Written By Karadoc
June 29, 2018, 6:59 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
My Lady -- my aide, Coral, woke me from the mid-afternoon, post-lunch, pre-nap nap in order to inform me that you wrote kindly about me in the Whites. Certainly, Baroness-Regent, I have a litany of positive traits (which, you know, I COULD highlight in great detail) that could be complimented upon. But this? This success? This expansion? This is all you. My liege-lady Baroness Lucita Saik. I'm just the lucky jerk that gets to come along for the ride and support you as needed. For that, sure. It's my honor. Least I could do.
If I did less -- well, I'd hear it.
If I did less -- well, I'd hear it.
Written By Joscelin
June 29, 2018, 5:25 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Ianthe, you're out there somewhere laughing at me, I know it.
Written By Joscelin
June 29, 2018, 4:59 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
I'm sitting in the Ambassador's Salon having a nice, lovely breakfast with Lord Grady, when a familiar messenger walks in and puts a bucket in my lap, and then promptly -runs away-.
When I asked for a live octopus, receiving it while dining with nobility and wearing a gorgeously made silk dress is -not- how I anticipated it. Thankfully, Lord Grady only laughed at me when I started laughing at myself, and with some help from the serving staff, I managed to make the octopus a little more comfortable and got it back to my shop without fuss.
I keep talking to it, reassuring it that I will put it back in the sea, I swear it, I just want to look at him for a while. Currently, he's in this very, very large glass bowl I procured for just this reason. He has space to flit around, I put some rocks from the tide-pools in there with him. I mean, is there anything else I can do to make him more comfortable? I'll only have him for a day.
Mongoose is entertained by him when he flits about his bowl. She barks sometimes at him too.
When I asked for a live octopus, receiving it while dining with nobility and wearing a gorgeously made silk dress is -not- how I anticipated it. Thankfully, Lord Grady only laughed at me when I started laughing at myself, and with some help from the serving staff, I managed to make the octopus a little more comfortable and got it back to my shop without fuss.
I keep talking to it, reassuring it that I will put it back in the sea, I swear it, I just want to look at him for a while. Currently, he's in this very, very large glass bowl I procured for just this reason. He has space to flit around, I put some rocks from the tide-pools in there with him. I mean, is there anything else I can do to make him more comfortable? I'll only have him for a day.
Mongoose is entertained by him when he flits about his bowl. She barks sometimes at him too.
Written By Coraline
June 29, 2018, 4:52 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
It isn't often I have stood on the precipice of a major change in life, knowing how monumentally that life will alter with the simple passage of hours. I am on such a precipice now. But this change feels larger than any I have yet experienced and it feels important for me to contemplate the aspects of what it is comprised of.
I have spoken to many on the meaning of Knighthood, on what it is to not just wear the title but live it's meaning. The answers differed in many ways, but some core things remained the same. Service, Honor, Duty, Faith, Hope, Courage, Strength, Mercy, Justice, and Fidelity. One, but often more, were mentioned in each conversation. To dedicate one's life to living these virtues is a big step, vows should never be given lightly, not ever. For we are our word, and words given in the form of vows are like giving a piece of ourselves to a purpose, a cause greater than ourselves. I truly believe any vow should be to something greater than oneself, anything less and it lessens both the the one giving the vow and the one receiving it.
Then I turn to contemplating service, humility, and generosity. These are all things that feel as though they should be obvious. Kindness and compassion in any situation and with any person, regardless of who they are or where they come from. This also feels as though it should be obvious. And yet the true test comes in little ways, in little things. An ill chosen word or action, a thoughtless thing said in haste or raised emotion. All small tests, yet all so very important for we should never stop testing ourselves, as life tests us. To do otherwise feels like we aren't really living, merely stepping moment to moment, surprised that so much has changed when we weren't looking and wondering why we ourselves have not.
