Written By Reigna
Oct. 8, 2017, 10:14 p.m.(5/13/1007 AR)
Twice in a very short period of time I have been at home, waiting with baited breath, hoping against hope that my love would come home uninjured and well. Twice in a very short time I have been relieved and reminded that the gods watch over the faithful. I do not mean to say that no ill befalls the faithful, simply... my path remains with my husband. And for that blessing I am filled with gratitude. Not only did he return, but all of those I consider family did as well. I am so proud of my peers, awed by the bravery and strength of the High Lord, the ferocity and unflinching courage of his bride. To my cousin Shae, you are exquisite and so fierce. I sometimes wish I were able to join you in your battles... but I know I would be far more a liability than an aid. Even were I not heavy with child, I have no illusions about my battle prowess. Still. My heart travels with all of you.
Written By Reigna
Oct. 8, 2017, 10:08 p.m.(5/13/1007 AR)
It is almost Kael's birthday and the plans have begun to come together. His gift is... extravagant, but it will so be worth it. I am extremely honored to be working with *Scratched out words*. Ooops, that would have given it all away. As it is, there have been so many changes going on in the house hold. I think an official announcement is coming, but... there is someone new to Keaton Hall. Squall has not yet, arrived, let me head that rumor off at the pass, but there is a babe, a foundling, that we have taken in. With permission from Princess Katarina, we have decided to name her Kata. Not all decisions have yet been made, but she will be staying with us, raised here in Keaton Hall. We have found a lovely woman to be her nurse, and she has a young son. To go from having no children to soon having three infants... I can only imagine the chaos we have invited. But I cannot help but feel that the gods placed this child in my path.
Written By Reigna
Oct. 1, 2017, 1:15 p.m.(4/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Tessa
I want to say how incredibly proud I am of my vassal Lady Tessa Moore. Her goals are inspiring and her vision is something I very much look forward to assisting her see to fruition. The gods are truly wondrous, and the way they work to set us all on our path... Lately I have been struggling, but when I look at this and I think of how difficult things had been, and now, through the efforts of the gods and those of their devoted... I am awed.
Apologies for any vagueness, I simply must take care not to steal any of the Lady Moore's thunder when she reveals her efforts to the world.
Apologies for any vagueness, I simply must take care not to steal any of the Lady Moore's thunder when she reveals her efforts to the world.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:30 p.m.(4/10/1007 AR)
Kael and I have decided to take a trip to Oakhaven. It is past time that I go to meet my new people. With the weather getting warmer and the snows being less hindersome, now is the best time to do so. Before I am too ungainly to manage the trip. I am very much looking forward to meeting the people of Oakhaven. The first of many trips, certainly. We will have to return soon after Squall is born. I have an idea of a ceremony, a dedication of our child to the land, to the wind, to all of our Pantheon.
We shall see. Either way, I am very excited to see Oakhaven and Keaton Keep.
We shall see. Either way, I am very excited to see Oakhaven and Keaton Keep.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:52 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
The tidings of late have been so dire. And I admit I feel more than a little trepidation about what lays ahead. It seems, almost, as if there are two worlds. My day to day in which my back often aches and Kael and I talk about what we need in a nursemaid. And then there is the other world in which reality seems on a hinge and things are happening that I can barely comprehend.
We live in interesting times. I hope I did not make a mistake in bringing our Squall into the world as it is. Will it be safe for them?
We live in interesting times. I hope I did not make a mistake in bringing our Squall into the world as it is. Will it be safe for them?
Written By Reigna
Sept. 8, 2017, 11:51 a.m.(3/6/1007 AR)
So many things are making my heart heavy. I hate this feeling, this sense of dread in my stomach that I have done something wrong. I dislike disappointing and I feel that I have done so several times of late. Things are changing and I was perfectly happy with how they were, thank you very much. But I have to think about the future and not dwell upon my personal failings.
In more exciting news, I am hosting a party for Sir Daemon Dracone and have invited what feels like half of Arx. Hopefully it will be an entertaining evening for all. The kennels have been completed, including the canine gauntlet. Once the warmer months come and the snow has melted, I picture there will be quite a few trainers conditioning their animals and practicing their commands. And just a few months after that...
Well. I should not get too far ahead of myself.
In more exciting news, I am hosting a party for Sir Daemon Dracone and have invited what feels like half of Arx. Hopefully it will be an entertaining evening for all. The kennels have been completed, including the canine gauntlet. Once the warmer months come and the snow has melted, I picture there will be quite a few trainers conditioning their animals and practicing their commands. And just a few months after that...
