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Written By Juliana

May 29, 2017, 11:06 p.m.(7/20/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Alrec

I was very, very stupid and he saw me to safety. There is something about the Admiral that I feel I recognize. There are so many layers to the world. There is the surface, the stories. Deeds done in the past that tongues still whisper of, and yet... is it ever as simple as the stories told? I think not. Ah well. The potted tree can only grow so tall. Limitations are forged by unchangeable circumstance.

Cryptic mystery writings.

Written By Eirene

May 29, 2017, 7:01 p.m.(7/20/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Larissa

As reported by Clarissa:

Tell Miss Butter I'm glad I got auctioned off for a shit ton of silver but also glad I'm one of the last. May be funny to us but yeah; not a joke elsewhere. Makes us damn lucky we're Arvani. Fuck, imagine if I got bought by some creeper and for life? I'd probably gut the fucker but eh. Don't put that last part in.

Message delivered:

To the most elegant Larissa Whisper,

I am glad that my participation both raised money for charity and awareness for our own liberties. I can only hope this brings us all a better understanding of just how beautiful life in Arvum is.

With all honor and admiration,
Lady Brigadier Eirene Malvici

Written By Eirene

May 29, 2017, 6:53 p.m.(7/20/1006 AR)

I know she reads my journals. So even if she won't reply to my messages I know she'll see this.

You're smart enough to know I'm pissed but you should know me well enough to know I'd rather tell you why in person and let you explain your side of things.

So. There's that.

Written By Katarina

May 29, 2017, 5:07 p.m.(7/19/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Fergus

Dear Fergus,

You were on a Valardin boat, and it tickles me pink to see that you enjoyed it.

Written By Carita

May 29, 2017, 2:17 p.m.(7/19/1006 AR)

(At night I tell my daughter stories. Frequently, I tell some of these stories to myself.)

Once Upon a Time,

There was a Miller that was so poor that he had nothing more than his mill and a large apple tree that stood behind it. Every spring the tree would blossom the pink of quartz. Every fall the tree would give apples the red of rubies. Every morning, the Miller would go into the forest to collect wood. One day as he was working, he was approached by a traveling merchant who said:

"Give me that which is behind your mill and I will make you rich."

"This must be the apple tree," thought the Miller.

When the Miller returned home, his wife implored him, asking where these sacks of grain came from, these bins full of vegetables and fruit. The Miller told his wife it was in return for the apple tree that was standing behind the mill.

The Miller's wife cried: "It was our daughter that was sweeping the yard behind our house, husband!"

The Miller's daughter was gentle as a dark-eyed doe, pious, and her heart was full of compassion for others.(This is when I pause for great effect and attempt not to laugh when I tap my finger against my daughter's nose.)

When the merchant came, and the Miller went to defend his daughter, she paused him.

"Father," she said "this is the deal that you have made. I will do as I will. I will leave with the merchant. I will travel far and I fear that I shall never return. Do not weep in sorrow or stamp your feet in anger because I know that you will not want for food in your bellies no longer."

(This is when Nerissa giggles, because I try to make it very silly.)

The Miller's daughter left with the merchant and went over the sea in a boat of silver and gold. There was a storm - not a true storm (as those frighten my little girl) - and bright light struck the ship in twain. The merchant went with the silver and sank down-down-down, the Miller's daughter with the gold sank down-down-down.

To the bottom of the sea. Quiet and blue.

(She loves this next part, but, I need to set my quill aside for the moment.)

Written By Aiden

May 29, 2017, 1:36 p.m.(7/19/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Ilvin

You listened without judgement. You advised without opinion. I will carry your words with me.

Written By Esoka

May 29, 2017, 11:25 a.m.(7/19/1006 AR)

Well, that was a day.

I'm not really one for gardening, but I think I did all right planting a tree. I dug a very large hole and then filled it up with dirt again. It excellent strength and endurance training. I should make a point to dig more holes.

I pray to Petrichor that my sapling grows strong. It will be a good tree, I think. It's just a spindly little red cedar now, but it looks healthy and if the land nurtures it I think it will do well. Blessed Aleksei and Sister Gisele spoke of returning here in a year, to see how the trees were growing. That would be a good thing, to mark this day. If I keep doing it, year after year, perhaps I'll be able to climb my tree. Not for a long time, though. I think I'd break it now.

It wasn't all trees. The Grayson Princess Cara gave birth, right then and there. I did not get too close to that, though to witness it at all was quite amazing. Perhaps Petrichor and the Queen of Endings worked some wonderful power for her and children.

Or perhaps it was just a day of very good things, which is enough. All honors to Mistress Leola Allenatore, Paladin of Groves, and Blessed Aureth, for their work to make things bloom again.

