Written By Alarissa
April 30, 2021, 8:37 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I watched him go. I did as we have done twice before when he sails to battle. It was no different this time, than it was the last. To stand at the docks after a kiss, the children standing there as well. We watch till the ship disappears across the horizon and then we return to the estate. To sit. To wait. To pray.
As it has been, so it will be in the future.
Come home to me, even if not in one piece. Lead the onslaught, show them the mettle and might of the Isles. We will be waiting for you at home, with the hearths warm and drink at the ready, bandages for your wounds. Send them back or send them to the bottom.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
As it has been, so it will be in the future.
Come home to me, even if not in one piece. Lead the onslaught, show them the mettle and might of the Isles. We will be waiting for you at home, with the hearths warm and drink at the ready, bandages for your wounds. Send them back or send them to the bottom.
Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
Written By Sunaia
April 30, 2021, 7:50 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Just in case.
IA: Keep the armoire. And the jewelry. Please keep the jewelry as a set. Give the bracer and the bangle back to Pasquale. You'll see why. There are a couple of other tokens there that I think you'll also see returned to their maker.
Pasquale: You get the hounds. In lieu of heirs. OOPS.
IA: Keep the armoire. And the jewelry. Please keep the jewelry as a set. Give the bracer and the bangle back to Pasquale. You'll see why. There are a couple of other tokens there that I think you'll also see returned to their maker.
Pasquale: You get the hounds. In lieu of heirs. OOPS.
Written By Patrizio
April 30, 2021, 6:16 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
The things we do before going off to war.
I've oft looked at some of the challenges coming from Duke Cristoph Laurent as frivolous and meaningless, and turned up my nose at them - I freely admit this. And yet... I've come, in these dark days in which we live, to find the whimsy in them, the fact that they /are/ entirely harmless diversions, and perhaps even to find delight in them. It was for this reason that I accepted to be champion when he challenged Baron Norwood Clement over the matter of the good baron's age. (I will admit that it was also helped by watching the baron dare to enjoy Marquis Sanna's ballista.)
And fortunately for me, I was victorious for my client, declaring therefore that he is not old. The Lady Adalyn was a /very/ worthy opponent and the duel could've easily gone either way, truth be told. I still feel the bruises from the attack she unleashed upon me, and owe her a drink when I return to the city from the south. Most importantly, the good baron's fee has gone to support the worthy cause of the Golden Hart's charities.
I might have to say yes, if asked again to take part in one of the Duke's duels, just for the whimsy of it...
I've oft looked at some of the challenges coming from Duke Cristoph Laurent as frivolous and meaningless, and turned up my nose at them - I freely admit this. And yet... I've come, in these dark days in which we live, to find the whimsy in them, the fact that they /are/ entirely harmless diversions, and perhaps even to find delight in them. It was for this reason that I accepted to be champion when he challenged Baron Norwood Clement over the matter of the good baron's age. (I will admit that it was also helped by watching the baron dare to enjoy Marquis Sanna's ballista.)
And fortunately for me, I was victorious for my client, declaring therefore that he is not old. The Lady Adalyn was a /very/ worthy opponent and the duel could've easily gone either way, truth be told. I still feel the bruises from the attack she unleashed upon me, and owe her a drink when I return to the city from the south. Most importantly, the good baron's fee has gone to support the worthy cause of the Golden Hart's charities.
I might have to say yes, if asked again to take part in one of the Duke's duels, just for the whimsy of it...
Written By Zyxthylum
April 30, 2021, 5:50 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
It seems the war is upon us. I may not be able to fight but I will help those that fall outside the walls get to the hospital. If I don't make it back, let my patron, Princess Graziella, decide where my things go.
Written By Tanith
April 30, 2021, 5:40 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Three of my stupid brothers are going to sail out with the rest of the brave and the bold heading to Pieros. Proctor, Bodhi, and Blaise. My affections are violent and they're a lot of poofed up bastards; I saw the bottles they tucked into their things, Emara's cure-all for sea-sickness. Idiots. Did they even train?
