Written By Esoka
Nov. 22, 2017, 6:51 p.m.(8/18/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
The Crown has appointed First Office Calaudrin Estardes to the Commoners' Council. He will probably write something about this, but it will likely be aggravatingly self-deprecating or accompanied by a joke that's questionably amusing. So I say, this is a wise and well-deserved appointment. I've no doubt he will serve with competence, dedication, and fairness, for you won't find a better man for those qualities in the city.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 19, 2017, 5:48 p.m.(8/12/1007 AR)
I went today to look upon the great clock tower that now stands in Heroes Home. I thought beholding it with my own eyes might allow it to make more sense to me, but it does not. Still, it is a marvel to behold, and my ears feel something special when it chimes on the hour. What does it portend? I know not. But it reminds me that part of living in an age of great change is wondrous things, as well as horrible ones.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 17, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(8/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Lady Delilah Whitehawk better of late, and have decided we shall be good friends. It is strange sometimes, to live among silks while not being quite of them, and I feel she understands this as one not born to highborn titles. She is wise in ways I am not about threats we face, and brave in her studies to confront them. Also, she is quite fun to drink with.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 12, 2017, 7:04 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
In many ways, what we encountered in the Gray Forest was not surprising. The Horned One's agents move there, tainting animals as well as men and women, though I think we still do not know the full extent of the strength he's gathered. All honors to my Count Thesarin, Dame Alexis, Master Merek, Lady Fiora, and Lady Isabetta for fighting by my side against those tainted creatures. Gloria gird us, for this shall not be the last time we face such things.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 11, 2017, 12:15 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
I have seen many duels, but this was...something else. The dancing was very spirited, though! My congratulations to Dame Thena on her victory and Calaudrin Estardes for trying very hard. Mistress Mae's banjo playing provided a fine accompaniment.
I would have to do some theological research to determine how Gloria may look on such contests, but it was fun, which I have needed sorely of late.
I would have to do some theological research to determine how Gloria may look on such contests, but it was fun, which I have needed sorely of late.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 9, 2017, 6:45 p.m.(7/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
My head is pounding and I may be hallucinating white journals (Prince Creston's Black Rum is made of squids and pain and should not be consumed).
That said, if I do marry you, I will REFUSE to to be co-ruler of your apartment and shop. Such muddled divisions of responsibility only lead to chaos. Also, I continue to believe that apartment is vulnerable to roaches.
I will happily accept Voice rights over your religious text collection, however, and defend them from torn pages with my life.
That said, if I do marry you, I will REFUSE to to be co-ruler of your apartment and shop. Such muddled divisions of responsibility only lead to chaos. Also, I continue to believe that apartment is vulnerable to roaches.
I will happily accept Voice rights over your religious text collection, however, and defend them from torn pages with my life.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 5, 2017, 5:57 p.m.(7/12/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
It has been a stressful fortnight, in many respects, so it was with some relief that I read of challenges regarding breakfast foods when I went to make my confessions to the scribes today. This is a challenge I can look forward to.
Attempt not to bleed to death from dancing. I think Gloria would be displeased.
Attempt not to bleed to death from dancing. I think Gloria would be displeased.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 29, 2017, 5:54 p.m.(6/26/1007 AR)
Preparations are underway for another venture into the Gray Forest, and I have signed on to scout the Horned One's activities. I pray to Gloria that we have good success and are able to find something of use against him. The battlefield near Farhaven still lives in my memory, and that fight is plainly far from over.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 29, 2017, 5:52 p.m.(6/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Samael
I know few of the Bislands well, but I've been impressed in my dealings with Lord Samael thus far, and it pleases me that he seems to be taking a greater hand in his House's dealings with his vassals. I found the meeting at the renovated Bisland manse this week a productive one and it bodes well for things to come, from my viewpoint as a knight, at least.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 28, 2017, 12:44 a.m.(6/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eithne
I had the pleasure of taking Mistress Eithne running - and climbing! I think it was beneficial. And I did not break her.
It grieves me that evil continues to lurk in the depths of the Gray Forest. I pray for the day when those forces are lifted from it, and I shall fight to make that day come. I intend to join the Grayson's scouting efforts into it soon, and we shall see what we can see. Until then? There remain trees on the outskirts where I can go to see the beauty of it, and I shall hold onto that.
It grieves me that evil continues to lurk in the depths of the Gray Forest. I pray for the day when those forces are lifted from it, and I shall fight to make that day come. I intend to join the Grayson's scouting efforts into it soon, and we shall see what we can see. Until then? There remain trees on the outskirts where I can go to see the beauty of it, and I shall hold onto that.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 22, 2017, 9:42 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
It does my heart very good to have my Count, my War Chief, and one of my oldest friends back among us at Heron Hall. Thesarin's strength and resolve have ever been a guiding force for my tribe - and now the Rivens - and they will be more needed than ever in the days to come, I think.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 22, 2017, 2:46 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)
It was my honor to represent the Grayson team in the Compact Crew Race, as one of the rowers. It had been far too long since I competed alongside my Count Thesarin in this way, and it was most invigorating. In Prince Barric, one would ask for no greater rowing partner, and Lord Malesh the Marquis of Stonewood led us to good and direct victory.
