Written By Deva
March 31, 2017, 10:43 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
I should be dead. Several times over, really, if I may be completely blunt. But here I am.
I pray for peace for those we have lost, and I shall do everything I can to make the most of my time still here. Even if the 'why' continues to elude me.
I pray for peace for those we have lost, and I shall do everything I can to make the most of my time still here. Even if the 'why' continues to elude me.
Written By Nix
March 31, 2017, 10:20 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
I went on another walk today. Tap-tap-tap goes my cane. I swear that sound will haunt me long after I am healed, if such a time comes.
I am exploring this city street by street, and alley by alley. If I am to dwell in a place, then I will know it. Exploring a city at war is fascinating. The people act so differently. Nervous eyes, and hands quick to touch weapons. It is invigorating.
I found myself in the Hall of the Dead, where I met a man and his barbarian princess wife. Huh. He made some comment about heroic women or somesuch, and it took all of my grace not to smirk at him. She also showed no social decorum and asked rude and pointed questions.
What a place.
I am exploring this city street by street, and alley by alley. If I am to dwell in a place, then I will know it. Exploring a city at war is fascinating. The people act so differently. Nervous eyes, and hands quick to touch weapons. It is invigorating.
I found myself in the Hall of the Dead, where I met a man and his barbarian princess wife. Huh. He made some comment about heroic women or somesuch, and it took all of my grace not to smirk at him. She also showed no social decorum and asked rude and pointed questions.
What a place.
Written By Nix
March 31, 2017, 8:07 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
Wandering a city under siege is a strange thing.
I am used to naval combat, surely. For almost two decades that was daily life for me. I was at my fighting peak, however...not a cripple like I am now. Also, there is something different about a battle on land. It feels...less personal, if that makes any sort of sense. So many people who can stand between you and enemy blades.
I've taken to walking in the morning, during false dawn. The cold mornings hurt my leg like you would not believe, but the pain keeps me from becoming complacent. Perhaps I can still find a way to be useful in this time.
Perhaps not.
I am used to naval combat, surely. For almost two decades that was daily life for me. I was at my fighting peak, however...not a cripple like I am now. Also, there is something different about a battle on land. It feels...less personal, if that makes any sort of sense. So many people who can stand between you and enemy blades.
I've taken to walking in the morning, during false dawn. The cold mornings hurt my leg like you would not believe, but the pain keeps me from becoming complacent. Perhaps I can still find a way to be useful in this time.
Perhaps not.
Written By Calaudrin
March 31, 2017, 5:07 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
That crazy kid is braver than I am. He's also in better shape...
Written By Merek
March 31, 2017, 5:02 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
She is the Guildmaster of the Crafter's Guild, and has been there for all that need help when they need it. She is quite kind, and a fun person to be around.
Written By Aureth
March 31, 2017, 4:10 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
So it's like this.
I went to the Shrine of Gloria, which I can't say I'd _never_ done before, but I have to admit it's pretty rare. The place looks like it should be a war camp, and it looks like that all the time, not just when the entire city is under siege. Battle and war are a soldier's game. I own armor to not die in, and I can shoot a crossbow without murdering my own thumb but that's basically the extent of my skill in that area.
I was complaining to Aleksei about this and he wrote back, "You think honor only comes up when you're fighting?"
Makes you think, doesn't it?
Honor. It goes hand in hand with pride, doesn't it? The point on which you stand, the point of rage: that's not me, that is beneath me, that is not what I stand for, that is not what I am.
Where's your honor? Is it the line drawn in the sand, the point you reach of acts you won't do? "Hey, murder someone and throw them in the river."
Is it the point of integrity, the place where you won't lie anymore, even to protect yourself? "Hey, Death told me the Silence is coming."
Is it the point where even though you've got the battle skills of a limp noodle, you'll walk into the dark with your eyes wide open to protect people you care about, even if it's just to give the darkness another, shinier, blonder target?
I didn't really ever think that honor was something I was particularly entitled to, but that never stopped me from having a huge damn chip on my shoulder, did it?
This is my prayer to Gloria. Let me be worthy to protect the honor of the Queen. Allow me the fortitude not to disgrace the Faith. May I be strong enough to stand for what's right. May I be bold enough to defend the world from darkness.
May I be enough, and when I'm inevitably not -- let others stand with me.
