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Written By Preston

Aug. 21, 2018, 8:41 a.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

We have received into the armoury a diamondplate axe of Prince Barric's. A weapon of great beauty, intended I am told as a gift for the Princess Coraline originally. I will have to pray on what we do with such an item.

At the same time, as I ruminate more on Prince Barric's passing, I think he has a lesson for us all beyond the way of his death. It is that you should embrace what you know is right, even if it takes you time to get there. He told me that he ignored the call of Gloria in the past, that coming to the Templars was doing what he should have done long before.

I think this is an important lesson - that we must all embrace the future we know to be right, even if it seems scary, or if there might be sacrifices to be made. Perhaps something the Templars must consider too, if we are to be the organisation the Faith and the Faithful need us to be in these times. Perhaps there are lessons in practicalities which our ancient histories reveal to us, lessons we must learn.

Written By Ronja

Aug. 21, 2018, 3:56 a.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

I spent most of today in The Stacks doing more reading. I figure if I'm going to rubbing elbows with nobility and royalty (that still blows my damn mind), I should try not to look ignorant. I couldn't focus, though. I read all my father's whites, and- I don't even know. I spent a while at the training center punching shit, felt a little better.

Written By Bliss

Aug. 21, 2018, 3:03 a.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

The voting for the Radiant begins.

I've finished my part of the work - my report was certainly thorough - and I have to say, I have much more respect for the Mirrormasks. I have never been afraid to speak my mind when someone is upsetting me, and yet, when it is your dearest and most trusted friends whom you have to search for the flaws of, and then expose these flaws to their colleagues? There is something different in it. Something valuable, surely - someone needed to say the things which I said.

Yet I feel troubled.

Written By Faruq

Aug. 21, 2018, 12:02 a.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

** Written in Faruq's possibly now familiar loopy handwriting **

The dance of civility is new to me. I am not ashamed to admit that I feel woefully out of my element much of the time. I smile. I laugh. I try to be charming and polite. It works sometimes, others not, but it is an ongoing process.

I never feel as alive as when I am on the sea. Feeling the waves carry the ship aloft on it's journey. The scent of the fresh sea air and spray. The sound of the snap of sail and creak of the rigging.

I almost want to thank the pirates that threaten our waters for giving me an excuse to be back aboard ship now that I am expected to be... landed.

Written By Duarte

Aug. 20, 2018, 11:51 p.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Delilah

While I don't offer much to the whites, I felt it would be remiss of me not to record in the annals of history a conclusion to this story. You know? For progeny's sake.

Scholars of the future need not wonder. I forgave Lady Delilah.

Written By Delilah

Aug. 20, 2018, 11:08 p.m.(6/8/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Bianca

I am ever grateful for the wisdom and guidance provided by Archlector Bianca. How she cut through the Lycene knot of my thoughts, and provided practical advice at the moment it was most needed. I nearly feel guilty taking her away from her dinner with Count Duarte, but perchance both shall forgive me.

Now, finally, I set my foot on the very long path waiting for me all these days and weeks.

And it's time to take that nap.

Written By Tikva

Aug. 20, 2018, 9:53 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Barric

Many will mourn for the man Prince Barric was. It hurts the heart to lose a friend, a colleague, a lover, a cousin -- whatever he was to you, I grieve with you and I understand.

Yet for me what I mourn for the most is the man Prince Barric would be. The man he chose, and sought to become. The man he set his heart's hopes upon, and turned his face towards duty to embrace it. A godsworn brother of the Templar Knights.

In his honor House Grayson has donated a substantial sum to the Templars of Gloria, and for myself, I plan a vigil at her Shrine.

Yet he died in glory, a true knight, and I'll weep for the chivalry he never got to do, but I shall not be bitter for an ending that will be worth a song.

None greater, Barric Grayson. You upheld it at the end, and we will never forget. I will never forget.

Written By Arik

Aug. 20, 2018, 9:42 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Valerio

I met Lord Valerio Mazetti three days before he saved my life on the deck of a Thraxian ship whilst sailing northward. All I knew of the man was that my sister bade me see him home safe and that they were the closest and most trusted of friends. We didn't talk much on the trip and before the events that would cost him his life. In fact, the two most salient moments we shared was my aiding him in donning a gift from the Marin'Alfar and when he pushed me out of the way of a swarm.

I clarify how little I knew the man because since arriving back on land and beginning to mend my own injuries I have done little beyond recovery and reading Lord Valerio's white's. You can't really say thank you to an acquaintance not properly, I think. That being said I don't think the man would really care about my thanks. They are given wholeheartedly and freely. If not for Lord Valerio I would be a turn on the wheel. I do not think he would much care for my thanks because after reading his whites and hearing what he told me the moment before the shove, he did not save my life for my own sake.

If I have judged this man wrong than forgive me but in his writings and his last deed I saw a man who did his duty, thought of his family, and deeply cared for others. He gave credit where credit was due. Mayhap he was set in his ways. He liked his drink. Mayhap he was slow to trust. I see the hints of reserve in his writing but in that moment, without a cry for help, without a chance to retreat, he acted. Perhaps he acted in the only way he ever could, doing what he believed was right. I know that he said something to me while he shoved. He said 'For Her'.

