Written By Leona
Jan. 24, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Miles
Since coming to the King's Own, Sir Miles has been the grumpiest - ahem - stodgiest...er... Scholar, what's the right word?
Irascible. The most irascible presence of my acquaintance. But it comes from a good place, and I am confident as I make my plans that he will continue to make sure that the Hundred are in the best health, and that we are reminded to dodge early and dodge often. And if the Fear of Miles reminds people to be a little more careful, a little tighter on the defense, a little less likely to do the heroically stupid thing and a little more likely to come back with a mission accomplished well and thoroughly - but not foolishly - then I will continue to be glad for his service.
Irascible. The most irascible presence of my acquaintance. But it comes from a good place, and I am confident as I make my plans that he will continue to make sure that the Hundred are in the best health, and that we are reminded to dodge early and dodge often. And if the Fear of Miles reminds people to be a little more careful, a little tighter on the defense, a little less likely to do the heroically stupid thing and a little more likely to come back with a mission accomplished well and thoroughly - but not foolishly - then I will continue to be glad for his service.
Written By Leona
Jan. 12, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
No one is perfect. And it is not the Lord Commander's forgiveness you should seek. Look to your own honor and guard it well. Accepting our mistakes, rectifying them, and trying not to repeat them again and again is the course of valor and the work of a lifetime.
Written By Leona
Jan. 12, 2018, 11:47 a.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
When Lord Commander Dayne Valardin gave his life in an honor duel to acknowledge the guilt of the Compact when we broke the treaty with the Nox'alfar, through strength and honor and determination he gave us the chance to start diplomatic relations with them without the sins of the past coming forward to haunt us. He leveled the playing field by acknowledging our guilt and paying for it as honor demands.
When the Nox'alfar came to us in good faith to re-negotiate the treaty and we treated them abysmally and insulted them until they left the city, that too was our own fault. And yes, many good men and women died. I know this better than most. But again, the Nox'alfar showed their willingness to ignore our fumbling attempts at diplomacy and returned to the negotiating table in good faith.
And so I understand that many will be uncomfortable with our allies. They are not always a comfortable people. But to expect them to constantly be looking to earn our trust ignores the fact that they have carried themselves with honor while we have not - twice now in living memory. Instead of worrying about what they are doing for us, perhaps we should be asking how we can work together to build our future in similar directions, and to avoid dishonoring ourselves a third time in three years.
When the Nox'alfar came to us in good faith to re-negotiate the treaty and we treated them abysmally and insulted them until they left the city, that too was our own fault. And yes, many good men and women died. I know this better than most. But again, the Nox'alfar showed their willingness to ignore our fumbling attempts at diplomacy and returned to the negotiating table in good faith.
And so I understand that many will be uncomfortable with our allies. They are not always a comfortable people. But to expect them to constantly be looking to earn our trust ignores the fact that they have carried themselves with honor while we have not - twice now in living memory. Instead of worrying about what they are doing for us, perhaps we should be asking how we can work together to build our future in similar directions, and to avoid dishonoring ourselves a third time in three years.
Written By Leona
Jan. 10, 2018, 12:17 p.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
On shades of gray:
There are many who look at shades of gray. Some bad isn't all bad, is it? There are excellent people who serve dark masters, and by excellent we mean they do good things themselves, more often than not. And just as there are bad people who do good things, there are good people who do bad things, terrible things even.
There is always hope. There must always be hope.
And yet sometimes there are bad people who have done so many bad things that their best hope for doing better by the world is to be in it no longer. To return to the Wheel, and to try again with another round. And oh, perhaps you will point to this particular bad person who did these horrible things and then reformed. And you can say - we should show mercy, so that we do not become the monster we fight.
To those people I say this: How many innocent lives will be sacrificed to give one person another chance? How many innocent lives should be sacrificed to give one person another chance? Sometimes given what we know, and what we face, and our strength in that moment the best chance and hope we give someone is to commit them to the Queen of Endings and let them take their chances in the next life with forgiveness in our hearts and the implacable determination to protect our people from this particular evil's predations.
There are many who look at shades of gray. Some bad isn't all bad, is it? There are excellent people who serve dark masters, and by excellent we mean they do good things themselves, more often than not. And just as there are bad people who do good things, there are good people who do bad things, terrible things even.
There is always hope. There must always be hope.
