Written By Vanora
Jan. 16, 2019, 5:20 p.m.(5/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
There is so much happening, and I am overwhelmed to the very marrow. Unsure where even to begin.
What is clear is that the world is changing. That another friend has been lost, will be buried, one that I believe was dearer to me than I dared to realize until it was too late. The absence he leaves behind is a chasm that I'm not sure how to find the way across. I feel broken, and I expect to feel this way for some time.
I will miss you, all of you, so much more than my words can say.
What is clear is that the world is changing. That another friend has been lost, will be buried, one that I believe was dearer to me than I dared to realize until it was too late. The absence he leaves behind is a chasm that I'm not sure how to find the way across. I feel broken, and I expect to feel this way for some time.
I will miss you, all of you, so much more than my words can say.
Written By Aksel
Jan. 14, 2019, 2:14 p.m.(5/11/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I have known the man that became Prince Ettore for many years. From my early days in Stonedeep training with Nadia and her brothers Cassius and Dustin he was sort of a guide. Certainly not a friend in those early years, but he was a man that willing spoke with me and try as he might to teach me about number matters, it went right over my head.
When I first arrived to the city at the request of Nadia to carry The Sword of Stonedeep it was nice to see the man still at the thing he loved and that he found a new path to pursue. I don't understand all that is the Thirteen or even a fraction of it, but he believed and he found strength in that believe.
While our paths have taken each other in different directions these past years, know I will miss you Mydas. I guess I won't get to bug you about that doll now.
Spirits watch over you Prince Ettore.
When I first arrived to the city at the request of Nadia to carry The Sword of Stonedeep it was nice to see the man still at the thing he loved and that he found a new path to pursue. I don't understand all that is the Thirteen or even a fraction of it, but he believed and he found strength in that believe.
While our paths have taken each other in different directions these past years, know I will miss you Mydas. I guess I won't get to bug you about that doll now.
Spirits watch over you Prince Ettore.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 13, 2019, 10:15 p.m.(5/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Many people are mourning right now. Many people are being mourned. I am not unique in my sorrow for a friend lost.
But that friend -was- unique.
I remember when we met, well, when we first talked at length... It was a rather raucous event of wrestling. Including bears at one point. Sorry to those who participated (my cousin was one, was was our High Lord), but I was far more focused on the conversation than the wrestling. I had not been in Arx long and was rather shy... Sitting alone by the trellis, he joined me. It was one of the most memorable conversations I have ever had... not for the topics discussed, but for how engaging he was in that conversation. He had to go North shortly after.. the next day I believe, and we developed our friendship through letters. He was a magnificent pen pal... I've been fortunate to have a few of those.
We were very different, he and I... But despite not ever seeing each other as often as we would have liked, he was one of my very closest friends. I trusted him. We had some interesting experiences (interesting is a mild choice of word here). And he has left a permanent mark on my life.
I will never forget you, Mydas. Ettore. And as you well knew and understood, the difficulty I have in being able to move past numb to sorrow and mourn properly for another lost continues... But I do mourn, in my way; a way I know you approved of.
And so, instead of focusing on the ache in my heart... I thank you. I thank you for every drink we shared, every conversation we fell deep into, every letter we ever wrote, and every experience we shared. I thank you for what you helped me learn, and how you helped me understand... I thank you. May we meet again in some turn of the wheel, or in the everafter peace.
But that friend -was- unique.
I remember when we met, well, when we first talked at length... It was a rather raucous event of wrestling. Including bears at one point. Sorry to those who participated (my cousin was one, was was our High Lord), but I was far more focused on the conversation than the wrestling. I had not been in Arx long and was rather shy... Sitting alone by the trellis, he joined me. It was one of the most memorable conversations I have ever had... not for the topics discussed, but for how engaging he was in that conversation. He had to go North shortly after.. the next day I believe, and we developed our friendship through letters. He was a magnificent pen pal... I've been fortunate to have a few of those.
We were very different, he and I... But despite not ever seeing each other as often as we would have liked, he was one of my very closest friends. I trusted him. We had some interesting experiences (interesting is a mild choice of word here). And he has left a permanent mark on my life.
I will never forget you, Mydas. Ettore. And as you well knew and understood, the difficulty I have in being able to move past numb to sorrow and mourn properly for another lost continues... But I do mourn, in my way; a way I know you approved of.
