Written By Talen
Feb. 19, 2017, 8:03 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
The Mirrorguard have been established and those closest to the family, those most skilled within the royal guard have been drafted to the order.
A prince within the very house they intend to serve, an old friend from as far as Caith and a common scrap with more wit than often know how to do with. It'll be a good start.
We'll succeed as a team where I alone previously failed. We'll remain unbroken until the Thirteenth's final reap.
A prince within the very house they intend to serve, an old friend from as far as Caith and a common scrap with more wit than often know how to do with. It'll be a good start.
We'll succeed as a team where I alone previously failed. We'll remain unbroken until the Thirteenth's final reap.
Written By Calista
Feb. 19, 2017, 8:02 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Inigo
A Malvici. If I left this journal with just those words, they might not mean anything to anyone else but for me they carry the weight of my entire existence. "Draw Your Sword." I feel a battle on the horizon.
Written By Valerius
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:58 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
The bonfire for Nadia is today. I know I should go, spend some time there, show her family that she was loved. They know that, of course, or they should, given how much the spirits of the city fell when we learned of her death.
But I don’t think I will. I think I’ll remember her in my own way, with a bottle of whiskey alone.
But I don’t think I will. I think I’ll remember her in my own way, with a bottle of whiskey alone.
Written By Tristram
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:49 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I don't know what to make of her. Is she too innocent for me? The last thing I want to do is spoil that, but she is lovely and graceful and wonderful. I am not an innocent man; will she find me darker than she might wish in a Prince?
Written By Rowan
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:46 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I was born shav, and lived over three-quarters of my life as such before - for a few vows and the flick of a quill - shav was exchanged for prodigal and 'Lord' was affixed to my name. I'm not certain that I will ever grow used to it.
Among the nobility, it does not bother me much. When one noble speaks it to another, it feels more like a nuance of language and little else. When I hear it on the lips of the common class, the language takes on a more uncomfortable suggestion. It feels a reminder that I am held in some higher regard by the world for no reason other than that my cousins married the right families and an agreement was made. There is an obligation to it, an unspoken note in the ring of it that they are well aware that they, and myself, have been dubbed different creatures by some intangible scale. By the same token, to ask to be only the name I came into the world with, it burdens them with social risk and confusion.
I never held dreams of nobility before being vaulted from a life I was happy and comfortable in to a life where I still feel like a child playing at pretend games. So if I should wince, if I should grunt or frown for an introduction...Have patience with me, Arx. I am still learning the steps to this dance.
Among the nobility, it does not bother me much. When one noble speaks it to another, it feels more like a nuance of language and little else. When I hear it on the lips of the common class, the language takes on a more uncomfortable suggestion. It feels a reminder that I am held in some higher regard by the world for no reason other than that my cousins married the right families and an agreement was made. There is an obligation to it, an unspoken note in the ring of it that they are well aware that they, and myself, have been dubbed different creatures by some intangible scale. By the same token, to ask to be only the name I came into the world with, it burdens them with social risk and confusion.
I never held dreams of nobility before being vaulted from a life I was happy and comfortable in to a life where I still feel like a child playing at pretend games. So if I should wince, if I should grunt or frown for an introduction...Have patience with me, Arx. I am still learning the steps to this dance.
Written By Eirlys
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:39 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I have been trying so hard to find the words to express what has happened during the battle. So many things happened. There were so many people who fought bravely.
Ansel fought to keep the mercies safe. He ended up injured and his horse was killed in the process. I thank the spirits that he lived.
Sophie was out there in the fray willing to tend to the wounded even though she could have lost her life and I don't think I could ever stop being grateful for that.
Alis is so strong, determined and a great leader. I would follow her into the Abyss if I had to.
My brother Fiachra whom I have always looked up to did rode into battle along side Alis. He was brave, he used his scouting abilities in a way to help us all.
Lord Gabriel whom I haven't had a chance to really formally meet was so important to this fight.
Edain who I had the honor of riding into battle with was a leader that I respect completely. He didn't stand back, he didn't ask us to ride into battle while he stayed safe. He rode with us, he lead us like a true leader does. I look at him and I see an honorable man.
When hearing about the battle one might think that the casualties were few there for the battle was easy. No battle is easy and not all of the scars are from wounds people can see. We lost people and it was painful. We mourn because they will never be able to ride with us again.
I did not know Lady Nadia but Alis did and Ansel did. I stood in the room with Ansel, who got out of his sick bed, walked while injured to lady Nadia's house, and I stood in the back while he paid his respects. I have seen what losing even one person can do. It was painful, it was sad and I felt so helpless. Grief is not something you can fight with a sword. It's not something you can beat back with willpower or training. It isn't a wound that can be treated by a healer. It is something that one has to face in their own ways. All I can do now is be a friend and hold the hands of my friends who grieve for those that they lost. I pray to the spirits that their souls find peace.
