Nihala Winterberry
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Nihala Winterberry was a Paradis halfling who was the Mayor of Icemule Trace from 5108 to 5118. She spent a good amount of her tenure in hiding from threats of being kidnapped or murdered.
Appearance
You see Mayor Nihala Winterberry the Town Official of Icemule Trace. She appears to be a Paradis Halfling. She is taller than average. She appears to be an adult. She has long-lashed, vivid indigo blue eyes and fair skin. She has long, radiant deep plum hair wound into a smooth knot at the base of her neck. She has a trio of dark brown freckles on her left cheekbone. She is in good shape. She is wearing a gold-traced banded onyx key symbol, a multihued crystal snowflake amulet, a hooded snow white cloak trimmed with berry-shaped crystal beads, a flowing niveous white gown decorated with multihued crystal snowflakes, a stylish silvery grey sash trimmed with berry-shaped crystal beads, and some open-toed niveous white slippers.
Mayoral Race
Mayor Fizelgrauf Binnder retired in 5108, resulting in the 5108 Icemule Mayoral Race. Nihala Winterberry defeated Igerone Furryback in the election and serves as the current mayor of the town.
In late 5117, Mayor Nihala disappeared from the public eye, allegedly due to a "curious malady". Hibbits Hoft was appointed as interim mayor.
Whiteout (The Troubles) Storyline
In Eoantos 5117, the Nihala found a tome locked away in a safe in Clovertooth Hall. She began reading it in secret, and Icemule citizens and visitors eventually found out that the tome was slowly taking over Nihala's very soul, as it bound to her. Deputy Mayor Hibbits Hoft took over most of the daily duties of the Mayor's office, while Nihala was recovering from weakness from reading the tome. A group called the Far Market came to claim the tome but Nihala wouldn't relinquish it. The Far Market eventually burned down Nihala's home, in order to gain access to the tome. The tome was inside the home, but remained unharmed. The leader of Far Market was killed when she tried to take hold of the tome that laid in the snow and ash that was the Mayor's home.
During this time, Icemule was being assaulted by a mysterious foe who was imprisoned in a span of electrum in the middle of Town Center. The prisoner claimed to be Daukhera Darkflorr, who was also the author of the tome Nihala had been reading. Daukhera's prime goal was to be released from her prison, and summoned terrible creatures to invade Icemule and kill its defenders, trying to force them to find the clues that would open the portal and release her from her prison.
On Fashanos 24, 5118, Nihala walked into the vortex that was bound within the span of electrum, and sacrificed her life to save Icemule, causing her to go demonic, never to return. These actions also caused the release of Daukhera Darkflorr.
A memorial service was held on Fashanos 28, 5118 in the Hall of the Lovers, in Icemule Temple, in Icemule Trace. Joskin, Diablic, Enestrie, Dirvy, and GM Necios were instrumental in the planning of the service.
| Memorial Service for Nihala Winterberry |
| This log is from a third person viewpoint, and compiled by Dirvy Britbane. It was held on Fashanos 28, 5118.
[Hall of the Lovers - 2338] Twin wooden altars stand at the base of this triangular room, and large panels of dark stained glass run along each side. Moonlight streaming into the room through shafts cut deep into the ice strike the panes and bathe the room in a cool, silvery glow, casting faint shadows all around. You also see a polished brass incense thurible with some yellow rose incense on it and a huge portrait of Mayor Nihala Winterberry mounted on a snow white easel. High Lady Iodina, High Lord Svardin, Wolfloner, Xanlin, Felarion, Joskin, Falvicar, Uldrim, Rykul, Xanthras, Layndon, Jensyn, Laelithonel, Jinnen, Tawariell, Lopsopod, Lord Diablic, Laralana, Enestrie, Lord Zailon, Executrix Dirvy, Lady Paerdita
The larger-than-life painting is of a lovely Paradis Halfling woman with radiant plum hair and delicate, fair skin. A trio of freckles adorns her left cheekbone. Long-lashed vivid indigo eyes capture your gaze and a hint of a smile plays about her full red lips. Nihala is dressed in a beautiful niveous white gown encrusted with dainty multi-hued crystal snowflakes, tied with a silvery sash dusted with berry-shaped crystal beads. A gold-traced banded onyx key symbol adorns her neck, a symbol of Lorminstra rendered with a color palette seemingly out of place in this artistically captured image of Icemule Trace's beloved Mayor. You are struck by a hint of sadness about Nihala's countenance.
