Written By Fatima
Sept. 3, 2017, 5:05 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
News of the Darkwater Deeps spreading has caused no small amount of alarm for us Thraxians. It's headed straight for the isles and sooner than later this scourge will be upon us. Renewed efforts are being made to ensure that all the isles will be able to weather this storm. Sometimes it takes a crisis to really put things into perspective. My thoughts drift from the isles and to distant Eurus, most especially after recent conversations. I realized in the moment I was speaking with Lord Wash that I care deeply for the suffering of others, and it's been all too easy to ignore it.
To think of the suffering that my people go through at the hands of their tyrannical slavemasters. Worse things happen on a daily occurence, but my mind's eye focuses on the men, women, and children who are born, live and die in chains. That is no life, no life at all and of course I wanted to liberate my people from this fate for no one should have to go through life as chattel to another human being. It contradicts everything I've been raised to believe in, but when I look around my home. I don't see thralls. I don't see men and women who have earned the circumstances they find themselves in. I don't see criminals who labor an honest day's work for penance. I see people in chains, I see slaves. No matter how happy or content they may seem.
Not too long ago I believed that Thralldom was something that should be reformed, and that with the right changes we might even find it to be an acceptable penal system. I lied to myself and ignored the voice in my head telling me that it was wrong. I believed that if I was a traditionalist that I would earn the respect of my fellow Thraxians and honor my ancestors with my deeds. Yet again I was wrong. In my heart of hearts, I don't believe that my father would be proud of me. If the stories of his exploits are true, if Zaina has portrayed the man as accurately as she has, then I think he would be ashamed of me. As a Voice of House Thrax, my will is no longer my own. I live to serve my Liege and I will follow him to the depths of the sea if he told me to. Not just because he inspires me, and I honor my oaths but because he's my blood. Somewhere along the way I lost respect for myself, and I lied to myself about that too.
I can't live like this any longer, I can't continue to be someone I am not. If I want to be the breaker of chains, then it begins here in Arvum. I am making it my life's goal to see that every thrall who would pick up blade, spear, bow, ropes, hammer, needle, or compass stands beside the brave men and women of Thrax who fight for our survival. Let this white serve as a reminder that I will not rest until Thralldom has been abolished and it's practices stricken from the Isles. Every last man, woman, and child deserves to live a free life and die by the choices they have been empowered to make. Then, and only then will I set my sights on Petrioch, only then can I truly be the woman I was meant to be. May the Gods forgive me, may my mother and father forgive me. May those whom I have let down forgive me, and may they forgive me for the difficult times ahead.
To think of the suffering that my people go through at the hands of their tyrannical slavemasters. Worse things happen on a daily occurence, but my mind's eye focuses on the men, women, and children who are born, live and die in chains. That is no life, no life at all and of course I wanted to liberate my people from this fate for no one should have to go through life as chattel to another human being. It contradicts everything I've been raised to believe in, but when I look around my home. I don't see thralls. I don't see men and women who have earned the circumstances they find themselves in. I don't see criminals who labor an honest day's work for penance. I see people in chains, I see slaves. No matter how happy or content they may seem.
Not too long ago I believed that Thralldom was something that should be reformed, and that with the right changes we might even find it to be an acceptable penal system. I lied to myself and ignored the voice in my head telling me that it was wrong. I believed that if I was a traditionalist that I would earn the respect of my fellow Thraxians and honor my ancestors with my deeds. Yet again I was wrong. In my heart of hearts, I don't believe that my father would be proud of me. If the stories of his exploits are true, if Zaina has portrayed the man as accurately as she has, then I think he would be ashamed of me. As a Voice of House Thrax, my will is no longer my own. I live to serve my Liege and I will follow him to the depths of the sea if he told me to. Not just because he inspires me, and I honor my oaths but because he's my blood. Somewhere along the way I lost respect for myself, and I lied to myself about that too.
