Written By Norwood
July 25, 2018, 7:39 a.m.(4/6/1009 AR)
There was an informal meeting of several house swords yesterday. I wish to extend my gratitude to Duke Cristoph for allowing me to borrow his gardens for it. Despite my lack of party graces, it turned out rather well. I was particularly honored to see and hear some of the history behind the physical swords we carry as a mark of our position. I would be most interested in learning more about my Queensguard and where, perhaps, he has crossed paths with these others.
Prince Alistair made a particularly pointed statement about how we use our swords. While it goes without anything that out status within our houses does not place us above the law, it does put us in a particularly interesting place. We hold the honor of our houses. That should never be taken lightly. If we hold that honor sacred I see no reason why we should fall ill of the law in our duties.
Of particular note, after the guests had left and cookies placed with their proper keepers, I was able to have a deeper conversation with Lord Ian Kennex. I have long admired his will and grit. This perception remains unchanged. He is a man I could have by my side in most matters (including the occasional party as speaking of our weapons is much easier than other topics) without hesitation.
Prince Alistair made a particularly pointed statement about how we use our swords. While it goes without anything that out status within our houses does not place us above the law, it does put us in a particularly interesting place. We hold the honor of our houses. That should never be taken lightly. If we hold that honor sacred I see no reason why we should fall ill of the law in our duties.
Of particular note, after the guests had left and cookies placed with their proper keepers, I was able to have a deeper conversation with Lord Ian Kennex. I have long admired his will and grit. This perception remains unchanged. He is a man I could have by my side in most matters (including the occasional party as speaking of our weapons is much easier than other topics) without hesitation.
Written By Charlaine
July 25, 2018, 7:09 a.m.(4/6/1009 AR)
To my personal surprise, I decided to adopt a child.
I have heard that someone of Graysons rescued a couple of children and they need new home.
I would like to open my door and my heart to at least one of them.
I already am trying to contact necessary parties, even if I haven't spoken about it with my husband.
Tarrant is absolutely great. I am pretty sure that he will not object. Though, I did avoid approaching the subject eye to eye and I have sent him a message instead.
I feel mildly anxious about his upcoming answer even if I am sure it should be fine.
I have heard that someone of Graysons rescued a couple of children and they need new home.
I would like to open my door and my heart to at least one of them.
I already am trying to contact necessary parties, even if I haven't spoken about it with my husband.
Tarrant is absolutely great. I am pretty sure that he will not object. Though, I did avoid approaching the subject eye to eye and I have sent him a message instead.
I feel mildly anxious about his upcoming answer even if I am sure it should be fine.
Written By Preston
July 25, 2018, 6:36 a.m.(4/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I cannot tell if you are more sassy since you stopped being Blessed Aleksei, or if now you are not Blessed Aleksei I allow myself to enjoy your words and stop looking for hidden guidance.
Written By Niklas
July 25, 2018, 6:18 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
It has occurred to me that though I wished her a thorough happy birthday on the morning of the day, and wished her a few more happy birthdays as the day went on and, prior to falling to sleep with her in my arms, wished her another happy birthday or two as the day came to an end, I never did write anything in my journal about Sabella's birthday, which is a tragedy as it is her first as my wife and I would be setting a very poor tone for the rest of our marriage should I forget such a thing.
Sabella, I hope this past year has, for you, been filled with as many wonders as has mine. It has truly been the best year of my life, though while I have an anecdote from my childhood for nearly every occasion, I'm not convinced my life truly began until this year. Until the masq at the Procella Pravus opera, where the two of us met. Bastien may curse me until the end of time, but I will always consider him a friend for it was his event that lead me to you. One drunken twirl, one elbow to the ear, to set off a chain of events that seemed inexorable and perfect from the moment they began. Your slipper in the park. The night in the Kay. The first day you brought me back to Grayson Mansion, which I couldn't realize at that time would one day be my home.
I have never been a particularly godly person. My relationship with them is fairly tepid. But I thank each and every one of them every day for the fact that the two of us were brought together. I thank Limerance for bringing me the boundless love I never knew I needed until she was right in front of me. I thank Jayus for the profound inspiration he sent in the form of a muse who leaves me breathless daily. I thank Lagoma for the changes she has brought to my life, each better than the last. I thank Mangata and Petrichor for the calm waters and swift winds that have always brought me home to you, even that first time I came to Arx, before I even knew you were here waiting for me. I thank the Queen for ending my old life, and shepherding me into this one. I thank Aion for dreaming this world into existence. And more and more.
