Written By Rowan
May 14, 2017, 7 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Muiryn
One day, when I seek you out and begin a conversation with, "I was hoping you would-" you are going to put me flat to my back with that maul of yours before I can get the rest of the damned words out of my mouth.
But until that day comes, I'll keep asking.
But until that day comes, I'll keep asking.
Written By Rowan
May 14, 2017, 6:56 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)
Searching for the unknown comes with a certain responsibility to accept what is found, whether it is what you hoped for, or what you feared most. Before setting out on a hunt, it should be asked whether you're seeking truth or confirmation, whether you can live with the answers whatever they are.
Written By Rowan
May 14, 2017, 6:43 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)
Greedy Wolf, glutting himself too hastily on his catch of hare, found himself with a bone turned cross-wise in his throat. He hacked and coughed, but could not bring the bone up from his throat.
He went and found Crane, certain that with her long neck and slender bill, she could reach the bone. Wolf told Crane, "I will give you a reward, if only you will pull this bone out for me."
Crane was hesitant. There was no comfort to be found in putting her head down Wolf's throat. But she was a helpful in her nature, so she did as she was asked to do.
The moment Wolf felt the bone release, Wolf backed away and started to prowl off. Crane looked after him and called, "You said there would be a reward!"
Wolf sneered back, "Haven't you got it? I let you take your head from my jaws without snapping it off."
He went and found Crane, certain that with her long neck and slender bill, she could reach the bone. Wolf told Crane, "I will give you a reward, if only you will pull this bone out for me."
Crane was hesitant. There was no comfort to be found in putting her head down Wolf's throat. But she was a helpful in her nature, so she did as she was asked to do.
The moment Wolf felt the bone release, Wolf backed away and started to prowl off. Crane looked after him and called, "You said there would be a reward!"
Wolf sneered back, "Haven't you got it? I let you take your head from my jaws without snapping it off."
Written By Rowan
May 7, 2017, 8:05 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Family rises out of shared experience. Sometimes that experience begins with being born of the same blood. Othertimes it is those that we find ourselves standing alongside in hard times. I find myself blessed with family of both flavors, and doubley blessed that through these recent troubles, I have had no cause grieve for any of them. Whatever lies behind, whatever lies ahead, I thank the Spirits for each of them and their continued well being.
Written By Rowan
May 7, 2017, 6:23 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
There's never a wasted word to be shared with the Dominus. Whether the conversation is casual and friendly - something I should try to hold with the man more often - or picking apart more weighty matters, I find I always leave his presence with something to think about.
Written By Rowan
May 7, 2017, 6:15 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
The Mice of the house lived a simple life of plenty, but they were frequently set upon by Cat. All they had couldn't set aside the fear that Cat could show his face at any moment, and the Mice wished to be rid of him once and for all.
The Mice gathered to discuss how to do away with Cat, but none among them could think of a way that they thought good enough. After several days and nights talking about the matter in their dark holes, one very young mouse spoke up.
'I have a plan,' he said. 'It is very simple, but I know it will work. All we have to do is put a bell around Cat's neck, and we will hear him coming.'
The Mice were surprised not to have thought of the plan before, but an old mouse quieted their excitement. 'The plan is a very good plan, yes, but let me ask...Who among you will bell the Cat?'
The Mice gathered to discuss how to do away with Cat, but none among them could think of a way that they thought good enough. After several days and nights talking about the matter in their dark holes, one very young mouse spoke up.
'I have a plan,' he said. 'It is very simple, but I know it will work. All we have to do is put a bell around Cat's neck, and we will hear him coming.'
The Mice were surprised not to have thought of the plan before, but an old mouse quieted their excitement. 'The plan is a very good plan, yes, but let me ask...Who among you will bell the Cat?'
Written By Rowan
April 29, 2017, 12:17 a.m.(5/12/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Lady Stray, how many last breaths have there been? Between then and now? I wonder how many more there will be. Whatever the count, it remains the same.
Written By Rowan
April 28, 2017, 11:53 p.m.(5/12/1006 AR)
Stitched wounds, they don't bother me much. They don't slow me down, as much as I should probably let them. I've popped enough of them I should know better. Cracked and broken ribs - they're worse. Can't do much of anything with those without remembering just how bad I fucked up in letting that swing get past my guard. Still, I can deal with those. A few moments still and the pain subsides.
