Written By Serafine
March 20, 2018, 1:23 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
(Also written on a heavily stained note delivered from Setarco, in fact on the other side of Leta Broadbent's and copied for posterity. With notes.)
Nothing says true love like holding your beloved's hands as they pee over the battlements while dressed in plate, in the middle of a war.
Nothing says true love like holding your beloved's hands as they pee over the battlements while dressed in plate, in the middle of a war.
Written By Leta
March 20, 2018, 1:09 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
(Written on a heavily stained note delivered from Setarco.)
She sits and braids her long dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And I know the world's worth saving,
So she can lay her head right there,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And dream of skies so blue and bright,
And lands near perfect, but not quite,
For the want of her dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden.
She sits and braids her long dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And I know the world's worth saving,
So she can lay her head right there,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And dream of skies so blue and bright,
And lands near perfect, but not quite,
For the want of her dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden.
Written By Cadenza
March 20, 2018, 12:14 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
You're welcome. May that armor keep you safe.
A 'cape dress' won't stop a spear or sword, cousin...
A 'cape dress' won't stop a spear or sword, cousin...
Written By Ainsley
March 19, 2018, 8:43 p.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
No man nor woman is irreplaceable save to their loved ones. My heart is heavy for Lady Eirlys' family and betrothed. My heart is like a stone for Grandmaster Armel and all those who cared for him. My heart is broken for all of the lives lost at Stormwall and all the families that are now missing a piece, that to them, is irreplaceable.
Written By Talen
March 19, 2018, 6:17 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Today we see what I've learnt from your lessons, father.
Today we see what I've ignored in effort to do better, too.
Today we see what I've ignored in effort to do better, too.
Written By Serafine
March 19, 2018, 6:08 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
In five days it will have been three years.
I thought my story was finished. I'm surprised it is not. What a wonder! Think I can find a bit of blank skin to mark down the occasion?
Calipers. This will require calipers.
Scholar? Where can I find-
I thought my story was finished. I'm surprised it is not. What a wonder! Think I can find a bit of blank skin to mark down the occasion?
Calipers. This will require calipers.
Scholar? Where can I find-
Written By Kaldur
March 19, 2018, 5:55 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
The battle at Setarco has passed. The Compact's Navy met turned the Gyre's forces.
My dear sister and Commander is alive, though wounded. I doubt I would have survived the day had she fallen. And so many did not live to see the next gray and smoke-smudged dawn. They call it a victory. This victory tastes of ash and blood.
The Seliki fleet, vanguard of our forces, is destroyed all save the Golden Pearl.
Rumors of visions are on the lips of people, ensconced in the sacred archives. A larger force. Coming. Soon. The Gyre's response to a taunt cast in his teeth. As if the Gyre were waiting for a taunt to bring his forces to bear. As if the Gyre has friends.
It is easy for me to say - young, unproven, unwed, from a humble House - that we have much more to gain remembering that we do have friends. That we have bonds stronger than fear.
-----
I stood at the sea wall this morning and watched the waves crash. Gulls squawked and squabbled over a body washed up upon the rocks. A man. I couldn't make his House or allegiance so I climbed down to see, hoping to recognize something so that his family could know what befell him at Setarco.
Crab-chewed and gull-pecked, he was the enemy. Gaunt and starved. Stubbled. This man chose to sail under Gyre's banner. Skald's greatest gift to us is free will... What did this man look upon in his life that this was what he chose? We are taught that there is always a choice. Brothers and sisters, I pray we never face a choice is no choice at all. A choice like this man faced.
I stood, watching scavengers scuttle over the man's body and wondered. Were there any waiting for his return? Any sons or daughters hoping for their father's silhouette in the doorframe? A mother looking up from her labors, heart in her throat, at the sound of footfalls upon the path.
Us? We will carry word of the fallen to their loved ones. Bitter words, full of sadness. They will be mourned. And we will rebuild. Together. Who will mourn this man? There are none to carry the words home. I do not know his name. I cannot -- should not -- describe his face.
I stooped to say words over him. I cannot let him be buried next to my people, who he stood against, but I won't let his spirit linger without a prayer to guide him on. Crossing hands over his chest, I noted a strange scar on the back of his hand. Callused. Likely a sailor. The scar is strange and livid against his skin. Shaped like a hook. Should any read this who knew this man... he will not come home to you. The Gyre sent him to his death. And now I send him to his reward, with a prayer that he may find the peace he did not have in life.
This does not feel like victory.
My dear sister and Commander is alive, though wounded. I doubt I would have survived the day had she fallen. And so many did not live to see the next gray and smoke-smudged dawn. They call it a victory. This victory tastes of ash and blood.
