Written By Alarissa
March 25, 2018, 11 p.m.(6/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
Darrow Darkwater.
How many conversations did we have? Not enough. I once watched him stand in front of Victus' liquor bottles and arrange them all because he disliked the chaos of the different colours all over the place. I had to admire him. It took him near three hours. He smiled once even, just before he was taking off and I wanted to ensure that he had good armor. If he was going to make one last stand, it would be to the very last. He touched his sword, ran a hand along the hilt and smiled.
He spoke of Castle Lament. Of why it is called such and touched some on why he was, as he was and I could understand. He was a refreshing bucket of very cold water after you have been sitting in the hot springs. I could count on him. I will write this again. I could without a doubt, count on the dour Lord of Darkwater. So much so that I gave him my cobalt forged dagger to try and give him every edge that I possibly could.
Where others saw a solid and unrelenting knight who never smiled, was dry as an Eurus desert at the peak of noon, I saw a refreshing man who spoke truth, who enjoyed a frank conversation and never faltered in his devotions for family, fealty and faith.
I will miss the Knight of Sorrows. May he spend time in the shining lands and may we all know the bravery and strength that he possessed and find a bit of it in ourselves. Till next you come off the wheel Lord Darrow.
How many conversations did we have? Not enough. I once watched him stand in front of Victus' liquor bottles and arrange them all because he disliked the chaos of the different colours all over the place. I had to admire him. It took him near three hours. He smiled once even, just before he was taking off and I wanted to ensure that he had good armor. If he was going to make one last stand, it would be to the very last. He touched his sword, ran a hand along the hilt and smiled.
He spoke of Castle Lament. Of why it is called such and touched some on why he was, as he was and I could understand. He was a refreshing bucket of very cold water after you have been sitting in the hot springs. I could count on him. I will write this again. I could without a doubt, count on the dour Lord of Darkwater. So much so that I gave him my cobalt forged dagger to try and give him every edge that I possibly could.
Where others saw a solid and unrelenting knight who never smiled, was dry as an Eurus desert at the peak of noon, I saw a refreshing man who spoke truth, who enjoyed a frank conversation and never faltered in his devotions for family, fealty and faith.
I will miss the Knight of Sorrows. May he spend time in the shining lands and may we all know the bravery and strength that he possessed and find a bit of it in ourselves. Till next you come off the wheel Lord Darrow.
Written By Alarissa
March 25, 2018, 8:52 p.m.(6/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samael
I second Prince Laric. Delegation, and foist things off onto servants or assistants when you can. Carve out the time. Ten minutes here, a half hour there. And if you cannot have quantity, then ensure that you have quality. Astrid finds her way to sleep in my arms almost every evening and I would not trade that for the world.
Written By Alarissa
March 25, 2018, 8:35 p.m.(6/6/1008 AR)
I miss it, oddly. I'm used to the cat always there, following him, sitting on the bed like she owns it. Glaring at me, reaching out to swipe at me. He hurts from his shoulder and the burn and from the loss of her. Maybe she was a good cat, I don't know. I do know I'll have to have a portrait done of us soon and make sure that she is in it.
Written By Alarissa
March 19, 2018, 1:29 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Ahh my husbands words.
He'll be kneeling in shrines for weeks. I will be doing the same beside him, for I am his wife and I support him. In truth, as I have stated in my blacks, I have been waiting for the other slipper to drop. Words spoken in victory on the end of what many thought was the only wave, are not the catalyst. There is no catalyst. One may try to heap blame upon his shoulders for the second wave but visions have shown, the second wave was coming, they just used his words to colour theirs. But their actions and intent were already set.
So seek not to lay blame for what was already planned by the enemy. Instead, let us focus our efforts upon defeating the enemy through all our means and might. Whether blade or prayer, each cuts our enemy just as sure. You can find me in the temples this week, praying. Hopefully, I will see others doing the same.
