Written By Andry
July 31, 2018, 12:34 p.m.(4/18/1009 AR)
I woke up this morning and didn't immediately realize that it was my birthday. It wasn't until a good friend of mine asked what I was doing to celebrate that it dawned on me that, yes, I'm twenty-five today. I should probably have a drink.
Written By Thena
July 31, 2018, 12:05 p.m.(4/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Brannen
I am pretty sure it would not be the strangest thing a smith has had to deal with regarding Solace armor.
Written By Brannen
July 31, 2018, 7:57 a.m.(4/18/1009 AR)
I need to get in contact with a smith about getting a dent out of a breastplate.
For clarity's sake the dent in question is butt-shaped.
Is this going to be a problem?
Asking for a friend.
For clarity's sake the dent in question is butt-shaped.
Is this going to be a problem?
Asking for a friend.
Written By Harper
July 31, 2018, 12:49 a.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
I gotta admit... having family is a hell of a lot more complicated, and painful, than I ever realized it would be.
Still, I'm glad I have them though.
Still, I'm glad I have them though.
Written By Gwenna
July 30, 2018, 8:44 p.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
Meeting with Lord Aethan Kennex, as we attempt to do as patron and protege now and again, often helps recenter me about my duties and my goals. I suspect I get more out of this arrangement than he might, as his years of experience are an insight I simply do not yet have. I am continuously grateful that he took my offer of patronage and am glad when our schedules occasionally allow us to talk through various projects we might have in mind.
Written By Tynan
July 30, 2018, 8:38 p.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
I have spent a life in motion. Not traveling, but surrounded by chaos. The shouting of the streets, the tumult of a tavern, the din of the docks and the commotion of the city. It has become part of me to the point that when it isn't there, the silence deafens me. I shutter the noise when it is required, but when it is gone, it seems to take a part of me with it when it lasts too long
To sit in contemplation of the Silent Reflections at the Shrine of the Thirteenth makes me restless then, not because of the task, but because the silence of the Shrine is overwhelming. It is a place to reflect and meditate perhaps, but it makes my mind wander. While the focus of this exercise might be to consider the importance of vows, and the upholding on them, thoughts drifted further than that. To the path that led to where I was. So many forks exists in a life, where one choice eliminates the other. A decision, perhaps not even considered at the time, sending your life spiraling down a road you didn't even know you were taking. I can see so many steps that would have led me elsewhere. Simple steps. Steps that were not done consciously but were done for survival, or curiosity and sometimes perhaps, because it was the easiest one to make. Yet, here I am, and I am not unhappy about it.
As somebody that deals in contracts, oaths, and vows they can be a funny thing to contemplate. Everybody is affected by them, every day, yet do not know it or pay attention to it. Upon them rest the foundation of society, and the upholding and breaking of them can send ripples that affect those that were not even aware of their existence. A trade agreement can put food on the table for dozens of families, a declaration of fealty creating safety for throngs. There are few vows that affect only the person giving them. If it did, I imagine they would be rather useless to give.
Nothing should be promised easily. There are consequences to every action, but also two sides. A truth is never absolute. One can never imagine what makes a person break their vows, and without that knowledge, one cannot sit in judgement. It is a fate they chose. The consequence that, one can hope, they weighed and judged acceptable. As I watch the Silent Reflections, it is easy to only see somebody that broke their oath. To pity them for their lack of faith, or shun them for what they have become. I am certain some are here for personal failings, a lack of character, but I am just as certain that some are because they chose to be -- because the punishment was judged to them less important than what would have happened otherwise. Are they proud of what they have done? Do they regret it? We may never know.
I have spent the better part of a week in the Shrine and I leave to take my own vows. Vows that I feel stronger now that I can uphold than before the week started. My choices have led me here, I only pray that my path does not fork and I have to make a choice I do not wish to make.
To sit in contemplation of the Silent Reflections at the Shrine of the Thirteenth makes me restless then, not because of the task, but because the silence of the Shrine is overwhelming. It is a place to reflect and meditate perhaps, but it makes my mind wander. While the focus of this exercise might be to consider the importance of vows, and the upholding on them, thoughts drifted further than that. To the path that led to where I was. So many forks exists in a life, where one choice eliminates the other. A decision, perhaps not even considered at the time, sending your life spiraling down a road you didn't even know you were taking. I can see so many steps that would have led me elsewhere. Simple steps. Steps that were not done consciously but were done for survival, or curiosity and sometimes perhaps, because it was the easiest one to make. Yet, here I am, and I am not unhappy about it.
