[Filter: Those involved with Lahn]

Well! I've never seen an enemy fall so neatly into a trap. For a force organized enough to take us by surprise in a storm, they certainly crumbled quickly, didn't they?

Lady Anemone, I would pull your Pegasus Knights back as soon as you are able. It's clear now that there is little that will prevent us from taking back Lahn, but your position is by far the most vulnerable.

We'll meet in Lahn shortly, I've no doubt. The rest of this is mostly follow through, I would say. It wouldn't do to allow so many of these men to flee that they prove to be a nuisance once more, when they've regrouped.

[Atsirian]

What is going on out there! Sands alive, that's a damn racket! It sounds like the entire market is lined up outside out front door. I'm going to go do something about it, I can't take this anymore!

[a pause]

Oh --

Um, Ethne ...

[Filter: The Dentorians and Lahn]

My knights and I are ready, whenever you are. I have as many Pegasus knights available as I could on such short notice, but it still numbers slightly over two hundred. As soon as they begin their attack, I expect you and your men to begin the pincer attack as soon as we have their attention. We will not survive out there long. You must join the battle quickly.

Still, I don't like this. Surely there is another way that doesn't involve such a risky initial attack.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Well, perhaps cost is an issue. Or rather, it will become an issue if this is too little too late. Haha, perhaps this has to be my last large gift until my revenue begins to flow again...

[Filter: Reiz, in Atsirian]

How would you like to help me bring your sister the gift that will win me back her heart?

[Filter: Lahn Related]

Our scouts have reported we're an hour's march from Lahn's walls -- and slightly less than that from the enemy encampment. If we're going to move, we need a plan for what we're doing now, before we're seen and our advantage is gone.

... our scouts have also reported that the seige does ... not appear to be going well. Are you all alright, within those walls?

Wooow, I can't believe how much easier everything has been this week! Just one more person on the Council has made such a big difference! Ellisae Eshene has been amazing!

Now that I can see how much difference she's made, oh my gosh! I can't believe how hard it must have been for you all before Edalene appointed Connor and I! How did you ever have time to breathe??

[Filter: Private]

I know all about it, of course.

What Easterner doesn't? The heir to Eina, killed in a dreadful battle, and Ruseia named heir. Everyone knew Valtes, and everyone knew Ruseia. They settled, they knew what to expect. Drysi was long gone by then, but we were still around, Asher and I, and though he was probably already too far gone, I knew what it meant. Ruseia was not the heir anyone expected. Gebann, that might have been one thing, but he was dead, and there was no wishing it better. Ruseia would change Eina, and no one knew if it would be for the better or for the worse.

And now -- Gebann, back from the dead. Valtes and Ruseia slain.

This country keeps changing before my very eyes. I only hope it's for the better. ... I pray it's for the better. It's so hard to say.

[Filter: Aekaran]

Do you think they're going to herd us too much farther?

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

At least that went well. Perhaps it will be easier to just not fight her and hope she doesn't cause too much damage. And if she does ...

But that only works with Laina on the Council. Which brings everything back around, crashing down on my shoulders. And the only question I find myself wishing I could answer is whether I would have done such a thing without it being Melyndra's condition. I ...

I do love her, more than I dare admit, to her or to myself. She has been a much needed solace, especially when nothing else would help. She kept me from-

[Filter: Ellisae, in Atsirian]

I know I have already asked you too many questions but I dare not assume anything at a time like this and so I must ask you one more.

If I agree to this, will you stand by my side?

[Filter: Private]

I just keep thinking about it. It's a bit funny since people have finally stopped asking all the time too now. Grandpa would call that Murphy's Law, I'm sure. I always wondered who Murphy was. Probably a grumpy old friend of his~

I should talk to Halster about it but I don't want to get him all excited for nothing. I need to be a little more sure first that this is the time. Not that I know how I'll figure that one out but I'm going to have to think of something.

[Filter: Private]

I'm trying really hard to listen to what Father Leo has to say and to do what he tells me too but it's still so hard. Especially since he actually thinks I need to find a way to forgive Destin for what he's done to us. Forgive him. I don't even know how I ever could do that. I can't. I just can't.

But I do know it wasn't my fault. Everyone is so sure of that, even if sometimes I'm not. But I can keep reminding myself and then someday I won't need reminding anymore.

If only Tristan would stop crying so much. Violet wasn't this fussy when she was that age. It just gets too loud to think sometimes.

