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Written By Renata

Jan. 25, 2024, 11:19 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

I find myself reflecting on the valorous deeds of the many warriors who rallied under the banner of House Pravus to ensure the salvation of Setarco. As the city stood on the brink of annihilation, it was the unity and determination of these brave souls that turned the tide of battle and secured victory in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The forces of darkness, embodied by the demonic hordes, sought to lay waste to our beloved city, but they underestimated the resilience of those who call Setarco home. Led by the unwavering leadership of House Pravus, warriors from all corners of the realm united in a common cause – to defend our people and preserve our way of life.

In the heat of battle, it was the selfless acts of heroism that defined our victory. From the valiant defenders who stood guard atop the city walls to the courageous warriors who charged fearlessly into the fray, each individual played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our people.

I must take a moment to offer my deepest condolences to the family members of Giorgio Pontelaeus, a man whose golden touch brought prosperity to House Proscipi. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, and his memory shall forever be honored among the heroes who gave their lives in defense of Setarco.

The bravery and sacrifice of the warriors from every house under the Pravus banner have ensured that our people will make it safely to Arx. Their unwavering dedication to duty and their willingness to stand together in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of our unity.

As we begin the journey to Arx, let us carry with us the memory of those who gave their lives so that others may live. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to uphold the values of courage, unity, and resilience that define us as a people.

Written By Medeia

Jan. 25, 2024, 10:51 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Giorgio

Once, the late Marquessa Ezmeralda Leporidae of Tremorus and Giorgio Pontelaeus invited me to their estate to talk. They said very kind things to me, especially Giorgio, about my leadership capabilities. My then-husband was at my side, hearing all of this, too. We, along with some additional support from Eswynd, had been helping them with military and medical aid during what came to be known as the Scythian War.

They offered me - us - a county to lead as vassal.

Haakon - we - said no.

But I have never forgotten the confidence they had in me. And when Giorgio held the march as marquis, I continued to support the rebuilding of Tremorus in the wake of that horrible, devastating war. There has never been a place that has inspired such awe in me to see. It was beautiful. Even in the destruction.

Much like Giorgio. I hear he is now a statue of gold. How cruelly poetic.

I don't know how a heart is meant to endure such things. For now, the medal Giorgio gave me after the war will be kept with me so that I may keep his memory close.

Written By Tikva

Jan. 25, 2024, 10:48 a.m.(8/14/1021 AR)

I have seen wonders beyond the telling and I feel fortunate to be blessed with the power of song.

Written By Dominique

Jan. 25, 2024, 1:38 a.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Tick tock.

Time is running out.

It pains me to have sent my people from Blancbier to Sanctum, to abandon Wyrmhold, which has been within my family's keeping since the previous Reckoning. By oath and by sword, we have defended it. And even now, that which we have guarded remains safe.

We remain true to our Oaths. Though I was not at Sanctum, my heart stands with my family and my people as they stand and hold against the onslaught. I grieve for the terrible cost.

Yet, I have another duty. A grave duty. I am ready to fulfill it, though I was ever doubtful it would ever truly fall to me, or in my lifetime.

Wyrmguard stands ready.

Non Omnis Moriar.

Written By Sen'azala

Jan. 25, 2024, 1:38 a.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Nash

We write our own names.

I knew a man; a beggar, a gardener, a teacher. I don't know how many people he taught, or how many of those names I'd recognize if I did, but he taught me. He didn't teach me how to fight - I knew that, even though he was infinitely better - he didn't teach me how to kill. He taught me the opposite. He taught me that I didn't have to fight, that I didn't have to kill, that there was more to me than what I was, and that I was capable of reaching for it. The first time I felt what it was to truly be me, the first time I was whole, it was because of him.

He taught me more. The first task he set for me was impossible. I smashed my head against it again, and again, grew more and more frustrated every time I failed. I was supposed to buy thirteen white hares, take them out into the deep forest, and release them. Then I was told to ride a distance away, come back, then catch them all again - alive - at sunset. Some would die, some I'd never be able to find, some would go so far I couldn't hope to catch up with them in time. I tried to think my way around it. I could cheat. I could set up traps beforehand, I could leash them to a tree so they wouldn't go anywhere, I could drug their feed so they'd be slow and want to sleep. It was very easy to start thinking like that. I don't like failing. I wanted to win.

When I finally admitted to him that I couldn't do it, he shared a story of my people with me. It was more meaningful than I could say; I didn't have any of their stories then. The lesson I learned, then, was this:

You can't save everyone. People will make their own choices, which means they will sometimes make terrible ones. They'll be stupid. Self destructive. They'll hurt other people, both intentionally and otherwise. They'll turn on you, and those you care about. They'll do all sorts of things you don't want them to do, and the only way to stop them doing that is to take their ability to make choices away. It's very easy to start down that road, thinking you know best, thinking you're helping, that you're just putting in some guardrails. It's very easy to trade freedom for safety, particularly if it's someone else's freedom, and your safety.