And so, instead of focusing on the ache in my heart... I thank you. I thank you for every drink we shared, every conversation we fell deep into, every letter we ever wrote, and every experience we shared. I thank you for what you helped me learn, and how you helped me understand... I thank you. May we meet again in some turn of the wheel, or in the everafter peace.
Written By Vanora
Jan. 13, 2019, 6:14 p.m.(5/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I can't even find the words. Anywhere. Oh my friend.
Written By Monique
Jan. 13, 2019, 12:48 p.m.(5/8/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I kept my promise to you.
Written By Harper
Jan. 12, 2019, 11:55 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I'm damned angry. I'm hurt. I'm sad. I'm confused.
It's all a jumble and mish mash. But one thing's for damned sure. I'm going to miss you. You're one of the ones I actually respected. I'm getting damned tired of losing people I respect.
I hope your next turn on the wheel's a real good one. You deserve it.
It's all a jumble and mish mash. But one thing's for damned sure. I'm going to miss you. You're one of the ones I actually respected. I'm getting damned tired of losing people I respect.
I hope your next turn on the wheel's a real good one. You deserve it.
Written By Morrighan
Jan. 12, 2019, 9:42 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
No. No no no no no. Gods damn it Mydas, you can't.
You can't-
You can't-
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 12, 2019, 5:44 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Ettore Mydas Velenosa, do remember some of the vows I made to you on our wedding day.
In the Queen of Endings' grace, I vow each moment is spent as if it were our last together. That nothing is taken for granted and when our times come to return to the wheel that we will both have found that contentment that we sought in each other, and find that Death's embrace is found to hold no regrets. In Vellichor's grace, I vow to remember. Even should Death come for you first, you will be remembered long after, your story shared with our children and theirs after.
What will I tell him of you? How will I tell him everything he needs to know when he is old enough? Will I remember everything he deserves to know?
I hope when the time comes I can tell him that you were redeeming yourself, how you were changing for the better and it was because of him that you were able to see the light. I will tell him despite other's insistence, you smiled often and laughed with your entire being. I will tell him how wonderfully stubborn you were with everyone but his mother, and with her you were gentle and kind and loving, without question or stipulations. I will tell him there was a darkness inside of you, that you were far from perfect and you had your own terrors to fight but you had the desire and willpower to overcome those obstacles.
He loved you, Vittore, more than I could write here but I will do my best to make sure you know that love till the very last.
In the Queen of Endings' grace, I vow each moment is spent as if it were our last together. That nothing is taken for granted and when our times come to return to the wheel that we will both have found that contentment that we sought in each other, and find that Death's embrace is found to hold no regrets. In Vellichor's grace, I vow to remember. Even should Death come for you first, you will be remembered long after, your story shared with our children and theirs after.
What will I tell him of you? How will I tell him everything he needs to know when he is old enough? Will I remember everything he deserves to know?
I hope when the time comes I can tell him that you were redeeming yourself, how you were changing for the better and it was because of him that you were able to see the light. I will tell him despite other's insistence, you smiled often and laughed with your entire being. I will tell him how wonderfully stubborn you were with everyone but his mother, and with her you were gentle and kind and loving, without question or stipulations. I will tell him there was a darkness inside of you, that you were far from perfect and you had your own terrors to fight but you had the desire and willpower to overcome those obstacles.
He loved you, Vittore, more than I could write here but I will do my best to make sure you know that love till the very last.
Written By Jaenelle
Oct. 9, 2018, 2:54 p.m.(10/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
We will be married a full year this month. I believe we've fulfilled our obligations and you've officially become my longest marriage to date. What else is there to look forward to now? Perhaps we should just call it quits when its on a high note?
Its not you, its me.
Its not you, its me.
Written By Edain
Oct. 2, 2018, 4:15 p.m.(9/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Not that you, or anyone needs my advice, but I always counsel that one show caution in coveting coin.
You cannot grow crops out of a mound of silver, nor can you harvest lumber or mine iron from it. There are many ways to be wealthy in this world, just as there are many ways to be poor. We all have our smattering of both.
You cannot grow crops out of a mound of silver, nor can you harvest lumber or mine iron from it. There are many ways to be wealthy in this world, just as there are many ways to be poor. We all have our smattering of both.
Written By Fredrik
Sept. 29, 2018, 8:15 p.m.(9/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
properly done where it won't demean you, howling in outrage can be quite cathartic, in short doses.
