Written By Edain
Oct. 16, 2016, 7:23 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
Duke Gabriel Bisland came to see me at the manor the other day. I feel like that lacks gravitas due this situation. THE Duke Gabriel Bisland came to Valardin manor to see me other day. I am fairly certain he thought I was acting like a star struck fool at first. It is hard not to be overwhelmed meeting one of the knights you spent your youth idolizing. Maybe the only man in all of the compact that was a match for my late uncle, Lord Commander Dayne he is one of the ideals of knighthood I can only hope to live up to one day. Ok I'm digressing. We had a very good conversation about the state of the kingdom and the challenges that lay before it and it bolsters my confidence knowing he is here to help us in our time of need. I just hope he doesn't think I am a nincompoop.
Written By Edain
Oct. 16, 2016, 7:02 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Beaumont
Prince Beaumont, brother of Princess Isabeau and Princess Sophie. I cannot say that I know him well, he became a Champion because he wanted a life of fame and fortune and fun things over discipline and errantry, but I do not doubt his love of family, especially not his deep and abiding devotion to his sisters. Hopefully I can finally get a chance to know him better here in the city of Arx.
Too help give me the chance to get to know him better, I asked Master Ida to make him a fitting sword. I got a pick of it at her smithy, and he worked with her to design a truly huge greatsword. I do not know what name he will give the blade, but I have taken to calling it 'Compensator.'
I have also just realized that I did not realize which of my journals I was writing this in?.
Too help give me the chance to get to know him better, I asked Master Ida to make him a fitting sword. I got a pick of it at her smithy, and he worked with her to design a truly huge greatsword. I do not know what name he will give the blade, but I have taken to calling it 'Compensator.'
I have also just realized that I did not realize which of my journals I was writing this in?.
Written By Edain
Oct. 16, 2016, 6:05 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
While the events that brought my to the city of Arx where tragedy, not just for my family but for so many throughout the Compact, it has allowed me to reconnect with members of my family I have not seen in a very long time. Among that number is my cousin, Princess Sophie who came to Arx to be a Mercy of Lagoma. Her endless enthusiasm still brings a smile to my face, and it makes me feel better to know that she has the resolve to let nothing darken her spirit. Though I should expect nothing less, she still has Sir Nutwel Oakley looking over her.
Written By Edain
Oct. 9, 2016, 9:21 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
I finally got a chance to sit and talk with Archscholar Aldwin, and already feel wiser for the experience. I cannot deny that this is a little childish, but there is a calm and honor to the man. After talking to him you are left with a sense that no matter how dark things are, we will endure, and history will carry on. We are richer for his service and that of the Scholars of Vellichor.
Written By Edain
Oct. 9, 2016, 9:02 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
He's young to be leading his own mercenary company, but it is a testament to his talent. Sellsword leadership usually belongs to the veteran's largely, but it is impressive to see him forging his own way.
Written By Edain
Oct. 2, 2016, 12:33 p.m.(9/24/1004 AR)
I was very encouraged by how well the 'Command Course Competition' that Princess Alis and myself hosted turned out. There was not a bad performance among the lot. Even those that did not complete course, did so with a certain panache, as the came up short because they had pushed themselves to try and score a better time. The eventual victor was Lord Eos Saik a man that continues to be exactly what I expect, and yet, completely different from what I assume of knight of the Lyceum. He was victorious showing some impressive veteran instincts.
The Duchess Nadia Nightgold was just as impressive only gave up victory to Lord Saik in a tie breaker run of the course that could not have been any closer. It really lifted my heart to see so many people tackle the challenge not just with skill but creativity. It made me feel better about our future. I mean yes it was mostly a silly game, but seeing the way everyone rose to the occasion, each in their own unique ways, it made me feel hope for how we will navigate the challenges on the horizon for us all.
I needed that, badly. My heart has been heavy this past week, hell my heart has been heavy since? well it has been said enough so I won't repeat it here. I can't possibly find and thank everyone that competed or just came to watch and cheer the other night, so if you happen to be browsing the white journals, and you come upon this entry, please know you have my sincerest gratitude.
The Duchess Nadia Nightgold was just as impressive only gave up victory to Lord Saik in a tie breaker run of the course that could not have been any closer. It really lifted my heart to see so many people tackle the challenge not just with skill but creativity. It made me feel better about our future. I mean yes it was mostly a silly game, but seeing the way everyone rose to the occasion, each in their own unique ways, it made me feel hope for how we will navigate the challenges on the horizon for us all.
I needed that, badly. My heart has been heavy this past week, hell my heart has been heavy since? well it has been said enough so I won't repeat it here. I can't possibly find and thank everyone that competed or just came to watch and cheer the other night, so if you happen to be browsing the white journals, and you come upon this entry, please know you have my sincerest gratitude.
