Written By Savio
April 10, 2021, 8:08 p.m.(4/9/1015 AR)
An Ode to the White Journals
Devoted friends, can you believe
That someone said this shit to me?
I'll hit them where it hurts the most:
A vaguely worded call-out post!
"Now I don't really want to clash
Just want to say you've been an ass"
Of course no mention of your name
But you'll know it all the same
Despite the somewhat murky source
We'll all jump in on the discourse
Thoughts and opinions freely fly
Can you even believe that guy?
We'll forget in time, unless we don't
Unending feuds from what we wrote
Don't get me wrong, I love these fights --
Why else even read the Whites?
There actually haven't been many of these lately, but still, it's a genre unto itself, and if I'm being honest, I adore it.
Devoted friends, can you believe
That someone said this shit to me?
I'll hit them where it hurts the most:
A vaguely worded call-out post!
"Now I don't really want to clash
Just want to say you've been an ass"
Of course no mention of your name
But you'll know it all the same
Despite the somewhat murky source
We'll all jump in on the discourse
Thoughts and opinions freely fly
Can you even believe that guy?
We'll forget in time, unless we don't
Unending feuds from what we wrote
Don't get me wrong, I love these fights --
Why else even read the Whites?
There actually haven't been many of these lately, but still, it's a genre unto itself, and if I'm being honest, I adore it.
Written By Savio
April 4, 2021, 10:41 p.m.(3/26/1015 AR)
There once was a gorgeous woman
An exquisite, sharp seductress
With shining hair and ruby lips
Her eyes long-lashed and lustrous
She had a svelte but petite body
And a dancer's natural grace
Long legs and all of the right curves
A stunning heart-shaped face
She set her eyes upon a mark
And said, I'll own that man
His mind will stop, his heart will race
He'll be mine to command
He won't resist the way I look
In this spicy low-cut bodice
No man can keep his wits intact
When I'm deliciously immodest
She swayed her hips right up to him
And was working all her magic when
He backed away from her and said,
"I'm sorry, I like men."
based on a true story
An exquisite, sharp seductress
With shining hair and ruby lips
Her eyes long-lashed and lustrous
She had a svelte but petite body
And a dancer's natural grace
Long legs and all of the right curves
A stunning heart-shaped face
She set her eyes upon a mark
And said, I'll own that man
His mind will stop, his heart will race
He'll be mine to command
He won't resist the way I look
In this spicy low-cut bodice
No man can keep his wits intact
When I'm deliciously immodest
She swayed her hips right up to him
And was working all her magic when
He backed away from her and said,
"I'm sorry, I like men."
based on a true story
Written By Savio
March 29, 2021, 11:01 p.m.(3/14/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
Wishing a very happy birthday to the Lady Medeia! She said no gifts, but you can't go to someone's birthday party and not sing them a happy birthday song, isn't it so?
Sweet Medeia, perfect hostess
Social scene's apotheosis
Clever, lovely, strong and true
Act up and she WILL cut you
Or maybe stab you with a trident
We kinda love her when she's violent
We also love her looking splendid
Or when we're having stab wounds mended
Look at her, resplendent, charming
Persuasive and oh so disarming
Behind it all a rapier wit
Beauty paired with dauntless grit
Sweet Medeia, joy to know her
And in her honor, we're not sober
So raise your voice and raise your cups --
We want to be her when we grow up.
Sweet Medeia, perfect hostess
Social scene's apotheosis
Clever, lovely, strong and true
Act up and she WILL cut you
Or maybe stab you with a trident
We kinda love her when she's violent
We also love her looking splendid
Or when we're having stab wounds mended
Look at her, resplendent, charming
Persuasive and oh so disarming
Behind it all a rapier wit
Beauty paired with dauntless grit
Sweet Medeia, joy to know her
And in her honor, we're not sober
So raise your voice and raise your cups --
We want to be her when we grow up.
