Skip to main content.

Written By Marian

Oct. 8, 2018, 1:34 a.m.(9/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Eurion

Quite the toddler whisperer. Nia just adored his story of princesses who rescue a prince from the bad mermaids.

Written By Marian

Oct. 3, 2018, 2:02 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Edain

You are more than welcome to be my white knight anytime.

Written By Marian

Oct. 3, 2018, 1:58 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Rosalie

I respect Marquis Geraint Blackwood's right to select his own heir. And there are protocols for family members if they do not agree with his decision. However, I do not believe the current leadership of House Blackwood should suffer because of a decision made by a man who has rejoined the Wheel. I will support House Blackwood in the aftermath of Marquis Geraint's death to organize and protect their people in a time of conflict.

My earlier white was addressing my personal feelings around what makes a good leader. My belief is that a good leader should honor the Faith. Be loyal vassals to the Crown and Compact. Should protect their people, fostering the growth of their lands. A circumstance of birth should never mean more than one's deeds. It is dangerous to place a specific measure towards worthiness least we become trapped by such a measure. My reference to my life was to show how hard it is to judge someone's worthiness when they are just starting their journey.

Only time will tell. In the end, I leave such judgement to Limerance.

Written By Marian

Oct. 3, 2018, 5:17 a.m.(9/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Reigna

I wasn't born a noble. I became a lady when I bent on knee to the Compact. When I married Prince Valen for love, I became a princess.

I wasn't trained from childhood to be a knight. But when my first husband fell at the Tragedy of Sanctum, I picked up his heirloom sword, and defended the remaining members of Valardin. I was named Sword of Sanctum for my efforts.

I wasn't groomed to be Warchief of Redrain but when my second husband was murdered after calling the banners, I led the armies of the Compact to victory, putting the needs of the Compact over the twins that were in my belly.

Marquessa Reigna Keaton, am I worthy to lead despite being a prodigal? Am I one of your exceptions? How many times did I have to bleed for the Compact to be as worthy as a noble born into that family? How many deeds did I have to perform?

Remember she is just starting her journey as a leader. When I married Prince Valen, no one knew how my story would unfold. Rather than set criticism, celebrate when those before her fell, she stepped in to take the mantle. In my mind that is a better measure of a leader than circumstance of birth.

Written By Marian

Oct. 2, 2018, 2:10 a.m.(9/15/1009 AR)

I find myself consumed these days with preparations. Training with my bow, testing zip lines, and getting to know these fine archers who are under my command.

When I am not with them, I spend time with my children. Nia is upset about the twins birthday party preparations. Stomping all around the villa. Fergus and Valen seem blissfully unaware of their sister's ire.

Once they're in bed, I have a few hours to read, relax and study my plans. I enjoy the calm before the storm, knowing these moments are precious.

Written By Marian

Sept. 26, 2018, 6:26 a.m.(9/3/1009 AR)

Know thyself. This is a principal that I try to follow. Not live to an ideal. Or deny the different aspects of a situation because I want everything to fit in a certain way.

The teachings of Tehom have been instrumental in helping me understand myself. Question my actions, my worldview. Hopefully learn new ways to see an issue, resolve conflicts and grow as a loyal member of the Compact.

Accepting that my view may not be the only one. I can be wrong. I may even fail at times. But that never stops me from trying. It doesn't stifle my intellectual curiosity. I may still honor the gods even if I struggle.

I am a work in progress.

Written By Marian

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(8/26/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Alarissa

Now I am jealous. I never got a chance to partake in Brother Driskell's cookies. This definitely feels like a missed opportunity.

Written By Marian

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(8/26/1009 AR)

One person's joke is another's insult. Humor is not a drink that everyone partakes in. However, I would implore a jokester to ask themselves if their audience is laughing with them or not. For a joke that is one-sided is an insult no matter its intention. If you are the only one laughing in the room, then perhaps you should keep such things to the privacy of your chambers.

Written By Marian

Sept. 14, 2018, 5:54 a.m.(8/7/1009 AR)

I admit I have 2 younger siblings. A brother who has taken responsibilities I once was supposed to carry. A sister I take no responsibility for.

Written By Marian

Sept. 5, 2018, 11:02 p.m.(7/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Arcadia

Your mentor is wise and you should heed his directions. You can do many things and be mediocre at them or choose a path and devote yourself singularly in excellence. For when you scatter your energies to the wind, they have no force if they are going in all directions. But when you focus all your energies in one spot that is when you're able to punch a hole in the universe and move something, make progress.

