Written By Isobella
Jan. 12, 2019, 7:36 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
At Princess Katarina's recent gathering, a discussion was had regarding the line between the privilege and the responsibility of power. There were many opinions expressed from those both with privilege and those under the thumb of power, those born with titles and those that came into them through tragedy and circumstance.
I find myself straddling the line, now. Surely I was born a Velenosa, which carries with it a modicum of power; those who wax philosophical and doubt the nature of a name have clearly never witnessed firsthand all that can come of a name's utterance even in the dark. But having now been appointed as a Voice, to speak with an authority that is no longer simply implied, I carry a weight that is not aptly described as responsibility but as expectation.
Will I thrive? Will I succeed? Will I succumb? And who will cheer or weep for me if I do?
I find myself straddling the line, now. Surely I was born a Velenosa, which carries with it a modicum of power; those who wax philosophical and doubt the nature of a name have clearly never witnessed firsthand all that can come of a name's utterance even in the dark. But having now been appointed as a Voice, to speak with an authority that is no longer simply implied, I carry a weight that is not aptly described as responsibility but as expectation.
Will I thrive? Will I succeed? Will I succumb? And who will cheer or weep for me if I do?
Written By Kaldur
Jan. 12, 2019, 7:23 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
And now, what I truly came to the Scholars for. Some of you have expressed concern over my ill-health. Which you all know of because my father, the Count, thought to share with everyone. I suppose we can all take comfort in a father's capacity to embarrass his children. Some things never change and we can thank the gods for family and friends. So, I thank you, father. Friends. My spell of illness is not, however, because of the stress of terrible news reaching us from every corner of the Compact, though that conclusion is an understandable one.
No. It is because I received a Vision of Ruin.
I was praying at the Shrine of Mangata when I was struck by a Vision of Ruin. Capital 'V' and capital 'R.' While I can state definitively that it was not Mangata who visited this Vision upon me, it is no less faithfully delivered.
I do not know what to make of what I Saw, but if the Road has taught me anything, it is that I am not alone and together one or more of you can help me make sense of it.
No. It is because I received a Vision of Ruin.
I was praying at the Shrine of Mangata when I was struck by a Vision of Ruin. Capital 'V' and capital 'R.' While I can state definitively that it was not Mangata who visited this Vision upon me, it is no less faithfully delivered.
I do not know what to make of what I Saw, but if the Road has taught me anything, it is that I am not alone and together one or more of you can help me make sense of it.
Written By Kaldur
Jan. 12, 2019, 7:21 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
I don't tend to write into the White Journals often. I'm not actually here to share my thoughts about the Great Road with the Scholars today - I have something more important to write about - but since I am here and while I have the stomach for it, and because I am who I am - the voice and mind connecting all this effort - I will share a perspective on the Great Road that all of you do not have. Mine.
I'm certainly not here to weep over events (I have) or crow over the Great Road (I have not) or defend it - I think it needs no rhetorical defense - but to put my voice and thoughts down as the one uniquely at the center of it.
There is a sense out there that this road happened suddenly. I can assure you that it did not. It was the work of countless days and nights stretching back before I even began formally seeking support. There are plenty of cockamamie ideas that have passed through this noggin of mine and I assure you, as many as I have, only some stick. Only some ring through me like the vibrations of a perfectly struck note. The Great Road was one such idea. It is a resonance that feels nearly divine, though I can claim no great Vision visited upon me by Jayus or any other deity. It was the idea of one man who saw something that could be and set out to do it.
I am a young man, but I have learned in my short years to listen and pay attention to these ideas when they cannot be shaken. Usually they are important in some way.
Countless meetings, countless missives, countless pages, barrels of ink, calluses grown, eyes ruined, voices talked rough, arguments, agreements. There is nothing sudden or haphazard about any of this - that events have spiralled wildly and bloodily out of control all at once has little to do with the care and caution brought to the effort and is, in fact, in spite of that care and caution. Could things have been done differently, or better? I hope to all the gods, yes. Otherwise we are truly doomed because there is nothing left to do - we are all the best we can be - and this is sadly it. However, I will not stand by for anyone suggesting that the effort was rushed. It was not.
