Written By Niamh
March 12, 2017, 9:39 a.m.(1/27/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Khanne Halfshav has wedged herself in like a spear thrust against a tree with great strength. Try as you might, she seems impossible to dislodge. Which is probably a good thing since she'll need that fierce determination for what she's planning to do. Spirits and Gods watch over her. I'm growing too fond of the woman to want anything to happen to her.
Written By Niamh
March 1, 2017, 7:21 a.m.(1/5/1006 AR)
Last night I took shelter in the mountains and lay beside another adventurer to stare up at the winter stars. There were griffins in our future, but those were for the 'morrow.
Last night I took shelter in the mountains, with Cardia in my future, and traded with another the threads of the dream that the future might become.
Last night I took shelter in the mountains, curious about if griffins would feast on mountain lions, and I learned that some solutions can be as simple as a sword's answer.
I've never had such innocent fun as pretending to be elsewhere while laying in a treehouse.
Last night I took shelter in the mountains, with Cardia in my future, and traded with another the threads of the dream that the future might become.
Last night I took shelter in the mountains, curious about if griffins would feast on mountain lions, and I learned that some solutions can be as simple as a sword's answer.
I've never had such innocent fun as pretending to be elsewhere while laying in a treehouse.
Written By Niamh
Feb. 26, 2017, 1:02 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Today Father Orazio came to visit me at the Lodge. I do not know how to thank him for his gift, or rather the one who sent it. Greenmarch was privileged to have a diamdondplate sword from our forbearer. Today, I am honored to wield alaricite.
Written By Niamh
Feb. 11, 2017, 10:05 a.m.(11/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
I continue to be impressed by Luca. It is not just his skill with a blade, or the way he puts on such a show with his every movement. It's the way he focuses so much during what he's doing, and yet still manages to keep it friendly. That's not a skill that many have mastered when they're sparring. People can take practice too seriously.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 30, 2017, 6:39 p.m.(10/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Tiny, full of energy, and knows more about honor that I would expect for one not from the Oathlands. Holt did good with this one. I LIKE her.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 27, 2017, 10:01 a.m.(10/10/1005 AR)
In a matter of hours, I will stand before the Sword of Southport on a duel to defend the honor of the Duchess of Pravus. I have been asked if I am nervous, to be facing one of the best blades in Arx with no more protection than normal clothing.
No, I am not nervous. The Sentinel will judge the merits of the claims we represent and Gloria will guide our weapons.
They called Champions and tonight will be done with it.
No, I am not nervous. The Sentinel will judge the merits of the claims we represent and Gloria will guide our weapons.
They called Champions and tonight will be done with it.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 25, 2017, 11:53 a.m.(10/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
Such a sweet and caring young woman. She certainly stands out at the Guild Hall, but it would be a true sadness if she weren't there.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 25, 2017, 11:45 a.m.(10/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cicero
Prince Cicero held up through quite a few rounds, with an audience. He is progressing quite well with a blade.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 21, 2017, 12:37 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
In the Oathlands we have a phrase. Pray for a Dragon. It means that when times are tough, when the injustices of the world are more than you can stand, when you need a hero to come champion your cause, you pray for a Dragon. A Dragon in the white and blue battle robes of a sworn Knight of Valardin. Someone of dedicated to honor, chivalry, and defending the weak.
As a Greenmarcher we did not use this phrase. For so long we had been apart from the Compact, at odds with House Valardin. Praying for a Dragon would just be asking for a fight. When we knelt again before the Throne of the West, though, I was enamored of these gallant men and women who so steadfastly put themselves on the line for others. I joined them. I performed errantry with them. I wanted to be the best Sword, the best Knight I could be.
When I came to Arx the first time I did not follow the advise I was given. I did not stay to the prettier parts of the grand city. I saw the squallor and desperation that some of them struggle through. And worse I saw the indifference that some of my peers had to this. I made friends in the Lower Boroughs. I returned their frequently, for there was something about the people there that reminded me of home. Perhaps it was the lack of pretense.
