Written By Bethany
March 21, 2018, 6:04 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
[ From the maudlin desk of B. Mercier: ]
It's such a beautiful day outside.
I bought a lovely bottle of wine from Granato, a sweet and sparkling white. Then, a bottle of Lenosian red. And fruit. And bread. I intend on marvelously drunk after I leave the Archives. So, you'll need to forgive the fumes that flitter down from the staircase into the main room of the teashop. I thought about closing up the shop in order to mourn the losses. But, after losing so much -- you realize (at least, in my experience) that the best way to honor the loss of acquaintances and friends is to pause each and every day to honor them before you continue the business of living. Which, really, they would want for us to do. (I think.) So, this is that pause.
To Prince Cicero Velenosa (Lord Malvici) : For the haikus. For being gracious enough to allow a commoner to win that battle of words. For the beauty of a blush. For that gown of rather scandalous Lycene make. (I'll likely give it away - because I'll never favor another color other than black at this point. It looks very dramatic.) For allowing me to be a spoke in your Consortium.
To Princess Serafine Velenosa: For saving my life. For the gift of friendship that you and Mistress Broadbent gave to me and Jeremiah. For the excellent adventure. For allowing me to call you Princess-Knight-Princess without correcting me. For saving my life. (It's important to mention that twice.) For the letter - which, I am sorry that you will never be able to read the response to. It would have been a simple: yes! Yes, to adventure.
You'll be missed. Everyone will be missed.
I think I'm going to enjoy the sun now --
[ An abrupt end in a smear of ink. ]
It's such a beautiful day outside.
I bought a lovely bottle of wine from Granato, a sweet and sparkling white. Then, a bottle of Lenosian red. And fruit. And bread. I intend on marvelously drunk after I leave the Archives. So, you'll need to forgive the fumes that flitter down from the staircase into the main room of the teashop. I thought about closing up the shop in order to mourn the losses. But, after losing so much -- you realize (at least, in my experience) that the best way to honor the loss of acquaintances and friends is to pause each and every day to honor them before you continue the business of living. Which, really, they would want for us to do. (I think.) So, this is that pause.
To Prince Cicero Velenosa (Lord Malvici) : For the haikus. For being gracious enough to allow a commoner to win that battle of words. For the beauty of a blush. For that gown of rather scandalous Lycene make. (I'll likely give it away - because I'll never favor another color other than black at this point. It looks very dramatic.) For allowing me to be a spoke in your Consortium.
To Princess Serafine Velenosa: For saving my life. For the gift of friendship that you and Mistress Broadbent gave to me and Jeremiah. For the excellent adventure. For allowing me to call you Princess-Knight-Princess without correcting me. For saving my life. (It's important to mention that twice.) For the letter - which, I am sorry that you will never be able to read the response to. It would have been a simple: yes! Yes, to adventure.
You'll be missed. Everyone will be missed.
I think I'm going to enjoy the sun now --
[ An abrupt end in a smear of ink. ]
Written By Preston
March 21, 2018, 5:43 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
A few weeks ago I marched north at the head of the largest force of Templars since the last crusade. 69,000 brothers and sisters had answered the call.
Now, the squires and commanders that remain have reported in what price we paid to stand and hold the Gyre at bay, and to help hold the passes against the enemy as they tried to run down our wounded, the shamans and our healers.
Over 50,000 of my brothers and sisters will never return to their homes. Well over a thousand Godsworn knights, but the vast majority are our disciples - men and women who will not return to their communities across Arvum, and I must now begin to notify the Seraphs with my fellow men so they can tell the families. Not all of our forces had managed to be available for the march, but even with them, I have less men left to fight than I had lost in the North.
The Templars will rebuild, we must, but the cost of our commitment to this fight means we will not have the power to commit in the immediate fights that come.
Now, the squires and commanders that remain have reported in what price we paid to stand and hold the Gyre at bay, and to help hold the passes against the enemy as they tried to run down our wounded, the shamans and our healers.
Over 50,000 of my brothers and sisters will never return to their homes. Well over a thousand Godsworn knights, but the vast majority are our disciples - men and women who will not return to their communities across Arvum, and I must now begin to notify the Seraphs with my fellow men so they can tell the families. Not all of our forces had managed to be available for the march, but even with them, I have less men left to fight than I had lost in the North.
The Templars will rebuild, we must, but the cost of our commitment to this fight means we will not have the power to commit in the immediate fights that come.
Written By Cara
March 21, 2018, 5:32 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Brigida
It is rather hard to keep track of us, isn't it, given our propensity for dying in violent ways. Technically, this is my second-and-a-near-miss marriage. You also have some grand-nieces and a grand-nephew, but they're not very interesting as people yet. I shall inform you once they develop opinions and general usefulness.
Written By Theron
March 21, 2018, 5:28 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
The first spar I've ever fought in the city of Arx, and it was hardly fought. I expect you fought equally as hard against an enemy a thousand times mightier than me.
You die a hero's death, Darrow Darkwater. Many will be envious of your deeds, your courage and your tenacity.