It's gotten better but only by a little. And then later this month is ... No. I don't even want to think about that yet.

[Filter: Alastair]

You know, my love, I do believe I just saw Evandi pulling out his own hair. Dare I even ask what you have asked him for funds for this time?

Are you planning to leave anything for us to actually live on?

[Filter: Private]

With everything else that's been going on, I'd almost forgotten about all that ... stuff. I guess we all sort of thought it was just stories made up to scare people before. But it sounds like we were wrong.

Oh Narenwin, what am I getting us into with all this?

[the page is crumpled and torn]

[Filter: Private]

Oh Dragons ... what a mess. There's so much work to be done I can hardly keep up with it all. This pile is done, that pile is growing, the other pile I don't even want to deal with ... and the life around me is just fading away. No one has any energy left anymore and our training sessions seem to be doing little to help the soldiers' morale. The state of my office is a complete disaster ... it's as if we had a blizzard in here.

Dragons, I should give myself a break. Just for a few hours ...

[pause]

Oh, but not before --

[Filter: Those in Rayla, Dame Harriet, Kray]

Hello Dame Harriet, Lord Kray ... I just wanted to check on the both of you, to make sure everything was all right and to check on progress.

From the entry I saw the other day, Lord Kray, it didn't seem like you've run into any issues. I really do hope that everything continues to go smoothly ...

[Filter: Eric]

Have you made any progress with your soldiers?

[Filter: Hana, in Kilian]

Oh darling, you look frazzled again tonight. Is it still about that boy or has something else happened?

You should come tell me all about it over a good bottle of wine. Or at least a bottle of wine, I'm not sure how good it will be but it should at least be better than nothing~

My dear Felicia, your mother requested that I write to you today to ask about how things are faring for you and the baby? It has been so long since I saw anything written about things in Lireth so when she asked after it I found I really had nothing to tell her. So please, do be a dear and help me put her mind at ease.

[slight pause]

And of course Bunny is eager to hear any news as well.

I don't think I like any of my clothes any more. I'm just sick of how they look and feel. I think I should just get rid of the whole lot of them. Right now.

[pause]

There, done. I'll just go buy some new ones, I'm sure that is what Mother meant for me to do with the money she sent me last week. What other use could I possibly have for it, except to buy some pretty things?

Of course, that does leave the interesting question of what I am going to wear tomorrow.

Jocelyn told me today that I look tired. I think this is probably not a good sign, since usually the only thing she's paying attention to these days are dresses and jewels. Plus there's the fact that Brigit agrees with her. Actually, she might have even put the girl up to saying something about it, you never know.

And I can't really argue otherwise either.

But this beginning of spring has given me an idea that perhaps it might be good to go to the countryside for a weekend, just with my wife and lovely children, not to mention my gooddaughter and future grandchild. I know this weekend may be short notice but I think we could all use some time away.

Or at least I could.

[Filter: Private]

He's here, in Nallen. He'll come to see me when I tell him he can.

Oh Dragons, I still don't know how to handle this, how to prepare. And just ... what do I do? I know I keep asking myself the same questions over and over and I even come up with answers but how do I know that they are the right ones?

I don't. I just don't.

It won't be much longer now till I'm back in Temair. Sometimes I just can't believe how fast time has flown by, especially now that I'm trying desperately to study and remember everything I've learned so I can write my exams. I will have to try and convince Luke to help me with that because I feel certain that there is so much I am forgetting. Though it could just be nerves~ Tests always make me nervous.

At least the weather has been perfect for travel, with the sun shining down and making the whole world glow. The countryside is just pretty as a picture in the morning. And in the afternoon and evening too.

I miss my son.

Even though I know that what I am doing here in Lusent is valuable and important, I cannot help but think of him so far away. It is not the first time I have had to leave him for a long period of time but it is still difficult. At least now he is old enough to understand why.

[Filter: Cameryn]

I know you may not have time to write these days but I still hope that all is well with you and all those at your side. The people here are very grateful for your efforts as well.

[Filter: Alm [Filter: Private]

No, none of that. I've already brought her into all of this too much as it is. And it still would be ... going back on what we agreed, even if only indirectly.

It can be so hard though, sometimes ...

[Filter: Public]

That was quite the party the other night, was it not? Of course, I expect nothing less from my family here.

I also have some more news of Piers, my dance instructor. He has written again saying that he should arrive in the city in just over a week. I cannot wait to see him, even though I am unable to dance at the moment. Perhaps he and the healers could at least determine what exercises I am allowed to do, so I do not lose my form completely.

