Written By Lark
March 25, 2017, 3:35 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Marquessa Samantha, Minister to the Crown, persists as a beacon of noble charity despite protestations to her office and her efforts. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we set aside our notions of exclusivity and false-superiority to reflect upon the common ache.
Written By Kima
March 25, 2017, 2:28 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
I do not often speak of the man who instructed me in the ways of knighthood, but today as I was overseeing the swordsmanship of the youths under my tutelage, I was reminded of these words once given to me:
Young knight, learn to love the gods and revere the people that you would serve and protect so that your honor grows. Act always with virtue and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honor in battle. Wrestle well and wield lance, spear, sword and dagger skilfully, whose use in the hands of another is wasted. And when you must strike, strike bravely.
I passed this onto my students, and I now commend them here, so that any who might read them now or in later years might grow and be heartened by them.
Young knight, learn to love the gods and revere the people that you would serve and protect so that your honor grows. Act always with virtue and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honor in battle. Wrestle well and wield lance, spear, sword and dagger skilfully, whose use in the hands of another is wasted. And when you must strike, strike bravely.
I passed this onto my students, and I now commend them here, so that any who might read them now or in later years might grow and be heartened by them.
Written By Rymarr
March 25, 2017, 1:45 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
The past few weeks, I have slept in a chair a great deal. I have slept, dozed, napped, or snoozed while staying within the presence of the king. Before that a bed within a tower that could only be described as motivational. It motivated you to get out of it and get the day going, for the sake of your back. Before that a bunk within that same tower that was likely more comfortable than the bed, but with the drawback of it possessing someone by the name of Sir Wiegraf who slept above you and snored profusely, while remaining unapologetic about it. He couldn't help it, of course, but it's the principle.
In my lifetime I was fortunate enough to see the sword pass from one Lord Commander to another, not once, but twice. The ceremonies were peaceful, which is a rarity for the sword. It often transitions only when the wielder falls. These truly are strange times that we live.
It has been a long and strange two years. Life changing in every way. Then, when I least expected it, it all changed again. Now it is time to pick up the pieces and sort myself out. When life presents an obstacle: overcome and press forward.
Today, I awaken in a new bed. It is a familiar bed, but it feels quite new. I'm lost. What do I do? Take breakfast while having my armor strapped on? It's unnecessary. Read the latest incident reports, if any? I don't have to do that; they don't exist. Do I go to watch over Alaric while he recovers? I can not. Do I go to the Square and watch a few of the knights conduct their training drills in the blustering wind and biting cold? I can sit in front of this hearth and stare at it instead. One would argue that it has been an upgrade. I've gone from staring at a wall while I can not sleep, to at least having the luxury of staring at a fire while I can't sleep.
In my lifetime I was fortunate enough to see the sword pass from one Lord Commander to another, not once, but twice. The ceremonies were peaceful, which is a rarity for the sword. It often transitions only when the wielder falls. These truly are strange times that we live.
It has been a long and strange two years. Life changing in every way. Then, when I least expected it, it all changed again. Now it is time to pick up the pieces and sort myself out. When life presents an obstacle: overcome and press forward.
Today, I awaken in a new bed. It is a familiar bed, but it feels quite new. I'm lost. What do I do? Take breakfast while having my armor strapped on? It's unnecessary. Read the latest incident reports, if any? I don't have to do that; they don't exist. Do I go to watch over Alaric while he recovers? I can not. Do I go to the Square and watch a few of the knights conduct their training drills in the blustering wind and biting cold? I can sit in front of this hearth and stare at it instead. One would argue that it has been an upgrade. I've gone from staring at a wall while I can not sleep, to at least having the luxury of staring at a fire while I can't sleep.
Written By Armel
March 25, 2017, 12:28 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gisele
Rarely do I feel the urge to place ink to vellum in the records, public or otherwise. No, usually my talents lie in other directions. I read them often, both as a duty (to keep abreast of things in the city and beyond), and as a hobby (because seeing nobles and my commoners fret and bicker with each other is amusing to me). But today? I feel I must speak.
