Written By Fairen
July 23, 2018, 1:46 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
I had the most humbling pleasure of meeting the wonderful, brilliant mind and character that is Lady Delilah Whitehawk, and what a joy it was indeed. Her words, and the presentation of her thoughts and ideals were enough to enamor the mind of any person.
If you should ever so wish to speak with me at any length about any subject, I would be delighted to do so.
If you should ever so wish to speak with me at any length about any subject, I would be delighted to do so.
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 1:46 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cullen
I am going to absolutely fight Kenna for his company. Fear me, sister. Cullen is just the sort of person to exemplify the best things said about redheads, and that betokens fun in the future.
In truth, a wonderful soul.
In truth, a wonderful soul.
Written By Thena
July 23, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Knight Votary Baron Stefano Gilden.
Gild light their paths, all of them.
Gild light their paths, all of them.
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
Proof that title is no impediment to approachability and amiability. There must be something in the Oathlands water of late, for I have found one resident of Valardinian lands after another sharing the same esteemed qualities of kindness and fine conversation. Maybe it helps I saw the collapse of the duke's most serious expression before my own gave way yesterday, but he made speaking of everything under the sun effortless.
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 1:43 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
I should be mildly bemused that you snatched up a potential recruit to the Scholars with such ease and confidence. That's a new tack and one simply inviting and reassuring in a single stroke. A simple extension of an offer in the midst of a conversation, after assuring someone that reading romantic novels is neither a cause for shame or restricted solely to one gender. To think!
Not only do you have excellent taste in folios, you have all the qualities a teacher should, especially for those who find instruction and lessons daunting. I have the feeling we will be talking much in days to come about near everything?
Not only do you have excellent taste in folios, you have all the qualities a teacher should, especially for those who find instruction and lessons daunting. I have the feeling we will be talking much in days to come about near everything?
Written By Preston
July 23, 2018, 1:41 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Brother Martin. Grandmaster Armel. Disciple Cassius. The three knights of Solace with him. The Legate of Arts. The Legate of Creation. Brother Driskell. Disciple Sir Darrow. Templar Armand. Sir Viktor. Tens of thousands of Brothers, Sisters of the Faith Militant and Disciples at Stormwall. It has been a hard year or so. A hard time.
Written By Niklas
July 23, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Finished a week of regular meditation at the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
Lemme say, wouldn't recommend it.
First of all, the whole presentation? Very dramatic. I love it. Just don't go in with wet shoes. That floor is kept to a shine and shine means no traction and no traction means I slipped every damn day. By the end I just started dropping down and shuffling around to get wherever I was going.
Secondly, I sat on one of the benches at one point but spent the entire time feeling like I wasn't supposed to be sitting on the bench. I eventually went back to just standing, but whenever anyone came in I couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to look at me and say 'hey, did you sit on that bench?' and that would be it for me. Goodbye tongue.
Speaking of the silent people? Grim. I mean, it makes the point and makes it well. And sure, you'd think that a group of people who can't talk would be happy to have someone talking to them, but by the second day I started to suspect that I was beginning to annoy them.
I brought my banjo in one day. A person wearing a mirror on their face gave me a look. They didn't /say/ anything, but I didn't try playing it.
As far as the meditative part of it goes, when you sit there for a few hours and stare at your reflection in a black surface, it's not hard to imagine that one is seeing something inherently sinister after a while. But then I'd think of something funny for my next play, The Dinner, or maybe a hook for my musical adaption of The Good Duke of Gemecitta, and it would go away. Perhaps I'm too distractable for silent meditation. (Master Voss, you may shut up before speaking.)
Anyway, of all the shrines I've ever spent eight hours a day for a week meditating in, this was certainly the only one.
Lemme say, wouldn't recommend it.
First of all, the whole presentation? Very dramatic. I love it. Just don't go in with wet shoes. That floor is kept to a shine and shine means no traction and no traction means I slipped every damn day. By the end I just started dropping down and shuffling around to get wherever I was going.
Secondly, I sat on one of the benches at one point but spent the entire time feeling like I wasn't supposed to be sitting on the bench. I eventually went back to just standing, but whenever anyone came in I couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to look at me and say 'hey, did you sit on that bench?' and that would be it for me. Goodbye tongue.
Speaking of the silent people? Grim. I mean, it makes the point and makes it well. And sure, you'd think that a group of people who can't talk would be happy to have someone talking to them, but by the second day I started to suspect that I was beginning to annoy them.
I brought my banjo in one day. A person wearing a mirror on their face gave me a look. They didn't /say/ anything, but I didn't try playing it.
