A Second Chance Article

[ry0un0suke]

Flames consume the sky near Baleford Bridge. The House of Wonders burns along with several bodies. 
Another article issue circles about.

1829AC, the Third Month
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'Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.'
 
I've titled my articles 'A Second Chance' because it is something I believe wholly. People can change for the better, I believe this. Yet in my research and studies, I've discovered quite a few things. Presented information leaves me perplexed. Why is it that Geztelle ven Pelleaux chose Isana Aertas as a guard the day lives were lost and the House of Wonders lit aflame? Was it availability? Was it strength? Was even the long reigning Stellus of Osrona tempted by the prowess occultism can provide? Isana Aertas died an occultist. I can assume it's a matter of 'use your strength wisely' before being cleansed. Yet she is sick, her mind cracks and breaks. It is a fundamental part of occultism no matter her claims to me. I'm left to wonder whether or not her cleansing ever would have occurred or, if Osrona would push it off week by week, month by month, year by year. Power corrupts. It taints. Her second chance at life lived normal and free of sickness was squandered. Dallan Aegeus too was pulled from the dead and instead, a man of faith, a devout of the Primordial Eos would sooner exchange one child's life for another. Or an infamous man whose life I saved personally from Fireblooded sacrifice, Bodil Ulf, lying to my face about attack those dear, about being one of the 'Saint' men who bred chaos. 
 
Are we truly born evil? Do any exist that are worthy of a second chance? My stance is tested and tried over and over again. Every corner presents a new reason to think just maybe we aren't... But my resolve remains. Isana was given a second chance. Dallan was given a second chance. Bodil was given a second chance. We do not need to succumb to madness, to go on murderous sprees from grief, to lie and brew chaos. Brushes with death should invigorate the souls. Not a day afterwards should be taken for granted yet every breathe breeds something vile. Those of us who continue on our paths tend to stray. Something festers within the ranks of Knights. The Knight Cortado Pelleaux, husband of the High Priestess Valeria ven Pelleaux, I implore you to cease your stray. Greed latches to good hearted men. Power allures them. Don't put yourself in a position to require a second chance. The Shimmering City will quicker kill you, as of the echoes of Amori ven Pelleaux's long rule of Osrona. Roots run deep. 
 
My research of siphoning progresses nonetheless. Those tainted and evil, corrupted by occultism, driven mad by it or perhaps you know someone and the lust for power doesn't strike you. Should you bring them to me or allow me to work on you, I will be awarding thirty-thousand coin for the first to do so. Though hopefully, greed and gain don't solely guide your actions. Many ethical decisions made only benefit ourselves. Few act for the greater good of their neighbor or a stranger. Do know that my skills path towards the total removal of mind altering magics. May we all prosper and know kindness as the sun knows to rise and fall.
 
Leones Astra
24. Never waste the chance to tell someone you love and care about them.