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 Ida
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:26 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
Dame Morrighan, Knight of Farhaven. It still sounds so wonderful and I'm genuinely so happy for her! I offered to make a pair of hairpins as my gift to her for the occasion, and she asked for a pair similar to ones I made what feels like a lifetime ago. She gives me far too much credit, though; she chose the most glorious colors and stones for the set, for which I can take no credit. As always, I am humbled by her kind words and am so glad to count her among my friends.
Written By Ida
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:20 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Made several dagger and hairpin sets that almost all sold out, which is a good feeling. Was in a bit of a foul mood earlier but being in the forge gave me time to really just think and contemplate the more important things. Some days I just like the quiet and work more than others. I feel pretty caught up from the whole returning thing and soon, truly, I need to start seeking out instructors for this and that. Maybe trade some brawling lessons for them - we shall see.
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 Merek
Aug. 21, 2017, 4:45 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Doll
I'm not sure what to think about this one called Doll, but at least she has things to wear now with the help of a Thraxian and also another. Don't like to see anyone freeze in winter.
Written By Morrighan
Aug. 21, 2017, 4:30 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
As always, she never disappoints, her work is absolutely stunning.
Written By Reese
Aug. 21, 2017, 2:25 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Epic Mock Battle Rules
1. People will be divided into two teams.
2. Everyone needs to choose a role. Possible roles are warrior, commander, healer, inspiration, civilian and audience. Audience will not be part of a team.
3. Steel weapons only allowed.
4. Any armor is allowed.
5. Anyone may leave the battle at any time. One may hold up their hands and head toward the audience to announce they are departing. A departing person may not be attacked.
6. The audience is an illegal target and cannot be attacked.
7. Non-combatants who are part of the mock battle can be touched with a weapon to represent a hit, but cannot be truly injured. A non-combatant who is touched with a weapon must lay down on the ground and play injured until they are treated by a healer. Anyone other than a warrior may declare themselves a non-combantant. Non-combantants may not attack, but can take other actions such as healing, inspiring and so forth.
8. Anyone who is trained in medicine may use their action to treat someone. They may treat real injuries or pretend to treat the pretend injured.
9. Civilians may be captured. If captured they are tapped on the shoulder and said to be captured. They then head over to the pretend prison camp and must stay there until rescued.
10. Warriors are expected to lay down, stop fighting and wait for treatment after they have been seriously injured. Warriors should not fight until they are unconscious unless well one blow got that them that hurt.
11. Targets laying on the ground and playing injured can be tapped again to be killed. Dead targets are out of the game. One may not truly attack with intent to injure anyone who is laying on the ground.
12. The team with the most living and non-captured targets at the end of the game wins.
13. Commanders and Inspiration will likely spend their turns giving orders and boasting morale. They make take other actions though instead of such. They may only attack if they are marked as a combatant.
I will be running the battle, but will not be part of such. It is my goal to keep everyone safe and I will be watching for such.
Reese
1. People will be divided into two teams.
2. Everyone needs to choose a role. Possible roles are warrior, commander, healer, inspiration, civilian and audience. Audience will not be part of a team.
3. Steel weapons only allowed.
4. Any armor is allowed.
5. Anyone may leave the battle at any time. One may hold up their hands and head toward the audience to announce they are departing. A departing person may not be attacked.
6. The audience is an illegal target and cannot be attacked.
7. Non-combatants who are part of the mock battle can be touched with a weapon to represent a hit, but cannot be truly injured. A non-combatant who is touched with a weapon must lay down on the ground and play injured until they are treated by a healer. Anyone other than a warrior may declare themselves a non-combantant. Non-combantants may not attack, but can take other actions such as healing, inspiring and so forth.
8. Anyone who is trained in medicine may use their action to treat someone. They may treat real injuries or pretend to treat the pretend injured.
9. Civilians may be captured. If captured they are tapped on the shoulder and said to be captured. They then head over to the pretend prison camp and must stay there until rescued.
10. Warriors are expected to lay down, stop fighting and wait for treatment after they have been seriously injured. Warriors should not fight until they are unconscious unless well one blow got that them that hurt.
11. Targets laying on the ground and playing injured can be tapped again to be killed. Dead targets are out of the game. One may not truly attack with intent to injure anyone who is laying on the ground.
12. The team with the most living and non-captured targets at the end of the game wins.
13. Commanders and Inspiration will likely spend their turns giving orders and boasting morale. They make take other actions though instead of such. They may only attack if they are marked as a combatant.
I will be running the battle, but will not be part of such. It is my goal to keep everyone safe and I will be watching for such.
