Written By Zhayla
March 19, 2017, 3:53 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
One day, I hope someone looks at this journal entry and decides to write a real story based on it, because I'm not going to do a very good job of it. I also hope that they think I made everything up, but I promise it is all completely true.
I met Roland at the training center months ago, and he seemed like a good man, then. Now I've seen how good and how true his heart is, as when given a compass that could take him to anything he wanted -- anything at all! in the entire world! -- his only thought was to find something to defend the Compact and save the city. And that thought was so strong that it never wavered even though we sailed for days and days across unknown seas before arriving at a mysterious island.
To be honest I was a little nervous at first when I left the city. It wasn't that we were on a boat -- I mean, I like being at sea. Usually. Some of the others -- Roland, Holden, Tristan -- seemed like they would have been happier on a horse. Ferrando did okay on the ship, though! But now I know a little more about the monsters that are out there in the depths, and I know just how much I could risk facing them.
But our voyage was uneventful -- delightful, amazing, incredible -- but uneventful. Our destination, though, that was something special. The island was beautiful, although strangely silent, and we found out why before long at all. We saw these giant footprints, bigger than all of ours put together ... and then the giant that they belonged to.
I fought a Bringer at Pridehall. I'll face them again, soon. But this -- this man, these men -- seemed even bigger. And although there was just one set of footprints, just one body, and two arms, the arms were controlled by two different heads atop his shoulders. One of the heads was one of the saddest men I've ever seen, while the other, his mad brother, was thankfully dozing when we arrived. He'd gone mad -- something about a bet with a dragon (A REAL DRAGON???) and they were trapped there on the island with the dragon's horde. The mad one killed every other living thing on the island, even their pet cat, and it was funny how sorry I felt for such a strange person in that moment, even as we were taking up arms against the mad half. All I could think was that I wanted to know more of their story, and what it waste it was that something so strange and so unique should die so soon after we met it. Even if the sad one seemed almost thankful, in the end.
After that, we dug. And we dug and we dug and we dug. (And thank the gods for Ferrando, bringing rope and shovels and canteens and all of the things you need for an adventure that you never remember because you're too excited to just grab your sword and run out the door.) And Roland found an old, old box, with an old, old weapon that's been blessed to fight against the Bringers and the Silence. There was a queen's wealth in the box, which must have been the dragon's hoard, and while none of the rest of us came away with something quite that wonderful, we do still have a token: something for memory, I guess, although I don't think I could ever forget.
Ferrando has maybe the most marvelous thing of all: a rainbow-colored spider. It's so big! I didn't even know spiders could get that big! He's calling her Octo and she seems pretty friendly and very smart. She was smart enough to stay out of trouble in the fight, and come out when it was clear. It was definitely pretty weird at first, and I'm glad she wasn't hiding in my armor, but she's still really neat.
I still wonder about the dragon.
I met Roland at the training center months ago, and he seemed like a good man, then. Now I've seen how good and how true his heart is, as when given a compass that could take him to anything he wanted -- anything at all! in the entire world! -- his only thought was to find something to defend the Compact and save the city. And that thought was so strong that it never wavered even though we sailed for days and days across unknown seas before arriving at a mysterious island.
To be honest I was a little nervous at first when I left the city. It wasn't that we were on a boat -- I mean, I like being at sea. Usually. Some of the others -- Roland, Holden, Tristan -- seemed like they would have been happier on a horse. Ferrando did okay on the ship, though! But now I know a little more about the monsters that are out there in the depths, and I know just how much I could risk facing them.
But our voyage was uneventful -- delightful, amazing, incredible -- but uneventful. Our destination, though, that was something special. The island was beautiful, although strangely silent, and we found out why before long at all. We saw these giant footprints, bigger than all of ours put together ... and then the giant that they belonged to.