He'll be kneeling in shrines for weeks. I will be doing the same beside him, for I am his wife and I support him. In truth, as I have stated in my blacks, I have been waiting for the other slipper to drop. Words spoken in victory on the end of what many thought was the only wave, are not the catalyst. There is no catalyst. One may try to heap blame upon his shoulders for the second wave but visions have shown, the second wave was coming, they just used his words to colour theirs. But their actions and intent were already set.
So seek not to lay blame for what was already planned by the enemy. Instead, let us focus our efforts upon defeating the enemy through all our means and might. Whether blade or prayer, each cuts our enemy just as sure. You can find me in the temples this week, praying. Hopefully, I will see others doing the same.
Written By Alarissa
March 17, 2018, 10:31 p.m.(5/18/1008 AR)
To pay respects and offer condolences, you make your way to a shrine, or the cemetery, mausoleum. I remind people of this. These are the places you go if you are sorrowful. Go to the houses of the families, leave notes and letters, give to the rebuilding efforts when we know well and full the toll that this war has brought to our shores. These are the things you can do.
Written By Alarissa
March 14, 2018, 7:21 p.m.(5/11/1008 AR)
Our High Lord sails.
The Compact sails.
The Red Serpent leaves to take up it's position as the head of the Mourning Onslaught as well as that of the Compact's navy. Princess Astrid and I stood watch on the docks until the sails could be seen no more and sent with it our hopes and our faith in the the capable men and women who will fight alongside our my husband, her father, your High Lord.
War comes. To Setarco, to Stormwall. To the Darkwater Redoubt. To the Compact.
Those of us at home will keep the city running, guarded and safe. I challenge those of us who remain behind to stand tall and proud. To keep moral up, supplies stocked and prayers ever spoken for those who fight and to the gods in thanks for blessing us with the power and the heart to weather this even though we know that there is hardship ahead. Make no mistake, there will be hardships. But we will rise above.
To Darkwater Redoubt, I charge you with staying alive. Man your walls, man your hearts. We will persevere and then turn our might and pin the foe between us. You are not forgotten, you are never forgotten. You have never fallen even during the reckoning and so many tried. You are brave, selfless and courageous. Hold fast. Hold fast.
To everyone else who remains home, to Thrax and other houses. If you find yourself weary of soul, of heart or mind. If the nights are too long or fear grips you and will not let go, seek a shrine, bend a knee, seek solace in your friends, or find your way to the Thrax and you will find me with tea, a drink, an ear and help if you need it.
Together, all of us as the Mourning Isles and as the Compact, will show the foe that though we are outnumbered, we are not to be underestimated. We are Thrax, We are the Mourning Isles.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax
The Compact sails.
The Red Serpent leaves to take up it's position as the head of the Mourning Onslaught as well as that of the Compact's navy. Princess Astrid and I stood watch on the docks until the sails could be seen no more and sent with it our hopes and our faith in the the capable men and women who will fight alongside our my husband, her father, your High Lord.
War comes. To Setarco, to Stormwall. To the Darkwater Redoubt. To the Compact.
Those of us at home will keep the city running, guarded and safe. I challenge those of us who remain behind to stand tall and proud. To keep moral up, supplies stocked and prayers ever spoken for those who fight and to the gods in thanks for blessing us with the power and the heart to weather this even though we know that there is hardship ahead. Make no mistake, there will be hardships. But we will rise above.
To Darkwater Redoubt, I charge you with staying alive. Man your walls, man your hearts. We will persevere and then turn our might and pin the foe between us. You are not forgotten, you are never forgotten. You have never fallen even during the reckoning and so many tried. You are brave, selfless and courageous. Hold fast. Hold fast.
To everyone else who remains home, to Thrax and other houses. If you find yourself weary of soul, of heart or mind. If the nights are too long or fear grips you and will not let go, seek a shrine, bend a knee, seek solace in your friends, or find your way to the Thrax and you will find me with tea, a drink, an ear and help if you need it.
Together, all of us as the Mourning Isles and as the Compact, will show the foe that though we are outnumbered, we are not to be underestimated. We are Thrax, We are the Mourning Isles.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax
Written By Alarissa
March 9, 2018, 2:33 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
My husband corrects me.
That is fine. For I was wrong.