The Seliki fleet, vanguard of our forces, is destroyed all save the Golden Pearl.
Rumors of visions are on the lips of people, ensconced in the sacred archives. A larger force. Coming. Soon. The Gyre's response to a taunt cast in his teeth. As if the Gyre were waiting for a taunt to bring his forces to bear. As if the Gyre has friends.
It is easy for me to say - young, unproven, unwed, from a humble House - that we have much more to gain remembering that we do have friends. That we have bonds stronger than fear.
-----
I stood at the sea wall this morning and watched the waves crash. Gulls squawked and squabbled over a body washed up upon the rocks. A man. I couldn't make his House or allegiance so I climbed down to see, hoping to recognize something so that his family could know what befell him at Setarco.
Crab-chewed and gull-pecked, he was the enemy. Gaunt and starved. Stubbled. This man chose to sail under Gyre's banner. Skald's greatest gift to us is free will... What did this man look upon in his life that this was what he chose? We are taught that there is always a choice. Brothers and sisters, I pray we never face a choice is no choice at all. A choice like this man faced.
I stood, watching scavengers scuttle over the man's body and wondered. Were there any waiting for his return? Any sons or daughters hoping for their father's silhouette in the doorframe? A mother looking up from her labors, heart in her throat, at the sound of footfalls upon the path.
Us? We will carry word of the fallen to their loved ones. Bitter words, full of sadness. They will be mourned. And we will rebuild. Together. Who will mourn this man? There are none to carry the words home. I do not know his name. I cannot -- should not -- describe his face.
I stooped to say words over him. I cannot let him be buried next to my people, who he stood against, but I won't let his spirit linger without a prayer to guide him on. Crossing hands over his chest, I noted a strange scar on the back of his hand. Callused. Likely a sailor. The scar is strange and livid against his skin. Shaped like a hook. Should any read this who knew this man... he will not come home to you. The Gyre sent him to his death. And now I send him to his reward, with a prayer that he may find the peace he did not have in life.
This does not feel like victory.
Written By Orathy
March 19, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Mustache, did I be saying I be cooking?? I be making. Chop chop. Eat that squid raw!
Written By Reigna
March 19, 2018, 5:25 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
I too was struck still at the sight of that creature, Sir Jeffeth. All thought fled from me when I saw it, tall and winged and horrifying, holding the leashes of those... things. Hunger made flesh. I stopped and I screamed. I could not do anything else. And for that, I am ashamed. I stood there like a child faced with a nightmare army and like I child I cried out in terror.
But you fought, Sir Jeffeth. You gathered yourself and you fought. As I did. When I found a previous patient disoriented and crawling towards the enemy, I pulled him away from the fight. When he was too heavy, I called for help and together we dragged Marquis Stonewood back to the other patients.
I failed again when I tried to help Countess Mia Riven get free of the creatures that were trying to pull her into the nest of them. Her guards were hacking away and I reached in and tried to grasp her hand, but the creatures snapped at my arms. And in the most horrifying way I failed her. When I felt the teeth scraping my armor I screamed for help and I ran. I was a coward and it haunts me. I know she made it out. I sent her a letter in apology... but I failed. And that haunts me.
We all make mistakes. We all falter. I pray my thanks for those of us that are braver and more capable than I. I have thought and thought and thought about my failures. What I did wrong. The courage that I lack. How to change. How to be better.
That's all any of us can do. Try to be better.
But you fought, Sir Jeffeth. You gathered yourself and you fought. As I did. When I found a previous patient disoriented and crawling towards the enemy, I pulled him away from the fight. When he was too heavy, I called for help and together we dragged Marquis Stonewood back to the other patients.
I failed again when I tried to help Countess Mia Riven get free of the creatures that were trying to pull her into the nest of them. Her guards were hacking away and I reached in and tried to grasp her hand, but the creatures snapped at my arms. And in the most horrifying way I failed her. When I felt the teeth scraping my armor I screamed for help and I ran. I was a coward and it haunts me. I know she made it out. I sent her a letter in apology... but I failed. And that haunts me.
We all make mistakes. We all falter. I pray my thanks for those of us that are braver and more capable than I. I have thought and thought and thought about my failures. What I did wrong. The courage that I lack. How to change. How to be better.
That's all any of us can do. Try to be better.
