Written By Thomas
Feb. 12, 2020, 4:13 p.m.(9.97501529431217/34.60085648148148/1012.7479179411927 AR)
Sometimes to be without Destiny seems an enormous curse, because the whims of chance and circumstance can be incalculably more cruel.
Sometimes.
I must find solace in the heat of my conviction, that this cruelty can be our crucible and in the end this particular twist will be redeemed by the choices that came of it.
Sometimes.
I must find solace in the heat of my conviction, that this cruelty can be our crucible and in the end this particular twist will be redeemed by the choices that came of it.
Written By Thomas
Feb. 5, 2020, 9:28 a.m.(9.351724537037038/13.696574074074075/1012.6959770447531 AR)
An observation that something is surreal is not an attack.
With all due respect to all offended parties: go take a nap.
With all due respect to all offended parties: go take a nap.
Written By Thomas
Feb. 3, 2020, 12:35 p.m.(9.21821304563492/13.219930555555555/1012.6848510871363 AR)
The threat of Eurus rises.
Panicked whispers spread through the streets.
Everywhere is talk of another war.
The King himself denounces Falak and warns Eurus of the strength of the Compact.
Grayson rallies its banners, prepared for conflict.
Valardin...bans socks with slippers.
It has never been clearer why we call this world the Dream.
Panicked whispers spread through the streets.
Everywhere is talk of another war.
The King himself denounces Falak and warns Eurus of the strength of the Compact.
Grayson rallies its banners, prepared for conflict.
Valardin...bans socks with slippers.
It has never been clearer why we call this world the Dream.
Written By Thomas
Jan. 27, 2020, 9:41 a.m.(8.710124007936507/26.766944444444448/1012.6425103339947 AR)
A couple of months ago I wrote of experiences that change your entire worldview, and how lucky one must be to have even one of them, much less two...
How strange to discover my mind has not changed in that regard, given how different everything else has become, again. Including now how I must understand myself, and everything around me.
I asked for this, but I do not think anything could have prepared me for the extent of it. Nor told me how to properly express a gratitude that defies my attempt to contain it to a simple missive.
Thank you.
How strange to discover my mind has not changed in that regard, given how different everything else has become, again. Including now how I must understand myself, and everything around me.
I asked for this, but I do not think anything could have prepared me for the extent of it. Nor told me how to properly express a gratitude that defies my attempt to contain it to a simple missive.
Thank you.
Written By Thomas
Jan. 18, 2020, 8:08 a.m.(8/2/1012 AR)
...No matter how many times this city surprises you it will always find a way to outdo itself.
I've been sitting here with my mouth hanging open for the better part of an hour and staring at nothing, as the Scholar can attest.
I've been sitting here with my mouth hanging open for the better part of an hour and staring at nothing, as the Scholar can attest.
Written By Thomas
Jan. 15, 2020, 9:09 a.m.(7/24/1012 AR)
It was my extreme pleasure to return to Brassfall March and oversee the training of new recruits brought into our armies by our Marquessa's compassionate reforms and initiatives; when it is clear that a leader deeply cares for those who fight for her, the passion and zeal they return in her service speaks for itself.
It is also impossible to overstate the importance of the help she was given in the tireless work of Mistress Kamaria, who made sure the word of what we promised to those who fight for us spread across the Compact, and also the help of Master Mortimer, who burned many a candle at both ends to ensure the chaos of vows, supplies and logistics all came together as if we were all of one mind.
I am so proud to work beside and serve such powerful souls.
Light, Knowledge, Victory.
It is also impossible to overstate the importance of the help she was given in the tireless work of Mistress Kamaria, who made sure the word of what we promised to those who fight for us spread across the Compact, and also the help of Master Mortimer, who burned many a candle at both ends to ensure the chaos of vows, supplies and logistics all came together as if we were all of one mind.
I am so proud to work beside and serve such powerful souls.
Light, Knowledge, Victory.
