Written By Petal
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:19 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
I am very busy with spring planting at the moment. For me spring planting, is really the most important time, but harvest time is pretty important to.
I am working four major projects regarding operation grow lots and lots of plants.
The first one is planting the lodge, both the flowers there and the orchard too of course. That seems to be going well and I very much appreciate those who came to help with the planting, especially as news of the road was just reaching us. Some still came out to help even while mourning loses. The lodge planting is going well and the lodge will be more beautiful and filled with flowers than ever. That being said I am very thankful to all those who helped to protect the Lodge. It is because of them that we had a spring planting at all.
The next project is planting lots of copper poppies in honor of Copper. Princes Lorenzo asked me to make something in honor of her and help distribute such. There is nothing that comes from me that is as special as flowers and so I worked on finding, growing, planting and distributing these flowers in her honor. If anyone would like some, I would be happy to provide them with some copper poppies for free. Just send me a message.
The third project is working on the plants of Farwatch. I am working on building up their agriculture. I am very excited and hopeful of an abundant fall harvest in the future.
The next project is increasing plants in Compact in general. That is why I am offering free apple trees, blue berry bushes, strawberry plants, tulips and other flowers to those who are interested in increasing the plants on their grounds. Just send me a message if one is interested.
Because really the more plants the better.
Petal
I am working four major projects regarding operation grow lots and lots of plants.
The first one is planting the lodge, both the flowers there and the orchard too of course. That seems to be going well and I very much appreciate those who came to help with the planting, especially as news of the road was just reaching us. Some still came out to help even while mourning loses. The lodge planting is going well and the lodge will be more beautiful and filled with flowers than ever. That being said I am very thankful to all those who helped to protect the Lodge. It is because of them that we had a spring planting at all.
The next project is planting lots of copper poppies in honor of Copper. Princes Lorenzo asked me to make something in honor of her and help distribute such. There is nothing that comes from me that is as special as flowers and so I worked on finding, growing, planting and distributing these flowers in her honor. If anyone would like some, I would be happy to provide them with some copper poppies for free. Just send me a message.
The third project is working on the plants of Farwatch. I am working on building up their agriculture. I am very excited and hopeful of an abundant fall harvest in the future.
The next project is increasing plants in Compact in general. That is why I am offering free apple trees, blue berry bushes, strawberry plants, tulips and other flowers to those who are interested in increasing the plants on their grounds. Just send me a message if one is interested.
Because really the more plants the better.
Petal
Written By Reese
Jan. 12, 2019, 12:58 p.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
It is a blessing to hear of the birth of Princess Lilah. She has a lovely name. Congrats Princess Sorrel and Princess Galen
Reese
Reese
Written By Reese
Jan. 12, 2019, 12:56 p.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Congrats to Lady Elora Whitehawk and Lord Jyri Whitehawk. It was a lovely ceremony and I wish them every happiness.
Reese
Reese
Written By Niklas
Jan. 12, 2019, 11:52 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
So many whites being written today about how terribly frangible our peace is.
It makes me wonder if they were paying attention yesterday.
It makes me wonder if they were paying attention yesterday.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 12, 2019, 11:38 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I do so enjoy reading your words.
You are correct, history is always told in many and often varying voices. It is the challenge of every historian to try to find the most plausible thread, the one with the most repeated patterns and theorize from that what the truth might have been.
Several things have been brought to my attention and need to be stated before I continue:
1. I showed judgement and bias when I used the word 'cowardice' to describe those who fell into the category of not choosing a side. That was not only unfair, it cast that judgement onto people who may not have seen another road. It is too easy to look at the past and say 'oh, the answer is obvious' without really grasping the many shades of gray that can make choices so very difficult. With my wording I rendered what was likely impossible-seeming choices into a literal black and white, yes or no situation that is incredibly inaccurate and not respectful. For that, I do apologize.
2. Historians often do operate on multiple levels when teaching or speaking on topics, the shallowest level is the broad strokes, boiling down complex issues to the major points. From there, specifics can be raised, individual points debated, and so on, the deeper and more specific the scholars wish to go, narrowing their focus and discussing the finer details.
3. Truth can be subjective. A difficult lesson, and one that goes counter to a logical mind, this is, nevertheless, the truth. There can certainly be an objective truth: Living humans do the following: We walk on the ground, we breathe air, we bleed. These are objectively true facts. But in any instance of conflict, the truth can be entirely, wholly subjective. If you ask two people in the midst of a quarrel what is going on, you are likely to get similar but different answers. Even when each are being entirely truthful, they will experience different things. This fact makes recording and researching subjects like history to be incredibly challenging.
