Jacob Cross

Journal &Connections

• Journal

  • An Anniversary - OOC December 4th 2020, 10:00 pm

    It's hard to believe it's been a year already; and what a year it has been. To think about how much has transpired out there in the world in all this time, and how one year ago we saw so little of it coming. Even in my personal life, things have changed dramatically. I couldn't have predicted where I'd be right now or what would be happening, the last time Rennata and I spoke.
    
    I remember pulling in to work and, as habit, buzzing through discord before clocking in. I saw the news just as most others did and I was just...stunned. It didn't hit me right away, I think I went into auto-pilot. Maybe that sort of disbelief people enter at such news. But as my work day wore on, it settled in. I thought to maybe distract myself with work, but it was too fresh. I found a reason to leave early and came home to talk with people, to grieve.
    
    We'd been so close. Closer than I realized. And to think it had all begun when she posted at me out of nowhere one day in the atrium. A character I didn't recognize just writing me a tiny little story in a post. I will forever be glad for that coincidence of timing, that I was there at that time and she chose to post at me and I responded and the little scene grew into such a friendship.
    
    We all spoke at length a year ago about how much she meant to us, about how missed she is. I can say that here, a year later as I sit thousands of miles from home, I miss her every bit as much if not more. My friendship with Rennata wasn't as long as I wish it was, but I'll cherish it always - even if the thought of our last RP together still brings tears to my eye. I also realize more than ever how important and wonderful our community is. The TGT community has effectively become my only community, and I don't think I'm the only one in such a situation. It means so much, and it truly is an amazing place with some of the finest people I've come to know.
    
    I write this to remind you all of that. That you are important to people you may not even know. That so many wonderful stories and friendships yet to be forged are hanging in front of every one of us every time we hop on Discord or log on furc. I love you all very much, and I look forward to all the stories and adventures we're yet to have. I'd ask only that you give that extra chance or thought to those around you, for you never know who out there needs a friend...or might be the one you've been looking for.

  • Horizons December 27th 2018, 9:24 pm

    I've told you about Rose, about Laurent, even about Jo. Old faces return, new faces are making their mark, and now it appears one of my people has finally appeared. The Pride is strong now, stronger than perhaps I'd ever realized. All my calculations and analytics tend to forget things like heart and passion. You were always good at helping me remember those things.
    
    I felt your hand move. They don't believe me. I see the looks, hear the whispers. I don't care. You're going to wake up, and everything will be ready for you. Sojourn is handling all she has learned with more grace than I could have hoped for - in her bright future I see hope like I haven't in so long.
    
    I see that hope everywhere. Despite the turmoil that was inevitable in such a return, I see it in Laurent's dealings with Rose. I see it in Sura as we prepare to tend to issues that have befallen her. I see it in newcomers to Guildereim already doing great good. There is a future for our home.
    
    That's why I need to go. There is something rising on all horizons, insidious and shadowy and very strong. I was hesitant to believe it, but I've looked into it - seen it in action. Powerful forces have aligned against us, twisting the entire Olde World to their aims and steering vast armies, monsters, and magics we don't entirely understand. I see hidden hands, now that I know to look, steering it all. I have to meet it head-on. I have to know more. I have to...well, I don't know yet. But I won't let it come to our home, Loraen. I won't let it take our future.
    
    I arranged for a Winter Ball tonight. I wanted to see them all together, smiling and joyful and carefree. Old faces and new. Some of them know a little about what's out there, but I don't think any really suspect what toll it may take. It was good to be there with them and let myself forget for a night - I don't know if I'll get another chance.
    
    Goodnight, Loraen.

  • OOC Note to everyone - Thank you <3 December 23rd 2018, 11:53 am

    I wanted to write a note to all of you, and didn't think cluttering up Discord or any of the forums was the right venue. Given how busy this time of year is IRL for all of us, there was just no way I could individually write all of you - though I'd love to do just that.
    
