Written By Ford
July 7, 2018, 1:45 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
Our family dinners are better than your family dinners.
This is a fact. Stone cold fact.
This is a fact. Stone cold fact.
Written By Bliss
July 7, 2018, 1:26 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
I tried to read this and could only get three paragraphs in. I'm sure there is some irony there.
Written By Rymarr
July 7, 2018, 1:17 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
Very well. The apology isn't necessary. Learn. Grow. Improve. That is how you can make amends.
Mistakes happen. I just want to make sure you get your property back.
You should also consider a new bundle of arrows with 'Sorry' carved into the shafts.
Mistakes happen. I just want to make sure you get your property back.
You should also consider a new bundle of arrows with 'Sorry' carved into the shafts.
Written By Vanora
July 7, 2018, 12:32 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
The Grand Duchess of the Lyceum is an absolutely formidable presence and a kindred spirit too...she thinks so similarly to me about the things I value the most. I admire her very deeply.
We were friendly when we were girls, I ran wild at the Velenosa estate in Lenosia while my parents did....the things my parents did. She, Esera, Isolde, and so many other cousins to run wild with and play, when we were not expected to be mature or serious. Then I moved on to religious study and she moved on to rise in power and wield it with such beauty and compassion.
I am fortunate we are in each other's lives again, there is so much to hope for, dream about, work towards.
We were friendly when we were girls, I ran wild at the Velenosa estate in Lenosia while my parents did....the things my parents did. She, Esera, Isolde, and so many other cousins to run wild with and play, when we were not expected to be mature or serious. Then I moved on to religious study and she moved on to rise in power and wield it with such beauty and compassion.
I am fortunate we are in each other's lives again, there is so much to hope for, dream about, work towards.
Written By Cambria
July 7, 2018, 12:08 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
The first thing you notice about boring people is they never seem to have a point to their stories or anecdotes. When telling a story in a social setting, you should always have a point. No one cares about what you had for dinner, unless it was something bizarre or unusual. If you had a delicious baked potato for dinner the night before, that's not something anyone cares about. Now, if, while you were eating that delicious baked potato you happened to see someone strip down and call for the eternal rule of the demon Lord of the Gap, then you have a story with a point. That's an interesting tale.
Having a story with a point is a courtesy to those listening. By having a point, you are showing respect to the person or people you are speaking to, whether it is by sharing information with them or piquing their interest with an amusing or clever tale. When your stories are pointless dribble of mundane events, you are, whether you realize it or not, insulting the audience. At the very least, you are wasting their time, which is just as bad.
You should also avoid unnecessary details. Consider the cultist and the baked potato. If you spend five minutes describing the texture of the potato skin, then thirty seconds on the crazed cultist in the buff, you made what could have been an amusing tale into several moments of torture for your listeners instead. Sure, a little setup to the big reveal is a good way to create tension, but you don't need much. In a social setting, a good story is one that avoids extraneous detail and never lasts more than a couple of minutes.
The easiest way to avoid loading up your sixty second story with ten minutes of tedium is to never explain the obvious. This is the most common error boring people make when telling a story. For some reason, they think they need to explain what everyone in Arx has known since the Reckoning. In the case of our example, the boring person will actually explain what she means by baked potato or maybe even talk about the history of the baked potato. When in doubt, skip it. If people need more detail, they will ask.
Another way to prevent ending up as the boring person everyone avoids is to never tell a story that requires a back story. Boring people often start a story that should last three minutes, then veer into a long back story that they think is necessary to appreciate the tale. For example, the they will veer off about how they received a letter from their great aunt in the baked potato story. The result is a dull droning on about someone the listener does not know or care about, with absolutely no relevance to the tale, plus a dull description of dinner and the details of a baked potato. This is misery for listeners.
The boring also have a curious habit of talking over people. They ignore the little things others do to signal to the the boring that they need to stop talking. The boring are strangely competitive in their dullness. If you notice people starting to speak as soon as you take a breath, or start looking around the room in search of escape, you are the boring one. You are not going to improve this situation by talking louder or by talking over any interruptions. Take the hint and wrap it up.