I never knew the Sword of Caer'alfar. I knew my teacher. Lys has named him Fuko, his story called him the Hound, but he was Nash to me. He was Nanashi. He was a man who believed he didn't have a name, and didn't deserve one, but that's the name he wrote. For centuries, for however many students, for the gardens he planted, the good he did, the evil he did, the in-between he did, that's the name he wrote on the Dream. Nanashi has not meant 'No Name' for a very long time.

I'm not naïve. I know he was forced to do terrible things. I know he likely did terrible things without being forced. But I also know this:

He had no writ when he died. He had nothing but his own heart and his own choices, and given those the man who had been used as a nameless weapon for the vast majority of his incredibly long life chose to die alone on a road saving the lives of children that would otherwise have been forgotten. I don't know if that makes him a good man. I don't know what makes a good man. But that was his choice when he only had his choices, that was the name he wrote on the world.

It damns you more, Platinum. It damns you even more, the name he wrote when he was finally free of you.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 11:13 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Giorgio

Words cannot fill the emptiness you leave to our family.

We will do great works in your honour, my brother.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 11:12 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

I started with nothing. I remain how I was born. There is no exceptional quality about me, other than I was given a chance. And a chance is sometimes all a person needs to do some extraordinary things with their life. I can see that now and I will one day, give my people, the people of Bravura, a chance to rise from the ashes and forge themselves into something new. No matter how long it takes, Bravura will once again be my home.

And I will not be alone...

My husband, my children, my friends ... will be there at my side.

Written By Cambria

Jan. 24, 2024, 10:12 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Reese

I am not sure I shall ever be able to thank you enough for what you did for my House, and the people of Ostria. Among those I count as instrumental to our survival, your name shines brightly. If anyone has ever needed proof that you are a hero most deeply despised by our enemy, then I stand as witness to the constant onslaught you suffered against the worst of monstrosities. They came against you without surcease, and you did not falter. I watched your sword arm cut them down as though guided by Gloria herself. I saw you suffer blows that caused my heart to leap into my throat, and still you did not fall.

In that one fateful moment, when it appeared as though they would overwhelm you through sheer numbers alone, it was my honor to be able to be at your side quickly enough in order to pull you back to your feet.

Fighting beside you has been one of my greatest privileges. However long my days are numbered, you can rely on me to remain a steadfast ally and friend, and source of support, as you were for us. The hope that you inspired among my people when they saw you upon the battlements cannot be readily expressed in words. It was something that could only be felt.

May you always be remembered as the great soul that you are.

Written By Orland

Jan. 24, 2024, 7:41 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

If I should fall, and should Savio Amadeo fall with me... our children will be raised and fostered by Marquessa Cassiopeia and Marquis-Consort Proscipi, until they're of legal age.
All my wealth and items will pass on to them.
By my hand.
Orland Amadeo,
Voice of Amadeo, seat of Bravura

Written By Isolde

Jan. 24, 2024, 4:17 p.m.(8/13/1021 AR)

Queen Primeria Aetheris is dead. Only I remain.

Written By Nebulosa

Jan. 24, 2024, 1:15 p.m.(8/12/1021 AR)

I almost can't believe I'm on this ship. So few people are likely to understand why I did what I did, but I had to believe Volya when he said following Fatima would save lives. I don't know what to expect when we get to Eurus. I don't really know much of anything at all, which should be terrifying. Maybe the end of the world puts things into perspective?

There isn't much more I could ask for. The man I love is at my side. We're going to try to help everyone. This has to be enough right now.

[A note appended to this entry explains that it was submitted on behalf of Nebulosa, with an excited scribble that appears to say that she and Volya were married in Eurus in a ceremony overseen by Archlector Esme Fidante and Calithex of the Nox'Alfar in the wake of frenzied battle against the Dune Emperor and the Prophet of the Sands. The handwriting is a little questionable, though.]

Written By Cambria

Jan. 23, 2024, 10:49 p.m.(8/11/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Hadrian

It has ever been my habit to keep my most personal thoughts, especially those colored by emotion within my Black Reflections, but I submit this to the Whites today in the foolish, perhaps selfish desire for my posterity to know that despite everything, I too am a mortal woman with a heart that can bleed, and eyes that can shed bitter tears.

It matters not to me that I am not the only one to suffer loss. I know that there are so many out there who are hurting just as deeply. But grief isolates, it does not unite.

For a glorious moment, I had nearly everything I had ever dreamed of: a real, live dragon to call a friend and ally, who let me soar through the sky upon his back as he rained fiery death upon our foes. I tasted Ambrosia and became mighty. And you were there with me, with one of the First Children! She was beyond my imaginings as a child, and yet so majestic, so terrible. I am not sure they understood why I would weep for the death of either of them, when I told them I was glad the world had not lost them, but then who can fathom the mind of a near infinite being?