Dirvy recites softly: "Thank you all for coming. Feel free to have a seat as we begin."
"Tonight, we honor our former Mayor, Nihala Winterberry. At this time, I would ask Lord Diablic to hand out the winter roses he collected, to commemorate the loss of Icemule's winter rose."
Dirvy glances at a purple willow altar. Dirvy softly says, "Even Punkin knows." Speaking to Dirvy, Diablic says, "We are ready to begin." A robed figure, face cloaked in shadow, makes his way into the hall and takes a seat at the back, observing silently.
"I would like to introduce the Soul Keeper of Laethe, Lady Paerdita."
Dirvy sits down.
"Love lost. That is what we all have come here tonight to mourn. Lord Laethe, the Patron of Icemule Trace knew just how treacherous the wilderness surrounding this town can be. But who could have ever guessed the danger was within our walls?"
"The Town of Icemule Trace feels the loss of a loved one, more deeply than the chill that attempts to settle in one's bones. The icy fingers of sorrow is not something even the hottest fire could warm. The ache is worse than any hunger."
"Lady Nihala Winterberry was a steadfast presence in Icemule Trace for many years. She was not only our Mayor for 10 wonderful and prosperous years, but she was a friend to many. She, unfortunately, spent a good portion of her tenure as Mayor in hiding, in order to avoid kidnapping and assassination."
"However, according to some, she was no longer content in her Mayoral seat. Given all that has happened in the 10 years since she first took office, she had grown weary, doubly so after being bound to the mysterious tome that Daukhera Darkflorr penned and putting up with all of that Necromancer's nonsense."
"And it was this weariness, caused by her own suffering and the suffering of her people, that prompted her to sacrifice her own life, in order to stop Dauhkera Darkflorr from attacking us any further. Lord Laethe took her suffering that night, and placed it where he, his brother, Lord Voaris, and Lady Oleani place all things that cause loss and grief... in the winter rose garden."
"In your hands, you hold what loss and suffering and sorrow have sewn... something delicate and beautiful. Love and hope, reborn."
"I would ask you all to bow your heads, as I offer up a prayer to Lord Laethe, asking him for guidance in our time of grief."
Paerdita grasps her morganite prayerbeads firmly, whispering a prayer to Laethe.
"Lord Laethe, we come before you tonight, to ask you to show us the path through our grief. The loss of our Mayor leaves us floundering, despite knowing she is safe in your warm embrace."
Paerdita passes her morganite prayerbeads between her hands, thumbing each individual bead.
"Daukhera Darkflorr threatens the town you love so much, with further loss of life and love. She once spoke of love; heal her suffering so that she will stop sharing it with others."
"Protect Hibbits Hoft. His loss of love is so profound, not even he recognizes it. Give him strength to overcome his affliction. Give him the resolve to choose right over wrong. Guide him back to us and restore his faith in himself."
As Paerdita prays, a soft mist begins to swirl and eddy about the room. A trillion twinkling lights materialize, sparkling in the air like miniature candles. Paerdita clutch her morganite prayerbeads, repeating the name of Laethe over and over. Paerdita continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance. Looking up, you see a vision of what appears to be the ceiling opening up. You can see a cloudy, cold sky with occasional snowflakes fluttering down, sparkling with a light their own. Paerdita gazes up. Paerdita places a hand over her heart. In the clouds, the shape of a halfling woman's face takes form. Her eyes look down upon you. A single, icy tear falls from her misty eye and plunks to the floor, shattering near the altar. Paerdita grasps her morganite prayerbeads firmly, whispering a prayer to Laethe. A voice whispers, "Though I am not with you, I am never far away..." Paerdita weeps softly to herself, creating thin lines of clean skin upon her cheek. As quickly as it came, the clouds disperse in a frigid gust, sending a shower of glowing snowflakes into the hall. Strangely, though, the room remains warm as the vision fades and the ceiling returns to normal. Paerdita quietly whispers aloud, "Beautiful." Paerdita nods to Dirvy. Dirvy stands up. Speaking softly to Paerdita, Dirvy says, "Thank you for your beautiful prayers and reaching out to your spirit, our Patron of Icemule Trace." Paerdita inclines her head. The hall is silent except for some quiet sobbing. The hooded figure near the back wipes his eyes amid sniffles.
