Written By Erasmus
May 19, 2021, 12:38 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)
I awoke under the trick of my mind. Light flooded my vision and forced me to shield my eyes, attempting to find support to stand as I was laid upon the floor. It found the railing closest to me, offering me support as I pushed myself up. I was on the Nightingale, the morning after the storm on my now empty vessel. My throat was hoarse and despite calling out to my crew - my freemen - none answered. I was alone, left to wander aimlessly throughout my ship in hopes of finding another like myself, one who had succumbed to the storm and was unconscious, but there was no one, just a mess of supplies that lay in the lower decks bereft of people.
I'm not sure how long I was stood there on the prow, simply watching, scanning the horizon for any sign of movement that could of been my crew or the other galley. Nothing. It wasn't until the knock on my door came that my mind ceased playing its tricks. I found myself stood next to the window, not on my ship at all, the sensations all vanishing within the single moment my mind was interrupted. Such a jarring thing, to have been so focused on the past it almost seemed real, I'm uncertain how to feel about it.
I cleaned myself up and afforded myself enough time to catch my breath and gather a cup of dark coffee, something to stimulate my mind and hopefully keep it within the now, not the past. Along I went, to answer the summons and to speak with my Niece. A conversation long in the waiting, one which wracked my mind with so much information I felt my head spin, but I would not be done in so easily by merely talking. I know where my duty lies now, my oaths had been kept and my word upheld. Now, my focus turns itself entirely to my family once more, this one of distant blood and barely familiar features.
I have much work ahead of me.
I'm not sure how long I was stood there on the prow, simply watching, scanning the horizon for any sign of movement that could of been my crew or the other galley. Nothing. It wasn't until the knock on my door came that my mind ceased playing its tricks. I found myself stood next to the window, not on my ship at all, the sensations all vanishing within the single moment my mind was interrupted. Such a jarring thing, to have been so focused on the past it almost seemed real, I'm uncertain how to feel about it.
I cleaned myself up and afforded myself enough time to catch my breath and gather a cup of dark coffee, something to stimulate my mind and hopefully keep it within the now, not the past. Along I went, to answer the summons and to speak with my Niece. A conversation long in the waiting, one which wracked my mind with so much information I felt my head spin, but I would not be done in so easily by merely talking. I know where my duty lies now, my oaths had been kept and my word upheld. Now, my focus turns itself entirely to my family once more, this one of distant blood and barely familiar features.
I have much work ahead of me.
Written By Cambria
May 19, 2021, 12:20 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)
You will often find that no one is more often wrong than the individual who refuses to admit that they are ever wrong.
Written By Bran
May 18, 2021, 9:28 p.m.(7/1/1015 AR)
Stormheart's Unkindness shattered into pieces this morning, when I was merely striking a practice target. Perhaps I should have known that such an old weapon, probably made by smiths who have never seen the sea, would not stand up to the hail of salt and rain that tend to accompany any moderately long voyage. The blade which fought beside me through a dozen battles will be fondly remembered - I could still remember its proudest day, when we were marching near the foothills of the Galefont. It proved its worth in an ambush of my retinue, when the main body of troops was already ahead of us...
The legendary smith of Arx, Archlector Felix Meadson, agreed to forge a new blade in the likeness of Stormheart's Unkindness. At an exceedingly generous price no less. So there is reason for his garnering of my Rosalind's favor; his kindness is especially felt by one such as I, still unfamiliar with many customs of the compact.
Arx has changed indeed. Perhaps not noticed by those who have lived here their entire lives, but I feel that it has become kinder to the kin of Ravenseye. Perhaps we are more appreciated by virtue of our naval efforts supporting the Redrain fleet.
The legendary smith of Arx, Archlector Felix Meadson, agreed to forge a new blade in the likeness of Stormheart's Unkindness. At an exceedingly generous price no less. So there is reason for his garnering of my Rosalind's favor; his kindness is especially felt by one such as I, still unfamiliar with many customs of the compact.
Arx has changed indeed. Perhaps not noticed by those who have lived here their entire lives, but I feel that it has become kinder to the kin of Ravenseye. Perhaps we are more appreciated by virtue of our naval efforts supporting the Redrain fleet.
Written By Viviana
May 18, 2021, 8:34 p.m.(7/1/1015 AR)
I still have sand in my boots.