And that is why I know Lord Valerio Mazetti did not save me for any other reason than his own. Should we all be so pure in the heat of battle when we know not when our last moments are. Should we all be like the Marshal of Ostria who imparted on this House Sword lessons in honor and dignity he did not know he still had to learn.

Written By Reese

Aug. 20, 2018, 9:07 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

I remember when you saved Prince Barric too, Mae.
I was so grateful then and I still am.
I was just getting to know you then.
but thank you, you gave us more time with him
You are wonderful <3

Written By Mae

Aug. 20, 2018, 8:56 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Barric

I just remembered that one time I saved your life, just as the Bringers were knocked down Arx's gate.

Sorry I wasn't there this time.

Written By Perronne

Aug. 20, 2018, 7:23 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Amanda

I met another Whisper!

More, I hired a Whisper. She was wonderful. Helpful and pleasant and kind, giving me some of the best and succinct summaries of the situation in Arx that I've heard thus far. And a massage. I've never had a massage before, but I have to say, if you ever have the opportunity - seize it! It's like it was designed by the gods themselves.

But even without the massage, Amanda Whisper was an honor and a pleasure to spend time with. I ended up saying more about myself than I have in a while - okay, largely because rocks and trees aren't the greatest listeners. But! She is a much better listener, even when compared to other things with ears!

Written By Vanora

Aug. 20, 2018, 6:49 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Turo

It is accurate to say that my time among the Mourning Islanders has brought many, many new customs, places, and people into my life.

It is accurate to say that not all of these have been pleasant. Some times I fit in better than others. Some personalities clash. Some suspicions remain strong after scandals have quieted.

Among the many whom I have gotten to know, and even to work with, is the Count Turo Navegant. He has at times been of great help to me, and I hope that at some times I've been of at least moderate usefulness to him. We have been allies of a sort, tentatively. Not friends.

The other night however he earned so /much/ of my respect so quickly and so simply. We'd had a heated discussion that left us both feeling insulted by the other, with the Grim Duke and my husband as witnesses to the back and forth.

When we actually sat to speak though...Count Navegant listened. Respectfully, and thoughtfully. I tried to do the same, and to hear where things had gone sour, to understand them, and to apologize for my role in the unpleasantness. He swiftly did the same, and with sincerity. It was not political machination but genuine communication.

I imagine in the future I will listen carefully whenever Count Navegant speaks...for those who are so honest with themselves, so thoughtful, and so loyal, are worth listening to well.

Thank you, Turo.

Written By Fredrik

Aug. 20, 2018, 6:47 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

I am a Count. This word resounds in my mind as I stand, looking at a map of Arvum and seeing a dot labelled 'RedKeep'. At knowing that, through hard work, planning, and the efforts of untold people, I have achieved a dream almost twenty years in the making, to reclaim that which my family lost. No longer will I feel the burning weight of centuries of ancestors on my shoulders. No longer will I fear my passing, my work incomplete. I. Have. Done. It.

Gods, the relief is enough to make a man weep for joy, and I will not say I did not. My children, should I have more besides my adopted daughter Helia, and their own children, and for centuries down each generation? Will live better lives. Will rule over people made better and stronger through our guidance. But I did not do it alone, of course. The people who have helped me include:

My niece Rosalie RedTyde
My daughter Helia
Grandmaster Caspian Wild (the door is still open to you, my friend, should you wish it)
Miss Bashira Ru-taul
Marquis Hadrian Mazetti (my deepest condolences for your loss, and appreciation of you. I know I still owe you, and have not forgotten)
Sir Jordan Ober (may your dream come true, and may I be able to help in it)
Duchess Margot Tyde (My dear niece, together we shall build up our people into something truly magnificant. I cannot thank you enough)
Lady Tabitha Whitehawk (I really need to commission some art for the new Villa from you)
Lady Arcelia Navegant
Marquis Ford Kennex (your assistance in this was unexpected and most welcome, and I am glad we can forge a new alliance from the ashes of the old)
Lady Vanora and Lord Valdemar Grimhall (May Thraxians stand forever together, and may your new Academy shine bright as a star in the heavens)
Lord Dycard and Baroness Skye Blackshore
Archeron Tyde
Violet Sandreef-Marjawn (Your chapter house construction can begin as soon as you are prepared, Commendant, with my blessing, as agreed)
Countess Mia Riven
Lord Aethen and Lord Constantine Kennex
Princess Gwenna Redrain
Baroness Ember Redreef

All of these people provided moral or economic or military or (most importantly at this juncture) diplomatic support, and my appreciation for them is beyond what any words could express. You are all the wind beneath my wings, and so I will make a proclamation soon, with the aim of expanding my family (I hope) and showing how we intent to start this new county.

For this is just the first step. My journey is /not/ over. We were a March once, and we will be again, if I have anything to say on it. It may take years, or longer, but I will see us rise from the ashes.

