Written By Lark
March 25, 2017, 7:08 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Sometimes it can feel as though you're the only one in all of Arvum to feel a certain way then lo and behold a mysterious novel appears in the course of your travels to reinforce everything you've been thinking. I haven't had such a good laugh in ages.
What a pity that it isn't funny at all.
What a pity that it isn't funny at all.
Written By Kima
March 25, 2017, 6:28 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Resentment is the bastard brother of gratitude.
Written By Wilhem
March 25, 2017, 6:27 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
The Duchess has been entirely too kind and nice, commissioning a fine gift for me, and taking care of me since my arrival. I will have to work out something suitable for her, to return the favor in time.
Written By Wilhem
March 25, 2017, 6:26 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
So... Day 3 in the city, I've already made 5 dresses, 2 pairs of slippers, a cloak, a set of leggings, and I've now a hand cramp. Still. Well worth the busy days. And I've a dozen or so more orders said to be coming as soon as we survive the siege. Here's hoping the walls hold!
Written By Wilhem
March 25, 2017, 6:25 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
New in town... What a time to arrive. Not a moment after my boot hit the stones, they tell me there is a siege on. Hopefully there'll be a market for my trade!
Written By Orazio
March 25, 2017, 5:13 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
For all that I might tease him (for he is so VERY tease-worthy, in the way the young often are), it fills my heart with pleasure and with pride to see him step into the Faith, and commit himself to the service of the gods. I know it frightens him. But to stand and face one's fears because one feels that something must be done? That is the courage that the gods themselves love.
Welcome home, Brother Aleksei.
Welcome home, Brother Aleksei.
Written By Karadoc
March 25, 2017, 5:05 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Caelis
Hm... I suppose I did get lucky.... I guess should thank her.
Written By Karadoc
March 25, 2017, 5:03 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
I've been offered a place in the salon. It sounds an interesting place... What title will I take for myself, I wonder. Idle mind is taken... Perhaps wandering mind? That does seem poignant.
Written By Karadoc
March 25, 2017, 5:01 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
I still blame them. All that time... Out in the woods. Putting up with rations. The cold. All those people. The cold. The constant threat of encroaching danger. The cold.
Is there any wonder I spent so long by the fireside? I think not. Besides, I found good companionship there. New friends made, old ones cemented.
I was challenged to be better, and despite my own wishes, I was forced to accept the challenge, and I do like to think I excelled, as I do in all things.
Battle broke out. Chaos. Through the mists, I spotted the greatest of foes. A Formorian Giant. A myth. A creature of legend. Small wonder the walls of the city so high, to keep out such beings. It seemed decaying, already, before it charged our lines, cutting a swath through the lines.
In turn it was swarmed by heroes. One most unlikely. A blade borrowed after a bit of fireside jesting. Pulled in defense of self and allies. I don't even recall how it happened. But my blade dug in deep. A 'palpable hit', so I am told. One of note. I helped slay a giant. The stray cat's claws are sharp, or so it seems.
I think I summed it up nicely at the time. "I can't believe... That just fucking happened." That thought has replayed a few times in my mind. I can't believe it. That the creature was there. They are real. That 'I' of all people moved to help attack. And more so that it was managed, and done so well. Perhaps all that time watching the training arena was not wasted.
And yet.
Still, through it all.
I blame them.
Is there any wonder I spent so long by the fireside? I think not. Besides, I found good companionship there. New friends made, old ones cemented.
I was challenged to be better, and despite my own wishes, I was forced to accept the challenge, and I do like to think I excelled, as I do in all things.
Battle broke out. Chaos. Through the mists, I spotted the greatest of foes. A Formorian Giant. A myth. A creature of legend. Small wonder the walls of the city so high, to keep out such beings. It seemed decaying, already, before it charged our lines, cutting a swath through the lines.
In turn it was swarmed by heroes. One most unlikely. A blade borrowed after a bit of fireside jesting. Pulled in defense of self and allies. I don't even recall how it happened. But my blade dug in deep. A 'palpable hit', so I am told. One of note. I helped slay a giant. The stray cat's claws are sharp, or so it seems.
I think I summed it up nicely at the time. "I can't believe... That just fucking happened." That thought has replayed a few times in my mind. I can't believe it. That the creature was there. They are real. That 'I' of all people moved to help attack. And more so that it was managed, and done so well. Perhaps all that time watching the training arena was not wasted.
And yet.
