Written By Aeryn
Jan. 23, 2018, 8:16 a.m.(1/9/1008 AR)
Lady Khanne asked for happy memories - I'm full of them! I have so many. But recently, this one had come to mind.
In the spring of 1004, my father was starting to fall a little ill and I was turning 14. When my birthday came around, he gifted me the most handsome little canary you ever did see. He was just a hatchling at that stage - naked and tiny, with big closed eyes and a wide, grumpy looking mouth.
The man in my house that was an expert on the subject said that when the little thing grew up he'd sing the most beautiful songs. I couldn't wait! All day and all night I nursed him and it kept me distracted as my father grew weaker and weaker.
Meanwhile the little bird got stronger and stronger. He grew to be vibrant and yellow and I adored him. I kept him in a big cage and gave him silk for his nesting material and spoiled him with toys - not that he ever played with them. He did try to build a nest with the silk, but a thread of it got tangled around his toes and, well, he got hurt - he lost most of his toes but it didn't seem to slow him down much. That's how he got his name, Littlefoot.
The next year, my 15th birthday was arriving but my father got sicker and sicker. And Littlefoot never sang. And he never played with his toys. And he never seemed happy. His once bright little eyes were always cast out of the window of my room. I guess I knew deep down what he really wanted (freedom!) but I never wanted to let go. He was precious and beautiful to look at and I loved to care for his every need, and remained devoted to him.
My father died the day before my 15th birthday. I was heartbroken.
The day of my birthday, I got up and looked at my sad little canary, and thought about my father. I took him out, I gave him one last little kiss goodbye and placed him on my windowsill. Along with a little bowl of birdseed. When I opened my window, he looked around in shock a bit and finally, after about an hour took his first flight.
That night I checked the seed bowl - it had gone untouched. Same as the second, and the third night.
It felt like I had lost two of my best friends - my Father and Littlefoot.
But the morning of the 4th day, I awoke to a strange sound outside of my window. The most magical little bird-song I'd ever heard.
Littlefoot had returned, and built a nest right outside of my window and had devoured the birdseed that I left him. From that moment on, I knew I had done the right thing by letting go. Actually, I learned a lot of lessons from Littlefoot about appreciating someone else's happiness and life.
He did that every morning until the day I left Artshall just weeks ago. Don't worry, I asked someone to go ahead and leave out the birdseed for him every morning while I'm gone. Well, at least in the Spring and Summer. In the Autumn and Winter he goes somewhere warmer...
I hear he has found himself a girlfriend now. I fully expect that when I go back to Artshall the trees outside of my old room will be just full of a happy little family, singing for their breakfast.
In the spring of 1004, my father was starting to fall a little ill and I was turning 14. When my birthday came around, he gifted me the most handsome little canary you ever did see. He was just a hatchling at that stage - naked and tiny, with big closed eyes and a wide, grumpy looking mouth.
The man in my house that was an expert on the subject said that when the little thing grew up he'd sing the most beautiful songs. I couldn't wait! All day and all night I nursed him and it kept me distracted as my father grew weaker and weaker.
Meanwhile the little bird got stronger and stronger. He grew to be vibrant and yellow and I adored him. I kept him in a big cage and gave him silk for his nesting material and spoiled him with toys - not that he ever played with them. He did try to build a nest with the silk, but a thread of it got tangled around his toes and, well, he got hurt - he lost most of his toes but it didn't seem to slow him down much. That's how he got his name, Littlefoot.
The next year, my 15th birthday was arriving but my father got sicker and sicker. And Littlefoot never sang. And he never played with his toys. And he never seemed happy. His once bright little eyes were always cast out of the window of my room. I guess I knew deep down what he really wanted (freedom!) but I never wanted to let go. He was precious and beautiful to look at and I loved to care for his every need, and remained devoted to him.
My father died the day before my 15th birthday. I was heartbroken.