Rise Above. Always, Rise Above.

Written By Fredrik

Aug. 20, 2018, 6:30 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

I do not seek to be flippant about the losses of two dear friends of many in this city, and thus the following is not ignoring that, but simply acknowledging that I knew them only very politely and not well at that. I hear that their ends were noble and for an excellent cause, and am certain that their souls rest easy with Death now, until the turning of the Wheel brings them back. Now, to my other business..

Written By Sunaia

Aug. 20, 2018, 5:51 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

...the page is water-spotted and rippled from drying...

Home again. I haven’t unpacked, haven’t inventoried the maps and trinkets I picked up from my travels, haven’t even shaken the dust from my boots but I did horrify a groom by taking the bucket of water he’d brought for my trail-weary horse in order to pour it over my head. I have a raging sunburn and, in my weariness, thought it was for me.

He wouldn’t let me fetch a second bucket for the horse but he did graciously accept my apology.

Welcome home, Sunaia. Hello, family. I promise to make polishing up my noble airs a priority... after I get these maps sorted.

Written By Prisila

Aug. 20, 2018, 5:36 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

When I dreamt I was also waking from a dream. Within my dream I looked around me and felt this place was not the place I knew and when my eyes turned to the sky I screamed in terror. The stars were all staring and I knew that there was something there, an intelligence greater than anything previously imaginable staring down at me.

An alien sky that was so bright and clear, the plane I was upon shining with the light of shimmering stars.

My heart hammered and I hid behind an outcropping of rocks until /they/ found me....I never want to see It again but I know when I close my eyes I will. It will be waiting for me like it has for centuries. I fear for this longing, for the longing of It but I must master my passions lest I wake up screaming as I did before.

Written By Eleyna

Aug. 20, 2018, 5:26 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Leona

The choice was to continue to walk the difficult path along the strand between the impenetrable forest and the sheer cliffs, watching every step to avoid wandering too far in either direction.

When the choices seem to narrow down so that it felt easier to just jump off the cliff and into the dark sea, your hand was at my collar to pull me away from the cliff's edge and set me back on the path.

I have a feeling this is not the first time we've done this.

Written By Margot

Aug. 20, 2018, 4:46 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

There is no pain like the loss of family and perhaps, short of loosing a child, a sibling cuts deepest.

Even all these years having past, them having been dead more of my life than they were alive, I wonder about my brothers and my sister. Every now and then it sneaks up on me what it would have been like for Victoria and Alexander to grow up with a gaggle of cousins in their nursery around them as I did in my early years... and then I remember they would never be had the others lived.

Like sculptures of wood and stone, we are defined by what is carved from us; each whittling cut both bringing us closer to our final form, and removing us further from our natural state.

Written By Reese

Aug. 20, 2018, 4:27 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Barric

I remember Barric as the once the stern and proud older cousin who could always beat me in any spar. I remember comparing his green sword to my steel one and thinking of him as an unreachable and untouchable god. I remember working so very hard to get my own sword. Pink with Griffins and just as good. I remember him from before I knew how to lead in battle and when he could not lead in battle, deciding to team up before the Siege of Silence. We fought side and by side and back to back with our alaricite swords then and many times after. When I started to lead, he stayed at my side, fighting with me at Sea Watch Gate and being rescued by Mae. I was so grateful to her and still am, for she gave me more time with him.

He got matching hounds for us. Brother and sister from the same litter and they looked almost alike to symbolize our relationship and our partnership. Stormy is still at my side. He wasn’t always favored by the Graysons. Barric at times didn’t want to marry. At times he wanted to marry the wrong person. At times he was a pain in the ass. He always had heart, passion and bravery. He was flawed. I am at least as flawed.

Barric was at my side on dangerous mission after dangerous mission. The time I truly almost died, he was there, fighting along with me, making sure I made it home. He followed me time and again. He attended my many meetings, he went into the forest over and over again with me. He was the brother I didn’t have. He was my family when I was on the top. When I was beloved. He was my family was when I was at the bottom. He was my family when he was the idol, I could not touch and he was my family when I bested him in a spar. That he agreed to go on a deadly mission does not surprised me at all, but I wish he didn’t go. on this one.

Barric and Coraline were a beautiful couple. While I was my lowest Barric was there for me, night after night in my tower, talking to me, visiting with me, cheering me up, encouraging me to go on. Coraline was often there with him, doing the same. Barric was flawed, but I had no greater friend when I was injured. Should I have needed that, no, of course not. But I am flawed and he was my family who loved me even when I was broken. He was a man with the strength to continue even after her was broken. Not everyone would have survived, would chosen the path to become a templar. He was strong enough to loose the greatest sword of all and still continue. He had been injured, but he would not break.

I saw Barric the night before the mission. He told me that we would never loose contact despite him being a templar, that things wouldn’t really change, I told him i would visit him often and he left the training the center.

Written By Edward

Aug. 20, 2018, 2:49 p.m.(6/7/1009 AR)

The loss of a well respected member of a House is difficult to take. House Mazetti has our condolences.

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