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Written By Corban

Jan. 21, 2018, 8:04 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Marius

My good Lady Monique Telmar (how good that feels to write publicly now) has gone through and thanked all who need thanking. As with so many things, the Glittering Gala was the culmination of efforts of so many different people. I am grateful to all of them.

I am grateful most of all to Marquis Marius Greenmarch who agreed to part with his beloved sister from his beloved House to join us in House Telmar. Our alliance is deeper for it. And my life much happier.

Written By Corban

Jan. 19, 2018, 12:53 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)

In between my work on speaking to the Blackram and their vassals, I must ...

Pick up prizes for the Glittering Gala.

It may not be the most glamorous assignment, but parties bring the Compact together. And that is what we need right now.

Written By Corban

Jan. 11, 2018, 8:39 a.m.(12/11/1007 AR)

TO THE MARQUESSA OF BLANCBIER, MARQUIS OF GREENHAVEN, AND MARQUIS OF CLOUDSPINE,

GREETINGS:

Your liege, Duke Arn Telmar, Duke of the Telmarch, recalling the First Law of Limerance and the sworn oaths that each of you has taken before Limerance, calls upon each of you to render service to the Telmarch and to the Compact. You are bid to summon your banners and commit them to a campaign against the Pirate King calling himself "the Gyre" as may be directed by your liege and commanders.

The threat we face, as you know, is to the East and to the South. You may ask why this conflict is ours. But I recall another who was told that the problems to the East were not hers to fight: The great Dame Sugan. In her time, every other knight and lord believed that the East was doomed at the Reckoning was not their fight.

"The East will fall without us, you'll stay as honor demands. This Reckoning is not of our making -- So 'hold fast'," they were told.

But Dame Sugan -- crimson-haired and aspect fierce -- strode as if to war. Her rallying cry: "We ride for Arx, to save the East." From that cry, Valardin's forces realized that the Reckoning was upon them and they rode to smash the blight.

I do not know if this is the next Reckoning. But I do know that we have the immense privilege to follow in the steps of those who rode by Dame Sugan's side. Gather your men, launch your ships, and sail and march with us in defense of the East and the Compact.

In the name of the Duke,

Lord Corban Telmar
Voice of Telmar
"Fear no enemy."

Written By Corban

Jan. 9, 2018, 12:55 p.m.(12/7/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Leona

I always find a conversation with the Lord Commander clarifying and informative. Choices must be made, and our discussion has helped me understand that necessity and fortify me for the inevitability of doing so.

Written By Corban

Jan. 7, 2018, 10:11 p.m.(12/4/1007 AR)

And so I welcomed my twenty-fifth year with the one I love the most, a gift handsome umbra cloak, and buoyed by the warm words of my dearest friends.

It is all quite unnecessary. But the song is VERY catchy.

Written By Corban

Jan. 5, 2018, 9:29 p.m.(11/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

If House Telmar is the clenched fist of Valardin, then House Wyrmguard is the fingers on that first, helping guide it to its target. In these troubled times, I am glad to call Lady Sorrel Wyrmguard, Wyrmguard's newly appointed Voice, a friend. Although warm and kind, she has a keen mind and will lead her people with the strength they require.

And she writes an excellent lullaby.

Written By Corban

Jan. 3, 2018, 10:36 p.m.(11/24/1007 AR)

So, it began as a joke. It became more serious.

I am proud to say that today we held the First Annual Valardin Armor Run in the Ward of Valardin. It was a joyous event, running in full plate and being pelted with pastries in the shape of weapons. I even managed to catch one in my mouth, making for an excellent snack for the remainder of the course. And it all was for charity.

We could not have done it without Duke Cristoph Laurent who served as gamemaster (and came in third!); Countess Reigna, who distributed the ammunition and collected donations; and Count Kael, who complimented me on my hair and eyes.

Thank you to all who came, ran, donated, and enjoyed!

Written By Corban

Jan. 2, 2018, 1:31 p.m.(11/19/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Leona

I first spoke to Lord Commander Leona Thrax on something of a whim, a combination of a social call and it-can't-hurt-to-ask shot in the dark. I have now found her to be a mentor, a teacher, and a friend. I have done the morning drills with the King's Own; the Lord Commander has run the Gauntlet. (I had a better time, in case you are curious. But she did a climb up the final rope which was better than any I have seen before!)

In some ways, speaking to Leona is like having the great Lord Commander Dayne Valardin's teachings passed down to me. That is an incredible gift, and one I am thankful to her for.

Written By Corban

Jan. 1, 2018, 5:25 p.m.(11/18/1007 AR)

It appears that others have spoken very well of me this past fortnight. I believe I well know who was responsible for organizing that spontaneous outburst of appreciation, and she is far-too-kind to me.

But truly, I am absolutely flattered to know I have so many friends who think so highly of me. I hold each of you in my esteem, and pledge to my continued support, as much as I can provide it. A knight serves, and I am pleased to have so many for whom my past dedication of time and effort was of benefit.

Written By Corban

Dec. 31, 2017, 8:45 p.m.(11/16/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

There is much trouble in the world. More than I could have imagined.

But it was very good to celebrate Lady Monique's birthday with her. I am glad she liked the earrings. They match her hair and her pendant.

Written By Corban

Dec. 30, 2017, 5:45 p.m.(11/14/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Aislin

Lady Aislin Ashford is the finest explorer the Compact has ever known. Lady Aislin Ashford is imbued with the greatest soul I have ever met.