I went to the Shrine of Gloria, which I can't say I'd _never_ done before, but I have to admit it's pretty rare. The place looks like it should be a war camp, and it looks like that all the time, not just when the entire city is under siege. Battle and war are a soldier's game. I own armor to not die in, and I can shoot a crossbow without murdering my own thumb but that's basically the extent of my skill in that area.
I was complaining to Aleksei about this and he wrote back, "You think honor only comes up when you're fighting?"
Makes you think, doesn't it?
Honor. It goes hand in hand with pride, doesn't it? The point on which you stand, the point of rage: that's not me, that is beneath me, that is not what I stand for, that is not what I am.
Where's your honor? Is it the line drawn in the sand, the point you reach of acts you won't do? "Hey, murder someone and throw them in the river."
Is it the point of integrity, the place where you won't lie anymore, even to protect yourself? "Hey, Death told me the Silence is coming."
Is it the point where even though you've got the battle skills of a limp noodle, you'll walk into the dark with your eyes wide open to protect people you care about, even if it's just to give the darkness another, shinier, blonder target?
I didn't really ever think that honor was something I was particularly entitled to, but that never stopped me from having a huge damn chip on my shoulder, did it?
This is my prayer to Gloria. Let me be worthy to protect the honor of the Queen. Allow me the fortitude not to disgrace the Faith. May I be strong enough to stand for what's right. May I be bold enough to defend the world from darkness.
May I be enough, and when I'm inevitably not -- let others stand with me.
Written By Aureth
March 31, 2017, 3:47 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
Lagoma, the Lady of Change.
You know, I sit down to write out my thoughts on Lagoma and I feel like I already have. Each step we take - every choice I take on this path that I've set myself - it requires change and adaptation, in becoming a new person, in becoming a new thing, in Becoming, with a capital B, whatever that means. The gift of change is the ability to become. When I think about it--
Hana was the first true gift of Lagoma, for all that, in the end, she's probably more a gift from Jayus, for all that the debt a father owes his daughter probably has more to do with Limerance. Because the boy I was when I met her mother could never have been her dad. Because the man I was when I met her ... I don't know that he could ever have been responsible enough to reach for what I have now.
But I opened my heart, because how not? I made that choice. I accepted that change.
Hana has brilliant hands. It's not just native instinct. It's a lifetime of hard work, of dedication. Without a father to guide her, she chose to be a better, more responsible, more sturdy and real, than he ever would have been in his life. I don't think this is usually how examples work, and yet--
And yet.
But if I could become real for one person, it turned out ... it turned out I could be more. Because I saw that there was a way forward. Fortunato says that, after she showed me the Silence, I could have just dumped it off on Orazio or Aldwin and let it be somebody else's problem, and you know ... I never once thought of that? I never once thought to stop? Pretend it away? I never once thought to _not_ try?
I don't know when or how I became the man who made that choice. But I did. Because people have the power to change who they are. The power to become.
Death begins our stories with a blank weave, or with an old soul threaded into a new pattern. Skald gave us the will so that we could forge our way across that new pattern, so that our choices have meaning. But Lagoma grants us the gift to become, to grow, to change into the form of that pattern, to reshape our lives.
This is my prayer to Lagoma, in thanks for what She has already granted me, and us. Let me never shy from an opportunity to grow. Spring is coming, right around the corner. May it bring new growth for us all.
You know, I sit down to write out my thoughts on Lagoma and I feel like I already have. Each step we take - every choice I take on this path that I've set myself - it requires change and adaptation, in becoming a new person, in becoming a new thing, in Becoming, with a capital B, whatever that means. The gift of change is the ability to become. When I think about it--
Hana was the first true gift of Lagoma, for all that, in the end, she's probably more a gift from Jayus, for all that the debt a father owes his daughter probably has more to do with Limerance. Because the boy I was when I met her mother could never have been her dad. Because the man I was when I met her ... I don't know that he could ever have been responsible enough to reach for what I have now.
But I opened my heart, because how not? I made that choice. I accepted that change.
Hana has brilliant hands. It's not just native instinct. It's a lifetime of hard work, of dedication. Without a father to guide her, she chose to be a better, more responsible, more sturdy and real, than he ever would have been in his life. I don't think this is usually how examples work, and yet--
And yet.
But if I could become real for one person, it turned out ... it turned out I could be more. Because I saw that there was a way forward. Fortunato says that, after she showed me the Silence, I could have just dumped it off on Orazio or Aldwin and let it be somebody else's problem, and you know ... I never once thought of that? I never once thought to stop? Pretend it away? I never once thought to _not_ try?
