Written By Rowan
Feb. 24, 2017, 8:40 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
A hound, a wolf, and a fox sat at a tall hedge row, wondering between them what laid on the other side. Drought had stricken their land, and they could hear water running beyond the hedge. They could smell it on the air.
Wolf declared, "If we only run and jump the hedge, we can be on the other side."
Fox warned, "We don't know what is on the side. We should find a way through first, or ask Hawk to fly and tell us."
"There is no time! We'll all thirst to death first," Wolf returned.
"Rain will come eventually," said Hound. "We need only wait."
The three bickered between themselves for days, until their tongues were parched, until there was little time left. Wolf, urged to action, assured, "I will jump it and you will see. We'll have all the water we can drink. What else could it be but a river?" And so Wolf took a running blind leap over the hedge.
Hound and Fox listened through the hedge, but all they could hear was a howling growing fainter and fainter.
"There is nothing good beyond this hedge," Hound barked at Fox. "I will return home and wait for the masters to bring water. I have served them well, and they will surely provide." But the masters were just as thirsty, and would give nothing to Hound when they thirsted themselves, and Hound perished as well.
Fox, left alone, called out for Hawk, but Hawk had long since left while Fox bickered with Hound and Wolf. Fox was not willing to make the jump, and not willing to lay down and die, so Fox walked the hedges tirelessly until it found a place it could wriggle through. With cuts and scratches, Fox finally emerged at the other side.
A gorge stretched out before Fox. A great waterfall fell over one edge to a darkness below. Beyond the gorge was verdant green forests, the river that fed the falls, and a single narrow rope bridge - dangerous and frightening - but sound for cautious paws to cross.
Wolf declared, "If we only run and jump the hedge, we can be on the other side."
Fox warned, "We don't know what is on the side. We should find a way through first, or ask Hawk to fly and tell us."
"There is no time! We'll all thirst to death first," Wolf returned.
"Rain will come eventually," said Hound. "We need only wait."
The three bickered between themselves for days, until their tongues were parched, until there was little time left. Wolf, urged to action, assured, "I will jump it and you will see. We'll have all the water we can drink. What else could it be but a river?" And so Wolf took a running blind leap over the hedge.
Hound and Fox listened through the hedge, but all they could hear was a howling growing fainter and fainter.
"There is nothing good beyond this hedge," Hound barked at Fox. "I will return home and wait for the masters to bring water. I have served them well, and they will surely provide." But the masters were just as thirsty, and would give nothing to Hound when they thirsted themselves, and Hound perished as well.
Fox, left alone, called out for Hawk, but Hawk had long since left while Fox bickered with Hound and Wolf. Fox was not willing to make the jump, and not willing to lay down and die, so Fox walked the hedges tirelessly until it found a place it could wriggle through. With cuts and scratches, Fox finally emerged at the other side.
A gorge stretched out before Fox. A great waterfall fell over one edge to a darkness below. Beyond the gorge was verdant green forests, the river that fed the falls, and a single narrow rope bridge - dangerous and frightening - but sound for cautious paws to cross.
Written By Calypso
Feb. 24, 2017, 7:26 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Costas
My companion in war.
I am thankful this shipwrecked ruffian was thrust in to my life. He and I had a difficult time finding understanding at first. But we are more similar than I realized. There is a harmony that develops in understanding ones role, and embracing natural talents. I'm glad we've finally hit our stride. He'll make a good Captain.
Even if he is a lecherous drunken fool most days.
I am thankful this shipwrecked ruffian was thrust in to my life. He and I had a difficult time finding understanding at first. But we are more similar than I realized. There is a harmony that develops in understanding ones role, and embracing natural talents. I'm glad we've finally hit our stride. He'll make a good Captain.
Even if he is a lecherous drunken fool most days.
Written By Silas
Feb. 24, 2017, 7:02 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
A great choice for Regent and a skilled and proven battle commander.
I believe I have learned a thing or two from him, when it comes to leadership...
I believe I have learned a thing or two from him, when it comes to leadership...
Written By Owain
Feb. 24, 2017, 4:52 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Dreamwine. A very unusual drink and not wine at all. My Lords Leary make it from alcohol and a mixture of herbs. It's very strong and needs sweetening with sugar. Not a bad flavor but an acquired taste for sure. But it's the effect it has on you that will be of interest to a lot of people. I need to show it around.
