Written By Rey
Jan. 31, 2018, 1:34 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
I dreamed of the chained man, again. I felt the weight of the earth and sea and sky pressing down on me as I approached his throne and driven down by the very weight of the atmosphere, I curtsied to him. He passed me his cup, the way he usually does, but when I looked inside, I saw not sorrow or seawater but light, a pure, wonderful golden light that swelled my soul inside me just from looking at it. I looked up at him, a question in my eyes, and I saw an answer in his. He nodded, more, in that moment, like a king than a prisoner, even though I saw tears glinting on his cheeks. Holding the cup of light carefully in both my hands, I set out on my way.
The glow of his spirit lit my way as I moved deeper into the earth, deeper and deeper still, into the dark, stale air of a tomb. My step echoed in the close space as I moved inside, and the chill of death, death beyond time, pressed in around me, but I wasn't afraid. In the center of the room, a man made of stone lay on a bier, under several swords suspended on fine threads. He could have been nothing but a statue, an effigy for a dead man, but I knew that he wasn't an effigy, and he wasn't dead. He was waiting. Waiting for me. It was for him that I had come.
Moving carefully, I sat on the edge of the bier and, as though he were one of my patients at the House of Solace, lifted him with one arm so I could put the cup to his lips. He wasn't as heavy as I expected him to be, or maybe I was stronger than I thought I was. He didn't stir at first, and the light stained his motionless stone lips with a smear of gold. But soon he took the cup of light from me and drank greedy droughts, and I could feel him warming in my arms as the light of the chained man's spirit filled him. He looked at me with eyes that were cut sapphires, and together, we rose from the bier. The Knight of Stone selected his sword from among the ones suspended above him, and held out his hand to me. He, with all of his strength, was so gentle when I took it. I went with him, he, with his sword and all of his strength to protect me, and me, with my cup of light to heal him when he needed it. Neither of us could have done what we set out to do alone.
Together, we emerged at last from beneath the earth, and the sight of the sky stretching overhead took my breath away. A thousand little pinpricks of light, like diamonds scattered on a piece of velvet, lit up the night. Earth stretched below us, and sky stretched above, as we stepped at last into the fresh air and began our journey.
The glow of his spirit lit my way as I moved deeper into the earth, deeper and deeper still, into the dark, stale air of a tomb. My step echoed in the close space as I moved inside, and the chill of death, death beyond time, pressed in around me, but I wasn't afraid. In the center of the room, a man made of stone lay on a bier, under several swords suspended on fine threads. He could have been nothing but a statue, an effigy for a dead man, but I knew that he wasn't an effigy, and he wasn't dead. He was waiting. Waiting for me. It was for him that I had come.
Moving carefully, I sat on the edge of the bier and, as though he were one of my patients at the House of Solace, lifted him with one arm so I could put the cup to his lips. He wasn't as heavy as I expected him to be, or maybe I was stronger than I thought I was. He didn't stir at first, and the light stained his motionless stone lips with a smear of gold. But soon he took the cup of light from me and drank greedy droughts, and I could feel him warming in my arms as the light of the chained man's spirit filled him. He looked at me with eyes that were cut sapphires, and together, we rose from the bier. The Knight of Stone selected his sword from among the ones suspended above him, and held out his hand to me. He, with all of his strength, was so gentle when I took it. I went with him, he, with his sword and all of his strength to protect me, and me, with my cup of light to heal him when he needed it. Neither of us could have done what we set out to do alone.
Together, we emerged at last from beneath the earth, and the sight of the sky stretching overhead took my breath away. A thousand little pinpricks of light, like diamonds scattered on a piece of velvet, lit up the night. Earth stretched below us, and sky stretched above, as we stepped at last into the fresh air and began our journey.
Written By Percephon
Jan. 31, 2018, 1:22 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
I believe that the term is a word blend -- not exactly a portmanteau -- and certainly not a term that is found in the standard Arxian lexicon. However, it is a rather charming colloquialism that I believe should remain as one word. Versus the most polite three-word term which is more widely used and known. Although, it lacks the impact that the original term seems to have.
That is only my scholarly opinion on the matter.
Lord Percephon Trollm-- (the word has been crossed out in a single bold line, and replaced by:) Telmar
Magister of the Vellichorian Academy
That is only my scholarly opinion on the matter.
Lord Percephon Trollm-- (the word has been crossed out in a single bold line, and replaced by:) Telmar
Magister of the Vellichorian Academy
Written By Margerie
Jan. 31, 2018, 1:07 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Credit to where it is due. The Princess must be granted sole victory in this contest. Though her recent alliance with Lady Khanne in the matter may prove an even greater rout.
