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Written By Ailith

Feb. 2, 2019, 10:05 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Reigna

If the ends mean compromising your fidelity, your honor, your Faith, all in the ideal of achieving a supposed wondrous end, do you remain wholly untarnished? Who are impacted unfavorably by your ends? Every decision has its consequences, from minor to major.

There are those, despite how the ends removes traces of their being, however callous and horrendous, will do so and accept or scorn the judgment of their peers, lieges, the Crown and Faith. And when they return to the Wheel, they will discover the righteousness of the Gods.

This is why we choose to uphold our fidelity and honor. Our Faith shall guide us through and have care of the choices we make.

Written By Ailith

Feb. 2, 2019, 9:32 a.m.(7/2/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Shard

A woman of many talents and skills -- one, which I admire most, is being a voice to the many not heard, to speak the truths of choice and consequence despite however unfavorable it may be to be heard. I have heard her described as being contrite. To my own meaning of the word, she does not speak to the contrary for the sake of it. In my humble opinion, she tends to speak when it matters.

A well-worn page in my prayer book is entitled -- The Sentinel Sees All. Consideration to all voices and listening with care to gain awareness of a situation prepares us to face the consequences and outcomes of our decisions. This is one reason why Shard's journals are among the few, which I take the time to read and consider. And I am grateful for her being such a voice, for it has guided me through many decisions in my time as a mere commoner, a Palace Seraph, and now a Legate.

Or it may be how we first met at the House of Solace, my recovery from a plague, and her writing tasks to the members of the Valorous Few. Her few words then reminded me to always consider the voices not unheard, to face the consequence of every action, and learn how to accept your choices in life.

Thank you.

Written By Ailith

Aug. 12, 2018, 6:20 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Bethany

How lovely of you to suggest and extremely generous of House Mercier to make such a pledge, Goodwoman Bethany. It is coincidence that I inform you of the upcoming holiday of High Sun.

Archlector Etienne and I will be hosting High Sun at the Shrine of Gild. As you're aware, this is a time when hospitality is extended to all and we're reminded of our commitment to sanctuary. Families are all welcome to dine and feast this night. Any and all excess meals are donated to local struggling families and children, orphanages, food kitchens, and travelers.

And for those in a charitable mood, there will be donation boxes to the rear of the Shrine for the Faith of the Pantheon, the Knights of Solace, and the Mercies of Lagoma -- all which will contribute to our charitable acts across the Compact to include feeding the starving families and children as well as educational programs to benefit those struggling to find employment.

Written By Ailith

Aug. 12, 2018, 5:38 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Coraline

Rum?

Written By Ailith

Aug. 12, 2018, 5:24 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Bethany

I was that starving child. There were many who refused.

But the Faith, my local Seraph and the Mercies, and a very kind and old innkeeper that fed and rescued my family and me.

There are lawful ways to acquire food. And there are temptations to break the law to fill a belly that only had dirt for substance -- so many temptations. I refused to break the law, but others did not. I understand that plight. It is why I will never turn away one who seek comfort and aid.

Written By Ailith

Aug. 10, 2018, 12:41 a.m.(5/14/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Joscelin

Word has reached the Palace Courts of the enjoyment and enchantment of a successful masquerade. However, there is one bit of news, which I must amend as there was a misunderstanding with the delivery of the donated prize ring.

I wish to thank and express my gratitude to Grandmaster Joscelin and her team at the Crafter's Gallery for work with me on the design of the ring. When I arrived with ideas for this donation, I knew I could count on her and her team to take such a seed of a dream to nurture and blossom the dream to one of inspiration and beauty.

Thank you for your extraordinary talent in not only spinning and deftly twisting metal and stone, but acutely able to manage a customer and harvest her dream. You are quite blessed by Jayus.

Written By Ailith

July 17, 2018, 7:32 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Preston

Or you have an abundance of hobbies that mainly deal with trebuchets and models.

