Written By Vanora
Dec. 4, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(2/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliana
If you need an anchor, I'll be here for you. Strong and steadfast.
Written By Vanora
Dec. 3, 2018, 6:05 p.m.(2/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Turo
I believe that Count Turo Navegant will make a wonderful admiral for the Grim Fleet. His experience is invaluable, and his loyalty to House Grimhall proven several times over.
Written By Vanora
Dec. 1, 2018, 3:46 p.m.(2/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Turo
House Grimhall is trusting Count Navegant with a great deal. I know he will do us proud.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 23, 2018, 3:37 p.m.(1/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
I found this tucked into the blackwood box where he'd know that I or Valdemar would see it before long.
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My children,
Grimhall has been greater than any one man since our ancestor Grihem forged our family in steel and blood, centuries ago. In the days ahead, a strong House, guided by fiery youth and tempered by wisdom will serve our people better than the cold house of an old man.
I have no doubt that our people will prevail against the coming storm; you must not fear the sacrifices that victory will demand, for fear is the guardian of hate. In times of trial, know that my eye remains upon you. May you all grow greater than your father, and do deeds worthy of legend. Until we meet again beyond death, fare well and remain strong.
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He did not sign it, he did not need to.
Thank you for this.
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My children,
Grimhall has been greater than any one man since our ancestor Grihem forged our family in steel and blood, centuries ago. In the days ahead, a strong House, guided by fiery youth and tempered by wisdom will serve our people better than the cold house of an old man.
I have no doubt that our people will prevail against the coming storm; you must not fear the sacrifices that victory will demand, for fear is the guardian of hate. In times of trial, know that my eye remains upon you. May you all grow greater than your father, and do deeds worthy of legend. Until we meet again beyond death, fare well and remain strong.
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He did not sign it, he did not need to.
Thank you for this.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
I know you will be what he was teaching you to be. What the people of Grihem's Point need you to be. Challenging the worth of what time puts in front of you. Remembering what, and who, came before.
Cast as great a shadow, may your sons one day consider it just as daunting.
We'll see his saga written, and then you will continue to do the deeds that will be written in your own.
Nothing would please him more than to look on your saga with jealousy.
Cast as great a shadow, may your sons one day consider it just as daunting.
We'll see his saga written, and then you will continue to do the deeds that will be written in your own.
Nothing would please him more than to look on your saga with jealousy.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 9:57 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Let those who would remember him remember other battles he has fought and understand that this, the one that finally took him from us, was no different.
I used to jest now and again that the Grim Duke would outlive us all, and I believed it truly. I did not expect to see him pass until way unto middle age myself, he seemed larger than life. Invincible. And he must have been both of those for all the tales of his heroics to be true.
In the caves once fighting began he charged into the fray a man possessed. I cannot guess what thoughts went through his head, though likely they touched upon clashing weapons with foes he'd challenged before. I am told that the Grim Duke looked his death in the eye long before the caves, long before I knew him. He called his death by name once and came out the other side. Now I wonder. If he intended one way or another to go back, if once a person has seen their death, chosen it, named it....it chooses a person right back.
I know what many do not, what he spoke of only seldom and only if you were truly listening for it. That he, like most Grimhalls he would claim, did not wish to die an old man in his bed, even surrounded by peace and love and family. There was only one 'good death' and it came at the sword, the axe, the knife, or the choke of the sea. That he would have a story that made his ancestors jealous. Are they now? I hope so, for he died as brave and Grim as any who have come before him. Yet there is something of the work left unfinished. A legacy that even in death, or perhaps especially in death, he passes on to his sons and grandsons.
I used to jest now and again that the Grim Duke would outlive us all, and I believed it truly. I did not expect to see him pass until way unto middle age myself, he seemed larger than life. Invincible. And he must have been both of those for all the tales of his heroics to be true.
