Written By Ailith
March 4, 2018, 9:21 a.m.(4/19/1008 AR)
Holy Services Sermon
Day 18 of Month 4 in 1008 AR
Palace Chapel
Imagine, if you will, a simple clay bowl sitting on a shelf. My sister made one such bowl. I can still picture it. It was perfect, in the way simple things made with love and humility are. It was humble to behold, but it was work of her hands and product of her heart. She loved that bowl, and so did we. But one day, purely by accident, it feel and broke. My sister was crushed. This perfect thing she had made was ruined.
It was my mother who stepped in, laid a consoling hand upon my sister's shoulder, and picked up the first shattered piece. Slowly but surely, together they collected each shard and sliver. All the while, my mother pointed out small and large moments in our lives, when, we like a toddler, would stumble and fall when taking our first steps. Then with love and care, she guided my sister to the kiln and together, they repaired the bowl as she told about how we would brush off our knees, stand up, and try again. When the bowl was complete, the sun shone bright upon its surface. Glints of gold paint shimmered from the mended cracks. Its gilded design of golden threads was lovingly made by my mother's hand and gifted to my sister as a reminder -- through the mending, we shine bright.
This is how we must respond to the stumbles, falls, chips, and cracks in our lives. We make mistakes, are chipped and cracked by them on a daily basis. We could, if you chose to do so, be consumed by that fact. We could wallow continuously in our errors perceived and real. Or, and this is the real lesson of my mother's stories, we can look no further than the gods.
Take for example, the Sentinel teaches us to admit our mistakes and accept the responsibility of any consequences. Through Vellichor, we pray we have the wisdom to learn from our mistakes and not to repeat them. By Lagoma, we come to acknowledge our mistakes are part of our growth. And through the Queen of Endings, we learn not to burden ourselves by the smallest of mistakes -- life is too short.
Think of how you can apply those lessons in your life. Take the essential qualities of these examples, and even without really thinking about it, without even really trying, the golden threads or mending will appear in your life. It is these small, humble ways, like the mending of a clay bowl that will make your tomorrows better than your yesterdays.
Day 18 of Month 4 in 1008 AR
Palace Chapel
Imagine, if you will, a simple clay bowl sitting on a shelf. My sister made one such bowl. I can still picture it. It was perfect, in the way simple things made with love and humility are. It was humble to behold, but it was work of her hands and product of her heart. She loved that bowl, and so did we. But one day, purely by accident, it feel and broke. My sister was crushed. This perfect thing she had made was ruined.
It was my mother who stepped in, laid a consoling hand upon my sister's shoulder, and picked up the first shattered piece. Slowly but surely, together they collected each shard and sliver. All the while, my mother pointed out small and large moments in our lives, when, we like a toddler, would stumble and fall when taking our first steps. Then with love and care, she guided my sister to the kiln and together, they repaired the bowl as she told about how we would brush off our knees, stand up, and try again. When the bowl was complete, the sun shone bright upon its surface. Glints of gold paint shimmered from the mended cracks. Its gilded design of golden threads was lovingly made by my mother's hand and gifted to my sister as a reminder -- through the mending, we shine bright.
This is how we must respond to the stumbles, falls, chips, and cracks in our lives. We make mistakes, are chipped and cracked by them on a daily basis. We could, if you chose to do so, be consumed by that fact. We could wallow continuously in our errors perceived and real. Or, and this is the real lesson of my mother's stories, we can look no further than the gods.
Take for example, the Sentinel teaches us to admit our mistakes and accept the responsibility of any consequences. Through Vellichor, we pray we have the wisdom to learn from our mistakes and not to repeat them. By Lagoma, we come to acknowledge our mistakes are part of our growth. And through the Queen of Endings, we learn not to burden ourselves by the smallest of mistakes -- life is too short.
Think of how you can apply those lessons in your life. Take the essential qualities of these examples, and even without really thinking about it, without even really trying, the golden threads or mending will appear in your life. It is these small, humble ways, like the mending of a clay bowl that will make your tomorrows better than your yesterdays.
Written By Wynna
March 4, 2018, 8:45 a.m.(4/19/1008 AR)
It feels good to make something. Now for distributing it...
Written By Skye
March 4, 2018, 8:06 a.m.(4/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Romulius
You have returned to me. Even as darkness pushes at the gates, Gild has lighted the way for you to come home. Welcome to Arx my brother.
Written By Derovai
March 4, 2018, 7:39 a.m.(4/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadenza
Then I expect you'll keep him in the lifestyle to which you're accustomed.
Written By Silas
March 4, 2018, 6:52 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Today was exciting and productive -- a nice change of pace.
Written By Torian
March 4, 2018, 6:18 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I'm going to be glad when the threat of war is over. I miss making shoes.
And sleeping.