Written By Qaali
Feb. 24, 2017, 3:43 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
I've been told that Fiachra is one of the finest archers around. I gotta find. Gotta corner him. Gotta make a good impression. I wonder what his bow looks like.
Written By Valencia
Feb. 24, 2017, 3:42 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
When we first secured the building we didn't realize what a treasure she was. We wanted to build a place for one and all to come together to meet, enjoy good company, raise spirits and enjoy perhaps winning a little extra coin (and to give little to charity as well).
But we didn't expect to find a little garden courtyard concealed from prying eyes by walls of stone.
There is such a sense of mystery and magic about this place. It is wild and beautiful with little stone terraces for dinner and dancing, and small alcoves for more intimate meetings. There is even little spring that fills a stone pool. It is a little haven and heaven hidden in heart of the city.
I want all who I know and love to see it, though I know it is not sacred like the Stone Grove or the hallowed places others know and love. But just so, I still love places like the beach, the forest and now here.
With fox's luck it will continue to be a safe and enchanted place held deep in the Hart’s heart.
And now, thanks to the generosity of a wonderful benefactor and many sweet and good friends, it will be ready for others to enjoy as well. There is even talk of weddings and parties.
I cannot wait for all of Arx to visit the Hart when we open and for long after. I am grateful that we will offer a welcoming place for all, employ many in good work, raise spirits for all and raise coin for those in need.
I am so proud and so very humbled by those who have supported this, and who will continue to help to make this dream come true. I have so many other plans and good works to be done.
I hope everyone will enjoy it and love the work of my Hart as much as I do. <3
~~~~~<~<@
But we didn't expect to find a little garden courtyard concealed from prying eyes by walls of stone.
There is such a sense of mystery and magic about this place. It is wild and beautiful with little stone terraces for dinner and dancing, and small alcoves for more intimate meetings. There is even little spring that fills a stone pool. It is a little haven and heaven hidden in heart of the city.
I want all who I know and love to see it, though I know it is not sacred like the Stone Grove or the hallowed places others know and love. But just so, I still love places like the beach, the forest and now here.
With fox's luck it will continue to be a safe and enchanted place held deep in the Hart’s heart.
And now, thanks to the generosity of a wonderful benefactor and many sweet and good friends, it will be ready for others to enjoy as well. There is even talk of weddings and parties.
I cannot wait for all of Arx to visit the Hart when we open and for long after. I am grateful that we will offer a welcoming place for all, employ many in good work, raise spirits for all and raise coin for those in need.
I am so proud and so very humbled by those who have supported this, and who will continue to help to make this dream come true. I have so many other plans and good works to be done.
I hope everyone will enjoy it and love the work of my Hart as much as I do. <3
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Mydas
Feb. 24, 2017, 2:43 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Through the Dark Reflection, we peer into our secret flaws, our deepest thoughts that lie unacknowledged, our inner, unwanted truth. It is a dark mirror of ourselves, one unblemished by the delusions we reinforce each day to others, and ourselves. It can break an individual, or it can help them rise, grow strong as they accept what is undeniably them, accept and begin the work to perfect oneself. For it is not enough to simply embrace one's failings, one must go beyond, from weakness to strength.
It is not a simple matter, and the progress is slow, for all individuals do not have the same flaws, and the same tools to correct them. Only the Gods may know, and they choose not to meddle. Who are we mortal men and women, then, to break this singularly individualistic experience? Who are we to possibly destroy one's only chance to improvement? We condemn them to this flawed state, every time this trust is broken, every time the secrets of the Black Journals are revealed.
Mortal men and women do not hold the claim to be the masters of a soul's purification. To act in such a direction must, and does, ensure the most grievous of punishments. Thus I have learned during my stay within the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
It is not a simple matter, and the progress is slow, for all individuals do not have the same flaws, and the same tools to correct them. Only the Gods may know, and they choose not to meddle. Who are we mortal men and women, then, to break this singularly individualistic experience? Who are we to possibly destroy one's only chance to improvement? We condemn them to this flawed state, every time this trust is broken, every time the secrets of the Black Journals are revealed.