There will be more battles. Even now we are preparing for more fighting. Even now there is determination in those I fought along side, and for those that scouted and helped us have the advantage (forever grateful little sister to my brother and forever grateful to Gabriel) but I see that determination. I see the need to make sure those who fell did not fall in vain. We will do all we can to avenge them. Every battle comes with a price. No matter how great or small that battle is. I wish sometimes if I could pay that price for those I love, for those I respect and for those I call a friend so that they wouldn't have to hurt so badly.
So from a soldier on in the field to those who led us into battle, those who picked the site to our advantage. I am forever grateful that you did all you could to keep our numbers down. I am grateful that more of us came home than I expected. I wish I could take your pain for you in repayment. All I can do is continue to offer you my sword and friendship and pray that it is enough.
Ansel fought to keep the mercies safe. He ended up injured and his horse was killed in the process. I thank the spirits that he lived.
Sophie was out there in the fray willing to tend to the wounded even though she could have lost her life and I don't think I could ever stop being grateful for that.
Alis is so strong, determined and a great leader. I would follow her into the Abyss if I had to.
My brother Fiachra whom I have always looked up to did rode into battle along side Alis. He was brave, he used his scouting abilities in a way to help us all.
Lord Gabriel whom I haven't had a chance to really formally meet was so important to this fight.
Edain who I had the honor of riding into battle with was a leader that I respect completely. He didn't stand back, he didn't ask us to ride into battle while he stayed safe. He rode with us, he lead us like a true leader does. I look at him and I see an honorable man.
When hearing about the battle one might think that the casualties were few there for the battle was easy. No battle is easy and not all of the scars are from wounds people can see. We lost people and it was painful. We mourn because they will never be able to ride with us again.
I did not know Lady Nadia but Alis did and Ansel did. I stood in the room with Ansel, who got out of his sick bed, walked while injured to lady Nadia's house, and I stood in the back while he paid his respects. I have seen what losing even one person can do. It was painful, it was sad and I felt so helpless. Grief is not something you can fight with a sword. It's not something you can beat back with willpower or training. It isn't a wound that can be treated by a healer. It is something that one has to face in their own ways. All I can do now is be a friend and hold the hands of my friends who grieve for those that they lost. I pray to the spirits that their souls find peace.
There will be more battles. Even now we are preparing for more fighting. Even now there is determination in those I fought along side, and for those that scouted and helped us have the advantage (forever grateful little sister to my brother and forever grateful to Gabriel) but I see that determination. I see the need to make sure those who fell did not fall in vain. We will do all we can to avenge them. Every battle comes with a price. No matter how great or small that battle is. I wish sometimes if I could pay that price for those I love, for those I respect and for those I call a friend so that they wouldn't have to hurt so badly.
So from a soldier on in the field to those who led us into battle, those who picked the site to our advantage. I am forever grateful that you did all you could to keep our numbers down. I am grateful that more of us came home than I expected. I wish I could take your pain for you in repayment. All I can do is continue to offer you my sword and friendship and pray that it is enough.
Written By Iona
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:38 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I had the pleasure of bumping into Miss Zhayla in the middle of the Costumers Closet. Or more precisely, she bumped into me and Prince Valerius as we discussed the merits of the various fabrics displayed there.
It needs no mention that I have seen Miss Zhayla in Sammie's presence more than once, albeit always from a distance. As such I gladly took the opportunity to engage her for a little talk. For one, it turns out she has an eye for colour, but surprisingly enough she's employed as a guard. (Okay, so the sword ought to have given it away, but these are trying times and sharp metal makes a person feel safer. Right!?)
Knowing Sammie's eye for talent, I suspect this young miss has a couple more cards up her sleeves; she surely left in such a speedy rush that it left me speechless by the suddenness of it.
One thing is for sure: Arx is not that big of a city. We'll meet again.
It needs no mention that I have seen Miss Zhayla in Sammie's presence more than once, albeit always from a distance. As such I gladly took the opportunity to engage her for a little talk. For one, it turns out she has an eye for colour, but surprisingly enough she's employed as a guard. (Okay, so the sword ought to have given it away, but these are trying times and sharp metal makes a person feel safer. Right!?)
Knowing Sammie's eye for talent, I suspect this young miss has a couple more cards up her sleeves; she surely left in such a speedy rush that it left me speechless by the suddenness of it.
