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Written By Barik

June 15, 2018, 5:24 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Elara

Today I saw your name be made black on the Refectory inside your former headquarters. When they said you died sacrificing your soul and body for someone else; when the news arrive, I primarily thought you foolish. I thought- "To what end? Ours is the fire that burns and ever-so dwindles, why douse it with the waters of another's calamity?" And the more I thought on it, the more foolish I felt; the more dawning the truth was, to me, and perhaps to others.

The essence of love, is sacrifice. And Inquisitors are naught but full of sacrifice. To love is to put one-self at disadvantage; to love is to set aside one's own wordly and mortal boundaries for the sake of one other, or others. Then I understood that the essence of the Inquisition, is love, and soon a correlation with you was ultimately made. Your life of grief and loss prepared you for this moment, you were the best among us because you were prepared to lose everything without hesitation for your love for others. Because you knew what matters most.

The flame of your words were always cool, tender and compassionate. In our hands lies the responsibility of hoping to match and learn from an inkling of your legacy, Lady Elara.

Your cycle may be finished, but your ideals will live on forever.
Lagoma's flame guide you to the other side.

Written By Sina

June 15, 2018, 5:05 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

I've come to realize, this journey we are on... is one of danger. We have seen the Bloodwater lurking far on the horizon. We have heard a report that it swallowed a ship traveling from Maelstrom, not far from Tyde's shores. These waters are dangerous, and the Bloodwater unpredictable. And then there are random other things, such as runaway carriages.

People seem to write wills in their whites when they are embarking on dangerous journeys. So I shall endeavor to write mine as I sit here through the night with the Princess Consort in the hospital in Kennex. I would give my life to protect her. And so...

In the event of my death:

All of my clothing items and jewelry should be given to Princess Alarissa Thrax to do with as she wishes.
My seashell bag and its scented oils should go to Princess Sorrell Thrax.
My hairpins should go to Princess Donella Redrain, including the ones she gave me.
My daggers should go to Princess Coraline Thrax. They're really nice daggers, but it's not like they're rubicund or anything special.
All of my art and crafting materials should go to Princess Denica Thrax, because I know she will make good use of them.
There are three volumes I have written that I intend to give to Father Orazio and Archscholar Bianca. You'll know them when you see them. Please see them delivered, or deliver them to Archlector Aleksei of the First Choice, Dame Esoka Greenblood, Sir Jeffeth or Sir Preston.
Any other books in my possession should be given to the Archives of Vellichor. There are a few silly romance novels someone might find amusing.
My mermaid chest should go to Baroness Skye Blackshore. It's really a very beautiful chest and I do admire her strength and courage.
Vald, my beloved Lynx, should go to Sir Jordan Ober.

All of my silver should be donated to the Faith of the Pantheon.

My black journal should remain sealed to the Faith.

I would ask also that prayers and hymns be lifted up to Mangata for the safety of the Isles.

Written By Arik

June 15, 2018, 3:36 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Khanne

Per my last journal, I found my sister. For the purpose of historical records. I won the fight. We will see who won the challenge.

Written By Seth

June 15, 2018, 3:31 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

The loneliness of working alone in a city full of strangers is a heavy burden to undertake. So I feel blessed to have met one full of beauty and kindness to help light up what had been a dreary day.

Written By Sina

June 15, 2018, 2 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

I am filled with sorrow. I was beginning to think that perhaps we would survive this tour of the Isles with no casualties. That all would be well, and that we would reach Maelstrom without issue. But it was not to be.

As I write this journal now, we sit within the hospital at Kennex, the one that was built as part of the Pilgrimage Path. One moment, I was chatting quietly with Seraph Ailith, Princess Sorrel, Princess Coraline and Lady Carita about visiting the hospital there. Lord Wash was regaling us with stories about some of the statues. The next, a carriage comes thundering down the way straight toward us. Chaos ensues. I am not even really sure what happened, because my first instinct was to jump out of the way, trying to pull the Princess with me, but I stumbled and fell. When I looked up again, one of the statues, with a great stone axe, had been struck during the chaos and the stone axe fell upon poor Lady Elara, who had pushed Princess Alarissa aside just in time. Lady Elara gave her life, as any of us would have I think, to save her.

