Written By Edward
Oct. 20, 2019, 11:46 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
What happened at Volkov Woods is an interesting case for military study. With lots of possibilities there is one that stands out to me, given the rumors that are being spoken of.
If it was done by a military force and one of a size enough to overcome all the House soldiery and wipe out an entire noble family; it would have had to have considerable local help and have been hidden among the locals to disappear so effectively.
I think this is one of the ways that could be explained why other military patrols never encountered a hostile forces.
If it was done by a military force and one of a size enough to overcome all the House soldiery and wipe out an entire noble family; it would have had to have considerable local help and have been hidden among the locals to disappear so effectively.
I think this is one of the ways that could be explained why other military patrols never encountered a hostile forces.
Written By Edward
Oct. 20, 2019, 11:26 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
Loyalty given, loyalty rewarded, thank you Duke Grimhall. I do not regret the decision for the House. Our path will be better off.
Written By Miranda
Oct. 20, 2019, 11 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
I was recently told:
You do not have to cry alone.
... My heart has broken for your loss.
... There are no words to express my grief on the loss of your wife and daughter.
Just remember...
You do not have to cry alone.
You do not have to cry alone.
... My heart has broken for your loss.
... There are no words to express my grief on the loss of your wife and daughter.
Just remember...
You do not have to cry alone.
Written By Preston
Oct. 20, 2019, 10:11 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
There is talk of winter, and whether people like or dislike it. But winter has another meaning. It is a time when campaigns are largely at a pause. When our armies largely are at rest. Whether one hates or likes the snow, the rest it usually signifies might be welcome. Though, it makes the attack on Volkov more surprising - moving large armies in the cold, when food is sparse.
Written By Lora
Oct. 20, 2019, 9:15 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ruslan
Foolish is the man who does not carefully weigh the cost of so great a decision as you made.
It breaks my heart to know we were not there when you needed us most.
How do we set it right?
It breaks my heart to know we were not there when you needed us most.
How do we set it right?
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 20, 2019, 8:12 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
In my first few months of living in Arx, I would sometimes go to the training center to keep what little I recalled of my spear lessons fresh in mind. I had trouble finding partners willing to, for lack of better phrasing, fully attempt to kick my ass. It was frustrating, to say the least, as I am not opposed to being knocked down; it is not an embarrassment but and opportunity to improve.
Lord Aethan Kennex happened to be in the training center one of those time and did not hold back whatsoever when we sparred. I learned everything I grew to like and respect about him in that moment: a man of conviction, of honestly, and someone who doesn't dance around things when they need to be done. His reputation as a skilled naval leader coupled with that first impression are what lead me to offer my patronage. I was extremely pleased, and even a little surprised, that he accepted.
An odd pairing, some might have thought, but I think we complimented each other well and actually had a bit in common. We are both fiercely loyal to our families, and spend much of our time trying to better the lives of our people. It was an honor to be invited to assist in the endeavors to grow House Kennex. To be trusted with something of such importance as a bit of an outsider and, at the time, rather green diplomat, is something I will always be humbled by. House Redrain is fortunate for his invaluable insights and assistance as well, as he has always been quick to throw in on my own endeavors.
More than that, I found a true friend and confidant in Lord Aethan beyond our formal relationship. His advice is like our turn in the training center: quick, honest, and to the point. I never worry that he will try to soften his opinion on matters to please me, because that is simply not who he is. It is why I admire him as much as I do.
While we may no longer be patron and protege, I am so proud and thrilled for the elevation he and his family worked so hard to achieve. I very much look forward to our future years as friends and allies and only hope he will still humor me with the occasional invitations to tea.
Lord Aethan Kennex happened to be in the training center one of those time and did not hold back whatsoever when we sparred. I learned everything I grew to like and respect about him in that moment: a man of conviction, of honestly, and someone who doesn't dance around things when they need to be done. His reputation as a skilled naval leader coupled with that first impression are what lead me to offer my patronage. I was extremely pleased, and even a little surprised, that he accepted.
