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Written By Aurelian

Feb. 28, 2017, 3:44 p.m.(1/4/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Donella

Good friend.

Written By Serafine

Feb. 28, 2017, 1:03 p.m.(1/4/1006 AR)

It's dangerous to make assumptions without in-depth research.

Written By Bethany

Feb. 28, 2017, 9:41 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

We know we are watched.
We hope - guarded well.
Do they know who they are?
If so, they never tell.

Written By Fiachra

Feb. 28, 2017, 9:17 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

We know what approaches. Walls are all well and good, but they fail to truly convey the spirit of those of the Compact that I have come to know. To that end, Alis and I decided that what was needed was something that would truly let those who might look to set siege to Arx know what we really felt about them. And of course, we chose for our model a man we both respect.

(OOC: What follows is a description of the object left outside the gates, as given to the recording scholar.)

Rude Snow-Edain

An imposing figure of piled snow; the ever traditional snow man, stands tall in front of the equally impressive walls of Arx. This one, however, has a few slight differences. The starched tabard of a Valardin Knight is proudly draped over the gathered and stacked snowglobes, for one. And where the arms might normally be just tree branches, these ones also have gloves on. Gloves that have been stuffed with straw and then tied and twisted and displayed so that both are quite rudely flipping off any who would dare encroach on the city.

That's right! The Valardin Snowlord is /here/, and he's not happy that you're trying to invade the city, Bringers!

Written By Jaenelle

Feb. 28, 2017, 7:37 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

I think my brother mistakes meanness for a deep, passionate, overwhelming need to keep those I love safe in the only way I am able. I do not have the skill of a sword of the strength to physically protect in that nature, and sometimes I am jealous of Leona in that regard. Our parents were murdered while the three of us were still so very young, perhaps too young to understand anything but that the three of us were all we had left. I will fight till my last dying breath to make sure that what I have left remains. I need Valerius and Leona more than I could ever say.

I should not be pitied for my lot in life, I am protected beneath Velenosa's banner as well as Thrax's. I have a home, those who love me, and those I have yet to meet who I am certain will. I might have lost much, but there is still so much to gain and with the God's approval I hope that I continue to accomplish those things in life I wish to.

There is one thing my brother has said that is true. I am proud that my father was a Redrain Prince, and I am proud of the history and always feel as if I am at home within the Redrain ward. It brings me closer to the man that was taken from me. So if when diplomacy and understanding do not work, if the rules within the etiquette guidebook fail, I am proud to have the temper of a Redrain.

Written By Calliope

Feb. 28, 2017, 7:26 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

How can one take something from someone that never belonged to the other person in the first place? My work, my efforts, they're undermined by the claim that someone's dream has been stolen, by my own success. Something I worked hard towards, something towards which I put in much effort. Some things are not attained by knowledge alone, but by connections, people skills, and effort. Simply accusing someone of taking is proof positive that there is a basic lack of understanding there.

And yet, I still feel badly.

Written By Ainsley

Feb. 28, 2017, 6:52 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Valerius

As my liege has said: Tolerable.

Written By Julea

Feb. 28, 2017, 4:14 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

He said, "She was born of the sea and cast onto land. Now, she retakes it."

The other He said, "Upon the salt we are born and into the blood tide we cast our fates. Rise now, a Thraxian subject. Tears in our Wake."

Everyone shouted: "Never at our Wake."

I replied, "From this day forward, I am Thrax."

And it is so. I am now bound to the Thrax, by blood, by salt, by fealty, and eventually by marriage.

I was born on the salt, I was raised on a ship. But before my ninth birthday I was fostered by a Redrain man who become my beloved Father. No one else has earned the right to be my Father but this man who dedicated his life to raising me. But that doesn't change what I am. The saltwater is in my blood. But I will always be grateful for the care that the Redrain took of me, both in Three Trees, and in Arx.

I still don't like Rum.

Written By Hana

Feb. 28, 2017, 3:13 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Tonight, I finished one of the nicest alaricite blades I've ever made, and with nothing more than a lot of hard work and careful time spent at the forge. I didn't work on anything else /all week/.

It's the sort of blade I think I'll see in my dreams, and I hope it can make a difference.

Written By Ford

Feb. 28, 2017, 2:11 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

**As reported by Ford's assistant and secretary Barbara**

Another fucking duel? Do these children know what's encroaching on our doors? I should hope so, there's more important shit to worry about than...what.. what does this say? 'I AM OFFENDED THAT YOU SAID A THING OFFHANDEDLY IN A WHIT--' This is madness. Utter. Fucking. Madness. But hey, they were slighted weren't they? Stop everything Barbara, a Prince or whatever the fuck was slighted. I shouldn't say that too loud, someone might hear and challenge me to a fucking duel.

--------

As Documented by the Archivist;

Lords. Ladies. Surely, you all can appreciate that there are far more pressing matters to attend than another duel set for a week from now? Surely. Why waste your energy and anger on one another when that can be turned towards the enemy?

Please.

Marquis Ford Kennex

Written By Valerius

Feb. 28, 2017, 12:59 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Jaenelle

There are few in this city that know Jaenelle like I do. I can’t really blame them, though, they didn’t have to share an Estate with her growing up. Not that I’m complaining. If it wasn’t for her and Leona I think those bullies might have done me in. The trials and tribulations of being an easy-going Thrax.