I linger by the side of the Princess Consort now, and hope that all is well. She is alive, at least, thanks to the heroics of Lady Elara. But she has aches and pains, and is worried that these may be the first signs of labor. I have promised her that I would be at her side when she gives birth in Maelstrom. I hope that I can keep that promise. I shall pray to Lagoma for the health of the Princess Consort and her child. She took a slight fall, though the High Lord was able to catch her. Still, we worry, and we wait until we are able to set sail again.

Written By Lumen

June 15, 2018, 1:54 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Elara

I consider it an honor to have heard you lift your voice in song. A treasured memory, then and now.

Written By Sabella

June 15, 2018, 1:06 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niklas

Not everybody.

Until the stars fall from the sky, I will always be there for you. Be here for you. And even should there be no stars, I will be there for you still. A shining light in the darkness just for you.

Written By Niklas

June 15, 2018, 1:02 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

My sister Elara has died.

That makes two of the best people I have ever known.

Everybody leaves.

Written By River

June 15, 2018, 12:49 a.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Seax

It would seem that I have found my heart bleeding again, and again, and of course again. This time I got a bruised throat for it. Still, all in all cleaning your friends up when they've drunk to much seems worth it if you can simply help them, treat them well, see they're cared for. Sometimes I wonder why I do it, but... Well, that's a mess for another time.

Maybe I should start thinking through these decisions, but I think it'd be harder to care if I thought too much about what I was doing. I saw the same sort of care though in a lord today. Most I've met have been...well, self focused but to see this one treating a child with such kindness, working with a commoner with diplomacy and humility and yet confidence. it was impressive. I hope to see it further, when we next meet.

Written By Alarissa

June 14, 2018, 11:29 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

There's claw marks in my seasilk, though Mirari made quick work and I know what she did, but she did something and soon enough it was smoothed and fixed again. I know why Victus did what he did, but gods above, did he need to knock her in? He's paying for that. She raked him and raked him very good before settling on my shoulder. That beast must be near 20 pounds and never did I walk so slowly and carefully, for fear that she might turn her ill humors on me. It is not something that I would have needed. Not now. Likely would have sent me into labour.

But her flesh was much better after that dip, and Ailith murmured something to the effect that Lilybelle will likely grow fur back. I am skeptical. But maybe she will. Time will tell. But this was Darkshore. This was... I'll not finish my words in here because I know this at least is looked at and poured over by others and taken apart and put back together and scrutinized to find meaning where perhaps there is none.

Darkshore will rise none the less. Already they move. Lady Carita and Countess Venta will see to it and I look forward to it's rebirth and renewal.

Written By Alarissa

June 14, 2018, 11:20 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Turo

Navegant was a blur almost, a thriving community that subsists on so much, and so far north. Though I am sure that Tyde hall is more north, and Stormward even more so.

It was here though, that we had another spell of relaxation even as we enjoyed all the hospitality that there was to offer. I declined to view the turtle processing plants, and instead went with Astrid to visit some of the children that live here. Their education is exemplary. But it was their academy of arts that took my breath away. Seeing the work, temporal in it's own way and different from what the shrine in Arx offers up with it's yearly destruction. t brought about a desire to incorporate them and their work in Thrax with the renovations. Of pieces carefully packed and brought to Thrax. I am of a mind to do this not only with Escuma's but across the isles, a new work each month within the great room when it is done.

I was saddened to leave, but we eventually did and we shall have to return again. His grace was gifted with a carved turtle shell and Astrid and I both, with strands of pearls, each one so carefully matched.

