Written By Philippe
June 8, 2018, 7:33 p.m.(12/14/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eshra
I've had not had the pleasure of knowing the Rivenshari even back when, hunting the abandoned is all we did. I had my concerns about entrusting Lady Eshra and her people with my valuable horses and seeing them reach their destination. Normally this sort of transactions were done on land but time required that I get them to where they needed to go. Promptly.
I am glad my concerns were unfounded because what I saw was a well disciplined and committed army, led by this woman, Lady Eshra Rivernshari. They took my horses and without anymore exchanges in conversation other than what was required for the mission, the Rivenshari got to work. How they did it, and how fast they did it, is evident of their skills at sea but I had not laid my head on a pillow before I received a message that the horses arrived safely.
The whole affair reminded me of a time back when I did not have the responsibilities of stewardship chaining me to a desk, back when Prince Dayne and I were young and hungered for glory. We met a group of abandoned that welcomed us into their village after we had gotten lost in the woods tracking bandits. They had just recovered from raid and harsh weather. Their dwellings all collapse and what appeared to be years of labor undone. Still, they moved like one unit, like an ant or a bee, they put up their structures, clean their settlement, designated their workstations and before the sun had come down they were living life as if nothing had happen. Just in time to celebrate their dead. They would recover their belongings and leave nothing behind. We followed them farther into the woods before leaving for the mountains and chasing a river that would lead us back to civilization and saw them do this multiple times. Every single time, efficient as the last. I understand it is not polite to assume they all are the same; the prodigals, the abandoned, the shavs, but there is something about living out here with nothing but what you can carry, about knowing your place and duty, that I think I can learn a lot about.
I hope this business means that House Blanchard and House Rivenshari can continue to work together in the future. I am interested in what having access to the sea can do for us.
I am glad my concerns were unfounded because what I saw was a well disciplined and committed army, led by this woman, Lady Eshra Rivernshari. They took my horses and without anymore exchanges in conversation other than what was required for the mission, the Rivenshari got to work. How they did it, and how fast they did it, is evident of their skills at sea but I had not laid my head on a pillow before I received a message that the horses arrived safely.
The whole affair reminded me of a time back when I did not have the responsibilities of stewardship chaining me to a desk, back when Prince Dayne and I were young and hungered for glory. We met a group of abandoned that welcomed us into their village after we had gotten lost in the woods tracking bandits. They had just recovered from raid and harsh weather. Their dwellings all collapse and what appeared to be years of labor undone. Still, they moved like one unit, like an ant or a bee, they put up their structures, clean their settlement, designated their workstations and before the sun had come down they were living life as if nothing had happen. Just in time to celebrate their dead. They would recover their belongings and leave nothing behind. We followed them farther into the woods before leaving for the mountains and chasing a river that would lead us back to civilization and saw them do this multiple times. Every single time, efficient as the last. I understand it is not polite to assume they all are the same; the prodigals, the abandoned, the shavs, but there is something about living out here with nothing but what you can carry, about knowing your place and duty, that I think I can learn a lot about.
I hope this business means that House Blanchard and House Rivenshari can continue to work together in the future. I am interested in what having access to the sea can do for us.
Written By Carita
June 8, 2018, 6:33 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
A pleasurable afternoon wrapped in a warm coral concoction, of beauty, and ginger tea; was the paradoxically steely cool Princess Sorrel. Business and babies, warmth and cool resolve, compassion and strict standards. I haven't wanted to wrap someone up in a protective bubble and also stand behind them as they fight for me at the same time before. A wonder of a woman, to be sure, and someone to safely remain on the /good/ side of if you're wise.
Written By Jaenelle
June 8, 2018, 5:58 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
But the otter has a monocle. You can't say no to a monocle wearing otter.
Written By Ariella
June 8, 2018, 4:59 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
Otters taste terrible. Very oily skin. But when you're desperate, they've got some decent meat on them.
Written By Ann
June 8, 2018, 4:41 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Hey. Otters are just water cats.
Written By Edain
June 8, 2018, 4:40 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I still think these otters you talk about are just a fever dream.
Written By Victus
June 8, 2018, 4:22 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Don't tell me those fucking otters got to you too.
Written By Talen
June 8, 2018, 3:32 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
I take everything I ever said about animals back, they're awesome, at least the ones that fight unseen wars.
Written By Lumen
June 8, 2018, 1:52 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Gloriel
Oh, dear. I hope you don't take my suggestion to impale people's hearts literally.
