Tension built up in Eiko's body that wouldn't completely release. His fingers adjusted around the retention bands of his mask, fidgeted with the corners of a robe, clicked and unclicked the straps of his holster - everything but stay still. As much as he wanted to be calm, the epitome of everything he'd learned so far, there was no way to keep the threat of the future from seizing his thoughts and holding them tight until they were all but choked out.

"You'll do fine," Callus spoke with assurance from where he stood, propping himself against the opposite wall with a stunning casualness.

Eiko didn't reply. Slowly, by means of steady breath and reciting a handful of memorized poems silently, he was taking back control of his mind. His lips moved intentionally from letter to letter as he mouthed the lines that he'd built himself on. His lips were the only part of his physical body that seemed to respond to his will instead of twitching anxiously.

Enduring strength is found in adaptable unity.

He shuddered as he saw Raken come down the hallway towards the master and his student.

"Do you not believe me?" Callus questioned sharply.

"I do," Eiko replied, trying to shake the feeling off of him. "Still, doesn't make it any more comfortable."

"No simulator can make you feel true war."

"Thank you," Eiko nodded.

News and Competitions:

• Brotherhood -
  

Here are the most recent reports from the Voice and Fist with information on this month's competitions and the awards for the previous month.

Enjoy them responsibly.

Voice Report

Fist Report

I know that I have been out for the past several weeks. As I slowly return to form and get back into the flow of information, I'll be able to speak about any recent changes or general news that should matter to you. Here's the short version of what I've gleaned since I came back:

The GMRG. It's announced and it's open to everyeon ready to get into it. If you were previously a part of the Guard, then you have been reset. Entrance is determined by an 85% on the GMRG Exam. If you're looking for more information on this new incarnation of the group, please take a moment and visit the following posts from the Fist and the Headmaster.

Now Give You the Grand Master's Royal Guard

GMRG-SA Requirements

• House Revan -
  

Our house has been rather silent as of late. Raken has stepped down as Quaestor so that he can manage his real life. Callus has chosen to step down as well, to "pass the torch on," as he said. It's difficult to say that I'm excited to take over in Raken's absence - I think a better word would be 'anticipatory.' I'm ready to move our group forward with our eye on October's Vendetta. I'm ready to build up our house. To both of our leaders, thank you for the work you've done in making the house into something completely unique...

Taking up the position of Aedile is Ashia Kagan Keibatsu. With my relative unfamiliarity with the position of Quaestor, I will be leaning on her experience greatly and I'm deeply grateful that she would help me as our house forges on towards the Vendetta. We've got a title to defend.

We have no current competitions at this very moment, but I will let you all know via mailing list when we have ironed out some kind of plan for progress.

Taig has requested that we get to work completing his collection of House Exams. If you have something to add, please tell Ashia and myself and we'll start a brainstorming committee so that we can arrange our (largely fictional) history.

• Aurek Cell -
  

There are currently four open spaces in Aurek Cell. If you're willing to commit to being active in the house on a regular basis, develop or polish your writing talents, etc., then send an e-mail to Aabsdu, Ashia, and myself and we can get you filed in Aurek Cell.

For those already in Aurek Cell, you have one project on your plate right now. Aurek Cell has no history yet, no mission, no methods, no fictional ties. The Cell is a blank slate. Check the competition link below for more details on how you'll be shaping the future of the group.

[Aurek] Defining a Cell

There have been no new memberships since my last (Aedile) report.

Navrez has transfered from our group into Plagueis.

Aabsdu and Legorii's ACC match ended with a timeout. Aabsdu was awarded the win.

Link to the Match

The following members passed Shadow Academy exams.

Aabsdu: GMRG History, Combat Tactics I, Combat Tactics II, Mandolorian Studies

Korvyn: GMRG History

The following members earned medals or awards.

Aabsdu: Master of Dark Lore, Dark Savant - Tactics & Combat, Dark Maven - Combat, Cluster of Ice

Alright. This is the personal aside at the end of the report.

I am Eiko. By field of study, I'm a writer and a language lover. By hobbies, I am a martial artist, an author, a listener, a philosopher, a roleplayer (D&D), a theater techie, a computer junkie, a graphic dabbler, and a believer in the Oxford comma. I made the graphics that you see in the offical copy of this report. That is all to say that I'm utterly human like most of you.

Email me if I can help clarify something for you. Email me if you have a suggestion - Aurek Cell started because Aabsdu had a plan and a desire to see it work. Email me if you'd like to pass on a little bit of hard-won wisdom. Email me if you'd like a little back and forth conversation about real life. Email me if you'd like a little back and forth in-character conversation. Email me if you get this message in your inbox and you want to pipe up a little bit - there's no harm in telling me you're still alive. I'm here and I'll try to stay as readily available for your comments, concerns, et al. as I possibly can.

Thank you again to Raken and Callus who brought the house to this point and who have expressed a faith in my as I start my journey onward. And thank you to Ashia, for her willingness to help me get acquainted with the job and its details.

He exhaled. "Master."

"Quaestor."

"Sons of firstborn kings / know not their blood - yet they rise / like warmth after winter." Eiko let his voice hold the last letter with a chill. It ended crisply, drawing out the feeling of all his childhood by the seaside with his godfather. Eiko stamped out the thought before it could take him to the natural conclusion. He was leaving one more world in his trail - this time drawn towards a new world instead of thrust out of the old one. Potential and desire and power... "Callus."

Callus said nothing, shifting only slightly as he adjusted his arms.

Eiko lifted the mask up to where he could see through the lenses. "Thank you."

Brotherhood:

• Voice and Fist Reports

• GMRG Open for Exams

House:

• Eiko (QUA), Ashia (AED)

• House Revan History Committee

Aurek Cell:

• Four Open Slots

• Aurek Cell Wiki Competition

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