Written By Teagan
Oct. 22, 2019, 10:01 a.m.(1/22/1012 AR)
I am someone who never wants to stop learning.
And yet there are some things that cannot be forgotten. Some books that cannot be closed.
And yet there are some things that cannot be forgotten. Some books that cannot be closed.
Written By Shard
Oct. 22, 2019, 6:31 a.m.(1/22/1012 AR)
One time, when I was around fourteen, the master hunter of our tribe took me with him to track wolves. We spent two days following the trail of a moderately sized pack, sleeping in snow hollows and always staying downwind of where their tracks were leading us. When we finally caught up with them, they, in turn, had caught up with an enormous white bear (or perhaps the bear had found them instead). For anyone who has never actually seen one of these bears, you must understand that they are larger, and meaner, than any other bear on Arvum. They will eat anything if they are hungry enough; wolves, humans, caribou, seals, it doesn't matter.
We expected the wolves to run, but the wolves were hungry too. So instead they circled the bear, and at the master hunter's direction, we both climbed a tree downwind of them all to watch.
Every time the bear would turn to face a wolf, that wolf would turn and run, and every time the bear attempted to chase it, a wolf behind it would rush up and tear at its back and rear. When the bear turned to face that second wolf, it would run, and the wolf it had just been chasing would turn and attack. Sometimes a wolf would grow tired, and drop just a few feet out of the fight to watch and rest, while the rest of the pack continued to harry the bear.
This went on for an hour. Maybe two. Eventually the bear simply tried to run away, but by that time it had grown so damned tired and so damned bloody that the entire pack could attack it at once without much risk, and drag it down to the snow for good.
We climbed out of the tree then, and followed our own tracks away from the kill. After we'd spent some time confusing our trail, the master hunter told me that we were going home, because we'd seen what he'd brought me out on that trip to see. "When you hunt," he said, "when you fight, be the wolf, and not the bear. The bear is large, and powerful, and knows no one can challenge him, so he'll always be surprised when someone does, and always be certain he can win until he doesn't. The wolf knows his own weaknesses, and those of his father and mother, brothers and sisters. He knows when to stand, and when to run, and isn't afraid to do either, but most importantly, he knows just when to turn around and bite his enemy in the ass."
We expected the wolves to run, but the wolves were hungry too. So instead they circled the bear, and at the master hunter's direction, we both climbed a tree downwind of them all to watch.
Every time the bear would turn to face a wolf, that wolf would turn and run, and every time the bear attempted to chase it, a wolf behind it would rush up and tear at its back and rear. When the bear turned to face that second wolf, it would run, and the wolf it had just been chasing would turn and attack. Sometimes a wolf would grow tired, and drop just a few feet out of the fight to watch and rest, while the rest of the pack continued to harry the bear.
This went on for an hour. Maybe two. Eventually the bear simply tried to run away, but by that time it had grown so damned tired and so damned bloody that the entire pack could attack it at once without much risk, and drag it down to the snow for good.
We climbed out of the tree then, and followed our own tracks away from the kill. After we'd spent some time confusing our trail, the master hunter told me that we were going home, because we'd seen what he'd brought me out on that trip to see. "When you hunt," he said, "when you fight, be the wolf, and not the bear. The bear is large, and powerful, and knows no one can challenge him, so he'll always be surprised when someone does, and always be certain he can win until he doesn't. The wolf knows his own weaknesses, and those of his father and mother, brothers and sisters. He knows when to stand, and when to run, and isn't afraid to do either, but most importantly, he knows just when to turn around and bite his enemy in the ass."
Written By Catalana
Oct. 22, 2019, 6:17 a.m.(1/22/1012 AR)
I was injured the other night. The stacks fell and I was almost crushed. Today I am black and blue and ache everywhere. Cerilla Won't leave my side, neither will Wash. It sometimes takes an accident to remind you how beloved you are and how blessed you are.
Thank you to those who came to my aid when the stacks fells on top of me. Thank you for those who healed me, and took care of my battered body at Solace house. Thank you to those who sent me well wishes. And thank you to my family who held my hands over the last few days. I am stronger for having all of you in my life.
