Written By Alis
Jan. 22, 2018, 7:23 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
You asked for a happy memory, and I am glad to oblige. It can be difficult to remember the positive things when you're overshadowed by grief. But it's important not to forget these things. And just seeing the request reminded me of of a bright, shining moment I was able to share with my eldest brother Vance.
I'd finally convinced my father to let me train to be a Knight (read: I yelled and screamed at him until he caved - it took a really long time), and the day had come that I was to be sent to Arx. I thought maybe it was some kind of punishment to send me so far away when I had perfectly capable elder brothers to teach me. And, very nervous about being trained under Lord Commander Dayne. I couldn't really argue with his decision, despite those warring feelings. And as usual, father was busy seeing to matters of the fealty. So it was Vance who made sure I was packed and ready to go, escorting me to the gates where the retinue of guards waited.
Before helping me astride the horse that would carry me into that new and exhausting life though, he stopped to place a small object in my hand and then curled my fingers around it tightly.
"Alis." he told me, leaning forward as if he were about to share some family secret nobody should hear about. "I asked father if I could take this from the things mother left for us, but he doesn't know I intended to give it to you. So this will stay between the two of us? And maybe Valen, and Tabitha, and Edain... everyone but Prince Radley."
He knew that would prompt a smile from me, and I laughingly agreed to keep this scandalous little secret between us and everyone except my poor father. Who absolutely knew anyway, because nothing happened in that manor without him knowing of it. It was something of an open joke between us all to pretend we'd pulled one over on him.
Anyway, as I unfurled my hand, there was a ring there. A ring of silver and ruby, that fanned out at the top so that it went from nearly the knuckle to the first finger joint with the stone near the top. And the engravings on it looked much like one might find on a Knight's armor, prompting me to look up in confusion at him. Jewelry? What?
I don't think he'd ever laughed quite as loudly at any of my expressions as he did at my puzzlement then. But, he explained that it was the ring our mother was granted when she was Knighted. And that the engravings were the same as was found on the armor she wore as a Knight of Redwall.
"Tabitha didn't choose to be a Knight, but you have. And so this ring is passed to you. And the first of your female children who will be a Knight. Remember that she would be proud of you."
That was the moment I felt truly happy and excited about my new adventure. A small gesture, but to someone who never really got to know her mother, I treasure it as one of the happiest memories I have of Vance and I.
I'd finally convinced my father to let me train to be a Knight (read: I yelled and screamed at him until he caved - it took a really long time), and the day had come that I was to be sent to Arx. I thought maybe it was some kind of punishment to send me so far away when I had perfectly capable elder brothers to teach me. And, very nervous about being trained under Lord Commander Dayne. I couldn't really argue with his decision, despite those warring feelings. And as usual, father was busy seeing to matters of the fealty. So it was Vance who made sure I was packed and ready to go, escorting me to the gates where the retinue of guards waited.
Before helping me astride the horse that would carry me into that new and exhausting life though, he stopped to place a small object in my hand and then curled my fingers around it tightly.
"Alis." he told me, leaning forward as if he were about to share some family secret nobody should hear about. "I asked father if I could take this from the things mother left for us, but he doesn't know I intended to give it to you. So this will stay between the two of us? And maybe Valen, and Tabitha, and Edain... everyone but Prince Radley."
He knew that would prompt a smile from me, and I laughingly agreed to keep this scandalous little secret between us and everyone except my poor father. Who absolutely knew anyway, because nothing happened in that manor without him knowing of it. It was something of an open joke between us all to pretend we'd pulled one over on him.
Anyway, as I unfurled my hand, there was a ring there. A ring of silver and ruby, that fanned out at the top so that it went from nearly the knuckle to the first finger joint with the stone near the top. And the engravings on it looked much like one might find on a Knight's armor, prompting me to look up in confusion at him. Jewelry? What?
I don't think he'd ever laughed quite as loudly at any of my expressions as he did at my puzzlement then. But, he explained that it was the ring our mother was granted when she was Knighted. And that the engravings were the same as was found on the armor she wore as a Knight of Redwall.
"Tabitha didn't choose to be a Knight, but you have. And so this ring is passed to you. And the first of your female children who will be a Knight. Remember that she would be proud of you."
That was the moment I felt truly happy and excited about my new adventure. A small gesture, but to someone who never really got to know her mother, I treasure it as one of the happiest memories I have of Vance and I.
