[Haven] Bringing Together the Past and Future...

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 3 Cylus

Haven was buzzing with excitement. Every person in Haven was busy, whether helping with the food or hauling out tables and logs, wanting to help the settlement put its best foot forward. It was Reclamation Trial, and everyone was busy getting the settlement ready for the arrival of the Hopetoun settlers, who would be visiting for the first time later that trial.

When she thought about what the trial meant to her, there were moments when the young woman had to stop and take a breath. There was beauty, joy, and sadness there, and part of honoring the trial's purpose was to acknowledge that it was alright to feel all those things, all at the same time.

As much as her mind worked and chewed on things, she often considered how everything connected, even though it was very evident that they did. Elisabeth found symbolism everywhere and utilized the time after her dress fitting that morning to do as the trial asked of people – reflect on the lives lost during the eruption and its aftermath, as well as of the bravery of the settlers who came back to Faldrass to start over.

For Elisabeth, who hadn’t lost loved ones or everything she owned in the eruption, trying to imagine what the settlers had endured was heartbreaking. In speaking to the people of Haven, she knew the stories, but there was a disconnect for her. The mage hadn’t been present during the eruption, and by the time she had met the settlers, it had been several seasons past.

Darius and Balthazar had been there. Right there. They understood. Elisabeth wouldn’t pretend or promise the Faldrassians that she grasped the vast array of emotions caused by their experiences, but she did promise to help them as best she could as they all moved forward – together.

Reclamation trial would also be the first official event of the two settlements in Haven, and the idea of that brought a smile to her face. It had long been a goal of hers to bring Hopetoun and Haven together. So much so that it had been one of her first priorities, working with Darius on ways to do just that[/skill].

Beyond everything else, Elisabeth was happy that Balthazar would be in attendance to share the experience with her. He was often absent with work, and it weighed on her, although she never said anything. Nothing needed to be said; Balthazar could feel her emotions. It was just something they needed to endure, although if there were to be a silver lining, she cherished the time they did get to spend together all the more.

Never lost on her was the feeling that Balthazar was purposely distancing himself from settlement matters, which was fine in a general sense. Haven was her responsibility now and Elisabeth accepted that, but he had asked her opinion often during the early trials of Haven, and she wanted him to understand that there was value in his opinion to her. He was a part of the settlement and it's history - an important part - and the young woman was thrilled he was there with them.



The trial had worn on, and preparations continued. Fires and torches in Haven came alive. The settlement bonfire, which had seen its fair share of story nights, was blazing. Additional logs had been scattered about to accommodate their guests. Settlers rushed to finish the food, and long tables erected to hold such. Delilah had volunteered to make sure the little parchment boats were made, enlisting the help of Kenwyn, Osian, and a few others. One really wouldn’t know it looking at her, but the girl had a bossy streak when needed.

Darius’ ship, The Libertalia, arrived, along with another. The Haven settlers greeted the longboats that came ashore, helping offload people or hold the boats steady as needed. Once the people took care of that, they immediately welcomed their guests with warm greetings and invitations to warm themselves next to the bonfire.

Elisabeth wove through the arrivals, smiling and shaking hands as the opportunity presented itself, on the lookout for Hopetoun’s leader and her friend.

[Darius Baer]

Arc 722, 3rd of Cylus

Darius was up before dawn.

It was not a common occurrence for him to rise so early - only the bakers and the night watch were conscious when he clambered out of bed and made his way out of the settlement - but this trial was anything but common.

He had sailed to Hopetoun from the council meeting in Almund as soon as it had finished to ensure he was in the settlement on this date.

It was colloquially known as the Black Baer Trial. That name both flattered and bothered the Scalvorian. It had been named in honour of himself and Balthazar Black for their efforts in returning Faldrassian refugees to their homes.

But it was a cloak that had never felt comfortable when it had adorned Darius' shoulders. In his view, the settlers themselves were the ones who deserved to be honoured. It was they who had lost their homes and loved ones. The blond mariner had seen their anguish during
the evacuation. That some of them didn't dare to return only served to highlight the bravery of those who did.

