Written By Rymarr
April 3, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(11/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
P.P.S. Dumpling, not Buttercup. I helped name her and can't even get it right as I'm writing it down. Dumpling! Not Buttercup. It should also be stated that I wouldn't really have a statue of you erected fashioned from carved genitals. I've got too much respect for you to actually commit to that lame joke.
Written By Rymarr
April 3, 2019, 8:51 a.m.(11/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Lately you've been on my mind. Well, what you were. Only the Queen of Endings knows what you've become since you were you. I miss your presence, I miss your friendship, and I miss your thirst for growth. In reflection, I see how much you truly honored Lagoma in your life. You were always trying to make yourself better, whether it was in your training or just you yourself. You took orders well, but I also knew that I could rely on you to handle matters yourself if left to your own devices.
We ensured that Buttercup found a good home. Dauntless wouldn't leave her alone and it seemed right that someone get use out of her. She was made for battle, even if she doesn't seem it on the surface. For a long time we've discussed having a statue of you placed on the grounds, but we often find ourselves frozen with indecision centered around the discussion of the specifics of said statue. Stone? Metal? Wood? Dicks?
Oh, right. I've developed a little bit of humor, apparently. I can't take credit. I've had a very reliable person to hold my hand and guide me along that path, with a great focus on enjoying my life and not restraining myself needlessly. I think you'd have liked the change.
I'm going to keep this short, so I'll say one posthumous thing: I'm sorry that I implied you could have been a danger to the Marquessa given your origins as a prodigal. I was a different person back then and carried prejudices that I now find myself fighting against from others. I won't call myself a champion of prodigals, but so long as they are innocent as individuals? I will strive to defend them like a good Dragon should.
I hope that Vellichor gets this message to the Queen of Endings who may in turn get it to you? Perhaps? Maybe? Would you even remember me at this point? Probably not, but it's worth a shot. I don't know how it all works. But if Vellichor and the Queen could do that? That'd be super.
P.S. Say hello to OMEGA for me, please?
We ensured that Buttercup found a good home. Dauntless wouldn't leave her alone and it seemed right that someone get use out of her. She was made for battle, even if she doesn't seem it on the surface. For a long time we've discussed having a statue of you placed on the grounds, but we often find ourselves frozen with indecision centered around the discussion of the specifics of said statue. Stone? Metal? Wood? Dicks?
Oh, right. I've developed a little bit of humor, apparently. I can't take credit. I've had a very reliable person to hold my hand and guide me along that path, with a great focus on enjoying my life and not restraining myself needlessly. I think you'd have liked the change.
I'm going to keep this short, so I'll say one posthumous thing: I'm sorry that I implied you could have been a danger to the Marquessa given your origins as a prodigal. I was a different person back then and carried prejudices that I now find myself fighting against from others. I won't call myself a champion of prodigals, but so long as they are innocent as individuals? I will strive to defend them like a good Dragon should.
I hope that Vellichor gets this message to the Queen of Endings who may in turn get it to you? Perhaps? Maybe? Would you even remember me at this point? Probably not, but it's worth a shot. I don't know how it all works. But if Vellichor and the Queen could do that? That'd be super.
P.S. Say hello to OMEGA for me, please?
Written By Evaine
Dec. 23, 2017, 10:03 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Get well soon.
Written By Aleksei
Dec. 23, 2017, 8:31 p.m.(10/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
How do I start this?
I said a lot of it at the funeral. How Zhayla was my friend. How she was funny, and warm, and fierce, and dorky. How she wanted to be a hero. How she wanted to help people.
How she wished that there existed a possibility for her father to be redeemed, but how she refused to bend the knee to him or offer him forgiveness. How she went to her death defiant against the Abyss. A hero. Like she always wanted.
She came to me before a recent trip to Stormward. She was worried about going back to the Isles, but at the same time, she couldn't even consider the possibility of _not_ going. There were people to help, after all. And that's probably the purest sense of _Zhayla_ I can offer. She put others before herself, every single time.