I can't live like this any longer, I can't continue to be someone I am not. If I want to be the breaker of chains, then it begins here in Arvum. I am making it my life's goal to see that every thrall who would pick up blade, spear, bow, ropes, hammer, needle, or compass stands beside the brave men and women of Thrax who fight for our survival. Let this white serve as a reminder that I will not rest until Thralldom has been abolished and it's practices stricken from the Isles. Every last man, woman, and child deserves to live a free life and die by the choices they have been empowered to make. Then, and only then will I set my sights on Petrioch, only then can I truly be the woman I was meant to be. May the Gods forgive me, may my mother and father forgive me. May those whom I have let down forgive me, and may they forgive me for the difficult times ahead.
Written By Antonio
Sept. 3, 2017, 3:28 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Once again, I have purpose. Meaning. I am happy.
Written By Wash
Sept. 3, 2017, 3:12 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Catalana
You know what babies do?
They reach up, with fingers barely larger than three grains of rice strung together. They take hold of your finger, and they cling, while looking at you with all the seriousness of an old hermit because ... they know. They know that you are the one constant that will never forsake them. The one thing they will always count on. They know from the moment you share their breath, and they share yours, that they are inextricably bound for eternity. In this life, and every one after, they will recognize each other, with just a glance, that relationship will be restored, because it transcends the power of the gods to define. We are bound, tighter than any leather, tighter than any mail, one to another, in an unbreakable commitment of love. And that's without price.
They reach up, with fingers barely larger than three grains of rice strung together. They take hold of your finger, and they cling, while looking at you with all the seriousness of an old hermit because ... they know. They know that you are the one constant that will never forsake them. The one thing they will always count on. They know from the moment you share their breath, and they share yours, that they are inextricably bound for eternity. In this life, and every one after, they will recognize each other, with just a glance, that relationship will be restored, because it transcends the power of the gods to define. We are bound, tighter than any leather, tighter than any mail, one to another, in an unbreakable commitment of love. And that's without price.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 3, 2017, 3:08 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
There has been a saying among the hunters and rangers who taught and trained me. A single arrow can be snapped in two as if it were a stick. A bundle of arrows, cannot be broken. Let the wolves circle as you aptly and eloquently state, they will find united resolve, and more bundles of arrows than to their liking, especially with one skilled at our side.
Written By Clover
Sept. 3, 2017, 2:48 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aksel
*A sketch of Aksel and Clara in the Golden Hart arena; Clara's fist has been firmly planted on Aksel's mouth.*
Written By Clover
Sept. 3, 2017, 2:48 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Clara
*A picture of Clara and Aksel; the arena of the Golden Hart can be seen in the background for those that would recognize it. Aksel's hands are on Clara's shoulders, pushing her down as he knees her in the stomach.*
Written By Shard
Sept. 3, 2017, 2:27 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
It may help, or not, but wolves don't herd when they hunt. Not as you're thinking of it. The intent of herding is to keep the herd together; no, wolves work to break the herd apart. They will drive the herd in such a way as to drive off the weak, the injured, and the sick from the rest of the herd, so that the prey can be surrounded and brought down. Where this metaphor breaks down, of course, is that this is ultimately necessary, even good, but let's continue.
Where a wolf hunt fails is when the herd refuses to run. A herd that refuses to run, but merely circles to face the pack, with its weaker, smaller members protected in the middle, presenting a strong, united front, cannot be harried and split apart. A herd that refuses to run does not show its weaknesses to the pack. A pack will snap and snarl and try to get them to flee, sometimes for hours at a time, but eventually, the herd that stands strong will outlast a hunt and the pack will move on to easier, weaker prey.
If you must think of your enemies as wolves, then think of this mission as circling the herd.
Where a wolf hunt fails is when the herd refuses to run. A herd that refuses to run, but merely circles to face the pack, with its weaker, smaller members protected in the middle, presenting a strong, united front, cannot be harried and split apart. A herd that refuses to run does not show its weaknesses to the pack. A pack will snap and snarl and try to get them to flee, sometimes for hours at a time, but eventually, the herd that stands strong will outlast a hunt and the pack will move on to easier, weaker prey.
