Written By Thorley
March 16, 2018, 5:29 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Violet
The only blacks I want to see are your thigh highs when we're together again.
Written By Derovai
March 16, 2018, 4:28 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
If I die before you do, you can have whatever booze is still left in my boarding room. I hope this lessens the sting of jealousy a bit.
The gloves have been claimed. No, I'm not advertising by whom.
The gloves have been claimed. No, I'm not advertising by whom.
Written By Mae
March 16, 2018, 4:25 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
I feel I should write something meaningful. I feel, on the eve of what will surely be a time full of death, I should have more to say. I am, after all, a Harlequin of Death.
Yet, I have nothing to say. My heart is full of worry that my Magpie will not come back to me. That so many others that I love and cherish will not come back to me. I ache for the lives that will be lost. I hurt for the men and women and children that will be left widowed, orphaned, fatherless, motherless, family-less, alone. I have already cried again and again over these thoughts.
As I stay here in Arx, safe and sound, I am so very grateful for those that are still here. For new friends and old. For anyone that will listen to me whine and hold me as I cry. For those men and women that remain here, in Death's city, to ensure the rest of us staying here remain safe and sound.
As I read through all the wills that have been posted, my heart sinks further. So many beautiful words, so many ugly words. So many fancy swords and jewels left behind. I notice that my name is mentioned twice, once by someone saying they love me (I love you too, Reese) and once by someone willing to me my property. Not only do I feel such deep sorrow, but also such angst. Did I leave an impression on so few people in this world? So many wills, and only mentioned twice? Yes, it upsets me that I'm not in more wills. Yes, I am that petty and selfish. Yes, I don't much like myself for this being my reaction.
And so, I stay here in Arx. Crying and laughing. Overjoyed to have people who I can speak to, yet aching for those that are away and may never return. I await news from Setarco so very eagerly. I know Magpie will return, and bring Mayir back with him, too. I'm positive it will happen. Yet I am sobbing for the thought that it won't. And I remain so very mad at myself for being jealous over silly wills, for not giving the battle at Stormwall more than a second thought, and for not having something meaningful or helpful or inspiring to write.
But then, I guess I do have something to write. I'll write what I've said before, and what I will say again...
To all of you with hearts and minds as unsettled and tormented as mine: It's okay to be sad. It's okay to worry. It's okay to feel angst. It's okay to cry.
Death is with us, always. She sends us into this world and She takes us back when we leave it. Knowing this doesn't make it any less sad when we lose those we love, or when we fear losing those we love. So, it's okay to cry. I encourage it. Crying might be the thing you need more than anything else right now.
But we cannot live in our sorrow and angst and worry, because not all in life is sorrow. Leave room for joy, for happiness, for hope, for all the wonderful and beautiful people and things that are still here. Leave room for your loved ones to return to you, or, if they don't, their best memories to live on with you.
And, in the meanwhile, if anyone wants someone to cry with, just write me.
Yet, I have nothing to say. My heart is full of worry that my Magpie will not come back to me. That so many others that I love and cherish will not come back to me. I ache for the lives that will be lost. I hurt for the men and women and children that will be left widowed, orphaned, fatherless, motherless, family-less, alone. I have already cried again and again over these thoughts.
As I stay here in Arx, safe and sound, I am so very grateful for those that are still here. For new friends and old. For anyone that will listen to me whine and hold me as I cry. For those men and women that remain here, in Death's city, to ensure the rest of us staying here remain safe and sound.
As I read through all the wills that have been posted, my heart sinks further. So many beautiful words, so many ugly words. So many fancy swords and jewels left behind. I notice that my name is mentioned twice, once by someone saying they love me (I love you too, Reese) and once by someone willing to me my property. Not only do I feel such deep sorrow, but also such angst. Did I leave an impression on so few people in this world? So many wills, and only mentioned twice? Yes, it upsets me that I'm not in more wills. Yes, I am that petty and selfish. Yes, I don't much like myself for this being my reaction.
And so, I stay here in Arx. Crying and laughing. Overjoyed to have people who I can speak to, yet aching for those that are away and may never return. I await news from Setarco so very eagerly. I know Magpie will return, and bring Mayir back with him, too. I'm positive it will happen. Yet I am sobbing for the thought that it won't. And I remain so very mad at myself for being jealous over silly wills, for not giving the battle at Stormwall more than a second thought, and for not having something meaningful or helpful or inspiring to write.