Written By Savio
March 26, 2021, 10:53 p.m.(3/8/1015 AR)
There is a special kind of cruelty that is no dramatic moment, it is no war, no bloodbath or nemesis. Just a tiny everyday moment, in which you could have done the right thing and didn't, in which you knew you were being hurtful but did as you liked anyway. It seems at the time to be worth it, though the reasons for such things leave so quickly, like trying to catch smoke in your hands.
I am reminded tonight of mistakes I made a long time ago. Nothing that changed the course of anyone's life, but still, shame curls the edges of my soul like a burning paper when I think of the hurt I caused, and for so poor a reason.
This despair is a reminder to be kind, and to have grace for those who fail to be -- although I think the latter is hardest when it's yourself.
I am reminded tonight of mistakes I made a long time ago. Nothing that changed the course of anyone's life, but still, shame curls the edges of my soul like a burning paper when I think of the hurt I caused, and for so poor a reason.
This despair is a reminder to be kind, and to have grace for those who fail to be -- although I think the latter is hardest when it's yourself.
Written By Savio
March 25, 2021, 9:14 p.m.(3/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Anisha
A perfect whisper, burning bright
Guidance through despondent night
Peace has gentled my strange grief
Heard and seen, a kind relief.
I feel better.
Guidance through despondent night
Peace has gentled my strange grief
Heard and seen, a kind relief.
I feel better.
Written By Savio
March 21, 2021, 5:34 p.m.(2/25/1015 AR)
Long ago there was a hawk
Who came to know a dove
With sharp and sweet affection
Unwise, unasked-for love
"I can't help but love you
Although we're unlike things,"
Said the little mourning dove
From the shelter of hawk wings
"What I am will hurt you
Although I wish it wasn't so,"
Said the hawk to his lover
But he couldn't bear to go
Dove didn't choose departure
Nor leave the hawk to his
"I know the choice my heart has made
And I know what this is"
One day the dove looked for the hawk
And saw him diving from the sky
Torn apart beneath his claws
And bleeding, asked him why?
He looked upon what he had done
And the one that he had loved
But duty's owed to that cruel hunt
And hawk whispered to his dove:
"I'm sorry that I hurt you
My kind and guiltless love
But I have to be what I am
And you knew what this was."
Everyone loves allegory, right?
Who came to know a dove
With sharp and sweet affection
Unwise, unasked-for love
"I can't help but love you
Although we're unlike things,"
Said the little mourning dove
From the shelter of hawk wings
"What I am will hurt you
Although I wish it wasn't so,"
Said the hawk to his lover
But he couldn't bear to go
Dove didn't choose departure
Nor leave the hawk to his
"I know the choice my heart has made
And I know what this is"
One day the dove looked for the hawk
And saw him diving from the sky
Torn apart beneath his claws
And bleeding, asked him why?
He looked upon what he had done
And the one that he had loved
But duty's owed to that cruel hunt
And hawk whispered to his dove:
"I'm sorry that I hurt you
My kind and guiltless love
But I have to be what I am
And you knew what this was."
Everyone loves allegory, right?
Written By Savio
March 21, 2021, 5:33 p.m.(2/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
(OOC - I'm an idiot and accidentally deleted this SORRY SORRY)
Sea Shanties with the Eswynds! What an excellent event, as I knew it would be.
This is a lovely story about my favorite subject - myself - and about a friend of mine, and about sailing. Specifically rowing. This is a lovely story about a lot of rowing.
When I came to the mainland, my brother said to me
You won't be a sailor till you sail the northern sea
I know the one to teach you, if you think you can --
Go find Lord Haakon Eswynd, and that'll be your man
I said my lord I'm here to learn, and I am from the Chain
He said I'll blister both those hands, your arms will be in pain
If you want to be a sailor then there's one thing you must know:
How to get into this longship, and row and row and row
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh the sky is dark and the sea is vast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
We set sail before the dawn and rowed around the bay
Hauling on those bloody oars until well past mid-day
Hours later, shore in sight, I said 'well that was fun'
And Haakon looked at me and said, 'you think we're fucking done?'