But he now owes me a new dress before he sails to war.
And his daughter one as well.
She likes white like her mother.
That is fine. For I was wrong.
But he now owes me a new dress before he sails to war.
And his daughter one as well.
She likes white like her mother.
Written By Alarissa
March 9, 2018, 2:05 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
As you wish.
Written By Alarissa
March 9, 2018, 1:50 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Simply put Countess, House Pravus owes not House Keaton, nor any other house for that matters save one, an explanation. House Velenosa, their liege. And clearly, their liege is fine with it. Pravus will do what Pravus will do, and Keaton will do what Keaton will do. Perhaps being affronted might be better served in blacks? It is a thought. Merely such. And now i have better things to do with my own time. Any correspondence from those whowish to debate with me are welcome to send messengers or come to tea and change my view on this situation.
Written By Alarissa
March 9, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Since it would seem this is hotly debated and people scream into their whites, perhaps we shall set some things straight. With facts. We do so all love facts yes?
Fact. These children are acknowledged by Abbas Crownsworn. They were before his exile. Abbas Crownsworn is related to Pravus through a half sister. This would make the little Lord and Little Lady Pravus, viable members of their household, in as such as I know it.
In words so recently written to me by a member of the faith to me, those in the family of one, are not automatically castigated and thrown away because of the sins of the one. These are innocents. These are two year old children who do fathom, know, or even care for the attitude, opinions or desires of others in the city. They are children, plain and simple.
So I state as voice of House Thrax. Our thanks to Pravus for taking in their kin. For giving them a home. For ensuring that they will never want for anything, receive a stellar education and grow up to be productive members of our society.
And to those who would castigate, winge and wail. They're children. We're at war.
Pick a better thing to get offended at, than over innocent children.
Fact. These children are acknowledged by Abbas Crownsworn. They were before his exile. Abbas Crownsworn is related to Pravus through a half sister. This would make the little Lord and Little Lady Pravus, viable members of their household, in as such as I know it.
In words so recently written to me by a member of the faith to me, those in the family of one, are not automatically castigated and thrown away because of the sins of the one. These are innocents. These are two year old children who do fathom, know, or even care for the attitude, opinions or desires of others in the city. They are children, plain and simple.
So I state as voice of House Thrax. Our thanks to Pravus for taking in their kin. For giving them a home. For ensuring that they will never want for anything, receive a stellar education and grow up to be productive members of our society.
And to those who would castigate, winge and wail. They're children. We're at war.
Pick a better thing to get offended at, than over innocent children.
Written By Alarissa
March 4, 2018, 10:57 p.m.(4/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Victus
I wrote you a letter like this the last time, freshly married and watching you set to sail from the docks and waiting till the Serpent disappeared from sight. I will do this again, only I will have Astrid with me.
Return to us. I have no doubt that should something befell you, I can hold this house together with those that you have surrounded us by. I have no doubt that we will serve these people well and they us, till she is old enough to do so herself. But I would prefer that I did not have to. Nor that she grow up without you to teach her how to walk that line between what it is to be Thrax and a part of the compact. We both know that I will teach her how to use the Grayson in her.
Return to me, even if it is with more scars. It may seem sentimental but I have gotten used to you. Put the pretender in his place, show the compact it has not misplaced it's faith in you and show them what I saw in you that year ago when you asked me to wed you.
You are fierce and strong. You have stood upon the deck of your ship and sent a Kraken screaming to the depths because it threatened your child and your line. Now it returns and it's owner bays for the blood of Maelstrom. It's threatens that which your daughter is set to inherit when the time comes and any other children we will have. It threatens her. It threatens the lives of your people, your friends, your companions. Put it into the ground Victus. Give it no inch. The Mourning Isles belong to you. The Lycene Isles belong to Velenosa. Crovane to Redrain. All of it belongs to the Compact. Not to a pretender who died a thousand years ago and turned his back on his people in cowardice.