[Filter: Karlesta, in Atsirian]

... you have seemed more on edge that I'd have hoped since the party. It went very well, you know, aside from the disturbance with Lord Robert, and we put that down easily. Everyone is talking about it. A historic occassion, one that will be remembered forever, and you were in the centre of it. Do you realize that?

[Filter: Private]

Dragons, if he didn't just tell me he was going to help me train ... he's such an asshole, wow. Maybe he just doesn't have people skills, but whatever! That's no excuse.

I guess I'll just have to come back to visit her some other time.

[Filter: Kayla]

Hey, so ... I'm glad you had an awesome birthday!

It was kind of funny all of the reactions your family gave me when I got here, heh. They were so shocked. I thought you were going to tell them!

Anyway ... I have to go back now, but um ... remember how I said I'd be able to visit you again maybe next week? Yeah ... I don't think I can do that anymore. I'm sorry ... something just suddenly came up and I really don't think I can miss out on this.

[Filter: Private]

Eina...you've changed so much since I left you. Lord Valtes and Lady Ruseia, dead. Lord Gebann is alive...Father Mulcahy...

Lord Gebann will be a good ruler, though. He's a nice person, he sounds so devoted to everyone and everything. I'm glad him being dead was only a rumor after all. Dragons, please guide and protect him and the rest of House Eina as best you can.


[Filter: Public]

One of the older sisters at the temple suggested I start learning how to use healing magic, if I have it in me. I've never tried to use a staff or anything like that...I wonder if I do and never realized it before?

It's worth a try, I guess.

[Filter: Private]

Honestly can't find a damned good reason why I shouldn't give the kid a chance. I'm not saying I like taking on charity cases, but who the fuck knows? The kid might have potential.

Dragons, what the hell am I turning into.

[Filter: ... Ren]

Kid.

Here's the deal.

You get one chance. You show me what you got. If I like what I see, I'll give you a shot.

[Filter: Private]

Heh, so it looks like things are finally starting to look up for that group ... that's good. I don't know what's been going on, but I know they were going through a lot ... and they're always hiding behind filters. That's really no different from Rayla has been, though, is it? I mean ... there's so much shit that needs to be hidden from prying eyes. Who knows how many people on here are actually the bad guys?

Man ... I remember when all I ever did was talk to the people on these journals, just for the hell of it. Then all this shit with the war and everything ... I know this is Korin, but ... I guess it never really dawned on me, before everything happened.

... and then with Lara

[pause]

I --


yeah, I need to get back to work, here. These damn soldiers don't seem to give a fuck. Some of them still remember me and like me ... but the others seem, I don't know, maybe wary of me or something?

It's like they think I'm going to tattle on them or something. If they had seen me before I left, they wouldn't even be worrying about that.

Jeff's father's birthday is in a few weeks and this year I want to get him something. I never have before, but after what he did for me and Jeff, well...not to mention I've gotten to know him better now and kinda think of him as a friend. Trouble is, I dunno what to get him. Jeff says he's into books, but it's not easy like with James. James will read anything, but Jeff's father is really picky.

[Filter: Arwen, in Kilian]

I have a question, Arwen. I hope you don't mind it too terribly much.

[Filter: Franelcrew]

That was ... a good funeral. A good service. I think it is what Andrew would have liked. And thank you, Gebann, for allowing him a place in your family's graves. I thought he would be with us until the end. I truly did.

Andrew was a kind and generous man to all who knew him. He was always ready with a supportive word or a willing ear. He loved peace as much her he loved music. I think most of us mistook his nature as a lack of bravery on his part. I am sorry that we can only understand now how much courage he held in his heart, to die himself willingly for what he held dear. Yet, it should not have surprised us, for with that act, he did us a great kindness.

For service, for faith, for valour, Andrew, I declare you a knight of my House. Franel will remember your sacrifice.

That went far better than I could have possibly hoped for. This is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.



To those who are not present within the city of Eina, I have mixed news to report, before rumors from the last two days spread beyond my control.

I, Lord Gebann, have returned to Eina only to learn of the death of my father, Lord Valtes of Eina, and my eldest sister, Lady Ruseia. The former was taken by assassination, and the later through a tragic accident. I have taken over as Reigning Lord of Eina in their absence, as it is my birthright.

[Filter: Private]

Lord Gebann of Eina. I will never be used to hearing it.

