Written By Eirlys
March 12, 2017, 8:50 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Sometimes you are lucky enough to become friends with someone that truly cares about you. Sometimes you are lucky enough that it goes beyond that and they become a part of your family. Maybe the blood that flows through you both is not the same. It doesn't matter because the bonds are there. I am lucky enough to have found four people who I will care for. Maybe their roles are different maybe some are like a brother or a sister, maybe two who are not a family relation like feeling but it doesn't matter. What matters is I can go to them. I can confide in them. I can trust them like I trust my brother. In a time when I have been turned so many ways and stripped completely bare emotionally in a way I never thought would happen. I have people to lean on.
They keep me going when I feel like the next step is too much. If it weren't for them I don't think I could keep going but they give me strength in a way I never knew was possible.
They have my loyalty and my love always.
They keep me going when I feel like the next step is too much. If it weren't for them I don't think I could keep going but they give me strength in a way I never knew was possible.
They have my loyalty and my love always.
Written By Silas
March 12, 2017, 8:38 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
So I tried to get some sleep...
... Nope. Not happening, apparently.
... Nope. Not happening, apparently.
Written By Elrych
March 12, 2017, 8:35 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
The Seamstress who made my cloak, Alarie. We've been seeing each other. She is so wonderful and thoughtful. I love speaking with her and spending time with her. I hope to have many more conversations over tea and dinner soon.
Written By Elrych
March 12, 2017, 8:34 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Lady Anabelle showed me this painting. There was some written words on the back in my Clan's native tongue which is common amungst most Shav tribes in the Oathlands. I was able to transcribe it but I never got any more information on what or where she had gotten the painting. I'll have to remember to pick up that conversation again because it's really bugging me.
Written By Elrych
March 12, 2017, 8:31 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Lady Anabelle was able to give me some fine pointers reguarding LEadership before we march out to confront the hord of Shav heading towards Arx. Things have reached a head too with some of the recruites from the Commoner and Refugee pool. The Marquessa has delayed the March some though in order to fit in some last minute things. We'll see if I can get some more support in that time.
Written By Edda
March 12, 2017, 8:02 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Every one of them has a place in the world-- though perhaps not in the same ways as they do to others. Where life ends a new one begins, at least when it comes to lives outside of the Compact. Willpower is Nature's way of making us survive-- watching through us as our life's wheel turns from one spoke to another.
Choice of will, the cycle of life and death, and the dreaming head of the Great Spirit who put sparks in our hearts and stars in our eyes.
I can clearly see how they have slipped from the minds of those in Arvum so easily, knowledge gone and burned, when even their Highest must turn around and say "Yes, they are here, all the same." But for some of us they were always there, without names nor spaces but inhabiting the faces and shapes of ourselves and the world nonetheless.
For some it may be like finding a long lost parent, but for others it is the casting away of shade from a figure you've seen in your wake for years before.
That we have been given the opportunity to learn, even in this hour, is just as important as those sturdy walls.
Choice of will, the cycle of life and death, and the dreaming head of the Great Spirit who put sparks in our hearts and stars in our eyes.
I can clearly see how they have slipped from the minds of those in Arvum so easily, knowledge gone and burned, when even their Highest must turn around and say "Yes, they are here, all the same." But for some of us they were always there, without names nor spaces but inhabiting the faces and shapes of ourselves and the world nonetheless.
For some it may be like finding a long lost parent, but for others it is the casting away of shade from a figure you've seen in your wake for years before.
That we have been given the opportunity to learn, even in this hour, is just as important as those sturdy walls.
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 Edda
March 12, 2017, 7:42 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
I have not had a dream like that for a long time.
I also have not been awoken like that in a long time--
--only to find out that I was not alone in doing so, no less.
I can still feel the muscle threading from my bones, and those words that still rattle in my ears. For a moment I had felt safe in the stifle of trees, only to see the world wither away in front of me. I know for certain now that nothing is sacred to whatever is coming here.
Nothing is sacred, and everything is wrong.
But at least someone has their eyes upward, don't they?
I also have not been awoken like that in a long time--
--only to find out that I was not alone in doing so, no less.
I can still feel the muscle threading from my bones, and those words that still rattle in my ears. For a moment I had felt safe in the stifle of trees, only to see the world wither away in front of me. I know for certain now that nothing is sacred to whatever is coming here.
Nothing is sacred, and everything is wrong.
But at least someone has their eyes upward, don't they?
Written By Sudara
March 12, 2017, 7:36 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
If dreams are to be believed, then at least one deity truly cares. If dreams can be trusted, then we are all in the direst of peril. If dreams are real, then reality itself is in danger of being undone. Yet secrets, cliques, and cabals seem as prevalent as ever. Certainly, there are mortal dangers aplenty in this world: if there were not, I would wear a different colour, at the very least. So what might our best response be? Perhaps my father's decision was wise: apolitical scholarship certainly has its temptations. Now more so than ever. It would certainly be pleasing to think that the pen might triumph over the sword in a time so troubled as the present.