I greatly appreciate Princess Tikva's staunch oppostion and even moreso, her support, however grudgingly it was offered. Because - for all of you who decry the effort now as avoidable, not one of you reached out to me. Princess Tikva's words and warnings helped. It is difficult to imagine how, but this could have gone much worse and it would have without her. The point of the Compact is that our whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The point of the Great Road is to connect us. For any who saw the trouble coming and didn't speak up or didn't do anything about it, well, next time, take the risk, whatever that might mean. Lives depend on it. We are all, for good and ill, in this together.
To any who used this to sow chaos and make profit, I curse you with every fiber of my being and hope you reap a bitter harvest that gives you no peace until you return to the Wheel.
To any who lost dear ones, you have my condolences.
To those lost who I never knew, I am sorry we never learned your stories.
A road is both an invitation and a promise. It is an invitation to step out into the world and a promise that there is something at the end worth seeing.
And I promise you all, the end is worth seeing.
I'm certainly not here to weep over events (I have) or crow over the Great Road (I have not) or defend it - I think it needs no rhetorical defense - but to put my voice and thoughts down as the one uniquely at the center of it.
There is a sense out there that this road happened suddenly. I can assure you that it did not. It was the work of countless days and nights stretching back before I even began formally seeking support. There are plenty of cockamamie ideas that have passed through this noggin of mine and I assure you, as many as I have, only some stick. Only some ring through me like the vibrations of a perfectly struck note. The Great Road was one such idea. It is a resonance that feels nearly divine, though I can claim no great Vision visited upon me by Jayus or any other deity. It was the idea of one man who saw something that could be and set out to do it.
I am a young man, but I have learned in my short years to listen and pay attention to these ideas when they cannot be shaken. Usually they are important in some way.
Countless meetings, countless missives, countless pages, barrels of ink, calluses grown, eyes ruined, voices talked rough, arguments, agreements. There is nothing sudden or haphazard about any of this - that events have spiralled wildly and bloodily out of control all at once has little to do with the care and caution brought to the effort and is, in fact, in spite of that care and caution. Could things have been done differently, or better? I hope to all the gods, yes. Otherwise we are truly doomed because there is nothing left to do - we are all the best we can be - and this is sadly it. However, I will not stand by for anyone suggesting that the effort was rushed. It was not.
I greatly appreciate Princess Tikva's staunch oppostion and even moreso, her support, however grudgingly it was offered. Because - for all of you who decry the effort now as avoidable, not one of you reached out to me. Princess Tikva's words and warnings helped. It is difficult to imagine how, but this could have gone much worse and it would have without her. The point of the Compact is that our whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The point of the Great Road is to connect us. For any who saw the trouble coming and didn't speak up or didn't do anything about it, well, next time, take the risk, whatever that might mean. Lives depend on it. We are all, for good and ill, in this together.
To any who used this to sow chaos and make profit, I curse you with every fiber of my being and hope you reap a bitter harvest that gives you no peace until you return to the Wheel.
To any who lost dear ones, you have my condolences.
To those lost who I never knew, I am sorry we never learned your stories.
A road is both an invitation and a promise. It is an invitation to step out into the world and a promise that there is something at the end worth seeing.
And I promise you all, the end is worth seeing.
Written By Shard
Jan. 12, 2019, 7:20 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
My first immediate answer is: no. No it's not better. Of course it can't be better. Walls make me feel closed in. When I'm not out on contract I feel antsy. Like I'm not moving enough. When the seasons change, I stay in one place. The smells are all wrong. The sounds are all wrong. The people are mostly strangers. You have so many, many people here, and none of their faces have the marks I grew up with. The marks mean things, ceremonially, but they also meant someone was safe. Familiar. Mine. They weren't filled with suspicion and they didn't stare. Kings and lords and ladies and princesses still seem impossibly ridiculous, and so many having so little while so many have so /much/ seems backwards and barbaric and wrong.