Written By Raimon
May 18, 2021, 12:04 p.m.(7/1/1015 AR)
Daggry
Nordstjernen guider båter og
håp stiger som bølgene gjør.
Snart vil soloppgangen skinne,
på et lyst sverd oppvokst på høyt!
Gudene som det er så mange,
med tanker alle sine egne,
En sannhet som hver må erkjenne
er ses som sollys treff hjertet:
Hele av virkeligheten er funnet,
helt innenfor dette øyeblikket.
Pust havluften og kjenne den!
Kjenn sannheten før du død!
https://translate.google.com/?sl=auto&tl=en&text=Daggry%0A%20%0ANordstjernen%20guider%20b%C3%A5ter%20og%0Ah%C3%A5p%20stiger%20som%20b%C3 8lgene%20gj%C3 8r.%0ASnart%20vil%20soloppgangen%20skinne%2C%0Ap%C3%A5%20et%20lyst%20sverd%20oppvokst%20p%C3%A5%20h%C3 8yt!%0A%20%0AGudene%20som%20det%20er%20s%C3%A5%20mange%2C%0Amed%20tanker%20alle%20sine%20egne%2C%0AEn%20sannhet%20som%20hver%20m%C3%A5%20erkjenne%0Aer%20ses%20som%20sollys%20treff%20hjertet%3A%0A%20%0AHele%20av%20virkeligheten%20er%20funnet%2C%0Ahelt%20innenfor%20dette%20%C3 8yeblikket.%0APust%20havluften%20og%20kjenne%20den!%0AKjenn%20sannheten%20f%C3 8r%20du%20d%C3 8d!&op=translate
Rhyming Translation: ( my own )
Dawn
One star now guides our hawkwinged boats.
Our hopes rise, soaring, with the waves.
Soon dawn's bright rays will shine upon
bright silver steel of swords upraised!
However many gods there are,
whatever viewpoints there may be,
The Truth that all must recognize
will warm hearts of those who See
That All Existence now is found,
within -this- very moment, aye.
As every breath of Sea - air sings:
Learn this Truth before you die.
Nordstjernen guider båter og
håp stiger som bølgene gjør.
Snart vil soloppgangen skinne,
på et lyst sverd oppvokst på høyt!
Gudene som det er så mange,
med tanker alle sine egne,
En sannhet som hver må erkjenne
er ses som sollys treff hjertet:
Hele av virkeligheten er funnet,
helt innenfor dette øyeblikket.
Pust havluften og kjenne den!
Kjenn sannheten før du død!
https://translate.google.com/?sl=auto&tl=en&text=Daggry%0A%20%0ANordstjernen%20guider%20b%C3%A5ter%20og%0Ah%C3%A5p%20stiger%20som%20b%C3 8lgene%20gj%C3 8r.%0ASnart%20vil%20soloppgangen%20skinne%2C%0Ap%C3%A5%20et%20lyst%20sverd%20oppvokst%20p%C3%A5%20h%C3 8yt!%0A%20%0AGudene%20som%20det%20er%20s%C3%A5%20mange%2C%0Amed%20tanker%20alle%20sine%20egne%2C%0AEn%20sannhet%20som%20hver%20m%C3%A5%20erkjenne%0Aer%20ses%20som%20sollys%20treff%20hjertet%3A%0A%20%0AHele%20av%20virkeligheten%20er%20funnet%2C%0Ahelt%20innenfor%20dette%20%C3 8yeblikket.%0APust%20havluften%20og%20kjenne%20den!%0AKjenn%20sannheten%20f%C3 8r%20du%20d%C3 8d!&op=translate
Rhyming Translation: ( my own )
Dawn
One star now guides our hawkwinged boats.
Our hopes rise, soaring, with the waves.
Soon dawn's bright rays will shine upon
bright silver steel of swords upraised!
However many gods there are,
whatever viewpoints there may be,
The Truth that all must recognize
will warm hearts of those who See
That All Existence now is found,
within -this- very moment, aye.
As every breath of Sea - air sings:
Learn this Truth before you die.
Written By Vitalis
May 18, 2021, 9:28 a.m.(6/28/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Apollo
I have been given a most remarkable gift. A reminder that the purpose of something is not fixed.
It is easy to forget this, to regard the acorn and not recognize the oak. To regard the oak and not recognize the acorn. That forget that growth and change, to grow big and small and big again, all happens in its time. Is happening all the time.
