Written By Medeia
Jan. 30, 2024, 12:14 p.m.(8/24/1021 AR)
Serasadin of the Venom. That is her name, the dragon that chose me to bond with so she might come to Arvum's aid. She's a stunning beauty - I've never seen a shade of green quite like hers anywhere, before. It reminds me of the earliest shoots coming up out of the ground in spring and those dangerous-to-touch frogs I saw on trips to the Saffron, with a touch of pearl. I think it may be uniquely hers. She is also quite imposing - each of her talons is nearly the size of me.
We went up for a survey of the damage, any lingering vestiges of Azazel's horde, and I was holding myself together well enough, until we circled over the Upper Boroughs. Some half of the sanctuary is just gone.
Sera and I share an interest in alchemy. I had told her about the sanctuary as we flew for Arvum, about the classes I held there, about the refuge it offered for people and ideas, and about the gardens. My beloved gardens.
She landed in the courtyard and sheltered me with a wing as I sobbed for what I had built. I knew it could happen, I had made the offer to Sir Jeffeth and the defenders to use it as they needed for a reason. But even something given willingly can still hurt upon consequence.
Through the bond we share, I was able to show her the sanctuary in my memory.
Then? The light went all wrong. Again. What little dawn we'd been afforded faded quickly. I am still hopeful that there will be a world left after all this, and that is why I am taking the moment to write this down. I will steal from Azazel this brief moment of memory.
We went up for a survey of the damage, any lingering vestiges of Azazel's horde, and I was holding myself together well enough, until we circled over the Upper Boroughs. Some half of the sanctuary is just gone.
Sera and I share an interest in alchemy. I had told her about the sanctuary as we flew for Arvum, about the classes I held there, about the refuge it offered for people and ideas, and about the gardens. My beloved gardens.
She landed in the courtyard and sheltered me with a wing as I sobbed for what I had built. I knew it could happen, I had made the offer to Sir Jeffeth and the defenders to use it as they needed for a reason. But even something given willingly can still hurt upon consequence.
Through the bond we share, I was able to show her the sanctuary in my memory.
Then? The light went all wrong. Again. What little dawn we'd been afforded faded quickly. I am still hopeful that there will be a world left after all this, and that is why I am taking the moment to write this down. I will steal from Azazel this brief moment of memory.
Written By Medeia
Jan. 30, 2024, 10:55 a.m.(8/24/1021 AR)
I had very little time to warn anyone that I would be away for a while. I'm sorry if my absence worried you. I assure you, I would never have abandoned this city for any amount of time if I hadn't thought the mission necessary. This morning, Arx awakens to more than a dozen new dragons slumbering upon buildings and patrolling the skies. We were successful! And it seems, even if we arrived late, we arrived in time to help.
The mix of emotions I feel is nearly incomprehensible. Seeing the fleet from Nefer'khat arrive in the Bay of Thrax was like seeing dawn - bright and full of promise. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that someone on the ground may have looked up and felt that when seeing us. It's one thing to strive toward the light and attempt to bring it to others, and quite another to realize you've done that. But this is in stark contrast to the horrors witnessed in getting here.
Nothing could have prepared me for seeing the city center overrun. Oh, I had the distinct gut-wrenching misery of seeing smoldering ruins left in the wake of Azazel's hordes on the ways to and from Cardia. This, however? This was more grotesque and cruel than any nightmare I have experienced. I am told I wept through the night when finally I found sleep.
Reports I have suggest our losses are uncountable. Millions and millions of lives lost across the whole of Arvum. There may yet be a scant few cites that stand that were not part of the Compact, but only Lenosia, Ostria, Setarco, Bastion, Sanctum, Artshall, and Farhaven remain outside of Arx. The names that have been added to the lists hit too close, and my heart is simply overwhelmed if I try to think about Duke Hadrian Mazetti or Dame Reese Grayson or Duke Titus Halfshav. There are many others, but each of them held special significance for me.
