Written By Edain
Jan. 8, 2017, 9:02 a.m.(8/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
When I was a boy, I would sometimes go with my father when he would travel to Bastion to meet with the Grayson. When I was there there was a little girl, that was just a bit older than me. Being young and stubborn I sulked with being left this girl instead of getting to talk about 'knight stuff.'
Then she asked me if I wanted to see her 'Explorer Headquarters.' and I said 'sure' and she preceeded to lead me to this lean too she build in the woods, near an outcropping of quartz. Her enthusiasm for the world around her was infectious and suddenly I wanted to explore too. We explored the outcropping and spied a particular crystal that was loose and when it caught the light glowed like that last big of pink on the horizon in the dawn hours. Clearly we knew that one /had/ to be magical.
I tried to climb up to reach it and feel, and kept repeating this constantly yelling, "This time I have got it!" and of course I feel every time. She studied the terrain and eventually put a hand on my shoulder to stop me and proceeded to lay out a very complex plan. I had trouble following to the point where they had to draw diagrams in the dirt for me. Once she got it through my thick (and now slightly bruised skull) we enacted her plan and we claimed our 'magic' crystal.
That was the moment I knew that Dawn Grayson was born to be a great leader.
I have always believed in her. I still do. You can disagree with someone, you can disagree with them with all the fury of of the most violent storm, and still believe in them.
I do not believe the Teind will save us. I mourn that this has become a world with so little hope that she believes sacrificing herself to blood magic is the only answer. I would rather see if our enemies have the strength to silence the thunder of our armies riding down on them. Despite all these differences one thing has not changed. . .
I still believe in my friend, Dawn Grayson.
Then she asked me if I wanted to see her 'Explorer Headquarters.' and I said 'sure' and she preceeded to lead me to this lean too she build in the woods, near an outcropping of quartz. Her enthusiasm for the world around her was infectious and suddenly I wanted to explore too. We explored the outcropping and spied a particular crystal that was loose and when it caught the light glowed like that last big of pink on the horizon in the dawn hours. Clearly we knew that one /had/ to be magical.
I tried to climb up to reach it and feel, and kept repeating this constantly yelling, "This time I have got it!" and of course I feel every time. She studied the terrain and eventually put a hand on my shoulder to stop me and proceeded to lay out a very complex plan. I had trouble following to the point where they had to draw diagrams in the dirt for me. Once she got it through my thick (and now slightly bruised skull) we enacted her plan and we claimed our 'magic' crystal.
That was the moment I knew that Dawn Grayson was born to be a great leader.
I have always believed in her. I still do. You can disagree with someone, you can disagree with them with all the fury of of the most violent storm, and still believe in them.
I do not believe the Teind will save us. I mourn that this has become a world with so little hope that she believes sacrificing herself to blood magic is the only answer. I would rather see if our enemies have the strength to silence the thunder of our armies riding down on them. Despite all these differences one thing has not changed. . .
I still believe in my friend, Dawn Grayson.
Written By Edain
Jan. 1, 2017, 7:53 p.m.(7/18/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
When I came to the city of Arx, I had many prejudices that colored my judgements of people. Of no one was this more true than Grand Duchess Esera Velenosa. The rivalry between our families is old, and brutal and I thought I knew all I needed to know. I have come to learn that I was wrong.
I have learned that the Grand Duchess is a woman with a boundless love for her people and a peerless devotion to the compact. She is someone I will be proud to stand beside to defend the Compact when that day comes. Thank you. Thank for teaching me I have much left to learn about the world.
I have learned that the Grand Duchess is a woman with a boundless love for her people and a peerless devotion to the compact. She is someone I will be proud to stand beside to defend the Compact when that day comes. Thank you. Thank for teaching me I have much left to learn about the world.
Written By Edain
Dec. 18, 2016, 6:23 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
The Greenmarch have been emerging from the Greenwood and taking steps to become a more active part of the Compact. Even as Lady Niamh the Sword of Greenmarch has been making a name for herself, Lord Fiachra, Lord Rowan, Lady Neve and Lady Eirlys have all arrived in recent days. It is still a long road I fear until they feel a welcome part of the Compact, but I pray that in time they all shall. I suspect, however, that Sir Arugula is mighty jealous of the war-elk they ride though.