Reese
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 Denica
Aug. 21, 2017, 12:15 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
( Done carefully in inks. An image of hostess and host.
Princess Eleyna sitting to the right, tilted slightly in her seat to consider the viewer. Icy eyes, a hint of searing fire in that charming smile. Elegant, poised. Although with an interesting serpentine elegance as though she may strike when it pleases. Never before. A goblet lifted toward her mouth that she never sips from. Her gown is touched with a hint of a violet watercolor wash for whatever reason.
To the left, Prince Talen, leaning forward with a maddening intensity to study a candelabra - his eyes are wide and dark beneath darker brows and the shadowed, sharp angles of his facial features. Fierce. As though he is prepared to tear out someone's throat. There is a goblet in one bare hand, and a taloned gauntlet that has been tossed into the center of the table. Tinted ruby red.
The border that surrounds the couple seems carefully drawn as an ornate frame with knots of inky snakes and clever black foxes. )
Princess Eleyna sitting to the right, tilted slightly in her seat to consider the viewer. Icy eyes, a hint of searing fire in that charming smile. Elegant, poised. Although with an interesting serpentine elegance as though she may strike when it pleases. Never before. A goblet lifted toward her mouth that she never sips from. Her gown is touched with a hint of a violet watercolor wash for whatever reason.
To the left, Prince Talen, leaning forward with a maddening intensity to study a candelabra - his eyes are wide and dark beneath darker brows and the shadowed, sharp angles of his facial features. Fierce. As though he is prepared to tear out someone's throat. There is a goblet in one bare hand, and a taloned gauntlet that has been tossed into the center of the table. Tinted ruby red.
The border that surrounds the couple seems carefully drawn as an ornate frame with knots of inky snakes and clever black foxes. )
Written By Quenia
Aug. 21, 2017, 10:30 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
I went ice skating at the Northerlude last week. I'd never been on the ice before, and though I had an iffy bout where I was unstable for a brief few moments, I was able to catch myself and miss running into Lord Corban Telmar. We had an enchanting discussion about our homelands, and I invited him to share some of our Granato wines that I'll be showcasing in an up and coming wine tasting at the house. After all, we musn't let people forget that southern wines are the best.
Written By Eirene
Aug. 21, 2017, 10:13 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Quote from the Velenosa Fealty Supper
Anyone dies, I can't bring you back. Sorry. Can't fix death or dumb, and dying by poison at a Velenosa party is the height of fucking dumb
Anyone dies, I can't bring you back. Sorry. Can't fix death or dumb, and dying by poison at a Velenosa party is the height of fucking dumb
Written By Archeron
Aug. 21, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
We have lost a number of ships - it is a tragedy, but it is also done. There is nothing we can do to undo it. What has saddened me most has been the reaction. People seem to want to find enemies to fight within the Compact, and they want to fight regardless of cost or thought. So many in Thrax are so focused on appearing bold. It was 'bold' of Titus to oppose House Thrax, but that doesn't make it right, and nor did it bring him victory - thankfully.
I would rather win than be loud - if some would rather misunderstand that as cowardice, so be it. I am just not so uncertain of myself that I feel the need to shout as loud.
I would rather win than be loud - if some would rather misunderstand that as cowardice, so be it. I am just not so uncertain of myself that I feel the need to shout as loud.
Written By Talen
Aug. 21, 2017, 7:13 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
Try not saying his name every five minutes. It might stop him looking your way.
As my wife says, our thoughts are with House Thrax, but in this moment it's a resigned kind of sigh before I call for Antonio to beach the ships for a few days until the tentacles recede a little.
Stop taunting the bigger bad.
#DemonEtiquette101
As my wife says, our thoughts are with House Thrax, but in this moment it's a resigned kind of sigh before I call for Antonio to beach the ships for a few days until the tentacles recede a little.
Stop taunting the bigger bad.
#DemonEtiquette101
Written By Shard
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:14 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
I'm not sure there's anything so freeing or so frightening as a sea of infinite choices and endless possibilities, and every last one of them comes down to one single question: What now?
The Compact is obsessed with its records, so let this small journal state that on this day, at this hour, my first decision was to get slowly but thoroughly and very decisively drunk.
The Compact is obsessed with its records, so let this small journal state that on this day, at this hour, my first decision was to get slowly but thoroughly and very decisively drunk.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 21, 2017, 12:41 a.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Sometimes when I meditate on a flaw, on a sinful thought or potential path and seek to examine and rise above my immediate, baser instincts. We Pravus are 'sins' however and it is not a name bestowed on my family with tongue in cheek. We sin. We are of the Lyceum however, where the darkness within us, the mirth sparkling in our eyes when we catch our reflections in the mirror...that is embraced. Whether embraced fully as the Thirteenth shows us, or embraced temporarily and then replaced by parts of the self we'd rather know...generosity, kindness, humility. Ahh, that.