Especially Titus, as I hear we were just moments too late. Perhaps he wouldn't have done what he did? But that is unfair to me and my fellows. In truth, I suspect that my friend was always going to find this path. He had taken plausible deniability and even ignorance from me, telling me who and what he was. And still, I embraced him as a friend. I couldn't find it in me to shun him for any of it, not when there is a flower in my greenhouse from the earliest days we met, exploring the wilds outside his homeland - I was there as a favor to Calla. He was ever-loyal, always there when the people of Eswynd needed their allies. Titus nearly died protecting me and other people I cared for so many times. My hands stitched him back together so he could keep trying. Getting that arrow out of his face was especially challenging. Learning the truth of someone shouldn't immediately undo all the good they did. It should add another layer to your understanding of them.
More and more reports tell me that plausible deniability is a thing of the past, now. That my own patron was seen in battle beside - well, I won't write that name. The attention seems imprudent to draw, and it is information I have gained only in a report.
Of all the surprises, mostly bad, that have come from this situation, I can lay to rest one rumor: My cousin Kima is alive. She returned with us from Cardia. That is about all I can tell of that - it's hard to have a conversation in the air from one dragon to another.
This morning, I awoke with love in my heart and in my arms, with Serasadin (more about her later) slumbering atop the tower, and a world yet to save. I will do my best not to squander these opportunities and advantages - the blessed should shine their light where they can.
The mix of emotions I feel is nearly incomprehensible. Seeing the fleet from Nefer'khat arrive in the Bay of Thrax was like seeing dawn - bright and full of promise. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that someone on the ground may have looked up and felt that when seeing us. It's one thing to strive toward the light and attempt to bring it to others, and quite another to realize you've done that. But this is in stark contrast to the horrors witnessed in getting here.
Nothing could have prepared me for seeing the city center overrun. Oh, I had the distinct gut-wrenching misery of seeing smoldering ruins left in the wake of Azazel's hordes on the ways to and from Cardia. This, however? This was more grotesque and cruel than any nightmare I have experienced. I am told I wept through the night when finally I found sleep.
Reports I have suggest our losses are uncountable. Millions and millions of lives lost across the whole of Arvum. There may yet be a scant few cites that stand that were not part of the Compact, but only Lenosia, Ostria, Setarco, Bastion, Sanctum, Artshall, and Farhaven remain outside of Arx. The names that have been added to the lists hit too close, and my heart is simply overwhelmed if I try to think about Duke Hadrian Mazetti or Dame Reese Grayson or Duke Titus Halfshav. There are many others, but each of them held special significance for me.
Especially Titus, as I hear we were just moments too late. Perhaps he wouldn't have done what he did? But that is unfair to me and my fellows. In truth, I suspect that my friend was always going to find this path. He had taken plausible deniability and even ignorance from me, telling me who and what he was. And still, I embraced him as a friend. I couldn't find it in me to shun him for any of it, not when there is a flower in my greenhouse from the earliest days we met, exploring the wilds outside his homeland - I was there as a favor to Calla. He was ever-loyal, always there when the people of Eswynd needed their allies. Titus nearly died protecting me and other people I cared for so many times. My hands stitched him back together so he could keep trying. Getting that arrow out of his face was especially challenging. Learning the truth of someone shouldn't immediately undo all the good they did. It should add another layer to your understanding of them.
More and more reports tell me that plausible deniability is a thing of the past, now. That my own patron was seen in battle beside - well, I won't write that name. The attention seems imprudent to draw, and it is information I have gained only in a report.
Of all the surprises, mostly bad, that have come from this situation, I can lay to rest one rumor: My cousin Kima is alive. She returned with us from Cardia. That is about all I can tell of that - it's hard to have a conversation in the air from one dragon to another.
This morning, I awoke with love in my heart and in my arms, with Serasadin (more about her later) slumbering atop the tower, and a world yet to save. I will do my best not to squander these opportunities and advantages - the blessed should shine their light where they can.
Written By Ann
Jan. 30, 2024, 1:06 a.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Titus
I screamed when I heard the news. But that is neither here or there. You were always about stories and I want to tell you the story of you as I see it. I don't know if those that have passed on get to see what is written about them but I am going to do it anyways.