It was because of this relationship that I came to know the tale of Drialla. She was the daughter of a fisherman, betrothed to a merchant of far better means than her own family. She was pretty. Smart. It was said to be a love that could not be better. This turned out to be a lie. Her betrothed was merely toying with her, using her. She was sport to the man born of merchant princes. When her honor was despoiled I thought to myself what a great time to pray for a Dragon.
Arx is not the Oathlands.
Drialla hired a Champion. It was the first I had heard of the Guild of Champions. I watched nearly breathless when the Champion she hired fought the foolish merchant who thought he could fight on his own. The Champion wasn't just fighting for Drialla though. He fought for Honor itself. By taking her cause, he pledged himself to her side and made the statement that he believed in her. Whether he won or not, Drialla at least knew someone believed in her.
The Champion won and justice prevailed. It was this that lead me to realize that not all Dragons have to have white and blue surcoats.
I joined the Guild the next day.
As a Greenmarcher we did not use this phrase. For so long we had been apart from the Compact, at odds with House Valardin. Praying for a Dragon would just be asking for a fight. When we knelt again before the Throne of the West, though, I was enamored of these gallant men and women who so steadfastly put themselves on the line for others. I joined them. I performed errantry with them. I wanted to be the best Sword, the best Knight I could be.
When I came to Arx the first time I did not follow the advise I was given. I did not stay to the prettier parts of the grand city. I saw the squallor and desperation that some of them struggle through. And worse I saw the indifference that some of my peers had to this. I made friends in the Lower Boroughs. I returned their frequently, for there was something about the people there that reminded me of home. Perhaps it was the lack of pretense.
It was because of this relationship that I came to know the tale of Drialla. She was the daughter of a fisherman, betrothed to a merchant of far better means than her own family. She was pretty. Smart. It was said to be a love that could not be better. This turned out to be a lie. Her betrothed was merely toying with her, using her. She was sport to the man born of merchant princes. When her honor was despoiled I thought to myself what a great time to pray for a Dragon.
Arx is not the Oathlands.
Drialla hired a Champion. It was the first I had heard of the Guild of Champions. I watched nearly breathless when the Champion she hired fought the foolish merchant who thought he could fight on his own. The Champion wasn't just fighting for Drialla though. He fought for Honor itself. By taking her cause, he pledged himself to her side and made the statement that he believed in her. Whether he won or not, Drialla at least knew someone believed in her.
The Champion won and justice prevailed. It was this that lead me to realize that not all Dragons have to have white and blue surcoats.
I joined the Guild the next day.
Written By Niamh
Jan. 4, 2017, 5:26 p.m.(7/26/1005 AR)
Prince Edain and Lady Aislin have agreed to allow my Ministry to investigate the blights on their lands. It is not what I expected to be doing as Minister of Agriculture, but it fits the mandate. I have had two alchemists respond. If I can get Rowan and Leola to agree as well then I will call the group complete for now.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 27, 2016, 3:13 p.m.(7/2/1005 AR)
With the return to Arx, I am reminded of other duties. Helping slay the Beast of Sanctum met my oaths to Greenmarch and Valardin, but it opened my eyes to other needs as well. As Minister of Agriculture, I can already see that the presence of these foul creatures stains the ground where they have been. We will need to find a way to cleanse the corruption.
I'm going to need to find foresters, alchemists, priests and shamans to help with this. And I thought my life as a minister was going to be nothing more than deciding whether or not to fund the wainright's new wagon business.
I'm going to need to find foresters, alchemists, priests and shamans to help with this. And I thought my life as a minister was going to be nothing more than deciding whether or not to fund the wainright's new wagon business.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 26, 2016, 9:18 p.m.(6/28/1005 AR)
When Princess Alis and High Lord Edain first informed me of the beast that traveled towards the Greenwood, I knew there had to be an effort to stop it. I am thankful that the Princess allowed me to join that effort, and to bring Fiachra. What foul efforts were born from the death of the Legate of Concepts have been put to rets, and that monstrosity will no longer bother the denizens of the Oathlands.