We are all both oak and acorn. The slow growth of our choices, and the small, quiet potential of what we will become.
Shade, strength, shelter, sustenance.
I never told you this, Apollo, but I always thought the name Oakhide was so limiting. So specific. Had so little to do with leather. In a manner of speaking, I was right. Oakhide has nothing at all to do with leather.
It is the spirit of transformation itself.
You always knew.
I am the acorn today. And the oak standing sentinel. I am the whisper of wind in the leaves and shelter from the sun. I am the axe and the artisan. I am the page to remember and the oath to ensure. I am the fire leaping on logs and smoke rising to the stars above.
And I have only just begun.
It is easy to forget this, to regard the acorn and not recognize the oak. To regard the oak and not recognize the acorn. That forget that growth and change, to grow big and small and big again, all happens in its time. Is happening all the time.
We are all both oak and acorn. The slow growth of our choices, and the small, quiet potential of what we will become.
Shade, strength, shelter, sustenance.
I never told you this, Apollo, but I always thought the name Oakhide was so limiting. So specific. Had so little to do with leather. In a manner of speaking, I was right. Oakhide has nothing at all to do with leather.
It is the spirit of transformation itself.
You always knew.
I am the acorn today. And the oak standing sentinel. I am the whisper of wind in the leaves and shelter from the sun. I am the axe and the artisan. I am the page to remember and the oath to ensure. I am the fire leaping on logs and smoke rising to the stars above.
And I have only just begun.
Written By Yvette
May 18, 2021, 4:35 a.m.(6/28/1015 AR)
Days seem to get busier and my head grows increasingly cluttered; new names, new places and new memories. Very good memories, ones that I will cherish. I've made lots of friends and acquaintances thus far; from a highly skilled carpenter, exquisite master tailor, a beautiful Princess whom is an excellent artist, a sweet and reserved Lord, surprisingly mischievous! One that might even be on par with my own and a heart made of gold, a quiet woman who has a cute possum, a princess who doesn't like eating meat nor hunting, a prince whom probably knows every wine ever made and any others whom I met along my way.
Despite the differing of personalities I can't help to think that each person I meet in my time here in Arx will teach me something; a valuable lesson or something more... but never something less.
Every drop of water in the sea causing a ripple no matter how small and every crashing wave along the shore shaping it. Yet things come and go like the ebb and flow of the tides.
Despite the differing of personalities I can't help to think that each person I meet in my time here in Arx will teach me something; a valuable lesson or something more... but never something less.
Every drop of water in the sea causing a ripple no matter how small and every crashing wave along the shore shaping it. Yet things come and go like the ebb and flow of the tides.
Written By Raimon
May 18, 2021, 12:30 a.m.(6/28/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Natasha
Nightfall
When Thrax men die, we're put to Sea in boats then set aflame.
And all that will remain of us are Stories and our Name.
Each life thus given to the waves shall to grey dust return.
And all a man thinks that he owns will one day slowly burn.
For in the end, the sea or grave will claim us one and all.
It's up to -us- to thus decide our fates -before- we fall:
To fade into obscurity, or live on in the Songs.
To bow down under this world's weight, or -try- to right its wrongs!
To face one's fear and do what's -right-, or meekly look aside.
To struggle for what's true and good, or wallow in our pride.
Whatever paths we choose in life, the ending's all the same.
Why not then strive for righteousness, instead of wealth or fame?
Fine, fancy cloaks and gilded shields will burn up just as well
As humbler clothes and wooden boards -- From ashes, who can tell?
If all's to end in ashes, then, Ensure your _Flame_ is bright!
And Light the way for others 'fore you sail off in the night . . .
When Thrax men die, we're put to Sea in boats then set aflame.
And all that will remain of us are Stories and our Name.
Each life thus given to the waves shall to grey dust return.
And all a man thinks that he owns will one day slowly burn.
For in the end, the sea or grave will claim us one and all.
It's up to -us- to thus decide our fates -before- we fall:
To fade into obscurity, or live on in the Songs.
To bow down under this world's weight, or -try- to right its wrongs!
To face one's fear and do what's -right-, or meekly look aside.
To struggle for what's true and good, or wallow in our pride.
Whatever paths we choose in life, the ending's all the same.
Why not then strive for righteousness, instead of wealth or fame?
Fine, fancy cloaks and gilded shields will burn up just as well
As humbler clothes and wooden boards -- From ashes, who can tell?