I don't know when or how I became the man who made that choice. But I did. Because people have the power to change who they are. The power to become.
Death begins our stories with a blank weave, or with an old soul threaded into a new pattern. Skald gave us the will so that we could forge our way across that new pattern, so that our choices have meaning. But Lagoma grants us the gift to become, to grow, to change into the form of that pattern, to reshape our lives.
This is my prayer to Lagoma, in thanks for what She has already granted me, and us. Let me never shy from an opportunity to grow. Spring is coming, right around the corner. May it bring new growth for us all.
Written By Aureth
March 31, 2017, 2:25 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
You know ...
I was always a city boy. I've barely even left the walls. I mean, I have, sometimes -- mostly to go to the beach, though, or the woods just beyond the walls, to hurry back in to safety and sanctuary (hah) with the familiar and known. Maybe that's why I've never had much to say to Petrichor in particular. I mean, besides ... thanks for the harvest, particularly when the mash is good or the beer is fine, although that's almost more Mangata's parlance, and anyway, I've always been big on food and drink, even before I owned the bar. It's been mine awhile now, and soon it won't be anymore, but I have to admit, it always felt kind of ... transitional, like I was just taking care of it for the family on the way to being something else.
The shrine is peaceful, though. The whisper of the breeze through the branches. The crunch of the snow under foot. The heavy weight of the log benches. The smell of it, the natural, earthy smell. I've always been a city boy, but for a few minutes I felt more at peace outside than I have in a long time. Even those of us who wallow comfortably in the slummy urbanity can find a little sweet oxygen amongst the branches, I guess.
Fortunato talked to me about sanctuary. About faith as a shielding thing. And yeah, maybe that's where. Maybe tied in with Gild and hospitality. But home and hearth and warmth and safety. I've always wanted to hold that sacred. Even before I ever wanted to hold anything sacred, before I even thought in terms of sacredness, there were things that were important to me.
When I stood in that graveyard and stared into nothing and waited for those veiled bastards to come, and come again, I wasn't just terrified. I was furious. Because that's her place. Our place. Her City. Holy ground.
Fuck Tolamar Brand, my lady. We've a whole world to hold safe.
My prayer to you, Petrichor, for the whole world; for home and harvest; for the land underfoot, for the trees around us, for bruised pine scent on the air. My prayer to you for the bounds of sanctuary and safety, for the walls we create, for the peace of your shrine.
May I never take you for granted again.
I was always a city boy. I've barely even left the walls. I mean, I have, sometimes -- mostly to go to the beach, though, or the woods just beyond the walls, to hurry back in to safety and sanctuary (hah) with the familiar and known. Maybe that's why I've never had much to say to Petrichor in particular. I mean, besides ... thanks for the harvest, particularly when the mash is good or the beer is fine, although that's almost more Mangata's parlance, and anyway, I've always been big on food and drink, even before I owned the bar. It's been mine awhile now, and soon it won't be anymore, but I have to admit, it always felt kind of ... transitional, like I was just taking care of it for the family on the way to being something else.
The shrine is peaceful, though. The whisper of the breeze through the branches. The crunch of the snow under foot. The heavy weight of the log benches. The smell of it, the natural, earthy smell. I've always been a city boy, but for a few minutes I felt more at peace outside than I have in a long time. Even those of us who wallow comfortably in the slummy urbanity can find a little sweet oxygen amongst the branches, I guess.
Fortunato talked to me about sanctuary. About faith as a shielding thing. And yeah, maybe that's where. Maybe tied in with Gild and hospitality. But home and hearth and warmth and safety. I've always wanted to hold that sacred. Even before I ever wanted to hold anything sacred, before I even thought in terms of sacredness, there were things that were important to me.
When I stood in that graveyard and stared into nothing and waited for those veiled bastards to come, and come again, I wasn't just terrified. I was furious. Because that's her place. Our place. Her City. Holy ground.
Fuck Tolamar Brand, my lady. We've a whole world to hold safe.
My prayer to you, Petrichor, for the whole world; for home and harvest; for the land underfoot, for the trees around us, for bruised pine scent on the air. My prayer to you for the bounds of sanctuary and safety, for the walls we create, for the peace of your shrine.
May I never take you for granted again.
