”The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.””—G.K. Chesterton

It’s hard for me to come up with the words for this moment. Just yesterday I had a short conversation with Shapha about the state of the war. I had come to the conclusion by this point that the war would continue to go this way:

• USA would go to Pavia, get beat back
• USA would get upset and go to Icenia, and place more grief.

For a year or two until they either got banned or bored.

Icenia was also at a tipping point. Some had expected USA to lay off after raiding any chest they could find. This morning, we were dismayed to see that they had actually laid down more obby. People were ready to quit, I know I was—my life has been hard recently and a game I used to play as an escape had turned into a hellscape.

I still don’t know why it did. Perhaps it was because of our role in the Infinity War, perhaps it was because Icenia was a funny place to mess with with, perhaps it was because Vah convinced them. Whatever reason it was, Icenia didn’t chose it. We sought peace, conversation, and treaties—not blood, loot, and destruction as our modus operandi.

Either way, Icenia survived. Icenia survived because throughout this war, people have stepped up to defend the town they call their own. Icenia survived because we had allies at our back. Icenia survived because you can’t kill a town with over 8 years of history behind it.

Icenia survived because we’ve put our hearts into our community, not into the barrel of a gun.

In the coming weeks, months even, we’ve got our work cut out for us. You’ve seen the photos. Our city is covered in not just SRO, but IRO, and DRO. Our wealth, while much of it is dropchested, is wiped out. We’re asking for any help possible. Your support in cleaning the city, no matter how small, will be recognized and greatly appreciated. Please contact me or Slushii if you want to donate or help.

Our best days are ahead, and I love whats behind me. Onward and upwards.