Written By Monique
June 8, 2018, 1:39 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margret
You are fortunate to have found each other. I could not imagine a more perfect match for you. I think you will balance each other well, and I wish you, as I always have, nothing but love and happiness. I am so pleased you've found your mate, Mags.
Written By Monique
June 8, 2018, 1:36 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alessandro
A true friend, Prince Alessandro Velenosa has been, even when people have told him not to be. He has proven his worth, time and time again. He is loyal, he is brave, he is kind and witty. And now, he is Greenmarch.
We are proud to call Lord Alessandro Greenmarch family. Welcome, Cousin. I will move worlds for you. Never doubt it.
We are proud to call Lord Alessandro Greenmarch family. Welcome, Cousin. I will move worlds for you. Never doubt it.
Written By Reigna
June 8, 2018, 1:10 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Barik
My assistant Gigi brought your last entry to my attention and she suggested I read it.
It seems to be a common theme, one comes to Arx and their eyes are opened, ready or not, to things that stun, delight or terrorize. Most, like you have, simply reject because that is what we've been trained to do. That is what comes naturally to an orderly mind raised to handle what is before us, visible, tangible, real. It defies the mind and imagination at times, trying to hold the image of something so great and terrible or awe inspiring. It hurts in a way, when that veil is pulled and it feels at first, as if the whole world were a lie. And you begin to wonder what other veils are there, what else is it you cannot see. What dangers lurk in the shadows, what beauty or wondrous thing might be around the next corner? It is so difficult to place ourselves in a world like that. From the tangible to the ephemeral, it is easy to feel like you do not belong. It is easier to deny, to shake your head and reject all of it.
On the topic of faith... it is difficult for me to conceive of a world without that backbone of faith. It is something I was raised into. Being from the Western reaches of the Oathlands, I was surrounded by the Orthodoxy from birth, and that faith came easily to me. At one point I wished to become godsworn. I see their hands in the beauty of the sea, the majesty of an ancient grove of trees, in the words on a page that create worlds within my mind, in the feeling in my chest when I swear an oath and *mean* it. Faith is not all joy, and the faithful do not lead painless lives. We are touched with tragedy and heartache, neglect and loneliness the same as any one else. But when I have been in those places, it has always been my faith that kept me from being alone. I knew that if I kept my word, no matter how difficult or costly to myself it would be... Limerance would smile on me. When I made a hard,but just choice, the Sentinel would be pleased. When I wrote my pains into my black reflections, Vellichor granted me the ease of that pain as I poured it from my heart to the page. I do not think my faith makes me haughty, nor, as I have said, is the life of a faithful untouched by pain or hardship. It is instead that through our faith, there is a belief that if we endure and keep pushing to emulate the gods through their virtues, that it *will* get better, that we will be stronger for the hard times, better able to embody the virtues to which we aspire. But as I said... Faith has been a part of me my whole life. And it is hard for me to understand where you are coming from. Though I would like to try. I have not abandoned my Orthodox upbringing, I believe I am closer to the path of the gods than I ever was. But I cannot in truth call myself a follower of the Orthodoxy as it stands. I have seen too many things and met too many people to adhere to the strictest interpretations of our Faith. Since coming to Arx, I have visited the Shrines of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings. I have felt the pull of her story, embraced her existence and role in our lives. I have come to hear the words and stories of Skald, and have taken the lesson and gift of choice to my heart and have had the deepest honor to meet Prism, one of the greatest moments of my life. I have embraced the idea of Aion, meditated on the meaning and story of how this all fits together. And I have given even more thought to the nature of the Thirteenth, what it means, the lessons that are offered in his worship.
What really struck me about your journal entry, what inspired me to reach out was your talk of balance. This is, I believe, is the crux of how to keep sane in a world determined to be anything but. There is darkness within us all. The Thirteenth encourages us to face this darkness, accept it, embrace it and with that acceptance use the darkness within us to push us to be better. Hiding from one's darkness, denying that it is there gives it power over us. If we turn away, if we do not look into that darkness, we prove we are afraid of it. And by avoiding what we fear... we give it power over us. If we search that darkness and explore each and every cranny of it, if we face it, we will no longer fear it. And it loses its power over us. We are free to choose how to act, we are not controlled by our emotions, or impulses and instincts. We become the master of ourselves. Of course these words are easy to say. Actually accomplishing this? This is the task of a lifetime.
The nightmares are real, yes. But as you said... as there is no light without the dark, so too are there wonders. Unspeakable, glorious things awaiting the opening of your eyes. There are monsters and danger and terror... but there is always, always hope. Faith is a seed within you, it must be nurtured to grow, bathed in the light of hope. I would speak with you further, if you have interest.
