Written By Valery
Feb. 17, 2017, 4:38 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Nightmares seemed easier when I had someone at my side. Maybe they were just less terrible.
But I worry anyways...
But I worry anyways...
Written By Brogan
Feb. 17, 2017, 3:02 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
She is dead. I see her body in the main hall, and the walls of our estate are draped in black, and she is dead.
My niece is dead. My wife is dead. My child is dead.
Still, I will drink. Still, I will fight. Still, I will screw.
Tomorrow I may be dead as well.
The spirits are fickle.
My niece is dead. My wife is dead. My child is dead.
Still, I will drink. Still, I will fight. Still, I will screw.
Tomorrow I may be dead as well.
The spirits are fickle.
Written By Acacia
Feb. 17, 2017, 2:14 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Today, Mae is my favorite.
Tomorrow, she might just be my favorite too.
It's just that deep down inside my heart, I know that beneath all the things that get so easily on my good side -- she's probably really getting in mayhem. Maybe. It's dismaying, really.
Tomorrow, she might just be my favorite too.
It's just that deep down inside my heart, I know that beneath all the things that get so easily on my good side -- she's probably really getting in mayhem. Maybe. It's dismaying, really.
Written By Mae
Feb. 17, 2017, 1:14 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
*Posted up is a picture, a rather basic one, done with charcoal stick on cheap paper. It features two stick figures, one whose torso is a circle, and one that's long and slender. Both stick figures have long hair, though the artist has taken the time to find some reddish color to smudge onto the flowing locks of the slender figure. Between the two figures is the rough shape of a bird, though it has human arms. The arms have a fair bit more detail to them, with actual substance and clear muscle. One of those arms has a hand curled into a fist, and that fist is flying right at the face of the fat stick figure. The fat stick figure is smiling. Overhead, there's clouds. Beneath it all is written...*
To: Acacia
With love,
Mae
To: Acacia
With love,
Mae
Written By Ford
Feb. 17, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Octavia, Niklas, and even Cecilia are here in Arx now.
I very literally don't know what to do with myself. Where Octavia is the very same Octavia I remember from when I was...one of my first memories is of me and her trying to work our way onto the kitchen counters to grab the sweets. We worked well together, even as young children. Now that we're adults, we will be unstoppable.
Niklas and Ceci, however.. are strangers to me. Niklas was a babbling infant when I left for Sanctum, Cecilia not even born yet.
I see them walking around the house I built for us all here. And for all my diplomacy, for all my charm and cunning, I haven't a clue of how to approach them. I'm lost around them, and it pains me. They're my own flesh and blood.
I hope, truly hope, that one day I can know them as my brother and sister.
I very literally don't know what to do with myself. Where Octavia is the very same Octavia I remember from when I was...one of my first memories is of me and her trying to work our way onto the kitchen counters to grab the sweets. We worked well together, even as young children. Now that we're adults, we will be unstoppable.
Niklas and Ceci, however.. are strangers to me. Niklas was a babbling infant when I left for Sanctum, Cecilia not even born yet.
I see them walking around the house I built for us all here. And for all my diplomacy, for all my charm and cunning, I haven't a clue of how to approach them. I'm lost around them, and it pains me. They're my own flesh and blood.
I hope, truly hope, that one day I can know them as my brother and sister.
Written By Merek
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Demura
I have not talked to my patron in a while, I believe she has been busy. I need to remind myself to speak with her more often about what she will be expecting of me.
Written By Harald
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
There are many reasons for mainlanders to find my race disagreeable. Our habits of speech are different, our laws are different, our values are different.
For all of that, how great must a man's arrogance be to think he knows better than we how the Highlord of the Isles should be chosen? Nobles walked out of the Assembly when Highlord Victus entered and took his seat.
The traditions of the Isles are ours. Victus is our Highlord. Outsiders may weep and rail against this truth if they wish, but so too must they accept it.
For all of that, how great must a man's arrogance be to think he knows better than we how the Highlord of the Isles should be chosen? Nobles walked out of the Assembly when Highlord Victus entered and took his seat.
The traditions of the Isles are ours. Victus is our Highlord. Outsiders may weep and rail against this truth if they wish, but so too must they accept it.
Written By Merek
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
The weeks seem to continue on as war approaches. I can only hope my efforts to help restore the Iron Guard make it much easier when it comes to fighting. If we keep on fighting amongst ourselves, there will never be much chance against our enemies. That said, good things have come from recent times as well. My sister is back in town, and we've decided to have our shops built next to each other. Someday when we both settle down into our own families, we hope that we can continue our crafts.
As an Alchemist, she compliments my own abilities well. I hope that she finds love in the city, as well as a place amongst the healers. These seem to be what she wants most. It's simple, it is nice. I'm just glad she doesn't want to put herself in the front lines. I worry about her. A healer still has meaning, and she will be perhaps safer. We're twins so both our birthdays are coming up. I intend to introduce her to people I know and assist her in making friends.