So I do understand and acknowledge that the stories you grew up with are undoubtedly different than the ones I was taught. I do understand that I was over-simplifying and showing an innate bias when I regrettably used the word 'cowardice'. So, let me put this forth:
The past is the past. There is no changing what has been. But we can choose to shape our future. I very much liked your analogy about the broken pot, the pieces scattered into different elements. You are correct, there is no way to make them fit together they way they were. In order to bring them together, it will have to be new. It heartens me to hear you acknowledge that something can be built from those broken pieces. And that is what I am trying to advocate for. What happened has happened. There is no changing what has been. Not anymore. And in truth, I do not think it should. The past shapes us, teaches us, strengthens us. If we let it, it can educate us in how not to make the same mistakes. As a prodigal yourself, are you not better for being part of the Compact? Is the way of life here, not better than the alternative?
You speak of your tribe, about their nomadic ways. Their concern that their way of life might vanish. The common folk of the Compact are never bound to one place. They are free to travel as they wish to. It might be that they would have to broker agreements with lords over the lands they travel through, but think of how much less stressful that would be if there was not the fear of being at odds with those soldiers? Of being able to discuss issues with the lord? They could supplement their hunts with supplies traded with villagers or merchants. They could sell excess furs or meat for items that might make their lives easier. They could avoid starvation in the lean times.
I am positive there are things wrong with my vision. That, being someone born, raised and of the Peerage I do not see. But I do see the benefits. I see the lack of fear, I see support offered. I see all the reasons to come home. For I truly think your people would be happier in the long run by coming home.
You are correct, history is always told in many and often varying voices. It is the challenge of every historian to try to find the most plausible thread, the one with the most repeated patterns and theorize from that what the truth might have been.
Several things have been brought to my attention and need to be stated before I continue:
1. I showed judgement and bias when I used the word 'cowardice' to describe those who fell into the category of not choosing a side. That was not only unfair, it cast that judgement onto people who may not have seen another road. It is too easy to look at the past and say 'oh, the answer is obvious' without really grasping the many shades of gray that can make choices so very difficult. With my wording I rendered what was likely impossible-seeming choices into a literal black and white, yes or no situation that is incredibly inaccurate and not respectful. For that, I do apologize.
2. Historians often do operate on multiple levels when teaching or speaking on topics, the shallowest level is the broad strokes, boiling down complex issues to the major points. From there, specifics can be raised, individual points debated, and so on, the deeper and more specific the scholars wish to go, narrowing their focus and discussing the finer details.
3. Truth can be subjective. A difficult lesson, and one that goes counter to a logical mind, this is, nevertheless, the truth. There can certainly be an objective truth: Living humans do the following: We walk on the ground, we breathe air, we bleed. These are objectively true facts. But in any instance of conflict, the truth can be entirely, wholly subjective. If you ask two people in the midst of a quarrel what is going on, you are likely to get similar but different answers. Even when each are being entirely truthful, they will experience different things. This fact makes recording and researching subjects like history to be incredibly challenging.
So I do understand and acknowledge that the stories you grew up with are undoubtedly different than the ones I was taught. I do understand that I was over-simplifying and showing an innate bias when I regrettably used the word 'cowardice'. So, let me put this forth:
The past is the past. There is no changing what has been. But we can choose to shape our future. I very much liked your analogy about the broken pot, the pieces scattered into different elements. You are correct, there is no way to make them fit together they way they were. In order to bring them together, it will have to be new. It heartens me to hear you acknowledge that something can be built from those broken pieces. And that is what I am trying to advocate for. What happened has happened. There is no changing what has been. Not anymore. And in truth, I do not think it should. The past shapes us, teaches us, strengthens us. If we let it, it can educate us in how not to make the same mistakes. As a prodigal yourself, are you not better for being part of the Compact? Is the way of life here, not better than the alternative?
You speak of your tribe, about their nomadic ways. Their concern that their way of life might vanish. The common folk of the Compact are never bound to one place. They are free to travel as they wish to. It might be that they would have to broker agreements with lords over the lands they travel through, but think of how much less stressful that would be if there was not the fear of being at odds with those soldiers? Of being able to discuss issues with the lord? They could supplement their hunts with supplies traded with villagers or merchants. They could sell excess furs or meat for items that might make their lives easier. They could avoid starvation in the lean times.