As somebody that deals in contracts, oaths, and vows they can be a funny thing to contemplate. Everybody is affected by them, every day, yet do not know it or pay attention to it. Upon them rest the foundation of society, and the upholding and breaking of them can send ripples that affect those that were not even aware of their existence. A trade agreement can put food on the table for dozens of families, a declaration of fealty creating safety for throngs. There are few vows that affect only the person giving them. If it did, I imagine they would be rather useless to give.
Nothing should be promised easily. There are consequences to every action, but also two sides. A truth is never absolute. One can never imagine what makes a person break their vows, and without that knowledge, one cannot sit in judgement. It is a fate they chose. The consequence that, one can hope, they weighed and judged acceptable. As I watch the Silent Reflections, it is easy to only see somebody that broke their oath. To pity them for their lack of faith, or shun them for what they have become. I am certain some are here for personal failings, a lack of character, but I am just as certain that some are because they chose to be -- because the punishment was judged to them less important than what would have happened otherwise. Are they proud of what they have done? Do they regret it? We may never know.
I have spent the better part of a week in the Shrine and I leave to take my own vows. Vows that I feel stronger now that I can uphold than before the week started. My choices have led me here, I only pray that my path does not fork and I have to make a choice I do not wish to make.
Written By Thena
July 30, 2018, 7:45 p.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
We bar the doors and windows, but we fail to notice the wall is missing.
Written By Rowenova
July 30, 2018, 5:13 p.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
Before Val left Arx, we made amends, leaving off on a better note than before.
He even gave Willowfall back to me as well as his very own epaulet by which to remember him. Never have I ever been the 'jewelry type', but I shall wear this splendid piece when decked out in my furs and leathers. He said it suits me, most likely due to its dangerous flare, and I must admit that I agree.
I am not sure if he is still set to go Godsworn anymore, but he is still going to go soul searching within The Faith as a Liberator (aka Disciple of Skald).
Quite wolfy, Skald wholeheartedly embraces living freely by one's own terms. Thus, he is my favorite deity from the Pantheon. I would love to meet him!
Vala Khanne once told me a beautiful story: Skald attended a gathering at the Stone Grove with Prism who alighted fireflies into the air. Then, one landed in Vala Khanne's hair and made her twinkle like a star. What a lovely tale!
Although I will miss Val more than I can say (or write), I sincerely hope he eventually finds the freedom and peace that he needs and seeks. I have been keeping up with Dame Felicia and recently met another sister of his, too: Guardswoman Amantha (who I hope to meet again when I am less 'all over').
Thank you(s) go to all who have been helping me through these emotional times.
He even gave Willowfall back to me as well as his very own epaulet by which to remember him. Never have I ever been the 'jewelry type', but I shall wear this splendid piece when decked out in my furs and leathers. He said it suits me, most likely due to its dangerous flare, and I must admit that I agree.
I am not sure if he is still set to go Godsworn anymore, but he is still going to go soul searching within The Faith as a Liberator (aka Disciple of Skald).
Quite wolfy, Skald wholeheartedly embraces living freely by one's own terms. Thus, he is my favorite deity from the Pantheon. I would love to meet him!
Vala Khanne once told me a beautiful story: Skald attended a gathering at the Stone Grove with Prism who alighted fireflies into the air. Then, one landed in Vala Khanne's hair and made her twinkle like a star. What a lovely tale!
Although I will miss Val more than I can say (or write), I sincerely hope he eventually finds the freedom and peace that he needs and seeks. I have been keeping up with Dame Felicia and recently met another sister of his, too: Guardswoman Amantha (who I hope to meet again when I am less 'all over').
Thank you(s) go to all who have been helping me through these emotional times.
Written By Tikva
July 30, 2018, 3:32 p.m.(4/17/1009 AR)
Though there are times when it seems that it escapes us, in the panoply and brilliance of royalty at play, of nobility engaging in silliness and public displays of wealth. . .
Those who reside outside the walls know that all security is false. Though we are relatively protected in the capital with the main strength of the Iron Guard and the walls of the city around us, still it is not that far to go to find a front. We've spoken before about the ends of wars, but it's truly only the end of a particular conflict in a world that is never entirely at peace.