As an Alchemist, she compliments my own abilities well. I hope that she finds love in the city, as well as a place amongst the healers. These seem to be what she wants most. It's simple, it is nice. I'm just glad she doesn't want to put herself in the front lines. I worry about her. A healer still has meaning, and she will be perhaps safer. We're twins so both our birthdays are coming up. I intend to introduce her to people I know and assist her in making friends.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 16, 2017, 7:45 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
I am convinced, that they existed.
There's too many for it to be written off. Madness may take it's toll, but why do they remember when others do not? What line do they hold?
There's too many for it to be written off. Madness may take it's toll, but why do they remember when others do not? What line do they hold?
Written By Anze
Feb. 16, 2017, 6:01 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Haven't been that hungover in ages. Ugh. And let me say, being hammered drunk and stumbling your way through a house you just moved into is a bad way of going about things. All I could think about when I woke up was getting something to fucking eat, and keeping myself out of the sunlight for a moment.
Didn't even bother with silverware, just grabbed food and started tearing into it, shit I can't even remember if I used a plate… Of course that all just made it worse when it dawned on me there were half a dozen Malvici guards just staring at me tear into breakfast like an animal. I don't think they were expecting that, shit, I don't think most of them knew I had moved in. Guess they're going to have to get used to me eventually.
Really wish I had remembered to put on a shirt though.
Didn't even bother with silverware, just grabbed food and started tearing into it, shit I can't even remember if I used a plate… Of course that all just made it worse when it dawned on me there were half a dozen Malvici guards just staring at me tear into breakfast like an animal. I don't think they were expecting that, shit, I don't think most of them knew I had moved in. Guess they're going to have to get used to me eventually.
Really wish I had remembered to put on a shirt though.
Written By Caelis
Feb. 16, 2017, 3:54 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
The brightest of us. He's got such a light spirit and welcoming presence. He might not be the chattiest, but he makes his words count for something. I admire his strength and love for his family. I may permit more hugs, but only because he's the Duke.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 16, 2017, 3:08 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
I met the favored of the Thirteenth today, the princess known as Isolde Velenosa. A moment which will always be remembered by me as she was dressed in resplendent white aeterna while the mirrors reflected the golden glow of the torches in the corridors behind. The Shrine in Arx is not what I thought.
When one is in the darkness long enough, your eyes can become adjusted to see things normally hidden. Likewise, when one stares too long at the sun, they become blind. Extremism in all forms weakens us, and doomed we all are to repeat the mistakes of history as we fail as a people to recognize that we walk the same steps made by others before us. Time grinds all like the waves crushing the majestic cliffs to sand.
When one is in the darkness long enough, your eyes can become adjusted to see things normally hidden. Likewise, when one stares too long at the sun, they become blind. Extremism in all forms weakens us, and doomed we all are to repeat the mistakes of history as we fail as a people to recognize that we walk the same steps made by others before us. Time grinds all like the waves crushing the majestic cliffs to sand.
Written By Neve
Feb. 16, 2017, 1:15 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
More and more I am trying to adopt the traditions of the city I now call home. Even if I am so unused to many of your customs. One person who always makes me feel comfortable in my skin and my ways is uhm Miss Lady.. no. M.. uhm. Lady Valencia. Whatever we are doing, she makes it feel like an adventure and makes it so beautiful too. I feel very lucky to have met such a friend in her.
Written By Arcelia
Feb. 16, 2017, 1:04 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
Arcelia's chill buddy.
Written By Arcelia
Feb. 16, 2017, 12:55 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
Arcelia's cousin.
Written By Eirene
Feb. 16, 2017, 12:43 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
So one of my closest friends is going to become my nephew. I suppose even when there's a shitstorm around us, life and love burns on. Sappy dappy crap but the two of them compliment one another well. Brains and brawn; not that either of them lacks one, but they'll be formidable as fuck together and I love them both fiercely.
He can call me auntie if he wants. I deserve that shit. Call it penance.
He can call me auntie if he wants. I deserve that shit. Call it penance.
Written By Neve
Feb. 16, 2017, 12:30 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Calathane
I'm not good at all these words or gathering all my thoughts to spread out on a piece of paper for all to see and read. Arx is a funny kind of place, a city full of people with so many faces when all I'm used to seeing is just one face on a person. Sometimes I think it's enough to get lost in.
Sometimes I think I'll get lost in it all. Like a forest that I don't know and isn't my own. And then.. just when I think the spirits have faded from us altogether I felt their pull again, and I felt the way they parted all the noise and faces and voices and people until I saw just one.. Just one person with just one face.. and he was singing to the spirits and I think I knew he was mine and I think he knew I was his, before words ever came from us.
