Written By Killian
Jan. 4, 2017, 10:01 a.m.(7/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
My teacher and mentor in a difficult time of my life.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 4, 2017, 9:07 a.m.(7/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
I sincerely apologize for every time I might have stifled a laugh whenever someone bested my dear brother Silas in a spar, duel, or fierce dancing competition -
( My bruises have bruises. Brother, I am in woeful need of training. )
( My bruises have bruises. Brother, I am in woeful need of training. )
Written By Aldwin
Jan. 4, 2017, 8:31 a.m.(7/25/1005 AR)
In the front hall of the Hall of Heroes are the tombs of those who gave their lives for the defense of Arx, yet were not of Arx. They were not members of the Compact. They were not nobles of the Realm, as you see in many of the other wings. They were not commoners, as many of us are. They were strangers that came from distant lands and rallied in the defense of our people during our time of need. In my time as Archscholar, I have had many conversations with people in that hall. We have talked about the inspiration that they are to us, personally, and how they spark the imagination as giants of unknown history. Of those there, the Metallic Order have always resonated the most with me.
Lilah Shay, known as Silver, is among the most inspiring. Her placard does not contain her last words. There's no inspiring speech given. Instead, what you have is an account of how her gallantry inspired those around her to rally to her call and help hold back the darkness they were facing. She lead the charge against Galrigor, caring more for the safety of the wounded and infirm than for herself.
It was this gallantry that went on to inspire the Silver Guard, known now as the Knights of Solace. Grandmaster Donovan Valardin of the Knights of Solace wrote one of the first white journals after the Great Fire of Arx to be stored in the newly built Great Archive, delivered to the Archive posthumously. "The Silver Order has been nearly extinguished in the war against the Sylv'alfar. We've long been the guardians of the roads, the caretakers of pilgrims, and the Sylv'alfar claim all the wilds and most of the lands between the remaining strongholds of man have been lost to us. The last of us are gathered near Samar's ruins of Eastguard, where two thousand refugees of the sick and wounded lay behind us, with Legion's hounds closing in. We are cut off, but word has come that Alarice's host is two days from us. The men believe we cannot hold, but I told them of the story Lilah Shay. We founded our order to honor her memory, as the member of the Metallic Order that died so the defenseless might survive. We founded our order with the words, 'As Arx endures, we will remember.' We do not have her light, nor any of the gifts of the Metallics, but we have our swords, our will, and our strength of honor. We need to hold for two days. I pray to the gods that is enough. If we succeed, I ask for this letter to be preserved. -Grandmaster Donovan, Lord Commander of the Silver Order of the Knights of Solace"
To me, Lilah Shay's legacy is not some idea that she could summon a light to hold back literal darkness, but rather it is one of courage and hope. She was an inspiration, and many heroic deeds have been done in her memory since then, and continue to be done today. Courage, hope, and inspiration are the strongest gifts the gods give us.
Lilah Shay, known as Silver, is among the most inspiring. Her placard does not contain her last words. There's no inspiring speech given. Instead, what you have is an account of how her gallantry inspired those around her to rally to her call and help hold back the darkness they were facing. She lead the charge against Galrigor, caring more for the safety of the wounded and infirm than for herself.
It was this gallantry that went on to inspire the Silver Guard, known now as the Knights of Solace. Grandmaster Donovan Valardin of the Knights of Solace wrote one of the first white journals after the Great Fire of Arx to be stored in the newly built Great Archive, delivered to the Archive posthumously. "The Silver Order has been nearly extinguished in the war against the Sylv'alfar. We've long been the guardians of the roads, the caretakers of pilgrims, and the Sylv'alfar claim all the wilds and most of the lands between the remaining strongholds of man have been lost to us. The last of us are gathered near Samar's ruins of Eastguard, where two thousand refugees of the sick and wounded lay behind us, with Legion's hounds closing in. We are cut off, but word has come that Alarice's host is two days from us. The men believe we cannot hold, but I told them of the story Lilah Shay. We founded our order to honor her memory, as the member of the Metallic Order that died so the defenseless might survive. We founded our order with the words, 'As Arx endures, we will remember.' We do not have her light, nor any of the gifts of the Metallics, but we have our swords, our will, and our strength of honor. We need to hold for two days. I pray to the gods that is enough. If we succeed, I ask for this letter to be preserved. -Grandmaster Donovan, Lord Commander of the Silver Order of the Knights of Solace"
To me, Lilah Shay's legacy is not some idea that she could summon a light to hold back literal darkness, but rather it is one of courage and hope. She was an inspiration, and many heroic deeds have been done in her memory since then, and continue to be done today. Courage, hope, and inspiration are the strongest gifts the gods give us.