I hail you and drink in your honor.
You die a hero's death, Darrow Darkwater. Many will be envious of your deeds, your courage and your tenacity.
I hail you and drink in your honor.
Written By Theron
March 21, 2018, 5:27 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
You fought side by side with me. You, Sparte Fatchforth and Master Caspian Wild, and so many Thraxians who rallied together and were willing to march all the way to the enemy's inner ranks.
Thank you, my Lord. It is an honor to be a Sword in the same age as you grace Arvum with your House's might.
We didn't exchange many words, but rest assured you were seen.
Gods bless.
Thank you, my Lord. It is an honor to be a Sword in the same age as you grace Arvum with your House's might.
We didn't exchange many words, but rest assured you were seen.
Gods bless.
Written By Brigida
March 21, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
Well, will you look at that! I lost track of you after your fourth or fifth marriage, dear. A Grayson, now? Good on you.
Written By Venturo
March 21, 2018, 3:51 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Once in my journeys, I found myself in Southport, where I made fast friends with a remarkable artist. His work was done primarily with the charcoal or quill, sketches that would capture whatever moment he was watching. One day, as we spoke, he showed me his latest works, something he did in his spare time to try a different angle. They were beautiful and mesmerizing. One of them, at first glance, looked like a pair of faces looking at each other... until you tipped it just so, your eyes refocused, and now it was a wine goblet. Another had stairs that formed right angles into a maze in impossible manners, and you were left certain in one moment you were looking up upon the floors, only to think in the next heartbeat you were looking down. No matter how often you stared and studied, the visual mirage would shift. Some people, I find, are just like these fine sketches, dual sides that shift before your eyes, leaving one curious, pleased, confused and amused.
Written By Cara
March 21, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Echo
If I gave a copper for the opinions of every self-aggrandizing sword-obsessed royal with enough manual dexterity to wield a quill, I would be both penniless and utterly lacking in time.
Thankfully, I have secretaries who tend to this sort of nonsense.
Thankfully, I have secretaries who tend to this sort of nonsense.
Written By Victus
March 21, 2018, 3:34 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
We called this man the Knight of Sorrow because the fucker never smiled once in his life. He never had much reason to either when you think of all the things he's seen in his lifetime. It didn't make a damn difference in the end when he stood rock solid for his home.
What he lacked in joy he made up for in his unflinching dedication to the Sentinel, to his people and to his family. Never have I ever had the honor and the pleasure of serving with a man so strong in his belief. His conviction is an inspiration to every man and woman who walks the path of a faithful warrior.
Lord Darrow Darkwater is a fucking legend. We will celebrate his memory, always.
What he lacked in joy he made up for in his unflinching dedication to the Sentinel, to his people and to his family. Never have I ever had the honor and the pleasure of serving with a man so strong in his belief. His conviction is an inspiration to every man and woman who walks the path of a faithful warrior.
Lord Darrow Darkwater is a fucking legend. We will celebrate his memory, always.
Written By Cassius
March 21, 2018, 3:28 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
I still remember the mice. The fights we never meant. The bouts. The pranks.
I wish those days were to come again. Days of mice and song.
You will be missed. By your people. Your loved ones. By me. Always.
I wish those days were to come again. Days of mice and song.
You will be missed. By your people. Your loved ones. By me. Always.
Written By Mirari
March 21, 2018, 3:14 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jev
I can appreciate a need to bolster ones wardrobe. Truly.
Walking uninvited into my personal space, and pestering me on the whites is not the way to get that done. I can introduce you to a few tailors who might suit your needs, but if you continue to push - you will not like the consequences.
Walking uninvited into my personal space, and pestering me on the whites is not the way to get that done. I can introduce you to a few tailors who might suit your needs, but if you continue to push - you will not like the consequences.
Written By Lianne
March 21, 2018, 3:10 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
Once, very long ago, I almost made Lord Darrow Darkwater smile. I still count that moment as one of my finest achievements.
Written By Jev
March 21, 2018, 2:59 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
I know you make pants.
Written By Mailys
March 21, 2018, 2:57 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Romulius
A man deeply scarred, may he find solace. The world is rarely fair or kind but glimpses of it can be seen and even held onto even when it feels as though it is by your nails alone.
Written By Thena
March 21, 2018, 2:49 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I write more easily when I don't care. I speak more easily. I should probably write more about the war as news of losses comes trickling in. Thank the people for whom thanks will never be enough. Commemorate those who have died to save us. Make rousing speeches to rally those who returned.
I can't.
But I still feel it. Never think I don't.
I can't.
But I still feel it. Never think I don't.
Written By Eirene
March 21, 2018, 2:28 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Guess it's a damn good thing I wear a lot of black already.
I've officially been a widow longer than I was a wife. Must be some kind of sick record.
I've officially been a widow longer than I was a wife. Must be some kind of sick record.
Written By Reese
March 21, 2018, 2:27 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Prince Aiden is an amazing man on many levels. I have always loved him as a cousin, but it was not until more recently that I started to realize just how amazing he is. When Aiden first came to Compact from Bastian, I saw him as a pleasant cousin who loves his birds. Aiden accused me of not really knowing him or understanding him and he was right. I am sorry.