One thing is for sure: Arx is not that big of a city. We'll meet again.
Written By Darren
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:37 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
In times of trouble, when everything seems so very dark and grim, it is often necessary to slip away from it all and enjoy the fresh air. So very rarely do these times lead to anything except a few moments of peace and solace before the messengers find me again.
But sometimes, they have unexpected results. I am particularly thankful for those sometimes. Especially when they provide even the smallest bit of hope for tomorrow.
But sometimes, they have unexpected results. I am particularly thankful for those sometimes. Especially when they provide even the smallest bit of hope for tomorrow.
Written By Tristram
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:37 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Here we are at the memorial bonfire for Nadia, but I cannot help but think of Pietro and Vincere as well. I cannot help but wonder if we can live up to and achieve the salvation of Arvum that they all strove to bring about. Though angry almost every time I saw him, Pietro was passionate enough to make a strong ally against our enemy, and Vincere was a deep thinker. Nadia brought grace and beauty to the art of battle. Can they be replaced? Perhaps there are others who might be -like- them, but there will be no one who can -replace- them, the spirit, the thought, and the beliefs that they had. I did not know any of them as well as I might've liked, but I will strive to remember them well.
Written By Eleyna
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:33 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
She's wickedly clever. That can be said without a single qualification needed due to her background and station in life. I never thought I would see the day that someone outsmarted Niccolo, yet that business with the sauce and the dare was brilliant.
I think the family and the Compact as a whole should be afraid if she and I figure out how to work together.
I think the family and the Compact as a whole should be afraid if she and I figure out how to work together.
Written By Eleyna
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
It's easy to be fooled by him. Lazy Luca. He's been indolent and lethargic since we were children, yet he's so charming that you can't really hold it against him. He does some impressively stupid things sometimes, but not because he's stupid necessarily. He just chases a thrill no matter what the consequences. He and I could not be less alike, yet, oddly, he's the one I find it easiest to spend time with.
He's also the only person in the family allowed to call me 'El'. None of the rest of you better get any ideas.
He's also the only person in the family allowed to call me 'El'. None of the rest of you better get any ideas.
Written By Alis
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:17 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Nadia and I became fast friends, once we had the chance to finally meet and speak with each other. She was a vibrant and vivacious personality, filling the room with energy wherever she happened to be. She brought out that energy in me, someone who is normally quiet and determined, but not what one would call playful. Unless I was with her. What we had in common from the moment we spoke, however, was an unrelenting desire to show Avrum that those who are small of stature can also be mighty. Together we would be unstoppable, we said. She proved half of that, at least. None can doubt that she was a fierce warrior and leader, as she stood fast with Nightgold forces, protecting them with her very life. There is no sacrifice mightier then that. We will always be together in memory, my friend. So I promise you I will still prove that we are unstoppable. I will see justice for you, Duchess Nadia Nightgold.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:11 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I am tempted to stop visiting the training center, or at least doing so in armour and ready to spar, I should stick with my own sworn swords instead of being endlessly thrashed by the various improbably good swordsmen who apparently populate the capital.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:10 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Duke Gabriel for regent? I can think of worse choices certainly, I have never met the man but certainly respect his reputation, not to mention, he is not one of the members of the Great Houses. He has less far incentive to outright loot the Crown to further his own family than one of them would, not that I suspect he would do such a thing.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 19, 2017, 7:06 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
I expected it to be harder.
That sounds either egotistical or facile, but facing demon led shavs in unfamiliar territory? I thought we were going to get mauled and suffer more casualties than we dealt even if we did everything right. My pessimism was misplaced though, the enemy do not fight exceptionally well, our casualties almost absent, the foe slaughtered. But it turns out their numbers are horrendous, they must have mobilised every able bodied adult in the Grey Forest and formed them into an army intent upon murdering us.
I doubt they have the supplies for a siege of the capital and I also doubt they have the numbers to take Arx by storm, but they could ruin the lands of house Greyson for a generation or sack everything short of and perhaps including ducal castles.
That sounds either egotistical or facile, but facing demon led shavs in unfamiliar territory? I thought we were going to get mauled and suffer more casualties than we dealt even if we did everything right. My pessimism was misplaced though, the enemy do not fight exceptionally well, our casualties almost absent, the foe slaughtered. But it turns out their numbers are horrendous, they must have mobilised every able bodied adult in the Grey Forest and formed them into an army intent upon murdering us.
I doubt they have the supplies for a siege of the capital and I also doubt they have the numbers to take Arx by storm, but they could ruin the lands of house Greyson for a generation or sack everything short of and perhaps including ducal castles.
