Written By Preston
April 15, 2022, 11:31 a.m.(6/20/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Dear Thena,
It has been some time since I last left a message for you and the others in my journals, in the perhaps-forlorn hope you may see it one day. As always, little sister, I hope you and the others are well - you should tell Esoka that she is missed, she would be happy I think with some things we have been up to. And you would be amused. Especially about my having to fight through a throng of swans who had clearly become very panicked or diseased by the attackers at Bastian.
We recovered an old artifact, a lantern that belonged to the Templars long ago. One you and I once found mention of. The stories say a gift from gloria herself - certainly it is a beautiful item, I can imagine why they say it. It's light seems to cast away any shadow. We found it in an old settlement of abandoned - another more aggressive lot, linked to an abandoned warlord who has been causing trouble of late, were trying to take it. The group with me stood our ground and we won the day, and we found the relic and recovered it. I couldn't help think to that old abandoned castle we went to long past, where we found that old shield and that broken war table, do you remember?
I am off soon to the Mourning Isles, to Maelstrom. We will celebrate the Feast of Alor Valardin there, honour one of the founders of the Orthodoxy - and yes, I can hear your face scrunching from here. My obligation is to first preserve Arvum from Eurusi threat, and the last one remains in the Isles - Waldo and those nobles who hide and support him, while presenting a false face of obedience to the Faith. I should suspect we will find him, and I do regret the damage caused by any who seek to hide or support him still. But. The Faith is clear, they have been given long enough to make the choice of obedience. And so the hand of friendship withdraw, must the Templars go in. A mailled fist holding sword and shield. If you come across any of his lot on your travels, do try to avoid them. They are not good people, Thena.
Let the others know I think of them still, and keep yourself safe on your journeys. There is much more I would tell you, but perhaps that is all for that time when we might all rest once more. Just do not wait too long - I do not think I am destined to have grey hairs.
Ever faithfully,
Preston
It has been some time since I last left a message for you and the others in my journals, in the perhaps-forlorn hope you may see it one day. As always, little sister, I hope you and the others are well - you should tell Esoka that she is missed, she would be happy I think with some things we have been up to. And you would be amused. Especially about my having to fight through a throng of swans who had clearly become very panicked or diseased by the attackers at Bastian.
We recovered an old artifact, a lantern that belonged to the Templars long ago. One you and I once found mention of. The stories say a gift from gloria herself - certainly it is a beautiful item, I can imagine why they say it. It's light seems to cast away any shadow. We found it in an old settlement of abandoned - another more aggressive lot, linked to an abandoned warlord who has been causing trouble of late, were trying to take it. The group with me stood our ground and we won the day, and we found the relic and recovered it. I couldn't help think to that old abandoned castle we went to long past, where we found that old shield and that broken war table, do you remember?
I am off soon to the Mourning Isles, to Maelstrom. We will celebrate the Feast of Alor Valardin there, honour one of the founders of the Orthodoxy - and yes, I can hear your face scrunching from here. My obligation is to first preserve Arvum from Eurusi threat, and the last one remains in the Isles - Waldo and those nobles who hide and support him, while presenting a false face of obedience to the Faith. I should suspect we will find him, and I do regret the damage caused by any who seek to hide or support him still. But. The Faith is clear, they have been given long enough to make the choice of obedience. And so the hand of friendship withdraw, must the Templars go in. A mailled fist holding sword and shield. If you come across any of his lot on your travels, do try to avoid them. They are not good people, Thena.
Let the others know I think of them still, and keep yourself safe on your journeys. There is much more I would tell you, but perhaps that is all for that time when we might all rest once more. Just do not wait too long - I do not think I am destined to have grey hairs.
Ever faithfully,
Preston
Written By Preston
April 19, 2021, 12:30 p.m.(4/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Dear Little Sister,
It has been....well, I lost track of the months and years, you work it out. Anyway, it has been sometime since you and half my friends went off on your mission. I am not sure if I am more upset that you left me behind, or that the small group of you constituted at least half my friends. I think mostly I miss you all. We have finished refurbishments to the siege yard at the Templar Compound, and I think how much fun Esoka would have had there with Ida. Or how much you would have enjoyed the Laurent joust where - continuing my usual poor form in such things - I was put on my rear in one pass on the tilt by Baron Norwood.
