Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 2:08 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Or someone who is not a Shaman to join the Spirit Walkers. It simply wouldn't make sense.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 1:12 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Clara
I am saddened that you wish to shut down, but I understand the desire to avoid direct conflict with others in disagreement and debate. It makes sense to me, however, that initiates of the Faith should be wholly devoted to the Faith. A Disciple is an initiate of the Faith; though they may not be Godsworn, they are still devoted to the Faith and in some cases, have chosen to take the extra steps necessary toward that service. Discipleship should not be undertaken lightly, or with split loyalties. But there is nothing in what the Dominus proclaimed that should prevent you from worshiping both the Gods and communing with the spirits if you so choose.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 12:45 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Clara
Perhaps the answer will come in time, with observation and patience. Simply because those who practice shamanism are no longer allowed to be a part of the Faith does not mean that we must turn our backs on one another or close our minds and our hearts.
Written By Sina
June 17, 2018, 12:32 a.m.(1/11/1009 AR)
I am, and always will be, devoted to the Faith and the Gods. However, as a Scholar of Vellichor, I must question the decision to completely separate the Faith from those who practice the shamanic arts, and force a renunciation of vows from those who have also practiced shamanism. I have admired the way many members of the faith have maintained an open mind and acceptance of others, even if our beliefs are not always the same.
There are forces in this world that seek to quell knowledge and stamp it out, and prevent us from understanding, cooperation and remembrance. I do worry about the consequences of such a decision, for there are those who have sought wisdom from the Shamans and now that wisdom may no longer be forthcoming. Likewise, there were those who practiced Shamanism who were equally devoted to the Faith and the protection of the Compact. I have seen and heard references to the two practices working faithfully hand in hand. There were those who adhered to both with wisdom and devotion. And now those children have been severed from the Gods at least in name and officially, and this saddens my heart somewhat.
I am certain, however, that the Dominus of the Faith has his reasons, even if we may not be privy to those reasons. Though it makes us sad or even angry, some sacrifices must be made for the good of the Compact and the world. Many changes have been made of late, and while even I am personally affected by some of them, I am confident that those changes are made for the protection of all, and accept them, even though they make my work as a Scholar harder.
These are dangerous times we live in, and it is difficult to know where to place one's trust at times. Not all spirits are benevolent, and it can often be difficult to distinguish between good spirits and those which would cause us harm. So I understand the decision. We know the Gods to be benevolent and we can have faith that our worship and devotion to them is right and good in order to maintain balance against that which threatens us.
I am sad that we must part ways with our shamanic brothers and sisters. But I choose to serve the Gods, and accept the word of the Dominus, having faith that there is sound purpose in it.
There are forces in this world that seek to quell knowledge and stamp it out, and prevent us from understanding, cooperation and remembrance. I do worry about the consequences of such a decision, for there are those who have sought wisdom from the Shamans and now that wisdom may no longer be forthcoming. Likewise, there were those who practiced Shamanism who were equally devoted to the Faith and the protection of the Compact. I have seen and heard references to the two practices working faithfully hand in hand. There were those who adhered to both with wisdom and devotion. And now those children have been severed from the Gods at least in name and officially, and this saddens my heart somewhat.
I am certain, however, that the Dominus of the Faith has his reasons, even if we may not be privy to those reasons. Though it makes us sad or even angry, some sacrifices must be made for the good of the Compact and the world. Many changes have been made of late, and while even I am personally affected by some of them, I am confident that those changes are made for the protection of all, and accept them, even though they make my work as a Scholar harder.
These are dangerous times we live in, and it is difficult to know where to place one's trust at times. Not all spirits are benevolent, and it can often be difficult to distinguish between good spirits and those which would cause us harm. So I understand the decision. We know the Gods to be benevolent and we can have faith that our worship and devotion to them is right and good in order to maintain balance against that which threatens us.