And yet sometimes there are bad people who have done so many bad things that their best hope for doing better by the world is to be in it no longer. To return to the Wheel, and to try again with another round. And oh, perhaps you will point to this particular bad person who did these horrible things and then reformed. And you can say - we should show mercy, so that we do not become the monster we fight.
To those people I say this: How many innocent lives will be sacrificed to give one person another chance? How many innocent lives should be sacrificed to give one person another chance? Sometimes given what we know, and what we face, and our strength in that moment the best chance and hope we give someone is to commit them to the Queen of Endings and let them take their chances in the next life with forgiveness in our hearts and the implacable determination to protect our people from this particular evil's predations.
Written By Leona
Jan. 8, 2018, 3:20 p.m.(12/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
It has been several years since I have valued someone's advice as highly as I do Orazio's. Also it has been some time since someone managed to hold their own in a debate with me while taking a completely opposite view and still manage to make a logical and sound argument. I admire his strength of character and his mind. How very interesting.
Written By Leona
Jan. 3, 2018, 7:03 p.m.(11/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alistair
I don't know Isolde, but I am certain /she/ is not marrying down. I hope they will be very happy, titles having nothing to do with that in any case.
Written By Leona
Jan. 3, 2018, 10:05 a.m.(11/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Our paths didn't cross until recently. She was busy adventuring, I was busy with the Hundred. But when we did meet, and when we first got a good look at each other it was - she was - well. She was my friend. My confidante. Someone I could laugh with, someone I could be myself around. She knew me, knew my struggles, and had good advice for them more often than not. The last time I saw her she came to grieve for Killian. We shared drinks and memories. We talked. We planned - an adventure and some evenings together, quietly talking under the stars.
I hope she is not dead. I hope she is on another adventure. I hope to see her again - ideally on this side of the Wheel.
I miss her already.
I hope she is not dead. I hope she is on another adventure. I hope to see her again - ideally on this side of the Wheel.
I miss her already.
Written By Leona
Jan. 2, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(11/19/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
My father's sister, a woman more inclined to bookishness than most. But she applies herself rigorously to the rooting out of information and knowledge, and she has a quick wit and a good sense of humor. I like her a lot, and I'm glad to see her back in the City and getting involved. We need her mind now more than ever.
Written By Leona
Jan. 2, 2018, 10:38 a.m.(11/19/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
In running the Gauntlet and our conversation I am reminded of something my mentor said to me repeatedly.
"What good is sharpening the sword if the hand that wields it is weak? And what good is training the hand if the mind that directs it is cloudy? And what good is training the mind if the heart that moves it is cowardly? So take courage and be strong, and all else that follows will be trained in good time, for good purpose."
I enjoy my conversations with Lord Corban greatly, even though I am also constantly reminded of my own training. It's not so much that I see myself in Lord Corban, but that I hear my mentor when I talk to him. The grief never really goes away. It just gets more familiar, like that piece of armor we pull on without noticing because it fits so well and has for so many years. We learn to bear the weight of it, but by every God of the Pantheon some days the loss of Dayne cuts me like a knife.
"What good is sharpening the sword if the hand that wields it is weak? And what good is training the hand if the mind that directs it is cloudy? And what good is training the mind if the heart that moves it is cowardly? So take courage and be strong, and all else that follows will be trained in good time, for good purpose."
I enjoy my conversations with Lord Corban greatly, even though I am also constantly reminded of my own training. It's not so much that I see myself in Lord Corban, but that I hear my mentor when I talk to him. The grief never really goes away. It just gets more familiar, like that piece of armor we pull on without noticing because it fits so well and has for so many years. We learn to bear the weight of it, but by every God of the Pantheon some days the loss of Dayne cuts me like a knife.
Written By Leona
Dec. 27, 2017, 3:07 p.m.(11/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
As the current Lord Commander of the King's Own, I've given the guards fair warning that any baked goods should be vigorously inspected, but that if some aren't saved for me they'll be doubletiming their daily exercises.
Written By Leona
Dec. 26, 2017, 6:10 p.m.(11/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ectorion
Sober, serious, intelligent. He's a Knight from the Oathlands, and I can appreciate that. He's serious about his duty, I can appreciate that too. He has an open mind which is more important than ever right now. And he's going to be a lot of fun to torment. Ahem. I mean serve with. A lot of fun to serve with.