The city is both changing, and also as it ever was. I have had a lot of time to think about change of late, both because of the events in the Faith but also in all else that has gone on. People seem to confuse it. They think anything that is old must be bad, and all that is new is good. Rather, it seems that we must use what is old to inform us where we must go next, what change is necessary to get to the place we will be. The journey we are on.
The Templar numbers are rebuilt after Sungreet, and yes I took an arrow in the shoulder there. I can hear you and Esoka chuckling from here. Though at least Esoka will have the good grace to be embarrassed by her amusement at it. I kept thinking in the battle 'If only a small knight were charging through here with a dagger in her hand, it would all be better'. But now we face the next hurdle as summer comes upon us. The next campaigning season. The blade is as honed as it will be, we must just hope it drives deep enough and ends the threat - or you will find the wilds of Arvum that you tread to be busy as we flee ahead of the Eurusi.
Sorry I should be more cheerful. Though I can at times hear your gruff agreement with me on things. It always struck me as strange, and what people never understood - that the two of us with different views and backgrounds could agree on so much, and disagree, and become so trusting of one another. I know that in the darkest moment you will all come back to us if needed. I hope that we can do our best to never require that, to give you all the time you need to do what you do. And I hope, one day, to return to us with great stories.
Did I ever tell you we have a very large goat now? We call him Jeffers. You'd like him. He's stubborn and eats the occasional hat.
Ever your brother,
Preston
It has been....well, I lost track of the months and years, you work it out. Anyway, it has been sometime since you and half my friends went off on your mission. I am not sure if I am more upset that you left me behind, or that the small group of you constituted at least half my friends. I think mostly I miss you all. We have finished refurbishments to the siege yard at the Templar Compound, and I think how much fun Esoka would have had there with Ida. Or how much you would have enjoyed the Laurent joust where - continuing my usual poor form in such things - I was put on my rear in one pass on the tilt by Baron Norwood.
The city is both changing, and also as it ever was. I have had a lot of time to think about change of late, both because of the events in the Faith but also in all else that has gone on. People seem to confuse it. They think anything that is old must be bad, and all that is new is good. Rather, it seems that we must use what is old to inform us where we must go next, what change is necessary to get to the place we will be. The journey we are on.
The Templar numbers are rebuilt after Sungreet, and yes I took an arrow in the shoulder there. I can hear you and Esoka chuckling from here. Though at least Esoka will have the good grace to be embarrassed by her amusement at it. I kept thinking in the battle 'If only a small knight were charging through here with a dagger in her hand, it would all be better'. But now we face the next hurdle as summer comes upon us. The next campaigning season. The blade is as honed as it will be, we must just hope it drives deep enough and ends the threat - or you will find the wilds of Arvum that you tread to be busy as we flee ahead of the Eurusi.
Sorry I should be more cheerful. Though I can at times hear your gruff agreement with me on things. It always struck me as strange, and what people never understood - that the two of us with different views and backgrounds could agree on so much, and disagree, and become so trusting of one another. I know that in the darkest moment you will all come back to us if needed. I hope that we can do our best to never require that, to give you all the time you need to do what you do. And I hope, one day, to return to us with great stories.
Did I ever tell you we have a very large goat now? We call him Jeffers. You'd like him. He's stubborn and eats the occasional hat.
Ever your brother,
Preston
Written By Riagnon
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:44 a.m.(8/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
It's actually pretty simple! You just work your way from the outside towards your plate in an alternating even-numbered pattern between courses with the exception of palate cleansers, certain savory pies, or sudden need to throw a utensil at a sibling from across the room. We used to have a book on the subject! I'd lend it to you were it not gruesomely destroyed.
Written By Khanne
July 18, 2019, 3:22 p.m.(6/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Thena, darling,
You are as soft as your armor. Never fear.
(A carefully drawn set of eyes has been sketched onto this journal entry with a fair amount of skill. One eye is closed, lashes curling upward and shadowed upon fair skin, the other is open with an artistic *glint* added, making the wink seem mischievous)
You are as soft as your armor. Never fear.
