Written By Victus
Jan. 15, 2024, 3:44 p.m.(7/23/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
My cousin once told me, years ago during the Gyre's war, that Maelstrom was not its walls. It was its people. A sentiment I see echoed often now.
Back then, I disagreed. I saw the monuments and history written into the stone as more important than life itself. Held close to my pride in the fact that Maelstrom is one of the few strongholds in the Compact to never fall in war.
Well. I'm older now. A few tens of thousands have died. I look at those walls now and I wonder what it's all for, if but a monument built on top of dead bodies that'll never get to walk their ramparts.
Still. It's home.
I walked the length of the Graveyard of Swords. I stood before the great Colossus of Mangata. Things that I have been fortunate enough to put into motion and see completed in my lifetime. Perhaps something will be left of it, when all is said and done. If not for us, then for the ones who come after to see. To grieve. To remember. To theorize once we've been long forgotten. Just momentos that tell them we were here once.
Do not cry for what will be lost. Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
If they remember me as someone who did their job "adequately", I think I'll be happy. I still miss you, Leona. Silver. Whatever you call yourself now. You'll always be a Thrax to me.
Back then, I disagreed. I saw the monuments and history written into the stone as more important than life itself. Held close to my pride in the fact that Maelstrom is one of the few strongholds in the Compact to never fall in war.
Well. I'm older now. A few tens of thousands have died. I look at those walls now and I wonder what it's all for, if but a monument built on top of dead bodies that'll never get to walk their ramparts.
Still. It's home.
I walked the length of the Graveyard of Swords. I stood before the great Colossus of Mangata. Things that I have been fortunate enough to put into motion and see completed in my lifetime. Perhaps something will be left of it, when all is said and done. If not for us, then for the ones who come after to see. To grieve. To remember. To theorize once we've been long forgotten. Just momentos that tell them we were here once.
Do not cry for what will be lost. Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
If they remember me as someone who did their job "adequately", I think I'll be happy. I still miss you, Leona. Silver. Whatever you call yourself now. You'll always be a Thrax to me.
Written By Jaenelle
Dec. 29, 2023, 10:38 p.m.(6/17/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I am so sorry.
Written By Jaenelle
Dec. 8, 2023, 4:27 p.m.(5/3/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Leona,
Let it not be said that the siblings I choose do not have wonderful qualities befitting the siblings I was born with. Lord Cillian gave his life valiantly to save others. Countless others due to his bravery. I don't believe you've ever met your replacement, but I am certain without a trace of doubt that you would be just as proud as I am to have known the man and his sacrifice. I will now miss both of you for however long it is till we meet once more.
Though my children are too old for such, I have kept the baby blanket that you made for Vittore when he was born with all the fantastical creatures on it. It inspired me a very long time ago to see if we could craft our version of spidersilk. It was quite successful, though it was never meant to end with simple cloth. While it is nothing like your own work, lacking the beautiful vinework that accompanies anything you've woven, I did manage to use spidersilk to make sails with. It was the Nox'alfar sails that I saw all those years ago that started the itch, and the goal was finally completed not too long ago. Each Ducal house was gifted the sails to fit on the caravel the fealty worked towards getting each house years ago. I hope these ships open doors that were closed before, and I hope the Lyceum benefits from the faster sailing vessels. It was exhausting, and when we see one another perhaps you can give me a few tricks.
I suppose you of all people would not be surprised at the state of the world. You always knew the horrors that were coming. You faced your own at another time, again and again without hesitation. I wish I were more like you sometimes, with your headstrong determination and unwavering strength in all that is good. It is hard to hold onto that sometimes, the good. I have faith in the people around me. I have trust in those who stand beside me. I know despite my worries and bouts of uncertainty that when the moment comes we will be ready. Sometimes I wish we simply didn't need to be. I don't know if I will be here when you return, and that has to be okay for both of us. We knew that one day I would not and you would have to continue your journey. I think it's better this way, to be honest. My biggest fear is being forgotten. but I know that after I am gone I will always remain in your thoughts and memories so I suppose I can be at peace with this knowledge. One day, much like you showed me a cherished moment of the past, you will show someone else one of ours.
I love you as only your twin could. Be safe, and return to Arx soon.
Jaenelle
Let it not be said that the siblings I choose do not have wonderful qualities befitting the siblings I was born with. Lord Cillian gave his life valiantly to save others. Countless others due to his bravery. I don't believe you've ever met your replacement, but I am certain without a trace of doubt that you would be just as proud as I am to have known the man and his sacrifice. I will now miss both of you for however long it is till we meet once more.