Thank you to those who came to my aid when the stacks fells on top of me. Thank you for those who healed me, and took care of my battered body at Solace house. Thank you to those who sent me well wishes. And thank you to my family who held my hands over the last few days. I am stronger for having all of you in my life.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 21, 2019, 11:32 p.m.(1/21/1012 AR)
Lambs are innocent, new and soft and sweet as any fresh springtime. Straying from their mother's side, a lamb bleats with curiosity - and outrage, for the world is huge, and its pasture is small. Its fine pink nose lifts to test the air, and the mother sheep watches it without concern, for the shepherd protects her, and watches her, and guards her from harm.
Its brother lambs frolic on the green, and bleat in terror at the first sign of snow, for this is their first winter, and they have never experienced the cold. But the shepherd with his crook can herd them back into the pasture, and through the pasture to the barn, where they may shelter from the winter.
Yet here is a curious lamb, and innocent, and he sees that the world is wide. He frolics on the edges of the pasture, leaving marks in the snow for predators that lurk. His bleats sound luring to the other lambs, and some of them paw at the gate, and batter their baby skulls against the barn door because they wish to wander out into the blizzard to play with their brother.
But the cold has sunk into his bones, and his lips and nose are raw with it, and disease foams his mouth.
And there are wolves in the dark.
Its brother lambs frolic on the green, and bleat in terror at the first sign of snow, for this is their first winter, and they have never experienced the cold. But the shepherd with his crook can herd them back into the pasture, and through the pasture to the barn, where they may shelter from the winter.
Yet here is a curious lamb, and innocent, and he sees that the world is wide. He frolics on the edges of the pasture, leaving marks in the snow for predators that lurk. His bleats sound luring to the other lambs, and some of them paw at the gate, and batter their baby skulls against the barn door because they wish to wander out into the blizzard to play with their brother.
But the cold has sunk into his bones, and his lips and nose are raw with it, and disease foams his mouth.
And there are wolves in the dark.
Written By Elloise
Oct. 21, 2019, 9:22 p.m.(1/21/1012 AR)
...Oh my, I've been promoted to Admiral. Lots to learn!
Written By Rosalind
Oct. 21, 2019, 9:12 p.m.(1/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aella
We are not! You love us! Is that 6, 7, and 8 I see?! I bet that one is Triton and Cadern and Cadern!
Written By Thea
Oct. 21, 2019, 7:33 p.m.(1/21/1012 AR)
Palania-You will always be my first and favorite. We wont ever tell the others. I helped deliver you. I helped bring you into this world.
Aahana-I don't have sisters, but you turned into one the moment you entered our family.
Everything will be made right. Justice will be served for our family.
Aahana-I don't have sisters, but you turned into one the moment you entered our family.
Everything will be made right. Justice will be served for our family.
Written By Fianna
Oct. 21, 2019, 5:15 p.m.(1/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Svoli
I regret that our partnership did not get a chance to begin. You taught me a valuable lesson and it is one that I will never forget.
Written By Monique
Oct. 21, 2019, 3:41 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Sometimes the way is lost. Sometimes, instead of helping those we should be helping, we think the stick is better than the carrot. But peace cannot be kept indefinitely by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. And too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, of compassion, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
After a particularly unfortunate quarrel with my tutor, I went to my father to complain, to ask for a new teacher, but he taught me a lesson of his own. He said to me, "Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?" Common human understanding, learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins.
After a particularly unfortunate quarrel with my tutor, I went to my father to complain, to ask for a new teacher, but he taught me a lesson of his own. He said to me, "Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?" Common human understanding, learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins.
Written By Evaristo
Oct. 21, 2019, 3:18 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
The house warming party was just as nice as I hoped it would be. Good friends showing up, bringing extraordinary and thoughtful gifts, their best cheerful behaviour and a party spirit.
Looking forward to many more parties in the house!
Looking forward to many more parties in the house!