(A carefully drawn set of eyes has been sketched onto this journal entry with a fair amount of skill. One eye is closed, lashes curling upward and shadowed upon fair skin, the other is open with an artistic *glint* added, making the wink seem mischievous)
Written By Preston
July 16, 2019, 8:06 a.m.(6/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
A weed? Never. Humble perhaps. But more the vine. Moving slowly and quietly, unseen and self-sufficient, until you find the tree on which to grow. And in that perfect place, bloom with surprising beauty and grace, in ways no-one expects. And then, perhaps, stab everyone. But certainly never the weed.
Written By Preston
June 13, 2019, 7:27 a.m.(4/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I remember a time when we thought bravery alone would protect us. When we ran at danger full tilt. Where I went flying through the air when hit by incredibly strong opponents, breastplate cracked....
I remember a time when the darkness of war seemed further off. When the light seemed brighter. When the line between the two on which we stand seemed thicker.
I remember a time when our biggest problem was nobles not listening to us and how many tables you would need to toss over before they would.
And I'll always remember that we stood together in all of that. Even when it all changed at Stormwall, at the end we charged together.
I remember a time when the darkness of war seemed further off. When the light seemed brighter. When the line between the two on which we stand seemed thicker.
I remember a time when our biggest problem was nobles not listening to us and how many tables you would need to toss over before they would.
And I'll always remember that we stood together in all of that. Even when it all changed at Stormwall, at the end we charged together.
Written By Preston
May 31, 2019, 8:13 a.m.(3/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Just as long as you know when they paint the stories of your life, they will definitely use artistic license to make it a sword or a lance in a mounted charge. Not a dagger.
Written By Sparte
May 30, 2019, 9:59 a.m.(3/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I wasn't the one who told Lady Kenna that, for the record.
I consider your knife collection one of the lesser known wonders of the Compact, perhaps if you invite her to see it you'll make a convert of her.
I consider your knife collection one of the lesser known wonders of the Compact, perhaps if you invite her to see it you'll make a convert of her.
Written By Kenna
May 30, 2019, 3:12 a.m.(3/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I never learned how to use daggers! Someone told me, I don't remember who, that I had to learn to wield a sword if I was going to be in the guard.
I never questioned it and now I'm afraid it might be too late. If I'm ever going to be any good then I need to focus on one thing at a time.
I never questioned it and now I'm afraid it might be too late. If I'm ever going to be any good then I need to focus on one thing at a time.
Written By Jeffeth
April 7, 2019, 10:24 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Don't worry Grandmaster, I took care of that errand for mistress Perronne.
Written By Perronne
April 7, 2019, 3:29 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I wish to send the Grandmaster's second-in-command on an errand! I don't know what kind of errand, though. I could use some sticky rolls from that Uppers shop, and I would happily give him half the sticky buns as payment! Would that be alright, do you think? I mean, sure, using members of the Holy Church as errand runners is probably really offensive, but...STICKY BUNS.
Just think about it. Sticky buns.
Just think about it. Sticky buns.
Written By Preston
April 7, 2019, 6:46 a.m.(11/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
It is to be expected Sir Jeffeth would be in demand, given the considerable skills of your second in command and the fact he is well known in the city amongst the nobility - who often have such important tasks.
There is much to prey on our minds, with heresy, breaches of Gods' laws, blasphemous attacks upon Godsworn. You are the Grandmaster of the Solace, you walk the roads more than anyone, and know them better than I. But perhaps sometimes a diversion can make the journey easier, because at times you need to be reminded why you make the journey at all? The beauty and hope of our lands and in the hearts of our people.
Or perhaps sometimes events are damned inconvenient. I don't know. But I will always try to piously comfort the Grandmaster of the Solace, who remains my dearest - if often absent - friend.
There is much to prey on our minds, with heresy, breaches of Gods' laws, blasphemous attacks upon Godsworn. You are the Grandmaster of the Solace, you walk the roads more than anyone, and know them better than I. But perhaps sometimes a diversion can make the journey easier, because at times you need to be reminded why you make the journey at all? The beauty and hope of our lands and in the hearts of our people.
Or perhaps sometimes events are damned inconvenient. I don't know. But I will always try to piously comfort the Grandmaster of the Solace, who remains my dearest - if often absent - friend.
Written By Jeffeth
April 7, 2019, 1:42 a.m.(11/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Sorry Grandmaster, I'm a Knight of Songs now! I guess!
