Written By Ophelia
Aug. 7, 2020, 11:08 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
I love the color and scent of autumn, but I hate to see the songbirds leave.
Written By Ida
Aug. 7, 2020, 10:17 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
When I was a younger woman fighting my way around the Oathlands, an equally younger Prince Edain gave me the honor of being one of my fans. I doubt either of us realized where our lives might lead back then; everything seemed so much simpler and all. He invited me to come to Arx as one of the smiths for House Valardin, and with my children grown I thought, why not? His patronage lead so many new people to the shop I had set up, and he honored me again by granting me a knighthood and title of Hammer of the West.
Here he is again, going down a path I doubt he saw coming, and part of me wishes I could follow him there as well. Maybe in time, that's where my journey will lead. Instead, for now, I will remember the words he told me his sister, Princess Tabitha, once told him: "In politics everyone is looking to get what they want and will turn on you to get it. Once you realize that, you realize there is never a reason to do anything other than what you believe to be right."
I promise to keep doing what I believe to be right and uphold the oaths I made to you and House Valardin, even if you aren't here to make sure that I do.
Here he is again, going down a path I doubt he saw coming, and part of me wishes I could follow him there as well. Maybe in time, that's where my journey will lead. Instead, for now, I will remember the words he told me his sister, Princess Tabitha, once told him: "In politics everyone is looking to get what they want and will turn on you to get it. Once you realize that, you realize there is never a reason to do anything other than what you believe to be right."
I promise to keep doing what I believe to be right and uphold the oaths I made to you and House Valardin, even if you aren't here to make sure that I do.
Written By Eirene
Aug. 7, 2020, 10:12 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
My thanks and appreciation to the many First Responders of Arx who run towards danger instead of from it. It's good to know there's people who got my back when I expose it during the course of my duties as a Physician and medic. People will live who may have died, a barkeep may keep his hand instead of losing it.
My sympathy to whomever has to clean up the mess in the Unkindness. That was a pretty bad wrecking. Oh, and the Fox. I hope that place gets cleaned up since it's one of my usual haunts.
My sympathy to whomever has to clean up the mess in the Unkindness. That was a pretty bad wrecking. Oh, and the Fox. I hope that place gets cleaned up since it's one of my usual haunts.
Written By Eirene
Aug. 7, 2020, 9:15 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
Sometimes you study a topic you wish you hadn't.
Othertimes people come to you with topics you wish you -had-.
It's a total crap shoot what you do and if it'll pay off.
Note to self: Stare upward more.
Othertimes people come to you with topics you wish you -had-.
It's a total crap shoot what you do and if it'll pay off.
Note to self: Stare upward more.
Written By Adrienne
Aug. 7, 2020, 8:19 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
High Lord Alis Valardin. You have in title what you have always had in spirit. How blessed we are to have you.
Written By Appolonia
Aug. 7, 2020, 3:01 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
Sometimes I wonder about all these things that happen, about which no concern should be paid.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 7, 2020, 1:46 a.m.(10/17/1013 AR)
Note to self...Learn about personal boundaries
Written By Svana
Aug. 6, 2020, 10:35 p.m.(10/16/1013 AR)
I am less concerned with the things that ate my husband and the things that might want to eat me now, if what I think might be happening is happening with me.
I am also more confused than I was before. Go figure...
I am also more confused than I was before. Go figure...
Written By Adrienne
Aug. 6, 2020, 10:14 p.m.(10/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
A day has not passed that I have not prayed for you nor shall one from now until we meet again, whether here or on the Wheel or beyond the shining gates. May you be a beacon to people of good will and a scourge to those unrighteous hearts who would tyrannize them.
In duty, in honor, in glory.
In duty, in honor, in glory.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 6, 2020, 8:04 p.m.(10/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Mihaly
I always read with fondness and reverence the words of old warriors.
You say, quite adroitly, that gleaning wisdom from contemplation of war is akin to asking how the wind blows. I could not agree more. For many warriors, knowing how the wind blows is pointless. The wind does little to deflect the thrust of a spear or the slash of a blade from horseback. It does even less to drown out the screams of the dying and the dirges for the dead.
I will note, in closing, only that I am an archer.
You say, quite adroitly, that gleaning wisdom from contemplation of war is akin to asking how the wind blows. I could not agree more. For many warriors, knowing how the wind blows is pointless. The wind does little to deflect the thrust of a spear or the slash of a blade from horseback. It does even less to drown out the screams of the dying and the dirges for the dead.
I will note, in closing, only that I am an archer.
Written By Mihaly
Aug. 6, 2020, 1:57 p.m.(10/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Piccola
I don't like journals. I like less knowing people what I think, and I tend more often than not to care even less what others think. It's easier to do your duty than speak aloud.