If all's to end in ashes, then, Ensure your _Flame_ is bright!
And Light the way for others 'fore you sail off in the night . . .
Written By Calista
May 17, 2021, 10:52 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Inigo
The day I left the Ambassador Salon because there were "too many" Malvici's loitering about, I ran into you on the way out. I remember locking eyes, my green to your blue and I saw what you saw when you looked at me; a vivacious woman you'd love to spend the evening with and get to know better over a couple of glasses of whiskey. Unfortunately for you in that moment, I scoffed and took off because at that time in my life, being in the company of too many Malvici made me incredibly nervous (you know why). But a few nights later I inquired about you and I invited you over for a drink. I'll be honest, the plan was to seduce you, make you fall madly in love with me, then have you at my beck and call. It felt like something I would do to a Malvici. While it is true I did in fact seduce you, and you did fall madly in love with me, it was I who could not let you go. I believe it was from that moment we became inseparable.
Our union was equal parts politics and equal parts love. We fulfilled the wishes of our people while our own cups ran over. Was it perfect? No. No marriage ever is. No partnership ever is. And yet, through laughter, tears, arguments, weeks where we would not speak to one another, we continued to function as a single unit and eventually, one of us would come around and we'd begin again. Had I known I'd be left this heartbroken by yet another Malvici, well, I still wouldn't have changed a thing.
Those last words I whispered against your lips, my solemn promise, believe me they will be kept. Thank you for love you gave, the life you helped provide, the future we built.
Until we meet again.
Calista, Leandro, Celeste, and Argos
Our union was equal parts politics and equal parts love. We fulfilled the wishes of our people while our own cups ran over. Was it perfect? No. No marriage ever is. No partnership ever is. And yet, through laughter, tears, arguments, weeks where we would not speak to one another, we continued to function as a single unit and eventually, one of us would come around and we'd begin again. Had I known I'd be left this heartbroken by yet another Malvici, well, I still wouldn't have changed a thing.
Those last words I whispered against your lips, my solemn promise, believe me they will be kept. Thank you for love you gave, the life you helped provide, the future we built.
Until we meet again.
Calista, Leandro, Celeste, and Argos
Written By Claude
May 17, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Lord Orland Amadeo's event in support of the Healers of a the compact seems to have been a resounding success. It was an honor to be able to be a small part of it.
It was the first time to present my work to the public, artistic work, not a chair or a wardrobe. It was a strange feeling having people bid actual silver with a desire to possess my art.
It has given me greater confidence to produce more pieces in the future.
It was the first time to present my work to the public, artistic work, not a chair or a wardrobe. It was a strange feeling having people bid actual silver with a desire to possess my art.
It has given me greater confidence to produce more pieces in the future.
Written By Thea
May 17, 2021, 9:33 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Inigo
He's gone. The man I admired so much is just--gone. I remember the boy I grew up with. The trouble we would get into. See, I used to think I could keep with all my cousins. My brothers. Everyone. Even though I was the youngest. Who are we kidding, I still feel that way. Inigo? He always let me come with them. He would even sometimes help me. And he protected me, when he felt someone was---being less than gentlemanly. He was protective. He was--family. He was patient. He taught me.
I know how much he loved his own family, his wife. Which he showed his true love and bravery in his passing. Doing what he was known for, doing what he did best. Defending those he cared about. Until his very last breath. I don't think he would have had it any other way.
I will miss him.
I know how much he loved his own family, his wife. Which he showed his true love and bravery in his passing. Doing what he was known for, doing what he did best. Defending those he cared about. Until his very last breath. I don't think he would have had it any other way.
I will miss him.
Written By Bahiya
May 17, 2021, 8:06 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
To have the aid of so clever and honorable a Whisper, I am hopeful we can find a solution.
Written By Malcolm
May 17, 2021, 7:10 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
There's been a lot more going on in my head these days. I don't know whether it's because I have family back in the city, or, that thundercloud over my head finally lifted. All right, fine. Both. I asked Byrdie to take down some of my thoughts - but she laughed and just sent me down to the Archives. Guess that's for the better. Let's see. I got proteges now. I have friends in the peerage now. More than one. Each one of them couldn't be any more opposite of the other and know what - that's a good thing. I have their different viewpoints to draw on and learn from. I have ideas. Ideas that I am going to see turned into plans. Plans made into real and tangible.
