Written By Silas
May 12, 2021, 3:01 a.m.(6/16/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
If tomorrow my life were finished,
With many fun things left to do,
It wouldn't matter at all,
Because, my love, I had you.
I loved you then,
And I love you still;
I adore you now,
And I always will.
Love, SW
With many fun things left to do,
It wouldn't matter at all,
Because, my love, I had you.
I loved you then,
And I love you still;
I adore you now,
And I always will.
Love, SW
Written By Medeia
May 5, 2021, 1:44 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
The news of Duke Aiden's passing was slow to reach me, and I have felt a broad range of emotions since hearing it. Anger is the most prominent. Not at him, not at the gods, just anger. This morning, I spent some time in the courtyard under the shade of the apple and pear trees in bloom. I sat on the grass, and I held my children in my arms, and I told them about him. He never met them. They're far too young to remember this moment. But I told them anyway, and now I write it here so others might know.
He and my brother were close, so close in fact that he was there in my brother's place when my niece and nephew were born after my brother was killed in Setarco. He was their Best Liar. My heart breaks for Estie and Kyllan, and for everyone else who loved him. When I finally met him, when he learned who I was, he promised he would look out for me, too - something I can at least say I never had need to call upon him for. But that first meeting? He gave me the most precious gift of knowledge (that I will keep to myself). Shortly after, the attack on the city left my uncle dead and he was very kind. Unfortunately, after the death of Marquis Valerius, our relationship was only through the occasional exchange of letters - with one exception, a moment of pure oddity as he and his cousin (then Lord) Duke Michael attempted to procure some armor. Even so, one such exchange of letters provided me another precious gift of knowledge (which I still find difficult to accept). And the last, a week before the war, a tangible gift, one that once belonged to someone else who also gave me more than I gave them, which I will cherish for as long as I draw breath. It almost feels ominous, now. But all should know that Duke Aiden Rubino, born Prince Aiden Grayson, was a good man. A generous and passionate and kind man. When Grayson says "None Greater," I hope they point to him as an example. I did not know him nearly long enough, but I am grateful for what time I did have.
He and my brother were close, so close in fact that he was there in my brother's place when my niece and nephew were born after my brother was killed in Setarco. He was their Best Liar. My heart breaks for Estie and Kyllan, and for everyone else who loved him. When I finally met him, when he learned who I was, he promised he would look out for me, too - something I can at least say I never had need to call upon him for. But that first meeting? He gave me the most precious gift of knowledge (that I will keep to myself). Shortly after, the attack on the city left my uncle dead and he was very kind. Unfortunately, after the death of Marquis Valerius, our relationship was only through the occasional exchange of letters - with one exception, a moment of pure oddity as he and his cousin (then Lord) Duke Michael attempted to procure some armor. Even so, one such exchange of letters provided me another precious gift of knowledge (which I still find difficult to accept). And the last, a week before the war, a tangible gift, one that once belonged to someone else who also gave me more than I gave them, which I will cherish for as long as I draw breath. It almost feels ominous, now. But all should know that Duke Aiden Rubino, born Prince Aiden Grayson, was a good man. A generous and passionate and kind man. When Grayson says "None Greater," I hope they point to him as an example. I did not know him nearly long enough, but I am grateful for what time I did have.
Written By Cirroch
May 4, 2021, 6:47 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
A cousin to the Marquessa, whom I met sparingly though they helped her with finding her cure. Thus, in that alone they were a great man and deserving of more than the near silence that they are receiving as the passage back to the wheel is made.
I would hope that there would be more voices declaring the amusement the Duke gave the compact and city of Arx. From the gardens that they curated and built for the city, to giving out plushies for many of their events. Plushies that my children enjoy to battle with and drag, and leave about in the wake of their paths within our home in the march as well as here in the city.
It is unfortunate that I didn't get a better chance to know them, especially in how close they were with Marquessa Sasha Sanna.
Duke Aiden, you will not be forgotten. Your actions in war will mark your character well.
I would hope that there would be more voices declaring the amusement the Duke gave the compact and city of Arx. From the gardens that they curated and built for the city, to giving out plushies for many of their events. Plushies that my children enjoy to battle with and drag, and leave about in the wake of their paths within our home in the march as well as here in the city.