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh sink that oar, pull sure and fast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
Weeks and weeks and more of this, I asked if I've got it down
He looked at me unmoved and said, 'you might not fucking drown'
Sweetest words I've ever heard, the peace and joy of knowing
That now I can sail any sea, thanks to Haakon's goddamned rowing
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh keep this lesson, make it last
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
Sea Shanties with the Eswynds! What an excellent event, as I knew it would be.
This is a lovely story about my favorite subject - myself - and about a friend of mine, and about sailing. Specifically rowing. This is a lovely story about a lot of rowing.
When I came to the mainland, my brother said to me
You won't be a sailor till you sail the northern sea
I know the one to teach you, if you think you can --
Go find Lord Haakon Eswynd, and that'll be your man
I said my lord I'm here to learn, and I am from the Chain
He said I'll blister both those hands, your arms will be in pain
If you want to be a sailor then there's one thing you must know:
How to get into this longship, and row and row and row
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh the sky is dark and the sea is vast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
We set sail before the dawn and rowed around the bay
Hauling on those bloody oars until well past mid-day
Hours later, shore in sight, I said 'well that was fun'
And Haakon looked at me and said, 'you think we're fucking done?'
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh sink that oar, pull sure and fast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
Weeks and weeks and more of this, I asked if I've got it down
He looked at me unmoved and said, 'you might not fucking drown'
Sweetest words I've ever heard, the peace and joy of knowing
That now I can sail any sea, thanks to Haakon's goddamned rowing
Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh keep this lesson, make it last
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!
Written By Savio
March 14, 2021, 12:46 a.m.(2/10/1015 AR)
I have a roof above me, I have the sea and stars
I have a man to hold my heart, and take me in his arms
Although sometimes this life of mine feels more than I can stand
I would not part with any pain; I am a lucky man
I have friends who care to know me, their kindness unrelenting
Healers who have saved my life, kept everything from ending
Although I've broken precious things -- these foolish, clumsy hands
I would still pick up the pieces; I am a lucky man
I have a purpose moving me, a people and a voice
I know now what I'd die for, if I was given choice
Although it's taken so much hurt to finally see the plan
I would change no part of this; I am a lucky man.
I have a man to hold my heart, and take me in his arms
Although sometimes this life of mine feels more than I can stand
I would not part with any pain; I am a lucky man
I have friends who care to know me, their kindness unrelenting
Healers who have saved my life, kept everything from ending
Although I've broken precious things -- these foolish, clumsy hands
I would still pick up the pieces; I am a lucky man
I have a purpose moving me, a people and a voice
I know now what I'd die for, if I was given choice
Although it's taken so much hurt to finally see the plan
I would change no part of this; I am a lucky man.
Written By Savio
March 8, 2021, 6:24 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
Nothing can be perfect, though we so vainly try
In every clever masterpiece, a detail gone awry
Words that slipped their meaning, although they were so near
Paints with muddied colors, when at first it seemed so clear
We chase and chase perfection, a place we fail to find
Whispers of its temptation echo cruelly in our minds
And there within lies madness, all that we can't repair
The errors in the artistry, addictive sweet despair
The flawless work is just a dream, transcendent, out of reach
Yet our hands unfailing reach out for that sweet mirage we seek
Every creator feels it, that anguish as we strive
The peace is in the knowledge that we never will arrive.
In every clever masterpiece, a detail gone awry
Words that slipped their meaning, although they were so near
Paints with muddied colors, when at first it seemed so clear
We chase and chase perfection, a place we fail to find
Whispers of its temptation echo cruelly in our minds
And there within lies madness, all that we can't repair
The errors in the artistry, addictive sweet despair
The flawless work is just a dream, transcendent, out of reach
Yet our hands unfailing reach out for that sweet mirage we seek
Every creator feels it, that anguish as we strive
The peace is in the knowledge that we never will arrive.
