even the notion to attempt such a mad and marvelous thing without seeing her soar. The next thing I knew, I was following her through the air, loosing arrows at a bringer on my way down.

Between the two of us, we slew the beast. The gate held. I felt such kinship and delight to have a comrade-in-arms. I am sure I shall remember her the rest of my days.

Of course, we would never have had the chance without the brilliant command of a man-at-arms who stepped up to marshal the archers -- and the brave archers, themselves. They demolished a horde of shavs, allowing Esoka and I our chance at the bringer.

By the grace and blessing of Gloria, we lost no men in the action.

I have been told that until I see a battlefield of a thousand slain, I shall never know the true nature of war. I have no doubt this is true. However, if there were ever any conflict in my heart between remaining safe home and placing myself on the lines... it is now gone.

As long as there are people to defend, I shall, no matter what cost.

Ansel shall be so very cross.

Love and Victory,

Me

Written By Orathy

April 1, 2017, 11:31 a.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Belladonna

*Written poorly*

With out me, where ya be now?
Be I was the only one be seein the arrow aimed fer yer heart...
Should be makin up fer all ill will, aye?

Written By Orathy

April 1, 2017, 11:28 a.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Lyiana

*Written poorly*

Best thing. She be stayin with me now. Be acceptin me confessions fer all tha I be doin.
Could not be havin a better woman.

Written By Orathy

April 1, 2017, 11:27 a.m.(3/12/1006 AR)

*Poorly Written*
Be I lookin ta start somethin ta deal with dem troublers...
Fer the Lowers, fer the Uppers, fer... reaching heights we ain't all but dreamin of.
I be havin me own visions 'n they be different than wha me nieces want...
Aye.
Time ta be Orathy fuckin Culler.

Written By Lailah

April 1, 2017, 10:10 a.m.(3/11/1006 AR)

Through all the darkness that surrounds us, there is some small comfort that I can find to bring light to my life. I can only hope that the gods continue to smile down at my good fortune, and allow me to begin this, the next chapter of my life. I can hardly wait.

I'll also say that while I am happy that my Aunt Ann has finally returned to Arx, I do wish it hadn't been under these conditions. I hope the siege is ended soon, and normal life can resume. I have so many plans to make.

Written By Percephon

April 1, 2017, 9:57 a.m.(3/11/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Korka

It's good to have Korka in the city. Her creativity in methods will certainly be useful during these times, and having another trustworthy member of the house such as her to help with research is a reassurance. Even she won't get too bored, what with the siege, bringers, and everything else going on at the moment.

Written By Luna

April 1, 2017, 6:55 a.m.(3/11/1006 AR)

I have written 8 drafts of a song. I have burned through several candles unable to sleep at night writing. However, this is the most current version. I may change my mind all over again in a few hours.


Starlight so far away...

We send our lights,

we pray...



Nothing will break our spirit..

We will not fear it..




Our Bones are broken..

Beaten to the ground..

With prayers spoken...

We ready for our second round..



Our dead will not be forgotten

We will defeat the evil, their begotten...



Lost souls of the City of Arx...

Light up the sky against the Dark..



Their spirits rejoin the stars...

and the war soon will be ours!




I have no idea what I am going to call it. The "Lights of Arx?" I have no idea. I need more sleep.

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