This past year has been a year that gave me something I did not know I needed, and which I did not realize I had been waiting my entire life to find. You are the love of my life, you hold the key to my heart, you are very much a completion of something I always feared would be incomplete without ever knowing what it was.
I love you.
Happy birthday.
Sabella, I hope this past year has, for you, been filled with as many wonders as has mine. It has truly been the best year of my life, though while I have an anecdote from my childhood for nearly every occasion, I'm not convinced my life truly began until this year. Until the masq at the Procella Pravus opera, where the two of us met. Bastien may curse me until the end of time, but I will always consider him a friend for it was his event that lead me to you. One drunken twirl, one elbow to the ear, to set off a chain of events that seemed inexorable and perfect from the moment they began. Your slipper in the park. The night in the Kay. The first day you brought me back to Grayson Mansion, which I couldn't realize at that time would one day be my home.
I have never been a particularly godly person. My relationship with them is fairly tepid. But I thank each and every one of them every day for the fact that the two of us were brought together. I thank Limerance for bringing me the boundless love I never knew I needed until she was right in front of me. I thank Jayus for the profound inspiration he sent in the form of a muse who leaves me breathless daily. I thank Lagoma for the changes she has brought to my life, each better than the last. I thank Mangata and Petrichor for the calm waters and swift winds that have always brought me home to you, even that first time I came to Arx, before I even knew you were here waiting for me. I thank the Queen for ending my old life, and shepherding me into this one. I thank Aion for dreaming this world into existence. And more and more.
This past year has been a year that gave me something I did not know I needed, and which I did not realize I had been waiting my entire life to find. You are the love of my life, you hold the key to my heart, you are very much a completion of something I always feared would be incomplete without ever knowing what it was.
I love you.
Happy birthday.
Written By Zoey
July 25, 2018, 4:44 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
My patron is, in his generosity, a sadist.
Owing to Prince Niklas' mordant humour and purportedly benevolent sagacity, I now have in my employ a girl with more pent up energy and a stronger desire to fetch than my spaniel, Octavian. What's more, he's gone to the effort of securing the services of someone who is endlessly pleased to have a name rhyming with mine. Apparently, this is fate.
If, Patron-mine, this woman knocks on my door before the break of dawn, I will train Steve to eat your coronet.
You have been warned.
Owing to Prince Niklas' mordant humour and purportedly benevolent sagacity, I now have in my employ a girl with more pent up energy and a stronger desire to fetch than my spaniel, Octavian. What's more, he's gone to the effort of securing the services of someone who is endlessly pleased to have a name rhyming with mine. Apparently, this is fate.
If, Patron-mine, this woman knocks on my door before the break of dawn, I will train Steve to eat your coronet.
You have been warned.
Written By Charlaine
July 25, 2018, 4:31 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I did not have anything to wear today. All my dresses appear to be too old and maybe even out of fashion. Some of my dresses simply bore me.
I thought about buying some new dresses but then I thought about how much money I would have to spend.
The amount did not please me and quickly I threw my idea out.
I should give more attention to myself and how I look. However, I always can find a thousand better ways to use resources...
I thought about buying some new dresses but then I thought about how much money I would have to spend.
The amount did not please me and quickly I threw my idea out.
I should give more attention to myself and how I look. However, I always can find a thousand better ways to use resources...
Written By Giulio
July 25, 2018, 3:54 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Passion. Tragedy. Love. Hope. Dreams. Hate. Rage. Joy.
These are the things that countless ballads are written about. Yet, the rationale of truth is rarely taken into account. Grand stories are told of these. But, in truth, our world is built on cold reason and rationale.
Much is spoken of late of compassion. This is good. This is appropriate.
But when we allow compassion to be a crutch for will? That is disingenuous and best. Passion and desire. Wanton revelry does make for good stories. For good tales. But virtue should not be honored merely in the breach, but instead, in truth.
Are we not the masters of ourselves? Are not our actions our own? Do we not have choice?
I know that I have a different view from the Softest. I admire passion, but, perhaps as many think, I am a cold fish. But I do not believe it rules us. The failure of restraint in all its forms belongs on its executor. Elstwise, are we but beasts? Unthinking in our actions?
These are the things that countless ballads are written about. Yet, the rationale of truth is rarely taken into account. Grand stories are told of these. But, in truth, our world is built on cold reason and rationale.