As far as the meditative part of it goes, when you sit there for a few hours and stare at your reflection in a black surface, it's not hard to imagine that one is seeing something inherently sinister after a while. But then I'd think of something funny for my next play, The Dinner, or maybe a hook for my musical adaption of The Good Duke of Gemecitta, and it would go away. Perhaps I'm too distractable for silent meditation. (Master Voss, you may shut up before speaking.)
Anyway, of all the shrines I've ever spent eight hours a day for a week meditating in, this was certainly the only one.
Written By Jeffeth
July 23, 2018, 12:53 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
There's not many trees in the Lowers. As an orphan in the Lowers, I didn't see them very often. Trees. I remember as a little boy telling Brother Martin about how I didn't know what a tree looked like. Not really. He pretended we were going to go on a forbidden journey to see one of the biggest and most beautiful trees there were. As an adult I'm not sure if he was really breaking any rules, but he acted like it was our secret. He took me on a ride outside of Arx. I'm sure I saw trees before that in passing, but I remember thinking this was the first time I really got to look at them. I got to see animals past hungry dogs and filthy cats.
He took me to a tree that was huge. I know it's not the biggest tree in the world now, but I thought it had to be at the time. So old, roots so deep. No one could cut down that tree. Not even the gods could cut down a tree with roots that deep.
He was old even when we were little. That is to say there was never a time in my life when he didn't seem very, very old. I often thought that he must know everything there is to know about the world. As I grew up I learned that he didn't but I also learned from him what wisdom looked like, what wisdom sounded like. I know I don't always make the wise choices, but I know what it sounds like, what it looks like. I feel like I know it when I hear it. A lot of people in this city think they're wise, or they want to be wise so bad they pretend they are. I know when it's real and I know when it's fake because of him. He was wise, real wisdom, not like some of the idiots in this city who just want to sound smart. He knew how to make the people around him better, and he would act in that way, to support people, even if it meant him giving up something he wanted.
I would always get upset that I didn't have a family. A lot of kids from the orphanage never get one. He told me that family is what I made it to be. Andry and I were just as much brothers as any two kids that happened to have the same mom and the same dad and knew who they were because of the love and care we had for each other. Andry and I thought we made ourselves family back then, that it was our choice. But it was Martin that did it, that gave us the kind of love no one else had ever given us. We called him Grandpa, but really, he was our father. He is the only father I have ever known, he raised me and everything I am is in thanks to him. He didn't have any children of his own blood but he was a better father to two orphan children than many fathers of blood I've seen in my years. He was a kind man, a gentle man, a good man.
He wrote me a letter before this happened. A letter that made me very sad, because it sounded like he thought he was going to die soon. I eventually wrote it off because I feel like he's been saying he's going to die soon my whole life, because he has always been just so old. But then this happened. He had to have done it on purpose. And that's why he said goodbye to me. And I never wrote back.
Not many people I know in this city knew Martin. But all the children did. All the children, all the priests. He was not just a man, he was a force. Any place Martin went was better off for it. Him simply being there solved problems. He had deep roots. So old, roots so deep. No one could cut down that tree. Not even the gods could cut down that tree.
That's what I thought.
To the 'heroes' that were present when Martin fell, I'm not sure I'll ever forgive you. I'll probably try, later, when I'm not so angry, when I can stop crying every time I think about him. But I don't know. You should have done better. You should have saved him. You should have made it so he didn't feel like he had to do what he did. I'm sure other people will say you did good, that you're heroes. To me, you failed.
I'm not going to be around for a while.
He took me to a tree that was huge. I know it's not the biggest tree in the world now, but I thought it had to be at the time. So old, roots so deep. No one could cut down that tree. Not even the gods could cut down a tree with roots that deep.
He was old even when we were little. That is to say there was never a time in my life when he didn't seem very, very old. I often thought that he must know everything there is to know about the world. As I grew up I learned that he didn't but I also learned from him what wisdom looked like, what wisdom sounded like. I know I don't always make the wise choices, but I know what it sounds like, what it looks like. I feel like I know it when I hear it. A lot of people in this city think they're wise, or they want to be wise so bad they pretend they are. I know when it's real and I know when it's fake because of him. He was wise, real wisdom, not like some of the idiots in this city who just want to sound smart. He knew how to make the people around him better, and he would act in that way, to support people, even if it meant him giving up something he wanted.
I would always get upset that I didn't have a family. A lot of kids from the orphanage never get one. He told me that family is what I made it to be. Andry and I were just as much brothers as any two kids that happened to have the same mom and the same dad and knew who they were because of the love and care we had for each other. Andry and I thought we made ourselves family back then, that it was our choice. But it was Martin that did it, that gave us the kind of love no one else had ever given us. We called him Grandpa, but really, he was our father. He is the only father I have ever known, he raised me and everything I am is in thanks to him. He didn't have any children of his own blood but he was a better father to two orphan children than many fathers of blood I've seen in my years. He was a kind man, a gentle man, a good man.
