Written By Gaston
Dec. 22, 2019, 3:20 a.m.(6/3/1012 AR)
Getting possessed by a demon tree and being forced to sacrifice your blood to it via slicing open your own forearm as you struggle in vain to prevent it is not as fun as it sounds.
What's that, Scholar?
That doesn't sound fun /at all?/
How astute.
What's that, Scholar?
That doesn't sound fun /at all?/
How astute.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 15, 2019, 3:10 a.m.(5/17/1012 AR)
In the past, talk of romance in the city always drove me into the woods to escape memories of lovers gone, but I never really found solace there. Instead, I always seemed to stumble over every trace of them -- and a bitter ache they left behind.
This spring though, I sought those old familiar places out.
Some path we explored together under the trees until the walls were out of sight, unwinding our histories for one another as we walked hand in hand.
An old cave we sheltered in during a winter storm; the blinding snow outside hid the rest of the Dream, and for a while we could forget our duties and pretend the only thing in all the world we lived for was one another.
A moonlit pool in a hidden glade that cast visions of our passion back at us as we lay beside it.
Whatever pain was left in them is faded, and I found myself only smiling fondly.
It's been a long time since my heart was full, but I think I've come to hope for it again.
This spring though, I sought those old familiar places out.
Some path we explored together under the trees until the walls were out of sight, unwinding our histories for one another as we walked hand in hand.
An old cave we sheltered in during a winter storm; the blinding snow outside hid the rest of the Dream, and for a while we could forget our duties and pretend the only thing in all the world we lived for was one another.
A moonlit pool in a hidden glade that cast visions of our passion back at us as we lay beside it.
Whatever pain was left in them is faded, and I found myself only smiling fondly.
It's been a long time since my heart was full, but I think I've come to hope for it again.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 13, 2019, 10:40 a.m.(5/14/1012 AR)
I have met a couple of people who face what they fear knowing full well what it means over the last few days; face it knowing they must do so, for themselves and they people they care about.
I had never thought myself a coward, having shared my taste of war and heartache, but in the face of their bravery I must admit -- I have certainly been dragging my feet of late.
I have sworn myself to the discipleship of Skald, but when do I finally live by my convictions again as these bright souls do?
I had never thought myself a coward, having shared my taste of war and heartache, but in the face of their bravery I must admit -- I have certainly been dragging my feet of late.
I have sworn myself to the discipleship of Skald, but when do I finally live by my convictions again as these bright souls do?
Written By Gaston
Dec. 6, 2019, 6:25 p.m.(5/1/1012 AR)
I mean for crying out loud, he wrote a White about Skald fucking him up the ass in an alley.
To be honest, I like to imagine Skald laughed out loud when he saw it, if only for the sheer audacity.
But what you are all doing in blatantly questioning the Faith is not only lying to yourselves and others, you are dishonoring the memory of your friend, who had the balls to blaspheme in the most childish, vulgar, and hilarious way possible after he had already been told not to write (arguably) much milder blasphemy.
What a glorious lunatic Elisha was among us. Drink to that, don't shame him by calling it what it wasn't.
And by all the gods, don't be the same kind of fool he was.
To be honest, I like to imagine Skald laughed out loud when he saw it, if only for the sheer audacity.
But what you are all doing in blatantly questioning the Faith is not only lying to yourselves and others, you are dishonoring the memory of your friend, who had the balls to blaspheme in the most childish, vulgar, and hilarious way possible after he had already been told not to write (arguably) much milder blasphemy.
What a glorious lunatic Elisha was among us. Drink to that, don't shame him by calling it what it wasn't.
And by all the gods, don't be the same kind of fool he was.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 6, 2019, 5:50 p.m.(5/1/1012 AR)
I really don't know how this can be put more simply for those of you in mourning, so at this point it honestly begins to seem more and more disingenuous and spiteful.
What Elisha committed to the Whites was not capital-K Knowledge. It was /not/ truth. It was the minced, blended, often-incoherent ravings of a poet with a vice he could not control and too much stubborn pride.
Beautiful ravings, certainly. Touching just close enough to the truth to carry the ring of it. But utter bullshit, to be frank, and disrespectful to those who gave him opportunity after opportunity to publish those ravings where they were meant to be published -- go take a look at any noble collection, or visit the Gilded Page, for perfect examples.