But then, I guess I do have something to write. I'll write what I've said before, and what I will say again...
To all of you with hearts and minds as unsettled and tormented as mine: It's okay to be sad. It's okay to worry. It's okay to feel angst. It's okay to cry.
Death is with us, always. She sends us into this world and She takes us back when we leave it. Knowing this doesn't make it any less sad when we lose those we love, or when we fear losing those we love. So, it's okay to cry. I encourage it. Crying might be the thing you need more than anything else right now.
But we cannot live in our sorrow and angst and worry, because not all in life is sorrow. Leave room for joy, for happiness, for hope, for all the wonderful and beautiful people and things that are still here. Leave room for your loved ones to return to you, or, if they don't, their best memories to live on with you.
And, in the meanwhile, if anyone wants someone to cry with, just write me.
Written By Violet
March 16, 2018, 3:49 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Please release my blacks to Sir Thorley Sandreef and Briar Marjawn should I perish in battle. They will know what, if anything, to do with them.
I hate it when I forget something...
I hate it when I forget something...
Written By Orazio
March 16, 2018, 3:44 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ennettia
An old friend from the South warn--informed me that one of my relations was visiting the city. And when I look into the matter, it seems that is the dear Ennettia, and she is joining the Inquisition. I dearly wish that I could capture the sound of my laughter, for then I could send a letter to Prince Laric containing nothing but.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Ennettia. We should have dinner at some point.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Ennettia. We should have dinner at some point.
Written By Jeffeth
March 16, 2018, 3:43 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
I don't have much. But if I die I give everything I own to Brother Martin Risby and Dame Thena Grayhope. Including my black journals. There may be letters in there that I ask them to pass on. As for my things and my funds I ask that they be used in the most generous way possible. Perhaps start a young Knight out there. I ask that my rubicund blade, marked Absolution, be returned to its crafter. And kept by them.
Written By Jeffeth
March 16, 2018, 3:32 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sameera
Please don't die. Our deal is still on.
Written By Monique
March 16, 2018, 3:08 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Release my black journals?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ...
... no.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ...
... no.
Written By Joscelin
March 16, 2018, 2:56 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Theron
Come back with you -in- your armor in one piece, please. I'll find a way to reincarnate you as a small pet rodent and that I'll keep in a cage in my work room if you don't.
Written By Sameera
March 16, 2018, 2:55 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
Very Difficult King, I would not pity my Torstein too much. He chose to have a life with me as his spouse. Pretty sure he enjoys the death threats. Henrik makes sure I don't have my hammer or any sort of weapon when I issue the death threats. Just saying.
Written By Theron
March 16, 2018, 2:55 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
This is the closest thing to a Will that I will write, though I do not intend to die here, nor now.
My sword, Adamant, will be given to the Mazetti who becomes a master of both the weapons that we favor and the longsword. It will be passed down from generation to generation, alongside the sword Allegiance, until the end of time.
The jewelry box containing a glass pendant housing a strand of blond hair from a certain theatre-loving woman will be incinerated, along with the box that houses it.
If my rubicund armor is still serviceable, it'll go to Joscelin Arterius with my personal thanks.
Any other possessions may be distributed as the Marquessa of the County of Ostria, Cambria Mazetti, sees fit.
What was scattered, gathers.
What was gathered blows away.
My sword, Adamant, will be given to the Mazetti who becomes a master of both the weapons that we favor and the longsword. It will be passed down from generation to generation, alongside the sword Allegiance, until the end of time.
The jewelry box containing a glass pendant housing a strand of blond hair from a certain theatre-loving woman will be incinerated, along with the box that houses it.
If my rubicund armor is still serviceable, it'll go to Joscelin Arterius with my personal thanks.
Any other possessions may be distributed as the Marquessa of the County of Ostria, Cambria Mazetti, sees fit.
What was scattered, gathers.
What was gathered blows away.
Written By Veronica
March 16, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
My ride back to Arx was an odd one, as I passed soldiers marching in the opposite direction.
After riding with Countess Reigna and Lady Khanne yesterday, on the first leg of their journey to Stormwall, I returned to a city that seems eerily quiet. Many of the banners rallied have departed to the various fronts, and those that haven't are making final preparations to leave. This eerie silence is present even at Keatons' Hall: Count Kael, Jaerith and their men have departed for Setarco while I was away. We did not even had a chance to say our goodbyes.
