Written By Calista
Jan. 23, 2024, 11:30 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Written By Eirene
Jan. 23, 2024, 10:27 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
Malvici has a saying. "You return with your banner or wrapped in it." Hadrian will be wrapped in the banner of his beloved Hydra and committed to the Queen of Endings and Beginnings. We didn't always get along but he was family and I did care for him. We exchanged letters shortly before he left for Ostria and I told him his mother would be proud, and that I was too.
My sympathies to the people who welcomed him in and nurtured his cunning and talents, and to all of us who mourn his loss.
Written By Eirene
Jan. 23, 2024, 10:19 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
I've since calmed down. And I trusted Mabelle enough where she could gladly give my children cookies.
I saw her love for Artshall, and the arts in general, and sweet things. But even honey is made by a bee, which will sting to defend its home and hive.
Also like a bee, that sting will cost her life. I don't think she regretted or hesitated that sacrifice at all.
Written By Mattheu
Jan. 23, 2024, 9:57 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)
In the moment, I was the most logical of us to receive it. so I partook, and awoke in a daze having fallen from the perch I took. It's one thing to have your own grief. Quite another to be flooded with the memory of someone else's which mirror a level of your own.
It was in that particular day in my daze where the winds lead me to the Lasting Hope Observatory. And it was there that I met a most extraordinary woman.
One who I was to suddenly be found within a romance which I never knew before. One where we were to be wed, only on the day of standing before the spirits, shaman, and our houses. She chose to follow her own heart and winds, and ran away.
In the moment, I was heart broken. And was convinced I would not find another who filled my being in the same manner.
I was mistaken. As I am constantly reminded of now. I can be daft. I can be mistaken. Though I will never misplace my love shared.
In a run through the city nearly a year later. An exercise which Violeta insists to keep doing every winter. A simple game of a snowball fight.
I took what I thought to be refuge within the outside gardens of the Golden Hart. And there in a chance moment, I found Ann who was having tea with her cousin.
It would many winding moments, chance encounters, an awkward dance, and many rooftops later where I would go to my siblings and tell them I sought to bring Ann to the River.
Eshra won a silver that day.
Our love has this almost magical quality to it. Which we never questioned, will never question.
Only to have it explained to us upon the river's edge within Riva. When Shadows and Light combined to save each other, and those trapped to a demon.
The memory shared to me what feels a long time ago now felt heavy to the forefront of my mind when the demons raged towards us in Sanctum.
I was struck back.
I put my hands to the ground and the rest...
there are many who don't get to hold their loved ones tonight. I am one of the lucky ones.
Tell those who are close to you. Shout it from the rooftops. Climb a mast, a tree if you must.
Don't wait.
Written By Ann
Jan. 23, 2024, 2:06 a.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
It looked a little sketchy for a little bit. I mourn for those that we did lose. But I am not going to lie. I am thankful to the spirits that the Rivenshari are alive. Onwards to Arx. The Eater may think we will give up easy. But I think we have proven we are not going to just lay here and be taken.
Stay strong fellow fighters. Know what you fight for.
Freedom.
Freedom.
Freedom.
Written By Denica
Jan. 23, 2024, 1:10 a.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Jasher
Jasher being, the very honourable person he is, once vowed to protect me. This meant, I had to pull him into all my schemes. That is the appropriate thing to do to one's reserved and stalwart cousin.
Our first escapade was at a gala in Maelstrom. We were suppose to do a stomp-stomp, serious dance. I invited the Compact and the Traditionalists. But, it was also a chance to influence culture. So, in the middle of the proper stomping, I break away. A twist! I went to the other end of the room and ran towards him. Jasher grabbed and hoisted me up above his head. I stretched out my arms like I was flying. In that moment, I felt free. It felt like we were dancing on His grave and that felt great.
Once at a proper family dinner, I decided to cause a little trouble. Jasher, was fully engaged in a riveting conversation about plate armour. So I stole a couple crab legs from his plate. I used a crab leg to wiggle at Astrid. She was totally onto me and I wanted to make her laugh. Astrid, saw an opportunity to try to throw something at me. Luckily, Victus has a keen eye and caught her just in time. But, sufficient to say, other people reacted. Which was entirely my fault, but Jasher went down with me, willingly.
Another time, I was frustrated a certain cousin got judgy that I was fighting with weapons and helping others. That attitude bothered me. So, I came up with a plan. I managed to convince Jasher to stage an argument with me at fealty event I hosted. It was very dramatic. Because really, we were going to fight in front of everyone. In front of, said cousin. Denica versus the Sword. Because change isn't easy, so that's why we have to do it. We start by bringing everything into the open.