Though my children are too old for such, I have kept the baby blanket that you made for Vittore when he was born with all the fantastical creatures on it. It inspired me a very long time ago to see if we could craft our version of spidersilk. It was quite successful, though it was never meant to end with simple cloth. While it is nothing like your own work, lacking the beautiful vinework that accompanies anything you've woven, I did manage to use spidersilk to make sails with. It was the Nox'alfar sails that I saw all those years ago that started the itch, and the goal was finally completed not too long ago. Each Ducal house was gifted the sails to fit on the caravel the fealty worked towards getting each house years ago. I hope these ships open doors that were closed before, and I hope the Lyceum benefits from the faster sailing vessels. It was exhausting, and when we see one another perhaps you can give me a few tricks.
I suppose you of all people would not be surprised at the state of the world. You always knew the horrors that were coming. You faced your own at another time, again and again without hesitation. I wish I were more like you sometimes, with your headstrong determination and unwavering strength in all that is good. It is hard to hold onto that sometimes, the good. I have faith in the people around me. I have trust in those who stand beside me. I know despite my worries and bouts of uncertainty that when the moment comes we will be ready. Sometimes I wish we simply didn't need to be. I don't know if I will be here when you return, and that has to be okay for both of us. We knew that one day I would not and you would have to continue your journey. I think it's better this way, to be honest. My biggest fear is being forgotten. but I know that after I am gone I will always remain in your thoughts and memories so I suppose I can be at peace with this knowledge. One day, much like you showed me a cherished moment of the past, you will show someone else one of ours.
I love you as only your twin could. Be safe, and return to Arx soon.
Jaenelle
Written By Jaenelle
Oct. 12, 2023, 9:19 p.m.(1/1/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Leona,
I thought you would be happy to hear I have replaced you with Lord Cillian. Both of our twins are off doing things without us, so we felt it best to team up here in Arx and be each other's replacement twin. It is working out wonderfully, though I do admit I need to set up Thursday morning breakfasts with him as we used to do. I am sure the chef in the King's Own tower won't be too upset when we arrive. I have perfected the pout enough to atleast get us a dozen pastries.
We shall be 38 this year? 37? It seems as if each year older is just like the last. Especially after you left and I was forced to celebrate alone. Granted you did surprise me that one year and it might have been my favorite surprise ever. Much better than the year you gifted me a rug. I never actually asked why you gave me a rug, but it still rests on the floor of my chambers. You'll also be happy to know that the Whirlpool came to Lenosia for a bit before venturing off once more. I hope that the time spent in the south gave it some much needed rest and self reflection. He wasn't sad anymore at least, so that will always be a win in my book.
The entry can't be completely happy, nothing in life is, and I know if I didn't write at least one troubling thing you'd give me a look that without words speaks everything. The city has been threatened. I know you love her, and I know this news would ignite something inside you that no one should witness, but please remember your love for humanity as well. Know that we are doing our best to see that she stands and endures as she alway has. Keep your faith. Please.
I suppose I should also say that I will do my best to survive whatever dangers may come. It has not always been easy to do so, but I know how angry my death would make you and I would rather not experience that. You are the intimidating one, after all. If I die ill be late to your return to Arx and I do hate to be late for anything.
Come home soon, you are so very missed.
I thought you would be happy to hear I have replaced you with Lord Cillian. Both of our twins are off doing things without us, so we felt it best to team up here in Arx and be each other's replacement twin. It is working out wonderfully, though I do admit I need to set up Thursday morning breakfasts with him as we used to do. I am sure the chef in the King's Own tower won't be too upset when we arrive. I have perfected the pout enough to atleast get us a dozen pastries.
We shall be 38 this year? 37? It seems as if each year older is just like the last. Especially after you left and I was forced to celebrate alone. Granted you did surprise me that one year and it might have been my favorite surprise ever. Much better than the year you gifted me a rug. I never actually asked why you gave me a rug, but it still rests on the floor of my chambers. You'll also be happy to know that the Whirlpool came to Lenosia for a bit before venturing off once more. I hope that the time spent in the south gave it some much needed rest and self reflection. He wasn't sad anymore at least, so that will always be a win in my book.
The entry can't be completely happy, nothing in life is, and I know if I didn't write at least one troubling thing you'd give me a look that without words speaks everything. The city has been threatened. I know you love her, and I know this news would ignite something inside you that no one should witness, but please remember your love for humanity as well. Know that we are doing our best to see that she stands and endures as she alway has. Keep your faith. Please.