My mother is doing better than me. I'm not saying I'm a worried wreck over the city (because I'm not) but I am a bit of a mess over my brothers, especially the two younger. Bodhi and Blaise knew my hands first, from pink-faced squealers to snot-nosed brats.
But that line of thought got me thinking, scholar. I've been delivering babies since I was fifteen, assisted since I was ten. I've just had my 33rd birthday. There are those I helped bring into the world that go now to fight, and maybe die. I don't know if I'll see them at the end, I don't know if I'd have that honor, to witness a life from beginning to end. I'll pray that they all come home safely to their families, and wonder in my heart if they're alright until I hear from them all; there are so many.
Back to work, scholar; I've got defenses to see to in the Docks. Raymesin is waiting for me.
My mother is doing better than me. I'm not saying I'm a worried wreck over the city (because I'm not) but I am a bit of a mess over my brothers, especially the two younger. Bodhi and Blaise knew my hands first, from pink-faced squealers to snot-nosed brats.
But that line of thought got me thinking, scholar. I've been delivering babies since I was fifteen, assisted since I was ten. I've just had my 33rd birthday. There are those I helped bring into the world that go now to fight, and maybe die. I don't know if I'll see them at the end, I don't know if I'd have that honor, to witness a life from beginning to end. I'll pray that they all come home safely to their families, and wonder in my heart if they're alright until I hear from them all; there are so many.
Back to work, scholar; I've got defenses to see to in the Docks. Raymesin is waiting for me.
Written By Aiden
April 30, 2021, 5:29 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Grazia
My Duchess wife,
Most of the Arvum will never get to know you the way I have. I treasure those moments that I got to see the woman behind the title and responsibilities. Know that I was very glad and honored to serve at your side, but if something should happen to me, please take care of our three beautiful daughters. They will need comforting if something should go awry. And if something should, I hope you find the love you've always wanted and what I could never give. Hold your chin up high and never be afraid.
Aileyna, Zaria, and Thaliana, you three were the light of my life these last few years. I leaned heavily on seeing your smiling faces to brighten my own. I love you my sweet girls. If something happens to me, know that I went to war for you three, for your futures, above my own. Be brave in the storms to come my darlings, your time to Dream is still yet to come.
I'm most proud, of all my girls.
Love,
Dad
Most of the Arvum will never get to know you the way I have. I treasure those moments that I got to see the woman behind the title and responsibilities. Know that I was very glad and honored to serve at your side, but if something should happen to me, please take care of our three beautiful daughters. They will need comforting if something should go awry. And if something should, I hope you find the love you've always wanted and what I could never give. Hold your chin up high and never be afraid.
Aileyna, Zaria, and Thaliana, you three were the light of my life these last few years. I leaned heavily on seeing your smiling faces to brighten my own. I love you my sweet girls. If something happens to me, know that I went to war for you three, for your futures, above my own. Be brave in the storms to come my darlings, your time to Dream is still yet to come.
I'm most proud, of all my girls.
Love,
Dad
Written By Raja
April 30, 2021, 4:53 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
Ok. I made my decision. I am off to fight abroad. If I should die, I want Samira to have all my things and I want her to have access to my black journals to do with as she wishes.
Written By Raven
April 30, 2021, 4:50 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
I have waited so long for battle only to now find myself on the cusp of it and my heart's in my stomach. My coin I will leave to Egon, my blades and ship to Pravus, and should Moonsilver survive my demise, goes to Savio. There are letters to be delivered if I don't return. The Dromonds are ready, the Blackwater and my crew are ready. This as prepared as prepared can be.
Written By Mikani
April 30, 2021, 3:44 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
The last will and testament of Lady Mikani Crovane. I of sound mind and body on May 21, 1015 AR parcel out my estate in the following terms.
My Ingi Axes are to go to Lord Ian Kennex, I have fought by his side on many adventures and he has trained me. These axes are a sign of our friendship.