He wrote me a letter before this happened. A letter that made me very sad, because it sounded like he thought he was going to die soon. I eventually wrote it off because I feel like he's been saying he's going to die soon my whole life, because he has always been just so old. But then this happened. He had to have done it on purpose. And that's why he said goodbye to me. And I never wrote back.
Not many people I know in this city knew Martin. But all the children did. All the children, all the priests. He was not just a man, he was a force. Any place Martin went was better off for it. Him simply being there solved problems. He had deep roots. So old, roots so deep. No one could cut down that tree. Not even the gods could cut down that tree.
That's what I thought.
To the 'heroes' that were present when Martin fell, I'm not sure I'll ever forgive you. I'll probably try, later, when I'm not so angry, when I can stop crying every time I think about him. But I don't know. You should have done better. You should have saved him. You should have made it so he didn't feel like he had to do what he did. I'm sure other people will say you did good, that you're heroes. To me, you failed.
I'm not going to be around for a while.
Written By Mia
July 23, 2018, 12:50 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Recently, my husband procured an advanced copy of "The Baron's Muse - Part II" for me as a gift for my birthday.
I've just finished it, and must admit that I am entirely enamoured with it and with its characters. What a lovely present to have received! But in addition to thanking the Count, I must also thank the proprietor of the Gilded Page, Lady Monique Greenmarch, for providing the copy and the anonymous "Storm Night" -- its author -- for agreeing to the sale of the early manuscript. You, good sir or madam, whoever you may be, have my heartfelt pledge that it will remain locked in our private collections and its content locked away in my head until it has been released to the public at large.
After all, I'd hate to spoil the surprise for your other readers.
I've just finished it, and must admit that I am entirely enamoured with it and with its characters. What a lovely present to have received! But in addition to thanking the Count, I must also thank the proprietor of the Gilded Page, Lady Monique Greenmarch, for providing the copy and the anonymous "Storm Night" -- its author -- for agreeing to the sale of the early manuscript. You, good sir or madam, whoever you may be, have my heartfelt pledge that it will remain locked in our private collections and its content locked away in my head until it has been released to the public at large.
After all, I'd hate to spoil the surprise for your other readers.
Written By Thorley
July 23, 2018, 12:28 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Violet and I had planned to join the very serious bath party, but we were not allowed. Specifically, Violet was not allowed because of her social standing. It is not the first time I had seen similar - but I would hope that a commandant of a group that many had contracts with would not be considered to be of worth. I am disappointed, but we found other ways to pass the evening rather serioisly.
Written By Amari
July 23, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
I temporarily lost my sense of humor at Baron Norwood and Amanda Whisper's very serious party for serious people. I offer my sincerest apologies to all, especially Lord Giulio Mazetti. My objections were valid, but they were impolitely expressed and I should have graciously accepted the decision of the host.
Goodwoman Rowenova, Lady Lisebet and Lady Rosalie, were all truly deserving of the win. From the beginning to end, all of them endured and persisted with humorless courage and valor against all kinds of frivolous hilarity and ludicrousness. Had we not all cracked at Lord Giulio's joke, I imagine we'd still be in the pool now, all stone faced, prune fingered and very, very serious.
I was irritated that they'd not be properly acknowledged for their heroic fortitude thanks to a latecomer's irregular entry and subsequent win, and my legal training took over where diplomacy would have been the better option.
Goodwoman Rowenova, Lady Lisebet and Lady Rosalie, were all truly deserving of the win. From the beginning to end, all of them endured and persisted with humorless courage and valor against all kinds of frivolous hilarity and ludicrousness. Had we not all cracked at Lord Giulio's joke, I imagine we'd still be in the pool now, all stone faced, prune fingered and very, very serious.
I was irritated that they'd not be properly acknowledged for their heroic fortitude thanks to a latecomer's irregular entry and subsequent win, and my legal training took over where diplomacy would have been the better option.
Written By Sparte
July 23, 2018, 11:09 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Wylla
Am I doing this right? Will this show up in Archlector Wylla's journals? Alright, well, I usually write these myself. Should I - no? You have it? Okay then.
Tell her that I'm not really sure if the craftsmen can build a box into a wall or not. What? No, not a window Wilhelm, a box. Like a jewelry box. No I don't think there are any jewels inside of it.
Maybe they can just leave it at the shrine... Wilhelm, take a message for Wylla suggesting she accept it as a regular offering. I mean she asked for my advice, though it feels a bit like I'm out of my depth on what is or isn't a good offering.
Yes, Wilhelm. I'm sure. What do you - why are you still writing?!
Tell her that I'm not really sure if the craftsmen can build a box into a wall or not. What? No, not a window Wilhelm, a box. Like a jewelry box. No I don't think there are any jewels inside of it.
