Written By Talen
July 18, 2018, 5:10 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
A worthy Champion whom Gloria has chosen to represent the settlement of this minor quarrel. Well done.
Written By Talen
July 18, 2018, 5:09 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
Consider the matter settled following our duel. With the fall of your Champion, I should expect that any ambiguous comment you made regarding the Grand Duchess of the Lyceum to be in fact an actual compliment of her beauty, and that you shall henceforth remember not to issue challenges to any but your Peers.
Written By Coraline
July 18, 2018, 4:47 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Life is finite, this should be obvious but clearly as it's loss is so prevalent it needs to be spoken. To take a life is to end possibility, to steal away everything that the one who dies is capable of. It is ripping away someone's family, someone's loved one. It is a loss that the one who took that life might never feel but can alter the course of other lives.
To find joy, /ever/ in such a taking is to show a distinct lack of compassion and empathy that is concerning. I have taken lives, I will take more, but never not once have I found joy in the taking. Each one weighs heavily upon my heart and mind, and as time passes the weight gets heavier and I welcome it, it is a reminder of what I have done regardless of the reasons, it was my actions that ended those lives.
Duty, honor, defense of yourself or others, those I can understand killing for. Joy? That doesn't make the list.
To find joy, /ever/ in such a taking is to show a distinct lack of compassion and empathy that is concerning. I have taken lives, I will take more, but never not once have I found joy in the taking. Each one weighs heavily upon my heart and mind, and as time passes the weight gets heavier and I welcome it, it is a reminder of what I have done regardless of the reasons, it was my actions that ended those lives.
Duty, honor, defense of yourself or others, those I can understand killing for. Joy? That doesn't make the list.
Written By Sabella
July 18, 2018, 4:46 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
I adore my nieces and don't worry, I'll let them have their pick of colors for the frilly dresses you'll find them in when you get home!
Written By Lou
July 18, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
I think it's high time I give the nanny's some time off, in preparation for you to learn how to deal with little ones. Congratulations! You're now baby sitting Safiyyah and Melina! Watch out for your hair!
Written By Marian
July 18, 2018, 3:42 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I don't enjoy taking the life of another. When it's possible to negotiate a treaty or find a diplomatic way to resolve a matter, I take the olive branch that is given.
Yes, I have taken another's life in rage. I have felt their last breath upon my skin as I sink my blade deep within their chest. But I did not feel pleasure at their death. I felt hollow. Killing that man didn't bring back the ones I lost. It did not even any score. It was a victory hard won. It was my life or theirs. I wanted to live, so I fought. I won. I am still here.
When the time comes, when those that seek the ruin of the Crown and Compact come to our gates, I will lift my blade again. I will not rejoice in the coming battle. I will face the danger head on, knowing that I want to return to raise my children. To eat dinner with my family. To serve my liege with honor.
Yes, I have taken another's life in rage. I have felt their last breath upon my skin as I sink my blade deep within their chest. But I did not feel pleasure at their death. I felt hollow. Killing that man didn't bring back the ones I lost. It did not even any score. It was a victory hard won. It was my life or theirs. I wanted to live, so I fought. I won. I am still here.
When the time comes, when those that seek the ruin of the Crown and Compact come to our gates, I will lift my blade again. I will not rejoice in the coming battle. I will face the danger head on, knowing that I want to return to raise my children. To eat dinner with my family. To serve my liege with honor.
Written By Sabella
July 18, 2018, 3:31 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
The past few weeks have been a glorious blur of happiness and wonder and joy and momentous occasions and small moments of utter bliss! Prince Niklas' play opened to rave reviews and while I know I have already talked about it here it was just so fantastic I felt I needed to mention it again! And likely again and again and again if you run into me on the street anywhere for the next rest of your life! It was amazing! I can't wait for the next one!
Princess Katarina hosted another wonderful paint night event and it was tons of fun! I didn't even get paint everywhere this time although there may have been a slight incident with a bunch of glitter I came away with a very nice silk fan I painted with roses. It is very sparkly! I also attended a coffee tasting at Bold Espressions and although I stuck to tea I have to say their chocolate chip muffins are fantastic and when I am not dreaming about the sausages from the Spirits or the lamb stew from Traders Tavern, I'm dreaming about those. Maybe I dream about all three of those. Not at once, surely, but brought out in the proper order of courses!
