Written By Ailys
March 27, 2017, 12:33 p.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Written By Tobias
March 27, 2017, 12:27 p.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
When I first accepted our main contract, I figured we'd be defending Arx against the occasional skirmish for the most part. Siege was a possibility, but unlikely given the army was only 20000 strong with no real archer or cavalry support.
Then I heard we had four more coming for us, and I knew a siege was inevitable. The Compact has great military leaders, and have shown it with the near destruction or two columns and the crippling of another... but when your enemy is so completely controlled to make morale a non-issue and the numbers they have... It was a matter of when, not if, a siege would take place.
I am happy to say that the Crimson Blades did their part preparing the outskirts for the inevitable, and that the Crimson Blades did their job well at the First Battle of Arx. Many routed, but many more held firm. I'm proud to say that the Crimson Blades never faltered, and that we had only minor injuries from the holding action at the Gate, even until the end when we wheeled around and skewered numerous Bringers in one hit.
The Compact can be proud of their sons and daughters. We held the line, and Arx survives.
Now comes the hard part... the waiting, and the infiltration.
Written By Samantha
March 27, 2017, 12:20 p.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
The whole time I was there, I was wracked with guilt. Nevermore have I felt like what I am - the daughter of a servant. It felt like luxury I wasn't entitled to, and more to the point, what was I even doing there when there were people at the manor who needed me? Everyone was very kind, but soon enough, I couldn't bear it - a problem with me, and not my hostess, to be clear - and made my farewells to return home.
We could hear the drums, which seemed to make the very ground beneath our feet vibrate. We could hear the chanting as a dull but dangerous roar. Many of the younger refugee children were quite frightened, so I ordered that any of them who wished to sleep indoors might do so. The ballroom was filled with children, asleep in their camping bedding, those that could sleep. For those that could not, there was cocoa and stories and quiet games. I walked amongst them for a bit, receiving sticky kisses and too-tight hugs, and I knew then that I had done right thing by coming home.
And then deeper into the night, after the retreat, he came home, without a scratch on him. I know he fought, but I only saw he was unscathed after he walked into the parlor, and the first thing I thought was to thank the Thirteen. I held him tight. He is precious to me beyond imagining. And yet, I would never, ever demand he abjure his duty. It is part of who he is. All the same, during this siege, any time he leaves for the walls, I shall say a prayer, and any time he returns, I shall do likewise.
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 11:41 a.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 11:35 a.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Umay
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 11:33 a.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 11:31 a.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 11:29 a.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailys
Written By Juliet
March 27, 2017, 10:18 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
I was going to challenge him to a duel for that. It seemed the thing to do. A decent way to flirt.
I vividly remember the first time I talked to him. There had been a... thing. And he, full of righteous fury, asked me if I fuck my brother.
It was delightful in its absurdity, but it made sense for the people involved, I suppose. I told him I did not feel comfortable answering that question without conferring with my brother.
(Dante has since told me I may answer that question however I see fit, depending on what would bring the most amusement)
Duke Valkieri took it as confirmation and I asked him how far out the family tree he'd have to move before he was comfortable with coitus.
Sadly, Leo spoiled our fun. Though I will say my apology was genuine.
I'd only recently gotten to know him better. A chance encounter led to him inviting me places. I turned him down half the time, and I regret that. I did get to go to Princess Cara's wedding, however. With him and Duchess Dafne on my arms.
He hurt so much. He was so furious at the injustice of the world.
He told me he wasn't a good man.
I told him I'd never said he was a good man - just a virtuous one.
When I looked at him, I wanted to take his pain away.
I suppose the Mother of Beginnings will do it in my stead.
Goodbye, Valkieri. Please forgive me my lack of formality.
Written By Gibson
March 27, 2017, 9:52 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
Written By Lark
March 27, 2017, 9:30 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
Written By Silas
March 27, 2017, 7:47 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Otherwise each entry is going to be more depressing than the last. I'd rather take all the depression in one great angst deluge.
Written By Magpie
March 27, 2017, 7:38 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Guess I can cross that off my bucket list.
Written By Octavia
March 27, 2017, 6:58 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
You may have named a successor, but I am an administrator, and not your equal in leadership. Our people love you, not me. Our soldiers follow you, not me. Our sailors sail at your direction, not mine. They would be fools to behave otherwise. Every plan I make functions better with you in charge.
You are not permitted to die.
Written By Octavia
March 27, 2017, 6:52 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
I leave the fighting to those capable. My place is in ensuring order. Ensuring that we survive. Ensuring that the people of Arx understand that we will endure, and that justice will prevail. Ensuring that those who would take advantage of our situation for their own material gain understand that their behavior will not be tolerated.
There will be a reformed court, of this I am certain. I have spoken to every ruling prince save Edain, and they are in agreement that a court is a necessity, and that I must bring it to pass. Prince Laric seems adamant that I lead it. Who am I to argue?
Think not that I ignore the siege, for the walls are not the only place it is fought.
Written By Merek
March 27, 2017, 2:23 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Written By Rowan
March 27, 2017, 1:42 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
I will never forget that I nearly lost my Tranquility. Nor that the Compact came together to hold the gates, to hold Arx.
The blood on the snow.
As the stories come in, I feel the weight of the numbers, of those lost - mortal and spirit alike, of the questions left in the wake of the fight. It is a night to drink to the fallen, to hold my children and those dear to me, and to thank the spirits they still breathe.
Written By Tikva
March 27, 2017, 12:37 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Princess Ribbons rode to war
'Gainst Bringers by the score
And they fall before her blade
Pink as strawb'ry lemonade!
The power shone in her stroke
Gleaming roseate, full of hope
and the Bringer that she struck
Blew apart, well holy fuck--
Written By Darren
March 27, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Damn.
Written By Clover
March 27, 2017, 12:14 a.m.(3/1/1006 AR)
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.