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Written By Cambria

Jan. 26, 2024, 12:18 a.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Miranda

Your heroics on the field of battle were, quite simply, the stuff of legends. Even from my vantage point, I was able to see some of what you accomplished as that mockery of our sigil sought to break the Gate of the Sea. It was hard fought, and I feared that it would succeed in its grim task and allow countless monstrosities to pour through. Yet you never relented, even in the face (faces...) of such terror.

More, you did what anyone else would call the impossible. You slew that creature, you defended our home, and you did not allow them to break through that gate.

You are an inspiration to us all, and your feats of bravery should never be forgotten. You are a hero to so many! Though our days are uncertain, it is my wish that you should live a long life - with Marzio, your children, and all of your family and friends.

Written By Cambria

Jan. 25, 2024, 11:53 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Theron

Theron, I heard what happened. Of course I did - Garibaldi told me. I refuse to believe it was just because it was a very large boulder, or that it was a particularly ferocious demon. You know that I know that you know that I know that you know.

There are darker days yet to come, and you shall be needed by my side.

I always have needed you by my side, though, and you know that. There were moments in your life where I knew you had deeply desired to explore other paths, but that it was I who stopped you from doing so. I don't regret it, not a single instance of it. The life you created, the family you built that will (we hope) carry our legacy into the future was always rooted in Ostria.

This is why you bear Allegiance.

Written By Cambria

Jan. 25, 2024, 11:44 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Marzio

For years we had worked to achieve a cavalry worth the name. We always knew that dark days were ahead, though I doubt we quite realize just how bad things would become. It is only too easy to say, if only we had more time, if only we had more silver, if only we had more steel, if only we had more silver, if only...

The Thousand shall ever be a point of pride for me, as I know they surely must be for you. The people that you and the Thousand were able to escort safely on their way in the days leading up to the assault on our walls are the precious people of Ostria, and other refugees making their way to Arx besides, and there can be no understating just how vitally important that task was.

Amidst the walls of our city, you took the unenviable task of assembling within the Outer Round - a place certainly not best suited to the cavalry!

You could not have seen it, but my heart swelled with such fierce joy as I saw you at their forefront, as I heard the beating of the shields until that sound drowned out all else for one sublime moment.

In the chaos of battle that followed, while I was not able to follow your exact movements, I witnessed from on high the true might of our people and I knew that you were leading them. I never doubted for a moment that you had fallen, and this gave me more heart than you can imagine.

In the days to come, you shall be needed more than ever.

Written By Aconite

Jan. 25, 2024, 6:54 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

He's dead! My bane, my hunter, my nightmare is gone! I did not know that he was my creator for a very long time but I did not know for as long as I have known I felt the cold blade of the huntsmen at my back and worried what might happen should he find me.

But He is gone. They are /gone/. My estranged, distant but beloved family are free. They will rebuild a new dream for themselves under the strength and sovereignty of their brave and blessed Queens.


There were many losses.. May they return to the wheel comforted that the did not sacrifice in vain!!

There's still much to do. Cults and Magisters to route and raze...

May Eurus and her people ever prosper. Especially those friends and refugees who can return home now.

My heart aches with joy.

Written By Cufre

Jan. 25, 2024, 6 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Claude

Master Claude,

I pray to Death that you can't read this. I hope you've left here wholly and have found the peace of the Shining Lands entire. This here is for me.

It's for me because the first time I wrote about you, in my black journal, it was because I felt cheated by you. I thought you, in a way, had stolen from me. It was the other way 'round, too: you thought I was cheating you, asking you for payment anew on top of a payment made.

It's for me because that anger was strong enough for me to put it down with the Scholars, but the friendship that grew after we both spoke our way of seeing it, after we found the truth of it, that friendship and my thankfulness for it never made it to either journal before now.

I didn't write about our talks in your shop, talks about Skald and about the Queen of Endings. I didn't write about that brandy you gave me, that we shared in place of tea one day. I still have the bottle. I didn't write about your going to speak to the Abandoned on behalf of my family — I really should have written about that, how you came back with tales of the Yorn and of the Kous. I didn't write about you letting me sell your mystery toys in my shop so us Lowers folk had a local shop, a local chance to get them. And I didn't write about the one toy that never made it to a mystery box, the only one of its kind. I keep that one in my family's shop, on my work table. A surprise, an honor, and a reminder, that.