And sleeping.
Written By Elara
March 4, 2018, 6 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
This was a night of discovery I will not soon forget.
Written By Malesh
March 4, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Our plans seem to be set now. May the gods' light shine upon us in battle!
Written By Elara
March 4, 2018, 2:44 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alban
It was a pleasure to be able to create your attire for the evening festivities at the theater. You looked quite dashing with it all put together. Thank you for giving me such an opportunity to display my work. And for the company during the evening as well, of course. Going to the theater alone is quite, well, lonely.
Written By Esoka
March 4, 2018, 2:43 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
The knights of Riven are as ready as they can be for the march North, to join the war effort in the Crovane lands. I shall ride with them, at the head of Riven's cavalry and under the banner of my Countess and Warchief. It seems not so long ago that I rode into this city with Thesarin to bolster the Compact army that would face Tolamar Brand during the siege of Arx. And yet, it seems a lifetime ago. The shape of my life is different now than it was then. The things I fight for - the friends, the commitments to Faith and fealty, and the man I now call my husband - have grown and deepened. I feel older and it feels heavier, but the age and weight is of the good kind. It gives me more to fight for, and a thousand reasons to come home at the end of this.
To Gloria, my prayers for courage and a bold heart in the face of a monstrous foe. To Limerance, may my mind remain focused and my heart stalwart and true in what I fight for. To Mangata, lady of the waves and tides, may we do your work well and cleanse your waters of this enemy.
To Gloria, my prayers for courage and a bold heart in the face of a monstrous foe. To Limerance, may my mind remain focused and my heart stalwart and true in what I fight for. To Mangata, lady of the waves and tides, may we do your work well and cleanse your waters of this enemy.
Written By Belladonna
March 4, 2018, 1:42 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
My compliments to the Blackrose Theater for putting on what is perhaps the best performance of the story of Pravus' supposed beginnings. The actors and actresses were superbly cast and exquisite in their performances. The story was richly detailed and offered an interesting, if exaggerated, look into my House's history. I congratulate them one and all for a fine evening and a successful opening night.
Written By Duarte
March 4, 2018, 1:39 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
It was a pleasure that seldom comes along to attend tonight's performance at the theater: a rendition of Spider of Setarco.
The costume design was exquisite - absolutely beautiful works of art made by the hands, and heart, of Aurora Thornborn.
Masterful performances by all! I was quite captivated! Yasmine Rovashani shined in a spectacular performance - the second I've seen featuring this talented actress.
The costume design was exquisite - absolutely beautiful works of art made by the hands, and heart, of Aurora Thornborn.
Masterful performances by all! I was quite captivated! Yasmine Rovashani shined in a spectacular performance - the second I've seen featuring this talented actress.
Written By Turo
March 4, 2018, 1:35 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
Strong words, Brother Driskell, and worthy of meditating on.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Written By Victus
March 4, 2018, 1:23 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
When I sail from Arx's and all is said and done, you won't be proud of me.
Written By Vano
March 4, 2018, 12:48 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I have some reservations about going to another war. At least I can tell myself that this one was one of my own choosing. I've never viewed myself as a leader of soldiers, but here Eshra has put me in charge of a number of Rivenshari ships. I'm a warrior, a soldier, not a leader. I'm no named man. I just happen to be the luckiest, or unluckiest one that happened to be one of the oldest ones left alive after Brand. Don't know if it's qualified as *the* oldest, but I can't say say I've sat around with others counting the rings.
Still, I'm thrown into the role, which I guess, as my mother said, the only ones worth a damn are the ones that never go seeking it. Maybe that's giving myself too much credit. Either way, we'll find out.
Makes me realize I'm scared again. Oddly not as much as last time, but I don't think much is going to top that. Fear. Funny thing, that. Fearlessness is a fool's boast, to my mind. The only people with no fear in them are dead, or the soon to be dead, maybe. Fear teaches you caution, and respect for your enemy, and to avoid sharp edges used in anger. All good things in their place, I think. Fear can bring you out alive, and that's the very best anyone can hope for from any fight. Every single person who's worth a damn feels fear. It's the use you make of it that counts.
Still, I'm thrown into the role, which I guess, as my mother said, the only ones worth a damn are the ones that never go seeking it. Maybe that's giving myself too much credit. Either way, we'll find out.
Makes me realize I'm scared again. Oddly not as much as last time, but I don't think much is going to top that. Fear. Funny thing, that. Fearlessness is a fool's boast, to my mind. The only people with no fear in them are dead, or the soon to be dead, maybe. Fear teaches you caution, and respect for your enemy, and to avoid sharp edges used in anger. All good things in their place, I think. Fear can bring you out alive, and that's the very best anyone can hope for from any fight. Every single person who's worth a damn feels fear. It's the use you make of it that counts.