I'll miss her every single day for the rest of my life.
I said a lot of it at the funeral. How Zhayla was my friend. How she was funny, and warm, and fierce, and dorky. How she wanted to be a hero. How she wanted to help people.
How she wished that there existed a possibility for her father to be redeemed, but how she refused to bend the knee to him or offer him forgiveness. How she went to her death defiant against the Abyss. A hero. Like she always wanted.
She came to me before a recent trip to Stormward. She was worried about going back to the Isles, but at the same time, she couldn't even consider the possibility of _not_ going. There were people to help, after all. And that's probably the purest sense of _Zhayla_ I can offer. She put others before herself, every single time.
I'll miss her every single day for the rest of my life.
Written By Marian
Dec. 23, 2017, 11:11 a.m.(10/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
We were suppose to go sparring later that day. Right before the attack, she called out to me and I waved to let her know that we were still on because I was engaged in conversation with another noble. When the stranger asked me about Deepwood, I held no suspicions. I merely pointed my friend out, even called her over because the man was seeking directions to the manor. Perhaps if I had been more aware of the dangers, I would have done more to protect her before the attack. My lack of vigilance is a regret that I hold.
It happened so quickly. One moment the man was confronting Zhayla and the next releasing the dogs. I drew my sword and attacked one of the zealots. My diamond-plate sword did little to no damage. She fell to the dogs' claws and teeth within seconds. My efforts to get to her, to kill the dogs were in vain. My only recourse was to try to draw their attention, to use my martial skill to show myself as their biggest threat so the others could get away. I guess I did my job a little too well.
I am still here. I have no idea why the Gods spared me and not Zhayla. I am not more noble, more deserving. We both have roots as shavs. We both have served our houses well. I know by all rights I should have died that day. But I am still here and Zhayla is not. While I mourn for her loss, I am grateful to be alive. For those that were not there that day, she fought well. Celebrate the sheer martial skill and bravery that this prodigal carried when you attend her funeral. I may not be well enough to attend her wake but I will be there in spirit.
Please give prayers for Aksel Nygard who also fell that day and is recovering at the House of Solace. I do not wish any flowers or gifts to be sent. If you desire to offer anything, please send any donations to the House of Solace who's timely efforts saved my life.
It happened so quickly. One moment the man was confronting Zhayla and the next releasing the dogs. I drew my sword and attacked one of the zealots. My diamond-plate sword did little to no damage. She fell to the dogs' claws and teeth within seconds. My efforts to get to her, to kill the dogs were in vain. My only recourse was to try to draw their attention, to use my martial skill to show myself as their biggest threat so the others could get away. I guess I did my job a little too well.
I am still here. I have no idea why the Gods spared me and not Zhayla. I am not more noble, more deserving. We both have roots as shavs. We both have served our houses well. I know by all rights I should have died that day. But I am still here and Zhayla is not. While I mourn for her loss, I am grateful to be alive. For those that were not there that day, she fought well. Celebrate the sheer martial skill and bravery that this prodigal carried when you attend her funeral. I may not be well enough to attend her wake but I will be there in spirit.
Please give prayers for Aksel Nygard who also fell that day and is recovering at the House of Solace. I do not wish any flowers or gifts to be sent. If you desire to offer anything, please send any donations to the House of Solace who's timely efforts saved my life.
Written By Joslyn
Dec. 23, 2017, 9:45 a.m.(10/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Goodbye my friend. Our time together was far too short, but I treasured every moment.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 21, 2017, 10:20 a.m.(10/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I've already given a recount of Zhayla's history in brief.
After being accepted into my service, Zhayla was overwhelmed by the idea of having a bedroom of her very own, and the means to furnish it. She'd never had so much before to call her own. She kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to give it to her.
Day after day, I would read journals of some of Arx's greatest warriors, speaking praise for Zhayla's prowess, and my heart would swell with pride. Often she would journal of how proud she was to serve Deepwood, and my heart would swell...but with gratefulness, that she chose us. That she chose me.