My History Book Collection shall go to Baroness Ember Redreef. She knows her place in this world and where she wants to make her mark upon our history. May she know she has already done so with flair and passion.
My other books to Marquis Consort Cadern Blackwood, for all our studies together. May knowledge guide your path and may you remember our times in your library. I will never forget them.
Finally Lady Zoey Kennex, I leave you my house - Sonder Lodge - to manage until my children are of age and the rest of my possessions. In life, you were the closest to me on my path and I will never forget your love and kindness. Please remind my children that they were loved deeply by two loving parents and that life should be filled with love and adventure above all things. They are to spend summers in Crovane and their formative years in Byrne. Yet please remind them of their mother's roots in the water and the isles. Speak to them in many tongues so they don't forget. I know this is a heavy burden I'm asking of you. Though it is one I know you can carry.
I will see you all on the wheel and where the spirits may lead me.
By my hand,
Lady Mikani Crovane
My Ingi Axes are to go to Lord Ian Kennex, I have fought by his side on many adventures and he has trained me. These axes are a sign of our friendship.
My History Book Collection shall go to Baroness Ember Redreef. She knows her place in this world and where she wants to make her mark upon our history. May she know she has already done so with flair and passion.
My other books to Marquis Consort Cadern Blackwood, for all our studies together. May knowledge guide your path and may you remember our times in your library. I will never forget them.
Finally Lady Zoey Kennex, I leave you my house - Sonder Lodge - to manage until my children are of age and the rest of my possessions. In life, you were the closest to me on my path and I will never forget your love and kindness. Please remind my children that they were loved deeply by two loving parents and that life should be filled with love and adventure above all things. They are to spend summers in Crovane and their formative years in Byrne. Yet please remind them of their mother's roots in the water and the isles. Speak to them in many tongues so they don't forget. I know this is a heavy burden I'm asking of you. Though it is one I know you can carry.
I will see you all on the wheel and where the spirits may lead me.
By my hand,
Lady Mikani Crovane
Written By Tikva
April 30, 2021, 2:56 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
By my hand, my will upon my death, before we sail for the Saffron:
Leave my blacks sealed. There are too many Crown and Inquisition secrets with which I have wrestled over the years for it to be safe to let them fly free. By the grace of Vellichor, my thoughts that were fit for public consumption remain so, but that's all.
My belongings shall go to my husband, Prince Ainsley Grayson, except for my balalaika, which shall go to Princess Sorrel Thrax, whether she wants it or not; certain items of my jewelry and personal items have been marked so as to clutter the shelves of Master of Questions Laric Grayson; and my love, my undying love, across all time and space, to my children, for whom I live, and pray I will not fall. If my weapons are recovered, let them be held in trust for any of my children who choose to take up the bow, and when they reach the age of adulthood, if none of them take up the bow, let the alaricite be sold and the ransom of their worth be sent to my brother's house: a gift to the serfs of the Brighthold, a remembrance of the girl who left the sea behind, but never forgot the Lighthouse.
If I do fall in battle against the forces of slavery and darkness, I know that my sons and daughter will come to understand in time that this death is one to be proud of, and they will grow strong, and glorious, with all their family to hold them up.
Take heart. Have hope. If these are the last words of my pen to paper, that is what they shall be. Let it never falter. I love you. I love you. I love you.
Leave my blacks sealed. There are too many Crown and Inquisition secrets with which I have wrestled over the years for it to be safe to let them fly free. By the grace of Vellichor, my thoughts that were fit for public consumption remain so, but that's all.
My belongings shall go to my husband, Prince Ainsley Grayson, except for my balalaika, which shall go to Princess Sorrel Thrax, whether she wants it or not; certain items of my jewelry and personal items have been marked so as to clutter the shelves of Master of Questions Laric Grayson; and my love, my undying love, across all time and space, to my children, for whom I live, and pray I will not fall. If my weapons are recovered, let them be held in trust for any of my children who choose to take up the bow, and when they reach the age of adulthood, if none of them take up the bow, let the alaricite be sold and the ransom of their worth be sent to my brother's house: a gift to the serfs of the Brighthold, a remembrance of the girl who left the sea behind, but never forgot the Lighthouse.
