Written By Luca
April 16, 2017, 9:47 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Father Zio's a wonderfully understanding guy for a Legate of the Faith, even if he doesn't seem to like his nickname. Still. He's making this all possible. And he shares my wicked sense of humor I think where Brother Alley Cat (Aleksei to others) comes in. Here's hoping for a few expletives thrown in the ceremony for flavor.
Written By Luca
April 16, 2017, 9:44 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I can't believe it's all approved and this is actually a thing that's happening. Ribbons will be my wife and I'll be Luca Grayson. It just sounds bizarre to my ears, but I am happier than I've been in...far, far too long.
I do think I'll need some nice sobriquet like Val got when she went Redrain.
The Lazy Gray Fox maybe? Now I've ruined it and no one will call me that since I made it up myself.
I do think I'll need some nice sobriquet like Val got when she went Redrain.
The Lazy Gray Fox maybe? Now I've ruined it and no one will call me that since I made it up myself.
Written By Tristan
April 16, 2017, 9:32 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Twice in the span of a day I've found myself completely doused with Bringer blood. It's foul stuff, that.
I'm no stranger to blood. It happens when you care for animals. A pasture accident, a bad step, a poorly-positioned foal--and the result can be more blood than you ever dreamt of, sticky scarlet, and all you can do is try to hold life together or gently let it go, all in the battle against death and suffering and chaos, the fight we fight every day even when there aren't Bringers at our gates.
Bringer blood is different. There's no life to it. It's dark and goo-y and sluggish, and it reeks of death. I scrubbed until I could scrub no more, until I scrubbed off at least a layer of skin are more. I don't think I've ever been so clean in my life. And still it haunts me: the reek of Bringer blood; the girl screaming for her near-brother who was no longer human; broken bits and bodies in a swordshop; bodies tossed around like dolls at the docks, in the Lower Borroughs, at the Seawatch Gate; the warriors who went to defend their people disappearing into nothing and leaving those who loved them behind, all the animals--cats, dogs, horses, goats, hedgehogs, what have you--rummaging in ruins because their caretakers are gone, not comprehending how they have lost their world, dying slowly or slaughtered for food.
Children crying in the night as they perish from plague, murdered because a big bad reaver was _afraid_ of them and what they could represent.
This used to be a simpler world. I used to be a simpler man.
But that's nothing else to do. When the world is dark and hope recedes, all you can do is live, to go forward step by step. And when monsters are at your gate, the only thing you can do is fight.
I was just a horseman.
But that's it. I fight.
I'm no stranger to blood. It happens when you care for animals. A pasture accident, a bad step, a poorly-positioned foal--and the result can be more blood than you ever dreamt of, sticky scarlet, and all you can do is try to hold life together or gently let it go, all in the battle against death and suffering and chaos, the fight we fight every day even when there aren't Bringers at our gates.
Bringer blood is different. There's no life to it. It's dark and goo-y and sluggish, and it reeks of death. I scrubbed until I could scrub no more, until I scrubbed off at least a layer of skin are more. I don't think I've ever been so clean in my life. And still it haunts me: the reek of Bringer blood; the girl screaming for her near-brother who was no longer human; broken bits and bodies in a swordshop; bodies tossed around like dolls at the docks, in the Lower Borroughs, at the Seawatch Gate; the warriors who went to defend their people disappearing into nothing and leaving those who loved them behind, all the animals--cats, dogs, horses, goats, hedgehogs, what have you--rummaging in ruins because their caretakers are gone, not comprehending how they have lost their world, dying slowly or slaughtered for food.
Children crying in the night as they perish from plague, murdered because a big bad reaver was _afraid_ of them and what they could represent.
This used to be a simpler world. I used to be a simpler man.
But that's nothing else to do. When the world is dark and hope recedes, all you can do is live, to go forward step by step. And when monsters are at your gate, the only thing you can do is fight.
I was just a horseman.
But that's it. I fight.
