Written By Zhayla
March 12, 2017, 11:40 p.m.(2/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
I hadn't yet bent the knee the last time Gabriel was Regent ... but having met him just a few times, it's so, so obvious why they would turn to him again, and why the Compact breathed a collective sigh of relief to have his hand at the helm.
He can never know just how much time I spend I practicing trying to look serious like he does. He just has that kind of face that makes you LISTEN.
He can never know just how much time I spend I practicing trying to look serious like he does. He just has that kind of face that makes you LISTEN.
Written By Zhayla
March 12, 2017, 7:43 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Everyone else is talking about really important things about Death and the Queen of Endings and visions and everything but-- I think this is a really important detail to be remembered in the future, too:
When she dropped a book on Aureth's head, it was a book with illustrations, just so that we couldn't miss the point.. And not just any illustrations!! They are adorable little skulls.
When she dropped a book on Aureth's head, it was a book with illustrations, just so that we couldn't miss the point.. And not just any illustrations!! They are adorable little skulls.
Written By Zhayla
March 7, 2017, 6:01 p.m.(1/18/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
Sometimes I hear other fealties boast about good their sailors are or how good their soldiers are or how good their horses are. And they are really good. I know that; I've fought as one of them. (Well, not the horse people. But Dumpling and I are starting to get along!!)
People tend to think -- Grayson, yeah. They're okay. They're pretty good. But people don't always recognize them as the force they are.
But I think that there might be some truth to the words "none greater" when Grayson is able to field even a team of hairdressers, make-uppers, and tailors, and do so with lightning-fast efficiency to deploy them in a stealth commando raid in the wee hours of the morning. It would have made any dozen of the commanders I've served under delirious with envy. I wouldn't want to be an army on the other end of that logistical mind.
There were even matching slippers!!
Without her help, I don't know that I'd have had the heart to face a meeting I was dreading. She's so thoughtful -- not just like, kind, although she is, even though you might not think, but she just THINKS about things. If I'm to be something more than I am, then I could probably stand to be a little more like her.
People tend to think -- Grayson, yeah. They're okay. They're pretty good. But people don't always recognize them as the force they are.
But I think that there might be some truth to the words "none greater" when Grayson is able to field even a team of hairdressers, make-uppers, and tailors, and do so with lightning-fast efficiency to deploy them in a stealth commando raid in the wee hours of the morning. It would have made any dozen of the commanders I've served under delirious with envy. I wouldn't want to be an army on the other end of that logistical mind.
There were even matching slippers!!
Without her help, I don't know that I'd have had the heart to face a meeting I was dreading. She's so thoughtful -- not just like, kind, although she is, even though you might not think, but she just THINKS about things. If I'm to be something more than I am, then I could probably stand to be a little more like her.
Written By Zhayla
March 2, 2017, 8:03 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I realized I haven't written about Fort before. I thought he was just some weird poet, then I found out no, he's an artist, and that he's done such amazing things. He's Aureth's brother, and Hana's uncles, and I tease him about being metaphors stacked on metaphors. He's definitely weird, but he's such a good weird, and he's thoughtful in a way that always surprises me and catches me off guard. I don't think anyone else has made me think as many new thoughts as he has.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
The Duchess of Zaffria put on as elegant a show as I've ever seen, and was extremely gracious as she dealt with Maximilian. I was grateful to have the chance to stand for her as a Champion ... and honestly I'm a little embarrassed to be so delighted by the gown she provided for my fee.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:25 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Yesterday, Niamh and I sparred in cotton and linen, getting used to fighting in dresses. I spent an absolutely ridiculous number of hours yesterday just running around in scrap cloth, so that I would be ready for today. Niamh didn't quite embarrass me, but she DEFINITELY reminded me of the respect I have for her skill. She quite handily defeated me in the sparring ring. She such a tremendous fighter!! It's easy to see why she's risen so far in the Champions.
Today, I faced Niamh in the dueling ring on the Proving Grounds. I fought for Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, Whisper and co-ruler of Gemecitta. I fought for her honor against a slight paid to her by Count Maximilian Darkwater, that such slights might be judged.
Well, if they were judged, they were judged awfully quickly on our second exchange: I cleanly struck first blood.
I'd passed by Legate Orazio before the duel. I was going to stop in the shrines of Sentinel and Gloria before, although I didn't even know what I was supposed to pray for. I asked him: I know I don't pray for victory, I said, but what should I pray for?
