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Written By Alis

May 7, 2017, 1:06 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)

There are too many names to list, if I want to acknowledge all of those who I have fought beside since these battles began. But I am proud to have been next to each and every one. I pray that Lagoma may ease the hearts and minds of us all, and that we served the Sentinel and Gloria to the best of our ability.

And it's with relief and joy now that we prepare to head to Sanctum. It will be a blessing to leave the walls of the city for a short time, and to finally have vows spoken in front of the Seraph. To all of those who will be joining us, I thank you for coming to see our home. The celebration, and the opportunity to extend our hospitality to so many has given those back home something to look forward to all of these months.

Written By Alis

May 1, 2017, 11:33 a.m.(5/17/1006 AR)

While there is nothing wrong with a vow of chastity. And, of course, I admire the restraint one must surely have to be able to hold to that ideal, I would not want anyone to have the wrong impression.

Valardin Knights are not required to uphold a vow of chastity (despite our reputation for prudishness, I know). That is entirely optional. And I, for one, am quite happy with not having made that particular vow. Honor? Yes. Chivalry? Yes. Duty and Loyalty? Of course.

Written By Alis

April 29, 2017, 9:28 a.m.(5/13/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

You are not allowed to die.

Written By Alis

April 27, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(5/7/1006 AR)

Bringers, please take note: I do not come with barbeque sauce, so stop going for the ribs. Thanks.

Written By Alis

April 23, 2017, 2:22 p.m.(5/1/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Joscelin

I fervently hope that everyone realizes the hard work you put in to keeping the merchants able to stay afloat during the siege. I know it must be a thankless job at times, while those in armor and swinging the swords get so much of the glory. But I promise we do not forget your hard work! Or the work of all the people who bring supplies despite the danger.

And on top of that, to remain inspired do Jayus work. You have my admiration.

Written By Alis

April 17, 2017, 10:40 a.m.(4/15/1006 AR)

It's too bad the snow has melted. I do believe the Rude Snow-Edain would have been an acceptable answer to the demand for surrender. Maybe Percy can paint a picture of it instead for Brand.

Written By Alis

April 16, 2017, 10:22 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)

I do believe the entire front of my cuirass has been dented inwards. At least it took two attempts to make it thus, rather then one. I am fairly certain my ribs would have preferred none, and a still perfectly shiny piece of armor though. Alas, neither my armor or my ribs got a vote.

Written By Alis

April 13, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Donella

The intelligence and wit of Princess Donella never fails to impress me. One need not agree with everything she has said, or will say, to admire and respect her. I have no doubt as to the depth of her Faith, and the sincerity in her words. And I am always pleased to be able to speak with her when the High Council meets.

Written By Alis

April 8, 2017, 10:31 p.m.(3/26/1006 AR)

With as much going on as there is right now, I must admit to a some disappointment that I had the misfortune to miss the appearance of the Goddess of Endings and Beginnings. The touch of the divine right now is more important than ever. We must continue to keep faith.

Written By Alis

April 2, 2017, 7:01 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

I'm glad you and Calypso both could be present. And, will be able to travel to Sanctum once we kick Bringer ass.

Also, giver of red wool hats. Yes I will wear the brightly dyed hat if we travel north. I would not want to get lost in a random snowdrift. It matches absolutely nothing I own, so it will be like a bright, shining, out of place beacon.

Written By Alis

March 30, 2017, 10:54 a.m.(3/7/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

Skull Party? I'm just saying. Plan a party around that thing!

Written By Alis

March 30, 2017, 10:25 a.m.(3/7/1006 AR)

I have, for the most, remained silent about the 500 Cavalry Knights that perished at the hands of Tolmar Brand; crumbled to dust in front of the city's defenders. But I would like to start at the beginning.

A trusted friend; someone I consider close enough to be family came to me with a vision she had. Murky, but clearly some group of knights would meet their end at the hands of an enemy if nothing was done. And so I prayed to Jayus and the Sentinel both, pleading for clarity so that we could prevent those deaths. They answered; and, the message spread through the commanders of the forces from each Great House. Remain behind the walls when Brand arrives.

Yet, some of our own House's very best men and women went out there. And we still do not yet know who gave the order for them to go out and engage. My thanks go out to the Duke Regent, who helps us investigate. Edain and I will not rest until we find answers. We owe at least that much to the families of the fallen, and their military comrades. We honor their service and their sacrifices far too much to do otherwise, and we always take care of our own.

