Written By Edain
Aug. 27, 2017, 11 p.m.(2/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
He is going to need a bigger feather for that hat of his now.
Written By Edain
Aug. 27, 2017, 10:46 p.m.(2/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
I will not add to the voices that pointing out how shocked they are that you have done something so self-destructive and I will just wish you all luck in being able to find a way out of your predicament.
I hope you don't mind if my hunting falcon Roland continues to follow you around while you are resolving this. Apparently he enjoys ambushing the animals that like to harangue you as your about the city.
I hope you don't mind if my hunting falcon Roland continues to follow you around while you are resolving this. Apparently he enjoys ambushing the animals that like to harangue you as your about the city.
Written By Edain
Aug. 23, 2017, 5:02 p.m.(1/27/1007 AR)
Dear Marquessa and Marquis Deepwood,
Herald Steve has said he would be happy to read Marquessa Samantha's letters to the little one. I can send him over directly,
Sincerely,
Edain Valardin
P.S. Please humor him if he gives your manor staff long formal titles so he can announce them.
Herald Steve has said he would be happy to read Marquessa Samantha's letters to the little one. I can send him over directly,
Sincerely,
Edain Valardin
P.S. Please humor him if he gives your manor staff long formal titles so he can announce them.
Written By Edain
Aug. 15, 2017, 10:18 p.m.(1/11/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
After the Gala at the Valardin manor, I wrote about how proud I was to see Princess Alarissa as the shining hostess. In doing so I hurt the feelings of someone else that put in so much hard work and time into planing that Gala.
That was never my intention, and I would hope that Lady Monique Greenmarch knows how much I appreciate her contributions, to making it a fine night enjoyed by all. I am sorry if my praise of Princess Alarissa made you think I am not thankful for what you have done.
That was never my intention, and I would hope that Lady Monique Greenmarch knows how much I appreciate her contributions, to making it a fine night enjoyed by all. I am sorry if my praise of Princess Alarissa made you think I am not thankful for what you have done.
Written By Edain
Aug. 15, 2017, 10:05 a.m.(1/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
I love tourneys, and I love to watch a spirited duel. They are exciting and it is a way to revel in our martial skill that is absent of the stomach churning dread that you feel in the heat of true battle. And that makes fighting at tourney or in a duel or spar that is for the love of combat an entirely different animal.
Now there are many duelist that are indeed, just that good that they excel in both. Me personally? I am an attrocious duelist and I come away from most all of my sparing bouts bruised and humbled, but I feel in true battle I account very well for myself.
So basically what I am trying to say is continue to strive for excellence in all things but never let your performance in competition shake you are not an Exemplary warrior. Because you most certainly are Lord Corban.
Now there are many duelist that are indeed, just that good that they excel in both. Me personally? I am an attrocious duelist and I come away from most all of my sparing bouts bruised and humbled, but I feel in true battle I account very well for myself.
So basically what I am trying to say is continue to strive for excellence in all things but never let your performance in competition shake you are not an Exemplary warrior. Because you most certainly are Lord Corban.
Written By Edain
Aug. 14, 2017, 1:12 p.m.(1/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
There is never any dishonor in yielding the field when it is clear an opponent has best you, or that fate has conspired against you and you shall not win the day. None.
There is also no dishonor in choosing to fight with your utmost to the very last, regardless of being outmatched, if that is how you feel you best honor your Faith, your family, those you carry the favor of, or even yourself.
There is no one that can speak the will of the Queen of Endings and Beginnings with more authority than you. But that does not mean none of the gods would find their hearts moved by such perseverance.
There is no reason to shame those that chose to fight to their last in the Tournament of Roses with you your tongue firmly in your cheek. Just as there is no cause for any of them to say they are braver than those that showed the respect to yield. All competitors were brilliant and and honored themselves, the King, and Limerance in my eyes, for whatever that might be worth.
There is also no dishonor in choosing to fight with your utmost to the very last, regardless of being outmatched, if that is how you feel you best honor your Faith, your family, those you carry the favor of, or even yourself.
There is no one that can speak the will of the Queen of Endings and Beginnings with more authority than you. But that does not mean none of the gods would find their hearts moved by such perseverance.
There is no reason to shame those that chose to fight to their last in the Tournament of Roses with you your tongue firmly in your cheek. Just as there is no cause for any of them to say they are braver than those that showed the respect to yield. All competitors were brilliant and and honored themselves, the King, and Limerance in my eyes, for whatever that might be worth.