The second day I came back to Arx I was encouraged to come to a story telling of yours. The details are sketchy at best. But I remember really being affected because I had understood loss such as in the story you were telling. I had lost my three brothers. Lost the husband that put me in grief for ten years or more. Your story sparked something in me. Told me that I needed to move on and live because that is what they would want from me.
Another time that we had interaction was in the Stacks. One of my favorite places to be. In fact, I have fallen asleep there many times. But we had a chance meeting and I got to tell you how much you had influenced me and that I would never forget.
When we had our....Matti would know the real word but when we had our remembrance for his fallen brother in law. You were there telling another story. And you won a sword from us with bells. You seemed so proud to have gotten that and it made my heart so happy for your response.
When I went looking for you to tell you that Matti and I were going to try and defend Riva and gave you a scarf to remember us by. You told me you'd never take it off. That is when you were telling me to be brave that we would see each other again and if not in the shining lands. You let me cry and didn't shame me for my emotions.
I was so delighted to see you today on our little field trip and checking in with you. Only hours later to hear you were gone.
I will miss you, Titus. I remember thinking he's my friend I am going to call him Titus. You seemed to not mind. So Titus, you have a place in my heart, in my memories, a valid part of my story. I will see you in the Shining Lands. Just not yet.
To the Last, my friend you are not forgotten.
The second day I came back to Arx I was encouraged to come to a story telling of yours. The details are sketchy at best. But I remember really being affected because I had understood loss such as in the story you were telling. I had lost my three brothers. Lost the husband that put me in grief for ten years or more. Your story sparked something in me. Told me that I needed to move on and live because that is what they would want from me.
Another time that we had interaction was in the Stacks. One of my favorite places to be. In fact, I have fallen asleep there many times. But we had a chance meeting and I got to tell you how much you had influenced me and that I would never forget.
When we had our....Matti would know the real word but when we had our remembrance for his fallen brother in law. You were there telling another story. And you won a sword from us with bells. You seemed so proud to have gotten that and it made my heart so happy for your response.
When I went looking for you to tell you that Matti and I were going to try and defend Riva and gave you a scarf to remember us by. You told me you'd never take it off. That is when you were telling me to be brave that we would see each other again and if not in the shining lands. You let me cry and didn't shame me for my emotions.
I was so delighted to see you today on our little field trip and checking in with you. Only hours later to hear you were gone.
I will miss you, Titus. I remember thinking he's my friend I am going to call him Titus. You seemed to not mind. So Titus, you have a place in my heart, in my memories, a valid part of my story. I will see you in the Shining Lands. Just not yet.
To the Last, my friend you are not forgotten.
Written By Sen'azala
Jan. 29, 2024, 10:45 p.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
11:56pm
There will be years of funerals if we all survive this.
Cardia is here. Nefer'khat is here. The endless horde broke against Death's city, and I suppose what's left of them will be some other day's problem, but for now, for the moment, the siege is technically broken.
It's four minutes to midnight, and I am so fucking tired.
There will be years of funerals if we all survive this.
Cardia is here. Nefer'khat is here. The endless horde broke against Death's city, and I suppose what's left of them will be some other day's problem, but for now, for the moment, the siege is technically broken.
It's four minutes to midnight, and I am so fucking tired.
Written By Lys
Jan. 29, 2024, 10:36 p.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Geralt
Husband-
We didn't marry for convenience. Hell, we didn't really marry for political gain. We married because the world was ending and neither of us wanted to see that alone. I don't love you, yet. But if we survive I can see myself loving you. So I'm going to survive. I'm going to help keep the world alive. Because I want to see our love. I want to build a family. I want our *future*.
We didn't marry for convenience. Hell, we didn't really marry for political gain. We married because the world was ending and neither of us wanted to see that alone. I don't love you, yet. But if we survive I can see myself loving you. So I'm going to survive. I'm going to help keep the world alive. Because I want to see our love. I want to build a family. I want our *future*.
Written By Lisebet
Jan. 29, 2024, 9:35 p.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
I haven't written as much as probably I should.
There are so many sacrifices, so many losses. It would be easy to despair, but I refuse. There is still hope.
