You're where the Wild Things are...

An in-character blog set in the universe of EVE Online. These are the private diary entries of Lady Ekaterina Mariya deSilvestris, a minor Amarrian Noble and Capsuleer. Other existing characters within EVE will be referred to throughout, though any opinions and views expressed are those of this character. These entries may touch on or directly address mature themes such as violence, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and mental health. As noted, any views are those of the character.

Before we begin, I feel it important to say a few words on the subject of mental health. Ekaterina, or Ekat as many call her, is something of a troubled soul. This aspect of her character is a personal choice I have made, for very personal reasons. Although EVE is a game in which the players can immerse themselves to a greater or lesser degree as they wish, mental health is a very real issue for many people. Those two simple words cover a myriad different issues and concerns that affect people directly or indirectly every day all, over the world.

If you find yourself affected by any issues touched upon in these posts, or if you face your own troubles, please know that there are people out there you can turn to; doctors, friends, family - there is ALWAYS someone. If you are an EVE player, then Broadcast 4 Reps chat is available, staffed by wonderfully kind and good-hearted volunteers. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, then please just let them know you are there. It doesn't have to be anything big, just a smile, a cup of tea, a quick phone call about last night's game - just a little thing to show they aren't forgotten.

You Never Fly Alone.
09-03-YC122

It is wonderful to have the whole family here.  Even Ramina and Ishta are here to discover Papa's news.  Of course, I am absolutely delighted to have my dear Kolya back.  It has been far too long since I have seen him, and I hope we shall have enough time before we both need to return to our duties to speak together.  I have so much to tell him, and I am sure my dear brother has just as much to tell me.

Dinner, given such an occasion, was the most splendid fayre.  The staff certainly earned their wages, but the highlight, as we expected, was Papa's announcement.  Typical Papa!  No time or inclination towards using long speeches, as usual.  He has never been the equal of Mama's beautiful eloquence.  Yet what words could have improved upon what was said?  Surely the content was magnificent enough.

Our Liege Lords, the Sarum Family, have recognised us and honoured us in doing so.  Our family has not only been commended for all it has done in service to Sarum, but we have been rewarded too!  Additional assets and facilities, including an extension to our installations on the Sarum station here in Nakri, and the issuing of resource extraction rights on Nakri VI, have been granted to us.  Such generosity!  We shall surely be on even firmer foundations now, and indeed, such a gesture has far more important implications of a less tangible, materialistic nature.  Our Gravitas with Sarum isno doubt greatly enhanced by this.

Of particular interest, indeed, something of a shock, was the fact that these additional assets include human resources.  Lord Sarum is most wise, and it has not escaped His Lordship's notice that since Her Imperial Majesty's decree, our ties to the Imperial Navy, which has been one of our main defining attributes for generations, are all but dissolved.  No longer are we able to rely on the Navy for the provision of all our needs and requirements, and it is time for us to fully invoke our Rights and Privileges as a Holder family.  We still do not hold slaves as such, for the people granted to us by His Lordship's generosity are serfs, tied to the assets and facilities with which they have come to us.  The kindness of Sarum extends even to the lowest, for are not serfs in a far more secure situation than mere slaves?  Serf and land are as one complete package.  To sell the labour would be to sell the asset, and why would we ever wish to do that?  Of course, given our status, we would need Lord Sarum's permission regardless.  I do not think we shall have cause ever to seek it.

Of course, this also brings traditional Obligations.  Aside from the physical needs of our new workers, we must tend to their spiritual needs.  We shall do exactly that.  Indeed, I believe Father Mikhail is already arranging for acolytes to come and ensure The True Faith is spread amongst them.  How strange! It occurs to me only now that Father Mikhail was not at dinner to here this announcement.  Perhaps Papa had already spoken to him.

I must say that Ishta appeared to take the news quite well.  Papa, Bless him, knew that she may find these events a little difficult to deal with, given her background, and gave her the choice of whether to stay or not.  She chose to, which I feel was the correct thing to do, and she was no doubt bolstered by being so close to Sasha.  I had expected her to at least give some sort of minor protest, but no!  I think she must accept how things are in the Empire, and it has never been made secret that we have always held these Rights, even if we have never, until now, had full reason to invoke them.

Mama and Papa also spoke of wanting to give a more active and involved role in the decisions of the family to myself.  I should hope that the two of them shall be with us for a very long time yet, but I cannot escape the fact that one day, as the eldest child, I shall be Head of the Household.  I feel nervous, but ready for this responsibility.  I know I have the greatest teachers in Creation, and the full support of the whole family.  I shall do all I can to live up to the name deSilvestris.

I cannot wait to tell Lilya, of course.  I am sure she shall be ever so excited and pleased.

I hear Kolya going to the gardens.  I think I shall join him and spend as much time as I can with my brother.
Posted by

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)