I am sad that we must part ways with our shamanic brothers and sisters. But I choose to serve the Gods, and accept the word of the Dominus, having faith that there is sound purpose in it.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:48 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
I almost wanted to get to know him. But I never did. Maybe it was instinct. Reminder to self: Be careful who you trust.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:42 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Elara
Lady Elara. You placed your own life in danger, that others might be saved. You were a true hero, and while I did not know you well, I wish you happiness on your next turn of the Wheel.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:33 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Princess Sorrel, your voice is divine, and your heart is generous. Congratulations on the birth of your son, Prince Kyrios. May he grow to lead a life as noble as his mother's. I don't know how you managed to do it, walk all that way, so soon after giving birth. But the end goal was so worth it in the end, don't you think? I am amazed by your strength and conviction.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:28 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
You may not see me, but I see you, and hear, and serve. I hope that you are pleased with the way I have recorded these events. It is my hope to add a nice leather-bound set of records of this journey to the Thrax library as well, complete with illuminations. Thank you for the opportunity to witness this momentous tour of the Isles. I have grown to love them more than I ever have before, and have never fully realized how much beauty there is within them. I hope Lilybelle has forgiven you.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:22 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Carita
It was kind of you to speak with me and inquire about my task. Sometimes it does get a little lonely, being so inconspicuous. Your presence lightened my spirit. I hope that you were able to find something to eat.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:21 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Coraline
I stand in admiration of your dedication and it was an honor to witness your deed today. Princess Alarissa gave you some wise advice while we were aboard ship, and I am so glad to see that you have taken to heart. May you find purpose in your new path, and joy in the service of it.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:17 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
You have helped me to find my voice. I am inspired and honored to know you. I can tell that you are blessed and beloved by the Gods. Peace, serenity, hope and comfort radiate from you like an almost palpable beacon of the Light. I hope that we can continue to speak of things with regards to the Faith, the Marin'alfar, and more once we return to Arx.
Written By Sina
June 16, 2018, 4:01 a.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
1/8, 1009 years after the Reckoning
Allowing some days for Princess Sorrell Thrax to recover from the birth of Prince Kyrios, we have concluded our tour of the Isles here in Maelstrom. Today, I traversed a path that the others had traveled before, but to a place that I had never been. An ancient ruin of a keep long forgotten, and an ancient cave delving deep within the mountain. Much of the place had been explored before, but for me, it was all new.
Those of us present were High Lord Victus Thrax, Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax, Princess Sorrell Thrax, Princess Coraline Thrax, Prince Barric Grayson, Seraph Ailith, Lady Carita, Sparte and myself.
Upon arrival, we passed into a two-story fortification with a pair of broken down gates, and at one time we could see there were towers, though they had mostly fallen to ruin. But you could tell that they had at one time been manned. The curious thing about this fortification, however, is that there is no access to it from the sea. So what, one wonders, did they guard against here? It is difficult to say.
Upon entering the ruin, we found ourselves within a tunnel, and we encountered some wondrous murals within the entryway. We lit lanterns so that we could see them more clearly, for the way was dark and not even a hint of twilight shone there. Where I had expected to see the usual terrifying images of krakens or the like that are seen throughout the architecture of Maelstrom, what we found instead was breathtaking.
The murals were a lovely rendering of life in the Isles and on the ocean, and of deep reverence for the Goddess Mangata of the Air and Sea. The tunnel was long, and yet their entire length and breadth were covered in these magnificent paintings. Seraph Ailith mentioned that they may have been of the Marin'alfar, and that the Queen of the Marin'alfar was also once known as the Mother of the Dolphins, which was delightful to hear. We would have lingered over the murals longer if we could, but we had a long way to go before reaching the place where the explorations had left off previously. As we explored, I couldn't help but notice that some of the style of the murals resembled the style of that within Maelstrom, as if this place and Maelstrom both had been built and occupied by those same artists and architects. And yet, here all was lovely.
We eventually entered a beautiful courtyard, where a statue was carved into the stone wall of the mountain. The statue was a lovingly-carved tribute to Mangata, her lovely form standing there with her hands cupped, and water poured from her hands into the basin below. The fountain was cunningly designed for certain, with a drainage system that allowed the water to flow endlessly. We took a reverent sip, and offered our prayers and gave thanks for Mangata's many blessings.