I'm proud we won, but also hope we paid good homage to Mangata in a celebration of her waters. I would thank my fellow competitors from Valardin, Redrain, Velenosa, the Crownsworn and - most especially - Thrax for a spirited competition. I hope to row again next year, currents willing.
I'm proud we won, but also hope we paid good homage to Mangata in a celebration of her waters. I would thank my fellow competitors from Valardin, Redrain, Velenosa, the Crownsworn and - most especially - Thrax for a spirited competition. I hope to row again next year, currents willing.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 21, 2017, 12:10 a.m.(6/9/1007 AR)
I will not write of whatever "strategy" might be in the twisted, evil brain of the herald of slavery. What I shall do is give my account of the battle against the Horned God's forces on the northern border of the Crownlands. For I was there, on the field, and I feel a need to put it to paper and before the scribes, even as it still haunts my dreams and I struggle to make any proper sense of it. It is but one knight's memory of this day. Vellichor can take it for what He will.
I was able to conclude my errand in the Gray Forest in time to join the armies encamped as a border guard against the Horned God's forces. I took my place in the cavalry, with Lord Rymarr's personnel from the ranks of Deepwood and its vassals, and alongside Dame Thena, Sir Daemon, and Duke Vercyn. The attack was not unexpected and we rallied to meet it. Our scouts brought us good intelligence of the enemy that allowed us to focus our forces to deadly effect, our archers were sharp upon their bows and cut down many before they had a chance to reach us. The shield wall of the infantry held with fierce bravery, and the medics were vigilant in taking our wounded from the field. From my view of our charge among the horse, we were successful in disrupting their flanking attempts and had the advantage upon the field. We were winning.
And then the Horned God appeared, voice ringing like the terrible slick of evil in our ears, and it did not matter.
What happened next is a nightmare. For the poor souls of the shav'arvani this creature had tricked and deceived into his service more than anyone. For the enemy troops were no longer men and women at all, but turned by the cruel magic of the Abyss into a cloud of millions of wasps which set upon us like a press of stinging poison. Tales will and should be told of the heroes like Lord Faelan and Duke Harald, who charged the Horned God with a bravery out of legend, and put their own lives on the line to save so many as we regrouped to retreat. But I do not believe any of us could have killed him this day. That most of those I loved escaped the field alive, I thank the gods for this. For those that fell, I mourn. And I pray we find a way to defeat the Horned God, I saw clearly upon the field that day that it will take more than armies. Though I do not think this is the last battle in which we shall engage his poor, fool slaves.
Tonight I sit vigil in the shrine of Gloria, in thanks for my own life and to pray for courage and valor in what is to come. And perhaps for some insight in how to defeat this horror. There shall be more battles to come against this horror, I do think.
I was able to conclude my errand in the Gray Forest in time to join the armies encamped as a border guard against the Horned God's forces. I took my place in the cavalry, with Lord Rymarr's personnel from the ranks of Deepwood and its vassals, and alongside Dame Thena, Sir Daemon, and Duke Vercyn. The attack was not unexpected and we rallied to meet it. Our scouts brought us good intelligence of the enemy that allowed us to focus our forces to deadly effect, our archers were sharp upon their bows and cut down many before they had a chance to reach us. The shield wall of the infantry held with fierce bravery, and the medics were vigilant in taking our wounded from the field. From my view of our charge among the horse, we were successful in disrupting their flanking attempts and had the advantage upon the field. We were winning.
And then the Horned God appeared, voice ringing like the terrible slick of evil in our ears, and it did not matter.
What happened next is a nightmare. For the poor souls of the shav'arvani this creature had tricked and deceived into his service more than anyone. For the enemy troops were no longer men and women at all, but turned by the cruel magic of the Abyss into a cloud of millions of wasps which set upon us like a press of stinging poison. Tales will and should be told of the heroes like Lord Faelan and Duke Harald, who charged the Horned God with a bravery out of legend, and put their own lives on the line to save so many as we regrouped to retreat. But I do not believe any of us could have killed him this day. That most of those I loved escaped the field alive, I thank the gods for this. For those that fell, I mourn. And I pray we find a way to defeat the Horned God, I saw clearly upon the field that day that it will take more than armies. Though I do not think this is the last battle in which we shall engage his poor, fool slaves.
Tonight I sit vigil in the shrine of Gloria, in thanks for my own life and to pray for courage and valor in what is to come. And perhaps for some insight in how to defeat this horror. There shall be more battles to come against this horror, I do think.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 14, 2017, 7:51 p.m.(5/25/1007 AR)
To celebrate the arrival of spring with the Lodge of Petrichor, I took part in the boar hunt. The competition was grand. Princess Marian, Princess Lou, Dame Alexis, Lord Estaban, and Count Artorius showed great bravery in facing up to such fierce game. I was rather surprised to win, given the skill they displayed. I received a new warhorse, trained by the Lodge, as a prize. I shall treat him with all the honor and care I would show to any of Riven's soldiers, as befits a knight's steed, and remember Petrichor whenever I ride him.