He said: Pray to embody courage, honor, and justice, and be the instrument of their judgement, whether in victory or defeat.
I did. I prayed for that. I hope that I lived up to it.
Today, I faced Niamh in the dueling ring on the Proving Grounds. I fought for Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, Whisper and co-ruler of Gemecitta. I fought for her honor against a slight paid to her by Count Maximilian Darkwater, that such slights might be judged.
Well, if they were judged, they were judged awfully quickly on our second exchange: I cleanly struck first blood.
I'd passed by Legate Orazio before the duel. I was going to stop in the shrines of Sentinel and Gloria before, although I didn't even know what I was supposed to pray for. I asked him: I know I don't pray for victory, I said, but what should I pray for?
He said: Pray to embody courage, honor, and justice, and be the instrument of their judgement, whether in victory or defeat.
I did. I prayed for that. I hope that I lived up to it.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 26, 2017, 9:12 a.m.(12/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
I always feel super awkward when I trip over people in the shrines who are actually there for serious seriousbusiness reasons and not there because they don't know what's going on and hope someone will tell them. Dagon is one of the people I met there -- he was all serious, sitting in a vigil, but I saw him smile by the time we were done talking, and I think I might have done some good. That was a weird feeling, but kind of a good one, too. It seems like he has a hard road ahead of him, but also like he's willing to face it. I wish him luck on the journey.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:38 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
I trust Percephon enough to help me out when I get lost in the library ... BUT (And this is underlined, and written with a bold line of link:) I DEFINITELY DON'T TRUST HIM NOT TO TEASE ME ABOUT IT.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 18, 2017, 4:21 p.m.(12/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niamh
I thought she was intimidating when I first met her, to be honest. A Prodigal, sure, but a noblewoman and second in leadership to a guild of duelists known throughout the Compact. And tall, and she had such a presence--.
But she was thoughtful, too, and funny, and she put me at ease. Now I know she's kind too. That's a pretty amazing combination. I owe Holt a drink of thanks for turning my attention toward the Champions.
But she was thoughtful, too, and funny, and she put me at ease. Now I know she's kind too. That's a pretty amazing combination. I owe Holt a drink of thanks for turning my attention toward the Champions.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 11, 2017, 10:16 p.m.(11/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Julea
I'm always running into Julea at the training center, and she introduced herself a flamesmith, which is a way cooler way to say blacksmith than I've ever heard. She has one of the best, most coolest weapons I've ever seen. It was diamondplate!! She suggested we spar more, and I'm pretty sure she's gonna embarrass me. The littlest blades always take me apart the fastest.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 11, 2017, 10:31 a.m.(11/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bethany
I went with the Marquessa to the celebration of Bethany's marriage, and a lot of my favorite people were there, which I didn't expect. She and Jeremiah are kind of ridiculous, in the best way. It just makes you feel good seeing how happy they make each other. I still remember meeting her for the first time and how happy she was then.
She looked really pretty. I've never really looked at all of the ridiculous things that silks dress up in and thought 'I want that' until I saw her.
I wonder how much skirts would get in the way fighting.
She looked really pretty. I've never really looked at all of the ridiculous things that silks dress up in and thought 'I want that' until I saw her.
I wonder how much skirts would get in the way fighting.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 3, 2017, 10:12 p.m.(11/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
She can't be much older than me, if anything at all, but I've heard she does the most remarkable work! I won a rubicund weapon at the festival in the boroughs, and she's going to make it for me, but talking her out of naming it something awful of covering it in some sort of sigil was the work of days. DAYS!!
It sounds funny to me still, the way people cover themselves in symbols and go around calling themselves things they aren't. She said -- hmm, I don't remember what her first suggestion was, but let's pretend it's The Hammer, because she's going to make me a giant axe hammer maul thing. And she said it would sound so cool if everyone ran around like 'Wow, did you see how hard The Hammer hit?'
But I'd rather that when people talk about me, they talk about /me/. I have a name. Just one name, which not as much of a name of a lot of people in the city, but it's my name. And Hana's agreed to make me a weapon that honors that.
Also she's a lot of fun to go take wave stomping.
It sounds funny to me still, the way people cover themselves in symbols and go around calling themselves things they aren't. She said -- hmm, I don't remember what her first suggestion was, but let's pretend it's The Hammer, because she's going to make me a giant axe hammer maul thing. And she said it would sound so cool if everyone ran around like 'Wow, did you see how hard The Hammer hit?'