In the caves once fighting began he charged into the fray a man possessed. I cannot guess what thoughts went through his head, though likely they touched upon clashing weapons with foes he'd challenged before. I am told that the Grim Duke looked his death in the eye long before the caves, long before I knew him. He called his death by name once and came out the other side. Now I wonder. If he intended one way or another to go back, if once a person has seen their death, chosen it, named it....it chooses a person right back.
I know what many do not, what he spoke of only seldom and only if you were truly listening for it. That he, like most Grimhalls he would claim, did not wish to die an old man in his bed, even surrounded by peace and love and family. There was only one 'good death' and it came at the sword, the axe, the knife, or the choke of the sea. That he would have a story that made his ancestors jealous. Are they now? I hope so, for he died as brave and Grim as any who have come before him. Yet there is something of the work left unfinished. A legacy that even in death, or perhaps especially in death, he passes on to his sons and grandsons.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 9:45 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
I am doing all that I can to be who I am supposed to be in this moment. Stoic and Grim as the traditions and expectations of this house demand. Supportive and patient as I give my husband, his siblings and cousins, and all the other members of this very extended family the room they need to grieve. That I have grieving of my own to do seems especially selfish considering. So I will indulge it here and no where else.
The Grim Duke is dead. He and I had a complicated relationship from the first, one that only grew more so as time went on, and yet by the end he was father to me as well. Not the way he was to Valdemar, nor Ingrid...but he loved me the way a man might his daughter-in-law, the mother to his first grandsons who will carry the name Grimhall with them. He taught me so much, and between us by the end there was affection and respect. I wished for so much more time. There are still so many things I don't know and will never know about him. I wanted very much for him to be there as the boys grew up...for I've never met a man who loves children the way Harald Grimhall did...save perhaps his eldest son.
I mourn in quiet, where my grief cannot distract from those who have lost something more. Yet I mourn him too, and would have all who ever read my whites know this. I'd do anything to have him back here with us, to have spent another ten years, or twenty, learning all that was and would be expected of me. I've lost a father, a teacher, a powerful opposing force and an even more powerful ally.
Thank you for this, Harald. For making me a part of this family, and insisting that at least among ourselves I was never anything less.
We will honor your legacy a dozen different ways, over and over again.
The Grim Duke is dead. He and I had a complicated relationship from the first, one that only grew more so as time went on, and yet by the end he was father to me as well. Not the way he was to Valdemar, nor Ingrid...but he loved me the way a man might his daughter-in-law, the mother to his first grandsons who will carry the name Grimhall with them. He taught me so much, and between us by the end there was affection and respect. I wished for so much more time. There are still so many things I don't know and will never know about him. I wanted very much for him to be there as the boys grew up...for I've never met a man who loves children the way Harald Grimhall did...save perhaps his eldest son.
I mourn in quiet, where my grief cannot distract from those who have lost something more. Yet I mourn him too, and would have all who ever read my whites know this. I'd do anything to have him back here with us, to have spent another ten years, or twenty, learning all that was and would be expected of me. I've lost a father, a teacher, a powerful opposing force and an even more powerful ally.
Thank you for this, Harald. For making me a part of this family, and insisting that at least among ourselves I was never anything less.
We will honor your legacy a dozen different ways, over and over again.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 8, 2018, 11:39 p.m.(12/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Zacharie
I've heard that my father has come to Arx.
Lovely.
Lovely.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 7, 2018, 2:01 p.m.(12/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lore
Oh my apologies! I did not realize that the entry we were discussing referred to thirteen kingdoms of Eurus. I thought the author was speaking of Eurus as one of thirteen other kingdoms.
I'll read with more precision before commenting I'm sure. Thank you for pointing out the error.
I'll read with more precision before commenting I'm sure. Thank you for pointing out the error.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 6, 2018, 12:55 p.m.(12/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Perhaps there are 12 to leave room for dreams. The Thirteenth Kingdom is the one that does not yet exist.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 2, 2018, 3:37 p.m.(12/3/1009 AR)
I have no words to describe the Eclipse of Mirrors this week eloquently in the Whites, though I feel like as Second Reflection I ought offer up my own reflection on both the evenings events in particular and all of the lessons we consider, pray on, and ponder during the Holy Feast of the Thirteenth.