I look at Nara, and realize now that neither she, nor any of the children I may yet have, will truly know Zhayla. They will never learn to wield a sword under her tutelage, or take rides on Dumpling with the reigns in her hand. They will only know her as a great hero of the March, and their mother's friend and Sword of the House.
I know there are some who think that I should have ordered her away. Deep into the heart of the March, away from the edges of the water, and put her under lock and key to keep her safe. To these people, I say this: you did not know Zhayla as you think you do, if this is what you think she would accept. You see, I was prepared to do this very thing. I even wanted to. But I gave Zhayla a choice, because for too long Zhayla didn't have any. We are both disciples of Skald, and not only is that choice paramount, but the reason Zhayla chose to remain rather than hide was because she knew that evil could not be allowed to perpetuate. Had I taken that choice from her, I do not know that I would be truly be the liege she swore herself to. And I would have no right to call myself a Disciple of Skald.
It pleases me to know she touched so many lives. I have received many messages of condolence and read many expressions of sadness at her death and celebration of her life. There are many who regard her as family, and it gladdens my heart to know that she was cared for so deeply. At her burial, I do intend to mourn her death, but I also plan to celebrate her life, because there's no reason why one cannot do both. To be told you should not mourn is to deny what is natural, and to celebrate is to remember in the best of ways.
It is a custom in some parts of the March to plant a tree in honor of the dead. I intend to do so for Dame Zhayla of Old Oak.
After being accepted into my service, Zhayla was overwhelmed by the idea of having a bedroom of her very own, and the means to furnish it. She'd never had so much before to call her own. She kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to give it to her.
Day after day, I would read journals of some of Arx's greatest warriors, speaking praise for Zhayla's prowess, and my heart would swell with pride. Often she would journal of how proud she was to serve Deepwood, and my heart would swell...but with gratefulness, that she chose us. That she chose me.
I look at Nara, and realize now that neither she, nor any of the children I may yet have, will truly know Zhayla. They will never learn to wield a sword under her tutelage, or take rides on Dumpling with the reigns in her hand. They will only know her as a great hero of the March, and their mother's friend and Sword of the House.
I know there are some who think that I should have ordered her away. Deep into the heart of the March, away from the edges of the water, and put her under lock and key to keep her safe. To these people, I say this: you did not know Zhayla as you think you do, if this is what you think she would accept. You see, I was prepared to do this very thing. I even wanted to. But I gave Zhayla a choice, because for too long Zhayla didn't have any. We are both disciples of Skald, and not only is that choice paramount, but the reason Zhayla chose to remain rather than hide was because she knew that evil could not be allowed to perpetuate. Had I taken that choice from her, I do not know that I would be truly be the liege she swore herself to. And I would have no right to call myself a Disciple of Skald.
It pleases me to know she touched so many lives. I have received many messages of condolence and read many expressions of sadness at her death and celebration of her life. There are many who regard her as family, and it gladdens my heart to know that she was cared for so deeply. At her burial, I do intend to mourn her death, but I also plan to celebrate her life, because there's no reason why one cannot do both. To be told you should not mourn is to deny what is natural, and to celebrate is to remember in the best of ways.
It is a custom in some parts of the March to plant a tree in honor of the dead. I intend to do so for Dame Zhayla of Old Oak.
Written By Reese
Dec. 21, 2017, 3:46 a.m.(10/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Dame Zhayla will be greatly missed. She was small and filled with so much power. Probably still is. There was a calm about her too and she was centered. She had a deep confidence in herself and her abilities. She never needed to proved herself.
She came with me on many battles, always fighting with great skill, great focus, a sense of purpose and without a need for personal glory. She was the kind of woman you want by your side in a battle. She fought beside me against the giant we fought outside Compact during the siege and she fought besides during the siege. She killed many bringers and helped to defend Compact.
My words are falling short. They don't quite capture.
Her death will be avenged.