Written By Edward

May 29, 2017, 8:28 a.m.(7/19/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Magpie

We had a talk about events and charity. After becoming an observer to such things I now think you are more right than I had wished you to be. We should talk more on this.

Written By Merek

May 29, 2017, 5:16 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Silas

I don't think we would've made it as well as we did in the siege without the Lord Commander. He is worthy of his title, if I haven't already written that. I am happy to continue serving under him.

Written By Merek

May 29, 2017, 5:15 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

7/18/1006 After the Reckoning. It's been a thousand and so since the Reckoning, and it seems that a millenia brings many new things to the world. I heard that a Princess gave birth, that is a happy event, as is the new planting that is going on to recover the lands outside of Arx. I should not have gotten so drunk at the medal ceremony, but it was a time for celebration and for remembering. At least I did not act too crazy! But it was nice to let go for once and be allowed to do these things, to remember people and celebrate them in our own way. I'm hopeful for the future of Arx, though there is still much work to be done.

Written By Silas

May 29, 2017, 4:54 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Might be having too much fun with sewing now.

I should stop.

Written By Abbas

May 29, 2017, 3:23 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Lord Darrow Darkwater is my champion. He stands as my axe in matters of dispute. The line starts there.

I trust the Knight of Sorrow in all tings. Including the protection of my life and of my interests.

As such he has earned my consideration as well. Any slight upon his station or attempt to do anything but increase his power in his lands with be met with hostility. Make no mistake about it. He has been a brother in blood and we have paid the tithe over and over. Such bonds do not falter.

Abbas Thrax

Written By Audric

May 29, 2017, 3:18 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Audric's Rule Number Five of Being a Sellsword, of which he should probably compile somewhere: Never be unreasonable. If you ever give off the impression you can't be reasoned with, every fight is a fight to the last. This is a bad decision. Actually, I think this goes for more people than just sellswords. Should I change these to 'Audric's Rules of Being a Pragmatist And Not Getting Yourself Killed Because You're An Idiot'?

Written By Carita

May 29, 2017, 1:33 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

I refuse to allow corruption to remain hidden. If that makes me disgraceful, I will accept that.

Written By Silas

May 29, 2017, 12:49 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

It’s been said that ‘where there is a brave man, in the thickest of the fight, there is the post of honor.’ Today, we pay tribute to those who placed themselves in the thick of the fight — again and again and again. I am extraordinarily proud of them.

Prince Ainsley Grayson - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
It is by Prince Ainsley's hand that the fiend Tolamar Brand was vanquished, and if it were not for him we may not be here tonight. He helped prepare our new recruits for the formidable task ahead of them and I have personally witnessed his ferocity in protecting people before, during, and after the siege. He has faithfully served as my Second with great aplomb and has taken measures to restore honor to the Iron Guard when our traitorous Lord Commander left us in ruin.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Prince Ainsley Grayson, Paladin of the Sword and Deputy Commander of the Iron Guard, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Calaudrin Estardes - Medal of the Star
Master Calaudrin Estardes has been with us for years now — he started at a younger age than any of us by virtue of lying about it — and I feel he has finally started to be recognized for the work he has done and has continued to do. He has demonstrated superb leadership and quick thinking on the battlefield, and I am proud to have him as our newest Lieutenant.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Master Calaudrin Estardes, Lieutenant of the Iron Guard, for being a leader for all young boys to admire and showing astute judgement, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Lord Estaban Saik - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Lord Saik joined us not long ago, but has already proven himself to be a hard worker and valiant individual. At a pivotal moment, he put himself in harm’s way to save the life of Prince Aiden Grayson, whom he had just met minutes prior. When he is not on duty, he is a conscientious young man who reminds us to be kind to one another and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and Medal of the Star to Lord Estaban Saik, Guardsman of the Iron Guard, for demonstrating selflessness and an eagerness to do what is right, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Lord Killian Ashford - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Lord Ashford is not a Guardsman, but an Agent whose ability and advice have proven to be invaluable assets to the Iron Guard. He, too, assisted his fellow paladins in destroying Tolamar Brand, and was kind enough to give us a detailed account of what occurred. He can be counted on to spring into action regardless of the danger clearly presented, to protect the innocent from harm.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Lord Killian Ashford, Paladin of Ideals and Agent of the Iron Guard, for offering sound advice, an adherence to justice, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Mistress Mae Culler - Medal of the Star
The Iron Guard does not typically expect their Liasions to do more beyond their designated duty as a go-between, but Mistress Mae Culler has repeatedly offered her assistance to the Iron Guard when I have asked for help. She has even fought alongside us against Bringers!

For her helpfulness and her unique creativity on the field of battle, the Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Mistress Mae Culler, Liasion and part-time Agent of the Iron Guard.