I fought a Bringer at Pridehall. I'll face them again, soon. But this -- this man, these men -- seemed even bigger. And although there was just one set of footprints, just one body, and two arms, the arms were controlled by two different heads atop his shoulders. One of the heads was one of the saddest men I've ever seen, while the other, his mad brother, was thankfully dozing when we arrived. He'd gone mad -- something about a bet with a dragon (A REAL DRAGON???) and they were trapped there on the island with the dragon's horde. The mad one killed every other living thing on the island, even their pet cat, and it was funny how sorry I felt for such a strange person in that moment, even as we were taking up arms against the mad half. All I could think was that I wanted to know more of their story, and what it waste it was that something so strange and so unique should die so soon after we met it. Even if the sad one seemed almost thankful, in the end.
After that, we dug. And we dug and we dug and we dug. (And thank the gods for Ferrando, bringing rope and shovels and canteens and all of the things you need for an adventure that you never remember because you're too excited to just grab your sword and run out the door.) And Roland found an old, old box, with an old, old weapon that's been blessed to fight against the Bringers and the Silence. There was a queen's wealth in the box, which must have been the dragon's hoard, and while none of the rest of us came away with something quite that wonderful, we do still have a token: something for memory, I guess, although I don't think I could ever forget.
Ferrando has maybe the most marvelous thing of all: a rainbow-colored spider. It's so big! I didn't even know spiders could get that big! He's calling her Octo and she seems pretty friendly and very smart. She was smart enough to stay out of trouble in the fight, and come out when it was clear. It was definitely pretty weird at first, and I'm glad she wasn't hiding in my armor, but she's still really neat.
I still wonder about the dragon.
Written By Artorius
March 19, 2017, 3:45 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophelia
She continues to impress me, and gain my affection simultaneously. Two days before I set out, I found that she had indulged with Serah her jam recipe...I found them both hilariously in a -sticky- spot.
Ophelia is slowly making her own space in my heart. She is a good person to have in one's life. I am happy I placed Serah in her care.
P.S she treats Serah just like her mother once did. It is a very admirable quality, one that I would not want changed for the world.
Ophelia is slowly making her own space in my heart. She is a good person to have in one's life. I am happy I placed Serah in her care.
P.S she treats Serah just like her mother once did. It is a very admirable quality, one that I would not want changed for the world.
Written By Artorius
March 19, 2017, 3:38 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Dulcinea
The morning before I left with the battalion for the war camp, I decided to train in the ring, get used to the swing of the blade very well before I set out. During my training, I met a rather wonderful lady by the name of Dulcinea.
She was very kind to me, and at her behest, I now carry her favor for all who go to war.
It is a heavy burden, but one I intend to keep.
She was very kind to me, and at her behest, I now carry her favor for all who go to war.
It is a heavy burden, but one I intend to keep.
Written By Arcelia
March 19, 2017, 3:35 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
I cannot help but look out in the direction they all left. I have spent much time praying that my loved ones and your loved ones return safe to us. I have been sitting in my window watching the sky and just hoping they will come back. Of course I do not let this get in the way of my duties but my free time has been spent this way.
Written By Ferrando
March 19, 2017, 3:35 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Roland
It's not often you get to meet an individual that seems to have stepped straight out of the storybooks, but if there's a better representative of the Valardin ideals than this man, I haven't met them yet. Humble, stalwart, valiant, and courteous. Everyone else I've met that also knows him has not had a single ill thing to speak about the man. It's been quite the honor to help him out with his appointed tasks, and I'd unhesitatingly do so again in the future.
Written By Cara
March 19, 2017, 3:30 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
My brother is one of the dearest, most annoying, most wonderful people that I know. I watched him prepare to go forth with the rest of the host into battle and my heart felt like ice.
I've seen what's in those woods, and I would not wish it upon my worst enemy.
Though I suppose my worst enemy is what is already coming here, so the point is rather moot.
At any rate, Valkieri has promised me that he will not do something as gauche as perish, which I trust should be sufficient. We've all had enough of grief for a span. Never mind Gemecitta needing one of its Dukes; /I/ need my brother. He had best come home intact or I shall be extremely cross.