Written By Edain
Dec. 18, 2016, 5:59 p.m.(6/3/1005 AR)
I did a thing this past week. I bestowed a new title, Hammer of the West upon Ida Ferron, and with that title came the rank of knighthood. I know pride is a sin but I was very proud of how sneakily invited, now Dame Ida. to the Manor to join us for a vassal diner we were hosting and then BOOM! Surprise knighting! It was only the second time I had knighted someone. The first was the morning after the Tragedy at Sanctum, when I knighted my squire for his bravery in helping us fight back and put down our attackers.
It actually felt very good to perform the formal ceremony and to guide someone through taken the Three Oaths. It was almost, life affirming, as if maybe the first time I really believed I am settling into my role as Prince of Sanctum and life was. . . not moving on for we always carry the past with us, but moving forward.
It actually felt very good to perform the formal ceremony and to guide someone through taken the Three Oaths. It was almost, life affirming, as if maybe the first time I really believed I am settling into my role as Prince of Sanctum and life was. . . not moving on for we always carry the past with us, but moving forward.
Written By Edain
Dec. 11, 2016, 8:47 a.m.(5/9/1005 AR)
Oh by the Gods. I have made a terrible mistake
Ok, so I should back up. I was feeling at the Oathland Barbecue hosted by Princess Alis and Princess Sophie, and so I tried the traditional Eurus dish that Prince Mason had brought. Something called 'curry.' It was so hot and spicy that I cursed in a way that I am not particularly proud off. Once you got past that burn it is actually quite delicious.
My hubris for taking one of the Pantheon's name in vain was visited on me the following morning. Look we all have that? let's call it, meditative, moment first thing in the morning. You.. um? empty yourself, take a moment to reflect and you are ready to face your day. Curry makes this process one of pure torture, my punishment no doubt for what I had said the night before.
Thank Petrichor for the binding powers of a dense, sharp hunk of cheddar or else this morning would've been even more torturous. Seriously if they eat this all the time how is everyone in Eurus not dead of dehydration?
Ok, so I should back up. I was feeling at the Oathland Barbecue hosted by Princess Alis and Princess Sophie, and so I tried the traditional Eurus dish that Prince Mason had brought. Something called 'curry.' It was so hot and spicy that I cursed in a way that I am not particularly proud off. Once you got past that burn it is actually quite delicious.
My hubris for taking one of the Pantheon's name in vain was visited on me the following morning. Look we all have that? let's call it, meditative, moment first thing in the morning. You.. um? empty yourself, take a moment to reflect and you are ready to face your day. Curry makes this process one of pure torture, my punishment no doubt for what I had said the night before.
Thank Petrichor for the binding powers of a dense, sharp hunk of cheddar or else this morning would've been even more torturous. Seriously if they eat this all the time how is everyone in Eurus not dead of dehydration?
Written By Edain
Dec. 5, 2016, 9:47 a.m.(4/20/1005 AR)
So at the Inaugural meeting of the Explorers Society I learned something very important.
I learned that I have been erroneously referring to the Twilight Court of the Nox'alwhosits as the "Twinkle Court" for months and NO ONE has been correcting me!
I learned that I have been erroneously referring to the Twilight Court of the Nox'alwhosits as the "Twinkle Court" for months and NO ONE has been correcting me!
Written By Edain
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:58 p.m.(4/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niamh
Niamh Greenmarch, the Sword of Greenmarch. She is cut from the same cloth as her cousin Princess Marian and she is a stark reminder that despite all our differences with the prodigal house, we are alike in the ways that matter. She seems possessed of a sincere desire to leave the world a better place than it was when she found it. I believe she can, and I hope she continues to remind us that the differences we wear on our sleeves mean nothing in the light of the honor we hold in our hearts.
Written By Edain
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(4/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Lord Commander Leona has a great burden to bear. When I saw her again recently she was pleasant and friendly but I could see that it weighs on her. I understand how that feels. My uncle cast a long shadow and his loss feels as if it is impossible to fill. But my uncle was more than just the greatest knight of his age. He was also one of the wisest. He believed in her to succeed him, and because of this, so do I.
Written By Edain
Nov. 27, 2016, 7:25 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Lady Aislin is an adventurer at heart, but I was very pleased to find that when I spoke with her, her passion for discovering the precious history and knowledge that has been lost to us, has not robbed her of her sense of pragmatism. She seems to have a very solid head on her shoulders and keeps her head in the now, even if if her heart is in the lost corners of Arvum.
Written By Edain
Nov. 27, 2016, 6:52 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
I finally met this Prince Anze Redrain that I have heard so much about. He makes his is plain spoken brother, Prince Fergus, seem loquaciously tame by comparison. He is a very good fighter, and probably wields a great blade with better precision than anyone I have seen who is not named Victus. He seems to think my sister cannot carry a deer for some reason. This is of course proposterous, Princess Alis is perfectly capable of carrying any dead animal she so chooses.