When I met Gisele, she was making a trek through all the Shrines of Arx, hoping to pay respects at them all. While this is a noble thing, it is not what captured my attention. Nor was it her beauty or her grace or even her intelligence. All of these things can be found in abundance in Arx, as excellent as they can be to see in a person, especially all at once.
No, it was her humility. Her openness, tinted with an attitude of shyness that shows how hard such a thing is for her at times. She is a person willing to give all in service to her city and her people, no matter the cost, and no matter if she never picks up a weapon, or raises a fist (or even her voice).
Aldwin is lucky to have her in his family. The Faith is lucky to have her as a Disciple. I am blessed to call her my friend.
When I met Gisele, she was making a trek through all the Shrines of Arx, hoping to pay respects at them all. While this is a noble thing, it is not what captured my attention. Nor was it her beauty or her grace or even her intelligence. All of these things can be found in abundance in Arx, as excellent as they can be to see in a person, especially all at once.
No, it was her humility. Her openness, tinted with an attitude of shyness that shows how hard such a thing is for her at times. She is a person willing to give all in service to her city and her people, no matter the cost, and no matter if she never picks up a weapon, or raises a fist (or even her voice).
Aldwin is lucky to have her in his family. The Faith is lucky to have her as a Disciple. I am blessed to call her my friend.
Written By Aiden
March 25, 2017, 12:07 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
There are thoughts within me that need to be written out, influenced by the people to whom I have met.
Arx is strong.
People have come to work together.
There has been no singular effort that stands above the others in this crisis.
Arx will not fall with this united stand, rather, we must brace for when good people fall in service to Arx.
I met the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, a good man who had like others, seen me as Ainsley first.
I am fast accustomed to that and wish I could be their friend for whom they worry for.
He asked if I would fight.
I have never drawn blood of another person.
I am not Ainsley. I am not a hero.
The moment I strike blood from another, it will remain, forever undone.
The life of the blade was never mine.
But, he encouraged me nevertheless to wear armor, for he fears that my blood could be shed.
Could it be so? I have never harmed another person.
Am I so unprepared for the enemies at our doorstep?
And then I think of Ainsley.
I do not know what it feels to love another person in the intimate confines of a kiss or hold.
I cannot fathom what my brother has had in Pietro.
I desperately hope he will not rise to lift his blade again, but I feel he will, that he must, for it is his path to finish.
If I were to see him upon the wall, would I run as I have always done, or would I take up the bow to strike an arrow into an enemies heart who would threaten his life?
Let me not be ill prepared.
If the Gods are listening, if people of Arx are reading, let me find an Archery teacher and a Bow to suit my hand.
I do not want to take life. I never have. Yet somehow, I know, I couldn't stand to see life taken either by cruel corrupt hands.
Who is Aiden Grayson? What will he become?
Arx is strong.
People have come to work together.
There has been no singular effort that stands above the others in this crisis.
Arx will not fall with this united stand, rather, we must brace for when good people fall in service to Arx.
I met the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, a good man who had like others, seen me as Ainsley first.
I am fast accustomed to that and wish I could be their friend for whom they worry for.
He asked if I would fight.
I have never drawn blood of another person.
I am not Ainsley. I am not a hero.
The moment I strike blood from another, it will remain, forever undone.
The life of the blade was never mine.
But, he encouraged me nevertheless to wear armor, for he fears that my blood could be shed.
Could it be so? I have never harmed another person.
Am I so unprepared for the enemies at our doorstep?
And then I think of Ainsley.
I do not know what it feels to love another person in the intimate confines of a kiss or hold.
I cannot fathom what my brother has had in Pietro.
I desperately hope he will not rise to lift his blade again, but I feel he will, that he must, for it is his path to finish.
If I were to see him upon the wall, would I run as I have always done, or would I take up the bow to strike an arrow into an enemies heart who would threaten his life?
Let me not be ill prepared.
If the Gods are listening, if people of Arx are reading, let me find an Archery teacher and a Bow to suit my hand.
I do not want to take life. I never have. Yet somehow, I know, I couldn't stand to see life taken either by cruel corrupt hands.
Who is Aiden Grayson? What will he become?
