Written By Mikani
Nov. 15, 2018, 12:50 p.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
In times like this I am reminded of words I read once. I cannot remember the author so I will call him a wise man ...
Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that.
~ Wiseman
(OOC: I know it's Martin Luther King Jr. just seemed appropriate for what is going on.)
Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that.
~ Wiseman
(OOC: I know it's Martin Luther King Jr. just seemed appropriate for what is going on.)
Written By Sabella
Nov. 15, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
Grayson Family dinner tonight was to be an introduction of Relara to the family. A joyous affair. And while we do intend on bringing Relara tonight, we also recognize that this will likely be a more somber gathering with many reflections of our own Prince Gareth and Sir Jordan Ober, who died so bravely for us all.
So, I would like to make it plain that anyone who reads this white that had interactions or relationships with either of them is welcome to stop by tonight to share your stories or just be comforted and share your grief with the rest of us as we offer our condolences to each other. Food and drink will be provided.
And yes. The invitation is extended even to you.
So, I would like to make it plain that anyone who reads this white that had interactions or relationships with either of them is welcome to stop by tonight to share your stories or just be comforted and share your grief with the rest of us as we offer our condolences to each other. Food and drink will be provided.
And yes. The invitation is extended even to you.
Written By Sina
Nov. 15, 2018, 11:24 a.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
Oh no. My friend, you've gone and done it now, haven't you? You've broken my heart.
I've only heard the news on the wings of the white journals, that Sir Jordan Ober has perished. But I wanted the world to know, he was my friend, and he will be missed, terribly. I only hope that he was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, and that his passing was one worthy of the stories. Whether he was touched by Gild, Gloria, or whether he was just lucky... he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
May you find peace, Sir Jordan.
My heart aches, as I hear the news from the Lodge, of those who return battered and bloody, and those who do not return at all. But I know what we are all fighting for, and I think we all know the risks. It is worth fighting for. And knowing this, my heart will endure and mend, and be stronger for it all in the end.
I've only heard the news on the wings of the white journals, that Sir Jordan Ober has perished. But I wanted the world to know, he was my friend, and he will be missed, terribly. I only hope that he was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, and that his passing was one worthy of the stories. Whether he was touched by Gild, Gloria, or whether he was just lucky... he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
May you find peace, Sir Jordan.
My heart aches, as I hear the news from the Lodge, of those who return battered and bloody, and those who do not return at all. But I know what we are all fighting for, and I think we all know the risks. It is worth fighting for. And knowing this, my heart will endure and mend, and be stronger for it all in the end.
Written By Lorenzo
Nov. 15, 2018, 9:49 a.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
I am heartbroken to hear about Sir Jordan Ober's passing. Gwenna and I often tell the tale of how he played matchmaker for us: the first time he met either of us, he insisted to both of us that we meet the other. It's as if he somehow knew by instinct that we would be well-suited for one another. He was a good man, kind, friendly, and genuine. I am regretful, too, because if we had held our summer wedding as we had originally planned, he could have celebrated with us. Now we are planning a winter wedding, and it will be held without him. I think we will have to plan some memorial or donation to charity in his name.
Written By Kenna
Nov. 15, 2018, 9:37 a.m.(1/1/1010 AR)
It's been a while since my last will update, but that's okay.
All my possessions will go to Whitehawk proper to be broken down and donated to the building up of our Barony, with three exceptions.
All of my silver will go to Harper Ashford, that she might continue her efforts to assist the poor in Arx.
The shadow of griffin wings edged in moonlight oathlands blade will be returned to Marquis Rymarr, with my gratitude for the trust given to me by the Marquis.
The black velvet lion plushie with green eyes will be returned to Lord Michael Bisland with my affection included.
All my possessions will go to Whitehawk proper to be broken down and donated to the building up of our Barony, with three exceptions.
All of my silver will go to Harper Ashford, that she might continue her efforts to assist the poor in Arx.
The shadow of griffin wings edged in moonlight oathlands blade will be returned to Marquis Rymarr, with my gratitude for the trust given to me by the Marquis.
The black velvet lion plushie with green eyes will be returned to Lord Michael Bisland with my affection included.
Written By Archeron
Nov. 15, 2018, 7:32 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
They say Sir Jordan fell - I hope the rumours are untrue, yet I fear they are often proved right. He is a man I knew more by reputation, but someone who was looked up to. Though I was of the Rangers, we all know that it takes more than men trained in forest craft to defend Ashford Keep - and in Sir Jordan the walls of Ashford Keep and its family had a staunch defender.
I was so pleased to defeat him in a Tourney for the East Light - happier times before the current fighting. And I was showing off trying to impress Lady Amari so she would be happy with our betrothal. And Sir Jordan took defeat well. He didn't think of his own failing, he instead showed genuine happiness in the success of others, of myself.