But I'd rather that when people talk about me, they talk about /me/. I have a name. Just one name, which not as much of a name of a lot of people in the city, but it's my name. And Hana's agreed to make me a weapon that honors that.
Also she's a lot of fun to go take wave stomping.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 3, 2017, 9:06 p.m.(11/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
It's easy to forget that Joscelin is Guildmaster because of her kindness -- and because of her mouth!! I expected her to be scarier, more wrapped up in power or something. But it seems like every time I see her, she's carrying another weight. But she's still kind, even through her grief, and I'm glad to count her a friend.
PS: also she's happy to feed me, which definitely helps with the good feelings.
PS: also she's happy to feed me, which definitely helps with the good feelings.
Written By Zhayla
Feb. 3, 2017, 8:51 p.m.(11/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
I'm looking forward to hearing more of your stories when you get back, Ianthe. And so is everyone else.
Because you are coming back, I know it. You were a tremendous friend even in the short time I knew you, and everything I see reflected in the faces of those who were lucky enough to know you longer just makes me wish I'd heard more of this from you. I'll keep them safe, though, until you're back. I'll keep everything of yours safe, because it's the only thing I know how to do.
Because you are coming back, I know it. You were a tremendous friend even in the short time I knew you, and everything I see reflected in the faces of those who were lucky enough to know you longer just makes me wish I'd heard more of this from you. I'll keep them safe, though, until you're back. I'll keep everything of yours safe, because it's the only thing I know how to do.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Holt
I finally got that drink with Holt, and disappointed him by revealing I don't drink the same things he does, but IT ISN'T JUST WINE FLAVORED WATER, HOLT. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WATERING IT DOWN A LITTLE.
Especially since he's like 10 times bigger than I am. I will never in my life understand how it is that he moves so fast. I'm never going to be able to beat him if I can't hit him! He's a terror. I shouldn't admit this, maybe. I told him I look forward to the day when he wins a contest because everyone is underestimating him, and here I am, telling his secrets. Secret: he's really, really good.
He asked me if I'd ever thought about joining the Champions, and I asked the Marquessa if it would be okay, and Lady Niamh said I could, too, so I'm going to. I'm kind of excited by it. Fighting for HONOR. Holt kept pointing out that it's for coin, too. But that doesn't sound as awesome.
Especially since he's like 10 times bigger than I am. I will never in my life understand how it is that he moves so fast. I'm never going to be able to beat him if I can't hit him! He's a terror. I shouldn't admit this, maybe. I told him I look forward to the day when he wins a contest because everyone is underestimating him, and here I am, telling his secrets. Secret: he's really, really good.
He asked me if I'd ever thought about joining the Champions, and I asked the Marquessa if it would be okay, and Lady Niamh said I could, too, so I'm going to. I'm kind of excited by it. Fighting for HONOR. Holt kept pointing out that it's for coin, too. But that doesn't sound as awesome.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:55 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
So far, I've managed to avoid accidentally killing Dumpling.
The Marquessa and Sir -- wait, no, LORD COMMANDER -- Rymarr made a gift of a horse to me, and while they promise me that she's a sweet-tempered, good-natured mare (she's actually really pretty, too; she's called Dumpling, and she's the color of a dumpling in chicken soup, all gold and white), she's still about 10000 feet tall and 20000 pounds heavy. Samantha said it was a gift in recognition of well I did in the melee, and Rymarr thinks I should learn to ride, so that I can keep guarding the Marquessa even when she leaves the city. So I will -- eventually.
Right now, I'm still getting used to her. She hasn't stepped on me yet, and I'm doing what Rymarr said and staying in front, where Dumpling can see me. Now that Samantha told me the trick to getting the animals to listen to you -- it's bribing, by the way, she had me introduce myself with sugar -- I'm cautiously hopeful that I won't get trampled.
She also said that I could go with the Deepwood troops to fight the Bringers, and if learning to ride a horse will let me ride that much faster to the front lines, I think it's worth putting up with something that big.
The Marquessa and Sir -- wait, no, LORD COMMANDER -- Rymarr made a gift of a horse to me, and while they promise me that she's a sweet-tempered, good-natured mare (she's actually really pretty, too; she's called Dumpling, and she's the color of a dumpling in chicken soup, all gold and white), she's still about 10000 feet tall and 20000 pounds heavy. Samantha said it was a gift in recognition of well I did in the melee, and Rymarr thinks I should learn to ride, so that I can keep guarding the Marquessa even when she leaves the city. So I will -- eventually.