He took up command of the archers and has been at my side on the Gray Forest missions. He has never faltered in his duty has consistently been brave, honorable and skilled. I wasn't sure about making him a commander in the army at first, but I didn't have the eyes to truly see him and now I am so very glad that I did. Aiden seems sensitive at times. He seems quiet at times, but this the quiet of one who is empathic, who is aware, who is present, who cares, who is intelligent and who thinks deeply.
He has experienced heart break and lose. Lord Killian and Lady Aislin where his friends. Baron Silas and him broke up. Many would wouldn't rise after all that, but he did, he soared. He took command of the Grayson troops at the last moment. And he didn't just take command and he didn't just take leadership, but he rocked it. He made the right calls. He worked hard. He collaborated with Princess Marian and Marquis Mydas. I believed he saved many lives along with Marian and Mydas. He stepped up when their was a need. A true leader, a true commander adjusts, steps up and does what needs to be done and that was Aiden.
As many know Baron Estaban and Aiden were very close. My heart breaks when I think of his sorrow. I can say or do nothing to salve this pain and I am so sorry. Estaban would be be proud. He is proud of what you have done at Stromwall, Aiden. You are a great man.
Keep Soaring. We need you. Grayson needs you. Our army needs you. The Gray Forest needs you. I need you.
Reese
He took up command of the archers and has been at my side on the Gray Forest missions. He has never faltered in his duty has consistently been brave, honorable and skilled. I wasn't sure about making him a commander in the army at first, but I didn't have the eyes to truly see him and now I am so very glad that I did. Aiden seems sensitive at times. He seems quiet at times, but this the quiet of one who is empathic, who is aware, who is present, who cares, who is intelligent and who thinks deeply.
He has experienced heart break and lose. Lord Killian and Lady Aislin where his friends. Baron Silas and him broke up. Many would wouldn't rise after all that, but he did, he soared. He took command of the Grayson troops at the last moment. And he didn't just take command and he didn't just take leadership, but he rocked it. He made the right calls. He worked hard. He collaborated with Princess Marian and Marquis Mydas. I believed he saved many lives along with Marian and Mydas. He stepped up when their was a need. A true leader, a true commander adjusts, steps up and does what needs to be done and that was Aiden.
As many know Baron Estaban and Aiden were very close. My heart breaks when I think of his sorrow. I can say or do nothing to salve this pain and I am so sorry. Estaban would be be proud. He is proud of what you have done at Stromwall, Aiden. You are a great man.
Keep Soaring. We need you. Grayson needs you. Our army needs you. The Gray Forest needs you. I need you.
Reese
Written By Amarantha
March 21, 2018, 2:19 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadenza
Your bravery was inspiring. In the face of those horrors we saw while scouting, you kept wanting to go back.
To find more information. To find those commanders.
I'm not a skilled scout, at least not outside of a city but I was proud to serve as a guard for you and my brother--while the pair of you forged ahead until we found what we sought.
I think, if Alfir was still alive, he'd be proud of me.
(Tears stain the bottom half of this journal entry, blurring what appears to be a few lines of text. The ink has run too much to make sense of the hastily scrawled words. )
To find more information. To find those commanders.
I'm not a skilled scout, at least not outside of a city but I was proud to serve as a guard for you and my brother--while the pair of you forged ahead until we found what we sought.
I think, if Alfir was still alive, he'd be proud of me.
(Tears stain the bottom half of this journal entry, blurring what appears to be a few lines of text. The ink has run too much to make sense of the hastily scrawled words. )
Written By Theron
March 21, 2018, 2:15 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
You are no poison, Your Grace. You are a woman of many talents, some understated, some evident to even the most blind of individuals. You brought the Lyceum together against a fierce and ruthless enemy and we prevailed.
You made a promise to the Compact, that we would stand. And you fulfilled it.
Those of us who went out to fight that day never forgot those words, and as we carried the banners of the Hundred Cities with us, we knew in our hearts to be doing the right thing.
We will never forget the sacrifices that your family made to ensure our safety.
You made a promise to the Compact, that we would stand. And you fulfilled it.
Those of us who went out to fight that day never forgot those words, and as we carried the banners of the Hundred Cities with us, we knew in our hearts to be doing the right thing.
We will never forget the sacrifices that your family made to ensure our safety.
Written By Theron
March 21, 2018, 2:11 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
We weren't close, but we fought together.
I barely knew you, but I could see the prowess in your motions as you took the fight to things other people will deny even exist.
It was an honor to have met you, and I hope that, should I meet you again in this life, or in the next, that we become good friends.
Princess Serafine Velenosa, you will never be forgotten. By your deeds you will be known.
I barely knew you, but I could see the prowess in your motions as you took the fight to things other people will deny even exist.
It was an honor to have met you, and I hope that, should I meet you again in this life, or in the next, that we become good friends.
Princess Serafine Velenosa, you will never be forgotten. By your deeds you will be known.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.