Well. I should not get too far ahead of myself.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 4, 2017, 10:49 a.m.(2/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirlys
But Lady Eirlys, you *are* family. You are close as a sister to Lady Shae, and therefore you are welcome into the greater Keaton Family. Our home is as yours. You are more than welcome to come by any time you wish, for food, or drink, conversation or simple meditation. And healing, though in truth I hope not to see you for that reason with any frequency. Perhaps after Squall is born you can teach me how to be a better warrior and I can show you how to stitch wounds? Something to think about!
Written By Reigna
Sept. 3, 2017, 1:52 p.m.(2/21/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Nicia
Congratulations on your wedding, and blessings of Limerance be upon you. Welcome to the family, Duchess.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 3, 2017, 1:51 p.m.(2/21/1007 AR)
The Lady Eirlys was brought to Keaton Hall last night, and thankfully I was able to help her. Learning the healing arts has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am so thankful that I am able to bring some relief to those who are hurting, and am able to fix what has been hurt. I thank the gods for the gifts I have been given in my steady hands and ability to recall things clearly at will. I hope that Lady Eirlys recovers quickly, I know that she is eager to go about her duties as Speaker for the new Princess.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 24, 2017, 11:29 a.m.(2/1/1007 AR)
I am extremely grateful to Lady Shae Keaton, Lord Gaston Blackram, Ser Tarrant Moore, Lady Tessa Moore and Lord Lorien Keaton for their efforts in finding the missing puppies that were stolen en route to Arx from Oakhaven.
The puppies are here and they are perfect! I have grown quite fond of the male, Keaton's Oaken Aegis. I have claimed him for myself, or perhaps in truth, it is that he has chosen me. He's a beautiful black and tan and has such personality! I think I will call him Oaken, odd perhaps, but it has a good sound to my ears. The female, Shae says, is extremely clever, and I have already seen the shine she has taken to Kael. It is nice to have more life in the Hall.
Now, as to why they were so delayed, the theft -- that is a long and complicated issue. It seems the were stolen by the Chieftan of the Shadowood Abandoned because he wanted to use them to find his son that had been kidnapped by the Bayer of Pain, a bogeyman Abandoned who operates in the area. Information was offered that was both worrisome and perturbing, hints of trouble brewing that Kael and I will have to plan to deal with.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to getting to know Oaken better, and to learn the training techniques that Keaton have become famous for.
The puppies are here and they are perfect! I have grown quite fond of the male, Keaton's Oaken Aegis. I have claimed him for myself, or perhaps in truth, it is that he has chosen me. He's a beautiful black and tan and has such personality! I think I will call him Oaken, odd perhaps, but it has a good sound to my ears. The female, Shae says, is extremely clever, and I have already seen the shine she has taken to Kael. It is nice to have more life in the Hall.
Now, as to why they were so delayed, the theft -- that is a long and complicated issue. It seems the were stolen by the Chieftan of the Shadowood Abandoned because he wanted to use them to find his son that had been kidnapped by the Bayer of Pain, a bogeyman Abandoned who operates in the area. Information was offered that was both worrisome and perturbing, hints of trouble brewing that Kael and I will have to plan to deal with.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to getting to know Oaken better, and to learn the training techniques that Keaton have become famous for.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:28 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
I have been putting this off because I barely want to think about what I saw in that place, let alone commit it to paper. But Vellichor does not ask that we write only the beautiful things, he demands we record it all. Truth is truth and words spread knowledge. If it hadn't been for something I'd read that frightened me, I would not have been able to recognize what I saw at that river.
The blood ran so thick you could taste it like a copper fog. The ground squelched underfoot in the worst kind of mud and the bodies... children's bodies split open like too ripe fruit, splayed open for carrion feast I... It was the pattern written in their viscera that drug the memory of the Children of Malar to my mind. Once we knew who we were dealing with we laid those poor souls to what little rest we could offer them.
I am not a Mercy, not for lack of interest, I simply was called to Vellichor rather than Lagoma. I have never been on a true battlefield, the closest I ever came was the Grand Melee and to think, that was not true intent to harm. There was no malice, no urge to hurt and maim and kill. That day on the river I saw malice and cruelty in depths I did not know were possible. I lost a part of myself, the sight of what human beings can do to one another, what savage pleasure in death looks like.