I've seen what's in those woods, and I would not wish it upon my worst enemy.
Though I suppose my worst enemy is what is already coming here, so the point is rather moot.
At any rate, Valkieri has promised me that he will not do something as gauche as perish, which I trust should be sufficient. We've all had enough of grief for a span. Never mind Gemecitta needing one of its Dukes; /I/ need my brother. He had best come home intact or I shall be extremely cross.
Written By Gisele
March 19, 2017, 3:29 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
A crucial element in being one of the Faithful is to have faith not just in our gods, but in their servants too. We must believe in them, in their ability to translate the message of the gods to us, and in their willingness to ensure that we know what we must to see us through these days. That is even more important when the god (or goddess) in question is one who has been Lost to us.
I have faith in Aureth. I believed in him before as someone who would speak for those who mattered to him. I believe in him now, as someone who is capable of bringing to us the will of Death, so we may fold Her worship into our Pantheon again.
I have faith in Aureth. I believed in him before as someone who would speak for those who mattered to him. I believe in him now, as someone who is capable of bringing to us the will of Death, so we may fold Her worship into our Pantheon again.
Written By Mae
March 19, 2017, 3:27 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
As of this day - February 2, 1006 - Acacia Culler and Calandra Whisper are the two prettiest women in all of Arx, which means they are probably the two most beautiful women in all of Arvum.
But the other day I met another woman, who was tall and gorgeous and her hair was black as a moonless night, but there were shimmers and sparkles in it. Her skin was as pale as mine. She was so lovely, and her voice along was enough to take my breath away.
She also wore the most fancy armor I've ever seen. She talked about the Gods. she is the third prettiest woman in Arx.
Does anyone know the name of this mystery woman? Please write me!
But the other day I met another woman, who was tall and gorgeous and her hair was black as a moonless night, but there were shimmers and sparkles in it. Her skin was as pale as mine. She was so lovely, and her voice along was enough to take my breath away.
She also wore the most fancy armor I've ever seen. She talked about the Gods. she is the third prettiest woman in Arx.
Does anyone know the name of this mystery woman? Please write me!
Written By Cara
March 19, 2017, 3:19 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
Lady Tikva is a delightful lady, kind and cheerful, with good advice to offer and what seems to be a generous spirit. I'm very glad to have her in Arx and look forward to spending more time with her.
And the ginger pear tea she recommended is a wondrous lifesaver, too.
And the ginger pear tea she recommended is a wondrous lifesaver, too.
Written By Cara
March 19, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
I could write something about the toll preparing for a siege takes, or the endless piles of books and scrolls I work through regularly in pursuit of new knowledge, but instead, I've decided to write about what I do to keep in good spirits despite all of the above:
I read dreadfully overwrought novels, and I love them.
Give me swooning! Give me heaving bosoms, yearning to be free! Tell me of dastardly villains brought low by their own fiendish failure, and brilliant heroes overcoming all adversity to rescue their loves!
And if you put a bit about a dog in, too, that's just icing on the cake.
I read dreadfully overwrought novels, and I love them.
Give me swooning! Give me heaving bosoms, yearning to be free! Tell me of dastardly villains brought low by their own fiendish failure, and brilliant heroes overcoming all adversity to rescue their loves!
And if you put a bit about a dog in, too, that's just icing on the cake.
Written By Esoka
March 19, 2017, 3:16 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
There are few among the Compact highborn I would count as proper friends, but Lady Tikva is one of them. Wise and sweet and her company is always delightful. Riven is lucky to have her.
Written By Orathy
March 19, 2017, 2:34 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
*There attempts to be some writing really, but it dissolves into doodles*
Be tryin ta right fer days now, ain't so good at werds.
(The doodles that mark the rest of the page are odd designs and swirls. Then there's a ship, which is really just a rectangular shape with two pointed ends for the boat and three sticks with triangular shapes for sails. There's some a stick figure with a sad face. And then some doodles that seem to be a little more serious of animals, could be dolphins, jumping out of the ocean - the ocean being wavy lines because he's really good at wavy lines.