Written By Agnarr
March 12, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Ah, more gods. Hope at least not too many new names invoked, tend to forget which one is which.
Written By Ferrando
March 12, 2017, 7:26 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
If I had to describe anyone I knew as consistently 'beleaguered', unfortunately for Aureth I would probably have to select him. On the other hand, this may turn out to have been a fortunate bit of preparation, because it seems like he's more likely than not to become the newest Legate of the Pantheon before too long. I'm not sure what they'll call the position, though. The Legate of the Lost, I suppose?
Written By Edain
March 12, 2017, 7:17 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Clover
Little Lady Clover Wyrmgard. She is one of those people that it is nearly impossible to be in a bad mood around. If you can you are dead inside and should seek the assistance of a Mercy immediately. In days like these it is sometime hard to find your smile. It is even rarer to find someone that will draw one out of you kicking and screaming if they must.
She is a surprise hugger though, be warned.
She is a surprise hugger though, be warned.
Written By Alis
March 12, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
These times, they test the notions of Honor.
I find it hard to believe there is any honor in lying. Especially not to save face, or to try and mitigate the consequences of actions one has taken to be childish.
But there are other lies. Ones meant to soothe and calm, or to lift the spirits.
Are those honorable? is any lie honorable? I struggle with this, which is why being a Knight is perhaps easiest for me on the field of battle. When my focus narrows to myself and my opponent, and I must only concern myself with my own actions. And not those of others who reflect on our fealty.
I find it hard to believe there is any honor in lying. Especially not to save face, or to try and mitigate the consequences of actions one has taken to be childish.
But there are other lies. Ones meant to soothe and calm, or to lift the spirits.
Are those honorable? is any lie honorable? I struggle with this, which is why being a Knight is perhaps easiest for me on the field of battle. When my focus narrows to myself and my opponent, and I must only concern myself with my own actions. And not those of others who reflect on our fealty.
Written By Edain
March 12, 2017, 7:13 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
The Princess from across the sea is a new addition to our family. Her story is a fascinating one. One I won't repeat here because it is hers to tell and I think people owe it to themselves to coming to her and hearing it for themselves. Talking about our traditions and our history to someone that is entirely an outsider has really been startling for me. It has made me realize how much I take for granted.
In the Oathlands we are pretty set in our ways. We feel like we have things pretty well figured out and we do not always like to try new things. I think it's good to have to step out of our comfort zones and learn new things and about new people. Also she seems to be very knowledgeable about sailing and more maritime ventures. Something my people are lacking in outside of the Safecove's Barony.
In the Oathlands we are pretty set in our ways. We feel like we have things pretty well figured out and we do not always like to try new things. I think it's good to have to step out of our comfort zones and learn new things and about new people. Also she seems to be very knowledgeable about sailing and more maritime ventures. Something my people are lacking in outside of the Safecove's Barony.
Written By Ailith
March 12, 2017, 6:54 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Easing one's passing onto their next journey is always a difficult task for those who fear which gate they will be accepted to cross. It is my belief that if their heart remains faithful to the true Gods of Arx they need not fear death. Embrace the next journey so you may find peace and welcome into the arms of loving Lagoma.
Written By Eleyna
March 12, 2017, 6:46 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
I woke up crying out in my sleep from strange, terrifying nightmares. That hasn’t happened since I was a child. I thought the dream was only the image of fear working on the weaker parts of my mind and yet, it seems many have seen these visions and had these dreams. They mean something.
That makes it even more frightening.
That makes it even more frightening.
Written By Eleyna
March 12, 2017, 6:45 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
This week, I shed my title of 'widow' and become a wife again.
I was an infant when my uncle won the tournament that secured him the right to marry my Aunt Carlotta. Theirs was a love story that I heard my entire life. Every bard, every poet, every musician that made their way to the Lenosian court had words to offer on it. It permeated my life and my dreams, creating a secret hope inside me that I would find my own great love who would defeat a string of Champions for the right to win my hand.
Of course, that is not how my life played out. My husbands were decent men, but there was little more than respect between us that grew into affection. But it was not passion. It was not love as all those poets and musicians had regaled me with when I was a child. As years passed, I thought such a thing would be closed to me. Niccolo and Carlotta were an exception, not the rule.
After Lodovico's death, it seemed as if the Gods had no desire for me to possess even the joys of children and stability, much less love. I came to Arx expecting that I would work for the good of my House and put such thoughts aside. I was prepared to be the 'Black Widow of Lenosia' until the end of my days.
And then, there was a chance meeting in the gardens. Talen irritated me that first meeting and irritated me for many after. Yet, over the course of every irritation, I found myself more and more drawn to him. And now...
I'm not sure I could imagine living without him, even when he’s being irritating. Especially when he’s being irritating.