I must ask for time to consider before I write for the public to read.
For now I leave it with that though His presence is felt more deeply on that night than any other for most, know that Tehom is always among us. He sees the sins we try to hide. He also offers us a path to better ourselves should we deign to seek out those sins in the Reflection, to commit to rise above our darkest impulses.
He offers said path brighter during the Bloodmoon, yet always. Seekers and supplicants looking to find it should begin in the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
With open minds.
I must ask for time to consider before I write for the public to read.
For now I leave it with that though His presence is felt more deeply on that night than any other for most, know that Tehom is always among us. He sees the sins we try to hide. He also offers us a path to better ourselves should we deign to seek out those sins in the Reflection, to commit to rise above our darkest impulses.
He offers said path brighter during the Bloodmoon, yet always. Seekers and supplicants looking to find it should begin in the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
With open minds.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 25, 2018, 8:47 a.m.(11/15/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
Because those are better held on Mondays right?
Written By Vanora
Oct. 25, 2018, 8:43 a.m.(11/14/1009 AR)
Often in times when people need comfort they go to Mirrormasks to get it, especially comfort involving grief and loss. Before the Queen of Endings was known to us again, it was Tehoms own who often performed funeral rites. I never did, though I witnessed many others.
Yet in times when I too have felt the loss, even if not as deeply as many others, I often need time to process, to meditate, to think on my own before I can be of much use.
Yet in times when I too have felt the loss, even if not as deeply as many others, I often need time to process, to meditate, to think on my own before I can be of much use.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Since we are facing a new threat and updating everything, my own will ought be recorded.
Should I fall, my wedding ring is to be upon my body.
My stygian ring, commissioned by Valdemar as a wedding gift, goes to my son Arkyn Grimhall, that he might give it to his own wife one day.
My dawnstone ring, another gift from my husband, goes to Antony Grimhall for the same purpose.
A set of black Stormward pearls and earrings gifted from Ford Kennex go to Darion Kennex, with a similar story.
The rest of my jewels are to be given to House Grimhall to distribute or dispose of as they please.
My gowns go to Lady Ingrid Grimhall.
I humbly ask Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa and Archduke Talen Velenosa to keep an eye out for all three of my sons. To tell them stories of their mother, good or bad. Duchess Belladonna Pravus and Princess Isolde Velenosa may surely assist in this task. My sons will need First Liars even more without me to help guide them.
My black journals may be released to my sons when they are fourteen years of age. Beyond that they are to remain sealed.
By my hand,
Lady Vanora Grimhall
Should I fall, my wedding ring is to be upon my body.
My stygian ring, commissioned by Valdemar as a wedding gift, goes to my son Arkyn Grimhall, that he might give it to his own wife one day.
My dawnstone ring, another gift from my husband, goes to Antony Grimhall for the same purpose.
A set of black Stormward pearls and earrings gifted from Ford Kennex go to Darion Kennex, with a similar story.
The rest of my jewels are to be given to House Grimhall to distribute or dispose of as they please.
My gowns go to Lady Ingrid Grimhall.
I humbly ask Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa and Archduke Talen Velenosa to keep an eye out for all three of my sons. To tell them stories of their mother, good or bad. Duchess Belladonna Pravus and Princess Isolde Velenosa may surely assist in this task. My sons will need First Liars even more without me to help guide them.
My black journals may be released to my sons when they are fourteen years of age. Beyond that they are to remain sealed.
By my hand,
Lady Vanora Grimhall
Written By Vanora
Oct. 13, 2018, 6:30 p.m.(10/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
My beloved cousin.
We have all of this in hand. And one another's backs as well. Lets become bolder for it.
