Written By Calaudrin
March 21, 2018, 2:11 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Iron and Blood.
Written By Marcos
March 21, 2018, 2:10 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Gods damn them all for bringing us the fight we had to meet and lay down the lives of so many for. Gods damn them for their evil. For their /things/ that crawled and slithered across sea and shore to seek our destruction. Gods damn them for taking my cousin Estaban with them.
We met you on the field. We've paid the price for freedom. We likely will again.
Gods damn that too.
Written By Cadenza
March 21, 2018, 1:47 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I was in Setarco at the land battle with the Vanguard. On our first patrol we found nothing and returned to the city. But then we went out again and we saw them. They are coming from almost all directions. There were things I saw from my position that were things of nightmare....but I faced them. I was worried that I would be afraid in this battle due to some of the circumstances....but I faced them. I just hope that the duty that I had in that battle had some bearing....and that me and my fellow scouts helped turn the tide.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Archduchess Eleyna - I am so sorry about Serafine. I wish I got the chance to meet her like you wanted. So much with all of this prep kept us from doing so. Thank you....for your strength. Thank you...for your guidance. You are the Archduchess and I am happy to not only be your cousin but in service to you.
Archduke Consort Talen - I needed that pep talk all those times. Along with the Archduchess, I grew stronger and recovered faster than I thought I ever would. I will continue to strive and do you both proud.
Princess Alis - I shall return it to you as soon as I see you. Thank you for entrusting it with me and I feel because of it....it did indeed keep us safe. I think you.
Vanguard - We did a hell of a job on that first round. Even as we divided up to our duties afterwards, it was great to serve next to you all. We had each other's backs and that's what was needed.
Lord Apollis & Lady Amarantha - You two....I have no words. When it was just the three of us going out to scout things out...I felt like we were all one. You two protected me though know I fought /with/ you. Not one of your lives was more important than mine. We were equals and we did what we needed on that filed to ensure the safety of the army.
Lord Ignacio - If you ever take a hit for me again....I will hurt you myself. You led your men bravely and still found a way to keep your word. Heal up....and I'll check on you soon.
Master Caspian - You did come by my side just as you promised. Thank you for being there and thank you for letting me cry it out when it was over. I needed it. It was anger....frustration....rage.....sadness.
Baron Estaban - I can't believe you're gone. I will never forget those words upon that wall. I will treasure them and hold onto them. I will try to keep my promise to you....I will do my damndest. We will miss you.
Written By Leta
March 21, 2018, 1:29 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Written By Victus
March 21, 2018, 1:02 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Will be awhile before the arm is healed up.
Written By Monique
March 21, 2018, 12:41 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Let none judge our worth, our loyalty, again.
Let some good come of this folly.
Written By Tikva
March 21, 2018, 12:38 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
One of the first letters I opened when I got home from Setarco was a very nicely worded apology about the furor in the Whites about my husband, from a concerned friend.
Which of course led me here, to the Archive, to see what in the world.
What I have found is fucking ridiculous, you should all be ashamed of your pettiness, and I am not forgetting a single one of the white journals I have read on the subject, including Princess Marian's apology, which I commend for its complete insincerity as a masterful example of its kind.
A B S U R D.
What the fuck is the matter with you people?
House Grayson is TREMENDOUSLY proud of Aiden, NONE of you have any business commenting on OUR MILITARY COMMAND STRUCTURE, in which BOTH BROTHERS are commanders, and the idea that this is a matter for public comment is met-- well, never mind.
You know what?
I am going to simply reiterate an old song I wrote for Serafine Velenosa, who fell defending the Compact while you were all sitting at home complaining about who fought where. You may assume the fart noises are included and magnified to the best of my bardic ability.
*****
Our life together’s like a love song
When your warm hand touches mine
It seems like nothing could go wrong;
Your kiss goes to my head like wine.
Your eyes on mine, they shine like stars
and you hold my heart in your hand;
I’m caught in your arms, caged behind bars;
but my capture feels ever so grand.
Yet the sweetest thing about our love
More romantic than stardust on our hearts
or glowing moonlight on the wings of a dove--
I’m safe enough with you to release my farts!
Laugh with me, lover; hold me so close;
I’ll buy you some sweets, or maybe a book—
And when you think it’s safe, I’ll lick your nose!
A girl like you can melt me with a look,
But here’s the thing, with two lives intertwined,
It’s not just songs and chocolates here,
Hold my hand, my love, and bear in mind
It’s you and I; let all the rest disappear.
Written By Tikva
March 21, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I know this grief. I know it so well. I lost my Kelleth while I carried his first child, and for a time, there was nothing, nothing in my life that was not rage.
If there is anything that I can do, please but name it.
