Written By Tikva
Aug. 18, 2018, 9:47 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
The thing about compassion is that while it may have no limit, human energy does ... even for Ainsley Grayson.
Written By Karadoc
Aug. 18, 2018, 9:45 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
I feel like an hourglass -- SIGH -- and what remains of my youth is falling grain by grain to the bottom. I suppose that I ought to consider my legacy. Soon. Not sure if today. Maybe tomorrow. Definitely after another bottle of Southern Thunder.
Written By Violet
Aug. 18, 2018, 6:15 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Sometimes asking forgiveness is easier than asking for permission. Especially when those big doeful eyes are staring up at the other person. Hard to say no... Just saying.
Written By Violet
Aug. 18, 2018, 6:10 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
I am certain there has been some curiosity about where I've been. What I've been doing. Sailing on a ship hunting pirates, mapping islands, and making diplomatic gestures with the Crimson Blades. To be brief anyway. Our survey of the lands for Marquis Orvyn was interesting and it was good to be out and scouting again. It was good to get out of Arx, and even though waters were very choppy, it was still enjoyable. It wasn't all business either.
Thorley and I shipped over to Westrock and he showed me around where he grew up. Wandering beaches, drinking juice and freshly made coffee was quite an experience. Did you know that coffee beans start out as something called coffee cherries? And they are, indeed, red and they grow on a tree. I learned some interesting things. A rewarding trip all around.
Thorley and I shipped over to Westrock and he showed me around where he grew up. Wandering beaches, drinking juice and freshly made coffee was quite an experience. Did you know that coffee beans start out as something called coffee cherries? And they are, indeed, red and they grow on a tree. I learned some interesting things. A rewarding trip all around.
Written By Ainsley
Aug. 18, 2018, 5:17 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
Are you -sure- we can't foster one of the children? I think Tiber and Hudson are kindred souls.
Written By Ainsley
Aug. 18, 2018, 5:16 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
I am slowly getting the children all fostered out to good homes. It is a somewhat painful process for me... But I know that I can't keep them all with me forever. They deserve actual homes.
Even when Carter bites me or when Xavier drops something onto my head from the top of the stairs... Or when Hudson shouts the roof down because he has no inside voice now that ... now that he is allowed to be loud again.
I worry for older children, many have asked me to foster the young ones and to be sure there are many who need loving homes.. But I worry for poor Livia who is afraid of strangers still, and must be coaxed into speaking, and Larin who is quietly intense and insists he'll be a member of the Inquisition when he grows up. And Levi, our little prankster.
Even when Carter bites me or when Xavier drops something onto my head from the top of the stairs... Or when Hudson shouts the roof down because he has no inside voice now that ... now that he is allowed to be loud again.
I worry for older children, many have asked me to foster the young ones and to be sure there are many who need loving homes.. But I worry for poor Livia who is afraid of strangers still, and must be coaxed into speaking, and Larin who is quietly intense and insists he'll be a member of the Inquisition when he grows up. And Levi, our little prankster.
Written By Lys
Aug. 18, 2018, 5 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
I dreamt of the endless sea, stranded on nothing but a piece of driftwood. I dreamt below in the waves dark shapes moved. Fish with terrible teeth just waiting for me to dip my fingers in to the cool waters.
Written By Saoirse
Aug. 18, 2018, 2 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
I sometimes wish we had a primer of exactly where a house stood on assorted events. Particularly our own.
Written By Cambria
Aug. 18, 2018, 12:49 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
On the heels of my last journal must come yet another the contents of which center around matters of fealty, and Prodigals. In the midst of House Mazetti's negotiations with various tribes, there was an effort lead personally by my cousin, the now Count Giulio Corvini. The details are his and his Countess-Consort's to share, but from a Mazetti's perspective I shall write:
It was no small thing to send away one of our own. House Mazetti maintains something of a tradition when it comes to matters of marriage, and that is that was marry in, rarely out. Convincing me to buck that trend was no small feat, but life proves such that it can and will continually surprise you. So it is that I welcome to the Compact House Corvini.
It was no small thing to send away one of our own. House Mazetti maintains something of a tradition when it comes to matters of marriage, and that is that was marry in, rarely out. Convincing me to buck that trend was no small feat, but life proves such that it can and will continually surprise you. So it is that I welcome to the Compact House Corvini.
Written By Cambria
Aug. 18, 2018, 12:29 a.m.(6/2/1009 AR)
It has been a long, delicate process, but I am finally ready to take to the Whites and write about it in full. The matter to which I refer began during those tumultuous days before the dreaded Pirate King and his forces were to clash with us in Setarco. I admit my decision to proceed as we did as a House was a gamble. It was not (and is not) the traditional method for treating with Abandoned, and it was not exactly the most stable time in which to attempt something outside of the ordinary. However, I was resolute in my choice to deal with Abandoned in a different manner than many of my predecessors. (And, in many cases, even my contemporaries).