I did not believe you were dead at first. In fact, I was quite determined to believe that you were only missing, not yet to be found; that at any moment you would stride through those gathered and announce yourself with a laugh, that familiar gleam in your eye. Even now, I wish it were only that you were missing. I wish Winifred had not stood over you, and guarded you - what remained of you - as the battle came to its close, and I wish that she had not made me know the truth of it.

Knowledge is a cold comfort.

It is not just that I never imagined that you would die before me, but that even in my worst nightmares I never imagined there would be so little left of you. Do you know what it's like to hug a charred corpse without a face? To be told that it's the one you have spent a lifetime devoted to? Do you know what it's like to have to leave the body of the one you love so much so that it can be prepared for a proper interment, that acrid stench in your nose? To be that hysterical before the people you should only present a strong face to? I hate that these are the last memories of you that dominate my mind.

I have never cried so much. I have never been so devastatingly heartbroken and bereft.

If I could crawl down Death's throat and pull you back from her gullet, I would. I would fucking defy gods and the idea of fate and the machinations of those who dare to think they are greater than me. Yet for all my outrageous pride and although the heart within me burns and burns like a thousand mighty stars, I am but human. Some wise bastard somewhere - the Seraph of Ostria - he once wrote something like: temper thine pride with wisdom.

So I tell myself that it's better that you are reborn, because it's true. Again, cold comfort.

Winifred appears to understand my anguish. She didn't seem to mind when I told her I hated her, too. Probably because she knows I don't, not truly. I wasn't aware a Sphynx was capable of joking, but do you know? She said I was only jealous because you died for another woman. You will be relieved to know she survived thanks to you, and that she is safe. She promised me that you shall never be forgotten, and I dare to imagine I even saw tears glitter in her own eyes. Limatusadin deigned to bow his head.

I took the children to meet her, and all the Guardians, and those who fought with us. It is both tragic and hilarious that what we had sworn to protect so long ago, to be forgotten, was a creature akin to knowledge itself. We avowed ourselves anew.

Luigi shed a tear when I told him the news, and the Ducklings - those soldiers from Southport with whom you practically grew up - were aggrieved. You shall be pleased to know that they all survived the fight, like me, and we all ask ourselves why it wasn't us in your place. The Ducklings and I, that is, not Luigi, but then nobody would expect that of him, least of all you. He said he would stay with me, if I'd let him, and of course I shall let him. If he asks me to retire and live out the rest of his days in a lavish estate in ample supply of anything a man could conceivably wish for, I'd give it to him without hesitation. The same goes for the Ducklings.

I understand your reasons, my love, but I hate that it was you who made the choice. I hate that it wasn't me. I hate that I have to live on without you. What do I do without you? Not just emotionally, but practically - who will do all the things that you did? If it were me, you would have an easier time of it, I know. You could move on, you could raise our children, you could do and be more with ease.

It won't be that easy for me. I cannot let myself be consumed by rage and grief, and throw myself at the enemy for a swift death. I cannot live on as an embittered specter growing in only venom and spite. I am a mother, and a Duchess (sometimes I think the two are really interchangeable) and I will be what my House and people need me to be.

I only wish that I could have dreamed but a little while longer with you.

Written By Edris

Jan. 23, 2024, 6:32 p.m.(8/11/1021 AR)

There will be more to write in coming days, especially of those who have fallen.

But as we waited at Sanctum's walls I finally saw with my eyes those I had mostly known by their song. I saw my love and liege take to the skies.

The Keaton and I bury a cousin true and steadfast and I still find it hard to comprehend. The Duchess so bright and who saw so clearly also gone.

Because of her sacrifice and all who came to honor oaths old and new, it was not long after the battle that I could sweep each of my young princesses in my arms and rock my prince to sleep.

Her Grace and I carry the rear guard as we move swiftly to Arx to meet the next battle. What has been delivered to us we must pour out now with the fruits of every other hard won victories and pray that we along with all our human brothers and sisters and those not of our kind but willing to stand with us as close as any kin will be enough.

We can. We must. We will.

Steel bends.
Honor holds.
Oaths endure.

Written By Martino

Jan. 23, 2024, 3:18 p.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

My next entry from those paper's brought up and salvaged from the Southport archives. A lengthy operation weakens the enemy. Every battle they face and every loss they suffer - they become weaker twice over where you still stand.

Nobody has ever benefitted from a prolonged war, nor one fought on numerous fronts. Each loss of theirs is your gain and a chance to strengthen your own position.

Their soldiers become worn out, their weapons blunted. Their silvers a distant memory; watch for when others begin to circle the enemy. Ready to pick at their remaining bones. Strike then, strike hard. Strike when they have no hope to recover after weakening themselves.

