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Written By Sunaia

April 16, 2020, 11:43 p.m.(2/16/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

"Things spin ever onward, and though we are mired down by the grief which has paralyzed our hearts and stopped our minds from being able to find solutions, even so the world goes on. The darkness approaches, and like nightfall, it will not be delayed or deterred..we must find the flames with which to drive it back before it arrives.

I don't know the path I should take. I don't know what it is the gods would have of me or what it is that I should do. Each thread that i pull just leaves me with more questions than I had before, each path I follow leads to less understanding rather than more.

I need to find someone who can explain, who understands. But there is no one. And I fear that, there is no way I can find either the strength or knowledge necessary before the time is upon us."

- Killian Ashford, Paladin of Ideals
1/1/1006 AR

-------------------

My dearest brother,

Would that I could reach out now, into the past, and reassure you.

Would that I could reach around and hug you, as I did when I was young, and you would smile down at me - and I'd feel like all the world was amazing when I looked into your face, so similar to mine.

Would that I could reach out from this time and tell you just how amazing you are, to tell you of all of what the gods - or you - had in store for you; the people who would love you and speak of you for long years afterwards; the statue that was placed in the Hall of Heroes depicting you. (They didn't get your smile, of course. And someone forgot to tell them that you laughed so often, that you joked with the best of them.)

I wonder what you'd think if you knew that so many people look up to you - and not just because you're now a statue that stands far taller than you did. (You'd have to look up to yourself, now. That would be appropriate, don't you think?)

I've always looked up to you, of course. Even while you were away with the Bislands. Of course, I had an excellent excuse to visit, thanks to Kaia.

Still, it's incredibly reassuring in a strange kind of way that you wrote the entry I've had quoted above not quite two years before you did the very thing *you chose* to do - the very thing that ended in so many people looking up to you in very literal and figurative ways. It wasn't the gods who made the choice for you, even if The Sentinel may have asked it of you. (Did it ask you? I can't help but wonder what its voice sounds like.)

It's reassuring that you were so confused, felt such an urgent need to understand - and yet, such confusion and lack of understanding was never again mentioned in your journals. You write so confidently of so many things. You write so beautifully - and clearly.

So, I can only think that you found what you were looking for, Killian - whether you knew it or not. I hope you knew, when you returned to the Queen of Endings, that what you did was so exceptional. I hope you knew that it was the right thing to do; that you had made the right choices.

And, if I could let you know now (though I'm told repeatedly that I should let you go and not wish so much to speak with you) how much your words mean to ME - your baby sister - and how much your choices have left an impression on my mind and heart and SOUL, such that I feel I can pursue the answers to my own questions, to my own confusion, to my own lack of understanding without faltering in the fear of the worst-possible -- I would. I would do it, just to show you that these bonds we hold, that we've created in this life will hold, life-to-life.

We love you, Killian.

I love you, Killian - for still and always being my favorite brother, and the man I look up to most, with or without the statue in the Hall of Heroes.

Written By Sunaia

April 13, 2020, 10:05 a.m.(2/9/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I have spent the last number of days here - as you know, Scholar - scouring through and drinking every word of Killian's journals.

He wrote so much! And, aside from what few letters passed between us over the years, I never before truly had grounds for an appraisal of his -style- of writing. He was so gifted in so many ways, so thorough; and his descriptions of his journeys are magnificent -- as beautiful and eloquent as were the tales he would tell.

Perhaps it was that ability to weigh and measure so well, that he had.

I miss him. I miss him all the more, particularly after reading his account of fighting Telmar Brand at the Hall of Heroes with the other Paladins. I had to stop there; I was so inspired after all of this to leave something of who I am for others who may care for me, if something happens.

If there are those reading this, though - while I'm alive or after I'm gone - I highly recommend looking into the journals of those whom you love, if they are gone. One of the Pravus princesses died, I've read; I'm sure that there are many who knew her, who loved her and would take solace in her memory.

It's taken me a while to get the courage to read my brother's words. The ache in me for him has been so strong, particularly lately, as I surge into this self-reflection and attempt to take to heart Brother Felix's advice to -know- myself.

I am your sister, Killian. You wrote that it was those you loved who held you most strongly to yourself when Brand's power was pulling at your mind. I may not have been your favorite - and I know I abandoned you as much as you felt Father did, though you never made me feel that I wasn't loved; you never made me feel guilty for my traveling. I'm sure there are reasons you didn't blame me, though I blame myself for not being around that you could know -me- any better than I truly knew -you-. I hope you and Father settled matters before you both returned to the Queen - or after.

Gods, I miss you both. I love you, both.


...I know, I know. I know, I just... ....

The past is a surf that is already washing over me -- and I can already see the greatest bulk is yet to come.

Maybe, if I cry enough, Scholar, I'll be one with all of that huge wave that's coming, that's going to crash down. And I won't drown.

I'm sorry; I... should get back to my reading.

...Thank you.

Written By Sunaia

April 6, 2020, 4:44 a.m.(1/23/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I happened upon several of our cousins at the Ambassador Salon, Killian. They're amazing, wonderful - and cousin Sorrel had so many amazing things to tell me of you and your adventures together. 'Murderdogs,' I think she called the beasts you fought together, shortly after meeting when she arrived in Arx. She tells her stories so well, it's like I was there. I love it.