It also seems important to see outside of ourselves to the needs of our fellows. I don't just mean charity, which is very important and necessary and should be given to as a matter of course. I mean more than that. The stranger you see upset, they might not tell you what is wrong, but offering to buy them a drink and give a bit of cheerful or quiet companionship. Or the friend who you might have had cross words with but who is now hurting, to set aside one's own upset to help them for no other reason than they hurt. Service need not be grand gestures, sometimes the little ones make the most difference.
Another thing that occurs to me is courage. Battle can be exhilarating, terrifying, and heart rending. But battle, war itself, for all the fear of dying you might face, for all the loss you experience, it is not the only form of courage necessary. For courage is facing what you fear not the absence of fear. I fear many things, and I am honest enough to say it. But I have come to realize that I must face them, no matter how silly they might seem to myself or others, no matter how small. They must be faced, because to do otherwise does a disservice to myself as well as a disservice to those I serve. Random thought perhaps but it felt important to say today of all days.
I suppose this journal, most especially because it is public, is a form of testing myself. So tonight, as I go from shrine to shrine to pray and contemplate a virtue in each, spending the night discovering the knight who will be made on the morrow, I will strip away everything else.
I have spoken to many on the meaning of Knighthood, on what it is to not just wear the title but live it's meaning. The answers differed in many ways, but some core things remained the same. Service, Honor, Duty, Faith, Hope, Courage, Strength, Mercy, Justice, and Fidelity. One, but often more, were mentioned in each conversation. To dedicate one's life to living these virtues is a big step, vows should never be given lightly, not ever. For we are our word, and words given in the form of vows are like giving a piece of ourselves to a purpose, a cause greater than ourselves. I truly believe any vow should be to something greater than oneself, anything less and it lessens both the the one giving the vow and the one receiving it.
Then I turn to contemplating service, humility, and generosity. These are all things that feel as though they should be obvious. Kindness and compassion in any situation and with any person, regardless of who they are or where they come from. This also feels as though it should be obvious. And yet the true test comes in little ways, in little things. An ill chosen word or action, a thoughtless thing said in haste or raised emotion. All small tests, yet all so very important for we should never stop testing ourselves, as life tests us. To do otherwise feels like we aren't really living, merely stepping moment to moment, surprised that so much has changed when we weren't looking and wondering why we ourselves have not.
It also seems important to see outside of ourselves to the needs of our fellows. I don't just mean charity, which is very important and necessary and should be given to as a matter of course. I mean more than that. The stranger you see upset, they might not tell you what is wrong, but offering to buy them a drink and give a bit of cheerful or quiet companionship. Or the friend who you might have had cross words with but who is now hurting, to set aside one's own upset to help them for no other reason than they hurt. Service need not be grand gestures, sometimes the little ones make the most difference.
Another thing that occurs to me is courage. Battle can be exhilarating, terrifying, and heart rending. But battle, war itself, for all the fear of dying you might face, for all the loss you experience, it is not the only form of courage necessary. For courage is facing what you fear not the absence of fear. I fear many things, and I am honest enough to say it. But I have come to realize that I must face them, no matter how silly they might seem to myself or others, no matter how small. They must be faced, because to do otherwise does a disservice to myself as well as a disservice to those I serve. Random thought perhaps but it felt important to say today of all days.
I suppose this journal, most especially because it is public, is a form of testing myself. So tonight, as I go from shrine to shrine to pray and contemplate a virtue in each, spending the night discovering the knight who will be made on the morrow, I will strip away everything else.
Written By Emmelline
June 29, 2018, 3:31 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Saw Princess Coraline and Prince Barric a few days ago at the winter festival. The festival was very good, with all sorts of different games. I did so enjoy cheering them both on during the snowball wars, though it was rather hard, since they opted to be on separate teams. All in all though, it was a very fun outing.
Written By Shae
June 29, 2018, 3:02 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Gardener Dave! No!
Written By Norwood
June 29, 2018, 2:44 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Gardener Dave did not deserve to die in such a manner.
Written By Victus
June 29, 2018, 2:05 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
The names I've received for a dog thus far are as follows,
*Whatsavictus
*Vicious
*Mortimer
*Woofers
*You
*Dog
*Wolf
*Come
*Roo
*Sir Fluffy McFluffinston IV
Results are as expected.
