Written By Alexis
July 14, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(3/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlex
#3
I met goodman Harlex Valtyr in that new coffee place, Bold Espressions. We talked, we made introductions to other friends, and given his background as a mercenary of the Crimson Blades with several campaigns under his belt, I put to him the question: What does being a soldier mean to you?
His answer was fairly succinct:
"A soldier fights and kills, they turn the wheel of history. They can do it for any reason or no reason at all. But being a mercenary is the purest form of a soldier. Master to themselves and beholden only to coin, their comrades in arms, and their own beliefs."
As with the previous answers given to me, I've felt the need to turn it over in my head and think carefully about it. There's depth to it, and this pleases me.
I met goodman Harlex Valtyr in that new coffee place, Bold Espressions. We talked, we made introductions to other friends, and given his background as a mercenary of the Crimson Blades with several campaigns under his belt, I put to him the question: What does being a soldier mean to you?
His answer was fairly succinct:
"A soldier fights and kills, they turn the wheel of history. They can do it for any reason or no reason at all. But being a mercenary is the purest form of a soldier. Master to themselves and beholden only to coin, their comrades in arms, and their own beliefs."
As with the previous answers given to me, I've felt the need to turn it over in my head and think carefully about it. There's depth to it, and this pleases me.
Written By Alexis
July 8, 2018, 8:43 a.m.(2/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Hannah
#2
I queried Lady Hannah Wyrmguard, after we had some mulled cider and had caught up. "What does being a soldier mean to you?"
She's not a soldier, far from it. Nor a trained knight. So I figured that an outside perspective might be helpful. The question perplexed her, but she offered her answer nonetheless.
"Someone who follows orders and will guard when you need them to."
That was her initial words. I pressed some more.
"Different soldiers have a different meaning. For your standard infantry, the meaning is simple enough. Now, you take a knight, that's an entirely different kettle of apples. Or anyone with authority and responsibility. But your standard soldier isn't meant to have a great deal of meaning. Give them too much complexity and it affects their value on the field."
Forthright. I've commanded and lost men and women on the field of battle. In the moment, you can't worry too much about Rainier and his dreams of taking over his dad's baker shop, once the engagement is at an end. Rainier needs to do what is asked of him. And if that's standing against the enemy, getting cut down to save the day, then his dreams die with him.
She's not wrong. But I still feel like some unmentionable quality is missing.
I will continue my queries.
I queried Lady Hannah Wyrmguard, after we had some mulled cider and had caught up. "What does being a soldier mean to you?"
She's not a soldier, far from it. Nor a trained knight. So I figured that an outside perspective might be helpful. The question perplexed her, but she offered her answer nonetheless.
"Someone who follows orders and will guard when you need them to."
That was her initial words. I pressed some more.
"Different soldiers have a different meaning. For your standard infantry, the meaning is simple enough. Now, you take a knight, that's an entirely different kettle of apples. Or anyone with authority and responsibility. But your standard soldier isn't meant to have a great deal of meaning. Give them too much complexity and it affects their value on the field."
Forthright. I've commanded and lost men and women on the field of battle. In the moment, you can't worry too much about Rainier and his dreams of taking over his dad's baker shop, once the engagement is at an end. Rainier needs to do what is asked of him. And if that's standing against the enemy, getting cut down to save the day, then his dreams die with him.
She's not wrong. But I still feel like some unmentionable quality is missing.
I will continue my queries.
Written By Alexis
July 8, 2018, 8:37 a.m.(2/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gawain
#1
"What does being a soldier mean to you?" I asked.
He answered that he's more a knight than a soldier - the distinction, he said, is that a knight stands as a champion of ideals and duty, whereas a soldier is someone who fights for pay or feudal obligation.
So I pressed him on it. He clarified - a soldier, to Lord Gawain, is a man fighting out of his feudal obligations, or for want of pay. Someone who fights in groups, trained to be part of a regiment, more than of their own.
I am a knight. And I have my obligations, and my pay. I don't know that I'd choose to be anything else. The definition is very factual. Little to argue with.
I'll have to consider your answer carefully, Lord Gawain.
"What does being a soldier mean to you?" I asked.
He answered that he's more a knight than a soldier - the distinction, he said, is that a knight stands as a champion of ideals and duty, whereas a soldier is someone who fights for pay or feudal obligation.
So I pressed him on it. He clarified - a soldier, to Lord Gawain, is a man fighting out of his feudal obligations, or for want of pay. Someone who fights in groups, trained to be part of a regiment, more than of their own.
I am a knight. And I have my obligations, and my pay. I don't know that I'd choose to be anything else. The definition is very factual. Little to argue with.
I'll have to consider your answer carefully, Lord Gawain.
Written By Alexis
July 3, 2018, 11:25 p.m.(2/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Nash
"What does it mean to be a soldier?"