Much is spoken of late of compassion. This is good. This is appropriate.
But when we allow compassion to be a crutch for will? That is disingenuous and best. Passion and desire. Wanton revelry does make for good stories. For good tales. But virtue should not be honored merely in the breach, but instead, in truth.
Are we not the masters of ourselves? Are not our actions our own? Do we not have choice?
I know that I have a different view from the Softest. I admire passion, but, perhaps as many think, I am a cold fish. But I do not believe it rules us. The failure of restraint in all its forms belongs on its executor. Elstwise, are we but beasts? Unthinking in our actions?
Written By Shard
July 25, 2018, 2:57 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I appreciate this. I also appreciate that it wasn't meant for me, or because of me, or that it has anything whatsoever to do with me or events related to me. But I do not accept. And I will not forgive.
Written By Astraea
July 25, 2018, 12:39 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
Well done Sir Jordan for swallowing your pride and doing the right thing. You're a kind man who means well and we all make mistakes but it takes great strength to own up to what you did and to take it on the chin. As the esteemed Whisper Lumen says,"Kudos."
Written By Fairen
July 25, 2018, 12:35 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
I hope that Sir Jeffeth will take this not as me speaking for him, as I can no doubt never do such a thing myself. Though I would like to observe that I don't suspect Sir Jeffeth blames you for the loss of life, but rather was displeased by your behavior. He is grieving, as is his right, and whatever he may have said was not intended to be uncouth of your name or skills as a warrior. It was a part of his grieving and nothing further.
As an aside, I will never understand the level of ego that goes into a person when someone can not warrant another person their emotions. Being worried that a loved one is in danger is not to say anything of the skill of that loved one, or those who are to go into battle along side them. It is quite simply worry for an understanding that danger is present. Just the same, when a loved one is lost, and your grief convinces you to blame yourself for not being there to defend your lost loved one. It says nothing about the skill of those who were at their side when they died, normally. I can't speak for all situations, of course, but I can say a person is entitled to their emotions.
What they do with those emotions is an entirely different subject, of course. Even still, Sir Jeffeth Bayweather deserves to grieve.
As an aside, I will never understand the level of ego that goes into a person when someone can not warrant another person their emotions. Being worried that a loved one is in danger is not to say anything of the skill of that loved one, or those who are to go into battle along side them. It is quite simply worry for an understanding that danger is present. Just the same, when a loved one is lost, and your grief convinces you to blame yourself for not being there to defend your lost loved one. It says nothing about the skill of those who were at their side when they died, normally. I can't speak for all situations, of course, but I can say a person is entitled to their emotions.
What they do with those emotions is an entirely different subject, of course. Even still, Sir Jeffeth Bayweather deserves to grieve.
Written By Aleksei
July 25, 2018, 12:31 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I always like to mention having taking counsel from the most powerful people of the Compact while making an apology that doesn't reference any of the things I was actually challenged for.
I'm not saying I'm admirable and important, but one time King Alaric did tell me to have a good day, so I did. _You're welcome, Compact._
I'm not saying I'm admirable and important, but one time King Alaric did tell me to have a good day, so I did. _You're welcome, Compact._
Written By Lumen
July 25, 2018, 12:29 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
I commend Sir Jordan for his capacity to bend to reason that is not his own. Curbing one's pride when appropriate, even in retrospect, is a feat that even the greatest among us have yet to master. Kudos.
Written By Bliss
July 25, 2018, 12:07 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
These are the kinds of duels where a man's anger and grief can take over while swinging the blade, and without realizing what he's doing, he can make a mistake that haunts him the rest of his life - and very easily, the brief rest of his opponent's. This is not a fight to first blood over a simple insult - it is the entire honor of a knight at stake. Mistakes happen.
Years past, before I became a Champion, when I was just a lone girl exploring the world, I fought a lot of my own duels - I made my silver that way, enough to get by, and it was fun, and I was good at it. But it was always taunts and songs, little things. The easiest to provoke were, almost inevitably, the knights. Not the ones who stood tall and proud and had earned the title through great self-sacrifice, truly embodying honor. No, the ones who used the term as a way to let you know that they were better than you, who insisted loudly on being called 'Sir', usually gaining their knighthood from some simple roadside ceremony and never really knowing what it meant.
When you accept a challenge, as a knight, you run a risk - a real risk. Not only is it a question on your honor to not simply apologize when you have truly hurt someone, or to apologize and get it done with if it's a minor grievance, but if Gloria proves your opponent true and really shows you have no honor left?