I think I am finally getting a idea of how the Duke thing works.
Five years later.
I think I am finally getting a idea of how the Duke thing works.
Five years later.
Written By Viviana
May 17, 2021, 6:56 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Would you believe that someone said that I was underdressed in my leathers?! I needed to prove a point.
It's not about the outfit. It's about the accessories.
It's not about the outfit. It's about the accessories.
Written By Gwenna
May 17, 2021, 6:52 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Proper words fail me right now - there is so much to say and yet can't be said directly. It was such a joy to catch up with my mother's side of the family when I came to Arx! How we all just Know How Our Mothers Are. I'm glad I was lucky enough to get your jousting figurine, and it holds a proud place in the Redrain Great Library. I still smile thinking about the dancing contest we won and I wear the dragon necklace almost always as a truly fond reminder. The laughs we've had, and the serious talks as well - I'm so grateful for them all and the time sharing them. I sincerely hope you find the answers you seek and I will miss you dreadfully while you take up the journey to do so.
Written By Raimon
May 17, 2021, 3:59 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
I continue to work on the poem of 'The Lament for the Fallen.' The Poem is changing. Not the words -- the are largely the same.
A seabird screams in hunger
and in outrage and in pain.
Her screams but go unheeded, for
No living ears remain.
Yet bronzing sun glints light upon
the ocean's soft blue waves.
The breakers rush up on the sands
to backfill shallow graves.
Mangata's Tears thus sanctify
the acres of the slain.
And bloodstained walls and cobblestones
await Her cleansing rain.
The words are the same, but the Poem is changing. Moving. Flowing. Growing. As if alive. As if the poem, itself, reacts to my efforts to assuage this crisis. Perhaps: it is possible -- the -Poem- guides -me-? I do not know. It is, at the same time, 'the strangest of things' while also being 'the most natural thing in all of the world" . . .
A seabird screams in hunger
and in outrage and in pain.
Her screams but go unheeded, for
No living ears remain.
Yet bronzing sun glints light upon
the ocean's soft blue waves.
The breakers rush up on the sands
to backfill shallow graves.
Mangata's Tears thus sanctify
the acres of the slain.
And bloodstained walls and cobblestones
await Her cleansing rain.
The words are the same, but the Poem is changing. Moving. Flowing. Growing. As if alive. As if the poem, itself, reacts to my efforts to assuage this crisis. Perhaps: it is possible -- the -Poem- guides -me-? I do not know. It is, at the same time, 'the strangest of things' while also being 'the most natural thing in all of the world" . . .
Written By Volya
May 17, 2021, 3:22 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Conversations with Existentialism
1: "Hey, do that thing that makes my head feel all weird."
2: "Sure. Out of the millions of living things throughout time that could have been, out of all possibilities, you exist here and now as you. But what and who 'you' are could only exist here and now. Any other time or place, and you would not be 'you'."
1: "...neat."
1: "Hey, do that thing that makes my head feel all weird."
2: "Sure. Out of the millions of living things throughout time that could have been, out of all possibilities, you exist here and now as you. But what and who 'you' are could only exist here and now. Any other time or place, and you would not be 'you'."
1: "...neat."
Written By Cirroch
May 17, 2021, 10:39 a.m.(6/26/1015 AR)
Sometimes that which we seek can be found in the garden of the property. Other times, we must go on a long journey to then only be lead back to the garden. However, if we hadn't gone on said journey, we would never have known that the garden held such treasures, let alone understood why we should enjoy them in the manner that we do now.
For this measure, there will be new trees planted in the center of the maze of the Marquessa's garden. One for each of our children, each a tree that holds true to the type of person they are showing us that they are.
May both grow strong.
For this measure, there will be new trees planted in the center of the maze of the Marquessa's garden. One for each of our children, each a tree that holds true to the type of person they are showing us that they are.
May both grow strong.
Written By Ludovic
May 17, 2021, 9:28 a.m.(6/26/1015 AR)
On Entering the City, and the Southlands:
Barely four days ago I arrived in Arx, a nomad Prodigal cast out by his tribe, and distrusted by the Compact. My accent is thick, and the people here seem distrustful of the idea that a Prodigal would still consider their tribe. The few who I met who understood, notably the Clearlakes, cautioned me to keep my origins and my beliefs to myself. In part, I agree with their advice, but the bonds of my people are strong. I was... am... proud to have endured the blizzards and the beasts of the North, to have stood beside my brothers and sisters in battle, to have eased the tribe's relations with others, even the Compact. Each of us, every member of an Abandoned tribe, is a piece of a greater whole. It weighs on me that my piece of the whole is no longer present, and yet...