Within this courtyard, there were three doorways, and some of those had been explored before. However, there was one door that had never been opened, at least, not in a very long time. And it was through this door we went, and here we encountered more murals depicting what seemed to be knights in training, either against one another or in mock battles, or even against training dummies. And they fought monsters too; monsters of unspeakable gruesomeness, though some may know them intimately by now, for they are the same monsters that feature in much of the decor within Maelstrom and Thrax design. And yet, the murals seemed to depict these knights as a brotherhood, fighting always together, as brothers and sisters at arms against the endless onslaught of the Abyss.
It seems that the murals and the hallways went on and on forever, and indeed, once we reached the end of them we found ourselves in a space, open to the sky. And the sky was scattered with stars, for night had fallen while we were beneath the mountain. So enraptured were we with our discoveries that we lost track of the time, though of course we surely stopped and rested. Still, by the time we reached that open space, we were too eager to explore it to worry about hunger, thirst, or rest.
At first, it seemed almost like the amphitheater we saw at Grimhall where Princess Sorrell's voice joined so beautifully with that of the choir we heard there. But in truth, as we explored it, we discovered that it was perhaps a training center. And all along the walls there were sigils and inscriptions with the ideals of the order that had at one time trained here:
Honor. Duty. Faith. Hope. Courage. Strength. Mercy. Justice. Fidelity.
These Nine Ideals were written large all the way around the vast yard, which was surrounded by stone benches where one might imagine spectators watched while the knights - for surely that was what they were, weren't they? - trained.
And at the High Lord's command I bore witness and did my duty as a Disciple of Vellichor as Seraph Ailith whispered in his ear. And then he spoke a vow, and he was joined in that vow by Princess Coraline, Princess Sorrel, and even Sparte - now Sir Sparte? - as they dedicated themselves to uphold those ancient tenets of this long-forgotten Order.
And the Gods... the Gods heard their pledge, for I felt compelled in that moment to look up to the night sky with its twinkling stars. And there I witnessed the Gods' favor in the form of a single shooting star streaking across the midnight sky with a scintillating trail of light as Seraph Ailith blessed and sanctified the new Knights of the Seaborne Order. And so now, what was lost to time and memory and the Reckoning, has been restored and remembered. Knowledge is preserved, and a new Order of Knights has been born.
Witnessed and recorded by my hand,
Scholar Sina Izetta
Disciple of Vellichor
**The journal entry is written in a beautiful and almost stately calligraphy, and the script is surrounded by sea-themed images of playful dolphins in gray, colorful seashells, blue waves and swirls of clouds. And within these images, one might notice hints of the story told within these pages of the whites. Images of the new Knights kneeling, of Seraph Ailith with her hair aglow and surrounded by a nimbus of light giving her blessing in her resplendent aeterna robes of pristine white. Near the top of the page, it is inked black save for the tiny little white stars that have been stippled into the vellum, and within the painted black sky is the shooting star signalling the favor of the Gods. Painstakingly illumined into the decorative frame are the words: Honor. Duty. Faith. Hope. Courage. Strength. Mercy. Justice. Fidelity.**
Allowing some days for Princess Sorrell Thrax to recover from the birth of Prince Kyrios, we have concluded our tour of the Isles here in Maelstrom. Today, I traversed a path that the others had traveled before, but to a place that I had never been. An ancient ruin of a keep long forgotten, and an ancient cave delving deep within the mountain. Much of the place had been explored before, but for me, it was all new.
Those of us present were High Lord Victus Thrax, Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax, Princess Sorrell Thrax, Princess Coraline Thrax, Prince Barric Grayson, Seraph Ailith, Lady Carita, Sparte and myself.
Upon arrival, we passed into a two-story fortification with a pair of broken down gates, and at one time we could see there were towers, though they had mostly fallen to ruin. But you could tell that they had at one time been manned. The curious thing about this fortification, however, is that there is no access to it from the sea. So what, one wonders, did they guard against here? It is difficult to say.