    When you reflect on a year(especially as an old, old, old person like me), what matters increasingly are the connections and the moments - whether they happen at a park or in a bar or even in a BDSM-themed furry chatroom. For me, the connections here have really meant something. We share a lot more than a movie or a drink or some conversation; we write this ongoing saga together, collaborating on a story that spans years and explores every sort of emotion and relationship and adventure. We play all these characters, and even the most exotic of them are a window into some aspect of ourselves - be it fears or aspirations, curiosity or imagination. It's not a traditional sort of intimacy, but it's definitely something real and something that matters.
    
    So much in life is escapism - a cup of tea and a good book, a video game, a movie, a hike. For many of us(and certainly me), it's the Tether. Some of us have interacted more than others, some of you have written with me for years and some of you I've only just had the privilege of getting to know. Many of you I count among my friends, every bit as 'real' as someone I know here in the physical world. You've amazed me over this past year with your kindness, generosity, good humor, companionship, and support.
    
    So thank you. For the stories that will always stick with me, for the friendship, and for being you. You've given me a great deal of joy in the past year, some of which I hope I returned to you. I look forward to many more years, many more stories, and all the nights we'll wile away together telling them.

  « Older posts

• Connections

  Friends

  	Rhet (played anonymously)
  While he is never to know this, I trust Rhet implicitly based not only on his medical talent - but on our friendship.

  	Tempest Akura (played anonymously)
  One of my longest known allies and, I suppose, friends. I have not heard much from her in recent years. [MISSING]

  	Yevdokiya (played anonymously)
  A friend of a friend, and eventually someone I valued as well. Long since gone missing, I occasionally find myself curious as to where she wound up. [MISSING]

  	Eyadi (played by Eyadi)
  A former House Slave of the Tether, whom I like to think was raised up in part thanks to my work and training. [MISSING]

  	Akaicia Lasair (played by Reue)
  A friend and trusted associate for many years, I find myself seeing less and less of the woman of late. A shame.

  	Brigantine (played by Vap)
  One of Guildereim's more unusual patrons, the woman has become a friend - though rarely seen. [MISSING]

  	Annestasia (played by Ashleigh)

  	Erimear (played by Catie)
  From her time as a House Slave to her reign as Taneesta, I have known Erimear longer than nearly anyone else. We have been many things to one another over those long years, and we will always be a part of one another's lives.

  	Laurent (played by Essie)
  A recently returned friend of years past, our friendship has strengthened quickly and considerably - perhaps due to what we've both lost since we first met.

  	Arana Rothscomb (played by Spoody)
  One of the establishment's Handlers. Unique and interesting; I'm fond of her.

  	Arvex Galerian (played by RemanLongtail)
  A talented warrior; it was a blow from him that was perhaps the worst I've received on this isle. I like him.

  	Kanrik Lolthsson (played by BRJRusso)
  Kanrik commits dozens of infractions a week, is involved in a great many problematic incidents, and has personally assaulted me multiple occasions. On the other hand, he has twice risen to the occasion to save this island -if not more- from monstrous threats. There is more to him than the facade he wears, and I am very displeased that I've come to like him.

  	Acaeus Vertis (played by Michonne)
  Though the man has gone through all manner of change, he remains a friend. Talented and loyal, I'm pleased that he remains a constant in the Tether. [MISSING]

  	Sorwyn (played by Caitlin)
  A longtime denizen of the Tether who joined the Guard during my own tenure. Highly skilled; a fine combatant and a fine friend.

  	Muunokhoi (played anonymously)
  I've watched Muunokhoi ascend from the cages to take the rank of Rah, and it is a worthy position for the old viking. I consider him a friend, and my loyalty to him surpasses rank and station. I hope he sees that.

  	Era (played anonymously)
  Janvier's love interest and, in my experience, an enjoyable woman to spend time with. As their relationship grows, I suspect I'll see more of her.

  	Dynamene (played anonymously)
  A nereid, or as they are also known, a 'siren'. The slave is a lovely thing, pleasant and incredibly talented. Loraen is quite fond of her and Dynamene has shown great care for Loraen during my wife's illness.