I glad you are out there somewhere, doing great things. Even if I miss you. I think about you when I cause trouble. I picture that look on your face. The 'concern and care' one. There's this little vein in your forehead. The twitch. And the sigh when you know I'll do it no matter what, so you just came along, in case I needed help. We all do, every now and then.
Growing up wasn't easy. So because of that, we tried to love so much. We knew how important it is to love hard. It might hurt, but it makes us better. It separates us from an unavoidably cruel world.
Written By Denica
Jan. 22, 2024, 9:53 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
You were a kindred troublemaker. A generous woman and a creative spirit. A friend for so very many years.
I will make sure your art collection returns home to Artshall, in a manner befitting of you.
Written By Mattheu
Jan. 22, 2024, 9:30 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Losses and sacrifices were made. Many are being put to the rivers now as I write this.
Though the might of the Rivenshari, alongside that of the Valardin forces was seen in full force today. And many will have a chance to live a longer day for what was done.
Written By Aconite
Jan. 22, 2024, 9:21 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Written By Amari
Jan. 22, 2024, 7:56 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
Baron Norwood had set out to stop a great foe, one who had been terrorizing the West for years. Together we spent many fruitless days hunting down the elusive Knight of the Breach and his Warhammer of Woe. It seemed no matter what, we were forever a step behind, a day too late, or had zigged when we ought to have zagged. You can imagine our frustration. He seemed to almost kill and destroy solely to taunt us as we pursued him in vain. Entire villages were massacred and left piles of rubble in his wake.
That changed when he discovered that House Redire was more than simply an old forgotten name being taken up by a foolish lady with delusions. It was not an empty thing with nothing behind it but the memories of those sylv'alfar he'd slaughtered during the War. No, they lived again. They woke in Reveillon and he turned toward it at once. There was no attempt made to conceal his path. His bloody intent was clear.
When we learned his destination, together we rushed to intercept him there. House Clement summoned their army from Duskshire, I rallied my own brave few just as a foul legion of every evil creature imaginable came pouring out of the woods. It was a vast army of robed cultists carrying inverted Gloria banners, centipede legged monstrosities, Knights of the Swarm, dark mages and their demonic servants.
Together we fought an impossible losing battle against all odds.
When all seemed lost despite all our courage and resolve, Norwood saved us. He put himself bodily between the Knight of the Breach and the walls of the bastion. Our foe revealed his true self then; it was Grimthog Two-Head. It was the same Duke of Grayhill that brought ruin and death to House Redire five hundred years before. Undeterred, Norwood fought on. Even after Queensguard was shattered, he fought on. Even after he was pinned to the ground by Grimthog's hammer and mortally wounded, he fought on.
With the last of his strength, Norwood broke Sunderfall, the Hammer of Woe. Every last abomination was destroyed with it, including the worst of them; Grimthog. The Tyrant's slaves all collapsed and fell to dust in an instant. Norwood had saved us all.
Norwood was too humble to ever have bragged of this, if he'd lived. He wouldn't have wanted to be lauded for simply doing his duty. I chose to record it now so that future generations may know some of the story. And so knowing, should they ever visit Reveillon, and wonder over the rough slab of Artshall granite stood on its end in the field before the castle walls, they would pause there, where he so valiantly fell, and think of Norwood.
He was a true friend.
Written By Amari
Jan. 22, 2024, 6:16 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Was defending Artshall with your life the noble thing to do? Of course it was. Mabelle, you did what was right, and honorable. Many will now live thanks to your sacrifice. It's a comfort that it wasn't for nothing, and that you chose your time and chose well. Should we all survive this, I hope your name is never forgotten.
I wish you could have seen that horrid black tide of demons break and fall away from Artshall's walls. It was a victory you deserved to savour with us.
On behalf of everyone, thank you.
Written By Volya
Jan. 22, 2024, 4:19 p.m.(8/9/1021 AR)
This is going to be last public journal as I plan on boarding the Desert Queen shortly after putting this down to wording.
I have hated this life. I did my best to put on a smile and joke, be a storyteller, but the truth is, I've always been angry. Angry for how I perceived the world. Angry at how the world has decided to not just treat us, but also in how we treated each other. I resented it, hated it. I always thought that we all should have been more than what we are. And how so few us, the privileged few, seemingly rewarded for doing so little.
Like so many resentful youth, I suspect it started with own family and the stains that have followed. As I was once the heir to House Shaivahn, a little barony that I doubt most reading this will even know or barely recall, was a House that followed it's High House of Thrax. When anti-thralldom sentiment rose to a chorus, my parents, in their infinite wisdom, decided to abandon their home, empty our house vaults and run away with their coin and their thralls. All while their children fought and died during the Gyre War.