In all seriousness, I have fought with him at my side, trusted him at my back, and seen him face things that make grown men tremble. He's a credit to the armor and his family.
In all seriousness, I have fought with him at my side, trusted him at my back, and seen him face things that make grown men tremble. He's a credit to the armor and his family.
Written By Leona
Dec. 26, 2017, 5:59 p.m.(11/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleanor
She's taking her first assignment where she's in command of other Knights on business of the King. I know in my heart of hearts I chose right when I let her join the King's Own - and while this first assignment is extremely dangerous, I believe she is going to acquit herself well. And come home safely. This is the most difficult part of command. But I know her father would be proud of the woman she has become. I am too.
Written By Leona
Dec. 23, 2017, 9:50 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
I have never fought with Killian. From the memory of others, I know him to be a skilled and capable warrior. He was one of the Paladins who stood between Arx and Tolamar Brand, and so I know he could fight. And was willing to put himself between Arx and what would destroy us.
But the Killian I knew was a man who sought answers. He dreamed big, but he dreamed of what was, what could be. He was special. And new. A soul spun by the Queen of Endings, newly sent to life for the first time. It was his first turn on the Wheel, if vision and Faith are true. He did not fade into obscurity. I am sure She welcomed him home with open arms, and perhaps one day he will return.
But the Killian I knew was a man who sought answers. He dreamed big, but he dreamed of what was, what could be. He was special. And new. A soul spun by the Queen of Endings, newly sent to life for the first time. It was his first turn on the Wheel, if vision and Faith are true. He did not fade into obscurity. I am sure She welcomed him home with open arms, and perhaps one day he will return.
Written By Leona
Dec. 14, 2017, 9:36 a.m.(10/9/1007 AR)
I grow ever more impatient. Our plans are made, our preparations complete. But the more time we spend here, the more I am treated to the opportunity to see my friends and my family grow, and that is not such a bad thing either. Still I find the truism to be most accurate, as that inestimable bard once said, the waiting is the hardest part.
Written By Leona
Dec. 9, 2017, 7:44 p.m.(9/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
She works so hard to be strong. She keeps busy helping other people. Answering their questions, supporting their work. She always seems to know a little bit of what's going on - she may not know details, but she knows who's working on what. She is a friend and a valuable knowledge base, but I have to wonder what she does that's just for her? Perhaps Dame Marra would know, but if she does, Marra's not telling.
Written By Leona
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:48 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
I am a woman of action. And soon I will not be sitting still, patiently waiting to act but actually taking the next steps on a bold, potentially suicidal plan. For King and Compact, In Service and Fidelity, and in hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Soon.
In the meantime, my Armory is in chaos and the servants of Crownguard Tower are in despair. I remain resolute.
Soon.
In the meantime, my Armory is in chaos and the servants of Crownguard Tower are in despair. I remain resolute.
Written By Leona
Nov. 27, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(9/1/1007 AR)
Jaenelle my dear, I am in public often enough. They just don't notice me because I look like the rest of the Hundred since we wear matching armor. And all sheaths look alike, so unless they're going to force me to draw my sword they may not notice the finer points of difference.
And of course, forcing me to draw my sword when I'm in armor as one of the Hundred while doing my job by guarding the King is a quick way to death as a traitor, no?
And of course, forcing me to draw my sword when I'm in armor as one of the Hundred while doing my job by guarding the King is a quick way to death as a traitor, no?
Written By Leona
Nov. 22, 2017, 11:52 p.m.(8/19/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Some men just can't hold their rum. That is not true of Marquis Rymarr. He held his rum, and drank his rum, just fine. And even drunk he can sing better than I. Though I had to teach him the words. Sorry about that, Arx.
Written By Leona
Nov. 1, 2017, 8:39 p.m.(7/5/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
Next up will be "You're not the boss of me!" And then maybe sticking your tongue out? I say again, sir - ARE YOU TWELVE?
(I'm sure it wasn't but seriously I can't even leave you and Alaric alone for TWO MINUTES I SWEAR.)
(I'm sure it wasn't but seriously I can't even leave you and Alaric alone for TWO MINUTES I SWEAR.)
Written By Leona
Nov. 1, 2017, 7:48 p.m.(7/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
I am perhaps unreasonably angered by you setting yourself on fire. Knock it off, Laric. I don't have so many friends that I would lose one to something like this.
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