I am positive there are things wrong with my vision. That, being someone born, raised and of the Peerage I do not see. But I do see the benefits. I see the lack of fear, I see support offered. I see all the reasons to come home. For I truly think your people would be happier in the long run by coming home.
Written By Venturo
Jan. 12, 2019, 11:17 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
The atmosphere at the Raconteur last night was quite energetic and boastful after the work of several of the promoters for the races had their way with the crowds. Given I've heard conversations of all of our riders, it's clear each did their job to a T. So many toasts encouraged by men standing on tables, princesses and ladies on chairs, and the booming voices of a Duke and a fine servant of Malespero has left quite the mess for poor Zane to clean up this morning. Of course, there was some of the groups who were all snickering about how the black knight riding a monster was going to show up that noble lady... I'm rather not sure what that was all about!
Yet, the most remarkable thing of it all? The conversations were all quite jovial and friendly, to boot. The promoters did a grand job of focusing on their riders positives and not disparaging the others. In these times especially, such unity and friendly competition gives a sense of stability to those in Arx that we shall get through these trying times.
Yet, the most remarkable thing of it all? The conversations were all quite jovial and friendly, to boot. The promoters did a grand job of focusing on their riders positives and not disparaging the others. In these times especially, such unity and friendly competition gives a sense of stability to those in Arx that we shall get through these trying times.
Written By Lisebet
Jan. 12, 2019, 10:39 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
I have been remiss about my journal postings so here are 3 unrelated items.
I went to the Artshall Spring Fete and quite enjoyed myself. I also got compliments on my dress, which was very much appreciated, as I took a bit of a risk with the umbra instead of aeterna.
The Good Duke was a rounding success. Congrats to everyone involved. The afterparty was also much fun, and it was lovely to see Duke Harlan out and about, though I worry he taxes himself before he is quite ready. I suppose that is only to be expected.
It seems we have need of diplomats on an ongoing basis, now to try to ease the tensions along the Great Road. Hopefully we will be able to sort things out to a successful compromise.
I went to the Artshall Spring Fete and quite enjoyed myself. I also got compliments on my dress, which was very much appreciated, as I took a bit of a risk with the umbra instead of aeterna.
The Good Duke was a rounding success. Congrats to everyone involved. The afterparty was also much fun, and it was lovely to see Duke Harlan out and about, though I worry he taxes himself before he is quite ready. I suppose that is only to be expected.
It seems we have need of diplomats on an ongoing basis, now to try to ease the tensions along the Great Road. Hopefully we will be able to sort things out to a successful compromise.
Written By Thena
Jan. 12, 2019, 10:36 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Great Road lately. And I would like to clarify a few things about my stance.
I supported it. I still do. My Order serves the goddess of trade and civilization. What has been happening during the construction grieves me deeply. But I can’t turn my back on this project, especially now.
Was it a mistake? I don’t know. I may never know.
I did fail. I reached too far and I injured others by doing so. As Sir Preston said, it is heartbreaking. But failure is a part of life and that’s that. What’s done is done.
I would like to extend my humble thanks to the many people of the Compact who have reached out and offered their support to my Order. With their aid I am sure that we will soon be able to rebuild our numbers and secure the roads of Arvum, as is our sworn duty to the gods.
Gild light all our paths.
I supported it. I still do. My Order serves the goddess of trade and civilization. What has been happening during the construction grieves me deeply. But I can’t turn my back on this project, especially now.
Was it a mistake? I don’t know. I may never know.
I did fail. I reached too far and I injured others by doing so. As Sir Preston said, it is heartbreaking. But failure is a part of life and that’s that. What’s done is done.
I would like to extend my humble thanks to the many people of the Compact who have reached out and offered their support to my Order. With their aid I am sure that we will soon be able to rebuild our numbers and secure the roads of Arvum, as is our sworn duty to the gods.
Gild light all our paths.
Written By Ida
Jan. 12, 2019, 10:31 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
It was such an honor to be allowed to watch the ceremony in which my brother gave his oath and joined the Silver Swords. Proud does not really cover it and for as much grief as I tend to give him, I admit that I feel somewhat humbled that I get to share a name with him. Somewhat, probably not for long, but still.
Written By Beatrice
Jan. 12, 2019, 10:08 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassia
Cities are dreams, and no two are the same. Would you bottle them? What discriminating clientele you must have. Of course, you could steal only the best sides. Nilanza is cumin and honey and oranges tossed by sea air, salt and warmth. Stolid Arx, roses and slate, coffee and a thousand shades of ale, somehow sweet and not at all at once. But we know that cities and dreams are more than beauty. They blossom from simple things, important things, that may never appear at the salon, may never grace the pages of a Grayson's book of poetry. Would you bottle those too?