A good way to stop yourself from being that guy is to always invite others to tell their own story or comment on the topic of conversation. People will find your dinner saga more interesting if you show an equal interest in them. You might be surprised, but a little active listening goes a long way. Boring people are selfish people, in that they are only interested in their point of view, and in far too much detail.
Finally, if it is a story you tell often and the listener is someone you know, assume you told them the story, because you almost certainly did. Start with "If I told this before, stop me," or maybe, "I probably told this story before..." This gives them the right to stop you from boring them with the 50th retelling. This is not just a courtesy. It actually makes you seem more interesting, because you are not focused on yourself, but on another. This is flattering to people and and they will think better of you for it.
Having a story with a point is a courtesy to those listening. By having a point, you are showing respect to the person or people you are speaking to, whether it is by sharing information with them or piquing their interest with an amusing or clever tale. When your stories are pointless dribble of mundane events, you are, whether you realize it or not, insulting the audience. At the very least, you are wasting their time, which is just as bad.
You should also avoid unnecessary details. Consider the cultist and the baked potato. If you spend five minutes describing the texture of the potato skin, then thirty seconds on the crazed cultist in the buff, you made what could have been an amusing tale into several moments of torture for your listeners instead. Sure, a little setup to the big reveal is a good way to create tension, but you don't need much. In a social setting, a good story is one that avoids extraneous detail and never lasts more than a couple of minutes.
The easiest way to avoid loading up your sixty second story with ten minutes of tedium is to never explain the obvious. This is the most common error boring people make when telling a story. For some reason, they think they need to explain what everyone in Arx has known since the Reckoning. In the case of our example, the boring person will actually explain what she means by baked potato or maybe even talk about the history of the baked potato. When in doubt, skip it. If people need more detail, they will ask.
Another way to prevent ending up as the boring person everyone avoids is to never tell a story that requires a back story. Boring people often start a story that should last three minutes, then veer into a long back story that they think is necessary to appreciate the tale. For example, the they will veer off about how they received a letter from their great aunt in the baked potato story. The result is a dull droning on about someone the listener does not know or care about, with absolutely no relevance to the tale, plus a dull description of dinner and the details of a baked potato. This is misery for listeners.
The boring also have a curious habit of talking over people. They ignore the little things others do to signal to the the boring that they need to stop talking. The boring are strangely competitive in their dullness. If you notice people starting to speak as soon as you take a breath, or start looking around the room in search of escape, you are the boring one. You are not going to improve this situation by talking louder or by talking over any interruptions. Take the hint and wrap it up.
A good way to stop yourself from being that guy is to always invite others to tell their own story or comment on the topic of conversation. People will find your dinner saga more interesting if you show an equal interest in them. You might be surprised, but a little active listening goes a long way. Boring people are selfish people, in that they are only interested in their point of view, and in far too much detail.
Finally, if it is a story you tell often and the listener is someone you know, assume you told them the story, because you almost certainly did. Start with "If I told this before, stop me," or maybe, "I probably told this story before..." This gives them the right to stop you from boring them with the 50th retelling. This is not just a courtesy. It actually makes you seem more interesting, because you are not focused on yourself, but on another. This is flattering to people and and they will think better of you for it.
Written By Petal
July 7, 2018, 12:01 a.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Marquis Rymarr,
It was me. I apologize. I need lessons. I am glad you are okay! Also thank you for protecting me.
Petal
It was me. I apologize. I need lessons. I am glad you are okay! Also thank you for protecting me.
Petal
Written By Fredrik
July 6, 2018, 9:56 p.m.(2/23/1009 AR)
From: Desk of Lord Fredrik RedTyde
Subject: Reclaiming my land
It is finally beginning. Soon, I will sail to the old islands of my home, to convince the abandoned there, former kin of my own family, to bend the knee. To tell them that while I understand that they felt no choice but to fight, to resist and renounce our ways rather than swear to Donrai? That there is a new Tyde now. A new RedTyde, and a new future that I welcome them into. It is time for them to come home.