Written By Morrighan
Sept. 29, 2018, 3:04 p.m.(9/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I thought the earlier versions were poison enough, to be honest. I'll be curious to see what you come up with next.
Written By Morrighan
Sept. 28, 2018, 11:45 p.m.(9/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Purified formula for Foolsbane, you say?
I'm intrigued. Tell me more.
I'm intrigued. Tell me more.
Written By Estil
Sept. 28, 2018, 11:03 p.m.(9/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
It was bloody brilliant.
Written By Thena
Sept. 25, 2018, 9:04 p.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Like all Godsworn, I have vowed to serve Tehom as I serve any other god.
Written By Harlex
Sept. 25, 2018, 6:17 p.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I am not a knight. Nor a Godsworn. But I am a soldier and I have killed plenty in my time.
Plenty more to come by the course of things.
What I have learned from Tehom is that if violence and war make a beast of you than you had best not lock that beast up too often or it will tear you apart from the inside.
There is a passion for violence in me that I long tried to hide and only by acknowledging that darkness am I able to choke it some for control and turn it against a foe.
Instead of myself. It takes effort to not let it consume me. Still, it remains a better option than trying to deny it.
Plenty more to come by the course of things.
What I have learned from Tehom is that if violence and war make a beast of you than you had best not lock that beast up too often or it will tear you apart from the inside.
There is a passion for violence in me that I long tried to hide and only by acknowledging that darkness am I able to choke it some for control and turn it against a foe.
Instead of myself. It takes effort to not let it consume me. Still, it remains a better option than trying to deny it.
Written By Corban
Sept. 25, 2018, 12:51 p.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I cannot speak to the doctrine of Tehom and the Mirrormasks' proper remit. But I am an officer of the Silver Swords, and I have written at length on the knightly virtues. I therefore believe myself qualified to at least offer a few words on chivalry.
I see no conflict between chivalry and questioning. The chivalrous are guided not solely by obedience, but by righteousness. To pursue the right requires questioning, for it requires the knight to judge her actions against the good, not just one's orders. Nor is chivalry an obstacle to considering a matter from each angle. I am a Knight Lieutenant. But each one of the hundred Silver Swords has not just the right, but the duty, to carefully examine my plans and to raise a question or concern if a material flaw is identified.
Of course, the chivalrous must keep their oaths and it is generally right to obey one's superiors. Thus, when a decision is taken, the chivalrous must carry the order out to the best of their ability, even if they were previously opposed. The role of Tehom's advocate is ill taken when it extends beyond planning and infects the time for action.
But even then.
Our history is dotted with instances where those who I believe were true to chivalry defied orders in pursuit of the right and protection of innocent. The paladins at Eastguard, who refused to withdraw to Arx so that they might protect the refugees fleeing from the coast. The Paladins of the Wood and the knights that rode with them -- and became oathbreakers -- to to fight alongside the Sylv'alfar.
I leave to others Tehom's nature and His proper role in the Pantheon. But -- at least when it comes to critical inquiry -- I should rather like to leave chivalry out of it.
I see no conflict between chivalry and questioning. The chivalrous are guided not solely by obedience, but by righteousness. To pursue the right requires questioning, for it requires the knight to judge her actions against the good, not just one's orders. Nor is chivalry an obstacle to considering a matter from each angle. I am a Knight Lieutenant. But each one of the hundred Silver Swords has not just the right, but the duty, to carefully examine my plans and to raise a question or concern if a material flaw is identified.
Of course, the chivalrous must keep their oaths and it is generally right to obey one's superiors. Thus, when a decision is taken, the chivalrous must carry the order out to the best of their ability, even if they were previously opposed. The role of Tehom's advocate is ill taken when it extends beyond planning and infects the time for action.
But even then.
Our history is dotted with instances where those who I believe were true to chivalry defied orders in pursuit of the right and protection of innocent. The paladins at Eastguard, who refused to withdraw to Arx so that they might protect the refugees fleeing from the coast. The Paladins of the Wood and the knights that rode with them -- and became oathbreakers -- to to fight alongside the Sylv'alfar.
I leave to others Tehom's nature and His proper role in the Pantheon. But -- at least when it comes to critical inquiry -- I should rather like to leave chivalry out of it.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 25, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I had to go back and see my own entry to confirm that I did not imply such. I was, in fact, saying essentially what you just did. I agree that questions should not be seen as threatening because all they do is provide opportunity to reaffirm our own faith.