Upon entering the ruin, we found ourselves within a tunnel, and we encountered some wondrous murals within the entryway. We lit lanterns so that we could see them more clearly, for the way was dark and not even a hint of twilight shone there. Where I had expected to see the usual terrifying images of krakens or the like that are seen throughout the architecture of Maelstrom, what we found instead was breathtaking.
The murals were a lovely rendering of life in the Isles and on the ocean, and of deep reverence for the Goddess Mangata of the Air and Sea. The tunnel was long, and yet their entire length and breadth were covered in these magnificent paintings. Seraph Ailith mentioned that they may have been of the Marin'alfar, and that the Queen of the Marin'alfar was also once known as the Mother of the Dolphins, which was delightful to hear. We would have lingered over the murals longer if we could, but we had a long way to go before reaching the place where the explorations had left off previously. As we explored, I couldn't help but notice that some of the style of the murals resembled the style of that within Maelstrom, as if this place and Maelstrom both had been built and occupied by those same artists and architects. And yet, here all was lovely.
We eventually entered a beautiful courtyard, where a statue was carved into the stone wall of the mountain. The statue was a lovingly-carved tribute to Mangata, her lovely form standing there with her hands cupped, and water poured from her hands into the basin below. The fountain was cunningly designed for certain, with a drainage system that allowed the water to flow endlessly. We took a reverent sip, and offered our prayers and gave thanks for Mangata's many blessings.
Within this courtyard, there were three doorways, and some of those had been explored before. However, there was one door that had never been opened, at least, not in a very long time. And it was through this door we went, and here we encountered more murals depicting what seemed to be knights in training, either against one another or in mock battles, or even against training dummies. And they fought monsters too; monsters of unspeakable gruesomeness, though some may know them intimately by now, for they are the same monsters that feature in much of the decor within Maelstrom and Thrax design. And yet, the murals seemed to depict these knights as a brotherhood, fighting always together, as brothers and sisters at arms against the endless onslaught of the Abyss.
It seems that the murals and the hallways went on and on forever, and indeed, once we reached the end of them we found ourselves in a space, open to the sky. And the sky was scattered with stars, for night had fallen while we were beneath the mountain. So enraptured were we with our discoveries that we lost track of the time, though of course we surely stopped and rested. Still, by the time we reached that open space, we were too eager to explore it to worry about hunger, thirst, or rest.
At first, it seemed almost like the amphitheater we saw at Grimhall where Princess Sorrell's voice joined so beautifully with that of the choir we heard there. But in truth, as we explored it, we discovered that it was perhaps a training center. And all along the walls there were sigils and inscriptions with the ideals of the order that had at one time trained here:
Honor. Duty. Faith. Hope. Courage. Strength. Mercy. Justice. Fidelity.
These Nine Ideals were written large all the way around the vast yard, which was surrounded by stone benches where one might imagine spectators watched while the knights - for surely that was what they were, weren't they? - trained.
And at the High Lord's command I bore witness and did my duty as a Disciple of Vellichor as Seraph Ailith whispered in his ear. And then he spoke a vow, and he was joined in that vow by Princess Coraline, Princess Sorrel, and even Sparte - now Sir Sparte? - as they dedicated themselves to uphold those ancient tenets of this long-forgotten Order.
And the Gods... the Gods heard their pledge, for I felt compelled in that moment to look up to the night sky with its twinkling stars. And there I witnessed the Gods' favor in the form of a single shooting star streaking across the midnight sky with a scintillating trail of light as Seraph Ailith blessed and sanctified the new Knights of the Seaborne Order. And so now, what was lost to time and memory and the Reckoning, has been restored and remembered. Knowledge is preserved, and a new Order of Knights has been born.
