Written By Rinel
Oct. 14, 2018, 6:01 p.m.(10/12/1009 AR)
I find myself personally in a difficult frame of mind to discuss the current controversy regarding Mistress Bliss Whisper and House Telmar.
I have had the opportunity to interact with the Mistress Whisper many times, and though I would not presume to claim the honour of her friendship, I have found her an honest and forthright person.
Yet I was born to a Pacton family, a commoner residing in the Telmarch, and though I was and remain a servant of a mere Telmar vassal, I can think of no house more inflexible in honour and dignity than House Telmar--saving, perhaps, Great House Valardin.
I shall try to address the salient issue with the objectivity demanded of all scholars.
Firstly, the issue of whether Everard Telmar had right to give away the heirloom Sword of his house. Whether he was traitor or no does not, I believe, factor into this analysis--for we are responsible for the actions of our blood, no matter how corrupt or venal. It is true that House Telmar is the proper owner of the sword. It is true that the sword represents House Telmar. Yet it is also true that the title of House Sword represents an investiture of authority and power regarding the honour of the House. Had Everard sworn his service to Mistress Whisper, I believe House Telmar would have found itself bound to attach its Sword to the Goodwoman for the duration of said service--and to accept, however unhappily, whatever dishonour might accompany such service.
I take this opportunity to underscore, for my fellow commoners, the absolute trust that is placed by a House in its Sword, as well as the gravity of the title.
Given my above reasoning, I can find little merit in the arguments against Mistress Whisper's acquisition of the Sword for the duration of her life--within strict limits. It must be understood that her /possession/ of the sword is to be limited. She may not claim true ownership; to sell or otherwise divest possession of the blade must remain outside the purview of her authority.
But Mistress Whisper, I fear, is not wholly blameless in this situation. Having approached House Telmar with her terms, her next step should have been to petition Great House Valardin and present the justice of her cause. The Highlord of the Oathlands is a man of merit and honour beyond reproach. Seeking his adjudication would have undoubtedly been the most appropriate of choices.
As always, these are but the thoughts of a humble scholar of common birth--yet I pray to our Patron Lord that they may prove illuminating to those who, like me, have spent their lives outside of the rarefied social strata of courtly intrigue and law.
I have had the opportunity to interact with the Mistress Whisper many times, and though I would not presume to claim the honour of her friendship, I have found her an honest and forthright person.
Yet I was born to a Pacton family, a commoner residing in the Telmarch, and though I was and remain a servant of a mere Telmar vassal, I can think of no house more inflexible in honour and dignity than House Telmar--saving, perhaps, Great House Valardin.
I shall try to address the salient issue with the objectivity demanded of all scholars.
Firstly, the issue of whether Everard Telmar had right to give away the heirloom Sword of his house. Whether he was traitor or no does not, I believe, factor into this analysis--for we are responsible for the actions of our blood, no matter how corrupt or venal. It is true that House Telmar is the proper owner of the sword. It is true that the sword represents House Telmar. Yet it is also true that the title of House Sword represents an investiture of authority and power regarding the honour of the House. Had Everard sworn his service to Mistress Whisper, I believe House Telmar would have found itself bound to attach its Sword to the Goodwoman for the duration of said service--and to accept, however unhappily, whatever dishonour might accompany such service.
I take this opportunity to underscore, for my fellow commoners, the absolute trust that is placed by a House in its Sword, as well as the gravity of the title.
Given my above reasoning, I can find little merit in the arguments against Mistress Whisper's acquisition of the Sword for the duration of her life--within strict limits. It must be understood that her /possession/ of the sword is to be limited. She may not claim true ownership; to sell or otherwise divest possession of the blade must remain outside the purview of her authority.
But Mistress Whisper, I fear, is not wholly blameless in this situation. Having approached House Telmar with her terms, her next step should have been to petition Great House Valardin and present the justice of her cause. The Highlord of the Oathlands is a man of merit and honour beyond reproach. Seeking his adjudication would have undoubtedly been the most appropriate of choices.