Maybe they can just leave it at the shrine... Wilhelm, take a message for Wylla suggesting she accept it as a regular offering. I mean she asked for my advice, though it feels a bit like I'm out of my depth on what is or isn't a good offering.
Yes, Wilhelm. I'm sure. What do you - why are you still writing?!
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 10:58 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Today is the day I brave that testament of 'arrival' in Arx, as it were, for any member of the nobility. Seeking out a protégé counts as something significant, a right of passage of sorts for any person with a title, doesn't it? Or rather, it marks that more essential turning point, to me.
So much of my knowledge came through the caring and patient study with other tutors and teachers. Even now I learn such a great deal from experts in their fields. Society wouldn't be where we are without the dissemination of knowledge made freely, as so richly embodied by the disciples of Vellichor -- and near everyone else in the Faith, and the broader world. But there is something to a student being able to pass on that knowledge and hard-won insights to another, empowering them to achieve whatever goals they hold, armed with new skills. I'm more than likely getting ahead of myself but it counts, for something, to be able to make a different sort of alliance. At the very least, I have tremendous examples all around.
And there's simply too much work to be done for a single soul to manage it all. I have no idea how the king or the high lords do all they do other than by delegation and a lack of sleep.
So much of my knowledge came through the caring and patient study with other tutors and teachers. Even now I learn such a great deal from experts in their fields. Society wouldn't be where we are without the dissemination of knowledge made freely, as so richly embodied by the disciples of Vellichor -- and near everyone else in the Faith, and the broader world. But there is something to a student being able to pass on that knowledge and hard-won insights to another, empowering them to achieve whatever goals they hold, armed with new skills. I'm more than likely getting ahead of myself but it counts, for something, to be able to make a different sort of alliance. At the very least, I have tremendous examples all around.
And there's simply too much work to be done for a single soul to manage it all. I have no idea how the king or the high lords do all they do other than by delegation and a lack of sleep.
Written By Khanne
July 23, 2018, 10:54 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
That is a serious threat. Have you seen his table manners? Better yet... have you -heard- his table manners? Simply atrocious. I feel deep pity for any woman who accepts a dinner date with my brother. I might also question their sanity after recent occurrences.
But of course, a little performance art will never be a match to a couple of raucous rabbits.
But that is a different tangent.
If Darren threatens this upon anyone, please, I do beseech you to consider your options carefully. It will likely be in your best interest to simply do as the High Lord requests and save yourself this experience.
But of course, a little performance art will never be a match to a couple of raucous rabbits.
But that is a different tangent.
If Darren threatens this upon anyone, please, I do beseech you to consider your options carefully. It will likely be in your best interest to simply do as the High Lord requests and save yourself this experience.
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 10:53 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Let it never be said House Whitehawk lacks a sense of humor. Failing at maintaining the necessary stern seriousness expected of an Oathlander in one of their contests, I failed spectacularly well. Failing upward by laughing at a ribald joke, and /not/ the jest about Gild's view of wealth and time, accounts for a roaring success, surely. Especially with the Archlector, Etienne, right there in the same pool. Let it be said Lady Monique is dangerously witty. I must investigate this further.
Written By Fairen
July 23, 2018, 10:15 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
I wonder what crime I must commit to be threatened with such. Perhaps if the crime is not too dreadful itself, I shall consider committing it to have the pleasure (this word has a line through it) horror of your company.
Written By Valery
July 23, 2018, 10:12 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Spring is finally back!
Written By Tikva
July 23, 2018, 10:07 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Now I am honestly wondering if Alaric uses threats of my company at dinner on people.
Written By Niklas
July 23, 2018, 9:52 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Finished my first genuine portrait and couldn't have asked for a better model. No, Master Voss, it isn't of you. I'm still busy at work making certain there is enough glitter for your smile. No, this was of my beautiful and radiant Sabella. I'm still a rather mediocre painter, so I didn't capture half of her comeliness, the joy for life in her eyes or that little touch of slyness so many others miss in her smile, but even my poor skill couldn't mar her immaculate grace and charm. As a burgeoning artist who has known what he wanted to paint for far longer than he has been able to paint, I already have ideas for my follow up, but with such a truly inspiring model I cannot imagine that I will not return to Sabella again and again.
Written By Darren
July 23, 2018, 9:49 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
How much easier I find it to lead this fealty when all know I hold Arik Halfshav at bay, ready to unleash him upon the unsuspecting at a moment's notice. His meetings are becoming the stuff of legends, and I can always count on him to make a lasting impression. He is a rather... intense... man.
Soon I'll be able to get my way in the North merely by threatening to send Arik to dinner.
Soon I'll be able to get my way in the North merely by threatening to send Arik to dinner.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.