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[color=47FBE4]"We interrupt your program for an emergency broadcast. One week ago, the terrorist group known as the Red Hand launched an unprecedented attack against the students of the Noila Academy. The terrorists kidnapped Valentina Ricci, once an anti-treaty activist and known isolationist, and forced her to frenzy hours before releasing her into a campus of Reveling students. While the threat was contained quickly, six students suffered critical injuries before the vampire was apprehended: fourth year Andres Santiago, fourth year Sofia Andrich, third year Elijah White, second year Mallore Dalish, second year Isabella Smith, and first year Cassandra Roth."[/color]

As their names were called, a photo of each student flickered across the screen.

[color=47FBE4]“All students were transferred to intensive care immediately following the attacks and while there has still been no official word on their condition current condition, most are expected to make a full recovery in the next few years. The students and their families have been taken into protective custody until Princess Nox confirms that these students were not selected intentionally. We go live now to the steps of the Grand Citadel where the Council and Princess Ryner have gathered to release an official statement."[/color]

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The Grand Citadel loomed above the gathered reporters, the Council standing at the top of the steps looking grim. Queen Anastasia stood directly in the center, Lady Sinnenodel's proxy and Lord Astorio on the left and Lord Eve and Lord Marivaldi on her right. Princess Ryner stood at the base of the steps, the Royal Guard separating her from the crowd of reporters murmuring among themselves. The Princess held her hand up for silence and the murmuring stopped.

 [color=bc8dbf]"Tonight, I stand here to take responsibility for a brutal and horrific attack against the innocent. In an unprecedented move, the rogue mage group known as the Red Hand tortured a vampire into animalistic instinct and directed her at a campus of unprepared and unaware mages. Thanks to the actions of Victor Astorio, Eris Samael, and countless other students, the intrusion came to the attention of both campus security and the Royal Guard who quickly and efficiently secured the campus and ended any further threats to the students. I am eternally grateful to those who stood up against this cowardly, unjust attack."[/color]

 [color=bc8dbf]"But as quickly as the threat was subdued, six students still suffered injuries. Even one would have been too many but six students under my protection breaks my heart."[/color] Ryner paused a moment as her calm and determined demeanor fell, showing the frustration and grief. It took her a moment to blink away the tears prickling at the corner of her eyes but she got herself back under control.  [color=bc8dbf]"We stand in our grief with the families of these students. This attack has not only hurt their child but has taken their sense of safety and peace of mind. Yhee Council has provided them with a secure location to stay together for the duration of their child's recovery but that is a far cry from the stability the families had before this. As the person who was responsible for protecting everything they've lost this past week, I beg both their and the peoples' forgiveness."[/color]

 [color=bc8dbf]"But I will not cower in the face of my failures. If anything, my resolve has never been stronger. Never will such an atrocity occur again so long as I still walk under the starry sky. But, I do not expect you to believe me after my incompetence led to such a disaster. In the words of a dear colleague, promises are little more than the empty shell of actions. This past week, I’ve spent evenight, midnight, and morn securing additional security measures for the Noila Academy. Princess Nox is currently occupied leading the investigation but she has graciously given one of her top mages leave to retrain the campus security, review and bolster existing wards, and develop security policy that will set the standard for all mage colleges across the realm. I am personally funding these improvements both here and at other colleges; I will not rely on public funds to cover my shortcomings.”[/color] Ryner spoke with determination, making eye contact with the cameras. [color=bc8dbf]“Furthermore, I have decided to develop a community outreach program to help reduce the ease with which this group can recruit. I will not be doing this alone. Many of the realm’s top empaths will be assisting, including Isadora Starag and her partner Count Alder Noila. I know nothing I can do will fix what has already happened but I can ensure this will never happen again.”[/color]