If you must think of your enemies as wolves, then think of this mission as circling the herd.
Written By Eirlys
Sept. 3, 2017, 2:25 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
Alis you have been the sister I never had, you make my brother happy and I can see that he makes you happy too. I am so very thankful the two of you found each other everyday. Just for the fact that we became friends then family.
Bringing Ellara into the world was an even greater gift than I could have imagined. She is beautiful and I know that she will have the iron will of her mother, the loving heart of her too. Just as she will have the stubbornness of both her parents and it will be a wonderful thing. I can't wait to spend more time with her.
That you gave me the gift of being the Speaker for her is so huge. I promise I will not let you, Fia or Ellara down. I will be there to guide and teach her all there is to know of the ways of the Greenmarchers. Just as her Uncle Edain will be there to teach her what it means to be a Valardin.
I promise to tell her the grand story of her parents falling in love when it felt like there was not much hope left in the world and how that blossomed into her becoming part of our family.
I loved you Ellara before I could see you, I will protect you for as long as I am alive.
Love,
your crazy Aunt Eirlys
Bringing Ellara into the world was an even greater gift than I could have imagined. She is beautiful and I know that she will have the iron will of her mother, the loving heart of her too. Just as she will have the stubbornness of both her parents and it will be a wonderful thing. I can't wait to spend more time with her.
That you gave me the gift of being the Speaker for her is so huge. I promise I will not let you, Fia or Ellara down. I will be there to guide and teach her all there is to know of the ways of the Greenmarchers. Just as her Uncle Edain will be there to teach her what it means to be a Valardin.
I promise to tell her the grand story of her parents falling in love when it felt like there was not much hope left in the world and how that blossomed into her becoming part of our family.
I loved you Ellara before I could see you, I will protect you for as long as I am alive.
Love,
your crazy Aunt Eirlys
Written By Mirari
Sept. 3, 2017, 2:16 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
As someone with a beautiful collection of knives, I must note my agreement with Dame Ida and the Darkest of All Princes (or so he likes to think), and Dame Morrighan. Shiny knives make everything better.
Written By Clover
Sept. 3, 2017, 1:58 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
*A careful watercolor piece of a rose; fully bloomed with pale cream colored petals. Delicate, and textured ever so slightly to appear velvety.*
Written By Harlan
Sept. 3, 2017, 1:51 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
I know the expedition to the Gray Forest tis a serious thing, the mission perhaps of dire importance. As evidence by recent events, the Compact has enemies, and they are plotting and acting against us. We need allies, not more enemies, not wolves who would strike from the flanks as we turn to face the enemy head on. It is my feeling there is a pack against us. They have us circled and are herding us ever closer to something of their design. If we do not break free of this gyre about is, it will spill even greater loss and conflict.
I am here, trained men of the forest about me as well as a guard to remind me I am no hunter in the woods stalking down prey. I am the Duke of Ashford and while the men are here to act as my arm, my arrow, they also are here to keep me in check. I wish I had time to get a hunting hound and have he trained to my side. I must see to it in the future if nothing more than to make my sisters happy I have someone by my side to defend me always. Till then my own bow and steady aim will need to do the Pantehon forbid something does get though. If they do, they will find I am no doe to be hunted and driven. I am the Hunter, and my aim is always true, always deadly.
We ride with peace as out intent, let's prey deadly resolve need not be tested.
I am here, trained men of the forest about me as well as a guard to remind me I am no hunter in the woods stalking down prey. I am the Duke of Ashford and while the men are here to act as my arm, my arrow, they also are here to keep me in check. I wish I had time to get a hunting hound and have he trained to my side. I must see to it in the future if nothing more than to make my sisters happy I have someone by my side to defend me always. Till then my own bow and steady aim will need to do the Pantehon forbid something does get though. If they do, they will find I am no doe to be hunted and driven. I am the Hunter, and my aim is always true, always deadly.