The day of my birthday, I got up and looked at my sad little canary, and thought about my father. I took him out, I gave him one last little kiss goodbye and placed him on my windowsill. Along with a little bowl of birdseed. When I opened my window, he looked around in shock a bit and finally, after about an hour took his first flight.
That night I checked the seed bowl - it had gone untouched. Same as the second, and the third night.
It felt like I had lost two of my best friends - my Father and Littlefoot.
But the morning of the 4th day, I awoke to a strange sound outside of my window. The most magical little bird-song I'd ever heard.
Littlefoot had returned, and built a nest right outside of my window and had devoured the birdseed that I left him. From that moment on, I knew I had done the right thing by letting go. Actually, I learned a lot of lessons from Littlefoot about appreciating someone else's happiness and life.
He did that every morning until the day I left Artshall just weeks ago. Don't worry, I asked someone to go ahead and leave out the birdseed for him every morning while I'm gone. Well, at least in the Spring and Summer. In the Autumn and Winter he goes somewhere warmer...
I hear he has found himself a girlfriend now. I fully expect that when I go back to Artshall the trees outside of my old room will be just full of a happy little family, singing for their breakfast.
Written By Theron
Jan. 23, 2018, 8:13 a.m.(1/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
You always have the wickedest ideas. It's good, though - I enjoy them.
Written By Victus
Jan. 23, 2018, 3:11 a.m.(1/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Hoping to hear some good memories are ya', eh? I gotta say that most of the things I call 'happy' ain't the same brand of happy a lot of people enjoy in the same way. Lots of things actually, but I can think of a few. Few that matter anyway.
This one time when I was a real young little thing, I saw a girl huddled up in off the street corner. She had clamps on her wrists, clearly meaning she was property to someone else at the time. I had a hunk of bread leftover because Uncle Donrai kept me well-fed to grow big and strong and the like. Decided that this little girl looks hungry, she probably needs it more than me. So I handed it over. She was scared at first, probably wasn't used to anybody touching her if it wasn't to get smacked or dragged. But she came around when she saw I was just offering some food. She said thank you and I gave her a smile. Never saw her again.
Uncle Donrai though, he weren't too happy with me for that one. I can remember his words in the back of my head like it were yesterday.
"You must never be weak. The weak shall perish unmourned, unloved, and unremembered."
That was what he told me. Earned me a proper fucking shiner on the eye too, not from his own hand though. My Uncle never smiled much, but when he started wearin' that mask it's not like you could tell anyway. He definitely wasn't smiling on that day either.
"I will tolerate no such with you, Victus Baseborn. The bastard of Maelstrom, the son of Argus, will be a weapon soaked in the gore of our enemies. Never show weakness before me again, or I will see you cast into the sea."
So that's what I committed to doing when I was growin' up instead of sharing my bread with Thralls, and Uncle was satisfied. Pretty fucking grim I know, but the happy part of it I didn't realize till a whole lot later. When I started thinking on everything that got me this far without gettin' myself killed or a whole load of others either, I sometimes think about that little Thrall girl I spotted all those years ago. See she taught me something really, really important that I didn't even think of at the time.
That when the most important people in my life were trying to steer me wrong, I was still trying to do something halfway decent. Whenever there's a new pile of shit to deal with, I can always think back to that time and say "Yeah Victus, you were in a shit time and you did alright."
Lil gleaming pearl in a dark place. Taught me that even in the shittiest of times, surrounded by shittiest influences, somebody can still do a good thing for somebody else. And it'll never be too late for it to be you yourself. I dunno where that girl is now. In all likelihood, probably not with us anymore. But I appreciate her teaching me that it's never too dark for there to be a just a little bit of light.
So, happy memory from me. Do whatever it is you do with it.
This one time when I was a real young little thing, I saw a girl huddled up in off the street corner. She had clamps on her wrists, clearly meaning she was property to someone else at the time. I had a hunk of bread leftover because Uncle Donrai kept me well-fed to grow big and strong and the like. Decided that this little girl looks hungry, she probably needs it more than me. So I handed it over. She was scared at first, probably wasn't used to anybody touching her if it wasn't to get smacked or dragged. But she came around when she saw I was just offering some food. She said thank you and I gave her a smile. Never saw her again.