"Now, I would ask Lady Enestrie to speak."
Enestrie casually observes her surroundings. Enestrie slowly empties her lungs. Enestrie admiringly says, "Although Nihala was not in the public eye much the last few years, my friendship with her revealed a soft-spoken, and dedicated woman. She loved Icemule and our citizens unwaveringly." Enestrie continues, "She believed that she put Icemule in harm's way by curiosity as it were. When she unlocked and began to read the tome she found in Clovertooth Hall, it was not her desire that calamity would follow, she only sought knowledge, something I could not fault her for." Enestrie pauses and waits a moment. Enestrie tearfully says, "The subsequent destruction and death in the town weighed heavily on her heart." Enestrie admits, "Although she called me beloved- it was in fact Nihala that was beloved by us all." Enestrie emphatically says, "Her decision to enter the vortex came more as a realization that she had to end what she had started, and although we would have sought to free her using other means- in the end she did what great leaders do. She chose to try to insure the health and well-being for all citizens of Icemule." Enestrie encouragingly says, "It is this selfless and loving act that we need to hold dear to us and carry with us in our hearts always." Enestrie professes, "The silent strength of a woman who sought to undo evil through the greatest sacrifice one can make, that of one's self." Enestrie encouragingly says, "Let us carry her example with us." Enestrie asserts, "Let us draw strength from her actions." Enestrie proclaims, "Let us keep Nihala in our hearts as our shining star, our muse, our symbol of selfless sacrifice." Enestrie clasps her hands in a reverent gesture. Enestrie sits down. Enestrie moves to a kneeling position. Dirvy stands up.
"Since first moving to Icemule, I did not know Mayor Nihala well. As was mentioned, she spent most of her time in hiding or recovering. But from what I knew of her, she was as stubborn as I am. And like me, she loved Icemule. Her sacrifice proved that, when she sought to end the suffering of her people, by releasing Daukhera Darkflorr."
"As a prisoner, we were unable to fight Dauhkera Darkflorr effectively. However, now that she is released, we can honor the memory of Mayor Nihala, by fighting Daukhera, by ending the tyranny of the pretender to a throne that does not exist before it begins, and by rebuilding Icemule."
"The citizens and visitors of Icemule are our greatest strength. And in time, we will show Daukhera who really rules Icemule Trace."
"Now, Svardin has asked to say a few words."
Dirvy sits down next to Zailon. Svardin stands up. Svardin says, "I just want to share some thoughts that might offer solace to some." The hooded figure studies Svardin suspiciously. Svardin says, "It is a reflection on life."
"Ours days are numbered, some to many, others to few. During those days, our single thread spins incessantly to weave an insubstantial web that clings precariously and impermanently to the convoluted place we know as our moment in time."
"Others will look at our wispy effort as it glints precarious in the dimness of our setting sun. They will wonder at its curious twists and changes of pattern. They will ponder its sheer simplicity, utter genius, pure whimsy, unexpected symmetry and profound discord. However, whether our airy cloth was long complete or if something was left undone, they will never comprehend the incredible richness of each consequence that defined the sum of our life full-lived."
"Indeed, our days are numbered, some to many, others to few. Regardless, the sum of our days is always infinite as our intransigent web touched and changed the fabric of existence. I will not rue that result, but relish its unfathomable significance."
Dirvy stands up.
"At this time, I would like to ask any others who wish to speak about Mayor Nihala to come forward."