Ashford is poorer for the loss - a loss that comes after so many other hard ones. Sir Jordan Ober joins a list that Ashford will remember. Killian. Aislin. Jordan.
I was so pleased to defeat him in a Tourney for the East Light - happier times before the current fighting. And I was showing off trying to impress Lady Amari so she would be happy with our betrothal. And Sir Jordan took defeat well. He didn't think of his own failing, he instead showed genuine happiness in the success of others, of myself.
Ashford is poorer for the loss - a loss that comes after so many other hard ones. Sir Jordan Ober joins a list that Ashford will remember. Killian. Aislin. Jordan.
Written By Archeron
Nov. 15, 2018, 4:23 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
They say to speak no ill of the dead, so I will simply speak honestly and frankly - it is what Harald often barked at people to do. To just get on with it. I was no great fan of Duke Harald. One one of our few meetings, he called me a coward for being then apprehensive about boats - I had just returned to the city, just returned to Thrax. But, that is personal insult. I hardly cared, and I enjoyed getting a rise from him, from pushing him and seeing how he would react. It told you much about him. His resumption of the old feud between our families with my Cousin of course is one I am less able to forgive - for family is all, none know that more than Tyde and her vassals. And was a sadness as it marked the death of a strange friendship between the two. A rift that is now made permanent by his death.
But what I always struggled with Harald was that he was the man who had fought for Donrai and for Grimhall when their aid broke the stalemate. When my cousins and uncles and aunts looked out on their last morning, alongside the flags of Thrax they saw the flags of Grimhall. Perhaps they will have seen his flag, Grimhall's heir. And he was unchanged it seemed from those times. Of course, I am no child to think war is kind and lovely and my people are sweetness and light. We reaved and raided too - many noble families will see Tyde reborn and think to when our reavers came to their shores in that fight, ruling families crucified on the shores, men of the blood left staked in tide pools for the rising waters to claim them. Tyde has paid a price in blood and silver and it has changed. Thrax has changed, our traditions are built upon, we face the threats from without stronger than ever, more united than ever. I think Harald wanted to change too, but his actions in his later years - rejecting the counsel of some of his vassals, renewing old feuds - showed that he could not.
I did not like Harald. But I could respect him. He was a Duke, and for most of his life he held strong to our traditions, as we do. He never apologised, that is true. But he also never asked from anyone what he would not give himself. He died at the front because that is what he demanded of others. Because that is where he sent others.
Most importantly, his family continues past him - a line unbroken. For a Thraxian lord? That is everything.
But what I always struggled with Harald was that he was the man who had fought for Donrai and for Grimhall when their aid broke the stalemate. When my cousins and uncles and aunts looked out on their last morning, alongside the flags of Thrax they saw the flags of Grimhall. Perhaps they will have seen his flag, Grimhall's heir. And he was unchanged it seemed from those times. Of course, I am no child to think war is kind and lovely and my people are sweetness and light. We reaved and raided too - many noble families will see Tyde reborn and think to when our reavers came to their shores in that fight, ruling families crucified on the shores, men of the blood left staked in tide pools for the rising waters to claim them. Tyde has paid a price in blood and silver and it has changed. Thrax has changed, our traditions are built upon, we face the threats from without stronger than ever, more united than ever. I think Harald wanted to change too, but his actions in his later years - rejecting the counsel of some of his vassals, renewing old feuds - showed that he could not.
I did not like Harald. But I could respect him. He was a Duke, and for most of his life he held strong to our traditions, as we do. He never apologised, that is true. But he also never asked from anyone what he would not give himself. He died at the front because that is what he demanded of others. Because that is where he sent others.
Most importantly, his family continues past him - a line unbroken. For a Thraxian lord? That is everything.
Written By Valenzo
Nov. 15, 2018, 3:28 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Had breakfast today at the Trader's Tavern.
Bread wasn't too bad, ale was nice. Good company as well, I'll have to go back again.
Kevin drank roughly a pint and threw up, daft bird. Gave him the rest of the bread and he was cranky all the way back to the Tasty Terrapin.
Will update again if I make it back from ship inspection with the crew. Some of them said unkind things about coming back after one day.
I leave everything to Kevin, just in case.
Bread wasn't too bad, ale was nice. Good company as well, I'll have to go back again.
Kevin drank roughly a pint and threw up, daft bird. Gave him the rest of the bread and he was cranky all the way back to the Tasty Terrapin.
Will update again if I make it back from ship inspection with the crew. Some of them said unkind things about coming back after one day.
I leave everything to Kevin, just in case.
