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Written By Rysen

Aug. 20, 2019, 4:51 p.m.(9/8/1011 AR)

The Elk Hunt

Sing, muse, of the elk hunt
In the fecund wooded north,
Amid those grassy meadows
Where pavilions spread before

Woods of pines and maples,
Of streams and trees of beech,
And offered shade to hunters,
Our friends and all their steeds,

And the conversation lively
Formed by the golden princess fair,
The resplendent one, Sabella,
Whose husband's wit cause wits to scare,

Was carried on full merrily
By Catalana and our friends,
Lord Evander wise in subjects
As diverse as nature's gems,

And when the hunters mounted,
They rode through trees, and grass and ferns,
But the hawk-eyed knight Sir Merek
Soon the elk's trail did discern.

Thundered then the horses hooves!
From Legate Bianca's bow
And that of brave Mikani
There sailed a pair of swift arrows!

And from the pride of Knighthood
Came a spear like lighting cast!
Tescelina's martial prowess
Did the fleeing elk hold fast,

And swiftly Princess Reese then rode
To put an end to strife.
The elk our thankful prayers received
And with our prize we did alight

Bolstered by enchanting music
Of Lord Wash's dulcet lute,
And the soaring voices beautiful
Of my wife and Merek too!

So returned the merry hunters
Singing high and happily,
And I swear I heard Prince Niklas say
It turned out a wondrous feast!

Written By Rysen

Aug. 15, 2019, 10:19 a.m.(8/26/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Helena

I don't know if I've ever discussed seatouched wool, but I like the term "swool" so much, I'll have to find an excuse.

Written By Rysen

Aug. 12, 2019, 1:16 p.m.(8/20/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Arn

When I was younger, my mother sent me to foster with her family in the Telmarch. By that time, I had already attained some degree of raw proficiency in sword skill, but, as the Northlands has a newer and more heterogeneous chivalric tradition than than that of the venerable Houses of Valardin, I had what my instructor called a "mongrel" style of Oathlands footwork mixed with Northlands striking techniques, and furthermore, I had little physical strength.

One day Duke Arn was present while I was training swordsmanship. He ordered several of his own men to train me, and I fought several rounds against each in turn. Though I took many blows from training swords, I think perhaps I was doing better than was expected. Eventually a hulking captain of the Telmarch stepped in to the training grounds, and quickly struck me down. Even as I was struggling to rise to my feet, my muscles and lungs burning, the captain stood over me with his training sword. He swung with great force, probably trying to knock me unconscious. On instinct I raised my sword arm, but failed to get the blade between myself and the captain's stroke. My arm snapped, and I screamed, and scrambled to my feet in shock, while the captain laughed.

Duke Arn strode toward me, grabbed the collar of my surcoat and said, "Listen to me you mongrel cur - my cousin shamed the family by sending your mother to the Crovane, but I will not let one of my blood blubber on the field of battle. Fight!" I was in tears and must have said something about my arm being broken, to which Arn responded by tearing off my shield, and putting my training sword in my left hand. "The gods gave you two arms, damn you!" and he shoved me back toward the captain, whose laughter now faded, but whatever protest he might've made was silenced by the duke again yelling, "Fight!"

I swung my training sword left handed with all the fury I could muster, and the next thing I remember, I woke up some hours later in one of the estate's bedrooms. My right arm was in a splint and a physician was there watching over me. In the two years I was fostered in Telmarch, Arn didn't say another word to me. I never saw the captain who I'd faced again either. Word was that after they carried me away, Arn fought the man himself, broke his arm and dismissed him from his service.

Since that time, I've always fought with a weapon in each hand and, in the most dire tumult of combat, when the Queen stretches out her arms for that last embrace, I hear the steely voice of the duke surge up from the depths of memory, and it has been that unyielding battle cry that has allowed me to tarrying a little longer in this beautiful Dream.

Written By Rysen

Aug. 11, 2019, 11:57 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Narcissa

Is all wisdom sorrowful?
Is bliss only ignorance?
Can one who sees with open eyes
Hope to sing and dance?

Let roses armed with thorns arise!
Let sunlight shine through rain,
For better is the tea of joy
When spiked with a bit of pain,

For in the end the rats and crows
Will always have their due,
Feasting on those of vanity
And th' humblest of us too,

But music and good alcohol
To our time yet adds a glow,
And reminds us that amid our strife
Still we are not alone.

