Written By Fredrik
June 1, 2018, 11:39 a.m.(11/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
High Lord Edain is every inch the righteous and upright man I thought he would be. His offer to assist in the rebuilding of House RedTyde was enough, more than enough, and humbled me in many ways. But his offer of patronage? Of being his protege, as a gesture of the bond between his blood and mine? That touched me to my core, and I cannot repay him for that, even though I will certainly try.
Great-Uncle Viktor would be so very proud of you, I think, Your Grace. Our blood may be a distant connection, but when I think of how it thrives in the veins of Edain and his relatives? It makes me so very hopeful for the future.
Great-Uncle Viktor would be so very proud of you, I think, Your Grace. Our blood may be a distant connection, but when I think of how it thrives in the veins of Edain and his relatives? It makes me so very hopeful for the future.
Written By Briseis
May 18, 2018, 6:36 p.m.(10/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Usually my biting response is exactly that, Your Grace!
Written By Orazio
May 7, 2018, 11:02 a.m.(9/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Prince Edain speaks with wisdom in his most recent journal entry, and more, he speaks with a good heart.
What many nobles do not thoroughly realize is that they (or we, for although I am godsworn, I was raised with the obligations of the nobility on my heart) are some of the very few members of the Compact who have never had to work for their living. Oh, certainly, good nobles DO work, just as good priests do, in the duties they have been given. But members of the Church and the nobility exist, ultimately, on the blood, sweat, and labor of the commoners who we are meant to protect, to serve, and to form an example for. If a noble takes the tax revenue generated by his people, and does not serve them in return, then none can call them to account except the head of their house, or perhaps a liege, if a liege wishes to risk her other vassals becoming upset at her meddling. A noble may not be arrested by a commoner, and may only be judged by their peers. A noble has privileges in every aspect of their lives that even a wealthy commoner may not match. It is a position of great power that one is born into.
Which is why it has always been taught that it is a position of great responsibility, as well. The job of a noble, that which they receive all that hard earned tax money from, is to lead and represent their people, to the best of their abilities, in all aspects of their lives. We hold the oaths of a noble to a high standard, because all that binds us together as a people are the oaths of our leaders. It is only oath which makes it safe for merchants to travel through a lord's lands - for if the lord wished to seize the merchant's goods, and none as powerful as the lord spoke out against it, what recourse would the merchant have? It is only oath which makes it safe for lords and their people of different fealties to meet together and discuss issues and disputes without bloodshed - for if one lord were to slaughter another at one of these meetings and take their land, only the oathbound allies of that lord would move to intervene, and if oaths no longer matter then those lords could easily decide it was not worth the shedding of their own people's blood. This is why guest right is enshrined in our culture. Marriages among the nobility are meant to ensure the continuance of houses, and to promote and protect the best interests of the people we serve - it is our duty, rather than our pleasure, although the word 'duty' does seem to be falling out of fashion of late. Without being able to trust our oaths given to one another, every man or woman would stand alone, every fealty would be an island to itself, and we might as well simply fall back into the tribes we had before the Compact.
There are many people who defend the breaking of oaths with "What is the harm, if it makes them happy?" or "It is only a small oath, of no consequence." And yet, it is in the keeping of the small oaths where we prove ourselves worthy of the great. Would any of us trust a man who regularly lies about his own words to give the testimony which would decide whether someone lives or dies? More, it is in the keeping of our oaths that we maintain the trust of those who we have power over. This is as true for the Church as it is for the peerage - we are both, if we are honest, recipients of charity, relying on the generosity (and the sworn oaths) of those who take on the backbreaking work that keeps the Compact going.
If we cannot keep our oaths before our people, then how can we expect them to keep their oaths to us?
What many nobles do not thoroughly realize is that they (or we, for although I am godsworn, I was raised with the obligations of the nobility on my heart) are some of the very few members of the Compact who have never had to work for their living. Oh, certainly, good nobles DO work, just as good priests do, in the duties they have been given. But members of the Church and the nobility exist, ultimately, on the blood, sweat, and labor of the commoners who we are meant to protect, to serve, and to form an example for. If a noble takes the tax revenue generated by his people, and does not serve them in return, then none can call them to account except the head of their house, or perhaps a liege, if a liege wishes to risk her other vassals becoming upset at her meddling. A noble may not be arrested by a commoner, and may only be judged by their peers. A noble has privileges in every aspect of their lives that even a wealthy commoner may not match. It is a position of great power that one is born into.