*Whatsavictus
*Vicious
*Mortimer
*Woofers
*You
*Dog
*Wolf
*Come
*Roo
*Sir Fluffy McFluffinston IV
Results are as expected.
Written By Joscelin
June 29, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
If I'm old, what does that make your sister? Hmm?
Written By Eirene
June 29, 2018, 1:54 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
According to Seraph Ailith I have more friends than I deserve, and I am thankful for that in these dark times.
That said, my babies are starting to do more than shit, sleep, and stare so people are welcome to come meet them if they want. Donations of tiny child-sized swords are always welcome.
That said, my babies are starting to do more than shit, sleep, and stare so people are welcome to come meet them if they want. Donations of tiny child-sized swords are always welcome.
Written By Niklas
June 29, 2018, 1:35 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Thank you for the concern.
Sabella and I are both okay.
And I did eventually find my pants.
And I did pay for that poor gentleman's hot chocolate stand.
Sabella and I are both okay.
And I did eventually find my pants.
And I did pay for that poor gentleman's hot chocolate stand.
Written By Reigna
June 29, 2018, 12:46 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
The Winter Festival was an absolute smash! It is a rare thing for one of the hosts to enjoy themselves as much as I did. There was so much going on! The sled races were absolutely phenomenal! I could not believe my eyes watching Lady Monique and Sir Jeffeth fly down that hill! Princess Coraline and Prince Victus were a wonder to watch as well. Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas put on quite the show themselves, and after I was certain neither of them had broken anything, I was much relieved.
All in all I think things went very, very well.
All in all I think things went very, very well.
Written By Aleksei
June 29, 2018, 12:28 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
This is doing wonders for my ego.
Written By Valery
June 29, 2018, 12:23 p.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
None of the dead gardeners were from my school.
That's good.
That's good.
Written By Lisebet
June 29, 2018, 11:46 a.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
The snow war games were very exciting, even though I did not get a chance to partake. I did get to watch some and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. I am really glad to see it. Poor Sabella and Niklas - I hope they did not injure themselves other than perhaps their pride. They had one very interesting sled run.
In other news, I spent some time in Bold Espressions today, and got dubbed the Hospitality Liaison. I kind of like that title, perhaps any of us Farshaws can use it while there? Unless we're there as customers I mean. Helping out and giving praise to the wonderful people of Westrock Reach for all their hard work.
In other news, I spent some time in Bold Espressions today, and got dubbed the Hospitality Liaison. I kind of like that title, perhaps any of us Farshaws can use it while there? Unless we're there as customers I mean. Helping out and giving praise to the wonderful people of Westrock Reach for all their hard work.
Written By Aureth
June 29, 2018, 11:16 a.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I won't be your patron but everyone knows I love you anyway.
Written By Lucita
June 29, 2018, 10:16 a.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Teamwork! Months of work, countless hours of planning, numerous meetings with those who can teach about potential problems, dangers, pros and cons of various situations and the responses to them led to even more work. Mountains of paperwork then needing to find translators, diplomats, those skilled in propaganda, asking Faith and Lieges to supervise that things are done properly and the efforts blessed, that protection for the diplomats in case attacked is there and ready without being a first aggressor. Finding skilled explorers and mappers, locating provisions, sites for outposts, and planning for not just our growing barony that is now spilling over its set boundaries, but for ways to serve the Lycene people and Compact. Gods grant us success and a peaceable, safe expansion effort when the time comes that we finally set forth.
We did all that together, you and I. Turns out we make a very good team. But no wonder you did not want to be Baron-Regent, Doc. Now, Voice Karadoc, time to spoil me with a hefty drink, a new outfit and a few hours of fun with some friends. (yes, that is a hint, a HINT in BIG letters) And when all this is over, you deserve some (more) fun and relaxation, too.
Teasing aside, Doc has been invaluable. Could not do all this without him and he's greatly appreciated.
