Written By Derovai
March 19, 2018, 12:59 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Let's get a factual account of the whole of the matter and see whether his role was critical to the extent that others could not have done the same. That's all I ask.
Written By Gwenna
March 19, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
The words seem pale and inefficient in reply to the aide and the efforts offered by so many for Stormwall. Not only those of our House and fealty, but throughout the Compact. To say I am grateful does not aptly convey my overwhelming feelings of gratitude to more people than I will be able to properly name, but I will try to at least note some.
His Grace, Prince Darren, and Princess Consort Donella, who went to Farhaven to prepare so, so much for the eventual arrival of the evacuees. That it also ensured the safety of a future heir to House Redrain no doubt put many a mind to rest. Your trust, too, in me to attempt to lead such an effort is humbling.
Our Warchief and Sword, Princess Marian Redrain, who was tireless in her planning and detailed work for the battle that threatened Stormwall. I do not think she slept. Whether outlining a plan of action, offering experienced advice, or even taking time to instruct anyone who asked, she is everything one might hope for in a leader. I am awed by her sheer inexhaustible abilities.
Princess Ann Redrain, who also tirelessly sought out support for the planned evacuation. I received missives each day offering help thanks to her amazing efforts to prepare and back-up prepare for so many possibilities. From healers to finances to census, I doubt we would have been able to save so many of Stormwalls people without her. Master Seymour Oak's plans along with Princess Ann's proved to be valuable beyond silver, the impact of this surely softened by his brilliance with economics and trade.
Marquis Cirroch Sanna, Dame Thena and the Knights of Solace for the organization of the protection details for the evacuees and those of us with them. To send such skilled soldiers to ensure the safe passage of so many while the world may have seemed about to crumble behind them is something I, personally, will never forget. Nor, I suspect, will those people who left so much behind to take the journey. It made leaving a bit easier on all of our hearts.
Duke Asger Crovane's preparations and instructions before and upon our arrival in Stormwall truly meant the difference between life and death for so many of his people. The inspired yet firm voice of their Duke surely lead those who might have otherwise stayed, to see reason to leave.
The Countess Reigna Keaton and the Lady Margerie Keaton. Words almost fail me in regard to their selfless offers to help in this endeavor. Having had the chance to speak personally with the Countess and Guildmaster, I am still awed by her graciousness, even more so as she remained in Stormwall to organize and heal. Lady Margerie's skills as both a negotiator as well as diplomat similarly helped to save many lives, swaying those who may not have left to do so.
My brother, Prince Artur, and the Lords Sigurd and Brogan Nightgold. My heart swells thinking of each of you and how you made sure we were off safely, even though you were not all able to travel with us. As well, you all made sure /I/ felt alright and it gave me a courage I am not sure I would have otherwise had.
Blessed Roran, Archlector of Lagoma, and Blessed Aleksei, Archlector of Skald, for trusting me to carry one of the thirteen lamps from the Rite. I wish I could explain how inspired I was by the event and how the lamp reminded me to trust in something greater. I carry it still, a reminder that there is always hope.
Those of Redrain fealty that Princess Marian already mentioned, our Shamans, House Grayson, House Valardin, The Faith, Templars, Knights of Solace, I thank you sincerely and with all of my heart.
If I have not mentioned someone or ones, please forgive me and do not think it a slight by any means. There is still war on the seas and people to settle. Collecting my thoughts has been difficult, the losses heavy on my heart, but I wished to pen something to the whites before another set of the sun. Your contributions and inspiration will not be forgotten by me.
Written By Thena
March 19, 2018, 12:52 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
The demon that took Lady Eirlys' life, and its minions, were heading for the healers while they were trying to send the wounded down the passes. Prince Ainsley, and many others, fought and defeated that demon.
Written By Brigida
March 19, 2018, 12:30 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
The most satisfying ground to salt is always our own.