He’s handsome, but he’s no charmer like Uncle Niccolo. He’s not a brave knight in shining armor, but I know without a doubt that he would lie, cheat, and steal to keep me safe, keep me happy, and give me whatever I desire. He didn’t fight a line of Champions, but he did volunteer to take a dangerous role in the upcoming battle only to prove himself worthy of me. It’s not a love story that a poet may choose to immortalize, but it is enough for me. More than enough.
I was an infant when my uncle won the tournament that secured him the right to marry my Aunt Carlotta. Theirs was a love story that I heard my entire life. Every bard, every poet, every musician that made their way to the Lenosian court had words to offer on it. It permeated my life and my dreams, creating a secret hope inside me that I would find my own great love who would defeat a string of Champions for the right to win my hand.
Of course, that is not how my life played out. My husbands were decent men, but there was little more than respect between us that grew into affection. But it was not passion. It was not love as all those poets and musicians had regaled me with when I was a child. As years passed, I thought such a thing would be closed to me. Niccolo and Carlotta were an exception, not the rule.
After Lodovico's death, it seemed as if the Gods had no desire for me to possess even the joys of children and stability, much less love. I came to Arx expecting that I would work for the good of my House and put such thoughts aside. I was prepared to be the 'Black Widow of Lenosia' until the end of my days.
And then, there was a chance meeting in the gardens. Talen irritated me that first meeting and irritated me for many after. Yet, over the course of every irritation, I found myself more and more drawn to him. And now...
I'm not sure I could imagine living without him, even when he’s being irritating. Especially when he’s being irritating.
He’s handsome, but he’s no charmer like Uncle Niccolo. He’s not a brave knight in shining armor, but I know without a doubt that he would lie, cheat, and steal to keep me safe, keep me happy, and give me whatever I desire. He didn’t fight a line of Champions, but he did volunteer to take a dangerous role in the upcoming battle only to prove himself worthy of me. It’s not a love story that a poet may choose to immortalize, but it is enough for me. More than enough.
Written By Eleyna
March 12, 2017, 6:44 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
From the outside, Deva Redrain and I shouldn’t get along at all. She’s a perfect Northerner. I exemplify my Southern heritage. She is fiery and passionate. I try to control myself and more than one has referred to me as ‘icy’. She says what she thinks. I calculate nearly every word before it passes my lips.
And yet, I find myself quite liking Deva. She reminds me of all the best parts of my sister and yet, within her, I see the same core of steel that resides within myself. Perhaps opposites are simply drawn to one another or, perhaps, the surface differences don’t matter that much. Not really.
And yet, I find myself quite liking Deva. She reminds me of all the best parts of my sister and yet, within her, I see the same core of steel that resides within myself. Perhaps opposites are simply drawn to one another or, perhaps, the surface differences don’t matter that much. Not really.
Written By Hadrian
March 12, 2017, 6:42 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Of late I have not felt fully myself. Now? Now I feel positively grand! I do believe sending that monkey off to face its fate was the ideal situation. When I awoke one morning to find it surreptitiously pouring something into my drink, to say the least I found it peculiar and alarming. Since I held the tribunal to decide the fate of this would-be traitor and sent it off to suffer it's punishment? I've felt fully myself. Oh happy day.
Lesson learned: never trust a monkey to keep it's loyalty. At least I hope it was the monkey. If not? Then I am sorry monkey. Though I do not regret my actions. You were a flight of fancy that should have never been.
Lesson learned: never trust a monkey to keep it's loyalty. At least I hope it was the monkey. If not? Then I am sorry monkey. Though I do not regret my actions. You were a flight of fancy that should have never been.
Written By Darren
March 12, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Not all of us are accustomed to having visions, from Goddesses or otherwise. Regardless, the message was heard, reaching with slender fingers past our collective consciousness in hopes of giving us a singular direction in which to move.
Some of us have known for a long time what we are up against. What our enemy is, what it means, and what we are fighting for. Though we at times took different paths and searched for different solutions to the problem, the goal in the end remained the same. We fight for Arx, for the Compact, for our homes far and wide.
Now is not the time to look over our shoulder and into the past, to wish for things that could have been. We are, in this moment, armed with more knowledge than we have ever been. We stand united and must move forward toward victory, as there is no alternative.
House Redrain will stand tall, and together with the rest of the Compact, we will deliver an end to those that wish to end us. They will hear nothing but our cries of victory, as we defeat our enemies. To the last.
Some of us have known for a long time what we are up against. What our enemy is, what it means, and what we are fighting for. Though we at times took different paths and searched for different solutions to the problem, the goal in the end remained the same. We fight for Arx, for the Compact, for our homes far and wide.
Now is not the time to look over our shoulder and into the past, to wish for things that could have been. We are, in this moment, armed with more knowledge than we have ever been. We stand united and must move forward toward victory, as there is no alternative.
House Redrain will stand tall, and together with the rest of the Compact, we will deliver an end to those that wish to end us. They will hear nothing but our cries of victory, as we defeat our enemies. To the last.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.