Written By Alarissa
Jan. 31, 2024, 2:39 p.m.(8/26/1021 AR)
We have ridden around the city on horseback. It was hard to depart the estate if even for a few hours. I never know when an attack is going to come again despite that he is routed for the moment. It was hard to go out with minimal armor. I understand now why Victus has worn his near endlessly all these years. I left the guards at home. I have a dragon at my side and if I am not safe with him, then am I safe at all? He had a request. A tour of the city. How long has it been since he has seen it? With his own eyes? A thousand years? I can feel it when he is watching through me. It's not uncomfortable, he is just... there.
But we rode. I showed him the statue of Eleyna and have laid lilies in her hands perhaps for the last time. then we rode onward. Through the places familiar to me, safe for us to go. I brought him to the hall of heroes. That place that I enjoy walking. So he could see the heroes of the centuries. So I could show him Lord Darrow.
I stopped us at Lotties, so he could try what sweets there might be at these times. Places that I knew had not been here when he was. We sat to sup, to sip, to do the thing he requested in these moments between. To listen. We went to the shrines. The faith plays so large a part in my life. So that he might see how they have developed. The old ones, the new ones. We are with Vellichor's right now. I wanted to write in my whites. I encouraged him to write as well, if he would like. As this is the way of Arx. Of Arvum.
After this, I don't know where we will ride. Perhaps we will just ride, plod along and take our time before we return to the estate. No doubt the children are ready to greet him when he comes back. We've a feast set for this night. The servants work as we ride. But all will gather in the hall at our side. For this moment, we are all as one. Or they can gather with their families. It is their choice. But I know, that I will sit with Eleyna at my side and lift my glass for at least another night with those I love.
Maelstrom is destroyed, sacrificed that we may gain the tools needed to drive back evil, to banish it, destroy it. To gain the necessary allies to see another day. It will have been worth it. As sad as it is to say such, it was a necessary thing. We did not have the strength to hold it like the other cities after the civil wars toll. But we have teh strength to hold the city. Much like before, we will bleed, we will hurt, but we will come out the other side victorius. Changed irrevocably, but changed none the less.
But we rode. I showed him the statue of Eleyna and have laid lilies in her hands perhaps for the last time. then we rode onward. Through the places familiar to me, safe for us to go. I brought him to the hall of heroes. That place that I enjoy walking. So he could see the heroes of the centuries. So I could show him Lord Darrow.
I stopped us at Lotties, so he could try what sweets there might be at these times. Places that I knew had not been here when he was. We sat to sup, to sip, to do the thing he requested in these moments between. To listen. We went to the shrines. The faith plays so large a part in my life. So that he might see how they have developed. The old ones, the new ones. We are with Vellichor's right now. I wanted to write in my whites. I encouraged him to write as well, if he would like. As this is the way of Arx. Of Arvum.
After this, I don't know where we will ride. Perhaps we will just ride, plod along and take our time before we return to the estate. No doubt the children are ready to greet him when he comes back. We've a feast set for this night. The servants work as we ride. But all will gather in the hall at our side. For this moment, we are all as one. Or they can gather with their families. It is their choice. But I know, that I will sit with Eleyna at my side and lift my glass for at least another night with those I love.
Maelstrom is destroyed, sacrificed that we may gain the tools needed to drive back evil, to banish it, destroy it. To gain the necessary allies to see another day. It will have been worth it. As sad as it is to say such, it was a necessary thing. We did not have the strength to hold it like the other cities after the civil wars toll. But we have teh strength to hold the city. Much like before, we will bleed, we will hurt, but we will come out the other side victorius. Changed irrevocably, but changed none the less.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 30, 2024, 10:23 p.m.(8/25/1021 AR)
I was guardian of his soul before. Now I am a guardian of his life in as much as he is of mine.
We were a tangle of limbs in the bed. The weight of Astrid, Danse, Siggy, Delia and Eleyna upon our legs and in our arms. They have been kept inside, away from windows and we shed armor and bathed before we gathered them up. If this is the last night that we will have with them, then I am glad that it was as such. They know something happens, you cannot hide that from the older ones at least. Astrid champs at the bit to join her father in battle.
I like the lines at the corner of his eyes. I know what they mean. I know that feeling. I hope that there will not be more lines anytime soon but I understand if there will need to be more.
I felt Valar as well, as real to me even though he is not in the same room and yet, he is just there. As I feel Victus beside me and Eleyna's head upon my shoulder. It is a strange feeling. Should we survive, I am sure that I will get used to it. He is honour incarnate. He seeks to ensure the comfort of his people as well. That they are being cared for.