Sometimes I think I'll get lost in it all. Like a forest that I don't know and isn't my own. And then.. just when I think the spirits have faded from us altogether I felt their pull again, and I felt the way they parted all the noise and faces and voices and people until I saw just one.. Just one person with just one face.. and he was singing to the spirits and I think I knew he was mine and I think he knew I was his, before words ever came from us.
Written By Marius
Feb. 16, 2017, 10:58 a.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
I wrote before about the noise of Arx. I've decided to do something about it. I need help, though.
My family will build a grove. A wild thing, made of Greenwood trees and scrub and undergrowth. No manicured lawns or sculpted hedges or wonderful fountains. No, this will hearken a soul to the forest, to draw one into the wild quiet. Peace.
Not even the Greenmarchers can raise a forest by themselves. If you would like to put your own energy into this, please send a messenger. I have no end of ways you can bring a piece of the untamed Greenwood to Arx, for everyone to enjoy.
My family will build a grove. A wild thing, made of Greenwood trees and scrub and undergrowth. No manicured lawns or sculpted hedges or wonderful fountains. No, this will hearken a soul to the forest, to draw one into the wild quiet. Peace.
Not even the Greenmarchers can raise a forest by themselves. If you would like to put your own energy into this, please send a messenger. I have no end of ways you can bring a piece of the untamed Greenwood to Arx, for everyone to enjoy.
Written By Marius
Feb. 16, 2017, 10:55 a.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
When I was in my teens, old enough to understand when I was seeing soul-rending loss, but far too young to have experienced it, some warlike Abandoned killed a man's wife and others in a raid. I knew the man well enough, I suppose, but he completely changed after his wife's death. It was as though the pain of what he was enduring was drawn into him like a breath, and he held it. For a very long time. That pain became fuel for a fire whose embers were sparked at the loss of his wife.
That fire grew hotter and hotter. And when the man could not stand it any longer, he took up his axe and went into the forest alone.
My father sent a few of us the next day to try to find him, bring him home. We found him, and we found the little camp of the shavs who killed his wife - it's not hard to tell which group is which if you know what you're looking for. The camp was... to say butchered is to do an injustice to the sight. It was as though a great machine had mown through the camp and simply chewed everyone up. I retched. Grown men did too.
We found the man from the Greenwood, alive if barely. He was cuts and arrows and stab wounds; bleeding from a thousand injuries. And yet his blue eyes blazed with the fire that he still held, as a breath. When he saw us, he smiled faintly and then said, "Greenmarchers. Good." And he exhaled his last breath, and the fire went out with it.
We are facing a time in which we stare into a great chasm of promised grief; it touches the soul like a shadow.
But fire dispels shadows.
That fire grew hotter and hotter. And when the man could not stand it any longer, he took up his axe and went into the forest alone.
My father sent a few of us the next day to try to find him, bring him home. We found him, and we found the little camp of the shavs who killed his wife - it's not hard to tell which group is which if you know what you're looking for. The camp was... to say butchered is to do an injustice to the sight. It was as though a great machine had mown through the camp and simply chewed everyone up. I retched. Grown men did too.
We found the man from the Greenwood, alive if barely. He was cuts and arrows and stab wounds; bleeding from a thousand injuries. And yet his blue eyes blazed with the fire that he still held, as a breath. When he saw us, he smiled faintly and then said, "Greenmarchers. Good." And he exhaled his last breath, and the fire went out with it.
We are facing a time in which we stare into a great chasm of promised grief; it touches the soul like a shadow.
But fire dispels shadows.
Written By Isolde
Feb. 16, 2017, 10:37 a.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
My father.
Few men have endured as much. Few men have lost as much. No man has come through with the strength, grace, and stability like my father.
I can never be my father. But I am lucky to have him. We are lucky to have him.
I've never been the best daughter, not by far. He'd claim he was never the best father, but he'd be humbly lying to himself. Esera was always meant to lead. My destiny lay elsewhere, and when I donned the mask, it became clear to me. But my father has been unwavering in his devotion to me, my siblings, to the Lyceum, to Velenosa. I could not ask for anyone better.
No one will support my father more than me, believe in him more than me. I dare anyone to try, but I will be the best daughter I can be. I definitely have a head start.
May all the gods of the pantheon bless him, my father, Archduke Niccolo Velenosa.
Few men have endured as much. Few men have lost as much. No man has come through with the strength, grace, and stability like my father.
I can never be my father. But I am lucky to have him. We are lucky to have him.
I've never been the best daughter, not by far. He'd claim he was never the best father, but he'd be humbly lying to himself. Esera was always meant to lead. My destiny lay elsewhere, and when I donned the mask, it became clear to me. But my father has been unwavering in his devotion to me, my siblings, to the Lyceum, to Velenosa. I could not ask for anyone better.
No one will support my father more than me, believe in him more than me. I dare anyone to try, but I will be the best daughter I can be. I definitely have a head start.
May all the gods of the pantheon bless him, my father, Archduke Niccolo Velenosa.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.