Written By Edain
Aug. 13, 2017, 10:19 p.m.(1/7/1007 AR)
Oh by the gods, the Grand Melee was a hell of a thing. I have many thoughts and emotions about Prince Talen and High Lord Victus claiming the titles of champion.
But for now, I think I am going to drink.
But for now, I think I am going to drink.
Written By Edain
Aug. 13, 2017, 4:03 p.m.(1/7/1007 AR)
The Jousting Final's could not have been more exciting. Master Tristan's eventually victory comes as a surprise to no one, but there were so many stories that played out as the tourney unfolded. There are some many stories I could talk about, and I will. Everyone performed boldly and with skill and honored themselves and their opponents.
Sir Tarrant Moore, only just arrived in the city made a brilliant performance and I think he's made a name for himself that is going to be on the people's lips for some time now. I look forward to seeing more of this Knight's achievements in the days to come.
However, Herald Steve tilting against Dame Esoka warmed my heart greatly. The Dame was gracious in victory, and Herald Steve was gracious in defeat.
Sir Tarrant Moore, only just arrived in the city made a brilliant performance and I think he's made a name for himself that is going to be on the people's lips for some time now. I look forward to seeing more of this Knight's achievements in the days to come.
However, Herald Steve tilting against Dame Esoka warmed my heart greatly. The Dame was gracious in victory, and Herald Steve was gracious in defeat.
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2017, 4:35 p.m.(12/23/1006 AR)
To those of you reading the exchanges between our Guildmaster and this Oliver Coldrain with amusement, I am predicting that Interest on that loan makes it to 35% before this is done.
Any takers?
Any takers?
Written By Edain
Aug. 6, 2017, 8:38 p.m.(12/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
I don't really care for parties, I never did and around this time of year.. I like them even less.
But it was a joy to see Princess Alarissa as the charming hostess. She literally glowed and seemed happy in a way I had not seen her in... well a long time. The stars were shining brightly, grass was green, and the sod didn't even damage the floor of the Vow. And despite my best attempts to just put in an appearance and be supportive, her joy turned out to be infectious and I found myself staying and having a great time.
Thank you Princess Alarissa for reminding me that we all must take time to smile and laugh and dance. And that we must move on into the future and not always be stuck in the past. Thank you.
But it was a joy to see Princess Alarissa as the charming hostess. She literally glowed and seemed happy in a way I had not seen her in... well a long time. The stars were shining brightly, grass was green, and the sod didn't even damage the floor of the Vow. And despite my best attempts to just put in an appearance and be supportive, her joy turned out to be infectious and I found myself staying and having a great time.
Thank you Princess Alarissa for reminding me that we all must take time to smile and laugh and dance. And that we must move on into the future and not always be stuck in the past. Thank you.
Written By Edain
Aug. 2, 2017, 7:08 p.m.(12/13/1006 AR)
I noticed a goodly deal of discomfort with the spiders that were present during the King's wedding. Now my feelings on the Nox'alfar are well known and unchanged, so I won't repeat them here. But I will say that I feel like spiders are misunderstood and often not appreciated.
They are industrious and hard working, building their homes and their webs with precision, patience and with the appreciation for a good days work. When they are not building or hunting they are often very serene creatures. They enjoy their peace and their solitude, and the enjoy the quiet of enjoying what they've built. Honestly I find them to have more in common with hard working, humble, salt of the earth farmers and hunters and fishers, the best folk, instead of the creepy monstrosities our imaginations like to paint them ass.
One of my last memories of my mother was her taking 6 year old me with her to Lyon's Redoubt. I was running and playing in an orchard, swinging a stick around pretending I was my uncle Dayne. In my enthusiasm I knocked over wasps nest that was nestled to a low lying branch. Terrified of the wasps I fled... most got bored, but one was so filled with hate it kept giving chase and buzzing angrily around me until flailing wildly I trip over some roots and turned to look up at the incoming wasp, my widening eyes making it look far more huge than it really was.
Then it stopped midair, and started twitching wildly. I had not seen in until the wasps flailing made it catch the light just so that it had flown straight into a spiders web. The spider was on it faster than my eyes could follow and after a brief struggle the wasp started to loose strength and the spider was wrapping it tightly in a cocoon so it could eat the wasp at it's leisure. When it was done it just stopped and was perfectly still for what seemed like minutes, and I could have sworn it was just staring at me. Then it wiggled it's little pedipalps at me in a gesture that looked like a wave. My 6 year old mind decided this was the spiders way of saying "Don't worry buddy! I took care of that wasp!"