This is it. What is in my arms, I fight for. Till my last breath.
You will not take them from me, they are mine.
We were a tangle of limbs in the bed. The weight of Astrid, Danse, Siggy, Delia and Eleyna upon our legs and in our arms. They have been kept inside, away from windows and we shed armor and bathed before we gathered them up. If this is the last night that we will have with them, then I am glad that it was as such. They know something happens, you cannot hide that from the older ones at least. Astrid champs at the bit to join her father in battle.
I like the lines at the corner of his eyes. I know what they mean. I know that feeling. I hope that there will not be more lines anytime soon but I understand if there will need to be more.
I felt Valar as well, as real to me even though he is not in the same room and yet, he is just there. As I feel Victus beside me and Eleyna's head upon my shoulder. It is a strange feeling. Should we survive, I am sure that I will get used to it. He is honour incarnate. He seeks to ensure the comfort of his people as well. That they are being cared for.
This is it. What is in my arms, I fight for. Till my last breath.
You will not take them from me, they are mine.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 9, 2023, 10:12 a.m.(12/22/1020 AR)
The Gilded Page announces it's Third Literary Contest. THough this year, we add a twist. We are looking for tomes, fit for children. To be read by them or to them. The cut off date for entries is the day of the Mirror Masquerade. After such, entries will be placed in the Gilded Page for viewing and voting for four weeks after which a winner will be declared.
Official Rules of the Gilded Page Literary Contest:
1. One entry per author, though submissions may be more than one volume. Childrens tomes only.
2. Deadline for book submissions: day of the Mirror Masquerade (OOC - RL October 31st, 2023).
3. Open to all, nobles and commoners alike.
4. Only new works are permitted.
5. Authors will remain anonymous through the voting period, which will last for four weeks from the deadline for submissions. The voters being comprised of anyone who would like to cast a vote. One vote per person, and votes may be sent to Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax via messenger.
6. Voting period: OOC – RL November 1st - November 20th, 2023 ).
7. Copies of all entries will be on sale at the Gilded Page during the voting period, with all funds received being donated to the Faith, shoudl the authors wish their works to be sold.
8. Entries may be sent by messenger to Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax, with no author noted on the cover or insides of the book to retain anonymity for voting purposes.
Prizes:
First Place: 300,000 Silver
Second Place: 200,000 Silver
Third Place: 100,000 Silver
Official Rules of the Gilded Page Literary Contest:
1. One entry per author, though submissions may be more than one volume. Childrens tomes only.
2. Deadline for book submissions: day of the Mirror Masquerade (OOC - RL October 31st, 2023).
3. Open to all, nobles and commoners alike.
4. Only new works are permitted.
5. Authors will remain anonymous through the voting period, which will last for four weeks from the deadline for submissions. The voters being comprised of anyone who would like to cast a vote. One vote per person, and votes may be sent to Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax via messenger.
6. Voting period: OOC – RL November 1st - November 20th, 2023 ).
7. Copies of all entries will be on sale at the Gilded Page during the voting period, with all funds received being donated to the Faith, shoudl the authors wish their works to be sold.
8. Entries may be sent by messenger to Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax, with no author noted on the cover or insides of the book to retain anonymity for voting purposes.
Prizes:
First Place: 300,000 Silver
Second Place: 200,000 Silver
Third Place: 100,000 Silver
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 28, 2023, 9:02 p.m.(6/9/1020 AR)
To be noble, to hold title, is to safeguard those who rest below you. It is our obligation and our duty. A duty that some shirk, that some scoff at and take for granted. But there are times when you do not shirk. When you place to the side with care and reverence to serve something greater than the self. to serve that obligation and duty in another fashion that is just as noble, just as important. To make that sacrifice for a greater good. To serve the Crown, to serve the Faith. To continue to bring honour to ones House and Name still, even though you cleave from it.
For while we leave our houses, our houses never quite leave us.
Those who have made the choice to go into service of something greater than the self, I thank you. It is a choice that I have not had to make and I do not know that I could make. A choice like that that my late brother made. I shall say prayers to Gloria, to Sentinel, to Lagoma, to Skald, to all the gods this day in thanks for those who have made these choices.
For while we leave our houses, our houses never quite leave us.
Those who have made the choice to go into service of something greater than the self, I thank you. It is a choice that I have not had to make and I do not know that I could make. A choice like that that my late brother made. I shall say prayers to Gloria, to Sentinel, to Lagoma, to Skald, to all the gods this day in thanks for those who have made these choices.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 23, 2022, 5:26 a.m.(2/6/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
I pray for his soul, that he find peace he clearly did not find while he drew breath.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 17, 2022, 12:51 p.m.(8/1/1018 AR)
I'm still looking.