We did all that together, you and I. Turns out we make a very good team. But no wonder you did not want to be Baron-Regent, Doc. Now, Voice Karadoc, time to spoil me with a hefty drink, a new outfit and a few hours of fun with some friends. (yes, that is a hint, a HINT in BIG letters) And when all this is over, you deserve some (more) fun and relaxation, too.
Teasing aside, Doc has been invaluable. Could not do all this without him and he's greatly appreciated.
Written By Ailith
June 29, 2018, 9:48 a.m.(2/8/1009 AR)
As I prepare for services on the Day of Vows, I am inevitably drawn to the day I bent my knee before the Dominus and made vows to the Faith and the Gods. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I carry it within me every day. I think of the traditions of the Faith dating back thousands of years, before the Compact and before the Reckoning. These ancient and honored traditions uphold our Faith and the Virtues which are the essence of our souls. When I utter a prayer as I light a candle to begin services, I do so with utter reverence and adoration, knowing I carry the magnitude of those traditions through to the thirteenth hour.
I look back to the recollection of the Forging of the Compact as written by Dominus Tin ". . . and so the four knelt to King Alar of House Grayson, with Queen Sugan of the West kneeling first, followed by Queen Valeria Redrain of the North, then Grand Duchess of the New Lyceum Procella Pravus, and finally King Aposyr Thrax of the Mourning Isles. And each then spoke as follows: 'Before the gods, I swear my life, my house, and my sacred honor to our Compact. I swear that when the Compact calls me to war, I will answer. I name Alar of House Grayson my king, and swear my leal service to him.' And thusly, the Compact was born and the five kingdoms made one. For the four had made oaths before the gods, and to break that was unthinkable."
And I wonder if the Compact could have been forged if none understood or could not honor the First Law of Limerance -- "The oaths between liege and vassal are sacred. This is the fidelity between Limerance and Gloria." Our Faith, by these oaths, is the very fabric which was woven into the forging of the Compact. Each ruler knew the other understood the fidelity of these oaths. This was not a personal belief, for without Faith, what is one man's version of honor in one land differs from another man's version in another land. But under the Faith with its traditions and laws, it is clear what fidelity means. Fidelity is Limerance.
This is among many reasons why our Faith is unyielding. Our language is the same no matter what parish you are in across the Compact. And that can be comforting in the security of knowing that the Faith shall always be there to uphold the Gods and guide our souls.
I look to our discipleships and am saddened to hear misjudged voices. When have the eyes and ears of our Faithful blinded themselves to our discipleships? A Mercy is not just a healer, a Knight of the Holy Temple or the Knight of Solace is not just a soldier, a Harlequin is not just a midwife, a Sentinel is not just a judge, a Scholar is not just an academic, a Mangatan is not just a sailor, a Liberator is not just a free wheelers, a Petrichorian is not just a farmer, a disciple of Jayus is not just a crafter, a Devotion is not just a musician, and a Mirrormask is not just a contrarian. Our disciples are the First Among the Faith's Children, the Devoted. Their veneration of the gods of the Pantheon and handling of duties for the Faith are not mere titles and positions. They are a tremendous strength for the Faith as they are among our representatives to carry out our traditions. To fail in their sacred duties, would be a disservice not only to the Faith, but to us all.
A friend once told me that I wear my Faith as a shield and believed she never could for she was not a warrior. I saddened at her words. I still do. To be of our Faith does not require a warrior's heart; it requires strength of self. To be devoted, to be willing if you fail to honor your oaths lest to be struck down as a Silent Reflection, that you are a ward of our Faith and its tradition -- to defend the very essence of our souls. The Faith is a thousand year old fortress that no slung words will ever tumble.
The Legate was correct, our Faith is unyielding because it *has* to and I am ever so proud and honored as I bend to my knees before the Gods and renew my vows to the honor and uphold their words. And I ask my brothers and sisters of the Faith from Godsworn to the First Among the Faith's Children to come to your parishes and renew your vows or your dedication to the Faith and the Gods. Let the Compact and the Gods remember the purity and strength of our devotion for everyone deserves the grace of the Pantheon.