Written By Rysen

Aug. 10, 2019, 11:23 a.m.(8/16/1011 AR)

I happened upon Lady Olivia with some company in Bold Expressions the other evening. Though she doubted me, it was truly good to see her. Sometimes the roads of friendship pass through storms, but such tempests generate no fear for those in my family. I suspect she'll be a favorite aunt of the newborn twins in no time, and I am secretly looking forward to telling them about Lady Olivia's wildest adventures when they're old enough to appreciate them.

Also in Bold Expressions that evening was Baroness Lucita Saik, who spoke with me and Countess Arcadia for a while on other interesting matters. After that conversation, I had been for sometime overtaken by a melancholy mood and a sense of powerlessness. Luckily, Knight Commander Jeffeth and Lord Arik Halfshav have honored me with some difficult training of late, which reminded me that limitations are illusions, waiting to be shattered with insight, the help of friends and allies, and a lot of hard work.

Written By Rysen

Aug. 4, 2019, 10:25 a.m.(8/4/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Fianna

I had so much fun, I think my head will hurt for a week. Congratulations, Cousin.

Construction on Port Eirlys seems well under way, and I, like probably everyone else in Stormwall, cannot wait to see it completed.

Written By Rysen

July 31, 2019, 4:03 p.m.(7/24/1011 AR)

Much blood and many tears have been spilled by the raids of the Undrowned Sons in the Northlands. Innocent people were sent with violence and suffering to the Queen of Endings long before their time.

To put an end to such atrocities, it had been my design, in broad outline only, inspired by Lady Peri and perfected by Count Orrin Seliki, to lead the savage raiders into a trap in the port town of Greywater Bay in Crackneck lands. To that end, I sent out a call to our allies - a call which was answered by many, among them Princess Marian Redrain, the dread warchief, whose voice was the surest signal of hope in the fierce extremes of battle, and whose sword sent many a viscous murderer to the abyss.

The valorous fleet of Stormward, commanded by Lord Aethan Kennex, also answered the call. The admiral's skill and steadfast leadership wrought the destruction of the enemy ships, never again to convey those who would terrorize the innocent, nor shame Gloria with their barbarous greed. Sailing with Admiral Kennex was Aella, Countess of Stormheart, and Lord Danvir Ravenseye who honored their bonds of fealty and brought glory to their House by dazzling feats of arms.

Upon the beach of Greywater Bay, none fought more boldly than Cillian Weatherwood, Sword of the Storm March, whose bravery inspired the combined warriors of Blackwood, Crackneck and Redrain to great deeds. Nor, perhaps, could our victory have been so final, but for the aid of the Countess of Bonespire - Arcadia Stahlben - whose ingenuity had earned her command of the eagle-eyed archers of Leaholdt whose shafts swept away the enemy like fallen leaves before a gale.

I have no words or actions to convey the depth of my gratitude towards those who gave so much to the defense of our people, but the gods are ever watchful, and even to this day, the people of the Northlands raise toasts in your honor, and pass your names in song, and to their offspring, in the hopes that the inheritors of the Dream can carry some spark of your valor.

Written By Rysen

July 27, 2019, 2:44 p.m.(7/16/1011 AR)

I was traveling with a group of merchants with whom I'd been meeting to discuss Countess Arcadia's proposed trade outpost, when we were attacked by bandits on the Great Road. Luckily, we suffered no casualties - thanks in part to the extra guard Duchess Fianna has insisted on after the incident at the Seliki Manor. I was saddened to find out that our assailants had been deserters of the Crovane military. One of the prisoners said they were from the region south of Stormwall called Twilight Dale, and claimed that they attacked us because they're starving.

Since my brother has had his attention on suppressing the White Raven clan in the west, and I have been on campaign with Princess Marian Redrain, it may be that something is amiss in the dales. Than again, every bandit, once captured, has only turned to lawlessness in order to save his or her starving family. I've sent Deor to Twilight Dale to find out the truth of the matter.

Written By Rysen

July 22, 2019, 9:13 p.m.(7/7/1011 AR)

How joyous was the night at the Rivenshari Expanse! Though I missed the storytelling, I made it in time for dancing, good food, drink and great company. The clansfolk were most welcoming, and Count Athaur showed the grace and footwork of a master as he danced among the children and guests.