Written By Anze
April 16, 2017, 9:32 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
The siege itself draws on, lives are lost on both sides, tensions are high... but I can't help but think excitedly about whats going to happen once the siege is over. The weddings, parties, drinking and celebration is going to be insane. It's certainly in my mind at least something to look forward to.
Written By Anze
April 16, 2017, 9:20 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Politics can be an odd thing. Especially the way that some can be thrust into it without any preparation. Obviously there is some basic level of understanding of it among all the nobility, but some are born and raised in the thick of it. I think more than anything though politics reminds me that its vitally important to surround yourself with people that you can trust and who will speak up against you. There is no use to surrounding yourself with yes-men and demanding that everyone around you fall over themselves to treat you like something special, people being actually useful is far more important. I've always appreciated that out of Darren, the fact that people can actually speak openly to him and he doesn't have to have his ego stroked and the like makes him much more respectable in my eyes. There are a fair share of leaders that could learn from that.
Written By Joscelin
April 16, 2017, 9:10 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I've spent the last several weeks rounding up man-power and people to help shore up the defenses of the city, and still I hear of those managing to get in somehow. However, as it was explained to me, Bringers can look like anyone and it's not our fault. I still feel a twinge of failure when I hear of another attack, especially when my people are involved.
Written By Percephon
April 16, 2017, 8:51 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
A woman whom I'm glad is as sharp with a bow as I anticipated, given the fact it saved me from being disemboweled once during our adventure in the Lowers. Down to earth, practical, and with a bit of knowledge about many things, she's certainly a stalwart companion to have in such times. Everything went according to plan. And once I'm done mending, I'll be certain to seek her out and give her my thanks.
Written By Rowan
April 16, 2017, 8:43 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
A man had made his camp in a clearing shared with the wild things of the woods with a need for warmth in his bones. He had a fire, and it glowed warm and bright and kept him comfortable, but the chill had set in deep. A moth joined him, settling briefly on his nose. 'Stoke the flames,' it whispered to him in the fleeting moment it was there. 'The heat will melt all the worries away.' Across the fire, a stag stared at the man through the smoke of the fire. 'Stoke the flames,' the stag spoke to him, 'And the woods may burn down around you.'
Written By Rowan
April 16, 2017, 8:41 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Three times Cataclysm has been blooded in combat, and three times it has been the foul blood of Bringers. This last though - it was difficult to find any pleasure in the thought for the pain of the girl left grieving.
Beware an angry stablehand - Tristan took the things arm off. I'd hate to see what he did if you touched anything in his tackroom. Princess Peregrine was quick to see to the wounded girl, the sort of head you'd like to have with you in battle if you're unlucky enough to fall. Likewise, Lady Tikva's songs are a powerful thing. Lady Khanne and Lady Niamh - each trial alongside them makes me glad they're the ones at my back.
Pour a drink for Tomas, may what was left of his spirit find peace.
Beware an angry stablehand - Tristan took the things arm off. I'd hate to see what he did if you touched anything in his tackroom. Princess Peregrine was quick to see to the wounded girl, the sort of head you'd like to have with you in battle if you're unlucky enough to fall. Likewise, Lady Tikva's songs are a powerful thing. Lady Khanne and Lady Niamh - each trial alongside them makes me glad they're the ones at my back.
Pour a drink for Tomas, may what was left of his spirit find peace.
Written By Sudara
April 16, 2017, 8:26 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Sudara Pravus, organiser of lectures martial and esoteric! Perhaps I should aspire to a career in public education. At present, that might well be the best contribution I can make to the city's defence: I am currently endeavouring to find out just how difficult it might be to help our array of defenders to truly talk to one another: not to exchange boasts or issue challenges, but to provide one another with details of tactics both successful and unfortunate, as employed both against and by the enemy assailing us. I cannot find a way to make individual arms or pieces of armour stretch farther or be used by more people, but knowledge is not so limited in how it can be shared.
Written By Tobias
April 16, 2017, 8:15 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I've been listening to the rumors about the surrender terms Brand gave while I've been on patrol.