If I do fall in battle against the forces of slavery and darkness, I know that my sons and daughter will come to understand in time that this death is one to be proud of, and they will grow strong, and glorious, with all their family to hold them up.
Take heart. Have hope. If these are the last words of my pen to paper, that is what they shall be. Let it never falter. I love you. I love you. I love you.
Written By Scylla
April 30, 2021, 12:33 p.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
I'm not much of a wordsmith. I don't have anything wise or inspiring to say to others for the impending storm. But for myself, I intend to keep the memory of my loved ones at the forefront of my thoughts while in the heat of battle. I'll think of what their future will be should we lose. And then I'll throw everything that I have behind my actions to ensure that future does not come to pass. That's all I can do from where I stand; I hope it's enough.
Gods favor us in these battles to come.
Gods favor us in these battles to come.
Written By Deva
April 30, 2021, 11:56 a.m.(5/21/1015 AR)
I probably should've left one of these the first time, so I'm leaving one now just in case. If I don't come back...
Cousin Gwenna gets any of my outfits that she wants because she was so kind in setting me up. You are still the smartest person I know.
Princess Alis gets my spoon. She knows why.
Uncle Kenjay gets my sketchbook. He'll figure out why when he gets it. I am so grateful, and I wish I had known.
Duke Cristoph gets my treasured deck of cards so he can get better at playing, because he really needs the practice. He is also asked to please hire my assistant, Jasper, to sort through his wine cellar or something because I don't think he'll want to work for anyone else. Unrelated, I hope he knows how much he means to me.
Jasper, you get the rest of my alcohol and my paint set. I missed you last time, I'll miss you again. Don't fleece everyone while I'm gone.
Prince Alantir gets custody of my dog, Avalanche, because I think they will work well together. I left him a letter too but he's not supposed to read it unless, well, yeah. Just don't read it yet.
Finally, Darren, we landed in this world together and ideally we've got a lot more time left to get stuff done before we leave it. In the event our plans are dashed, you get everything else I have, but especially my weapons for your kids. Promise you'll find them a good archery teacher so they can torture you like I used to back in Farhaven. Love you, brother.
To the last.
Cousin Gwenna gets any of my outfits that she wants because she was so kind in setting me up. You are still the smartest person I know.
Princess Alis gets my spoon. She knows why.
Uncle Kenjay gets my sketchbook. He'll figure out why when he gets it. I am so grateful, and I wish I had known.
Duke Cristoph gets my treasured deck of cards so he can get better at playing, because he really needs the practice. He is also asked to please hire my assistant, Jasper, to sort through his wine cellar or something because I don't think he'll want to work for anyone else. Unrelated, I hope he knows how much he means to me.
Jasper, you get the rest of my alcohol and my paint set. I missed you last time, I'll miss you again. Don't fleece everyone while I'm gone.
Prince Alantir gets custody of my dog, Avalanche, because I think they will work well together. I left him a letter too but he's not supposed to read it unless, well, yeah. Just don't read it yet.
Finally, Darren, we landed in this world together and ideally we've got a lot more time left to get stuff done before we leave it. In the event our plans are dashed, you get everything else I have, but especially my weapons for your kids. Promise you'll find them a good archery teacher so they can torture you like I used to back in Farhaven. Love you, brother.
To the last.
Written By Medeia
April 30, 2021, 10:11 a.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
There are times when I wonder if my husband is imbued with the very wind he claims cares not. Restless, yet unmoving. Fierce, yet calm. He so fully embodies it that his steps are steady as he crosses the deck of a wave-tossed ship. I have seen him leap into battle and evade enemy blades as if guided by the air around him. He rides out the storms of my emotions as if he was born to it.
It's been said that he is not good enough for me. But the last year has led me to believe there is none better. A year ago today, our betrothal was announced to all. Today, I ship him off to war with many of our people, praying for their safe return.