Witnessed and recorded by my hand,
Scholar Sina Izetta
Disciple of Vellichor
**The journal entry is written in a beautiful and almost stately calligraphy, and the script is surrounded by sea-themed images of playful dolphins in gray, colorful seashells, blue waves and swirls of clouds. And within these images, one might notice hints of the story told within these pages of the whites. Images of the new Knights kneeling, of Seraph Ailith with her hair aglow and surrounded by a nimbus of light giving her blessing in her resplendent aeterna robes of pristine white. Near the top of the page, it is inked black save for the tiny little white stars that have been stippled into the vellum, and within the painted black sky is the shooting star signalling the favor of the Gods. Painstakingly illumined into the decorative frame are the words: Honor. Duty. Faith. Hope. Courage. Strength. Mercy. Justice. Fidelity.**
Written By Sina
June 15, 2018, 10:13 p.m.(1/9/1009 AR)
Today in the name of Vellichor, I am honored to write that the Gods bore witness to the birth of a new Order of Knights, blessed and sanctified and true. Once I have organized my notes, I shall write more of what I have witnessed, that this moment may be enshrined within the Great Archive.
Written By Sina
June 15, 2018, 5:05 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)
I've come to realize, this journey we are on... is one of danger. We have seen the Bloodwater lurking far on the horizon. We have heard a report that it swallowed a ship traveling from Maelstrom, not far from Tyde's shores. These waters are dangerous, and the Bloodwater unpredictable. And then there are random other things, such as runaway carriages.
People seem to write wills in their whites when they are embarking on dangerous journeys. So I shall endeavor to write mine as I sit here through the night with the Princess Consort in the hospital in Kennex. I would give my life to protect her. And so...
In the event of my death:
All of my clothing items and jewelry should be given to Princess Alarissa Thrax to do with as she wishes.
My seashell bag and its scented oils should go to Princess Sorrell Thrax.
My hairpins should go to Princess Donella Redrain, including the ones she gave me.
My daggers should go to Princess Coraline Thrax. They're really nice daggers, but it's not like they're rubicund or anything special.
All of my art and crafting materials should go to Princess Denica Thrax, because I know she will make good use of them.
There are three volumes I have written that I intend to give to Father Orazio and Archscholar Bianca. You'll know them when you see them. Please see them delivered, or deliver them to Archlector Aleksei of the First Choice, Dame Esoka Greenblood, Sir Jeffeth or Sir Preston.
Any other books in my possession should be given to the Archives of Vellichor. There are a few silly romance novels someone might find amusing.
My mermaid chest should go to Baroness Skye Blackshore. It's really a very beautiful chest and I do admire her strength and courage.
Vald, my beloved Lynx, should go to Sir Jordan Ober.
All of my silver should be donated to the Faith of the Pantheon.
My black journal should remain sealed to the Faith.
I would ask also that prayers and hymns be lifted up to Mangata for the safety of the Isles.
People seem to write wills in their whites when they are embarking on dangerous journeys. So I shall endeavor to write mine as I sit here through the night with the Princess Consort in the hospital in Kennex. I would give my life to protect her. And so...
In the event of my death:
All of my clothing items and jewelry should be given to Princess Alarissa Thrax to do with as she wishes.
My seashell bag and its scented oils should go to Princess Sorrell Thrax.
My hairpins should go to Princess Donella Redrain, including the ones she gave me.
My daggers should go to Princess Coraline Thrax. They're really nice daggers, but it's not like they're rubicund or anything special.
All of my art and crafting materials should go to Princess Denica Thrax, because I know she will make good use of them.
There are three volumes I have written that I intend to give to Father Orazio and Archscholar Bianca. You'll know them when you see them. Please see them delivered, or deliver them to Archlector Aleksei of the First Choice, Dame Esoka Greenblood, Sir Jeffeth or Sir Preston.
Any other books in my possession should be given to the Archives of Vellichor. There are a few silly romance novels someone might find amusing.
My mermaid chest should go to Baroness Skye Blackshore. It's really a very beautiful chest and I do admire her strength and courage.
Vald, my beloved Lynx, should go to Sir Jordan Ober.