Darius made his way along the path towards the dock, reflecting on how quiet it was at such an early break. Only his footsteps accompanied his thoughts as he reached the end of the jetty and sat down on the last two planks of wood. The surrounding Cylus fog ensured he would be able to have this time to himself and out of sight of anyone else.

Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a piece of paper and began folding it. His fingers moved slowly but smoothly, turning the paper over as he silently focused on each line and fold. Before a single bit had passed, he stopped, satisfied that he had completed his task. His dark grey eyes studied his creation - a small, paper boat - and he leant down and placed it gently atop the water of the Hollow Sea.

It bobbed atop the gentle morning ripples, but it remained stable and held its own, drifting slowly away as the tide carried it out and into the harbour.



The anchor of the Libertalia plunged into the ocean, its metal chain rattling as it ran through the hawsepipe. Beside them rested the Sunburst - a sloop once known as the Dread Otter - doing the same.

Longboats were lowered, and a combination of sailors and Hopetounian settlers clambered aboard and began to row towards shore. Darius, garbed in a thick fur coat, watched on from the deck of the brig.

Not all of the settlers had come. A small number had remained behind to ensure Hopetoun was protected, and to keep fresh produce from going to waste. They would find their own way to commemorate the trial, on their own or in small groups.

Darius ensured he was the last person to climb into a longboat. From his vantage point at the prow, he could see through the gloom to where the settlers were gathering on the shore and being greeted by the Havenites. Many enjoyed heartfelt reunions, for Faldrass was not a large place, and many Hopetounians knew their hosts from before the eruption.

The bearded blond soon joined them, and returned the hugs, pats on the back, and handshakes that were sent his way. As he did, he kept an eye out for Astra, who had landed with one of the earlier longboats. The crew of the Libertalia were as much guests as anyone, for they had not only helped to evacuate the Faldrassians, but they had also played a key role in their return to the island.

As he turned towards where he thought he had last seen the half-biqaj, a different - but still very familiar - face filled his vision. Elisabeth Angelus, leader of Haven, stood before him. This time it was Darius who initiated a firm embrace, the hem of his thick coat swirling around his ankles in the process.

"Thank you for hosting us," he said, his smile audible through his gravelly voice. "It's good to be doing this together."

[Balthazar Black]

3 Cylus 722

It was always strange to be in Haven. It felt like home and yet at the same time it felt like a vacation destination. He was always working unless he was in Haven and when he was in Haven, he was generally working on things he enjoyed. He never thought that he would really be able to make it back to Haven for Reclamation Trial but with the wedding preparations looming, he found the time. He was happy that he did. He spent most of the trial moving around the settlement with Robin and helping the settlers prepare for the celebration to come. Balthazar didn't put as much sentiment into holidays these trials as the others did. He'd travelled enough that traditions and local customs all meant a little less to him than others. It really was just another trial.

Balthazar couldn't forget what had happened on Faldrass, even if he did not think that the same trial an arc later was significant. He had been in the middle of it. Darius had as well. The only difference was that Balthazar would always wonder if he could have prevented it by simply telling those with wounded pride to sit down and shut up. He was too young. He always thought the worst of what people would think of him. However the more that people put him down or the more they disagreed with his decisions, the less he found himself caring about the opinions of others. If a little political blowback meant stopping another eruption, Balthazar would say and do whatever he thought was necessary. Alas it was not the trial for concerns like that.

As distant as Balthazar had been, the settlers remembered him. While Elisabeth had gone through the Forging, Balthazar had been in Haven taking care of his people. He wanted to go, he had almost gotten into a fight with the Flame Troopers assigned to him, but he had not. He stayed through the cold with his settlers. Little things like that were not easily forgotten and the distance he'd imposed seemed to ensure the settlers only thought about the positives when they saw him again. That might have been partially due to Elisabeth's influence though. It was well known that she had a large soft spot when it came to Balthazar. More justified than Pylos, but similar in perspective according to some.

