Written By Titus
April 13, 2023, 6:48 p.m.(8/16/1019 AR)
It’s highly important to understand the influence of history on our present and future. Often, battles shape these three.
As a Vaevici, I know all too well the horrors of the battlefield. The clash of steel, the cries of the wounded and dying, the smell of blood and smoke are all too familiar to me. It’s a place of tragedy and sorry, where lives are lost, families torn apart, and dreams sundered. I know the decisions I make on the battlefield will have a profound impact on the lives of soldiers I lead and the fate of my people. But, it isn’t just the present moment I must consider.
The past holds a key to our understanding of the present, and it often those who control the narrative of history who hold the power to shape our future. This is why it’s important to share the stories of the past, to let those stories live on in the hearts of those who desire to seek and listen, so that the stories can’t be lost like what has happened in Arvum. And to look at history with a critical eye and question the narratives we find presented.
But, there’s also a deeper layer to the battlefield, a terrible song that few wish to hear. It’s a song of war and death, of sacrifice and honour, of triumph and tragedy. As a conductor of battles, I’m keenly aware of this song. A song sung by the fallen, a song that echoes through the ages.
Yet, even amidst the horror and tragedy of the battlefield, there’s a glimmer of hope. It’s the hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain, that our struggle will bring about a better future for those we leave behind. This hope is what drives me and others to continue fighting, to continue striving for a better world.
I’m reminded that the battles we fight today will shape the course of history. It’s up to us to understand the lessons of the past, to resist the attempts to manipulate and control history and to create a better future for ourselves and future generations we will not see.
In the end, the terrible song of the battlefield will continue to be sung but it’s up to us to ensure that its message is one of hope, of sacrifice and of honour.
As a Vaevici, I know all too well the horrors of the battlefield. The clash of steel, the cries of the wounded and dying, the smell of blood and smoke are all too familiar to me. It’s a place of tragedy and sorry, where lives are lost, families torn apart, and dreams sundered. I know the decisions I make on the battlefield will have a profound impact on the lives of soldiers I lead and the fate of my people. But, it isn’t just the present moment I must consider.
The past holds a key to our understanding of the present, and it often those who control the narrative of history who hold the power to shape our future. This is why it’s important to share the stories of the past, to let those stories live on in the hearts of those who desire to seek and listen, so that the stories can’t be lost like what has happened in Arvum. And to look at history with a critical eye and question the narratives we find presented.
But, there’s also a deeper layer to the battlefield, a terrible song that few wish to hear. It’s a song of war and death, of sacrifice and honour, of triumph and tragedy. As a conductor of battles, I’m keenly aware of this song. A song sung by the fallen, a song that echoes through the ages.
Yet, even amidst the horror and tragedy of the battlefield, there’s a glimmer of hope. It’s the hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain, that our struggle will bring about a better future for those we leave behind. This hope is what drives me and others to continue fighting, to continue striving for a better world.
I’m reminded that the battles we fight today will shape the course of history. It’s up to us to understand the lessons of the past, to resist the attempts to manipulate and control history and to create a better future for ourselves and future generations we will not see.
In the end, the terrible song of the battlefield will continue to be sung but it’s up to us to ensure that its message is one of hope, of sacrifice and of honour.
Written By Mattheu
April 12, 2023, 7:57 p.m.(8/14/1019 AR)
There's nothing quite like watching the older siblings hand chores down to those that are younger. And while this was done to me several times over, it also made me better at who I am today.
It's also amusing to watch the children try to trick each other into swabbing the decks for them.
It's also amusing to watch the children try to trick each other into swabbing the decks for them.
Written By Artur
April 12, 2023, 7:51 p.m.(8/14/1019 AR)
It’s been many moons since I last wrote in these pages as I’ve been away from Arx for a long while. Last winter found me patrolling the northern borders of the Redrain lands against threats that pushed and tested our defenses. The blizzards were thick and fierce, howling at night as the tall trees in the forests became blanketed in ice and snow to turn their evergreen branches into white diamond crusted monstrous shapes.
I remember one particular stormy night up in a mountain at a ranger camp built in a small cave on the side of the mountain before a huge cliff, huddled around a smaller fire with our furs as outside the snow continued to pile high. As we sat, we heard the howling of wolves in the distance and how our blood ran cold. But something happened. The pack approached the camp and instead of attacking, they sat near the entrance and we shared the warmth of the fire and some of the meat provisions with them. A moment of peace by two groups that chose to not be enemies that night. They left early the next day, only their paw-prints could be seen near the entrance before being lost with new snowfall.