Written By Ysbail
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:58 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Eilonwy
You've done so much for our house, I only hope I'm able to live up to the faith you've put in me.
Written By Ysbail
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:56 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Princess you are one of my favorite historians to talk to, your keen mind and willingness to share your knowledge and gifts with the compact is truly inspiring.
Written By Ysbail
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:54 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jasher
You are a kind and engaging soul when you want to be. I've come to value your keen mind.
Written By Ysbail
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:50 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
It is a scary thing to carry the weight of a house on your shoulders, I can only strive to live up to the faith my adoptive sister has put in me. Especially in these struggling times.
Written By Athaur
Jan. 12, 2019, 6:47 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
It is good to know that in these troubling times you can still enjoy a quiet drink and make some new connections. I look forward to sharing more drinks with the people I met this evening.
Written By Cassia
Jan. 12, 2019, 2:35 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
What does a dream smell like? What does a city smell like?
Written By Orrin
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:34 a.m.(5/6/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaldur
Kaldur has taken ill - or has succumbed to a fatigue I can only imagine - and rests with his intended looking on. I worry for him, which is no new thing, but more deeply of late.
Written By Silas
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:12 a.m.(5/5/1010 AR)
Awhile ago, I assisted Marquessa Deepwood in one of her many shav'arvani outreach endeavors. As a result, a smattering of abandoned arrived in Hawkhold with the intention of bending the knee. I suspect they were our unknown neighbors for quite some time.
They did not receive a warm welcome. The villagers have been subjected to abandoned raids in the past, those wounds do not easily heal, and these were people did not look like them. There was no shortage of complaints and threats, but they were ordered to leave them be. Thankfully, they chose not to disobey that command.
The complaints slowly dwindled and the threats stopped. Merely living in the proximity of strangers has a way of making people realize we're not terrifically different and we're all waging the same struggle. The unknown became knowable. They are part of the community now.
And that is why I opted to contribute to the Great Road when Lord Seliki sent his proposal. Communication - trade - is key in making strangers acquaintances, acquaintances friends, and so forth. I sent our military forces to guard our contribution to the project, aware there could be brigands or worse in the woods, but thankfully it was a bloodless adventure. We certainly had no intention, or certainly would not, build through already settled villages. It doesn't even make sense to do so from a coldly rational standpoint: uprooting and displacing entire communities rightly infuriates them, and the very road being built would grant this justifably angry mob easier accessibility to your own holdings and interfere with any trade you hope to direct your way. It literally defeats it's purpose.
Unless, of course, the true purpose behind building the road is to provoke war - under the thin veneer of respectability and progress.
Unfortunately, not every stranger is trustworthy.
They did not receive a warm welcome. The villagers have been subjected to abandoned raids in the past, those wounds do not easily heal, and these were people did not look like them. There was no shortage of complaints and threats, but they were ordered to leave them be. Thankfully, they chose not to disobey that command.
The complaints slowly dwindled and the threats stopped. Merely living in the proximity of strangers has a way of making people realize we're not terrifically different and we're all waging the same struggle. The unknown became knowable. They are part of the community now.
And that is why I opted to contribute to the Great Road when Lord Seliki sent his proposal. Communication - trade - is key in making strangers acquaintances, acquaintances friends, and so forth. I sent our military forces to guard our contribution to the project, aware there could be brigands or worse in the woods, but thankfully it was a bloodless adventure. We certainly had no intention, or certainly would not, build through already settled villages. It doesn't even make sense to do so from a coldly rational standpoint: uprooting and displacing entire communities rightly infuriates them, and the very road being built would grant this justifably angry mob easier accessibility to your own holdings and interfere with any trade you hope to direct your way. It literally defeats it's purpose.
Unless, of course, the true purpose behind building the road is to provoke war - under the thin veneer of respectability and progress.
Unfortunately, not every stranger is trustworthy.
Written By Shard
Jan. 12, 2019, 1:02 a.m.(5/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
When I first heard that story told, I heard it differently. I heard it differently from a number of different storytellers, from different tribes. The Compact stories say that those who didn't go to Arx, who didn't agree to the Compact, were cowards, or on the side of the demons. The Compact stories say, in essence, that the Abandoned /abandoned/ the people of the Compact in their time of greatest need. Abandoned stories say the Compact left them to die. If they have a personal, tribal history that reaches that far back, they'll tell you how they stayed to protect their lands and people. How they were cut off by demon armies and couldn't get to where humanity was gathering. Or how they were forced to fight alone against impossible numbers. Some, I assume, have stories about how they came to worship their new gods or masters, but those weren't tribes mine ever traded or camped with. Demon cults don't usually care very much who they're preying on.
