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Written By Serafine

Dec. 28, 2016, 11:28 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

More and more these days I feel as rootless as I did guarding caravans, before I found the People.

No home, no foundation. No binding connections beyond Eleyna.

What am I looking for? I'll never have what had before.

Maybe that's the real problem?

Written By Julea

Dec. 28, 2016, 9:18 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

ii.
Thunk. That graceful curved edge firmly embedded right between the eyes, but not before his machete cleaved through the throat of my father. He was the first to fall in the line of the villagers who had been rounded up to be sacrificed. My entire childhood, about to bleed into the dirt of Three Trees which is no more.

My progress didn't halt and I drew the second of the pair, the lesser of the two blades. The one my father helped me forge as a stubborn child and it was only fitting that I avenged him ... everyone, with it. I would die here. I will die here. But I was determined that I would not be the only one.

Between the acting of the immense Shav I faced and the first strike, all the interim was like a hideous nightmare. When the first blow struck, there was no time for nervous apprehensions, I was immediately swallowed up in the surge and flew at my adversary like a tiger, and Kukri my claw, striking three blows at first, following through swiftly as he staggered back. Two more and down he fell, but not for long. We met again, this time he was more cautious, brow creased and his teeth clenched together. The rest of the Shavs provided a circle of faces around us, finding sport in the fight, ensuring even if I won, I would still lose.

He brought his sword up and I could not get past his guard, we both struck but without advantage to either side and neither of us fell and the fate of the fight was suspended. The balance of power restored.

--------------------------------------------- Bear with me, I need to rest.

Written By Joscelin

Dec. 28, 2016, 9:07 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

I have an entourage now. Oh, Fates, how you do toy with me and mine.

Written By Bethany

Dec. 28, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

(From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward:)

* Honesty. Respect. Given freely until there is reason to renounce. There were notes that I made during the planning meeting of the Salon - but, there are too many of them - and too disorganized. I will need to sort through them.

* Trust. Need it. Are there books on the subject...?

* Patience. I could benefit from a more of it. Apologies to any that have had to deal with that ... in every instance in which I (and others) could have benefited from waiting. (I couldn't. I tried. You know who you are.)

* Progress. Plans. The Salons and the Diplomatic Corps. So pleased. So very, very pleased.

Written By Julea

Dec. 28, 2016, 8:11 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

i.
A part of me knew, the moment I stepped out of Arx, that this would happen. I woke up that morning in a sweat, and with an immediate desire to head home. An innate sense of wrong. And as I retraced my path along the banks of Gray River to the little village of Three Trees that I call home, I felt this impending sense of dread grow; an overwhelming heaviness that sucked the breath out of my chest.

And I just lost my balance.

I fell hard, and the stone laid path, that had become like an old friend with the number of times I had traversed it into Three Trees, became an enemy to my palms and knees and I did not feel a thing.

Time is a fickle thing; a day, an hour a few minutes. It was like the world paused, waiting for me to arrive, for that very moment to happen, and for the bloody scene to play out in front of my eyes.

I am fast. I have always been fast. Fast enough to always win at tag. Fast enough to to reach Aleksei before the black wall came crashing down. Fast enough to skid through Horatio beneath it. But not fast enough today.

It was all just a matter of time. The breath it took for me to get back up to my feet. The heart beats that passed as I brought Kukri into my right palm. I ran, but I knew I would not be quick enough. I couldn't possibly make it in time as the sword rose up high into the air. Kukri wasn't forged for flight, but today she flew. It wasn't graceful cut through the air like a throwing knife. But rather the end over end spin of an axe.

Written By Runa

Dec. 28, 2016, 7:36 p.m.(7/6/1005 AR)

What is one to do when one fails to prevent the death of an innocent? Was there something that could have been done to spare them such a short and gruesome end. And why must it always come down to blood more and more? Perhaps it's due to delving too deeply into the subject. Blood. So obviously vital, but now this other reason. More than symbolism. Hints of something deeper and older and potent. As if it could be counted as a kind of currency to others. I must prevent any future tragedies, and those that would prey on innocents. Somehow. I must learn more.

Written By Alis

Dec. 28, 2016, 6:38 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Tristram

A cousin recently arrived in Arx. It is always nice to have more family around, and he seems quite capable. We can never have too many capable people.

Written By Alis

Dec. 28, 2016, 6:30 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

I believe we shall get along quite well. He obviously has very little problem in voicing his opinion, and while he also lacks tact or subtlety, his observations do strike right at the heart of a matter. I can quite readily see myself trusting him as an advisor. Not necessarily completely impartial, no. But one who has Telmar and Valardin's best interests in mind. And more importantly, the fate of the realm on his mind.

Written By Cai

Dec. 28, 2016, 6:13 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

07/05/1005

Why come to me for love advice? I'm not sure what gives people the impression that I'm the sort of person who knows how to talk to of matter of love and affection. I barely understand it myself. You can love a tree, but I wouldn't suggest fucking one.