You stand on this eve of battle, sharpening your axe and your blade. You will put your beads in your beard, throw Astrid in the air a few times before she is set to sleep. Your armor will be freshly oiled and unashamedly will take me to bed and do other things. Then come the morning, you will stand on the deck of the Serpent and sail off to defend our allies even as the wind will whip my skirts. Whatever may come, whatever unexpected help we may find or hindrance, you will persevere.
We will be waiting for you.
So return to us.
Because you still have not taught us to swim and you are not allowed to perish until you have taught us both to swim.
'Rissa
I wrote you a letter like this the last time, freshly married and watching you set to sail from the docks and waiting till the Serpent disappeared from sight. I will do this again, only I will have Astrid with me.
Return to us. I have no doubt that should something befell you, I can hold this house together with those that you have surrounded us by. I have no doubt that we will serve these people well and they us, till she is old enough to do so herself. But I would prefer that I did not have to. Nor that she grow up without you to teach her how to walk that line between what it is to be Thrax and a part of the compact. We both know that I will teach her how to use the Grayson in her.
Return to me, even if it is with more scars. It may seem sentimental but I have gotten used to you. Put the pretender in his place, show the compact it has not misplaced it's faith in you and show them what I saw in you that year ago when you asked me to wed you.
You are fierce and strong. You have stood upon the deck of your ship and sent a Kraken screaming to the depths because it threatened your child and your line. Now it returns and it's owner bays for the blood of Maelstrom. It's threatens that which your daughter is set to inherit when the time comes and any other children we will have. It threatens her. It threatens the lives of your people, your friends, your companions. Put it into the ground Victus. Give it no inch. The Mourning Isles belong to you. The Lycene Isles belong to Velenosa. Crovane to Redrain. All of it belongs to the Compact. Not to a pretender who died a thousand years ago and turned his back on his people in cowardice.
You stand on this eve of battle, sharpening your axe and your blade. You will put your beads in your beard, throw Astrid in the air a few times before she is set to sleep. Your armor will be freshly oiled and unashamedly will take me to bed and do other things. Then come the morning, you will stand on the deck of the Serpent and sail off to defend our allies even as the wind will whip my skirts. Whatever may come, whatever unexpected help we may find or hindrance, you will persevere.
We will be waiting for you.
So return to us.
Because you still have not taught us to swim and you are not allowed to perish until you have taught us both to swim.
'Rissa
Written By Alarissa
March 4, 2018, 8:29 p.m.(4/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
The hospitality of Velenosa is beyond compare. My time visiting the Archduchess was a relaxing one and she and Archduke Talen made Astrid and myself feel as if we were at home. Your tepidarium leaves me envious and I shall have to see to stealing the pillows. Divine. I shall have to extend to you both the same courtesy in the future. Thank you dear friend for your kindness.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 16, 2018, 5:20 p.m.(3/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samael
I wish to take a moment to acknowledge in my whites, Lord Samael Bisland. I engaged in discourse with him, curious about something he has publicly stated. We sent messengers back and forth and while others might have taken offense, had escalated and gotten themselves into a heated discord, he was civil, saw the facts for what they were and then apologized. Privately and publicly. He is the example that many should live by when it comes to living our lives day to day. To keep an open mind and not be afraid to admit when they perhaps, less than right.
I look forward whole heartedly, to sharing an afternoon of tea with him in the future and to see how the relationship between the Bisland Navy and his Grace, the Prince of Maelstrom can grow and flourish. Perhaps both can learn from one another. Thank you Lord Bisland.
I look forward whole heartedly, to sharing an afternoon of tea with him in the future and to see how the relationship between the Bisland Navy and his Grace, the Prince of Maelstrom can grow and flourish. Perhaps both can learn from one another. Thank you Lord Bisland.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 11, 2018, 11:38 p.m.(2/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Really Magpie Grayhope wonders why someone writes back after being sent a friendship bracelet. One only has to look how the gifted individual was raised, and then realize the answer is right there.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 9, 2018, 3:52 p.m.(2/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esra
I had not laid this to paper before, because I had hoped it would be just an uncomfortable situation and that the individual in question would at some point give sincere apology for his actions, and understand how the act that committed, could have been taken far worse than it was. I was one of, I presume there were others, the peerage assaulted by the former Wyrmguard.