I suppose I should also say that I will do my best to survive whatever dangers may come. It has not always been easy to do so, but I know how angry my death would make you and I would rather not experience that. You are the intimidating one, after all. If I die ill be late to your return to Arx and I do hate to be late for anything.
Come home soon, you are so very missed.
Written By Jaenelle
Feb. 27, 2023, 5:11 p.m.(5/10/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Leona,
While you cross my mind daily, it is often around our birthday I think of you even more so. I suppose being twins I feel your departure more so as it has always been us against them for as long as we have been here and without you they seem to loom larger than before. I already know what you would say to that as I hear it in my head as if you were to have spoken it aloud. My answer is I'm not, I know, I can't. Worry not about the spark.
I am sure you have heard about Dagon by now. We both know there are moments in life where you turn down a road and there is no way to return where you came from. The decisions we make will find a conclusion whether we are prepared for such or not, the consequences of our own making waiting for us at the end. I made peace with his decisions when they were spoken, knowing that what happened in the dining room all those years ago when I was covered in his blood would finally play out and the outcome would not be in his favor. Still, I cried when I heard he died, I cried for the bright eyed young man he was when he, Valerius, and I sat on the grounds of the Thrax estate with a bottle of wine and no glasses and talked about the future. None of this was mentioned then. Neither of them are still here.
Stop saving the world and come home, I miss you.
Jaenelle
While you cross my mind daily, it is often around our birthday I think of you even more so. I suppose being twins I feel your departure more so as it has always been us against them for as long as we have been here and without you they seem to loom larger than before. I already know what you would say to that as I hear it in my head as if you were to have spoken it aloud. My answer is I'm not, I know, I can't. Worry not about the spark.
I am sure you have heard about Dagon by now. We both know there are moments in life where you turn down a road and there is no way to return where you came from. The decisions we make will find a conclusion whether we are prepared for such or not, the consequences of our own making waiting for us at the end. I made peace with his decisions when they were spoken, knowing that what happened in the dining room all those years ago when I was covered in his blood would finally play out and the outcome would not be in his favor. Still, I cried when I heard he died, I cried for the bright eyed young man he was when he, Valerius, and I sat on the grounds of the Thrax estate with a bottle of wine and no glasses and talked about the future. None of this was mentioned then. Neither of them are still here.
Stop saving the world and come home, I miss you.
Jaenelle
Written By Jaenelle
Aug. 19, 2022, 8:47 a.m.(3/22/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Leona,
Two more you have not met, though I am certain some how you know and love them as much as I do. I can only hope that they form a connection as we had, though I hope they will never struggle as we had or that their lives never know such sadness so soon. They have so many watching over them, that I have no fear they will not know how cherished they are as they grow. Vittore shares the blanket you gave him, as he did with Ariadne, though he is working out the logistics with two. Each time it is swaddled around one of my children I feel a sense of comfort for they are protected like no other, for even being so far you are here with them.
Vittore is serious, very much his father's son though he was still very young when Ettore passed. Each time I look into his golden eyes I am reminded that he left this piece of him behind. His light. He was a flawed man, though far to stubborn to have admitted such in public, but aren't we all? I no longer find myself angry at him, or his struggles. I no longer believe I could have done more, or that I was some how lacking. I no longer believe there was a single moment in which a change of decisions could have altered the outcome. Choice is a powerful thing, we both know that.
Our birthday is approaching again, and allow me to tell you I did not expect our lives to look like this. I know it's difficult to know where you are so sending your present as I had done so in the past is almost impossible, so I will do something to honor you and then next we see one another I will make you feel incredible guilty over it. Like how the last time you were in the city you didn't come to see me. Your twin sister. I may never recover from this. You are the worst. You know what, I've changed my mind, you don't deserve a birthday present.
I know you are safe, doing whatever it is you are currently doing, and when you read this as I know somehow you will, know you are missed and loved with every strand of this life and the ones before it (judgement is still out if I will in the next, you are terrible).
Return home soon.
Two more you have not met, though I am certain some how you know and love them as much as I do. I can only hope that they form a connection as we had, though I hope they will never struggle as we had or that their lives never know such sadness so soon. They have so many watching over them, that I have no fear they will not know how cherished they are as they grow. Vittore shares the blanket you gave him, as he did with Ariadne, though he is working out the logistics with two. Each time it is swaddled around one of my children I feel a sense of comfort for they are protected like no other, for even being so far you are here with them.