Written By Aureth
Oct. 21, 2019, 2:45 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Unity is not in itself a virtue. Unity, alone, encourages yielding to your neighbor's thoughts or falling into the trap of thinking as a group rather than as an individual.
Do not yield to unity. Embrace your own thoughts and your own personal freedom within behavior that adheres to the structure and sense of society.
Do not yield to unity. Embrace your own thoughts and your own personal freedom within behavior that adheres to the structure and sense of society.
Written By Arik
Oct. 21, 2019, 1:46 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
I have been informed by the sentries that you escaped your rooms with letters yet unanswered. The guard has been doubled and the apricot pastries have been halved. You know that House Halfshav cannot have its Voice doing such enjoyable things as social outings!
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 21, 2019, 1:41 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Sadly you can not be my protege, cousin, though that may be a good thing - you can ask Lord Aethan about the rainbow basket and other cheerful gifts I would send him.
I have every plan on taking you up on kicking my ass! I will not pose much of a challenge but I suspect it will still be a great deal of fun. At the very least, it'll be an excuse to go out afterward for a drink.
I have every plan on taking you up on kicking my ass! I will not pose much of a challenge but I suspect it will still be a great deal of fun. At the very least, it'll be an excuse to go out afterward for a drink.
Written By Josephine
Oct. 21, 2019, 1:25 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
I'm standing in my shop, cataloging pieces in the front and I get distracted by the lack of noise from my forge. All the gems and metals, half finished pieces gone. There's no gentle hum or joyful refrain if I should enter. It's not the same, and it's odd. Discomforting.
Written By Miranda
Oct. 21, 2019, 12:38 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aahana
Aahan: We knew each other for a very short time, but in that time, I felt I'd become a good, close friend. Almost sisterly. Your loss is felt farther than you may know and deeper than expected.
Palania: At 9 months, you were too young. WAY too young. You'll never know the man your father is and that grieves me. He'll never know the woman you were to become and it breaks my heart.
What happened isn't right. What happened shouldn't be wished upon anyone, let alone acted upon.
I say this prayer every night and hope for strength:
May the Queen of Endings guide both of you to peace.
May Lagoma heal us through these terrible days, weeks, months... years.. of grief.
May Gloria give our sword-arm strength and our minds wise with strategy as we proceed with the inevitable.
May Vellichor help us to understand this if we ever can.
May Limerance renew our faith in marriage and family, so that we do not fear to have our own and facing such pain again.
May Sentinel guide us righteously and keep us focused so that we do not fall to the darkness threatening to consume us.
May Gild watch over us to keep us civilized so that we, too, do not become savage and destroy all in our path, just because we're angry.
May Skald guide our choices so that we are not careless and reckless.
And lastly, may we not turn into the dark version of ourselves in our time of grief. May we come out of this better for it, better for having known Lady Aahana Malvici and little Lady Palania Malvici.
May Domonico find joy and light in the memories of his beloved wife and daughter.
May Martino and Thea find peace at the loss of their sister-by-marriage and niece.
May Malvici recover stronger, renewed.
May all those suffering from this loss, including House Fidante and friends and family of Volkov, find strength and stay on the path of light.
May this tragedy never happen again.
Amen.
Palania: At 9 months, you were too young. WAY too young. You'll never know the man your father is and that grieves me. He'll never know the woman you were to become and it breaks my heart.
What happened isn't right. What happened shouldn't be wished upon anyone, let alone acted upon.
I say this prayer every night and hope for strength:
May the Queen of Endings guide both of you to peace.
May Lagoma heal us through these terrible days, weeks, months... years.. of grief.
May Gloria give our sword-arm strength and our minds wise with strategy as we proceed with the inevitable.
May Vellichor help us to understand this if we ever can.
May Limerance renew our faith in marriage and family, so that we do not fear to have our own and facing such pain again.
May Sentinel guide us righteously and keep us focused so that we do not fall to the darkness threatening to consume us.
May Gild watch over us to keep us civilized so that we, too, do not become savage and destroy all in our path, just because we're angry.
May Skald guide our choices so that we are not careless and reckless.
