Ubi Silvestria Sunt: December 2021

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.

12-14-YC123

I dreamt of Constantin last night. I find myself missing him, the touch of his hand, the grace of his dancing, the press of his lips against mine. The feel of his power and warmth deep inside.

I know why, of course. The children. Seeing the children has made me yearn for my own, and especially visiting the Little One. Such a delicate, beautiful tiny creature, growing in her artificial womb, oblivious to the violence and terror that brought about her early entry into this life. How can we not be grateful to God that we have such medical technology that she now survives and thrives? In the days of my ancestors, both she and Ishta would have been doomed.

Alas, I know that children of my own are not my destiny, yet I am content knowing that I play my part to make New Eden a better place for them all. I cannot believe that any child anywhere in the universe is unworthy of God's Love and Mercy, yet it must cause both Him and Our Eternal Empress such sorrow to know that so many shall grow up to adults never knowing the Light of True Faith. That is the reason for the Reclaiming in its many forms. Not for territory nor glory, and most certainly not for power, but so that no child must suffer in ignorance of God's Compassion.

We shall bring it to them all.

Another step forward in Operation Sanctity, and the scope has been widened to accommodate Arline's request for assistance. Forgive me, Little One, but I must send your father to dangerous places in order that your future be made safe. If it is at all in my power to do so, I shall do all I can to keep you and all other children from seeing the things I have now seen. I may have my own inner wickedness, that Unclean Force that clouds my mind and my judgements at times, but I am still of The Faith, still one of God's Children, and I know that my own failings are but little compared to the evil of the enemy we face.

That is not for you to fret over, Little One. Sleep and dream of love and wonders until it is time for you to wake to your family.

12-12-YC123

It has been a most active couple of days. Primarily, Operation Sanctity is now under way. I shall not even write of it here, lest I tempt misfortune, but suffice to say the first stage seemed simple enough. There is so much more to come, of course. All for the future.

There were also some LUMEN-wide operations to support the Emperor Family. A show of loyalty, true enough, but also an opportunity to build rapport amongst LUMEN members who may otherwise have little opportunity to mix. I myself took part in Arline's fleet, along with Arrek and Utari, and Scyla Dawn and others from other LUMEN wings. A positive exercise, most certainly.

Yet the most enjoyable part of the day was by far Lunarisse's Saint Nicolas celebration. I cannot even begin to describe what an absolute joy it is to see the children do all they can to convince Saint Nicolas - Utari giving a convincing turn as courtroom judge - they have been good all year, and the way their faces light up when they receive their presents simply makes my heart lift. I am quite, quite jealous of their parents. I hope Ishta shall allow me to take her little one when she is old enough.

The Directrix gave me such a great honour in allowing me to hand out the presents. Dressing as Snow Maiden brought great luck, even it is a particularly Nakriian tradition that is not so well known elsewhere in the Empire. Lunarisse also agreed to my request to bring the celebration to Nakri, particularly for the orphan and refugee children we have there. I pray that soon they shall be able to return to their homes, by the Grace of God. We shall defeat the Triglavian invaders and drive them back to the abyss from whence they came. There can be no other way.

Until then, there is so much more to do.