All of my silver should be donated to the Faith of the Pantheon.
My black journal should remain sealed to the Faith.
I would ask also that prayers and hymns be lifted up to Mangata for the safety of the Isles.
Written By Sina
June 15, 2018, 2 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)
I am filled with sorrow. I was beginning to think that perhaps we would survive this tour of the Isles with no casualties. That all would be well, and that we would reach Maelstrom without issue. But it was not to be.
As I write this journal now, we sit within the hospital at Kennex, the one that was built as part of the Pilgrimage Path. One moment, I was chatting quietly with Seraph Ailith, Princess Sorrel, Princess Coraline and Lady Carita about visiting the hospital there. Lord Wash was regaling us with stories about some of the statues. The next, a carriage comes thundering down the way straight toward us. Chaos ensues. I am not even really sure what happened, because my first instinct was to jump out of the way, trying to pull the Princess with me, but I stumbled and fell. When I looked up again, one of the statues, with a great stone axe, had been struck during the chaos and the stone axe fell upon poor Lady Elara, who had pushed Princess Alarissa aside just in time. Lady Elara gave her life, as any of us would have I think, to save her.
I linger by the side of the Princess Consort now, and hope that all is well. She is alive, at least, thanks to the heroics of Lady Elara. But she has aches and pains, and is worried that these may be the first signs of labor. I have promised her that I would be at her side when she gives birth in Maelstrom. I hope that I can keep that promise. I shall pray to Lagoma for the health of the Princess Consort and her child. She took a slight fall, though the High Lord was able to catch her. Still, we worry, and we wait until we are able to set sail again.
As I write this journal now, we sit within the hospital at Kennex, the one that was built as part of the Pilgrimage Path. One moment, I was chatting quietly with Seraph Ailith, Princess Sorrel, Princess Coraline and Lady Carita about visiting the hospital there. Lord Wash was regaling us with stories about some of the statues. The next, a carriage comes thundering down the way straight toward us. Chaos ensues. I am not even really sure what happened, because my first instinct was to jump out of the way, trying to pull the Princess with me, but I stumbled and fell. When I looked up again, one of the statues, with a great stone axe, had been struck during the chaos and the stone axe fell upon poor Lady Elara, who had pushed Princess Alarissa aside just in time. Lady Elara gave her life, as any of us would have I think, to save her.
I linger by the side of the Princess Consort now, and hope that all is well. She is alive, at least, thanks to the heroics of Lady Elara. But she has aches and pains, and is worried that these may be the first signs of labor. I have promised her that I would be at her side when she gives birth in Maelstrom. I hope that I can keep that promise. I shall pray to Lagoma for the health of the Princess Consort and her child. She took a slight fall, though the High Lord was able to catch her. Still, we worry, and we wait until we are able to set sail again.
Written By Sina
June 14, 2018, 10:21 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)
I have been accompanying the Thrax family on their tour of the Isles, as one of my last duties before I venture onto my new path. It feels so good to once again be on a ship, and to feel the wind of the sea, and smell the salt of the waters. It has been some time since my feet have touched the deck of a ship, but it is like slipping into an old and comfortable coat that I had forgotten, hidden in the back of the wardrobe.
The Isles are truly breathtaking, and there is much to love about each and every place we have visited. I was particularly enamored of the Academy of Art at Escuma, and their unique perspective on the worship of Jayus. Apparently they do not destroy their temple during His holiday, but rather, they simply rearrange the artwork in the gallery every three months. To meditate upon the concept of seeing things from a different perspective. The halls of the academy were filled with the most beautiful creations, some of them even worked with multiple media, which I appreciate in so many ways. The turtle sculpture was really quite something, and it still makes me feel as though I could do so much more with my artwork. Perspective indeed!
There was an old wood carver at Blackshore as well, who had such a wonderful skill with his carving knife as I watched him carve a new figurehead for a ship. I learned from him, I think, that which I have been missing in my artwork - trusting more to Jayus to guide my hand, and let the form take shape. Once I return, I shall attempt to put the old man's advice to good use with this sculpture I have been struggling with. I wanted it to be a mermaid, but every time I try to make it so, it doesn't want to be a mermaid. I suppose we'll see.