While I do not believe for a moment that hostility and distrust will simply dissipate, or that there are no tribes of Shav'arvani that would not seek to take advantage when and where they believed they could, it is not cause enough for me to take a 'bend the knee or be annihilated,' view. As a liege, my first duty is to the people that swear fealty to me. To the farmer, the laborer, the soldier. It is my duty to see that they can thrive and flourish. Arvum, as many must surely know, is a very large place. Outside our walls exist wilds few dare to tread, and within them, surprise, exist people.
People that could just as easily live beside us thanks to a bit of courtesy and respect as they could be driven out by greed, ignorance, and a sense of entitlement. Such people as lived outside the laws of the Compact are those I made the decision to reach out to. I gathered around me various individuals whose diplomatic skills are bar none. I learned what I could of the tribes I intended to make overtures to, that I might tailor my message to them in ways they would respect and understand. I asked them to fight beside Compact troops, with no expectations of bending the knee - but I did ask that they consider bending the knee even so. For each tribe, I respected whatever decision they made, including having nothing to do with us.
For those who were on the fence, however, I always intended to return. When the time was right, return I did. Again, it was not done alone. Besides key figures of my own House, several members from across the Compact played an instrumental role through out these negotiations. Though I express my heartfelt gratitude to Princess Isabeau Valardin, Countess Arcelia, Baroness Lucita, and Bliss Whisper, the words alone are not enough to convey the truly monumental (and phenomenal) efforts they put forth on behalf of Ostria. Because ultimately, we have further improved the lives of many - not simply due to the fact Ostria continues to grow, but because good relations with Abandoned in and of itself strengthens the Compact.
While I do not believe for a moment that hostility and distrust will simply dissipate, or that there are no tribes of Shav'arvani that would not seek to take advantage when and where they believed they could, it is not cause enough for me to take a 'bend the knee or be annihilated,' view. As a liege, my first duty is to the people that swear fealty to me. To the farmer, the laborer, the soldier. It is my duty to see that they can thrive and flourish. Arvum, as many must surely know, is a very large place. Outside our walls exist wilds few dare to tread, and within them, surprise, exist people.
People that could just as easily live beside us thanks to a bit of courtesy and respect as they could be driven out by greed, ignorance, and a sense of entitlement. Such people as lived outside the laws of the Compact are those I made the decision to reach out to. I gathered around me various individuals whose diplomatic skills are bar none. I learned what I could of the tribes I intended to make overtures to, that I might tailor my message to them in ways they would respect and understand. I asked them to fight beside Compact troops, with no expectations of bending the knee - but I did ask that they consider bending the knee even so. For each tribe, I respected whatever decision they made, including having nothing to do with us.
For those who were on the fence, however, I always intended to return. When the time was right, return I did. Again, it was not done alone. Besides key figures of my own House, several members from across the Compact played an instrumental role through out these negotiations. Though I express my heartfelt gratitude to Princess Isabeau Valardin, Countess Arcelia, Baroness Lucita, and Bliss Whisper, the words alone are not enough to convey the truly monumental (and phenomenal) efforts they put forth on behalf of Ostria. Because ultimately, we have further improved the lives of many - not simply due to the fact Ostria continues to grow, but because good relations with Abandoned in and of itself strengthens the Compact.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 17, 2018, 7:31 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Valdemar told me all of the supportive and flattering things that my father in law said of me when they spoke the other evening.
He'll never know I know because he doesn't read the whites (Harald doesn't). But I do know. I'm growing on him.
He'll never know I know because he doesn't read the whites (Harald doesn't). But I do know. I'm growing on him.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 17, 2018, 7:29 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
My beloved cousin, whenever I see her I vow that it should not be so long in between our visits because her company pleases me so.
It should not be so long between our visits.
It should not be so long between our visits.
Written By Melody
Aug. 17, 2018, 5:28 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sergei
This conversation terrifies me. But -- Gross -- Don't be eating wolves. There's no proper way to make 'em taste right.
Written By Rook
Aug. 17, 2018, 5:15 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Silver is the currency of Arvum, darling. We're a consortium in Arvum, for economic powers.
Just to clear up any confusion to that connection for any readers.
Just to clear up any confusion to that connection for any readers.
Written By Victus
Aug. 17, 2018, 5:07 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
The jailing would've entailed me putting you in a time-out chair and loudly reading excerpts from the children's book that was based on my cat.