But she’s more than the older sister I had growing up. She’s a woman who has seen things she never should have. Her marriage to Velenosa was a gift, I think, but her husband’s death was a cruel joke. I feel as bad for her as I do Archduke Niccolo.

But the one thing I’d urge anyone who knows her to remember: She may be the sweetest woman in the compact, but if any expect it to be me who inherited a Redrain temper, they’re sorely mistaken. She doesn’t need the protection of any man. Not by me, not by Leona, not even that bodyguard she’s hired.

Even if she can be mean sometimes, but she’s my sister, and I love her more than the world.

Written By Orazio

Feb. 28, 2017, 12:01 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds;
The leaden thunders crashed.
A worshipper raised his arm.
"Hearken! Hearken! The voice of the gods!"
"Not so," said a man.
"The voices of the gods whisper in the heart
So softly
That the soul pauses,
Making no noise,
And strives for these melodies,
Distant, sighing, like faintest breath,
And all the being is still to hear."

Not my own work, alas, but found in a poet's white journal from three generations ago. One of my favorite poets, as it happens; his is the journal of a man who has struggled with faith, and with the Faith, and I honor those struggles whenever I re-read his work, even when it can be a touch too bitter for my taste. But then, the greatest struggles, the gravest contemplations, often ARE bitter, at least in part. Because they challenge us in a way that no honorable blade can ever reach. The trick is to respect the bitterness, but never give into it. It is the scar that reflects a hard battle, not the blow that cripples a limb past any Mercy's art.

Written By Merek

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:54 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

It is but the first part of our journey, and I wonder what will come on it next. However, what we saw... The refugees who ran, and the people which starve. It is difficult to look at, and they have so few defenses. Unlike Great Cities or Duchies, it seems that the villages, especially those on the war path, must flee from their homes. I'll do what it takes to assist them, and bring them a little more hope, however I also will fight to protect the people.

Written By Dafne

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:52 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Pietro was my friend. He was kind and vivid and oh so alive.

He is not some name for people who barely knew him to invoke, to try to validate things he never would have.

Written By Merek

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:52 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Demura

I met my Patron as a Guest in the Lyonesse Estate. She was quite friendly, and i believe that we will get along well enough. I also hope that our mutually beneficial agreements will continue.

Written By Merek

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:50 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Elrych

The First Knight for Demura is a man of few words, but respectful. And I like that he holds well to his beliefs.

Written By Ainsley

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:46 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

You know. My female lovers may be upset when they find out that I only sleep with men. I'm not sure why I didn't know this. I'm so glad someone finally told me!

Written By Cara

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:30 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

If the Valardin ever decide to pursue sailing as a major interest, I know just where to find plenty of wind.

Written By Tristram

Feb. 27, 2017, 10:20 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)

Insofar as Prince Ainsley sees fit to bring up my White Journals, which I write as a religious obligation, perhaps here is the best place to mount a defense. He refers to my earlier musings on the different forms of love that I have encountered in my travels, and a wistful longing that I could love all of the three women who at the time interested me, honestly, fairly, and openly. It also states that I doubt I will ever see such a thing in my lifetime.

I am a member of the royal House Valardin. My responsibility as a noble is to marry in order to strengthen my family, and to father children to increase its numbers; made even more important due to the events of the Tragedy. There are many forms of love out there--and many which are not something a noble can ever sanctify with marriage, given the demands places on us by our role. For example, while Prince Ainsley's style of love is possible for him because the Graysons are so numerous and as such procreation need not be his concern, even if it were my *preference*, I do not have that same luxury.

Lest in some way this seem a slight to Prince Ainsley, let it be known: I cared very greatly for Lord Pietro and highly approved of their match. I proved that *directly* to Prince Ainsley on at least one occasion, when I helped Pietro with a delicate matter, for no gain of my own but the care I had for him.

*Because* I do not have that same luxury, *because* I must either father children for my family, or be a match for another family in a way that strengthens the Valardin line, any musings or wistful desires I might have and express here before Vellichor are just that--musings. I believe most people in the world have met more than one person they *could* love, and would if they could. Some of them do so--with a spouse, but an arrangement that the partners might see others. How many bastards, fathered? How many affairs, destroying lives and lines and causing wars? Not for me this dishonor, this besmirching, this cause for chaos.

So: being unable to love more than one person openly, and being unwilling to lie or dishonor a spouse that I *do* wish to have, I will always remain true to the one who marries me. It should *also* be noted, because I am certain that Prince Ainsley imagines otherwise, that I have taken no lover, made no promises, had no relations beyond kissing, with anyone--noble, commoner, or otherwise--since I arrived in Arx roughly six months ago. Nor do I intend to, until I marry. I wish nothing to cause my future spouse, or their family, to have any doubt whatsoever about my love and commitment to them.

Written By Waldemai

Feb. 27, 2017, 9:54 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)

Met a young fellow named Owain Llywelyn, a soldier by trade. He gave me some good coaching up in case I need to use one of my hammers in a fight. He pretty much convinced me that I'm never going to be a soldier, but, like he says, the trick is to not be the slowest fellow running away. Seems like a level-headed chap, and I wouldn't mind standing him an ale so long as we didn't get fighting drunk, cuz if we did I'd be looking for my guts on the floor in no time flat.

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