Then there were two family dinners: one for Kennex and one for Grayson where two very notable things happened where Lord Ian was named the Sword of Stormward, which is very impressive and I am very happy to see him finally granted title as the Sword of something for he is very skilled, and my Great Uncle Augustus whom I call Gusty has come back to Arx! He was here before I was, actually, but then he went away again but I am so happy he's back! And as I explained to Niklas, you cannot call him Uncle Gusty, for that is repetitive. The G stands for Great, the U for Uncle and the Gusty for Augustus!
But the most important news that we gave to family first is that we are expecting our first child! Which was a relief to find out because I had begun to think something was quite seriously wrong with me as I could not keep food down. So it was the most happy news I could ever receive and one of my best memories will always and forever be the look of joy on Nik's face when I told him! I cannot wait to be a mother! Although I understand I will have to wait a little bit more, it will all be well worth it!
One down, twenty seven to go!
Just kidding!
Twenty five will be fine.
I am truly happy, though. I love my family to pieces and now I get to add to it and have a little family of my own! Thank you to everyone that has already wished us well, I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life!
Princess Katarina hosted another wonderful paint night event and it was tons of fun! I didn't even get paint everywhere this time although there may have been a slight incident with a bunch of glitter I came away with a very nice silk fan I painted with roses. It is very sparkly! I also attended a coffee tasting at Bold Espressions and although I stuck to tea I have to say their chocolate chip muffins are fantastic and when I am not dreaming about the sausages from the Spirits or the lamb stew from Traders Tavern, I'm dreaming about those. Maybe I dream about all three of those. Not at once, surely, but brought out in the proper order of courses!
Then there were two family dinners: one for Kennex and one for Grayson where two very notable things happened where Lord Ian was named the Sword of Stormward, which is very impressive and I am very happy to see him finally granted title as the Sword of something for he is very skilled, and my Great Uncle Augustus whom I call Gusty has come back to Arx! He was here before I was, actually, but then he went away again but I am so happy he's back! And as I explained to Niklas, you cannot call him Uncle Gusty, for that is repetitive. The G stands for Great, the U for Uncle and the Gusty for Augustus!
But the most important news that we gave to family first is that we are expecting our first child! Which was a relief to find out because I had begun to think something was quite seriously wrong with me as I could not keep food down. So it was the most happy news I could ever receive and one of my best memories will always and forever be the look of joy on Nik's face when I told him! I cannot wait to be a mother! Although I understand I will have to wait a little bit more, it will all be well worth it!
One down, twenty seven to go!
Just kidding!
Twenty five will be fine.
I am truly happy, though. I love my family to pieces and now I get to add to it and have a little family of my own! Thank you to everyone that has already wished us well, I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life!
Written By Godric
July 18, 2018, 2:28 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Honestly? Me too. It feels like a real ale and chips moment.
Written By Oswyn
July 18, 2018, 1:32 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
It seems like only last week I was writing a journal entry about being happy for my two friends having wed; now I am filled with joy anew to learn that they will be having a child. It can be a frightening world, but we must find our happiness where we can. I have no doubt their child will be well-loved, and that is all anyone can really ask for in life. Other than a few good books, I suppose, but being loved is more important.
I will have to see about getting some of my ideas for children's books down on paper. Books for children are delightful, and it's so wonderful to see them learn how to read, unveiling the world.
I will have to see about getting some of my ideas for children's books down on paper. Books for children are delightful, and it's so wonderful to see them learn how to read, unveiling the world.
Written By Tikva
July 18, 2018, 1:32 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Wretch.
Written By Aureth
July 18, 2018, 1:31 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I'd pay money to observe that conversation.
Written By Reigna
July 18, 2018, 1:28 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
The visceral enjoyment you describe on ending the life of another human being leaves me worried, frankly. My assistant directed me to your recent entry in the whites as something to be aware of and monitor. Bloodlust of that caliber would be foolhardy to ignore without comment, though this is not the appropriate forum.