Written By Clara

June 14, 2018, 11 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Khanne

...oh rabbits!

Written By Eilonwy

June 14, 2018, 10:46 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

I do enjoy the day to day tasks of managing estate affairs for the family I serve. Writing letters, ensuring the house is kept clean and tidy, that people are paid. It's not a life I would have expected. Though I do miss the winter chill up north, it's cold here, but not overly cold, not cold enough for a proper winter.

There are so many healers in this city, it's good I have my duties to distract myself since there isn't a need for my training at the moment. I think that is a good thing, no massive amounts of bloodshed to call me away.

Written By Sina

June 14, 2018, 10:21 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

I have been accompanying the Thrax family on their tour of the Isles, as one of my last duties before I venture onto my new path. It feels so good to once again be on a ship, and to feel the wind of the sea, and smell the salt of the waters. It has been some time since my feet have touched the deck of a ship, but it is like slipping into an old and comfortable coat that I had forgotten, hidden in the back of the wardrobe.

The Isles are truly breathtaking, and there is much to love about each and every place we have visited. I was particularly enamored of the Academy of Art at Escuma, and their unique perspective on the worship of Jayus. Apparently they do not destroy their temple during His holiday, but rather, they simply rearrange the artwork in the gallery every three months. To meditate upon the concept of seeing things from a different perspective. The halls of the academy were filled with the most beautiful creations, some of them even worked with multiple media, which I appreciate in so many ways. The turtle sculpture was really quite something, and it still makes me feel as though I could do so much more with my artwork. Perspective indeed!

There was an old wood carver at Blackshore as well, who had such a wonderful skill with his carving knife as I watched him carve a new figurehead for a ship. I learned from him, I think, that which I have been missing in my artwork - trusting more to Jayus to guide my hand, and let the form take shape. Once I return, I shall attempt to put the old man's advice to good use with this sculpture I have been struggling with. I wanted it to be a mermaid, but every time I try to make it so, it doesn't want to be a mermaid. I suppose we'll see.

On a slightly more amusing note, we stopped at a beautiful shrine with a pool of serene water at Darkwater Watch, and while we were there, somehow Lillybelle managed to get dunked into the sacred pool. I am still not sure what happened, because I was too busy fussing with this armor I have been wearing lately, and next thing I know, the Claw of Arx is yowling and clawing her way up the High Lord (leaving a number of scars no doubt), only to land on Princess Alarissa's shoulder. I suspect the High Lord must have done something to miff her terribly, because she refused to look at him for the rest of the day. Somehow, I was able to coax the poor beast off the Princess' shoulder and onto mine. It was probably a risky thing to do, but someone had to do it. That poor cat has been through so much. I still wouldn't want to get snuggly with her or anything, but I think maybe she likes me a little better than she did before. Maybe. Or maybe she was just sticking it to him. It's hard to say.

Then we visited the place where the Pirate King met his end. Of that, I care not to speak, for it was ultimately difficult to set foot there. I will, however, speak to Seraph Ailith's rendering of the story of what happened there, which was moving and eye-opening. I will not forget the place soon, with its crumbled hall and broken down gate, and the knowledge that so many died there to save the Isles an the Compact. Whispers and echoes of the recent past.

Today, we arrived in Grihem, and we were greeted by Lord Valdemar and his family, and we were also greeted by the most beautiful singing. An old hymn of the seas, sung by so many voices. It was powerful and moving, and it was quite difficult to hold back my tears of joy in the eyes of these grim folk who seem not to appreciate any sign of too much weakness. It is always good to be aware of and follow the customs of a given place, I feel. Still, when Princess Sorrel went to join the choir, the experience was almost transcendent, given the perfect acoustics of that magnificent domed amphitheater. I couldn't help but smile, and be in awe of the majesty of that choir singing a hymn to Mangata. I will not soon forget this place, or that singing. Even now, as I write this, tears prick my eyes as I recall it.