  	Hei (played anonymously)

  	Viro (played by Viro)
  Despite being cohabitants of the Tether for many years now, we only recently met in any meaningful way. Between bouts in the arena, shared drinks, and memories of Tether history, I feel a real friendship being forged.

  	The Gavel (played anonymously)
  Troubled, abandoned by her organization, hurt - the woman known as 'The Gavel' came to me and I did what I could. It was not enough, and I will not forget her. [DECEASED]

  	Rosca Santigria (played anonymously)

  	Pixel (played anonymously)
  We have both occupied this place for a long while without any proper meeting - an impressive feat. Circumstances have brought us together, and I am very pleased to have come to know and continue to learn about Miss Jung.

  	Trygve (played anonymously)

  	Florian (played by Fabl)
  Florian is an...unusual sort. Possessed of unique abilities and origins, his talent far exceeds his confidence. We'll work on improving the latter while focusing the former.

  	Aurora (played by BrandyCat)
  I consider Aurora a close friend, even if our occasional doctor-patient relationship has seemed more like war than friendship. She is brilliant, talented, and loyal.

  	Ahio (played by Amity)

  	Tijan (played by Bedlam_Babe)

  	Hazel (played anonymously)

  	Ailuin (played by Michonne)

  	Chifuyu (played anonymously)

  Enemies

  	Aravind (played anonymously)
  A jeweled tiger, and now the last of his kind on Guildereim. He belongs to me, and even after some time remains troublesome. I still have hopes of reforming him.

  	Blackwake (played anonymously)

  	Rose Gypsium (played by TheOtherEssie)

  	Cyrum (played anonymously)

  Family

  	Aula (played anonymously)

  	Sura (played anonymously)
  A former trouble-maker turned House Slave who, when the opportunity arose, I brought into my Household. It was one of the best decisions I'll ever make; Sura is invaluable in ways she'll never know.

  Loraen (played by Angela)

  My mate, my life, my love, and my future. I had not known how much of life I was blocking out until Loraen stepped through my door. I have devoted everything to my perfect lioness, and the rest of my life is hers. She sleeps, now. Taken ill and placed into a magic suspension until such time that she can be made well. I will never leave her, I will never stop loving her, and I will do anything to see her wake up. [INCAPACITATED]

  	Cordello (played anonymously)
  My slave - the first I'd taken in years. The boy was on the wrong course, and it brings me great joy to see him thriving now. I'm sure it is little secret to others that I see a streak of my youth in Cordello. [MISSING]

  	Janvier (played anonymously)
  Invaluable. Janvier Bellerose is formally the majordomo of House Cross, but informally she is so much more. Brilliant and determined, exactly what we needed.

  	Aysaa (played anonymously)

  	Elke (played anonymously)
  Elke began her time here as a slave, as have so many who became so much more. She found her way to freedom, and I offered her a future. I am not sure anyone else sees what I do in her, but they will.

  	Rennata (played anonymously)
  Rennata was all too briefly with us, and in that time forever became incredibly dear to me. She gave us all so much and we are all the better for having known her. I will both treasure her and miss her with equal intensity for all of my days.

  	Ginny (played by Ginny)

  Acquaintances

  	Molly Ellys (played by Athala)

  	Anouha (played anonymously)

  	Isnelx (played anonymously)

  	Sola (played anonymously)

  	Nasirius (played anonymously)

  	Levinth (played anonymously)
  A one-time Handler of some talent. We got along well enough during his tenure. [MISSING]

  	Kaidra (played anonymously)

  	Fae'iqa (played by Jynx)

  	Eri'oni (played anonymously)
  A slave with a penchant for attracting trouble. Nonetheless, I saw promise - but we lost track of her before it could be realized. [MISSING]

  	Rosby (played by Rosby)
  A nobleman of considerable intelligence and wit, at one time something of a dignitary in the Tether. [MISSING]

  	Quinoa (played by ferabird)

  	Kgosi (played anonymously)
  The young lion had some promise, though his time here was brief. [MISSING]

  	Saraniy (played by MlizGr)

  	Lahara (played anonymously)
  A fine slave of many talents, I was very pleased with Lahara's progress. That she seems gone forever is...troublesome. [MISSING]