It's been years and I still have not found it. It's out there, I know this much and some day, someone will show it to me. Till then I shall have to be patient for time moves as it will and when it wants to be found, it will be found.
It's been years and I still have not found it. It's out there, I know this much and some day, someone will show it to me. Till then I shall have to be patient for time moves as it will and when it wants to be found, it will be found.
Written By Alarissa
Sept. 6, 2022, 5:46 p.m.(5/3/1018 AR)
I've given birth to no less than five children.
There is pain in the process. A pain that grips you, wrings you out, twists and bends you till you think perhaps you might not endure. It starts a twinge and by the time that you have found yourself in the thick of things, it consumes the whole of your being. Leaves you panting and screaming, begging and pleading.
It is bloody, terrifying and life altering.
But when you are done, when you have expended all that you have, all that you are, all that you think you could possibly give, you find yourself blessed with new life, new purpose and new hope.
We are birthing the Isles. Bringing forth that which we created years ago. We knew when the time came, there would be pain. There would be blood and times in which we would find ourselves without breath. Flesh would be rent and the price of bringing forth an Isles that is free of chains could cost us our life.
But we are in the midst, and we endure. We grasp at the hands of others who reach out, we lean against the hands of those at our back and together we will scream, and bleed and when this is over, we will marvel at that which we have created together and know that it was worth the turmoil and pain, the blood and loss and will have emerged stronger and ready to care for that which we have brought forth.
It will take just a little longer, but I promise, you can do this.
There is pain in the process. A pain that grips you, wrings you out, twists and bends you till you think perhaps you might not endure. It starts a twinge and by the time that you have found yourself in the thick of things, it consumes the whole of your being. Leaves you panting and screaming, begging and pleading.
It is bloody, terrifying and life altering.
But when you are done, when you have expended all that you have, all that you are, all that you think you could possibly give, you find yourself blessed with new life, new purpose and new hope.
We are birthing the Isles. Bringing forth that which we created years ago. We knew when the time came, there would be pain. There would be blood and times in which we would find ourselves without breath. Flesh would be rent and the price of bringing forth an Isles that is free of chains could cost us our life.
But we are in the midst, and we endure. We grasp at the hands of others who reach out, we lean against the hands of those at our back and together we will scream, and bleed and when this is over, we will marvel at that which we have created together and know that it was worth the turmoil and pain, the blood and loss and will have emerged stronger and ready to care for that which we have brought forth.
It will take just a little longer, but I promise, you can do this.
Written By Alarissa
May 31, 2022, 6:15 p.m.(10/1/1017 AR)
Maelstrom seems to weather summer better than the city and now that autumn eases in, I have eased back myself. I bring Danse and the twins back to the city to spend time with us and prepare to overwinter here. The waters will be dangerous soon enough to travel back and forth upon it's surface.
I stood upon the decks a time or two and looks at the waters surface and below it. I wonder where they are and how they are. Whether the continued silence bodes ill or if they are too busy tending to the matters that they tend to. Perhaps htat which lurks on the borders is interfering there too? They are always in my thoughts and prayers and we visited the embassey often with the children to sing softly to the water.
But I am here on calm tides and it's time to prepare. A season approaches, of change both welcomed and loathed by others and fall in the city has always been a lovely one. I will begrudgingly admit to that. I have missed my atrium, my children and my husband in no particular order.
I stood upon the decks a time or two and looks at the waters surface and below it. I wonder where they are and how they are. Whether the continued silence bodes ill or if they are too busy tending to the matters that they tend to. Perhaps htat which lurks on the borders is interfering there too? They are always in my thoughts and prayers and we visited the embassey often with the children to sing softly to the water.
But I am here on calm tides and it's time to prepare. A season approaches, of change both welcomed and loathed by others and fall in the city has always been a lovely one. I will begrudgingly admit to that. I have missed my atrium, my children and my husband in no particular order.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 20, 2022, 8:48 p.m.(2/25/1017 AR)
Worst party ever.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 16, 2022, 8:13 a.m.(2/16/1017 AR)
Everyone has private estates, secret love nests in the city, I swear.
Which makes me wonder why I do not.
I am contemplating such now.
Which makes me wonder why I do not.
I am contemplating such now.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 28, 2022, 6:41 p.m.(1/7/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
It's snowing.
He's going to be unbearable now.
The courtyard will be littered with his footprints and Astrids.
Beware the flying balls of snow.
He's going to be unbearable now.
The courtyard will be littered with his footprints and Astrids.
