July 30, 2016, 5:56 p.m.(3/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Gustave
Frankly, I aught to have been the better swimmer. I've been swimming since before I knew how to fucking walk. Then comes this giant and outshines me. What the fuck does some hill boy know about swimming, anyway? He's a better runner than me, too. Not that I was ever that great of a runner, but still. I figured I had a chance at least, but I didn't.
At least I'm better at throwing things. Guess the only time that matters if you're stuck in a siege and they're coming up the walls. And if you're in that position you're already fucked most of the time.
Then again, once you really have to start running or swimming you're usually fucked, too.
July 30, 2016, 5:50 p.m.(3/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Arn
You ever read the Valor of Steel by.. fuck, I can't remember the name. T something, I think. No? No, no, if you wanna look it up you can do it on your own time. Anyway. Its a book about some of the great contemporary commanders of Valardin, and chief among them is Arn Telmar. It gives some brief biographies and then lists some of their most notable battles. I'll admit I glossed over most of it. What can I say, I'm not much of a reader.
One sequence did stick with me, though. It describes Arn in his shining fucking armor, leading his cavalry in a great and glorious charge at the Battle of the Horn, and in one glorious heroic swoop winning the day. So when I sat down to have a drink with the fellow, I had to ask him about it.
I liked his version better.
Written By
Arn
July 30, 2016, 11:26 a.m.(3/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Edain
Honorable Prince
July 30, 2016, 4:35 a.m.(2/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Lydia
Duchess Nadia's sister has a certain...fragility to her nature. It makes her sweet, coddled naturally. It's as if you've every instinctual urge to want to stand over her or make it so her feet hardly have to touch the ground. It makes her terribly endearing in everything she does. Many people, all they want is to feel needed. She's quite adept at settling that urge. It doesn't hurt that she's a pretty gal.
July 30, 2016, 4:31 a.m.(2/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Fergus
My cousin is a cold man, in many ways. He doesn't connect well with people, or simply chooses not to. He has his moments of bright eyed easiness, though usually that's when he's too drunk to remember the past. I love him; he's my family. I just wish he'd relax some. We're going to get those bastards, whoever they are. Sooner, or later.
July 30, 2016, 1:32 a.m.(2/27/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Alarie
Thraxian Seamstress Alarie Harall is brilliant in a way few people are. That isn't merely a testament to her skills and the masterful way she manipulates silk as she affably converses. She's simply pleasant to be in the company of. Conversation flows naturally with her and she's proven herself to be remarkably expedient on top of it. Arx attracts many artisans and there will forever be competition among them, but her quality, of both person and goods, remains top notch.
Written By
Kima
July 29, 2016, 10:22 p.m.(2/27/1004 AR)
Truth be told, I would have preferred to stay in bed on the Decathlon's first day - I knew I'd not be attending any of the other event's due to prior engagements. Yet how could I not stand and show support for my friends? I am most sure Victus in particular would have been crushed had I not been there.
While he couldn't overtake the Marquis Searam in the first event, Victus won handily the second two - as well he should. Sailing is, after all, something he should know a thing or two about.
The Sword of Lenosia...
Masterfully done, mister Artiglio, masterfully done.
One other item of note: Marcas. Yes, yes, the man came dead last in the swimming competition, but I don't think many people there could appreciate that he was swimming at all. They didn't see him knock back those drinks and cheese like I had!
July 29, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(2/27/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Arn
After a run in with Victus at a tournament, Hammar found out Duke Arn is not his father. Hammar still wants to talk to the Duke and get to know him better, but he is a bit sad that after their first meeting in the City center when Arn asked him about his armor, that the man is not actually his father. He still doesn't know why Arn called him son, though!
Written By
Alrec
July 29, 2016, 7:37 p.m.(2/27/1004 AR)
Gloria was on my side, at least where it matters for me. During the fight, I suppose I lost my temper and perhaps that wasn't a good display considering I was fighting for the honor of Princess Jaenelle. Never the less, I beat the Sword, Talen with a knock out. There was something about his motion that reminded me of Southport, still I can't put a finger on it. Especially why it was so familiar. The sand in the eye, shit, I should have saw that coming. Novice trick. It was a good fight either way. Talen better keep his word and send me a nice gift, that ring looks pretty fancy.