Balthazar was tending to the bonfire as only a defier could when he first noticed Darius's ship on the sea. He didn't think much of it until it grew closer, focusing instead on maintaining the fire that he was building with the settlers. It was a small but simple application of defiance. They'd piled all the wood together and Balthazar started the fire using a fireball he conjured with his diri Fuego rather than with his spark. After it started burning, he turned to his spark and coaxed the flames to rise higher. When the fire was strong enough to stand alone, Balthazar left Robin with instructions to keep putting wood in and went to greet the longships bringing Hopetoun's settlers to Haven.

When he arrived, he saw that Darius and Elisabeth had already found each other. Balthazar cast a passive glance around to see if he recognized any other faces as he made his way towards the duo. He stopped behind the both of them and stood quietly as to avoid interrupting whatever conversation they were having. When he saw a moment, he announced himself by clearing his throat and saying "I trust you didn't crash into him this time, Elisabeth? It's good to see you, Darius."

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 3 Cylus

Darius located her in the crowd, and before she knew it, Elisabeth found herself enveloped in a hug. Many things weighed on her mind and heart, but she pushed them to the side for the trial, wanting to be present in the moment. The remembrance event had more to do with Darius, Balthazar, and the settlers, and she made sure to keep that in mind when thinking about the evening activities.

Embracing the blond sailor back, she smiled, releasing him gently. “It was right to share this trial. I’m hoping it will be an enjoyable time for all of us.”

Gesturing over to a nearby table, Elisabeth drew attention to its contents. Hopetoun’s leader was greeted by the sight of dozens upon dozens of little colorful paper boats. “I figured that we could all gather by the bonfire, with you and Balthazar talking about the first few trials.” Had it really been an arc since then?

“Then, perhaps some people could take longboats to carry the paper boats out past the breaking waves and release them?” Having watched waves for almost an arc now, Elisabeth knew if they tried to release the boats from shore, they would simply come back to the beach, which wasn’t part of the plan.

Balthazar caught up with them, prompting her to smile brightly at her husband-to-be. “I controlled myself this time, love. He’s still on his feet and everything.”

While she was happy, things were lingering under the surface. The trial was important but reminded her of Haven’s difficult start – a start she wasn’t even involved in. It was challenging, so Elisabeth had focused on what she could and hoped everything would align to provide a memorable evening.

“I thought after, perhaps, we could eat and then tell stories around the bonfire.” Stories were an essential part of Haven’s identity. It hadn’t been something Elisabeth consciously encouraged, but it was just something that had developed over the seasons – telling stories around the bonfire.

Sometimes they were big stories, like that of the Forging, or her encounters with various Immortals. In truth, most of the stories were more minor in nature but no less significant.

Looking to Darius and Balthazar, she wondered if either had anything else to add to the schedule. She, in this case, was simply the facilitator and host, and it was important to her to know their thoughts.

[Darius Baer]

Darius was always glad to see Elisabeth, but he noted that her mood was somewhat reserved. That was to be expected, of course, given the reason for their reunion, and his storm grey eyes noted the tone of the Videnese as she spoke.

There was an earnestness to the brunette's words that Darius could not help but respect. Elisabeth was clearly aware of how seriously the settlers were taking the trial. An anniversary of the return to Faldrass would inevitably bring back reminders of why they had left the island in the first place, and of those who never made it to the ships for the evacuation.

It was a time for reflection and grief, but it was also an opportunity to celebrate what had been accomplished since the settlements had been established. And it seemed that the leader of Haven had planned accordingly.

"Aye, I think it would be good if someone said something," he agreed, fully aware that 'someone' likely included him. "And launching the boats at sea makes sense, now that the tide has turned."

Low tide had passed less than a break before, meaning that the currents would only bring the paper boats back to shore.

