vallo

So, if no future children appeared for some of us does that mean we don't have children in the future?

This is my current thought and I would like to hear what people think.

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Yesterday I celebrated my third birthday here in Vallo, and was lucky enough to spend the evening in the company of my family. It was a far cry from how I spent my first birthday, a mere month after I'd arrived here.

It surprises me sometimes that I've already spent two years of my life in Vallo, and equally surprising that it has only been two years. So much has changed from those first early weeks, not least of all that I now spend my evenings with my kind, thoughtful husband and can watch Temeraire excel at his studies (even as I regret that I can provide him with very little instrumental help). I've made a good many friends, to whom I'm very grateful, and whom I hope I will never learn to take for granted. And while Vallo's whims have removed a great many people from my life as well, I am glad, very glad, to have known them.

I am not often so sentimental, and I hope you'll none of you hold my sudden loquaciousness against me. I just mean to say that I am filled with gratitude, to the bottom of my heart, that I am fortunate enough to spend my fortieth year here with all of you.

I know its frowned on to drink at work but I will give pretty much anything you can think of if someone will bring me a bottle of something. Because it is way too early in the week for this much chatting.

It has been just over a week since Vex'ahlia was returned back to Exandria. I am not done being broody about this, nor may I ever be in one way or another, but I am making an attempt to be a contributing member of society once more. The success of this attempt is still up in the air. Best judged after coffee.

I did just want to say that Vallo is left with a hole in it with my sister gone. She is a light that can't be snuffed out easily, though, and I like to think that her having been here for over three years alongside the rest of us will have echoes. I know that I am not the only one who will miss her, as she touched many people during her time here.

That said, Slayer's Cake is still here thank the gods, because I might have broken down in the street if and is currently in the process of moving hands and gaining employees to continue to be operational. Don't worry, I will not be baking anything, those of you who have had the unfortunate displeasure of eating my cooking, as that will be left in a more capable baker's hands, but my sister's recipes will remain in Vallo.

Also, just wanted to say thanks to my friends and fiancé for being so good to me. I'm a lucky bloke.

Many of our working artists and students at Art of Expression have begun producing art that they say is for "spooky season." This embrace of darkness has been very interesting to see! I find some take it very seriously, while others take a very cheerful approach. Our working gallery is filling up with bats, cats, vampires, skeletons, haunted forests, and abandoned houses. If you delight in the holiday called Halloween, visit us for an early taste of it.

Also, today marks the fortieth birthday of my husband, William Laurence. Should you see him today, wish him happiness.

[Filtered to Loch Laggen]
I have arranged for a traditional English dinner to be delivered this evening so we may celebrate (including a roasted cow for Ah-Xiang, of course). The weather is nice enough that we may dine comfortably in the pavilion, I believe.
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WHO: Lan Xichen and William Laurence
WHAT: Lan Xichen feels icky for the first time in his life and Laurence provides comfort
WHEN: First day of the Magic Pollution plot
WHERE: Loch Laggen, their bedroom
WARNINGS: N/A

( Lan robes never wrinkled, nor did they stain; they were woven with magic that kept them pristine no matter the circumstances. Apparently that wasn’t working at the moment. )

I wish to publicly express my gratitude to the Covens and Department of Outlander Affairs for their swift and effective response to the flood. While Cloud Recesses is on high ground and was largely untouched, the Art of Expression Vallo City location suffered greatly from water damage. Most of our photography and electronic art equipment was there, and we feared that it would be unsalvageable. While there are yet items that cannot be replaced, the majority of our computers and shared photography equipment will yet rise from the ashes thanks to the aid of science, magic, and dedicated volunteers.

My eternal thanks to all who assisted.

[Filtered to Will Laurence]
I believe I may actually return home at a reasonable hour this evening. Dare I hope the same may be said of you?

It looks like I have returned to Vallo, after a year away. What have I missed?

Captain, Temeraire, Abi, Lan Xichen are you still present here?