Written By Michael
March 31, 2017, 1:47 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
Some time ago I requested that my Father appoint me a Voice of our House. After some discussion about the matter, it seems that he's decided to do so. He's also loaned me Brightroar for the siege. I admit that the weight of the sword is nothing compared to the weight of responsibility and expectation in front of me. I do not want to fail.
Written By Inigo
March 31, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(3/10/1006 AR)
I'm terrible at writing entries... I would venture that tending to live for the moment has never left me with much time to contemplate the past, thus I forget that things must be written down for preservation.
Really, I think I'm just terrible at writing in my journal...
Really, I think I'm just terrible at writing in my journal...
Written By Eirene
March 31, 2017, 11:04 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Sieges teach you a lot about yourself and those around you.
My family has risen to the occasion and all of them have proven themselves the capable persons I would hope they were. I wish their parents were here to see them and share in my pride. So proud Auntie Eirene will have to do.
It also is a reassurance to see so many people, commoners and royalty, working together to fuck over our enemies. The Compact was created to save all our asses and it's proving just why we -need- it.
Healing supplies pour in; we had anticipated a siege (or I had) and Joscelin has been instrumental in stockpiling for just such an occasion. I never expected Arx to be breached, however, so getting help from any and all corners is good. My lads and ladies, the Mercy's, Ben's physicians... we're all working round the sundial to help anyone and everyone who gets wounded. Doesn't matter where they serve, which Ward, what Gods or what profession.
Right now it's Human vs Not Human. And while the shavs are under Bringer control, they sadly fall under 'Not Human.'
My family has risen to the occasion and all of them have proven themselves the capable persons I would hope they were. I wish their parents were here to see them and share in my pride. So proud Auntie Eirene will have to do.
It also is a reassurance to see so many people, commoners and royalty, working together to fuck over our enemies. The Compact was created to save all our asses and it's proving just why we -need- it.
Healing supplies pour in; we had anticipated a siege (or I had) and Joscelin has been instrumental in stockpiling for just such an occasion. I never expected Arx to be breached, however, so getting help from any and all corners is good. My lads and ladies, the Mercy's, Ben's physicians... we're all working round the sundial to help anyone and everyone who gets wounded. Doesn't matter where they serve, which Ward, what Gods or what profession.
Right now it's Human vs Not Human. And while the shavs are under Bringer control, they sadly fall under 'Not Human.'
Written By Peregrine
March 31, 2017, 10:11 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
...as dictated to a priest of Vellichor...
I will tell you of Calarian. He is a talker. My husband has many words. Many many words. All the words in the world, I think. They hide in his eyes, they dance in his mind. He is the son of griffins but if he were pure and true and Gold Feather he would be River's, he would be Rain's, far-roaming and always always talking.
But I know how to make his words stop.
I will tell you of Calarian. He is a talker. My husband has many words. Many many words. All the words in the world, I think. They hide in his eyes, they dance in his mind. He is the son of griffins but if he were pure and true and Gold Feather he would be River's, he would be Rain's, far-roaming and always always talking.
But I know how to make his words stop.
Written By Peregrine
March 31, 2017, 10:03 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
...as dictated to a priest of Vellichor...
Yes, good. Write these words. I am come, Arx. I am Peregrine, daughter of Umairi and Owl, heir of the Gold Feathers, chosen of Bird. I have wed a griffin prince. I have brought my thousand. You lost the way but it is here again and it is good. It is as Calarian said, there is steel in this city. There is steel in these walls and these people.
For steel, I bring you fire. I bring you the skies.
Put that in your book.
Yes, good. Write these words. I am come, Arx. I am Peregrine, daughter of Umairi and Owl, heir of the Gold Feathers, chosen of Bird. I have wed a griffin prince. I have brought my thousand. You lost the way but it is here again and it is good. It is as Calarian said, there is steel in this city. There is steel in these walls and these people.
For steel, I bring you fire. I bring you the skies.
Put that in your book.
Written By Lyiana
March 31, 2017, 9:14 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Today I saw bravery. Yesterday I saw death. I saw men die in front of me and I stood by whilst their blood dripped on my floor. Yesterday I saw people who were desperate try to rob me of my money. Today, I saw heros.
I still have dreams of some good in the world. Indeed I do, but war is hard and men are desperate and all we can do is try to help them. Oh Gods, help them. I need to clean my floor in my shop, but I cannot go in there yet. I have my orders to stay inside, for which I will do gladly until such time as I am needed.
