Written By Rysen
March 7, 2020, 2:49 a.m.(11/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Marquessa Arcadia wrote to me regarding my decision to join the crusade. With her permission, I've transcribed her missive here:
Ry,
You're an idiot.
This crusade is not well thought out. It's fever and passion. While agree on the abolition of slavery, of mercy and forgiveness, I question the motives behind this. Do you think of who will you slaughter on the field? Are they fighting because of a cause they believe in or are they slavers who were told that their families will be murdered if they don't fight? Do you believe slaughtering thousands of people will cause the change you're looking for? Prism asked us to break the chains and to forgive. There's more than one way, and I don't believe a bloody battle based on a fevered speech at the assembly is the way to go. In some ways, this talk of war, the fighting, it only makes us as bad as them.
I'm not sure why I've even bothered to write you my thoughts on this. You'll just dismiss me like you always do.
Cady
My friend has asked good questions and I owe her and Vellichor a thoughtful response.
It is hardly a secret that Grand Master Preston doesn't have the highest opinion of the shaman of the Northlands, and there is hardly a place more steeped in the Old Ways than Stormwall. When I asked him once why he and his knights rode so far north to fight the forces of the Gyre, he said, as many heroic men and women do when asked similar questions in similar circumstances, that it was his duty.
To take Grand Master Preston's answer at face value does not do justice to the true courage it took to struggle in the face of horror and death when many other choices lay open to him. The Templars might just as well left the Northlands to fend for themselves, while protecting the most strategic of the Faith's cathedrals and churches. Or perhaps, he would have heard that the forces of the Gyre were leashed minions and slaves, whose wills had been stolen, and refused to raise his sword against them. Or he might have stayed in Grand Cathedral and prayed for Mangata, her seraph or some other divine being to deliver us. But he chose instead to fight on the beach and in the streets of Stormwall, and thousands of Templars, along with may other warriors and healers of the Compact, died to protect my people and my homeland.
I too think of those who have been coerced to fight for the slavers of Eurus. I do not begrudge those who pray for deliverance, wish for, or invest in freedom, or seek a peaceful means of protecting the Compact and liberating the oppressed, but the gods and their seraphs take no actions that go unnoticed by their reflections, and I believe the teachings of Gloria recognize the value of military actions in service to the Faith and each other.
A journal recently from one I respect suggested that spilling blood among those who might use it to fuel their arts is folly - but I ask whether it might not be better to shed that blood in resistance to tyranny, since failing to stand against such an enemy most certainly does not prevent them from spilling the blood of any they enslave, and only grants them the opportunity to ritualize the act unimpeded.
I once observed a boy who'd been enslaved by the Prophet, murder several of his fellow slaves in the Saving Grace Hospital, one of which was his own mother who loved him. There is nothing I will not do to prevent that fate from befalling my son and my wife. If diplomacy or divine intervention may prevail, I will be grateful, but if Prince Damik'uhl'daja attempts to force the chains of slavery on those I have sworn to protect, I pray to Lagoma that I might conduct myself by the example of Sir Preston and Goldenpyre. If my choice is to watch my gods and traditions be overthrown, and my people enslaved, or send to the Wheel those whose choices have been stripped from them to preserve the possibility of choice itself, I will choose to fight. In doing so, I hope I understand rightly the wisdom of Prism and Skald, the teachings of Gloria, and my duties as a knight.
Ry,
You're an idiot.
This crusade is not well thought out. It's fever and passion. While agree on the abolition of slavery, of mercy and forgiveness, I question the motives behind this. Do you think of who will you slaughter on the field? Are they fighting because of a cause they believe in or are they slavers who were told that their families will be murdered if they don't fight? Do you believe slaughtering thousands of people will cause the change you're looking for? Prism asked us to break the chains and to forgive. There's more than one way, and I don't believe a bloody battle based on a fevered speech at the assembly is the way to go. In some ways, this talk of war, the fighting, it only makes us as bad as them.
I'm not sure why I've even bothered to write you my thoughts on this. You'll just dismiss me like you always do.
Cady
My friend has asked good questions and I owe her and Vellichor a thoughtful response.
It is hardly a secret that Grand Master Preston doesn't have the highest opinion of the shaman of the Northlands, and there is hardly a place more steeped in the Old Ways than Stormwall. When I asked him once why he and his knights rode so far north to fight the forces of the Gyre, he said, as many heroic men and women do when asked similar questions in similar circumstances, that it was his duty.
To take Grand Master Preston's answer at face value does not do justice to the true courage it took to struggle in the face of horror and death when many other choices lay open to him. The Templars might just as well left the Northlands to fend for themselves, while protecting the most strategic of the Faith's cathedrals and churches. Or perhaps, he would have heard that the forces of the Gyre were leashed minions and slaves, whose wills had been stolen, and refused to raise his sword against them. Or he might have stayed in Grand Cathedral and prayed for Mangata, her seraph or some other divine being to deliver us. But he chose instead to fight on the beach and in the streets of Stormwall, and thousands of Templars, along with may other warriors and healers of the Compact, died to protect my people and my homeland.
