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Written By Rymarr

May 28, 2017, 11:54 a.m.(7/17/1006 AR)

I've spent a great deal of time these past few weeks doing research in the archives. It's not something I'd have thought I would be doing a year ago. Truthfully, I tend to feel like it's a fruitless effort. I've never been one to favor giving up, so continue I shall.

Written By Rymarr

May 28, 2017, 10:10 a.m.(7/17/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Peregrine

An unfortunate end. I did not know her well, but what I did know of her is that she was fierce and strong. It's my hope that she forced whomever slew her and those she was with to be able to do so only after exacting a hefty toll.

Written By Rymarr

May 28, 2017, 8:48 a.m.(7/17/1006 AR)

I attended a medal ceremony held by the Valardins. It was very good seeing so many familiar faces which I feel as though I've grown distant from. While they were unable to be present, two of my sisters earned medals for their services prior to and during the siege. Well earned. Themselves and all of the others who were likewise given praise.

Written By Rymarr

May 21, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)

I should probably get some sort of duty beyond the manor and patrols with the household guard. Stop being a shiftless layabout. A job, perhaps.

Written By Rymarr

May 21, 2017, 1:01 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Orazio

The Heart of Solace. The list of nicknames I can attribute to the Legate only grows. I hope the Purveyor of Frowns likes the new nickname provided to him by the populace. He's certainly earned it.

Written By Rymarr

May 21, 2017, 12:38 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Gareth

I like him.

Written By Rymarr

May 20, 2017, 7:51 a.m.(7/1/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Zhayla

I have known Zhayla for what feels like a very, very long time. In truth we've not been associated for very long in the grand scheme of things. A year, perhaps? A few months more than that, I think. Which in the flow of time within and around Arx; when first meetings followed by marriage proposals occur in the span of weeks or people act as though they're lifelong friends after a matter of days, then I suspect that I've known Zhayla for an eternity.

I met her as a result of meeting and befriending the one that I'm married to and Zhayla was there nearly every step of the way. Quietly accompanying dinners, lurking in the background during evening strolls, or just socializing over drinks. A retainer within her House, she struck me as an abnormally positive and sincere guard. She did not possess the paranoia that I had developed with my time in the King's Own. She accepted me with the openness of one eager to learn. She is a fierce warrior, but she does not permit that fact to drive her to tyranny. She is, in few words, a good person. The Marquessa and Zhayla both aid in providing me with a certain level of guidance, moral or otherwise.

Early on she seemed fascinated by me. Likely a result of my status within the King's Own. She looked at me as one looks to a role model and as a result I felt compelled to properly fill that role as water fills a pitcher. I saw, and still see, in her the capacity for greatness. I have always felt that with the proper guidance, support, and aid that she will accomplish great things in both word and deed. Even horseback riding, someday. We have spoke on the topic of knighthood a great deal since our first meeting and it is a topic that I generally hold in high regard. I am a knight, I have been a knight for nearly a decade at this point, I squired with Sir Jak Whitemane, as my siblings did before and after me. So when the topic is knighthood and the philosophy of it, I am generally quite attentive.

When Zhayla expressed her interest in knighthood to me, I embraced that question. It is a simple question to me, but quite complicated in the eyes of many. What I did know is that if Zhayla were to be knighted, she would immediately be a greater knight than many who claim the station. Compassionate, fierce, honorable, humble, courageous, and honest.

All of these things, all of these memories, and all of this work is why I am proud to see Zhayla reach that goal. Dame Zhayla of Old Oak, Sword of House Deepwood. She has earned all of that and so very much more. When the day comes that I pass on, I will rest easy in knowing that Dame Zhayla will stand implacable in defense of House Deepwood and the Marquessa. The goal we should all possess is to be better than we were the day before and it is my belief that Dame Zhayla embodies that. So long as the heart is true and intent pure, the rest will follow.

I am proud of her.