I look forward to seeing where this journey takes you.

Written By Marian

Aug. 29, 2018, 2:26 a.m.(6/24/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

Little sister, today you were /my/ hero...

There, it's written for the all to see. Recorded in the annuals of history.

Written By Marian

Aug. 29, 2018, 2:22 a.m.(6/24/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Juniper

Thank you for providing your much needed and skilled services to this delicate matter.

In a few fell strokes of your quill you accomplished something that I have struggled with for over a year to resolve. This is a personal lesson to me. Perhaps a sign that I should seek assistance in learning the finer points of diplomacy. Or at the very least be better about asking for help when it is needed.

Written By Marian

Aug. 28, 2018, 2:47 a.m.(6/23/1009 AR)

If a person, regardless of rank, does not choose words representative of their oaths, how then can it be expected that they will not choose their actions so? I could not have chosen words better. Thank you Lumen Whisper. I have been struggling on how to express my next words. Your words bring clarity.

Marquessa Reigna Keaton, I have been struggling to understand exactly what Duke Asger's motives are for claiming that I am incompetent. Does he want me removed? Yes, I do believe that he does. It's fine, he's welcome to feel this way. Not every decision made is popular with all. He claims not to be angry. I do not live in his heart, but I will believe now that he is being truthful. So if he's not angry, then what? What are his motives in discrediting my actions in the face of other opinions who were there?

My heart is saddened. I had hoped that a Rite to Gloria could bring the two of us together. To forge a bond for the upcoming battle. Now, I am left with joking insults, a clear sign that this man will not heed my command, and an invitation to drink. In my attempts to mend a broken bridge and protect myself from public insults, I am left with more questions than answers.

Written By Marian

Aug. 27, 2018, 3:51 p.m.(6/22/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Asger

Thank you for your interpretation of the events leading up to the Battle of Stormwall. During one meeting that we attended together, you proposed a plan that would have involved pulling our forces out of Stormwall and waiting in first the mines…then the pathways…please forgive me if I have the order wrong, to pick the enemy off that was sure to follow.

My issue with that plan was there was no guarantee that the enemy would have followed once they overtook Stormwall. There was no guarantee that leaving Stormwall would have preserved the castle. Yes, my criticism at the time was blunt, perhaps could have been given more diplomatically. However, this did not mean that I did not value you expertise on Crovane's lands. I never excluded you on purpose.

Based on the events at Darkwater where the enemy did occupy for a short time, those lands faced destruction on the level if not more than what we had at Stormwall. When speaking with others that fought in the South, they suffered heavy losses as well.

There is no guarantee that another plan would have resulted in less. It’s all conjecture at this point by you who evacuated before the enemy landed. I do welcome you to meet with the other commanders, get their feedback on what happened. For every commander of the North, there was a matching commander from allied Compact forces, including the Faith’s Templars and Knights of Solace. If you speak with High Lord Victus, I am sure he will be happy to provide a list of the commanders of the South. I invite you to interview these commanders who fought in the South and North to educate yourself on the facts.

Blaming one person for /everything/ that happened at the Battle of Stormwall is not healthy Duke Asger. Making jokes in light of someone’s want to help you with your pain is worrisome. To cast arrows at those that would forgive you for past wrongs of your house is not healthy. I have only tried to approach your anger with silence in the past to give you time to heal. Because my High Lord asked for compassion and understanding. But my silence is not working. It is not lessening your anger. Your behavior is escalating based last night’s actions at a meeting.

Please note scholars what Duchess Ann posted earlier is not the entirety of what Duke Asger said at that meeting. It’s an honest mistake since she was not at the entire meeting.

Duke Asger, come and participate in the Rite of Gloria. Release all of this by saying what you said in the whites to me. Strike me if it helps you. But don’t continue to use conjecture as facts. To use humor to cover up your pain. Let Gloria heal you. Heal this fracture between the two of us.

Written By Marian

Aug. 27, 2018, 9:23 a.m.(6/21/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Asger

In times of war, there are no good choices. No perfect scenarios. There are hard choices, made in the heat of battle, for what one hopes will stay the enemy from gaining a victory against us. I have known for some time that you did not agree with my decisions at Stormwall. Even though you made the choice to evacuate and did not witness what we faced first hand, I have accepted your criticism on the matter. I have contributed to the rebuilding of your castle. I have stood silent while you messaged my peers about your anger towards me. Vented your anger to family and friends. I stood last night silent while you spoke your venom openly against me in a public forum.