Written By Ailith

July 14, 2018, 8:04 p.m.(3/11/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Morrighan

. . . I am speechless. I look at your gift, then your journal entry, and back at the gift. Cheap? I cannot comprehend. Even our dear friend adores the gift and that's the highest compliment!

Written By Ailith

June 29, 2018, 9:48 a.m.(2/8/1009 AR)

As I prepare for services on the Day of Vows, I am inevitably drawn to the day I bent my knee before the Dominus and made vows to the Faith and the Gods. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I carry it within me every day. I think of the traditions of the Faith dating back thousands of years, before the Compact and before the Reckoning. These ancient and honored traditions uphold our Faith and the Virtues which are the essence of our souls. When I utter a prayer as I light a candle to begin services, I do so with utter reverence and adoration, knowing I carry the magnitude of those traditions through to the thirteenth hour.

I look back to the recollection of the Forging of the Compact as written by Dominus Tin ". . . and so the four knelt to King Alar of House Grayson, with Queen Sugan of the West kneeling first, followed by Queen Valeria Redrain of the North, then Grand Duchess of the New Lyceum Procella Pravus, and finally King Aposyr Thrax of the Mourning Isles. And each then spoke as follows: 'Before the gods, I swear my life, my house, and my sacred honor to our Compact. I swear that when the Compact calls me to war, I will answer. I name Alar of House Grayson my king, and swear my leal service to him.' And thusly, the Compact was born and the five kingdoms made one. For the four had made oaths before the gods, and to break that was unthinkable."

And I wonder if the Compact could have been forged if none understood or could not honor the First Law of Limerance -- "The oaths between liege and vassal are sacred. This is the fidelity between Limerance and Gloria." Our Faith, by these oaths, is the very fabric which was woven into the forging of the Compact. Each ruler knew the other understood the fidelity of these oaths. This was not a personal belief, for without Faith, what is one man's version of honor in one land differs from another man's version in another land. But under the Faith with its traditions and laws, it is clear what fidelity means. Fidelity is Limerance.

This is among many reasons why our Faith is unyielding. Our language is the same no matter what parish you are in across the Compact. And that can be comforting in the security of knowing that the Faith shall always be there to uphold the Gods and guide our souls.

I look to our discipleships and am saddened to hear misjudged voices. When have the eyes and ears of our Faithful blinded themselves to our discipleships? A Mercy is not just a healer, a Knight of the Holy Temple or the Knight of Solace is not just a soldier, a Harlequin is not just a midwife, a Sentinel is not just a judge, a Scholar is not just an academic, a Mangatan is not just a sailor, a Liberator is not just a free wheelers, a Petrichorian is not just a farmer, a disciple of Jayus is not just a crafter, a Devotion is not just a musician, and a Mirrormask is not just a contrarian. Our disciples are the First Among the Faith's Children, the Devoted. Their veneration of the gods of the Pantheon and handling of duties for the Faith are not mere titles and positions. They are a tremendous strength for the Faith as they are among our representatives to carry out our traditions. To fail in their sacred duties, would be a disservice not only to the Faith, but to us all.

A friend once told me that I wear my Faith as a shield and believed she never could for she was not a warrior. I saddened at her words. I still do. To be of our Faith does not require a warrior's heart; it requires strength of self. To be devoted, to be willing if you fail to honor your oaths lest to be struck down as a Silent Reflection, that you are a ward of our Faith and its tradition -- to defend the very essence of our souls. The Faith is a thousand year old fortress that no slung words will ever tumble.

The Legate was correct, our Faith is unyielding because it *has* to and I am ever so proud and honored as I bend to my knees before the Gods and renew my vows to the honor and uphold their words. And I ask my brothers and sisters of the Faith from Godsworn to the First Among the Faith's Children to come to your parishes and renew your vows or your dedication to the Faith and the Gods. Let the Compact and the Gods remember the purity and strength of our devotion for everyone deserves the grace of the Pantheon.

