Written By Harlex
Oct. 27, 2018, 9:58 p.m.(11/20/1009 AR)
I once heard the story of a young man named William whose father died from falling out of his saddle and whose mother raised him to be good and honest and to mean no others harm.
But he grew wild with wonderlust, as some young do.
So one day he shined his leather boots and he combed his dark hair and he put on his fine steel sword which he had saved for since he was twelve years old.
And his mother, helpless to his need for the wider world, begged him not to go. Above all to not take that sword. That he may be mistaken for a mercenary or some sort of fighter or troublemaker.
William wouldn't hear of it, he said he was a man. He laughed and kissed her forehead. He said he can draw a sword quick and he can thrust straight. But he would never use it without good cause. He said, you raised me right. And he rode out to town on his own. His mother surely wept.
All the way he sang. He smiled. He went into the tavern, he ordered a drink. He felt courage after his first drink. His hand, which had been shaking, calmed. He felt a sudden boldness and assurance that, at last, freedom was his and he had become a man.
Then a vagrant swordsman, blown into town, made it a point to laugh at him. Greenhorn, he called him. He asked if he named his sword. Trying to be genial, William gave a boyish grin.
"Bravery." The young man said.
But the swordsman only laughed. It was unkind. Deep into his drink, the vagrant said. "Ought to call it Untested." And his grin was bitter. "Or Bloodless."
Filled with rage, William went for his sword. Bravery. But the swordsman wasn't just some drunk. A hardcase killer long in the tooth. He pulled his blade fast and before William could even grip proper--he was dead. Heartblood pouring from his chest wound.
The crowd gathered. They saw his eyes, cloudy blue, fade unto Death. And all he could say in his last words was, "Sorry, ma." And he died.
So it went. So it always goes.
The story of that little grave just outside that little town is worth remembering. He's worth remembering.
But he grew wild with wonderlust, as some young do.
So one day he shined his leather boots and he combed his dark hair and he put on his fine steel sword which he had saved for since he was twelve years old.
And his mother, helpless to his need for the wider world, begged him not to go. Above all to not take that sword. That he may be mistaken for a mercenary or some sort of fighter or troublemaker.
William wouldn't hear of it, he said he was a man. He laughed and kissed her forehead. He said he can draw a sword quick and he can thrust straight. But he would never use it without good cause. He said, you raised me right. And he rode out to town on his own. His mother surely wept.
All the way he sang. He smiled. He went into the tavern, he ordered a drink. He felt courage after his first drink. His hand, which had been shaking, calmed. He felt a sudden boldness and assurance that, at last, freedom was his and he had become a man.
Then a vagrant swordsman, blown into town, made it a point to laugh at him. Greenhorn, he called him. He asked if he named his sword. Trying to be genial, William gave a boyish grin.
"Bravery." The young man said.
But the swordsman only laughed. It was unkind. Deep into his drink, the vagrant said. "Ought to call it Untested." And his grin was bitter. "Or Bloodless."
Filled with rage, William went for his sword. Bravery. But the swordsman wasn't just some drunk. A hardcase killer long in the tooth. He pulled his blade fast and before William could even grip proper--he was dead. Heartblood pouring from his chest wound.
The crowd gathered. They saw his eyes, cloudy blue, fade unto Death. And all he could say in his last words was, "Sorry, ma." And he died.
So it went. So it always goes.
The story of that little grave just outside that little town is worth remembering. He's worth remembering.
Written By Kenna
Oct. 27, 2018, 9:55 p.m.(11/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bedivere
I danced at the Grayson Ball with my dearest uncle Bedivere. I'll treasure every moment of it, even the one that sent me spinning into Lady Emily Deepwood.
I admire him so much. After all of his sorrows he still gets up in the morning and serves Whitehawk so admirably.
I am so blessed to have such good people to look up to.
I admire him so much. After all of his sorrows he still gets up in the morning and serves Whitehawk so admirably.
I am so blessed to have such good people to look up to.
Written By Sabella
Oct. 27, 2018, 8:57 p.m.(11/20/1009 AR)
Princess Liara's ball was the perfect way to spend a few hours, but I missed my new baby dearly and no one warned me about some aspects of being a new mother. I really hope this baby is hungry!
Written By Caspian
Oct. 27, 2018, 6:47 p.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Because I want it written down so that I or anyone else can never forget this, two days ago Sable saved my life and died while doing it. When I was climbing down from a tree an arrow was shot at me by a cultist and she pushed me out of the way and took the arrow straight to the heart. I'm thankful for what she did, and find a little comfort that in her heroic act she died without suffering.
Written By Iseulet
Oct. 27, 2018, 6:39 p.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Apollo
Wonderful mask acquired for the upcoming masquerade and in /amazing/ time, too. I couldn't be more pleased - I will /definitely/ be making it to my first masquerade soon.
Master Apollo is certainly a delight, too. I can't wait to annoy him with more commissions in the future.