I too think of those who have been coerced to fight for the slavers of Eurus. I do not begrudge those who pray for deliverance, wish for, or invest in freedom, or seek a peaceful means of protecting the Compact and liberating the oppressed, but the gods and their seraphs take no actions that go unnoticed by their reflections, and I believe the teachings of Gloria recognize the value of military actions in service to the Faith and each other.
A journal recently from one I respect suggested that spilling blood among those who might use it to fuel their arts is folly - but I ask whether it might not be better to shed that blood in resistance to tyranny, since failing to stand against such an enemy most certainly does not prevent them from spilling the blood of any they enslave, and only grants them the opportunity to ritualize the act unimpeded.
I once observed a boy who'd been enslaved by the Prophet, murder several of his fellow slaves in the Saving Grace Hospital, one of which was his own mother who loved him. There is nothing I will not do to prevent that fate from befalling my son and my wife. If diplomacy or divine intervention may prevail, I will be grateful, but if Prince Damik'uhl'daja attempts to force the chains of slavery on those I have sworn to protect, I pray to Lagoma that I might conduct myself by the example of Sir Preston and Goldenpyre. If my choice is to watch my gods and traditions be overthrown, and my people enslaved, or send to the Wheel those whose choices have been stripped from them to preserve the possibility of choice itself, I will choose to fight. In doing so, I hope I understand rightly the wisdom of Prism and Skald, the teachings of Gloria, and my duties as a knight.
Written By Miranda
Feb. 24, 2020, 8:47 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Ooh, note to self... Upon learning I've missed the birthday of my children, be sure to wake them up to celebrate...
However old they are...
And pretend that it was the plan the whole time.
Surprise!
Lovely, Cady, I'll learn from the mistakes you make. Neener.
You know you love me.
However old they are...
And pretend that it was the plan the whole time.
Surprise!
Lovely, Cady, I'll learn from the mistakes you make. Neener.
You know you love me.
Written By Thea
Feb. 18, 2020, 9:21 p.m.(10.418597470238096/17.441458333333333/1012.7848831225199 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I can assure you Marquessa Arcadia, that is a terrible idea.
Written By Strozza
Feb. 13, 2020, 1:21 p.m.(10.037931547619047/3.1241666666666665/1012.7531609623015 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Pettiness does not suit you
Written By Strozza
Jan. 25, 2020, 2:24 p.m.(8.581319031084657/19.55386574074074/1012.6317765859237 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I will get you an Ostrian kitten.
Then you can stop trying to thieve mine.
Then you can stop trying to thieve mine.
Written By Miranda
Jan. 20, 2020, 4:49 p.m.(8.231468667328041/13.96224537037037/1012.602622388944 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Cady, my darling...
I'm not sure I'm worried about being fat as a whale...
But this nausea? I could do without.
At least the cranky has been put on hold awhile.
I'm not sure I'm worried about being fat as a whale...
But this nausea? I could do without.
At least the cranky has been put on hold awhile.
Written By Rosalind
Jan. 19, 2020, 10:18 p.m.(8.176357060185186/10.87599537037037/1012.5980297550154 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Marquessa and I made a bet today. I dont think the spirits are ready for it! Me..in a dress. And stuff on my face!
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 12, 2020, 12:49 a.m.(7/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Yes
Written By Miranda
Dec. 10, 2019, 10:02 a.m.(5/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Countess!
You lead, I shall follow!
Onward to the fun!
More swimming! More rescuing poor shavs from evil pirates!
We can be the Trio of... something. We need a grand name.
You lead, I shall follow!
Onward to the fun!
More swimming! More rescuing poor shavs from evil pirates!
We can be the Trio of... something. We need a grand name.
Written By Arik
Nov. 22, 2019, 1:25 p.m.(3/28/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
A northerner's beard is a special thing and when it is threatened it causes a unique pain that no one can understand.
Having your head smacked by the Bull of Solace himself in a sparring match, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Having twins on the hottest day of the year in the Hundred cities, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Being subject to the scorn of the White journals in the Capital, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
The Gods and Spirits bless that it wasn't ripped from my chin for then surely my soul would have left my body and been claimed by the Queen of Endings.
Having your head smacked by the Bull of Solace himself in a sparring match, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Having twins on the hottest day of the year in the Hundred cities, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
Being subject to the scorn of the White journals in the Capital, nothing compared to a beard pulling.
The Gods and Spirits bless that it wasn't ripped from my chin for then surely my soul would have left my body and been claimed by the Queen of Endings.
Written By Teagan
Nov. 22, 2019, 9:48 a.m.(3/28/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
That beard is one of the gems of the North.
Written By Dianna
Nov. 15, 2019, 1:56 p.m.(3/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Having encountered so much poetry, of late, I am inclined to wonder if I should write - or endeavor in some kind of artistry.
