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Written By Cara

March 12, 2017, 3:58 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

They've come home.

Vincere and Pietro will be properly granted their rest, brought home to us. In better circumstances they should go to their true home - Granato - but I selfishly am grateful that they will not be so far away.

I walk that way often, through the Plaza Unita, and stop to visit their statues. It's not the same. It will never be the same. But it is a small comfort, nevertheless.

Written By Ophelia

March 12, 2017, 3:30 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Today, I prayed at the temple of Lagoma for our King.

I was fraught with uncertainty as I lit the candle and closed my eyes and prayed.

Then all of a sudden, a sparrow -- one of the ones from the Old Grove, I suspect -- exploded overhead.

I shit you not, it burst right into flame.

Reassurrance, yay!...... Right?

Written By Verity

March 12, 2017, 2:29 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

I much prefer my nightmares sleeping. Then at least you can be sure of the chance to breathe a sigh of relief after bolting upright in bed. Caught unawares, awake and in the cold, there's no respite from the chill of sweat drying on skin while you look ahead at what might be.

Suddenly my worries of having food on my table in the coming weeks seem very short-sighted.

Written By Octavia

March 12, 2017, 2:17 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

On a positive note, High Lord Victus has enough faith in me to support my bid for the crown magistracy. I hope to prove him correct.

The meeting was disturbed by a truly haunting vision of the city - and all of Arvum - being utterly obliterated. The vision doesn't make any sense, and yet Victus saw it too, as did Legate Orazio, and I'm assuming others in the city as well. The Legate says that the Bringers are bringing our destruction, and intend to slay one of the gods.

Can you slay that which is eternal? The Legate seems to think so.

I have no expertise here. For once, I am truly lost.

Written By Orazio

March 12, 2017, 2:14 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

To the Faithful Reader:

For those reading this in the future, assuming that there are any (readers, or future), know this: On 1/28/1006 AR, the city of Arx received a visitation from one of the gods of the Pantheon. As Legate of Concepts, I believe and hold that this visitation was true, and divine in origin. This visitation was in the form of a dream, shared by many - perhaps all - of the faithful. It warned us of the terrible threat facing the city from the hordes of shav tribes marching on the city. A threat that goes beyond the merely physical threat of being conquered and killed, but which speaks to the possibility of unleashing an apocalyptic terror known as the Silence on the world. Once before, the Silence threatened, and was resisted by the cooperation of Compact and Nox'Alfar. Since then, of course, that ancient treaty has been thrown away, and those responsible for doing so have characterized the Teind as useless, and slandered the Nox'Alfar by saying that they never intended delivering on their part of the treaty. Through divine intervention, we now know beyond all doubt that the ritual aided the survival of the Compact. And although the Nox'Alfar are no longer bound by treaty, alaricite weapons have been distributed by their kindness, without asking anything in return, to warriors among us, so that they may raise blades against the darkness that threatens.

We do not stand unready. Many people and organizations, from the Lower Burroughs all the way up to the High Lords, have worked to organize the defenses. Our soldiers are well-trained. The Faith has recalled its holy Templars and Knights of Solace from around the Compact to defend the realm against those who would raise blades against the gods themselves. The Crown, the Faith, and even private organizations such as Black Mountain have gathered food and supplies to keep our people fed and warm throughout the siege, if that siege happens. Mercies and healers stand by to aid the wounded and the lost. Refugees are being housed across the city. We are not helpless. We are the men and women who stand blessed by courage, by hope, by faith, and we stand on the side of justice and righteousness. To every man and woman of Arx, even the many who will never read this, I lay this charge: raise your hands in aid to your brother, your sister, and your lords. Volunteer to build defenses, to make bandages and poultices. Speak kindly to your fellows, and do not listen to those who may urge betrayal and cowardice. Make it clear to all our enemies that we are not easily bent, nor broken.

As the enemy approaches, the Compact will stand. And, with the grace of the gods and the work of our own hands, we will win.

Written By Hadrian

March 12, 2017, 2:13 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Artorius

Another cousin to have made an appearance in Arx. A welcome sight and sword arm, no doubt. He brought his young daughter along with him, which is unfortunate given what the city faces soon but I can not blame him for not wishing to put his own offspring beyond his own reach. Let us hope that our many brave and skilled warriors are capable of holding back the tide and ensuring that the fighting does not reach these streets. From what I've gathered he was able to best my sister in a duel, which of course gives me pause because of the simple issue of that being my sister, but it gives me some reassurance that Artorius will not be just another body to be in the way of the warriors. He will be right there alongside them and will no doubt do his family name proud.

His daughter, Serah, seems to be a scrupulous young lady. Judgmental possibly. She has no issues, even at her young age, with openly surveying those she encounters as though she were taking their full measure before committing her willingness to address. I will say this much for the young lady however, she seems unwilling to call champions into the perceived slights. When she seemed to display some manner of issue with myself, I instructed her to call her champion and be done with it. She did not.

I guess I win. Your move, Serah.

Written By Cristoph

March 12, 2017, 1:58 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Well the hunt could have gone better, a Wymguard relative I do not know managed to shoot Sir Silas prompting early departures, even if he was uninjured, then one of the beaters was mauled by a bear. We might have then slain the beast but it cast a sombre hue over proceedings.