It is unfortunate that I didn't get a better chance to know them, especially in how close they were with Marquessa Sasha Sanna.
Duke Aiden, you will not be forgotten. Your actions in war will mark your character well.
Written By Michael
May 3, 2021, 5:31 a.m.(5/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
We were going to grow old. We were going to recount the follies of our youth, the drunken songs we made up(I made up) and we were going to go back to Pridehall to finish ferreting out all of it secrets on some holidays. Theres so much we had planned.
I already miss you.
I already miss you.
Written By Mabelle
May 3, 2021, 4:40 a.m.(5/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I cannot say I knew Duke Rubino well. In fact, I only ever met him once recently while taking a stroll with my dogs in his spectacular menagerie.
He was not in the best disposition and shared with me his unending grief for old friends long passed.
While I am saddened for his loss, I hope he will find solace in his new found home, perhaps to be reunited in the future with those he missed so.
He was not in the best disposition and shared with me his unending grief for old friends long passed.
While I am saddened for his loss, I hope he will find solace in his new found home, perhaps to be reunited in the future with those he missed so.
Written By Malesh
May 2, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
In time I may find the strength to put to pen something that does the man better justice than this, but the wound is still fresh and this is all I find myself capable of.
When I gave my eye in service to the compact, Lord Aiden was there at my bedside. He had been thrust into leader a force beyond what he had been prepared for, due to another's abdication, but he still took the time to come and see the wounded.
He had been a good friend to my wife and I, and I found him to be a good and pleasant man. This is higher praise than it might appear at first, as the world is full of cruel men gripped with terrible ambition.
So I say again, that we have lost a good man, and we shall weep for him.
When I gave my eye in service to the compact, Lord Aiden was there at my bedside. He had been thrust into leader a force beyond what he had been prepared for, due to another's abdication, but he still took the time to come and see the wounded.
He had been a good friend to my wife and I, and I found him to be a good and pleasant man. This is higher praise than it might appear at first, as the world is full of cruel men gripped with terrible ambition.
So I say again, that we have lost a good man, and we shall weep for him.
Written By Reese
May 2, 2021, 9:51 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Aiden is my cousin. I have known him since he first arrived from Bastian. He was Prince Aiden, but became Duke Aiden. We didn't along too well during our first encounters in Compact, but with time we grew to understand each more and more to the point where I counted his friend, family and ally.
There was nobody so talented with birds and avian as Aiden. I have painted a flock of birds to represent his time spent on the missions in the Grayson forest during the winter missions and I will treasure the painting even more so now. Aiden was always amazingly brave in battle and in life. I remember his heroics in the battle of Silence. That was the first battle we fought together, but not the last. He was saved by Lord Estaban who he came to love. And that is one thing I will always remember about Aiden, his deep unconditional and true love for the late Baron Estaban and for Baron Silas.
Duke Aiden was a man of passion, hard work and intense feelings. I was at the Gyre battle when Baron Estaban passed and I was the one who told Aiden. He wasn't at that battle. Instead he went to Crovane and commanded the Grayson forces. He stepped up and took charge and came through for Grayson. I remain grateful toward him for such. But he wasn't there when Estaban passed, as he went where he was most needed by his family and by Compact. He was utterly heartbroken at his passing. His sorrow at the moment still haunts me. I didn't want to be the one to tell him, but I knew that I had to be, that he needed to be told quickly and in person.
Aiden went on become a Duke and a father - a great father and a great Duke.
His balls in celebration of animals will always be remembered. Aiden was an archer and he trained many archers in compact. He gave back and was always wiling to help. The way he died was no surprised, it was how he lived, giving, thinking of others first and putting himself at risk. A life and a death filled with passion and giving.
He will be greatly missed.
There was nobody so talented with birds and avian as Aiden. I have painted a flock of birds to represent his time spent on the missions in the Grayson forest during the winter missions and I will treasure the painting even more so now. Aiden was always amazingly brave in battle and in life. I remember his heroics in the battle of Silence. That was the first battle we fought together, but not the last. He was saved by Lord Estaban who he came to love. And that is one thing I will always remember about Aiden, his deep unconditional and true love for the late Baron Estaban and for Baron Silas.