I didn't write about missing you these last few years, about writing to you even though I knew you left the city, about not hearing back.

I didn't write about seeing you, at last, at the camp near Harrow Hall, and how hard it was to say goodbye knowing it would be the last one.

I never got a chance to tell you about the threads of golden light She let me see. And though I can't see them in that way, anymore, I see them now in laughter shared. In hands held, in secret smiles. In discounts offered. In practice fights, in friendly boasts. In stories shared.

Though I can't see them in that way anymore, I know there was a single, bright golden thread that ran from me to Bastion. To you.

I will do my best to look after Lewis, to help him do right by your shop and justice to your training.
I will do better, I think, at looking after Echo. I've no shortage of homes for her to make her own.

If I survive what comes to Arx, I promise I will go to Old Oak and speak blessings for those who died in its fall.

But I dearly wish you were there to speak them beside me.

Written By Renata

Jan. 25, 2024, 5:42 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Sabriel

Amongst the many who showed their bravery in Setarco I would not be here to write of those brave moments if it wasn't for Sabriel Stormborn. In a moment against my nature of life and course within my every being. I attempted something within the first steps of the battle which proved horribly wrong for my livelihood.

Sabriel, took it upon herself to ensure that I was safely pulled from harms way.

I owe her a great debt in this.

Written By Acantha

Jan. 25, 2024, 4:26 p.m.(8/15/1021 AR)

When I came to Arx I was fortunate enough in my first patron, Lord Arik Halfshav. He set me on my ways, and I quickly adapted to the city. I made it my drive to make sure that Clearlake was settled in and was thriving. To make sure that our people were adjusting to our new surroundings and ways.

Then Benny came along as he'd be summoned by outside forces. The best part of my life, even with the grim circumstances behind why he came to me.

Then Kritr abdicated and I found myself a Baroness, then a Countess. We built a sanctuary for the Templars; we started a successful fur trade with the help of so many people. I married Lord Vano Rivenshari and he was one of the best things in my life. Lord Mirk became my patron after Lord Arik was dealing with other projects.

Nothing is the same as when I first arrived in the city and nothing will ever be the same. We have grown and we have changed. Clearlake Hold is destroyed, but by our hands. It was our choice to sacrifice our home and to live to fight in other places. I thank the gods and the spirits every day that I open my eyes.

I feel rebuilding Clearlake will start with a new house motto: You can tear us down, but we will rebuild.

Written By Cassimir

Jan. 25, 2024, 2:12 p.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

This is how it feels to be truly alive. Who would have thought?

Written By Medeia

Jan. 25, 2024, 12:45 p.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Kastelon

You were there when we found my uncle. I remember seeing you there, in the periphery of everything else, with your bow in hand. And you were there, in the Isles, when you had no need to be. And you lost an eye! You lost a fucking eye, Kastelon! But you had stopped telling me about Bessie well before then. And I can't remember the last time I squished Resolute's ears in my hands. I want to be mad at you. I am. A little.

Yet. The memory that holds, more than the cow racing and bull riding and the days spent observing you at the training center and everything else, is this stupid puzzle. That's not fair. The puzzle isn't stupid.

Amid all the fantastic things that happened at the wedding of Kael and Keely was the simple warmth of us communicating while saying nothing at all to complete that puzzle faster than everyone else. That, somehow, after so many years and whatever had happened between us - and, truly, I have no idea what happened, even though I was a part of it - we were still able to work together to such great effect.

I want to push you off of something. I don't know what to do with these emotions. I don't even know what these emotions are. How dare you? How utterly revolting that an Oathlands lord could make a Lycene lady feel anything, especially this, whatever it is?

(It's grief.)

When the world survives this threat we face, I hope that someone reads this and knows that Lord Kastelon Keaton died to ensure that they could read this. Know that he was a man who loved the forest and came to own a ship, that he could be counted on to come to your defense wherever you were, that he was unafraid to shout at the stars. He was a good man. He should be remembered.