But it's not...all that way. I've learned things, incredibly important things to me, that I never would have. I don't starve. I could sit around and grow fat if it weren't for my work, if I wanted to. I don't freeze (but your summers are still miserable). I've seen things I never imagined. I worry less about someone coming along to murder me in my bed. I /have/ a bed (I don't know if I prefer it or not).
I don't know where my people are. I'm pretty sure they're far, far away from the Compact now. And I can't speak for them, and won't. But if they could keep living as they do--with changes, I know, but we always have to change our paths and our trails eventually--if they could still be themselves, if they could still keep to the North, and if they could forgive...then maybe. Maybe someday.
But it's not...all that way. I've learned things, incredibly important things to me, that I never would have. I don't starve. I could sit around and grow fat if it weren't for my work, if I wanted to. I don't freeze (but your summers are still miserable). I've seen things I never imagined. I worry less about someone coming along to murder me in my bed. I /have/ a bed (I don't know if I prefer it or not).
I don't know where my people are. I'm pretty sure they're far, far away from the Compact now. And I can't speak for them, and won't. But if they could keep living as they do--with changes, I know, but we always have to change our paths and our trails eventually--if they could still be themselves, if they could still keep to the North, and if they could forgive...then maybe. Maybe someday.
Written By Soren
Jan. 12, 2019, 7:18 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Doc Boss.
Look. I think you're alright. Good people. Worth listening to when it comes to healing.
But you need to stop commenting on shit you don't have much experience on. Don't presume you know others are better off just because how you live is the only life experience you have. And I kinda doubt you're gonna give up your cushy life to experience otherwise.
My advice is to quit while ahead. Shard's got her experience, you got yours. I don't suggest debating on which is right or wrong. You ain't gonna get a good answer.
Look. I think you're alright. Good people. Worth listening to when it comes to healing.
But you need to stop commenting on shit you don't have much experience on. Don't presume you know others are better off just because how you live is the only life experience you have. And I kinda doubt you're gonna give up your cushy life to experience otherwise.
My advice is to quit while ahead. Shard's got her experience, you got yours. I don't suggest debating on which is right or wrong. You ain't gonna get a good answer.
Written By Edward
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:55 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Oh and that's a body behind one of my favorite bars. Well seems our foreign friends are stirring up trouble all over the place.
Written By Draven
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:48 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I like a lot of what you write! It helps to remind people like me that there are other Prodigals dealing with all this Stuff and Fluff! And not liking how the Fluffy people don't care much about us! I bet we'd be friends! I bet! Watch! Oh! We should meet!
Written By Jasher
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:31 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ysbail
Your standards of kindness must be admirably broad to name me such, but consider your words appreciated.
Written By Kenna
Jan. 12, 2019, 5:47 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
I cannot and will not accept the preposterous claims that it was Jyri and Elora's wedding which finally decided the treasonous actions against Deepwood from House Grayreeve.
I have no doubt that they were looking for reasons to rebel for years now and have decided upon it now with this thin claim that this wedding provoked it.
If Deepwood calls, I will march with them. I will not take such slights without action.
I have no doubt that they were looking for reasons to rebel for years now and have decided upon it now with this thin claim that this wedding provoked it.
If Deepwood calls, I will march with them. I will not take such slights without action.
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 12, 2019, 5:44 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mydas
Ettore Mydas Velenosa, do remember some of the vows I made to you on our wedding day.
In the Queen of Endings' grace, I vow each moment is spent as if it were our last together. That nothing is taken for granted and when our times come to return to the wheel that we will both have found that contentment that we sought in each other, and find that Death's embrace is found to hold no regrets. In Vellichor's grace, I vow to remember. Even should Death come for you first, you will be remembered long after, your story shared with our children and theirs after.
What will I tell him of you? How will I tell him everything he needs to know when he is old enough? Will I remember everything he deserves to know?
