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Written By Alis

Dec. 26, 2016, 10:09 p.m.(6/28/1005 AR)

It never gets easier.

The largest part of me hopes that he is right, as it should never be easy to make a choice that will most likely end in death for the people under your command.

But gods, the parts of me that hurt right now wish it weren't the case. I know I'd have to make the same choices again and it makes me want to drown myself in a bottle of whiskey. Am I really cut out for this?

Written By Alis

Dec. 26, 2016, 4:59 p.m.(6/27/1005 AR)

It appears that my trusty warhorse will have to remain here in Arx. My brother has asked I bring Sir Arugula instead, and I would not deny either he or Sir A that request. In his full battle armor, he looks proud and resplendent and eager for battle. I know he will protect me as fiercely as my own brother would were he there fighting by my side. Should the strangeness of the area begin to bother him, I will send him back to the ferry to wait for us. He is a loyal and trustworthy steed, and I know he will be there.

We've planned and gone over strategy, gathered everything we imagine we could possibly need, prayed and attended blessing ceremonies, and even said our 'see you soon's' to our loved ones. We can do this, and we will return victorious. It may be a minor victory, but every victory against the dark counts.

Written By Alis

Dec. 20, 2016, 8:13 p.m.(6/10/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Okay, I was called away in the midst of writing that last entry. Let me try again.

You know the tales of gallant and dignified Dukes? I'm almost certain they were written based off of Duke Niccolo. We met to discuss recent happenings in the realm, and I left feeling as though I had found someone I could turn to for advice when I need it. Nor did he make me feel any less for being so young a Voice for our family.

Written By Alis

Dec. 20, 2016, 4:19 p.m.(6/9/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Voice of Velanosa

Written By Alis

Dec. 20, 2016, 3:50 p.m.(6/9/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Leo

He knew my older brothers better then I did, save perhaps for Edain. And it's a bit of a strange feeling, sitting down to speak with someone who has more memories of time spent with them then I do. Nonetheless, I know how highly they all regarded him. It was nice to find myself agreeing with their perceptions even after a relatively short discussion.

Written By Alis

Dec. 13, 2016, 12:52 a.m.(5/14/1005 AR)

Okay, I will admit it. I am duly impressed that the Redrain actually wrestle bears. It was definitely quite a sight!

I expect if I tried to wrestle a bear, it would keel over chuffing with amusement before it even took a swipe at me.

Written By Alis

Dec. 11, 2016, 1:37 p.m.(5/10/1005 AR)

Apparently, several people have remarked that the barbeque last night was a success, and they look forward to future Valardin 'parties'. I'm not entirely sure what to make of this, since it ended with curry everywhere, a multitude of cursing, a nearly blinded Duchess, and an unplanned wrestling match (which resulted in the nearly blinded Duchess).

I was entirely unaware that this is considered a good thing. Perhaps a chili contest at the next event would go over equally as well.

Written By Alis

Dec. 5, 2016, 9:58 a.m.(4/20/1005 AR)

You are all very welcome, for the delight of hearing Edain say 'Twinkle Court' at the Explorer's Society debut meeting.

Technically, I suppose I should have corrected him, knowing that Twinkle and Twilight could so easily be confused. But, does anyone really blame me for giggling quietly to myself? No, I didn't think so!

Written By Alis

Dec. 4, 2016, 3:20 p.m.(4/17/1005 AR)

It's quite amazing how fun a trip to the Managerie can be. Especially if Sophie is along, as she is quite relaxing company.

The ursine exhibit, and the lemurs, were especially amusing. But they really need food vendors in there somewhere.

Written By Alis

Nov. 29, 2016, 7:48 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)

I must admit I have a difficult time understanding how anyone could walk away from a discussion that includes my dearest cousin the Mercy, and say vituperatve things of her. Perhaps there is a dead rodent lodged up their evacuation orifice.