But burns. These things can fuck right off. They never stop hurting. Not to mention what they've done to my ink.
But burns. These things can fuck right off. They never stop hurting. Not to mention what they've done to my ink.
Written By Rowan
April 27, 2017, 7:22 p.m.(5/9/1006 AR)
From a tree on a hilly green field, Raven watched Eagle hunting. Eagle circled overhead with his keen eye on a shepherd and his flock of sheep bellow. When the shepherd took his lunch, Eagle swooped down quickly and seized a lamb in his talons to carry away to his nest.
Raven saw this, and decided that he could not only do what Eagle had done, but he could do it better. Why settle for the lamb when there was more impressive prey on the hill. The next day, when the shepherd took his lunch, Raven took flight from his tree to swoop down on the flock of sheep.
Raven descended on the back of a wooly ram, but when he tried to rise again, he found his claws had become tangled in the wool. He flapped feverishly to try and take flight, but he was thoroughly stuck. The ram scarcely noticed that he was there. The shepherd, however, took notice and came to see. He untangled Raven's claws, but not without first clipping his wings.
That evening, the shepherd gave Raven to his son. 'What a funny bird,' he laughed. 'What do you call it?'
'That is a raven, my son, but if you asked him, he would say he is an eagle.'
Raven saw this, and decided that he could not only do what Eagle had done, but he could do it better. Why settle for the lamb when there was more impressive prey on the hill. The next day, when the shepherd took his lunch, Raven took flight from his tree to swoop down on the flock of sheep.
Raven descended on the back of a wooly ram, but when he tried to rise again, he found his claws had become tangled in the wool. He flapped feverishly to try and take flight, but he was thoroughly stuck. The ram scarcely noticed that he was there. The shepherd, however, took notice and came to see. He untangled Raven's claws, but not without first clipping his wings.
That evening, the shepherd gave Raven to his son. 'What a funny bird,' he laughed. 'What do you call it?'
'That is a raven, my son, but if you asked him, he would say he is an eagle.'
Written By Rowan
April 23, 2017, 6:30 p.m.(5/1/1006 AR)
When the unwelcomed guests within our walls and without are dispatched and done with, when this seige lifts, the very first thing I will do is take Stormhoof for a long ride until I can't see any manner of wall on the horizon in any direction. I have never felt so bloody stir-crazy and trapped in all my life. I can feel the breath of Spring and any other year before, I would have spent the months wandering and searching. Now the pull only draws me to a guarded gate. Evenings spent on roofs and walls only remind me that there is no leaving. Soon. Let it be soon. In the mean time...Whiskey. Let there be whiskey.
Written By Rowan
April 23, 2017, 6:20 p.m.(5/1/1006 AR)
I believe the most unsettling realization that I've had about what my life has become is that now, with parts of me walking around beyond my perception...My world could come crumbling down while I read by a fire, or drank with companions, or ventured out for a look at the horizon and I might not know it. Not until far too late to do anything about it.
Written By Rowan
April 23, 2017, 6:20 p.m.(5/1/1006 AR)
At the peak of the season, on a vineyard, Fox strolled among the vines. Overhead, the grapes were ready to burst with juice and shone like jewels in the sunlight, and Fox's mouth watered while staring at them. It was too early in the season for any of the grapes to have dropped or been knocked off, though, as Fox had tasted them in seasons before.
A particularly enticing bunch hung from a high branch, and Fox couldn't help but to jump for it. Fox missed by a long ways. So Fox walked off a few steps, and then took a running jump, and still, Fox fell short. Again and again, Fox tried, and each time it was in vain.
In frustration, Fox sat and looked at the grapes in disgust. 'I must be a fool,' Fox said. 'Here I am, jumping myself ragged, for a bunch of grapes hardly worth looking at, probably sour on the vine.'
Abandoning the endeavor, Fox skulked off to nurse its scorn.
A particularly enticing bunch hung from a high branch, and Fox couldn't help but to jump for it. Fox missed by a long ways. So Fox walked off a few steps, and then took a running jump, and still, Fox fell short. Again and again, Fox tried, and each time it was in vain.