Master Apollo is certainly a delight, too. I can't wait to annoy him with more commissions in the future.
Written By Perronne
Oct. 27, 2018, 3:19 p.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Days like these, I miss my father, and hope that he's doing well back home. I get letters on occasion, and send them as well. And I send birthday gifts and the like. But I haven't been home in a decade, and it's kinda weird how I can only sort of remember his face. His eyes are brown, like mine, eyebrows much bushier, like great blond caterpillars stuck to his face. (Please, gods, let him never get to Arx and read this journal!) But other than that, the details are a little fuzzy. I remember his voice better, the strength of his hugs, the heavy weight of his stare when I messed up. I won't say I messed up a LOT, but there's a reason I remember it really well.
My mother is both easier and harder to remember. My half-siblings I barely know at all. Only the oldest, and we weren't encouraged to spend much time together. But I do still remember events with the family, especially in the fall. Harvest feasts, and local festivals put on jointly by the Church and my mother's family. I remember laughter, and getting a BIT tipsy on fermented cider. (It was very good cider! I don't think it's fair for it also to be that potent. Unfair!)
I don't even know why I'm writing this, really. I am just sitting in front of my hearth while the winds howl outside, and thinking about things! Many things!
My mother is both easier and harder to remember. My half-siblings I barely know at all. Only the oldest, and we weren't encouraged to spend much time together. But I do still remember events with the family, especially in the fall. Harvest feasts, and local festivals put on jointly by the Church and my mother's family. I remember laughter, and getting a BIT tipsy on fermented cider. (It was very good cider! I don't think it's fair for it also to be that potent. Unfair!)
I don't even know why I'm writing this, really. I am just sitting in front of my hearth while the winds howl outside, and thinking about things! Many things!
Written By Miranda
Oct. 27, 2018, 11:46 a.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
It is good to have managed a thing with as little bloodshed as possible.
My Lord, you did right by your lands and your people. I hope your Marquessa is proud!
I know I am.
My Lord, you did right by your lands and your people. I hope your Marquessa is proud!
I know I am.
Written By Miranda
Oct. 27, 2018, 11:45 a.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Hah!
Open your eyes! That's me standing over you with my sword to your throat!
Open your eyes! That's me standing over you with my sword to your throat!
Written By Cambria
Oct. 27, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(11/19/1009 AR)
Morning.
The breaker of spells and sleep.
The breaker of spells and sleep.
Written By Lys
Oct. 27, 2018, 7:24 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
Today Audric released twenty small goats into my bedroom. I think I'll just move out to the gardens...
Written By Michael
Oct. 27, 2018, 5:19 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lailah
My sister has returned to Arx, and already my friends have turned her against me. Everyone feel free to say hello to her and welcome her back!
Written By Elora
Oct. 27, 2018, 2:17 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Orelia
I haven't forgotten that we need to go dress shopping! I fear we may not have time before the Grayson Ball tomorrow night.
Written By Elora
Oct. 27, 2018, 2:15 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
There are some horrible things out there in the world. I am lucky to have never seen most of them. Luckier still to have the skills needed to help mend others who haven't been so lucky.
Written By Sabine
Oct. 27, 2018, 1:55 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Berenice
I remember when she was only a little kitten, all fluff and clumsy claws, endearing in the way of infant predators certain that they are the apex of their kind. Oh, how she hissed. Louder and longer than anyone else. As all kittens do eventually, she's grown up. The adult cat is sleek, tempestuous, fierce, inclined to the forms only so far as they suit her. The very epitome of feline. A delightful cat indeed so long as you have a care with the various pointy sides.
She reminds me of my mother, had my mother been blessed by chance of birth to the luck and luxuries of a princess.
She reminds me of my mother, had my mother been blessed by chance of birth to the luck and luxuries of a princess.
Written By Leonidas
Oct. 27, 2018, 12:23 a.m.(11/18/1009 AR)
So this is Arx? By the gods, it's been years since I've been here. Oh the adventures to be had! People to see, beers to drink, and things to fight! Though, what's this I keep hearing about some kinda Lodge?
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 26, 2018, 8:33 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Oliver would want that middle-finger covered in little cheap glass gems of varying garish colors.
Written By Tabitha
Oct. 26, 2018, 8:29 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
Congratulations to you and Prince Niklas on the arrival of little Princess Relara!
Written By Domonico
Oct. 26, 2018, 7:25 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
There is nothing quite a spar when afterwards it's not clear to an outsider who was the victor. I maintain that giving everything you have and walking away bruised and battered, even if walking may be an issue afterwards, is a good thing to be proud of.
Written By Morrighan
Oct. 26, 2018, 5:45 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I admit a curiosity to see just how big of a middle finger he can make it. He won't disappoint.
Written By Nuala
Oct. 26, 2018, 2:41 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
After no further preparations can be made, have a good long bath, drink in moderation, and get a good night's rest.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.