An odd pairing, some might have thought, but I think we complimented each other well and actually had a bit in common. We are both fiercely loyal to our families, and spend much of our time trying to better the lives of our people. It was an honor to be invited to assist in the endeavors to grow House Kennex. To be trusted with something of such importance as a bit of an outsider and, at the time, rather green diplomat, is something I will always be humbled by. House Redrain is fortunate for his invaluable insights and assistance as well, as he has always been quick to throw in on my own endeavors.
More than that, I found a true friend and confidant in Lord Aethan beyond our formal relationship. His advice is like our turn in the training center: quick, honest, and to the point. I never worry that he will try to soften his opinion on matters to please me, because that is simply not who he is. It is why I admire him as much as I do.
While we may no longer be patron and protege, I am so proud and thrilled for the elevation he and his family worked so hard to achieve. I very much look forward to our future years as friends and allies and only hope he will still humor me with the occasional invitations to tea.
Written By Shard
Oct. 20, 2019, 6:10 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
There isn't a sullen thug or spoiled child in Arx that can't lie their asses off on a whim either, and yet you keep showing it off. If as many people have hit you for as long as you've said, it's amazing that you're still acting like a martyr over a single sock to the jaw.
I told you to keep my stories out of your fucking mouth. I told you my scars aren't yours to play with. You decided to do it and do it to my face, and now, because you're so terribly proud of it, to put it down on paper so the people who keep following you around and somehow believe the bullshit that comes out of your smarmy hole will think you have some deep insight they just can't understand. You decided you could lay a claim on what's personal, and what's mine.
No.
I don't bow to statues, or prophecies. Your single trick is old, and I've seen it from half a dozen others before.
I told you to keep my stories out of your fucking mouth. I told you my scars aren't yours to play with. You decided to do it and do it to my face, and now, because you're so terribly proud of it, to put it down on paper so the people who keep following you around and somehow believe the bullshit that comes out of your smarmy hole will think you have some deep insight they just can't understand. You decided you could lay a claim on what's personal, and what's mine.
No.
I don't bow to statues, or prophecies. Your single trick is old, and I've seen it from half a dozen others before.
Written By Sirius
Oct. 20, 2019, 5:10 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
The days are fraught when the most recent logging of white journals belie less-than-white words--black words; words of blood and rote promises; of death and untrammeled wanton; of Kings and Queens, allegorized into virtues both good and bad, to prove a point of shallow meaning. I cannot speak for that one's supposed savagery, nor how noble your intentions could hope to be, but here lies a situation I've experienced much amongst my troops- an opportunity, you see, for a tontine--a pledge, so that you too can find peace with one another.
I ask that distance's made. For your sake, hers, to leave her be. And I assure you, she'll be glad to make a trade; to side with the idea of not assaulting you and daring upon your life.
Here come us, the learned, to lecture--to criticize and demand - always the citizens of the Compact come scold the bloodthirsty Prodigal! A tale and happening as old as the very origin of their name. Pay heed to your sense, and this bit of my own I'm prostrating for you, and leave each other be.
As a last addition: Your rhymes and ditties, too, are beautiful. The way they're laced with anecdote and recital make them even more so inspiring, so it's of good to us all your art's preserved by not corkscrewing like a cetacean into certain death.
I ask that distance's made. For your sake, hers, to leave her be. And I assure you, she'll be glad to make a trade; to side with the idea of not assaulting you and daring upon your life.
Here come us, the learned, to lecture--to criticize and demand - always the citizens of the Compact come scold the bloodthirsty Prodigal! A tale and happening as old as the very origin of their name. Pay heed to your sense, and this bit of my own I'm prostrating for you, and leave each other be.
As a last addition: Your rhymes and ditties, too, are beautiful. The way they're laced with anecdote and recital make them even more so inspiring, so it's of good to us all your art's preserved by not corkscrewing like a cetacean into certain death.
Written By Dariel
Oct. 20, 2019, 4:44 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
I am lost for words at what has happened, my friend.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 20, 2019, 2:05 a.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
Every time I breathe air that I do not have to pay for, it feels less fresh now, cheap even.
How are we to solve that?
How are we to solve that?