Lord Michael Bisland - Medal of the Star
Bislands have a reputation of military greatness, and I find Lord Michael Bisland to be no different. He serves the Iron Guard with skill, loyalty, and a refreshing amount of candor. He fought with us to repel a shav attack at the walls, and fought alongside our forces at the gate.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Lord Michael Bisland, Lieutenant of the Iron Guard, for his great inner and physical strength and wearing the uniform the way it is meant to be worn, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Merek Black - Medal of the Star
While the valor and gallantry of the Iron Guard is showcased often, there happens to be quite a bit of paperwork and complicated logistics behind the scenes. Master Merek Black has proven himself to be proficient with both the sword and the pen, and it takes no small amount of skill to balance both. He has fought marvelously on the field of battle and has assisted the Crafters Guild with fortifying the city when he was not on duty.

He is now ensuring our newest recruits get the attention they need to become excellent guardsmen. The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Master Merek Black, Officer of the Iron Guard, for strengthening our city and pushing us toward progress, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Princess Reese Grayson - Medal of the Star
The Princess of Ribbons has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a guardswoman, friend, and budding war commander. She commits herself fully to every role she takes and succeeds with flying colors. In addition to personal heroism, she commanded the Grayson forces with skill and grace. Within the Iron Guard she has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Princess Reese Grayson, Guardswoman of the Iron Guard, for her heroism and inspiring us to reach for the sky, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Dame Serafine Velenosa - Medal of the Star
Known far and wide for her skill and bawdy banter, Dame Serafine can always be counted to make organization briefings lively and slightly uncomfortable. Before the siege she was instrumental in keeping the peace in the Lower Boroughs and I get no shortage of people asking for her assistance. When I ask her to do something, I have little doubt she will succeed, and she might even bring a party with her. During the siege she fought at the behest of House Thrax and assisted them with their troubles, and helped her fellow guardsmen protect the Docks.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Dame Serafine Velenosa, Officer of the Iron Guard, for bringing satire, wits, and comedy to otherwise dull meetings and fighting valiantly with us and for our allies, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Sparte Fatchforth - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Master Sparte came to us a country boy looking for something to do. He is much more than a country boy, in essence, and I suspect the Compact is beginning to realize that. He is a warrior, a bard, a chef, a medic and a hero! His personal story and impressive skillset prove that success need not be determined by our background, but by our dedication to others and our passion. When fighting alongside myself, I have witnessed him save an ally without a second thought, endangering his life in the process.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Master Sparte Fatchforth, Guardsman of the Iron Guard, for valor on the battlefield and assisting so many with his admirable talents, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Mistress Thena Grayhope - Medal of the Star
Never limited by convention, Mistress Thena Grayhope is a pleasant surprise. She is both bold and thoughtful, speaking her mind while mending our wounds and making sure our insides don't become outsides. She inspires us to bridge our differences and recognize the gravity of our collective existence. Her tenacious and unwavering spirit should do her family proud, and the Iron Guard is ever thankful for her service.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Mistress Thena Grayhope, Guardswoman of the Iron Guard, for fighting with us, challenging us to think, and raising the bar for those who follow, while serving in the Iron Guard.

I would like all of you to give one big rousing round of applause to our medal honorees. Give it up! Or just send them a pesky message of congratulations for everything they have done for the Compact.

Additionally, we will be awarding medals to individuals who gave us their aid to us during one of the most tumultuous periods in our history. Tonight, however, belongs to our men.

IRON AND BLOOD!

Written By Victus

May 29, 2017, 12:45 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Carita

Taking the house that Maximilian Darkwater built and dismantling it while he's away?

Disgraceful woman.

Written By Leta

May 29, 2017, 12:05 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

A while after planting a tree I had a spar with Prince Luca, bare handed.

His Highness is hard to hit and hits hard and I think I am not leaving the house for days on account of not seeing out one eye. Thought I had the best of him for a while but he just would not go down as you'd expect he ought to. That and also I think I hit the fence a couple of times trying to hit him. I can't remember what happened really. It hurts to think so I'll stop now thank you.

Written By Nisaa

May 28, 2017, 11:54 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Malik

We have come so far, Malik and I. From lands so far away and so dangerous to get to, almost no one makes the trip alive... Our lives are so different now, and so are we. And yet, we are the same, in a whole new way.

Written By Dafne

May 28, 2017, 11:53 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

I have not had much experience with babies. They seem--very little, really. Little and red.

But--it is amazing, is it not? So new, so little. Such a tiny little life, where nothing existed before.

New beginnings. Beginnings where before there were ends.

Thank you, Lady of Endings and Beginnings.

Written By Malesh

May 28, 2017, 11:46 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Things are starting to look up in the city. The stress of the warfare brought to our gates is wearing off and soon I shall be able to relax again.

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