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Written By Alexis

Oct. 22, 2017, 9:52 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Victory can be many things.

When I travelled North, our goal was to keep Farhaven from being breached. And we had good generals, excellent strategists and tacticians, good field leaders who were able to take advantage of the terrain, to use the skills of their soldiers to the utmost.

We had the advantage early on, and despite our numbers, it seemed like we would prevail against the larger horde - that they would break themselves, repeatedly, against our shield walls. I stood with Lady Joslyn. We'd promised to be together. To keep each other safe. I'm glad for that now.

Dame Esoka has written a journal most eloquently about what happened next. She's right. The Horned God himself showed up and it felt like he was larger than life. His utter confidence.

A lot of soldiers lost their heads when our enemy turned into a swarm of wasps. Of the largest, angriest wasps you've ever seen. I was close myself. I almost dropped, and started rolling around. To squish them. Gods know I was tempted.

But I had Lady Joslyn next to me.

The retreat was ordered. I was close enough to the Grayson forces that I witnessed mostly Princess Reese deftly working well-trained troops. I kept the line. We retreated slowly - and saw Duke Grimhall and Lord Faelan advance.

The swarm began shaping itself, unnaturally. It became a maw of sorts. A buzzing, hovering maw. That lunged. That swallowed the man next to me whole. One moment he was there. The next he was... Surrounding by a cloud so thick with insects you couldn't see anything else. They even covered part of me, the size of it. I felt the chains unravel in my surcoat, the threads popping in my tabard. Leather straps snapping under the sheer press of those creatures.

And then they began biting and stinging and the world was only pain.

It passed. Pain does. I am glad I had Lady Joslyn.

I pushed back the others, watched helplessly at what I was sure would be a noble commander sacrificing himself for our escape.

But we won the day.

Some have argued we were toyed with. Some have argued the Horned God withdrew out of a sense of cruelty. Like a cat that gives the mouse a last dash of hope.

Maybe.

I say the Horned God did not expect to be wounded, and he withdrew his forces (such as they were) to protect him rather than chase victory.

Yes, he'll be back. We won't have the advantage like we did this time, though maybe we can have others.

Yes, this is the beginning of a dangerous time of war.

But Duke Harald Grmhall showed us that he can be hurt.

And that he did not expect it. And that he did not like it.

Lord Faelan tried to keep his lord safe, and I didn't see much there, but I'm pretty sure I saw the Horned God trying to deal with him. Maybe that gave Duke Grimhall his opening.

Either way, it shows us the importance of working together.

Your life was a gift. It should not be thrown away needlessly.

But sometimes, for the things we believe in, we must be prepared to give everything. Even our lives.

I remain hopeful that our foe can be defeated. I remain faithful to my liege and the gods.

I remain, and as long as I do, I will help form the line between the innocent and the malefactor.

Written By Eirlys

Oct. 22, 2017, 9:51 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

I got to spend time with two of my favorite ladies, Shae and Ellara. We had a fun time talking and having fun though I keep trying to insist to Ellara my hair is not a grabby toy. She apparently disagrees with me. Vex also seems to think that he needs to watch us around his human. Every time Ellara made any eye contact with him or noises in his direction he would strut across my desk as if he were the best and baddest pygmy owl EVER.

Also Gaston came to visit so it kind of felt like a party.

Written By Eirlys

Oct. 22, 2017, 9:49 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Athaur

I have to say that I am enjoying getting to know Athaur Rivenshari, he has so far shown himself to care for his people, to put them before himself and yet he also seems to know how to have fun. He was showing me how to play card games. I believe he also promised to show me how to play board games at some point. I think I will hold him to that.

Written By Thesarin

Oct. 22, 2017, 9:44 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Victory for Grayson at sea. In a game, but before the gods and the King. We came, and we won, and a victory is its own reward. A Marquis, a Prince, and two Prodigals of Greenwood.

Congratulations to our distinguished competitions on a race well fought, and our noble hostess for sponsoring the event. The Mother of Waves smiles on us all.

Written By Esoka

Oct. 22, 2017, 9:42 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Thesarin

It does my heart very good to have my Count, my War Chief, and one of my oldest friends back among us at Heron Hall. Thesarin's strength and resolve have ever been a guiding force for my tribe - and now the Rivens - and they will be more needed than ever in the days to come, I think.

Written By Blacktongue

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:55 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Eleyna

You have come a long way from following me about the lab - you make me proud.

Written By Blacktongue

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:53 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Talen

Consort? I am still going to call you by the usual nicknames, nephew.

Written By Denica

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:39 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

When the sun sets, we know that a new day will begin. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the setting of one sun, means the rising of another. A new day, a new dawn. Perhaps the next day will be the same. Or worse. Or, in those rare instances, even better than the day that preceded it.