It's an interesting lesson he's imparting. I look forward to talking to people. To a variety of people. Both those who have served and those who have not. Those who are martial, and those who are not.
I'll be taking notes.
It's an interesting lesson he's imparting. I look forward to talking to people. To a variety of people. Both those who have served and those who have not. Those who are martial, and those who are not.
I'll be taking notes.
Written By Alexis
July 1, 2018, 11:02 p.m.(2/13/1009 AR)
My first set of hairpins since I came to Arx have a new home, and I'm pretty sure she'll make more use of them than I did. Plus, the look on her face was priceless.
Written By Alexis
July 1, 2018, 7:03 p.m.(2/12/1009 AR)
Still not sure if I'll sign up for the projects that are being passed around the Guild. On one hand, I'm tempted. On the other, I'm frightfully busy.
There'll be some famous last words along the line of "How long could it take."
So we'll see.
There'll be some famous last words along the line of "How long could it take."
So we'll see.
Written By Alexis
June 24, 2018, 9:20 p.m.(1/27/1009 AR)
Princess Jaenelle is quite the adept hostess, and I am delighted that I'll have a bunch of new recipes to try out in my own kitchen, to replicate or experiment with.
In addition, the company was delightful, and the food (as may be construed from the above) simply delicious. And while wearing blindfolds and feeding one's partner added... Unique challenges, especially with soup, I am pleased to call the evening a rousing success.
In addition, the company was delightful, and the food (as may be construed from the above) simply delicious. And while wearing blindfolds and feeding one's partner added... Unique challenges, especially with soup, I am pleased to call the evening a rousing success.
Written By Alexis
June 24, 2018, 9:18 p.m.(1/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gawain
I do quite enjoy the horse I was gifted by Lord Gawain. He's an Oathlands Half-draft destrier, and a very beautiful animal. Unfortunately he's aware of this. Fortunately, as long as his ego is catered to, he behaves.
I wonder if he's related to High Lord Edain's Sir Arugula?
I wonder if he's related to High Lord Edain's Sir Arugula?
Written By Alexis
June 24, 2018, 9 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lyiana
Lyiana and her daughter have quickly become a very important part of my life, and I cherish the time I spend in their company. Fraiya wants to be a knight when she grows up. I've promised the girl to see her squired, and I will. She needs to come of a proper age for that first, though.
As for Lyiana, she's intoxicating and passionate and I could spend hours just listening to her talk.
As for Lyiana, she's intoxicating and passionate and I could spend hours just listening to her talk.
Written By Alexis
June 11, 2018, 10:59 a.m.(12/19/1008 AR)
Finished Lord Cullen's armour, and sent him a design of a cloak for some poor leatherworker to use, if they are so inclined. I suggested he use the alchemically fortified rose-tanned leather from Tor. It's expensive, but somehow I imagine him wreathed not just in the hardened leather but also the pleasant scent, and it suits him.
There's a certain satisfaction that comes with a job well done, with finishing a project, and I think I've earned a treat after all my hard work.
There's a certain satisfaction that comes with a job well done, with finishing a project, and I think I've earned a treat after all my hard work.
Written By Alexis
June 10, 2018, 7:43 a.m.(12/17/1008 AR)
I got some new furniture and am spending some time redecorating and in so doing am discovering clothing in the bottom of my old chest that I had forgotten I had.
Like a lycene sailor outfit. And a leather outfit that makes me feel like I'm suddenly my own evil twin.
And I'm reminded of a dear friend who was quite fond of sending me these clothes - as well as lovely dresses - knowing I was unlikely to wear them.
I will raise my glass in his honour tonight.
And then maybe I'll wear the sailor outfit.
Like a lycene sailor outfit. And a leather outfit that makes me feel like I'm suddenly my own evil twin.
And I'm reminded of a dear friend who was quite fond of sending me these clothes - as well as lovely dresses - knowing I was unlikely to wear them.
I will raise my glass in his honour tonight.
And then maybe I'll wear the sailor outfit.
Written By Alexis
June 3, 2018, 7:09 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
I'm kicking myself for missing Princess Alarissa's 1st Annual Gauntlet Competition, but I'm glad the event seemed to be a big success.
Written By Alexis
June 3, 2018, 7:08 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Gawain
Lord Gawain Blanchard is an interesting man. I find myself looking forward to his company, time and time again. He's got a wonderful passion for riding and the care and breeding of horses, which I suppose is only natural. I imagine when I do get myself a proper steed, it will be from the Blanchard stables. Probably one trained by him, too.
And he wears my armour. The man has good taste.
And he wears my armour. The man has good taste.
