Written By Fiachra
Oct. 8, 2017, 9:58 p.m.(5/13/1007 AR)
There's little as satisfying as being underestimated or unaccounted for, and making your enemy pay for it in blood. Run back to your master, and tell him that the white dragon stands strong. Let him feel your fear.
Written By Fiachra
Aug. 13, 2017, 9:44 p.m.(1/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
(OOC: As recorded for Fiachra, the scholar took great care to take down every word that came out of the prince's mouth.)
I'm extremely fucking glad that Gaston is normally on my side in a fight. He hits worse than the fucking Bringers did. At least I'm now intimately aware of how effective he'll be as a deputy.
I'm extremely fucking glad that Gaston is normally on my side in a fight. He hits worse than the fucking Bringers did. At least I'm now intimately aware of how effective he'll be as a deputy.
Written By Fiachra
Aug. 6, 2017, 7:56 p.m.(12/21/1006 AR)
That was one of the most enjoyable parties I have had the opportunity to attend since I have been in Arx. Food, drink, and the company of friends and family made it all worthwhile. My thanks to both Alarissa and Monique for such a fine affair. The sea of white was a good reflection of out hopes for the future.
Written By Fiachra
Aug. 2, 2017, 8:29 p.m.(12/13/1006 AR)
He was to be a surprise. My dear sister decided to gift me with a 'baby' owl that I could train to hunt. Said baby owl was, in fact, a fully grown pygmy owl of maybe six inches, dubbed "Vex" by my wife due to the perpetually grumpy expression that he wore. If only any of us had known that it was more than just his expression.
I am no novice to training animals. Yet, in turning Vex into a companion capable of delivering messages, I have had to deal with the following gems:
* He has delivered more than one message to the Iron Guardsman statue in the city proper.
* He has stolen maple bacon from Prince Edain after delivering a message to him. To be fair, no one can blame him for this one.
* He has stolen various pieces of clothing, notably undergarments, from washlines around Arx. If you were one of those victimized by the little menace, I apologize.
* He has engaged in several hissing contests with Alis, of whom he was particularly jealous. He even perfected his timing so that he caused her to fall off the bed once with one particularly piercing hoot.
His favourite way to show affection is to try and remove pieces of my closest ear. And yet, Princess Sophie had him eating out of her hand - quite literally - with a bribe of bacon jerky. And now, it seems that he has taken to a fascination with my unborn child, cuddling up to Alis' belly at every opportunity he is given to do so. It is... quite the image.
And when we were attacked, Vex was there, all six inches of taloned, feathery fury flying in the face of the man who dared an attempt on my wife. Covered in blood afterwards, proud of himself and strutting even as I cleaned his feathers. And I know that, son or daughter, our child has a fierce, brave companion who will do anything to protect them. And that makes all of the rest worth having gone through.
Remember My Companion.
I am no novice to training animals. Yet, in turning Vex into a companion capable of delivering messages, I have had to deal with the following gems:
* He has delivered more than one message to the Iron Guardsman statue in the city proper.
* He has stolen maple bacon from Prince Edain after delivering a message to him. To be fair, no one can blame him for this one.
* He has stolen various pieces of clothing, notably undergarments, from washlines around Arx. If you were one of those victimized by the little menace, I apologize.
* He has engaged in several hissing contests with Alis, of whom he was particularly jealous. He even perfected his timing so that he caused her to fall off the bed once with one particularly piercing hoot.
His favourite way to show affection is to try and remove pieces of my closest ear. And yet, Princess Sophie had him eating out of her hand - quite literally - with a bribe of bacon jerky. And now, it seems that he has taken to a fascination with my unborn child, cuddling up to Alis' belly at every opportunity he is given to do so. It is... quite the image.
And when we were attacked, Vex was there, all six inches of taloned, feathery fury flying in the face of the man who dared an attempt on my wife. Covered in blood afterwards, proud of himself and strutting even as I cleaned his feathers. And I know that, son or daughter, our child has a fierce, brave companion who will do anything to protect them. And that makes all of the rest worth having gone through.
Remember My Companion.
Written By Fiachra
July 30, 2017, 10:38 p.m.(12/7/1006 AR)
It has given me great pleasure to see those of the Oathlands come out in force for the Pentathlon. The spirit and the strength of those I call family, friends, and comrades-in-arms never fails to impress me. While I may not have been born to this life, I am nevertheless happy to be counted as one amongst this company.