Written By Halsim
Jan. 4, 2017, 8:12 a.m.(7/25/1005 AR)
In this world of secrets and manipulation, people like to forget that we still have our minds and our will.
Regardless of anything else that comes our way, you can be certain that there is hope as long as there is a will to keep going, despite the conflict.
Regardless of anything else that comes our way, you can be certain that there is hope as long as there is a will to keep going, despite the conflict.
Written By Natalia
Jan. 4, 2017, 5:35 a.m.(7/25/1005 AR)
Just when I think my spirit can suffer no more darkness, I find a ray of hope. A light in the darkness from a simple, kind smile that gives me hope I am not alone.
Perhaps he will like Nightfall once it has been completed. I wanted a work of art that is worthy of all he represents to me; light in the darkness.
Perhaps he will like Nightfall once it has been completed. I wanted a work of art that is worthy of all he represents to me; light in the darkness.
Written By Kima
Jan. 4, 2017, 2:35 a.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Do you ever hear a thing so stupid you hope it gets enacted just so the parties involve have to suffer the consequences of their idiocy?
Written By Nadia
Jan. 4, 2017, 12:53 a.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Uncle Brogan has done it, again. I blame Sigurd for this.
Written By Serafine
Jan. 3, 2017, 11:51 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
the warrior broken sought the wind
wandered paths she knew by heart
carried onward past the fields
slaughtered sovereigns, blown apart
it was the sea she found to be
the call of something dark, deep
it took the babes she wept upon
offered the warrior a place to sleep
she pried her armor from her skin
and threw her blades aside
striding over sand and surf
she surrendered all her pride
but 'fore the waves could embrace
the grieving warrior-mother
a song blew past and pulled along
a melody like no other.
clad in only sky she ran
across the ragged rocks
following a shadowed bird
warrior now a nimble fox
lilting song trailed through the air
like many-ribbons pulled tight
and drug the mother-warrior on
a lasso made of razor light
through the woods past man and beast
a meadow cleared away
and on her knees she fell bleeding
her feet raw and flayed
but oh the song, the magpie sang
it was the same for miles
this bird it perched upon a branch
and coaxed the woman's smile
"You've left behind all you lost,"
the magpie trilled to she,
"unstopped by pain or wounds,
"and your only star was me."
"pretty bird," the woman said,
"your song 'twas pulled me away
"from the brink of ever-sleep,
"how do you have this sway?'
"I collect pretty things,"
"I gather all that I find,
"you, your heart, is pretty too,
"and I'd like to make you mine."
the magpie brought her through the pain
the wounds of loss and grief
and took her off beyond its pale
to the peace of green relief
she won her over, the magpie did
and to this day it's clear to see
at night in summer's highest slumber
the magpie watches over the sea
and just above her edged in green
a warrior clad in only sky
is held aloft on sable wings
her chin and eyes angled high.
wandered paths she knew by heart
carried onward past the fields
slaughtered sovereigns, blown apart
it was the sea she found to be
the call of something dark, deep
it took the babes she wept upon
offered the warrior a place to sleep
she pried her armor from her skin
and threw her blades aside
striding over sand and surf
she surrendered all her pride
but 'fore the waves could embrace
the grieving warrior-mother
a song blew past and pulled along
a melody like no other.
clad in only sky she ran
across the ragged rocks
following a shadowed bird
warrior now a nimble fox
lilting song trailed through the air
like many-ribbons pulled tight
and drug the mother-warrior on
a lasso made of razor light
through the woods past man and beast
a meadow cleared away
and on her knees she fell bleeding
her feet raw and flayed
but oh the song, the magpie sang
it was the same for miles
this bird it perched upon a branch
and coaxed the woman's smile
"You've left behind all you lost,"
the magpie trilled to she,
"unstopped by pain or wounds,
"and your only star was me."
"pretty bird," the woman said,
"your song 'twas pulled me away
"from the brink of ever-sleep,
"how do you have this sway?'
"I collect pretty things,"
"I gather all that I find,
"you, your heart, is pretty too,
"and I'd like to make you mine."
the magpie brought her through the pain
the wounds of loss and grief
and took her off beyond its pale
to the peace of green relief
she won her over, the magpie did
and to this day it's clear to see
at night in summer's highest slumber
the magpie watches over the sea
and just above her edged in green
a warrior clad in only sky
is held aloft on sable wings
her chin and eyes angled high.
Written By Serafine
Jan. 3, 2017, 11:48 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
[incoherent doodles of tall pale beings and smaller, shambling, hunched figures]
Written By Bethany
Jan. 3, 2017, 11:47 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Branan
crow lanes
sketched out -
charcoal like black wings.
accent games and wordplay.
sketched out -
charcoal like black wings.
accent games and wordplay.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 3, 2017, 11:07 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Damon
at the center of candlelit green -
silver snow and scales.
one step forward, two back.
silver snow and scales.
one step forward, two back.