The Whites are actually holy to us and our Faith. Elisha's writings were very pretty fiction and did not belong here, as has been explained until I am sure we are all just about ready to scream and shake someone.
I am sorry you all miss your friend. I am sure he is a good person. But he deliberately disobeyed our laws out of what appears to be spite, and that got what it deserved.
To continue to suggest otherwise is to disregard and disrespect those laws in much the same way he did and flirt with the same end.
What Elisha committed to the Whites was not capital-K Knowledge. It was /not/ truth. It was the minced, blended, often-incoherent ravings of a poet with a vice he could not control and too much stubborn pride.
Beautiful ravings, certainly. Touching just close enough to the truth to carry the ring of it. But utter bullshit, to be frank, and disrespectful to those who gave him opportunity after opportunity to publish those ravings where they were meant to be published -- go take a look at any noble collection, or visit the Gilded Page, for perfect examples.
The Whites are actually holy to us and our Faith. Elisha's writings were very pretty fiction and did not belong here, as has been explained until I am sure we are all just about ready to scream and shake someone.
I am sorry you all miss your friend. I am sure he is a good person. But he deliberately disobeyed our laws out of what appears to be spite, and that got what it deserved.
To continue to suggest otherwise is to disregard and disrespect those laws in much the same way he did and flirt with the same end.
Written By Gaston
Nov. 30, 2019, 4:06 a.m.(4/15/1012 AR)
For the record, I am not a wolf spirit.
I am just a man...basically.
More or less.
Listen, there's some debate.
I am just a man...basically.
More or less.
Listen, there's some debate.
Written By Gaston
Jan. 10, 2019, 1:39 a.m.(5/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Aye, and of those dying and unmourned, this very day, are /my/ people, on my land. Last Bridge is under siege, and we're doing what needs be done to try and alleviate the suffering. Watch what you say about what value lives have to those you don't know, and speaking straight from your arse about what will or won't be done to obtain justice.
What are /you/ doing to prove your words are anything more than pointless sniping from the sidelines to cause more controversy and contention? Where were you and your voice when preparations were being made, time and resources were sacrificed, if this were all so foretold and obvious?
I'll suggest that it's far easier to sit with the Scholars and wax pompous about how much you told us so with the benefit of the hindsight we ALL now have, rather than extend a helping hand, and you should take some time to examine if that's really how you want to be remembered when this tragedy is spoken of in the future.
What are /you/ doing to prove your words are anything more than pointless sniping from the sidelines to cause more controversy and contention? Where were you and your voice when preparations were being made, time and resources were sacrificed, if this were all so foretold and obvious?
I'll suggest that it's far easier to sit with the Scholars and wax pompous about how much you told us so with the benefit of the hindsight we ALL now have, rather than extend a helping hand, and you should take some time to examine if that's really how you want to be remembered when this tragedy is spoken of in the future.
Written By Gaston
Jan. 9, 2019, 9:14 a.m.(4/28/1010 AR)
It's interesting to see how quickly those who lacked our ambition, our dedication, and our devotion are to leap for the jugular, now that disaster has fallen on us.
Did we expect nothing to happen? Did we expect an easy, quiet change to our land on such a massive scale? Oh, right, we must not have been thinking.
Despite the tragedy, I know for a fact that there are among us those whose wills are not broken, and who will do everything we can to make this right.
And in the end, our children and our children's children will thank us for such a combined effort to make Arx stronger.
Did we expect nothing to happen? Did we expect an easy, quiet change to our land on such a massive scale? Oh, right, we must not have been thinking.
Despite the tragedy, I know for a fact that there are among us those whose wills are not broken, and who will do everything we can to make this right.
And in the end, our children and our children's children will thank us for such a combined effort to make Arx stronger.
Written By Gaston
Jan. 6, 2019, 12:25 a.m.(4/21/1010 AR)
Another successful dinner, with those I am lucky enough to call both family and friends.
The matters we discussed were grim, but their resolve and willingness to help never ceases to amaze me.
House Blackram and our allies are strong.
The matters we discussed were grim, but their resolve and willingness to help never ceases to amaze me.
House Blackram and our allies are strong.