[Filter: Jace]

Was there a happy ending, Jacey?

[Filter: Private]

Whatever. I don't care. She probably deserved it anyway. I don't care.

[Filter: Col]

What's going on with you and Lenore?

[Filter: Public]

Eri, I heard you came by looking for me earlier today. Sorry, I was out with Col, we were just walking around the city. Is it something really important? You should have told me you were coming by.

[Filter: The Romani, the Dragon Knight, and the Priestess]

It's a shame we have to be back on the road already. I could get used to spending the day like we did yesterday. Partying all day, watching the moons at night while telling stories.

Then it had to be ruined by being woken up at the crack of dawn, and another day of tedious travel. How much farther we got, Dragon Knight? I haven't a damn clue where we're at.

[Filter: Mother]

There's so much I need to tell you. You might want to sit down before you read any further. This is going to be long, and you probably won't believe it all, on your first read. But I swear it's true.

[pause]

Lord Valtes and Lady Ruseia are both dead. Lord Gebann has returned to Eina to take over as its heir in truth.

... Actually, to tell the truth ... Gebann has always been with us. We brought him here, and I knew what he was planning from the start. It didn't happen the way he hoped it would -- Valtes was assassinated several days ago, and the story that we'd been telling Ruseia to keep us her honored guests here didn't hold up under the interrogation she lead in response to it. She threw us all in the dungeons, yesterday morning. Only ... she didn't get all of us.

I don't know exactly how Ruseia died. The people who were there aren't saying. But she's gone, I know that for sure. And two of our friends freed Gebann from where Ruseia had been holding him, separate from the rest of us, and after we realized Ruseia was dead, Gebann revealed himself to Lady Martha, and ...

The public announcement is today. Gebann is taking over as Lord of Eina, in truth. Word will spread all over Korin, probably, if it can make it past everything happening out there. But these journals will probably help with that, won't they?

That's not all, though ...

The rest is about, well ... Forna.

House Drysi wasn't responsible for what happened to Forna.

Keran of Sarrca came to Valtes of Eina and struck a bargain. Forna was the biggest threat to both their power, and Keran proposed an alliance. They joined forces, fell on Forna, destroyed everything and retreated before anyone knew what was happening. Gebann tried to stop it. Ruseia ... Ruseia, though ... she helped lead the attack.

Then Sarrca found a way to pin all the blame on Drysi. No one ever knew.

Gebann wants nothing more than revenge on Sarrca, for what they enabled his sister to do. He could be the ally we need, against Lord Keran.

It's still early, but ...

I wanted you to know all of this. I wanted you to know that there's hope, after all. This isn't just a pretend game, anymore. As far as I'm concerned -- Taerin and Eina are allies. Even if Rayla falls ... Eina never will.

And if anyone can prove a match for Lord Keran of Sarrca ... it's Lord Gebann of Eina.

Haa, I almost wrote a filter, myself~ Goodness, it's so strange not having anything to hide! I'm not sure I'm used to it. Hello, everyone out there~ I hope you've all had a very nice year! Have you missed us all? Haa~

Now, for what I wrote to say -- Gebann, dear, I want to tell you not to push yourself out there. I know you feel like a hero right now, but your sister did quite a number on you. You're much more injured than you feel, especially with that peacebloom tea in you. We're all going to be cheering you while you make your little speech and set records straight, but it would not be inspiring if you fell on your face~

[Kilian]

...well.

Last week I had a new student join the class I've been teaching. He's...how to put this mildly...


I think I've encountered my first major challenge as a teacher. This boy is one of the most difficult people I've ever met in my life! He's sullen, refuses to do his work, makes snide comments during my lessons and is a distraction to the other students! I thought perhaps he was just nervous during the first few days and once he got used to everyone he'd calm down, but no! He's as much of a terror as he was his first day!

...maybe he just needs another week to adjust. His family just moved here from Paschal and his mother says the city is rather intimidating to him and his older sister. I can understand that.

[Filter: Lissandra and Stephanie]

I ...

I can't write for very long right now. Father needs me. Edeyn just left after talking with him for so long ... I think she's going to go and get ready to meet with the Aelvir leaders when they get here. Father would have gone too, but ...

I haven't seen him this upset for a long time. Not since ... not for a very long time.