But. I will say this.
Seems like you're desperately seeking answers to something.The answers you seek to the questions you ask to the empty world. I can tell you this much from over twenty years of soldiering. And twenty years in and out of various wars. Losing them. Winning them.
There isn't an answer to them.
The nature of war simply is. You exist within it, or you play the smart choice and contend outside. To develop a philosophy around to gleam some kind wisdom around it is asking how the wind blows. An exercise in determining the nature of the human mind. Some single facet to a greater whole that'll reveal itself in some grand revelation.
It's war. It just is.
Keep doing this long enough, you'll find your own answers. One that'll suit you. Don't pay no mind to the words of an old knight staring down the blade at the twilight.
But. I will say this.
Seems like you're desperately seeking answers to something.The answers you seek to the questions you ask to the empty world. I can tell you this much from over twenty years of soldiering. And twenty years in and out of various wars. Losing them. Winning them.
There isn't an answer to them.
The nature of war simply is. You exist within it, or you play the smart choice and contend outside. To develop a philosophy around to gleam some kind wisdom around it is asking how the wind blows. An exercise in determining the nature of the human mind. Some single facet to a greater whole that'll reveal itself in some grand revelation.
It's war. It just is.
Keep doing this long enough, you'll find your own answers. One that'll suit you. Don't pay no mind to the words of an old knight staring down the blade at the twilight.
Written By Aine
Aug. 6, 2020, 9:48 a.m.(10/15/1013 AR)
Mother has been training me in diplomacy for some time, but I'm still getting it wrong. I suppose this is where experience is supposed to come in.
Anyone in the market for a cut rate diplomat?
Anyone in the market for a cut rate diplomat?
Written By Tyrus
Aug. 6, 2020, 8:43 a.m.(10/15/1013 AR)
It is ironic that I should write about it, given my reaction at the assembly when the one named Prism stepped up and asked that we wage war on slavery and that we should do it to free both enslaved and enslaver rather than with hatred in our hearts.
Since then I've heard many a call of "Death to slavers". And I wonder how many of those truly know what they're saying. How true their commitment to their destruction. Will you stay true to these words when their children watch you execute these slavers, children too young or unable to comprehend the evilness of their parents' actions? Will you put to the sword those who might have spoken of reform? Will you put to the sword those whose fear blinded them to the choice before them? Those whose priests have spent the last decades and centuries telling them how to think, what was right and wrong?
I have tried to understand and forgive. Yet there remains that dark core of hate and anger that would be all too happy to see them all drown by angry seas and their world brought down to ash. The same core that agrees whenever one takes up the cry of "Death to slavers". The core that knows their deaths will never replace what was lost, but does not care.
I know where I stand. I know where I should be. I know they are two different places. When you next take up that cry, consider that it places you in a dark place that cares little for attenuating circumstances and excuses. Consider that when your words are tested, this righteousness of yours will be soaked in blood and that the people you've freed will see not hero but monster who took their loved ones away.
Unless your words are hollow and you repeat them simply because it's what you've heard others do.
Since then I've heard many a call of "Death to slavers". And I wonder how many of those truly know what they're saying. How true their commitment to their destruction. Will you stay true to these words when their children watch you execute these slavers, children too young or unable to comprehend the evilness of their parents' actions? Will you put to the sword those who might have spoken of reform? Will you put to the sword those whose fear blinded them to the choice before them? Those whose priests have spent the last decades and centuries telling them how to think, what was right and wrong?
I have tried to understand and forgive. Yet there remains that dark core of hate and anger that would be all too happy to see them all drown by angry seas and their world brought down to ash. The same core that agrees whenever one takes up the cry of "Death to slavers". The core that knows their deaths will never replace what was lost, but does not care.
I know where I stand. I know where I should be. I know they are two different places. When you next take up that cry, consider that it places you in a dark place that cares little for attenuating circumstances and excuses. Consider that when your words are tested, this righteousness of yours will be soaked in blood and that the people you've freed will see not hero but monster who took their loved ones away.
Unless your words are hollow and you repeat them simply because it's what you've heard others do.
Written By Thea
Aug. 6, 2020, 8:03 a.m.(10/15/1013 AR)
When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.
This is something that has taken me along time to understand. But I get it now scholar, I get it. The closed door will just always have the memories.
This is something that has taken me along time to understand. But I get it now scholar, I get it. The closed door will just always have the memories.
Written By Monique
Aug. 6, 2020, 3:06 a.m.(10/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Lexir
Not just hair, but wit and charm and an easy companionship that made for an exceptionally pleasant evening. Time flies when tales of adventures are paired with this particular Pravus Prince.