Written By Edain
Nov. 20, 2016, 8:10 p.m.(3/4/1005 AR)
The mustering of riders did not go as I expected, but it reminded me that sometimes you cannot act in haste. Princess Alis, Duke Niccolo, Lord Eos, Duchess Nadia, Lord Valkeiri, Goodman Lazarus, and Goodman Tristan all answered the call and helped prepare the riders. I am indebted to their wisdom and we realized that the wiser thing to do is use our time wisely. Winter is a horrible time to send armed and armored riders across the roads, and so we are going to plan, prepare and when it starts to turn to spring we will attempt the ride then. I am thankful to all the came and will continue to work towards protecting our roads and making certain we can reach the rest of the Compact.
Written By Edain
Nov. 20, 2016, 8:09 p.m.(3/4/1005 AR)
I feel like I should say something about the Assembly of Peers. I feel like I should have some comforting words for those that might read my journal that lets them know that I have a handle on the situation and I know what to do. I can't bring myself to lie to people in such a matter. I am lost, and with each new revelation I only have more questions. It seems that in the 1000 years the Compact has existed we have forgotten so many threats that we seem so unprepared to deal with now. And it is true we are facing enemies that we cannot just strike down with steel, and that hide just beyond our site.
But sometimes, an enemy hides behind mystery and myth so we fear the unknown, and because forged Oathland steel can kill them just as easily as anything else. I may not have answers, I may not know where we go next, but I have a sword, and I have a shield, and I have Knights who the measure of their resolve is deeper than the ocean, and vaster than the horizon. I may not have answers, but I will happily stand up to defend our people, my people with all the strength I have. I have many fears and doubts, but fighting and dying for that which I love has never been one of them.
But sometimes, an enemy hides behind mystery and myth so we fear the unknown, and because forged Oathland steel can kill them just as easily as anything else. I may not have answers, I may not know where we go next, but I have a sword, and I have a shield, and I have Knights who the measure of their resolve is deeper than the ocean, and vaster than the horizon. I may not have answers, but I will happily stand up to defend our people, my people with all the strength I have. I have many fears and doubts, but fighting and dying for that which I love has never been one of them.
Written By Edain
Nov. 13, 2016, 7:15 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dominique
I finally got the chance to meet with Marquessa Dominique after she arrived in the city of Arx a short time ago. I am fairly certain the last time I had seen here we were both serving as squires. I certainly had not seen her since before the Tragedy of Sanctum. I wanted to tell her how much her father's sacrifice meant to our family and how many he saved. I could tell talking about it was tearing open an old wound and I feel terrible about that, but I also think it was important for hear to hear it from me. She has her father's eyes and I can see his determination in her. In a way it is as if he is still with us through her and through her brother Lord Damon.
Written By Edain
Nov. 6, 2016, 5:26 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
Sir Leonard of Cohen was a famed bard of the Oathland's. This is somewhat lost to history, but he was known more for lyrical poetry than he was for having a lovely singing voice himself. There is one of his songs that has survived, and is perhaps sung but just about every knight at some point when he has had to much to drink and he wants to make their lord or lady swoon. My brother Prince Velen especially liked to sing this to Princess Marian, often drunk, at state dinners, while my father would sigh in exasperation. It is catchy to myself and I will admit, I sometimes hum it to myself when I remember him. I think what this song means is entirely up to the interpretation of the listener, but I have always thought it was about how love is messy, frustrating, heart crushing, and still worth every moment. So I thought I would share what were my brother's favorite verses:
I've heard there was a secret chord, Lagoma made for Vellichor.
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: The fourth, the fifth. The minor fall, the major lift.
The humbled knight composing Hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Your sword was strong but you needed proof. You both crossed blades on the roof.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.
She tied you to a kitchen chair. She broke your throne, she cut your hair.
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Maybe I've been here before. I know this room, I've walked this floor.
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch. Love is not a victory march,
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
There was a time you'd let me know What's real and going on below.
But now you never show it to me, do you?
Remember when I moved in you? The Holy Dove was moving too.
And every breath we drew was hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Maybe there are Gods above. And all I ever learned from love
Was how to strike down someone who outdrew you.
It's not a cry you can hear at night. It's not somebody who's seen the light.
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
I've heard there was a secret chord, Lagoma made for Vellichor.
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: The fourth, the fifth. The minor fall, the major lift.