On a slightly more amusing note, we stopped at a beautiful shrine with a pool of serene water at Darkwater Watch, and while we were there, somehow Lillybelle managed to get dunked into the sacred pool. I am still not sure what happened, because I was too busy fussing with this armor I have been wearing lately, and next thing I know, the Claw of Arx is yowling and clawing her way up the High Lord (leaving a number of scars no doubt), only to land on Princess Alarissa's shoulder. I suspect the High Lord must have done something to miff her terribly, because she refused to look at him for the rest of the day. Somehow, I was able to coax the poor beast off the Princess' shoulder and onto mine. It was probably a risky thing to do, but someone had to do it. That poor cat has been through so much. I still wouldn't want to get snuggly with her or anything, but I think maybe she likes me a little better than she did before. Maybe. Or maybe she was just sticking it to him. It's hard to say.
Then we visited the place where the Pirate King met his end. Of that, I care not to speak, for it was ultimately difficult to set foot there. I will, however, speak to Seraph Ailith's rendering of the story of what happened there, which was moving and eye-opening. I will not forget the place soon, with its crumbled hall and broken down gate, and the knowledge that so many died there to save the Isles an the Compact. Whispers and echoes of the recent past.
Today, we arrived in Grihem, and we were greeted by Lord Valdemar and his family, and we were also greeted by the most beautiful singing. An old hymn of the seas, sung by so many voices. It was powerful and moving, and it was quite difficult to hold back my tears of joy in the eyes of these grim folk who seem not to appreciate any sign of too much weakness. It is always good to be aware of and follow the customs of a given place, I feel. Still, when Princess Sorrel went to join the choir, the experience was almost transcendent, given the perfect acoustics of that magnificent domed amphitheater. I couldn't help but smile, and be in awe of the majesty of that choir singing a hymn to Mangata. I will not soon forget this place, or that singing. Even now, as I write this, tears prick my eyes as I recall it.
Sometimes it is a little overwhelming being in the presence of so many great people. I am content to remain anonymous and silent in the background, while others discuss matters of importance or show such wondrous gifts. Still, sometimes I wish I was a little more talkative, or had more things to say. But what can I say, when the matters discussed are so often very far outside my area of expertise or power to do anything about? Perhaps someday, I will have more to say, more to do. But for now, silence is my most familiar and beloved cloak, which I wear every day. Perhaps some day I will find my voice, and a cause for which to speak. Perhaps my voice is, instead, the written word.
Next, we sail for Kennex. I shall write more of that journey once we are back on the ship headed to Maelstrom. I know I should be keeping up with my journal more, being a Scholar of Vellichor and all. But I have had difficulty finding the time. Once we reach Maelstrom, I doubt that will change, but I shall find the time if I am able. I have a promise to keep, and I mean to.
The Isles are truly breathtaking, and there is much to love about each and every place we have visited. I was particularly enamored of the Academy of Art at Escuma, and their unique perspective on the worship of Jayus. Apparently they do not destroy their temple during His holiday, but rather, they simply rearrange the artwork in the gallery every three months. To meditate upon the concept of seeing things from a different perspective. The halls of the academy were filled with the most beautiful creations, some of them even worked with multiple media, which I appreciate in so many ways. The turtle sculpture was really quite something, and it still makes me feel as though I could do so much more with my artwork. Perspective indeed!
There was an old wood carver at Blackshore as well, who had such a wonderful skill with his carving knife as I watched him carve a new figurehead for a ship. I learned from him, I think, that which I have been missing in my artwork - trusting more to Jayus to guide my hand, and let the form take shape. Once I return, I shall attempt to put the old man's advice to good use with this sculpture I have been struggling with. I wanted it to be a mermaid, but every time I try to make it so, it doesn't want to be a mermaid. I suppose we'll see.