There is no other way. We believe in the purity of endurance, the sanctity of the struggle against the cold - to prove our worth to tribe and spirit. But there is no other way - we cannot continue to stand alone, apart. What sights must I see, or allies make, to convince the rest of us to bend the knee? Would the seers even listen to a, 'Prod' such as myself? One who journeyed to southern lands of warmth and comfort, and returned to share the good fortunes? I ask myself these questions, even fearing I know the answer. I am reminded of the words of Vind, when we stood shoulder-to-shoulder against the Bitter Wind sept.
"The measure of a man is not how well he handles an axe, Ludovic. It is that he fights on, even when others would despair. Bravery is not the absence of fear, or despair - it is the will to overcome them." So, ka, my friend. I will remember.
Barely four days ago I arrived in Arx, a nomad Prodigal cast out by his tribe, and distrusted by the Compact. My accent is thick, and the people here seem distrustful of the idea that a Prodigal would still consider their tribe. The few who I met who understood, notably the Clearlakes, cautioned me to keep my origins and my beliefs to myself. In part, I agree with their advice, but the bonds of my people are strong. I was... am... proud to have endured the blizzards and the beasts of the North, to have stood beside my brothers and sisters in battle, to have eased the tribe's relations with others, even the Compact. Each of us, every member of an Abandoned tribe, is a piece of a greater whole. It weighs on me that my piece of the whole is no longer present, and yet...
There is no other way. We believe in the purity of endurance, the sanctity of the struggle against the cold - to prove our worth to tribe and spirit. But there is no other way - we cannot continue to stand alone, apart. What sights must I see, or allies make, to convince the rest of us to bend the knee? Would the seers even listen to a, 'Prod' such as myself? One who journeyed to southern lands of warmth and comfort, and returned to share the good fortunes? I ask myself these questions, even fearing I know the answer. I am reminded of the words of Vind, when we stood shoulder-to-shoulder against the Bitter Wind sept.
"The measure of a man is not how well he handles an axe, Ludovic. It is that he fights on, even when others would despair. Bravery is not the absence of fear, or despair - it is the will to overcome them." So, ka, my friend. I will remember.
Written By Cristoph
May 17, 2021, 7:20 a.m.(6/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
You've left.
I wish that before you'd gone I had taken the time to adequately express what you mean to me. But I was consumed with other things as I so often am and now we're in separate places. I don't know if there's another person alive whose rage and grief would so closely resemble my own that it would be like looking in a mirror, save for some minor and inconsequential differences.
I understand why you had to leave, even if your departure weighs on my heart. But in your wake, I promise you the following:
I will care for your children like they were my own. I'll tell them stories about a master of horses, who could outride nearly anyone else in the Oathlands. I'll tell them about the fearless general of our armies. I'll tell them about how you could shoot out an enemy's eye from an incredible distance away. That you were there to shore up common sense when my own failed me. That you were often annoyed with me and would sigh, sometimes roll your eyes. That you love this family with such ferocity that you made a choice no mother should ever have to make.
I promise to keep what remains of our family intact.
I won't tell them about the bear and the tree or Norwood. You can tell them that when you return.
Until then, good luck. I love you.
I wish that before you'd gone I had taken the time to adequately express what you mean to me. But I was consumed with other things as I so often am and now we're in separate places. I don't know if there's another person alive whose rage and grief would so closely resemble my own that it would be like looking in a mirror, save for some minor and inconsequential differences.
I understand why you had to leave, even if your departure weighs on my heart. But in your wake, I promise you the following:
I will care for your children like they were my own. I'll tell them stories about a master of horses, who could outride nearly anyone else in the Oathlands. I'll tell them about the fearless general of our armies. I'll tell them about how you could shoot out an enemy's eye from an incredible distance away. That you were there to shore up common sense when my own failed me. That you were often annoyed with me and would sigh, sometimes roll your eyes. That you love this family with such ferocity that you made a choice no mother should ever have to make.
I promise to keep what remains of our family intact.
I won't tell them about the bear and the tree or Norwood. You can tell them that when you return.
Until then, good luck. I love you.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.