Duke Aiden was a man of passion, hard work and intense feelings. I was at the Gyre battle when Baron Estaban passed and I was the one who told Aiden. He wasn't at that battle. Instead he went to Crovane and commanded the Grayson forces. He stepped up and took charge and came through for Grayson. I remain grateful toward him for such. But he wasn't there when Estaban passed, as he went where he was most needed by his family and by Compact. He was utterly heartbroken at his passing. His sorrow at the moment still haunts me. I didn't want to be the one to tell him, but I knew that I had to be, that he needed to be told quickly and in person.
Aiden went on become a Duke and a father - a great father and a great Duke.
His balls in celebration of animals will always be remembered. Aiden was an archer and he trained many archers in compact. He gave back and was always wiling to help. The way he died was no surprised, it was how he lived, giving, thinking of others first and putting himself at risk. A life and a death filled with passion and giving.
He will be greatly missed.
Written By Porter
May 2, 2021, 9:25 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I met Duke-Consort Aiden Rubino just the one time in person. It was a snowy day in the streets of Arx and I was horsing around outdoors with Bree and Sir Austen. He instructed his bird to snatch a letter from us and ah, read it. It was a bit private, but not so much so that caused any lasting damage. I remember his reaction as rather amusing and he was so sweet and gentle in the way he spoke of affection. I'm sad to hear that he's returned to the Wheel so soon. I wish that we could have had the opportunity to say hello again on another occasion.
Written By Nisaa
May 2, 2021, 8:32 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Duke Aiden, you told me you had a feeling you would not be returning. I was thinking that it was just perhaps being nerves. Hoping. I told you I would hold the things you sent to me, and give them to you when you returned.
You are not to be returning, not here. It is instead the Wheel you will see again. I am supposed to feel comfort in that, but what I feel is despair to lose yet another friend. I remember so many good times spent with you. Dinner with Silas, you, my Malik, and I. The talks we had in the aviary. How excited I was to be able to have a small shop within your menagerie. The Butterfly Garden there where Malik had a plaque with my name on it to surprise me. The time we sat by the river and laughed about the idea of carrying a pet fish around.
That is what I find comfort in, the memories of moments shared. That is the most treasured thing our hearts can hold, isn't it? The memory of someone dear to us who is with us no more.
You are not to be returning, not here. It is instead the Wheel you will see again. I am supposed to feel comfort in that, but what I feel is despair to lose yet another friend. I remember so many good times spent with you. Dinner with Silas, you, my Malik, and I. The talks we had in the aviary. How excited I was to be able to have a small shop within your menagerie. The Butterfly Garden there where Malik had a plaque with my name on it to surprise me. The time we sat by the river and laughed about the idea of carrying a pet fish around.
That is what I find comfort in, the memories of moments shared. That is the most treasured thing our hearts can hold, isn't it? The memory of someone dear to us who is with us no more.
Written By Kiera
May 2, 2021, 7:33 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
You had said you wanted to fly
Oh that I truly were a dragon and could have tan you both among the clouds up away above the pain and suffering
Yet for brief moment we listen and our hearts leap
or a moment we laugh and our hearts soar % For a moment we dance and our hearts sing
I regret I did not know you better
But I shall picture your heart soaring as it returns to the wheel
And that it passes those of the ones you have lost
If such a thing is possible
And I will walk forward
And I will remember
And the dance continues
Oh that I truly were a dragon and could have tan you both among the clouds up away above the pain and suffering
Yet for brief moment we listen and our hearts leap
or a moment we laugh and our hearts soar % For a moment we dance and our hearts sing
I regret I did not know you better
But I shall picture your heart soaring as it returns to the wheel
And that it passes those of the ones you have lost
If such a thing is possible
And I will walk forward
And I will remember
And the dance continues
Written By Aindre
May 2, 2021, 12:21 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Aiden,
I wrote to you on the eve of battle and promised that on the other side of it we would meet up again and drink and share stories and laugh like we had done once or twice since I finally made the decision to move my time from Bastion to Arx. As children we were never.. not close, but I think as we aged into adulthood we both felt the chains of nobility tighten and pull. It happens with all nobles, but it is especially pronounced with those of House Grayson. We have a reputation for leadership, for duty. So often those roles devour the time of a Griffin as we seek to become the wind beneath the wings of those who look to us for guidance. You felt this too, I know. There is a reason you were so coveted in your position as the Duke-Consort of Gemecitta. The more I spoke with people here in Arx who had been a part of your life, the more I realized how much they looked up to you.