Written By Luna
March 25, 2017, 10:39 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
My love, the drums are calling
A red sky
A warning
No sense in hiding from the front lines
They've been here the whole time
I sleep to keep my mind at ease
I wander through a dream
of what I once believed
No rest until we face the truth
and draw it to the light
This is a call to arms
Will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
Take care of all the love you spend
It's wasting to nothing
Beware of wolves who hide their teeth
They'll take you and leave you
Should I be like a Greenwood doll?
A statue in the cold
as empty as a shell
Or make a final stand
go back to what we had
I'm stepping out from my defenses
This is a call to arms
will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
This is a call to arms
will you save me?
A CALL TO ARMS
A red sky
A warning
No sense in hiding from the front lines
They've been here the whole time
I sleep to keep my mind at ease
I wander through a dream
of what I once believed
No rest until we face the truth
and draw it to the light
This is a call to arms
Will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
Take care of all the love you spend
It's wasting to nothing
Beware of wolves who hide their teeth
They'll take you and leave you
Should I be like a Greenwood doll?
A statue in the cold
as empty as a shell
Or make a final stand
go back to what we had
I'm stepping out from my defenses
This is a call to arms
will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
This is a call to arms
will you save me?
A CALL TO ARMS
Written By Gisele
March 25, 2017, 10:11 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ferrando
Master Ferrando did not want me to say that he is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight. But I am a Scholar of Vellichor, a disciple of the Faith, a recorder of truth and history. I preserve what I learn and discover of the world so that all may know it as it truly is, and not as others would have us believe.
Master Ferrando is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight.
Master Ferrando is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight.
Written By Gisele
March 25, 2017, 10:09 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
My shop is full of the stories of brave and noble knights who stood against the dangers of the world to safeguard the helpless, showering themselves in glory. Unfailingly, these knights are tall, handsome, well-dressed, and they often have long, flowing hair which glints as brightly as the polish of their armour. Sometimes, their eloquent speeches take entire pages to capture.
Sir Armel is not such a knight. He is the reality: a man touched harshly by the world who has taken his pain and turned it into inspiration. He makes of himself a shield, and he has been marked by that. He is kind, and thoughtful, and strong. He is dedicated, no matter the danger to himself.
Gild must glow with pride to have such a one in her Order.
Sir Armel is not such a knight. He is the reality: a man touched harshly by the world who has taken his pain and turned it into inspiration. He makes of himself a shield, and he has been marked by that. He is kind, and thoughtful, and strong. He is dedicated, no matter the danger to himself.
Gild must glow with pride to have such a one in her Order.
Written By Orathy
March 25, 2017, 10:02 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
*There are strong signs he's on his own writing this again, as it's dissolved again to painfully difficult words to read*
I be missin' to be sayin' me apologies ta Prinzess Jaenelle, fer she be givin' me the first chance I bez havin'. Aye, me axe still be 'ers, iffin she ever be needin' it.
An' fer Felix, aye. Here's ta hopin' he ain't getting mobbed by Bringer's n' the like at the graveyard. Aye. Jist hope he be knowin all he be needin ta do is givin me a holla to fight wit him.
I be missin' to be sayin' me apologies ta Prinzess Jaenelle, fer she be givin' me the first chance I bez havin'. Aye, me axe still be 'ers, iffin she ever be needin' it.
An' fer Felix, aye. Here's ta hopin' he ain't getting mobbed by Bringer's n' the like at the graveyard. Aye. Jist hope he be knowin all he be needin ta do is givin me a holla to fight wit him.
Written By Michael
March 25, 2017, 9:37 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lailah
My sister deserves all the happiness in the world. She deserves joy. And, I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness endures.
Written By Edain
March 25, 2017, 9:31 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
I feel there is great misinformation about me.
I love maple syrup. It has loamy bouquet that complements it's sweetness perfectly. Making it both decadent yet earthy all at once.
I love olives. They are savory delights and there sense flesh is a joy to chew and let their flavors slowly assault you. Excepting "black olives" that are just limp, wilty and make me inexplicably sad.
I do not enjoy them together! That would just be weird.