Written By Rymarr

May 14, 2017, 5:07 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Ysbail

She is energetic, upbeat, positive, and an altogether happy person. Normally this sort of person is the one that annoys me the most because it feels so disingenuous and more often than not annoying. This one however presents it all in such a way that it seems quite genuine and controlled. I approve of it. She has agreed to aid me in the busting of entities beyond my understanding.

I suspect I should introduce Samantha to her. They'll probably get along marvelously. Though maybe too marvelously. Perhaps I should save myself the headache and not.

Written By Rymarr

May 14, 2017, 5:01 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)

Unexpected surprises await around every turn. Wonderful surprises of course, but surprises no less.

Written By Rymarr

May 14, 2017, 2:28 p.m.(6/17/1006 AR)

As I begin to write this, I realize the pain my hand feels after writing so many letters. It took a great deal of time and effort, but it was well worth it. The pains and cramps in my hand that I feel now are trivial and fleeting. Our House lost many in defense of the Compact, as many other Houses did as well. The pain in my hand is a welcomed sensation. It is a sensation which I must embrace with thankfulness in my heart. Those who gave their lives made the ultimate sacrifice, so accepting the discomfort of writing a few letters is the least I can do to pay respects to those who gave all for the people of Arvum. In order to permit those very people the opportunity to write on into the future. Those who committed themselves in the Compact, in Arvum's, most desperate hour has my eternal respect - both those who continue to live and those who have passed on to Elysia.

So write I shall, out of respect to those lost.

Written By Rymarr

May 7, 2017, 7:39 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)

There is many and much to write to and about. The longer that I consider all who I need to send letters to to verify their safety, the longer the list grows.

Written By Rymarr

May 6, 2017, 3:10 p.m.(6/1/1006 AR)

I've completed my prayers in the shrines throughout the city. I can only hope that the gods will watch over us as we go into this impending battle. I know not when the enemy will make their advance. They've been on the move with much more activity of late, so it will be soon. I will be prepared to face them.

The waiting is the worst part of it all. I am fearful. It would be a fool who does not recognize that fear can be hone courage. My greatest fear is for those within the walls who are unable to fight. The elderly, children, and others who would be a greater obstacle in a pitched battle than a boon. Since I've come to call Deepwood Manor my home and mingled with the many refugees there, I've come to understand that wars and battles are more than the warriors on the front lines. There are a great many left unaccounted for in the risks of warfare.

I will not go into this titanic battle for myself, Deepwood, or even my respective lieges. I will go into it for the people who are counting on every sword and spear that will fight in the streets on their behalf. Arvum needs us, so the righteous must answer that call.

Written By Rymarr

May 6, 2017, 12:19 p.m.(5/28/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Joscelin

Guildmaster of the Crafter's Guild and a jeweler. Recently I conducted business with her that resulted in what I've personally deemed a work of art. The only assumption that I can make regarding her skill is a combination of experience brought on by time and the blessing of Jayus. I'm not often one for fanciful things, but I regularly find myself staring at this ring. One could likely accuse it of being precious to me.

The Guildmaster has proven herself to be an exceptionally skilled worker of fine things and, more importantly to someone such as myself, easy to conduct business with. I will certainly know where to go in the future if I've the inclination to buy a gift for the special someone in my life.

Written By Rymarr

April 30, 2017, 5:09 p.m.(5/15/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Lark

Scrupulous and shrewd, these are not negative terms in regard to the High Lord of House Grayson. Not to me. I worked with her loosely during my time in service to the King's Own and to her cousin, King Alaric Grayson IV. During that time I discovered that Princess Lark is both of these things, but much more. Now however I play the role of a vassal of House Bisland, who in turn is a vassal of House Grayson. The High Lord of Grayson gifted myself with a belt in recognition of my marriage to the Marquessa of House Deepwood. It conveyed a clear message and it is one which I appreciate.

Written By Rymarr

April 30, 2017, 4:51 p.m.(5/15/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Thesarin

One of the vassals of my House, I've come to understand him as a rather blunt individual. There is little room for beating around the bush and more often than not he could be considered a little rough around the edges. He reminds me of some others that I know and have come to trust the judgment of purely because they will speak their mind, when it needs to be spoken. The fact that he makes his delivery of speaking his mind in a humorous manner only tends to lighten the blow of what he may have to say.