Written By Alis

Nov. 28, 2016, 12:46 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)

Rhys, A Valardin Knight

I am certain the poor soul that's been assigned as my babys.. I mean, 'aide-de-camp' is wondering what he's done in his years of apparently exemplary service to deserve this punishment disguised as a promotion. He seems pleasant enough, but is of course implacable about fulfilling the demands of his liege. I'd like to know where Edain finds these people. Does he have some sort of special intuition that points him towards those who are just too calm to be irritating? Forcing me to grudgingly accept their constant presence?

And of course, it is someone who survived Sanctum. That seems to make him doubly cautious about whatever he perceives as a threat to my safety. (This is how I know he's not entirely an aide-de-camp, brother. I see what you did there). On the plus side, he is tall enough to reach the shelves I usually need a step-ladder for. He also has one of those particularly menacing expressions, which is fun. We have worked out a signal so that he will scowl on demand for me. I hope he's being paid well (goodness knows he will earn it) - I will have to check the accounts.

Written By Alis

Nov. 27, 2016, 7 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Edain

I can always count on my dear brother to be confident in my ability to do anything I set my mind to. Even if it happens to involve large animal carcasses. This is what true sibling support is all about.

Written By Alis

Nov. 27, 2016, 3:33 p.m.(3/24/1005 AR)

Sometimes, watching a good sparring match is nearly as cathartic as participating in one yourself. Two good matches; Anze vs. Aksel and Edain vs. Calypso.

Quite well done.

Written By Alis

Nov. 27, 2016, 6:21 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Max

Or, perhaps not.

Written By Alis

Nov. 26, 2016, 11:20 p.m.(3/22/1005 AR)

How long can a person stay awake at a stretch? I believe I am about to find out. And Sophie, answer your messenger before I worry more. You don't want me to worry more, do you? I know you don't!

Written By Alis

Nov. 25, 2016, 3:28 p.m.(3/18/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Sophie

I must spend more time with my cousin. Aside from the fact that we get along quite well, she quite sincerely brings out my more playful side.

...

Well, I merely assume that's a good thing. I could be wrong.

Written By Alis

Nov. 23, 2016, 1 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

Well, he knows how to pick a good turkey to send. I mean, what more can you ask for in someone who is already a giant warrior? Aside from the mistake of assuming I wouldn't be able to haul a deer across the city. But nobody is perfect.

Written By Alis

Nov. 23, 2016, 12:58 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Max

There is much more in common here then I would have thought. I will only say that he is a good man. One I would neither be afraid to call friend, or come to the aid of if requested.

Written By Alis

Nov. 22, 2016, 4:28 p.m.(3/9/1005 AR)

Marian is looking at me quite strangely as a dead turkey is delivered; and then even moreso as a haul it //by myself// to the kitchens, refusing the help of the equally puzzled servants.

The only explanation I have given, of course, is that someone thinks he is funny, and I am not weak! NOT W-E-A-K. I hope you heard that all the way in your ward, Prince!

Written By Alis

Nov. 22, 2016, 10:58 a.m.(3/9/1005 AR)

I have taken a small stone from the Cairn. Just large enough to roll over in my hand, as a fidget. A reminder.

Letting go of one's burdens for an evening was easy; but for longer? Not so much. I sat there in the park for hours, just staring at that half visible image of the etched dragon. Elora, a faithful family servant since long before Sanctum's tragedy, brought me cups of hot cider to keep me warm although I tried to assure her I was fine. She worries like a mother hen over her charges. And All of us living at the manor are definitely her charges. But it is peaceful and quiet here, and that allows me time to think.

How do I do it? How do I move past it? Justice for them feels like a pipe dream, but they deserve that much. And it is the least I can do, for not being there with them. I owe them that, and I will do what it takes to find it for them. And then I can move forward with a clean conscience.

Until then, I suppose the goal of justice will have to do, to lift that particular burden. And after the hours it took to reach that conclusion, it's time to go fluter Elora with a hug and kiss on the cheek for her care.

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