[Filter: Private ; in Kilian]

I should've worked harder. That's hilarious, coming from me, isn't it? Erin would actually laugh. If I worked harder, I'd be in a better position to tell Desmund to get home, right now, I can handle everything while he's gone. I'm still just another underling student hard at work on a thesis. I was stupid for thinking I could finish this in two years. It's like a summary of every school report Mother and Father got for me. "Liam is clever, but does not apply himself." My entire personality, in one sentence.

[Filter: Aurnia ; in Kilian]

I was wondering ... has your father ever spent a Moon Festival with you?

[Filter: F

... ah. I ... I suppose that's not neccessary anymore ... is it?

What a ... a nice feeling, not to have to hide ...

-- I need a map. A map of Korin will suffice, but a map of Eire would be better. Ah -- thank you.

[Filter: Private]

I don't know. I wish I could tell her. I'm just a coward. A big stupid girly- I wish I could tell Irving, but he wouldn't understand. he never understands. I-

[Filter: Franelcrew]

The Eclipse, it's starting. The moons are-

Whatever is supposed to happen, please happen.

[Filter: Franelcrew]

Guys ...

I know there isn't a lot of window to see through here, but I swear -- those moons are getting really close, here, and we haven't heard from Elden or Fayre in a while, and Celeste is still down here, and --

And, uh, Keagan's in here with me, and it's just us, and sorry Keagan, but I don't really ... I don't ...

[Filter: Private]

The number of times I've spent this holiday's conclusion on a temple's rooftop ... alone. Almost too many to count. Yet, I've not had enough for that to be true... This is a city where I don't have to play by the rules. I could let myself slip. Spent my moon gazing with a woman of a looser sort. I don't want to, though. I just want ...

I'd prefer to be watching the moons grow ever closer in Megam.

Not much longer until they touch in all honesty, and no one to share the experience...

thank you for coming out with me tonight col~ ♥ i have never gotten to watch the eclipse with someone special before. it has always been with grandma or granddad, and eri sometimes.

do you like the dumplings? i made them just for you. they're grandma's recipe. i have more at home, if i didn't bring enough.

[Filter: Private]

Hah.

The two of them, sneaking off like young things. Mikaela isn't going to be the first little bit happy, when she realizes what happened -- which is going to be any moment now. I'll get a damn earful the entire way hope, at the very least.

But ... hah. But I would sit there and watch them sneak off with my own eyes every day, just for that look on her face.

Makes me think.

I married Mikaela, and I never loved her a whit. But then, look at these two. If that's not a real partnership ...

... maybe these Goddess weirdos have some good thoughts, after all.

[Filter: Fayre]

I'm not sure he can make it.

[Filter: Aes, in Atsirian]

Hm. Aes Eshene, I do hate to be a bother, but ... well!

I have heard some worrisome things about Lord Robert, tonight. And I was hoping that you could reassure me, perhaps? You all did make absolutely certain that there was no avenue for him to cause trouble, tonight, I hope?

Well, as glorious as that party was, I think I'm more than ready to go find a good spot to watch the eclipse. Amelie, I hope your brother isn't going to tail us thinking that I'm going to try anything. Especially since I've been on my very best behavior all day! He has no reason to think ill of me. Though he probably does anyway.

I suppose there's a few people sticking around the court a bit longer, but so many people have left already, and I don't want to get a poor spot on the cliff.

[This entire post is very slowly written, and has an almost etched look to the letters.]

URNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL THIS IS MY JOURNAL

THIS IS MY JOURNAL

[Filter: Franelcrew]

please work. you have to work.

do you remember where the war room was? where they took us to be interrogated? one floor before there, there's a door hidden behind a tapestry. you need to get there. you need to come find me. someone. anyone.

we have to stop ruseia.

[Filter: Franelcrew]

Elden and I are in the castle. No worries, dears, they haven't any idea it's us. We can move freely enough, but we're being careful, obviously. The library is likely a suspicious place to be in of itself, and we're still not sure if Ruseia has posted any ... hm, knowledgeable guards. Or how many, if so.

However, one thing is clear -- Ruseia has been missing, for some time. People are very nervous, festivities have been delayed. How long as she been down there, now, do you think?

I assume there has still been absolutely no word from Lady Celeste.

I knew Josiah would win!!

Oh, what a lovely tourney that was! Everyone was so very brave and gallant! And it's ended just at the perfect time, look at how lovely the sunset is!

I can't think of the last time we had such a splendid, perfect day! And the victory feast hasn't even begun!

I'm so excited, my tummy's been making the most embarrassing noises for just hours! I swear I can smell the dumplings, already, can't you?