Written By Savio
March 7, 2021, 9:28 a.m.(1/25/1015 AR)
To House Eswynd; Lord Haakon and his protege Sailor Zakhar, as well as Lady Medeia the Healer
To House Vaevici; Baroness Calla and Lord Titus
To my Cousins; Lady Andromeda the Sword of Tremorus, Lord Remus the Vice-General of the Grand Tribunal, and Cerelia Pontelaeus, Born of the Sea
To my Brother; Giorgio Pontelaeus, the Merchant Prince of Tremorus
and to the other half of my heart, Lord Orland Amadeo, Voice of his House
As Voice of the People of Tremorus, on behalf of them and as one of them, I give you my thanks. This gratitude is more than I can express; language founders in such seas.
We have seen done what we set out to achieve. This victory belongs to you, its glory, its spoils, and Mount Arakkas and her people will not forget you. They will sing of you for generations to come, and long after you are dust, your names will be the songs of legend.
To House Vaevici; Baroness Calla and Lord Titus
To my Cousins; Lady Andromeda the Sword of Tremorus, Lord Remus the Vice-General of the Grand Tribunal, and Cerelia Pontelaeus, Born of the Sea
To my Brother; Giorgio Pontelaeus, the Merchant Prince of Tremorus
and to the other half of my heart, Lord Orland Amadeo, Voice of his House
As Voice of the People of Tremorus, on behalf of them and as one of them, I give you my thanks. This gratitude is more than I can express; language founders in such seas.
We have seen done what we set out to achieve. This victory belongs to you, its glory, its spoils, and Mount Arakkas and her people will not forget you. They will sing of you for generations to come, and long after you are dust, your names will be the songs of legend.
Written By Savio
Feb. 25, 2021, 1:08 a.m.(1/4/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Zakhar
Went reaving with Eswynd. Lovely, top marks, would reave again. Did you know Zakhar fought the enemy with a cast-iron frying pan? Of course we have to have a song about it.
He's cooking his breakfast up on that deck
He got that cast iron out when the day began
You mess with the sausages and you risk your neck
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
You pull your ship up there all quick and direct
Drawing those swords like you think you can
But here's a weapon that you didn't expect
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
He's swinging that thing and he's making you pay
There's no escape now even if you ran
You got no defense against the cookware melee
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
Now you're knocked in the head and over the rail
And here you believed you had such a good plan
Should have thought twice before you set sail
And you better not fuck with the man with the pan!
Sage advice, friends.
He's cooking his breakfast up on that deck
He got that cast iron out when the day began
You mess with the sausages and you risk your neck
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
You pull your ship up there all quick and direct
Drawing those swords like you think you can
But here's a weapon that you didn't expect
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
He's swinging that thing and he's making you pay
There's no escape now even if you ran
You got no defense against the cookware melee
You better not fuck with the man with the pan
Now you're knocked in the head and over the rail
And here you believed you had such a good plan
Should have thought twice before you set sail
And you better not fuck with the man with the pan!
Sage advice, friends.
Written By Savio
Feb. 24, 2021, 12:03 p.m.(1/3/1015 AR)
People are really out here walking around in this SNOW like this is normal and it's okay?!
I literally can't even with this.
Also, don't lick frozen metal. Mistakes were made.
I literally can't even with this.
Also, don't lick frozen metal. Mistakes were made.
Written By Savio
Feb. 22, 2021, 1:49 p.m.(12/27/1014 AR)
From the Compact, to her Enemies
You sought to make a slave of me
You tried to dim my light
You thought you'd force me to my knees
As if that were your right
Proud of everything you stained
You don't know what you have done
You'll know the taste of your own pain
And this has only just begun
I will drive you cold before me
And I will see you shattered
Your blood will be a guarantee
That you are no one's master
Listen, those who thought I'd fall
And hear what I have spoken:
Though bloodied, I am standing tall
And I cannot be broken.
---
What an aching week it is.
You sought to make a slave of me
You tried to dim my light
You thought you'd force me to my knees
As if that were your right
Proud of everything you stained
You don't know what you have done
You'll know the taste of your own pain
And this has only just begun
I will drive you cold before me
And I will see you shattered
Your blood will be a guarantee
That you are no one's master
Listen, those who thought I'd fall
And hear what I have spoken:
Though bloodied, I am standing tall
And I cannot be broken.
---
What an aching week it is.