It was then that Darius heard a throat being cleared and a familiar voice, and he turned with a grin.

"Good to see you, too," he returned Balthazar's greeting, extending an arm as he did so. "As you can see, Elisabeth has let me remain on my feet...for once."

Their collision in Viden was something of a private joke, now. It had initially been an embarrassing episode for Darius, but the fact that they could now find humour in it was strangely reassuring.

"Would you be willing to say something to the settlers, Balthazar?" he asked. "I think having both of us speak could provide a strong message of unity."

That message meant a lot to Darius. At times, it could be easy to feel like they were on their own, trying to create a new existence on a volcanic island. But it helped to be reminded from time to time that there was another well-established settlement that was doing the same thing.

"Do you need a hand with any of the preparations?" he asked Elisabeth.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 3 Cylus

As Balthazar joined them and the pair of men teased her, the young leader of Haven simply rolled her eyes. She gave a dramatic gasp and glanced at Darius and then to Balthazar, laughing. "Trouble. That's what you two boys are. Picking on me."

The three stood there, considering the events for the evening. The blond sailor inquired if Balthazar would be willing to say something, and Elisabeth had to admit that she was curious about his answer. Darius agreed that people should speak, and in both her and his estimation, it should be the two that had landed on Faldrass with the settlers.

To Darius' question, she shook her head. "Time for that is over, my friend. All I want out of this trial is for everyone to relax and spend time together. I think it's good for all of us." What she didn't verbalize in front of the pair was her regret that it hadn't been done sooner. The settlers of Hopetoun and Haven had once been neighbors and friends. Bringing them together was long past due, but what was done was done. All she could do was learn from it and move forward.

Gently rubbing Balthazar's arm, Elisabeth gestured towards the bonfire, giving the pair an inquiring look. "So, shall we get this affair started? I'm happy to open the ceremony and welcome everyone to Haven?" It appeared she would have to prod them along a bit, and as it seemed most of the gathered people were settling near the bonfire, the timing felt right.

Before they could move, however, the trio heard a loud meow. Sir Storm of Haven had joined their group, nestling himself between Balthazar and Elisabeth's feet, sitting there, looking up at the trio, placid eyes blinking slowly.

"Well, hello to you too. Darius, I'd like you to meet Sir Storm of Haven. He's the true leader of Haven, I think. Or at least he thinks he is. He's got the settlers wrapped around his tiny paw."

Glancing down at the feline again, Elisabeth knelt gently, rubbing his head gently, right behind the ears.

"You're trouble too, as far as I'm concerned," Elisabeth said, laughing gently as the feline glanced from face to face. "There's a whole new group of people to boss around, Storm. You best get busy…."

Whether or not the cat understood her words would forever remain a mystery, but he did stroll off toward the bonfire, utterly uninterested in if they followed.

Storm wasn't the only new arrival, for as soon as he departed, did Fintan alight on the young leader's shoulder. The phoenix seemed excited, making the odd dancing movement he did when the questions threatened to overwhelm him. "There are many people here, Elisabeth. Why?"

Smiling, she twisted her head gently to look at him as she answered. "It's a ceremony, remembrance, and celebration, Fin. We remember the eruption and the lives lost and celebrate them. But as well, we celebrate the grit and determination of the people that came back and now have made homes here."

The diri took the information in stride, remaining quiet for a moment before speaking his own thoughts. "Ishallr was affected by the eruption, as all the Induk were. It was unpleasant for them to experience, but I think they would approve of this. Sometimes, it's difficult to know."

By virtue of being a Forged diri, Elisabeth assumed there was some manner to which he recognized Darius as a Forged too, turning to him and inclining his feathery head in greeting. "A pleasure, Fire Forged. Elisabeth tells me I should greet people, to be polite. It makes her happy, but I don't know your name."