Beware the flying balls of snow.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 12, 2021, 8:48 p.m.(9/25/1016 AR)
I am told that the octopus that long ago found it's way into the house from Maelstroms waters, is nearing the end of it's life. While I cannot confess that I have fondness for the creature that has long been the perceived bane of my atrium and that of the fish within, I cannot feel but some small source of sorrow that soon it will be no longer.
I have reached out to see to making it comfortable, and free from the hands of children trying to catch it at all opportunities, for the rest of it's life.
No doubt the children will hope that another will find it's way to us, and to the water in the atrium.
I have reached out to see to making it comfortable, and free from the hands of children trying to catch it at all opportunities, for the rest of it's life.
No doubt the children will hope that another will find it's way to us, and to the water in the atrium.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 23, 2021, 8:43 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
I wish that I had been there. It is where I grew up, within those tall walls and the tree's that surround them. The safety of such. I was delayed and then did not go as matters needed tending to in here but I have often made the trip back when I needed a reminder of where I was from and how I was raised. It seems that dark things have been happening in swift succession, and it makes it hard to breathe. It not him and yet it is similar enough that Victus has agreed that even in the dead of winter to divide up our children and send some back to Maelstrom for safety. To bring ease to my mind and cease my suffering. It's hard to put Danse on a boat and the twins, but it will bear them swiftly to Maelstrom and safely and out of reach of that which assaulted my childhood home. I need to know that half are safe. I keep Astrid close and Eleyna because... well for reasons.
It was one thing to rebuild Stormwall.
It's another thing to rebuild Bastion. But I will help Liara see it done.
It was one thing to rebuild Stormwall.
It's another thing to rebuild Bastion. But I will help Liara see it done.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 11, 2021, 3:48 p.m.(1/3/1016 AR)
I find myself irrationally angry and in such a way that I cannot just brush it off. On one hand there is profound joy at changed circumstances of another. Changes that without a doubt, is deserved. Something lost is recovered.
And yet since reading, I have found myself to be the bearer of such profound envy that colors everything right now. Victus doesn't know what to do with me right now other than rest a hand on my shoulder and tell me that shit sucks. Of which I then agree and we just sit there. Eleyna tries to draw pictures to make me smile while Astrid and Danse do their best to show me how they are coming along in training with swords. Jenelle had bolts of spidersilk delivered to us and they remain safely put away for when, hopefully, I am in a better state.
Shit sucks.
But it doesn't mean that I have to like it. I don't often find myself in a position where I envy someone and yet here I am. Wanting to rage and scream, throw things. I cannot just set sail on the sea and bury myself with issues in Maelstrom for it is the depth of winter and the waters are dangerous. So I sit within the atrium and I pray.
It will pass. I hope that it will pass. Perhaps someone will come back with something useful for me and not just something useful for others. But I don't hold hope. Thus far, it has been a kelp, a stone and some tree sap that makes people giddy. None of that, will give me back what I lost.
I am envious and I do not like this.
It's not becoming.
And yet since reading, I have found myself to be the bearer of such profound envy that colors everything right now. Victus doesn't know what to do with me right now other than rest a hand on my shoulder and tell me that shit sucks. Of which I then agree and we just sit there. Eleyna tries to draw pictures to make me smile while Astrid and Danse do their best to show me how they are coming along in training with swords. Jenelle had bolts of spidersilk delivered to us and they remain safely put away for when, hopefully, I am in a better state.
Shit sucks.
But it doesn't mean that I have to like it. I don't often find myself in a position where I envy someone and yet here I am. Wanting to rage and scream, throw things. I cannot just set sail on the sea and bury myself with issues in Maelstrom for it is the depth of winter and the waters are dangerous. So I sit within the atrium and I pray.
It will pass. I hope that it will pass. Perhaps someone will come back with something useful for me and not just something useful for others. But I don't hold hope. Thus far, it has been a kelp, a stone and some tree sap that makes people giddy. None of that, will give me back what I lost.
I am envious and I do not like this.
It's not becoming.
Written By Alarissa
June 14, 2021, 1:23 p.m.(8/27/1015 AR)
I love a good martyr.
Written By Alarissa
May 24, 2021, 9:40 p.m.(7/13/1015 AR)
I didn't realize they shed so much. So. Much.
Written By Alarissa
May 1, 2021, 3:40 p.m.(5/23/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
There is a relief to stand in front of him after runners have brought word of the sight of him coming into the bay. It is one of the few times now that I get on a horse and make my way as fast as possible through the lowers to the docks with few at my back to guard me. I still have a hard time riding a horse after these years of loss. My balance has never been the same and so I avoid them when I can.