Which is why it has always been taught that it is a position of great responsibility, as well. The job of a noble, that which they receive all that hard earned tax money from, is to lead and represent their people, to the best of their abilities, in all aspects of their lives. We hold the oaths of a noble to a high standard, because all that binds us together as a people are the oaths of our leaders. It is only oath which makes it safe for merchants to travel through a lord's lands - for if the lord wished to seize the merchant's goods, and none as powerful as the lord spoke out against it, what recourse would the merchant have? It is only oath which makes it safe for lords and their people of different fealties to meet together and discuss issues and disputes without bloodshed - for if one lord were to slaughter another at one of these meetings and take their land, only the oathbound allies of that lord would move to intervene, and if oaths no longer matter then those lords could easily decide it was not worth the shedding of their own people's blood. This is why guest right is enshrined in our culture. Marriages among the nobility are meant to ensure the continuance of houses, and to promote and protect the best interests of the people we serve - it is our duty, rather than our pleasure, although the word 'duty' does seem to be falling out of fashion of late. Without being able to trust our oaths given to one another, every man or woman would stand alone, every fealty would be an island to itself, and we might as well simply fall back into the tribes we had before the Compact.
There are many people who defend the breaking of oaths with "What is the harm, if it makes them happy?" or "It is only a small oath, of no consequence." And yet, it is in the keeping of the small oaths where we prove ourselves worthy of the great. Would any of us trust a man who regularly lies about his own words to give the testimony which would decide whether someone lives or dies? More, it is in the keeping of our oaths that we maintain the trust of those who we have power over. This is as true for the Church as it is for the peerage - we are both, if we are honest, recipients of charity, relying on the generosity (and the sworn oaths) of those who take on the backbreaking work that keeps the Compact going.
If we cannot keep our oaths before our people, then how can we expect them to keep their oaths to us?
Written By Ida
April 30, 2018, 8:01 p.m.(8/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
When I first came to Arx to work as one of the Valardin smiths, so generously sponsored by His Grace, Prince Edain, I had spent most of my years repairing plows and simpler weapons before focusing on the pugilism circuits. While in the city, I learned to work high quality steel, then rubicund, and eventually diamondplate. My first high quality weapon was a warhammer for Duke Arn Telmar. My first rubicund weapon was a bow for Princess Deva Redrain. I have known diamondplate for some time now, but with such talented smiths in the city who can work even beyond that, I suppose no one thought to ask. Which was a relief, really. Until His Grace.
I take a great deal of what I make to heart. I sweat not just in the shop, but in my mind for just the right touch, that particular hue that will conjure up images of their homeland or something of meaning. It has just always meant a lot to me to craft something of meaning, when someone has trusted me to put something between them and the ills of the world in to their hands. But I do go on, as I often tend to do.
My first diamondplate weapon is a spear for Prince Edain. The design is based on a weapon I had made him some years ago, which has always been my favorite, until perhaps this one. It seems fitting somehow, that the first weapon of this last metal I plan to master to be in the hands of the man who gave me the opportunity to come to Arx.
I hope she burns our enemies to cinders.
I take a great deal of what I make to heart. I sweat not just in the shop, but in my mind for just the right touch, that particular hue that will conjure up images of their homeland or something of meaning. It has just always meant a lot to me to craft something of meaning, when someone has trusted me to put something between them and the ills of the world in to their hands. But I do go on, as I often tend to do.
My first diamondplate weapon is a spear for Prince Edain. The design is based on a weapon I had made him some years ago, which has always been my favorite, until perhaps this one. It seems fitting somehow, that the first weapon of this last metal I plan to master to be in the hands of the man who gave me the opportunity to come to Arx.
I hope she burns our enemies to cinders.
Written By Ida
April 16, 2018, 8:05 p.m.(7/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Your Grace, that may be my favorite joke of all time. Ha! Definitely in the top ten.
Because he's a liar! Hahaha. Yes, Scholar, please put in the ayches and the ayes all squished together.
Because he's a liar! Hahaha. Yes, Scholar, please put in the ayches and the ayes all squished together.
Written By Dominique
April 16, 2018, 12:41 p.m.(7/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Yes your grace, but she speaks for the crown. It is very easy to take what she says out of context for a generally uninformed populace. I would like to hear King Alaric's take on this considering Saoirse has the authority to speak for the crown and this could besmirch the fine Valardin name.
I hope that Alaric has the wisdom to publicly chastise her for this slight.
I hope that Alaric has the wisdom to publicly chastise her for this slight.
Written By Veronica
April 11, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(7/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
My Lord,
Lady Margerie's anger is like the thrust of a giant practice sword: fearsome in appearance but not particular deadly.
Her disappointment? It is akin to death by a thousand cheek pinches. Far more painful and a long, agonizing demise that one cannot escape.
Lady Margerie's anger is like the thrust of a giant practice sword: fearsome in appearance but not particular deadly.
Her disappointment? It is akin to death by a thousand cheek pinches. Far more painful and a long, agonizing demise that one cannot escape.
Written By Marian
April 7, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
You have left a great legacy for future generations to remember Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. I look forward to hearing which knight will become the first Commandant of Dayne's Academy.