I look back to the recollection of the Forging of the Compact as written by Dominus Tin ". . . and so the four knelt to King Alar of House Grayson, with Queen Sugan of the West kneeling first, followed by Queen Valeria Redrain of the North, then Grand Duchess of the New Lyceum Procella Pravus, and finally King Aposyr Thrax of the Mourning Isles. And each then spoke as follows: 'Before the gods, I swear my life, my house, and my sacred honor to our Compact. I swear that when the Compact calls me to war, I will answer. I name Alar of House Grayson my king, and swear my leal service to him.' And thusly, the Compact was born and the five kingdoms made one. For the four had made oaths before the gods, and to break that was unthinkable."
And I wonder if the Compact could have been forged if none understood or could not honor the First Law of Limerance -- "The oaths between liege and vassal are sacred. This is the fidelity between Limerance and Gloria." Our Faith, by these oaths, is the very fabric which was woven into the forging of the Compact. Each ruler knew the other understood the fidelity of these oaths. This was not a personal belief, for without Faith, what is one man's version of honor in one land differs from another man's version in another land. But under the Faith with its traditions and laws, it is clear what fidelity means. Fidelity is Limerance.
This is among many reasons why our Faith is unyielding. Our language is the same no matter what parish you are in across the Compact. And that can be comforting in the security of knowing that the Faith shall always be there to uphold the Gods and guide our souls.
I look to our discipleships and am saddened to hear misjudged voices. When have the eyes and ears of our Faithful blinded themselves to our discipleships? A Mercy is not just a healer, a Knight of the Holy Temple or the Knight of Solace is not just a soldier, a Harlequin is not just a midwife, a Sentinel is not just a judge, a Scholar is not just an academic, a Mangatan is not just a sailor, a Liberator is not just a free wheelers, a Petrichorian is not just a farmer, a disciple of Jayus is not just a crafter, a Devotion is not just a musician, and a Mirrormask is not just a contrarian. Our disciples are the First Among the Faith's Children, the Devoted. Their veneration of the gods of the Pantheon and handling of duties for the Faith are not mere titles and positions. They are a tremendous strength for the Faith as they are among our representatives to carry out our traditions. To fail in their sacred duties, would be a disservice not only to the Faith, but to us all.
A friend once told me that I wear my Faith as a shield and believed she never could for she was not a warrior. I saddened at her words. I still do. To be of our Faith does not require a warrior's heart; it requires strength of self. To be devoted, to be willing if you fail to honor your oaths lest to be struck down as a Silent Reflection, that you are a ward of our Faith and its tradition -- to defend the very essence of our souls. The Faith is a thousand year old fortress that no slung words will ever tumble.
The Legate was correct, our Faith is unyielding because it *has* to and I am ever so proud and honored as I bend to my knees before the Gods and renew my vows to the honor and uphold their words. And I ask my brothers and sisters of the Faith from Godsworn to the First Among the Faith's Children to come to your parishes and renew your vows or your dedication to the Faith and the Gods. Let the Compact and the Gods remember the purity and strength of our devotion for everyone deserves the grace of the Pantheon.
Written By Cullen
June 29, 2018, 7:49 a.m.(2/7/1009 AR)
It is no secret that I've been proud to be an Oathlander since we bent the knee and I went to Sanctum for training by the Valardin, and received my knighting there with great honor and pride. However, as of late, this pride has become all the more powerful, all the more compelling, all the more inspirational. I must make a trip to see all of the notable towns and holds within its boundaries, and meet as many of its notables as possible. It is, after all, home - and always shall be.
Written By Cullen
June 29, 2018, 7:34 a.m.(2/7/1009 AR)
A slight modification to my previous entry in the whites regarding my will -
While I still wish all of my property to go to the head of House Greenmarch in the event of my untimely demise, my black journals are now to remain closed.
Lord Cullen Greenmarch
While I still wish all of my property to go to the head of House Greenmarch in the event of my untimely demise, my black journals are now to remain closed.
Lord Cullen Greenmarch
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.