I will be in contact.
I will be in contact.
Written By Sina
July 18, 2018, 1:26 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
I have heard that someone has vandalized the beautiful statue of Mangata down at the beaches, and I find this to be rather upsetting. I cannot imagine who would do such a thing. A child, perhaps not knowing any better, thinking it a mere prank? Or does it perhaps speak of something else? Such disrespect for the Goddess is unfathomable to me.
I have been rather silent in my journals of late, as I have been focusing much of my attention on my project. However, I cannot help but worry about the things that have been happening. Vandalism. Thefts. People turning up dead in the Lowers. Mysterious paintings showing up. Cats. The Lodge of Petrichor. These things are all beyond me, and perhaps better left to those who are equipped to deal with such things. But I cannot help but wonder what is going on with the world these days. Just some idle musings, as I begin my day.
I have been rather silent in my journals of late, as I have been focusing much of my attention on my project. However, I cannot help but worry about the things that have been happening. Vandalism. Thefts. People turning up dead in the Lowers. Mysterious paintings showing up. Cats. The Lodge of Petrichor. These things are all beyond me, and perhaps better left to those who are equipped to deal with such things. But I cannot help but wonder what is going on with the world these days. Just some idle musings, as I begin my day.
Written By Luca
July 18, 2018, 1:20 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
It married into the family. It's a Grayson now and it's making children. I don't think it goes away after that. It's past the point of no return. I guess it makes 'Bella happy, though.
I'm sorry, Tikva. I didn't want you to find out like this.
I'm sorry, Tikva. I didn't want you to find out like this.
Written By Tikva
July 18, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
It won't go away.
Written By Gwenna
July 18, 2018, 11:05 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
The Gilded Page is, quite truly, one of my favorite places in the city and you've every right to be quite proud of it. While I am somewhat saddened at the lack of a blush, I am yet mollified that such words in the whites might inspire the author! I would very happily pay for Part II - supporting the artists and creative minds of the city is so important. As well, I would at least avoid the potential bruises that might result from the mad rush to purchase it when it might be released. I am both humbled and honored by the offer - thank you quite kindly!
Written By Niklas
July 18, 2018, 10:54 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
I've always been pretty interested in the idea of magic.
Not enough to do serious study into the old timey magery wizardry sorcery thing that used to exist, but enough to read some stories, get some ideas. You've got your person who has an idea of what they want to have happen, you've got your focus which changes the world around you and you have the will to make the change. 1 + 1 + 1 = fireball. Or expectation + singing + spellsinger ability = changing the tide of battle. But it seems to me that this is the second magic, the weaker magic. Sure, you can burn things up or cause an earthquake or whatever, but it doesn't change the world the way the first magic does.
When you're born you don't separate things from yourself, you don't understand quantities, you don't appreciate colors, and that changes only somewhat until you start to learn language. From the things I've read, language literally changes the way people think, the way they interact with the world. Not just 'communication', but knowing the names of things, being able to understand descriptions, me, they, it, round, one, two, many, lots, etc. Life is as two dimensional as a bad painting, and through language the world becomes the real place we know. And that's the first magic. The magic so plain and endemic that we don't consider it magic at all.
And unlike the second magic, which does something and then you have to live with the results, the first magic never stops changing the world. I've been learning a new language recently and seeing how another (very different) culture speaks is learning what they value. Initially my idea was to write poetry and plays in another language, and now I'm finding that it was a fool's errand, because I need to think differently, be different, to really appreciate the linguistic difference.
But even in Arvani there are words and sentences that can change the world. One day someone told me that my father had died. Until that point death was an abstract. Nothing I ever thought could stalk the halls at Stormward. My world changed.
Two weeks ago another sentence brought magic to my life and changed things. Sabella and I are going to have a child. My assumption was that we would wait for a time before doing it, as we are both so busy these days, but... is there a good time for kids? Will we ever get less busy? I doubt it. And just hearing the phrase, knowing it was true? Changed me. Changed my mind. Where I thought there would be trepidation there is only joy. Where I thought there would be uncertainty there is only excitement. Where I thought there would be doubt there is only love. Love that can get me through anything. Love that can make even the strangest of realities into the reality I have always needed.
