Written By Monique
Aug. 19, 2018, 6:12 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
There are many people to thank. This will be a long entry.
My cohost, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis, who didn't get blood on anything. My cousin, Lord Alessandro Greenmarch, who was essential to the entire planning of this Gala, and wrote the Book of Legends (if you were there and didn't receive a copy, send him a messenger!) The support of my family, House Greenmarch, was undeniable.
My Gala Committee: Lady Margret and Marquessa Simone, whose spectacular alcoves you visited all night; Princesses Coraline and Reese, who were liaisons and moral support; Marquessa Reigna Keaton, the designer of some truly stunning Legendary costumes, parts of which I most certainly did not want to part with; Prince Niklas, who provided us our entertainment in the form of the incredible Gianna Whisper, whose voice haunted my sleep this morning; and I cannot forget Goodman Theodoric Ulbran, Games Master of extraordinary talent, whose skill was essential.
I must thank, too, the Legends of the evening: Goodwoman Josephine, Lady Margret, Princess Sorrel, Lady Aahana, Lady Orelia, and Princess Sabella, who also wrote the touching song to close out the evening!
I could not and would not forget the exceptional crafters who turned their expert hands to this monumental task. From those who provided prizes for the games: Goodman Asher Grayhope, Goodwoman Josephine Arcuri, Goodwoman Joscelin Arterius, and Dame Ida Ferron; to those who provided the breathtaking cloaks and stunning custom drink and thrones: Goodwoman Petal Penrose, maker of cloaks of such extraordinary skill that it reduced me to tears to give them up; and Goodwoman Jacali, whose alcoholic creations flowed through the night and inspired Legends of their own, and who designed the masterful thrones our Gala game winners received.
And last but not least, I wish to thank everyone who attended. If you consider it a success, it was a success because you made it so.
A lot of Legends have come before us, but this is our time.
My cohost, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis, who didn't get blood on anything. My cousin, Lord Alessandro Greenmarch, who was essential to the entire planning of this Gala, and wrote the Book of Legends (if you were there and didn't receive a copy, send him a messenger!) The support of my family, House Greenmarch, was undeniable.
My Gala Committee: Lady Margret and Marquessa Simone, whose spectacular alcoves you visited all night; Princesses Coraline and Reese, who were liaisons and moral support; Marquessa Reigna Keaton, the designer of some truly stunning Legendary costumes, parts of which I most certainly did not want to part with; Prince Niklas, who provided us our entertainment in the form of the incredible Gianna Whisper, whose voice haunted my sleep this morning; and I cannot forget Goodman Theodoric Ulbran, Games Master of extraordinary talent, whose skill was essential.
I must thank, too, the Legends of the evening: Goodwoman Josephine, Lady Margret, Princess Sorrel, Lady Aahana, Lady Orelia, and Princess Sabella, who also wrote the touching song to close out the evening!
I could not and would not forget the exceptional crafters who turned their expert hands to this monumental task. From those who provided prizes for the games: Goodman Asher Grayhope, Goodwoman Josephine Arcuri, Goodwoman Joscelin Arterius, and Dame Ida Ferron; to those who provided the breathtaking cloaks and stunning custom drink and thrones: Goodwoman Petal Penrose, maker of cloaks of such extraordinary skill that it reduced me to tears to give them up; and Goodwoman Jacali, whose alcoholic creations flowed through the night and inspired Legends of their own, and who designed the masterful thrones our Gala game winners received.
And last but not least, I wish to thank everyone who attended. If you consider it a success, it was a success because you made it so.
A lot of Legends have come before us, but this is our time.
Written By Aleksei
Aug. 19, 2018, 5:47 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Looking ahead at fifteen more years of this, and I wonder if there will ever come a time it gets easier to let him go.
Written By Khanne
Aug. 19, 2018, 5:30 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
So many trips taking place. I've a couple of my own... one north, to my home lands. I will stop to visit with Percephon, but will not have much time with him before I have to return. Not nearly enough time, considering... The other trip has me immensely... excited isn't the right word... but I haven't figured out what the right word is yet. However, one trip at a time...
But it is another trip that was written about here earlier that is foremost on my mind right at the moment. Victus mentioned it. I will worry, and my thoughts will be with everyone on that ship until I hear about their safe return. I know their mission, and it is one of import to me... close to my heart. But also... that ship will carry many people I care about; my brother, one of my closest friends, others who are like family, and others who are friends. I have such a knot in my stomach... I do not like this feeling.