Written By Fiachra
July 30, 2017, 10:28 p.m.(12/7/1006 AR)
It isn't often that I meet someone and take to them immediately. Especially of late, since my ability to trust others has been severely curtailed. Yet, meeting the Lady Shae was one of those times where you just know instantly that you're going to like that person. She is warm and open, and makes me think that someone has managed to take a piece of the sun itself and give it human form.
Lord Gaston was not that different. While he is less open, in many ways, there is still that sense about him that he is someone to be trusted. I had seen him fight before we really talked, it's true, and I suspect there will always be a bit of a back and forth between us just due to the differences in our natures. But I still recognized something in him that will make us fast friends.
I look forward to seeing where it all goes, and what paths we walk together.
Lord Gaston was not that different. While he is less open, in many ways, there is still that sense about him that he is someone to be trusted. I had seen him fight before we really talked, it's true, and I suspect there will always be a bit of a back and forth between us just due to the differences in our natures. But I still recognized something in him that will make us fast friends.
I look forward to seeing where it all goes, and what paths we walk together.
Written By Fiachra
July 21, 2017, 12:41 a.m.(11/16/1006 AR)
I have been shown my true place in the world by a pygmy owl. Vex has completely abandoned all pretense of being my pet so that he may spend all of his time starting at or snuggling up to Alis' belly. Apparently we are but the incubator and the donor for his one true love.
On the plus side, seeing how very satisfied he was with himself, covered in blood, after he attacked an assassin that was threatening Alis (and thus our unborn child)? I feel very slightly sorry for anyone who will be trying to get near him or her without Vex feeling that they are acceptable.
On the plus side, seeing how very satisfied he was with himself, covered in blood, after he attacked an assassin that was threatening Alis (and thus our unborn child)? I feel very slightly sorry for anyone who will be trying to get near him or her without Vex feeling that they are acceptable.
Written By Fiachra
July 8, 2017, 2:51 a.m.(10/18/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
When I came to Arx, it was to accompany my sister. Eirlys wished to embrace our status as some of the newest members of the Compact more than I did. I wished only to be left to the woods of my youth. I still laugh, sometimes, over the way that we met, but only because it was obvious, even then, that you were a different man that what I would have expected.
You have made some mistakes, perhaps, but so have we all, Prince. In the years I have been in this city, I have seen only that, while you never desired the mantle of high lord, you wear it well. My respect, my loyalty, is ever yours. I am proud to call you my brother-in-law, and family. You know what that word means for me.
P.S. - I also have an addition to your list. You made the mistake of sending me a messenger asking me why I wanted to speak with you while drinking tea.
You have made some mistakes, perhaps, but so have we all, Prince. In the years I have been in this city, I have seen only that, while you never desired the mantle of high lord, you wear it well. My respect, my loyalty, is ever yours. I am proud to call you my brother-in-law, and family. You know what that word means for me.
P.S. - I also have an addition to your list. You made the mistake of sending me a messenger asking me why I wanted to speak with you while drinking tea.
Written By Fiachra
June 4, 2017, 8:09 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
I appreciate the wedding gift, Marian. I truly do. Vex, however, is not quite as appreciative. Apparently he would like to believe that I should have no other bird other than him, and is attempting to pull out the lady's tail feathers when I turn my back for more than five seconds.
And yes, I -have- trained that damned owl. He just lives up to the name that Alis gave him all too well.
And yes, I -have- trained that damned owl. He just lives up to the name that Alis gave him all too well.
Written By Fiachra
May 30, 2017, 1:45 a.m.(7/20/1006 AR)
Notice to all enemies of Arvum:
If you come for my wife, I -will- make you regret it. The bodies speak for themselves.
If you come for my wife, I -will- make you regret it. The bodies speak for themselves.
Written By Fiachra
May 27, 2017, 10:36 a.m.(7/15/1006 AR)
She does not stand alone. Always, I am at her side. Always, our friends stand with us. Come against us, and you will be swept away like grains of sand, helpless against the tides. If necessary, we will find you. We will destroy you. Best for you to crawl back into your burrows.
Written By Fiachra
May 27, 2017, 10:17 a.m.(7/15/1006 AR)
I think that many would forget that there were victims on both sides of the war with Brand. Most of the Abandoned tribes that we fought were not there by choice. I found no pleasure in fighting them, only regret. As I said before, it was a war for survival, and there was little choice but to fight.
But that doesn't mean I feel no empathy for those left behind afterwards, mourning their dead and needing to piece their lives back together. I've walked amongst them, listening to the things they have said, both positive and negative. I have seen that even in the middle of a time of mourning, there are those who would make trouble, who would sacrifice the young for their own gains.