Eventually, they were caught, and put to the sword as they rightfully should have been. But so much more was taken. Lands seized. Vaults emptied. And the children that did survive, myself and my sister, were stripped of rank. For doing nothing more than existing. Everything was taken from us, by a system that didn't care to listen. All for the sins of people that I would nothing to associate with. To not only betray their people, but their very children.
After some time playing mercenary for hire, somehow my sister and I were found and absorbed into House Malespero, due to my mother's tie with what was once House Argento. I should state now that I hold no resentment towards Duchess Lianne for this rescue. I respected her. But I never felt like I belonged. That's should not be placed at her feet. She tried. I simply had no desire to listen. I was too angry. Too resentful. Perhaps one day you'll forgive me for that. For now, just now that I am sorry. And that I'm a coward in this respect, that I could not tell you that personally.
For the people that knew me, know that you deserved better. And up until knowing about the fleet going to Eurus, I was content to let the end come. I had no desire to fight it, rather welcome it. Princess Fatima showed me another path, where throwing my life wasn't the only thing I sought. That perhaps I could find something else. Something worth fighting for. A life worth living, even when everything had been taken.
To Khanne: I wish we had more time. Maybe next time. I hope you'll keep that blindfold and think of me.
To Pasquale: You're a good man. Better than most realize. I'm sorry I never said that.
To Lianne: It wasn't your fault. You tried. I never said it, but thank you.
To Jaenelle: Thanks for telling me I look good in a vest. I still have that one.
To Nebulosa: You know what I'm going to say, and you're crazy as I am for following me, even now.
To Fatima: Thank you for giving me a purpose.
So I leave for Eurus, and I will not be returning. If I die in the sand, then it'll be the end I seek. And if I live, then the Gods will have given me another chance to make more of myself than some angry man who drank too much.
From this point, I will retake my old name. That I will not let it die in disgrace. That there is one Shaivahn left who did not run when the time to stand arrived. Who didn't abandon a cause worthwhile.
Good luck, Arvum. Whatever happens, we'll need it.
Volya Shaivahn.
Written By Iliana
Jan. 22, 2024, 1:36 p.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Written By Martino
Jan. 22, 2024, 6:35 a.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Planning and strategy are everything, more so when it comes to war and military endeavours. This was not meant to be my path, I was the Malvici to socialise and connect our House. I have done that, but now my path has changed. It was in this past that the need to observe and provide advice - helped strengthen my skill in planning. Keep planning. Keep developing.
Deception is a core skill, willfully and intentionally misleading an enemy. Keep them unaware of your true intentions during a campaign. When we can strike, we pretend not to. When we are near their camp, we pretend to be far away. When far - then one must appear behind their backs. Keep the enemy confused and wear them down. Appear strong, appear perfect - your foe will avoid you at all costs. Tire them out, weaken their unity and push division among their ranks. Appear where they do not expect. Feed the attrition of their mind and body. You will have the enemy second guess themselves.
Excel at that? Tthe victor will be decided before swords clash.
Written By Medeia
Jan. 22, 2024, 5:39 a.m.(8/8/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Lady Mabelle Laurent came to be a far dearer friend to me than I think I ever let her know. She and I, when we put our heads together, created wondrous things. She was a brilliant woman - as smart as she was fashionable. Her genius will last beyond these horrors, beyond these lifetimes, and I am sure it will inspire generations beyond. From the creation of exquisite fabrics like starlight silk (I owe some success with windspun wool and peachskin to expertise and support) to her charitable works with the Honey Havens to her artistic preservation endeavors in galleries through Arvum to her extreme dedication to Artshall, she worked tirelessly on projects that few could forget.
More personally, she trusted me with something that I still don't - and may never - know the full consequences of. She trusted me on a whim, and for every single person who benefited from the protection of certain malissite necklaces at Harrow Hall, she is owed thanks. She is the one who removed the barrier I needed removed to gain the guidance I sought in order to create them. She also helped in creating the solution used to destroy the thorns at Harrow Hall, and if my newest project is a success, she will have had a hand in that, too.
Thank you, Mabelle, for all you did. While I will honor you for the hero you came to be, I will choose instead to remember fixing your hair for you at the Fire Bee or chatting at the Saving Grace gardens, or - this, the last time I saw you - at Lottie's with sweets and talk of lists that maybe neither of us were joking about.
You were one of the best of us, and I'm blessed to have known you in this lifetime.
Written By Sen'azala
Jan. 22, 2024, 1:43 a.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Time to go.
Written By Titus
Jan. 22, 2024, 12:57 a.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Written By Lianne
Jan. 21, 2024, 11:06 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
She is a spectacular overachiever, vastly more capable than most of us, and she'll have my support whenever she asks it, however unneeded it may be.
Written By Raven
Jan. 21, 2024, 8:02 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
Written By Medeia
Jan. 21, 2024, 4:30 p.m.(8/7/1021 AR)
I promise.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.