Uncle Donrai though, he weren't too happy with me for that one. I can remember his words in the back of my head like it were yesterday.
"You must never be weak. The weak shall perish unmourned, unloved, and unremembered."
That was what he told me. Earned me a proper fucking shiner on the eye too, not from his own hand though. My Uncle never smiled much, but when he started wearin' that mask it's not like you could tell anyway. He definitely wasn't smiling on that day either.
"I will tolerate no such with you, Victus Baseborn. The bastard of Maelstrom, the son of Argus, will be a weapon soaked in the gore of our enemies. Never show weakness before me again, or I will see you cast into the sea."
So that's what I committed to doing when I was growin' up instead of sharing my bread with Thralls, and Uncle was satisfied. Pretty fucking grim I know, but the happy part of it I didn't realize till a whole lot later. When I started thinking on everything that got me this far without gettin' myself killed or a whole load of others either, I sometimes think about that little Thrall girl I spotted all those years ago. See she taught me something really, really important that I didn't even think of at the time.
That when the most important people in my life were trying to steer me wrong, I was still trying to do something halfway decent. Whenever there's a new pile of shit to deal with, I can always think back to that time and say "Yeah Victus, you were in a shit time and you did alright."
Lil gleaming pearl in a dark place. Taught me that even in the shittiest of times, surrounded by shittiest influences, somebody can still do a good thing for somebody else. And it'll never be too late for it to be you yourself. I dunno where that girl is now. In all likelihood, probably not with us anymore. But I appreciate her teaching me that it's never too dark for there to be a just a little bit of light.
So, happy memory from me. Do whatever it is you do with it.
Written By Bastien
Jan. 23, 2018, 1:10 a.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Yasmine
I don't like anyone.
Written By Sabella
Jan. 23, 2018, 12:19 a.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Theron
It's a shame we didn't use a blood oath, my Lord.
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 22, 2018, 10:47 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Yasmine
Tell me how that goes for you. You're impossible not to like.
Written By Alis
Jan. 22, 2018, 7:23 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
You asked for a happy memory, and I am glad to oblige. It can be difficult to remember the positive things when you're overshadowed by grief. But it's important not to forget these things. And just seeing the request reminded me of of a bright, shining moment I was able to share with my eldest brother Vance.
I'd finally convinced my father to let me train to be a Knight (read: I yelled and screamed at him until he caved - it took a really long time), and the day had come that I was to be sent to Arx. I thought maybe it was some kind of punishment to send me so far away when I had perfectly capable elder brothers to teach me. And, very nervous about being trained under Lord Commander Dayne. I couldn't really argue with his decision, despite those warring feelings. And as usual, father was busy seeing to matters of the fealty. So it was Vance who made sure I was packed and ready to go, escorting me to the gates where the retinue of guards waited.
Before helping me astride the horse that would carry me into that new and exhausting life though, he stopped to place a small object in my hand and then curled my fingers around it tightly.
"Alis." he told me, leaning forward as if he were about to share some family secret nobody should hear about. "I asked father if I could take this from the things mother left for us, but he doesn't know I intended to give it to you. So this will stay between the two of us? And maybe Valen, and Tabitha, and Edain... everyone but Prince Radley."
He knew that would prompt a smile from me, and I laughingly agreed to keep this scandalous little secret between us and everyone except my poor father. Who absolutely knew anyway, because nothing happened in that manor without him knowing of it. It was something of an open joke between us all to pretend we'd pulled one over on him.
Anyway, as I unfurled my hand, there was a ring there. A ring of silver and ruby, that fanned out at the top so that it went from nearly the knuckle to the first finger joint with the stone near the top. And the engravings on it looked much like one might find on a Knight's armor, prompting me to look up in confusion at him. Jewelry? What?