I don't actually possess authority to put anyone beyond my own fealty in a cell. Even then, cells are done much better by the Iron Guard from what I hear. Impersonating a monarch though? Shit, that's paperwork only another monarch could tolerate I imagine.
I don't actually possess authority to put anyone beyond my own fealty in a cell. Even then, cells are done much better by the Iron Guard from what I hear. Impersonating a monarch though? Shit, that's paperwork only another monarch could tolerate I imagine.
Written By Mae
Aug. 17, 2018, 5:03 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Today I read a proclamation from The Queen of Silver.
Now, this is an odd situation, as I thought the only two Queens in the Compact were:
1. Symonesse, Queen Consort of the Compact
2. Death, Queen of Endings.
I also thought Silver would be a reference to:
1. The Knights of Solace, the descendants of The Silver Order.
2. The King's Own, started as the Queen's Own by Lord Macdon, a split from the Knights of Solace and now called The Silver Swords.
3. The Silver Consortium, which okay I haven't the slightest idea why they use "Silver".
4. Lilah Shay, who we called Silver.
But. No! This noblewoman is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor serving the legacy of a hero of the Compact. She's Voice of a March.
You know, High Lord Victus once threatened to jail for impersonating a Prince. Wonder what the punishment is for impersonating a queen.
Now, this is an odd situation, as I thought the only two Queens in the Compact were:
1. Symonesse, Queen Consort of the Compact
2. Death, Queen of Endings.
I also thought Silver would be a reference to:
1. The Knights of Solace, the descendants of The Silver Order.
2. The King's Own, started as the Queen's Own by Lord Macdon, a split from the Knights of Solace and now called The Silver Swords.
3. The Silver Consortium, which okay I haven't the slightest idea why they use "Silver".
4. Lilah Shay, who we called Silver.
But. No! This noblewoman is neither a queen, nor a goddess, nor serving the legacy of a hero of the Compact. She's Voice of a March.
You know, High Lord Victus once threatened to jail for impersonating a Prince. Wonder what the punishment is for impersonating a queen.
Written By Shard
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:32 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sergei
I ate wolf when I was literally starving. Everything tastes amazing when you're starving. Wolf still tasted /fucking/ /awful/. Maybe if you were incredibly drunk and buried it so much in sauce and spices that you couldn't taste it, but I'd much rather eat something meant for being prey. Venison. Rabbit. Beaver. Moose. Elk. Boar. All kinds of birds. Even the horses were better, and they were starving too.
Rat tastes better than wolf. Rat. Think about that for a moment.
Rat tastes better than wolf. Rat. Think about that for a moment.
Written By Arik
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:32 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
There is some debate about the status of Best Friend of my sister. I would like it known now and forever that Vala Khanne Halfshav, Voice of Whitehold, Crown Minister of Agriculture, and Shaman of the Path of Spiritwalkers... is best friends with an imaginary friend (or spirit) named Whimby.
Written By Perronne
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:31 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Pirates in the Lycene seas, and one land closed to non-merchant traffic (which, smart merchants will surely avoid, because goodness, who wants to be the only boat on the water when the pirates come a-calling?). Velenosa has withdrawn their merchants, which means THEY will have to find alternate routes, as well, and that's going to throw off schedules.
Hmm. That means overland routes will be more popular, which means that certain goods from the Lyceum will likely be delayed in reaching Arx and other lands, since caravans just don't travel as fast. And they're in danger, too - it seems like shavs have been preying on caravans again, even murdering members of the Scholars!
If you have silk, citrus, and other primarily Lycene goods already in storage here in the city, now (or sometime soon - give the prices a chance to rise, first) is likely a good time to sell, not buy. Give it some time, and who knows? Steel for arms and armor will likely rise in demand, so be looking out for that opportunity. And, of course, other Lycene goods going scarce as neighboring domains are affected by the civil unrest.
Good luck trading! Try not to get pirated!
Hmm. That means overland routes will be more popular, which means that certain goods from the Lyceum will likely be delayed in reaching Arx and other lands, since caravans just don't travel as fast. And they're in danger, too - it seems like shavs have been preying on caravans again, even murdering members of the Scholars!
If you have silk, citrus, and other primarily Lycene goods already in storage here in the city, now (or sometime soon - give the prices a chance to rise, first) is likely a good time to sell, not buy. Give it some time, and who knows? Steel for arms and armor will likely rise in demand, so be looking out for that opportunity. And, of course, other Lycene goods going scarce as neighboring domains are affected by the civil unrest.
Good luck trading! Try not to get pirated!
Written By Delilah
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:31 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
Princess Sabella raises art to a new level.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.