Written By Sabine
Nov. 15, 2018, 2:52 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
I carried away more than I realized from the Eclipse of Mirrors. To remember: mind the promises you make to yourself when you kneel beside a god, hand in hand, flesh pierced and blood welling. Particularly when they are made to yourself. Those above and beyond us do so like to show our folly and all I can do is laugh, to see the corner I created for myself. I pray they're content to laugh with me.
But now to step away from the corner and into the future. I'll tell myself now that so long as I live, I'll continue to learn how to live.
Thank you, Tehom.
But now to step away from the corner and into the future. I'll tell myself now that so long as I live, I'll continue to learn how to live.
Thank you, Tehom.
Written By Iseulet
Nov. 15, 2018, 1:34 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
I will always remember you as the cunning (and yes grim) man you seemed to be the one time we got the opportunity to speak and I will always remember the night when I was afforded the blessing to be your accompaniment to the Whisper House Gala. I truly regret not getting to know you a bit better.
My heart goes out to Valdemar and Vanora, I know they were very fond of you and adored you.
My heart goes out to Valdemar and Vanora, I know they were very fond of you and adored you.
Written By Vercyn
Nov. 15, 2018, 1:17 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
Sir Jordan was a good man. A smart one, too. Wise for his age. The Compact has lost itself a good one, but he died well if what I hear is true.
We are all better for having known him.
We are all better for having known him.
Written By Vercyn
Nov. 15, 2018, 1:16 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
I am glad to hear you have returned. You shall have to visit with your father while he recovers from his wounds...
...and bring him plenty of whiskey.
...and bring him plenty of whiskey.
Written By Vercyn
Nov. 15, 2018, 1:15 a.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
The Lodge and those that reside in it (be they flora or fauna) are safe. Many lives are lost. While I haunt (for I imagine that is what my family will call it in the coming days) the Halfshav Hall during my recovery from my injuries in the coming days, I will be personally penning letters and entertaining the families of the many men and women in my personal army who fell on that field. They all stood bravely, to a man. In the face of something most could never have imagined, they stood strong and fought well. They did more than anyone could ask.
Who signs up for a military expecting to fight the very land they walk upon? Death risen from the earth? Wolves twisted with evil?
And yet they did. All of them.
None of the other commanders fell. Nor did any of my family line in their own ventures in the protection of the Lodge. However, I did hear that Sir Jordan lost his life. He is a young man who I have only come to know relatively recently, but was someone I could have imagined great things ahead of.
Who signs up for a military expecting to fight the very land they walk upon? Death risen from the earth? Wolves twisted with evil?
And yet they did. All of them.
None of the other commanders fell. Nor did any of my family line in their own ventures in the protection of the Lodge. However, I did hear that Sir Jordan lost his life. He is a young man who I have only come to know relatively recently, but was someone I could have imagined great things ahead of.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 14, 2018, 11:28 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
I muse over finding a patron to a few folks in a tavern and now there's a stack of letters on my borrowed desk. I may have underestimated a few things. But the rumors are true. I'm in the market, so to speak. I've made no decisions yet and will not for days to come.
I need to reply to these. And I will. But-
I need to reply to these. And I will. But-
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 14, 2018, 11:24 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
News trickles in and my family is named among the rumors of tragedy and triumph. What happened? Are you all alright? More names to add to the list of loss, more prayers to plead, to sing praises, to beg, 'keep my loved ones safe, and if they cannot come home to me, let them be taken without pain to Death's embrace'. It's ridiculous to beg for mercy and yet I do it. And I write letters as more news comes in. What has happened?
My nerves are frayed. I can't take much of this.
My nerves are frayed. I can't take much of this.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
I know you will be what he was teaching you to be. What the people of Grihem's Point need you to be. Challenging the worth of what time puts in front of you. Remembering what, and who, came before.
Cast as great a shadow, may your sons one day consider it just as daunting.
We'll see his saga written, and then you will continue to do the deeds that will be written in your own.
Nothing would please him more than to look on your saga with jealousy.
Cast as great a shadow, may your sons one day consider it just as daunting.
We'll see his saga written, and then you will continue to do the deeds that will be written in your own.
Nothing would please him more than to look on your saga with jealousy.
Written By Karadoc
Nov. 14, 2018, 11:10 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
The entire HOUSE staff is chattering on and on about some gala that took part on boats - rhymes with vanilla chinchilla, whatever. Something about making a splash -- I hope my lady didn't fall in.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 9:57 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Let those who would remember him remember other battles he has fought and understand that this, the one that finally took him from us, was no different.
I used to jest now and again that the Grim Duke would outlive us all, and I believed it truly. I did not expect to see him pass until way unto middle age myself, he seemed larger than life. Invincible. And he must have been both of those for all the tales of his heroics to be true.