I look in the mirror tonight before removing jewelry to slip into a bath before evening. I observe the way that the candles lit in my room create a shimmer in these dark pearls. They speak to me of mystery. Of beauty unique (for most oft when we imagine pearls, do we not think of white, or cream?) Black, like an oyster that fell under His shadow briefly before turning over this gift.
Vanity. My reflection shows me my own vanity, and how deep within me it goes...how it is part of what hones and drives me to become all that I am. Vanity, but do not take it from me tonight, my Beloved. Leave me to sit with it a while, to see how black reflects in silver surface and back again.
I look in the mirror tonight before removing jewelry to slip into a bath before evening. I observe the way that the candles lit in my room create a shimmer in these dark pearls. They speak to me of mystery. Of beauty unique (for most oft when we imagine pearls, do we not think of white, or cream?) Black, like an oyster that fell under His shadow briefly before turning over this gift.
Vanity. My reflection shows me my own vanity, and how deep within me it goes...how it is part of what hones and drives me to become all that I am. Vanity, but do not take it from me tonight, my Beloved. Leave me to sit with it a while, to see how black reflects in silver surface and back again.
Written By Alis
Aug. 20, 2017, 11:53 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
Bring it.
Written By Shae
Aug. 20, 2017, 11:47 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Death, as we know, comes to us all at some point, and earlier this week it came for many people. How it did and why is tragic and my heart aches for the loss of life that we experienced in Arx. I find it is still hard to fathom such an event, and yet it did happen. I join my cousins, Count and Countess Keaton in extending an offer of help and assistance to any that might need it.
This was not the only sorrowful event I saw recently, a group of us returned to some islands out in the Eventide Vast, looking to make contact with some local tribes of Abandon, as well as scout out the island, to map it and learn more about it. We found what is the most gruesome and grisly scenes I have ever seen in my life. Just thinking about it now... (some water stains on the page) ...I can not even begin to imagine how anyone would or could do such truly monstrous acts to children.
This was not the only sorrowful event I saw recently, a group of us returned to some islands out in the Eventide Vast, looking to make contact with some local tribes of Abandon, as well as scout out the island, to map it and learn more about it. We found what is the most gruesome and grisly scenes I have ever seen in my life. Just thinking about it now... (some water stains on the page) ...I can not even begin to imagine how anyone would or could do such truly monstrous acts to children.
Written By Mia
Aug. 20, 2017, 11:39 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Word of the recent losses of House Thrax -- both in the harbor and further from our shores -- have reached Heron Hall. I say now that House Riven stands in solidarity with them.
Although we are not children of the sea, we too are children of the water. We are born in sight of the rivers that sustain us throughout our lives. Our children are consecrated in their currents. Our mothers are blessed on their banks. When we die, our pyres are lit out on their shining surface, that the rapids may carry us into our next life. It is to Mangata that we sing our songs and whisper our prayers.
She sustains us all, as she always has. As she will again -- regardless of which waters we call our own.
Although we are not children of the sea, we too are children of the water. We are born in sight of the rivers that sustain us throughout our lives. Our children are consecrated in their currents. Our mothers are blessed on their banks. When we die, our pyres are lit out on their shining surface, that the rapids may carry us into our next life. It is to Mangata that we sing our songs and whisper our prayers.
She sustains us all, as she always has. As she will again -- regardless of which waters we call our own.
Written By Shae
Aug. 20, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
No, Magnolia stop chewing on the book. Hey don't copy that down... no stop, Magnolia! (A huge line is drawn through the sentence.)
Who knew a baby pygmy goat was this much trouble. I am pretty sure that she was a gag gift from Gaston. I am going to get him back for this. Not that I don't adore her because I do. And she really is the most adorable little creature. With the hugest personality. But still. I am going to get you back Gaston.
(The pages before and after this one have been chewed on somewhat.)
Who knew a baby pygmy goat was this much trouble. I am pretty sure that she was a gag gift from Gaston. I am going to get him back for this. Not that I don't adore her because I do. And she really is the most adorable little creature. With the hugest personality. But still. I am going to get you back Gaston.
(The pages before and after this one have been chewed on somewhat.)
Written By Octavia
Aug. 20, 2017, 11:33 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
I think the Lady Vanora will make a good addition to the family. She's smart and ambitious - exactly what we expect from our kin.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.