My sincere thanks to Lady Eshra and to all the Rivenshari for an unforgettable evening filled with the beautiful music of bells. My only regret is that I happened to be standing too near Countess Arcadia, who, it turns out, is the greediest cookie eater known to mortal kind.

Written By Rysen

July 20, 2019, 3:19 p.m.(7/2/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Ailith

Ode to the Legate of Concepts

O bright soul, and kind!
Who before all pomp
Upholds the gods' shinning light,
And with eyes that gaze upon
Immortal things profound,
Brings, like the flower's bloom,
Hope to every bride and groom.

Written By Rysen

July 20, 2019, 2:56 p.m.(7/2/1011 AR)

I was able to transport the body of Lord Syd Volkov to the morgue in a respectful manner with help of my fellow confessors.

He was not unknown to me, as I'd met Lord Syd once in the Black Axe Pub with my retainer Rukhnis. His energy was palpable in spite of his age, and his sense of humor was warm and welcoming. An innocent misunderstanding involving Rukhnis - and an easy one to make - still makes me laugh to recollect. Such a man was a shinning thread in the tapestry of Arx, and he will be missed.

The Sentinel will not fail to lead me and my brothers and sisters of the Inquisition to the truth, and I look forward to his soul finding its due rest in the knowledge that those who spread hate and pain and death have been granted the fate their actions and our gods require.

Written By Rysen

July 16, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(6/21/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Arcadia

It took over an hour to get rid of that stench.

Revenge will fall when you least expect it.

Written By Rysen

July 14, 2019, 11:01 a.m.(6/17/1011 AR)

I visited the Stone Grove for a ritual performed by Elder Mirk and High Shaman Drea of the Spirit Walkers. It was good to see so many turn out in support of that ancient place of peace. Some chose to make sacrifices to honor the spirits and Petrichor, others observed, and all, I think, shared a strong desire to see the Stone Grove flourish once again.

The Stone Grove was also the site of the wedding ceremony between Petal Penrose and Cillian Weatherwood. Adorned in timeless majesty and beauty of nature, the two bound their lives together, and I wish them the greatest happiness and prosperity.

Written By Rysen

July 12, 2019, 12:49 p.m.(6/13/1011 AR)

My sincere thanks to those who have wished us well in our betrothal.

There are those who have expressed their concerns with our union publicly. They feel that Lady Mikani has attempted, through merit and skill, to rise above the station to which she was born. That she is somehow abandoning the houses that she has helped to set upon the road of prosperity, or that the decision to marry has arisen from personal desire at the expense of duty to one's house.

I did not choose to marry a commoner, but have asked a noblewoman to marry me. I sought the approval of her liege, my family and the Faith and found an arrangement that will benefit all parties. Some believe that she has not been raised to understand the ways and responsibilities of nobility. Such people should learn how Lady Mikani was raised, by whom and under what conditions. Those who do will see that she received the same training that many nobles in the Mourning Isles receive with even greater responsibility.

She honored her previous marriage contract, applied her talents to the benefit of the people of Cedar Vale, and leaves it in far more prosperity than she found it, with an apt and capable leader in her stead. Why would any noble scorn the love and talents of such a woman? What but a blind and debilitating prejudice would keep someone from bringing such a capable person into one's family to the benefit of one's people and one's house? The idea that this match is anything other than a benefit to my House and my family is shortsighted and illogical.

The Compact, too, is strengthened by such a union, as the people of the Northlands, Crownlands and Mourning Isles have more reasons and greater ability to work together for mutual prosperity. Nor will I deny that the holy fire of love and trust burns between us - a gift from Lagoma and Limerance - that I am grateful to honor, along with serving my duty to my House and the Compact. My thanks to those who have seen this union as something happy and worth celebrating. Your support means everything to us, and we will not forget it.

Written By Rysen

July 7, 2019, 6:14 p.m.(6/4/1011 AR)

Thank you to those who brought back news of the White Raven clan's impending raid on the villages near the Eyre Fells. Defenders from Stormwall have arrived to reinforce the militias of Grassmere, and it seems that the raiders have melted back into their own territories to the west, for now at least. There are rumors of a great shav'arvani chieftain working to unite the northern clans, but all of the information has more the feeling of fearful rumor or myth than aught else.