I imagine it brings him comfort, to see the whole of his family standing there and waiting for him. Astrid I think, missed him the most. She waved her axe in the air then squabbled with Danse over who would get to hug him first. I was just relieved. No strands of grey or lines on his face that were not there when we saw him last. I didn't realize that I had been holding my breath until the longship came alongside the docks and his feet were heard on the dock. That my heart started beating again. It felt like it had been still until now. Hung between beats until he returned.
Is this love?
I feel his hand in mine, and our children gather at our feet and for a moment we celebrate this victory even though we know that we must soon sit and write. To those of ours who gave of theirs. Who stand at the docks and will not hear the bootsteps. To acknowledge the gift that was given to the compact of their life, and to the Isles.
But for now, for now I will finish writing this and spend the evening as a family and prepare. We have enemies to rout out. We have letters of sorrow to write and of thanks. We have children to draw close and the Gods to thank for the further time we get with them. To thank them for bringing him home to me once more.
I imagine it brings him comfort, to see the whole of his family standing there and waiting for him. Astrid I think, missed him the most. She waved her axe in the air then squabbled with Danse over who would get to hug him first. I was just relieved. No strands of grey or lines on his face that were not there when we saw him last. I didn't realize that I had been holding my breath until the longship came alongside the docks and his feet were heard on the dock. That my heart started beating again. It felt like it had been still until now. Hung between beats until he returned.
Is this love?
I feel his hand in mine, and our children gather at our feet and for a moment we celebrate this victory even though we know that we must soon sit and write. To those of ours who gave of theirs. Who stand at the docks and will not hear the bootsteps. To acknowledge the gift that was given to the compact of their life, and to the Isles.
But for now, for now I will finish writing this and spend the evening as a family and prepare. We have enemies to rout out. We have letters of sorrow to write and of thanks. We have children to draw close and the Gods to thank for the further time we get with them. To thank them for bringing him home to me once more.
Written By Alarissa
April 30, 2021, 8:37 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I watched him go. I did as we have done twice before when he sails to battle. It was no different this time, than it was the last. To stand at the docks after a kiss, the children standing there as well. We watch till the ship disappears across the horizon and then we return to the estate. To sit. To wait. To pray.
As it has been, so it will be in the future.
Come home to me, even if not in one piece. Lead the onslaught, show them the mettle and might of the Isles. We will be waiting for you at home, with the hearths warm and drink at the ready, bandages for your wounds. Send them back or send them to the bottom.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
As it has been, so it will be in the future.
Come home to me, even if not in one piece. Lead the onslaught, show them the mettle and might of the Isles. We will be waiting for you at home, with the hearths warm and drink at the ready, bandages for your wounds. Send them back or send them to the bottom.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
Written By Alarissa
April 20, 2021, 5:02 p.m.(5/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
I don't write Lark often enough. Ever more evident when a swift small note to remind her that I love her apparently sent off alarms in her and scared her for a moment.
I love you Lark. You are the world to me dear sister. I swear I am not inebriated. Just ever reminded of those we still have, those we have lost and to cherish the time with them.
I love you Lark. You are the world to me dear sister. I swear I am not inebriated. Just ever reminded of those we still have, those we have lost and to cherish the time with them.
Written By Alarissa
April 17, 2021, 1:46 p.m.(4/23/1015 AR)
Abandoned are those Houses who broke their oaths and abandoned the compact, abandoned its people. When they return, they are called Prodigal because they squandered that which they had, left because they thought they could do better alone or were better and fled with all that they have, thumbing their nose while swearing never to return. Only to find out generations later that they are not. That they had and threw it all away. Generations later they are in the proverbial cold knocking on the door, extinction at their doorstep and asking to return.
They are wanting.
That is why we call them Prodigals. Why they are Prodigals. Their House broke their oaths and left, and they were permitted to return by our graciousness. Prodigals are their House and as such must regain the trust of the Compact, both as individuals and as families. This is what it means to be a Prodigal: to be welcomed back into the Compact and allowed to strive to regain the trust of the whole. An oath broken, a vow sundered, these leave wounds for generations.
Wounds that may be carefully healed or left forever to fester.
They are wanting.
That is why we call them Prodigals. Why they are Prodigals. Their House broke their oaths and left, and they were permitted to return by our graciousness. Prodigals are their House and as such must regain the trust of the Compact, both as individuals and as families. This is what it means to be a Prodigal: to be welcomed back into the Compact and allowed to strive to regain the trust of the whole. An oath broken, a vow sundered, these leave wounds for generations.
Wounds that may be carefully healed or left forever to fester.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.