I know she will return to us.

I pray to Gild, beloved of travelers, that it is in the harbor, not on the Wheel.

Written By Corban

Dec. 28, 2017, 2:50 p.m.(11/10/1007 AR)

We have discussed it for some time (including in these pages), and at long last Duke Cristoph, Count Kael, and I have agreed upon the First Annual Armor Run in the Valardin Ward. It is for charity, of course, and there is some talk of pastries, though I am not certain I understand the inside joke.

In any event, it should all be in good fun. Come cheer me on if it is in your nature.

Written By Corban

Dec. 24, 2017, 1:10 p.m.(11/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Killian

Lord Killian was under my command the first time that I led men after arriving in Arx. It was when we fought the dire bears chasing an Abandoned tribe in the Gray Forest. Lord Killian wanted to set elaborate traps. I told him at the speed the bears were closing, we had to stand and fight.

At the time, I think Lord Killian thought me uninspired. But I know when the need is, Lord Killian will stand and fight.

I mourn with House Ashford.

Written By Corban

Dec. 17, 2017, 4:58 p.m.(10/16/1007 AR)

It was good to return to the Telmarch to lead the efforts to integrate our freed Kennex thralls. I am not sure that Duke Arn (returned to our seat of government to manage its affairs) cracked a look other than vague disapproval the entire time. But I hope that even he cannot argue with the results: Our army swelled, our revenue rising -- and, I hope -- better understanding and relations between the Telmarch's citizenry and the new freedmen we brought to live among us.

Of course, an undertaking of this magnitude does not happen alone, and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who came with:

* Lady Monique Greenmarch, translator and hostess extraordinaire, who mingled among our new arrivals, answering question, and served as go-between between locals and our newest citizens.
* Lord Percephon Telmar, who taught lessons on Oathlands culture for the freed thralls and lessons on Islands culture for those taking on the freedmen into their communities that rivaled any taught at the finest academies.
* Minister Korka Glynn, the Telmarch's Minister of Loyalty, who ensured that those opposed to this project were identified and addressed before they could inhibit our efforts.
* The wonderful members of Whisper House, Bliss (who organized their number), Jhond, and Nisaa, who all were the most-gracious and able of diplomats.

The last bears some attention. Some think Whispers are merely party organizers and companions on the social circuit. But I saw Whispers mingle at the campfire with Isles freedmen and in the Great Hall of the Telmarch Keep with equal facility and skill. Do not seek them out only for their courtly charm. They are diplomats that can further any aim that you have.

Written By Corban

Dec. 13, 2017, 1:39 p.m.(10/8/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Laric

Over the last few days, I have managed to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the Master of Questions. Like all nobles, I remember a time when the Inquisition was not always used to the noblest ends. After speaking to Prince Laric, I have now come to understand that the Inquisition is now fully focused on the threats we face.

Written By Corban

Dec. 8, 2017, 8:13 a.m.(9/24/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Etienne

It is a doctrine of the Faith, of course, that upon taking godsworn vows one's family ceases to be family, joining only the family of the gods.

At the same time, however, I am proud to hear of my cousin Etienne Telmar's appointment as archlector of Gild. The Dominus chose well. Etienne served with distinction as seraph of my loved Telmarch, and I look forward to welcoming him to the Capital when he arrives to assume his new role.

Written By Corban

Dec. 3, 2017, 1:10 p.m.(9/14/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

The Duchess Calypso Malvici is the Minister of War and a wise and capable leader of her people. I have seen her talent and care first hand as an agent of the Ministry of Defense, and I have not the slightest doubt that the peril that confronts her is not of her own making.

Some enemies work in insidious ways. I battle them through trust in what I know instead of the ignorance of what I have forgotten.

The Telmarch stands with the ruler of Southport in these trying times and will lend what support it is able.

Written By Corban

Nov. 27, 2017, 12:51 p.m.(9/2/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Arn

I received a missive today that Duke Arn is bound for the Telmarch to attend to business there. After all, we here in the Capital should hardly be the only ones to benefit from his scowls of disapproval. I do not know how long he will be away, but while he is, Lord Ansel and I will manage Telmar's affairs in Arx.

Uncle, we will never see eye-to-eye on many things and our relationship is not the easiest. But I wish you safe roads and speedy travels to the Great Red Wall that we both love so dear.

Written By Corban

Nov. 25, 2017, 11:05 p.m.(8/27/1007 AR)

With the assistance of Duke Ryhalt Farshaw and his merchant marine, House Telmar has relocated some freed Kennex war thralls and inducted them into the Telmarines.

They may have been warriors before, but they were not Compact arms men, and they certainly were not Telmarines. So we have much training to do. Not just of our new arms men, mind, but also their compatriots at arms who are not the fondest of Prodigals. Our work is not just military, but sociological.

I can drill them as men-at-arms. I will call upon others to help them with the adjustment to the Oathlands and the Oathlands to them.

Written By Corban

Nov. 24, 2017, 5:24 p.m.(8/24/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ailith

I have always found the Palace seraph a font of wisdom, and her meditation on gratefulness is no different. I sent some notes to those that I am grateful for, those who enrich my life through their presence, and those who have given me insight of places darkened before.

It is only fitting, then, that one of my notes was bound for the Palace seraph herself.

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