  	Baradiel (played by Verb)

  	Cygnus (played anonymously)

  	Anechka (played anonymously)

  	Rengar (played by Tetttiva)

  	Marco Lane (played anonymously)

  	Dont Use - Luci (played anonymously)

  	Pertelot (played by Angela)

  	Bulg Gogi (played anonymously)

  	Cherubim (played by Mo-)
  A slave bred for show, laps, and luxury. A bit more clever than she lets on and not without skill. [MISSING]

  	Sinless (played by Bloobirdy)

  	Tanta (played anonymously)
  A Handler of some talent, and someone I suspect I may work well enough with someday. [MISSING]

  	Tuwano (played by DeviousEris)
  A specter that has haunted this place from time to time, and as such difficult to know or grasp. A friend. [MISSING]

  	Chandra Winters (played anonymously)
  After lining one of our cages for some time, Chandra became a House Slave. While no longer a House Slave, she has recently reappeared in our cages - and the sight of her does my heart good.

  	Chalchiuitl (played anonymously)

  	Hibiki (played by Bunneh)

  	Daria (played anonymously)

  	Lille (played by Teacup)

  	Covae (played by batling)
  An artist of considerable talent, I enjoyed my brief conversations with the woman. [MISSING]

  	Bible (played anonymously)
  Interesting, friendly, intentions unclear. [MISSING]

  	Tusmah (played anonymously)
  A patron of some influence and wealth. Well mannered enough, fairly private. [MISSING]

  	Morrigan La Croix (played anonymously)

  	Latikara (played anonymously)
  Once a fellow Guard of considerable skill, the woman has apparently taken her leave of Guildereim. [MISSING]

  	Claire (played by Eris)

  	Meritaten (played anonymously)

  	Zelanze Balestra (played by Zelanze)
  A knight and captain of an airship. Talented and not bad in the arena. [MISSING]

  	nessuno (played anonymously)

  	Anya (played by Lullaskye)
  The longtime slave of a fellow staff member; I am not particularly familiar with her but she is not a troublemaker.

  	Tonnie (played by Tonnie)

  	Kopi (played by Kopi)
  We were once very close, and that time is long since at an end. I know most everything on this isle, but I don't care to know what now motivates her. [MISSING]

  	Bruma (played anonymously)

  	Sunstreak (played anonymously)
  A relative newcomer as of this writing, but vigorously making a name in the arena. Worth keeping an eye on. [MISSING]

  	Batul (played anonymously)

  	Klage (played by MoonDog)

  	Mikeayla Renard (played anonymously)
  Mikeayla and I have history - and it has left me privy to some of her secrets. In return, she has my trust - even if something in her seems to have changed of late. [MISSING]

  	Aba (played by Carebear)
  A slave of adequate manner and behavior whom I believe to have some promise. I haven't seen much of her lately.

  	Baukis (played by unlikelynominee)

  	Zephara (played by Ouija)

  	Meirong (played anonymously)

  	Vega (played by TakodaVega)

  	Majesty (played by Queen)

  	AVA (played by sulky)

  	Aeres (played anonymously)

  	Zin'yii (played anonymously)

  	Tainlong (played by Agdragoon)

  	Beorne (played anonymously)
  Mikeayla's mate, one of the more regularly seen members of his family. Adequate combatant, bit of an attitude, friendly enough. [MISSING]

  	Sabaoth (played anonymously)
  The events of the Siege gave me cause to distrust Sabaoth, but he has worked hard for the Tether in the time since. This isn't lost on me. In the years since, I have found a fondness for the slave - though I imagine it is not reciprocated.

  	Nachtmahren (played anonymously)

  	Kieko (played by Duh_Brat)

  	Bathilda (played by Desisyes)

  	Kamaria Saaru (played by Freakess)

  	Sparky (played by Taigas)

  	Jocasta (played anonymously)

  	Idani (played anonymously)

  	Har (played by Taigas)

  	Niiku (played anonymously)

  	Majestic (played by Luxe)

  	red (played by Mikitfence)

  	Christofer 'Toffi' Markov (played by Reima)

  	Kai Whyte (played anonymously)

  	Noir (played anonymously)

  	Siena (played anonymously)
  The one-time Rah of this establishment. Away for some time, she re-emerged during our efforts against Saron - though it seems that with him defeated, she has stepped away once more.