Vittore is serious, very much his father's son though he was still very young when Ettore passed. Each time I look into his golden eyes I am reminded that he left this piece of him behind. His light. He was a flawed man, though far to stubborn to have admitted such in public, but aren't we all? I no longer find myself angry at him, or his struggles. I no longer believe I could have done more, or that I was some how lacking. I no longer believe there was a single moment in which a change of decisions could have altered the outcome. Choice is a powerful thing, we both know that.
Our birthday is approaching again, and allow me to tell you I did not expect our lives to look like this. I know it's difficult to know where you are so sending your present as I had done so in the past is almost impossible, so I will do something to honor you and then next we see one another I will make you feel incredible guilty over it. Like how the last time you were in the city you didn't come to see me. Your twin sister. I may never recover from this. You are the worst. You know what, I've changed my mind, you don't deserve a birthday present.
I know you are safe, doing whatever it is you are currently doing, and when you read this as I know somehow you will, know you are missed and loved with every strand of this life and the ones before it (judgement is still out if I will in the next, you are terrible).
Return home soon.
Written By Jaenelle
June 3, 2020, 11:37 p.m.(6/1/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Happy Birthday, Leona. You are my favorite twin sister. Visit soon, two years is too long.
Written By Rymarr
March 29, 2020, 12:37 p.m.(1/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I miss you, friend. I still wear my bracelet, but not for much longer I think. I don't need it to know who my friends are. It's a trinket. It's a toy. Our friendship can exist without it.
I hope you're achieving all you wish to achieve in this turn.
If not? Then work harder. Those are instructions that I should follow myself.
I hope you're achieving all you wish to achieve in this turn.
If not? Then work harder. Those are instructions that I should follow myself.
Written By Jaenelle
Dec. 22, 2019, 9:49 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Happy Birthday, Leona. We are one year older and while we might be in two different places, I will will steal pastries from the King's Own Tower and eat them for you. I hope you like your goat!
Written By Corban
Dec. 20, 2019, 8:38 p.m.(6/1/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Happy birthday, my friend.
I miss your counsel, your wisdom, and your companionship every day.
I miss your counsel, your wisdom, and your companionship every day.
Written By Victus
Nov. 23, 2019, 3:16 p.m.(4/2/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I wasn't aware we got vacations.
Written By Jaenelle
Nov. 22, 2019, 8:06 p.m.(4/1/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Our birthday is next month. Is this where we thought we would be? A reminder that I expect a present, and need to figure out how I will ever top last years. It will not be easy, but maybe I shall be the present and come for a visit. It isn't like I don't know where you've gone, you can't hide. We are forever connected.
I am better than I thought I would be, though you have never doubted my strength and I never worry about your's. You have made sure that I would be fine, that I would have a strong foundation around me before you left. It is such a Leona thing to do, worry about others while you had such a daunting journey ahead. You will be fine as well. I love you.
I am better than I thought I would be, though you have never doubted my strength and I never worry about your's. You have made sure that I would be fine, that I would have a strong foundation around me before you left. It is such a Leona thing to do, worry about others while you had such a daunting journey ahead. You will be fine as well. I love you.
Written By Fortunato
Nov. 16, 2018, 10:25 p.m.(1/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I cannot possibly better Leona's statement. I want to talk about heroes and stories, all the same.
A hero is a story. One distilled and focused. Every person you have ever admired, every legend you ever wanted to emulate occasionally had feet of clay or a heart of glass. I like my stories with the feet of clay and the heart of glass. I find stories of pure people doing purely heroic things and living only for Others or the Compact difficult instructions to live by. Mix the flaws back in those stories and I find them more compelling. That enshrined moment of triumph and tragedy has context. The story has more of a journey in it, and I love journeys.
The ideals still serve a purpose, just as a simple, but beautiful image serves a purpose. You focus on a bright point. Come storm, come trauma, come collapse and terror, you still have that simple, sure bright point to crawl toward. That is what ideals are for.
The journey is still important. The truest memorial we can give to anyone is to remember and celebrate them as they were, with all those wonderful, terrible intertwined stories. We are dust and light, memory and soul, and when we die, we return to the Wheel and we may yet return from it. But memories fade if they are not kept. The archives of Vellichor and the tales, told and retold, of those who love us, these are the true memorial. And may even the commonest of soldiers be granted it.