But there are other stories too. Other histories. Some people fought to protect the new Compact from the Reckoning, but fought so long that when the fighting finally stopped, they and the Compact were strangers. Some went behind enemy lines to harry the enemy while others marched for Arx. Some were your people, or your allies, a long, long time ago. I'll share some of these stories with you, someday, if you want.
But the Compact makes no allowances for history. All the land belongs to them, even though a thousand years have passed. All tribes must bend the knee, nevermind old feuds, old alliances, nevermind the changes that they've had to make for survival, nevermind how much blood has now been spilled between them. Nevermind how much peoples have changed, what they've sacrificed to survive, or how they now live. You're right; a long, long time ago most of the Abandoned were a part of these kingdoms. A long, long time ago, we were all mostly one people.
But if you break a pot, and you leave pieces of it in your house, and pieces of it in a river, and pieces of it outside in the snow and the rain and the sun, eventually when you go to gather them all up again, even if you find each and every piece of that pot, they won't be the same exact shape that they were before. You can make something new with them, if you're creative and careful. But they will never be the pot they once were. And pot shards don't have the problem that they've all been killing each other for centuries.
I don't know where my tribe originally came from. If there's a story they've held onto that long, I never learned it. As far back as the stories I did hear went, we had always roamed the North, following the herds and forging our own hunting trails. My people were not farmers, or blacksmiths, or builders. My people didn't herd animals or live in houses. We were hunters and the whole wild was open to us. I don't deny that bending the knee, for them, would come with benefits. They wouldn't have to worry about soldiers. They might have protection against hostile tribes. There wouldn't be as much a risk of starving. But what would be the cost? I ask that honestly. We didn't live in any way like you. No kings or nobles or enormous stone cities. My people would cease to be who they are, and have been, and love being. And they wanted that enough, and feared you enough, that I'm not sure they'd ever be willing to give it all up, for the sake of how someone else thinks they should exist.
But I think we both agree that more violence only makes the possibility that much harder.
But there are other stories too. Other histories. Some people fought to protect the new Compact from the Reckoning, but fought so long that when the fighting finally stopped, they and the Compact were strangers. Some went behind enemy lines to harry the enemy while others marched for Arx. Some were your people, or your allies, a long, long time ago. I'll share some of these stories with you, someday, if you want.
But the Compact makes no allowances for history. All the land belongs to them, even though a thousand years have passed. All tribes must bend the knee, nevermind old feuds, old alliances, nevermind the changes that they've had to make for survival, nevermind how much blood has now been spilled between them. Nevermind how much peoples have changed, what they've sacrificed to survive, or how they now live. You're right; a long, long time ago most of the Abandoned were a part of these kingdoms. A long, long time ago, we were all mostly one people.
But if you break a pot, and you leave pieces of it in your house, and pieces of it in a river, and pieces of it outside in the snow and the rain and the sun, eventually when you go to gather them all up again, even if you find each and every piece of that pot, they won't be the same exact shape that they were before. You can make something new with them, if you're creative and careful. But they will never be the pot they once were. And pot shards don't have the problem that they've all been killing each other for centuries.
I don't know where my tribe originally came from. If there's a story they've held onto that long, I never learned it. As far back as the stories I did hear went, we had always roamed the North, following the herds and forging our own hunting trails. My people were not farmers, or blacksmiths, or builders. My people didn't herd animals or live in houses. We were hunters and the whole wild was open to us. I don't deny that bending the knee, for them, would come with benefits. They wouldn't have to worry about soldiers. They might have protection against hostile tribes. There wouldn't be as much a risk of starving. But what would be the cost? I ask that honestly. We didn't live in any way like you. No kings or nobles or enormous stone cities. My people would cease to be who they are, and have been, and love being. And they wanted that enough, and feared you enough, that I'm not sure they'd ever be willing to give it all up, for the sake of how someone else thinks they should exist.
But I think we both agree that more violence only makes the possibility that much harder.
Written By Vercyn
Jan. 12, 2019, 12:25 a.m.(5/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
Well said and plainly stated Nephew. Though you do not speak for our house, you echo our sentiments. The Road has been a Boon for Whitehold, even if others have used it to push their own grudges and desires for glory.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.