I still have dreams of some good in the world. Indeed I do, but war is hard and men are desperate and all we can do is try to help them. Oh Gods, help them. I need to clean my floor in my shop, but I cannot go in there yet. I have my orders to stay inside, for which I will do gladly until such time as I am needed.
Written By Merek
March 31, 2017, 8:31 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I met the Lady General at the Council, and it seems like she is a very intelligent woman, who knows tactics and strategies when it comes to war. I believe she will see us through a lot of what is coming in this siege.
Written By Michael
March 31, 2017, 8:19 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
It's been an eventful few days. Patrols are becoming ever-more eventful, with more and more trying to find their ways inside the city's walls. The smell of death and dying that permeates each step becomes thicker every day. It's enough to make my stomach churn
Written By Miles
March 31, 2017, 12:55 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
The lass is a powerhouse. But she doesn't get enough sleep! One day, that lack of sleep is gonna come bite her in the ass and she'll be running for me to take care of her. And will I do such a thing? Of course... I will. I'm gonna yell at her, hard but I'll patch her ass up and send her back out. Mostly because she's a good drinking companion, really.
Written By Miles
March 31, 2017, 12:50 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
I've been patching up the Lord Commander since she was a kid. She's the little niece I never thought I'd want. She's grown into a fine leader, I'll give you that and Dayne made the right choice with her. She's even actually sleeping, unless of course, the little brat, I mean, our illustrious leader happens to be lying to me. Which is quite possible if she's avoiding telling me of her lack of sleep so I don't nag her or tie her bandages extra tight the next time I patch her up. If Dayne could see her now? He would be mighty proud of her.
Written By Joscelin
March 31, 2017, 12:12 a.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
The Lady General Calypso Malvici has put me in charge of city-wide repairs and structure reinforcements, as I have a small army of crafters, makers, merchants, and suppliers in my network of fellows.
I'll admit to being a little intimidated; it's a lot of responsibility when I already have that with my Guild, 'all the focus of a mother to your crafters and merchants', I was told. It was meant to be a snide remark but I think on it with great pride.
Anyway. I've spoken to a few people and I have no worries about rising to the task at hand, I just hope I don't let anyone down.
I'll admit to being a little intimidated; it's a lot of responsibility when I already have that with my Guild, 'all the focus of a mother to your crafters and merchants', I was told. It was meant to be a snide remark but I think on it with great pride.
Anyway. I've spoken to a few people and I have no worries about rising to the task at hand, I just hope I don't let anyone down.
Written By Joscelin
March 30, 2017, 11:47 p.m.(3/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
When I ask for aid, I never expect a response. I mean, I hope for one, but it's not expected; that would be rude and a setup for disappointment. I hope for the best but expect the worst, a lesson I've learned quickly as Guildmaster and one that's proven to be wise.
When I asked Princess Eleyna for extra supplies for the healers, I gave her a list of things: clean scraps of cloth, silk thread, lye soap, honey, lye soap with honey, medicinal herbs.
Not four hours pass and I receive several large crates of almond-honey lye soap. Such soap in its basic form can be found easily and a necessity for many, but with the honey mixed in it's a boon to a hospital trying to do its best to keep the humors of its patients clear and strong.
No few people may find her generosity surprising, but I've never known her to be anything else. My deepest gratitudes to her.
As a side note, if you have such things to donate please send me a message, every little bit helps. I will come by in person if need be. The thread must be silk, as it doesn't snag like wool or cotton does when sewn to flesh. Bandages can be made of many kinds of cloth, from linen to cotton to silk, and if it's not wide enough or as absorbent, I'm sure it can be used to hold dressings into place.
When I asked Princess Eleyna for extra supplies for the healers, I gave her a list of things: clean scraps of cloth, silk thread, lye soap, honey, lye soap with honey, medicinal herbs.
Not four hours pass and I receive several large crates of almond-honey lye soap. Such soap in its basic form can be found easily and a necessity for many, but with the honey mixed in it's a boon to a hospital trying to do its best to keep the humors of its patients clear and strong.
No few people may find her generosity surprising, but I've never known her to be anything else. My deepest gratitudes to her.
As a side note, if you have such things to donate please send me a message, every little bit helps. I will come by in person if need be. The thread must be silk, as it doesn't snag like wool or cotton does when sewn to flesh. Bandages can be made of many kinds of cloth, from linen to cotton to silk, and if it's not wide enough or as absorbent, I'm sure it can be used to hold dressings into place.
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