Written By Norwood
Jan. 31, 2018, 1:02 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
At this point I believe silence is the better part of valor and I will retreat there. Princess Alis, Lady Margerie - to the two of you I concede a victory here.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 31, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
I have edited the Valardin lullaby. I think it flows better this way:
Hush! Hush, Baby!
Someday you'll be a knight,
You'll guard over the Oathlands
And keep it day and night!
Sleep now, Baby!
Find strength and courage, too.
Be loyal and have honor
For many trust in you.
Quiet, Baby!
Keep Faith always in mind.
True power can be fragile,
But less so if you're kind.
Sleepy, Baby!
Your hand will hold the sword!
Always be the truest liege:
A lady or a lord!
Hush! Hush, Baby!
Someday you'll be a knight,
You'll guard over the Oathlands
And keep it day and night!
Sleep now, Baby!
Find strength and courage, too.
Be loyal and have honor
For many trust in you.
Quiet, Baby!
Keep Faith always in mind.
True power can be fragile,
But less so if you're kind.
Sleepy, Baby!
Your hand will hold the sword!
Always be the truest liege:
A lady or a lord!
Written By Derovai
Jan. 31, 2018, 11:09 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margerie
My cupcake liquor has been sent on its way to another home, but if it's spirits you want, Lady Keaton, I'm quite sure a similarly delicious concoction could be devised.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 31, 2018, 10:44 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Dear Scholars,
She asked Percephon. She truly asked him.
My daughter is going to return to visit with a shockingly interesting vocabulary. I do understand how she has come to adore her friends, though. Such vibrant spirits.
She asked Percephon. She truly asked him.
My daughter is going to return to visit with a shockingly interesting vocabulary. I do understand how she has come to adore her friends, though. Such vibrant spirits.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 31, 2018, 10:36 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
I just want to know what the one word, or two words, is!
Written By Mae
Jan. 31, 2018, 10:22 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
It has been a truly exhausting few days. Can I just sleep today? Or maybe this week?
No, of course not. But wouldn't it be nice...
No, of course not. But wouldn't it be nice...
Written By Alis
Jan. 31, 2018, 10:06 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
For both of my dear friends Lady Margerie and Sir Norwood:
I feel quite strongly that it is one word. Splitting it into two words just strips the real meaning, and just... lacks a certain oomph in implication.
But I am no scholar. I should ask Percephon!
I feel quite strongly that it is one word. Splitting it into two words just strips the real meaning, and just... lacks a certain oomph in implication.
But I am no scholar. I should ask Percephon!
Written By Norwood
Jan. 31, 2018, 9:41 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margerie
I sincerely and completely do not want to know what the scholars would say about it.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 31, 2018, 9:39 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
I asked others for good memories (and I am still collecting them!), so I figured I should share one of my own.
Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl child by the name of.... (we'll get back to that). She had stormy grey eyes and hair the color of merlot, though she didn't really know what merlot was, where she was from no wine was had. Anyway, she was a pale, lightly freckled, skinny thing from the mountains, sent to the manor in Whitehold to prepare for a trip to Farhaven. She was supposed to be shown how better to be a Lady. Having never known her mother and being raised by sword-wielding men, she was lacking a bit in the "finer graces". Surely her older cousin, Brianna Halfshav, would help show her the proper way to represent herself as a noble Lady.
This is when the young girl child (Okay, let's call her Lhanne) realized people did not always have the wisest of ideas. Had they even MET Brianna?
Brianna had big dreams, dreams of things further south than the snow line. She loved to wear the prettiest dresses, especially those gifted to her by the diplomats who came to speak to her father; the ones made in the southern territories. She would spend the time it took to dress and primp for official dinners, every hair in place, every jewel sparkling, nary a crease in her gown, but deep down, she was also had a wild streak. Proper and pleasant at the table, after she would tear the pins from her hair and go running off to play Bear Hunt with the boys. Was this what the Lhanne's father hoped for her to become? Was this the picture of a proper young Lady, meant to one day marry into a good family, have children, do any manner of elegant Lady things?
Brianna represented the sort of Lady that young Lhanne thought it would be easier to become; one who could blend in, but still be free, be herself. BUT, Biranna was also full of mischief. She knew Lhanne had a bit of a sweet tooth, so would coax her into stealing pastries from the kitchen to share, but when caught, let Lhanne take all the blame. Punishments of no sweets for a week are the worst! (Brianna, you still owe me pastries to make up for all the time lost... I mean Lhanne. You owe Lhanne.) She also took a page from Prince Kieran of Redrain's book and left frogs in my, I mean Lhanne's bed!
