Written By Cassius
July 3, 2017, 8:18 p.m.(10/9/1006 AR)
I write this from the deck of a ship, the port of Arx swimming into view, knowing that I will soon carry it to the archives and that a new chapter in my life will begin.
There is something in the uneasy sway of the ship on the swells that matches the feeling in my stomach at the sight of the Compact’s capitol. That unsteadiness, however, is countered by a renewed sense of purpose, stronger than even I expected it to be.
It would have been easy to stay in Setarco, my son, Valkieri, on my knee. It would have been easy to avoid the horrors and complications of Arx, the incessant threats and world-destroying problems. Setting eyes upon my son it is all I wanted to do at first.
It was also, however, in those blessed days of staring into his guileless eyes, that I became aware of a growing responsibility. I am under no illusions that the world will ever be a safe place. But I can make it a safer one for him. And I want him to grow up knowing he has a father who never shied away from what needed to be done, even if, by so doing, he became a memory.
And, I remember, as the sound of the shore birds grow, I have friends here. Friends that face the same horrors and who have not shirked the work that must be done. It will be good to see them.
Beneath all of these thoughts, a deeper, stronger one, like the current that pulls at our vessel. Belladonna. My wife. Though I suspect there will be things we will never see eye to eye on, I do not doubt that we are fighting for the same future for Valkieri. I will always see her as the mystery she is, and meet her with awe, wonder, and the giddy nerves of a boy.
As if it is the first time.
There is something in the uneasy sway of the ship on the swells that matches the feeling in my stomach at the sight of the Compact’s capitol. That unsteadiness, however, is countered by a renewed sense of purpose, stronger than even I expected it to be.
It would have been easy to stay in Setarco, my son, Valkieri, on my knee. It would have been easy to avoid the horrors and complications of Arx, the incessant threats and world-destroying problems. Setting eyes upon my son it is all I wanted to do at first.
It was also, however, in those blessed days of staring into his guileless eyes, that I became aware of a growing responsibility. I am under no illusions that the world will ever be a safe place. But I can make it a safer one for him. And I want him to grow up knowing he has a father who never shied away from what needed to be done, even if, by so doing, he became a memory.
And, I remember, as the sound of the shore birds grow, I have friends here. Friends that face the same horrors and who have not shirked the work that must be done. It will be good to see them.
Beneath all of these thoughts, a deeper, stronger one, like the current that pulls at our vessel. Belladonna. My wife. Though I suspect there will be things we will never see eye to eye on, I do not doubt that we are fighting for the same future for Valkieri. I will always see her as the mystery she is, and meet her with awe, wonder, and the giddy nerves of a boy.
As if it is the first time.
Written By Calypso
July 3, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(10/9/1006 AR)
It has been a year sense I walked the Hall of Heroes. It is incredible to me how much nuance I can make out now in the stories told there. I am beginning to understand the true strength of Humanity.
Written By Korka
July 3, 2017, 2:37 p.m.(10/9/1006 AR)
I don't know anyone that actually enjoys being treated like dirt. Arx has been quite a shock, this time around.
Written By Belladonna
July 3, 2017, 1:48 p.m.(10/9/1006 AR)
Tonight, the botanical gardens open for the first time, and Softest Whisper Larissa will be hosting a birthday celebration for myself and Marquessa Lianne there. It should be an enjoyable evening; she is an incredible hostess. I am looking forward to seeing what she has put together.
Written By Monique
July 3, 2017, 12:57 p.m.(10/9/1006 AR)
Do you have what it takes to best the Greenmarch hedgemaze at the party this week and make it to the festivities in the center? Creativity welcome. Just don't cut a path through the maze. Marius frowns when that happens.
Written By Melinda
July 3, 2017, 11:12 a.m.(10/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcelia
Thank you for asking me to teach you, I am honored.
Written By Ferrando
July 3, 2017, 12:03 a.m.(10/8/1006 AR)
The King has spoken!
And now we're going to have an elf as Queen!