Written By Savio
Feb. 18, 2021, 11:28 p.m.(12/17/1014 AR)
What a journey through the Fist Fight of the People's Tournament! Of course every opponent had to have a song, didn't they?
Vs Merek:
Sir Merek Black, I'm yours to attack!
I'll do my best, well fought
I've got no chance but I'm ready to dance
C'mon and show me what you got!
It's gonna be quick and I'll try not to be sick
In front of all our friends
I'ma try to win and I'll take it on the chin
But I think we know how this one ends?
Vs Zakhar:
Zakhar, friend! How can I fight you?
Of course you're bound to win it!
We're here to fight but it's got me blue
You know my heart's not in it!
But so the hostess has decreed,
You know that I can't dash her
I invite you to make me bleed --
Or else that'll fall to Lasha!
Vs Svana:
Svana, Svana, lovely one!
How could I hit you, girl!
It's surely over before it's begun
But let's give this a whirl
Now it's clear the end is near
Bets on me? An unwise bid
I don't think it's wrong to fear
A woman with four kids.
Vs Sydney:
You'd really think that I'd know better
Than to go chasing Waterfalls
But I'm star-struck, who could forget her?
She's renowned for how she brawls!
We've seen her dust the competition
Without breaking a sweat
Who's up for a repetition?
Look for the fastest knockout yet
Now you're thinking 'that boy's a goner --
There's no skill hidden underneath'
You're RIGHT of course but it's an honor
And I'll try not to eat my teeth.
And of course the inevitable conclusion...
I yield, I yield, and I'm undone
Cry it through the town!
But I have to say that this was fun --
And you look perfect in a crown.
I couldn't be happier. Glad I still have all my teeth. All of my congratulations to everyone, most especially Softest Anisha our hostess, and to the indomitable Sydney the Waterfall.
Still a little scared of Lasha though.
Vs Merek:
Sir Merek Black, I'm yours to attack!
I'll do my best, well fought
I've got no chance but I'm ready to dance
C'mon and show me what you got!
It's gonna be quick and I'll try not to be sick
In front of all our friends
I'ma try to win and I'll take it on the chin
But I think we know how this one ends?
Vs Zakhar:
Zakhar, friend! How can I fight you?
Of course you're bound to win it!
We're here to fight but it's got me blue
You know my heart's not in it!
But so the hostess has decreed,
You know that I can't dash her
I invite you to make me bleed --
Or else that'll fall to Lasha!
Vs Svana:
Svana, Svana, lovely one!
How could I hit you, girl!
It's surely over before it's begun
But let's give this a whirl
Now it's clear the end is near
Bets on me? An unwise bid
I don't think it's wrong to fear
A woman with four kids.
Vs Sydney:
You'd really think that I'd know better
Than to go chasing Waterfalls
But I'm star-struck, who could forget her?
She's renowned for how she brawls!
We've seen her dust the competition
Without breaking a sweat
Who's up for a repetition?
Look for the fastest knockout yet
Now you're thinking 'that boy's a goner --
There's no skill hidden underneath'
You're RIGHT of course but it's an honor
And I'll try not to eat my teeth.
And of course the inevitable conclusion...
I yield, I yield, and I'm undone
Cry it through the town!
But I have to say that this was fun --
And you look perfect in a crown.
I couldn't be happier. Glad I still have all my teeth. All of my congratulations to everyone, most especially Softest Anisha our hostess, and to the indomitable Sydney the Waterfall.
Still a little scared of Lasha though.
Written By Savio
Feb. 13, 2021, 11:06 p.m.(12/7/1014 AR)
This is a place, and yet it's not
An in-between that time forgot
Darkness aching, crippled, lost
For everything, there is a cost
We use the stars to sail the sea
But how could anyone foresee
That everything we failed to hold
Is waiting here in starless cold?
Above, below, and all between
Among the skies yet submarine
We sacrifice, we break asunder
And commit at last our gifts to Hunger.
An in-between that time forgot
Darkness aching, crippled, lost
For everything, there is a cost
We use the stars to sail the sea
But how could anyone foresee
That everything we failed to hold
Is waiting here in starless cold?