To those who stood toe to toe with the demon, I salute you and your courage. Princess Alis Valardin, Princes Anze Redrain, Duke Leo Fidante, Lady Eirene Malvici, and Lord Fiachra Greenmarch. It was an honor to fight that creature beside you.
Of the Knights of Valardin that met us and went with us, I will say this as they deserve mention as well. You held. You took your orders from your superior and you kept the shav'arvani from coming at us from behind. Your death had meaning; your sacrifice had purpose; your lives will not be forgotten.
To those who stood toe to toe with the demon, I salute you and your courage. Princess Alis Valardin, Princes Anze Redrain, Duke Leo Fidante, Lady Eirene Malvici, and Lord Fiachra Greenmarch. It was an honor to fight that creature beside you.
Of the Knights of Valardin that met us and went with us, I will say this as they deserve mention as well. You held. You took your orders from your superior and you kept the shav'arvani from coming at us from behind. Your death had meaning; your sacrifice had purpose; your lives will not be forgotten.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 21, 2016, 9:30 a.m.(6/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lyiana
Chance met. Lyiana has proven to be sweet and doting, and a skilled seamstress beyond. I now own two dresses worthy of the higher society of Arx. More than that, I have made a friend.
That she'll help me tweak Fiachra by making a scandalous dress for Eirlys is a bonus.
That she'll help me tweak Fiachra by making a scandalous dress for Eirlys is a bonus.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 21, 2016, 9:28 a.m.(6/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Muiryn
Uncle Muiryn has arrived in Arx as well, apparently just last night as we sat down to dinner. A surly sort, overly protective of Neve.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 21, 2016, 9:27 a.m.(6/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowan
Rowan has arrived in Arx. As annoying as younger siblings can be, there's still strength to be found in having one's blood close at hand. Like all of us he has a lot of maturing to do, but you can already see the Otherness starting to take its root in him. I have no doubt that Rowan will find his footing in the next decade and be the sage that the Greenwood needs him to be. I can only pray to the gods and request of the spirits that he have a decade to do it in.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 9, 2016, 9:24 p.m.(5/5/1005 AR)
Earlier this week I sent a messenger to the Regent letting her know I would be willing to serve as the Minister of Farms and Agriculture. Not because I have a wealth of knowledge on these affairs, but because I want to make some mark on Arx, leave behind some good reputation for the family that has made me Voice and Sword.
I would say that today was a momentous occasion because the Lady Regent appointed me to that manure-riddled posting. But it wasn't even the most momentous announcement in my life today. I went to the meeting of the Ministers and Councilors this evening thinking I might have to lay out some plan on five year growth strategies for corn. Instead, I learned about elves.
I would say that today was a momentous occasion because the Lady Regent appointed me to that manure-riddled posting. But it wasn't even the most momentous announcement in my life today. I went to the meeting of the Ministers and Councilors this evening thinking I might have to lay out some plan on five year growth strategies for corn. Instead, I learned about elves.
Written By Niamh
Dec. 5, 2016, 7:40 p.m.(4/21/1005 AR)
I have met many people in Arx this past week that I had not known were here in all my years among them. It just goes to show that I need to get out of the Champion's Hall more.
Written By Niamh
Nov. 30, 2016, 6:37 p.m.(4/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
Today I learned I can fight a lion.
I also learned I cannot fight a lion and a knight at the same time.
Yet.
I also learned I cannot fight a lion and a knight at the same time.
Yet.
Written By Niamh
Nov. 30, 2016, 10:09 a.m.(4/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Benjamin
He always seems disappointed that I'm not injured when just visit. I think the good surgeon may be growing bored.
Written By Niamh
Nov. 30, 2016, 10:03 a.m.(4/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
A weaponsmith that knows a sword isn't just a tool. When he asked me what story I wanted to tell, I knew this was the right smith.
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