Summer, 2173AC.
 
The Realm of Delphina had grown quiet in the wake of Viritas' pyrrhic victory. Hou Zho the Sable, executed and mourned, a fleeting curse passed. Laurels lined the streets in the wake of the army's return, doubled thrice over by the recent marriage of the Duke and Heir-Luminary. Rumors of the Duke's resignation as Marshal held true, at least until this eve, the appearance of viridian fins and ivory coils presiding over the mechanisms of war. Were the rumors true or had he returned to the fight?
 

 

Quote:"In my youth, I used to believe courage meant steeling your heart to charge into battle, knowing it might be your last. In my age, I have found that courage is waking up each day to face those you have failed.
 
I have failed all of you. In trying to make a better world, I made men into weapons. Instead of teaching to live, I taught instead how men might better face death.
  
Yet we endure, we hope. We are the unbroken tide." - Kalione Meandersong, during his second inaugural speech.

 

 
The tides stirred, sins laid bare beneath the blazing summer sun and its endless cerulean sky. Sweat streaked the faces of Elzaran and Suladari soldiers, fresh faces and veterans, all given new purpose. Delphina's armies training under new ideals, marching with renewed purpose. Gulinda Goldfins is rumored to have been supplying soldiers with lucky sea dollars.
 

 

Quote:"Let us break them before they destroy what we have bled to build."

 

 
TARGET: Monolith
OBJECTIVE: Destruction
DATE: TBA

The tempo of war is far from foreign among those whom have done little but thrive off the very concept. It is with the rumors of not only the current conflict they indulge, but the very future of a march that gains the interest of those whom now stay for the promise of wealth, and purpose provided to those ambitious enough to chase the ideal dream spoken amongst the band. Their hearts are steeled, blood still made to run as hot as the very lava which flows within Glufdor's peak.

Quote:"Years spent, bolstering oneself in search of the peak of human spirit has taught me nothing else other than what strife comes with seeking the true potential that lies within. Every encounter is not but a twist within the path, bearing the question of whether or not one's dream can be propped up by will alone. 

Many of you believe you walk towards death, but what worth is there in seeking salvation through the mere means of survival? Every battle, is but a testament to the potential we have observed within ourselves, and beyond the very veil itself.

That is why hereon this shall be as fleeting, unlike the countless seasons spent abiding by concepts made to shackle the spirit. When they march? Show them the visceral nature harnessed by those whom have thrived in not but adversity... With it, Monolith shall stand and in its success where you see the birth of a new ideal.

The so-called desecration of life beneath the boots of divinity. The end of eternal concepts.... No, longevity itself.

No. More. Thrones. "

With his words spoken, preparations for the ensuing skirmish to defend its walls were thusly set in motion.