In the caves once fighting began he charged into the fray a man possessed. I cannot guess what thoughts went through his head, though likely they touched upon clashing weapons with foes he'd challenged before. I am told that the Grim Duke looked his death in the eye long before the caves, long before I knew him. He called his death by name once and came out the other side. Now I wonder. If he intended one way or another to go back, if once a person has seen their death, chosen it, named it....it chooses a person right back.
I know what many do not, what he spoke of only seldom and only if you were truly listening for it. That he, like most Grimhalls he would claim, did not wish to die an old man in his bed, even surrounded by peace and love and family. There was only one 'good death' and it came at the sword, the axe, the knife, or the choke of the sea. That he would have a story that made his ancestors jealous. Are they now? I hope so, for he died as brave and Grim as any who have come before him. Yet there is something of the work left unfinished. A legacy that even in death, or perhaps especially in death, he passes on to his sons and grandsons.
I used to jest now and again that the Grim Duke would outlive us all, and I believed it truly. I did not expect to see him pass until way unto middle age myself, he seemed larger than life. Invincible. And he must have been both of those for all the tales of his heroics to be true.
In the caves once fighting began he charged into the fray a man possessed. I cannot guess what thoughts went through his head, though likely they touched upon clashing weapons with foes he'd challenged before. I am told that the Grim Duke looked his death in the eye long before the caves, long before I knew him. He called his death by name once and came out the other side. Now I wonder. If he intended one way or another to go back, if once a person has seen their death, chosen it, named it....it chooses a person right back.
I know what many do not, what he spoke of only seldom and only if you were truly listening for it. That he, like most Grimhalls he would claim, did not wish to die an old man in his bed, even surrounded by peace and love and family. There was only one 'good death' and it came at the sword, the axe, the knife, or the choke of the sea. That he would have a story that made his ancestors jealous. Are they now? I hope so, for he died as brave and Grim as any who have come before him. Yet there is something of the work left unfinished. A legacy that even in death, or perhaps especially in death, he passes on to his sons and grandsons.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 14, 2018, 9:45 p.m.(12/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
I am doing all that I can to be who I am supposed to be in this moment. Stoic and Grim as the traditions and expectations of this house demand. Supportive and patient as I give my husband, his siblings and cousins, and all the other members of this very extended family the room they need to grieve. That I have grieving of my own to do seems especially selfish considering. So I will indulge it here and no where else.
The Grim Duke is dead. He and I had a complicated relationship from the first, one that only grew more so as time went on, and yet by the end he was father to me as well. Not the way he was to Valdemar, nor Ingrid...but he loved me the way a man might his daughter-in-law, the mother to his first grandsons who will carry the name Grimhall with them. He taught me so much, and between us by the end there was affection and respect. I wished for so much more time. There are still so many things I don't know and will never know about him. I wanted very much for him to be there as the boys grew up...for I've never met a man who loves children the way Harald Grimhall did...save perhaps his eldest son.
I mourn in quiet, where my grief cannot distract from those who have lost something more. Yet I mourn him too, and would have all who ever read my whites know this. I'd do anything to have him back here with us, to have spent another ten years, or twenty, learning all that was and would be expected of me. I've lost a father, a teacher, a powerful opposing force and an even more powerful ally.
Thank you for this, Harald. For making me a part of this family, and insisting that at least among ourselves I was never anything less.
We will honor your legacy a dozen different ways, over and over again.
The Grim Duke is dead. He and I had a complicated relationship from the first, one that only grew more so as time went on, and yet by the end he was father to me as well. Not the way he was to Valdemar, nor Ingrid...but he loved me the way a man might his daughter-in-law, the mother to his first grandsons who will carry the name Grimhall with them. He taught me so much, and between us by the end there was affection and respect. I wished for so much more time. There are still so many things I don't know and will never know about him. I wanted very much for him to be there as the boys grew up...for I've never met a man who loves children the way Harald Grimhall did...save perhaps his eldest son.
I mourn in quiet, where my grief cannot distract from those who have lost something more. Yet I mourn him too, and would have all who ever read my whites know this. I'd do anything to have him back here with us, to have spent another ten years, or twenty, learning all that was and would be expected of me. I've lost a father, a teacher, a powerful opposing force and an even more powerful ally.
Thank you for this, Harald. For making me a part of this family, and insisting that at least among ourselves I was never anything less.
We will honor your legacy a dozen different ways, over and over again.
Written By Alrec
Nov. 14, 2018, 7:45 p.m.(12/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
Ugh, did I just witness an Oathland tradegy in the making on the classifieds or a love story between a man and a lost wine. Brings a tear to my eye.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.