And lastly, may we not turn into the dark version of ourselves in our time of grief. May we come out of this better for it, better for having known Lady Aahana Malvici and little Lady Palania Malvici.
May Domonico find joy and light in the memories of his beloved wife and daughter.
May Martino and Thea find peace at the loss of their sister-by-marriage and niece.
May Malvici recover stronger, renewed.
May all those suffering from this loss, including House Fidante and friends and family of Volkov, find strength and stay on the path of light.
May this tragedy never happen again.
Amen.
Written By Delilah
Oct. 21, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
If you might learn of history,
What passions it could teach you.
What passions it could teach you.
Written By Elisha
Oct. 21, 2019, 12:02 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
The weight of winter
lies upon rooftops
canted and peaked
and precarious
after a heavy snow.
An angled avalanche
awaits your daughter's laughter
or my mother's call
or the graceful flow
of a seraph's sleeve
beneath the weight of winter lies.
lies upon rooftops
canted and peaked
and precarious
after a heavy snow.
An angled avalanche
awaits your daughter's laughter
or my mother's call
or the graceful flow
of a seraph's sleeve
beneath the weight of winter lies.
Written By Preston
Oct. 21, 2019, 10:35 a.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
The Compact can defend its own - but to defend, you must first know and recognise you are under attack. That we seem poor at. But it is difficult to claim we cannot defend ourselves when our armies sit in their barracks. If the Dominus tells us to go and crush those behind this attack, if he points the Templars at a target? If he tells me to muster all our forces, to do whatever we must? I need only send 5 messengers to Maelstrom, to Sanctum, to Lenosia, to Farhaven and to Bastion. They will in turn send messengers out with the Solace to each major parish, who will in turn notify every minor parish. I have sent no such messengers, we have received no such command. But do not mistake the current lack of action for a lack of potential or power, Master Vincenzo. Keep the faith with your brothers and sisters of the Compact, and do not write off their prowess before they have even lifted sword from scabbard.
Written By Ras
Oct. 21, 2019, 8:46 a.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
Some things you understand only if you've been in the shadow of the upper city your whole life. And if you ain't a bootlicker.
And some things you can't post in the Whites cuz people you love could be hurt. Hurt by what's below, or by what's above. But sometimes they'll be hurt either way.
Eli's poems aren't prophecies or anythin stupid like that. If you know what they're about, you know what they're about. If you don't, you're not payin enough attention.
I wasn't, until just a couple weeks ago. Thought they were just kinda made-up stories with pretty words that were just fun and crazy. I said he's gotta stop sendin em to the Whites and just send em to friends instead, cuz of some advice from a smart apprentice Whisper.
So, the duchess of thieves poem got to me in a letter.
That's when I knew. It was selfish to tell him to keep his shit secret, and I told him so. That poem's a reflection of the story of Wisdom and Woe. If you wanna hear more, then find me. Probably in the Lowers.
And some things you can't post in the Whites cuz people you love could be hurt. Hurt by what's below, or by what's above. But sometimes they'll be hurt either way.
Eli's poems aren't prophecies or anythin stupid like that. If you know what they're about, you know what they're about. If you don't, you're not payin enough attention.
I wasn't, until just a couple weeks ago. Thought they were just kinda made-up stories with pretty words that were just fun and crazy. I said he's gotta stop sendin em to the Whites and just send em to friends instead, cuz of some advice from a smart apprentice Whisper.
So, the duchess of thieves poem got to me in a letter.
That's when I knew. It was selfish to tell him to keep his shit secret, and I told him so. That poem's a reflection of the story of Wisdom and Woe. If you wanna hear more, then find me. Probably in the Lowers.
Written By Martino
Oct. 21, 2019, 6:43 a.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
While the words will ring as perhaps harsh to some, I do agree that they must form the thoughts by some of the future Shav'arvani and likely why we saw that sudden appearance a few months ago of a foreign power within the Compact's borders.
It is why, at testing times, where there is unity there is always victory.
It is why, at testing times, where there is unity there is always victory.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.