Language changes everything.
It can even change a Niklas into a dad.
Not enough to do serious study into the old timey magery wizardry sorcery thing that used to exist, but enough to read some stories, get some ideas. You've got your person who has an idea of what they want to have happen, you've got your focus which changes the world around you and you have the will to make the change. 1 + 1 + 1 = fireball. Or expectation + singing + spellsinger ability = changing the tide of battle. But it seems to me that this is the second magic, the weaker magic. Sure, you can burn things up or cause an earthquake or whatever, but it doesn't change the world the way the first magic does.
When you're born you don't separate things from yourself, you don't understand quantities, you don't appreciate colors, and that changes only somewhat until you start to learn language. From the things I've read, language literally changes the way people think, the way they interact with the world. Not just 'communication', but knowing the names of things, being able to understand descriptions, me, they, it, round, one, two, many, lots, etc. Life is as two dimensional as a bad painting, and through language the world becomes the real place we know. And that's the first magic. The magic so plain and endemic that we don't consider it magic at all.
And unlike the second magic, which does something and then you have to live with the results, the first magic never stops changing the world. I've been learning a new language recently and seeing how another (very different) culture speaks is learning what they value. Initially my idea was to write poetry and plays in another language, and now I'm finding that it was a fool's errand, because I need to think differently, be different, to really appreciate the linguistic difference.
But even in Arvani there are words and sentences that can change the world. One day someone told me that my father had died. Until that point death was an abstract. Nothing I ever thought could stalk the halls at Stormward. My world changed.
Two weeks ago another sentence brought magic to my life and changed things. Sabella and I are going to have a child. My assumption was that we would wait for a time before doing it, as we are both so busy these days, but... is there a good time for kids? Will we ever get less busy? I doubt it. And just hearing the phrase, knowing it was true? Changed me. Changed my mind. Where I thought there would be trepidation there is only joy. Where I thought there would be uncertainty there is only excitement. Where I thought there would be doubt there is only love. Love that can get me through anything. Love that can make even the strangest of realities into the reality I have always needed.
Language changes everything.
It can even change a Niklas into a dad.
Written By Monique
July 18, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
If it were possible for me to blush (I assure you it's not and anyone claiming to see such a thing is lying!) I would be blushing furiously at your praise for the Gilded Page. But let me take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the overwhelming support of those who enjoy the library. The spread of knowledge is a great example of what makes the Page so fulfilling for me. I am glad to hear you received the newest book and loved it as you did.
I know that will motivate the author to pen the second installment that much sooner and you shall receive the very first copy, on me.
I know that will motivate the author to pen the second installment that much sooner and you shall receive the very first copy, on me.
Written By Delilah
July 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
The city under the snow brings a certain peaceful frame of mind I've come to miss. When everything stands still and holds its collective breath, I can almost imagine I stand alone. The air is pure enough to sharpen every sound. Shut my eyes and breathe in the woodsmoke, and I can taste the forest. It's hard to believe this kind of clarity exists in the heart of such a large city, but winter bestows a certain rare gift on those willing to hold still long enough to take advantage of the peace.
Written By Audric
July 18, 2018, 7:43 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
Don't ever let anyone tell you differently: there's nothing like a good fight, where it comes down to you and another person, both striving your damndest to kill each other. And that moment where you've won - where both of you know it, as a sword sinks into that soft bit between neck and collarbone to go for that strike to the heart. Where the fighters can acknowledge how bloody fun it was right before one of them dies. It's EXQUISITE.
Plus, afterwards, if you -really- enjoy it, and can lose yourself happily in it, the sleep afterwards is juuuuust the best. Bonus points if you're getting paid to do it, too!
Plus, afterwards, if you -really- enjoy it, and can lose yourself happily in it, the sleep afterwards is juuuuust the best. Bonus points if you're getting paid to do it, too!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.