But, Brianna also showed Lhanne what it meant to have family, and a friend; someone other than her father and brother to count on. She showed Lhanne the meaning of sharing joy, mischief, and even comfort. Lhanne witnessed the hope Brianna had for her future, and knew that her own hopes and dreams should be nurtured and strived for. Lhanne did not stay in the Halfshav manor for long at that time, just a few months, and what would happen after that stay would change Lhanne's life forever. But... her time there....
MY time there, my time with Brianna, was some of my very happiest childhood memories. Still, I changed my name, because I am the innocent victim to her crimes of pastry thieving and mischief causing.
Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl child by the name of.... (we'll get back to that). She had stormy grey eyes and hair the color of merlot, though she didn't really know what merlot was, where she was from no wine was had. Anyway, she was a pale, lightly freckled, skinny thing from the mountains, sent to the manor in Whitehold to prepare for a trip to Farhaven. She was supposed to be shown how better to be a Lady. Having never known her mother and being raised by sword-wielding men, she was lacking a bit in the "finer graces". Surely her older cousin, Brianna Halfshav, would help show her the proper way to represent herself as a noble Lady.
This is when the young girl child (Okay, let's call her Lhanne) realized people did not always have the wisest of ideas. Had they even MET Brianna?
Brianna had big dreams, dreams of things further south than the snow line. She loved to wear the prettiest dresses, especially those gifted to her by the diplomats who came to speak to her father; the ones made in the southern territories. She would spend the time it took to dress and primp for official dinners, every hair in place, every jewel sparkling, nary a crease in her gown, but deep down, she was also had a wild streak. Proper and pleasant at the table, after she would tear the pins from her hair and go running off to play Bear Hunt with the boys. Was this what the Lhanne's father hoped for her to become? Was this the picture of a proper young Lady, meant to one day marry into a good family, have children, do any manner of elegant Lady things?
Brianna represented the sort of Lady that young Lhanne thought it would be easier to become; one who could blend in, but still be free, be herself. BUT, Biranna was also full of mischief. She knew Lhanne had a bit of a sweet tooth, so would coax her into stealing pastries from the kitchen to share, but when caught, let Lhanne take all the blame. Punishments of no sweets for a week are the worst! (Brianna, you still owe me pastries to make up for all the time lost... I mean Lhanne. You owe Lhanne.) She also took a page from Prince Kieran of Redrain's book and left frogs in my, I mean Lhanne's bed!
But, Brianna also showed Lhanne what it meant to have family, and a friend; someone other than her father and brother to count on. She showed Lhanne the meaning of sharing joy, mischief, and even comfort. Lhanne witnessed the hope Brianna had for her future, and knew that her own hopes and dreams should be nurtured and strived for. Lhanne did not stay in the Halfshav manor for long at that time, just a few months, and what would happen after that stay would change Lhanne's life forever. But... her time there....
MY time there, my time with Brianna, was some of my very happiest childhood memories. Still, I changed my name, because I am the innocent victim to her crimes of pastry thieving and mischief causing.
Written By Corban
Jan. 31, 2018, 8:54 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
My project on the theory of war continues.
If you are a commander of troops in the Compact (or even a soldier in the Compact with deep theories of war) and would like to be interviewed, do send a messenger. I would be most glad to talk to you.
If you are a commander of troops in the Compact (or even a soldier in the Compact with deep theories of war) and would like to be interviewed, do send a messenger. I would be most glad to talk to you.
Written By Harlan
Jan. 31, 2018, 8:52 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Olivia
Beloved little sister.
Written By Audric
Jan. 31, 2018, 6:31 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Just remember to take them out every couple of hours and make sure there's kibble and water in their dishes, so on and so forth.
Written By Silas
Jan. 31, 2018, 4:52 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
It is the strangest journey, but it seems you do well with responsibility.
And that’s a good thing for everyone.
And that’s a good thing for everyone.
Written By Duarte
Jan. 31, 2018, 4:34 a.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliana
Whatever will we do with you?
Written By Margerie
Jan. 31, 2018, 12:20 a.m.(1/24/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
If it is any consolation, I suspect it is one word, not two.
Then again, I am not certain I want to know. The scholars would need to turn to the Princess to confirm it.
Then again, I am not certain I want to know. The scholars would need to turn to the Princess to confirm it.
Written By Norwood
Jan. 31, 2018, 12:13 a.m.(1/24/1008 AR)
There are some words I never expected to issue forth from my lips.
One more lesson to always expect the unexpected.
One more lesson to always expect the unexpected.
Written By Thena
Jan. 30, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(1/24/1008 AR)
It is so strange to be responsible for the well-being of thousands of people.
So very strange.
So very strange.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.