Written By Ailith

June 10, 2018, 3:50 p.m.(12/17/1008 AR)

I may come to regret asking this, but what is everyone's favorite sea shanty? I'm asking for a friend who may or may not be indulging this evening.

Written By Ailith

May 20, 2018, 9:16 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Alaric

Marq my words, Your Majesty, you were just as incorrigible, but Prince Luca out-marqed us all with Lord Fairen shortly behind.

Written By Ailith

May 20, 2018, 9:08 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Miles

Sir Miles does not smile. He grumps. So I pray for forgiveness being bewildered when he smiled.

Written By Ailith

April 23, 2018, 4:55 p.m.(8/10/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Morrighan

Marra may steal the gift for herself. I may place it next to the cushion on my mantle reserved for our mutual friend.

Written By Ailith

April 23, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(8/9/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Morrighan

Best. Gift. Ever.

To dewdrops and laughter.

Written By Ailith

April 10, 2018, 10:45 a.m.(7/11/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Khanne

What a leap of faith led to . . .

Written By Ailith

April 4, 2018, 11:30 a.m.(6/27/1008 AR)

Memorial
Day 19 of Month 6 in 1008 AR
Palace Chapel

We have gathered today to remember those from the Compact who were caught up in the courageous but tragic events of the Pirate King War. We remember those who were killed in action, or by disease, the bereaved, the lost, the families which were shattered, the wounded, maimed and injured, those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare.

As we remember those who fought and those who remained anxiously home, let us pray that the Gods heal all memories, that Lagoma guides us through healing to find peace, and be comforted those who have passed returned to the Wheel in the hands of the Queen of Endings.

This realm would not be saved were it not for the unity of the Compact and the honor and valor of its people -- from those on the front lines who raised a weapon, commanded the soldiers, prepared supplies, or healed the injured to those at the home front who provided love, morale, and support so those at the battlefield or at our borders may be able to protect the Compact.

This was not a war waged by a few, nor won by a select. Thanks is to the Compact and to our people who returned to the Wheel, that we will name here today. Gods above, please look with mercy on our brave and selfless brothers and sisters, who paid the ultimate price in defending and protection the Compact. Queen of Endings, may you grant them respite until they may return during the next turn of the Wheel. Let perpetual light shine upon them.

(Names will be said by organization - Crownsworn, Faith including Knights of Solace & Templars, Grayson, Redrain, Lyceum, Thrax and Valardin. Then there will be a moment of silence for the unnamed followed by a prayer for those missing, may Gild's light guide them home. AFTER all the names have been audibly read, this prayer will be said.)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Let us pledge ourselves today to live as good neighbors, to honor the past, to care for all who are in need, and to live at peace among ourselves and with all people.

In your name, we praise.

Written By Ailith

March 4, 2018, 9:21 a.m.(4/19/1008 AR)

Holy Services Sermon
Day 18 of Month 4 in 1008 AR
Palace Chapel

Imagine, if you will, a simple clay bowl sitting on a shelf. My sister made one such bowl. I can still picture it. It was perfect, in the way simple things made with love and humility are. It was humble to behold, but it was work of her hands and product of her heart. She loved that bowl, and so did we. But one day, purely by accident, it feel and broke. My sister was crushed. This perfect thing she had made was ruined.

It was my mother who stepped in, laid a consoling hand upon my sister's shoulder, and picked up the first shattered piece. Slowly but surely, together they collected each shard and sliver. All the while, my mother pointed out small and large moments in our lives, when, we like a toddler, would stumble and fall when taking our first steps. Then with love and care, she guided my sister to the kiln and together, they repaired the bowl as she told about how we would brush off our knees, stand up, and try again. When the bowl was complete, the sun shone bright upon its surface. Glints of gold paint shimmered from the mended cracks. Its gilded design of golden threads was lovingly made by my mother's hand and gifted to my sister as a reminder -- through the mending, we shine bright.