They will be on my mind, even as I trek northward. I will pray for their success, and their safe return... all of them.
But it is another trip that was written about here earlier that is foremost on my mind right at the moment. Victus mentioned it. I will worry, and my thoughts will be with everyone on that ship until I hear about their safe return. I know their mission, and it is one of import to me... close to my heart. But also... that ship will carry many people I care about; my brother, one of my closest friends, others who are like family, and others who are friends. I have such a knot in my stomach... I do not like this feeling.
They will be on my mind, even as I trek northward. I will pray for their success, and their safe return... all of them.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 19, 2018, 5:09 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arthen
Oh, I met a new person!
...okay, I meet a lot of new people. There are a few hundred thousand of them in Arx! I probably meet at least a dozen every day. But! In this case, he was a new explorer person! Who saved me from ducks. Vile, fiendish beasts that they are. I'm going to have to repair my skirt. But he was interesting!
Also, I have a craving for whole roast duck, with crackling skin and juicy, tender insides. I may have to search the city public houses to find SOMEONE making roast duck.
...okay, I meet a lot of new people. There are a few hundred thousand of them in Arx! I probably meet at least a dozen every day. But! In this case, he was a new explorer person! Who saved me from ducks. Vile, fiendish beasts that they are. I'm going to have to repair my skirt. But he was interesting!
Also, I have a craving for whole roast duck, with crackling skin and juicy, tender insides. I may have to search the city public houses to find SOMEONE making roast duck.
Written By Leola
Aug. 19, 2018, 4:49 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Lord Karadoc Saik is being wonderfully quiet. He's marvelously busy. This state of affairs can't continue, but while it does, Lord Saik ...
... Thank you.
... Thank you.
Written By Alessandro
Aug. 19, 2018, 4:43 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
ThIt was extraordinary to see the legends I collected brought to life at the Gala through the decor, the liquor, the games, and of course those who portrayed them throughout the evening. I am a little biased, but I was partial to Margret's Cerdic the Sunset Wanderer.
My cousin Monique, of course, was the most instrumental in planning, organizing, and carrying this event out, and I applaud her. It was truly a triumph.
My cousin Monique, of course, was the most instrumental in planning, organizing, and carrying this event out, and I applaud her. It was truly a triumph.
Written By Leona
Aug. 19, 2018, 4:21 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
Such a wonderful turn as Queen Alarice the Great. By turns imperious and humorous, and the trajectory on that vase was everything anyone could have asked. Well played, Princess.
As an aside though? Cloudstriker.
As an aside though? Cloudstriker.
Written By Raymesin
Aug. 19, 2018, 4:07 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Now Mae, we can't go intruding on their beautiful lives with that sort of ugliness. Don't you know we're only to speak if spoken to, and that if we're poor and starving we just haven't worked hard enough?
Written By Jyri
Aug. 19, 2018, 3:39 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Have read books for Raavas. Reminded me of stories from my own childhood - that are best forgotten. His future lies in the Arx.
Now he wants to be a writer. Tomorrow he might want to be a painter. He can be anything he wants - he has a choice.
Now he wants to be a writer. Tomorrow he might want to be a painter. He can be anything he wants - he has a choice.
Written By Victus
Aug. 19, 2018, 3:37 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
I made a promise long ago. As we set sail for the North tonight, I go to uphold that promise with everything I have.
Should I not return, my final will and testament is in my black journals just before this entry. I give full permission on my potential demise that it be released for public viewing.
My hide is tough, my axe is sharp. I return victorious, or I meet an end I can be assured is a noble one. Let it be known that in these moments, I was content.
Should I not return, my final will and testament is in my black journals just before this entry. I give full permission on my potential demise that it be released for public viewing.
My hide is tough, my axe is sharp. I return victorious, or I meet an end I can be assured is a noble one. Let it be known that in these moments, I was content.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 19, 2018, 3:27 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
A single day can hold such momentous, monumental changes that when you wake up the next morning, you wonder if any of it is real as you pause, look around yourself, and find your setting almost painfully familiar.
It helps when it's known that they were all an inevitability. Very little of yesterday was really a surprise to me in any way, and while some of it hurt, Change is fire - it will always burn a little while it refines us. I have always been good at moving on when the time is necessary for such things. Lingering in pain and regret and missed opportunities? There's no fun in that. But then, I think I am quicker to adapt to so much than most.