In frustration, Fox sat and looked at the grapes in disgust. 'I must be a fool,' Fox said. 'Here I am, jumping myself ragged, for a bunch of grapes hardly worth looking at, probably sour on the vine.'
Abandoning the endeavor, Fox skulked off to nurse its scorn.
Written By Rowan
April 16, 2017, 8:43 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
A man had made his camp in a clearing shared with the wild things of the woods with a need for warmth in his bones. He had a fire, and it glowed warm and bright and kept him comfortable, but the chill had set in deep. A moth joined him, settling briefly on his nose. 'Stoke the flames,' it whispered to him in the fleeting moment it was there. 'The heat will melt all the worries away.' Across the fire, a stag stared at the man through the smoke of the fire. 'Stoke the flames,' the stag spoke to him, 'And the woods may burn down around you.'
Written By Rowan
April 16, 2017, 8:41 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Three times Cataclysm has been blooded in combat, and three times it has been the foul blood of Bringers. This last though - it was difficult to find any pleasure in the thought for the pain of the girl left grieving.
Beware an angry stablehand - Tristan took the things arm off. I'd hate to see what he did if you touched anything in his tackroom. Princess Peregrine was quick to see to the wounded girl, the sort of head you'd like to have with you in battle if you're unlucky enough to fall. Likewise, Lady Tikva's songs are a powerful thing. Lady Khanne and Lady Niamh - each trial alongside them makes me glad they're the ones at my back.
Pour a drink for Tomas, may what was left of his spirit find peace.
Beware an angry stablehand - Tristan took the things arm off. I'd hate to see what he did if you touched anything in his tackroom. Princess Peregrine was quick to see to the wounded girl, the sort of head you'd like to have with you in battle if you're unlucky enough to fall. Likewise, Lady Tikva's songs are a powerful thing. Lady Khanne and Lady Niamh - each trial alongside them makes me glad they're the ones at my back.
Pour a drink for Tomas, may what was left of his spirit find peace.
Written By Rowan
April 15, 2017, 8:53 p.m.(4/12/1006 AR)
Mother Crab was known by all the creatures on the beach from the gulls to the sand mites to be given to opinions on everything. None were subject so heavily to hearing these opinions as her own child.
The Young Crab, out playing while the tide was low, scurried from side to side.
Mother Crab was aghast.
"Why do you walk sideways?!" she exclaimed. "A proper gentleman should always walk straight forward, and it is so much more becoming with your toes turned out."
Young Crab asked of his mother, ever the obedient child, "Will you show me how to walk, dear Mother? I want to learn."
And so Mother Crab set about turning her feet outward and made to take a step, determined to set the example. However, Mother Crab found she could only walk as sideways as her child had. Flustered, she continued to try, until she tripped and fell onto her nose to the laughter of the gulls watching from overhead.
The Young Crab, out playing while the tide was low, scurried from side to side.
Mother Crab was aghast.
"Why do you walk sideways?!" she exclaimed. "A proper gentleman should always walk straight forward, and it is so much more becoming with your toes turned out."
Young Crab asked of his mother, ever the obedient child, "Will you show me how to walk, dear Mother? I want to learn."
And so Mother Crab set about turning her feet outward and made to take a step, determined to set the example. However, Mother Crab found she could only walk as sideways as her child had. Flustered, she continued to try, until she tripped and fell onto her nose to the laughter of the gulls watching from overhead.
Written By Rowan
April 8, 2017, 8:34 p.m.(3/26/1006 AR)
Others will write about the lantern ceremony with more eloquence. They'll do the happenings justice. When we set out to arrange the event, we intended to have an impact on the morale, to send a message. We hoped to receive blessing. We received a miracle. Whatever path you walk, it was a miracle. I am still in awe.
Gods Old and New, hold Aureth safe.
Gods Old and New, hold Aureth safe.
Written By Rowan
April 8, 2017, 8:27 p.m.(3/26/1006 AR)
If one is going to be attacked by Bringers, I highly advise doing it in the company Champions and their friends. Niamh's proved her prowess many times before, but continues to impress me with how far she's come from beating me over the head with sticks as kids. I'd not want to be in Leola's sights at any range - the woman is lethal with a bow, and damned if her fucking horse didn't raise some havoc too. I should get her to teach Stormhoof how to handle himself in a fight instead of just cruising for whiskey. And Joslyn...Such savage damage from such small blades. It's almost enough to make me give up my axe. Almost. Not quite.