Still, through it all.
I blame them.
Written By Lark
March 25, 2017, 3:35 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Marquessa Samantha, Minister to the Crown, persists as a beacon of noble charity despite protestations to her office and her efforts. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we set aside our notions of exclusivity and false-superiority to reflect upon the common ache.
Written By Kima
March 25, 2017, 2:28 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
I do not often speak of the man who instructed me in the ways of knighthood, but today as I was overseeing the swordsmanship of the youths under my tutelage, I was reminded of these words once given to me:
Young knight, learn to love the gods and revere the people that you would serve and protect so that your honor grows. Act always with virtue and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honor in battle. Wrestle well and wield lance, spear, sword and dagger skilfully, whose use in the hands of another is wasted. And when you must strike, strike bravely.
I passed this onto my students, and I now commend them here, so that any who might read them now or in later years might grow and be heartened by them.
Young knight, learn to love the gods and revere the people that you would serve and protect so that your honor grows. Act always with virtue and learn the Art that dignifies you, and brings you honor in battle. Wrestle well and wield lance, spear, sword and dagger skilfully, whose use in the hands of another is wasted. And when you must strike, strike bravely.
I passed this onto my students, and I now commend them here, so that any who might read them now or in later years might grow and be heartened by them.
Written By Rymarr
March 25, 2017, 1:45 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
The past few weeks, I have slept in a chair a great deal. I have slept, dozed, napped, or snoozed while staying within the presence of the king. Before that a bed within a tower that could only be described as motivational. It motivated you to get out of it and get the day going, for the sake of your back. Before that a bunk within that same tower that was likely more comfortable than the bed, but with the drawback of it possessing someone by the name of Sir Wiegraf who slept above you and snored profusely, while remaining unapologetic about it. He couldn't help it, of course, but it's the principle.
In my lifetime I was fortunate enough to see the sword pass from one Lord Commander to another, not once, but twice. The ceremonies were peaceful, which is a rarity for the sword. It often transitions only when the wielder falls. These truly are strange times that we live.
It has been a long and strange two years. Life changing in every way. Then, when I least expected it, it all changed again. Now it is time to pick up the pieces and sort myself out. When life presents an obstacle: overcome and press forward.
Today, I awaken in a new bed. It is a familiar bed, but it feels quite new. I'm lost. What do I do? Take breakfast while having my armor strapped on? It's unnecessary. Read the latest incident reports, if any? I don't have to do that; they don't exist. Do I go to watch over Alaric while he recovers? I can not. Do I go to the Square and watch a few of the knights conduct their training drills in the blustering wind and biting cold? I can sit in front of this hearth and stare at it instead. One would argue that it has been an upgrade. I've gone from staring at a wall while I can not sleep, to at least having the luxury of staring at a fire while I can't sleep.
In my lifetime I was fortunate enough to see the sword pass from one Lord Commander to another, not once, but twice. The ceremonies were peaceful, which is a rarity for the sword. It often transitions only when the wielder falls. These truly are strange times that we live.
It has been a long and strange two years. Life changing in every way. Then, when I least expected it, it all changed again. Now it is time to pick up the pieces and sort myself out. When life presents an obstacle: overcome and press forward.
Today, I awaken in a new bed. It is a familiar bed, but it feels quite new. I'm lost. What do I do? Take breakfast while having my armor strapped on? It's unnecessary. Read the latest incident reports, if any? I don't have to do that; they don't exist. Do I go to watch over Alaric while he recovers? I can not. Do I go to the Square and watch a few of the knights conduct their training drills in the blustering wind and biting cold? I can sit in front of this hearth and stare at it instead. One would argue that it has been an upgrade. I've gone from staring at a wall while I can not sleep, to at least having the luxury of staring at a fire while I can't sleep.
Written By Armel
March 25, 2017, 12:28 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gisele
Rarely do I feel the urge to place ink to vellum in the records, public or otherwise. No, usually my talents lie in other directions. I read them often, both as a duty (to keep abreast of things in the city and beyond), and as a hobby (because seeing nobles and my commoners fret and bicker with each other is amusing to me). But today? I feel I must speak.
When I met Gisele, she was making a trek through all the Shrines of Arx, hoping to pay respects at them all. While this is a noble thing, it is not what captured my attention. Nor was it her beauty or her grace or even her intelligence. All of these things can be found in abundance in Arx, as excellent as they can be to see in a person, especially all at once.