Written By Terese
March 19, 2018, 5:24 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Today was my first day meeting legate Orazio, the Heart of Solace and Shield of the Faith. From Sanctum, I’ve met the seraph of the White City and learned about the faith of course in proper orthodox teachings, but I’m Valardin and perhaps my family lineage gave me an opportunity to learn from the seraph that others don’t have access to. Needless to say, actually being able to meet one of the highest persons in the church?
As a templar? It was riveting and an honor to actually be in the presence of such a force in the church and to speak with him regarding possible future opportunities. As a templar, I am the sword and shield of the church and this man commands us. He knew what I did in Stormwall, I think my heart jumped up for joy. As a member of the church? I confess I was simply awe-struck that the opportunity to actually speak with such a high placed leader was given to me, and I think I’ll treasure that moment for a very long time. He has a calmness that I wish I had, but I know that I don’t right now. Maybe I can learn it after one day beating sir Jeffeth. Legate Orazio actually listened to a member of the church, weighed his great opinion on it and I know things will be better in the future through perseverance.
I feel happy knowing that there are leaders in the church that desire to see it protected and nurtured. I don’t have many answers, I’m simply a knight, but I’ll keep his words in the back of my mind when I fight.
As a templar? It was riveting and an honor to actually be in the presence of such a force in the church and to speak with him regarding possible future opportunities. As a templar, I am the sword and shield of the church and this man commands us. He knew what I did in Stormwall, I think my heart jumped up for joy. As a member of the church? I confess I was simply awe-struck that the opportunity to actually speak with such a high placed leader was given to me, and I think I’ll treasure that moment for a very long time. He has a calmness that I wish I had, but I know that I don’t right now. Maybe I can learn it after one day beating sir Jeffeth. Legate Orazio actually listened to a member of the church, weighed his great opinion on it and I know things will be better in the future through perseverance.
I feel happy knowing that there are leaders in the church that desire to see it protected and nurtured. I don’t have many answers, I’m simply a knight, but I’ll keep his words in the back of my mind when I fight.
Written By Duarte
March 19, 2018, 5:20 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Lies.
He doesn't know how to cook squid.
Or anything.
He doesn't know how to cook squid.
Or anything.
Written By Jeffeth
March 19, 2018, 5:14 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
I've been reading the whites today slowly to make sure I understand them. I believe I understand the issue to be that Prince Ainsley may have made a mistake when he joined us protecting the healers rather than at command. Now I'm not qualified at all to make that sort of judgement, whether or not it was a mistake and I hope no one reading this thinks I'm trying to call it one way, or another.
If it was a mistake then I hope he answers to that and we treat him with the kindness and graciousness Gild would.
If it wasn't a mistake I hope we see that, that he made the right decision.
Now I'm not nearly as high profile as Prince Ainsley of course, but I would like to apologize for my own mistakes made during battle. When the creatures appeared before us, I definitely froze. I was scared, and I stopped moving. I pray that no one got hurt because of my hesitation. I joined the fight and fought as hard as I could, to the last, but I did screw up, I hesitated when I shouldn't have. Some people will say that this is understandable and some will be upset with me, I accept both.
I apologize to those who I serve under for my faltering under duty, and I will do my best not to let it happen again. I ask the people of the Compact for their forgiveness. Though I understand if I do not get it from all.
It can be easy to get an opinion on someone who's public and high profile and whether or not they did something wrong. And I'm not trying to say we shouldn't have that discussion. We should.
But I hope first we can look at ourselves and be honest about it. Other mistakes were made at the Battle of Stormwall, I say that without judgement, in a battle we try our hardest to make the least mistakes and let those ones not be lethal to our own. So to any of my comrades at Stormwall, know that I forgive you as I hope you forgive me.
If it was a mistake then I hope he answers to that and we treat him with the kindness and graciousness Gild would.
If it wasn't a mistake I hope we see that, that he made the right decision.
Now I'm not nearly as high profile as Prince Ainsley of course, but I would like to apologize for my own mistakes made during battle. When the creatures appeared before us, I definitely froze. I was scared, and I stopped moving. I pray that no one got hurt because of my hesitation. I joined the fight and fought as hard as I could, to the last, but I did screw up, I hesitated when I shouldn't have. Some people will say that this is understandable and some will be upset with me, I accept both.
I apologize to those who I serve under for my faltering under duty, and I will do my best not to let it happen again. I ask the people of the Compact for their forgiveness. Though I understand if I do not get it from all.
It can be easy to get an opinion on someone who's public and high profile and whether or not they did something wrong. And I'm not trying to say we shouldn't have that discussion. We should.