I didn't come away unscathed, but I'd rather be me than our attackers, or those charged with cleaning up the mess left behind.
I didn't come away unscathed, but I'd rather be me than our attackers, or those charged with cleaning up the mess left behind.
Written By Rowan
April 8, 2017, 5:43 p.m.(3/26/1006 AR)
Hare was popular animal in the wood, and many claimed to be her friend. There came a day, however, when she was set upon by a pack of hungry wolves. She heard their howling and knew they had her scent, and so she ran to seek the help of her friends.
Hare came across Horse, and asked him to carry her from the hounds, but Horse told Hare that he had very important work to do for his master. Hare was undeterred, certain her other friends would surely help.
She ran then until she came across Boar, and asked him to fight the hounds with his great tusks. Boar told Hare that he was very sorry, but he had a very important meeting with a lady, and that perhaps their friend Hawk would help.
Starting to fret and worry, Hare ran on until she found Hawk, and asked for her aid. Hawk worried that her claws would only hurt Hare if she carried the little creaure away, and told Hare that she was not the right one to help.
More concerned, and with the howling growing closer, she ran until she found Weasel, but Weasel told her that he did not like to interfere with creatures that would eat him as readily as the Hare.
Desperate, Hare ran until she came to a fawn, who worried that he was unable to help when so many grown creatures had declined the task. He was surely not old or strong enough to help.
By now, the wolves were nearly on Hare's furry heels, and she was left with nothing but her own cleverness and speed to rely on. The wolves caught up with her, but she managed to escape into a thicket of thorns, but not without losing her tail to a snap of snarling jaws.
Hare came across Horse, and asked him to carry her from the hounds, but Horse told Hare that he had very important work to do for his master. Hare was undeterred, certain her other friends would surely help.
She ran then until she came across Boar, and asked him to fight the hounds with his great tusks. Boar told Hare that he was very sorry, but he had a very important meeting with a lady, and that perhaps their friend Hawk would help.
Starting to fret and worry, Hare ran on until she found Hawk, and asked for her aid. Hawk worried that her claws would only hurt Hare if she carried the little creaure away, and told Hare that she was not the right one to help.
More concerned, and with the howling growing closer, she ran until she found Weasel, but Weasel told her that he did not like to interfere with creatures that would eat him as readily as the Hare.
Desperate, Hare ran until she came to a fawn, who worried that he was unable to help when so many grown creatures had declined the task. He was surely not old or strong enough to help.
By now, the wolves were nearly on Hare's furry heels, and she was left with nothing but her own cleverness and speed to rely on. The wolves caught up with her, but she managed to escape into a thicket of thorns, but not without losing her tail to a snap of snarling jaws.
Written By Rowan
April 2, 2017, 8:41 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Luna
It's almost too damn easy to say that Luna is a colorful character, but there's no turn of phrase quite so apt. I met her shortly after her arrival to Arx, when she joined the Spirit Walkers, but it's not until more recently that our paths have crossed more readily. She stood and raised her with us at the grove when the Silence assaulted our walls, and boldly taken up two jobs for me. The song, I have complete faith she'll accomplish. My children...well, perhaps with the help of Reinhardst she'll survive the brood.
Written By Rowan
April 2, 2017, 8:35 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
A small gnat buzzed across a meadow that stretched many acres wide. For the gnat, it was a very long way and a great deal of work. Part way across the meadow, the gnat spotted a bull. 'I will just take a quick rest,' the gnat thought, and settled on one of the bull's broad horns. The bull plodded along, crossing so far as a pond and a shady tree at the center of the meadow with nary a word.
'Here is where I must take my leave, good bull,' the gnat buzzed as it lifted away from the bull's horn. 'You must be very glad to have me go!'
The bull was surprised to hear the mention, and told the gnat, 'It is all the same to me, little gnat. I did not even know you were there.'
'Here is where I must take my leave, good bull,' the gnat buzzed as it lifted away from the bull's horn. 'You must be very glad to have me go!'
The bull was surprised to hear the mention, and told the gnat, 'It is all the same to me, little gnat. I did not even know you were there.'
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.