Written By Marian
March 9, 2018, 5:09 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
You are one of the smartest men that I have ever met. Your engagement to Lady Khanne only solidifies my belief of your intelligence. She is a beautiful treasure who's beauty shines both inside and out.
As you pack your things to move to the Redrain Villa, know an old friend waits to greet you.
As you pack your things to move to the Redrain Villa, know an old friend waits to greet you.
Written By Marian
March 9, 2018, 5:05 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Strong marriages do not happen by luck or accident. They are the result of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, mutual respect and partnership.
I look forward to watching you build a family with Lord Percephon. Watch as my own children play along side your own. I have no doubts to the strength of this union. Both of you are people that I admire as individuals. As a unit you will be an unstoppable force.
I look forward to watching you build a family with Lord Percephon. Watch as my own children play along side your own. I have no doubts to the strength of this union. Both of you are people that I admire as individuals. As a unit you will be an unstoppable force.
Written By Marian
March 3, 2018, 7:10 a.m.(4/17/1008 AR)
Nia will be a year old in less than a month, and she's trying to learn how to walk. She pulls herself up, lets go, steps and then tumbles down. And when the nurse tries to go to her side, the little minx yells, "NO!" As if to tell the woman that she does not want her help. Her nurse and I have tries to get that girl to walk more on the balls of her feet but she keeps trying to do it on her tippy toes. It's like she's planning for the next step before she's even ready.
I hope I get to see her success before I must rush off to battle. And if I'm not there for her first birthday party, I hope that little warrior understands that her mother is fighting so she has a future.
I hope I get to see her success before I must rush off to battle. And if I'm not there for her first birthday party, I hope that little warrior understands that her mother is fighting so she has a future.
Written By Marian
March 3, 2018, 7:04 a.m.(4/17/1008 AR)
I've been spending more time pouring over books and maps than in the sparring ring. When one thinks of war, rarely do they think about the amount of planning that goes into it. Before the first soldier marches onto the field. Before the first arrow that an archer draws back. Before the siege engine rolls into place. It's all played out on the map with figures. Calculations are made. Decisions are weighed. It's these behind the scenes activities that lead to success or failure.
Written By Marian
Feb. 25, 2018, 7:29 a.m.(4/5/1008 AR)
It is not what you will do for your child, but what you teach them so they can grow to meet the challenges ahead. For as much as we would like to create a safe haven, the world will not stay its troubles. To pretend that darkness does not exist will only leave them vulnerable for the future.
Hand them a sword and teach them how to fight adversity.
Read, teach and challenge our children to not accept things blindly.
Provide them a compass, so they may navigate to out of the darkness.
Give them a mirror, so they may look inside themselves and know who they are.
Live by example so they will know what journey they need to take to become heroes.
We are on the eve of war. As we pull together know what you fight for. Speak your words, record your thoughts, so our future generations know the sacrifices we make in their name.
Hand them a sword and teach them how to fight adversity.
Read, teach and challenge our children to not accept things blindly.
Provide them a compass, so they may navigate to out of the darkness.
Give them a mirror, so they may look inside themselves and know who they are.
Live by example so they will know what journey they need to take to become heroes.
We are on the eve of war. As we pull together know what you fight for. Speak your words, record your thoughts, so our future generations know the sacrifices we make in their name.
Written By Marian
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:59 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
In the matter of Faith, there can be no reason or judgement that forces one's hand. We can be pushed and pulled in certain directions but such changes do not stay with us as we lean back towards what speaks to our hearts. I caution both sides to consider the damage that can be done when faith is forced.
When I married into House Valardin, taking my husband's name. I observed his Faith, while still honoring the Elders and Nature. I walked two paths for many years, spending time in the shrines, speaking with the Faithful. Spending time with my former house's shamans, honoring the spirits. I am grateful for the support that High Lord Radley, High Lord Edain, their Seraph and the Faithful gave to me to make my own choice. My heart led me to the Faith. Those in the Church were merely guides along the way.
When I remarried into House Redrain, taking my husband's name, I chose to hold onto my Faith rather than return to the spirits. I still give thanks to the ancestors that came before me. When I walk the earth, I do not take for granted the sun that shines on my face, the wind that blows through my hair or the ground that is beneath my feet. But my prayers still go to the Gods. Those that stand beside me respect my choice. Just as I carry a deep respect for those that still hear the call of the spirits.