Written By Calista
Oct. 20, 2019, 12:19 a.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
My heart is stained black today. The news of Volkov Woods hits me hard and wounds me deeply. This was a family of Abandoned who chose to bend the knee and swear fealty to the Compact and to House Fidante. I do not take such an act lightly. We welcomed them and were excited to work with them as they looked toward a bright future. We are left with many questions and mysteries surrounding their horrible deaths. I cannot wrap my thoughts around what has just happened, but I've made a promise to their people, taking them under the protection of House Fidante, as is our right. There will be no displaced families, no refugees. The people of Volkov Woods will remain on their lands with the addition of Fidante armed forces.
What strikes me odd, what truly fuels my ire, is the audacity of some to use the tragedy of others and make it about themselves. There isn't a singular moment of this situation where the use of crass humor will be tolerated. House Fidante mourns with the people of Volkov Woods. Please show them the respect and dignity they deserve.
What strikes me odd, what truly fuels my ire, is the audacity of some to use the tragedy of others and make it about themselves. There isn't a singular moment of this situation where the use of crass humor will be tolerated. House Fidante mourns with the people of Volkov Woods. Please show them the respect and dignity they deserve.
Written By Elisha
Oct. 19, 2019, 10:12 p.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
We cannot trace the routes of the swallows who cut the air over the roofs,
carving long invisible curves with their wings,
darting now to chase a mosquito,
spiraling now upward,
grazing a pinnacle,
alighting atop a marble crown.
When you travel this far north of the Compact, you arrive in a land where every face is a map, and every map a face: in the nameless capital city, you rejoice in observing all the bridges over the canals, each different from the others: cambered, covered, on pillars, on barges, suspended, with rusty balustrades. Mullioned windows overlook arcades and terraces, lancet windows rise above flagstone paths, windows surmounted by stained-glass roses spill lamplight into courtyards of blue and white tiles.
And yet, at every point in the city, your eyes cannot but be drawn to the statue of three kings on high marble platforms, each with a scarred face, each with the curve of swallows' wings describing invisible sigils above him.
The first king's face is a map of duty, glory, and victory, and his hand is a gleaming golden gauntlet. The second's king's face leads to vengeance, his map a labyrinth of intricate beauty and absolute control.
The third king stands above his brothers; when you kneel before him, he tells you that nobody can possess a map, and then he tells you why.
* * *
(You are correct, my tragic and solemn queen, that you can beat me if you choose, or even kill me. However, you are wrong in imagining that this makes you remarkable. There isn't a sullen thug or spoiled child in Arx who could not beat me, if they chose, or kill me. My life is the most tenuous of the invisible curves described by the swallow's wings--and you must bow to the statue of your choosing.)
carving long invisible curves with their wings,
darting now to chase a mosquito,
spiraling now upward,
grazing a pinnacle,
alighting atop a marble crown.
When you travel this far north of the Compact, you arrive in a land where every face is a map, and every map a face: in the nameless capital city, you rejoice in observing all the bridges over the canals, each different from the others: cambered, covered, on pillars, on barges, suspended, with rusty balustrades. Mullioned windows overlook arcades and terraces, lancet windows rise above flagstone paths, windows surmounted by stained-glass roses spill lamplight into courtyards of blue and white tiles.
And yet, at every point in the city, your eyes cannot but be drawn to the statue of three kings on high marble platforms, each with a scarred face, each with the curve of swallows' wings describing invisible sigils above him.
The first king's face is a map of duty, glory, and victory, and his hand is a gleaming golden gauntlet. The second's king's face leads to vengeance, his map a labyrinth of intricate beauty and absolute control.
The third king stands above his brothers; when you kneel before him, he tells you that nobody can possess a map, and then he tells you why.
* * *
(You are correct, my tragic and solemn queen, that you can beat me if you choose, or even kill me. However, you are wrong in imagining that this makes you remarkable. There isn't a sullen thug or spoiled child in Arx who could not beat me, if they chose, or kill me. My life is the most tenuous of the invisible curves described by the swallow's wings--and you must bow to the statue of your choosing.)
Written By Domonico
Oct. 19, 2019, 8:29 p.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aahana
And so I go to war.