As Arx endures, we remember. We remember everyone, but especially those we were closest too. Reese. Sabella. Clover. The list goes on forever, especially if we count those who died in previous battles. I don't mean to leave anyone out. I make a promise that if I survive, I will find out at least one thing about all who died in the battles here to save everything.
At least the children are safe. Ish. I believe so anyway, and that gives me the strength to fight. For them. For us. For family. And for all those who no longer can.
There are so many sacrifices, so many losses. It would be easy to despair, but I refuse. There is still hope.
As Arx endures, we remember. We remember everyone, but especially those we were closest too. Reese. Sabella. Clover. The list goes on forever, especially if we count those who died in previous battles. I don't mean to leave anyone out. I make a promise that if I survive, I will find out at least one thing about all who died in the battles here to save everything.
At least the children are safe. Ish. I believe so anyway, and that gives me the strength to fight. For them. For us. For family. And for all those who no longer can.
Written By Titus
Jan. 29, 2024, 8:56 p.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
Written after the pilgrimage to the Heart of the Necropolis and after obtaining a black shield with an inverted white skull. He is preparing for the final battle, but arrives in the Archives to pen one more reflection.
Life is a gift, cherished and sought after. But there are times when the continuation of one’s own story must be weighted against the greater good. For me, that time has most likely come. IN the balance of all things, my single tale pales in comparison to the potential of countless others. Khanne, my love, my heart, our story has been one of profound connection and shared dreams. You have been my anchor in the storm, my guiding star in the darkest of nights. Our love will endure beyond the confines of this mortal coil.
By stepping into the void, I become a guardian of the future, a silent sentinel ensuring the continuation of others’ narratives. My sacrifice is not one of defeat, but of hope. In this act, I give life to the possibility of a tomorrow I might never see, to the stories that will flourish in my absence. Khanne, my heart, know that this is not an end, but a beginning. A new chapter for you, for those we love, for those we event hate, and for the world we have fought to protect.
To live is a blessing, but to give one’s life for the sake of others without second-guessing is an honour of the highest order. I go now to my fate, not with regret, but with the knowledge that in my passing, I pave the way for the tales of many. Khanne, my heart, carry our story on and let it be a light in the dark days to come. To the last, I love you, and through you, our story will endure.
Life is a gift, cherished and sought after. But there are times when the continuation of one’s own story must be weighted against the greater good. For me, that time has most likely come. IN the balance of all things, my single tale pales in comparison to the potential of countless others. Khanne, my love, my heart, our story has been one of profound connection and shared dreams. You have been my anchor in the storm, my guiding star in the darkest of nights. Our love will endure beyond the confines of this mortal coil.
By stepping into the void, I become a guardian of the future, a silent sentinel ensuring the continuation of others’ narratives. My sacrifice is not one of defeat, but of hope. In this act, I give life to the possibility of a tomorrow I might never see, to the stories that will flourish in my absence. Khanne, my heart, know that this is not an end, but a beginning. A new chapter for you, for those we love, for those we event hate, and for the world we have fought to protect.
To live is a blessing, but to give one’s life for the sake of others without second-guessing is an honour of the highest order. I go now to my fate, not with regret, but with the knowledge that in my passing, I pave the way for the tales of many. Khanne, my heart, carry our story on and let it be a light in the dark days to come. To the last, I love you, and through you, our story will endure.
Written By Evelynn
Jan. 29, 2024, 7:32 p.m.(8/23/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Nash
I'll find you again, Nanashi. That's a promise.
Written By Aconite
Jan. 29, 2024, 1:20 p.m.(8/22/1021 AR)
The list of names grows. Pillars formed where they fell and killed hold up the falling heavens. It is too much already but at the same time not nearly enough.
Great people have fallen. Great people will continue to fall. It will be up to those who survive to build a future where these sacrifices matter.
Be Strong in the coming days. Leave as few regrets as possible.
Great people have fallen. Great people will continue to fall. It will be up to those who survive to build a future where these sacrifices matter.
Be Strong in the coming days. Leave as few regrets as possible.