Reese
She came with me on many battles, always fighting with great skill, great focus, a sense of purpose and without a need for personal glory. She was the kind of woman you want by your side in a battle. She fought beside me against the giant we fought outside Compact during the siege and she fought besides during the siege. She killed many bringers and helped to defend Compact.
My words are falling short. They don't quite capture.
Her death will be avenged.
Reese
Written By Audric
Dec. 21, 2017, 2:44 a.m.(10/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Get well soon!
Written By Fortunato
Dec. 21, 2017, 12:10 a.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Wanna talk about stories.
Lots of folk I know, love, even, but don't know well enough. Distant sort of fellow, me, knew Zhayla as a wild, brave heart who burned with love and ferocity, who would've given her life for a stranger or a friend, who would fly fast to the aid and hope of anyone with a little light in them.
I liked her very much, and she is gone, but not gone. The Wheel waits. But also, the story.
Tendency, once you know you're in danger, or might be in danger, to hole up, to crawl into the dark so the dark might not see you. But Zhayla didn't have the least doubt in her heart of what she wanted. Sword and hero, at once defiant and open-hearted. She made her story.
I wish it might've been longer. You always want the last battle to be--
I wish I knew how to--
Lots of folk I know, love, even, but don't know well enough. Distant sort of fellow, me, knew Zhayla as a wild, brave heart who burned with love and ferocity, who would've given her life for a stranger or a friend, who would fly fast to the aid and hope of anyone with a little light in them.
I liked her very much, and she is gone, but not gone. The Wheel waits. But also, the story.
Tendency, once you know you're in danger, or might be in danger, to hole up, to crawl into the dark so the dark might not see you. But Zhayla didn't have the least doubt in her heart of what she wanted. Sword and hero, at once defiant and open-hearted. She made her story.
I wish it might've been longer. You always want the last battle to be--
I wish I knew how to--
Written By Rymarr
Dec. 21, 2017, midnight(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
There are many in the Compact that march into battle. I am realist enough to know that some will not return. Some will return, only not to return following their next battle. The odds are stacked against those who make war and those odds only increase exponentially. Dame Zhayla was one of the few that I would regularly have very few worries about when it came to battlefields. She was always quite confident on them, adept at navigating them, and seemed in possession of an uncanny ability to simply be in the right position in the right moment. It did come as a surprise to me to learn of her demise. A hurtful surprise.
I met Dame Zhayla long ago and in truth one of the first few meetings which I had with her, I was rather blunt. I offended her with a question. Ultimately she understood the reasoning behind my question and understood that while forward, it came from a place of pure intent. From there our relationship only seemed to grow because we recognized that in one another there was a similar purpose and objective. She was always so enamored with the King's Own and I could practically see the twinkle in her eyes when she'd ask me about them. She wished to know about knighthood, not just in the form of the King's Own, but in general. She wanted to understand the Pantheon and I directed her to those I felt were best equipped to help her. I could offer her nudging in the right direction as far as faith and piety went, but I knew that I was an amateur next to others.
It was that interest that truly solidified our bond. She made a promise to me that until her death, she kept. It was an easy promise for her to keep because it was a promise that she believed in and wished to see fulfilled on her own, without my involvement. In exchange I would teach her all that I could about knighthood. Hailing from the Oathlands it has always been my belief that every knight should know how to ride, even if only so that they're prepared for a good parade. This is how I discovered that Dame Zhayla was hardly a fan of horses and, after conspiring with her liege, we sought to place her with a horse. Dumpling, a beautiful golden mare, whom would become Dame Zhayla's responsibility. With a great deal of pride I can say that you could tell she was fearful of that docile, exceptionally relaxed horse but Zhayla faced that fear head-on. She did not turn from it, she did not quake in the shadow of it. She faced it and she endured it, because that's how one overcomes a fear.
I've written enough of my personal feelings in this journal. The rest will have to go to the blacks, because that's a little too much sentiment out of me for one month.