Written By Corban
April 7, 2018, 11:47 a.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I was delighted to hear of the Dayne Valardin Academy from the High Lord of the Oathlands.
It is impossible to sum up what the great Lord Commander means to me. I look forward to giving the Academy established in his name what aid and assistance that I can.
It is impossible to sum up what the great Lord Commander means to me. I look forward to giving the Academy established in his name what aid and assistance that I can.
Written By Victus
March 30, 2018, 7:54 p.m.(6/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Show me your pork sword and I'll show ya' mine.
Written By Ann
March 30, 2018, 6:58 a.m.(6/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Now I'm thinking of commissioning Lotte for a pork sword that you may enjoy.
Written By Alis
March 28, 2018, 2:20 p.m.(6/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Sorry, I am not offering you up on the sibling exchange. You're stuck with me!
Written By Alis
March 21, 2018, 11:17 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Prince Edain,
I write this all down from the ship as we sail back to the mainland, because I am not sure I will want to remember it all and repeat it word for word once I can stand in front of you to deliver the final tallies of our dead to memorialize.
First, I must tell you that every one of our soldiers fought well and bravely, with honor as befits an Oathlander. They did not flinch, they did not break, they did not fail. Even, no... especially the fallen, who died so that an innocent would never have to face the horror that was there. I have already begun the writing of their stories for us, so we can tell their families of their heroism. We have lost at least half of the cavalry that came to Setarco at the last minute from Southport. But they were sorely needed. There are many who should be given additional recognition. It was truly an honor to watch people from all three of the fealties represented fight together as one unit, helping one another, even in sorrow as Princess Serafine Velenosa fell to an enemy creature.
There are not enough thanks to go around, in describing how the Archduchess, the Archduke Consort, Prince Galen and I were able to work together to make sound tactical choices and see them carried out. I hope we have shown our strength in setting aside differences when it is time to face an enemy of the Compact.
I am not certain if you have heard of the creatures that met us on the battlefield. Giant dogs that were able to tear through even the hardiest of armor, and... strange amalgamations of things. A horse with tentacles (I believe Sir Thorley has coined it a Nopetopus), and a snake thing with spider mandibles and a halibut tail? I cannot decide between a Nopester and a Sniderbut to call it. I am sure we were all hallucinating. Perhaps from the fear and disgust and gnawing ... horror that overtook to many as the enemy came ashore. The mind does strange things.
At one point, the wind was so strong it felt as if we were all pinned to the wall like flies trapped in a web. But, fortunately, it subsided as the enemy retreated. Setarco stands. And thank the Gods for it.
Princess Alis Valardin
I write this all down from the ship as we sail back to the mainland, because I am not sure I will want to remember it all and repeat it word for word once I can stand in front of you to deliver the final tallies of our dead to memorialize.
First, I must tell you that every one of our soldiers fought well and bravely, with honor as befits an Oathlander. They did not flinch, they did not break, they did not fail. Even, no... especially the fallen, who died so that an innocent would never have to face the horror that was there. I have already begun the writing of their stories for us, so we can tell their families of their heroism. We have lost at least half of the cavalry that came to Setarco at the last minute from Southport. But they were sorely needed. There are many who should be given additional recognition. It was truly an honor to watch people from all three of the fealties represented fight together as one unit, helping one another, even in sorrow as Princess Serafine Velenosa fell to an enemy creature.
There are not enough thanks to go around, in describing how the Archduchess, the Archduke Consort, Prince Galen and I were able to work together to make sound tactical choices and see them carried out. I hope we have shown our strength in setting aside differences when it is time to face an enemy of the Compact.
I am not certain if you have heard of the creatures that met us on the battlefield. Giant dogs that were able to tear through even the hardiest of armor, and... strange amalgamations of things. A horse with tentacles (I believe Sir Thorley has coined it a Nopetopus), and a snake thing with spider mandibles and a halibut tail? I cannot decide between a Nopester and a Sniderbut to call it. I am sure we were all hallucinating. Perhaps from the fear and disgust and gnawing ... horror that overtook to many as the enemy came ashore. The mind does strange things.
At one point, the wind was so strong it felt as if we were all pinned to the wall like flies trapped in a web. But, fortunately, it subsided as the enemy retreated. Setarco stands. And thank the Gods for it.
Princess Alis Valardin
Written By Marian
March 17, 2018, 3:56 p.m.(5/17/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Prince Edain Valardin, Highlord of the Oathlands,
You were there on the beaches. You saw what we faced. But never did you or your cavalry hesitate to come to House Redrain's defense. While the honorable Princess Alis Valardin led your knights to Setarco, you personally took it upon yourself to lead the Valardin cavalry to the North. Please accept my thanks for your efforts. Without your Valardin knights working side by side the Faith and Redrain armies more lives would have been lost at the Battle of Stormwall.