As always, these are but the thoughts of a humble scholar of common birth--yet I pray to our Patron Lord that they may prove illuminating to those who, like me, have spent their lives outside of the rarefied social strata of courtly intrigue and law.
Written By Rinel
Oct. 7, 2018, 12:05 p.m.(9/26/1009 AR)
It seems that my reputation has not led to my utter ostracism from the Faith. I had the distinct honour of speaking at length with Blessed Etienne on matters of theology. His is, unsurprisingly, a quick mind, and it was a great pleasure to engage with one who so readily apprehends the nuances of our Church.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 22, 2018, 6:30 a.m.(6/10/1009 AR)
"Rehabilitation." A word I have come to dread. The Mercies at the Training Center are experts, of course. And as a physician I well understand the necessity. Still, the pain and embarrassment--and for what? To walk without a limp again will be a miracle, to say nothing of running.
I miss running. I miss Maman and Papa. I miss Pacton.
I miss her.
How long does grief go on?
I miss running. I miss Maman and Papa. I miss Pacton.
I miss her.
How long does grief go on?
Written By Rinel
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:16 a.m.(5/28/1009 AR)
What do I write? I don't know what to write.
I have sat staring at this page for an hour and a half. Atreke is looking at me. The veil makes the world dim.
I know what to write. But I can't.
It has been two hours. Vellichor, give me strength.
On the 18th of April, 1009 years after the Reckoning, my lover and wife-to-be Wynna Blackwing was murdered, along with all members--excepting only me--of a caravan travelling from the city of Arx, capital of the Compact, to the city of Sanctum, capital of the Oathlands. The perpetrators of this crime were shav'arani.
I do not know what to write.
It has been three hours.
One more thing: I swear, by all the Holy Gods, that I will see those responsible brought to justice--I will reduce the entirety of the Grey Forest to smouldering ash, if need be.
I have sat staring at this page for an hour and a half. Atreke is looking at me. The veil makes the world dim.
I know what to write. But I can't.
It has been two hours. Vellichor, give me strength.
On the 18th of April, 1009 years after the Reckoning, my lover and wife-to-be Wynna Blackwing was murdered, along with all members--excepting only me--of a caravan travelling from the city of Arx, capital of the Compact, to the city of Sanctum, capital of the Oathlands. The perpetrators of this crime were shav'arani.
I do not know what to write.
It has been three hours.
One more thing: I swear, by all the Holy Gods, that I will see those responsible brought to justice--I will reduce the entirety of the Grey Forest to smouldering ash, if need be.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 11, 2018, 6:41 a.m.(5/16/1009 AR)
I entered the world of Arx (for it is indeed a world of its own) by attending the Glittering Gala. It is fitting I leave it with a masquerade.
A temporary departure, I trust. Wynna wishes to see more of the world, and who can blame her? It is vast and exciting. We shall be visiting Sanctum for at least the next six months. Perhaps longer. Perhaps for the rest of our lives. I admit it is frightening and somewhat saddening to leave so many behind who I have grown to regard so fondly--but where my heart goes, so must I follow. I am encouraged, as always, by Wynna's presence at my side.
I shall do my very best to return and visit. It is with sorrow and joy that I depart on this new stage of my life.
For those perspicacious and curious enough to note the difference in handwriting and wondered at it: Mistress Atreke has been kind in performing this final task of taking dictation for me, on account of the recovering injury to my hand.
A temporary departure, I trust. Wynna wishes to see more of the world, and who can blame her? It is vast and exciting. We shall be visiting Sanctum for at least the next six months. Perhaps longer. Perhaps for the rest of our lives. I admit it is frightening and somewhat saddening to leave so many behind who I have grown to regard so fondly--but where my heart goes, so must I follow. I am encouraged, as always, by Wynna's presence at my side.
I shall do my very best to return and visit. It is with sorrow and joy that I depart on this new stage of my life.