Written By Thomas
Dec. 27, 2019, 5:34 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
Mistress Tern, I mean no disrespect, but I am honestly flabbergasted. If things have progressed to the point where everyone from the bottom rungs of our society to the top are so exhausted trying to reason with you that our /actual Gods themselves/ have to take the time to perform a small miracle in visiting you and even THEY can't convince you that you are wrong, I think it's clear that you have dedicated yourself to being in the wrong deliberately, entirely, and blindly. You should not be known as a legendary theologian anymore but instead as legendarily obstinate.
Written By Thomas
Dec. 23, 2019, 2:09 a.m.(6/5/1012 AR)
How often in the course of your entire lifetime will you have an experience that so thoroughly changes your perspective of the world that from that point onwards you must always think of everything in terms of "before" and "after?"
Once? Maybe twice, if you are very extraordinarily lucky?
To be gifted such is beyond priceless.
How I can ever repay it, I do not know.
Once? Maybe twice, if you are very extraordinarily lucky?
To be gifted such is beyond priceless.
How I can ever repay it, I do not know.
Written By Thomas
Dec. 19, 2019, 3:24 a.m.(5/25/1012 AR)
We were drawn to the Isle as strangers, but what we saw there bound us into one shining purpose, and I hope what we did will have forged us forever as friends.
I will never forget the ingenuity of the Selikis, who won the battle for us against the slavers before it even began with their careful planning. The inspiring words of Count Orrin, who rallied our spirits as the fighting began, and the sight of Lady Peri pulling that conch from the depths of her hair and giving it a blast to signal the charge will always put a fire in my soul in the retelling.
I will never forget the valiance of my brother knight Sir Merek, who refused to leave a single old or infirm slave he saw without buying their freedom and bringing them to safety before the uprising, and then fought like a demon in the streets against their oppressors.
I will never forget the ruthless skill of Lady Thea Malvici who brought a well-guarded slaver baron down with only a twitch of her fingers, and then charged bravely into the battle to save one of our own with those same hands.
And I will never forget the Marquis and Marquessa Saraceni, who brought us all together and with their wit and their will -- and a shipload of fearsome pirates -- brought the slave trade on the Isle to a fierce and bloody end. Neither of them shrank away when it came time to raise our blades, and for that kind of bravery the Gods must be well pleased.
I am deeply honored to have fought beside such an incomparable band, and pray for the day we are called together again, in peace or to bring it.
I will never forget the ingenuity of the Selikis, who won the battle for us against the slavers before it even began with their careful planning. The inspiring words of Count Orrin, who rallied our spirits as the fighting began, and the sight of Lady Peri pulling that conch from the depths of her hair and giving it a blast to signal the charge will always put a fire in my soul in the retelling.
I will never forget the valiance of my brother knight Sir Merek, who refused to leave a single old or infirm slave he saw without buying their freedom and bringing them to safety before the uprising, and then fought like a demon in the streets against their oppressors.
I will never forget the ruthless skill of Lady Thea Malvici who brought a well-guarded slaver baron down with only a twitch of her fingers, and then charged bravely into the battle to save one of our own with those same hands.
And I will never forget the Marquis and Marquessa Saraceni, who brought us all together and with their wit and their will -- and a shipload of fearsome pirates -- brought the slave trade on the Isle to a fierce and bloody end. Neither of them shrank away when it came time to raise our blades, and for that kind of bravery the Gods must be well pleased.
I am deeply honored to have fought beside such an incomparable band, and pray for the day we are called together again, in peace or to bring it.
Written By Thomas
Dec. 13, 2019, 6:30 p.m.(5/15/1012 AR)
The feast in the Lowers was largely a success, aside from a brief altercation over garlic bread that lead to a broken nose; Dame Alexis gave generously from her own pocket to see justice met, and Lady Lenne tended the wounded man with remarkable skill, though I do not envy his recovery any.
It was here also that I was implored to see the city from an utterly different perspective by Master Ras.
It has left a weight on my mind ever since, one I have not been able to lift, and it turns over and over so that when I wake I cannot help but examine it again, feel its heft.
When I came to Arx, my heart and mind were cold and sharp, a blade seeking blood for blood. But now I am forced to admit how enormously selfish I have been.
To join the Gold Order was one of the best choices I have ever made, I think, in that I must confront my own weakness and foolishness and burn it away if I am ever to be a light that guides.