I invite all those who believe they can help, with word and wit, to carry the day here. To join me. Let us show them the unity we now possess. Let us show them our strength of spirit. Let us show them their new Compact.
Subject: Reclaiming my land
It is finally beginning. Soon, I will sail to the old islands of my home, to convince the abandoned there, former kin of my own family, to bend the knee. To tell them that while I understand that they felt no choice but to fight, to resist and renounce our ways rather than swear to Donrai? That there is a new Tyde now. A new RedTyde, and a new future that I welcome them into. It is time for them to come home.
I invite all those who believe they can help, with word and wit, to carry the day here. To join me. Let us show them the unity we now possess. Let us show them our strength of spirit. Let us show them their new Compact.
Written By Hannah
July 6, 2018, 9:32 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I have returned! Although I don't remember much about Arx, that's okay that just means I get to revisit it and learn it all over again! And seeing Rei happy! Like showing happy! I couldn't be happier! And I have nephews, and a niece! So definitely get to play with the kids and this is good. And get to see sister after so long, and this is also good. I am beyond excited that things seem so good for sis. Waaaaait, things have been rough? Hmm, time to don the big sister hat. There will be talking, much much talking.
Written By Lucita
July 6, 2018, 8:41 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
I echo Princess Tikva's comments about appreciating accolades. And I also recognize it is a group effort and a is a privilege to sing with others, also preferring friendship and cooperation with other music lovers. There is a deep satisfaction in sharing music so each contributes to create something beyond what just what one can accomplish. Even someone with no musical ability who claps a rhythm or keeps time with a tapping finger on a tabletop or joins in becomes part of the experience.
As for my relationship to music, it is my passion. It brings joy, comfort, sometimes is a prayer. It is given from the heart and often is something personal or given to please or support friends, family, faith, and fealty. My music is not meant to compete with bards and whispers who earn livings through their music nor do I claim to be the best. Such is a matter of opinion, some preferring a sweet voice, or one with a deep or mellow one, or a whiskey-laden smoker's husky growl or even the tiny off key voice of a child singing to their doll.
As for my relationship to music, it is my passion. It brings joy, comfort, sometimes is a prayer. It is given from the heart and often is something personal or given to please or support friends, family, faith, and fealty. My music is not meant to compete with bards and whispers who earn livings through their music nor do I claim to be the best. Such is a matter of opinion, some preferring a sweet voice, or one with a deep or mellow one, or a whiskey-laden smoker's husky growl or even the tiny off key voice of a child singing to their doll.
Written By Reigna
July 6, 2018, 8:25 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Hannah
My sister is in town! I cannot believe it! I have not seen my sister in years! And now Hannah is here! She came over and she and I talked and she met Aeryn and Talis and Kata. And, and, and! My sister. Well, a sister. I have five others, but Hannah is special. She's always been special. And now she is here. There is so much to say. Things have been difficult and, well this is not the place. But still. I am thrilled!
Written By Rymarr
July 6, 2018, 8:08 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
I'm going to need a board, quite a few pins, and a lot of yarn.
I'll solve this mystery.
I'll solve this mystery.
Written By Harper
July 6, 2018, 7:38 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
I think the collective spider population of the barracks may revolt and chase Kenna and I out of the barracks soon. Time to move up to the roof and pester the birds instead. Now I just need to figure out how to keep Kenna off the roof.
Written By Dianna
July 6, 2018, 5:31 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
In a way, I envy Alessia's easygoing attitude. I think I remember a time when I was more of the same.
Written By Dianna
July 6, 2018, 5:24 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Lovely time at the Ambassador's Lounge three days ago. Drinks and mingling and meeting new people. I met Princess Coraline and Princess Elegana and Melody, a commoner with dreams of becoming a Whisper, as well as Ailith, the palace seraph and Jeffeth, a knight.