Since then spiders have been ok by me, and get a free ride to the garden in the off chance I find one where it shouldn't be.
They are industrious and hard working, building their homes and their webs with precision, patience and with the appreciation for a good days work. When they are not building or hunting they are often very serene creatures. They enjoy their peace and their solitude, and the enjoy the quiet of enjoying what they've built. Honestly I find them to have more in common with hard working, humble, salt of the earth farmers and hunters and fishers, the best folk, instead of the creepy monstrosities our imaginations like to paint them ass.
One of my last memories of my mother was her taking 6 year old me with her to Lyon's Redoubt. I was running and playing in an orchard, swinging a stick around pretending I was my uncle Dayne. In my enthusiasm I knocked over wasps nest that was nestled to a low lying branch. Terrified of the wasps I fled... most got bored, but one was so filled with hate it kept giving chase and buzzing angrily around me until flailing wildly I trip over some roots and turned to look up at the incoming wasp, my widening eyes making it look far more huge than it really was.
Then it stopped midair, and started twitching wildly. I had not seen in until the wasps flailing made it catch the light just so that it had flown straight into a spiders web. The spider was on it faster than my eyes could follow and after a brief struggle the wasp started to loose strength and the spider was wrapping it tightly in a cocoon so it could eat the wasp at it's leisure. When it was done it just stopped and was perfectly still for what seemed like minutes, and I could have sworn it was just staring at me. Then it wiggled it's little pedipalps at me in a gesture that looked like a wave. My 6 year old mind decided this was the spiders way of saying "Don't worry buddy! I took care of that wasp!"
Since then spiders have been ok by me, and get a free ride to the garden in the off chance I find one where it shouldn't be.
Written By Edain
July 31, 2017, 6:59 a.m.(12/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
Sometimes we cannot see ourselves as we are truly are. Sometimes we can fixate on the things that define us that should not.
Prince Fergus you are a warrior, not a duelist. That is something plain to see in every breath, every movement, every look you send around a room as you dissect it to understand how the battle will flow if one breaks out.
In a duel you can dance around, you have room to breath, in a war more often than not you have to plant your feet and hold back the storm, because if you move from that spot your comrades who depend on you to be there to protect their flank will be vulnerable. Prince Fergus, I would fight shoulder to shoulder with you before almost any other duelist in all of Arvum. You were forged in the fires of battle.
And when the stakes are at their highest you are amazing to watch. Like the time you swatted a poison blade from the air and saved my sisters life. So I will thank you not to call yourself a fraud. You are nothing of the sort. You are a big damn hero.
Prince Fergus you are a warrior, not a duelist. That is something plain to see in every breath, every movement, every look you send around a room as you dissect it to understand how the battle will flow if one breaks out.
In a duel you can dance around, you have room to breath, in a war more often than not you have to plant your feet and hold back the storm, because if you move from that spot your comrades who depend on you to be there to protect their flank will be vulnerable. Prince Fergus, I would fight shoulder to shoulder with you before almost any other duelist in all of Arvum. You were forged in the fires of battle.
And when the stakes are at their highest you are amazing to watch. Like the time you swatted a poison blade from the air and saved my sisters life. So I will thank you not to call yourself a fraud. You are nothing of the sort. You are a big damn hero.
Written By Edain
July 30, 2017, 11:43 p.m.(12/7/1006 AR)
No matter our finally standing, I hold my head high knowing how well the Valardin represented themselves in the Iron Pentathlon. This is only one man's opinion but I am very proud of you all. You have done the Oathlands proud.
Steel bends, honor holds!
Steel bends, honor holds!
Written By Edain
July 25, 2017, 9:35 a.m.(11/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
Prince Fergus as my new brother in law I feel I should share with you an old Oathland proverb that will help you in the days ahead.
Don't try to compete with Princess Marian.
Don't worry though. Literally all of us had to learn that the hard way too.
Don't try to compete with Princess Marian.
Don't worry though. Literally all of us had to learn that the hard way too.
Written By Edain
July 23, 2017, 9:41 p.m.(11/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I will admit that I was for a time very sad that Princess Marian's heart took her to the Redrain family. But in the short time since they have been wed I have quickly learned, though we have to share Princess Marian now, that we have not lost her. Instead we seem to have gained a Fergus, and that has been a very good trade.