I don't think he'd ever laughed quite as loudly at any of my expressions as he did at my puzzlement then. But, he explained that it was the ring our mother was granted when she was Knighted. And that the engravings were the same as was found on the armor she wore as a Knight of Redwall.
"Tabitha didn't choose to be a Knight, but you have. And so this ring is passed to you. And the first of your female children who will be a Knight. Remember that she would be proud of you."
That was the moment I felt truly happy and excited about my new adventure. A small gesture, but to someone who never really got to know her mother, I treasure it as one of the happiest memories I have of Vance and I.
I'd finally convinced my father to let me train to be a Knight (read: I yelled and screamed at him until he caved - it took a really long time), and the day had come that I was to be sent to Arx. I thought maybe it was some kind of punishment to send me so far away when I had perfectly capable elder brothers to teach me. And, very nervous about being trained under Lord Commander Dayne. I couldn't really argue with his decision, despite those warring feelings. And as usual, father was busy seeing to matters of the fealty. So it was Vance who made sure I was packed and ready to go, escorting me to the gates where the retinue of guards waited.
Before helping me astride the horse that would carry me into that new and exhausting life though, he stopped to place a small object in my hand and then curled my fingers around it tightly.
"Alis." he told me, leaning forward as if he were about to share some family secret nobody should hear about. "I asked father if I could take this from the things mother left for us, but he doesn't know I intended to give it to you. So this will stay between the two of us? And maybe Valen, and Tabitha, and Edain... everyone but Prince Radley."
He knew that would prompt a smile from me, and I laughingly agreed to keep this scandalous little secret between us and everyone except my poor father. Who absolutely knew anyway, because nothing happened in that manor without him knowing of it. It was something of an open joke between us all to pretend we'd pulled one over on him.
Anyway, as I unfurled my hand, there was a ring there. A ring of silver and ruby, that fanned out at the top so that it went from nearly the knuckle to the first finger joint with the stone near the top. And the engravings on it looked much like one might find on a Knight's armor, prompting me to look up in confusion at him. Jewelry? What?
I don't think he'd ever laughed quite as loudly at any of my expressions as he did at my puzzlement then. But, he explained that it was the ring our mother was granted when she was Knighted. And that the engravings were the same as was found on the armor she wore as a Knight of Redwall.
"Tabitha didn't choose to be a Knight, but you have. And so this ring is passed to you. And the first of your female children who will be a Knight. Remember that she would be proud of you."
That was the moment I felt truly happy and excited about my new adventure. A small gesture, but to someone who never really got to know her mother, I treasure it as one of the happiest memories I have of Vance and I.
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 22, 2018, 6:48 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
For the first time ever, someone has given me a dragonweep to work with. Dragonweep! Wolbrand worked with it once or twice, let me help him, but it's different now, this is my shop, my work. I'm honored and terrified. I mean to go forward with care.
Written By Derovai
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:56 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
I hear tell there may well be someone interested in a sparring match with Master Wild, even if his reputation precedes him somewhat. (It isn't me. My chances at swordplay are those of a mouse gamely fighting off a hawk, and I would never dream of insulting his skills so with my own paltry excuse for martial prowess.)
Written By Merek
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:49 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valery
We work together sometimes. I think she can be a very nice person all in all. She does not seem to talk much! I think we will get along because she likes alchemy and gardens as much as me likely.
Written By Merek
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:42 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Training can definitely be quite a task, but I like to do it. I miss having the sparring partners to train with though, I've just been so busy with things, that I need to get back about and train with people to build friendships.
Written By Aureth
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:31 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Nierzen
'Coz!
You're going to throw a party? That's the most astonishing thing I've read today.
You're going to throw a party? That's the most astonishing thing I've read today.
Written By Yasmine
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:20 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
He really, really wants to dislike me.
Yet, I make it difficult for him to do so.
He should just give it up and admit that he wants to be my friend.
Yet, I make it difficult for him to do so.