If you like someone, or at the least, find them attractive, ask them or out or back to your place. If they say no, then well, you move on. Clearly it wasn't meant to be. It's that simple. Don't sit and pine for someone for weeks and months thinking that the situation is going to change.

This city keeps getting stranger and stranger. Just say what you feel. It makes things so much more clear. And if that's not the answer that you were looking for, move on, you'll only hurt yourself more in the process.

Written By Fiachra

Dec. 28, 2016, 6 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

Are all of the younger Telmar lords so interesting? I find myself rather hoping so. In a similar way to Neve, I find Lord Percephon refreshing to speak to. While I can't say that I share his enthusiasm for all knowledge, regardless of type, I do appreciate his passion for it. I sincerely hope that he is able to help my sister and I untangle some of the various threads surrounding us in ways we can make sense of. I believe that like his cousin, I will be calling him friend sooner, rather than later.

Written By Fiachra

Dec. 28, 2016, 5:54 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

There's a difference between knowing that there is something malevolent growing in the dark places of the earth and the forest, and actually seeing it for yourself. Though the beast heading towards my home has been slain by myself and my more than capable companions, that doesn't change what has been left in its wake.

The land remains sick, dead. It is warped nearly beyond even my ability to recognize it, and I shudder to think what might have happened had we not stopped it in time. But this won't be the only one. I know that much. The real question is that even if we manage to push back the coming tides of darkness, what will be left? Surely not this... death. There must be some way we can reverse what has been done, so that these scars won't be the legacy we leave to the future.

Written By Percephon

Dec. 28, 2016, 5:42 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Alis

I have read that some leaders are born, others are made. There are many stories in the history books of those who have seen House and Country through difficult times. I'm not certain which category Princess Alis falls into, but after having the honor of meeting her this afternoon, I am left with no doubt that a leader she is. Between her and her family, House Valardin is in good care during these trying times.

Written By Tristram

Dec. 28, 2016, 4 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Agnarr

The Housecarl of Redrain, who tends to ignore titles, is a blunt but pleasant man who was quite pleasant when met in the training center. Could he have a grudge against Anze? He did not seem terribly approving when we discussed the man, but Anze is gruff enough for it to just be a natural reaction.

Written By Tristram

Dec. 28, 2016, 3:57 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Alis

My cousin is quite pleasant, welcoming, decorous, and tactically skilled. Despite my newness to the city, she was more than kind to allow me to aid in planning the expedition against the Beast and, moreover, seemed to be genuinely interested and responsive to my ideas. More than that, she succeeded in the defeat of the creature with minimal casualties. I believe she will go a long way in helping Valardin grow stronger.

Written By Tristram

Dec. 28, 2016, 3:55 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Valencia

Ah, she's a bit of a minx, and apparently taken with me, but I've had enough flirtations thrown at me from ambitious noblewomen to know just how much -that- might be worth in the long run. Pleasantly forward, but undoubtedly manipulative. I'll keep an eye on her, and not get drawn too deeply into her web.

Written By Cicero

Dec. 28, 2016, 3:54 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Ascending the cliff
Win or lose, the wager spurs
Rope burn on descent

Written By Tristram

Dec. 28, 2016, 3:39 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Cai

A ranger whom Tristram admires, Cai is a no-nonsense man who is also a highly skilled teacher that has been training Tristram in infantry swordswork.

Written By Leta

Dec. 28, 2016, 3:28 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

I don't think I'm drunk enough to cause offense this time, and if I do may Vellichor pardon me again.

Time was all a woman needed was her arms and good steel. I can work on both of those things. It's just hard practice and honest work. But now people talk of monsters and shav gods and elves, and I don't rightly know what to make of this. How are strong arms and good steel any good against curses and demons and sorcerers? I'm no bloody knight princess with a pure heart to kill some demon.

You would hear things before, sure enough. You'd even see strange things sometimes. But these days you've got serious important folk sounding like my nan. How's that make any sense? Maybe someone should have made her a scholar of Vellichor. If I see the Archscholar again, or if he's reading this, I'll be sure to remind him to start looking around the Boroughs for learned old washerwomen.

Written By Percephon

Dec. 28, 2016, 1:26 p.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Rowan

I'm really not certain how many more there are to meet of the Greenmarch House, but I certainly hope Lord Rowan isn't the last of them. His passion for his beliefs has been not only an interesting study on a personal level, but the information he so willingly shared will, I hope, help us both in the end. Another outstanding member of a House that should make the Telmar's proud.

Written By Mydas

Dec. 28, 2016, 11:30 a.m.(7/5/1005 AR)

That should be enough barrels of whiskey to bring to Arx on my return, even when I take into account Sigurd's share. If he has behaved, that is. I should write to Nadia and Signe on the matter. Sometimes I'm apprehensive when I consider in what state the House will be in when I return. But I'm sure they're not up to too much trouble...

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