Written By Gaston
Jan. 2, 2019, 1:07 p.m.(4/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jyri
That you've got the Guards and the recruits is only proof of what others see in you, Jyri!
As Captain Harlex was kind enough to say, you're a fine leader and the Iron Guard is wise to recognize it.
Proud of you, friend; if you ever need help whipping those pups into shape, let me know!
As Captain Harlex was kind enough to say, you're a fine leader and the Iron Guard is wise to recognize it.
Proud of you, friend; if you ever need help whipping those pups into shape, let me know!
Written By Gaston
Dec. 21, 2018, 8:45 a.m.(3/17/1010 AR)
A flash of lightning, thunder to seal us all together in what we all felt in that grand hall.
Let it never be said that the Gods lack a taste for some properly dramatic moments.
The songs were beautiful, as always...I don't fully remember if this is so, the last week has been a bit of a sleepless blur, but I think I actually refused myself a good cry for the whole week until that somber reprise of Copper's song.
A shame, that. Tears have their place as a healing salve.
I let the stars carry me after to where I needed to be, and to my great fortune tears were not the only one I was given that night.
Let's all remember what we sang together.
Let it never be said that the Gods lack a taste for some properly dramatic moments.
The songs were beautiful, as always...I don't fully remember if this is so, the last week has been a bit of a sleepless blur, but I think I actually refused myself a good cry for the whole week until that somber reprise of Copper's song.
A shame, that. Tears have their place as a healing salve.
I let the stars carry me after to where I needed to be, and to my great fortune tears were not the only one I was given that night.
Let's all remember what we sang together.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 18, 2018, 9:26 a.m.(3/12/1010 AR)
In times of crisis, it becomes more clear than ever who matters to you...
My family, of course, where I would be without them -- I can only think of the twisting, horrible nightmares full of blood and pain and darkness that they have prevented, with their love and support.
My friends, those I can call such...they are more family to me than I have ever let them know, and for that I am truly sorry.
And Nuala...when I thought of what might be happening to you, the pain and loss in my heart were an order of magnitude greater than anything some shade or demon could ever hope to inflict.
I'm sure I made a great clanking fool of myself, charging out into the night and the downpour.
But it was worth it, to learn you were safe.
Thank all the Gods, though they may weep at what we lost. We will repay that debt in full.
My family, of course, where I would be without them -- I can only think of the twisting, horrible nightmares full of blood and pain and darkness that they have prevented, with their love and support.
My friends, those I can call such...they are more family to me than I have ever let them know, and for that I am truly sorry.
And Nuala...when I thought of what might be happening to you, the pain and loss in my heart were an order of magnitude greater than anything some shade or demon could ever hope to inflict.
I'm sure I made a great clanking fool of myself, charging out into the night and the downpour.
But it was worth it, to learn you were safe.
Thank all the Gods, though they may weep at what we lost. We will repay that debt in full.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 13, 2018, 2:40 p.m.(3/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Teagan
I'm thrilled to see what meets the exacting standards of my sister when it comes to romance novels. She's a true literati, that one, so...
Steamy bodice-rippers? Epic sagas? Collections of crude limericks? Let's see it, Tea!
(...Now that the Library's been renovated, I'm sure I'll find all three, especially the last in great abundance knowing /my/ bloody family. Love you all!!)
Steamy bodice-rippers? Epic sagas? Collections of crude limericks? Let's see it, Tea!
(...Now that the Library's been renovated, I'm sure I'll find all three, especially the last in great abundance knowing /my/ bloody family. Love you all!!)
Written By Gaston
Dec. 13, 2018, 2:17 p.m.(3/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlex
Captain Harlex's words in the Whites have given me cause for reflection, as a fellow leader of men and women.
Do I love my soldiers and rangers the way I should?
They who owe their fealty and have sworn their blades to Blackram are a stubborn lot; they come from families of unpolished goatherders, rough-and-tumble miner folk, and those who thought they'd find a hard-won freedom in the Stoneburner Hills -- and succeeded, I like to think.
They stride as tall and wide as any of us who actually carry the family name.
They hit their stone-hard heads on doorframes, same as I.
The furniture and dishware wherever they visit probably feel made for children.