I pray to the Gods our wayward cousin Aric keeps his word to keep the rest of the family safe in Arx. As much as I have reservations about his convictions, he is still family and his presence does ease my mind somewhat, so that I can focus on my own duties.
In the morning, I depart for Southport.
After riding with Countess Reigna and Lady Khanne yesterday, on the first leg of their journey to Stormwall, I returned to a city that seems eerily quiet. Many of the banners rallied have departed to the various fronts, and those that haven't are making final preparations to leave. This eerie silence is present even at Keatons' Hall: Count Kael, Jaerith and their men have departed for Setarco while I was away. We did not even had a chance to say our goodbyes.
I pray to the Gods our wayward cousin Aric keeps his word to keep the rest of the family safe in Arx. As much as I have reservations about his convictions, he is still family and his presence does ease my mind somewhat, so that I can focus on my own duties.
In the morning, I depart for Southport.
Written By Sameera
March 16, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
*pages of sketches of jewelry*
Written By Sameera
March 16, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
I'll probably die. I doubt many, if anyone, will miss me. I am not exactly endearing.
Written By Venturo
March 16, 2018, 2:51 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Captain Daniels -- a woman, whom as far as I ever could determine, had no second name -- possessed a knack for knowing the right moment to weave a story, waiting for the lull in the evening's proceedings. She would regal us of the storms she'd seen aboard her ship, The Serene Maiden, that would leave one with a chill clinging to them at the prospect of such tempestuous weather to fight through. Yet still, it did not prepare me for when I set aboard with her during my journeys.
A squall whipped up so quickly, it left one clinging to the railing, doing all one could to hold on for my life. And yet, amidst what could only, politely, be called utter chaos, there was Captain Daniels, a tranquil and tenacious figure. It beguiled me how she could be so collected, even excited at the prospect of what lay before us. The wind whipped at the sails. The ocean water sprayed over us, leaving everything drenched. Lighting crackled through the sky, threatening to bring it's wrath upon us. Yet, just as in her stories, she saw our way to calmer seas, finding a path where no one else could.
As I look around me at what will become Raconteur Brewing, I think now of Captain Daniels. All about me is the chaos of stacked chairs, barrels strewn around, fabrics and bottles and more that any sane person would think is an insurmountable whirl of chaos. Yet I see the path. I feel the thrill of the challenge.
A squall whipped up so quickly, it left one clinging to the railing, doing all one could to hold on for my life. And yet, amidst what could only, politely, be called utter chaos, there was Captain Daniels, a tranquil and tenacious figure. It beguiled me how she could be so collected, even excited at the prospect of what lay before us. The wind whipped at the sails. The ocean water sprayed over us, leaving everything drenched. Lighting crackled through the sky, threatening to bring it's wrath upon us. Yet, just as in her stories, she saw our way to calmer seas, finding a path where no one else could.
As I look around me at what will become Raconteur Brewing, I think now of Captain Daniels. All about me is the chaos of stacked chairs, barrels strewn around, fabrics and bottles and more that any sane person would think is an insurmountable whirl of chaos. Yet I see the path. I feel the thrill of the challenge.
Written By Ennettia
March 16, 2018, 2:50 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
What a curious thing, to visit this grand dusty old building and read through all these wills and reminders of mortality. Here I am in Arx all about new beginnings and everyone has decided to wander away to sweat and do battle against undead fishermen. How terribly thrilling to hear of it all, don't you think scholar? Are you sure you don't want one of these pastries? No? Hmm....
(scholar's note: Lady Ennettia proceeded to snack in silence until prompted)
No, of course I have more to add! Why? No no, nevermind. Let us just continue. Arx! I am quite glad I chose to come at this time, actually. It allows me to become accustomed to the city without people. I will seem entirely accustomed to city life by the time they all return, don't you think? And I have already met several experienced mothers! How do they become so adept with children? I barely know where my little savage is at any given time, and they manage two or three at once! With less nursemaids at a time, too. Northern women seem very efficient, don't you think?
And I did meet with some family, on both sides. And I have a career now! Did I tell you, scholar? I've joined a charming little company with the most adorable uniforms. Sadly it seems I am not yet given one of those charming coats, but I have fond hopes that I will. I look utterly devastating in red, after all.