Written By Edain
Oct. 2, 2016, 12:23 p.m.(9/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabeau
My cousin, Princess Isabeau must have the strongest pinky fingers in all of the compact. They would have to be with the peerless way she keeps us all wrapped around them. That has to get heavy after awhile. Hyperbole notwithstanding though, I am very glad she came to the City of Arx. The courts are hazardous waters and she swims them as comfortable as? some aquatic creature that is majestic and a good swimmer, like a dolphin or an otter. I hope she will be willing to help our family on the battlefields where the pen will be the greater weapon than the sword.
Written By Edain
Oct. 2, 2016, 11:09 a.m.(9/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
So I meet Lord Salazar the other day. It was an experience. I was in the Trader's Tavern, enjoying a dark cider and he stormed into the tavern and accused me of dishonoring his cousin, a Lady I have never met. He even drew his sword at one point. Eventually he received a message from the cousin in question that it was just a joke and from what I can gather from his comments she thought it would be funny for him to meet me in such away. While it spoiled my thirst for a perfectly good drink, I cannot fault any man for wanting to defend his family with such fervor. Clearly he is man that cares deeply for family and that speaks well of him.
He might want to have a long talk with his cousin though. I am not necessarily qualified to make this diagnosis but I think there is a possibility that she might be a bitch.
He might want to have a long talk with his cousin though. I am not necessarily qualified to make this diagnosis but I think there is a possibility that she might be a bitch.
Written By Edain
Sept. 25, 2016, 12:28 p.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
I had the opportunity to meet Lord Eos Saik at sir Silas' fencing competition. I was very impressed with his skill. Though I would expect nothing less of the older brother of Lady Kima. Like his sister, he subverts my expectations of a knight of Lyceum, especially one allied with Southport. Oh he enjoys his excesses, but he conducts himself with honor and dignity. Not that he needs or requires this, but I approve, for whatever that's worth.
Written By Edain
Sept. 25, 2016, 12:12 p.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I cannot claim to know Prince Fergus well. We have met only a handful of times and spoken only very briefly, but at Sir Silas' fencing competition he left me feeling very humbled. The eventual winner he bested me, handily I might add, in the very first round. I think he's a good man, direct, friendly and able to crack a joke, but his eyes do little to hide the toll that battle has taken on him. I hope in the dark days that come he does not have to untie the peace knot that restrains Farhaven's sword. He would vanquish his foes his foes, but I worry he'd lose something to do so.
Written By Edain
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:28 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
People hear me talk about my brother's all the time, to the point where I am certain there are some that would wish me to shut up. It occurs to me, that I don't share about my sister Tabitha often, and I would hate for anyone to think that was because she was not an exceptional woman.
While Vance and Valen taught me much about being a knight, it was Tabitha that taught me what it means to be noble. That our birthright is a duty not a blessing. That we have to protect those we rule, and that means caring for them, not just drawing steel, stabbing things and then disappearing into our fortress again.
She was the one who father always entrusted to represent him in court, because she waded into those hostile waters with grace and resolve in both overwhelming measure. I remember once asking her how she did it, because it seemed so much more intimidating than a battlefield. She laughed at me and said, "In court everyone is going to lie, manipulate and betray in order to get what they want. Once you realize, that, you realize there is never any reason to do anything other than what you know to be right."
Gods, I miss her.
While Vance and Valen taught me much about being a knight, it was Tabitha that taught me what it means to be noble. That our birthright is a duty not a blessing. That we have to protect those we rule, and that means caring for them, not just drawing steel, stabbing things and then disappearing into our fortress again.
She was the one who father always entrusted to represent him in court, because she waded into those hostile waters with grace and resolve in both overwhelming measure. I remember once asking her how she did it, because it seemed so much more intimidating than a battlefield. She laughed at me and said, "In court everyone is going to lie, manipulate and betray in order to get what they want. Once you realize, that, you realize there is never any reason to do anything other than what you know to be right."
Gods, I miss her.