Written By Alis
Jan. 18, 2018, 6:35 p.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Of /course/ you wouldn't!!
Written By Alis
Jan. 18, 2018, 5:15 p.m.(12/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
This may be an incorrect observation of course. But, my thought is that if your lovely wife found frogs in the bed... it's whoever put them there who would likely wind up crying.
Written By Alis
Jan. 17, 2018, 7:01 p.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fiachra
I am reminded that our time together could be cut short. And there I things I want you to know.
I couldn't be more proud of the leader you've come to be. I will just start with that.
I couldn't be more proud of the leader you've come to be. I will just start with that.
Written By Alis
Jan. 17, 2018, 6:59 p.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I have so much I want to say. But, I can only bring myself to write this short thing.
Both you and your brother Anze have helped fill a gaping void that was there in the absence of Valen and Vance. And now, you are gone too. There is nobody else I will allow to call me short-stack and somehow feel honored by it.
I miss you, and hearing you call me affectionately stupid nicknames.
Both you and your brother Anze have helped fill a gaping void that was there in the absence of Valen and Vance. And now, you are gone too. There is nobody else I will allow to call me short-stack and somehow feel honored by it.
I miss you, and hearing you call me affectionately stupid nicknames.
Written By Alis
Jan. 12, 2018, 3:23 p.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
I can tell you that Master Nierzan seems to enjoy writing interestingly violent twists on children's stories. I was anonymously gifted one about a race and a horde of small woodland creatures killing and eating a large, arrogant white dragon. I'd be happy to send you the copy!
Written By Alis
Jan. 12, 2018, 12:26 a.m.(12/13/1007 AR)
We have sent out the call, as we should. And now begins some of the much less glamorous work that goes into a successful mustering of troops. The endless lists of supplies, the checking and re-checking of numbers. Planning out travel routes and supply routes and mustering points and advance scouting. Some of it will be done on the way of course, since it's impossible to predict everything in advance. But, things go so much smoother when you make a plan and try to anticipate the needs of a (hopefully) large force of armored individuals (and also warhorses!).
The part I enjoy will be addressing our troops and vassals directly, making sure they understand what's at stake and reminding them of the reasons we fight. And, why we win. When we are motivated and inspired we fight twice as hard. I pray I am up to the task.
Praise be to Gloria.
The part I enjoy will be addressing our troops and vassals directly, making sure they understand what's at stake and reminding them of the reasons we fight. And, why we win. When we are motivated and inspired we fight twice as hard. I pray I am up to the task.
Praise be to Gloria.
Written By Alis
Jan. 9, 2018, 12:48 p.m.(12/7/1007 AR)
This week has been busier then I anticipated, and I know there are several of you that I need to make the time to speak to. I have not forgotten you! There may, however, be jam-handprints and dried oatmeal on several of the messages that I saved to re-read before any of said meetings.
So please don't hesitate to send me reminders.
So please don't hesitate to send me reminders.
Written By Alis
Jan. 9, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(12/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Caelis
I have shoes ready, to help remind him!
Written By Alis
Jan. 7, 2018, 3:49 p.m.(12/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
Herald Steve has been instructed to sing the Corban Song as part of your title recitation when you arrive at the manor.
You're welcome!
You're welcome!
Written By Alis
Jan. 3, 2018, 10:19 p.m.(11/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
I have quite missed our talks! You and me, tea. Soon!!
Also, I will proudly claim my new nickname of Princess Berry-Bum. Thank you for that.
Also, I will proudly claim my new nickname of Princess Berry-Bum. Thank you for that.
Written By Alis
Dec. 30, 2017, 2:45 p.m.(11/14/1007 AR)
As per the terms of the agreement between Lady Monique Greenmarch and myself, I stand (wirte?) before you all to admit that I have overreacted in the matter involving Lady Monique Greenmarch and what I perceived as disrespect to my brother, Prince Edain Valardin.
And, as also requested, I admit that it is true that I am not equipped to see his faults. I will go a step further and admit that when I look at Prince Edain, it is not faults that I am able to see or even look for. I see my brother. I see my liege. I see the once young..er man who dreamed of being a Knight Errant. Obviously that was not to be, and he is now the Oathland's Highlord. A mantle he never wanted or expected, but has worn as best he can. And while I am sure he has made mistakes, I am and will remain as his staunchest Champion.
Therefore, Lady Monique, I humbly offer my apologies for my failure to see past that and to his faults. As I know we all have them. And for overreacting.