I was wrong. The preparations to set sail for Pieros should not have stayed our next chance to sit together and reminisce and rediscover one another and how we had changed as we got older. That wrongness sits lodged in me like the blade of a dagger broken off. Will I ever dig it out? I bleed. I am glad for the things I was able to say to you in the time we had together but there are so many other things that never made it past my lips nor slipped off the tip of my quill. I was so damned /proud/ of you. I won't play around the truth, as a child you could be awkward. You were a follower. I know. You followed Ainsley and I around incessantly unless you were taken by one of your avian obsessions. Sometimes it was endearing and sometimes it was obnoxious. It was of some concern to our parents, I remember well. I was trying so hard to grow up and you? You were simply in love with the things you chose to love, unapologetically so. As we found each other again here in Arx I was.. I guess relieved.. to witness how that unabashed capacity for love in you had not been ground down like so much milled grain. You had changed of course, but my Gods the splendor of your feathers was exciting to behold. You wore those changes so well. You only needed to be let out from under the weight of expectation that comes with being raised in Bastion, especially those heaped upon our lineage, the joining of Grayson and Bisland blood.
You never liked conflict. I don't believe that part of you ever changed. I don't even know if you were wrong to abhor it even if it is such a necessary part of life and nobility. It hurts my heart that you spent your last moments mired in the field of battle even if I understand you passed from this life saving another. The man whose life you preserved, I hope he realizes what was taken from this Compact so that he could remain. I cannot resent him even if the want to curls around my heart and clutches at it. I know if you were given the chance to do it over again you would do it just the same way because the awkward boy who sometimes followed me around when Ainsley was away and Ailys was occupied had truly grown into his plumage. He was a fierce and as loyal as any griffin. As brave as any lion. I don't mean in war. In life. In love and friendship and compassion. You were the most compassionate person I ever met. I could learn a thing or two from you. Many could, perhaps did. So many more never will now.
I don't know what else to write to you except that already I miss you more than I know what to do with. It's not a feeling I am accustomed to, not knowing what to do with myself. The Queen of Death has taken you but I have a hard time believing the Mother of Beginnings will not see you soaring once again and so very soon. Your bright soul is too much of a loss for this world and when it is rested - a rest truly deserved - you will take wing again.
I love you, little brother.
- Aindre
I wrote to you on the eve of battle and promised that on the other side of it we would meet up again and drink and share stories and laugh like we had done once or twice since I finally made the decision to move my time from Bastion to Arx. As children we were never.. not close, but I think as we aged into adulthood we both felt the chains of nobility tighten and pull. It happens with all nobles, but it is especially pronounced with those of House Grayson. We have a reputation for leadership, for duty. So often those roles devour the time of a Griffin as we seek to become the wind beneath the wings of those who look to us for guidance. You felt this too, I know. There is a reason you were so coveted in your position as the Duke-Consort of Gemecitta. The more I spoke with people here in Arx who had been a part of your life, the more I realized how much they looked up to you.
I was wrong. The preparations to set sail for Pieros should not have stayed our next chance to sit together and reminisce and rediscover one another and how we had changed as we got older. That wrongness sits lodged in me like the blade of a dagger broken off. Will I ever dig it out? I bleed. I am glad for the things I was able to say to you in the time we had together but there are so many other things that never made it past my lips nor slipped off the tip of my quill. I was so damned /proud/ of you. I won't play around the truth, as a child you could be awkward. You were a follower. I know. You followed Ainsley and I around incessantly unless you were taken by one of your avian obsessions. Sometimes it was endearing and sometimes it was obnoxious. It was of some concern to our parents, I remember well. I was trying so hard to grow up and you? You were simply in love with the things you chose to love, unapologetically so. As we found each other again here in Arx I was.. I guess relieved.. to witness how that unabashed capacity for love in you had not been ground down like so much milled grain. You had changed of course, but my Gods the splendor of your feathers was exciting to behold. You wore those changes so well. You only needed to be let out from under the weight of expectation that comes with being raised in Bastion, especially those heaped upon our lineage, the joining of Grayson and Bisland blood.
