Written By Volya
Jan. 22, 2024, 4:19 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
This is going to be last public journal as I plan on boarding the Desert Queen shortly after putting this down to wording.
I have hated this life. I did my best to put on a smile and joke, be a storyteller, but the truth is, I've always been angry. Angry for how I perceived the world. Angry at how the world has decided to not just treat us, but also in how we treated each other. I resented it, hated it. I always thought that we all should have been more than what we are. And how so few us, the privileged few, seemingly rewarded for doing so little.
Like so many resentful youth, I suspect it started with own family and the stains that have followed. As I was once the heir to House Shaivahn, a little barony that I doubt most reading this will even know or barely recall, was a House that followed it's High House of Thrax. When anti-thralldom sentiment rose to a chorus, my parents, in their infinite wisdom, decided to abandon their home, empty our house vaults and run away with their coin and their thralls. All while their children fought and died during the Gyre War.
Eventually, they were caught, and put to the sword as they rightfully should have been. But so much more was taken. Lands seized. Vaults emptied. And the children that did survive, myself and my sister, were stripped of rank. For doing nothing more than existing. Everything was taken from us, by a system that didn't care to listen. All for the sins of people that I would nothing to associate with. To not only betray their people, but their very children.
After some time playing mercenary for hire, somehow my sister and I were found and absorbed into House Malespero, due to my mother's tie with what was once House Argento. I should state now that I hold no resentment towards Duchess Lianne for this rescue. I respected her. But I never felt like I belonged. That's should not be placed at her feet. She tried. I simply had no desire to listen. I was too angry. Too resentful. Perhaps one day you'll forgive me for that. For now, just now that I am sorry. And that I'm a coward in this respect, that I could not tell you that personally.
For the people that knew me, know that you deserved better. And up until knowing about the fleet going to Eurus, I was content to let the end come. I had no desire to fight it, rather welcome it. Princess Fatima showed me another path, where throwing my life wasn't the only thing I sought. That perhaps I could find something else. Something worth fighting for. A life worth living, even when everything had been taken.
To Khanne: I wish we had more time. Maybe next time. I hope you'll keep that blindfold and think of me.
To Pasquale: You're a good man. Better than most realize. I'm sorry I never said that.
To Lianne: It wasn't your fault. You tried. I never said it, but thank you.
To Jaenelle: Thanks for telling me I look good in a vest. I still have that one.
To Nebulosa: You know what I'm going to say, and you're crazy as I am for following me, even now.
To Fatima: Thank you for giving me a purpose.
So I leave for Eurus, and I will not be returning. If I die in the sand, then it'll be the end I seek. And if I live, then the Gods will have given me another chance to make more of myself than some angry man who drank too much.
From this point, I will retake my old name. That I will not let it die in disgrace. That there is one Shaivahn left who did not run when the time to stand arrived. Who didn't abandon a cause worthwhile.
Good luck, Arvum. Whatever happens, we'll need it.
Volya Shaivahn.
Written By Iliana
Jan. 22, 2024, 1:36 p.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Written By Martino
Jan. 22, 2024, 6:35 a.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Planning and strategy are everything, more so when it comes to war and military endeavours. This was not meant to be my path, I was the Malvici to socialise and connect our House. I have done that, but now my path has changed. It was in this past that the need to observe and provide advice - helped strengthen my skill in planning. Keep planning. Keep developing.
Deception is a core skill, willfully and intentionally misleading an enemy. Keep them unaware of your true intentions during a campaign. When we can strike, we pretend not to. When we are near their camp, we pretend to be far away. When far - then one must appear behind their backs. Keep the enemy confused and wear them down. Appear strong, appear perfect - your foe will avoid you at all costs. Tire them out, weaken their unity and push division among their ranks. Appear where they do not expect. Feed the attrition of their mind and body. You will have the enemy second guess themselves.
Excel at that? Tthe victor will be decided before swords clash.
Written By Medeia
Jan. 22, 2024, 5:39 a.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Lady Mabelle Laurent came to be a far dearer friend to me than I think I ever let her know. She and I, when we put our heads together, created wondrous things. She was a brilliant woman - as smart as she was fashionable. Her genius will last beyond these horrors, beyond these lifetimes, and I am sure it will inspire generations beyond. From the creation of exquisite fabrics like starlight silk (I owe some success with windspun wool and peachskin to expertise and support) to her charitable works with the Honey Havens to her artistic preservation endeavors in galleries through Arvum to her extreme dedication to Artshall, she worked tirelessly on projects that few could forget.