While the valor of your knights and brave healers are vast and many, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a few that stood out against the others. Lady Eirlys Greenmarch who gave her life in the Battle of Stormwall. She stepped in front of a deadly attack and fell to save Dame Esoka Greenblood. Her sacrifice will be honored among the Redrain warriors as we raise our swords to her. Prince Jericho Valardin who sherpard the infantry away from danger so they were not felled by boulders. Who lost his precious Lady Eirlys cutting down the enemy who were escaping from the burning of Stormwall while she was taken on the passes. Princess Terese Valardin who took blow after blow on the beaches and kept fighting. Marquis Jacque Lyonesse accepted the mantle of knighthood, rallied the knights with his heartfelt speech and then rode into battle determined to take ten for every one of the cavalry that fell under the enemy. Lord Alban Farshaw fought with ferocity but never lost his compassion as he made sure that the wounded were safely taken to the healers. Sir Holden Morgan watched the back of his fellow cavalry and cut a path through the enemy line. Sir Daemon Dracone who fought along side other Knights of Solace to protect the healers and keep the passes free. Countess Reigna Keaton led the physicians into the battlefield, seeing to the wounded even though the enemy sought to attack the healers' tents.
If I have forgotten any of the brave and honorable, please forgive me. The contributions of the Valardin knights are too many to count.
Princess Marian Redrain
Warchief and Sword of Farhaven
You were there on the beaches. You saw what we faced. But never did you or your cavalry hesitate to come to House Redrain's defense. While the honorable Princess Alis Valardin led your knights to Setarco, you personally took it upon yourself to lead the Valardin cavalry to the North. Please accept my thanks for your efforts. Without your Valardin knights working side by side the Faith and Redrain armies more lives would have been lost at the Battle of Stormwall.
While the valor of your knights and brave healers are vast and many, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a few that stood out against the others. Lady Eirlys Greenmarch who gave her life in the Battle of Stormwall. She stepped in front of a deadly attack and fell to save Dame Esoka Greenblood. Her sacrifice will be honored among the Redrain warriors as we raise our swords to her. Prince Jericho Valardin who sherpard the infantry away from danger so they were not felled by boulders. Who lost his precious Lady Eirlys cutting down the enemy who were escaping from the burning of Stormwall while she was taken on the passes. Princess Terese Valardin who took blow after blow on the beaches and kept fighting. Marquis Jacque Lyonesse accepted the mantle of knighthood, rallied the knights with his heartfelt speech and then rode into battle determined to take ten for every one of the cavalry that fell under the enemy. Lord Alban Farshaw fought with ferocity but never lost his compassion as he made sure that the wounded were safely taken to the healers. Sir Holden Morgan watched the back of his fellow cavalry and cut a path through the enemy line. Sir Daemon Dracone who fought along side other Knights of Solace to protect the healers and keep the passes free. Countess Reigna Keaton led the physicians into the battlefield, seeing to the wounded even though the enemy sought to attack the healers' tents.
If I have forgotten any of the brave and honorable, please forgive me. The contributions of the Valardin knights are too many to count.
Princess Marian Redrain
Warchief and Sword of Farhaven
Written By Aureth
Feb. 28, 2018, 2:37 p.m.(4/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
And you looked glorious, Your Grace. I don't remember the ensemble on question, but I remain certain of it.
Written By Alis
Feb. 26, 2018, 9:47 a.m.(4/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
You're a DAD! And I know you will be an amazing one! So, be extra careful; I have requested that Reigna seek out some shoes to keep handy in case you do something that deserves a shoe thrown at you, since I will not be at Stormwall to do it.
Written By Kael
Feb. 26, 2018, 9:39 a.m.(4/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Congratulations to the Highlord and Princess Consort of Sanctum! Congratulations to all of House Valardin, and welcome Prince Samuel Valardin, Heir of Sanctum!
Written By Talen
Feb. 24, 2018, 5:50 p.m.(4/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Welcome to the Dad club. The first rule of Dad club, don't talk about the weird shit your kids do in the journals.
They'll grow up, kill you, and usurp you.
To be fair, in the Lycuem they might do that anyway.
They'll grow up, kill you, and usurp you.
To be fair, in the Lycuem they might do that anyway.
Written By Bastien
Feb. 5, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(2/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Don't worry, your grace. The nobility have been breeding for centuries despite excessive lack of charm. I hear that even you've managed!
In any case, I'll let the man in my bed know he doesn't need to worry about any impending children of mine. It's quite a comfort to be charmless, actually.
In any case, I'll let the man in my bed know he doesn't need to worry about any impending children of mine. It's quite a comfort to be charmless, actually.
Written By Victus
Feb. 4, 2018, 12:57 a.m.(2/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
What the FUCK kind of universal greeting were you told about?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.