You have to admit, the lack of self-awareness would be almost hilarious, if you didn't know the thing was insane to begin with.
Surrender and be unmade, or continue fighting and suffer cruelly.
Like this siege isn't causing us all to suffer already.
You have to admit, the lack of self-awareness would be almost hilarious, if you didn't know the thing was insane to begin with.
Surrender and be unmade, or continue fighting and suffer cruelly.
Like this siege isn't causing us all to suffer already.
Written By Armel
April 16, 2017, 7:49 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I was actually /at/ the wall when the Shavs brought forth the message, and the urge to riddle the shavs with arrows as my response was nearly overwhelming. But they were flying a flag of truce, and it wouldn't have made a difference in the ultimate attack, a few shavs more or less.
I cannot speak for the rest of the Faith or the Compact, but the response for the Knights of Solace is this:
We are the Knights of Solace
Vellichor guides our minds
Gloria powers our arms
Lagoma lights our hearts
Gild shows us the true path
Death is only the next step in the Wheel
We are the shield of the Compact
We do not bend
We do not break
We do not fear the Darkness
For We bring the Light
Come now, and face the judgment of the Gods.
I cannot speak for the rest of the Faith or the Compact, but the response for the Knights of Solace is this:
We are the Knights of Solace
Vellichor guides our minds
Gloria powers our arms
Lagoma lights our hearts
Gild shows us the true path
Death is only the next step in the Wheel
We are the shield of the Compact
We do not bend
We do not break
We do not fear the Darkness
For We bring the Light
Come now, and face the judgment of the Gods.
Written By Darren
April 16, 2017, 7:47 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
Lord Rook Grayward has acted as the Minister of Coin for the Crown for a long while now. I remember when he was raised to Lordship, and I think it suits him well. He seems to enjoy the job that he performs for the Crown and is full of useful information.
Written By Eleyna
April 16, 2017, 7:31 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
What kind of ultimatum is surrender and die or don't surrender and die? In the history of ultimatums, that has to be the worst I've ever heard. How can one become the head in command of an army of crazy Shavs and undead monsters and not at least have a basic understanding of how diplomacy and negotiation work? Does he not know how to at least -lie- that he might be merciful, even if he does ultimately intend to turn everything into Oblivion?
Ugh. Amateurs.
Ugh. Amateurs.
Written By Yasmine
April 16, 2017, 7:13 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
And so I've a new patron to help me on the climb. He's an interesting man. Good eye for pretty things.
And a good eye for talent, if I do say so myself.
I think we'll go far together.
And a good eye for talent, if I do say so myself.
I think we'll go far together.
Written By Killian
April 16, 2017, 6:50 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I dreamt, last night, once more of the darkness beyond. Of that ever present nothing that devours all within it's path, the oblivion at the end of the world that comes careening towards us with the relentlessness of the avalanche. In my dream I screamed, my throat raw with terror and hopelessness, as I turned to flee. But the voice of the watcher came to me, dispassionate and stern.
It asked, "To where will you flee?" and I was filled with chagrin, for I knew It's words to be true. There is nowhere to flee in the face of nothing, for it rolls ever onward, devouring all that was into that darkness. And I fell to my knees and begged of the Faceless voice, crying out "If there is nowhere to flee, then where can I stand, where can there be safety from that which comes?" and It answered, "There is no place that is safe. Only by deed can any place be safe, and only by virtue of the righteous can a deed have worth."
And then I saw a Kind Woman, who stood beside the roadway, her cheeks wet with tears which shimmered like diamonds as they fell, for the roadways that were her home had become unsafe. I saw the bodies of those she had called to her upon the ground before her, broken and mangled by the horrors hiding in the Darkness. And I asked her, "Great Lady, you have comforted me so many times. Is there nothing I can do to aid you? Is there no comfort you may be granted in kind?" And She looked upon me and her gaze was as gentle and kind as it had always been when cast upon a foolish traveler. She spoke and said, "No, but travel on a ways and you will find the last of the places I have been. You will find there those who still value kindness and mercy, and who are willing to raise their hands to defend it. Count yourself amongst them, and remember to bear to others the goodness that has been shown unto you.." And I looked beyond Her outstretched hand, and beheld a city like no other. It's walls soared hundreds of feet above the cliffs upon which it stood, and the waves of the ocean of darkness crashed against those walls like the waves of the ocean beneath against the cliffs.