I fear I could not handle the sight of it. A poor Mercy I would be, I lost what little was in my belly. I forced myself to look, to see, I felt that loss within myself, a bit of the child still left, a small spark of something forever lost.
Later that day Kael was wounded when fighting those abominations. He is healing well and will be back to himself in full soon.
Praise Lagoma for watching over him.
Praise Limerance for keeping him by my side, as he promised to be.
Praise Mangata whose seas brought us home.
Praise Gloria for watching his back and guiding his arm.
Praise the Sentinel for overseeing justice done to the butchers of those children.
Praise Gild for seeing us safely home from our journey.
Praise Petrichor for the success in seeing Valardin lands expanded.
Praise Jayus for the dream of freedom granted our newest Prodrigals.
May these words serve as my praise to Vellichor, my devotion to him writ in these words, this tale, painful as it is to retell.
The blood ran so thick you could taste it like a copper fog. The ground squelched underfoot in the worst kind of mud and the bodies... children's bodies split open like too ripe fruit, splayed open for carrion feast I... It was the pattern written in their viscera that drug the memory of the Children of Malar to my mind. Once we knew who we were dealing with we laid those poor souls to what little rest we could offer them.
I am not a Mercy, not for lack of interest, I simply was called to Vellichor rather than Lagoma. I have never been on a true battlefield, the closest I ever came was the Grand Melee and to think, that was not true intent to harm. There was no malice, no urge to hurt and maim and kill. That day on the river I saw malice and cruelty in depths I did not know were possible. I lost a part of myself, the sight of what human beings can do to one another, what savage pleasure in death looks like.
I fear I could not handle the sight of it. A poor Mercy I would be, I lost what little was in my belly. I forced myself to look, to see, I felt that loss within myself, a bit of the child still left, a small spark of something forever lost.
Later that day Kael was wounded when fighting those abominations. He is healing well and will be back to himself in full soon.
Praise Lagoma for watching over him.
Praise Limerance for keeping him by my side, as he promised to be.
Praise Mangata whose seas brought us home.
Praise Gloria for watching his back and guiding his arm.
Praise the Sentinel for overseeing justice done to the butchers of those children.
Praise Gild for seeing us safely home from our journey.
Praise Petrichor for the success in seeing Valardin lands expanded.
Praise Jayus for the dream of freedom granted our newest Prodrigals.
May these words serve as my praise to Vellichor, my devotion to him writ in these words, this tale, painful as it is to retell.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 21, 2017, 5:30 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I genuinely believe that the spirit of camaraderie that is so pervasive throughout the Oathlands is due, in no small part, to Prince Edain Valardin. It is through his good hearted leadership that the Princes, Princesses, Lords and Ladies I have come to know are so warm and welcoming. I have found a family here in Arx that I never expected or hoped to. I feel as though I belong in a way that escaped me in my youth. I came to Arx a woman I do not recognize anymore. I smile here. I laugh here. I have friends and companions. And do not even get me started on my husband. Ahem. This is about Prince Edain. He is valiant and honorable, warm and full of the spirit that makes us Oathlanders. I could find no higher praise for him other than saying that he follows with willing step, the path of the gods.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 21, 2017, 2:23 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
There is no one quite like Duke Arn Telmar. Irascible and brusque and yet I cannot help but smile. He asked and I answered. There is a solidarity within Valardin that I cannot help but feel is unrivaled anywhere else. I would, and have, offered immediate aid and support to any in need, but I do feel a special connection to those who share loyalty to House Valardin and Prince Edain, I think are blessed with tight bonds and I am honored to be a part of the greater family that is Valardin.
But getting back to the Duke... I like him.
But getting back to the Duke... I like him.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 20, 2017, 10:10 a.m.(1/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Dominic
I do not understand what this Gyre is. I... Prince Dominic Thrax. I have a letter from him on my desk, I *just* spoke with him and now he is...
No tears. Thrax has the solidarity of Keaton. We will help you rebuild.
