Written By Rysen
March 15, 2019, 6:31 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
I've been spending some evenings in my cousin's Black Axe Pub of late, having never before realized that Clara's Medicinary contained such an excellent place to drink. My servant Rukhnis seems to prefer it too, since the only thing she would choke down at The Spirits was mead; whereas in the pub she'll complain more mildly about the tea. Though I cannot say I know too much about her history, I know more than I did, and I admit that she feels more familiar to me with each passing day, as she has proven herself talented and trustworthy. Still, to others I know she stands out a great deal. It makes me laugh to recall Marquessa Reigna trying to pronounce her name in that beautiful Oathlands accent. Gods, there is something about the way Oathlanders speak that is charming beyond measure - especially in the voice of a woman like Princess Sorrel, when one gets her speaking of her past, in whose voice and accent one would swear came from the lips of some sister of Jayus rather than a woman of mortal kind. But perhaps that's just my bias, having been raised by a Valardin lady who was herself a poet and expert storyteller.
I've met some interesting people in the pub as well, among them, Vincenzo, the master tailor, who first directed my attention to the balcony and its magnificent views. Since he has pointed it out to me, I've spent some quiet moments watching the people stroll by, many of whom - to my delight, and the chagrin of Rukhnis, who doubted my wisdom in such matters - wore brocade top hats, which have roared into fashion following the trend set by Prince Niklas after winning a contest at the Gilded Page. Vincenzo is an interesting man and a true artist, though in a medium I have not yet been educated enough to appreciate. When I am far wealthier, I will certainly visit his shop to see if I am truly as repulsive to tasteful fashion as I seem.
I have also been lucky enough to meet with Lady Peri, and the Baroness Lucita in the pub. Though my pride continues to bleed out from the gash given it by Lady Peri not recalling having met me previously, I swear I learn valuable life lessons each time I'm in her presence. She is truly a woman of wisdom and an excellent leader. My soul was moved by the music of Lady Lucita, whose voice and music shine with the light of genius, so much so that it has been hard to think of much else in the days since I have heard it. She also seemed willing to play a melody to accompany my narrative poetry - and if she was sincere, I will most certainly take her up on that offer.
The master brewer Venturo also passed through the pub while I was present, and had the unexciting experience of being introduced to Rukhnis for the first time. I am fairly bitter I was called away before I got a chance to ask him to tell the story of his brush with an assassin - a failure I will erase at the earliest opportunity.
I've met some interesting people in the pub as well, among them, Vincenzo, the master tailor, who first directed my attention to the balcony and its magnificent views. Since he has pointed it out to me, I've spent some quiet moments watching the people stroll by, many of whom - to my delight, and the chagrin of Rukhnis, who doubted my wisdom in such matters - wore brocade top hats, which have roared into fashion following the trend set by Prince Niklas after winning a contest at the Gilded Page. Vincenzo is an interesting man and a true artist, though in a medium I have not yet been educated enough to appreciate. When I am far wealthier, I will certainly visit his shop to see if I am truly as repulsive to tasteful fashion as I seem.
I have also been lucky enough to meet with Lady Peri, and the Baroness Lucita in the pub. Though my pride continues to bleed out from the gash given it by Lady Peri not recalling having met me previously, I swear I learn valuable life lessons each time I'm in her presence. She is truly a woman of wisdom and an excellent leader. My soul was moved by the music of Lady Lucita, whose voice and music shine with the light of genius, so much so that it has been hard to think of much else in the days since I have heard it. She also seemed willing to play a melody to accompany my narrative poetry - and if she was sincere, I will most certainly take her up on that offer.
The master brewer Venturo also passed through the pub while I was present, and had the unexciting experience of being introduced to Rukhnis for the first time. I am fairly bitter I was called away before I got a chance to ask him to tell the story of his brush with an assassin - a failure I will erase at the earliest opportunity.
Written By Domonico
March 15, 2019, 4:34 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ysabel
Please note I did not say I was feeling childish. With that in mind be aware that an insistence on playing a game of 'tag' with me WILL result in you losing. I can promise that.
Written By Alarissa
March 15, 2019, 4:21 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
There's something comforting about a new dress. And new jewelry. Even though the former can't be worn until I've given birth, but I can at least sit and look at it and wait for when I have a waist again.
Written By Aerwyna
March 15, 2019, 3:58 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Well.. finally finished that collection for the end of summer. Hopefully persons will have another look now that I've corrected a few errors with it. Silly needle. But such is life when making beautiful things.