No more. I will not sit silent anymore. For time is not healing this wound. It spreads with every person you sit down and vent to. Every public forum you openly mock the decisions made by those trusted by your liege. This hate that burns inside your chest is festering. It feeds dissent in a time where we need to stand united against our enemies that continue to stand at our gates. I can not change the past. I can not bring back those lost. I can not bring back your castle. However, I can stand in front of Gloria, bare of armor or weapons and let you release this anger, this hate at me by any weapon you choose. Let you yell at me, until your voice tires or all your words are said. Let you swing your weapon until it draws blood or your arm tires from swinging at me. I can do that for you because a united fealty is that important to me.

I know we do not share the same Faith. That Rites of Gloria do not mean the same thing to you. But I would offer this to you, this olive branch. A chance to release this darkness that you hold towards me. For the betterment of relations between Crovane and Redrain. For in my heart, I know I did my best and stand behind the actions of my commanders. It was not enough in your eyes. I understand and accept any consequences that my actions or those of my commanders brought. I can do this for you. For Crovane. If it will bring this issue you have with me to an end to build a stronger, more united Redrain.

If you do not want to meet me in front of all and say your words openly to my face, then end this spite and hate. Let this be put to bed once and for all.

Written By Marian

Aug. 24, 2018, 10:47 p.m.(6/16/1009 AR)

When I meet a stray dog on the streets, I don't turn my back, keeps a part of me facing that animal at all times. If I have someone with me, I make sure they're placed behind me. I communicate in a low, calm voice for the dog to stand 'down' or 'go home' just in case it's had training in the past. I move away slowly.

If it runs up to greet me, I check the dog to see if it's collared and needs to be returned to it's owner. If it attacks me while I try to withdraw, I kill it because that's not normal behavior for a dog to act if it's in a public venue and isn't cornered. It probably has a disease or is a threat to the general populace. While that might seem harsh to some, I bear scars from a canine attack. I have no interest in gaining more.

Written By Marian

Aug. 24, 2018, 10:12 p.m.(6/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Talen

If you meet a dog that's an asshole, don't punch the dog. Punch the owner right in the face, or at the very least challenge then to a duel if you want to be more civilized about it.

Why is that? Because most of pets have bad habits because of their owners. While yes, many owners pay attention to behaviors like biting or pawing. They often neglect to realize that petting can be a bad habit as well. It's their emotional health that plays a large part in making that dog an asshole or needy bitch that's constantly seeking attention from complete strangers.

Like most problems, attention seeking can start innocent enough. The dog gets pet, it feels good and the dog seeks more. At first, it's just sitting in front of folks, looking all needy and whining. Then it escalates to pawing or rubbing their head against clothing. If the dog doesn't get the attention, then it's jumping or slapping you with his paw. And if the owner gives in, provides the dog what they want then the REST OF US ARE FUCKED. Cause this bitch just learned that now all it has to do to get attention is whine, paw or jump on folks. Then the dog becomes a menace to the general public.

When you meet a dog that's patient, sits there looking from cues from it's owner before it acts and leaves the rest of us alone, buy that person a drink or at the very least support their cause by /not/ petting their dog until they give permission. Cause they've taught that dog how to act in public and most folks in public should respect that. They've given that dog a solid emotional framework not to be a needy bitch.

It should be noted, I don't own a dog. I prefer birds of prey with razor sharp claws that rip people to shreds for unwanted attention.

Written By Marian

Aug. 24, 2018, 3:03 p.m.(6/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

Sword of Bastion, an honor well deserved. He saved my life on the high seas. There are few that are his peer in the fighting ring. I wish you well my friend. Guard the honor of your house well.

Written By Marian

Aug. 22, 2018, 2:14 p.m.(6/11/1009 AR)

Panem et circenses...it's so easy to be distracted by our diversions or securities that we miss the bigger picture. I sometimes wander what piece of the picture that I am missing. What diversion has distracted me from my path.

Written By Marian

Aug. 20, 2018, 7:02 a.m.(6/6/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Valerio

I met Lord Valerio Mazetti that day of the mission. He was a man that rivaled me in the number of scars that he carried. A quiet man that let his sword speak for him. In the midst of the fight, when we were surrounded, he made a sacrifice of his own life to save another.

Lord Arik Halfshav walks with us today because Lord Valerio chose to defend him rather than himself. He honored House Redrain by saving our Voice. He honored House Halfshav by saving their Sword. He honored Gloria by making the ultimate sacrifice.

I can not help but think I missed an opportunity to know a great man.

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry