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"Thales" - Journal (Lokira)

Journal - Yuri 55, Moon 3, Day 1

How could I have been so blind?

According to other Muses, Thales has been prattling on about the Muse Codex. The Codex is nothing more than a set of outdated rules & standards contained in 10 musty tomes. The conventions & accords established during the expansion of the Muse Guilds into the Eastern Kingdoms make the contents of the Codex inapplicable to our Guild.

But Volume 8 discusses the Reappearance of the Nine...

Why was Thales so insistent on seeing our Codex?

Anyone persistent enough to make their way through the Codex can find uncountable contradictions. This is why the Codex has not been revised in over 200 years.

The last revision of Volume 8 was 400 years ago...

Why was I so overconfident?

According to the Codex, the Nine Muses have appeared at various times in recorded history. With each appearance, a new cultural center emerges to eclipse all others in the world. The last Appearance of the Nine was in Parnassus, where the Central Muse Guild is now located.

Now the Nine have reappeared here...

When did he find out?

I offered to publicly debate Thales in the Muse Garden. Knowing that the Codex doesn't apply to us, I knew I could exact some vengeance for his shoddy treatment of our Guild during his "investigation". I thought the Reappearance of the Nine would be a shock and anticipated the revelation.

But he already knew...

His verbal abuse has wearied us all. No longer could I smile politely and nod at his words. Instead of biting my tongue, I said the words previously heard only in my thoughts. I felt the harshness of those words in my bones & enjoyed the bitterness. I defended the Muses, my Guild and my Elder from the slander of that man.

Because of my words, he has issued his preliminary decree...

All of us now face Thales' vengeance. By every rule, he has the authority to impose the penalties he has decreed. Our only recourse is to question his decree before the Helicon's Council in Parnassus. Thales lacks the proof needed to support these penalties.

But it is a very, very long journey to Parnassus...

While I am gone, all the Muses will be tested, with the brightest forced to travel to West. My Elder will be stripped of everything she has worked for these many years. And Thales will control the Buyan Muse Guild.

While he watches for the Reappearance of the Nine...

This is a tragedy that would make even Melpomene cry, written by her Hand. I never realized her touch was so cold.