There is an interruption in the drawing, as if the quill was swatted out of his hand.)
Be tryin ta right fer days now, ain't so good at werds.
(The doodles that mark the rest of the page are odd designs and swirls. Then there's a ship, which is really just a rectangular shape with two pointed ends for the boat and three sticks with triangular shapes for sails. There's some a stick figure with a sad face. And then some doodles that seem to be a little more serious of animals, could be dolphins, jumping out of the ocean - the ocean being wavy lines because he's really good at wavy lines.
There is an interruption in the drawing, as if the quill was swatted out of his hand.)
Written By Ferrando
March 19, 2017, 2:28 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Pursuant to a certain story making the rounds thanks to my chatty friends and acquaintances:
I
WAS
14
Okay? F O U R T E E N
Hopefully mindful now of all the ill-considered ideas you had at that age, please feel free to resume enjoying your whale tales.
I
WAS
14
Okay? F O U R T E E N
Hopefully mindful now of all the ill-considered ideas you had at that age, please feel free to resume enjoying your whale tales.
Written By Castiel
March 19, 2017, 2:16 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
The good Lady Pravus is a good sparring partner. I need to stretch my muscles more often or they will get rusty, and there's nothing corroded about this one.
Written By Anze
March 19, 2017, 1:31 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Put on my steel again. There is a new addition this time though. Something tucked in the armor between my chest and the steel. Its a good reminder to keep around.
Written By Eleyna
March 19, 2017, 1:31 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Do you know how difficult it is to try to come up with the right shade of cosmetics to attempt to cover-up a black eye for someone who has a complexion many, many shades darker than yours?
It's damned difficult.
You owe me, Luca.
It's damned difficult.
You owe me, Luca.
Written By Anze
March 19, 2017, 1:30 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Feels good to put on armor again. It used to be a daily ritual, wearing nothing but normal clothing for these last few months has been so ODD. Steel breastplate once more, it just feels right.
Written By Luca
March 19, 2017, 12:37 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Just...wow.
Written By Dulcinea
March 19, 2017, 12:18 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Dear Me,
After careful consideration (which lasted mere minutes, of course, as you know I cogitate at stupendous speed), I have decided to join the defence of the city walls.
Without good armor (Ansel, where are you when I need to borrow ridiculous sums of money? I love you, but really, how inconvenient) I am ill-suited to join the front. Everyone of importance (save Duke Gabriel, of course) will be on the ground. The Duke has an entire city to attend; anyone else who tries to chase me off shall be duly chastened by my title and that of my father.
It's good to be me.
Ta, then! Off to war!
Militantly,
Me
After careful consideration (which lasted mere minutes, of course, as you know I cogitate at stupendous speed), I have decided to join the defence of the city walls.
Without good armor (Ansel, where are you when I need to borrow ridiculous sums of money? I love you, but really, how inconvenient) I am ill-suited to join the front. Everyone of importance (save Duke Gabriel, of course) will be on the ground. The Duke has an entire city to attend; anyone else who tries to chase me off shall be duly chastened by my title and that of my father.
It's good to be me.
Ta, then! Off to war!
Militantly,
Me
Written By Edelma
March 19, 2017, 12:17 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Since coming to the city I've learned a few things, First, Cirroch has not been seen around too terribly much since he's come to the city, luckily Lady Khanne has offered to help me if she can, for which I am grateful. Second, armor is pretty spendy and I should've kept the armor I borrowed from the Giant's reach armory, as Cirroch didnt have any brought down. Lastly, Arx is apparently a big city with a small town feel at heart, everyone seems to know almost everyone. This came to be when I seen Prince Luca come walking through the market with a black eye and later in The Spirits met up with the man who had done it. Apparently they were friends, even with the difference in social standing. One must be careful what one does in this city or it will probably be known throughout later.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.