July 29, 2016, 10:29 a.m.(2/26/1004 AR)
I attended the first day of the Twelfth Golden Decathlon. It was a fine enough day on the Bay beneath Seawatch Gate. There were three aquatic competitions, in Swimming, Skiff Sailing and the Grand Regatta.
In Swimming, Lady Viviana Pravus took an early lead on the outward leg, followed by Lord Gustave Blackram and Lord Victus Thrax. On the return, Lord Gustave overtook Lady Viviana and Lord Victus was able to make up some ground, but not enough. Gustave first, Viviana second and Victus third.
In the skiffs, Lord Victus surged to an early lead, followed by Alrec and Acacia Culler. On the way back in, Lady Viviana was able to overtake Acacia. Victus first, Alrec second and Viviana third.
The Regatta had several turnings and could roughly be said to have four legs. In the first leg, Alrec came out first, with Lady Viviana in second and Lord Victus in third. In the second leg, both Victus and Viviana were able to gain on Alrec, with Victus managing to pull completely even. In the third section, Lord Victus fell back into third position, with Lady Viviana and her crew pulling ahead of both Alrec and Victus. In the homeward stretch, Alrec pulled ahead of Viviana again, but Victus was able to pass them both by. Victus first, Alrec second and Viviana third.
There were other competitors on the day, but my eyes did well to keep track of who was vying for the lead positions.
Written By
Kima
July 29, 2016, 2:45 a.m.(2/25/1004 AR)
When I look back on our decision to leave Southport for that 'last adventure,' the ease with which the choice was made seems almost criminal. The cost that it would demand of us, that we unwittingly demanded others pay for us with their very lives, far outweighed the goal. Yet who ponders these things? Scholars who pour over dusty old tomes and cast their judgements upon fading ink and mouldering bones. The fearful, certainly. Those who long to live as I have lived but find every reason to avoid in, sheltered safe and sound within the four walls that compose their prison. And then...I think, the survivors. Those like me. Men and women that stagger clear of the smoke, looking about in sheer bewilderment.
Lucien had been dead for some time. Hadrian was ruling in all but name. We'd been back in Southport for perhaps a month and were starting to turn restless. Lounging within garden, I can still recall Canova as he tapped his finger against the old scroll he was reading.
-----
"This," he said, grinning devilishly. "This is what we shall recover."
Damaris, standing behind him, leaned over to squint at the yellowed document. "The Sword of Triam?" She asked, voice incredulous. She looked to both Kima and Yinali for support before continuing on to say, "You know the that's from the Age of Songs." Her tone had turned disparaging. "Otherwise known as the Age of Myth and Legend."
Canova was not to be deterred. Since returning to Southport, a peculiar humor had overtaken him. He spent long hours in various libraries and consulting with scholars. And, on two occasions, even engaged in conversations with priests. Rolling up the scroll, he returned it to its protective tube.
"All the clues are there," he said, not looking at any of them. "In writing, in maps, and in the land." Making a sweeping gesture to encompass all three women, he sneered. "While you three bicker, preen and deceive commoners into believing you're the answer to their prayers, I pay attention. I do more than look at the world around me. I notice, and I remember."
Getting to his feet, Canova strode towards the reflecting pool. Whatever he saw in himself as he stared into his shimmering alter ego must have been amusing, as he smirked. "We shall retrieve the Sword of Triam, and present it to Hadrian when Duchess Adona abdicates in his favor."
-----
How we all squawked at that. Talk of mythical swords was forgotten. Somehow, it was inconceivable to us to imagine the Duchess ever abdicating, despite the growing power her son wielded by the day. Yet of us all, Canova was the closest to the young man, had practically served the Malvicis all his life, and he was confident in his declaration. That night, it was his conviction that settled the deal - as it always did.
Written By
Kima
July 28, 2016, 11:38 p.m.(2/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Marcas
What can I say about Marcas Aodh - wait, are you sure that's how it's spelled? That doesn't look a thing like what he said his name was. That looks like Owe'd, as if he just stubbed his toe or something - fine, fine, you are the scholar and I trust you. I was just asking.
