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Written By Asger

March 10, 2017, 7:12 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Today my house words echo through my mind, When The Bough Breaks. It was five hundred years ago that the Proudwoods were caught beneath the breaking boughs and crushed for their hubris and lack of foresight. My father taught it to me like a mantra, every little action or lack thereof, every word, every decree adds up, and if you aren't careful it will break and all their combined weight will come crashing down on you. So today the bough has broken, and I find myself thankful that I was not caught beneath it. It makes me think of how Lady Luck has stood beside me for the past decade, and how I've let her lead my path. No more, if Lady Luck stands with me then she will follow the path I carve and I and together we will grab the future I desire. If not...Well I look overhead and there are a lot of boughs in the forest.

Written By Eirene

March 10, 2017, 6:33 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

The one good thing about going to war and calling out swords is seeing my nieces and nephews here in Arx instead of back home. And yes, I think of the Saiks as my nieces and nephews too. I'm the old lady (although not as old as I think myself to be), the one of the prior generation even if some of them are my age and older. (That's what happens when you're the baby of a ducal family...)

I trust my family with my life and they trust me with theirs. But knowing I have their ready swords with us to defend the bastion of civilization makes me sleep a bit better a night.

Also: The plural of peniuses is better termed Penii. I learned this at a wedding, appropriately enough.

Written By Valery

March 10, 2017, 6:02 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Gavin

I'm sorry I couldn't just accept.
I'm so sorry I hurt you.
I'm sorry I got scared.
I'm so, so sorry...

Written By Orazio

March 10, 2017, 5:19 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

To the Faithful Reader:

I am more often, in these days, beginning to hear people speak of their Faith in the singular - as a worshiper of a particular god, rather than the Pantheon. Certainly, I can understand the impulse; of the gods, certain concepts might call to you more deeply than others. I, myself, dedicated myself to the Sentinel, for the concepts of justice and redemption are close to my heart and soul. However, I am not a priest of only the Sentinel. I serve the Pantheon, and all gods within it. Why? Well, there are both the practical reasons and the theological. The practical reasons are not particularly entertaining, and thus I will sum them up with: there are not enough godsworn to have each of us simply decide that we will learn the rites and duties of one god, and not the rest. Those who are willing to truly devote themselves to the Faith above all others are small in number, although great in heart. That every god receives its due, and that ever member of the faithful is able to find priestly counsel and aid, we serve all.

But, more than that, it is a matter of theology. No one god is raised above the rest in the Pantheon, and there is a reason for that. The gods are the highest ideals that we, as humans, may aspire to. While we might be called to justice, say, we may not pursue justice at the cost of charity, or honor, or courage. We cannot be stewards of the land, while abusing the seas. To acknowledge one god's greater weight on your heart is one thing, but I urge you to look beyond the easy choice, and understand and appreciate the virtues that each god of the Pantheon offers to we mortals. If you are a devotee of Gild, I urge you to contemplate the beauty of the sea, or the creation of new life in the womb of the earth. If Petrichor has always called to you, walk the streets of your city or your village and open your heart to the beauties of civilization. If you have always felt most at home when pursuing Vellichor's knowledge, take some time to speak and learn from a soldier about the courage on the battlefield, and the knowledge of blade and staff.

It does every one of us good to embrace the virtues of each of the gods, not just the one we are closest to.

Written By Artorius

March 10, 2017, 4:19 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Ophelia

One winter afternoon I came across a princess Ophelia. Despite her status, she was among the kindest women I have ever been blessed to meet. What particularly caught my attention, however, was how great she and Serah got along. They seem mutually caring for each other, and that has spoken volumes to me.

With the coming battle, I was stressing on where Serah would be best safe; I considered asking Caelis, but feared she would also be called. I am proud to say there is no one else I would trust her with off the field of battle than with Ophelia. She is a friend worthy of my trust and respect.

On a side note: I would not be opposed to learning more about her a person. She has a good head on her shoulders.

Written By Artorius

March 10, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Costas

As I walked through Southport on my way to the Hall, I came across an interesting guard by the name of Costas. He seemed a kind man, as Serah took a like to him. He seemed good natured, despite his rather aggressive appearance.

I am happy to write that he was very playful and kind to Serah, he made a good impression with me, and is worthy of admiration.

Written By Joscelin

March 10, 2017, 4:07 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

So I returned to my living quarters to find crumbs on my counter, an open book or seven around the house and ... my towels were wet.

I suspect I know who did this.

If you were the one that folded the corners of my books to mark your places in them, wench, I'm going to spank you next I see you.

But I'm glad your key works.

Written By Artorius

March 10, 2017, 4:06 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Reese

Today, at the Hundred Cities Inn, I met a princess by the name of Reese. I was impressed at her bearing, she carried herself like a warrior. Something I found to be very impressive about her personality was in the way that she was able to give Serah something to look up to, as I do not believe myself to be a good role model for what she should be...I hope that Serah can interact with her more, as she is now being nicknamed "the Winter Rose.".

I think it's a good description of my baby girl.