But I hope first we can look at ourselves and be honest about it. Other mistakes were made at the Battle of Stormwall, I say that without judgement, in a battle we try our hardest to make the least mistakes and let those ones not be lethal to our own. So to any of my comrades at Stormwall, know that I forgive you as I hope you forgive me.
Written By Orathy
March 19, 2018, 5:11 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
OY!!! Reckon I be hearing ya all fucking miss me. Aren't you fuckers cute. I be making squid stew over here... aye??? Yer all fuckin hilarious.
Written By Veronica
March 19, 2018, 4:51 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
News reached Oakhaven this morning, of battles joined in Stormwall and Setarco. Of the horrors faced in the far north and the Compact's pyrrhic victory. And of the battle still being fought in the waters of Setarco. I do not yet know how my family has fared; I pray for their safety, as I know none of them will hesitate to stand and fight even in the face of certain death.
Especially Jaerith, you brat. If you take unnecessary risks just for the thrill, I will kill you myself.
Rohran and I have been busy keeping the roads to Southport open and safe these last few days from Shav bandits, of which there is no shortage. Not surprising, since they know many of our soldiers have gone to the fronts. Still, I am the Sword of Oakhaven; I feel I should be fighting on the front myself, not chasing bandits and guarding supply routes. Once we established regular patrols, I will ride back to Southport, which fortunately has remained unassaulted for now.
I find myself wondering where the Pirate King's third force is, if not heading to Southport?
Especially Jaerith, you brat. If you take unnecessary risks just for the thrill, I will kill you myself.
Rohran and I have been busy keeping the roads to Southport open and safe these last few days from Shav bandits, of which there is no shortage. Not surprising, since they know many of our soldiers have gone to the fronts. Still, I am the Sword of Oakhaven; I feel I should be fighting on the front myself, not chasing bandits and guarding supply routes. Once we established regular patrols, I will ride back to Southport, which fortunately has remained unassaulted for now.
I find myself wondering where the Pirate King's third force is, if not heading to Southport?
Written By Thena
March 19, 2018, 4:39 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Gods, I can only go one round today. I am in need of a tall cool glass of milk right now.
Written By Echo
March 19, 2018, 4:30 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
I'd like to clarify. I had originally said, "I am having difficulties seeing a situation that required said improvisation and recklessness in the first place."
Nobody is calling into question Prince Aiden's wonderful success at Stormwall.
Nobody is suggesting that Prince Ainsley didn't defend the shaman.
Nobody is complaining that Prince Ainsley has been helping out at Stormwall.
Nobody is acting jealous.
Nobody even asked "what if..?"
While it's become apparent that many of you have studied the art of misdirection and deflection to a most impressive degree, the statement and the entirety of my previous journal entry remain untouched. I also think it goes without saying that I am disappointed that two of you have not only put words into my mouth but unabashedly slighted me.
Nobody is calling into question Prince Aiden's wonderful success at Stormwall.
Nobody is suggesting that Prince Ainsley didn't defend the shaman.
Nobody is complaining that Prince Ainsley has been helping out at Stormwall.
Nobody is acting jealous.
Nobody even asked "what if..?"
While it's become apparent that many of you have studied the art of misdirection and deflection to a most impressive degree, the statement and the entirety of my previous journal entry remain untouched. I also think it goes without saying that I am disappointed that two of you have not only put words into my mouth but unabashedly slighted me.
Written By Reigna
March 19, 2018, 3:52 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Nemo
As a scholar of Vellichor, no, I do not think asking hard questions is a bad thing. But I will point out that one of the first lessons learned is *how* to ask questions. When dealing with people you are far, far more likely to succeed in getting answers if you ask with a mind to the mood and temper of the moment. To be respectful. I failed at this when criticizing Master Voss, my temper of late had been in a hair trigger given the givens.
Written By Lianne
March 19, 2018, 3:42 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Venturo
I maintain that poker is still more a game of skill than chance. It is not only about which cards you have been dealt, but the statistical probability of your hand outmatching the other players' and, further, how well you can convince them of your assured victory. I am yet a student of that particular skill and learned a great deal from everyone who joined us at the table that night.
That said, I may be willing to concede that it was by chance that our paths crossed and coincidence that presented so fine an opportunity for our debate to play out.
That said, I may be willing to concede that it was by chance that our paths crossed and coincidence that presented so fine an opportunity for our debate to play out.
Written By Thena
March 19, 2018, 3:36 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
Maybe we should annotate them.
Scholar says we can’t annotate them.
Scholar says we can’t annotate them.
Written By Calaudrin
March 19, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I keep asking to see Orathy's whites. I mean, I need to decipher what he's saying but sometimes I get a good laugh. Where is he?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.