After all, a general is the protector of their people's lives. Their people's welfare. Their future.

Make that trust count.

Written By Clover

Jan. 23, 2024, 1:41 p.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Ryhalt

Husband,

I love you. We started as a political match but quickly fell in love. We built a domain, a house, a home. I want you to rebuild it. I want you to live on. I want you to succeed and thrive.

Know I loved with all of my heart, and I’ll be waiting for you in the next life.

Written By Clover

Jan. 23, 2024, 1:39 p.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

Best Sister,

You are the best sister a duchess could have ever asked for. I love you so much. If you are reading this I am gone. If you come back from your mission— please look out for Ivy Mae, she will need me.

Don’t cry for me, my sister. Sing of me. Sing of my joy and how clumsy I was. Of how I shot you with an arrow on accident. Of how often I feel into rivers and ponds. Sing of how I went from a lady to a duchess.

Sing of my love for my husband. How quiet and how strong that love was. Sing for my devotion to our grandfather. Sing of my love of Dame Sugan.

Sing of my friend the phoenix.

Sing of my life.

Written By Clover

Jan. 23, 2024, 1:35 p.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

My Dearest Ivy Mae,

If you are reading this, I am gone. I have either fallen in battle or I have sacrificed myself so that Phyl may live again and aid us against the abyssal horde threatening our world.

I am sure you will be angry with me if it is the latter, but trust me my darling, it was the only way. If I succeeded you will still have your father. You will have your aunt Alis. You will have so many who love you, and know I will be with you in spirit.

You are named for the most wonderful woman I ever met. She was kind and bright and taught me about sorrow and heart break, and endings and beginnings. Together we prayed with broken hearts when I learned of the tragedy of Valar and Sugan, and how her soul was reborn but she could never be with him again.

And death spoke words to us which I will leave you with my sweet daughter. I love you and…

"Cry, my darlings, cry for the broken hearts, for star-crossed lovers torn forever apart, for the emptiness of lost love and grief born through endless years in solitude. Weep, for that is the way of the world, and that is the truth of it, that all that is beautiful comes to an end, and not all that is good turns to sorrow, but half. For time has a way of unraveling life and all its works, and to grieve for it is only right, for if there is no grief, and if there is no loss, then there can be no hope at all."

Written By Jasper

Jan. 23, 2024, 12:49 p.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

After hearing the news of Lady Mabelle Laurent's death, I was deeply saddened.

Upon my return from what was presumed to be my death, she was one of the people who welcomed me back and had questions to ask, all of which I answered in kind.

She was generous and always willing to lend a listening ear, as well as provide information. I had many questions of my own, which she took the time and patience to answer.

It was thanks to Lady Mabelle's idea that I could revisit the place of my family's death, learn from it, and draw strength. Lady Mabelle never judged me, and she never asked for a price in return for her help. Despite having met for only about a year, I considered her a dear friend.

Mabelle the Builder was a woman gifted with a unique vision and the will to make her ideas come true. Artshall is fortunate to have had such a dutiful, faithful, loving daughter and is all the poorer for her loss. I will miss her and hope to see her again in my next turn of the Wheel.

If I could have my opinion heard regarding who deserves to be in the Oathlands' section of the Hall of Heroes as an addition, it would be Lady Mabelle the Builder, Mabelle the Stalwart, Mabelle the Generous.

May the next generations of the Oathlands learn from her what it means to be dutiful.

Written By Calista

Jan. 23, 2024, 11:30 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

I'm just going pretend that you did not leave us. I will continue to write to you as if you will write back to me. I know why you did what you did and cannot say I wouldn't do the same if we had not decided to fight with Lenosia. My beautiful cousin, this is not an easy journal to write, but I will do my best. You believed in me when no one else did. You shared with me when no one else would. You wrote to me when others were silent. Throughout it all, you were there and I will indeed miss all of our chats, all of our gossip, all of the talk of fashion even if I could not be bothered with fashion at all while you always glittered. I am sorry I could not be there for you. You will forever and always be Lady Mabelle Laurent of Artshall.

Written By Eirene

Jan. 23, 2024, 10:27 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Hadrian

Hadrian is -was my late sister's firstborn. For some time he was Duke of Malvici until a twist of circumstance took him to Ostria. He seemed to thrive in then city, relishing their secrets and the love of his wife. A sphinx. How badass is that?

Malvici has a saying. "You return with your banner or wrapped in it." Hadrian will be wrapped in the banner of his beloved Hydra and committed to the Queen of Endings and Beginnings. We didn't always get along but he was family and I did care for him. We exchanged letters shortly before he left for Ostria and I told him his mother would be proud, and that I was too.

My sympathies to the people who welcomed him in and nurtured his cunning and talents, and to all of us who mourn his loss.

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