On a slightly more amusing note, we stopped at a beautiful shrine with a pool of serene water at Darkwater Watch, and while we were there, somehow Lillybelle managed to get dunked into the sacred pool. I am still not sure what happened, because I was too busy fussing with this armor I have been wearing lately, and next thing I know, the Claw of Arx is yowling and clawing her way up the High Lord (leaving a number of scars no doubt), only to land on Princess Alarissa's shoulder. I suspect the High Lord must have done something to miff her terribly, because she refused to look at him for the rest of the day. Somehow, I was able to coax the poor beast off the Princess' shoulder and onto mine. It was probably a risky thing to do, but someone had to do it. That poor cat has been through so much. I still wouldn't want to get snuggly with her or anything, but I think maybe she likes me a little better than she did before. Maybe. Or maybe she was just sticking it to him. It's hard to say.
Then we visited the place where the Pirate King met his end. Of that, I care not to speak, for it was ultimately difficult to set foot there. I will, however, speak to Seraph Ailith's rendering of the story of what happened there, which was moving and eye-opening. I will not forget the place soon, with its crumbled hall and broken down gate, and the knowledge that so many died there to save the Isles an the Compact. Whispers and echoes of the recent past.
Today, we arrived in Grihem, and we were greeted by Lord Valdemar and his family, and we were also greeted by the most beautiful singing. An old hymn of the seas, sung by so many voices. It was powerful and moving, and it was quite difficult to hold back my tears of joy in the eyes of these grim folk who seem not to appreciate any sign of too much weakness. It is always good to be aware of and follow the customs of a given place, I feel. Still, when Princess Sorrel went to join the choir, the experience was almost transcendent, given the perfect acoustics of that magnificent domed amphitheater. I couldn't help but smile, and be in awe of the majesty of that choir singing a hymn to Mangata. I will not soon forget this place, or that singing. Even now, as I write this, tears prick my eyes as I recall it.
Sometimes it is a little overwhelming being in the presence of so many great people. I am content to remain anonymous and silent in the background, while others discuss matters of importance or show such wondrous gifts. Still, sometimes I wish I was a little more talkative, or had more things to say. But what can I say, when the matters discussed are so often very far outside my area of expertise or power to do anything about? Perhaps someday, I will have more to say, more to do. But for now, silence is my most familiar and beloved cloak, which I wear every day. Perhaps some day I will find my voice, and a cause for which to speak. Perhaps my voice is, instead, the written word.
Next, we sail for Kennex. I shall write more of that journey once we are back on the ship headed to Maelstrom. I know I should be keeping up with my journal more, being a Scholar of Vellichor and all. But I have had difficulty finding the time. Once we reach Maelstrom, I doubt that will change, but I shall find the time if I am able. I have a promise to keep, and I mean to.
Written By Sina
June 9, 2018, 6:36 a.m.(12/15/1008 AR)
First Brother Driskell, now thirteen more Scholars have died. Something terrible is happening. If someone knows what is going on, I think now would be the time to tell us. In the meantime, I think perhaps I shall linger within the company of others whenever possible, just to be safe.
Written By Sina
June 4, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(12/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
I am deeply saddened by the news of Brother Driskell's passing. He was an inspiring presence in my life. I shall regret that we never got around to having tea. I suppose this shall be a reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any one of us. May he find rest in the embrace of the Queen of Endings.
Written By Sina
May 29, 2018, 9:49 a.m.(11/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope whatever has caused this recent string of deaths in the city may be found soon, that you might find justice.
Written By Sina
May 26, 2018, 1:07 a.m.(11/7/1008 AR)
Now that I have made my decision, I find peace within my heart, and a sense of purpose and focus. I look forward to the future, and to seeing what I may do in service to the Gods. I am ready to spread my wings, and fly into the face of the unknown. It is time now to set aside my cares, and begin this new chapter of my life. I am so very much looking forward to Father Orazio's return, and our promised cup of tea. We have much to talk about. I pray that he returns safely, from wherever he has gone.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.