It is all so wearying, sometimes. I occasionally feel as though we never learn from the mistakes of the past. It batters at my hope for the future, though I still cling to that hope with tooth and nail.
But that doesn't mean I feel no empathy for those left behind afterwards, mourning their dead and needing to piece their lives back together. I've walked amongst them, listening to the things they have said, both positive and negative. I have seen that even in the middle of a time of mourning, there are those who would make trouble, who would sacrifice the young for their own gains.
It is all so wearying, sometimes. I occasionally feel as though we never learn from the mistakes of the past. It batters at my hope for the future, though I still cling to that hope with tooth and nail.
Written By Fiachra
May 7, 2017, 10:36 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Note to all and sundry: Do -not- mess with Thraxian princesses on horseback. They are impressively deadly.
Written By Fiachra
May 7, 2017, 1:42 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
I wonder if Brand felt fear, before it was over. Can such a creature even process that kind of emotion, or was he only a slave to his Master's bidding? Regardless, our response echoed across the battlefield. The enemy broke our walls, but in the end, we broke them.
So many lives were lost. I'm sure that we all knew this would be the case. I know that in those losses, so many more lives were saved, but that is little comfort. War is brutal. The only thing that makes this one even infinitesimally better is that we fought for our very existence, and not for petty reasons of greed for things that were not ours.
I wish peace in the continued journey of all of those who left this world behind. May the gods and the spirits comfort their families and friends.
So many lives were lost. I'm sure that we all knew this would be the case. I know that in those losses, so many more lives were saved, but that is little comfort. War is brutal. The only thing that makes this one even infinitesimally better is that we fought for our very existence, and not for petty reasons of greed for things that were not ours.
I wish peace in the continued journey of all of those who left this world behind. May the gods and the spirits comfort their families and friends.
Written By Fiachra
April 9, 2017, 11:10 p.m.(3/28/1006 AR)
I expected the attack at the Hall of Heroes, to be honest. Our enemies are within the walls of Arx, and likely have been for some time. If they want to demoralize the people, in the hopes that those without will have an easier time wearing us down, they are going to attack where there are larger gatherings. One or two survivors are certainly enough to spread a panic, especially if they have seen those who would be defenders torn apart. Even better when it is for a ceremony meant to honour a hero of the Compact.
Too bad for the Bringers that their plans seem to keep failing against the combined might of those who are determined to defeat the Silence. How must it feel, to have what must have been considered easy prey, softened up over the centuries through actions meant to deprive us of our history and heritage, prove to be so resilient, so resourceful, so -strong-? Do you feel it, Brand? Do you hear us? You will learn to fear us, before this is over.
Too bad for the Bringers that their plans seem to keep failing against the combined might of those who are determined to defeat the Silence. How must it feel, to have what must have been considered easy prey, softened up over the centuries through actions meant to deprive us of our history and heritage, prove to be so resilient, so resourceful, so -strong-? Do you feel it, Brand? Do you hear us? You will learn to fear us, before this is over.
Written By Fiachra
April 2, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(3/15/1006 AR)
Eirlys and I have always been close. For a long time, it was often us against the world. Not that we didn't have family, but after our mother died and our father withdrew, we spent most of our time together. There are few who know me anywhere near as well as she does.
So I think it was inevitable that I would ask her to oversee the small ceremony that Alis and I had, to honour my faith like we will honour hers when this siege finally breaks and we are able to travel to Sanctum. But this one was for us, and I am so glad that we asked her.
Thank you, my sister.
So I think it was inevitable that I would ask her to oversee the small ceremony that Alis and I had, to honour my faith like we will honour hers when this siege finally breaks and we are able to travel to Sanctum. But this one was for us, and I am so glad that we asked her.
Thank you, my sister.
Written By Fiachra
March 26, 2017, 11:17 p.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
* OOC: The following is entered into the archives after General Calypso's troops return from the battle at the Gray River *
No battle is 'easy'. Anyone who claims such is a fool, and has never truly been in the thick of the confusion and chaos that characterizes everything from the smallest skirmish to the largest war. They can go well, certainly, where the soldiers beside you and under your command suffer wounds that can be tended to by the medics and Mercies. But lives are always lost. Many more lives are ruined as those who enter battle hale and healthy are crippled beyond the ability to heal.