Mortal men and women do not hold the claim to be the masters of a soul's purification. To act in such a direction must, and does, ensure the most grievous of punishments. Thus I have learned during my stay within the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
Written By Mirari
Feb. 24, 2017, 2:37 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Possible hair tonic scents: Apples, cinnamon, clove, berries. Little to no floral. Sandalwood? Hair oil formula-- Hm. Slightly more extract, perhaps some pressed olive oil, or maybe coconut. What a fascinating project this shall be.
Written By Bianca
Feb. 24, 2017, 1:53 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Damon
I could really use your levity. I miss you.
Written By Simone
Feb. 24, 2017, 1:36 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
I ... attempted the Gauntlet.
Which simply means that I walked up to the first obstacle, considered it very somberly for several long moments, before walking away.
It was terribly taxing.
Which simply means that I walked up to the first obstacle, considered it very somberly for several long moments, before walking away.
It was terribly taxing.
Written By Owain
Feb. 24, 2017, 1:28 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Ran into one of the Greenmarch, a knight named Eirlys. She took me to the Valardin Gauntlet, an obstacle course designed to test the people running it. Lots of fun. Me, I'd make it a bit harder but there were a couple spots I struggled a bit. Now I need to know what I have to work on.
Written By Eirene
Feb. 24, 2017, 1:07 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Sometimes it takes a serious situation to remind you of why you rarely did something in the first place. Trust your instincts, woman. They've kept you alive and unharmed so far. Even if everyone knows you'll die someday and your last words were, 'Well, that was dumb.'
Written By Jasher
Feb. 24, 2017, 11:19 a.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
Children. The treasure was children. Which, admittedly, was a bit disappointing as actual treasure would have been nice. Instead, the hold was full of hostages to guarantee the loyalty of their parents, who, we can assume, command various tribes of Abandoned. Which presents us with a nice little problem.
It'll take some time to return them all to their homes. But should we? They were captured once, they can be captured again. They'd be safer with us. Not incidentally, this would put their parents in the same exact situation they were in, except with the Thrax holding hostages even if that wasn't the purpose of keeping them.
I could make arguments for both keeping them and returning them. I'm rather glad it's not my decision.
It'll take some time to return them all to their homes. But should we? They were captured once, they can be captured again. They'd be safer with us. Not incidentally, this would put their parents in the same exact situation they were in, except with the Thrax holding hostages even if that wasn't the purpose of keeping them.
I could make arguments for both keeping them and returning them. I'm rather glad it's not my decision.
Written By Ainsley
Feb. 24, 2017, 7:43 a.m.(12/23/1005 AR)
It has been a month and ... today I was given a gift that actually brought joy to my heart.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 24, 2017, 4:13 a.m.(12/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
To say that the man is impressive is an understatement.
Three opponents down in one melee, with nothing more than a lump of rust. A credit to the Knights of Solace, without doubt.
Three opponents down in one melee, with nothing more than a lump of rust. A credit to the Knights of Solace, without doubt.
Written By Caelis
Feb. 24, 2017, 2:55 a.m.(12/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I had thought he was a scary man, but he is kind, and wise. I deeply enjoyed getting the chance to talk to him. His little bird was especially endearing, if loud. I was struck by his willingness to listen and guide me, I have always been fond of the Saiks, but Legate Orazio is a special soul.
Written By Caelis
Feb. 24, 2017, 2:27 a.m.(12/23/1005 AR)
My feet have never felt surer on their path. It is good to slow down and arrange everything that seems to be happening. For a simple sailor there is much to comprehend. For the first time since coming to the city I feel sure, settled a little. There have been so many ups and a few downs, Mangata knows I am used to a deck rising and falling, less so the events of my life in a few mere weeks. Let winter come.
Written By Kima
Feb. 23, 2017, 9:52 p.m.(12/22/1005 AR)
Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress
Written By Jael
Feb. 23, 2017, 9:02 p.m.(12/22/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Honor and manners may be the norm back home in the Oathlands, but they're less common here. It's refreshing to see someone who still holds to them, and believes that the complications they cause are outweighed by the grace they grant. And if you ever need a slightly more practical escape from those, I'm here for that too.
Written By Jael
Feb. 23, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(12/22/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
I'm not sure why you decided we should be friends, but I'm glad you did. You're never boring, and your zest for life can always bring a smile. Now, if I can just try to keep you from letting all of your passions burn you down, we might manage to stay friends for a good, long time.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.