No, it was her humility. Her openness, tinted with an attitude of shyness that shows how hard such a thing is for her at times. She is a person willing to give all in service to her city and her people, no matter the cost, and no matter if she never picks up a weapon, or raises a fist (or even her voice).
Aldwin is lucky to have her in his family. The Faith is lucky to have her as a Disciple. I am blessed to call her my friend.
When I met Gisele, she was making a trek through all the Shrines of Arx, hoping to pay respects at them all. While this is a noble thing, it is not what captured my attention. Nor was it her beauty or her grace or even her intelligence. All of these things can be found in abundance in Arx, as excellent as they can be to see in a person, especially all at once.
No, it was her humility. Her openness, tinted with an attitude of shyness that shows how hard such a thing is for her at times. She is a person willing to give all in service to her city and her people, no matter the cost, and no matter if she never picks up a weapon, or raises a fist (or even her voice).
Aldwin is lucky to have her in his family. The Faith is lucky to have her as a Disciple. I am blessed to call her my friend.
Written By Aiden
March 25, 2017, 12:07 p.m.(2/26/1006 AR)
There are thoughts within me that need to be written out, influenced by the people to whom I have met.
Arx is strong.
People have come to work together.
There has been no singular effort that stands above the others in this crisis.
Arx will not fall with this united stand, rather, we must brace for when good people fall in service to Arx.
I met the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, a good man who had like others, seen me as Ainsley first.
I am fast accustomed to that and wish I could be their friend for whom they worry for.
He asked if I would fight.
I have never drawn blood of another person.
I am not Ainsley. I am not a hero.
The moment I strike blood from another, it will remain, forever undone.
The life of the blade was never mine.
But, he encouraged me nevertheless to wear armor, for he fears that my blood could be shed.
Could it be so? I have never harmed another person.
Am I so unprepared for the enemies at our doorstep?
And then I think of Ainsley.
I do not know what it feels to love another person in the intimate confines of a kiss or hold.
I cannot fathom what my brother has had in Pietro.
I desperately hope he will not rise to lift his blade again, but I feel he will, that he must, for it is his path to finish.
If I were to see him upon the wall, would I run as I have always done, or would I take up the bow to strike an arrow into an enemies heart who would threaten his life?
Let me not be ill prepared.
If the Gods are listening, if people of Arx are reading, let me find an Archery teacher and a Bow to suit my hand.
I do not want to take life. I never have. Yet somehow, I know, I couldn't stand to see life taken either by cruel corrupt hands.
Who is Aiden Grayson? What will he become?
Arx is strong.
People have come to work together.
There has been no singular effort that stands above the others in this crisis.
Arx will not fall with this united stand, rather, we must brace for when good people fall in service to Arx.
I met the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, a good man who had like others, seen me as Ainsley first.
I am fast accustomed to that and wish I could be their friend for whom they worry for.
He asked if I would fight.
I have never drawn blood of another person.
I am not Ainsley. I am not a hero.
The moment I strike blood from another, it will remain, forever undone.
The life of the blade was never mine.
But, he encouraged me nevertheless to wear armor, for he fears that my blood could be shed.
Could it be so? I have never harmed another person.
Am I so unprepared for the enemies at our doorstep?
And then I think of Ainsley.
I do not know what it feels to love another person in the intimate confines of a kiss or hold.
I cannot fathom what my brother has had in Pietro.
I desperately hope he will not rise to lift his blade again, but I feel he will, that he must, for it is his path to finish.
If I were to see him upon the wall, would I run as I have always done, or would I take up the bow to strike an arrow into an enemies heart who would threaten his life?
Let me not be ill prepared.
If the Gods are listening, if people of Arx are reading, let me find an Archery teacher and a Bow to suit my hand.
I do not want to take life. I never have. Yet somehow, I know, I couldn't stand to see life taken either by cruel corrupt hands.
Who is Aiden Grayson? What will he become?
Written By Luna
March 25, 2017, 10:39 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
My love, the drums are calling
A red sky
A warning
No sense in hiding from the front lines
They've been here the whole time
I sleep to keep my mind at ease
I wander through a dream
of what I once believed
No rest until we face the truth
and draw it to the light
This is a call to arms
Will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
Take care of all the love you spend
It's wasting to nothing
Beware of wolves who hide their teeth
They'll take you and leave you
Should I be like a Greenwood doll?