Written By Renata

Jan. 25, 2024, 11:19 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

I find myself reflecting on the valorous deeds of the many warriors who rallied under the banner of House Pravus to ensure the salvation of Setarco. As the city stood on the brink of annihilation, it was the unity and determination of these brave souls that turned the tide of battle and secured victory in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The forces of darkness, embodied by the demonic hordes, sought to lay waste to our beloved city, but they underestimated the resilience of those who call Setarco home. Led by the unwavering leadership of House Pravus, warriors from all corners of the realm united in a common cause – to defend our people and preserve our way of life.

In the heat of battle, it was the selfless acts of heroism that defined our victory. From the valiant defenders who stood guard atop the city walls to the courageous warriors who charged fearlessly into the fray, each individual played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our people.

I must take a moment to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of Giorgio Pontelaeus, a man whose golden touch brought prosperity to House Proscipi. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, and his memory shall forever be honored among the heroes who gave their lives in defense of Setarco.

The bravery and sacrifice of the warriors from every house under the Pravus banner have ensured that our people will make it safely to Arx. Their unwavering dedication to duty and their willingness to stand together in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of our unity.

As we begin the journey to Arx, let us carry with us the memory of those who gave their lives so that others may live. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to uphold the values of courage, unity, and resilience that define us as a people.

Written By Medeia

Jan. 25, 2024, 10:51 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Giorgio

Once, the late Marquessa Ezmeralda Leporidae of Tremorus and Giorgio Pontelaeus invited me to their estate to talk. They said very kind things to me, especially Giorgio, about my leadership capabilities. My then-husband was at my side, hearing all of this, too. We, along with some additional support from Eswynd, had been helping them with military and medical aid during what came to be known as the Scythian War.

They offered me - us - a county to lead as vassal.

Haakon - we - said no.

But I have never forgotten the confidence they had in me. And when Giorgio held the march as marquis, I continued to support the rebuilding of Tremorus in the wake of that horrible, devastating war. There has never been a place that has inspired such awe in me to see. It was beautiful. Even in the destruction.

Much like Giorgio. I hear he is now a statue of gold. How cruelly poetic.

I don't know how a heart is meant to endure such things. For now, the medal Giorgio gave me after the war will be kept with me so that I may keep his memory close.

Written By Tikva

Jan. 25, 2024, 10:48 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

I have seen wonders beyond the telling and I feel fortunate to be blessed with the power of song.

Written By Dominique

Jan. 25, 2024, 1:38 a.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Tick tock.

Time is running out.

It pains me to have sent my people from Blancbier to Sanctum, to abandon Wyrmhold, which has been within my family's keeping since the previous Reckoning. By oath and by sword, we have defended it. And even now, that which we have guarded remains safe.

We remain true to our Oaths. Though I was not at Sanctum, my heart stands with my family and my people as they stand and hold against the onslaught. I grieve for the terrible cost.

Yet, I have another duty. A grave duty. I am ready to fulfill it, though I was ever doubtful it would ever truly fall to me, or in my lifetime.

Wyrmguard stands ready.

Non Omnis Moriar.

Written By Sen'azala

Jan. 25, 2024, 1:38 a.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Nash

We write our own names.

I knew a man; a beggar, a gardener, a teacher. I don't know how many people he taught, or how many of those names I'd recognize if I did, but he taught me. He didn't teach me how to fight - I knew that, even though he was infinitely better - he didn't teach me how to kill. He taught me the opposite. He taught me that I didn't have to fight, that I didn't have to kill, that there was more to me than what I was, and that I was capable of reaching for it. The first time I felt what it was to truly be me, the first time I was whole, it was because of him.

He taught me more. The first task he set for me was impossible. I smashed my head against it again, and again, grew more and more frustrated every time I failed. I was supposed to buy thirteen white hares, take them out into the deep forest, and release them. Then I was told to ride a distance away, come back, then catch them all again - alive - at sunset. Some would die, some I'd never be able to find, some would go so far I couldn't hope to catch up with them in time. I tried to think my way around it. I could cheat. I could set up traps beforehand, I could leash them to a tree so they wouldn't go anywhere, I could drug their feed so they'd be slow and want to sleep. It was very easy to start thinking like that. I don't like failing. I wanted to win.

