Communion of the Fearful

[textileFibrous]

Communion of the Fearful

One half of grief is mourning, and the other is fearful anticipation.

---

An invitation upon short notice.

Captain Nylion Alabaster of the Delphinan Royal Guard

offers public invitation to an assembly in regards to recent events which cast a shadow of despair over Meranthe.

"I wish to gather those experiencing distress or moral responsibility over the outbreak of war and the second wave of Atrellyan invasion

for a social and ceremonial assembly in which we may share our feelings, perspectives, and our hopes for the future.

I would appreciate the presence of those who can channel divine inspiration.
While not completely essential to the purpose of this assembly, it would aid greatly in its success.

It is likely that the coming years will extract a great toll from the virtuous, innocent, and wicked alike.

Under Nemea's wings, let the beloved ignite a sense of common purpose and mutual belief in ourselves and others.

This despair is great indeed, but there is no greater weapon against despair than

the soul of Meranthe, composed by each and all."

Monday 7/29, 4PM EST (TOMORROW)
Temple of Amaryllis

Coordinates 550, 800

East Hallway, 2nd Door

[textileFibrous]

The Communion concludes.

Alongside locals, visitors from

Gloomlight, the Goldlight Order, Aegis, Londo, and indeed even Midpoint

appear to have shared common ground in the course of its continuance.

When asked what they would kill and die for, an unsubtle prompt,

many shared feelings of desire to protect either their loved ones, their nations, or the world.

Others shared feelings of vengeance, and one a desire to protect nature from greed.

Some, too, a dedication toward redemption.

Captain Nylion Alabaster shared their own doubts and their faith in those present.

I am afraid.


It is my duty to act in spite of it, but I am afraid. I do not believe I can afford to die; I do not believe that those I love can afford that I do not risk it. I feel as though there is very little that I can do but struggle, and hope that in the end that the struggle had been worth it.

. . .

... I can barely believe in me. I can't know that any of you will achieve the things you desire. In fact, I imagine some of your futures are exclusive; I imagine some of you must be disappointed for the others to be pleased.


But I believe in you.

In the aftermath of these convictions Nylion asked that those present reciprocate that belief.

... I ask that you believe in someone who wishes that they could be the hero that you deserve. Someone who could slay every Imperfect which rises, who could comfort you at your bedside as you die. Whose heart could break a million times, and which could still mourn you in the end.


I want... So terribly, to take the risks necessary to do something better than good. I want... so terribly, to throw away my fear of revealing my flaws.

... I ask that you believe in me. And I ask that even should you come to blows, that you believe in the spirit and soul of Meranthe. That it will survive any apocalypse and remember, that the next may be survived. That in the end -

our hopes will persist, in the people that we leave behind.

The dragon Yurekasme shared a measure of their convictions, persisting in rumors which surround the event.

I have spoken to many; and all of these. All of the individuals I have spoken to, have brought me to one conclusion. One that has defined my purpose anew.

Man, monster - the one thing that cuts through all.


Hope.
Hope in your fellow man.
Hope for a better tomorrow...

And it is for that reason, that, even if I am opposing sides to some who live here - that I hold hope for them. Hope for a tomorrow where we can all sit together, and one day talk like normal people. For if we allow demons, monsters, and our own doubts to destroy our way of life, then, what are we as people?

Captain Nylion Alabaster manifested an empathic field extended from their wellspring magic, allowing those present to share their feelings with one another more directly. It is reported that Captain Alabaster momentarily manifested killing intent prior to offering Yurekasme a promise that should their respective peoples ever come into conflict, they would be offered captive amnesty.

Attendants considered this exchange somewhat uncomfortable. By all accounts the assembly was very peaceable regardless.

The sanctuary of Nemea seemed to respond to this gathering. A lingering sense of grief subsumed by hope remains within the sanctuary for some time, offering warmth and solace to those who hold fear and sorrow in their hearts.