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Written By Harlan

March 15, 2018, 1:51 p.m.(5/13/1008 AR)

I, and Ashford, are leaving to fight with Grayson and the Compact as is our duty, praise Limerace. I am leading the Ashford forces to Stormwall, where I will join the archers. I worry for Olivia, but know she will be safe with the healers, helping some of those who fall recover. I plan on returning. There is too much that needs to be done on many fronts, the future to plan for, and other battles which will need to be fought.

I will enjoy the trip, as I love being out of the city. I wish it were for better reasons, admittedly, but it will be nice to breathe the open air, see trees, and smell and hear the natural world -- although I'm sure I'll be more smelling, seeing and hearing the forces around me than nature.

Gild keep us safe on our journey from Arx, and on our return. Mangata bless our ships and send gales to foul our enemies ships. Gloria remind us of our honor. Jayus thank those who have created our armor and weapons. Lagoma help our healers to assist those who are wounded. Queen of Endings help those who fall to return to the their next beginning. The Sentinel defend us. Vellichor remind us to record as much of what happens as possible, and keep that knowledge available to those who need it.

Written By Harlan

March 14, 2018, 6:39 p.m.(5/11/1008 AR)

In the case of my death soon, gods forbid, my Black Journals may be released to Lady Olivia Ashford and none other.

Written By Harlan

Feb. 16, 2018, 3:20 p.m.(3/15/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

While I may not be on a ship going to battle -- and while Ashford may not have many ships to begin with -- if any men under my banners do not follow their leader's order, no matter whom that leader may be -- they will soon find that they are disobeying not only their leader, but their Duke.

That will not stand. Ashfords know their duty. Ashford supports the Compact -- all of it.

Written By Harlan

Feb. 13, 2018, 6:52 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

So.

Flowers.

I've already handled this, as far as the people who were actually upset enough to simply talk to me about it, after the fact, as opposed to going and talking to their journals. I had previously apologized to those who spoke with me, and my original response to everything was before I took a second, more critical eye to what I had written and had the wondrous thought that -- this was not what I intended to write at all.

I considered the matter at an end, but .... apparently there are those who have little enough to concern themselves in their lives that they must pay attention to every word written.

This is fine, we need people to pay attention to history and to keep us on our toes.

That said, what I originally wrote regarding flowers was ... not well-written. What was written was absolutely not what I meant, and I should have known better to proofread my own writing before actually...putting pen to paper.

What Marquis Leary wrote was much more in line with my own thinking. I like natural things. These include flowers. I like women, especially pretty ones. The first part of what I wrote was about that.

The second part was horribly mis-written, and was a second topic entirely, as Marquis Leary stated. I was reminding myself of my duty. I am glad that others are able to make matches easily and with little fuss. I am glad for you.

To anyone who was upset by my original remarks (and rightfully so), but didn't have the discretion to contact a messenger and actually ask me about it, I offer what little apology is necessary. I have already apologized to those who had that discretion, and I consider that matter over.

In the future, if you have a question about what I say or write, especially when asking me for words on another topic -- ask. We all make mistakes.

Written By Harlan

Feb. 13, 2018, 4:05 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)

The longer I live, the more I realize that there may be wisdom in arranged marriages for the Nobility.

It definitely would be much simpler.

I'll have to remember this once I have children.

Written By Harlan

Feb. 9, 2018, 4:02 p.m.(2/23/1008 AR)

Note to self: Arrange for clothing well before an event. It's probably better that way.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 31, 2018, 8:52 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Olivia

Beloved little sister.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 26, 2018, 11:01 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mydas

Cousin,

It saddens me that you feel that this is the only thing flowers -- or ladies -- are good for.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 26, 2018, 10:51 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)

To repeat something sent in a messenger.

That's the thing -- flowers aren't just pretty and smell good. They're very useful for a number of things. Medicine, perfume, dyes -- just to name a few. Perhaps people should be slower to jump to conclusions lest they fall on their backsides.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 26, 2018, 9:47 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)

It is interesting how many unmarried noble women there are in the city at this time. I seem to find one around every corner, almost. I'm not complaining -- they're almost all beautiful and pleasant. It's akin to walking into a field and seeing an abundance of beautiful flowers of every type surrounding you. It's enough to take one's breath away, almost.

Of course, I have to remember that no matter how beautiful or aromatic a flower might be, it has to fit the need -- I was reminded of that last night. Thank you for that.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 23, 2018, 10:27 a.m.(1/9/1008 AR)

An interesting evening. Danced with Lady Aeryn, who I had not met before then, but who was a delight to dance with -- pretty women generally are, I think. Then met Princess Ailys before escorting Princesses Cassima and Caith to an event involving mud and hogs, before escorting Princess Caith to Ashford, then to her home. A full and fulfilling day indeed.

Back to business, though.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 19, 2018, 1:07 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)

A gala. Technically, it's duty. Much business can be done at these events. That, and there are other duties that ... well, I should have handled before now, but haven't. This is a good a time as any to start that duty.

Luckily, I've a tailor, and have new clothes for this. Reminder to self: Princesses are dangerous. Unmarried ones doubly so.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 12, 2018, 10:55 a.m.(12/14/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

I might be persuaded to take that off your hands, unless more bottles of this insanity can be procured elsewhere.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 10, 2018, 5:24 p.m.(12/10/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

The view from the watch towers in the Gray Forest near Ashford House -- you can see for miles, just don't look down if you're nervous!

Written By Harlan

Jan. 9, 2018, 11:37 a.m.(12/7/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Sparte

There are these people. They cook things. They do it for money. They're called...I believe...cooks.

I believe I have one of these?

Written By Harlan

Jan. 5, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(11/27/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Aislin

Aislin...there's a reason that Ashfords don't go on boats when we can avoid it.

I refuse to believe that you were simply washed overboard. You vanished, and I'm certain you were taken. We will find you, and we will have justice and vengeance upon whoever has done this. If you are gone........I cannot think of that now. I will not.

We will find you.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 5, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Cousin, you will be missed. Not just by me, but by Ashford as a whole. You were my cousin, you were my General, and I believe you were my friend. Your fight is over now.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 5, 2018, 12:32 p.m.(11/27/1007 AR)

Dark times surround Ashford again.

Years ago, it was my father's illness and death that led me on the path of becoming Duke of Ashford myself -- no matter how I might prefer to spend hours hunting in the forest. Duty calls, after all. It's necessary, and has its own rewards.

Now, it is family that once again calls me back from Ashford Keep to Arx. First, my cousin Killian. Once lost, then found...now irrevocably lost again. I should have returned then to handle matters, not leaving Olivia and Aislin to handle this task.

Now, though.....now, it is Aislin who is lost. I cannot leave Olivia to shoulder this burden. I must return. My duty is now in the city. We will find you, sister, and if you're gone, we shall exact justice in your name.

Written By Harlan

Sept. 7, 2017, 9:12 p.m.(3/2/1007 AR)

I am reassured I have taken what steps can be taken has been taken. Again this is not a hunt I am equipped with, but I think I have found those who are.

Written By Harlan

Sept. 7, 2017, 6:46 a.m.(2/28/1007 AR)

What my castilian had laid out for me is terrible. What I can only imagine worse is more than House Ashford effected. While we are not a poor family with only modest holdings, we are not the richest either, and surely a house with far more wealth than our could hide such a plot? I have sent discrete messages out to the major houses, praying am I wrong, but if not, then actions need to be taken now, not later.

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