Written By Artorius

March 10, 2017, 4:04 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

I returned recently with my daughter Serah to the Hall of Malcivi to answer the call made by my house. I am happy that on my return, I immediately reunited with my dear cousin Calypso. She seems ever so happy with her military role, to which I am happy that her path has not led her astray. I hear she is marrying soon. I could not be more happy for my dear cousin. She welcomed me home with open arms, and even offered to provide me with new equipment for the coming battles. I could not be more grateful.

We plan to spar soon. I can only hope I have not been greatly surpassed by her combative abilities.

On a side note: I am happy that Calypso has been able to interact with Serah. Serah seemed overjoyed to be reunited with her cousin, it does a father like me proud.

Written By Ophelia

March 10, 2017, 3:07 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Reese

The Princess Reese Grayson is truly a good Princess. The epitome of what a good Princess should be.

Unfortunately I think I missed those classes, so now, instead, I have someone to look up to.

Written By Tobias

March 10, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Staci

Didn't expect to see her again after I heard her village was destroyed by Brands horde. She doesn't have much left though, so I was happy to give her the news that she can work for the Crimson Blades. We recently had our Quartermaster retire anyway, so she'll make an excellent replacement.

Written By Abbas

March 10, 2017, 1:35 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Soon I will be waging war in the Saffron chain. Mainlanders know that when Thrax changes it changes for Thrax and not at the whim and the will of others. Our ways will hold that make sense to hold. We shall bend but we shall never break. Concessions now are not permanent changes in who we are, what we do, and what we will become.

We have already become. We are Thraxians.

The Salt trembles in our wake.

Written By Abbas

March 10, 2017, 1:34 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Katarina

Katarina has been an interesting discovery. She is one of the few in Arx I can converse in the language of my father. I look forward to understanding more of her and determining if she can be trusted.

Written By Abbas

March 10, 2017, 1:33 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Zaina

Zaina Pyrani has proven herself trustworthy for a considerable time. Her loyalty to my family is without question. And I shall stand in front of her in all things. Naturally the child we are having shall receive the same consideration.

Written By Orathy

March 10, 2017, 12:42 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Saedrus

*written in messy scrawl that is common of his journals*

Sadris (scratched out) Saydrs (scratched out with frustration). Saed...(scratched out again)

(He doodles instead, making smilie faces and sad faces. And stick figures, in various interactive childish stances. One of himself probably with a big axe and a 'rawr' bubble over top chasing away monsters from the smaller stick figure, which is probably Saedrus.)

(more scratches and poor attempts to write his name)

Thank you, fer the fruitcakes.

Written By Valery

March 10, 2017, 11:41 a.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

I got a new dress.
I bought it for the Redrain dinner.

It was nice, for the most part. But I guess I was a bit distracted with all the stuff going on and him back...

Written By Orathy

March 10, 2017, 11:14 a.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

*Writing is a LITTLE better*
I (this is a very messy I) have lassens(scratched out) lessons at the academy (the spacing here indicates he had someone spelling out the word for him while he wrote it), to fix me(scratched out again) my writing. Thank you, Bianca.

*The rest seem to be practicing the alphabet*

Written By Ophelia

March 10, 2017, 11:11 a.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Artorius

Yesterday morning, in the stone garden - I met a man and his wonderful daughter. Together, we fed our horses sugar cubes, let them graze, and fed the winter birds.

He and his daughter made me laugh and smile. I could not imagine a better father figure. It's times like these when I miss my own father.

I see a lot of Serah, his daughter, in myself too.

I can't wait until the siege is over and we can find more things to do. Like horseback riding and chasing butterflies. It was minutes I spent with her - well, twice, but the Winter Rose, as she is most definitely called now - has stolen my heart. And I realized we fight this battle very little for ourselves, but for her. Specifically her, and specifically the other children of this Realm and I feel honored that Artorius would entrust her with me during the siege.

My plan is - the Menagerie. It probably won't be attacked right out, and if the battle lasts longer than usual, I have a supply of fresh meat and water. I'm going today to bury some provisions including camping gear and possibly set up a vantage point in the highest tree, for a lookout. If they get close I'll release some animals that have a somewhat defensible structure/compound/stable for us. I need to find an apothecary that can make smokeless fire or something. To keep us warm.

If this fails I will move us to the Velenosa or Grayson Estate on either side - depending on which side is more open. If that fails, and I am capable of getting there I will then go to Thrax. You know, hit Perrach up for that favor he totally owes me.

Serah - definitely love at first sight.

Written By Mirari

March 10, 2017, 10:49 a.m.(1/24/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Mailys

My darling cousin, my tiny little mini-me.

Written By Jaenelle

March 10, 2017, 7:48 a.m.(1/23/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Orathy

My bodyguard is an interesting man. Hard, rough, and will do almost anything for a few coins slipped into his palm. That is not to say he isn't a good man, he seems to be and has always treated me well. Orathy, the Bloody Honest, as I have taken to calling him. It is almost refreshing to be told an actual answer when a question is posed and not something said simply because it might be what I am looking to hear.

Hopefully he doesn't let me die.

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