Written By Simone

March 12, 2017, 1:56 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Once, once - once there was a lady's maid that I was speaking to at length about hopes, dreams, wants and ambitions. She told me all of the reasons why she felt she needed to wait to pursue them. I couldn't understand the need to wait, so, I asked her again. The same answers were given with in a less patient tone.

I paused. I laughed. This is why there are some people that think I am actively awful, but, it's not cruelty -

I said, "Listen to me. Hurl yourself headfirst into what life gives you with utter ruthlessness and disregard. Because, when you need to look back on everything that you've done ... it will be easier to accept everything that you did, or tried to do, against all of the other things that you did not.

Any damage that we sustain is proof to our resilience."

Written By Sylvie

March 12, 2017, 1:52 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Aldwin

That I can call the Dominus of the Faith a friend is a blessing itself. That Aldwin is such a caring, concerned man who treats me with warmth and equity is far beyond a blessing. I do not know of any who could speak ill of him, not rightfully so. Those that do, do not know the true man. It is easy to allow our eyes to be clouded by selfishness, as I learned myself just recently. I am sorry.

Written By Cristoph

March 12, 2017, 1:46 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

I am not sure what I was expecting to hear from my scouts, but another army of Abandoned moving from the Oathlands was not it. There is relief on one hand, they are not menacing my home and my people, but we are already sorely outnumbered here in the east.

The congratulations for having somehow sent away the local shavs is at best darkly amusing. I suppose this is the other side of the coin from being blamed for poor harvests.

Written By Lark

March 12, 2017, 1:27 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

The voices from on-high take risk to warn us that Princess Dawn, the King’s Own, and Countess Nekarris’s actions in the interest of our defense will soon be made undone not hours after once again, it was suggested to me that their terrible sacrifice did nothing -- a sacrifice which I myself have suffered for and have never fully recovered from. There remains such derision and fostered distrust between and even within our sects, where a helping hand is met with a dubious eye and saving our world is made into competitive sport. Not all those who fight will have their name held up for all to see or even have a seat at the table. The conquering hero will not always return home to be hailed as such. We will do our part, glory and gratitude bedamned, or… well, we have all seen now, haven’t we?

Written By Atrid

March 12, 2017, 1:13 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

It has been a couple of Days, but Marquessa Dominique and I are now to wed a date of course hasnt been set up yet. Will update as I know more.

Written By Octavia

March 12, 2017, 12:18 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Today I seek the support of High Lord Victus for a seat as a crown magistrate. Gods grant me your favor.

Written By Haati

March 12, 2017, 12:18 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Selene

A very alluring and distracting woman that I am happy to have join Wavehowler Wearh with an apprentice status. I look forward to her helping me keep my commissions and sketches of work in order and filed away properly, but also to help me take commissions as well. She is a blessing in beautiful package and I hope she finds the process profitable and enjoyable work.

Written By Haati

March 12, 2017, 12:14 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calliope

A woman of esteem and good taste. I am proud I could supply the Lady of Grimhall with such beautiful hairpins to remind her of her family and the deadly power of the Thraxian people.

Written By Haati

March 12, 2017, 12:11 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Julea

Wherever you may roam or sail. Never in our Wake!

Written By Calypso

March 12, 2017, 12:02 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

I attended my first High Lords council this week. I was asked to join and advise on military matters. It was about as I expected, but I do have this to say:

Anyone who questions the dedication, integrity or good intentions of our High Lords is sorely mistaken or misinformed. Never have I seen such a cohesive body of government. Clearly we are all working towards the same goals and the alignment is apparent.

Written By Calypso

March 12, 2017, 11:57 a.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Artorius

My cousin Artorius has heeded the call to come to Arx recently. His sister Caelis arrived not long ago. It's nice to have so many siblings together again. His daughter Serah is delightful, if a touch clingy. Truth be told I've never spent much time around children. Having one in the house is going to be something TK get used to.

Regardless of the 5-year-old, I am glad to see my cousin again. We took a turn in the training center last night and just as he always does, he sent me flying. I really have no idea how he grew to be so tall. But I am greatful To have such a warrior in House Malvici.

Written By Rowan

March 12, 2017, 11:11 a.m.(1/27/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Fortunato

There's a shine about some people, a substance and a quality. I have only met Master Fortunato a couple of times, but I have come away from each meeting with a respect and an intrigue, and a sense of time well spent. I don't believe the artist has a wasted breath to be had.

Written By Rowan

March 12, 2017, 10:44 a.m.(1/27/1006 AR)

An eagle, a cat, and a wild sow shared a tall tree for their home. The eagle kept her next in the highest bows, the cat in a hollow at its heart, and the sow amongst the roots.

The eagle and the sow had few occasions to encounter each other, and carried on life without concern for the other. The cat watched them both and spoke with them both about the other.

To the eagle, the cat asked, 'Have you seen the sow? The way she digs in the earth around the roots? She must mean to fall our tree to reach us and set upon our young.'

To the wild sow, she asked, 'Have you seen the eagle? The way she plucks young hares right out of their nest? Our little ones would be just as easy.'

When the cat went out into the world, having built up her own fears of her neighbors, she snuck about and hid herself and her kittens. The eagle and the wild sow, watching the cat, found her words even more worrisome. The eagle and the sow both resolved themselves not to leave their homes, lest the other make a go at setting upon their young.

Both the sow and the eagle, and their families, perished for hunger, and the cat made fine opportunity of their demise to provide for her own family on the meat of her neighbors' follies.

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