Where was I? Oh yes. Furs. Alcohol. Amusing accent. Brash overtures for romantic dalliances. I think that is what the north is made of. I'd accuse the man of being inhuman except that he couldn't hold back the vomit and came in last in the swimming event. That he competed at all is worthy of applause, though, I won't deny him that.
Written By
Ida
July 28, 2016, 3:09 p.m.(2/23/1004 AR)
What a genuinely awesome Rite of Gloria! Of course I favored Prince Edain and, yes, I'm utterly biased. However, considering Duke Niccolo's age and likelihood that his skills might be more practiced, I'll also admit I was a little nervous about it. What I think was the best part was that they did not wield their personal weapons, but instead each had the same exact type of sword. To me, that evens the playing field better than anything. A blade of exceptional craftsmanship or material can sometimes turn the tide in favor of one over another. When each person comes to the grounds with the same exact type of blade, what we see in the trial is purely a match of skills. I'd love to see more such fights as that.
July 27, 2016, 10:15 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Arianwen
Arianwen is a talented crafter in the city and I reached out to her to do some sort of fashion gathering because ladies plus silk equals profit, and wealthy crafters are productive crafters and I love to shop, naturally. I'll need to get together with her soon and set something up, she's terribly pretty which makes for a great co-host.
July 27, 2016, 10:12 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Edain
Prince Edain is a light in the darkness, his good-cheer and endless supply of syrup-laden treats sure to deliver a smile no matter what mood I'm in or trouble I've caused. He's got his serious side as well, and I certainly wouldn't ever want to be on the wrong side of his ire, but I certainly look forward to learning more about him while I'm here in Arx.
Written By
Nadia
July 27, 2016, 9:54 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Alis
For such a tiny thing, Alis possesses a boundless vigor and zest for life that leaves one simply worn out if left to entertain her for far too long. I've encountered her a few times since my arrival in Arx; first during a tournament where she bested Prince Fergus Redrain in the final round, and again at the Amabassador Salon where we spoke for a great length over tea and candied bacon. I cannot help but feel as if she will grow on me over time, as I see glint of myself within her, back when I was younger still chasing on the heels of my elder brother, Dustin, between our martial lessons.
Written By
Nadia
July 27, 2016, 9:53 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Edain
He confided in me something that was never meant to be spilt from my lips, let alone in the halls of the Redrain villa surrounded by all who dared hear me - the fragile bond of an alliances forged upon the like similarities of the travesties that devastated our families respectively. That bond has since withered by my hand, but not unsalvagaeble; he gifted me a chance at redemption, and it is a challenge I shall conqeur with honor and valour all in due time.
Written By
Nadia
July 27, 2016, 9:53 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Isolde
With an ill-timed glance and a tactless oration, incredulity and disenchantment were transplanted into the minds of many I'd left in my wake that night at the Redrain Reception - some, perhaps, even wounded. Regrettably, I imagine this was the case with Princess Isolde Velenosa, an acolyte of the Thirteenth who I've had little interactions with save for passing pleasantries at the Velenosan parties I'd had the pleasure of attending some short time ago. Reconciliation looms out of the question, in the mean time, but the threat of the Inquisition (specifically Prince Gareth) harassing the Mirror has been mitigated, so there is that.
Written By
Nadia
July 27, 2016, 9:52 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Talen
Velenosan Ward. Sword of Lenosia. Talen Artiglio is a staunchly loyal servant to the Velenosan family, and by proxy, I've grown well-acquainted with the man through my interactions with them. Frightfully skilled with the blades he wields, and unapologetically allergic to failure and defeat, but chivalarous and delightfully charming all in his own right - except, of course, when one mentions his less than stellar treatment of his horses.
Then, he is a lost cause and one simply cannot begrudge him for seeing them as naught but another tool to be utilized to accomplish a task. Or, to find beauty and appreciation in all things not draped in exquisite finery and ostentatious trimmings he's been surrounded with all his life in the South - natural beauty, as it were, bores him. Despite this, I find myself growing rather fond of his company when we manage to catch each other now and then.
July 27, 2016, 9:36 p.m.(2/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Alis
Edain's lovely sister, who has a -wonderful- sense of humor. And I really, really, really hope she doesn't ever get mad at me. She's... um... a little ferocious, to say the least. It's thrilling!