What then?
Of course, sometimes someone is egregious enough to show that before the fight even starts, and it becomes plain for the world to see what sort of person they really are.
Years past, before I became a Champion, when I was just a lone girl exploring the world, I fought a lot of my own duels - I made my silver that way, enough to get by, and it was fun, and I was good at it. But it was always taunts and songs, little things. The easiest to provoke were, almost inevitably, the knights. Not the ones who stood tall and proud and had earned the title through great self-sacrifice, truly embodying honor. No, the ones who used the term as a way to let you know that they were better than you, who insisted loudly on being called 'Sir', usually gaining their knighthood from some simple roadside ceremony and never really knowing what it meant.
When you accept a challenge, as a knight, you run a risk - a real risk. Not only is it a question on your honor to not simply apologize when you have truly hurt someone, or to apologize and get it done with if it's a minor grievance, but if Gloria proves your opponent true and really shows you have no honor left?
What then?
Of course, sometimes someone is egregious enough to show that before the fight even starts, and it becomes plain for the world to see what sort of person they really are.
Written By Leola
July 24, 2018, 11:59 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fianna
You've not met my hawk, Aletta, then?
Horse, hawk, hound. Three animals suited for the hunt, and I do train all three. The methods are different, of course; a hawk won't care a whit for the rewards a horse loves.
Horse, hawk, hound. Three animals suited for the hunt, and I do train all three. The methods are different, of course; a hawk won't care a whit for the rewards a horse loves.
Written By Norwood
July 24, 2018, 11:45 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
There is no honor in accepting a grieving man's challenge. There are allowances that ought to be made for sorrow.
Written By Appolonia
July 24, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I've met this Sir Ober briefly, so I cannot speak to his entire character but perhaps I have no need to wonder on such from what I am seeing and hearing. As I do know Sir Jeffeth far better and treasure him as my dear friend I am appalled he is being treated in such a fashion during such a difficult time.
If he is in mourning, why not respect the man and give him peace?
Where is your honor?
If he is in mourning, why not respect the man and give him peace?
Where is your honor?
Written By Aureth
July 24, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
This is the text of a twilight sermon I gave a few nights ago, on the occasion of a funeral. I don't record all my sermons and speeches because many of them, frankly, aren't worth it, or if they are worth recording, it is only in how words might touch the hearts of those who hear them at the time. But then I think about how Sister Gisele would think of that attitude, and I go... all right.
Mourning is always for what we have lost. It is natural to feel ... rage, for what is no longer yours. A part of your life is gone. It has been taken from you without your control, without your power to affect it. Anger is a part of what we feel when our loved one has returned to the embrace of the Queen. It's not because we begrudge the Queen her touch upon her creation. It's simpler than that. It's more basic.
This was mine and now it's gone. This was mine. At our most base, at our most simple, we are territorial. That was taken from me and it was mine.
It is easy, when you have lost someone you love, to be angry with the person for leaving you. They're gone. How dare they. How dare their death take from me what was mine, what their living gave to me.
It is easy, when the doctors have failed to save someone you love, to be angry with the doctor. That was my friend. That was my lover. That was my son. You are the healer. How dare you fail to help me. It's your fault.
Fault.
Blame.
It's easy to blame yourself, when you've lost someone you love. If only I was there. If only I had been there, if only I could have done something.
What would you do? What would you have done?
When a baby dies in the arms of her mother, we weep for that baby, for the life that didn't get to be. Of course we do. And we're angry. Because how dare life do that. How dare you, Death, how DARE you place that child's soul in this world only to take her back again so soon.
But Death doesn't take. Death accepts.
I challenge you, now, to accept.
Accept that all things end so that they may begin again. Accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Accept that you can live a good life, a charitable life, a life according to the virtues of the Pantheon, and that life will end. Accept that sometimes, there is nothing you could do. There is no one to blame.
Life happens.
Death happens.
Start anew. Find a new beginning.
Don't blame yourself. Accept, as Death accepts. Love yourself, as Death loves you. She made your soul, as she made the soul of the person you love, and she will welcome you to Her embrace when it is your time.
Don't blame the healer. Accept, as Death accepts. Recognize that sometimes disease strikes, sometimes there is illness, there is tragedy in the world, sometimes a child dies. It's ugly. It's hard. But your doctor didn't do it to you.