Inwardly groaning, the mage knew precisely where the conversation was headed and sought to head it off at the pass. "Fin, this is Darius, and yes, he is Fire Forged, just like Balthazar." The diri nodded his head absently, appearing to be deep in thought. "Yes, also like that other one – you called him Oram. Many Fire Forged, but you are not, Elisabeth. You are different."

Sometimes it was hard to tell what her diri was speaking of, but she knew he had a fascination with names – their purpose and meaning – and sought to understand why she was Ice Forged when she lived on Faldrass. Their long discussions on the matter never seemed to dent his curiosity, so Elisabeth simply continued to answer his questions patiently. "We can talk about it later, Fin. The three of us have things to do."

"Does Darius' name suit him, Elisabeth?" She thought he had forgotten, and that escape from the question he usually asked was sure, but it wasn't to be. That line of questioning had started early on in their relationship. Elisabeth, who some called 'Elisa,' had tried explaining her name to the diri and had been met with a very long-winded explanation of why her name was Elisabeth and very much not Elisa, according to Fintan. Never Elisa.

Groaning slightly, giving an apologetic look to Darius, she answered the question. "Yes, Fin. He's a good Darius, if you must know."

[Balthazar Black]

3 Cylus 722

Elisabeth was already volunteering Balthazar for speeches by the time he reached the duo, as far as he could tell from the parts of their conversation that he picked up. Still, Elisabeth replied to his joke about Darius the Ox and Balthazar gave a smile that would hide his thoughts on public speaking well. Elisabeth suggested they all tell stories around the bonfire and Balthazar shrugged in agreement. He didn't feel one way or the other about it. He didn't tell stories in public settings that often. It was one thing to talk with Robin about things that had happened. Talking to the settlers about the things he'd done felt almost like boasting about those things. He wasn't in a boasting mood. He knew he could keep them entertained by just talking to them, but he wasn't sure he wanted the attention.

Darius seemed to be fairing well from what Balthazar could see. He earned a similar smirk that Elisabeth did when he replied about the woman letting Darius stay on his feet this time. When the Hopetoun leader asked Balthazar if he would be willing to say something to the settlers, the mage's expression gave away nothing. He wasn't sure he wanted to address them. He wasn't really the settlement's leader anymore and he didn't have a good track record when it came to talking to the settlers. It seemed that every time he did, word got to people Balthazar didn't want it to. All the same he nodded his head, "I'll think of something." Balthazar decided.

Darius asked Elisabeth if he could help with the preparations and Balthazar turned his attention to Haven's leader. Elisabeth said that all the preparations were done and tried to get Darius to relax but Balthazar suspected that was easier said than done. A small shock would greet Elisabeth when she rubbed his arm but it was long past a time where Balthazar noticed it. Elisabeth liked physical displays and Balthazar had quickly gotten use to being shocked by his mutations when she attempted them. The mage nodded to Elisabeth when she asked if they should get started and offered to welcome everyone to Haven but he didn't say much. He hadn't said much at all really.

The cat arrived and demanded their attention. It was a frequent display that only really got on Balthazar's nerves when the little ball of fur tried to get into the workshop. Everywhere Elisabeth went in Haven, the attention seeker followed her with it's loud and vocal demands. While Elisabeth introduced Darius to her cat, Balthazar's eyes shifted to the sky where a black bird circled overhead. The diri of death was a useful companion for celebrations. It was always vigilant.

Fuego on the other hand sat by Balthazar's feet silently watching Darius and Elisabeth as they talked to each other. Balthazar and Fuego had that in common. They watched more than they spoke when they were around too many people. Balthazar did it to learn. He assumed Fuego did the same. When Storm went off towards the bonfire, Balthazar reached out to the flames to ensure they did not burn the cat if it got too close out of curiosity.