Written By Aiden

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:35 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Silas

How quickly time flies when you have the love of your life at your side to spend the days with.

A year ago we made the promise and our lives were enriched for it.

You've shown me so much of this world and tolerated my mistakes, supporting me throughout them.

I am blessed to have found you. May Limerance allow us a second year together.

Written By Octavia

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:34 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Samael

I am confident in my decision. May the gods prove me to be correct.

Written By Aella

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:30 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Bloody fuckin' mermaids and sea elves.

Written By Octavia

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:22 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Caelis

I am pleased that your marriage to Edain hasn't altered who my brother said you were. We'll have to get you a proper navy one of these days.

Written By Dianna

Oct. 22, 2017, 8:16 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

The following notice is posted among the local journals:

"A sparring partner for a young lady of the Lyceum is sought. Instruction in the art of two-handed weapons is required, additional skill in the art of small weapons preferred. Compensation in the form of 5,000 silver is available. Please direct all inquiries to Mazetti Manor, Tor Plaza, Ward of the Lyceum."

Written By Mia

Oct. 22, 2017, 7:52 p.m.(6/13/1007 AR)

Some short weeks past, the Legate wrote in his journals:

"The essence of the worship of the Thirteenth is to remind us that sometimes the mirror shows us a truth that we would rather shy away from. We must face it, squarely, and manage it - even the darkness and the temptation. If you are prideful, admit that, and find a place to spend that pride which will improve the world around you, rather than denying it until it sabotages your relationships. If you are envious, use that envy to motivate yourself to do better, rather than tearing others down. None of us is without flaw - do not shy away from your flaws, but channel and rule them in the pursuit of virtue and the gods' wills."

While I cannot offer any comment on the worship of the Thirteenth, as it is a rare thing to find among the riverlands, I can speak very much to the topic of envy. In recent weeks, I've spent more and more time in the Archives and in the libraries of other Houses, both great and small, among the journals and collections of other organizations to which I do not belong, all due entirely to the generosity and kindness of their members. And I must admit that each time that I do, a current of envy sweeps over me, strong as the Mother's pull downstream. I see journal after journal, parchment after parchment, book after book and I think of everything contained within that I might never see, might never know, could never call my own to delve into when need demands or curiosity arises or simple pleasures calls. I think of all that was left behind in the Twainfort, too delicate or too cumbersome to transport with us here to Heron Hall, where our collection is -- I am sad to say -- paltry at best. It builds up as a small lump somewhere within my chest and works its way up into my throat, this bitter desire that will not abate.

And I've come to a decision that rather than simply wanting, I'm going do, instead. Good reader, I think I am going to build a proper library.

Written By Kael

Oct. 22, 2017, 7:38 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

Duties have kept me from... well, my duty of writing. I must express my gratitude to all who attended my birthday gathering. The event was made a true celebration from all the friends and family that joined us. I must especially thank my lovely wife for her work in planning such an extravagant event. I have attempted to acquire a promise from her that she will not be so lavish in the future, but she has stayed peculiarly silent regarding that. We have both decided to focus wholeheartedly on the birthday celebrations of our Squall, however. Soon. We count down the days until we get to meet him or her.

Written By Denica

Oct. 22, 2017, 6:57 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

I think I still owe a few people the paintings I promised them. The Duel is coming along nicely, and I think it may in fact be the best work that I've ever managed. Given freely as a gift to a good friend of mine, I hope she (and her husband) can truly appreciate it.

Written By Athaur

Oct. 22, 2017, 6:02 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

The City of Arx is a strange place. Very strange. So many take their relaxation in full plate armor. It might be an Oathlander thing though.

Written By Talen

Oct. 22, 2017, 4:31 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

My father deserves his rest yet I do am thankful we are not without him completely, for the time being, in this state of transition.

I have much to learn. From commoner to royal ward, Sword to knight, prince to Archduke-- there is much to learn.

So, Arx, please. If I punch anyone in the throat when it would otherwise be deemed inappropriate, allow me the odd slip up, yes?

Written By Denica

Oct. 22, 2017, 4:29 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ryhalt

*there is a sketch of a man, long hair around his shoulders, and with a tall figure, towering over another, smaller figure. The shorter person is a woman, slight of build with a bow and arrow slung over her shoulder, her hair left white, a brightness to her build. The pair are both gazing at each other, smiles upon their lips and it is set upon a sun at the horizon.*

-"Dawn"

Written By Talen

Oct. 22, 2017, 4:29 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Audric

I don't think I can laugh at you for having to do paper work anymore. I've never seen so many stacks of papyrus in my life.

I've just gotten back from a hunting trip, conveniently timed to the ascension of my wife, whereupon it has grown exponentially.

Fuuuuuuuuu--

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