Written By Tikva
Jan. 29, 2024, 1:06 p.m.(8/22/1021 AR)
Carrying on as though Ainsley is merely on campaign is how I have been compartmentalizing this, but I did sit down with Lara and Asharion last night to make sure they understand. It was a few hectic minutes and I know that they are as safe as children can be during all this with their cousins, but if the Eater takes everything, obviously nowhere is safe. Neither of them is foolish. Asharion looks very grave and solemn as we sit together on the floor and Lara looks fierce and ready to stab a man. I love our children very much. It will take them time, and grace, to process this. I wish I had it to give them.
Tiber has his sword on his belt. I desperately don't want him to have to use it. He's seventeen now, a man nearly in truth as well as seeming. Nearly the age his father was when I met him. He's tall and reedy, sprung up like a weed. I never realized but it almost seems to me in that moment that he has his grandfather's eyes. He puts his hand on my shoulder and says to me, "Don't worry, Mom. You don't have to do it alone this time. I got the little ones, okay?"
And that was when it was truly impossible not to cry.
Tiber has his sword on his belt. I desperately don't want him to have to use it. He's seventeen now, a man nearly in truth as well as seeming. Nearly the age his father was when I met him. He's tall and reedy, sprung up like a weed. I never realized but it almost seems to me in that moment that he has his grandfather's eyes. He puts his hand on my shoulder and says to me, "Don't worry, Mom. You don't have to do it alone this time. I got the little ones, okay?"
And that was when it was truly impossible not to cry.
Written By Preston
Jan. 29, 2024, 6:18 a.m.(8/22/1021 AR)
Loss is part of life. That pain you feel, on seeing those you cared for cast down? That is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. That pain is how you know they lived - that they had impact on others where they would feel that way. That pain honours their memory.
We will feel much of it in the coming days, as we have felt it already. And will feel it after the battles when we must address those matters raised in this conflict as well.
We will feel much of it in the coming days, as we have felt it already. And will feel it after the battles when we must address those matters raised in this conflict as well.
Written By Avary
Jan. 28, 2024, 11:51 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
"As Archlector of the Sentinel, I stand in agreement with the outcome of Orichalcum's sentence. And I accept the ramifications. Those who sow discord shall reap the storm. However difficult, this Truth is the cornerstone of Justice: actions bear consequences."
Not long ago I wrote those words. Before knowing the fullness of what was to come. When the news arrived of the true breadth of the fallout, I felt naive. I felt ashamed. I had to reflect. And now I have done so.
I mean every word of what I said.
Azazel's army comes for Arx. And while choices made at Harrow Hall are why it comes /now/, they are not /why/ it comes.
Though Destiny is dead, this was always to happen. A threat left to linger remains a threat. And Azazel was a threat left to linger. Something, not ignored, but not decisively dealt with.
And so we deal with it now. Better now, than later.
I grieve with the deepest sorrow for all we've lost. Better to grieve now than 10, 20, 100 years from now, when this once looming ogre might've grown more than he is today, and amassed an army more powerful than he has now.
Justice served - True Justice - will never be a choice wrongly made. Equivocation with what must be done leads to disaster down the line.
Harrow Hall was necessary. This is necessary. My Faith in Arvum and the Pantheon has never been stronger. Humanity has a gift to be cherished in Choice. A gift worth fighting and dying for. A gift worth a million sacrifices if it means this Dream continues and we remain, to build our tomorrows with beauty and sadness, charity and heartbreak, resounding successes, painful losses and cities that reach the sky. The scales of Sentinel bids us to keep the balance. To understand it. Absolutes do not exist. But Justice can.
Not long ago I wrote those words. Before knowing the fullness of what was to come. When the news arrived of the true breadth of the fallout, I felt naive. I felt ashamed. I had to reflect. And now I have done so.
I mean every word of what I said.
Azazel's army comes for Arx. And while choices made at Harrow Hall are why it comes /now/, they are not /why/ it comes.
Though Destiny is dead, this was always to happen. A threat left to linger remains a threat. And Azazel was a threat left to linger. Something, not ignored, but not decisively dealt with.
And so we deal with it now. Better now, than later.