Above, below, and all between
Among the skies yet submarine
We sacrifice, we break asunder
And commit at last our gifts to Hunger.
Written By Savio
Feb. 11, 2021, 6:39 p.m.(12/3/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Giorgio
There once was a fine Merchant-Prince
Who was at last with great effort convinced
To liven his days
By smoking some haze
And no one has heard from him since.
This is my new goal.
Who was at last with great effort convinced
To liven his days
By smoking some haze
And no one has heard from him since.
This is my new goal.
Written By Savio
Feb. 6, 2021, 9:14 p.m.(11/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
What a beautiful evening at the Crossroads Casino. Beautiful people. Beautiful crafts. The most beautiful clothes I have yet seen in Arx! Count Duarte put together a good show. I was honored to perform a song and will record it here, to remember the evening and to commit to the Journals an ode to those who create.
There are some who find the arts to be an inane waste of time
As though passion and creative heart might be some sort of crime
With love and understanding for our grim, pragmatic neighbors
Tonight we raise a glass and song to all creative labors!
Artists, you truly know this world is hard and cold and dark
And through your art defy the night with bright, unfailing spark
Beauty, truth, and insight are the tools with which you work
And in this inspired undertaking, you gift to life its worth
Here's to the poets, the painters, and singers
To the infinite journey, the masters, beginners
Here's to the jewelers, the sculptors, the writers
To the luminous dreamers, who make the world brighter
All those who endeavor to create, with your setbacks and success
Tonight we celebrate your path, and the gift that you possess
Your works are perfect, valid, true, and of yourselves, be forgiving
Your art informs, restores, explores, and it's what makes life worth living!
There are some who find the arts to be an inane waste of time
As though passion and creative heart might be some sort of crime
With love and understanding for our grim, pragmatic neighbors
Tonight we raise a glass and song to all creative labors!
Artists, you truly know this world is hard and cold and dark
And through your art defy the night with bright, unfailing spark
Beauty, truth, and insight are the tools with which you work
And in this inspired undertaking, you gift to life its worth
Here's to the poets, the painters, and singers
To the infinite journey, the masters, beginners
Here's to the jewelers, the sculptors, the writers
To the luminous dreamers, who make the world brighter
All those who endeavor to create, with your setbacks and success
Tonight we celebrate your path, and the gift that you possess
Your works are perfect, valid, true, and of yourselves, be forgiving
Your art informs, restores, explores, and it's what makes life worth living!
Written By Savio
Feb. 4, 2021, 9:10 p.m.(11/17/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Orland
As suggested by Orland in his recent white journal -- four questions to be considered, copied, and answered in the space of one's own white journal.
1. What is are you afraid of?
What I am afraid of is everything inside of me
That others will uncover it, and despise what they see
Whenever I am praised that fear is instantly induced
That wicked voice inside my head -- 'if they only knew the truth.'
2. What are your opinions on honor?
When I was a child, I could not face my fears
Father said I was a coward, and cuffed me round the ears
He said I had no honor, that an honorable man is strong
I came to understand myself as broken and made wrong
When I was a young man, I took off and sailed away
Left all that behind me and sought the dawn of a new day
I found out that I do have strength, though it's a struggle to face me
Honor is truth to my own self, oddly made though I might be.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
I could never tell you if I'm wrong, or if I'm right
But I know the darkest shadows are cast by the brightest light
There will be both ahead for me, and between, a rift
But I'm lucky to be anchored, and I don't fear the drift.
4. You can give one piece of advice who really needs advice to live by...what do you tell them.
Love will always hurt you, grief is its fondest friend
And everything that's precious will be broken in the end
To know the warmth of sunlight is to know that night falls soon
And it can be hard to bear the burden of that doom
But to fear the hurt and loss is to live just half a life
Without the joy to balance, what's the point of all this strife?
There's no escaping darkness, so find your light, hold fast
Love, and love so fully, and be grateful at the last.