Despite all our differences at times, I am very glad this is bringing us closer to the Redrain.
Despite all our differences at times, I am very glad this is bringing us closer to the Redrain.
Written By Edain
July 21, 2017, 8:36 a.m.(11/16/1006 AR)
Recently it was asked of me what is it that we as a compact offer the Abandoned that might wish to join us as prodigals. I think I can explain this best as a metaphor.
You see each fief is very much it's own meal. It is robust and hearty and filling. And it can sustain you for a time. But as each fief joins with others, either swearing an oath to become vassals, or accepting the oath of vassalage, we become more than just a meal, but rather a feast! A great bounty that can sustain us for a very long time.
In time we grew until there were five great feasts in the, and for the most part, we are all happy with the feasts we grew up around, but Arvum is a big place and as we want to share the other's bounty we need something to make these other 4 feasts palatable to the ones we grew up with. So what makes any feast better? Bacon. There is no meal, no libation, no confection that is not improved by the inclusion of bacon. That is the Compact. We are bacon that improves and binds these five might feasts into the massive buffet of variety and cultures that will sustain us all as long as well.
So to those that are on the fence about swearing an oath and becoming prodigal, I would encourage you to join us.
Let us be your bacon!
**Addendum**
The scribe I turned this into gave me a curious look after reading this passage and said I might want to 'workshop' this a bit. What does that mean?
You see each fief is very much it's own meal. It is robust and hearty and filling. And it can sustain you for a time. But as each fief joins with others, either swearing an oath to become vassals, or accepting the oath of vassalage, we become more than just a meal, but rather a feast! A great bounty that can sustain us for a very long time.
In time we grew until there were five great feasts in the, and for the most part, we are all happy with the feasts we grew up around, but Arvum is a big place and as we want to share the other's bounty we need something to make these other 4 feasts palatable to the ones we grew up with. So what makes any feast better? Bacon. There is no meal, no libation, no confection that is not improved by the inclusion of bacon. That is the Compact. We are bacon that improves and binds these five might feasts into the massive buffet of variety and cultures that will sustain us all as long as well.
So to those that are on the fence about swearing an oath and becoming prodigal, I would encourage you to join us.
Let us be your bacon!
**Addendum**
The scribe I turned this into gave me a curious look after reading this passage and said I might want to 'workshop' this a bit. What does that mean?
Written By Edain
July 13, 2017, 11:14 a.m.(10/28/1006 AR)
My favorite smells in no particular order:
Maple syrup
Bacon
Maple bacon
Pine needles
Clover honey
Cedar
That loamy, earthy smell just after a cool spring rain
Horse sweat
Folded steel
My Erusi rug after it is freshly shampooed. It really ties the room together.
Maple syrup
Bacon
Maple bacon
Pine needles
Clover honey
Cedar
That loamy, earthy smell just after a cool spring rain
Horse sweat
Folded steel
My Erusi rug after it is freshly shampooed. It really ties the room together.
Written By Edain
July 13, 2017, 9:27 a.m.(10/28/1006 AR)
Ok just who is this Sir Matthew I here everyone talking about? Should I challenge him to Joust at the crossroads for the love of combat?
Written By Edain
July 7, 2017, 7:43 p.m.(10/17/1006 AR)
There has been no shortage of people taking time to point the finger as of late. And that I am writing this is going to make Duke Arn yell at me, but I think sometimes we have to take a long look at ourselves and understand how we've played a part in what has gone wrong. The mistakes I have made and will continue to make could fill the archive one day. So here are a list of some of the ones I've taken ownership up for all to sea.
*I saw the tension growing between Princess Dawn and other leaders of the Compact, and I did not do enough to help. I did not do enough to help others see then Lady Regent Dawn as the leader I knew her to be. I did not do enough to advise her in a direction where she could have put some tensions to rest. In this way I failed the compact.
*I stand by my vote against paying the Teind even to this day, but one of my reasons is one that I am not proud of. I was willing to stand by my ideals and die for them even if it meant oblivion. I thought that better than compromise. But that is selfish and sometimes to be a leader you must be willing to compromise your ideals to protect the innocent that just want to lives their lives in peace and did nothing to invite the darkness that was Tolamar Brand. This was a failure.
*I let the first negotiations with the Nox'alfar get out of hand and break down. Whatever I feel about their ultimate intentions, I did not do enough to try and keep them from falling apart because I had already made up my mind about what the Nox'alfar truly wanted. This was a failure.