Though, if you were to dilute the maple syrup with a little apple vinegar the might indeed make a good sweet brine to pickle olives in. Perhaps I should visit Lyon's Readout sometime and test this theory?
I love maple syrup. It has loamy bouquet that complements it's sweetness perfectly. Making it both decadent yet earthy all at once.
I love olives. They are savory delights and there sense flesh is a joy to chew and let their flavors slowly assault you. Excepting "black olives" that are just limp, wilty and make me inexplicably sad.
I do not enjoy them together! That would just be weird.
Though, if you were to dilute the maple syrup with a little apple vinegar the might indeed make a good sweet brine to pickle olives in. Perhaps I should visit Lyon's Readout sometime and test this theory?
Written By Michael
March 25, 2017, 9:28 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
It's been some time but Father and I managed to have a few moments to discuss the affairs of our House despite the demands on his time. I know others have written much about my Father's leadership ability, his steadfastness, and the manner by which he leads. So often I read such things, I feel the shadow of Duke Bisland loom over me.
But when we sit at our family table in our family home, I remember that he's my Father. I'm reminded of the man who put a sword in my hand for the first time and watched me struggle with its initial weight.
I'm reminded of the moments when I saw that small gleam of pride in his eyes as Lailah blossomed with her books.
And, I think, I saw a glimmer of it yesterday.
I may always have the weight of expectations in front of me, but gods, may I be better man for them.
But when we sit at our family table in our family home, I remember that he's my Father. I'm reminded of the man who put a sword in my hand for the first time and watched me struggle with its initial weight.
I'm reminded of the moments when I saw that small gleam of pride in his eyes as Lailah blossomed with her books.
And, I think, I saw a glimmer of it yesterday.
I may always have the weight of expectations in front of me, but gods, may I be better man for them.
Written By Selene
March 25, 2017, 4:16 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
The Legate's strength is truly a marvel. I can see how such a man has been chosen to serve the Faith in such a high capacity.
He was entirely what I was not expecting.
It's a surprising fact that still this city holds this much mystery as to offer me a light such he in such a dark time as this. There are many things to be thankful for today. He is at the top of this list.
He was entirely what I was not expecting.
It's a surprising fact that still this city holds this much mystery as to offer me a light such he in such a dark time as this. There are many things to be thankful for today. He is at the top of this list.
Written By Clover
March 25, 2017, 4:07 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
*A sketch of a single feminine hand; the fingers curled closed. The lines are loose, wobbly, and not particularly good. The rings are there; the one with the rising dragon and the two crossed blades. The hand is not so much clenched into a fist as it is simply closed, thumb tucked underneath the fingers.*
Written By Dulcinea
March 25, 2017, 1:29 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Dear Me,
I met such a lovely person, this evening! Additionally, she's a princess.
I want to be a princess. Or a duchess. It seems in poor taste to wear a tiara, otherwise.
Of course this means I must marry up, up, up.
What an awful lot of effort.
Oh, but the princess! Silk and jewels and all in red -- boots to the thigh and silk stockings above. Dark and alluring and so /kind./ Honestly, the way she was dressed was absolutely scandalous -- but she /was/ born Velenosa. The Lycene are so daring. She said she's a Redrain -- that must have been an interesting transition. She does seem impervious to the cold.
She's very kind.
Oh, it's late. I'm so very tired. I've done a lot of shopping.
Speaking of that, I need to find Ansel and mend things.
Or throw more things at him. I'm not sure.
Love to Me,
Me
I met such a lovely person, this evening! Additionally, she's a princess.
I want to be a princess. Or a duchess. It seems in poor taste to wear a tiara, otherwise.
Of course this means I must marry up, up, up.
What an awful lot of effort.
Oh, but the princess! Silk and jewels and all in red -- boots to the thigh and silk stockings above. Dark and alluring and so /kind./ Honestly, the way she was dressed was absolutely scandalous -- but she /was/ born Velenosa. The Lycene are so daring. She said she's a Redrain -- that must have been an interesting transition. She does seem impervious to the cold.
She's very kind.
Oh, it's late. I'm so very tired. I've done a lot of shopping.