Well, if marrying an elf was good enough for Alarice the Great, then it's good enough for everybody.
And now we're going to have an elf as Queen!
Well, if marrying an elf was good enough for Alarice the Great, then it's good enough for everybody.
Written By Khanne
July 2, 2017, 11:54 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
When are you and Calypso going to have a child?
When are you going to get on a ship and sail the sea?
When are you taking her north to see the beautiful snows of the mountains we call home?
When are you going to put a shirt back on?
When are you going to actually give me a drink when you say we'll have drinks?
When are you going to shave your cat?
I am sure I can think of many more.....
When are you going to get on a ship and sail the sea?
When are you taking her north to see the beautiful snows of the mountains we call home?
When are you going to put a shirt back on?
When are you going to actually give me a drink when you say we'll have drinks?
When are you going to shave your cat?
I am sure I can think of many more.....
Written By Ferrando
July 2, 2017, 11:48 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
I've been feeling more and more confident I made the right choice to join the discipleship. Spending time at the Shrine has been helpful to both the people I've talked to and myself as well. All the leaf-sweeping isn't entirely helping my opinion about autumn, though. I've heard it's good horse riding weather, at least.
Written By Marian
July 2, 2017, 11:41 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
It feels odd not to have Oathbinder by my side. I reach and it is no longer there. The Sword has a new master, but my family ties to House Valardin will remain forever in my heart.
Written By Marian
July 2, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Roland
I am so proud of you. It was a fine showing of your strength and skill. You will make a fine Sword.
Written By Aodhan
July 2, 2017, 11:31 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
I cannot wait for winter to get here...the heat in Arx from the summer alone is dreadful...I enjoy the cold far better.
On a lighter note, I've been mightily productive...it's nice to have some responsibilities and really be helpful for your family.
ah, feels good.
On a lighter note, I've been mightily productive...it's nice to have some responsibilities and really be helpful for your family.
ah, feels good.
Written By Eleyna
July 2, 2017, 11:30 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
Prince Anze is a bit of a fish out of water. I cannot think of a man that epitomizes everything I've ever heard about the North more. Yet, here he is, about to marry into the Lyceum. Perhaps I should take him under my wing, make a project of him. Hm.
Written By Holden
July 2, 2017, 11:26 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
You have quite a way with swords.
Written By Eleyna
July 2, 2017, 11:25 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Winter is coming and, with it, comes you, little stranger. It seems fitting that you'll be brought into the world on icy winds beneath steel gray skies.
Written By Holden
July 2, 2017, 11:25 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
I would apologize for my behavior, but I'm not sure that I could manage to say the words. It is difficult to apologize when you don't truly believe that you are wrong.
Written By Sameera
July 2, 2017, 11:11 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Henrik tells me I should be more forgiving and polite. Not sure I agree with him.
I met with Lady Khanne and discussed Shamanism. She says I am already one with how I live.
I met with Lady Khanne and discussed Shamanism. She says I am already one with how I live.
Written By Sameera
July 2, 2017, 11:10 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
*Again several pages are just sketches. Though, it is a blend of weapons and jewelry this time. Notes about gems and materials are added. Several have been scribbled over*
Written By Anze
July 2, 2017, 11:10 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
I just realized I managed to somehow stumble into a winter wedding... There might even be snow on the ground. How did that happen? Spirits must be watching over me to not have me sweat through my wedding clothing.
Written By Aureth
July 2, 2017, 11:09 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
There are some people who have a fundamental quality to them that shines through everything they do and say. It's not that any person may be reduced to a single word, or a single concept, because souls are complex creations and lives spin layer upon layer over that basic fabric. But sometimes, the solid core at the center shines so brightly you can't help but see it.
When that core is basic goodness, it can serve as a reminder that even at our darkest, humanity is still worthy of faith.
I find it rather soothing.
When that core is basic goodness, it can serve as a reminder that even at our darkest, humanity is still worthy of faith.
I find it rather soothing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.