*I have let my distrust of the Nox'alfar cause tension between myself and some of House Grayson. House Grayson and House Valardin have been staunch allies for 1000 years. If we have ever warred with one another it has been lost to history to me at least. I have always felt that Grayson's more akin to cousins than an entirely seperate family. I do not trust the Elves and I don't expect I ever will, but house Grayson's fate is tied to theirs and has been since the time of Queen Alarice the Great. I understand how important this treaty is and why we need it now, but I worry that someday we will find the there is a great cost to yoking ourselves to creatures with as little regard for live as the Nox'alfar. But this is all the more reason I should stand more fast with my allies, to be there ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with them if that day should come. I was wrong and I will mend this fence.
*I have often been dismissive of gifts of Alaricite weapons frequently referring to such blades as 'made of pansy elf metal.' I should not be so dismissive of any asset.
*Perhaps my greatest failure is that prior to the Tragedy of Sanctum I never prepared a day in my life to lead. I was certain that burden would not fall to me, and when I did I was not ready.
What I have done, and what I will never be ashamed of myself for is what I have given the Compact and the Oathlands. My shield, my spear, my sword, and my life are all for them. I will hold them in their defense until there is no breath left in me.
I am sure there are people that can think of other's mistakes I have made that I should own up to. Feel free to add to these. I cannot promise I will never make mistakes, but I will always learn from them.
*I saw the tension growing between Princess Dawn and other leaders of the Compact, and I did not do enough to help. I did not do enough to help others see then Lady Regent Dawn as the leader I knew her to be. I did not do enough to advise her in a direction where she could have put some tensions to rest. In this way I failed the compact.
*I stand by my vote against paying the Teind even to this day, but one of my reasons is one that I am not proud of. I was willing to stand by my ideals and die for them even if it meant oblivion. I thought that better than compromise. But that is selfish and sometimes to be a leader you must be willing to compromise your ideals to protect the innocent that just want to lives their lives in peace and did nothing to invite the darkness that was Tolamar Brand. This was a failure.
*I let the first negotiations with the Nox'alfar get out of hand and break down. Whatever I feel about their ultimate intentions, I did not do enough to try and keep them from falling apart because I had already made up my mind about what the Nox'alfar truly wanted. This was a failure.
*I have let my distrust of the Nox'alfar cause tension between myself and some of House Grayson. House Grayson and House Valardin have been staunch allies for 1000 years. If we have ever warred with one another it has been lost to history to me at least. I have always felt that Grayson's more akin to cousins than an entirely seperate family. I do not trust the Elves and I don't expect I ever will, but house Grayson's fate is tied to theirs and has been since the time of Queen Alarice the Great. I understand how important this treaty is and why we need it now, but I worry that someday we will find the there is a great cost to yoking ourselves to creatures with as little regard for live as the Nox'alfar. But this is all the more reason I should stand more fast with my allies, to be there ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with them if that day should come. I was wrong and I will mend this fence.
*I have often been dismissive of gifts of Alaricite weapons frequently referring to such blades as 'made of pansy elf metal.' I should not be so dismissive of any asset.
*Perhaps my greatest failure is that prior to the Tragedy of Sanctum I never prepared a day in my life to lead. I was certain that burden would not fall to me, and when I did I was not ready.
What I have done, and what I will never be ashamed of myself for is what I have given the Compact and the Oathlands. My shield, my spear, my sword, and my life are all for them. I will hold them in their defense until there is no breath left in me.
I am sure there are people that can think of other's mistakes I have made that I should own up to. Feel free to add to these. I cannot promise I will never make mistakes, but I will always learn from them.
Written By Edain
June 30, 2017, 12:09 p.m.(10/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
*written in neat, precise hand writing that is more formal than Edain's clean but blocky lettered penmanship*
Way to go Princess Alis! I am proud that you are willing to represent for the Valardin against Prince Fergus....
Wait what do you mean she volunteered me?
But whiskey tastes like licking moose taint!
Don't ask me how I know that I just do!
Herald Steve are you writing everything I saw?
Herald Steve come back here with that!
Way to go Princess Alis! I am proud that you are willing to represent for the Valardin against Prince Fergus....
Wait what do you mean she volunteered me?
But whiskey tastes like licking moose taint!
Don't ask me how I know that I just do!
Herald Steve are you writing everything I saw?
Herald Steve come back here with that!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.