More personally, she trusted me with something that I still don't - and may never - know the full consequences of. She trusted me on a whim, and for every single person who benefited from the protection of certain malissite necklaces at Harrow Hall, she is owed thanks. She is the one who removed the barrier I needed removed to gain the guidance I sought in order to create them. She also helped in creating the solution used to destroy the thorns at Harrow Hall, and if my newest project is a success, she will have had a hand in that, too.
Thank you, Mabelle, for all you did. While I will honor you for the hero you came to be, I will choose instead to remember fixing your hair for you at the Fire Bee or chatting at the Saving Grace gardens, or - this, the last time I saw you - at Lottie's with sweets and talk of lists that maybe neither of us were joking about.
You were one of the best of us, and I'm blessed to have known you in this lifetime.
Written By Sen'azala
Jan. 22, 2024, 1:43 a.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Time to go.
Written By Titus
Jan. 22, 2024, 12:57 a.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Written By Lianne
Jan. 21, 2024, 11:06 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
She is a spectacular overachiever, vastly more capable than most of us, and she'll have my support whenever she asks it, however unneeded it may be.
Written By Raven
Jan. 21, 2024, 8:02 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Written By Medeia
Jan. 21, 2024, 4:30 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
I promise.
Written By Raven
Jan. 21, 2024, 2:31 p.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
Either way while I will never be too proud to apologize or admit my errors I am done apologizing for who, for who I am. Archfiends. Heralds. The dream and the nightmare. I will walk it and I will face it as myself. The causes I serve, the forces and people I serve I will remain loyal to but first I must be loyal to myself.
When I take my soulbrand I will do it entirely as myself. For good or for ill the only power I will call on or rely on will be my own. If this means I am somehow less than I might have been had I borrowed or called power from elsewhere I will still have no regret because so long as I succeed or fail on my own merits I know that my choices will always be my own and that means nothing will sway me from keeping the promises I've made to myself and others. I will remain whole, unbowed, unbroken. Imperfect but free to strive to become who I mean to be. Everyone and anything else who feels entitled to a say can fuck right off.
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 21, 2024, 1:43 p.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
Whatever I accomplished in my life, it is written and shall be remembered and will not be repeated here by myself.
Whatever I chose to keep private in my life, shall remain so after I've finished living them.
The things that are not written are so: my soul did not always belong to me. It used to belong to Lady Cressida Umbrage, otherwise known by her chosen name, Jet. Before the reckoning, she attempted to stop it, rallied an army, marched against her king for the sake of humanity. She was betrayed and has failed. I tried for many years to follow her footsteps, to finish her job. Perhaps in another turn of the wheel.
I am not her.
Whatever I thought I have done in her name, with her magic, I have done with my own magic, including hiding the moon with shadows during the battle against Orichalcum, making his army falter.
My name is Mabelle Laurent.
The love I bore and bear still for my family, friends and lovers is a private love. Whether steady or brief, it is none of your concern.
The only love that never faltered was the one I bear for my name, my House and our City.
Though it was never mine to rule, only to serve, Artshall has forever been my most treasured love. My priority. My greatest achievement.
It should come as no surprise at all that I refuse to see it burn again.
Should I not return, my will is simple:
My black journals will remain sealed.
All my earthly possessions and assets are to be taken back to Artshall to be sold and used for the reconstruction of the city, if need be, and support of the people. This will be facilitated by Baroness Amari Redire. Those who have a claim on anything, should write to her.
Exempt:
To my betrothed, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, I leave my apology and the dowry stated in the agreement between us.
All the art I've curated is to be passed to the Art District, under the guiding hand of Princess Denica Thrax.
The family heirlooms, the gown of the Duchess of the Honeybees and the Apiarian Queen Crown, are to pass to Lady Annalise Laurent when she comes of age.
The Dire Bee Lounge, The Fire Bee Cider House, The Honey Glow Salon and The Buzz Art Gallery are to remain in possession of House Laurent.
Upon release from my duties, Adelina, my aide, will be appointed Mayor of the Art District until the time she finds herself a suitable replacement, if she wished to. All profits from distribution of fabrics will serve as income to the district.
Maurice, my baker, will be released from his duties should he like and receive his own bakery in Artshall, compensation for tolerating my sweet tooth demands for many years.
My personal pets are to be given to the Honey Havens to keep company of the children until they come to a peaceful end.
To my Duke, I leave my family ring and my gratitude for saving me from an awful situation and trusting me with his city and by so, directing the path to my happy life.