And I love you, miss you fiercely. You'd hardly recognize me, though, I think - even aside from having grown.

I took to reading through some of your journals, which I haven't done before. I don't know why; I just haven't. No, that's entirely untrue: I know exactly why. I wasn't ready, didn't want to read about you as if I couldn't talk to you. But you don't talk back from that huge statue, even when I talk to you. (You don't talk back from the small one I keep in my pocket, either; though that would be quite a trick, wouldn't it?)

Aislin's gone. I'll read her journals next; maybe I can figure out how it is she always managed to befriend everyone she'd meet.

And I'm told I'm like Avary, repeatedly. Mainly by the Godsworn, but they'd know her best. I'm not sure how to take it, though, all things considered.

I'm learning a lot about myself, about others. Learning I can't do everything I might want to do. And I'm not entirely sure if I'm alone or if I'm not, though it matters less, now that I've found the Wyrmguards. I hope it matters less, anyway.

I'm managing, though, to accept that you're gone. There are those responsible for that, in a way, since I've been forced to realize a lot of truths.

Truths, Killian, are all I want anymore: The truth of you; the truth of me; the truths of Addison and Avary and Aislin. And others. And, truthfully, I'd rather be like you. I'd rather be a heroine. I'd rather be someone to admire.

I'm working towards it. But there are so many times when I regret our years apart and I just miss you.

Written By Harlan

Jan. 5, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(11/27/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Cousin, you will be missed. Not just by me, but by Ashford as a whole. You were my cousin, you were my General, and I believe you were my friend. Your fight is over now.

Written By Aislin

Dec. 25, 2017, 5:41 p.m.(11/4/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Grief is a strange thing. It can dull thoughts -- lead to hasty words and angry recrimination -- or sharpen them to new clarity.

I still don't know which my grief has done to me. I just know that it's made it hard to find the words to put down in this journal.

I just know that my cousin Killian was like a little brother to me.

When he returned to our family after his time wandering Arvum, we became far closer than we ever had when we were younger. The difference in our ages that put us so far apart when he was young seemed unimportant when we were both grown. He was eager to trade tales of our adventures, he joined my Society of Explorers, he aided me in my investigations. We even finally got to travel together on an expedition -- one that will always stick with me.

And he listened, when I needed to talk about a personal crisis of identity.

The truth is, I selfishly never thought I'd outlive him. We both have -- both /had/ -- the Ashford drive to get out and /do/ things, to see the world. We both take risks, gods know. But Killian was by far the better fighter -- the one who wore solid armor, the rock on whom others can depend. I rely on speed, dexterity, and the fact that better than half of the things that try to kill me don't want to bother following me up a tree.

I always sort of half-assumed that if one of us died, it would be me going missing in the field on one of my expeditions. I never considered that I might outlive him. I never thought I'd have to grieve him.

And now he's gone. There's a hole in my family -- in /me/ -- where he used to be, an emptiness, and I don't know how to fill it. You're fiercely missed already, little brother, by me -- and by all those who knew and loved you.

And I hope whatever your next trip around the wheel brings, you keep that sense of adventure in your soul.

Written By Leola

Dec. 24, 2017, 5:42 p.m.(11/2/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Two gone.
Lady Juliet, Lord Killian.

I'm looking at the path I've chosen, and wondered if now is the best time to walk it. To deliberately court danger. But then, I realise that if I'm to honor a man I fought with, who stood against eternity with me, I should let his death inspire me to do more than I otherwise might.

What happens, is what I choose.

Written By Corban

Dec. 24, 2017, 1:10 p.m.(11/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Lord Killian was under my command the first time that I led men after arriving in Arx. It was when we fought the dire bears chasing an Abandoned tribe in the Gray Forest. Lord Killian wanted to set elaborate traps. I told him at the speed the bears were closing, we had to stand and fight.

At the time, I think Lord Killian thought me uninspired. But I know when the need is, Lord Killian will stand and fight.

I mourn with House Ashford.

Written By Aleksei

Dec. 23, 2017, 11:18 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I always knew that Killian would get himself killed.

I've never been particularly safe myself, but Killian even tested _my_ limits. I can recall being actively boggled several times by the fact that _I_ was telling someone to _please maybe not do that ridiculously unsafe thing_. But that was Killian. When he felt there was something that needed doing to help protect others, he just...did it. That was the core of him.

Killian was the person you knew would write back with an immediate and unconditional yes if you ever asked him for help. He stood with me at one of the hardest fights I've ever faced, and that connection between us never faded, no matter anything else that happened.

I'll miss you, you big, brave idiot.

Written By Evaine

Dec. 23, 2017, 10:02 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Get well soon.

Written By Leona

Dec. 23, 2017, 9:50 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I have never fought with Killian. From the memory of others, I know him to be a skilled and capable warrior. He was one of the Paladins who stood between Arx and Tolamar Brand, and so I know he could fight. And was willing to put himself between Arx and what would destroy us.