Right now, I'm still getting used to her. She hasn't stepped on me yet, and I'm doing what Rymarr said and staying in front, where Dumpling can see me. Now that Samantha told me the trick to getting the animals to listen to you -- it's bribing, by the way, she had me introduce myself with sugar -- I'm cautiously hopeful that I won't get trampled.
She also said that I could go with the Deepwood troops to fight the Bringers, and if learning to ride a horse will let me ride that much faster to the front lines, I think it's worth putting up with something that big.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:49 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Rymarr was made the Lord Commander of the King's Own, and if I didn't know him when he was just the First Captain of the King's Own instead (haha, that's a joke, that's pretty terrifying too) I think I'd be intimidated by that. He looked very serious when he was up there making his vows, and I know he takes them seriously, too, but I am going to share one of his secrets here in this journal where probably no one else will see:
He knows how to smile.
He seems to carry the weight of his responsibilities very solemnly, but I know there's a good man under that stern face, and I couldn't be gladder for him.
He knows how to smile.
He seems to carry the weight of his responsibilities very solemnly, but I know there's a good man under that stern face, and I couldn't be gladder for him.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 22, 2017, 6:13 p.m.(9/24/1005 AR)
I think I'm starting to get used to Arx, sort of, but I'll never get used to how many nobles there are here, and the way they say things like 'oh you should just get a horse and learn to ride it'. Or 'you should just go have tea with the Legate'. Or 'come have dinner with the Marquessa and the First Captain of the King's Own and the daughter of Duke Bisland that guy who used to be regent by the way'.
AHHHH.
Or the way my training buddies will turn around and start talking about serious war council things that they have to go do. It sounds like things are getting serious out there. I've been spending everything I have on training, when I can find someone to help. The Marquessa has told me that my place is with her, but -- I want to be out there.
None of the heroes in any of the stories got to BE heroes by staying at home and watching things happen to other people. We're facing monsters. Sounds like they need slaying. But then I think about how I'd feel if something did happen back here when I was gone, and I don't know. Where can I do the most good?
AHHHH.
Or the way my training buddies will turn around and start talking about serious war council things that they have to go do. It sounds like things are getting serious out there. I've been spending everything I have on training, when I can find someone to help. The Marquessa has told me that my place is with her, but -- I want to be out there.
None of the heroes in any of the stories got to BE heroes by staying at home and watching things happen to other people. We're facing monsters. Sounds like they need slaying. But then I think about how I'd feel if something did happen back here when I was gone, and I don't know. Where can I do the most good?
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 14, 2017, 10 p.m.(9/1/1005 AR)
A copy of a letter that Zyala wrote with the help of the scribes has been left in her journal. Some of the approaches to spelling and punctuation are a little creative:
Dear Sir First Captain Rymarr:
This is my first letter I've ever written anyone! I asked one of the scholars what to do and they are helping me, but I'm writing it on my own, so if I get anything wrong it's my fault, not theirs. Since you told me to write you to tell you what I'm doing and what I've learned, here's what I've done in the last few days:
I finally finished setting up my room, I think. The Marquessa let me have my pick of items in storage at the Deepwood Manor. I have so many pictures of all kinds of things! Some of them are places I recognize, or look like places I recognize, anyway, but there's a lot of them that I don't recognize at all. I don't know what else to do with all the space so I've put a bunch of rocks I like on the windowsill and desk. What do you do with your space?
I fought in the melee organized by Lady Calypso. I saw Leta there and someone else that I later learned was Lord Commander Silas, except he said that we were the only commoners there, except he's a Lord? I thought he was a commoner, anyway, so when I saw two people fighting him I asked if Silas minded if I fought one of them. Except the guy I fought didn't actually have any armor on, so after I hit him twice I didn't want to hit him anymore. He was actually really, really, really hard to hit. He must be very good. After that I fought some big northerner that I'm pretty sure I fought before, but he was totally silent, and it was a little weird. I think he would have beaten me if like three other people weren't fighting him at the same time. After that I think it was basically just the Lord Commander, me, and someone else, and they both started fighting me instead of each other! I didn't want to fight the Lord Commander, who I thought wasn't a Lord Commander, so I was trying to hit the other guy. I got very lucky and managed to take him out of the fight. After that it was me and Silas and he just kept hitting me and hitting me and I couldn't get past his guard at all until all of a sudden I did in two big hits and then I won. It was very strange and a little scary and honestly I probably need to go see the healers still, although they did a very good job after. How do you find healers?