Save for one mention. House Deepwood will be putting avenging their Sword at the forefront. Whether that is directly or indirectly, we will see to it that Dame Zhayla is properly honored, by continuing or in some cases beginning the fight, in her name.
I met Dame Zhayla long ago and in truth one of the first few meetings which I had with her, I was rather blunt. I offended her with a question. Ultimately she understood the reasoning behind my question and understood that while forward, it came from a place of pure intent. From there our relationship only seemed to grow because we recognized that in one another there was a similar purpose and objective. She was always so enamored with the King's Own and I could practically see the twinkle in her eyes when she'd ask me about them. She wished to know about knighthood, not just in the form of the King's Own, but in general. She wanted to understand the Pantheon and I directed her to those I felt were best equipped to help her. I could offer her nudging in the right direction as far as faith and piety went, but I knew that I was an amateur next to others.
It was that interest that truly solidified our bond. She made a promise to me that until her death, she kept. It was an easy promise for her to keep because it was a promise that she believed in and wished to see fulfilled on her own, without my involvement. In exchange I would teach her all that I could about knighthood. Hailing from the Oathlands it has always been my belief that every knight should know how to ride, even if only so that they're prepared for a good parade. This is how I discovered that Dame Zhayla was hardly a fan of horses and, after conspiring with her liege, we sought to place her with a horse. Dumpling, a beautiful golden mare, whom would become Dame Zhayla's responsibility. With a great deal of pride I can say that you could tell she was fearful of that docile, exceptionally relaxed horse but Zhayla faced that fear head-on. She did not turn from it, she did not quake in the shadow of it. She faced it and she endured it, because that's how one overcomes a fear.
I've written enough of my personal feelings in this journal. The rest will have to go to the blacks, because that's a little too much sentiment out of me for one month.
Save for one mention. House Deepwood will be putting avenging their Sword at the forefront. Whether that is directly or indirectly, we will see to it that Dame Zhayla is properly honored, by continuing or in some cases beginning the fight, in her name.
Written By Aureth
Dec. 20, 2017, 11:44 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
When I met you, I met a woman with a true hero's heart.
Your soul is in the Queen's arms now, and I know she could not be prouder than I am of what you made of its brief span in this life.
This world will see that great hearted soul again. I am sure of it.
I am so sorry you are gone. I am so furious that you are gone.
I am saving the rest for words at your funeral. It will be my greatest.
Goodbye, kiddo. You really were our family.
Your soul is in the Queen's arms now, and I know she could not be prouder than I am of what you made of its brief span in this life.
This world will see that great hearted soul again. I am sure of it.
I am so sorry you are gone. I am so furious that you are gone.
I am saving the rest for words at your funeral. It will be my greatest.
Goodbye, kiddo. You really were our family.
Written By Amarantha
Dec. 20, 2017, 11:40 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I never expected to watch someone die. To see them go from smiling, talking, to---something else. My heart aches for this girl I never knew, for Marian, and for Askel. I wish had been strong enough to protect them.
A foolish wish. Marian had stood against Bringers, been a sword. Still those men cut her down.
What could I have done?
I cannot rid my mind of that question. It repeats in an ugly constant refrain. A song that I wish I never wrote.
A foolish wish. Marian had stood against Bringers, been a sword. Still those men cut her down.
What could I have done?
I cannot rid my mind of that question. It repeats in an ugly constant refrain. A song that I wish I never wrote.
Written By Halsim
Dec. 20, 2017, 10:50 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
When this whole mess started, someone should have stuck her into the biggest fortress in the area and kept her there.
Too late now.
Too late now.
Written By Hana
Dec. 20, 2017, 10:49 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I can't believe you're gone.
It never mattered to me what titles you had, or who you were to other people; you were like a sister. You were part of our family. Not by blood, but family's what you make of it. You always knew you were welcome at any of our doors. You knew that my father would move anything he could to help you, just like I know he would for me.
I remember when you used to hang out in my shop while I worked, and we gossiped about things around the city. I remember when you were so worried about what you'd learned about yourself.