And so I traveled into the city, and I saw there the sorrow and pain of broken faiths and oaths, and the bitter bickering that had befallen those who had let their petty differences erode agreement and amongst them walked a Woman of unsurpassed Virtue, her robes of white gathering no dirt as she stepped between the petty squabbles and broken promises. And as she walked, observing each in turn, I heard a great trembling and cracking and I looked back and beheld the walls, as each argument tore at the bricks and shattered the mortar, breaking the great fortress down bit by bit. And I called to her and begged, "Great Lady, please, stop this. Can you not see that it destroys the only protection we have?" And She looked sadly back upon me, and the anguish of what She saw was writ large upon her face as She responded. "I but see and understand, that which they have done unto one another. It was my blessing which tied them together, and they have ignored it and cast it aside, and even in my presence they are unfaithful one unto another, though I remind them of their oaths and pledges. And so, they shatter the walls, and invite the darkness within."
And I looked back, and the walls, the last bastion against the darkness, were so weakened by the petty quarrels within that they crumbled at last away, and the darkness swept into that great city which was the last hope against it. And so consumed in their petty differences were the people, that they noticed not even as they were swallowed by oblivion..
I awoke in a sweat, with a scream of terror upon my lips but never quite uttered..
It asked, "To where will you flee?" and I was filled with chagrin, for I knew It's words to be true. There is nowhere to flee in the face of nothing, for it rolls ever onward, devouring all that was into that darkness. And I fell to my knees and begged of the Faceless voice, crying out "If there is nowhere to flee, then where can I stand, where can there be safety from that which comes?" and It answered, "There is no place that is safe. Only by deed can any place be safe, and only by virtue of the righteous can a deed have worth."
And then I saw a Kind Woman, who stood beside the roadway, her cheeks wet with tears which shimmered like diamonds as they fell, for the roadways that were her home had become unsafe. I saw the bodies of those she had called to her upon the ground before her, broken and mangled by the horrors hiding in the Darkness. And I asked her, "Great Lady, you have comforted me so many times. Is there nothing I can do to aid you? Is there no comfort you may be granted in kind?" And She looked upon me and her gaze was as gentle and kind as it had always been when cast upon a foolish traveler. She spoke and said, "No, but travel on a ways and you will find the last of the places I have been. You will find there those who still value kindness and mercy, and who are willing to raise their hands to defend it. Count yourself amongst them, and remember to bear to others the goodness that has been shown unto you.." And I looked beyond Her outstretched hand, and beheld a city like no other. It's walls soared hundreds of feet above the cliffs upon which it stood, and the waves of the ocean of darkness crashed against those walls like the waves of the ocean beneath against the cliffs.
And so I traveled into the city, and I saw there the sorrow and pain of broken faiths and oaths, and the bitter bickering that had befallen those who had let their petty differences erode agreement and amongst them walked a Woman of unsurpassed Virtue, her robes of white gathering no dirt as she stepped between the petty squabbles and broken promises. And as she walked, observing each in turn, I heard a great trembling and cracking and I looked back and beheld the walls, as each argument tore at the bricks and shattered the mortar, breaking the great fortress down bit by bit. And I called to her and begged, "Great Lady, please, stop this. Can you not see that it destroys the only protection we have?" And She looked sadly back upon me, and the anguish of what She saw was writ large upon her face as She responded. "I but see and understand, that which they have done unto one another. It was my blessing which tied them together, and they have ignored it and cast it aside, and even in my presence they are unfaithful one unto another, though I remind them of their oaths and pledges. And so, they shatter the walls, and invite the darkness within."