1. What is are you afraid of?
What I am afraid of is everything inside of me
That others will uncover it, and despise what they see
Whenever I am praised that fear is instantly induced
That wicked voice inside my head -- 'if they only knew the truth.'
2. What are your opinions on honor?
When I was a child, I could not face my fears
Father said I was a coward, and cuffed me round the ears
He said I had no honor, that an honorable man is strong
I came to understand myself as broken and made wrong
When I was a young man, I took off and sailed away
Left all that behind me and sought the dawn of a new day
I found out that I do have strength, though it's a struggle to face me
Honor is truth to my own self, oddly made though I might be.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
I could never tell you if I'm wrong, or if I'm right
But I know the darkest shadows are cast by the brightest light
There will be both ahead for me, and between, a rift
But I'm lucky to be anchored, and I don't fear the drift.
4. You can give one piece of advice who really needs advice to live by...what do you tell them.
Love will always hurt you, grief is its fondest friend
And everything that's precious will be broken in the end
To know the warmth of sunlight is to know that night falls soon
And it can be hard to bear the burden of that doom
But to fear the hurt and loss is to live just half a life
Without the joy to balance, what's the point of all this strife?
There's no escaping darkness, so find your light, hold fast
Love, and love so fully, and be grateful at the last.
Written By Savio
Feb. 2, 2021, 7:27 p.m.(11/13/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Lore
Shadows of the Saffron: A Ballad, for a friend.
And of course, an obvious work of fiction and fantasy.
Far away in the Saffron Chain there are places maps can't find
Where the jungle's dense and the heat's intense and you might lose your mind
It's not a place for the faint of heart, and if you choose to go
Then be prepared to be a little bit scared, at what you might come to know
I'll tell you a story about our heroes fair, six of them at the fore:
Lovely clever Mirari, and the brave, well-traveled Lore
Lady Sunaia Ashford and the swordsman, our Lord Ian
Courageous Princess Adrienne, and Prince Aindre of the Grayson
They came to this bitter unknown edge looking for Arvani scouts
Explorers gone without a trace, no word, no whereabouts
The Chain is lovely, lush, and deep, and of its secrets, loathe to share
All those who step beneath the trees would do well to beware
The tangled trees were thick above but the jungle shared a clue
A bare footprint and the Princess asked, "How'd they lose a shoe?"
Lucky if that's all they'd lost, but the wild sets a snare
And the cursed forest asks a price of those who trespass there
Blood on the leaves and the birds in the trees were laughing overhead
Mocking our explorers as they found the bloody, broken, dead
An enemy Skal'dajan scout, so who could shed a tear --
Other than a sense of grave unease that some evil happened here?
Mirari climbed up into a tree, sure-footed, quick and strong
Only to quickly realize that something there was very wrong
'You fools, outsiders, sorry things,' the jungle seemed to say
'I will break you and unmake you, child, and you'll at my roots decay.'
Trapped as can be in a merciless tree, Mirari felt a sudden fall
Aiming to shatter her to pieces like a broken porcelain doll
It would have ended badly then, if not for the stunning speed of Lore!
And in the arms that broke the fall, a friendship there was forged
'Please let us pass, we mean no harm,' the Princess then beseeched
But the trees grew dark with ill intent, vines and thorns outreached
The Prince was trapped in the tangled grasp of a jungle seeking prey
Even after Ian cut him free, they knew it would mean death to stay
Another body bleeding fresh confirmed a forest on attack
And the escaping heroes scarcely stopped to grab its pack
All managed to escape and dodge (and Lore did it in style)
But persistent in their memories -- corruption, something vile.
Our friends were brought to safety as the way ahead made clear
And the contents of the purloined pack made up for all that fear
A bright sun and a cloudless sky soon soothed away the fall
And began to beg the question, did it happen at all?
Far away in the Saffron Chain there are places maps can't find
Where six brave explorers were temporarily entwined
With a darkness and a strangeness that only goes to show
That if you step beneath the trees, no telling what you'll come to know.
And of course, an obvious work of fiction and fantasy.