Speaking of that, I need to find Ansel and mend things.
Or throw more things at him. I'm not sure.
Love to Me,
Me
Written By Acacia
March 25, 2017, 1:03 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
I wasn't sure what to expect when I showed up to the Tournament Grounds for the event held by Princess Katarina and Princess Alis. A chance to cut through the anticipatory tension? A break from social monotony during these darker times? Keeping coin in my pockets after my terrible runs with wagers? I managed all three with their aid.
I was able to kidnap Mistress Sameera so we both could join Archduke Niccolo's team for the event. I couldn't quite see our competitors all the time, but from the sounds of it, their challenges were rough, hilarious and involved many snowballs. Mistress Sameera proved incredibly useful and while I've yet to actually shake her hand, the rare smile which she shed wasn't lost on me. She's stunning. Really. And probably will silently seethe that I'm spotlighting her in these pages. And the Archduke? Well. I'm his protege for a reason.
I, however, ended up drenched in Prince Edain's dream. Syrup and olives. Two things which... really don't go together. Or belong in a bath. And feels terrible once it gets into the pants and boots.
But for a non-bloody event which required perception and a bit of ingenuity, it was perfect for remembering that laughter exists in a time when it can be so easily forgotten.
I was able to kidnap Mistress Sameera so we both could join Archduke Niccolo's team for the event. I couldn't quite see our competitors all the time, but from the sounds of it, their challenges were rough, hilarious and involved many snowballs. Mistress Sameera proved incredibly useful and while I've yet to actually shake her hand, the rare smile which she shed wasn't lost on me. She's stunning. Really. And probably will silently seethe that I'm spotlighting her in these pages. And the Archduke? Well. I'm his protege for a reason.
I, however, ended up drenched in Prince Edain's dream. Syrup and olives. Two things which... really don't go together. Or belong in a bath. And feels terrible once it gets into the pants and boots.
But for a non-bloody event which required perception and a bit of ingenuity, it was perfect for remembering that laughter exists in a time when it can be so easily forgotten.
Written By Calaudrin
March 24, 2017, 11:31 p.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Suspicious. He's up to something. I just don't know what...
Written By Aureth
March 24, 2017, 11:19 p.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
The Faith has no idea how lucky they are to have him. That said -- I'm pretty sure the gods know.
It's going to be a whole new world, Aleksei.
But don't worry. You've got this.
It's going to be a whole new world, Aleksei.
But don't worry. You've got this.
Written By Valencia
March 24, 2017, 10:41 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
The city still sits on edge and I wished for breath and to escape this place in the best way I knew how. And so to the beaches I went, but this time not alone.
I am not yet a proper rider nor a very elegant one. Not yet. But today I rode. Not far and not as fast as I would like, but fast enough to take my breath and still make me want so much more. Gods above and below, the freedom in this I cannot explain.
My sweetest Cicero, you have given me the power of flight without wings. How can I ever repay you? Thank you for giving such a precious gift to me. Thank you for for all that you do. Words cannot express how much this means to me.
I may not yet have yet found my way onto the sea, but I now at least I can fly beside it. And maybe, just maybe, with luck I can fly away.
~~~~<~<@
I am not yet a proper rider nor a very elegant one. Not yet. But today I rode. Not far and not as fast as I would like, but fast enough to take my breath and still make me want so much more. Gods above and below, the freedom in this I cannot explain.
My sweetest Cicero, you have given me the power of flight without wings. How can I ever repay you? Thank you for giving such a precious gift to me. Thank you for for all that you do. Words cannot express how much this means to me.
I may not yet have yet found my way onto the sea, but I now at least I can fly beside it. And maybe, just maybe, with luck I can fly away.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Merek
March 24, 2017, 10:13 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
The event was quite amazing. Watching another sworn into the faith as a full Godsworn is a special occasion. It was also quite interesting and curious to see the oaths to the three that have returned to us. I am hopeful to see more ceremonies like this within the future. I've debated taking up the vows myself, although I'm honestly not prepared for that kind of commitment. There were a few things that made such a ceremony difficult, but I think that we must remember we are all human. As long as one is earnest in faith, it matters.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.