In my library, after Master Esra visited on the pretenses of being there under the auspices of the Scholars to search for a tome, proceeded to with physical actions, accuse me of being abyssal tainted. To the point of flashing a mirror at me and demanding that I douse my palms in the liquid in his flask after he splashed his own hands with such and my floor. I politely declined and informed him that I appreciated his offer but that it was unnecessary.
Master Esra then took it upon himself to throw the liquid in my face, liquid that I did not know the contents of, after commenting 'oh no, not again' with such force that he toppled forward and my face, dress, the half finished books beside me were drenched in what thankfully only turned out to be simply water. It could very well have been something else and permanent damage incurred or worse. Before then, he was a stranger to me. Invited into my home to speak with me when he asked. He stood up at sword point of my personal guard and protesting loudly that he could not comprehend what he had done wrong, was escorted to the edge of the Thrax ward and told that he was unwelcome and never to return.
He is still unwelcome within the ward of Thrax. I thank the appropriate authorities to seeing to the welfare of a man so clearly touched in the head. may he get the help that he so clearly needs. One shouldn't need to fear being assaulted in their own home by individuals of the peerage, formerly or current.
In my library, after Master Esra visited on the pretenses of being there under the auspices of the Scholars to search for a tome, proceeded to with physical actions, accuse me of being abyssal tainted. To the point of flashing a mirror at me and demanding that I douse my palms in the liquid in his flask after he splashed his own hands with such and my floor. I politely declined and informed him that I appreciated his offer but that it was unnecessary.
Master Esra then took it upon himself to throw the liquid in my face, liquid that I did not know the contents of, after commenting 'oh no, not again' with such force that he toppled forward and my face, dress, the half finished books beside me were drenched in what thankfully only turned out to be simply water. It could very well have been something else and permanent damage incurred or worse. Before then, he was a stranger to me. Invited into my home to speak with me when he asked. He stood up at sword point of my personal guard and protesting loudly that he could not comprehend what he had done wrong, was escorted to the edge of the Thrax ward and told that he was unwelcome and never to return.
He is still unwelcome within the ward of Thrax. I thank the appropriate authorities to seeing to the welfare of a man so clearly touched in the head. may he get the help that he so clearly needs. One shouldn't need to fear being assaulted in their own home by individuals of the peerage, formerly or current.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 5, 2018, 10:38 a.m.(2/14/1008 AR)
It shouldn't have to be said, but really. Weapons should not be on tables unless resting on velvet or some such fabric to protect the table. It gets tiring to have to keep refinishing the tables.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 4, 2018, 10:57 p.m.(2/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
I think that couch, resides within one of the large rooms that the servants occupy. I'm fairly certain of it. It has many.... eyes.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 4, 2018, 9:01 p.m.(2/13/1008 AR)
It is not fine, dear individuals who skim through my whites, for spouses to bring home the severed head of some majestic twelve point - what does that even mean? - buck, drop it on the table in such a fashion that congealed blood splatters everywhere and stand with puffed pride stating that now Talen must call them their oakliness and look what he brought me home.
This dress was not Aeterna.
Now. Now I have to rethink the renovation of the shackles to include a twelve - seriously, what does that mean? - point buck mounted on a surface somewhere. Maybe I'll gore him with them and mount them both. Like the Trophy's in the Grimhall Lodge. I mean.. I did catch a High Lord. I can mount him on a plaque yes?
This dress was not Aeterna.
Now. Now I have to rethink the renovation of the shackles to include a twelve - seriously, what does that mean? - point buck mounted on a surface somewhere. Maybe I'll gore him with them and mount them both. Like the Trophy's in the Grimhall Lodge. I mean.. I did catch a High Lord. I can mount him on a plaque yes?
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 3, 2018, 9:36 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
You will indeed not hear the end of it if he does not come home to me.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 3, 2018, 9:33 p.m.(2/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Oh well now I'm jealous.
All she gave me what a night that I can't remember.
All she gave me what a night that I can't remember.
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