But spring eventually came, and the frost melted off the budding flowers in the snow-clad meadows and the passes became clear. So I took the long roads back to Arx, ready to fight against the things that want to threaten our world. As I made my way from villages through the great gates of Arx, I could see written on the faces of those I passed that things were not right. There's a lot of pain, a lot of hurt.
As I journeyed back, my thoughts turned to my dear sister Gwenna. I wonder how much she’s grown since winter last and the adventures she’s had. One giant bear hug incoming.
That's a lot of writing, so I'm going to put this quill down and pick up a horn of mead in one hand and make a fist with the other to find some fun trouble here in this city.
I remember one particular stormy night up in a mountain at a ranger camp built in a small cave on the side of the mountain before a huge cliff, huddled around a smaller fire with our furs as outside the snow continued to pile high. As we sat, we heard the howling of wolves in the distance and how our blood ran cold. But something happened. The pack approached the camp and instead of attacking, they sat near the entrance and we shared the warmth of the fire and some of the meat provisions with them. A moment of peace by two groups that chose to not be enemies that night. They left early the next day, only their paw-prints could be seen near the entrance before being lost with new snowfall.
But spring eventually came, and the frost melted off the budding flowers in the snow-clad meadows and the passes became clear. So I took the long roads back to Arx, ready to fight against the things that want to threaten our world. As I made my way from villages through the great gates of Arx, I could see written on the faces of those I passed that things were not right. There's a lot of pain, a lot of hurt.
As I journeyed back, my thoughts turned to my dear sister Gwenna. I wonder how much she’s grown since winter last and the adventures she’s had. One giant bear hug incoming.
That's a lot of writing, so I'm going to put this quill down and pick up a horn of mead in one hand and make a fist with the other to find some fun trouble here in this city.
Written By Neilda
April 10, 2023, 2:49 p.m.(8/9/1019 AR)
There's so much inspiration to be found within the prismatic colors of Gemecitta quartz and the lush gardens of the city --
Written By Savio
April 10, 2023, 9:18 a.m.(8/9/1019 AR)
I want you when I need you
And when I don't I don't
I'll charm you if you're useful
And if you're not I won't
If you know something I don't know
Please tell me right away
But if all you have to share is you
Then I don't have the time of day
Of course we are the best of friends
I don't grasp your complaint
Just do a couple favors for me --
If you don't then what's the point?
And when I don't I don't
I'll charm you if you're useful
And if you're not I won't
If you know something I don't know
Please tell me right away
But if all you have to share is you
Then I don't have the time of day
Of course we are the best of friends
I don't grasp your complaint
Just do a couple favors for me --
If you don't then what's the point?
Written By Aconite
April 9, 2023, 11:58 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Noah
Patron
Written By Noah
April 9, 2023, 10:01 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
Hmm. Some people (not naming names) just need to chill. No matter water others think. But it's cubed that you try.
Written By Cillian
April 9, 2023, 9:20 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
I was supposed to be at the Saik land games, but I was not able to stay. I hear they went well, I will have to speak with Baroness Lucita at some point to apologize.
Written By Cillian
April 9, 2023, 9:06 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
Falling, falling, into the unknown,
Gravity's grasp, pulling me down alone,
Flailing and fighting, for control in vain,
As the world rushes up, to meet me again.
The wind whips by, as I tumble and spin,
My heart racing fast, my mind in a spin,
I close my eyes, and feel the rush,
As I hurtle towards, the ground in a hush.
But as I fall, I begin to see,
The beauty of life, all around me,
The trees and the sky, the birds in flight,
The wonder of it all, in clear sight.
And in that moment, I feel a release,
Of all my fears, and all my unease,
For falling, it seems, can be a gift,
A chance to see life, from a different lift.
So I embrace the fall, with open arms,
And let go of all my doubts and harms,
For in the end, it's not about the fall,
But the courage and grace, to rise after all.
Gravity's grasp, pulling me down alone,
Flailing and fighting, for control in vain,
As the world rushes up, to meet me again.
The wind whips by, as I tumble and spin,
My heart racing fast, my mind in a spin,
I close my eyes, and feel the rush,
As I hurtle towards, the ground in a hush.
But as I fall, I begin to see,
The beauty of life, all around me,
The trees and the sky, the birds in flight,
The wonder of it all, in clear sight.
And in that moment, I feel a release,
Of all my fears, and all my unease,
For falling, it seems, can be a gift,
A chance to see life, from a different lift.
So I embrace the fall, with open arms,
And let go of all my doubts and harms,
For in the end, it's not about the fall,
But the courage and grace, to rise after all.