Is there an ache? Of course. For all I sometimes wonder if I was meant to be, I am still human, and those very real human sensations hit me just as hard as anyone else. I feel purely. I always have.
But isn't that the point of life? To live it, to its fullest, and experience what we can and revel in all of it? The wonder, the beauty, the terror, the ugliness.
The love. The heartache.
Many people confine these things to their Blacks, but I feel little need to do so. Denying ourselves these things makes us lesser. Pretending they are not a part of us makes us lesser. Dreams shift to nightmares and back with each one of our actions, and we must be all too aware of what is happening in order to continue to make the world beautiful.
Soft Whispers, Harder Hearts.
It helps when it's known that they were all an inevitability. Very little of yesterday was really a surprise to me in any way, and while some of it hurt, Change is fire - it will always burn a little while it refines us. I have always been good at moving on when the time is necessary for such things. Lingering in pain and regret and missed opportunities? There's no fun in that. But then, I think I am quicker to adapt to so much than most.
Is there an ache? Of course. For all I sometimes wonder if I was meant to be, I am still human, and those very real human sensations hit me just as hard as anyone else. I feel purely. I always have.
But isn't that the point of life? To live it, to its fullest, and experience what we can and revel in all of it? The wonder, the beauty, the terror, the ugliness.
The love. The heartache.
Many people confine these things to their Blacks, but I feel little need to do so. Denying ourselves these things makes us lesser. Pretending they are not a part of us makes us lesser. Dreams shift to nightmares and back with each one of our actions, and we must be all too aware of what is happening in order to continue to make the world beautiful.
Soft Whispers, Harder Hearts.
Written By Felicia
Aug. 19, 2018, 3:19 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
The Legend Gala was, indeed, something to behold. And certainly not something I'm liable to soon forget.
The effort put into it was truly monumental in and of itself and it was astoundingly crowded.
I got to speak with the Goldenpyre of the evening, Lady Aahana Volkov, and was glad that she was familiar, and willing, to share the story of Goldenpyre for the curious who came by her alcove. Would that I'd had the time to go visit with all the other Legends in their alcoves, too.
I am still at least somewhat envious of the dragon that she sat astride, but I don't think even if I removed every piece of furniture from my cell that it would fit.
The effort put into it was truly monumental in and of itself and it was astoundingly crowded.
I got to speak with the Goldenpyre of the evening, Lady Aahana Volkov, and was glad that she was familiar, and willing, to share the story of Goldenpyre for the curious who came by her alcove. Would that I'd had the time to go visit with all the other Legends in their alcoves, too.
I am still at least somewhat envious of the dragon that she sat astride, but I don't think even if I removed every piece of furniture from my cell that it would fit.
Written By Roxana
Aug. 19, 2018, 3 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Agostino
Dear One,
We should check in within the next few days, hmm? I might need your help with something.
And some fashion advice. Not that yours is any good...
We should check in within the next few days, hmm? I might need your help with something.
And some fashion advice. Not that yours is any good...
Written By Insaya
Aug. 19, 2018, 1:42 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Hello Arx! I am returned! The City is so vast and few things are where I remember them - including some people. If we lost touch, please take this opportunity to send me a message. It would be nice to catch up.
Written By Iseulet
Aug. 19, 2018, 1:12 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
So hungover..... Wait did I go to the Gala with the Grim Duke?
I did! Couldn't convince him to dance with me, however. Tsk. Maybe another time?
I did! Couldn't convince him to dance with me, however. Tsk. Maybe another time?
Written By Hadrian
Aug. 19, 2018, 12:07 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Once more she has astonished me with her work and superlative skill. This doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Every time that I've sought her for a work, she has surpassed my expectations. The latest was a piece for the Marquessa of House Mazetti - I can say with certainty that Guildmaster Joscelin is not only a skilled jeweler, but also surprisingly discreet. The surprise gift went off without a hitch.
I presented her with the concept following the completion of our last contract for the torcs of House Mazetti. Within the day I had wrote a letter to her and praised her many fine professional qualities, while following that with a question: Would you like an even greater challenge?
That challenge was accepted and I am thankful for it. The end result of her fine work has resulted in a piece that I foresee being part of our House for many generations to come. A piece of finery that will become nothing short of an heirloom to the Hydra that, one can hope, will someday become synonymous with the torcs worn by them. Or us, as it were.
She has my deepest gratitude for her hard work and what I can imagine is the long-term patronage of not only myself but the urging of House Mazetti to look to her talents for their finery.