Princess Coraline and Melody recounted the story of how they stole a man's pants. Giulio and Elegana went off to a private booth to discuss business
Princess Coraline and Melody recounted the story of how they stole a man's pants. Giulio and Elegana went off to a private booth to discuss business
Written By Malesh
July 6, 2018, 5:21 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
I had the pleasure of touring a garden that the Ashfords have added to their residence in Arx. They have a marvelous selection of plants there, and it must have been a great expense to create such a room to grow and view them in. It is a sight worth seeing.
Written By Jacali
July 6, 2018, 3:09 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
A reminder to my most splendiferous self: Make somethin' outta that coffee 'hingy, gotta be somethin' to it, make 'em all right spin on it I will. Somethin' murky, somethin' spiced, somethin' creamy and decadent, not so unlike aforementioned sumptuous oneself. Go down a treat, that would, debaucherous in the dark of it, bewitchin' as it can be, aye, just sweet enough with a pinch of the wicked. What to call it, ey? That's the question, that is. Somethin' filthy, knowin' me right as I do, somethin' downright awffy. Creamy Knickers 'r sommit. I'll think of it, me, will at that.
Written By Jacali
July 6, 2018, 2:54 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Been gettin' a bit of a name for myself, I have, on account of that Greenmarch lass. Been run ragged, me, right ragged on the business it's drawn. Not that I'm complainin', mind, not that at all, atall. Told 'em I'd make it on me own, I did, and that's what I'm doin', right said, all said and done, all tolt as it's been in true. In fact, I've a new brew in mind inspired just by her exuberant self -- somethin' hot and sweet, somethin' dark and playful. Should send her a note, shouldn't I? Think I might just!
Written By Esoka
July 6, 2018, 12:15 p.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Magnus
I recently had the honor of meeting Count Magnus Stahlben, the leader of a newly-sworn prodigal House in the Northlands. Seraph Ailith and I will soon be undertaking missionary work for the Faith in his lands, but first we’re studying his people and traditions. They are very different things from the ones I grew up with, and the ones I’ve adopted since bending the knee, but there are many commonalities I think we can work with. Including ones that may strengthen the Compact as a whole, once we fully understand them. He strikes me as a man of formidable strength and character, who’s made a bold step to do right by his people. And stand against our mutual enemies.
I’m filled with purpose as I begin this work. My faith was, for me, one of the few things that made sense when I first became prodigal. It has been the roots on which my life here has grown. I do not always care for the way some attempt to bring the scholarship of Faith to the others. So, if I think I can do it better, I’d best get to work. The gods belong to all, even if we do not fully understand the ways in which they show themselves in the hearts of strangers.
I’m filled with purpose as I begin this work. My faith was, for me, one of the few things that made sense when I first became prodigal. It has been the roots on which my life here has grown. I do not always care for the way some attempt to bring the scholarship of Faith to the others. So, if I think I can do it better, I’d best get to work. The gods belong to all, even if we do not fully understand the ways in which they show themselves in the hearts of strangers.
Written By Tikva
July 6, 2018, 11:44 a.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
The finest musicians are those who elevate those who play and sing beside them to greater heights. Music is cooperative; what is lovely alone will be transcendent supported and amplified in a chorus, a band, an orchestra.
I appreciate the accolades and I'm sure Lucita, Sorrel and Sabella do too -- they are my dear friends, close to my heart, and I'm not intending to speak for anyone but myself. But as a singer I prefer cooperation and friendship to victory. There is none greater than we can be when we sing together.
(But I'm pretty sure I can still banjo the hell out of Niklas.)
I appreciate the accolades and I'm sure Lucita, Sorrel and Sabella do too -- they are my dear friends, close to my heart, and I'm not intending to speak for anyone but myself. But as a singer I prefer cooperation and friendship to victory. There is none greater than we can be when we sing together.
(But I'm pretty sure I can still banjo the hell out of Niklas.)
Written By Karadoc
July 6, 2018, 10:52 a.m.(2/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Do you mean all of that figuratively or literally, your Highness? Because I am fairly certain that with that chorus of three (Baroness Lucita among them --) they could accomplish the same.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.