Where is there time, though - when life's questions and mysteries abound, when there are so many people yet to know? In truth, I've barely a moment for my own journals, much less for savoring sounds of evocative words.
Besides, this winter's chill has my fingers frozen nearly stiff; only warmed brandy - and some clear, spiced-pear liquor I have chanced upon - manage to keep my blood moving, as well as whisky, (when brandy is in short supply).
The Everwinter tasting was warm enough, though: The sheer number of bodies within even such a grand room kept me warm enough (although, it is possible that I did not notice, on account of having discovered the delightful warmth of bear fur. I shall never take it off all winter, I am sure). Thank you, again, for hosting such a grand party, Countess, and for entertaining my dearest cousin throughout the eve.
Where is there time, though - when life's questions and mysteries abound, when there are so many people yet to know? In truth, I've barely a moment for my own journals, much less for savoring sounds of evocative words.
Besides, this winter's chill has my fingers frozen nearly stiff; only warmed brandy - and some clear, spiced-pear liquor I have chanced upon - manage to keep my blood moving, as well as whisky, (when brandy is in short supply).
The Everwinter tasting was warm enough, though: The sheer number of bodies within even such a grand room kept me warm enough (although, it is possible that I did not notice, on account of having discovered the delightful warmth of bear fur. I shall never take it off all winter, I am sure). Thank you, again, for hosting such a grand party, Countess, and for entertaining my dearest cousin throughout the eve.
Written By Strozza
Nov. 14, 2019, 11:18 p.m.(3/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Footsteps swift and sweet
Spinning and speaking to me
Kindle poets heart
Spinning and speaking to me
Kindle poets heart
Written By Strozza
Nov. 12, 2019, 12:02 a.m.(3/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
That she debates without vehemence shows a clear head. That her questions and her points are precise and clearly offered shows she would be a good ally.
I enjoyed our conversation, even if only performed via missive.
I would name her friend when I finally meet her.
I enjoyed our conversation, even if only performed via missive.
I would name her friend when I finally meet her.
Written By Rysen
Oct. 29, 2019, 3:30 p.m.(2/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Sonnet for Arcadia
A full mortal blow to this poet's pride
You have struck, dear friend, by your mournful claim
That my affection I'd to th' world deny,
For one I trust without reservation -
For no danger, nor pain have you yet shunned
To stand with me in my hour of need,
Yet no songs for you has my muse yet sung,
And seek now to make sincere remedy,
So that when cold Loneliness seeks your heart,
Give him naught but laughter and haughty scorn,
And send him off to seek some other mark,
As my true love for you shall not be torn.
Not longest distance, time, nor even death
Shall take the slightest part of our friendship.
A full mortal blow to this poet's pride
You have struck, dear friend, by your mournful claim
That my affection I'd to th' world deny,
For one I trust without reservation -
For no danger, nor pain have you yet shunned
To stand with me in my hour of need,
Yet no songs for you has my muse yet sung,
And seek now to make sincere remedy,
So that when cold Loneliness seeks your heart,
Give him naught but laughter and haughty scorn,
And send him off to seek some other mark,
As my true love for you shall not be torn.
Not longest distance, time, nor even death
Shall take the slightest part of our friendship.
Written By Fairen
Oct. 18, 2019, 7:45 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Cousin,
You have just inspired me to work on a great invention - one long overdue for the preservation of wisdom. Especially with certain cousins who threaten my library with muck splattered about.
Mud-proof book covers.
You have just inspired me to work on a great invention - one long overdue for the preservation of wisdom. Especially with certain cousins who threaten my library with muck splattered about.
Mud-proof book covers.
Written By Martino
Oct. 15, 2019, 3:53 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I have only just been able to properly re-enter the Bold Espressions after they seem to have, somehow, forgotten the moment I entered.
Coffee, however, might forever be ruined. Countess.
Coffee, however, might forever be ruined. Countess.
Written By Martino
Oct. 7, 2019, 3:44 p.m.(12/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
The Countess is correct that jokes about people carrying bastard children are gauche, at best, and especially when rightly called out at the time.
To lie, however, to ensure protect yourself and to avoid an apology is an act of shameful, selfishness.
That, truly, earns a high mark of disrespect.
To lie, however, to ensure protect yourself and to avoid an apology is an act of shameful, selfishness.
That, truly, earns a high mark of disrespect.
Written By Riagnon
Oct. 6, 2019, 3:51 p.m.(12/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I can't imagine what the sweet Countess could have done to deserve such calumny! She ought to challenge that person to a duel.
Written By Dante
Sept. 26, 2019, 9:25 p.m.(11/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Nothing can replace the emeralds of Tor in my heart, but seraphinite is now a close second. I owe thanks to Countess Arcadia for showing me a spectacular specimen of this dazzling gem. Set in silver seems to be the most appropriate way to display it - I will have to consider ways to integrate it into my wardrobe.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.