I beseech both sides to seek a mutual understanding. May I see you true and be seen in kind. May our words reveal more than they obscure. May our mind, eyes and tongues be guided by our hearts to find our own paths. As long as the Crown and Compact are honored, as long as we stand together, I believe we will push back the darkness that threatens all of us.
When I married into House Valardin, taking my husband's name. I observed his Faith, while still honoring the Elders and Nature. I walked two paths for many years, spending time in the shrines, speaking with the Faithful. Spending time with my former house's shamans, honoring the spirits. I am grateful for the support that High Lord Radley, High Lord Edain, their Seraph and the Faithful gave to me to make my own choice. My heart led me to the Faith. Those in the Church were merely guides along the way.
When I remarried into House Redrain, taking my husband's name, I chose to hold onto my Faith rather than return to the spirits. I still give thanks to the ancestors that came before me. When I walk the earth, I do not take for granted the sun that shines on my face, the wind that blows through my hair or the ground that is beneath my feet. But my prayers still go to the Gods. Those that stand beside me respect my choice. Just as I carry a deep respect for those that still hear the call of the spirits.
I beseech both sides to seek a mutual understanding. May I see you true and be seen in kind. May our words reveal more than they obscure. May our mind, eyes and tongues be guided by our hearts to find our own paths. As long as the Crown and Compact are honored, as long as we stand together, I believe we will push back the darkness that threatens all of us.
Written By Marian
Feb. 20, 2018, 2 a.m.(3/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
You answer to a fifth, the Crown. While I am sure that your grandmaster, the Blessed Cassandra, His Most Holy and his voices, and the Gods appreciate your devotion, you at the end of the day are a citizen of the Compact. We all are. As others have eloquently pointed out His Majesty rules over not just the Faithful but people of other beliefs and customs. Unity does not mean a loss of identity. It means solidarity. I think we can all agree that there is a common foe for all, regardless of your religious beliefs, that needs to be dealt with. An enemy that is a threat to the /Crown/ and Compact. An enemy that His Most Holy and his voices wisely saw the need to get involved in.
Written By Marian
Feb. 17, 2018, 1:35 p.m.(3/17/1008 AR)
"One can be devout without denigrating the beliefs of others..." Wise words from a princess worthy of my esteem.
Written By Marian
Feb. 17, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(3/17/1008 AR)
Nia is starting to crawl over to the furniture and pulling herself to her feet. The Gods help me but that girl will be walking...or even running soon. If she's anything like me, she's going to want to be as mobile as possible. Fergus would totally laugh because she is no longer interested in her sword rattle. She keeps eyeing the dagger in my trunk so I've had to taken to locking up the weapons at night because that little sprite can now climb out of her crib.
Written By Marian
Feb. 11, 2018, 11:17 a.m.(2/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianna
I am so proud of you cousin. An Explorer. I never knew you had the interest but I'm glad to see you're chasing your dreams.
Written By Marian
Feb. 11, 2018, 9:39 a.m.(2/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
May the precious moments of today become treasured memories of tomorrow. Please accept my well wishes on your marriage.
Written By Marian
Feb. 7, 2018, 5:01 p.m.(2/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Emily
I hope you don't catch cold from our little dip in the water pit. Regardless, it was good fun. We'll have to run the Gauntlet again soon.
Written By Marian
Feb. 7, 2018, 4:59 p.m.(2/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Emily
I do hope you don't get sick through from your dip in the water pit. Next time we run the Gauntlet, perhaps it should be in the Spring when the water isn't as cold.
Written By Marian
Feb. 4, 2018, 5:12 p.m.(2/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
You stood till the last! My salute is to you. It was an honor to be the next to last standing by your side.
Written By Marian
Feb. 4, 2018, 9:15 a.m.(2/12/1008 AR)
I attended the play, Besieged, that everyone was gossiping about. A satire of sorts I suppose. A view of the war from the commoner's perspective. Sure, it has biting wit. I enjoyed some of the bittersweet interplay between some of the characters. The irreverent view of their commander was a bit amusing at times.There were some thought provoking questions given by the characters at the end. Questioning their role in a bigger story when their commanders left them in the dark. A biting call for nobles to do a better job.
It was a bit one sided for me. I would have preferred perhaps a few monologues from the commander in the story. A discussion of his fears, his own frustrations on being asked to lead but not being given all the facts himself. The guilt that one feels when men are lost. I think there was an opportunity there to show a deeper dynamic that the playwright missed. Some opportunities for comedy that would have given this commander some depth. Perhaps would have shown the duality between class lines. Led to a deeper discussion on what makes someone fit to command.
