Written By Sunaia
April 16, 2020, 11:43 p.m.(2/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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
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
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
Written By Aislin
Dec. 25, 2017, 5:41 p.m.(11/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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
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
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'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
Written By Leona
Dec. 23, 2017, 9:50 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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
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
Written By Vanora
Dec. 22, 2017, 11:14 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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
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
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 22, 2017, 4:12 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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 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
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
Written By Aiden
Dec. 22, 2017, 11:49 a.m.(10/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
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*
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.