These battles are full of enemies and magics that no one has seen in countless years. Giants. Demons. Foes that do not stop until they are ripped apart into pieces too small to continue forward. And yet. The morale of the Compact stands firm against all of these. I stood on a hill, raining arrows down onto a field of battle that myself and the Valardin archers standing with me could barely see through a veil of mist that I doubt there was anything natural about. Our lines wavered, but they held. Though they were battered, my brother and sisters in arms continued to fight.
And we won the day. The war is still to come. There are still so many marching on the city. But with each battle won, hope dawns for another day. We will not let them Silence us. Let our battle cries roar across the land.
No battle is 'easy'. Anyone who claims such is a fool, and has never truly been in the thick of the confusion and chaos that characterizes everything from the smallest skirmish to the largest war. They can go well, certainly, where the soldiers beside you and under your command suffer wounds that can be tended to by the medics and Mercies. But lives are always lost. Many more lives are ruined as those who enter battle hale and healthy are crippled beyond the ability to heal.
These battles are full of enemies and magics that no one has seen in countless years. Giants. Demons. Foes that do not stop until they are ripped apart into pieces too small to continue forward. And yet. The morale of the Compact stands firm against all of these. I stood on a hill, raining arrows down onto a field of battle that myself and the Valardin archers standing with me could barely see through a veil of mist that I doubt there was anything natural about. Our lines wavered, but they held. Though they were battered, my brother and sisters in arms continued to fight.
And we won the day. The war is still to come. There are still so many marching on the city. But with each battle won, hope dawns for another day. We will not let them Silence us. Let our battle cries roar across the land.
Written By Fiachra
March 19, 2017, 10:34 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
I think I've created a monster. It seems to have become a compulsion for a certain princess of my acquaintance to... shall we say, procure me samples of my favourite brand of whiskey. Samples being entire bottles, and the procurement involving her simply absconding with them. Presumably when no one is looking. At least, when she's sober. She's much less repentant or circumspect when drunk.
At least she's an adorable monster.
At least she's an adorable monster.
Written By Fiachra
Feb. 28, 2017, 9:17 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
We know what approaches. Walls are all well and good, but they fail to truly convey the spirit of those of the Compact that I have come to know. To that end, Alis and I decided that what was needed was something that would truly let those who might look to set siege to Arx know what we really felt about them. And of course, we chose for our model a man we both respect.
(OOC: What follows is a description of the object left outside the gates, as given to the recording scholar.)
Rude Snow-Edain
An imposing figure of piled snow; the ever traditional snow man, stands tall in front of the equally impressive walls of Arx. This one, however, has a few slight differences. The starched tabard of a Valardin Knight is proudly draped over the gathered and stacked snowglobes, for one. And where the arms might normally be just tree branches, these ones also have gloves on. Gloves that have been stuffed with straw and then tied and twisted and displayed so that both are quite rudely flipping off any who would dare encroach on the city.
That's right! The Valardin Snowlord is /here/, and he's not happy that you're trying to invade the city, Bringers!
(OOC: What follows is a description of the object left outside the gates, as given to the recording scholar.)
Rude Snow-Edain
An imposing figure of piled snow; the ever traditional snow man, stands tall in front of the equally impressive walls of Arx. This one, however, has a few slight differences. The starched tabard of a Valardin Knight is proudly draped over the gathered and stacked snowglobes, for one. And where the arms might normally be just tree branches, these ones also have gloves on. Gloves that have been stuffed with straw and then tied and twisted and displayed so that both are quite rudely flipping off any who would dare encroach on the city.
That's right! The Valardin Snowlord is /here/, and he's not happy that you're trying to invade the city, Bringers!
Written By Fiachra
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:34 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
When a seed first sprouts, it is a delicate thing. It needs to be nurtured, and a strong breeze, a drought, or an early frost may all spell disaster. But it isn't long before the young plant becomes strong, able to withstand the hardships and the tests put to it.
And that is where we stand now; the announcement has been made. When I came to this city, you were, quite probably, the absolute last thing that I would have expected to find. Yet, the more time I spent in your company, the more I came to realize that you, and everything that you give to me, are the the most precious thing that I could have found in Arx. You are the light that I will forever be able to use to find my way home. I could not be more proud to walk at your side, for this day and for all the days of our future together.
And that is where we stand now; the announcement has been made. When I came to this city, you were, quite probably, the absolute last thing that I would have expected to find. Yet, the more time I spent in your company, the more I came to realize that you, and everything that you give to me, are the the most precious thing that I could have found in Arx. You are the light that I will forever be able to use to find my way home. I could not be more proud to walk at your side, for this day and for all the days of our future together.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.