Written By Reigna
July 19, 2018, 8:35 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
Does that mean we should not strive towards it?
The body is healthiest in balance. I mean no blaspheme to Our Lady of Change, I am not proselytizing the grandeur of stasis -- balance in a living thing, is in a constant state of motion, of change. But imbalance on a grand scale breeds sickness. When the blood rises too strong and the skin reddens and hardens and ears pound with the internal drums of rage, men can fall to apoplexy or their blood can spoil and cause pustules to form. Blood must be drawn away from those areas, herbs given to cleanse and rejuvenate the blood. If the black bile grows too strong, it can drive a man to depression, their organs may fail and their spleen can even rupture.
We are all imbalanced, but we try to find the path to walk, the point on the scales in which, if just for a moment, all is aligned.
The body is healthiest in balance. I mean no blaspheme to Our Lady of Change, I am not proselytizing the grandeur of stasis -- balance in a living thing, is in a constant state of motion, of change. But imbalance on a grand scale breeds sickness. When the blood rises too strong and the skin reddens and hardens and ears pound with the internal drums of rage, men can fall to apoplexy or their blood can spoil and cause pustules to form. Blood must be drawn away from those areas, herbs given to cleanse and rejuvenate the blood. If the black bile grows too strong, it can drive a man to depression, their organs may fail and their spleen can even rupture.
We are all imbalanced, but we try to find the path to walk, the point on the scales in which, if just for a moment, all is aligned.
Written By Lumen
July 19, 2018, 8:01 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
The successes of others don't diminish my own. The only thing that's Out is you... of your mind. Oh, dear. I seem to have misplaced wittle Flopsy. It'd be such a shame if he got loose in somebody's rooms. Much like yourself, he finds ordinary silk fabrics rather beneath him.
Written By Fortunato
July 19, 2018, 7:53 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
We are, all of us, unbalanced.
Written By Bliss
July 19, 2018, 7:14 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Amanda
Lumen is OUT, Amanda is IN.
Written By Vanora
July 19, 2018, 6:43 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
My Cherished Friend,
It was you who reminded me of the Velenosa words and their Reflection. Loyalty, real loyalty, is something that goes deeper than blood, deeper than friendship, it is an oath so strong it needs no vows to accompany.
You have my loyalty because you have earned it, because you are deserving of it. You have my love and my friendship for such too, but it is the loyalty that sinks deepest, that becomes flesh and bone. It is freely given, and you need never thank me for coming to your aid.
I will every time.
It was you who reminded me of the Velenosa words and their Reflection. Loyalty, real loyalty, is something that goes deeper than blood, deeper than friendship, it is an oath so strong it needs no vows to accompany.
You have my loyalty because you have earned it, because you are deserving of it. You have my love and my friendship for such too, but it is the loyalty that sinks deepest, that becomes flesh and bone. It is freely given, and you need never thank me for coming to your aid.
I will every time.
Written By Eirene
July 19, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
I really need to kill something. My sword has been unbloodied for too long and I've not made a single strike against our foes. Oh yes, I research and plan and plot and it's all for nothing.
I really need to stab something evil and watch it die.
I really need to stab something evil and watch it die.
Written By Thesarin
July 19, 2018, 6:02 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
The Marquessa of Keaton ain't worng, but the sort who'd want to hold off bloodshed might do better finding work other than sword-selling.
Or not. Plenty of soldiers who'd rather march around and talk shit by a fire than find themself in a battle, and I ain't about to grudge them that. But that's the work.
The captain-general makes his coin for ending lives, and he ain't often lacking work from the worthies of the Compact, how I hear it.
Or not. Plenty of soldiers who'd rather march around and talk shit by a fire than find themself in a battle, and I ain't about to grudge them that. But that's the work.
The captain-general makes his coin for ending lives, and he ain't often lacking work from the worthies of the Compact, how I hear it.
Written By Shard
July 19, 2018, 6:01 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
It wouldn't make much sense for him to fight against it, considering that's how we manage to eat (although, these days, Audric himself isn't going to have to worry about having enough silver to eat ever, ever again). And understand when I wrote 'you', it was a general you. The nobility are our biggest customers, even if you don't personally hire sellswords. We're the convenient muscle, particularly when someone wants to be able to look cleaner than they are. Most commoners can't afford us.
As for Audric? He doesn't need my defense. I will, however, say this. He enjoys life more than anyone else I've ever met. He's determined to enjoy all of it, because it's damn short and fucking violent. He laughs at death and grins in war. I don't pretend to always understand him, but he's made his decision about how he wants to be when his entire life until recently has been killing for coin.