Don't blame the one you lost. Accept, as Death accepts. Know that if their ending came, their soul will begin again in the arms of its creator.
It is easy to blame. It is easy to fault. It is easy, because it is simple, it is reactive, it is instant. I am angry, I am sad, I feel this.
Acceptance is hard. Forgiveness is hard. Take the time that you need. Remember Lagoma's path. If at first you fail, it's all right. It's all right for it to take time.
But I challenge you not to give up.
Now, if you are still reading this dramatically long message, I would add this coda:
If your friend died for something. If they were a soldier who chose their battlefield. If they were a warrior who knew what they faced. If your friend _chose_.
Respect that. Allow them the dignity of their death. If there is anything in this life that you would choose to die for, then I challenge you to accept that choice in another.
When you're ready.
Mourning is always for what we have lost. It is natural to feel ... rage, for what is no longer yours. A part of your life is gone. It has been taken from you without your control, without your power to affect it. Anger is a part of what we feel when our loved one has returned to the embrace of the Queen. It's not because we begrudge the Queen her touch upon her creation. It's simpler than that. It's more basic.
This was mine and now it's gone. This was mine. At our most base, at our most simple, we are territorial. That was taken from me and it was mine.
It is easy, when you have lost someone you love, to be angry with the person for leaving you. They're gone. How dare they. How dare their death take from me what was mine, what their living gave to me.
It is easy, when the doctors have failed to save someone you love, to be angry with the doctor. That was my friend. That was my lover. That was my son. You are the healer. How dare you fail to help me. It's your fault.
Fault.
Blame.
It's easy to blame yourself, when you've lost someone you love. If only I was there. If only I had been there, if only I could have done something.
What would you do? What would you have done?
When a baby dies in the arms of her mother, we weep for that baby, for the life that didn't get to be. Of course we do. And we're angry. Because how dare life do that. How dare you, Death, how DARE you place that child's soul in this world only to take her back again so soon.
But Death doesn't take. Death accepts.
I challenge you, now, to accept.
Accept that all things end so that they may begin again. Accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Accept that you can live a good life, a charitable life, a life according to the virtues of the Pantheon, and that life will end. Accept that sometimes, there is nothing you could do. There is no one to blame.
Life happens.
Death happens.
Start anew. Find a new beginning.
Don't blame yourself. Accept, as Death accepts. Love yourself, as Death loves you. She made your soul, as she made the soul of the person you love, and she will welcome you to Her embrace when it is your time.
Don't blame the healer. Accept, as Death accepts. Recognize that sometimes disease strikes, sometimes there is illness, there is tragedy in the world, sometimes a child dies. It's ugly. It's hard. But your doctor didn't do it to you.
Don't blame the one you lost. Accept, as Death accepts. Know that if their ending came, their soul will begin again in the arms of its creator.
It is easy to blame. It is easy to fault. It is easy, because it is simple, it is reactive, it is instant. I am angry, I am sad, I feel this.
Acceptance is hard. Forgiveness is hard. Take the time that you need. Remember Lagoma's path. If at first you fail, it's all right. It's all right for it to take time.
But I challenge you not to give up.
Now, if you are still reading this dramatically long message, I would add this coda:
If your friend died for something. If they were a soldier who chose their battlefield. If they were a warrior who knew what they faced. If your friend _chose_.
Respect that. Allow them the dignity of their death. If there is anything in this life that you would choose to die for, then I challenge you to accept that choice in another.
When you're ready.
Written By Caith
July 24, 2018, 11:20 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
For shame! When a man in mourning and overcome with grief challenges you to a duel, the correct response is simply to apologize for the offense given -- not to accept the challenge and certainly not to fight the duel yourself. Where is your sense? Where is your heart? My goodness, where is your /decency/?!
This is not knightly behavior at all!
For shame!
This is not knightly behavior at all!
For shame!
Written By Aureth
July 24, 2018, 11:07 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I mean... what do you expect from a man who can't be bothered to even try and find a Champion when his bad behavior is called out? Of course Sir Jordan Ober hasn't the etiquette to fill a teaspoon, so his command of human empathy is likewise obviously stunted.
Written By Aureth
July 24, 2018, 11:07 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I mean... what do you expect from a man who can't be bothered to even try and find a Champion when his bad behavior is called out? Of course Sir Jordan Ober hasn't the etiquette to fill a teaspoon, so his command of human empathy is likewise obviously stunted.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.