Written By Kaya
March 15, 2019, 2:46 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
(OOC: So totally Kaya's Theme Song https://youtu.be/w7y19ED6Vrk)
Written By Thea
March 15, 2019, 2:20 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
There is a saying, it's as follows--"I don't trust words, I trust actions." Upon my arrival here, I may not be saying much right now, but I'm watching.
My dear brothers, how I've missed you! I will remind you exactly what it's like to have your sister back, good or bad!
My dear brothers, how I've missed you! I will remind you exactly what it's like to have your sister back, good or bad!
Written By Monique
March 15, 2019, 2:03 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
There are many mysteries in the world today, many challenges that face us, crying to be unraveled. Somewhere, there is an Emperor bloodying his way across the Dune Kingdoms in fervent conquest. Somewhere, something rumbles, and it is our fault, but why? Somewhere, there are young children cowering in a cell, being terrified, being eaten, and this, too, is our fault, in tangent. But the where's and why's and how's are mysteries to be unraveled, some at greater cost than others. If you are willing to pay whatever the cost you might find, and you need only the information to attempt the transaction? Seek me out.
Written By Willow
March 15, 2019, 1:54 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
There is room to have grief on behalf of people you are responsible for suffering, without needing to share the beliefs of those people personally. There is room to have your own beliefs and still be empathetic for the upheaval you know those you are responsible must bear. There is room to celebrate the liberty of some and still empathize for the loss that others will bear. Loss of traditions, culture, stability, and ostensibly some backbone of their identity. None of this means you share that belief, it only means that as the one responsible for overseeing something that will cause a profound sense of loss in areas that many need not consider, that you understand that loss that they will be experiencing. In what view is having understanding for your fellow human beings, especially those you are responsible for in some way, a bad thing?
Written By Delilah
March 15, 2019, 12:57 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
There is a jewel I yearn to wear,
But not until first set by you,
Starlight, a celestial treasure rare,
Seek it, and weave enough for two.
But not until first set by you,
Starlight, a celestial treasure rare,
Seek it, and weave enough for two.
Written By Reigna
March 15, 2019, 12:45 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
Veronica you say? Hmmm. She *would* make someone a very fine wife. And there has been precedent for announcing the availability of one's House Sword. It worked for cousin Pharamond quite nicely I hear!
Written By Reigna
March 15, 2019, 12:42 p.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
I am so very glad to have found a patron like Princess Elgana! Talking to her very much felt like speaking with someone who shares my vision of the world. I am very confident that we will be able to aid one another in our journey through this world. Plus, she clearly has extraordinary taste, as my co-protege is non other than the inestimable Bliss Whisper.
Written By Corban
March 15, 2019, 11:55 a.m.(9/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Tescelina
How lovely it was to meet Lady Tescelina at the Gauntlet the other day. I was able to introduce her to a friend of mine and share a little bit about history she was interested in. The Wyrmguards are long allies of my ancestral family, and dear personal friends as well.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Tescelina. We are glad to have you.
Welcome to Arx, Lady Tescelina. We are glad to have you.
Written By Willow
March 15, 2019, 9:17 a.m.(9/27/1010 AR)
For the first time since I truly saw death... i have hope. And it is terrifying.
Written By Silas
March 14, 2019, 7:38 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
This isn’t the first radical change that has led to bloodshed, nor it will be the last. It is unfortunate that such a price will be paid, but those who may choose to rebel are responsible for that decision.
Not those who aren’t kind to those who still wish to lawfully abuse other people.
Not those who aren’t kind to those who still wish to lawfully abuse other people.
Written By Amari
March 14, 2019, 7:02 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
There's an important intermediary step between having no children, and having children. I think that's the main reason there's fewer new Keatons than you'd like.
You should arrange a marriage for Veronica, is what I'm saying, and Jaerith too.
You should arrange a marriage for Veronica, is what I'm saying, and Jaerith too.
Written By Willow
March 14, 2019, 6:09 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
I am very happy about the announcement about the thralls. Of late, I have been battling a lingering sense of homesickness. The end of summer is a welcome thing. The heat has been unbearable.
Written By Elgana
March 14, 2019, 5:53 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I am honored to say that I have taken Marquessa Reigna Keaton as my protege. Hearing about everything Keaton has accomplished - both past and present - was enough to pique my interest in meeting with her and her family, I'm just sorry it took me so long to do so. Reigna is a bright and bold woman with a heart as deep as the sea.
I look forward to cultivating this friendship and relationship with her as her patron. I know we will do amazing things together.
I look forward to cultivating this friendship and relationship with her as her patron. I know we will do amazing things together.