He should just give it up and admit that he wants to be my friend.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 22, 2018, 5:20 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Inspired by Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax, I am seeking:
Good Memories
Many of us have suffered deep sorrows and loss in our lives,
some of us very recently. With what we face in the future,
I fear there will be more to come. In effort to preserve
stories of joy and hope, of the things that give us a
reason to protect what we love or hold dear; family,
friends, lieges and all. I would like to collect stories
that you (yes you! All of you!) are willing to share of
a moment in time spent with a person important to your life.
It does not have to be a grand heroic tale (but it can be),
just a good memory that perhaps inspires or causes others
to smile. I would like to put these stories together in
a book, or a series of books, depending on how many are
collected, so that we can preserve the good in our lives
that too often do not get recorded. I will thank all those
who contribute in some manner, though that is yet to be
determined. Thank you in advance!
Good Memories
Many of us have suffered deep sorrows and loss in our lives,
some of us very recently. With what we face in the future,
I fear there will be more to come. In effort to preserve
stories of joy and hope, of the things that give us a
reason to protect what we love or hold dear; family,
friends, lieges and all. I would like to collect stories
that you (yes you! All of you!) are willing to share of
a moment in time spent with a person important to your life.
It does not have to be a grand heroic tale (but it can be),
just a good memory that perhaps inspires or causes others
to smile. I would like to put these stories together in
a book, or a series of books, depending on how many are
collected, so that we can preserve the good in our lives
that too often do not get recorded. I will thank all those
who contribute in some manner, though that is yet to be
determined. Thank you in advance!
Written By Wynna
Jan. 22, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Well, it's definitely a start. Strange how fulfilling basic human interaction can feel.
Written By Thena
Jan. 22, 2018, 2:45 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
I’m pretty sure the gods aren’t /actually/ conspiring to remind me that I don’t get to be a normal person, but just in case they are?
I get it.
I get it.
Written By Edain
Jan. 22, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(1/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Your sincerity is truly a thing to behold.
Written By Calypso
Jan. 22, 2018, 1:48 p.m.(1/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Astraea
It is true, Princess. Your brother is endlessly helpful. Not a lick of trouble thus far. Only diligent assistance and a passion for getting the job done.
Written By Eleanor
Jan. 22, 2018, 1:47 p.m.(1/7/1008 AR)
I feel as though the ground beneath my feet is constantly shifting. Is this how other people feel when they get on a boat for the first time? My world felt sturdiest aboard ship, when my youth and circumstance shielded me from the realities of life. It's like every time I've surmounted an obstacle, another one appears before me - bigger than the last. Or that I turn around to discover my previous path wasn't what I thought it was at all. What felt impossible turns out to be achievable, what was pure good turns out to be shades of gray.
But I learn from it all. Grow. Adapt. Become better prepared to face the next obstacle head on. Shades of gray always seems to be painted as worse than black and white, but is it? It's more complicated, certainly. Less simplistic. More REALISTIC. That's better, maybe, because it allows for hope that things might change for the good. Nothing is fixed in stone.
Maybe if you prepare for the ground to shift, it's like getting your sea legs. Expect the change, and it becomes your sturdy foundation.
I'll keep climbing, keep moving forward, and discover what comes next.
But I learn from it all. Grow. Adapt. Become better prepared to face the next obstacle head on. Shades of gray always seems to be painted as worse than black and white, but is it? It's more complicated, certainly. Less simplistic. More REALISTIC. That's better, maybe, because it allows for hope that things might change for the good. Nothing is fixed in stone.
Maybe if you prepare for the ground to shift, it's like getting your sea legs. Expect the change, and it becomes your sturdy foundation.
I'll keep climbing, keep moving forward, and discover what comes next.
Written By Aiden
Jan. 22, 2018, 1:35 p.m.(1/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aeryn
You'll be a wonderful addition to the Physicians and helping out at the Menagerie.
I'm quite happy to have met you at the Gala. Look what has come of it!
I'm quite happy to have met you at the Gala. Look what has come of it!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.