I am told that great crowds have come from miles around to hear Eslef, one of the greatest and most talented of Northland bards, sing the Lai of the Bear Slayer in the Butter Churn Inn, based on Lydia and Lygeia's account of Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard's battle with an enraged Northlands great bear. Rumors also persist that one of the greatest warriors of White Raven has sworn a blood oath to slay Prince Alecstazi Thrax, after he defeated the warrior's companion in the fells.

In all that transpired, I remain disappointed that we never got a chance to visit the hot springs - though I filled with gratitude that Princess Elgana Redrain, Arthen Dayne, Scout Rowenova and Duchess Delilah Shepherd decide to make the journey, as their actions protected countless families from raids and ruin.

Written By Rysen

July 2, 2019, 6:22 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Elisha

I will admit this much: your words have caused me to reflect with unflinching attention. I do not always like what I've seen.

Written By Rysen

July 2, 2019, 12:49 p.m.(5/21/1011 AR)

The Tournament of Thorns shone brightly with fierce competition, and stunning prizes. The event was wreathed in wonder, almost as if the Judgement Green had truly become the land of Aildorich, where the next ruler would be decided by demonstrated skill and Fortune's fickle love.

My sincere thanks to Lady Monique Greenmarch and my fellow thorn bearers for their time and effort - and also to the competitors, before whose collective talents my words must simply bow and stand in awe.

Written By Rysen

June 28, 2019, 12:45 p.m.(5/13/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Joscelin

Though I cannot say I met her,
No soul born Crovane
Could ever live to speaking years
Without honoring the name

Of Joscelin Arterius,
Who when our home was razed,
Raised with all her genius arts
A new home from the blaze.

Wrought of stone from mountains,
To keep our people safe,
Her work defies the Gyre,
And restored honor to Crovane.

Even now in Stormwall,
Craftsfolk study at the school
Named after her in honor
To continue her pursuits,

And though I say I knew her not,
Still truly I will miss
Her journals in the Whites that spoke
Of work and friends and kids.

She truly was the pinnacle
Of Arvum's art and craft,
And a mother like no other,
Who now walks a hidden path.

Wherever it may take her,
We of Stormwall won't forget
The legacy she left with us,
Her fame forever shall persist.

Written By Rysen

June 28, 2019, 11:56 a.m.(5/13/1011 AR)

I've never loved meat pies.

I joined the Iron Guard and their allies to look into a report of missing persons. The examination of the missing couple's house did not portend a happy outcome, as we uncovered evidence of violence and butchery.

Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, Silas Whitehawk ordered a search for a suspicious person that had been nearby - a pie merchant. We tracked the suspect from two directions, and one of our team, Mirella Fiorelli, managed to apprehend the pie man single handedly, by taking his back and putting a dagger to his throat.

The wily villain did all he could to turn the situation to his advantage by shouting for help, but the powerful rhetoric of Countess Mikani Byrne and Lord Domonico Malvici quickly restored public order. After I administered a few brief tests to confirm the pie merchant was free of a certain class of aberrations, he was arrested by the Lord Commander and is now being held by the Iron Guard for further interrogation and trial.

My admiration and desire to work alongside Lord Ian, Sir Merek and various others present continues unabated. I have also gained a healthy respect for the power of Princess Denica's words, as they quickly bent the pie maker to her will. It was also a sincere pleasure, in spite of the grisly circumstances, to work with Lord Commander Silas, and the result of the investigation proves the efficacy and alacrity of the Inquisition and Iron Guard's ability to work together to keep the city safe.

Written By Rysen

June 19, 2019, 4:22 p.m.(4/24/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Reigna

Sonnet for the Guildmaster of the Physicians

Low was I, and scared that in the darkness
Would never see again the happy light,
Or feel again warmth of gentle kindness,
But only the frozen void's joyless bite.

The cold frost my eyes did close, sealing shut,
So too, my lips did cease to utter words,
Yet no panic in my breast rose up -
My will but begging to accept my curse,

But in that moment of abject despair,
When I could not even utter a moan,
Then one looked down on me with loving care,
And from that fiery Elysian throne

Lagoma whispered, "never surrender,"
And sent forth a flame whose name is Reigna.

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