There are times that we come to remember that any security is a delusion. That any wall might have ears, that any text might be observed, that to speak the name of an evil is to call it down upon you.
There are some who need these reminders more than others, of course.
I beg you all to remember vigilance. If you see the Inquisition's red and black, know that we stand for the protection of the Compact against all of those threats. We aren't everywhere. We can't stop everything. But of any choice I have made since coming to Arx, I can regret not at all my choice to put on this badge.
Because we strive. We work. We might even grow.
We are but one small candle lit against the vasty dark, but we will stand, and illumine all we can. I hope you will stand with us.
Those who reside outside the walls know that all security is false. Though we are relatively protected in the capital with the main strength of the Iron Guard and the walls of the city around us, still it is not that far to go to find a front. We've spoken before about the ends of wars, but it's truly only the end of a particular conflict in a world that is never entirely at peace.
There are times that we come to remember that any security is a delusion. That any wall might have ears, that any text might be observed, that to speak the name of an evil is to call it down upon you.
There are some who need these reminders more than others, of course.
I beg you all to remember vigilance. If you see the Inquisition's red and black, know that we stand for the protection of the Compact against all of those threats. We aren't everywhere. We can't stop everything. But of any choice I have made since coming to Arx, I can regret not at all my choice to put on this badge.
Because we strive. We work. We might even grow.
We are but one small candle lit against the vasty dark, but we will stand, and illumine all we can. I hope you will stand with us.
Written By Monique
July 30, 2018, 1:13 p.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
Rarely do I come across words on a page that move me to asking for a copy to keep for my private collection, which I assure you is much more limited and precious than nearly anything else I own. But I received something yesterday that I will cherish for so long as I live, and what may seem only words on a page to some is a moving tribute to the beauty of my home and family that recreates the Greenwood in my mind every time I read it. Which has been often, since it was so generously gifted to me.
Written By Delilah
July 30, 2018, 12:58 p.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlex
A new acquaintance in an ivy-clad tower flipped the my understanding of a subject very much upon its head today. I should not be surprised, all things considered, for the social circles of Princess Reese Grayson are considerable and as diverse as the marvelous collection of books that she keeps. Her library is fit to make a mind weep at the possibilities enshrined in cloth and leather, vellum and parchment. Yet in every written scrap is a soul, a human mind poised to chain together words into lyrical verse or meandering treatises that open the eyes of the world that was or might be.
Key component there: people.
Harlex is a man who redefines my understanding of sellswords. Clearly I've had not the exposure of my lady sister or else Kenna held back on me. The quiet poetry and profound sense of timing locked in his bearing are every bit as sharp and precise as the strokes of a blade turned on a target. He is far more than he seems upon that front, and in so turning a few words, leaves me to reassess a good deal about the day's waning light. Whiskey may just bring out the best in everyone, taken in moderation.
Key component there: people.
Harlex is a man who redefines my understanding of sellswords. Clearly I've had not the exposure of my lady sister or else Kenna held back on me. The quiet poetry and profound sense of timing locked in his bearing are every bit as sharp and precise as the strokes of a blade turned on a target. He is far more than he seems upon that front, and in so turning a few words, leaves me to reassess a good deal about the day's waning light. Whiskey may just bring out the best in everyone, taken in moderation.
Written By Delilah
July 30, 2018, 12:54 p.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
How terrible that your wines have not been enjoyed to their fullest, especially by those of discerning and diverse palates. Clearly volunteers for the good of all are required. I will happily submit my credentials as an oenophile and a glad sampler of all those delightful vintages you may need opinions for.
Written By Avaline
July 30, 2018, 12:28 p.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
I happily volunteer as a wine-taster when the time is right. Finally I will be able to put all my experience in the drinking of wine to good use!
Written By Quenia
July 30, 2018, 11:51 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Some time ago, I set the vintners to working on new wines for Igniseri. They have been slowly working on creating the new concoctions and flavors, and soon enough, I hope, they will have aged enough in order for House Igniseri to have another wine tasting. It's been ever so long since the last one and I feel that I've been neglecting our wines of late.
Written By Quenia
July 30, 2018, 11:46 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
I find that I have been enjoying my time lately working with one of the crafters within the city in designing a new dress to replace those that I had taken apart not all that long ago. I now have a new, lovely seasilk dress complete with a pair of slippers that is stylized for parties. It's created in the most perfect shades for reds, oranges, and golds, and looks like the dress itself is on fire.