I remember when I made you that warhammer, and watched you test the balance. You seemed like a warrior out of legend, and I was so proud of you.
I remember that night in the shrine.
I remember when you got your trident, and showed it off to me so proudly.
And I remember missing you, when you were so busy being Sword that we rarely saw each other anymore.
I remember seeing you at the Menagerie just recently, and being so glad we had a chance to catch up. To see the animals. To put aside anything else going on, and just be Zhayla and Hana.
So many memories... and now they're all I have left of you.
I'll miss you, sister.
It never mattered to me what titles you had, or who you were to other people; you were like a sister. You were part of our family. Not by blood, but family's what you make of it. You always knew you were welcome at any of our doors. You knew that my father would move anything he could to help you, just like I know he would for me.
I remember when you used to hang out in my shop while I worked, and we gossiped about things around the city. I remember when you were so worried about what you'd learned about yourself.
I remember when I made you that warhammer, and watched you test the balance. You seemed like a warrior out of legend, and I was so proud of you.
I remember that night in the shrine.
I remember when you got your trident, and showed it off to me so proudly.
And I remember missing you, when you were so busy being Sword that we rarely saw each other anymore.
I remember seeing you at the Menagerie just recently, and being so glad we had a chance to catch up. To see the animals. To put aside anything else going on, and just be Zhayla and Hana.
So many memories... and now they're all I have left of you.
I'll miss you, sister.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 20, 2017, 10:37 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Oh no.
Written By Esoka
Dec. 20, 2017, 10:08 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Of all the things that grieve me right now, the most is that I did not know Dame Zhayla as well as I wanted to. We were allies as warriors, sworn to the Deepwoods as she was, and I think we were beginning to be friends. Now I shall never have a chance to know and love her as well as so many did, and the Compact has lost one of its strongest blades. I pray that her soul find rest, or a new life on the Wheel as bold and joyful as the one she lived in this one. And I pray to Gloria and the Sentinel that those who felled her will be found and dealt with, swiftly and with all deliberate vengeance.
Written By Orazio
Dec. 20, 2017, 9:31 p.m.(10/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I only met Dame Zhayla a few times, I must admit. But each time, she impressed me with her bright and unsullied heart and optimism for the future. She was a young warrior who I thought would change the world, if only because she was far too energetic not to change what she could, and for the better.
And now she is gone. I know that she is beyond pain, resting in the Shining Lands, so when I mourn, it is more for the world which has lost her, and for all that might have been, more than for her. We are the poorer for her passing.
And now she is gone. I know that she is beyond pain, resting in the Shining Lands, so when I mourn, it is more for the world which has lost her, and for all that might have been, more than for her. We are the poorer for her passing.
Written By Alexis
July 9, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(10/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I've met Dame Zhayla of Old Oak a few times now - we fought together on an imagined battlefield, back to back, against the fierce foes of the strawman armies. I am pleased to say we were successful in winning the day, and now peace and justice reigns in strawman-lands.
Which is to say, she joined me when I was sparring.
She impresses me. Her bearing. Her attitudes and ideals, what I've heard of them, and the fact that she is the second person I know of to score a three-digit marker at the Telmar Gauntlet. Old Oak has a fine woman for a Sword, and I am inspired by her to try harder and ensure that I am as fine a Sword to Blancbier.
Which is to say, she joined me when I was sparring.
She impresses me. Her bearing. Her attitudes and ideals, what I've heard of them, and the fact that she is the second person I know of to score a three-digit marker at the Telmar Gauntlet. Old Oak has a fine woman for a Sword, and I am inspired by her to try harder and ensure that I am as fine a Sword to Blancbier.
Written By Joslyn
May 21, 2017, 9:02 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
Though I haven't seen her in person a great deal, I feel that facing death side by side is enough to consider a person a friend. We've gotten to know each other better in recent months, and I hope we get closer. She was recently knighted as a Deepwood knight, and as Sword. I am immensely proud to have known her, and to have fought beside her.
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