Written By Violet
March 4, 2018, 12:29 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
I would certainly hope so, Thorley Sandreef.
Written By Itzal
March 4, 2018, 12:20 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I must praise the beauty, conviction, power and undeniable skill that was displayed by my fellow performers at the opera tonight. All praise given to Calandra Whisper and Yasmine Rovashani were entirely deserved, and probably fall short of the truth.
Written By Driskell
March 4, 2018, 12:10 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I leave Arx to do what I am called to do but I leave these words for you.
To those who leave their families, loved ones, friends, comrades and those who leave no one behind; To those who say goodbye knowing it may be their last,
Remember that you are a crusader; your actions and words will speak far louder than you could ever hope to those across places you aren't aware of on what the Pantheon stands for. You will be judged and the Compact will be judged by what you do even when you feel there is no one watching. You are watched. You are judged. The fruit of the tree will determine if the tree is cut or left to bare fruit next season.
Remember that you are a crusader; you have a place within the family of the Faith and that each who fight alongside you are brother and sister. Treat them as you would desire yourself treated. Help them when they stumble in faith, strengthen them with prayer and let your battle cry be lifted up to mix with your fellow crusaders in a sweet hymn to all the gods.
Remember that you are a crusader; you are no longer a Thraxan, a Redrain, an Oathlander or other fealty, you are now part of the Army of Light to which the Compact has raised to answer the call of your king. Follow the orders of those above you with your whole heart and without delay, for the body cannot work functionally unless each part does its role.
May your heart be emboldened by your faith when you feel despair or hopelessness. May your body be strengthened by your faith when you feel weak or tired. May your mind be sharpened so you never let down your fellow brother and sister of the Faith. Above all, may your choices prove that you are the heroes that a world today lost in despair is needing, and not shirk from the sacrifice needed to stave off destruction of those who have lost hope.
Remember that death is lighter than a feather, but duty is heavier than a mountain.
May your spark of hope shine bright like the stars at the darkest night.
Non Omnis Moriar.
Br. Driskell
To those who leave their families, loved ones, friends, comrades and those who leave no one behind; To those who say goodbye knowing it may be their last,
Remember that you are a crusader; your actions and words will speak far louder than you could ever hope to those across places you aren't aware of on what the Pantheon stands for. You will be judged and the Compact will be judged by what you do even when you feel there is no one watching. You are watched. You are judged. The fruit of the tree will determine if the tree is cut or left to bare fruit next season.
Remember that you are a crusader; you have a place within the family of the Faith and that each who fight alongside you are brother and sister. Treat them as you would desire yourself treated. Help them when they stumble in faith, strengthen them with prayer and let your battle cry be lifted up to mix with your fellow crusaders in a sweet hymn to all the gods.
Remember that you are a crusader; you are no longer a Thraxan, a Redrain, an Oathlander or other fealty, you are now part of the Army of Light to which the Compact has raised to answer the call of your king. Follow the orders of those above you with your whole heart and without delay, for the body cannot work functionally unless each part does its role.
May your heart be emboldened by your faith when you feel despair or hopelessness. May your body be strengthened by your faith when you feel weak or tired. May your mind be sharpened so you never let down your fellow brother and sister of the Faith. Above all, may your choices prove that you are the heroes that a world today lost in despair is needing, and not shirk from the sacrifice needed to stave off destruction of those who have lost hope.
Remember that death is lighter than a feather, but duty is heavier than a mountain.
May your spark of hope shine bright like the stars at the darkest night.
Non Omnis Moriar.
Br. Driskell
Written By Harmon
March 4, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
Belief: Science is needed for future of all people. Knowledge, reason will elevate and either's absence will collapse any society. Yet, currently using science to build weapons meant to terrorize, inflict pain, destruction. Doing so in defense of home, family. Still difficult to justify seeming inevitability of science being used for scales of destruction and terror no sword will ever be able to inflict. Guilty? Complicit? Justified? Maybe all. Am I a murderer? Only as much as any general defending homeland. Hands will still be soaked red. Perhaps use of weapon will deter future invasions, save lives by taking. Dangerous mathematics.
Written By Vanora
March 3, 2018, 11:35 p.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
I love the theater, no matter what the play, no matter whether the actors and actresses are talented or mediocre. I have loved the spectacle of it since I was a child, and were I not what I am, nor what I first wanted to be, perhaps I would have yearned to be an actress.
I love opera even more, for the addition of music creates heights of emotion that can be downright uncomfortable.
Thus I enjoyed the performance at the Black Rose this evening quite a bit.
I would have regardless of the subject matter.
I love opera even more, for the addition of music creates heights of emotion that can be downright uncomfortable.
Thus I enjoyed the performance at the Black Rose this evening quite a bit.
I would have regardless of the subject matter.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.