No tears. Thrax has the solidarity of Keaton. We will help you rebuild.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 17, 2017, 9:32 p.m.(1/15/1007 AR)
My heart goes out to House Thrax for what they endured today. The loss of life and livelihoods was horrific. I will not cry for them, but I do offer them all the aid House Keaton can provide. If I have not yet reached out to you and you need aid, please reach out to me. I have medicines, my own skills at healing and a great deal of lumber.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 17, 2017, 10:21 a.m.(1/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
What can I say about this marvelous Lady so new to my acquaintance? The Lady Khanne is a delight to speak to, she has remarkable wisdom and insight and I very much enjoy her company. Her faith is fascinating to me, and she has been so very patient in her explanations of what it means to be a shaman. I have a feeling that she, if she is willing, will be a frequent dinner guest at Keaton Hall.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 17, 2017, 10:17 a.m.(1/14/1007 AR)
It has been a few days now and the sights of the Grand Melee linger. I did not have much time to enjoy the competition, though I certainly got a very clear view of the results. I have to say my heart nearly stopped seeing so many beloved faces brought down in the dog pile strategy that proved very effective, if not precisely valiant. I think perhaps in the wake of war, that fighting edge is still keen and not prepared to yield in good faith, still too bound to the instinct to win -- to survive. Still, I am glad I was there, glad that I could use my hands to help ease some of the wounds. And seeing the Mother Mercy herself, Princess Sophie Valardin in action was a thing of wonder. I do not exaggerate when I say I learned so much on that field that day. Seeing her, calm, authoritative and yet still so comforting, well. It is no surprise how she came to be the Mother Mercy at so tender an age. She is everything she should be and I am proud to be her cousin.
Sister Thena, Softest Whisper Saedrus, Lady Caelis Malvici, everyone there lending aid and healing, you are all inspirations and I thank you.
Sister Thena, Softest Whisper Saedrus, Lady Caelis Malvici, everyone there lending aid and healing, you are all inspirations and I thank you.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 13, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(1/7/1007 AR)
Yesterday was filled with all manner of greatness. It is days like those that truly make me grateful to the gods for my lot in life. The day began in meeting Lord Wash Kennex, a romantic legend that I'd heard tale of all the way back in Apsfel Falls. As to what it was like to actually meet the man in the flesh, well, let us simply say that tales and truth are interesting bedfellows. That meeting turned to a late brunch, and while hosting him, the exquisite Lady Khanne Halfshav came for a visit. She is a shaman! I had never really had a chance to discuss what all that entails, but before we could get into it, it was time for the Jousting Finals at the Tournament of Roses.
The event was incredible, the competitors truly outdid themselves to the glory of Gloria and Limerance. That there were so many Valardin competing, AND that our own vassal, Sir Tarrant Moore made it to the last round was thrilling in the extreme. He has proven himself a brilliant sportsmen, demonstrating grace and good sportsmanship at every turn, I could not be prouder to call him vassal. Lady Jael also showed a remarkable gift and I could not be prouder to be HER vassal. And of course, the champion himself, Master Tristan... what can one say but how impressive he is! Princess Katarina, riding with Keaton's favor made such a good effort -- she inspires me to pledge that next year I will be on the lists myself!
After the Tournament we threw an impromptu feast for Sir Tarrant, and Lady Khanne regaled us all with what it means to be a shaman. There were so many interesting things being said I could barely keep it all separate when the final miracle of the night happened. I felt my baby moving within me for the first time. I admit, the first sensation made think I was about to shame myself in front of company, but when I put a hand over my stomach and I felt the movement again, my heart nearly stopped. I can only offer sincere apologies to those there for my abrupt flight, but I had to be alone with Kael to share the miracle with him.
The Littlest Keaton is moving. This is really happening. We are going to be parents.
I am the luckiest Arvan alive.
The event was incredible, the competitors truly outdid themselves to the glory of Gloria and Limerance. That there were so many Valardin competing, AND that our own vassal, Sir Tarrant Moore made it to the last round was thrilling in the extreme. He has proven himself a brilliant sportsmen, demonstrating grace and good sportsmanship at every turn, I could not be prouder to call him vassal. Lady Jael also showed a remarkable gift and I could not be prouder to be HER vassal. And of course, the champion himself, Master Tristan... what can one say but how impressive he is! Princess Katarina, riding with Keaton's favor made such a good effort -- she inspires me to pledge that next year I will be on the lists myself!
After the Tournament we threw an impromptu feast for Sir Tarrant, and Lady Khanne regaled us all with what it means to be a shaman. There were so many interesting things being said I could barely keep it all separate when the final miracle of the night happened. I felt my baby moving within me for the first time. I admit, the first sensation made think I was about to shame myself in front of company, but when I put a hand over my stomach and I felt the movement again, my heart nearly stopped. I can only offer sincere apologies to those there for my abrupt flight, but I had to be alone with Kael to share the miracle with him.
The Littlest Keaton is moving. This is really happening. We are going to be parents.