(scholar's note: Lady Ennettia proceeded to snack in silence until prompted)
No, of course I have more to add! Why? No no, nevermind. Let us just continue. Arx! I am quite glad I chose to come at this time, actually. It allows me to become accustomed to the city without people. I will seem entirely accustomed to city life by the time they all return, don't you think? And I have already met several experienced mothers! How do they become so adept with children? I barely know where my little savage is at any given time, and they manage two or three at once! With less nursemaids at a time, too. Northern women seem very efficient, don't you think?
And I did meet with some family, on both sides. And I have a career now! Did I tell you, scholar? I've joined a charming little company with the most adorable uniforms. Sadly it seems I am not yet given one of those charming coats, but I have fond hopes that I will. I look utterly devastating in red, after all.
Written By Turo
March 16, 2018, 1:04 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
I'm supposed to write a will. Fine, here it is:
If I am dead, everything I have goes to Arcelia and she can decide what to do with it. I love her more than I love life itself; she has had all of me in life, so there's no reason why anything should be kept from her in death.
There are notes in my black journals for my sisters. I'd like those read to them.
If I am dead, everything I have goes to Arcelia and she can decide what to do with it. I love her more than I love life itself; she has had all of me in life, so there's no reason why anything should be kept from her in death.
There are notes in my black journals for my sisters. I'd like those read to them.
Written By Estaban
March 16, 2018, 1 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
The Last will of Estaban Saik, Baron of Saikland Greens, Admiral of Southport and Iron Guardsman
With my death, all my things are left to Lucita, my wife lest she precede me in death, or to the head of House Saik, including my clothing, rings, artwork, books etc, with the exceptions:
To Prince Aiden Grayson, I leave Lion's Reach in hopes that the memory inspires him to remember the strength that he holds inside.
To Princess Caelis Valadrin I leave my battle standard from the Grey River battle and the cobalt bow to be returned to her.
To the Iron Guard my Iron Guard Leather and steel armor and igsinia should be returned to the Lord Commander so that it may serve the next Iron Guardsman.
To Duke Inigo Fidante my child hood friend his sword Nightmare's End is to be returned to him he allowed me to use it during the Seige of Arx and after.
To Lord General Marcos Saik, my dear cousin who has stepped up in so many ways. I leave him Lions Roar the twin bow to my sister Arcelia's.
The sword known as Riptide is to be returned to Dutchess General Calypso Malvici as it belongs to the next Admiral.
The Bow known as Wither shall go to my son or daughter when they are of the right age, if I have twins then the bow will go to whom is born first.
I ask that my son (adopted) Lord Vamos continue with his training and learning, that Artex be given to him.
I ask that Legate Orazio look after all of my children in their teachings of the faith.
I ask that two letters I leave behind one to Baroness Lucita Saik and one to Prince Aiden Grayson be given to them.
To the rest of my friends and loved ones I leave you these words: Remember those who have sailed out by sea and Marched out by land, rememeber to tell the story of the heros who answered the call to king and banner. Remember the choices made today with ripple down and have affects tommorow.
With my death, all my things are left to Lucita, my wife lest she precede me in death, or to the head of House Saik, including my clothing, rings, artwork, books etc, with the exceptions:
To Prince Aiden Grayson, I leave Lion's Reach in hopes that the memory inspires him to remember the strength that he holds inside.
To Princess Caelis Valadrin I leave my battle standard from the Grey River battle and the cobalt bow to be returned to her.
To the Iron Guard my Iron Guard Leather and steel armor and igsinia should be returned to the Lord Commander so that it may serve the next Iron Guardsman.
To Duke Inigo Fidante my child hood friend his sword Nightmare's End is to be returned to him he allowed me to use it during the Seige of Arx and after.
To Lord General Marcos Saik, my dear cousin who has stepped up in so many ways. I leave him Lions Roar the twin bow to my sister Arcelia's.
The sword known as Riptide is to be returned to Dutchess General Calypso Malvici as it belongs to the next Admiral.
The Bow known as Wither shall go to my son or daughter when they are of the right age, if I have twins then the bow will go to whom is born first.
I ask that my son (adopted) Lord Vamos continue with his training and learning, that Artex be given to him.
I ask that Legate Orazio look after all of my children in their teachings of the faith.