I went to the Shrine of Gloria, too, and talked to this tremendously stern looking woman who answered a bunch of my questions, but maybe not in a way I'm entirely satisfied with. I don't know if there any good answers to my questions.
The idea of honor is such a funny thing. Like I didn't want to fight that guy without armor after hitting him twice, because if I hit him again it could have really hurt him, so was fighting someone else honorable, or just smart, because if he did get hurt, I'd get blamed? And I still don't see what's honorable about sparing someone just so that they can go on to hurt others. I think it's selfish to hold your own idea of honor above the wellbeing of others. Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the honorable thing, but I didn't want to tell her I thought that.
I'm really looking forward to telling the Marquessa I won, but I don't want it to sound like I'm bragging. Not too much. Just bragging a little. How should I tell her, do you think?
Hope you are having a good day doing knight things. You should tell me about them!
Zhayla
Dear Sir First Captain Rymarr:
This is my first letter I've ever written anyone! I asked one of the scholars what to do and they are helping me, but I'm writing it on my own, so if I get anything wrong it's my fault, not theirs. Since you told me to write you to tell you what I'm doing and what I've learned, here's what I've done in the last few days:
I finally finished setting up my room, I think. The Marquessa let me have my pick of items in storage at the Deepwood Manor. I have so many pictures of all kinds of things! Some of them are places I recognize, or look like places I recognize, anyway, but there's a lot of them that I don't recognize at all. I don't know what else to do with all the space so I've put a bunch of rocks I like on the windowsill and desk. What do you do with your space?
I fought in the melee organized by Lady Calypso. I saw Leta there and someone else that I later learned was Lord Commander Silas, except he said that we were the only commoners there, except he's a Lord? I thought he was a commoner, anyway, so when I saw two people fighting him I asked if Silas minded if I fought one of them. Except the guy I fought didn't actually have any armor on, so after I hit him twice I didn't want to hit him anymore. He was actually really, really, really hard to hit. He must be very good. After that I fought some big northerner that I'm pretty sure I fought before, but he was totally silent, and it was a little weird. I think he would have beaten me if like three other people weren't fighting him at the same time. After that I think it was basically just the Lord Commander, me, and someone else, and they both started fighting me instead of each other! I didn't want to fight the Lord Commander, who I thought wasn't a Lord Commander, so I was trying to hit the other guy. I got very lucky and managed to take him out of the fight. After that it was me and Silas and he just kept hitting me and hitting me and I couldn't get past his guard at all until all of a sudden I did in two big hits and then I won. It was very strange and a little scary and honestly I probably need to go see the healers still, although they did a very good job after. How do you find healers?
I went to the Shrine of Gloria, too, and talked to this tremendously stern looking woman who answered a bunch of my questions, but maybe not in a way I'm entirely satisfied with. I don't know if there any good answers to my questions.
The idea of honor is such a funny thing. Like I didn't want to fight that guy without armor after hitting him twice, because if I hit him again it could have really hurt him, so was fighting someone else honorable, or just smart, because if he did get hurt, I'd get blamed? And I still don't see what's honorable about sparing someone just so that they can go on to hurt others. I think it's selfish to hold your own idea of honor above the wellbeing of others. Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the honorable thing, but I didn't want to tell her I thought that.
I'm really looking forward to telling the Marquessa I won, but I don't want it to sound like I'm bragging. Not too much. Just bragging a little. How should I tell her, do you think?
Hope you are having a good day doing knight things. You should tell me about them!
Zhayla
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 14, 2017, 9:59 p.m.(9/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Sir First Captain Rymarr of the King's Own. The King's Own are supposed to be the best fighters and the best knights around, and he was very kind to the Marquessa, and she likes him too.
He thinks I should learn to ride, which seems like a terrible idea, because horses are 1000 feet tall, and said that I should talk to really important people, including a _LEGATE_. He's probably spent too much time being a Sir First Captain if he thinks that's normal, but he said I should write him letters to tell him what I'm learning, so I will.
He thinks I should learn to ride, which seems like a terrible idea, because horses are 1000 feet tall, and said that I should talk to really important people, including a _LEGATE_. He's probably spent too much time being a Sir First Captain if he thinks that's normal, but he said I should write him letters to tell him what I'm learning, so I will.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.