I hope when the time comes I can tell him that you were redeeming yourself, how you were changing for the better and it was because of him that you were able to see the light. I will tell him despite other's insistence, you smiled often and laughed with your entire being. I will tell him how wonderfully stubborn you were with everyone but his mother, and with her you were gentle and kind and loving, without question or stipulations. I will tell him there was a darkness inside of you, that you were far from perfect and you had your own terrors to fight but you had the desire and willpower to overcome those obstacles.
He loved you, Vittore, more than I could write here but I will do my best to make sure you know that love till the very last.
In the Queen of Endings' grace, I vow each moment is spent as if it were our last together. That nothing is taken for granted and when our times come to return to the wheel that we will both have found that contentment that we sought in each other, and find that Death's embrace is found to hold no regrets. In Vellichor's grace, I vow to remember. Even should Death come for you first, you will be remembered long after, your story shared with our children and theirs after.
What will I tell him of you? How will I tell him everything he needs to know when he is old enough? Will I remember everything he deserves to know?
I hope when the time comes I can tell him that you were redeeming yourself, how you were changing for the better and it was because of him that you were able to see the light. I will tell him despite other's insistence, you smiled often and laughed with your entire being. I will tell him how wonderfully stubborn you were with everyone but his mother, and with her you were gentle and kind and loving, without question or stipulations. I will tell him there was a darkness inside of you, that you were far from perfect and you had your own terrors to fight but you had the desire and willpower to overcome those obstacles.
He loved you, Vittore, more than I could write here but I will do my best to make sure you know that love till the very last.
Written By Alrec
Jan. 12, 2019, 4:55 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
My thoughts on the roads; easier to get to us, easier to get to them.
Written By Ouida
Jan. 12, 2019, 4:33 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
When I was a little girl, we had an old rope swing tied to one of the gnarled but tall trees in the gardens. I think perhaps that old tree had stood even before the building of Fair Harbour, though not being one terribly knowledgeable about trees, perhaps that was just a fable told by the gardeners to enchant a little girl and get her out of their hair.
All three of us played under that canopy of branches, though Odhran mainly just wanted to use the rope to scramble up to the branch, and then climb higher and higher to pelt Orvyn and I with the bitter and hard fruits it bore. Orvyn liked to bring a book or his papers to a snug little nook amongst the above-ground roots--they were worn so satin smooth by then it makes me smile at the wonder to think of how many of our ancestors nestled there and lost themselves in tales or daydreaming.
I liked to climb too--and to pelt my brothers with the fruits, though hitting Odhran even then was akin to taking one's life in their hands if he caught you later. But I most loved to fly on the rope. Orvyn could set me spinning higher and higher until it almost seemed as though I could let go and sail away into the clouds if I wanted to. (A broken arm set my expectations firmly into greater reality early on).
Until recently, I'd forgotten how wonderful it felt to soar, to feel the wind buoying you up, and trying to snatch you down all at the same time.
There is no tall tree in the keep here in Arx, at least not tall enough for that kind of swing. But on the sly I helped set up more of a bench swing hung in the pavilion, overlooking fountain and flowerbeds. This morning I saw Cook resting there and watching the first butterflies, her feet tucked so she could swing, and I quietly slipped away so I would not interrupt her.
Apparently I am not the only one who craves flying now and then.
All three of us played under that canopy of branches, though Odhran mainly just wanted to use the rope to scramble up to the branch, and then climb higher and higher to pelt Orvyn and I with the bitter and hard fruits it bore. Orvyn liked to bring a book or his papers to a snug little nook amongst the above-ground roots--they were worn so satin smooth by then it makes me smile at the wonder to think of how many of our ancestors nestled there and lost themselves in tales or daydreaming.
I liked to climb too--and to pelt my brothers with the fruits, though hitting Odhran even then was akin to taking one's life in their hands if he caught you later. But I most loved to fly on the rope. Orvyn could set me spinning higher and higher until it almost seemed as though I could let go and sail away into the clouds if I wanted to. (A broken arm set my expectations firmly into greater reality early on).