Written By Cillian
April 9, 2023, 8:51 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Vitalis
When things get rough, and you think you are at your worst that's when you find out who cares.
I just like to say Thank you.
I just like to say Thank you.
Written By Sudara
April 9, 2023, 7:41 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
After attending the Assembly of Peers, I accepted Patrizio's invitation to meet him at the Dancing Feather (a tavern in the Pravus ward). There, I was introduced to Lark (a Grayson Princess) and Valencia (a Velenosan princess, I think), as well as Sira Illuso. Of those, I was in many ways most surprised and interested to meet the tailor: she is the new head of the Silver Consortium, and provided me with my first face-to-face encounter with the organisation for a long time! Sadly, I lacked the energy to stay for long, and had to swiftly excuse myself. But it seems that I did not make too bad an impression, and might even be able to meet them again...
Written By Sudara
April 9, 2023, 5:54 p.m.(8/8/1019 AR)
Note to self: kidnap the Archduchess of Lenosia as soon as possible.
(Addendum: liaise with Tenebrae as well as Jaenelle to make sure that timing suits: accidentally setting off into a storm would be rather awkward!)
(Addendum: liaise with Tenebrae as well as Jaenelle to make sure that timing suits: accidentally setting off into a storm would be rather awkward!)
Written By Denica
April 9, 2023, 3:32 p.m.(8/7/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Noah
Do you know why revenge is best served cold?
Because it's just ice.
Because it's just ice.
Written By Ida
April 9, 2023, 3:15 p.m.(8/7/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
It was such an honor to have had the shop be part of Legendary Tailor, Aurora Thornburn's recent boxes. When she asked if the staff could help, I of course said yes! There's such a long history between us and that she reached out first meant the world. The apprentices went on for a few days about the designs she brought in and I know the journeymen enjoyed putting her ideas to metal.
Written By Lucita
April 9, 2023, 10:48 a.m.(8/7/1019 AR)
Brainstorming with other explorers at the Society of Explorers is fun. It is interesting to see the many varied thoughts coming from so many people.
Written By Noah
April 8, 2023, 8:12 p.m.(8/6/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
I can appreciate how you just defy gravity at parties. Just make sure you don't get too carried away.
Written By Agric
April 8, 2023, 12:51 p.m.(8/5/1019 AR)
I have returned to Arx from Leaholdt recently to once again find myself surrounded by so much bustle and noise. This is not a slight against the city, but merely an observation based on what I consider to be a normal transition to life in a place such as this. Thankfully, I have found my house to be a refuge when I need it. It is so quiet here! I can pace the length of my house with a good book from the library and not run into a soul as far as I can tell. There should be no trouble, then, to find a suitable balance between solitude and an urban hustle. It's time to get to work.
Written By Ann
April 8, 2023, 10:17 a.m.(8/5/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
My beautiful niece you are such a gracious hostess.
I am so looking forward to your next Feast of Senses.
I wonder what memories will be made?
Love,
Your Auntie
I am so looking forward to your next Feast of Senses.
I wonder what memories will be made?
Love,
Your Auntie
Written By Ann
April 8, 2023, 10:14 a.m.(8/5/1019 AR)
It is August now.
It is still summer.
I still hate it.
Hurry up fall.
I am impatiently waiting.
It is still summer.
I still hate it.
Hurry up fall.
I am impatiently waiting.
Written By Ann
April 8, 2023, 10:11 a.m.(8/5/1019 AR)
It is hard to imagine that my girls have grown another year older. I remember how elated Asger and I were to find out we were expecting. Granted I was exhausted in having Silan and raising him even with the help that was given. But either way there's been no regret in having Thuraya and Ilandere.
I now wonder what they will be like as they get older and how they will impact the world they will be facing soon enough. I will be right here watching them and giving them encouragement as I can. That is what mothers do, right? Well that is what this one does.
Raya will likely rule the world if she had her way. Ilan will smile and show her kindness to others. I don't want them to hurry up and grow up. But I am excited to see what women they will become. I see glimpses of me and Asger in them.
And now, Scholar I leave you with this quote,
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
I now wonder what they will be like as they get older and how they will impact the world they will be facing soon enough. I will be right here watching them and giving them encouragement as I can. That is what mothers do, right? Well that is what this one does.
Raya will likely rule the world if she had her way. Ilan will smile and show her kindness to others. I don't want them to hurry up and grow up. But I am excited to see what women they will become. I see glimpses of me and Asger in them.
And now, Scholar I leave you with this quote,
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.