You never liked conflict. I don't believe that part of you ever changed. I don't even know if you were wrong to abhor it even if it is such a necessary part of life and nobility. It hurts my heart that you spent your last moments mired in the field of battle even if I understand you passed from this life saving another. The man whose life you preserved, I hope he realizes what was taken from this Compact so that he could remain. I cannot resent him even if the want to curls around my heart and clutches at it. I know if you were given the chance to do it over again you would do it just the same way because the awkward boy who sometimes followed me around when Ainsley was away and Ailys was occupied had truly grown into his plumage. He was a fierce and as loyal as any griffin. As brave as any lion. I don't mean in war. In life. In love and friendship and compassion. You were the most compassionate person I ever met. I could learn a thing or two from you. Many could, perhaps did. So many more never will now.
I don't know what else to write to you except that already I miss you more than I know what to do with. It's not a feeling I am accustomed to, not knowing what to do with myself. The Queen of Death has taken you but I have a hard time believing the Mother of Beginnings will not see you soaring once again and so very soon. Your bright soul is too much of a loss for this world and when it is rested - a rest truly deserved - you will take wing again.
I love you, little brother.
- Aindre
Written By Lucita
May 1, 2021, 7:06 p.m.(5/23/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I have no words for the grief I feel.
Written By Valerius
Nov. 22, 2020, 3:29 p.m.(6/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
A wager once made, now a wonderful friend
Written By Medeia
Nov. 9, 2020, 4:46 a.m.(5/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
(This page appears to have some water damage in a few spots. A few, very round, very tear drop-like spots.)
So many things weighed upon my heart and my shoulders last week. In fact, for several days, it seemed there would be no end of new things coming to home to roost with me which would surely break my spirit and send me fleeing back to Saikland. But in the midst of it all, I had the precious opportunity to spend some time sitting beside Duke Aiden, talking of several things, but also of my brother Estaban. And the closure I so desperately wanted? I got. I will forever be grateful to him for the gift he has given me. I could tell you a dozen things about the man and all would be true, but none would be truer than he is good of heart.
So many things weighed upon my heart and my shoulders last week. In fact, for several days, it seemed there would be no end of new things coming to home to roost with me which would surely break my spirit and send me fleeing back to Saikland. But in the midst of it all, I had the precious opportunity to spend some time sitting beside Duke Aiden, talking of several things, but also of my brother Estaban. And the closure I so desperately wanted? I got. I will forever be grateful to him for the gift he has given me. I could tell you a dozen things about the man and all would be true, but none would be truer than he is good of heart.
Written By Michael
Nov. 5, 2020, 12:22 a.m.(5/1/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I worry that the song that I ad-libbed some five or so years ago is being taken out of context and without the proper attention to the originals lyrics. Below, is the portion of the song that is about Duke Aiden Rubino nee Grayson.
Hes a fool, hes a scamp, he loves all birds in hats! And a crow's fart makes him squee out in glee.
Hes a fool, hes a scamp, he loves all birds in hats! And a crow's fart makes him squee out in glee.
Written By Monique
Oct. 21, 2020, 2:02 a.m.(3/27/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
How very fortunate I am.
Written By Michael
Oct. 9, 2020, 4:34 a.m.(3/3/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Hes a fool, hes a scamp, he loves all birds in hats! And a crow's fart makes him squee out in glee
Written By Monique
Oct. 9, 2020, 2:19 a.m.(3/3/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Your pain is my pain, my pain is your pain. It is nice to have someone who understands. It's also gratifying to see someone experience something for the first time. My very first Dreamer, I think.
Written By Porter
Sept. 27, 2020, 9:59 a.m.(2/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Never have I had a bird pluck my mail from my hand before. I really wasn't expecting that.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 25, 2019, 5:39 p.m.(2/1/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
You and your feathered friends have been missed. Next time we visit though, lets visit over wine instead of suffering the more-than-usual cold and risky adventuring.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.