Written By Orazio
Jan. 3, 2017, 10:21 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Measure twice. Cut once. For once a cut is made, it can never be mended.
Measure twice. Cut once. For once a cut is made, it can never be mended.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 3, 2017, 9:18 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Waldemai
Ouch.
(That was so much fun.)
(That was so much fun.)
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 3, 2017, 7:47 p.m.(7/24/1005 AR)
Taga got away from me the other day, chasing a shadow or something down Merchant's Way. When I found her, she was being applauded by a gardener.
She'd caught a snake, he said. And she was eating it.
When she was given to me, I was told her nickname as a pup was 'Mongoose'.
I've decided to change it back to that.
Mongoose the deerhound.
She'd caught a snake, he said. And she was eating it.
When she was given to me, I was told her nickname as a pup was 'Mongoose'.
I've decided to change it back to that.
Mongoose the deerhound.
Written By Damon
Jan. 3, 2017, 5:13 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
I've started this particular journal about four times now. I seem to be having trouble finding the right words to express my incomprehensible frustration and frankly I'm just fed up.
But I refuse to go into detail the source of my supreme irritation. As it will only give that source more power over me.
That being said, the desire that seems to be sweeping across Arx to seek out truth, knowledge, and fact is pleasing to me. It's something I've dedicated myself to, and to see others that I respect and care for doing the same? There are few better feelings.
But I refuse to go into detail the source of my supreme irritation. As it will only give that source more power over me.
That being said, the desire that seems to be sweeping across Arx to seek out truth, knowledge, and fact is pleasing to me. It's something I've dedicated myself to, and to see others that I respect and care for doing the same? There are few better feelings.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 3, 2017, 3:51 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
confidant,
the past shared.
we won't put them behind us.
the future is potential.
made of silver, of gold
we are the gifts within it.
ready?
the past shared.
we won't put them behind us.
the future is potential.
made of silver, of gold
we are the gifts within it.
ready?
Written By Abbas
Jan. 3, 2017, 3:34 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
A vision came to me last night. I feel like it is time.
http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/kraken-viking-ship.jpg
http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/kraken-viking-ship.jpg
Written By Bethany
Jan. 3, 2017, 3:33 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sigurd
despite stony eyes,
and silvered tongue,
and golden looks -
there is a wolf
in his heart.
and silvered tongue,
and golden looks -
there is a wolf
in his heart.
Written By Valery
Jan. 3, 2017, 3:29 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
So many things happened in the last days that I didn't even think on writing anything down.
I've met a lot of people, some new, some old, some meetings sweet, some confusing or worrying.
But the city is too big and so full of wonders...
Among other things... I've visited the menagerie, fortunately, before the animals broke out. I have a new plant to take care of and observe. And I got the most beautiful present, taken from a dream...
I've met a lot of people, some new, some old, some meetings sweet, some confusing or worrying.
But the city is too big and so full of wonders...
Among other things... I've visited the menagerie, fortunately, before the animals broke out. I have a new plant to take care of and observe. And I got the most beautiful present, taken from a dream...
Written By Bianca
Jan. 3, 2017, 3:15 p.m.(7/23/1005 AR)
I don't know why I expected my second trial to be more difficult than the first. I suppose my mind hadn't wrapped around the full breadth of my task. Again the analytical superseded the emotional.
Remaining in company of the Silent Reflections could be best described as tragic and while I prefer tragedy in fiction, when faced with it in reality... it is overwhelming.
There was one man in particular that played at my heart strings. For the most part my presence has gone ignored beyond from time to time aiding someone with a drink or food, but there was one man in particular. I don't even know his name, he can not tell me. After much miscommunication I finally figured out that all he wanted was to read my book with me. It was such a small and simple thing that I take for granted daily.
This is what the Archscholar meant when he said he wanted me to understand the breadth of betrayal, I believe. Still, though I know they committed an atrocity in breaking their oath I can't help but feel compassion.
Only a few days left.
Remaining in company of the Silent Reflections could be best described as tragic and while I prefer tragedy in fiction, when faced with it in reality... it is overwhelming.
There was one man in particular that played at my heart strings. For the most part my presence has gone ignored beyond from time to time aiding someone with a drink or food, but there was one man in particular. I don't even know his name, he can not tell me. After much miscommunication I finally figured out that all he wanted was to read my book with me. It was such a small and simple thing that I take for granted daily.
This is what the Archscholar meant when he said he wanted me to understand the breadth of betrayal, I believe. Still, though I know they committed an atrocity in breaking their oath I can't help but feel compassion.
Only a few days left.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.