I am the luckiest Arvan alive.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 11, 2017, 10:29 a.m.(1/3/1007 AR)
Had someone asked me to picture what the first day of this new year would have been like, my answer would be so very far afield of reality, and yet the bones of those hopes are the same that frame my current life. So, let us see where I thought I would be, and see where I am.
I would have said that I would be living in Arx: Good on past me, I was right about that!
I would have said I would be godsworn, dedicated to Vellichor and the Pantheon: Not so much there. No the gods had other plans for me.
I would have said that I would be making new friends and hopefully be creating a new family: This is so very true. I had hoped, but what I found here in Arx has so wildly exceeded my expectations that I cannot even properly put it into words. I was so frightened when I arrived. And what I found... a husband that not only am I friends with, but who I feel real and genuine love for (I can say this now. The cat, as they say, is out of the bag after my accidental scrawling here in my white when I thought I'd been penning in my black. Ah well. It is official: I am in love with my husband. And that is good!)
In other news, since it has been revealed, I am carrying the next Keaton heir. This fills me with a joy I cannot hope to quantify. Kael and I have made something magical and wondrous and though I cannot recommend the sickness of the belly that still plagues me from time to time, the journey is one that I am sincerely enjoying. I carry with me the future of House Keaton and we are so excited to meet the child when they arrive. I am blessed in so many ways, and I am thankful for the pains of the past that have strengthened me, shaped me into the person I am. The gods have a plan for each of us. They set the path at our feet so that we are who we need to be when the time is right.
I love my husband. I love the friends, the dear, amazing, remarkable friends I have made here. I love my life and I love the gods.
I cannot wait to see what this new year brings.
I would have said that I would be living in Arx: Good on past me, I was right about that!
I would have said I would be godsworn, dedicated to Vellichor and the Pantheon: Not so much there. No the gods had other plans for me.
I would have said that I would be making new friends and hopefully be creating a new family: This is so very true. I had hoped, but what I found here in Arx has so wildly exceeded my expectations that I cannot even properly put it into words. I was so frightened when I arrived. And what I found... a husband that not only am I friends with, but who I feel real and genuine love for (I can say this now. The cat, as they say, is out of the bag after my accidental scrawling here in my white when I thought I'd been penning in my black. Ah well. It is official: I am in love with my husband. And that is good!)
In other news, since it has been revealed, I am carrying the next Keaton heir. This fills me with a joy I cannot hope to quantify. Kael and I have made something magical and wondrous and though I cannot recommend the sickness of the belly that still plagues me from time to time, the journey is one that I am sincerely enjoying. I carry with me the future of House Keaton and we are so excited to meet the child when they arrive. I am blessed in so many ways, and I am thankful for the pains of the past that have strengthened me, shaped me into the person I am. The gods have a plan for each of us. They set the path at our feet so that we are who we need to be when the time is right.
I love my husband. I love the friends, the dear, amazing, remarkable friends I have made here. I love my life and I love the gods.
I cannot wait to see what this new year brings.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 9, 2017, 4:24 p.m.(12/27/1006 AR)
I had my viewpoint shaken by a seemingly indomitable will the other day. It was one of those moments in which a viewpoint so utterly different than your own is thrust out with such intensity and determination that I had to momentarily question my own grasp of how society works.
I believe I am correct in my understanding. I tried to offer guidance, but the whole thing went so far field I simply am not at all certain I communicated anything effectively. I walked away baffled and torn between bearing down and attempting to impose my understanding of the world (the argument for this is, that in the long run this will help this person get something closer to their goals. The argument against this is, well... that's rather arrogant of me, is it not? But am I not being negligent in my duty to look after this person and see them succeed? So confused.) or simply allow them to be as they are.
Which is the right path?
I feel that the responsible thing to do is to try to drill in the reality of the world and how it works. is that not, in the end, the kinder thing?
I believe I am correct in my understanding. I tried to offer guidance, but the whole thing went so far field I simply am not at all certain I communicated anything effectively. I walked away baffled and torn between bearing down and attempting to impose my understanding of the world (the argument for this is, that in the long run this will help this person get something closer to their goals. The argument against this is, well... that's rather arrogant of me, is it not? But am I not being negligent in my duty to look after this person and see them succeed? So confused.) or simply allow them to be as they are.
Which is the right path?
I feel that the responsible thing to do is to try to drill in the reality of the world and how it works. is that not, in the end, the kinder thing?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.