Make no mistake though. I wouldn't want to be the person who thinks because he laughs and jokes at violence that means they can mess with /anyone/ under his protection. You're disturbed by Audric when he's enjoying himself? I've seen Audric when he's actually angry.
As for Audric? He doesn't need my defense. I will, however, say this. He enjoys life more than anyone else I've ever met. He's determined to enjoy all of it, because it's damn short and fucking violent. He laughs at death and grins in war. I don't pretend to always understand him, but he's made his decision about how he wants to be when his entire life until recently has been killing for coin.
Make no mistake though. I wouldn't want to be the person who thinks because he laughs and jokes at violence that means they can mess with /anyone/ under his protection. You're disturbed by Audric when he's enjoying himself? I've seen Audric when he's actually angry.
Written By Fecundo
July 19, 2018, 5:56 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Stopping into Works Obscura to have a look at the Blades Garden, who should I run into, but Miriari, herself. When I explained to her that I was simply seeking a high quality steel weapon for the strict purpose of using in duels, she was more than happy to oblige. I provided the steel and she provided the creativity. What was delivered to me was nothing short of a work of art. At first glimpse, I nearly wanted to hang it on a wall and look at it. Then I went through practice motions with the weapon. All I can say is that I cannot wait to use it in a duel.
Written By Lumen
July 19, 2018, 5:52 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
The indication of a truly sophisticated individual lies in their ability to engage with a wide array of culture while withholding judgment. You'll have to pry the color yellow, coronets, and fur-lined ankle-booties out of my cold dead fingertips. Deal with it.
Written By Reigna
July 19, 2018, 5:21 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
You are right, and you are not.
First, you are correct that how one feels about the act of killing is likely of little consequence to the person who is dying. But a person who delights in something is less likely to fight against having more of it, would you agree? They might be less inclined to go to the lengths to avoid a situation in which they might find themselves in a position to do that thing they enjoy.
I cannot speak for others, but I do not believe I have ever spent coin on mercenary forces. I cannot begrudge their use, especially when fighting foes that out number us as extensively as the Pirate King's forces.
And I *should* acknowledge Baron deLire's point that the things he faces these days are rarely human. That is a mercy indeed.
I merely pointed out that if someone feels a rush of pleasure so intensely at killing another being that it was worth mentioning. That it was worrisome. I am not calling him bad, or evil or wrong. I am simply pointing out that there may be something unbalanced within him. He might be sick. Or he could simply be the sort of person that happily kills other human beings. Either way, I was concerned.
First, you are correct that how one feels about the act of killing is likely of little consequence to the person who is dying. But a person who delights in something is less likely to fight against having more of it, would you agree? They might be less inclined to go to the lengths to avoid a situation in which they might find themselves in a position to do that thing they enjoy.
I cannot speak for others, but I do not believe I have ever spent coin on mercenary forces. I cannot begrudge their use, especially when fighting foes that out number us as extensively as the Pirate King's forces.
And I *should* acknowledge Baron deLire's point that the things he faces these days are rarely human. That is a mercy indeed.
I merely pointed out that if someone feels a rush of pleasure so intensely at killing another being that it was worth mentioning. That it was worrisome. I am not calling him bad, or evil or wrong. I am simply pointing out that there may be something unbalanced within him. He might be sick. Or he could simply be the sort of person that happily kills other human beings. Either way, I was concerned.
Written By Valdemar
July 19, 2018, 4:52 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Child,
Recent journal entries of others have me thinking about life. It is a precious thing, which will no doubt seem odd coming from a man who has spent most of his years learning to kill, training to take it. Admittedly, there is a rush unlike any other when you are in a fight for your life, when you will likely need to kill in order to walk away from the conflict yourself. And make no mistake, there are absolutely times when it must be done.
It is entirely possible, given our family's traditions, that you will have similar training as well. Hopefully, it will be at my own hand, in which case I can relay much of what I am about to write down to you in person. The world is not always a kind place, however, and so I am putting this to paper in the event that others have to carry out that duty in my place. The most important lesson a warrior can learn is that your sword, axe, or whatever other weapon you end up favoring will not always solve your problems, and even when it can, it is not always the best solution. Because even in an honorable contest that is meant to not be lethal, or one fought entirely with sparring weapons for that matter, death can come. This is not a lesson that weapon instructors often think to teach, but it is one that I struggle with often, myself. For the sake of the people who will one day rely on you for not just strength, but wisdom and justice as well, I hope you can learn this lesson long before I did, myself. Knowing when to take other approaches will make your own life longer and more valuable, and will let you tap into the potential of others you might send to the Queen of Endings too soon.