A hero is a story. One distilled and focused. Every person you have ever admired, every legend you ever wanted to emulate occasionally had feet of clay or a heart of glass. I like my stories with the feet of clay and the heart of glass. I find stories of pure people doing purely heroic things and living only for Others or the Compact difficult instructions to live by. Mix the flaws back in those stories and I find them more compelling. That enshrined moment of triumph and tragedy has context. The story has more of a journey in it, and I love journeys.
The ideals still serve a purpose, just as a simple, but beautiful image serves a purpose. You focus on a bright point. Come storm, come trauma, come collapse and terror, you still have that simple, sure bright point to crawl toward. That is what ideals are for.
The journey is still important. The truest memorial we can give to anyone is to remember and celebrate them as they were, with all those wonderful, terrible intertwined stories. We are dust and light, memory and soul, and when we die, we return to the Wheel and we may yet return from it. But memories fade if they are not kept. The archives of Vellichor and the tales, told and retold, of those who love us, these are the true memorial. And may even the commonest of soldiers be granted it.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 31, 2018, 3:16 p.m.(7/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Let them know that I accept proof of devotion in the form of gifts, would you? But do point out as well that Dame Talenthia Tael'Nal'Thal has, as far as I know, produced a rather amazing show in my honor, recreating my Folly most entertainingly in the Most Like Bliss contest of 1008 AR, and that is a hard bar to pass.
I'm rather looking forward to the drinks. I will be writing soon.
I'm rather looking forward to the drinks. I will be writing soon.
Written By Eleyna
Aug. 20, 2018, 5:26 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
The choice was to continue to walk the difficult path along the strand between the impenetrable forest and the sheer cliffs, watching every step to avoid wandering too far in either direction.
When the choices seem to narrow down so that it felt easier to just jump off the cliff and into the dark sea, your hand was at my collar to pull me away from the cliff's edge and set me back on the path.
I have a feeling this is not the first time we've done this.
When the choices seem to narrow down so that it felt easier to just jump off the cliff and into the dark sea, your hand was at my collar to pull me away from the cliff's edge and set me back on the path.
I have a feeling this is not the first time we've done this.
Written By Corban
July 9, 2018, 8:09 a.m.(2/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
As we welcome Lord Commander Eleanor to her new role, let me also spare a word for our immediate past Lord Commander, Dame Leona.
Leona has been a friend and a confidant since shortly after I came to the Capital. She has taught me much about the ways of the knight and of honor, even correcting me when I have strayed from those virtues. She accepted me into the Silver Swords after once refusing her. And she has continued to teach me more about the world and myself as a knight in her service.
Even as you go on to new duties, Dame Leona, know that our friendship remains fast. I stand ready to give you any assistance you may require. And I look forward to our continued conversations.
Leona has been a friend and a confidant since shortly after I came to the Capital. She has taught me much about the ways of the knight and of honor, even correcting me when I have strayed from those virtues. She accepted me into the Silver Swords after once refusing her. And she has continued to teach me more about the world and myself as a knight in her service.
Even as you go on to new duties, Dame Leona, know that our friendship remains fast. I stand ready to give you any assistance you may require. And I look forward to our continued conversations.
Written By Sorrel
July 1, 2018, 8:01 p.m.(2/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
You are like a sister to me, and you inspire in me faith and loyalty and camaraderie. I feel lucky to have married your brother in part so that you would be my sister. You are amazing and inspiring. There's no one I'd rather have as part of my family.
And when Galen gets frustrated that we're ganging up on him together, it's because we are.
I'm glad your nephew has your eyes. (And his father's eyes, too, but siblings do look alike.)
And when Galen gets frustrated that we're ganging up on him together, it's because we are.
I'm glad your nephew has your eyes. (And his father's eyes, too, but siblings do look alike.)
Written By Jaenelle
March 23, 2018, 5:21 p.m.(6/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Happy Birthday, Leona. With everything going on I did not have a chance till now to wish you such on YOUR special day. I hope YOUR birthday was wonderful and filled with all sorts of grand adventures and companionship. To think, 25 years ago YOU were born. You've not died yet, so that is something.
Written By Tovell
Feb. 24, 2018, 11:59 p.m.(4/4/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I have not seen the Lord Commander for some time. This, I hate to say -- is a good thing. I'm getting control of my emotions. I have been happy in my duty. I bet next time I see her I shall have overcome my angers.
Written By Edain
Jan. 12, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
All I can say is that I am not perfect. And that distrust can sometimes run deep. I would never wish to say anything that dishonored Lord Commander Dayne's sacrifice. I will pray at the cathedral tonight that he will forgive my words.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.