Written By Shard
Oct. 19, 2019, 8:18 p.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
You're a little late. Those terms were offered and rejected quite a few months ago now.
And no, it's not a 'we'. For one thing, I'm already the savage, backwards idiot as far as most people are concerned. For another, the funny part is that if Cardia or the Undying Empire also think of me that way, they haven't actually been willing to say so (for reasons entirely unrelated to whether I am, or am not, actually a savage, backwards idiot).
Your analogy is flawed anyway. The two wardogs aren't working together, they're deciding whether or not they want to kill each other. The puppy's choice was to decide whether or not to stand with one of them against the other, or to stand on its own. Rolling over and wetting itself /now/ doesn't improve a thing.
And no, it's not a 'we'. For one thing, I'm already the savage, backwards idiot as far as most people are concerned. For another, the funny part is that if Cardia or the Undying Empire also think of me that way, they haven't actually been willing to say so (for reasons entirely unrelated to whether I am, or am not, actually a savage, backwards idiot).
Your analogy is flawed anyway. The two wardogs aren't working together, they're deciding whether or not they want to kill each other. The puppy's choice was to decide whether or not to stand with one of them against the other, or to stand on its own. Rolling over and wetting itself /now/ doesn't improve a thing.
Written By Thea
Oct. 19, 2019, 7:05 p.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Words cannot express the loss my family feels for Aahana and her baby--my sister by marriage and my niece. For once in my life I have no words...
Written By Aethan
Oct. 19, 2019, 6:26 p.m.(1/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
I don’t often write in the white journals, but I did not want to let this moment pass unremarked.
It was an odd thing to find myself with a patron — and some I’m sure would have found the combination of Princess Gwenna and myself an odd match. I admit that when she suggested it, I was caught off-guard, and while there was obviously quite a bit she could offer me, I was not sure as to what I could offer in return.
Now that I find myself in a position where it becomes necessary to dissolve the formal relationship, however, I find it extremely difficult. Princess Gwenna has been a loyal friend to Kennex since we met, and her assistance in our rebuilding has been invaluable. More than that, she has become a dear friend, which was unexpected but in no way unwelcome.
I consider myself very fortunate to have her support and friendship, and I only hope I will be able to repay even a part of what she has given me.
It was an odd thing to find myself with a patron — and some I’m sure would have found the combination of Princess Gwenna and myself an odd match. I admit that when she suggested it, I was caught off-guard, and while there was obviously quite a bit she could offer me, I was not sure as to what I could offer in return.
Now that I find myself in a position where it becomes necessary to dissolve the formal relationship, however, I find it extremely difficult. Princess Gwenna has been a loyal friend to Kennex since we met, and her assistance in our rebuilding has been invaluable. More than that, she has become a dear friend, which was unexpected but in no way unwelcome.
I consider myself very fortunate to have her support and friendship, and I only hope I will be able to repay even a part of what she has given me.
Written By Yvon
Oct. 19, 2019, 1:13 p.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
"As far as they're concerned, /you/ are the savage, backwards idiots who don't know what's best for you and who are, at best, squatting on territory they either want, or already consider theirs. I'll note from experience that it's not a very safe or comfortable place to stand, but it's where we all are."
While I would amend 'you' to 'we,' I agree with the above.
The puppy trapped between two warhounds cannot hope to prevail over one, much less both. The puppy who wishes to survive will learn to roll onto his back, show his belly, and wet himself. Our choice appears quite clear: chose which side to whom we wish to submit (though we may use the word 'ally' to salve our pride) and commence to wagging.
If our betters in the Compact are not currently negotiating our surrender with both sides, to determine who offers the better terms, they are doing us a disservice.
While I would amend 'you' to 'we,' I agree with the above.
The puppy trapped between two warhounds cannot hope to prevail over one, much less both. The puppy who wishes to survive will learn to roll onto his back, show his belly, and wet himself. Our choice appears quite clear: chose which side to whom we wish to submit (though we may use the word 'ally' to salve our pride) and commence to wagging.
If our betters in the Compact are not currently negotiating our surrender with both sides, to determine who offers the better terms, they are doing us a disservice.