Written By Alis

March 30, 2017, 10:15 a.m.(3/7/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Ansel

I find that I have come to rely on Lord Ansel as another commander in the field, as the battle against Brand's forces grew and eventually culminated in the siege we currently experience. Despite multiple injuries, he has consistently put himself forward to help however we might be able to use him. And, recently did not just step up to replace me as the commander of the Valardin forces that would assist Lady General Calypso with the Gyre land offensive, he also stepped up to take on her role as she also is needed in Arx to assist with the siege response and organization.

Honorable, loyal, and a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. I am pleased and proud to call him friend. If only I could convince him to stop with the Princess shit when we're not in a formal setting.

Written By Alis

March 23, 2017, 12:16 p.m.(2/22/1006 AR)

I've considered what I want to say about the River Column battle for days now, but the right words just fail me. I have never been very eloquent so I will simply say that the bravery and skill of those I fought beside is beyond compare. And we should celebrate these victories, while we reflect on those who gave their lives to help us make it happen.

But since I hadn't been able to think of words, I'd set upon another task. Sitting with the injured while they recuperate, we've sewn replicas of vassal and Valardin battle standards, or dictated letters to scribes with remembered stories of someone. There's nothing that can replace the loss of a family member, but when the notification arrives - accompanied by an honor guard - it will come with a battle standard of their own house and that of valardin, as well as those fond written memories from their comrades. And. the assurance that the name of their fallen loved one will be inscribed on the memorial wall we keep at Sanctum. A knight or soldier's ultimate sacrifice is never forgotten.

Written By Alis

March 20, 2017, 10:20 a.m.(2/15/1006 AR)

Lest anyone think it is all doom and gloom out here, however, I have several camp observations.

Thank the Gods, old and new, for Stone Mountain Whiskey

Ditto for Black Mountain Coffee

And campfires

Also, I need stilts as part of my next set of armor. Have you seen how tall some of these people are? :(

Written By Alis

March 20, 2017, 10:17 a.m.(2/15/1006 AR)

It is only the first few days here at the camp, and already we suffer losses during the scouting missions; may Lagoma hold them in her loving embrace as they pass to the other side. For some, it is the first loss under their command. I have no recriminations for how anyone handles that loss, as I keenly remember struggling to handle it myself not so long ago. And I still struggle, though I hold it all at arm's length until the battle is through. I've learned that much.

Without our healers, we would have even more loss. So I humbly thank them for their service, most especially Lady Eirene who I know worked hard to save the life of an Oathlander just last night, and any who aided her.

As I pray each night, I hope only that the Sentinel grant us the means to bring to justice those responsible for killing our people. And that Gloria help us remain honorable on the field of battle so that we do not become that which we fight against.

Written By Alis

March 18, 2017, 10:22 p.m.(2/12/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Karadoc

So intelligent, but with no real nudge in any direction where he can apply it. Perhaps if he is dragged along to enough war camps, it will encourage him to decide quickly so he can stop being hauled along with the troops!

Sorrynotsorry for being one of those at fault for your current predicament. But I promise I will find a good bottle of wine to send you when we return from the latest battle. :)

Written By Alis

March 18, 2017, 10:18 p.m.(2/12/1006 AR)

I find that thinking about planning a wedding in the same way one might plan a war works remarkably well.

You find the most advantageous place to engage the battle (say your vows)
Plot the best route to get your troops (guests) there.
Determine in advance what pitfalls and traps may be waiting for you (who is going to be unhappy, and people to avoid inviting)

... why are you looking at me like that?

Written By Alis

March 14, 2017, 5:38 p.m.(2/4/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Clover

Energetic, determined... and.. unfortunately not as good with a bow as she (or people nearby when she uses it) would like. But if effort and enthusiasm counted as skill, she would be the best archer in Arx I have no doubt. Hopefully some of our own can help her along the path to a better aim. Apparently also a good friend to Sir Roland (the Knight, not the Owl). He calls her Lady Pickle, and she calls him Sir Magnificent. I definitely encourage asking for the meanings behind these charming nicknames.

Written By Alis

March 12, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

These times, they test the notions of Honor.

I find it hard to believe there is any honor in lying. Especially not to save face, or to try and mitigate the consequences of actions one has taken to be childish.

But there are other lies. Ones meant to soothe and calm, or to lift the spirits.

Are those honorable? is any lie honorable? I struggle with this, which is why being a Knight is perhaps easiest for me on the field of battle. When my focus narrows to myself and my opponent, and I must only concern myself with my own actions. And not those of others who reflect on our fealty.

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