Far away in the Saffron Chain there are places maps can't find
Where the jungle's dense and the heat's intense and you might lose your mind
It's not a place for the faint of heart, and if you choose to go
Then be prepared to be a little bit scared, at what you might come to know
I'll tell you a story about our heroes fair, six of them at the fore:
Lovely clever Mirari, and the brave, well-traveled Lore
Lady Sunaia Ashford and the swordsman, our Lord Ian
Courageous Princess Adrienne, and Prince Aindre of the Grayson
They came to this bitter unknown edge looking for Arvani scouts
Explorers gone without a trace, no word, no whereabouts
The Chain is lovely, lush, and deep, and of its secrets, loathe to share
All those who step beneath the trees would do well to beware
The tangled trees were thick above but the jungle shared a clue
A bare footprint and the Princess asked, "How'd they lose a shoe?"
Lucky if that's all they'd lost, but the wild sets a snare
And the cursed forest asks a price of those who trespass there
Blood on the leaves and the birds in the trees were laughing overhead
Mocking our explorers as they found the bloody, broken, dead
An enemy Skal'dajan scout, so who could shed a tear --
Other than a sense of grave unease that some evil happened here?
Mirari climbed up into a tree, sure-footed, quick and strong
Only to quickly realize that something there was very wrong
'You fools, outsiders, sorry things,' the jungle seemed to say
'I will break you and unmake you, child, and you'll at my roots decay.'
Trapped as can be in a merciless tree, Mirari felt a sudden fall
Aiming to shatter her to pieces like a broken porcelain doll
It would have ended badly then, if not for the stunning speed of Lore!
And in the arms that broke the fall, a friendship there was forged
'Please let us pass, we mean no harm,' the Princess then beseeched
But the trees grew dark with ill intent, vines and thorns outreached
The Prince was trapped in the tangled grasp of a jungle seeking prey
Even after Ian cut him free, they knew it would mean death to stay
Another body bleeding fresh confirmed a forest on attack
And the escaping heroes scarcely stopped to grab its pack
All managed to escape and dodge (and Lore did it in style)
But persistent in their memories -- corruption, something vile.
Our friends were brought to safety as the way ahead made clear
And the contents of the purloined pack made up for all that fear
A bright sun and a cloudless sky soon soothed away the fall
And began to beg the question, did it happen at all?
Far away in the Saffron Chain there are places maps can't find
Where six brave explorers were temporarily entwined
With a darkness and a strangeness that only goes to show
That if you step beneath the trees, no telling what you'll come to know.
Written By Savio
Jan. 31, 2021, 5:31 p.m.(11/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Norah
What happy news, to hear my friends of House Eswynd have welcomed a child. Who doesn't love to hear about a new baby? Love. I love this for them. The Eswynd and Marquessa Norah have my happiest congratulations and I was glad to hear in my lord Haakon's proclamation that everyone's doing well.
A lullaby for Oksana Eswynd:
Welcome to the boundless world, splendid little one
All we know made new through you, a journey just begun
Come now and dry all your tears, within you is a line
Of brave, undaunted people who will teach you how to shine
You will know both light and dark, you will know joy and pain
And through this tribulation, child, steadfast you'll remain
Nothing can take this world from you, no hurt will dim your light
The wind cares not, and nor will you, a fire burning bright
You'll be unbroken through the storms, courageous, standing tall
And all those who act against you will know what it is to fall
You're a child of the Eswynd, the rocks, the sky, the sea
And all the hearts around you can't wait to know who you will be.
A lullaby for Oksana Eswynd:
Welcome to the boundless world, splendid little one
All we know made new through you, a journey just begun
Come now and dry all your tears, within you is a line
Of brave, undaunted people who will teach you how to shine
You will know both light and dark, you will know joy and pain
And through this tribulation, child, steadfast you'll remain
Nothing can take this world from you, no hurt will dim your light
The wind cares not, and nor will you, a fire burning bright
You'll be unbroken through the storms, courageous, standing tall
And all those who act against you will know what it is to fall
You're a child of the Eswynd, the rocks, the sky, the sea
And all the hearts around you can't wait to know who you will be.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.