When I finally admitted to him that I couldn't do it, he shared a story of my people with me. It was more meaningful than I could say; I didn't have any of their stories then. The lesson I learned, then, was this:

You can't save everyone. People will make their own choices, which means they will sometimes make terrible ones. They'll be stupid. Self destructive. They'll hurt other people, both intentionally and otherwise. They'll turn on you, and those you care about. They'll do all sorts of things you don't want them to do, and the only way to stop them doing that is to take their ability to make choices away. It's very easy to start down that road, thinking you know best, thinking you're helping, that you're just putting in some guardrails. It's very easy to trade freedom for safety, particularly if it's someone else's freedom, and your safety.

I never knew the Sword of Caer'alfar. I knew my teacher. Lys has named him Fuko, his story called him the Hound, but he was Nash to me. He was Nanashi. He was a man who believed he didn't have a name, and didn't deserve one, but that's the name he wrote. For centuries, for however many students, for the gardens he planted, the good he did, the evil he did, the in-between he did, that's the name he wrote on the Dream. Nanashi has not meant 'No Name' for a very long time.

I'm not naïve. I know he was forced to do terrible things. I know he likely did terrible things without being forced. But I also know this:

He had no writ when he died. He had nothing but his own heart and his own choices, and given those the man who had been used as a nameless weapon for the vast majority of his incredibly long life chose to die alone on a road saving the lives of children that would otherwise have been forgotten. I don't know if that makes him a good man. I don't know what makes a good man. But that was his choice when he only had his choices, that was the name he wrote on the world.

It damns you more, Platinum. It damns you even more, the name he wrote when he was finally free of you.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 11:13 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Giorgio

Words cannot fill the emptiness you leave to our family.

We will do great works in your honour, my brother.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 11:12 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

I started with nothing. I remain how I was born. There is no exceptional quality about me, other than I was given a chance. And a chance is sometimes all a person needs to do some extraordinary things with their life. I can see that now and I will one day, give my people, the people of Bravura, a chance to rise from the ashes and forge themselves into something new. No matter how long it takes, Bravura will once again be my home.

And I will not be alone...

My husband, my children, my friends ... will be there at my side.

Written By Cambria

Jan. 24, 2024, 10:12 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Reese

I am not sure I shall ever be able to thank you enough for what you did for my House, and the people of Ostria. Among those I count as instrumental to our survival, your name shines brightly. If anyone has ever needed proof that you are a hero most deeply despised by our enemy, then I stand as witness to the constant onslaught you suffered against the worst of monstrosities. They came against you without surcease, and you did not falter. I watched your sword arm cut them down as though guided by Gloria herself. I saw you suffer blows that caused my heart to leap into my throat, and still you did not fall.

In that one fateful moment, when it appeared as though they would overwhelm you through sheer numbers alone, it was my honor to be able to be at your side quickly enough in order to pull you back to your feet.

Fighting beside you has been one of my greatest privileges. However long my days are numbered, you can rely on me to remain a steadfast ally and friend, and source of support, as you were for us. The hope that you inspired among my people when they saw you upon the battlements cannot be readily expressed in words. It was something that could only be felt.

May you always be remembered as the great soul that you are.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 7:41 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

If I should fall, and should Savio Amadeo fall with me... our children will be raised and fostered by Marquessa Cassiopeia and Marquis-Consort Proscipi, until they're of legal age.
All my wealth and items will pass on to them.
By my hand.
Orland Amadeo,
Voice of Amadeo, seat of Bravura

Written By Isolde

Jan. 24, 2024, 4:17 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Queen Primeria Aetheris is dead. Only I remain.

Written By Nebulosa

Jan. 24, 2024, 1:15 p.m.(8/12/1021 AR)

I almost can't believe I'm on this ship. So few people are likely to understand why I did what I did, but I had to believe Volya when he said following Fatima would save lives. I don't know what to expect when we get to Eurus. I don't really know much of anything at all, which should be terrifying. Maybe the end of the world puts things into perspective?

There isn't much more I could ask for. The man I love is at my side. We're going to try to help everyone. This has to be enough right now.

[A note appended to this entry explains that it was submitted on behalf of Nebulosa, with an excited scribble that appears to say that she and Volya were married in Eurus in a ceremony overseen by Archlector Esme Fidante and Calithex of the Nox'Alfar in the wake of frenzied battle against the Dune Emperor and the Prophet of the Sands. The handwriting is a little questionable, though.]

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