I presented her with the concept following the completion of our last contract for the torcs of House Mazetti. Within the day I had wrote a letter to her and praised her many fine professional qualities, while following that with a question: Would you like an even greater challenge?
That challenge was accepted and I am thankful for it. The end result of her fine work has resulted in a piece that I foresee being part of our House for many generations to come. A piece of finery that will become nothing short of an heirloom to the Hydra that, one can hope, will someday become synonymous with the torcs worn by them. Or us, as it were.
She has my deepest gratitude for her hard work and what I can imagine is the long-term patronage of not only myself but the urging of House Mazetti to look to her talents for their finery.
Written By Petal
Aug. 19, 2018, 12:01 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
I am really excited to see who won the cloaks. I worked very very hard on those and it is exciting to them to go to such wonderful people of Arx.
Thank you Lady Monique for running the gala and for choosing me to make the cloaks. I am very honored.
I am super pleased that Countess Mia, Marquesa Simone, Marquesa Cambria, Lord Fecunda and Lord Jamie won the cloaks.
Thank you Lady Monique for running the gala and for choosing me to make the cloaks. I am very honored.
I am super pleased that Countess Mia, Marquesa Simone, Marquesa Cambria, Lord Fecunda and Lord Jamie won the cloaks.
Written By Mia
Aug. 19, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
I've heard much talk of last evening's Gala and, for many reasons, deeply regret that I was unable to attend. But the demands of a mother are neverending, and even the glitter and grandeur is not enough to pull me away from an ill child's bed. For that, I hope that I may be forgiven by those who poured so very much effort into the entire affair, particularly given the embarrassing and egregious fact that I was not there to offer my thanks and my compliments to those who made my unexpected good fortune possible, as I now find myself in possession of a particularly fine fire-weave cloak. It is -- I dare say -- more precious than all of my other personal effects combined, and will one day join the Twain as heirlooms of our House.
So let me express my delight and my wonder here and now, for them to see, and the public to know, and history to note. Perhaps one day, several generations from now, a Count or Countess of Riven will wrap themselves up in the warmth of this treasure, and read my words of its origins, and think of them.
To Lady Monique Greenmarch and to His Highness, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis of the Nox'alfar --
Your generosity is astounding. As it has always been, with my House, with my husband, and with me, even in moments when I have least been deserving of it. I would say my thanks to you if you'd hear them, but I believe you'll find them to be awkward, stumbling things, unfitting of the gift you have given in exchange for a simple scrap of paper.
To Mistress Petal Penrose of the Tangled Skein --
You, madame, are a living wonder who has wrought nothing short of miracles from things as simple as a bolt of cotton and a bobbin of thread, which many items in my wardrobe are a testament to. Now, to have this, which you have clearly put so much of your heart and your talent into is a blessing. I can only hope to wear it well enough to see you pleased with the accomplishment. Thank you.
So let me express my delight and my wonder here and now, for them to see, and the public to know, and history to note. Perhaps one day, several generations from now, a Count or Countess of Riven will wrap themselves up in the warmth of this treasure, and read my words of its origins, and think of them.
To Lady Monique Greenmarch and to His Highness, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis of the Nox'alfar --
Your generosity is astounding. As it has always been, with my House, with my husband, and with me, even in moments when I have least been deserving of it. I would say my thanks to you if you'd hear them, but I believe you'll find them to be awkward, stumbling things, unfitting of the gift you have given in exchange for a simple scrap of paper.
To Mistress Petal Penrose of the Tangled Skein --
You, madame, are a living wonder who has wrought nothing short of miracles from things as simple as a bolt of cotton and a bobbin of thread, which many items in my wardrobe are a testament to. Now, to have this, which you have clearly put so much of your heart and your talent into is a blessing. I can only hope to wear it well enough to see you pleased with the accomplishment. Thank you.
Written By Marian
Aug. 19, 2018, 11:28 a.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
It pleases me to read in the whites what a success the Gala was last eve. My apologies for not being there. Nia caught a fever and I spent my night by her side rather than having fun at your event. We shall have to meet up for tea later and you will have to regale me with tales of the night.
Written By Lisebet
Aug. 19, 2018, 10:14 a.m.(6/4/1009 AR)
Finally met Prince Tyrval. He is quite something, he is. I am sorry I haven't had the opportunity sooner. And now? Now I think I should like to learn to speak Nox'Alfar.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.