Written By Derovai
March 19, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Interesting arrangement of priorities there, Marquis, especially considering the further absence of "Stormwall" or "the Compact" as priorities in the phrase. I trust that was an oversight.
From what I've heard, Prince Ainsley's headlong rush into battle was something /other than/ protecting the Mercies, to say nothing of others' attempt to do the same. If that is untrue, then pains should be taken to correct this impression before it spreads to less circumspect souls than myself. Lady Khanne Halfshav has spoken on the matter and, while I have no reason to doubt her perspective, I also trust the perspective of the person who told me otherwise.
Let's get a factual recounting of what happened and when it happened, so that we might look upon the matter with clarity and not fall into the trap of endless back-and-forth in the Whites. Was there a war chronicler there?
Written By Serafine
March 19, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Written By Joscelin
March 19, 2018, 12:09 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Prince Ainsley Grayson is one of them, these illustrious, favored, beloved few, and at the behest of Inspiration Himself I was honored with the task of crafting an item to preserve them in metal and stone, wrought in form pleasing to the eye.
They still remain at the Gallery of Jayus. If you've the time, it's a beautiful place, the installation and the lighting giving my work a quality I had nothing to do with.
It's a good day to take a walk in quiet contemplation; much has happened, heads are a-buzz, nerves on edge, blood still prickling at the edges of us that still live. For a long while, at the very least, I remain grateful.
Written By Lucita
March 19, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Not all songs and prayers are ones that resound over crowds but are sometimes little more than a whisper on the wind of almost-heard reverent, fervent words or just a feeling. Not all neatly rhyme or have a flowing melody, sometimes they just hold intent and purpose. Ours was not to attack but to balance what foul things were being used against us, to defend, to even the battlefield.
--We'll sing together side by side
--Praying the Gods will bless and guide.
--Against madness let our songs be a shield
--So to abyssal influence they shall not yield.
Along with those of us keeping watch from the wall were others singing and praying with Brother Driskell and Archlector Roran in the Hypaethral of the Setarco Star, so many people joining together in a common hope, a common goal even where words may have varied. I do not know all their names to recognize them all. Still this is to thank them, whether we succeeded or not the effort was made.
--We sing to inspire our warriors today
--Keep them protected against come what may
--Sing to help stop our enemy's advance
--And to strengthen our soldiers' stance.
We watched as the fleets maneuvered, angling for advantage, trying to prevent our lines from being broken. Some along the wall tried to explain the strategy and tactics being done. Others silently watched. A few ships shuddered when struck, floundered, sank, both ours and those of the enemy. We saw some of our fleet ramming enemy ships. We knew men would be lost, drowned or falling prey to things in the water and there would be the pain of loss for some of us. More of the enemy sank than ours. And still we kept vigil, praying, singing while we watched.
--We sing based on our faith and belief,
--Songs to comfort when there is grief,
--Songs of truth to help unfetter minds,
--Songs of hope and of peace to find.
For hours we sang and prayed as the fleets battled, not knowing if what we did had any effect or not yet fierce in the efforts Princesses Tikva, Sorrel and I made. Exhausted, voices straining we did not stop till we saw our fleet's victory and them returning to shore. But it was not over, not for us. Something did not like what we did, and it came for us.
Written By Mydas
March 19, 2018, 11:24 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Do you think Prince Ainsley alone could have prevented the destruction of Stormwall? Do you think he could have prevented its deaths? No. Even a Paladin of Gloria is, in the end, but a man. But he was a man at the right place, at the right time, to protect the Shamans who proved instrumental in our victory, and to fight a foe pinning down many of our forces from joining battle once more.
To complain of the service of Prince Ainsley Grayson in joining the defense of a land not his own, solely for the sake of Compact and the Gods, is to bring dishonor and shame upon oneself, and exhibit one's ignorance about the nature of war.