And I looked back, and the walls, the last bastion against the darkness, were so weakened by the petty quarrels within that they crumbled at last away, and the darkness swept into that great city which was the last hope against it. And so consumed in their petty differences were the people, that they noticed not even as they were swallowed by oblivion..
I awoke in a sweat, with a scream of terror upon my lips but never quite uttered..
Written By Darren
April 16, 2017, 6:41 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I heard Tolamar Brand sent a group to the gates to deliver his terms of surrender. Though I am still questioning how terms of surrender can lead to death if we do what he wants, and death if we do not, I will provide him with House Redrain's response.
To Tolamar Brand, and his merry men: Bring it. We're waiting.
To Tolamar Brand, and his merry men: Bring it. We're waiting.
Written By Leola
April 16, 2017, 6:40 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I went to assist House Valardin recover another Bringer corpse.
Her Highness Princess Alis and Lords Ansel and Percephon led the efforts, and to assist Her Highness Princess Sophie, I agreed to lend my eyes and bow. The bringer was more brittle, though stronger, than the others I'd fought. More intelligent, in some ways; it darted through houses, tore through walls, and nearly killed Lord Percephon; I was happily in a position to save him.
All three acquitted themselves finely and fairly. I was proud to be of what little help I was.
Her Highness Princess Alis and Lords Ansel and Percephon led the efforts, and to assist Her Highness Princess Sophie, I agreed to lend my eyes and bow. The bringer was more brittle, though stronger, than the others I'd fought. More intelligent, in some ways; it darted through houses, tore through walls, and nearly killed Lord Percephon; I was happily in a position to save him.
All three acquitted themselves finely and fairly. I was proud to be of what little help I was.
Written By Samantha
April 16, 2017, 6:40 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Peregrine
I like her. She reminds me of dealing with her namesake. When dealing with a bird of prey, you desire to make a connection, perhaps even gain their friendship and affection, but you must always remember that these creatures are admirably dangerous and deserve your respect for being so.
Written By Samantha
April 16, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
I am going to marry him, and I am going to marry him soon.
I have the good fortune to be the mistress of my own destiny when it comes to marriage. In the nobility is an arrangement of advantage for each side, and while loving the person you are going to marry is fortunate, or falling in love with someone who has the type of advantages that suit, is exceedingly fortunate, simply marrying for love is virtually unheard of. I am very fortunate to have fallen in love with a man who brings honor and expertise in areas that I have less experience in, and ties to another House of excellent repute. This marriage satisfies the obligations and expectations of being part of the nobility.
Really though, the fact that I love him is first and foremost to me, and if that makes me silly, so be it. I do not believe that marriage will be easy, but I believe that if it is true and lasting, there will be a commitment to each other and at the very center of that commitment is compromise. There will be moments where we will make each other grit our teeth, and there will be moments where all we can see is each other, and there will be times that neither of us will be entirely happy with the conclusion or compromise that is made, but the point of it is we are in it together.
i think if I continue, this entry will devolve into a plethora of girlish sentiment of overly romantic notions.
Have I mentioned his eyes are dreamy?
I have the good fortune to be the mistress of my own destiny when it comes to marriage. In the nobility is an arrangement of advantage for each side, and while loving the person you are going to marry is fortunate, or falling in love with someone who has the type of advantages that suit, is exceedingly fortunate, simply marrying for love is virtually unheard of. I am very fortunate to have fallen in love with a man who brings honor and expertise in areas that I have less experience in, and ties to another House of excellent repute. This marriage satisfies the obligations and expectations of being part of the nobility.
Really though, the fact that I love him is first and foremost to me, and if that makes me silly, so be it. I do not believe that marriage will be easy, but I believe that if it is true and lasting, there will be a commitment to each other and at the very center of that commitment is compromise. There will be moments where we will make each other grit our teeth, and there will be moments where all we can see is each other, and there will be times that neither of us will be entirely happy with the conclusion or compromise that is made, but the point of it is we are in it together.
i think if I continue, this entry will devolve into a plethora of girlish sentiment of overly romantic notions.
Have I mentioned his eyes are dreamy?
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