I grieve with the deepest sorrow for all we've lost. Better to grieve now than 10, 20, 100 years from now, when this once looming ogre might've grown more than he is today, and amassed an army more powerful than he has now.
Justice served - True Justice - will never be a choice wrongly made. Equivocation with what must be done leads to disaster down the line.
Harrow Hall was necessary. This is necessary. My Faith in Arvum and the Pantheon has never been stronger. Humanity has a gift to be cherished in Choice. A gift worth fighting and dying for. A gift worth a million sacrifices if it means this Dream continues and we remain, to build our tomorrows with beauty and sadness, charity and heartbreak, resounding successes, painful losses and cities that reach the sky. The scales of Sentinel bids us to keep the balance. To understand it. Absolutes do not exist. But Justice can.
Written By Raven
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:48 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
Thank you to all who stood in defense of Setarco. Thank you to Lord Giorgio Proscipi. I did not know you well but I will make sure that Setarco never forgets you
Written By Lisebet
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:45 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
As Arx survives, we remember.
Oh my gods. So many people. Clover. Sabella. Reese. Avary. So many. And the fight is not yet over.
But we're still in this. We have a scant few moments to mourn, and then I am determined. We will get back into this. And we are going to win.
Oh my gods. So many people. Clover. Sabella. Reese. Avary. So many. And the fight is not yet over.
But we're still in this. We have a scant few moments to mourn, and then I am determined. We will get back into this. And we are going to win.
Written By Mia
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:37 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
Written on the road to Bastion, August 5, 1021 AR:
If I fall in the coming days, know this to be true.
My heart has been entirely yours from the very first moment until my very last. Even in those times when it seemed I hated you, it never faltered. Not once. If anything, that was when I loved you the most.
If I fall in the coming days, know this to be true.
My heart has been entirely yours from the very first moment until my very last. Even in those times when it seemed I hated you, it never faltered. Not once. If anything, that was when I loved you the most.
Written By Jan
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:30 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
The fight was was so much more challenging that the battle at lenosia. I wonder if I can serve my new house effectively with a sword if that is all I wield.
Written By Mia
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:24 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Ezra
Written on the road to Bastion, August 5, 1021 AR:
By rights, it should've been yours or even Nigel's. I offered to give it up so many times and every time that I did, you refused. Looking back, I suspect that it was as much for my sake as for your own. But know that I would've done so happily, and given so very much more, to spare you a moment's pain.
If I find myself standing before the Queen of Endings in the days to come, the one thing I would ask of her is to make your next turn on the Wheel a kinder and gentler one. If I could ask her for two things, it would be to send me with you a second time. You've been the very best of brothers and I'm not ready to let you go just yet.
By rights, it should've been yours or even Nigel's. I offered to give it up so many times and every time that I did, you refused. Looking back, I suspect that it was as much for my sake as for your own. But know that I would've done so happily, and given so very much more, to spare you a moment's pain.
If I find myself standing before the Queen of Endings in the days to come, the one thing I would ask of her is to make your next turn on the Wheel a kinder and gentler one. If I could ask her for two things, it would be to send me with you a second time. You've been the very best of brothers and I'm not ready to let you go just yet.
Written By Aelgar
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:18 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
I am tired, but we are as prepared as we can be. The Archives and the city. Assaults are happening even as I write this, but they are at the walls or the waterlines, not in the city proper. Yet. We fight on and we will live or die, but Arx will not surrendar. For those who come after, note that our chances at victory are grown from an alliance that embraces the old and the new, the gods and the spirits, nobility and commoner, near baronies and distant provinces. ALl od humankind, but also all other kinds, banded together. This Reckoning will be won or lost together.
Written By Jan
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:15 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
This is the most insane I've ever seen. Many times over. The city stands strong still
Written By Mia
Jan. 28, 2024, 10:03 p.m.(8/21/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Written on the road to Bastion, August 4, 1021 AR:
Loving my uncle would've been enough, but you made our family whole in ways that I never even knew we needed.
Thank you.
Loving my uncle would've been enough, but you made our family whole in ways that I never even knew we needed.
Thank you.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.