Written By Orazio
March 21, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
This is manifestly untrue, and it behooves me as a priest who has a great love for the Sentinel to dispute it. Grieve, your highness, for the lost are worthy of grief as a remembrance of all the love and light they brought to the lives of those who knew them. But despite your great power as Archduchess of the Lyceum, there are some things which are out of your control, and that includes the time in which loved ones pass. Princess Serafine's life was better for having you in it, and those of your people who have died did so under the rule of a worthy woman, defending the things and the people that they loved.
These are sacrifices that we all choose to make, though it may shatter the hearts of our loved ones when the price comes due. Take every moment with those who still live; take these losses as the memorial to remind us that everything changes, and winter comes to every person's life eventually - that is not the fault of we who love, or we who are loved. It is simply the way things are. It is never by loving that we poison those around us - only by refusing to love so that we do not open ourselves to hurt.
You are a balm in the world, and I know that Princess Serafine would agree - whether she would ever say so or not.
Written By Kaede
March 21, 2018, 12:03 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I want it recorded in these journals that the men and women of Redrain, Crovane, and Ravenseye proved themselves more than capable. I am proud of my captains and my sailors, and I am gracious that the chiefs of Redrain gave me the chance to lead. Let the Compact know: Redrain can sail with the best of them. Well, okay, some of us in Redrain.
Thank you all that served and Spirits guide all those that are returning with us.
Written By Corban
March 21, 2018, 11:50 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
The Telmarines performed admirably in the Battle of Setarco. Each did her duty, did not falter, and fought with courage and conviction. And -- together with the infantry of the Oathlands and the Lyceum -- they held the line. Setarco was not breached. And it did not fall.
I am conferring with the company commanders regarding the names and families, and Captain Reedy will forward them for your review when they are compiled. But these soldiers of the Great Red Wall were a brick in the wall of Setarco. We will remember them.
Yours in service to the Telmarch,
Lord Corban Telmar
Written By Alis
March 21, 2018, 11:17 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I write this all down from the ship as we sail back to the mainland, because I am not sure I will want to remember it all and repeat it word for word once I can stand in front of you to deliver the final tallies of our dead to memorialize.
First, I must tell you that every one of our soldiers fought well and bravely, with honor as befits an Oathlander. They did not flinch, they did not break, they did not fail. Even, no... especially the fallen, who died so that an innocent would never have to face the horror that was there. I have already begun the writing of their stories for us, so we can tell their families of their heroism. We have lost at least half of the cavalry that came to Setarco at the last minute from Southport. But they were sorely needed. There are many who should be given additional recognition. It was truly an honor to watch people from all three of the fealties represented fight together as one unit, helping one another, even in sorrow as Princess Serafine Velenosa fell to an enemy creature.
There are not enough thanks to go around, in describing how the Archduchess, the Archduke Consort, Prince Galen and I were able to work together to make sound tactical choices and see them carried out. I hope we have shown our strength in setting aside differences when it is time to face an enemy of the Compact.
I am not certain if you have heard of the creatures that met us on the battlefield. Giant dogs that were able to tear through even the hardiest of armor, and... strange amalgamations of things. A horse with tentacles (I believe Sir Thorley has coined it a Nopetopus), and a snake thing with spider mandibles and a halibut tail? I cannot decide between a Nopester and a Sniderbut to call it. I am sure we were all hallucinating. Perhaps from the fear and disgust and gnawing ... horror that overtook to many as the enemy came ashore. The mind does strange things.
At one point, the wind was so strong it felt as if we were all pinned to the wall like flies trapped in a web. But, fortunately, it subsided as the enemy retreated. Setarco stands. And thank the Gods for it.
Princess Alis Valardin
Written By Lucita
March 21, 2018, 11:09 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
I have trouble thinking of you as gone. I miss the sound of your voice, your laugh, the teasing note in your voice, the strength in the commands you'd give and your fierce determination, or your gentle words. I miss the way your arms comfort and drive away the simple nightmares of the horrors we had seen. I miss your patience, your wisdom, the way you opened up and shared your thoughts, your worries, your feeling with me, the way you sought my suggestions and listened, really listened to me. Every time I start to write tears start to flow. Some things are just too painful too personal to think about right now when I don't have the luxury of giving way to more grief. I have to be strong, for our child or children, to make my way back home and let Lord Vomas know, to try to handle things there, the way you wanted me to do. You have left me friends and family to help get through this, my mind knows this, but right now it is hard to not feel so alone, so lost without you.
We make...made a good team, Estie, both for our house, the Saiks, and as a couple. I'll try to not let you down. It is just so..damned ...hard. We had too little time together, and that small child, that little flutter I feel within me will have no time at all with you. My heart breaks.
Written By Eleyna
March 21, 2018, 10:37 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Written By Reese
March 21, 2018, 10:33 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
When I was a little Reese, losing all my spars, didn’t have command over anything, not even a litter of kittens, Serafine was kind to me. She would spar with me, train with me, showed great patient for my lack of ability and yet it went deeper than that. Princess Serafine also showed faith, hope and belief with me. She was this tiny, badass, powerhouse of a warrior and when I looked upon her, I felt hope that I could also be badass.