Horses of any but the largest, strongest breeds take one look at us, lay their ears back, and bare their teeth.
(...the world of men was not made for giants, I'm afraid.)
Do I love them, as they deserve? They lay down their lives for me, am I showing them how much I value that? My own cousin Gaspard serves among them, but do I treat the rest of them like family?
I certainly love our home, I've wandered it my whole life, and my personal journals are filled with notes and rough sketches of every tree and leaf, every hawk and wolf and elk, I'm sure twice over.
I must spend more time among those who deserve it most, they who lay down their lives for my House, and make sure I am showing them the same devotion.
Thank you, Captain Harlex, for sharing your philosophy...it's given me much to chew on.
Do I love my soldiers and rangers the way I should?
They who owe their fealty and have sworn their blades to Blackram are a stubborn lot; they come from families of unpolished goatherders, rough-and-tumble miner folk, and those who thought they'd find a hard-won freedom in the Stoneburner Hills -- and succeeded, I like to think.
They stride as tall and wide as any of us who actually carry the family name.
They hit their stone-hard heads on doorframes, same as I.
The furniture and dishware wherever they visit probably feel made for children.
Horses of any but the largest, strongest breeds take one look at us, lay their ears back, and bare their teeth.
(...the world of men was not made for giants, I'm afraid.)
Do I love them, as they deserve? They lay down their lives for me, am I showing them how much I value that? My own cousin Gaspard serves among them, but do I treat the rest of them like family?
I certainly love our home, I've wandered it my whole life, and my personal journals are filled with notes and rough sketches of every tree and leaf, every hawk and wolf and elk, I'm sure twice over.
I must spend more time among those who deserve it most, they who lay down their lives for my House, and make sure I am showing them the same devotion.
Thank you, Captain Harlex, for sharing your philosophy...it's given me much to chew on.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 11, 2018, 8:37 p.m.(2/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jyri
I've fought the Abandoned at the borders of my march for years, and while I never harbored them any ill will -- they are only trying to preserve their ways and their livelihoods, after all -- there is something deeply humbling about meeting a man who has been through the hell of being a refugee and come out the other side with an artist's soul intact.
Everything about meeting the man has been an honor so far, and I hope we can learn much from each other. I'm glad I can call him friend.
Everything about meeting the man has been an honor so far, and I hope we can learn much from each other. I'm glad I can call him friend.
Written By Gaston
Nov. 24, 2018, 2:58 p.m.(1/19/1010 AR)
Aion's Grand Melee was a great deal of fun, but exhausting. Perhaps that is appropriate?
My thanks to the other contestants for a good fight and a mouthful of feathers I don't remember biting, and to Juniper, Aureth, and the Faith for hosting the event.
I got a shiny cloak-pin for allowing roughly four or five of the nine of us to batter me near to death with pillows and that is not a bad trade in my book.
My thanks to the other contestants for a good fight and a mouthful of feathers I don't remember biting, and to Juniper, Aureth, and the Faith for hosting the event.
I got a shiny cloak-pin for allowing roughly four or five of the nine of us to batter me near to death with pillows and that is not a bad trade in my book.
Written By Gaston
Nov. 10, 2018, 3:54 p.m.(12/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Melody
An old acquaintance. Sharp, a little aloof and mysterious, but very witty. Always great fun to banter with her.
Written By Gaston
Sept. 6, 2018, 11:05 a.m.(7/17/1009 AR)
Throwing myself into work. Meeting new, fascinating people. Rekindling ties with old friends. Planning explorations around Cloudspine. Planning a more personal excursion. Family to catch up with. So much to do. I miss the hills, but this is where I need to be.
Written By Gaston
Aug. 29, 2018, 12:23 p.m.(6/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Nuala
A friendship in the making, perhaps. Princess Nuala knows much of the whispered secrets and half-told tales from the area I call home, both as Marquis and in my wandering days before it. A land of mystery, of beautiful and forbidding terrain. Our interests overlap, our knowledge intersects. A fellow explorer, this one I shall call friend sooner rather than later.
Written By Gaston
Aug. 29, 2018, 6:44 a.m.(6/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ezekiel
I've only heard him play once, but both songs were beautiful. Reminded me of back home, or at least one did. I should hire him to play for a family and friends dinner.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.