The wind cares not. But I do, and I will stand in it until my skin is raw from it whipping around me, until it has struck me to my knees and drowned out my voice with its howling. I will withstand it until the east wind sees him home - on his feet or on his shield.
Gods, let it be on his feet.
It's been said that he is not good enough for me. But the last year has led me to believe there is none better. A year ago today, our betrothal was announced to all. Today, I ship him off to war with many of our people, praying for their safe return.
The wind cares not. But I do, and I will stand in it until my skin is raw from it whipping around me, until it has struck me to my knees and drowned out my voice with its howling. I will withstand it until the east wind sees him home - on his feet or on his shield.
Gods, let it be on his feet.
Written By Ember
April 30, 2021, 9:04 a.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
There are only two options in this world: to be the one thrusting the blade, or to be the one being pierced by it. I have chosen my side.
If I die, then I will take as many Eurusi with me as I can. I will raise the sea level from the spillage of their blood, and strain the spokes of the Wheel from the souls hurled upon it in heaps. The forces of the Compact will cull these wild dogs until there are not enough of them left to row a single boat back to their home. To die in service to the world is a death worth suffering.
If I die, then I will take as many Eurusi with me as I can. I will raise the sea level from the spillage of their blood, and strain the spokes of the Wheel from the souls hurled upon it in heaps. The forces of the Compact will cull these wild dogs until there are not enough of them left to row a single boat back to their home. To die in service to the world is a death worth suffering.
Written By Katarina
April 30, 2021, 8:59 a.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
This white is my last order of business before I set sail, to lead the fleet of Valardin into the Saffron.
Perhaps you have already left to join the fight in your own capacity. Perhaps you will only see this when you return. Perhaps only one of us will return, and perhaps neither. Even if your eyes never see these written words, I trust that you will feel them in your bones: I love you.
Perhaps you have already left to join the fight in your own capacity. Perhaps you will only see this when you return. Perhaps only one of us will return, and perhaps neither. Even if your eyes never see these written words, I trust that you will feel them in your bones: I love you.
Written By Lisebet
April 30, 2021, 8:53 a.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
And here we are again, on the brink of war.
I think I will go to a shrine and pray. Maybe all of them.
I think I will go to a shrine and pray. Maybe all of them.
Written By Gael
April 30, 2021, 5:34 a.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
Custodian of knowledge,
It is time to march into that fevered pitch of battle once more, and pray that we'll be spared its swallowing force,
One must personally arrive beneath the shadow of war to truly recognize its oppression, I feel; and as the years pass on by it too feels now as though unremembered that to be tangled in its conflicts is without question harmful to the Compact as a whole, Custodian. Even in the aftermath of victories, of which we've had many, the damage of death en masse and the lessons incurred through countless sacrifices - most unwilling - is one our nation must pay time and time again. To the point that the martyr's grave has become almost a keystone to its sustainability.
But we have no choice Vellichor, not anymore, not this time -- not after all the depredations forced upon us. For the grudges are insurmountable, and I promise you that many will be struck from the annals of our Compact soon, every transgression answered for. As your history has taught us, burning out corruption is an eternal conflict, but one that must be fought. Even in the face of total destruction.
Less importantly, I leave this document as my last will on the matter of my black journals; I would have them all revealed to the public, upon revision and documenting by the scholars.
That will be all, Custodian,
Pray for us as we pray to you and yours, for we are in dire need.
It is time to march into that fevered pitch of battle once more, and pray that we'll be spared its swallowing force,
One must personally arrive beneath the shadow of war to truly recognize its oppression, I feel; and as the years pass on by it too feels now as though unremembered that to be tangled in its conflicts is without question harmful to the Compact as a whole, Custodian. Even in the aftermath of victories, of which we've had many, the damage of death en masse and the lessons incurred through countless sacrifices - most unwilling - is one our nation must pay time and time again. To the point that the martyr's grave has become almost a keystone to its sustainability.