One of mine earlier experiences with her was when we went into the Grayson forest to escort refugees back. Duke Dagon was the leader of the mission and Princess Serafine was there. This really stands out to me, because it was my first mission into the Gray Forest. Many more would follow, but Serafine was there at the first. She fought so well, but that is not what I remember most about her on this mission. There was a little girl there and Serafine showed this great kindness to her and all the other children refugees there. She was there as a warrior, but she showed a motherly love to those who lost everything to Brand.
Another memory that stands out is when Lord Ansel showed opened the now famous gauntlet for the very first time. He opened it at a Ministry of Defense meeting, back in the day, when I was all wide-eyed and just amazed to be welcome at such meetings at all. Serafine was there with Leta and this was the first time I realize notice the intense and great love between them. It is hard to fully put this into words what happened there as we all ran the gauntlet, but the spark between them was so intense and it wasn’t just the spark of lust, although that was there. It was the deeper bond of a full and trusting alliance. I believe that Leta fell off one of the obstacles if I remember right, but it was so long ago, but the memory of Serafina at her side after that fall is a powerful one.
As most know and as nobody needs said, Princess Serafine was an amazing warrior princess who fought battle after battle. She is a hero against Silence and she is a hero against the sea beast. She is example for other warrior princesses to follow. She is badass while still being be real, humble, kind, mothering and approachable. Very few badasses well ever be as chill and as unhindered by pride as Princess Serafine There is none like her and never will be again.
Written By Enyo
March 21, 2018, 10:18 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
There is, however, one thing I know right now. I'm changing clothes. Taking a long, hot bath. Finding my friends and giving each and every one of them a big, giant hug.
Written By Eirene
March 21, 2018, 10:13 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
Written By Reese
March 21, 2018, 10:06 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
I write as the most recent acting admiral of the Grayson Fleet and as a member of the Untied Fleet of Compact. It is with a heavy heart that I write about what happened as my thoughts are still with Baron Estaban and Princess Serafina. That being said those who went with the Grayson fleet should still be acknowledged.
Princess Lou. My sister was at my side through both battles using her cross bow. She was also there in case something happened to me as she is trained in sailing and it would give us someone to step up and take a command. It huge deal as she learned to sail so she would be able to do such. I was very glad to have there with me.
Prince Luca. Prince Luca was our badass heavy hitter of the Grayson fleet during the battle. He fought those who boarded our ship, allowing me to focus my efforts on sailing and commanding. Luca took out an arrow that was headed right for me before it reached me and I believe it largely having Luca right that protecting that kept me from getting hurt and kept in a position where I could primarily command. It goes beyond that though, he kicked ass, he defeated many of our foes. He showed no fear and constant great skill.
Princess Isolde. She joined the Grayson fleet in the final battle and it was no small thing. Her prayers and inspiration gave us the courage to continue even as the odds seemed against us. She helped the Grayson warriors to fight past the fear. Princess Isolde was seriously injured while on my ship, something that I greatly regret. She reached a healer and I believe and hope she will be okay. She has my gratitude.
Lord Graham. He was a powerful warrior with the Grayson fleet fighting the foes with his sword and making a difference in the battle. I was honored and please to have him with us.
Lady Arianna. She also joined our ship, fighting against our foes, showing great bravery, but also serving as protector to Princess Isolde and carrying her way from danger after she was injured.
Lady Peri. She was commanding the ships of our vassals and she was awesome in so many ways, persistent, fearless and brave. She continued to command while injured. She kept her ships close to the Grayson ships and we worked as a team and with great success. Lady Peri’s skills in naval warfare something to be admired.
Lord Kaldur. He was at his sister’s side through the whole battle, being her sword while she commanding and taking injuries. He never backed down, never showed fear and instead showed a willingness to do whatever was needed to keep his sister in a position of being able to command.
This journal just covers the those when went with the Grayson ships or the ships our vassals. I hope to speak more about others who came later. We were just a part of the United Fleet of Compact and were deeply honored to sever under High Lord Victus’ command with our allies.
Reese
Written By Lavinia
March 21, 2018, 10 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Vano
All Rivenshari hearts rejoice at the news of your near return. From the stories that have reached us here, it is not only us that rejoice at you, but the spirits as well, who stood by your side and aided in the Compact's great victory. No words of praise that I could offer to you would ever equal the pleasure they have in you.
Dear Athaur does not know it yet, but we shall be having a party to celebrate your return.
Written By Lavinia
March 21, 2018, 10 a.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Vano
All Rivenshari hearts rejoice at the news of your near return. From the stories that have reached us here, it is not only us that rejoice at you, but the spirits as well, who stood by your side and aided in the Compact's great victory. No words of praise that I could offer to you would ever equal the pleasure they have in you.
Dear Athaur does not know it yet, but we shall be having a party to celebrate your return.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.