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Written By Thena

March 19, 2018, 2:29 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Nemo

I see you have done your research.

You can call me an attack dog. I was with Countess Reigna and her crew when the demon and wave of undead came for them. I will readily, and admittedly with some relish, attack anyone who questions her accounting.

Written By Agatha

March 19, 2018, 2:27 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

It would probably get me in trouble if I were to call you a silk. Can I just call you good to have on our side in times of trouble?

Gotohoositot for short?

No, no big letters today scholar. They will come back, though. It's not okay yet, but it will be okay again for many of us. And we just have to help the people it won't be okay for for a while.

Written By Nemo

March 19, 2018, 2:25 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

But you aren't a noble. Nor did I name you, specifically. In fact, your journals do not read quite so emotionally as another's. Looking at yours again, I see you write "I can only say what I saw..." So there's that.

I could accuse you of being a Godsworn attack dog for nobles too afraid to sully their own public image, though. Note, could.

I am not, nor do I believe it.

It would be hilarious though if a third-party then started to question the validity of such an accusation, and ask that factual evidence be provided so as to stop the unsavory members of our society from dragging another person's name through the mud, only for yet another person or persons to jump in and start muddying the waters further.

Mood lightened, yet?

Written By Thena

March 19, 2018, 2:15 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Nemo

So far I’m seeing the truthful accountings being dismissed because they do not fit the desired narrative.

Please call me a silk. I need something to lighten my mood.

Written By Jacque

March 19, 2018, 2:10 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

The war isn't over.

Don't try to pretend it is, because it isn't.

We are the victors of a costly, and I daresay pyrrhic battle, and that means nothing in the long run.

Those that are responsible, or not, for actions which led to the burning of Stormwall will answer for it in the final sum of their deeds. We don't need to rehash them now, although I understand these are important topics of discussion. So as to not repeat mistakes again.

Princess Marian used the tools she had to defeat an enemy that simply would not give up. That did not respond to our efficient and incisive defense with nothing except savagery.

All I know is that the war showed to me the points in which I am weakest as a ruler of people, as a leader of armies, and I will seek to correct those so as to not repeat my mistakes. I've begun studying again, and I hope to have experienced tutors to bestow their wisdom in tactics and strategy upon me. Or just a game of stones, that works, too.

We are fallible beings and make mistakes, sometimes, these mistakes cost lives. I would have done many things differently, but you can't turn back time.

What we can do is learn from it.

Written By Nemo

March 19, 2018, 2:07 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

What's this? Nobles getting their nice silken underthings in a twist because a commoner has asked for a truthful accounting of what has occurred so that all who read the back-and-forth in the Whites can instead be settled rather than allowed to continue to blow up and alter perceptions of this or that individual.

Hardly surprising.

Remember, kiddies, when faced with difficult questions, or questions at all, really! React with lots and lots of emotion. And, if you can, put down your questioner by reminding them of their place. Their small, lowly, meager place.

Written By Reigna

March 19, 2018, 1:54 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Derovai

Who is complaining about what now? Gods and monsters, were you even there, Voss? No. You were not. And yet you fancy yourself an expert, or that you are owed some sort of answer? What makes you think you know *anything* about what transpired in that place? You hear words from other people's perspectives and you feel justified in demanding an accounting of each decision made? Would you like me to offer you a treatise on my decision to place a black band on the woman whose guts are split open or a red band on another whose foot is in four pieces? Shall I submit my technique on bone sawing as I separate an 18 year old lad from his leg from the knee down because his shin bone is exposed and blackened from fire? We have *just* returned from war. Have you been to war, Master Voss? Have you been in situations in which thousands of lives rest on your choice? There is a time and place for holding an accounting and while we are still fighting monsters and horrors to the South, when our losses are not fully tallied, you think it appropriate to take such a tone? To *demand* your answers?

Respect, Master Voss. This is something that is earned, not demanded. It is given when earned and this attitude of yours is not the kind to earn it. Those who were put in charge have been trained to make these decisions. They were placed in charge because they earned the responsibility of leadership. That does not make them infallible. But it *should* make them deserving of a modicum of respect and give them the right, when upon their return home, heads heavy, weary beyond the telling of it, they are entreated to share their stories with respect. Not demands from a man who thinks he is the smartest person in the room and has not the wisdom to mind his tongue.

Written By Mydas

March 19, 2018, 1:24 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Aiden

When the enemy was pressing in, when the battlefield became even more chaotic, when the decisions became harder to make, Prince Aiden stood fast and provided essential insight whenever myself or Princess Marian would lapse. We not only worked together, we did so well, with the rare implicit trust and understanding that war and battle provides.

Prince Aiden, some have complained about your role in the battle. Know that those who were there know better. Know that what you did at Stormwall, few could have achieved. Know that I and all those who survived the battle and saw it become a victory thank you.

Whether born from experience or natural talent, you showed Grayson would stand with its allies, and do so honorably.

Written By Lianne

March 19, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Venturo

Such a strange and delightful distraction to undertake significant business agreements while waiting for assurances that my family and friends and home and Compact are safe from yet another unthinkable threat. The news which trickles up from Setarco has been intermittently troubling, to put it politely.

