Written By Alis
April 11, 2022, 3:08 p.m.(6/12/1017 AR)
Is loss easier to handle after the passage of time? Some days, sure. Other days, it's a pain as fresh as if you experienced it yesterday. There are moments of bright, poignnant joy, in letting yourself reminisce and consider happy memories. And there are sharp and gutting reminders of what you no longer have.
Everyone deals differently with their grief. But the honorable thing to do never involves trying to diminish the sorrow of others just because you experienced it more recently. Nor does it involve hoping that others experience that same pain. No, the honorable thing to do is to reach out and help, to comisserate, and to support.
We live in times where loss is inevitable. Don't be that person who makes the pain of others worse.
Everyone deals differently with their grief. But the honorable thing to do never involves trying to diminish the sorrow of others just because you experienced it more recently. Nor does it involve hoping that others experience that same pain. No, the honorable thing to do is to reach out and help, to comisserate, and to support.
We live in times where loss is inevitable. Don't be that person who makes the pain of others worse.
Written By Alis
March 25, 2022, 1:12 p.m.(5/6/1017 AR)
Our ward is not a farm, do we really need more barnyard animals in it?
Written By Alis
March 19, 2022, 3:42 p.m.(4/22/1017 AR)
Note to self: Buy all of the pine needle tea I can get my hands on, to save for the day that Edain returns home.
Written By Alis
May 1, 2021, 1:19 p.m.(5/23/1015 AR)
It is never any easier.
You may learn how to expertly school your expression. You can learn to seem confident no matter what the odds. You can speak forever about knowing it is the best way forward despite what will be many losses.
And then when the moment is there, and you see people you care about fall, the tears still sting and there is still a lump in your throat, and the weight still settles on your shoulders with the burden it is meant to be.
House Valardin honors its promises and commitments. But those who fight in our name honor us more when they don their armor and they fight, knowing the odds. Knowing that we gave those orders despite the terrible cost. My vow as your Highlord is that I will never take such sacrifice lightly. And that your families will be cared for, and I will never forget your bravery and skill. It is little comfort right now, I know. But they have returned to the wheel with honor, having saved many more than were lost.
You may learn how to expertly school your expression. You can learn to seem confident no matter what the odds. You can speak forever about knowing it is the best way forward despite what will be many losses.
And then when the moment is there, and you see people you care about fall, the tears still sting and there is still a lump in your throat, and the weight still settles on your shoulders with the burden it is meant to be.
House Valardin honors its promises and commitments. But those who fight in our name honor us more when they don their armor and they fight, knowing the odds. Knowing that we gave those orders despite the terrible cost. My vow as your Highlord is that I will never take such sacrifice lightly. And that your families will be cared for, and I will never forget your bravery and skill. It is little comfort right now, I know. But they have returned to the wheel with honor, having saved many more than were lost.
Written By Alis
Jan. 30, 2021, 9:07 p.m.(11/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
I bet it's made out of bee fur.
Written By Alis
Nov. 16, 2020, 9:10 a.m.(5/23/1014 AR)
Justice.
The desire for it can keep you going, one foot in front of the other, when you feel as though you have lost everything. The need for it, pushing you relentlessly to learn more. To be more. To be ready for a day when you might finally be able to claim it.
It doesn't matter if what you deem justice would be impossible, so long as the hope is there, however small.
But therein lies the sticky mess of exactly what justice is, and what it will mean. And when you find that it may well require mercy beyond what you think you are capable of, is when you finally understand what it means to hold to honor and duty and your oaths above all else.
It is both a bitter medicine to swallow, and freedom.
May the Gods help guide me to remember this when we will need it most.
The desire for it can keep you going, one foot in front of the other, when you feel as though you have lost everything. The need for it, pushing you relentlessly to learn more. To be more. To be ready for a day when you might finally be able to claim it.
It doesn't matter if what you deem justice would be impossible, so long as the hope is there, however small.
But therein lies the sticky mess of exactly what justice is, and what it will mean. And when you find that it may well require mercy beyond what you think you are capable of, is when you finally understand what it means to hold to honor and duty and your oaths above all else.
It is both a bitter medicine to swallow, and freedom.
May the Gods help guide me to remember this when we will need it most.
Written By Alis
Nov. 8, 2020, 6:56 p.m.(5/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
Then I definitely should not counter with a 'stick a fork in you, you're done' joke. I feel as though we should go over dancing etiquette next; I do hope Lady Mabelle is alright!