Written By Elisha
Oct. 19, 2019, 12:56 p.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
When the Duchess of Thieves crept into the labyrinth
beneath the besieged city,
she stole treasures and wonders
but lost herself.
She forgot her own name, and the password that opened
the secret door of her family's house,
and the scent of the first lover whose throat she slit
during the act of love.
Her mothers demanded the help of seraphs and charlatans
in vain
until a blind pauper urged them to seek the White Library,
presided over by a holy scholar who knew with absolute certitude
the difference between truth and lies.
In the White Library, the scholar warned the mothers
that the price they'd pay for a cure was regret,
and they said, "That is precisely the same cost as not trying to heal
our beloved daughter."
So the holy scholar murdered the Duchess of Thieves
and blamed her mothers,
who blinded themselves and lived as paupers,
urging grieving parents to seek the White Library,
unshakable in their faith that
one day
a woman with a trembling voice and tearful eyes
would slay certainty
and release his prisoners.
beneath the besieged city,
she stole treasures and wonders
but lost herself.
She forgot her own name, and the password that opened
the secret door of her family's house,
and the scent of the first lover whose throat she slit
during the act of love.
Her mothers demanded the help of seraphs and charlatans
in vain
until a blind pauper urged them to seek the White Library,
presided over by a holy scholar who knew with absolute certitude
the difference between truth and lies.
In the White Library, the scholar warned the mothers
that the price they'd pay for a cure was regret,
and they said, "That is precisely the same cost as not trying to heal
our beloved daughter."
So the holy scholar murdered the Duchess of Thieves
and blamed her mothers,
who blinded themselves and lived as paupers,
urging grieving parents to seek the White Library,
unshakable in their faith that
one day
a woman with a trembling voice and tearful eyes
would slay certainty
and release his prisoners.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 19, 2019, 9:05 a.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Met with Shard again. Try as I might, I can't seem to get a smile out of her that doesn't look threatening - of course, it probably doesn't help overmuch that we have a point of contention between us. Still, I can't bring myself to dislike her. She follows her own compass, and sticks to it like a fucking arrow that's already been loosed. Unwavering?
She's... I don't know - dangerous? But dangerous in the way that appeals to me. (Not that sort of appeal.) ((...I don't think?))
Just once I'd like to share enough drinks with her to actually get her past talkin' about something beyond current events, but we seem to always be interrupted by something or another.
She's... I don't know - dangerous? But dangerous in the way that appeals to me. (Not that sort of appeal.) ((...I don't think?))
Just once I'd like to share enough drinks with her to actually get her past talkin' about something beyond current events, but we seem to always be interrupted by something or another.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 19, 2019, 8:58 a.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
Busy, busy day. To say I didn't spend the bulk of it drunk would be to tell a lie, but still a productive day.
Made a more thorough acquaintance of Evaristo, whom I first met during the People's Champion tournament. Easier to talk to than I anticipated, and what's better, he actually shared a drink with me rather than just watching me plaster myself. I think it's been a stretch since his drinking days. I had a lead on him in empties, and he still had to tap out first. Asked me to walk him home, and I was happy to oblige. A couple of drunks stretching their legs. He's made some silver, and no mistake, but it doesn't seem to have turned him all... silky. I respect that. I respect that a lot.
Agreed to show up to his housewarming party, even though he disclaimed that some even silkier folks may show - hope I'm able to make an appearance, if even brief. One of my many responsibilities may keep me away.
Made a more thorough acquaintance of Evaristo, whom I first met during the People's Champion tournament. Easier to talk to than I anticipated, and what's better, he actually shared a drink with me rather than just watching me plaster myself. I think it's been a stretch since his drinking days. I had a lead on him in empties, and he still had to tap out first. Asked me to walk him home, and I was happy to oblige. A couple of drunks stretching their legs. He's made some silver, and no mistake, but it doesn't seem to have turned him all... silky. I respect that. I respect that a lot.
Agreed to show up to his housewarming party, even though he disclaimed that some even silkier folks may show - hope I'm able to make an appearance, if even brief. One of my many responsibilities may keep me away.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.