I have been glad for Master Venturo Thayne who has been kind enough to offer my restless energy some focus in aiding with the establishment Raconteur Brewing Company, who has been bold enough to accept my continued patronage. May what has begun as chance and comfort bloom into a bright future for the storyteller and brewer. May the capital soon know the warmth of his stories and the brilliance of his craft.

Written By Thena

March 19, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Derovai

You seemed to imply that he was not protecting the Mercies and other healers. He was. If that was not your intent, I apologize for misinterpreting.

That’s all I have to say in the matter. I’ve told you before, I don’t dig.

Written By Mae

March 19, 2018, 1 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Now, I know that I don't have all the facts, but this isn't my Bulletin. So who needs all the facts? I can just read and guess. And from what it sounds like...

Did Prince Aiden really do that bad a job commanding? I thought Princess Reese made him one of the commanders in the Grayson army. Was that a big mistake?

Written By Derovai

March 19, 2018, 12:59 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

I guess the question to ask then, Thena, is whether His Highness' actions were warranted to the extent that he left command (which Marquis Acheron assures us they were), and whether, indeed, those actions were necessary. What required impact did he make? That, I think, is the fulcrum on which this matter can be rested. If indeed he did not make an impact that any others would not have made, then I must ask whether his actions were really the best course and the best usage of his abilities.

Let's get a factual account of the whole of the matter and see whether his role was critical to the extent that others could not have done the same. That's all I ask.

Written By Gwenna

March 19, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Thank you.

The words seem pale and inefficient in reply to the aide and the efforts offered by so many for Stormwall. Not only those of our House and fealty, but throughout the Compact. To say I am grateful does not aptly convey my overwhelming feelings of gratitude to more people than I will be able to properly name, but I will try to at least note some.

His Grace, Prince Darren, and Princess Consort Donella, who went to Farhaven to prepare so, so much for the eventual arrival of the evacuees. That it also ensured the safety of a future heir to House Redrain no doubt put many a mind to rest. Your trust, too, in me to attempt to lead such an effort is humbling.

Our Warchief and Sword, Princess Marian Redrain, who was tireless in her planning and detailed work for the battle that threatened Stormwall. I do not think she slept. Whether outlining a plan of action, offering experienced advice, or even taking time to instruct anyone who asked, she is everything one might hope for in a leader. I am awed by her sheer inexhaustible abilities.

Princess Ann Redrain, who also tirelessly sought out support for the planned evacuation. I received missives each day offering help thanks to her amazing efforts to prepare and back-up prepare for so many possibilities. From healers to finances to census, I doubt we would have been able to save so many of Stormwalls people without her. Master Seymour Oak's plans along with Princess Ann's proved to be valuable beyond silver, the impact of this surely softened by his brilliance with economics and trade.

Marquis Cirroch Sanna, Dame Thena and the Knights of Solace for the organization of the protection details for the evacuees and those of us with them. To send such skilled soldiers to ensure the safe passage of so many while the world may have seemed about to crumble behind them is something I, personally, will never forget. Nor, I suspect, will those people who left so much behind to take the journey. It made leaving a bit easier on all of our hearts.

Duke Asger Crovane's preparations and instructions before and upon our arrival in Stormwall truly meant the difference between life and death for so many of his people. The inspired yet firm voice of their Duke surely lead those who might have otherwise stayed, to see reason to leave.

The Countess Reigna Keaton and the Lady Margerie Keaton. Words almost fail me in regard to their selfless offers to help in this endeavor. Having had the chance to speak personally with the Countess and Guildmaster, I am still awed by her graciousness, even more so as she remained in Stormwall to organize and heal. Lady Margerie's skills as both a negotiator as well as diplomat similarly helped to save many lives, swaying those who may not have left to do so.

My brother, Prince Artur, and the Lords Sigurd and Brogan Nightgold. My heart swells thinking of each of you and how you made sure we were off safely, even though you were not all able to travel with us. As well, you all made sure /I/ felt alright and it gave me a courage I am not sure I would have otherwise had.

Blessed Roran, Archlector of Lagoma, and Blessed Aleksei, Archlector of Skald, for trusting me to carry one of the thirteen lamps from the Rite. I wish I could explain how inspired I was by the event and how the lamp reminded me to trust in something greater. I carry it still, a reminder that there is always hope.

Those of Redrain fealty that Princess Marian already mentioned, our Shamans, House Grayson, House Valardin, The Faith, Templars, Knights of Solace, I thank you sincerely and with all of my heart.

If I have not mentioned someone or ones, please forgive me and do not think it a slight by any means. There is still war on the seas and people to settle. Collecting my thoughts has been difficult, the losses heavy on my heart, but I wished to pen something to the whites before another set of the sun. Your contributions and inspiration will not be forgotten by me.

Written By Thena

March 19, 2018, 12:52 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Derovai

I can only say what I saw.

The demon that took Lady Eirlys' life, and its minions, were heading for the healers while they were trying to send the wounded down the passes. Prince Ainsley, and many others, fought and defeated that demon.