And, I also thank Beaumont for his representation. He and Agnarr both fought extremely well; and we are all glad that he doesn't have a scar to mar his facial perfection.
And, as also requested, I admit that it is true that I am not equipped to see his faults. I will go a step further and admit that when I look at Prince Edain, it is not faults that I am able to see or even look for. I see my brother. I see my liege. I see the once young..er man who dreamed of being a Knight Errant. Obviously that was not to be, and he is now the Oathland's Highlord. A mantle he never wanted or expected, but has worn as best he can. And while I am sure he has made mistakes, I am and will remain as his staunchest Champion.
Therefore, Lady Monique, I humbly offer my apologies for my failure to see past that and to his faults. As I know we all have them. And for overreacting.
And, I also thank Beaumont for his representation. He and Agnarr both fought extremely well; and we are all glad that he doesn't have a scar to mar his facial perfection.
Written By Alis
Dec. 30, 2017, 2:17 p.m.(11/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I, for one, am very disappointed there was no bear wrestling. I attend all possible Redrain events in the hopes I will see more of that glorious and entertaining sport!
Written By Alis
Dec. 29, 2017, 10:42 p.m.(11/12/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
While not every subject is pleasant, the company always is. Lord Percephon quite often has insights that I would never have otherwise considered. And both Fiachra and I appreciate his forthcoming manner and dry humor. We will have to remember to have tea and bacon meetings more often.
Written By Alis
Dec. 19, 2017, 7:27 p.m.(10/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
This is only a rumor I've heard. But, if you make a story about Edain and Victus you'll rake in the silver.
Written By Alis
Dec. 19, 2017, 9:04 a.m.(10/19/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
I gallantly offer to throw myself in front of any incoming pastry projectiles headed your way.
Especially if they are launched somewhere around breakfast time. Or, after dinner.
Especially if they are launched somewhere around breakfast time. Or, after dinner.
Written By Alis
Dec. 15, 2017, 2:39 p.m.(10/12/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I am always happy when those paths intersect though. I have not been to Malvici Hall in some time, so I will stop by soon! With whiskey.
Written By Alis
Dec. 12, 2017, 10:16 p.m.(10/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I could not be more happy for you and Caelis. You will be an amazing father, as Caelis will be a wonderful mom. (I will be the crazy Aunt). Fia and I will spoil our new niece or nephew enough for Vance, Tabitha, and Valen combined of course. It's in the small print of the sibling contract. We'll leave the growly Radley faces for Arn to re-create though I think.
In all seriousness though, I am proud of how far our family has come since the role of Highlord came to rest on your shoulders. You have borne it with both grace and compassion, forging your own path while staying true to the Valardin name and ideals. You are a shining example for the next generation of Valardin that are being born. It's my honor to be your sister, my privilege to be a Voice for you, and it will be my joy to be an Aunt to your children.
In all seriousness though, I am proud of how far our family has come since the role of Highlord came to rest on your shoulders. You have borne it with both grace and compassion, forging your own path while staying true to the Valardin name and ideals. You are a shining example for the next generation of Valardin that are being born. It's my honor to be your sister, my privilege to be a Voice for you, and it will be my joy to be an Aunt to your children.
Written By Alis
Dec. 3, 2017, 5:27 p.m.(9/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
I think my children will all be as AWESOME as their mother and father.
P.S. Nicia totally wears the BEEara better.
P.S. Nicia totally wears the BEEara better.
Written By Alis
Dec. 3, 2017, 4:06 p.m.(9/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I have known the Duchess since the very first meeting of military minds was called in Arx, after my appointment as a Voice for my brother. And from that first meeting, I have always felt certain of her capability as a General and a Leader. We became fast friends, and someone I trust implicitly, which is a difficult thing to earn. To this day, she has proved time and again that she is worthy of that trust and confidence in her leadership skills. Through both her appointment as the Minister of Defense, and her ascension to Duchess of Southport.
I know, without doubt, that she will be able to lead her people through this troubled time, and both Southport and House Malvici will come out stronger for it. She has my full and complete faith and confidence, as well as any help I am able to give her. Both personally, and as a Voice for House Valardin.
I know, without doubt, that she will be able to lead her people through this troubled time, and both Southport and House Malvici will come out stronger for it. She has my full and complete faith and confidence, as well as any help I am able to give her. Both personally, and as a Voice for House Valardin.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.