I have discovered a terrible new feeling: when one's favorite supporting character in the television drama is killed to give the lead character a reason to display his martial skill and wreak bloody vengeance on those who harmed her. The vengeance was very satisfying, but Zhou Yanhui deserved better after one thousand years of service to the Dragon Lord.

[OOC: No need to google, it's not a real show. LXC just discovered wuxia dramas AKA the genre he comes from, so I made one up. Feel free to add to its lore if you wish.]

But that is not so important as this weekend's Art Fair! Please come to Art of Expression on Saturday to support local artists. There will be many beautiful pieces for sale, and many very fine artists taking commissions and offering lessons.

Defense teams should be aware that a giant hand (taller than a man) attacked at Cloud Recesses today. Gladiolus, Katou Yue, and I were able to eliminate the threat without serious injury to anyone here, but it is seldom that a trouble in Vallo is strictly isolated.

This particular hand appeared on a rooftop and attempted to crush me under its palm. It also fired a dart equipped with a paralytic poison which thankfully is not deadly. We were able to dispatch it quickly enough that I do not know what else it might be capable of.

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Okay okay so why are so many of you people married?

There's not like a dominant religion here saying "do it or perish eternally in a lack of atmo", and it's not a law (I think?? I haven't studied many laws here but so far it's like the legal system here is ~just good vibes~), and it seems like most people choose to raise their own offspring which okay, cool, choice, don't get me wrong I'm not keen on implementing a Nursey-type system, but also ick?? but also fine. Look at me, I'm being so! freaking! open! minded!



But the marriage stuff, I can't figure it out. Are there like tax benefits?? What the hell. Why saddle yourself legally with a long-term relationship? Explain it to me like I'm five. I promise this is not me trying to shit on your customs and if I do feel free to shit on mine; it'll be cultural collaboration.





Also hi I need a job; my larder is bare, etc etc etc.

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[Lan Xichen, Darlington and Alex]

I wanted to say thanks for helping out little me. It doesn’t seem like I was too much of a handful, but I know she had fun and felt safe here because of you guys.

[Callum]

Maze says you did a brilliant job keeping the demons occupied so I’ve decided you can keep the kingdom and I’m taking over your apartment.

Milton was wrong; reigning in hell is beastly. Demons think they’re so clever. Reminds me of secondary school.

Is Sabrina back to normal yet? Hell’s a mess and I’m tired of making the demons feed me grapes and tell me it isn’t my fault.

ｏｐｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｏｌｅｒ

One of our Art Camp activities this week (Sunday) is "Welcome to Cardboard Castle." If anyone has boxes they are willing to donate to the cause of children's art and architecture, please notify me. I will be happy to retrieve them. We seek boxes of all sizes, though large ones are especially valued. We are also accepting donations of tape and Christmas Lights.

We all wish to thank the community for supporting us, that we may in turn support you. Your assistance yesterday was vital to our staff and volunteers, as has been the ongoing support that allows us to keep up this space and its activities on a regular basis.



[Filtered to Art of Expression Staff and Volunteers]
All of you did beautiful work yesterday, especially to have done it on such short notice. I know that the following days will be just as wonderful. Thank you all.

Please discuss your choice of places from which to order lunch today and have your order to me by 10:30. There are doughnuts and bagels in the kitchen for everyone working this morning.

The woman who complained about her child drawing butts and the man who complained about his daughter seeing scary drawings by other children have been managed, as has the woman who argued that there should also have been chips with the sandwiches. If today brings any new complaints, send them directly to me. Such nonsense concerns are not your responsibility.

If you need anything at all over the course of the day, be it support, supplies, direction, or a reprieve from your duties, call upon me. I wish to support this endeavor fully, so I ask that you consider me a resource entirely at your disposal.
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[Filtered to Temeraire]
Is Sir William Laurence carrying on well? Please tell me if there is anything I may help with, as I am certain he will not.
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I awakened this morning to discover that my husband is thirteen years older and has no recollection of Vallo. Is anyone experiencing similar difficulties?