Written By Preston
March 31, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Watching the jousts reminded me of Stormwall and the time at the end. Thena and I were not Grandmasters then, and the charge was...well, perhaps reckless, but necessary. Princess Terese and the remnants of the Templar mounted knights, those Solace left with a horse, Lord Alban flying through the air as his horse was killed from under him.
It is easy to remember that as a glorious moment. But in truth, I remember worry. I was worried that it had come down to this. Worried that Thena was using a small dagger. Worry that Lord Alban would lack a horse and be unable to withdraw. Worry that if we failed, how many of the wounded and noncombatants we were protecting from Stormwall would not make it to the pass. It is over two years since that day. Thena and I are different people now, and we often are pulled in different directions. But I'd like to think that we still share the agreements and bonds we once had. And that is important in the Faith Militant. We must trust one another to operate independently, to act knowing that even if we do not see the other they will have our back. And equally it allows us to operate together, knowing we can rely on the other to be a source of strength and not division.
It is easy to remember that as a glorious moment. But in truth, I remember worry. I was worried that it had come down to this. Worried that Thena was using a small dagger. Worry that Lord Alban would lack a horse and be unable to withdraw. Worry that if we failed, how many of the wounded and noncombatants we were protecting from Stormwall would not make it to the pass. It is over two years since that day. Thena and I are different people now, and we often are pulled in different directions. But I'd like to think that we still share the agreements and bonds we once had. And that is important in the Faith Militant. We must trust one another to operate independently, to act knowing that even if we do not see the other they will have our back. And equally it allows us to operate together, knowing we can rely on the other to be a source of strength and not division.
Written By Godric
Feb. 20, 2019, 9:17 a.m.(8/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Should I start the cupcake delivery again? Asking for Cujo.
Written By Bliss
Feb. 4, 2019, 2:07 a.m.(7/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
While I appreciate the offer, there are a number of us here who would be heartbroken if little Flopsy were to leave. He is a source of great amusement.
Largely because of how loudly I end up yelling.
Largely because of how loudly I end up yelling.
Written By Preston
Feb. 3, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Dare I ask /why/ you have a bunny sanctuary going on in Solace Square? I seem to recall it has something to do with Grandmaster Armel, may the Gods remember him. Though if it is some championing of your claim to the title of 'Bunny Knight', I suppose that could be entertaining.
You will forever be the Godsworn who reminds me to smile, because you have carried the same burdens on your shoulders, and yet you still march onwards. You have such faith in life, even if you glower and gloom at the inefficient fickleness of decisions at times.
You will forever be the Godsworn who reminds me to smile, because you have carried the same burdens on your shoulders, and yet you still march onwards. You have such faith in life, even if you glower and gloom at the inefficient fickleness of decisions at times.
Written By Preston
Jan. 27, 2019, 6:40 a.m.(6/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
To be fair, you got better - unless you are some kind of apparition or shared imagining of us all. And thankfully so.
Written By Calaudrin
Jan. 18, 2019, 8:20 p.m.(5/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Meaty mercenaries.
Written By Preston
Jan. 10, 2019, 7:34 a.m.(5/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
The losses we have suffered in recent years have all heart. 1 or 100 or 1000 or 10000 loss, you feel each on your heart. I know, and share that. And mourn with you.
It seems worse to know that some of the recent deaths of the Faith Militant come from the children of the Faith. Each of the thousands who died at Stormwall, the hundreds at the Lodge, these were brave men and women of the Faith who died to protect the children of the Faith, to end a threat or if they could not then to least buy us some precious few moments of peace, some breathing room, to extend the light of our civilisation's candle by a day, a week, a month, a year.
And now they are taken down by the very ones their brothers and sisters died to save. It breaks the heart.
It seems worse to know that some of the recent deaths of the Faith Militant come from the children of the Faith. Each of the thousands who died at Stormwall, the hundreds at the Lodge, these were brave men and women of the Faith who died to protect the children of the Faith, to end a threat or if they could not then to least buy us some precious few moments of peace, some breathing room, to extend the light of our civilisation's candle by a day, a week, a month, a year.
And now they are taken down by the very ones their brothers and sisters died to save. It breaks the heart.
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