Written By Svana
Aug. 5, 2020, 8:27 p.m.(10/14/1013 AR)
If it wasn't for my children, sometimes I would feel so lonely. I don't want to be one of those smothers, y'know. The kinds of mothers that make sure their kids can't breath or eat or fart or anything without their express approval first or tucking a hanky into their tunic. Rowan is a bit of a mama's boy, but Elanne is feisty; she's quick to push me away when she's had enough, and then we make a game out of it which makes her laugh the most impish laugh to come out of a fat baby. It's wonderful.
People always ask why I do so many different kinds of crafting. To be honest, if I don't keep busy, my mind wanders. Mostly to places that it shouldn't. People talk about reflecting and opening your heart to reflections, but sometimes reflecting becomes ruminating.
With the recent howling of certain creatures in the city, my wind wanders tenaciously. We are still living at Asher's apartment in Stormwall's Haven, and I am frankly glad I was not home at the state in the Upper Burroughs when The Unkindness was... attacked? Set upon? I don't know anymore.
My nightmares only get worse. When I am awake, my mind goes to the darkest corners it has reached but not that it will reach. I feel eyes that aren't there watching me, and I feel an encroaching sense of doom with every moment that passes.
People always ask why I do so many different kinds of crafting. To be honest, if I don't keep busy, my mind wanders. Mostly to places that it shouldn't. People talk about reflecting and opening your heart to reflections, but sometimes reflecting becomes ruminating.
With the recent howling of certain creatures in the city, my wind wanders tenaciously. We are still living at Asher's apartment in Stormwall's Haven, and I am frankly glad I was not home at the state in the Upper Burroughs when The Unkindness was... attacked? Set upon? I don't know anymore.
My nightmares only get worse. When I am awake, my mind goes to the darkest corners it has reached but not that it will reach. I feel eyes that aren't there watching me, and I feel an encroaching sense of doom with every moment that passes.
Written By Apollo
Aug. 5, 2020, 4:58 p.m.(10/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rosalind
Sometimes the only gift I need is a bit of help. Thanks for seeing that.
Written By Krarstin
Aug. 5, 2020, 4:54 p.m.(10/14/1013 AR)
My grandchildren,
Wisdom doesn't come by the strength and might of your arms, but it does come by exercising restraint to think before you act without restraint and check to see if your action aligns with your goals.
Wisdom doesn't come by having more years than another, years only make you older not wiser and fools are found young and old.
Wisdom doesn't come from the opposites of selfishness or selflessness, but it does grow when you look to balance your interests with what's good for others.
Wisdom doesn't come from accepting what's given to you, but it does come when you ask questions, step back and observe what's happening around you.
Seek those who are wise, and seek out wisdom for yourselves. It's a gift that doesn't care about background or status, and a treasure that should be sought out and praised when found.
Wisdom doesn't come by the strength and might of your arms, but it does come by exercising restraint to think before you act without restraint and check to see if your action aligns with your goals.
Wisdom doesn't come by having more years than another, years only make you older not wiser and fools are found young and old.
Wisdom doesn't come from the opposites of selfishness or selflessness, but it does grow when you look to balance your interests with what's good for others.
Wisdom doesn't come from accepting what's given to you, but it does come when you ask questions, step back and observe what's happening around you.
Seek those who are wise, and seek out wisdom for yourselves. It's a gift that doesn't care about background or status, and a treasure that should be sought out and praised when found.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 5, 2020, 3:30 p.m.(10/14/1013 AR)
If you are a warrior, then you know this to be true: that to live is to suffer.
At all times, in war, you move or you die; move forward or invite destruction. For this reason, each day, plan to suffer so that you may improve yourself and live, else risk that the next morning shall never come.
The strongest steel comes from relentless tempering. When you have screamed at your limits you come to appreciate the beauty of silence, wherein the calmness of healing is the most exciting sensation.
Embrace the pain as the wise embraces ignorance, so that you can learn to overcome both. Defy comfort as the ambitious deny satisfaction, so that you can find something greater than you first imagined.
Greet every morning as the dawn of war, and you will defeat all.
At all times, in war, you move or you die; move forward or invite destruction. For this reason, each day, plan to suffer so that you may improve yourself and live, else risk that the next morning shall never come.
The strongest steel comes from relentless tempering. When you have screamed at your limits you come to appreciate the beauty of silence, wherein the calmness of healing is the most exciting sensation.
Embrace the pain as the wise embraces ignorance, so that you can learn to overcome both. Defy comfort as the ambitious deny satisfaction, so that you can find something greater than you first imagined.
Greet every morning as the dawn of war, and you will defeat all.
Written By Ilira
Aug. 5, 2020, 4:55 a.m.(10/13/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Galatea
Have I told you how greatly I enjoy your company?
I should.
I should.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.