  	Raktu (played anonymously)

  	Johari (played anonymously)
  A talented slave and now wearing Biers' collar. I have always enjoyed Johari's presence, she's one of our best.

  	Kaizen (played by Trishields)

  	Istrodan (played by Noxious)

  	Actaeon (played anonymously)

  	Myrine (played anonymously)

  	Diana Barnett (played anonymously)
  A woman who has accrued some success in the arena, and became of considerable help during the fungal infestation. One to keep an eye on. [MISSING]

  	Nayara Gariard (played by Ahrun)
  Nayara has spent a great deal of time honing her skills as a staple of our arena. She now stands second to none, and is a friend.

  	The Beast (played by Taigas)

  	Nico (played anonymously)

  	Annalise (played anonymously)

  	Sugary (played by Jaz)

  	Corundum (played anonymously)

  	Tigerlily (played by Caroline)

  	DJANIRA (played by sulky)

  	Africa (played anonymously)

  	Zah (played by Mikitfence)

  	Cahaya (played by Dothraki)

  	Biers (played by Ypres)
  A Handler, then Overseer of Handlers, and finally Taneest. Our careers here have certain parallels, to be sure. I am very fond of Biers, and pleased to call him friend.

  	Ithilo (played anonymously)

  	Rosi (played by savannahsage)

  	Shyama Harlo (played anonymously)

  	Kodin (played by JustAWolf)

  	Lord Purrcival Myrrwyn (played by GreenWolf)

  	spare (played anonymously)

  	Sojourn (played by Essie)

  	Ashkost (played anonymously)

  	Sichou (played anonymously)

  	Dystorted (played by Runya)

  	Pamuya (played anonymously)

  	Amika (played anonymously)

  	Pixan (played anonymously)

  	Val (played anonymously)

  	Remei Aoki (played anonymously)
  A friendly slave-turned-Gladiator with enthusiasm and no shortage of skill. With focus, she will become very strong.

  	Wes (played by Bananasaurus)

  	Arvedui Shruden (played by Arvedui)

  	Lanier (played anonymously)

  	Megrim (played anonymously)

  	Lume (played anonymously)

  	Viscerus (played anonymously)

  	Sonovia (played by Exxiilem)

  	Mariam Aglaia Leaina (played by Ahrun)

  	Drach (played by Isnelx)

  	Ayla Titus (played by Gobshite)
  There is more to Titus than anger and strength, though most rarely see it. She's smart enough to use things, and the perception thereof, as skillfully as she'd wield a physical weapon - and that makes her a skilled Handler.

  	Dominik (played by HoundDog)

  	Courtesy (played by Amity)

  	Reyes (played anonymously)

  	Tovah (played anonymously)

  	Sherelle (played by Cass)

  	Marcus Strickland (played by GlitterSqueak)

  	Delancy (played anonymously)

  	Lilith (played by BrandyCat)

  	Doucet (played by Essie)

  	DR. H. M. H. ANTONIUS (played anonymously)

  	Shyla (played anonymously)

  	Lithi (played by Eri)

  	Mildmay (played anonymously)

  	Ethelyn (played by corivana)

  	Lyssic (played by Lyssic)

  	Dianna (played by Madam)

  	Caspar (played anonymously)

  	Artemys (played by savannahsage)

  	Birdy (played by Pretty_Bird)

  	Estelle (played anonymously)

  	Ludu (played anonymously)

  	Tabbatha (played anonymously)

  	Rashne (played anonymously)

  	Lukas Drescher (played by GlitterSqueak)

  	Brandy (played by BrandyCat)

  	Daphne (played by BrandyCat)

  	Kamala (played anonymously)

  	Hanina Angerel (played anonymously)

  	Luthrin (played anonymously)