Written By Alis
Nov. 1, 2020, 5:41 p.m.(4/22/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I do not often have the time to write in these journals of late; a failure of my duty to Vellichor for which I must make amends prior to my next trip to Sanctum. So I have more than one thing to thank Dame Ida for; prompting my desire to take to the whites.
I have had every weapon commissioned since being knighted made by Dame Ida's hand. Before she was Dame Ida, even! From the simple steel blade, to the redsteel and whitesteel flails that I favor in the midst of battle. She has never once disappointed me. Every weapon made has been an extension of both my heart and my hand. My latest commission is no exception, and she has crafted yet another truly exceptional weapon that I am proud to own and even more proud to show off as one of her works.
You are an artist that legends are made of, Dame Ida. The Oathlands, and House Valardin in particular, are so very lucky to have you.
I have had every weapon commissioned since being knighted made by Dame Ida's hand. Before she was Dame Ida, even! From the simple steel blade, to the redsteel and whitesteel flails that I favor in the midst of battle. She has never once disappointed me. Every weapon made has been an extension of both my heart and my hand. My latest commission is no exception, and she has crafted yet another truly exceptional weapon that I am proud to own and even more proud to show off as one of her works.
You are an artist that legends are made of, Dame Ida. The Oathlands, and House Valardin in particular, are so very lucky to have you.
Written By Alis
May 15, 2020, 2:52 p.m.(4/18/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
You are /lucky/. If dad didn't tear a verbal strip off of me for saying something hot-headed and stupid and send me to the Seraph for penance, it was only because he decided to let Duke Arn do so instead.
Yes, I had a lot of penance to do.
Yes, I still do when I return to Sanctum and confess my ill-thought words that were spoken aloud or written in journals for all to see.
Yes, I had a lot of penance to do.
Yes, I still do when I return to Sanctum and confess my ill-thought words that were spoken aloud or written in journals for all to see.
Written By Alis
March 21, 2019, 2:53 p.m.(10/12/1010 AR)
I have been largely quiet before this, and will no doubt be largely quiet after this.
There is understandably a great deal of judgement leveled against the Oathlands right now. And, considering the rumors swirling, it would be difficult to find fault with that. All I can do is urge those watching and listening to remember that not all may be as it seems. And if it is so, if there is such dishonor staining the Oathlands, it will not go unremembered or unpunished or unaddressed.
My own husband is from House Greenmarch; a Prodigal family who has every right to be among the Compact. Their proud, noble house, stood against the dark without the benefit of the Compact since the time of the Reckoning; and House Valardin has made no mistake at all in welcoming their return. We can only benefit from their presence. Lest anyone forget, my widowed sister-by-marriage, Princess Marian was originally from House Greenmarch as well. Without her bravery and skill there would have been many more Valardin and allies dead in Sanctum from the hands of the wicked.
We will never be idle when the innocent suffer and we do not forget what the Oathlands stands for. The Oaths that were made to stand against the dark. Quiet, perhaps. But never idle.
There is understandably a great deal of judgement leveled against the Oathlands right now. And, considering the rumors swirling, it would be difficult to find fault with that. All I can do is urge those watching and listening to remember that not all may be as it seems. And if it is so, if there is such dishonor staining the Oathlands, it will not go unremembered or unpunished or unaddressed.
My own husband is from House Greenmarch; a Prodigal family who has every right to be among the Compact. Their proud, noble house, stood against the dark without the benefit of the Compact since the time of the Reckoning; and House Valardin has made no mistake at all in welcoming their return. We can only benefit from their presence. Lest anyone forget, my widowed sister-by-marriage, Princess Marian was originally from House Greenmarch as well. Without her bravery and skill there would have been many more Valardin and allies dead in Sanctum from the hands of the wicked.
We will never be idle when the innocent suffer and we do not forget what the Oathlands stands for. The Oaths that were made to stand against the dark. Quiet, perhaps. But never idle.
Written By Alis
Feb. 6, 2019, 11:52 a.m.(7/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
I would like to offer my most sincere apologies for the rather loud and lengthy spate of laughter I just had at your expense.
It might be best for us not to allow Eadric and Ellara to ever conspire together on anything. Ever.
Okay, I'm also not really sorry for laughing.
It might be best for us not to allow Eadric and Ellara to ever conspire together on anything. Ever.
Okay, I'm also not really sorry for laughing.
Written By Alis
Nov. 16, 2018, 12:41 p.m.(1/3/1010 AR)
I think what we choose to remember of people reflects more on us than it does on them. All of us have good traits and bad, and display them for the world to see no matter what we think we keep hidden. I often remember my Father being exasperated with me, and the arguments we would have. And I can't quite regret the clash of wills between us, but I will always regret any disappointment he had in me. Those are because of my own mistakes to own. When I remember the quiet confidence of my mother, it is because I have the need to emulate it and find myself lacking.