We have all of this in hand. And one another's backs as well. Lets become bolder for it.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 6, 2018, 7:49 p.m.(9/24/1009 AR)
A Dirge for the Happy Home
The doors shut tight, the hearthfire's roar
Within the quiet of a happy home.
They settle to sleep, young ones snore,
Ghosts of children gone no longer roam.
A father, dutiful and grim,
No longer lets in that pain.
One year, one son, one daughter, no hymn
The losses will come again
These men born to seek the 'good death'
To fall in battle brave and in their prime.
To outlive one's children, to see a last breath,
It is to lose the very game of time.
Dirge of the Happy Home. V. Grimhall 9/24/1009
The doors shut tight, the hearthfire's roar
Within the quiet of a happy home.
They settle to sleep, young ones snore,
Ghosts of children gone no longer roam.
A father, dutiful and grim,
No longer lets in that pain.
One year, one son, one daughter, no hymn
The losses will come again
These men born to seek the 'good death'
To fall in battle brave and in their prime.
To outlive one's children, to see a last breath,
It is to lose the very game of time.
Dirge of the Happy Home. V. Grimhall 9/24/1009
Written By Vanora
Oct. 3, 2018, 5:49 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)
Maybe it is the season.
I've heard these endless warm days wear us out towards the end of summer. Have us slipping too quickly and too easily into the darkest of our passions without demanding they be examined and not merely indulged in.
Find something you can set aside for a day perhaps, see how different you yourself become. Give up envy, or greed perhaps...give up vanity or pride. What do you look like then? What do you wish you looked like?
I've heard these endless warm days wear us out towards the end of summer. Have us slipping too quickly and too easily into the darkest of our passions without demanding they be examined and not merely indulged in.
Find something you can set aside for a day perhaps, see how different you yourself become. Give up envy, or greed perhaps...give up vanity or pride. What do you look like then? What do you wish you looked like?
Written By Vanora
Sept. 26, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(9/4/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I don't believe I ever stated that self-reflection ought be the entire focus of one's time and attentions.
Given my experiences among the Mirrormasks I'm not sure that everyone /does/ get it. Discussions and debates like this are also part of Tehom's dogma. I consider engaging in them both my privilege and my duty, but there is no expectation that everyone feel the same.
The fact is, He knows each and every one of us down to the marrow. Whether we wish Him to or not may concern us, but I have studied no doctrines that suggest it concerns Him.
Given my experiences among the Mirrormasks I'm not sure that everyone /does/ get it. Discussions and debates like this are also part of Tehom's dogma. I consider engaging in them both my privilege and my duty, but there is no expectation that everyone feel the same.
The fact is, He knows each and every one of us down to the marrow. Whether we wish Him to or not may concern us, but I have studied no doctrines that suggest it concerns Him.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 26, 2018, 12:53 p.m.(9/4/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
It's a fine enough analogy. Assuming that the fire represents the potential within the self of every human. It is not Him.
From there though, we might also acknowledge how very quickly any contained flame might grow out of hand.
Thus the only real hope of safety is paying extremely close attention, as the Thirteenth teaches us all.
From there though, we might also acknowledge how very quickly any contained flame might grow out of hand.
Thus the only real hope of safety is paying extremely close attention, as the Thirteenth teaches us all.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 26, 2018, 12:48 p.m.(9/4/1009 AR)
If one is looking for an example as to why self-examination serves us /all/, consider the Crusade of Shattered Mirrors. There were plenty who then, and perhaps plenty now, who believed that the violence, the destruction of knowledge, and even an assassination were the path of righteousness. Regardless of whether they were correct or otherwise...some very dark acts were considered necessary and important, and thus committed by those who felt themselves chivalrous people.
If one can gain no other wisdom through Tehom, perhaps it might be this: We are the true danger to ourselves. We can choose how to mitigate that, if we choose to at all.
If one can gain no other wisdom through Tehom, perhaps it might be this: We are the true danger to ourselves. We can choose how to mitigate that, if we choose to at all.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.