Written By Shard
March 14, 2019, 4:38 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
There was already a price in blood being paid, it was just the blood of criminals, or people the Compact doesn't consider to be worth caring about. Entire lifetimes of blood drained slowly through the years, or cut off brutally on an owner's whim. Generations upon generations of it, for longer than I think anyone actually knows. There are people suffering and dying in the Mourning Isles right now. Given the choice between caring about them or caring about the people causing all that misery, the choice seems pretty obvious. I don't shed any tears for slavers who love slavery so much they'll turn against all the rest of us to keep it.
And I don't care about unity for the sake of unity. Too often unity is held up as a shield against ever changing anything for the better, including Thralldom. Unity for a purpose is better. Unity for a cause is powerful. Unity for the sake of letting people do terrible things is neither of those. I mentioned unity because you brought it up, and seemed to value it.
The people who are going to revolt over this are already people who think I am scum on their shoe. If not now, then they thought I was better off in chains for the vast majority of my life, along with every single man, woman, and child in my tribe. If you don't care about my opinion, I sure as hell don't see why they would.
And I don't care about unity for the sake of unity. Too often unity is held up as a shield against ever changing anything for the better, including Thralldom. Unity for a purpose is better. Unity for a cause is powerful. Unity for the sake of letting people do terrible things is neither of those. I mentioned unity because you brought it up, and seemed to value it.
The people who are going to revolt over this are already people who think I am scum on their shoe. If not now, then they thought I was better off in chains for the vast majority of my life, along with every single man, woman, and child in my tribe. If you don't care about my opinion, I sure as hell don't see why they would.
Written By Aleksei
March 14, 2019, 4:07 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
In the aftermath of Prince Victus's proclamation, I started hearing more inaccurate ideas about thralldom -- it started as slavery, it didn't _turn into_ it, people, its origins were _never just_ -- and I went to write a whole response in the Whites when I realized that it just--
Didn't matter anymore. I mean, maybe it will in the coming days as we work to convince people to accept these changes peacefully and without rebellion. But right now? For me?
It doesn't matter. Because the impossible has happened.
I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime. However passionately I felt or fought, I always assumed I was helping to build a foundation for future generations to continue fighting. I never expected this.
Seven years. It's a long time for the people in bondage, and I will never forget that. But despite popular opinion that all I've wanted to do is overthrow the Isles and ruin them all, I never called for that. I called for something shorter than _generations_, yes. I _wanted_ to make it uncomfortable for people to sit and live with what they were defending. Weighing a tradition over humanity and morality. But no, I never called for people to abolish it overnight. If for no other reason than the fact that the freed thralls would suffer as much as anyone else in that instance if everything was done without preparation.
Prince Victus Thrax has chosen the most difficult -- and most worthy -- path forward, and I will never, ever forget that. And I will be there in whatever capacity I can every step of the way, be it in raising money, arranging transport or housing or apprenticeships or work, the use of my swordarm or whatever knowledge or expertise I have, or anything that's needed of me. I will be there for the entire seven years and beyond, because I can do no less than that.
At least not without being a royal fucking hypocritical asshole. Pain in the ass I'll accept readily. Even _other_ types of assholes. But Thrax will have all of me for this fight.
Didn't matter anymore. I mean, maybe it will in the coming days as we work to convince people to accept these changes peacefully and without rebellion. But right now? For me?
It doesn't matter. Because the impossible has happened.
I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime. However passionately I felt or fought, I always assumed I was helping to build a foundation for future generations to continue fighting. I never expected this.
Seven years. It's a long time for the people in bondage, and I will never forget that. But despite popular opinion that all I've wanted to do is overthrow the Isles and ruin them all, I never called for that. I called for something shorter than _generations_, yes. I _wanted_ to make it uncomfortable for people to sit and live with what they were defending. Weighing a tradition over humanity and morality. But no, I never called for people to abolish it overnight. If for no other reason than the fact that the freed thralls would suffer as much as anyone else in that instance if everything was done without preparation.
Prince Victus Thrax has chosen the most difficult -- and most worthy -- path forward, and I will never, ever forget that. And I will be there in whatever capacity I can every step of the way, be it in raising money, arranging transport or housing or apprenticeships or work, the use of my swordarm or whatever knowledge or expertise I have, or anything that's needed of me. I will be there for the entire seven years and beyond, because I can do no less than that.
At least not without being a royal fucking hypocritical asshole. Pain in the ass I'll accept readily. Even _other_ types of assholes. But Thrax will have all of me for this fight.
Written By Valdemar
March 14, 2019, 1:59 p.m.(9/26/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Archeron
I do not have a problem with violence, nor do I fear it. There are times when it is the best tool for the job at hand. Other times, it is not. What I would like to avoid here is a situation where it is not the best tool, but where we end up having to resort to it anyway. Just because I am a hammer does not make everything I see a nail.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.