To my friends and loved ones, failure to mention you in writing, does not mean you are not carved upon my heart.
To you and to all else, I will life, happiness and purpose.
Lady Mabelle of House Laurent
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 21, 2024, 11:45 a.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Claude
I know of his meticulous work.
His appreciation to detail.
His talented fingers and his love of creating toys.
The Map of the Oathlands was a project I started as he began making the Oathlands Houses' toys. He helped me complete it with a few small houses he did not yet reach back then. I've placed it at the Dire Bee Lounge to honor his memory.
Rest in Peace.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 21, 2024, 11:23 a.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
(Sent before sailing away to Eurus)
I am the granddaughter of Highlord Donrai Thrax. I will always be a Thrax. It is written in my blood and in my bones.
I despise Highlord Victus Thrax, the Usurper. At one time, I sought to have him killed over a broken promise. However, I found there were more important things to do with my time, and I let that dream of vengeance die. I've never forgiven him, and never will. Yet, I still wish him success in his fool's errand. The world depends on it.
I've made my peace with everything that I am.
Written By Claude
Jan. 21, 2024, 1:43 a.m.(8/5/1021 AR)
If you are reading this, I have died.
I went to defend Bastion. I hope I was brave. I hope it was not in vain. I hope... I hope that I mattered.
If am I lucky enough to pass through to the Shining Lands I hope I will see my wife and children again. I hope there I will remember their faces.
I bequeath the contents of my bank account to the Liberators of Skald.
To my dear friend Master Cufre Harrow I bequeath my shop, Out of the Woods. Master Harrow, I'm sorry I didn't make it back.
To anyone else, I pray the Compact still stands. That we are victorious. I pray that you wake up tomorrow with all your loved ones beside you.
Claude of Deepwood
Written By Mattheu
Jan. 20, 2024, 9:39 p.m.(8/5/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Athaur
Then I too was backhanded. I love you Ima.
To Sanctum then.
Written By Mattheu
Jan. 20, 2024, 8:24 p.m.(8/5/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
In the midst of chaos within Riva, our urgent task was to assist our people in reaching the flotilla. However, a somber interruption occurred as we solemnly conducted a death ritual for a fallen scout named Haldrien. The weight of loss hung in the air as his family clutched his bells, and an enigmatic knife was discovered among his possessions.
Ann and I joined forces during this poignant moment. Together, we invoked a ball of light that danced in hues mirroring the colors of the wind, casting winding shadows around us. It was through this mystical display that I felt a profound connection, and it is now this ethereal bond that resides within my heart.
Our destination is Sanctum, where we embark on a journey to defend that which we hold dearest. Despite the urgency of our mission, my left arm still throbs with the aftermath of recent events. I've been assured that it will heal in time. Fresh ink adorns my skin, depicting a winding river dragon entwined with a water spirit, engaged in a dance of love. Their serpentine bodies climb over my arm, their heads entwined protectively over my heart.
As the boats sail towards Sanctum, I find solace in the symbolism etched on my skin and the collective purpose that binds us. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges but the echoes of Athaur's words to finally leave the land behind and Ann's reminder continue to resonate, fueling the fire within. We move forward, not just as defenders of land, but as guardians of life and love.
Written By Thesarin
Jan. 20, 2024, 6:02 p.m.(8/5/1021 AR)
I go out to another battle; so's been much of my life, for I chose to spend it wading through a river of red. This to save the lands of the Grey Forests, of my people, or at least see them safe away if such might be done. I ain't wrote on them and neither will I like on this. If I fall today, then keep my Blacks closed to the end of time;y thoughts are my own. If there's anything of me worth carrying on, it's my people, my family, and my children. I hope I'll see them soon.
But if this to be is the last word spoke or writ by or of Marquis-Consort Thesarin Riven, War Chief to the Twainfort, son of Vahari, last chief of the Greenwood tribe, let it be this:
That the Rangers of the East held their cause to the last.
That he the faith given him by the riverlanders making welcome to a stranger, them from every corner from the Forests to the Isles who he promised protection, and those of the Greenwoods who walked out from the woods with him to the unknown, was never broken.
Or failing that:
Come the second Breaking of the World, he never Abandoned his people.
Written By Aelgar
Jan. 20, 2024, 2:20 p.m.(8/4/1021 AR)
Written By Amari
Jan. 20, 2024, 1 p.m.(8/4/1021 AR)
Finally, to everyone I've spiked over the years: I'm sorry, even if you at least half deserved it.
Written By Pasquale
Jan. 20, 2024, 12:30 p.m.(8/4/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.