I may have, perhaps, gone a bit overboard with this whole phoenix design, but I absolutely adore it. I can't wait to show it off in a few weeks.
I may have, perhaps, gone a bit overboard with this whole phoenix design, but I absolutely adore it. I can't wait to show it off in a few weeks.
Written By Bliss
July 30, 2018, 11:35 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Last night must have gone well. Apparently I lost my duel - I don't remember this! But it is always wonderful waking up with a hangover, a scrambled memory, and people gushing about the amazing things you can do with your tongue - all these are usually signs of a great night well spent.
My thanks to Prince Luca for once again being an excellent opponent - someday, perhaps, we will have opportunity to face off once more. My thanks also to Princess Alis Valardin and Marquis Hadrian Mazetti, for hosting such a fine event, hiring myself and Prince Luca, and being willing to listen to and incorporate our advice to make the whole thing as entertaining as possible.
My thanks to Prince Luca for once again being an excellent opponent - someday, perhaps, we will have opportunity to face off once more. My thanks also to Princess Alis Valardin and Marquis Hadrian Mazetti, for hosting such a fine event, hiring myself and Prince Luca, and being willing to listen to and incorporate our advice to make the whole thing as entertaining as possible.
Written By Gwenna
July 30, 2018, 11:26 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
An exceptionally flattering remark, but I think none of us are so talented or educated that we might never have need to seek advice or insight from others, least of all me from you. We all have a focus - that thing we love to work on, to do well in, and enjoy while doing. Bringing people with those parts together to form a whole is what makes any family, organization, House, and surely even the Compact, as great as it can be. I am sincerely grateful for your kind words, though, and am glad that you are one of those parts for House Redrain.
Written By Ida
July 30, 2018, 11:08 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
I am not burning the door. Too many amazing people have touched that handle and used it to cross our threshold. Those are just memories that I just could never part with. We simply must never, ever jointly make a wish on it again. Or even singularly, I suspect. Ever.
Written By Giulio
July 30, 2018, 11:08 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Well, that was certainly an... entertaining duel.
Novel.
Is there a time limit to a duel? I wonder. A day? A fortnight? A year? With such novelties, the mind boggles at the possibilities.
Novel.
Is there a time limit to a duel? I wonder. A day? A fortnight? A year? With such novelties, the mind boggles at the possibilities.
Written By Alis
July 30, 2018, 10:57 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Quite an amazing duel of words and fortitude. Champion and Softest Whisper Bliss has a lyrical ability that frankly leaves me envious. And my own Champion for the duel Prince Luca posesses a stamina for drinking liquor I can only aspire to. As I am certain those at the table with me yesterday will attest. And while I am sad to hear that Prince Luca will no longer be accepting challenges, I am humbled that he chose to agree to represent me for one last duel.
Sir Thorley and Princess Sorrel were kind enough to provide me with some of the finest liquor the Oathlands has to offer, so that I may gift both the Champions and Marquis Mazetti with something to hopefully show that even should our wine not be to their palette's, perhaps one of our other spirits is! An aged Wyrmguard Scotch, and a new coffee infused liquor from Westrock; what coffee lover could resist that?
Marquis Hadrian Mazetti played along gallantly, accepting my challenge to uphold the dignity of our vintner's, while recognizing that fealty pride did not equate to anger. I would be most pleased to work with him again to put together any event which can bring together people from both of our fealties and families for celebration of the best each has to offer. And Marquessa Cambria was a delight to finally meet.
Also, thank you lovely cousin Isabeau for helping me walk home. I can only say I am glad to remember the entire event
Sir Thorley and Princess Sorrel were kind enough to provide me with some of the finest liquor the Oathlands has to offer, so that I may gift both the Champions and Marquis Mazetti with something to hopefully show that even should our wine not be to their palette's, perhaps one of our other spirits is! An aged Wyrmguard Scotch, and a new coffee infused liquor from Westrock; what coffee lover could resist that?
Marquis Hadrian Mazetti played along gallantly, accepting my challenge to uphold the dignity of our vintner's, while recognizing that fealty pride did not equate to anger. I would be most pleased to work with him again to put together any event which can bring together people from both of our fealties and families for celebration of the best each has to offer. And Marquessa Cambria was a delight to finally meet.
Also, thank you lovely cousin Isabeau for helping me walk home. I can only say I am glad to remember the entire event
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.