This is how we must respond to the stumbles, falls, chips, and cracks in our lives. We make mistakes, are chipped and cracked by them on a daily basis. We could, if you chose to do so, be consumed by that fact. We could wallow continuously in our errors perceived and real. Or, and this is the real lesson of my mother's stories, we can look no further than the gods.

Take for example, the Sentinel teaches us to admit our mistakes and accept the responsibility of any consequences. Through Vellichor, we pray we have the wisdom to learn from our mistakes and not to repeat them. By Lagoma, we come to acknowledge our mistakes are part of our growth. And through the Queen of Endings, we learn not to burden ourselves by the smallest of mistakes -- life is too short.

Think of how you can apply those lessons in your life. Take the essential qualities of these examples, and even without really thinking about it, without even really trying, the golden threads or mending will appear in your life. It is these small, humble ways, like the mending of a clay bowl that will make your tomorrows better than your yesterdays.

Written By Ailith

Jan. 26, 2018, 1:49 p.m.(1/15/1008 AR)

It is midday and as I turned the corner to Commons Square, I can anticipate the children racing down the alleyway, chasing their ball as they do nearly every day at this time. I know in a short while, the couple two stories above will begin to argue, their words echoing to the streets I walk. Moments later, the door to the Soup Kitchen will open to welcome the hungry for lunch. Already a line has formed. I smile and greet familiar faces, lingering to talk with each member of my parish, the relatives of the Palace staff, and offering advice or coin, if needed.

Jonus. Wyrna. Hammon and Idrinne. Quenian. Peitro. Many, many more that I set to memorize their faces and names. Each person has a precious soul spun by the Mother of Beginnings. When I stand before them during services at the Chapel, I look them in the eyes to remember my vows. I am their Seraph and I will do my duty -- to remind them of the Faith, to be a presence in their lives in which they can rely upon for religious support and counseling, and to deliver the Light, sparing us all from the spread of darkness. It is a sacred duty I take with great responsibility.

For me, none represent a number to fill the Faith's coffers and seats in the Chapel. They are not commodities to be traded. Should I ever tread down that path, it leads a heart to darkness. Gradually, names are forgotten or never learned. They become a figure on a piece of paper, a token on a war map, to be dispensed without recalling the weight that is seen or held within your hand.

The people in my parish are precious for every child of the gods is deserving of the grace of the Pantheon. I have witnessed many leaders after sessions in Council Chambers carry the weight of knowing this truth. That even one person lost, regardless of one's station in life, is one too many. It is when this moment erodes and the people begin to wonder if their leaders care and consider that my duty is called to speak.

Seek no further than the shrines of our Gods. Remind yourself of your oaths before Limerance, of the honor to uphold their values before Gloria, of our past leaders' histories before Vellichor, of the judgment beneath the Sentinel's watchful gaze, and of the souls the Mother of Beginnings creates.

Find what is necessary to renew the people's faith lest the darkness spreads further.

Written By Ailith

Jan. 25, 2018, 1:58 p.m.(1/13/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

When Archlector Aureth asked me nearly half a year ago to compose a prayer and celebration for the midwives to welcome the babies and honor the Mother of Beginnings, I hardly knew where to start . . . until a tender memory stirred.

When one of my siblings was born, my mother would kiss his/her brow and hum that melody as she rocked him/her to sleep. I imagined the Mother of Beginnings spinning our souls and kissing the brow of the new life that the soul was placed within. As such, I composed words to my mother's melody. Though I cannot claim to have the sweetest of singing voices, I am told I can manage, at least, a lullaby.

Congratulations to all the mothers, fathers, and infants. As well as to the many midwives who see families through this tender and private moment.

Written By Ailith

Jan. 7, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(12/3/1007 AR)

Among the greatest gifts I have received -- that is trust for no coin can purchase it and yet its value is priceless.

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