A statue in the cold
as empty as a shell
Or make a final stand
go back to what we had
I'm stepping out from my defenses
This is a call to arms
will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
This is a call to arms
will you save me?
A CALL TO ARMS
A red sky
A warning
No sense in hiding from the front lines
They've been here the whole time
I sleep to keep my mind at ease
I wander through a dream
of what I once believed
No rest until we face the truth
and draw it to the light
This is a call to arms
Will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
Take care of all the love you spend
It's wasting to nothing
Beware of wolves who hide their teeth
They'll take you and leave you
Should I be like a Greenwood doll?
A statue in the cold
as empty as a shell
Or make a final stand
go back to what we had
I'm stepping out from my defenses
This is a call to arms
will you embrace me
before its too late, darling?
This is a call to arms
will you save me?
A CALL TO ARMS
Written By Gisele
March 25, 2017, 10:11 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ferrando
Master Ferrando did not want me to say that he is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight. But I am a Scholar of Vellichor, a disciple of the Faith, a recorder of truth and history. I preserve what I learn and discover of the world so that all may know it as it truly is, and not as others would have us believe.
Master Ferrando is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight.
Master Ferrando is as strong, capable, and clever as any knight.
Written By Gisele
March 25, 2017, 10:09 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
My shop is full of the stories of brave and noble knights who stood against the dangers of the world to safeguard the helpless, showering themselves in glory. Unfailingly, these knights are tall, handsome, well-dressed, and they often have long, flowing hair which glints as brightly as the polish of their armour. Sometimes, their eloquent speeches take entire pages to capture.
Sir Armel is not such a knight. He is the reality: a man touched harshly by the world who has taken his pain and turned it into inspiration. He makes of himself a shield, and he has been marked by that. He is kind, and thoughtful, and strong. He is dedicated, no matter the danger to himself.
Gild must glow with pride to have such a one in her Order.
Sir Armel is not such a knight. He is the reality: a man touched harshly by the world who has taken his pain and turned it into inspiration. He makes of himself a shield, and he has been marked by that. He is kind, and thoughtful, and strong. He is dedicated, no matter the danger to himself.
Gild must glow with pride to have such a one in her Order.
Written By Orathy
March 25, 2017, 10:02 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
*There are strong signs he's on his own writing this again, as it's dissolved again to painfully difficult words to read*
I be missin' to be sayin' me apologies ta Prinzess Jaenelle, fer she be givin' me the first chance I bez havin'. Aye, me axe still be 'ers, iffin she ever be needin' it.
An' fer Felix, aye. Here's ta hopin' he ain't getting mobbed by Bringer's n' the like at the graveyard. Aye. Jist hope he be knowin all he be needin ta do is givin me a holla to fight wit him.
I be missin' to be sayin' me apologies ta Prinzess Jaenelle, fer she be givin' me the first chance I bez havin'. Aye, me axe still be 'ers, iffin she ever be needin' it.
An' fer Felix, aye. Here's ta hopin' he ain't getting mobbed by Bringer's n' the like at the graveyard. Aye. Jist hope he be knowin all he be needin ta do is givin me a holla to fight wit him.
Written By Michael
March 25, 2017, 9:37 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lailah
My sister deserves all the happiness in the world. She deserves joy. And, I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness endures.
Written By Edain
March 25, 2017, 9:31 a.m.(2/25/1006 AR)
I feel there is great misinformation about me.
I love maple syrup. It has loamy bouquet that complements it's sweetness perfectly. Making it both decadent yet earthy all at once.
I love olives. They are savory delights and there sense flesh is a joy to chew and let their flavors slowly assault you. Excepting "black olives" that are just limp, wilty and make me inexplicably sad.
I do not enjoy them together! That would just be weird.
Though, if you were to dilute the maple syrup with a little apple vinegar the might indeed make a good sweet brine to pickle olives in. Perhaps I should visit Lyon's Readout sometime and test this theory?
I love maple syrup. It has loamy bouquet that complements it's sweetness perfectly. Making it both decadent yet earthy all at once.
I love olives. They are savory delights and there sense flesh is a joy to chew and let their flavors slowly assault you. Excepting "black olives" that are just limp, wilty and make me inexplicably sad.
I do not enjoy them together! That would just be weird.
Though, if you were to dilute the maple syrup with a little apple vinegar the might indeed make a good sweet brine to pickle olives in. Perhaps I should visit Lyon's Readout sometime and test this theory?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.