Perhaps it is my recent lack of sleep, but that is what I said, was it not?
Perhaps it is my recent lack of sleep, but that is what I said, was it not?
Written By Reigna
Sept. 25, 2018, 11:22 a.m.(9/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I appreciate your words on Tehom, and have found much of what you speak of most enlightening. I am an Oathlander raised within the Orthodoxy, though, since coming to Arx, I no longer think that I can still call myself strictly Orthodox. It is easy when you are within a chorus of voices, singing the same melody with little to no variation, to think that is the only way to sing. But the addition of counterpoint, subtle harmonies and even the occasional dissonance adds so much more depth and complexity, so much more life to a piece. It was not until coming to Arx that I learned to appreciate this new music of the Faith. I immediately gravitated towards the teachings of Skald and of Death. Incorporating their melodies into the song of the canticles I have loved my entire life. Tehom took more time for me to really understand, but the more I learn, the more I study, the more I understand the value offered in his teachings. I understand that being afraid of what is inside me gives that flaw or quality, power over me. It shapes all my actions the more I try to deny it. By facing it, embracing whatever it is, by removing the fear and seeing it... I take my power back and it no longer controls me. Self evaluation, being able to remove yourself from whatever emotion is overtaking you, taking a breath and then accepting it -- it is a powerful gift.
I think the aspect of Tehom's worship that most grates, or feels uncomfortable for most Oathlanders (and I could be wrong, this is only my theory) is the contrarian nature. The questioning. Chivalry is drilled into Oathland children, and chivalry is often based on implicit trust in those around you to conform to the same rules that you do. It is, quite literally, an honor system. Some see this as hopelessly naive, this trust placed in others without question. And it can be. Trust can be a fragile thing. Questioning can feel as though that trust is wavering, that there is uncertainty when chivalry demands that faith, that belief and trust. I am not saying either side is wrong, but I do see how they can rub one another the wrong way.
What needs to be understood, or what might smooth those ruffled feathers, is understanding that the questions are not asked to shake the foundation, but to provide context for that belief. If you can answer those questions and feel steady in those answers, your faith, your trust is strengthened. If you cannot answer those questions without feeling the ground shifting under you, that is a sign that perhaps your faith, your trust is not as solid as it should be. The trick is not being afraid to face that answer. Accept whichever answer you find. If you are uncertain it does not mean your faith is wrong, it is simply providing an opportunity to strengthen your belief by finding the root of your uncertainty and resolving that question for yourself.
I think the aspect of Tehom's worship that most grates, or feels uncomfortable for most Oathlanders (and I could be wrong, this is only my theory) is the contrarian nature. The questioning. Chivalry is drilled into Oathland children, and chivalry is often based on implicit trust in those around you to conform to the same rules that you do. It is, quite literally, an honor system. Some see this as hopelessly naive, this trust placed in others without question. And it can be. Trust can be a fragile thing. Questioning can feel as though that trust is wavering, that there is uncertainty when chivalry demands that faith, that belief and trust. I am not saying either side is wrong, but I do see how they can rub one another the wrong way.
What needs to be understood, or what might smooth those ruffled feathers, is understanding that the questions are not asked to shake the foundation, but to provide context for that belief. If you can answer those questions and feel steady in those answers, your faith, your trust is strengthened. If you cannot answer those questions without feeling the ground shifting under you, that is a sign that perhaps your faith, your trust is not as solid as it should be. The trick is not being afraid to face that answer. Accept whichever answer you find. If you are uncertain it does not mean your faith is wrong, it is simply providing an opportunity to strengthen your belief by finding the root of your uncertainty and resolving that question for yourself.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 20, 2018, 2:15 p.m.(8/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
I was halfway finished with my own entry on the debate that has been going on in the journals about Tehom and the Oathlands Orthodoxy.
Yet there is little I can say that would come out as eloquent as your own responses, Prince Mydas, and thus my interjecting my own thoughts is entirely unnecessary.
Merely know that I am reading your own, and in complete agreement. Even if that comes as no surprise.
Yet there is little I can say that would come out as eloquent as your own responses, Prince Mydas, and thus my interjecting my own thoughts is entirely unnecessary.
Merely know that I am reading your own, and in complete agreement. Even if that comes as no surprise.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.