We ride with peace as out intent, let's prey deadly resolve need not be tested.
Written By Shard
Sept. 3, 2017, 1:46 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Everyone will make an incredibly stupid decision from time to time. That's simply the reality of living. However, some people will, when faced with the option of making a smart decision, or the worst possible decision they could ever possibly make in their entire lives, choose the latter. And, once committed to this incredibly terrible decision, fully commit so thoroughly that they will never, ever turn away from it, even when it could not possibly fail to become clear just how truly awful their decision really was. Often, at this point, they end up dead.
That's a good thing, though, because if they don't die, they're likely to stay committed to whatever their fucking awful decision was. Most people will learn from their mistakes; but these people never, ever do.
I ran into at least one today. Hopefully there wasn't two of them.
That's a good thing, though, because if they don't die, they're likely to stay committed to whatever their fucking awful decision was. Most people will learn from their mistakes; but these people never, ever do.
I ran into at least one today. Hopefully there wasn't two of them.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 3, 2017, 12:45 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
My dearest Ellara, born to dear Alis and Fiachra on this 19th day in the 2nd month of 1007 AR, how blessed I am to have been the first to have welcomed you into this world -- something I believe vexes Vex, for he has been so keenly awaiting your arrival. Thankfully, he seems to grudgingly concede that I am the most qualified to midwife.
If you are anything like your mother, and I do not at all doubt that you will be, please know that your smallness in size will somehow manage to accommodate a huge and valiant heart. If you are further like your mother, I do not at all doubt that you will stubborn yourself into growing to your father's height.
If you are anything like your mother, and I do not at all doubt that you will be, please know that your smallness in size will somehow manage to accommodate a huge and valiant heart. If you are further like your mother, I do not at all doubt that you will stubborn yourself into growing to your father's height.
Written By Sparte
Sept. 3, 2017, 12:12 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
My arm is finally servicable again. The mercies tell me to give it time to be sure, but it is flipping amazing to not have to wear that sling anymore. I've had a lot of time to think about things while on the mend, it was a good break. Today I was back in armor for the first time, and what do you know. I think I kind of missed the feel. Here is hoping it does me more good next time.
Written By Esoka
Sept. 2, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
The man who was husband to Peregrine of the Gold Feathers, gods and spirits keep her soul. I see something of why she tied her tribe to him now. He speaks of cooperation where others would seek only to subjugation and destruction. We shall see if we can make good on his fine words in the Gray Forest.
Written By Tarik
Sept. 2, 2017, 10:50 p.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Since my last journal, I believe a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It has been place with more weight, but this weight I find to be more desirable. I think this new weight will cause me to strive to do better things, and to be a better man. I hope that I am successful in these endeavors. No, I will be successful in these endeavors. I normally do not write very short entries in my journal, but I have a meeting with someone. I want to make sure that I am prepared and I want to review what I going to say.
Written By Morrighan
Sept. 2, 2017, 9:40 p.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Shiny daggers make everything better, especially if they're rubicund. And sharp.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 2, 2017, 9:28 p.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Fatima
May the Gods judge you justly, cousin, for I never will again.
Written By Ida
Sept. 2, 2017, 7:52 p.m.(2/19/1007 AR)
Really, everyone should try buying shiny daggers to brighten their day. It certainly brightens mine.
Written By Calarian
Sept. 2, 2017, 7:29 p.m.(2/19/1007 AR)
In the final prelude of the upcoming trip to the Grey Forest, I find myself with the surprise of some nook of free time for leisure and for myself. I spent the morning in the shops, getting myself ready for the journey, and I had an agreement with my house's cook to help us taste some Shav dishes which he managed to port to our house's style of cooking adeptly. I believe I am ready and will try to enjoy these last hours before I have to write from the camp.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.