Written By Rymarr

April 30, 2017, 4:48 p.m.(5/15/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Niamh

Only recently have I taken the opportunity to get to know the Grandmaster of the Guild of Champions. She presents herself as a formidable warrior and I've no doubt such presentation is accurate. I've met many a warrior in my lifetime, from the Oathlands to Arx, and more often than not they're in possession of far more brawn than brain. I'm thankful to discover that Lady Niamh seems to be an exception to such a rule.

Written By Rymarr

April 23, 2017, 4:36 p.m.(5/1/1006 AR)

I've heard tales that recently I was giddy. I was not. Do not believe the propaganda. I smiled once or twice. My cheeks still hurt from the effort. It was a thoroughly exhausting endeavor.

It was an enjoyable wedding ceremony although and I appreciate Brother Aleksei of the Faith for officiating it. It did not seem prudent to hold such an affair in the midst of a siege, but one must find their hope where they are able. Or provide hope in what ways they are able. What began in the planning stages as a small, intimate ordeal apparently became something far greater judging by the number of individuals who made an appearance at the ceremony. Or we simply sent more invitations that I recalled there being to begin with. Regardless, I was humbled by those who attended, from High Lords to commoners who wished to be present to see my wife, be married. She looked marvelous, of course. I'd be remiss not to mention that fact.

There were also knights present to act as an honor guard. There were banners. My wife convinced Judge to wear a flower garland without eating it. There was armor. There were no horns though. Overall it was a successful ceremony to make the Oathlander in me proud.

So now I begin my new path as the Marquis of Deepwood. The wood is deep, thus it leaves one serene.

Written By Rymarr

April 20, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)

Has the Compact forgotten the purpose of The Champions in settling their disputes and affronts to personal honor? Increasingly as of late I do believe that it has.

Written By Rymarr

April 16, 2017, 10:41 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Katarina

I encountered this stranger recently in the market. I can't even readily recall why I had gone to the market with Samantha in the first place. I may have needed oil for my armor and weapons, I can't remember. I digress.

She was seated on a stool near a vendor, selling pots of ink or dyes. She claimed that they would provide one with the means to receive a tattoo that would be temporary and was often utilized in her homeland for ceremonial purposes or special occasions. I found it to be fairly intriguing to say the least. I've never felt the need to tattoo my flesh, it is a peculiar practice. I will admit though that I was very curious about these temporary means of placing ink on the canvas that is skin, likely a result of some sort of appeal to the adventurous side of my mind.

The princess did mention a few interesting facts, including some of her activities within the western Oathlands and on behalf of House Valardin which were of great interest to me. She apparently seeks to someday become a citizen of the Compact and, in my humble opinion, it is a certain sign that she would be accepted with open arms due to the fact that without citizen she's already began to throw herself into spreading charity among the people who took her in and understands the core concept of what makes the Compact strong: when someone helps you, you help them back. We rely upon one another, even now, for a great deal. She understands this already and I believe it will make her inclusion to the Compact a certainty.

It's my sincere hope that I did not offend the visiting dignitary. I may have over-enunciated my words and spoken too slowly in an effort to be perfectly understood, that I may have sounded foolish. Perhaps not, perhaps so. What's done is done.

Written By Rymarr

April 13, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Calarian

Prince Calarian Grayson. We sat for dinner with one another recently and from what I can tell of the man he is an idealist. Which is not an insult by any stretch of the imagination. He strikes me as being similar to another idealist that I know and who has had great successes.

While an idealist he may be, the prince by all rights seems to possess a trait which I find much more useful and sane. He seems to be possess an abundance of pragmatisism. Not to be confused with priapism.

In these dire times that is an invaluable trait and I look forward to seeing the prince's star rise. He also has a wife whom I have gathered is Prodigal. Together, as is undoubtedly to be expected, they seem to have a great deal of concern for the wellbeing of the Prodigal refugees.

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