Written By Brigida

March 19, 2018, 12:30 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Whenever I have it in mind to publicly critique an individual, I try ask myself, “Will I benefit from this person’s friendship in the future?” and “Will this make me appear petty?”

The most satisfying ground to salt is always our own.

Written By Derovai

March 19, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mydas

"Not only for himself but Grayson..."

Interesting arrangement of priorities there, Marquis, especially considering the further absence of "Stormwall" or "the Compact" as priorities in the phrase. I trust that was an oversight.

From what I've heard, Prince Ainsley's headlong rush into battle was something /other than/ protecting the Mercies, to say nothing of others' attempt to do the same. If that is untrue, then pains should be taken to correct this impression before it spreads to less circumspect souls than myself. Lady Khanne Halfshav has spoken on the matter and, while I have no reason to doubt her perspective, I also trust the perspective of the person who told me otherwise.

Let's get a factual recounting of what happened and when it happened, so that we might look upon the matter with clarity and not fall into the trap of endless back-and-forth in the Whites. Was there a war chronicler there?

Written By Serafine

March 19, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Mydas

At the tender age of 17, didn't we all feel like we knew better than our elders?

Written By Joscelin

March 19, 2018, 12:09 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Ainsley

There are not many who can claim the title of 'paladin', in the history of Arx barely a handful but twice, maybe more that I know of.

Prince Ainsley Grayson is one of them, these illustrious, favored, beloved few, and at the behest of Inspiration Himself I was honored with the task of crafting an item to preserve them in metal and stone, wrought in form pleasing to the eye.

They still remain at the Gallery of Jayus. If you've the time, it's a beautiful place, the installation and the lighting giving my work a quality I had nothing to do with.

It's a good day to take a walk in quiet contemplation; much has happened, heads are a-buzz, nerves on edge, blood still prickling at the edges of us that still live. For a long while, at the very least, I remain grateful.

Written By Lucita

March 19, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

We watched from the walls with Lord Ian and a group of Thrax soldiers, the Valorous Few standing guard over us as in the distance family, friends, respected brave persons faced an enemy fleet that darkened the horizon. The city sounds seemed near muted from the usual as we stared with somber expressions over the battlements and out of towers. Our eyes strained to watch the many colored sails of the compact ships, some with oars giving a flutter of motion, become a barrier to the passage of a motley huge fleet. There had been warnings from those who fought at Maelstrom of what tactics the enemy might use, madness, fear, zealots, creatures.

Not all songs and prayers are ones that resound over crowds but are sometimes little more than a whisper on the wind of almost-heard reverent, fervent words or just a feeling. Not all neatly rhyme or have a flowing melody, sometimes they just hold intent and purpose. Ours was not to attack but to balance what foul things were being used against us, to defend, to even the battlefield.
--We'll sing together side by side
--Praying the Gods will bless and guide.
--Against madness let our songs be a shield
--So to abyssal influence they shall not yield.

Along with those of us keeping watch from the wall were others singing and praying with Brother Driskell and Archlector Roran in the Hypaethral of the Setarco Star, so many people joining together in a common hope, a common goal even where words may have varied. I do not know all their names to recognize them all. Still this is to thank them, whether we succeeded or not the effort was made.
--We sing to inspire our warriors today
--Keep them protected against come what may
--Sing to help stop our enemy's advance
--And to strengthen our soldiers' stance.

We watched as the fleets maneuvered, angling for advantage, trying to prevent our lines from being broken. Some along the wall tried to explain the strategy and tactics being done. Others silently watched. A few ships shuddered when struck, floundered, sank, both ours and those of the enemy. We saw some of our fleet ramming enemy ships. We knew men would be lost, drowned or falling prey to things in the water and there would be the pain of loss for some of us. More of the enemy sank than ours. And still we kept vigil, praying, singing while we watched.
--We sing based on our faith and belief,
--Songs to comfort when there is grief,
--Songs of truth to help unfetter minds,
--Songs of hope and of peace to find.

For hours we sang and prayed as the fleets battled, not knowing if what we did had any effect or not yet fierce in the efforts Princesses Tikva, Sorrel and I made. Exhausted, voices straining we did not stop till we saw our fleet's victory and them returning to shore. But it was not over, not for us. Something did not like what we did, and it came for us.

Written By Mydas

March 19, 2018, 11:24 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Ainsley

I confirm that Prince Ainsley and I spoke just before battle. I decided to trust him into making the best choice not only for himself but Grayson, whatever that choice might be. Prince Aiden proved more than worthy to the task that was suddenly given to him, and proved an asset that both myself and Princess Marian Redrain could depend upon.

Do you think Prince Ainsley alone could have prevented the destruction of Stormwall? Do you think he could have prevented its deaths? No. Even a Paladin of Gloria is, in the end, but a man. But he was a man at the right place, at the right time, to protect the Shamans who proved instrumental in our victory, and to fight a foe pinning down many of our forces from joining battle once more.

To complain of the service of Prince Ainsley Grayson in joining the defense of a land not his own, solely for the sake of Compact and the Gods, is to bring dishonor and shame upon oneself, and exhibit one's ignorance about the nature of war.

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