And when I remember the advice of Vance, Valen, and Tabitha, it's because I want to do better. When I think of the pranks we would pull on each other, the things they let me pretend I 'won', the excitement of seeing them come home from some patrol or adventure, it is because I miss them and want to remember the best of them.
And when I remember the advice of Vance, Valen, and Tabitha, it's because I want to do better. When I think of the pranks we would pull on each other, the things they let me pretend I 'won', the excitement of seeing them come home from some patrol or adventure, it is because I miss them and want to remember the best of them.
Written By Alis
Oct. 4, 2018, 8:40 p.m.(9/20/1009 AR)
While I realize I am certainly far too young to have collected much in the way of wisdom just yet, I feel like I might be able to credibly write a primer for aspiring Knights.
"Tips and Tricks for the Stubborn Knight in Training"
Tip 1) When learning the 'running dismount' from one's charger, always call out a war cry at the same time. This way, when the time inevitably comes that your flexibility does not quite make up for your hurried leap and you break your toe or nearly dislocate your knee... well, you are already yelling. And, can keep your dignity intact. "Nope, that was my war cry, didn't hurt a bit."
Special Note: Usually does not work on family members who already know how stupidly stubborn you are.
"Tips and Tricks for the Stubborn Knight in Training"
Tip 1) When learning the 'running dismount' from one's charger, always call out a war cry at the same time. This way, when the time inevitably comes that your flexibility does not quite make up for your hurried leap and you break your toe or nearly dislocate your knee... well, you are already yelling. And, can keep your dignity intact. "Nope, that was my war cry, didn't hurt a bit."
Special Note: Usually does not work on family members who already know how stupidly stubborn you are.
Written By Alis
Oct. 3, 2018, 9:45 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
I like winter too! Hot chocolate, mulled cider, and making snow people!
And throwing snowballs at people. Lots of throwing snowballs.
And throwing snowballs at people. Lots of throwing snowballs.
Written By Alis
Sept. 29, 2018, 9:30 p.m.(9/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Huh. And here I thought assgoblins was a word used to describe what happens after eating curry.
Written By Alis
Sept. 26, 2018, 4:12 p.m.(9/4/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
It is my most fervent hope that we will always remain strong as a family. Brothers, sisters, cousins no matter how many times removed. Our love and loyalty to one another is steadfast, as it should be.
Ellara has also started referring to you as Cousin Booboo, since you are one of only two she will allow near any of her cuts and bruises. The other being Marquessa Reigna of course.
Ellara has also started referring to you as Cousin Booboo, since you are one of only two she will allow near any of her cuts and bruises. The other being Marquessa Reigna of course.
Written By Alis
Sept. 20, 2018, 7:06 p.m.(8/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
Well, so much for that cake buying spree I had planned. Sheesh!
Written By Alis
Sept. 18, 2018, 8:45 p.m.(8/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
The steel obviously aids in digestion.
Written By Alis
Sept. 18, 2018, 9:20 a.m.(8/15/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
It is a difficult thing to begin with, trusting someone with your own secrets. Trying to discern if they will be a good partner to you, and your family. Even more difficult to forgive ourselves when betrayed, feeling we should have known sooner. That we should have seen some sign, no matter how small. I think perhaps when we are able to forgive ourselves, is when we are able to move forward. But how long is long enough?
Until you feel comfortable with placing that trust again.
You are in my prayers; I will hope that Lagoma is able to help you through this difficult transition.
Until you feel comfortable with placing that trust again.
You are in my prayers; I will hope that Lagoma is able to help you through this difficult transition.
Written By Alis
Sept. 12, 2018, 4:20 p.m.(8/2/1009 AR)
These are all such lovely sibling stories, and I have been very much enjoying them. I'm afraid my own are not quite so warm and fuzzy though. I did have an older sister, and I expect she might have enjoyed braiding my hair if I'd let her. But instead, I spent much of my time setting traps for my older brothers and then luring them in to be ambushed...
In retrospect, I am quite certain that they only pretended to be surprised at many of my attempts. Except the first one. That first attempt I KNOW I got them. I'm certain of it.
But I think we can all agree the takeaway to my story here is that Edain needs to grow out his hair so I can braid it for him.
In retrospect, I am quite certain that they only pretended to be surprised at many of my attempts. Except the first one. That first attempt I KNOW I got them. I'm certain of it.
But I think we can all agree the takeaway to my story here is that Edain needs to grow out his hair so I can braid it for him.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.