Written By Serafine
March 19, 2018, 11:24 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Written By Madeleine
March 19, 2018, 11:15 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
I have stood steadfast against the rising tide of darkness and heard the song of hope. My dearest children, you will never know the swell of pride within my breast and the love I bear for the deeds done against the Pretender King.
Send your visions, your armies, your monsters. There will be triumph in the end though it always comes at a high price. My gods and my faith stand firm against you.
On a more comedic note, I must remember to thank that kind Whisper, whomever they were, who lent me scented soap to scrub down in. Vomit beasts do not smell pleasant.
Written By Eirene
March 19, 2018, 10:13 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
A supply vessel just brought word that we lost the Grandmaster Armel too.
How does it feel to lose both your lovers in a span of days? To be reeling from the loss of a first and be told the second is no more?
Words can't describe it. There is no way to articulate the loss I feel.
I've moved passed sorrow and rage to numbness...
Yes. Armel and I were lovers. We had both seen more than any mortal deserved and we both knew a hard end was our fate and we took pride in one anothers scars and survival. That's why this is easier than losing Cicero. I was =prepared= to lose Armel in battle. Not my prince though.
I'm done. I'm just done.
And no, go ahead and make this a White journal. The world deserves to know that grumpy fucker was loved by someone, even if that someone was me.
Written By Cassima
March 19, 2018, 9:20 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
I am well, and am recovering. The cut on my head has made me sensitive to light and noise, so I shall be at rest for at least the next few days. I am answering letters, albeit slowly. Please do not fear if you've not yet heard from me.
Written By Khanne
March 19, 2018, 8:47 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
When we are in the midst of a ritual many of us are not physically able to be on guard. We are often in a meditative state, focused on the Spiritual world, not always what is around us. It is in thanks to Prince Ainsley, as well as the others protecting our group (Felicia, and Tovell, as well as my brother Arik, and Lord Brogan) that I was able to keep one eye on the battle below and see that a little more... illumination... was needed. With the others keeping watch over the many shamans, and some of the healers, it was Felicia and Ainsley who stuck by my side, without fail, until I told them they should focus their attention on helping the others get rid of the very large, very powerful foe that had come, the very one that ended up taking Eirlys' life.
I am exceedingly grateful for the direct protection of both Ainsley and Felicia and hope that no one would fault either of them for their bravery and duty in watching my back, allowing me to do what I was there to do.... which, I am told, helped save many lives.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to you both.
Written By Preston
March 19, 2018, 8:32 a.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Let us celebrate those virtues that we preserved, let us commemorate our dead, and let us give thanks to the Gods that they made us the people we are to win the battle as we did. And not lose the unity hard won in battle with disunity in the brief lull of peace based on arguments over which noble commanded where and why.
Written By Echo
March 19, 2018, 4:44 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
It is without a doubt that Prince Aiden Grayson led the Grayson forces exceptionally well, and you had fought that fearsome foe without hesitation.
I can also understand that plans change, especially in war. However, there were plenty of powerful warriors who were with us at Stormwall. Plenty of people who spent those days, weeks, and months practicing with their blades. Plenty of people whom the Gods smile down on. Plenty of people who have made a living hunting the abyss. Plenty of people who have made a living protecting high value targets.
My gratitude for those who assisted us at Stormwall runs deep. I am truly grateful for your brother's ability to improvise so well.
With all that said, I am having difficulties seeing a situation that required said improvisation and recklessness in the first place.
Written By Saoirse
March 19, 2018, 3:26 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
Written By Theron
March 19, 2018, 2:38 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
The storm was already coming. Maybe it wouldn't have come for another week, maybe not for another month.
All you did was bring it to us when we are at our strongest.
What challenges we may face, henceforth, are not of your design.
And we will overcome them.
Written By Theron
March 19, 2018, 2:35 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Written By Theron
March 19, 2018, 2:17 a.m.(5/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
My only question is how exactly I'm going to wash my armor. It's plate. How do you wash plate?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.