I did not get to witness as much of the rest of the competition as I would have liked, but my heart sings to hear Princess Tikva and First Officer Calaudrin Estardes did so very well. Tikva's skill as a scout and tracker for Riven remains legend among Heron Hall's troops, and Calaudrin's displays of competence are always pleasing to me.
It was a fine way to welcome spring, to get some food for the people of Arx, and to remember the strength of the land and Petrichor. Honors to Dame Leola and Whisper Saedrus for organizing it all.
I did not get to witness as much of the rest of the competition as I would have liked, but my heart sings to hear Princess Tikva and First Officer Calaudrin Estardes did so very well. Tikva's skill as a scout and tracker for Riven remains legend among Heron Hall's troops, and Calaudrin's displays of competence are always pleasing to me.
It was a fine way to welcome spring, to get some food for the people of Arx, and to remember the strength of the land and Petrichor. Honors to Dame Leola and Whisper Saedrus for organizing it all.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 11, 2017, 8:57 p.m.(5/19/1007 AR)
Perhaps I'm too practical when it comes to clothes. I can't remember the last time I was out of my leathers or steel for a day. Some of that it work and necessity, especially given the state of the land now, but some of it is just me thinking impractical things aren't worth the bother.
This is why it was such fun to get pretty things at Princess Reese's yard gifting! I am in possession of a blouse! And some skirts! The picking them out was far more fun than I anticipated, and I think they will look pretty! I confess I look forward to wearing them. Not into battle, of course. I'd not want to ruin them. But I hope soon I will have a day just to dress in something not wholly practical.
This is why it was such fun to get pretty things at Princess Reese's yard gifting! I am in possession of a blouse! And some skirts! The picking them out was far more fun than I anticipated, and I think they will look pretty! I confess I look forward to wearing them. Not into battle, of course. I'd not want to ruin them. But I hope soon I will have a day just to dress in something not wholly practical.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 8, 2017, 3:37 p.m.(5/12/1007 AR)
The little things can lift one's heart the most, even in the darkest hours. My cousin Eshken had us for breakfast at the Whitehawk house, and it was the first time in it feels like an age that I've just sat and talked with my tribesmen. I shall remember his diligence and wit, Emele's dreamy sweetness, and my Count and Chief Thesarin's quiet, unshakeable strength in the days to come. Being surrounded by my blood and my tribe, even for a morning, reminds me what I fight for at my core.
As the 10,000 shav'arvani my Countess and the Deepwoods convinced to bend the knee join the Compact, my hope for them is that they are able to preserve what they most love about their old life, while joining with something greater. I pray I manage such, on my better days.
As the 10,000 shav'arvani my Countess and the Deepwoods convinced to bend the knee join the Compact, my hope for them is that they are able to preserve what they most love about their old life, while joining with something greater. I pray I manage such, on my better days.
Written By Esoka
Oct. 1, 2017, 4:19 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
So many beautiful things were displayed in honor of Gild and the Knights of the Solace. Even a chair. I confess to not fully appreciating it until I sat in it, but now quite understand why a knight would want one on the road. Of course, there were also works honoring valor and sacrifice and protection of the weak from war and strife, not just chairs. The strength of Gild's charity and structure of civilization was a virtue I confess I did not fully appreciate until coming to this city, where needs are so great and the protection those structure provide so vital. All honors to Dame Thena and Whisper Saedrus for putting together this beautiful exhibit.
Written By Esoka
Sept. 30, 2017, 2:40 a.m.(4/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
You are perhaps the worst musician in all of Arvum. It matters not, though. I love you. Gloria protect you and guide you to brave deeds in the days ahead, and shield you until we are returned to each other's arms. To your Sentinel, I pray that we both go forth with righteous hearts and do the work of good Order against the Abyss. Limerance, may our bonds to each other hold true as steel, to be strengthened when we are as one again. To Vellichor I dedicate this journal so that it may be set in the white reflections long after I am gone. My heart is yours and you've made me very happy, this past year and I pray in the years to come.
Written By Esoka
Sept. 26, 2017, 2:20 a.m.(4/13/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
If you think you're getting out of this, you're mistaken.
I know you have a banjo now, and I do not forget things.
I know you have a banjo now, and I do not forget things.
Written By Esoka
Sept. 24, 2017, 10:12 p.m.(4/11/1007 AR)
I had a bracing, very enjoyable evening at the Hart with some of the city's finest warriors. I was honored to face Dame Alexis in the ring and came out the better, though Gloria's truth of it I think only because of a VERY lucky blow. Good drinks, good company, a little violence. A fine end to a fine week.
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