A lot was happening. Suddenly Elisabeth's diri was on her shoulder talking and Balthazar knew from the first few words that he didn't want to listen to the rest. Her diri was a vocal one. A very vocal and very curious one. At least Fuego was quiet. Balthazar looked down at the little flaming rock with small arms and legs beside him, and Fuego looked up at Balthazar. See? Eventually you hear what you need to anyways. Balthazar thought to the burning rock while Elisabeth spoke with Fintan. Fearing that Fintan might manage to keep them all in one spot for the rest of the celebration, Balthazar cut in, "Darius, you and Elisabeth should address the settlers together to get everything started. I can speak to them later on. "

[Darius Baer]

Darius nodded at Elisabeth's insistence that the settlers should relax. Truth be told, it was a novel idea, for he doubted that there had been many trials of rest for either the Hopetounians or the Havenites since they had broken ground and begun the lay the foundations of their new homes.

"Aye, that sounds good," he acknowledged, even as he felt the burden of responsibility slipping from his shoulders.

It didn't go far, though. He was going to have to address the group, especially if Balthazar's non-committal response to his question was anything to go by.

Elisabeth offered to open the ceremony, and Darius thought that was a good idea. It wouldn't have felt right for someone who didn't call Haven home to have that honour.

A loud meow signalled Storm's arrival, and Darius knelt down to offer him some pets. But if Ledas had taught him anything, it was that cats enjoyed attention when it was very much on their own terms, so the smaller cat's nonplussed attitude towards him was hardly surprising. It only seemed natural for the feline to wander away as if it owned every patch of earth that its paws touched.

Then Elisabeth's diri made his presence known. Darius had never met Fintan before, and he was quite surprised by how talkative the phoenix was. He took it all in his stride, but he shared a couple of grins with both Elisabeth and Balthazar as the curious creature asked his questions. In the process, he found himself nodding a greeting towards Fuego, as well as glancing upwards to where Katara was circling overhead, her flaming feathers leaving a trail of smoke tendrils behind her.

Balthazar put an end to the line of questioning by suggesting that Elisabeth address the settlers, followed by Darius. The bearded blond nodded at that. It seemed as though the mage needed a few moments to gather his own thoughts and contemplate what he might say, and Darius felt it was only fair of him to be accommodating.

"I'll try to buy you some time," Hopetoun's leader chuckled in Balthazar's direction.

Darius looked at the combined group of settlers. Some faces were ones he'd seen almost every trial for an arc; others were unknown to him. He watched as they mingled and interacted, taking in the moment as the sounds of conversation and laughter rippled around the bonfire. Haven's buildings, which didnt exist an arc earlier, formed a protective frame around the group. And, as he patiently waited for Elisabeth to lead proceedings, the Scalvorian allowed himself a contented sigh.

"U'frek's piss," he chuckled quietly to his companions. "We've achieved something special, haven't we?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 3 Cylus

Both the men were nudging her in their own way, but Elisabeth wasn’t going to let them rush her. The stubborn young woman simply gave them both a winning smile and continued about her own pace, finishing the conversation with Fintan, and only then did she begin to move with them to where Haven and Hopetoun’s combined settlers waited.

The waves of the sea rushed to shore, lulling Elisabeth into a state of contentment. To be honest, she hated speeches, but using mediations techniques Balthazar and Praetorum had taught her, the young mage latched on to the soothing rhythm of the water, letting it ease the sharp edges off her discomfort.

As they arrived with the settlers, Elisabeth smiled at the assembled group, but Darius’ comment rang in her ears just before she began talking. Chuckling lightly, she turned briefly to reply. “Indeed. But the hard part is to believe in yourself enough to start, and you and Balthazar did. I’m so very proud of you both for that.”

Without wasting further time, her voice raised in greeting, allowing the people to settle before she launched into the crux of her address. “On this most special of occasions, I would like to extend a personal welcome to the settlers of Hopetoun. We are honored by your presence as we remember the lives lost during the eruption and its aftermath, and celebrate a new beginning for Faldrass.”

Elisabeth continued, having no desire to ‘overstay her welcome’ on center stage, painting a picture from her unique perspective. “In the shadow of fiery Faldrass, in the tranquil Hollow Sea, new life was born. Out of the ashes, you rose – every one of you – and refused to settle, bravely returning to reclaim Faldrass. Tonight, friends and neighbors are once again united, never to be torn apart again.”