Until recently, I'd forgotten how wonderful it felt to soar, to feel the wind buoying you up, and trying to snatch you down all at the same time.
There is no tall tree in the keep here in Arx, at least not tall enough for that kind of swing. But on the sly I helped set up more of a bench swing hung in the pavilion, overlooking fountain and flowerbeds. This morning I saw Cook resting there and watching the first butterflies, her feet tucked so she could swing, and I quietly slipped away so I would not interrupt her.
Apparently I am not the only one who craves flying now and then.
Written By Harper
Jan. 12, 2019, 4:12 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jyri
Got to see one of my very best friends get married today. I'm real happy for Jyri and Elora. It was real nice and Raavas has a Mom to care for him. I think seeing his face made me happier than anything else. I love that boy.
It's a shame that folks got their knickers in a twist over it. Still, I think they'll make each other real happy and honor their vows. In the end, that's what matters, as far as I'm concerned.
Might be nice, though, if people would stop trying to find so many reasons to fight and bicker and hate, and find reasons to get along instead. I know a lot of folks say that's a pipe dream, but I'm gonna keep on hoping. Copper's message hasn't faded in my book.
So, here's to hoping for a real long and happy future for you two!
It's a shame that folks got their knickers in a twist over it. Still, I think they'll make each other real happy and honor their vows. In the end, that's what matters, as far as I'm concerned.
Might be nice, though, if people would stop trying to find so many reasons to fight and bicker and hate, and find reasons to get along instead. I know a lot of folks say that's a pipe dream, but I'm gonna keep on hoping. Copper's message hasn't faded in my book.
So, here's to hoping for a real long and happy future for you two!
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 12, 2019, 4:05 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Alexandre
My brother has been murdered in the name of 'justice.' His murderers should beware, for they will be brought to true justice under Sentinel for this grievous crime. I have no mercy for those who would do this to a true knight, a member of the Order of Eastern Light, and I will work with those who must now deal with this malicious crime.
His child should not have to grow up fatherless, and I will see to it that both his widow and his orphan are well taken care of.
His child should not have to grow up fatherless, and I will see to it that both his widow and his orphan are well taken care of.
Written By Evaristo
Jan. 12, 2019, 4 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Exciting week, to say the least, not only because of all the copper I see being worn, but because we went out on a trip and went somewhere and did stuff.
It was glorious and not nearly as profitable as I expected, but it's alright. We'll go back!
A note, dear readers: beware of dilrerocks. They're very lethal.
It was glorious and not nearly as profitable as I expected, but it's alright. We'll go back!
A note, dear readers: beware of dilrerocks. They're very lethal.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 12, 2019, 3:57 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ysbail
Congratulations are due to my friend Lady Ysbail for being made Voice of House Blackwood. I think that she will make an excellent and conscientious leader there.
Written By Alrec
Jan. 12, 2019, 3:25 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Not going to say scary smiling shadows, but that was difinitely smiling shadows.
Written By Domonico
Jan. 12, 2019, 3:22 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Will House Malvici be pulled into this growing conflict that is threatening all aspects of the Compact? People may call for Southport to call it's banners and go to war. If it does, I will do my duty.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 12, 2019, 2:03 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Not everyone in the Mercier family chose to join House Whitehawk. Some of us have been content to keep our place in society, "bickering" over grapes and grain. In times of peace and times of war, it always has been, and always will be, the Mercier family's pleasure and honor to make sure that the tables of the nobility never lack for bread, and that their wine glasses are always full.
We think that's something worth being proud of.
We have a summer claret releasing soon that we're pretty proud of, as well. It's perfect for sipping chilled, when the weather turns hot.
We think that's something worth being proud of.
We have a summer claret releasing soon that we're pretty proud of, as well. It's perfect for sipping chilled, when the weather turns hot.
Written By Corban
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:40 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
The Silver Swords grow stronger with each knight that takes the Oaths to King, Compact, and Hundred.
Welcome, Sir Austen of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. Long may you serve with honor and distinction.
Welcome, Sir Austen of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. Long may you serve with honor and distinction.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.