I ask that two letters I leave behind one to Baroness Lucita Saik and one to Prince Aiden Grayson be given to them.
To the rest of my friends and loved ones I leave you these words: Remember those who have sailed out by sea and Marched out by land, rememeber to tell the story of the heros who answered the call to king and banner. Remember the choices made today with ripple down and have affects tommorow.
Written By Derovai
March 16, 2018, 12:06 p.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
More and more militaries have left Arx, moving in different directions to various fronts, and the battles will soon be underway. As noted below my own entry, there's a weird silence in the city, a place that usually crackles with life. It's become a city of ghosts, a city where few capable fighters remain should the battle turn this way, a city where you keep heading into places expecting to see people you know, and they are not present.
My place is not in the field, but I hope I have done what I could, where I could. I hope my thoughts have been listened to where appropriate, and acted on where appropriate. I hope I've done enough where I can. I'm no tactician, but a surprising number of people have asked for my thoughts on military things in the past few weeks, some whom I know well, and some whom I met only when they came to me seeking ideas. Regardless, I've provided what I honestly could, and I hope it was listened to. However, it feels like multiple fronts are rushing headlong into battle without considering exactly /how/ the battle should go, and I hope that will not cost us dearly.
As an aside, I have no real reason to leave a will. I own nothing of importance, really, except what I know, and that will die with me, save what's contained in my Blacks. I've already left notice in them for what to be done with them, and see no reason to share it here. Nothing contained in them is dangerous, perhaps much to your surprise, kind reader. Still, if anyone wants a set of fine silk gloves, more sweets than I can eat in two weeks, or a pair of hideous stuffed-animal porcupines, please send a messenger to the Murder of Crows, and I can will them to you, though I cannot promise the sweets will hold up for years on end, should I be lucky enough to live so long.
In any case, here's hoping we prevail, but I can't shake a nagging feeling that things will not go as expected. Prudence and caution must always be tempered with action and motivation -- but the opposite is true as well, and I worry it's that opposite side of the coin that is not being listened to. To the person I cautioned to consider her options, to the person I encouraged to summon up nerve where appropriate, to what confidants I have away on land or sea: take a deep breath. Think. Then do what's right. There are many roads down which a battle can go, but only one road down which a person should walk.
My place is not in the field, but I hope I have done what I could, where I could. I hope my thoughts have been listened to where appropriate, and acted on where appropriate. I hope I've done enough where I can. I'm no tactician, but a surprising number of people have asked for my thoughts on military things in the past few weeks, some whom I know well, and some whom I met only when they came to me seeking ideas. Regardless, I've provided what I honestly could, and I hope it was listened to. However, it feels like multiple fronts are rushing headlong into battle without considering exactly /how/ the battle should go, and I hope that will not cost us dearly.
As an aside, I have no real reason to leave a will. I own nothing of importance, really, except what I know, and that will die with me, save what's contained in my Blacks. I've already left notice in them for what to be done with them, and see no reason to share it here. Nothing contained in them is dangerous, perhaps much to your surprise, kind reader. Still, if anyone wants a set of fine silk gloves, more sweets than I can eat in two weeks, or a pair of hideous stuffed-animal porcupines, please send a messenger to the Murder of Crows, and I can will them to you, though I cannot promise the sweets will hold up for years on end, should I be lucky enough to live so long.
In any case, here's hoping we prevail, but I can't shake a nagging feeling that things will not go as expected. Prudence and caution must always be tempered with action and motivation -- but the opposite is true as well, and I worry it's that opposite side of the coin that is not being listened to. To the person I cautioned to consider her options, to the person I encouraged to summon up nerve where appropriate, to what confidants I have away on land or sea: take a deep breath. Think. Then do what's right. There are many roads down which a battle can go, but only one road down which a person should walk.
Written By Romulius
March 16, 2018, 10:45 a.m.(5/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Skye
I understand.
I understand why you did not wish me to go to Setarco.
I understand and I hate to say that you are right, I would lose myself in battle again... and that's the last thing people need to see and think of when the name Blackshore comes up.
Damn this is hard...
I understand why you did not wish me to go to Setarco.
I understand and I hate to say that you are right, I would lose myself in battle again... and that's the last thing people need to see and think of when the name Blackshore comes up.
Damn this is hard...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.