But we have no choice Vellichor, not anymore, not this time -- not after all the depredations forced upon us. For the grudges are insurmountable, and I promise you that many will be struck from the annals of our Compact soon, every transgression answered for. As your history has taught us, burning out corruption is an eternal conflict, but one that must be fought. Even in the face of total destruction.
Less importantly, I leave this document as my last will on the matter of my black journals; I would have them all revealed to the public, upon revision and documenting by the scholars.
That will be all, Custodian,
Pray for us as we pray to you and yours, for we are in dire need.
Written By Claude
April 29, 2021, 11:38 p.m.(5/20/1015 AR)
I wish there was more I could do to aid in the war efforts. Perhaps I can help repair those ships that are fortunate enough to return.
Written By Rinel
April 29, 2021, 10:40 p.m.(5/19/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
This is my last will and testament, penned by my own hand, and dated on the Nineteenth of May, One Thousand and Fifteen Years After the Reckoning.
In the event of my death, the Marquessa Reigna Keaton is to inherit all my property, save that listed below. I ask that the Marquessa use and dispose of such property in the way that will best aid the Physicians' Guild of Arx.
All unsold crafts and goods that I have produced are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx. All rights to my smithy and store, Decus Votorum, are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx.
The cane which Brother Felix Godsworn crafted for me, Reminder, is to revert to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn to be used as he sees fit.
If I have not at the time of my death returned to the Count Duarte Amadeo of Bravura the cane that his lordship has lent to me, said cane is to revert to his lordship's possession and ownership.
All of my black journals are to be released to the public, pending review by the Censor Librorum and the Archscholar of Lord Vellichor.
Signed by my own hand,
Rinel Tern
In the event of my death, the Marquessa Reigna Keaton is to inherit all my property, save that listed below. I ask that the Marquessa use and dispose of such property in the way that will best aid the Physicians' Guild of Arx.
All unsold crafts and goods that I have produced are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx. All rights to my smithy and store, Decus Votorum, are assigned to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn, to be disposed of as best befits the Crafters' Guild of Arx.
The cane which Brother Felix Godsworn crafted for me, Reminder, is to revert to the possession and ownership of Brother Felix Godsworn to be used as he sees fit.
If I have not at the time of my death returned to the Count Duarte Amadeo of Bravura the cane that his lordship has lent to me, said cane is to revert to his lordship's possession and ownership.
All of my black journals are to be released to the public, pending review by the Censor Librorum and the Archscholar of Lord Vellichor.
Signed by my own hand,
Rinel Tern
Written By Cirroch
April 29, 2021, 10:38 p.m.(5/19/1015 AR)
I have offered my axe and now it is being called for. Again, I shall board a boat though this time not to seek an ingredient to save someone dear to me. Though to step forwards and help defend the people that have embraced my return, those that I call my friends, and peers.
It feels as if all we ever do is move from one battle to the next, with very little moments of peace between them. It is my hope that this is held at the island and ends there. That the decision to not help the others and leave them open for siege is understood to be a tactical choice and not one that leaves the Compact open for creating more enemies further down the line. For a child that watches us today, can grow bitter with the knowledge that more could have been done to help them.
The armies of the compact all gathered on one lone location feels a terrible choice though, it is not mine to choose of. I am here as I offered an axe, my strength, command, and intend to follow through.
Or as my sister would put it, it's the first challenge that was offered to me and I took it.
Let it not be for naught.
It feels as if all we ever do is move from one battle to the next, with very little moments of peace between them. It is my hope that this is held at the island and ends there. That the decision to not help the others and leave them open for siege is understood to be a tactical choice and not one that leaves the Compact open for creating more enemies further down the line. For a child that watches us today, can grow bitter with the knowledge that more could have been done to help them.
The armies of the compact all gathered on one lone location feels a terrible choice though, it is not mine to choose of. I am here as I offered an axe, my strength, command, and intend to follow through.
Or as my sister would put it, it's the first challenge that was offered to me and I took it.
Let it not be for naught.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.