This criticism does not mean that I didn't enjoy the play. I did in it's context. It did an excellent job of expressing the views of the playwright. Left the audience with strong feelings. Brought a perspective that is rarely seen. I like the message it tried to convey, that we can all do better.
It was a bit one sided for me. I would have preferred perhaps a few monologues from the commander in the story. A discussion of his fears, his own frustrations on being asked to lead but not being given all the facts himself. The guilt that one feels when men are lost. I think there was an opportunity there to show a deeper dynamic that the playwright missed. Some opportunities for comedy that would have given this commander some depth. Perhaps would have shown the duality between class lines. Led to a deeper discussion on what makes someone fit to command.
This criticism does not mean that I didn't enjoy the play. I did in it's context. It did an excellent job of expressing the views of the playwright. Left the audience with strong feelings. Brought a perspective that is rarely seen. I like the message it tried to convey, that we can all do better.
Written By Marian
Feb. 1, 2018, 1:10 p.m.(1/27/1008 AR)
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again, but expecting different results.
Written By Marian
Jan. 28, 2018, 4:49 p.m.(1/20/1008 AR)
To Prince Fergus and Princess Freja who have stood true for the good of House Redrain. To a brother and sister who held strong against overwhelming opposition. These two were loved by many because they remained vigilant outside the fire's warmth to protect our people. I give great thanks and pray the spirits watch over them as they return to the Wheel.
For those that are left behind to fill their shoes, grant us the clarity so we may find more peace than war. Help us through these dangerous times, let us not hide from those in need. When the woodsmoke fills the air, give us sharp senses and strong hands so we may grip our swords as we move to prevent the fire from spreading. Lead our hands to shape a stronger, better world. Show us our arrogance and teach us to be more humble. Take us where we might do the greater good.
Thank you all for attending. For all the support you have given myself and the Marquis Mydas Nightgold. Our loss is great but our challenges are greater. Now, more than ever, we need a strong house, standing side by side. Completing a circle that will not break. Here. Now. Standing. To the last!
***Excerpt from the funeral, the scribes recorded Marian's speech***
For those that are left behind to fill their shoes, grant us the clarity so we may find more peace than war. Help us through these dangerous times, let us not hide from those in need. When the woodsmoke fills the air, give us sharp senses and strong hands so we may grip our swords as we move to prevent the fire from spreading. Lead our hands to shape a stronger, better world. Show us our arrogance and teach us to be more humble. Take us where we might do the greater good.
Thank you all for attending. For all the support you have given myself and the Marquis Mydas Nightgold. Our loss is great but our challenges are greater. Now, more than ever, we need a strong house, standing side by side. Completing a circle that will not break. Here. Now. Standing. To the last!
***Excerpt from the funeral, the scribes recorded Marian's speech***
Written By Marian
Jan. 28, 2018, 10:09 a.m.(1/19/1008 AR)
Words...
They have meaning. They have the power to inspire. They have the power to cause pain. When used with thoughtless abandon, they can bring war upon others that were not deserving.
You know who you are. If I ever hear of you opening your mouth and inciting such chaos again, I will challenge you to a duel and beat you to a bloody pulp. Whatever fondness you thought I had for you, consider it revoked. It was not funny. I was not amused. I hope you learned your lesson.
They have meaning. They have the power to inspire. They have the power to cause pain. When used with thoughtless abandon, they can bring war upon others that were not deserving.
You know who you are. If I ever hear of you opening your mouth and inciting such chaos again, I will challenge you to a duel and beat you to a bloody pulp. Whatever fondness you thought I had for you, consider it revoked. It was not funny. I was not amused. I hope you learned your lesson.
Written By Marian
Jan. 26, 2018, 6:25 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Fergus and Freja were two sides of the same coin. While they were not born the same year, this pair were as close as twins. This brother and sister had a bond that no one could touch. In some ways, it was a blessing she went after him. He could not be parted in life from her side, which is why I married into House Redrain. Now in death, they can continue the journey on the Wheel together.
Written By Marian
Jan. 26, 2018, 6:25 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Fergus and Freja were two sides of the same coin. While they were not born the same year, this pair were as close as twins. This brother and sister had a bond that no one could touch. In some ways, it was a blessing she went after him. He could not be parted in life from her side, which is why I married into House Redrain. Now in death, they can continue the journey on the Wheel together.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.