Sometimes it is a little overwhelming being in the presence of so many great people. I am content to remain anonymous and silent in the background, while others discuss matters of importance or show such wondrous gifts. Still, sometimes I wish I was a little more talkative, or had more things to say. But what can I say, when the matters discussed are so often very far outside my area of expertise or power to do anything about? Perhaps someday, I will have more to say, more to do. But for now, silence is my most familiar and beloved cloak, which I wear every day. Perhaps some day I will find my voice, and a cause for which to speak. Perhaps my voice is, instead, the written word.

Next, we sail for Kennex. I shall write more of that journey once we are back on the ship headed to Maelstrom. I know I should be keeping up with my journal more, being a Scholar of Vellichor and all. But I have had difficulty finding the time. Once we reach Maelstrom, I doubt that will change, but I shall find the time if I am able. I have a promise to keep, and I mean to.

Written By Clara

June 14, 2018, 9:49 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Arik

Arik, you look so good in abstract rainbows with fluffy white clouds! That was fun. Let's do it again sometime.

Written By Gwenna

June 14, 2018, 9:01 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Signe

Face-painting is great fun! Even if I did not hobby at art, I think I would still love it. The paint feels so cool on the skin and actually using it on someone else is so much different than on canvas. Thank you, Lady Signe! I very much enjoyed that.

Written By Violet

June 14, 2018, 8:29 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

That was messy. So very messy. But thanks to a joint effort we got the damned bugs swept up. And the floor mopped. Thank you to all those who helped in the cleanup at the Shrine of the Sentinel. In no particular order:

Jeffeth, Calaudrin, Daemon, Thorley, Aleksei, Jordan and Rinel all aided in the cleanup. Thanks to others who offered as well. Many hands make light work. If I could praise them all I would, but I'm just a simple mercenary commander.

Written By Lyiana

June 14, 2018, 8:20 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

After two years, I have come back to the city. I have not written in this journal for that long, and thus, an explanation is needed. When I left the city, it was under siege; the silence as nearly defeated, though I did not know it then. I moved to a new town, adopted Fraiya the little street urchin who came to me for fruit and sundries, her Mother not giving a damn about her, and grew up. Moving to a new city will harden someone like me, at least it did until I wanted to show some emotion. I heard about the deaths, I heard about those who were lost and wept for them. Then, I picked myself up when I would have fallen, and went to work at doing my craft. I raised Fraiya as my own, I took no lovers. I did not have time for emotional attachment. I thought about Simone Greenmarch quite a bit though. Not receiving a letter from her as I often did, I resigned myself to the thought that perhaps she forgot me. I am easily forgotten. It is not hard to forget the sweet little tailor you knew once upon a time, but I did not begrudge her. I would never begrudge her. She is a kind woman, at least she is to me, and so I can honestly say that I hope her life has been eventful the last years I have been away. I taught Fraiya to read during those two years, sewed her dresses, became her Mother. She is still rambunctious, precocious, and thirsts for knowledge more than any child I've ever seen, and she's mine. She is my little love and I would do whatever it took to protect her. She is a good girl and now she speaks properly, not that gutter speech she learned from the streets. Two years flew by and I cannot remember what happened in those two years, though I do know that I thought about acquaintances often and did not let myself dwell on the past. It has been a hard road, yet a good one, for I am wiser than before I left, and harder when I came back. Though I am still kind, never doubt it, but I am not so trusting. I am a woman grown.

Written By Elara

June 14, 2018, 8:18 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

I am both looking forward to spending time with my family in Stormward, again, as I am dreading it. For whatever reason ships have never agreed with me and I often find myself miserable till my feet are on land again. Still I miss watching the storms in the port. And Niklas is going too, so at least there will be amusement while I'm sick on deck.

Written By Lisebet

June 14, 2018, 8:17 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Why is it that I feel that is only the beginning of the story?

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