For those perspicacious and curious enough to note the difference in handwriting and wondered at it: Mistress Atreke has been kind in performing this final task of taking dictation for me, on account of the recovering injury to my hand.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:27 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
I miss the propriety of Sanctum. I am glad its High Lord keeps firm hold of it in Arx--even when I am unsure of His Grace's theology, his manner leaves no doubt to the nobility of his birth or the nobility of his homelands.
Written By Rinel
July 24, 2018, 1:56 a.m.(4/3/1009 AR)
Excess pride is especially wicked. So easy to diagnose in others--so difficult to see in oneself. I believe most of my actions today to have been justified, both in service of a greater good and in the way I conducted myself in that service. Yet I find myself stymied by what I believe to be pride on the part of those who should know better--who should be better. And I am accused of hubris.
I do have regrets. Perhaps there is where I should begin to look--to see whether the accusation lands true. Am I the one who is too proud?
Or do others place their anger above their duty?
Gods grant me strength to place Them above all, when I am in my own turn tested.
I do have regrets. Perhaps there is where I should begin to look--to see whether the accusation lands true. Am I the one who is too proud?
Or do others place their anger above their duty?
Gods grant me strength to place Them above all, when I am in my own turn tested.
Written By Rinel
July 23, 2018, 8:15 p.m.(4/3/1009 AR)
The cells of this gaol are dirty and miasmic. It's remarkable that every criminal does not emerge with a serious imbalance of the humours.
Written By Rinel
July 20, 2018, 7:40 a.m.(3/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
I have a feeling Commandant Marjawn's "random bouts of nausea" aren't going away anytime soon.
Written By Rinel
July 19, 2018, 4:04 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
"Deep Roots"
Sylvan are the groves and glades of Petrichor,
Dark and rich the earth through which the tree-roots wend.
Soft indeed the grass which is Death's shore.
Beneath that verdant, then-dark ocean shall we all descend,
Our emptied shells returned at last to halls of earth and stone.
And freely will our souls Death mend.
Lord of earth, you shall never be alone.
For we consign to you what is left by Mother Death,
And with such death is new life grown.
R. Tern
Sylvan are the groves and glades of Petrichor,
Dark and rich the earth through which the tree-roots wend.
Soft indeed the grass which is Death's shore.
Beneath that verdant, then-dark ocean shall we all descend,
Our emptied shells returned at last to halls of earth and stone.
And freely will our souls Death mend.
Lord of earth, you shall never be alone.
For we consign to you what is left by Mother Death,
And with such death is new life grown.
R. Tern
Written By Rinel
July 12, 2018, 6:17 a.m.(3/6/1009 AR)
"Union at Horizon"
Lady Mangata, She of ocean wave and clouded sky, to Whom
the nights upon the sea are sacred, a path upon the water draws.
None may view that view She may not share--but let us pause
and in our pausing grieve for Her, Who faces lonely doom.
For is she not our Lady of the skies and seas in all their murky gloom?
No wonder that from light and love she seemingly withdraws,
Her vigil set upon Her by Great Aion's ancient laws.
Alone, eternal, her endless way lit only by the moon.
A timeless point--but time, as with all things, moves ever on,
and promise made soon blooms from dusty buds of past:
The Maid of Flame and Light arrives, no more is gone.
Softly now! For light shines forth as morning from the depths is drawn.
The Goddess turns to meet Her Love at last,
and softer still does fading moonlight kiss the new day's dawn.
-R. Tern
Lady Mangata, She of ocean wave and clouded sky, to Whom
the nights upon the sea are sacred, a path upon the water draws.
None may view that view She may not share--but let us pause
and in our pausing grieve for Her, Who faces lonely doom.
For is she not our Lady of the skies and seas in all their murky gloom?
No wonder that from light and love she seemingly withdraws,
Her vigil set upon Her by Great Aion's ancient laws.
Alone, eternal, her endless way lit only by the moon.
A timeless point--but time, as with all things, moves ever on,
and promise made soon blooms from dusty buds of past:
The Maid of Flame and Light arrives, no more is gone.