It was here also that I was implored to see the city from an utterly different perspective by Master Ras.
It has left a weight on my mind ever since, one I have not been able to lift, and it turns over and over so that when I wake I cannot help but examine it again, feel its heft.
When I came to Arx, my heart and mind were cold and sharp, a blade seeking blood for blood. But now I am forced to admit how enormously selfish I have been.
To join the Gold Order was one of the best choices I have ever made, I think, in that I must confront my own weakness and foolishness and burn it away if I am ever to be a light that guides.
Written By Thomas
Nov. 25, 2019, 5:53 p.m.(4/7/1012 AR)
Today, it was my great honor to swear holy vows before the Gods and the Paragon, Dame Alexis Wyrmfang, and join the Gold Order of the Dragon as a knight.
I hope one day to bring its guiding light to Brassfall March for an order of our own; some others of the Hundred Cities might scoff at such a thing, but I have the proud example of Tor's Knights of Roses before me, and I know in my heart this is the right thing to do.
I will serve with pride.
I hope one day to bring its guiding light to Brassfall March for an order of our own; some others of the Hundred Cities might scoff at such a thing, but I have the proud example of Tor's Knights of Roses before me, and I know in my heart this is the right thing to do.
I will serve with pride.
Written By Thomas
Nov. 18, 2019, 1:49 p.m.(3/20/1012 AR)
I have never been one for balls or other parties of the like, even at home in Brassfall. The frivolity immediately makes me nervous for reasons I cannot ever entirely articulate to my satisfaction, and it is normally all I can do not to back into a corner and nurse a dark red until I can let go of the peacebound hilt of my sword and relax enough to make pleasant conversation with the other brooding sorts.
The Fire and Ice Ball was a very enjoyable exception to this habit, and it felt good to step out of my comfort zone and even to be volunteered as the Marquessa Quenia's escort, who put my meager skills to shame with her graceful dancing.
I cannot say I am terribly eager to throw myself to the ballroom floor again, but at least I am maybe somewhat more at ease with these gatherings than I was before, and that is very satisfying all on its own.
The Fire and Ice Ball was a very enjoyable exception to this habit, and it felt good to step out of my comfort zone and even to be volunteered as the Marquessa Quenia's escort, who put my meager skills to shame with her graceful dancing.
I cannot say I am terribly eager to throw myself to the ballroom floor again, but at least I am maybe somewhat more at ease with these gatherings than I was before, and that is very satisfying all on its own.
Written By Thomas
Nov. 11, 2019, 2:40 a.m.(3/5/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ras
I am still not sure I understand what I witnessed tonight -- the what, or the why. I certainly do not envy the thrashing Shard gave you, or the scorn you now face from the Faith, or the ostracism you will undoubtedly experience as the tale spreads.
But after some thought, I did want to finally offer you a reply to what you said to me: the point of living, my young friend, is to survive long enough to piss on the graves of those who hurt you. Had cooler heads not prevailed, you very well would have robbed yourself of that opportunity, on the end of her blade or mine.
I truly do hope you learn something from this experience, and never try to throw your life away over some insult again.
But after some thought, I did want to finally offer you a reply to what you said to me: the point of living, my young friend, is to survive long enough to piss on the graves of those who hurt you. Had cooler heads not prevailed, you very well would have robbed yourself of that opportunity, on the end of her blade or mine.
I truly do hope you learn something from this experience, and never try to throw your life away over some insult again.
Written By Thomas
Nov. 9, 2019, 4:41 a.m.(3/2/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Lycoris
Arriving to the city in the bitter cold felt appropriate, given my thoughts and mood of late...but the warm welcome I received upon reaching the villa was both enormously gratifying and enlightening.
I had never met my late brother's wife before -- there had always seemed some excuse to stay away from Arx, until now -- but it is clear already the House is in tremendously capable hands, and I am honored beyond words that she has accepted my vow to serve as her Sword.
I hope to prove worthy of that trust.
I had never met my late brother's wife before -- there had always seemed some excuse to stay away from Arx, until now -- but it is clear already the House is in tremendously capable hands, and I am honored beyond words that she has accepted my vow to serve as her Sword.
I hope to prove worthy of that trust.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.