The humbled knight composing Hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Your sword was strong but you needed proof. You both crossed blades on the roof.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.
She tied you to a kitchen chair. She broke your throne, she cut your hair.
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Maybe I've been here before. I know this room, I've walked this floor.
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch. Love is not a victory march,
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
There was a time you'd let me know What's real and going on below.
But now you never show it to me, do you?
Remember when I moved in you? The Holy Dove was moving too.
And every breath we drew was hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Maybe there are Gods above. And all I ever learned from love
Was how to strike down someone who outdrew you.
It's not a cry you can hear at night. It's not somebody who's seen the light.
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah.
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
Written By Edain
Nov. 6, 2016, 5:03 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
So, Lord Victus. He is every negative stereotype of the Thrax 'men of the sea.' He is violent, gruff, foul mouthed, rude, and he has a very selective memory when it comes my tastes in art and instead projects his own ideas of 'good art' on to me. Ok that last part is a long story, never mind that. Here's the thing though, he owns who he is. He does not make apologies, and he doesn't have time for our crap. Sure he's an asshole, but it doesn't come from a place on insecurity to prove he is the strongest one there is. He simply isn't afraid to be what he is. Like is a strong word, but I cannot help but respect him for that.
Written By Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:29 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Princess Isabeau hosted an amazing Gala and Ball at the Valardin Manor. It was so strange seeing the Vow decorated so? festively. I am used to it being far more somber, but it was a welcome change. Not every day mind you, but nice for a time.
I made some rounds early on to greet the visitors, and the event was well attended and near as I could tell everyone had a good time. I faded into the background very quickly. Such social events will never be my arena I fear.
Princess Isabeau, Prince Beaumont, and even Princess Sophie, who I think enjoys social events less than her siblings, were all amazing ambassadors for the family and made sure everyone felt welcome. I am quite proud of them. Princess Isabeau in particular shows promise not just as an event planner but as a diplomat that can reach across family lines in a way I cannot. One day we may even call her our Luminary.
I made some rounds early on to greet the visitors, and the event was well attended and near as I could tell everyone had a good time. I faded into the background very quickly. Such social events will never be my arena I fear.
Princess Isabeau, Prince Beaumont, and even Princess Sophie, who I think enjoys social events less than her siblings, were all amazing ambassadors for the family and made sure everyone felt welcome. I am quite proud of them. Princess Isabeau in particular shows promise not just as an event planner but as a diplomat that can reach across family lines in a way I cannot. One day we may even call her our Luminary.
Written By Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:06 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
I have had the opportunity to meet one Prince Jarek Velenosa. I must admit I found him surprisingly pleasant and less? well I guess there is no delicate way to put it, less pretentious than I would expect of a noble of the Lyceum without the burden of rule hanging over him. He is a bit of a wanderer as well which makes me think fondly, if with regret, of my brief time as an errant knight before the Tragedy.
Written By Edain
Oct. 23, 2016, 3:19 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Damon
I was very glad to get the chance to speak with Lord Damon Wyrmgard recently. The Wyrmgard's have long been among our most competent and loyal vassals, and this is exemplified in the young Lord. The call of the scholar is his passion, and I am proud of him for following his heart. He has also has not neglected the skills of knighthood however, and he is a great swordsman. In fact it seems to come to him with an unfair natural ease. Some might even be a bit jealous of the ease with which he seems to pick up everything he does. I mean not me off course, that would just be silly for me to be jealous just because he's dedicated large sections of his life to study and is still a better swordsman than me. So in short I am not jealous, but some people might be.
Written By Edain
Oct. 23, 2016, 3 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I had the opportunity to meet Calypso Malvici recently and it was an eye opening experience. She certainly affects the typical fashion of the Lyceum (though a bit more? functional I guess in the right word), but when I spoke with her I was surprised to find a woman of military discipline, with the gravitas of a veteran officer. She is someone that Princess Marian might actually like, which believe me is a rare thing. I think she will be a general to watch in the future. We could use more of those in these dark days.
Written By Edain
Oct. 23, 2016, 2:25 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
I love our Grayson allies, they have always been the kind of friends to the Valardin that might as well be family. But they are called badgers for a reason. They are often? dour, fierce and bold, and frequently brooding loners. Then there is Princess Natalia. Princess Natalia is nothing if not exuberant, and defies every expectation one might have about the Grayson, but she is also very refreshing because of this. And she carries that mirth on what are still the long suffering (metaphorically) broad Grayson shoulders. People will enjoy themselves and see the beauty in life if she has to drag them to fun kicking and screaming.
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