But the Killian I knew was a man who sought answers. He dreamed big, but he dreamed of what was, what could be. He was special. And new. A soul spun by the Queen of Endings, newly sent to life for the first time. It was his first turn on the Wheel, if vision and Faith are true. He did not fade into obscurity. I am sure She welcomed him home with open arms, and perhaps one day he will return.

Written By Marian

Dec. 23, 2017, 11:49 a.m.(10/27/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I did not know him in life but I will remember his sacrifice. He helped rid Arx of those foul zealots that murdered Zhayla.

My prayers are with his family and friends that mourn his loss.

Written By Cara

Dec. 23, 2017, 12:57 a.m.(10/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Oh, my dear brother.

Written By Vanora

Dec. 22, 2017, 11:14 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I never knew Killian. He was very very dear to someone who is very dear to me, and thus even if only at the edges I feel the loss.

If having been well loved in life eases the movement beyond, then it seems the Paladin will be ushered well into the next stages of being.

Love is more powerful than I give it credit for, if also far more complicated than many like to acknowledge.

Written By Neve

Dec. 22, 2017, 9:40 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I did not have the opportunity to know Killian. However I knew him from extension of my best friend, Lady Arianna. The Lady is a very strong, special woman and a man that had convinced her to open her heart to him was a special man indeed. I respected the man, and had been looking forward to meeting him. We see how others affect our lives and Killian had a positive effect. There are many different beliefs. I believe that we remember those we love and they live on within our hearts and minds. It is the duty of the living to grieve for the dead. And part of that grief is remembering who they were, how strong they are, their good points, their bad.

Killian was a great man. He was a loved man. I respected him, and I offer prayers to the Goddess of Death. You have a special one in your hands.

My respect to the family and loved ones.

Written By Esoka

Dec. 22, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I wasn't close to Lord Killian Ashford. I stood in awe and respect of his courage and faith as the Paladin of Ideals, and fought beside him a few times in our duties under the Graysons. It is the latter part I wish to commemorate to Vellichor. For when I fought with Lord Killian, and was injured by our foe, he came to my shoulder and protected me from more hurts. That was a fight we both walked away from, Gloria be praised, and I know for me that is in part to him. That is how I shall remember him. Not only brave in facing his enemies, but as stalwart and true a companion and ally in battle as one could ask for.

Written By Ainsley

Dec. 22, 2017, 4:12 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

*One word takes up the entirety of this page*

NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNN OOOOOOOOO !!!
N:::::::N N::::::N OO:::::::::OO !!:!!
N::::::::N N::::::N OO:::::::::::::OO !:::!
N:::::::::N N::::::NO:::::::OOO:::::::O!:::!
N::::::::::N N::::::NO::::::O O::::::O!:::!
N:::::::::::N N::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!:::!
N:::::::N::::N N::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!:::!
N::::::N N::::N N::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!:::!
N::::::N N::::N:::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!:::!
N::::::N N:::::::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!:::!
N::::::N N::::::::::NO:::::O O:::::O!!:!!
N::::::N N:::::::::NO::::::O O::::::O !!!
N::::::N N::::::::NO:::::::OOO:::::::O
N::::::N N:::::::N OO:::::::::::::OO !!!
N::::::N N::::::N OO:::::::::OO !!:!!
NNNNNNNN NNNNNNN OOOOOOOOO !!!

Written By Tikva

Dec. 22, 2017, 1:27 p.m.(10/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Later I will write a hero's ballad for Killian Ashford, a shining knight in paladin's armor with justice his guide, who always sought to serve.

Later I will find the words to commemorate his honor and his spirit with some shadow of what he deserves.

Later.

Today I am without the words.

Written By Rymarr

Dec. 22, 2017, 12:52 p.m.(10/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

No matter the odds or ferocity of his adversaries, Lord Killian would face it head-on. He lived his life with bravery in his actions and ideals, so may he be readily accepted into a peaceful reprieve. Even when he himself was injured, he would not withdraw to protect himself. He would be right there at your side, ready to defend those who needed defending more than himself.

Lord Killian Ashford was, like so many others, an example of human potential and greatness. He should find a home within the Hall of Heroes.

If he's not granted a peaceful hiatus, then may he bash whomever he chooses with his shield; even one after another in an endless series of shield bashes.

Written By Samael

Dec. 22, 2017, 12:48 p.m.(10/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I remember Killian well from when he was a boy being fostered at Pridehall. I am so very sad to have lost him, but happy to have known him. The gods saw fit to protect him once, which gave us all a chance to come to know him. I thank The Sentinel for that.

Written By Aiden

Dec. 22, 2017, 11:49 a.m.(10/25/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

I didn't know him as well as my brother did when we were all younger and growing up.

But I got to know him recently. He helped me find the Griffins...

Without him, we would not have seen the flight of the griffins and their majestic eggs...

I'm so glad that he got to witness them before duty to the sword took him....

I can think of no other way to honor him but sharing the information about the griffins in book and dedicating it to his memory, and writing about his actions with us that day.

Killian... may you rest well. Your loss scores deep my friend. May the Wheel allow you to return to the world again... for the world needs people like you.

Gods, watch over your Paladin.

*Water splotches on the page*

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