Written By Edain
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:15 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
I expected to have very little in common with Princess Deva when we first met. But we quickly bonded over a love of horses. And since then, I have learned she is an excellent archer, skilled and wielding heavy slabs of metal attached to a long pole. She lives her life with a passion and zeal that it is very hard not to envy. That free spirit, does not come at the cost of her devotion and duty to her family. I hope that we can see better relations between our peoples in the future.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:34 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fawkuhl
I never got to know my cousin Fawkuhl well. He had left to dedicate his life to the faith while I was very young. I was always proud of how he rose to prominence in the Faith. I thought, he is Valardin born, who could be better be steward of the faith. Meeting him the few times I have have been, disappointing. He purposefully insulted someone in their own home, and then justified those actions with semantics that are the anathema of the gallantry we grow up learning to hold so dear. He acts as one expects of one in his station, but I feel that just, something is absent. My sister Princess Tabitha once told me, "Some men are capable of acting humble, without having an ounce of humility in their heart." I wonder now, if I know who she was speaking off.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:18 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I have only met Prince Darren a small handful of times, but so far I am impressed. He is every bit the rugged Northman his people want him to be, but in speaking with him I have seen that he is the cunning diplomat they need him to be. Despite personal tragedy and loss he has stepped into the mantle of his father, and even though I know it is not, he has made it look easy. I cannot deny that I envy that.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:06 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jessamine
I met young Goodwoman Jessamine at a council of physicians and healers to discuss the condition of King Alaric IV. By happenstance I found myself sitting next to her at the table. After reading a report on the King's disposition, I discretely asked her what 'pupils' were, medically you see, because I always thought that referred to a student. She shared with me that she first thought the report said 'puppies' and was sad to find there are none. Now in my experience puppies in healer's tent are a nuisance. They try to like the wounds, they eat the medicine and promptly get sick and vomit all over everything. But she seemed so so enamored with the thought of puppies romping in the gauze I couldn't bring myself to point this out. She seems like a good lass.
Written By Edain
Sept. 4, 2016, 8:41 p.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Talen Artiglio, the Sword of Lenosia and the prime protector of the Velenosa royalty. His devotion to them is clear, and it speaks well of his character but... Look, I understand that when it comes to a real fight, you protect your charge at any cost, and this requires a certain ruthless instinct, but seeing him willing to to such levels in even friendly contests just grates on me. Also I have seen him fight, and even crossed swords with him in a Grand Melee and it is clear to me that the man is a better fighter than I am. I am ashamed of my own pettiness but by the Gods admitting that bothers me deeply, more than it should.
Written By Edain
Sept. 4, 2016, 8:31 p.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
Lady Calista Fidante, sister of Duke Leo Fidante, and living breathing scandal. She is very good at putting me on the defensive and making me feel embarrassed and on my guard. She is a vibrant and intelligent woman and woe to anyone that would underestimate her. It has been quite the joy to watch her rise to the occasion of being her brother's Voice. She may play the part of the carefree flirt, but make no mistake, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Written By Edain
Sept. 4, 2016, 8:25 p.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Leo
Duke Leo Fidante he is a man that bucks the perceptions of a Lord of the Lyceum, and does so fearlessly. He spent many years with us training in Sanctum, and he was close with my older brothers Vance and Valen. When Count Lucien of Southport attempted to usurp Tor out from under him my brother's fought alongside him, with Valardin knights and soldiers that came to help him reclaim his birthright. He is a valuable ally, and friend of the Valardin family, I hope that we remain so for some time.
Written By Edain
Aug. 28, 2016, 6:37 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
I have been impressed with many of Sir Silas's showings in martial events, by all appearances he is a knight well skilled in the sword, in the tilt and in the hunt. I have no doubt that he serves the Iron Guard with distinction and honor. What was more surprising to learn is what a talented carpenter the man is. He made me a very large table with a map of Arvum carved into the surface and it turned out even better than I hoped. I have even already been yelled at by the manor staff for using the good china as 'strategic markers' because it was so big that I didn't have enough tokens to place them everywhere that I needed. He is truly an impressive craftsman!
Written By Edain
Aug. 21, 2016, 6:11 p.m.(5/11/1004 AR)
So there is an old saying, "Better pray for a dragon." It means that when things look their worst you can always pray that knight of house Valardin shows up to save you. When I was younger and dreaming of being an errant knight I thought I understood this perfectly. You ride around, look for people in trouble, find said trouble, and give it such a sound thrashing it will crawl back beneath whatever rock it came from.
Since the Tragedy I have had to put aside many of my more romantic notions, and I have given a lot of thought to the true meaning of this saying. Maybe it is more bittersweet than I once realized. Perhaps it means that the Dragon's come when things are dark, but then we go away again, happy in our Oathlands. Maybe it is time that we spent more time in Arx and participated more in the Compact, maybe it is time that people didn't have to pray for a dragon as a last resort, maybe it's time that they can start counting on one already being there.
Since the Tragedy I have had to put aside many of my more romantic notions, and I have given a lot of thought to the true meaning of this saying. Maybe it is more bittersweet than I once realized. Perhaps it means that the Dragon's come when things are dark, but then we go away again, happy in our Oathlands. Maybe it is time that we spent more time in Arx and participated more in the Compact, maybe it is time that people didn't have to pray for a dragon as a last resort, maybe it's time that they can start counting on one already being there.
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