Softly now! For light shines forth as morning from the depths is drawn.
The Goddess turns to meet Her Love at last,
and softer still does fading moonlight kiss the new day's dawn.
-R. Tern
Written By Rinel
July 12, 2018, 5:40 a.m.(3/6/1009 AR)
I climbed three buildings today. No lichen. I will find it before winter is out. I will.
Written By Rinel
June 24, 2018, 10:56 p.m.(1/27/1009 AR)
Though the statements of the godsworn regarding the freedom to worship the Thirteenth God are beyond contestation, and need no support from a humble disciple, I think it useful to briefly provide a historical note.
The earliest extant appearance of the Thirteenth in the records of the Faith includes the god as member of the Pantheon, though the perception of the being's role has shifted in the many centuries since. At all times, and in all records, the Thirteenth has been considered a being of great power and deserving of respect.
Those who know my views and my theology know that I do not write this in an attempt to promote methods of worship other than those conforming to the Orthodoxy of the Oathlands, which of all traditions of the Faith continues to adhere most closely to our ancient customs and beliefs. However, one must be presented with truth to receive greater truth.
The earliest extant appearance of the Thirteenth in the records of the Faith includes the god as member of the Pantheon, though the perception of the being's role has shifted in the many centuries since. At all times, and in all records, the Thirteenth has been considered a being of great power and deserving of respect.
Those who know my views and my theology know that I do not write this in an attempt to promote methods of worship other than those conforming to the Orthodoxy of the Oathlands, which of all traditions of the Faith continues to adhere most closely to our ancient customs and beliefs. However, one must be presented with truth to receive greater truth.
Written By Rinel
June 24, 2018, 8:36 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
What a wonderful feast! Scholars, and food, and journals! It really does bring out a wonderful sense of fellowship among the disciples. Now, I just need to find where Atreke went to--
[The writing becomes suddenly wild, and a large ink stain mars a significant part of the page. The writer appears to have been very startled.]
Atreke has just informed me that she has been standing behind me for the past five minutes.
[The writing becomes suddenly wild, and a large ink stain mars a significant part of the page. The writer appears to have been very startled.]
Atreke has just informed me that she has been standing behind me for the past five minutes.
Written By Rinel
June 24, 2018, 6:57 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
Mistress Lottie says her drains are clogged. It might be the lichen. I am going to find that lichen.
Written By Rinel
June 17, 2018, 9:15 p.m.(1/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I have tried to live my life so that I do not find my oaths in conflict. I cannot imagine what it must be to encounter such a difficulty. Sir Morgan's recent conflict should be a lesson to all.
Written By Rinel
June 17, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Please do not eat while reading the Journals. Or any of our books.
Or books in general. Or scrolls. It's safe to eat while reading stone tablets.
But not rubbings.
Or books in general. Or scrolls. It's safe to eat while reading stone tablets.
But not rubbings.
Written By Rinel
June 17, 2018, 12:06 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
While I grieve for the loss of so many talented scholars, I cannot but praise the Dominus for his wisdom in this matter. I pray these restrictions will guide the errant children of the Compact deeper within the Faith.
Written By Rinel
June 10, 2018, 9:13 p.m.(12/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Reading the Legate's words on balance fill me with a determination that has been sorely lacking. We must strive ever forward in our crusade against the darkness. Only light can guide the way--a mixture of light and dark provides nothing but shadows in which the Faithful may stumble.
Written By Rinel
May 23, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(10/18/1008 AR)
What a wonderful day! The fruits of our labours have ripened near to bursting. Her Highness Elgana of Redrain and Wynna were far more convincing than I--convincing enough to band together a small manufacturing coalition! There has been some approval among the land-bound merchants, but the seafarers I talked to were positively /excited/ to have wax tablets.
All glory is due to Lady Gild and Lord Jayus. With Their blessing, perhaps we shall find even more uses for these reusable writing surfaces.
All glory is due to Lady Gild and Lord Jayus. With Their blessing, perhaps we shall find even more uses for these reusable writing surfaces.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.