To add emphasis on the part the settlers played in events, Elisabeth spoke of her own feelings on the matter. "In the darkest of moments, you were the light...and still are. I'm constantly inspired by all of you, and I want you all to know that."

Smiling, she began her wrap-up, stepping aside so Darius and Balthazar would be front and center at the right moment. “You were led by two of the bravest men I know. I’m honored to call one a close friend and the other the man I’ve chosen to spend the rest of my life with. Their grit and determination to see to the needs of the settlements, facing the unknown, is beyond compare."

Wrap it up, wrap it up. Her inner voice could be such a bother sometimes. “So, as we remember, honor, and celebrate the accomplishments of Hopetoun and Haven on this ‘Black Baer Trial,’ I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to these two men for their leadership and fortitude.”

The settlers were enthusiastic about their gratitude, clapping but not letting things get out of hand. If anything, it seemed as though they understood the gravity of the evening, balancing the need for serious contemplation and remembrance with the celebration of life.

With that said, Elisabeth stepped behind the two men and let them take the floor.

[Darius Baer]

Darius nodded silently at Elisabeth's response to his comment. What she had said was flattering, and he was grateful for it, but he felt it gave him too much credit.

There had been times during the previous arc when he had wondered if he would have returned to Faldrass if he hadn't been asked to by the Induk that bore the island's name. Saoire had been there too, of course, and duty had called him and Balthazar, and duty was something that Darius had always found difficult to ignore.

And yet it had always been about the settlers. While Darius and Balthazar had been asked to take on leadership roles, the settlers came entirely of their own choosing. Some felt they didn't had few alternatives - they had lost everything and everyone in the eruption and the main island could never feel like home - but it had been a choice all the same.

So it seemed fitting when Elisabeth pointed out to the crowd that the role they had played in Faldrass' resurgence was critical. And it seemed like a good topic for him to contribute to.

"Thank you for making the time to be here," he called out to the crowd.

Then, after a slight pause, he continued.

"One arc ago, we set sail from Almund. Many of you made that crossing with us. But the journey to get here began long before that."

Darius looked at the faces of the settlers. Many of them he recognised, but others were strangers. But he hoped to express gratitude to each one.

"It didn't begin with your courage during the eruption in Ashan 720, or with the determination you showed when the evacuation fleet gathered along the coastline, or with the grief you felt during the burials at sea."

Darius paused, giving the settlers a moment to take in his words.

"This journey began with your parents, and their parents, and their parents. Generations of Faldrassians who have grafted a living on this island. Despite the odds; despite knowing that life might be 'easier' on the main island, they persisted. And on this trial, we honour those who are no longer with us. But you persisted, too. If you were born on this island, you have lava flowing through your veins."

Another pause, and then his voice dropped to a lower, calmer tone.

"I'm just a lad from Scalv-Town. I am not a Faldrassian by birth. What flows through my veins is mere blood. And some of you were not born on this island, either. But we are all Scalvorians. That is what binds us. Anyone who lives here and works for the betterment of their settlement is an essential part of the Faldrass story. You wake up each morning, being the first to greet the rising sun with the rest of Scalvoris at your back, and you end the trial with volcanic soil beneath your fingernails. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you as much a Faldrassian as anyone else."

One final pause, the silence between his words interrupted occasionally by the crackling of the bonfire.

"I distinctly remember, during one of the many evacuation trips we made aboard our ship, looking back at this island, and saying to myself: 'Faldrass will rise again'. It is because of all of you, that this rise - like a phoenix from literal ashes - is becoming a reality. And I thank you for letting me be a part of it."

Darius nodded politely to the gathered group, deciding that he had said enough. He felt a warmth rising in his chest, and he wondered if Faldrass had heard his words. If that had in fact happened, Darius hoped that he had served the Induk well.