Written By Alexis
June 3, 2018, 6:46 p.m.(11/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
Princess Gwenna is a most charming member of the Redrain family. We made our acquaintance and she's joining the Gold Order, albeit in a non-knightly role. I'm pleased to have her, and pleased to make our friendship, and she's already had a number of excellent ideas. As well as a good eye for design.
May we be allies and friends for the rest of our time.
May we be allies and friends for the rest of our time.
Written By Alexis
May 21, 2018, 10:05 p.m.(10/14/1008 AR)
After some time writing, it is finished. The Oath of the Gold Order of the Dragon. The Knights will swear it. We will uphold it. And we will bring Lady Niamh's dream to life.
The Light that Guides; the Flame that Cleanses.
In the Gold of Dawn, the Dragon Comes
In the Golden Scales, We Bring Hope
For All of Creation I strive:
In the name of Mangata, I will bring succor and nourishment.
In the name of Petrichor, I will offer shelter and sanctuary.
In the name of Lagoma, I will bring purification and change
In the name of the Queen, we will bring ends and beginnings.
For All things Conceptual, I strive:
In the name of Limerance, I bring the truth of oaths and promise.
In the name of the Sentinel, I will uphold and seek out justice.
In the name of Gild, I will bring charity and mercy.
In the name of Skald, I will enshrine the right of choice and free will.
For the Ars, for Science, I strive:
In the name of Vellichor, I will bring light and learning.
In the name of Gloria, I will bring honour and stand firm.
In the name of Jayus, I will nourish dreams and inspire the many.
In the name of Aion, I will safeguard this world and its people.
And knowing the Thirteenth, I will reflect on all I do, to consider consequence and strive to better myself in all these things.
I am a Knight of the Golden Dragon. I am the inspiration of the Dawn.
I am the Light that Guides, the Flame that Cleanses.
So do I swear, before the gods and the peoples of Arvum.
The Light that Guides; the Flame that Cleanses.
In the Gold of Dawn, the Dragon Comes
In the Golden Scales, We Bring Hope
For All of Creation I strive:
In the name of Mangata, I will bring succor and nourishment.
In the name of Petrichor, I will offer shelter and sanctuary.
In the name of Lagoma, I will bring purification and change
In the name of the Queen, we will bring ends and beginnings.
For All things Conceptual, I strive:
In the name of Limerance, I bring the truth of oaths and promise.
In the name of the Sentinel, I will uphold and seek out justice.
In the name of Gild, I will bring charity and mercy.
In the name of Skald, I will enshrine the right of choice and free will.
For the Ars, for Science, I strive:
In the name of Vellichor, I will bring light and learning.
In the name of Gloria, I will bring honour and stand firm.
In the name of Jayus, I will nourish dreams and inspire the many.
In the name of Aion, I will safeguard this world and its people.
And knowing the Thirteenth, I will reflect on all I do, to consider consequence and strive to better myself in all these things.
I am a Knight of the Golden Dragon. I am the inspiration of the Dawn.
I am the Light that Guides, the Flame that Cleanses.
So do I swear, before the gods and the peoples of Arvum.
Written By Alexis
May 20, 2018, 6:57 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jonathan
Finished my comission from Squire Jonathan Fieldstone. I am quite pleased with what can be done with blackened steel and green enamel, and I trust that he will be happy with his hounds and ivy theme.
Written By Alexis
May 20, 2018, 6:53 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
It is interesting to see the change of a nation as reflected in a single person. You have grown, Princess Denica Thrax, and perhaps you reflect the dawn that the Mourning Isles now face.
I can certainly hope so. And I am happy to stand with you.
I can certainly hope so. And I am happy to stand with you.
Written By Alexis
May 16, 2018, 3:46 a.m.(10/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cullen
Sometimes, you meet someone who fits. Be it like a hand in a glove, a sword in a sheath, or two puzzle pieces that bring clarity to the picture.
Lord Cullen Greenmarch is a man of principle and ideals, and a fine knight to count among the gold order. But he is... So much, much more.
And I look forward to learning all he is.
And may Lagoma look upon us with favour in our endeavours.
Lord Cullen Greenmarch is a man of principle and ideals, and a fine knight to count among the gold order. But he is... So much, much more.
And I look forward to learning all he is.
And may Lagoma look upon us with favour in our endeavours.
Written By Alexis
May 13, 2018, 5:05 p.m.(9/25/1008 AR)
Was asked to work on a piece of art in canvas and watercolour as opposed to steel and flame. It was a refreshing change of pace. I only hope the recipient is as pleased as the comissioner.
Written By Alexis
May 13, 2018, 4:42 p.m.(9/25/1008 AR)
Working muscles you weren't aware of having can be painful. But feeling such muscles grow, seeing your own progress. That is a feeling beyond compare.
And they don't need to be entirely physical either.
And they don't need to be entirely physical either.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.