Dirvy sits down next to Zailon. Diablic says, "I wanted to say a quick word. Many others have given great speeches which reflect wonderfully how we feel. I wanted to remind all of us that Nihala gave her life, sacrificed, if you will to keep us safe. I believe she knew we are strong enough. We can face any adversary." Diablic says, "Let her sacrifice be strength to us all and to Icemule." Diablic says, "Thank you." Diablic sits down. Joskin raises his hand. Dirvy nods at Joskin. Joskin says, "I don't have much to say." Joskin says, "But she was really, really nice." Joskin says, "And she made Icemule a nice place to be." Joskin says, "And more people are here now. And that's good." Lopsopod raises his hand. Lopsopod clears his throat. Lopsopod stands up. Lopsopod softly says, "I wanted to say something as well." Lopsopod softly says, "Many of you know me here... I've always had trouble expressing m'self, but I'll give it a go." Lopsopod softly says, "I did not know Nihala, to be quite honest, only that I knew of her esteemed character and kind heart. She made this a place where families felt safe, like there was hope for a future." Lopsopod softly says, "I will say that during her term as a leader, the level of respect for those of my kind has indeed improved since the old days, and for that I am grateful." Lopsopod sits down. Lopsopod softly says, "That is all." Jensyn nods at Dirvy. Dirvy nods at Jensyn. Jensyn deeply says, ""Uhm.. I'm not very good at the talking thing, but I'll give it a try." Jensyn deeply says, "I came here in the past few days with my little brother. Who I've pretty much been raising on my own." Jensyn deeply says, "Basically, just been looking for a good place to settle, where I can feel he'll be safe. And while I didn't know the Lady Nihala." Jensyn deeply asks, "Attending this ceremony, and hearing you all speak?" Jensyn deeply says, "Yeah, that's all I need to know. This is a place with good, strong hearted people, which is the type of folk that I want Samyael to be around." Jensyn deeply exclaims, "That's... uh. Well that's all I really have to say. And, uh, thanks!"
"Nihala has passed, her love lingers on
To guide us through the glowing dawn
Her sacrifice is not in vain
Forever honored is her name"
Dirvy nods at Wolfloner. Wolfloner quietly says, "Nihala governed through perilous times. Not the first time she has faced adversity." Wolfloner darkly says, "She titled me Guard of Icemule Trace. But I think she is the true guardian after all." Wolfloner darkly says, "I found her just and true of spirit." Wolfloner darkly says, "She will be missed." Wolfloner nods at Dirvy. Lopsopod softly exclaims, "I remember the Eorgaen 28th invasion at the east gate... she certainly rallied the folk that day!" Diablic says, "I wanted to thank Enestrie and Dirvy for putting on this ceremony. I'm sure Nihala would be happy with it." Diablic says, "It is a beautiful ceremony." Laelithonel says, "Ah don'think those of us she blessed with those words will ever stop tryin' t'defend wha'she gave us as home." Diablic nods at Enestrie. Diablic nods at Dirvy. Diablic says, "Thank you both."
"If nobody else would like to speak, we will all be adjourning to the tent outside of Clovertooth Hall to continue the celebration of Nihala's life."
Svardin faces a huge portrait of Mayor Nihala Winterberry mounted on a snow white easel and renders a sharp hand salute. Speaking softly to Svardin, Lopsopod says, "Most eloquently stated, by the way." Speaking to Tawariell, Laelithonel says, "We'd guard an'protect likely even if we only had one gate standin' an'half a bake shop. She'd certainly wish us to."
[Commerce Burrow, Sylvan Hollow - 2421] A cobblestone circle marks the entrance to an ornate white marble structure. Sparkling clean windows mark either side of the entrance, over which the words "Clovertooth Hall" are deeply engraved. The circle is empty but for a few bleary-eyed clerks and visitors doing after-hours business with the government of Icemule Trace. You also see an acrimonious mountain spirit that is flying around, a pumpkin spice muffin with maple cream frosting, an acantha green and ivory tent with a cluster of sovyn cloves above the entrance, a yellowed tome, a gilded rectangular sign with icicles formed upon it, an open pedestal seated atop a marble base, an empty husk of life essence and a copper-edged modwir podium. [House Sovyn Party Tent - 2421] Dark hardwood floors are inlaid with polished aloeas forming an intricate House Sovyn coat-of-arms. Cheerful candles on gold candelabra brighten the spacious tent, casting merry shadows upon its lush, acantha green velvet interior walls. A heavy ivory damask curtain threaded with ivy green swirls separates the dance area to the north from this main gathering spot. You also see an acrimonious mountain spirit that is flying around, a discreet tent flap and a vine-carved cherrywood cart with some stuff on it.
"Joskin and I baked tarts for everyone."
"Please help yourselves to the cart as well, courtesy House White Haven"
"Please take a look at Nihala's portrat that Enestrie had commissioned."
Speaking softly to Dirvy, Lopsopod says, "A great likeness."
"Thank you all for coming to remember Nihala tonight, and for those who helped to plan this event."
Speaking softly to Dirvy, Lopsopod says, "You did her proud." Dirvy softly says, "I only ever do what is needed. Remembering her is always needed." |