Written By Darren
Feb. 19, 2017, 6:52 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
"You with the rose-gold hair, have you ever wrestled a bear? I've taken down ten since I learned to walk!"
I think those were the first words I uttered to you, so many years ago. Of course, it may have also been: "Hi, I'm Darren. Who are you?" Either way, we were ten years old, and Stonedeep was our playground. We spent so much time amongst the mountains trying to learn its secrets, that we might have turned into mountain men ourselves had we been allowed to. Of course, that was never in the cards for us.
The future dealt us a hand that neither of us expected. Particularly not you; you were not meant to lose so many so early on. But we both took to our duty the best way we knew how - with fierce passion and dedication, to the North and to our people. When we met again in Arx, it was with both our lives changed. We were different people. We had taken different paths, though I still think they would have led us to the same destination.
I will remember the last thing I said to you. How you wanted to catch up, and how I didn't have the time. I should've made it. I thought we'd have more.
Goodbye, my friend. I hope you are at peace.
I think those were the first words I uttered to you, so many years ago. Of course, it may have also been: "Hi, I'm Darren. Who are you?" Either way, we were ten years old, and Stonedeep was our playground. We spent so much time amongst the mountains trying to learn its secrets, that we might have turned into mountain men ourselves had we been allowed to. Of course, that was never in the cards for us.
The future dealt us a hand that neither of us expected. Particularly not you; you were not meant to lose so many so early on. But we both took to our duty the best way we knew how - with fierce passion and dedication, to the North and to our people. When we met again in Arx, it was with both our lives changed. We were different people. We had taken different paths, though I still think they would have led us to the same destination.
I will remember the last thing I said to you. How you wanted to catch up, and how I didn't have the time. I should've made it. I thought we'd have more.
Goodbye, my friend. I hope you are at peace.
Written By Ferrando
Feb. 19, 2017, 6:46 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
My dear elder sister Caprice and I had the great honor of being invited to dinner with the Velenosa family this evening. It was quite a lively social affair, and it was nice to catch up with my cousin and some other old friends I had not seen in a while. I even got to write a bit of poetry. The only thing that could have improved it would have been to see Uncle Donato as well, but perhaps next time. At least I don't think I made such a poor showing that there won't be a next time, I should hope. I was entirely kidding about bringing a helmet to future dinners, I assure you!
Written By Julea
Feb. 19, 2017, 6:44 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
War is a strange thing. How just by donning the uniform of the other side is a sufficient threat to alter the person's moral status as a legitimate target. That somehow the bearing of arms takes us into an alternative moral realm where killing is the expectation and the norm.
These Shavs that have been manipulated and controlled by our enemy to fight us. Or our own people from the boroughs, altered until they have become our enemy. To not bear arms and fight them, isn't an option for us anymore.
And yet afterwards, when it is over and we return to Arx, we have to somehow turn it off, and not jump to arms when you catch someone out of the corner of your eye. And not see enemies in the faces of those around you. To sleep soundly in an empty bed, and go about daily life like we didn't just kill a bunch of people who look just like us.
I still haven't the knack for it yet, but maybe I eventually will. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It is easier fighting monsters.
These Shavs that have been manipulated and controlled by our enemy to fight us. Or our own people from the boroughs, altered until they have become our enemy. To not bear arms and fight them, isn't an option for us anymore.
And yet afterwards, when it is over and we return to Arx, we have to somehow turn it off, and not jump to arms when you catch someone out of the corner of your eye. And not see enemies in the faces of those around you. To sleep soundly in an empty bed, and go about daily life like we didn't just kill a bunch of people who look just like us.
I still haven't the knack for it yet, but maybe I eventually will. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It is easier fighting monsters.
Written By Ferrando
Feb. 19, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
The Old Oak Festival was a fine affair, with the very best of food, entertainment, and company. The Marquessa of Deepwood certainly put on an exemplary display of Crownlands hospitality and I am sure all the guests and refugees in attendance had their spirits well raised by the joy and laughter on the night.
It will also likely not surprise any readers of this journal that I won the pie-eating contest.
It will also likely not surprise any readers of this journal that I won the pie-eating contest.
Written By Ferrando
Feb. 19, 2017, 6:18 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
I did not have any close personal associations with the valiant souls who were lost in action in the recent battles, save perhaps a small acquaintance with Lord Pietro Igniseri. His face was not uncommon to see around the training center, and his high spirits and good attitude towards combat practice made him a rather welcome sight whenever I chanced to meet him there. Our styles were oddly mismatched, and our lone spar of note resulted in a inconclusive affair to the point where we decided we'd had enough exercise and called it a draw. He will surely be missed, but his valor will not be forgotten.
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