Recent journal entries of others have me thinking about life. It is a precious thing, which will no doubt seem odd coming from a man who has spent most of his years learning to kill, training to take it. Admittedly, there is a rush unlike any other when you are in a fight for your life, when you will likely need to kill in order to walk away from the conflict yourself. And make no mistake, there are absolutely times when it must be done.
It is entirely possible, given our family's traditions, that you will have similar training as well. Hopefully, it will be at my own hand, in which case I can relay much of what I am about to write down to you in person. The world is not always a kind place, however, and so I am putting this to paper in the event that others have to carry out that duty in my place. The most important lesson a warrior can learn is that your sword, axe, or whatever other weapon you end up favoring will not always solve your problems, and even when it can, it is not always the best solution. Because even in an honorable contest that is meant to not be lethal, or one fought entirely with sparring weapons for that matter, death can come. This is not a lesson that weapon instructors often think to teach, but it is one that I struggle with often, myself. For the sake of the people who will one day rely on you for not just strength, but wisdom and justice as well, I hope you can learn this lesson long before I did, myself. Knowing when to take other approaches will make your own life longer and more valuable, and will let you tap into the potential of others you might send to the Queen of Endings too soon.
Written By Shard
July 19, 2018, 4:50 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Killing is killing. What difference does it make to the dead person what you feel when you do it? Whether you're gleeful or sorry or grim and filled with duty? They're still dead. Their families still mourn. It only makes a difference to you. It only matters to you. It's an entirely selfish concern.
If you're going to bother about the dead, be sure the person you're killing deserves to die first. The people who hire sellswords rarely give a shit about that kind of thing. You put a literal price on life every single day, and it's usually a fucking bargain, both in the people you're putting gold down to kill, and the people you're paying to do it. Mercenaries are expendable, that's why we get put on the front lines in battle. You know that. That's why you pay us to stand there. At the very least, the man you're all wagging your fingers at manages to get you to pay a lot more for the lives you've decided money can replace. You made him rich with it.
If you're going to bother about the dead, be sure the person you're killing deserves to die first. The people who hire sellswords rarely give a shit about that kind of thing. You put a literal price on life every single day, and it's usually a fucking bargain, both in the people you're putting gold down to kill, and the people you're paying to do it. Mercenaries are expendable, that's why we get put on the front lines in battle. You know that. That's why you pay us to stand there. At the very least, the man you're all wagging your fingers at manages to get you to pay a lot more for the lives you've decided money can replace. You made him rich with it.
Written By Morrighan
July 19, 2018, 4:44 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
You're most welcome for the tea and chocolate, had I known it was your first time having the latter, I'd have given you Dero's share. ALL OF IT.
Written By Morrighan
July 19, 2018, 4:17 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
YOU DIRTY SNEAK THIEF.
Written By Bliss
July 19, 2018, 3:56 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
With a Commoners Ball approaching and Spring just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to further describe current fashion trends so that no one is left feeling awkward and out of date at the ball.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
You remind me why I am grateful for such acquaintances as I have been blessed to know upon my arrival to Arx.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:26 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
I wish it were easier to trust the world. The funny part of knowledge, the more you get, the better you understand those barriers created by our parents to establish a civil society aren't entirely real. The artificial boundaries do a fine job allowing a maturing mind to test ideas, and to learn about the world, within relative safety. I suppose that's not an insignificant purpose for a parent: making an environment in which a child can make increasing forays into the greater world at large without being utterly maimed in the process. I can only imagine how much a burden I put on my dear papa and mumsy, forever trying to leap over the wall and run free into the vastness beyond Whitehawk. But as an adult, you learn some doors opened cannot close. Some sights cannot be barred from the mind. You learn that you can poison those barriers and bring them down simply by asking a question, or holding a corrosive key of sorts.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
Written By Fairen
July 19, 2018, 1:35 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
Judging from the commentary you have received from two close associates, I think it would be best for me to take the time to meet with you. My understanding is that you are quite the positive character. Though I wonder if I should bring chocolate as a gesture of good faith, or if I should inquire about your own chocolate.
Written By Derovai
July 19, 2018, 1:21 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
If you want more chocolate, just let me know. I'm sure Dame Morrighan won't mind, judging from experience of my own and now yours as well.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.