It seems to be a common theme, one comes to Arx and their eyes are opened, ready or not, to things that stun, delight or terrorize. Most, like you have, simply reject because that is what we've been trained to do. That is what comes naturally to an orderly mind raised to handle what is before us, visible, tangible, real. It defies the mind and imagination at times, trying to hold the image of something so great and terrible or awe inspiring. It hurts in a way, when that veil is pulled and it feels at first, as if the whole world were a lie. And you begin to wonder what other veils are there, what else is it you cannot see. What dangers lurk in the shadows, what beauty or wondrous thing might be around the next corner? It is so difficult to place ourselves in a world like that. From the tangible to the ephemeral, it is easy to feel like you do not belong. It is easier to deny, to shake your head and reject all of it.
On the topic of faith... it is difficult for me to conceive of a world without that backbone of faith. It is something I was raised into. Being from the Western reaches of the Oathlands, I was surrounded by the Orthodoxy from birth, and that faith came easily to me. At one point I wished to become godsworn. I see their hands in the beauty of the sea, the majesty of an ancient grove of trees, in the words on a page that create worlds within my mind, in the feeling in my chest when I swear an oath and *mean* it. Faith is not all joy, and the faithful do not lead painless lives. We are touched with tragedy and heartache, neglect and loneliness the same as any one else. But when I have been in those places, it has always been my faith that kept me from being alone. I knew that if I kept my word, no matter how difficult or costly to myself it would be... Limerance would smile on me. When I made a hard,but just choice, the Sentinel would be pleased. When I wrote my pains into my black reflections, Vellichor granted me the ease of that pain as I poured it from my heart to the page. I do not think my faith makes me haughty, nor, as I have said, is the life of a faithful untouched by pain or hardship. It is instead that through our faith, there is a belief that if we endure and keep pushing to emulate the gods through their virtues, that it *will* get better, that we will be stronger for the hard times, better able to embody the virtues to which we aspire. But as I said... Faith has been a part of me my whole life. And it is hard for me to understand where you are coming from. Though I would like to try. I have not abandoned my Orthodox upbringing, I believe I am closer to the path of the gods than I ever was. But I cannot in truth call myself a follower of the Orthodoxy as it stands. I have seen too many things and met too many people to adhere to the strictest interpretations of our Faith. Since coming to Arx, I have visited the Shrines of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings. I have felt the pull of her story, embraced her existence and role in our lives. I have come to hear the words and stories of Skald, and have taken the lesson and gift of choice to my heart and have had the deepest honor to meet Prism, one of the greatest moments of my life. I have embraced the idea of Aion, meditated on the meaning and story of how this all fits together. And I have given even more thought to the nature of the Thirteenth, what it means, the lessons that are offered in his worship.
What really struck me about your journal entry, what inspired me to reach out was your talk of balance. This is, I believe, is the crux of how to keep sane in a world determined to be anything but. There is darkness within us all. The Thirteenth encourages us to face this darkness, accept it, embrace it and with that acceptance use the darkness within us to push us to be better. Hiding from one's darkness, denying that it is there gives it power over us. If we turn away, if we do not look into that darkness, we prove we are afraid of it. And by avoiding what we fear... we give it power over us. If we search that darkness and explore each and every cranny of it, if we face it, we will no longer fear it. And it loses its power over us. We are free to choose how to act, we are not controlled by our emotions, or impulses and instincts. We become the master of ourselves. Of course these words are easy to say. Actually accomplishing this? This is the task of a lifetime.
The nightmares are real, yes. But as you said... as there is no light without the dark, so too are there wonders. Unspeakable, glorious things awaiting the opening of your eyes. There are monsters and danger and terror... but there is always, always hope. Faith is a seed within you, it must be nurtured to grow, bathed in the light of hope. I would speak with you further, if you have interest.
Written By Korka
June 8, 2018, 12:57 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
I'm still here.
Or here, again.
Story of my life. Not that anyone aside from one person will get that joke, but maybe it'll be funny for someone doing research in five hundred years. It is the strangest thing, to read my name in the whites.
Or here, again.
Story of my life. Not that anyone aside from one person will get that joke, but maybe it'll be funny for someone doing research in five hundred years. It is the strangest thing, to read my name in the whites.
Written By Austen
June 8, 2018, 12:37 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Swords are excellent.
Written By Kenna
June 8, 2018, 12:13 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Blanks are the easiest of all things to draw. They leave everything open for more possibilities with their endless empty space.
If you want art lessons, I suggest my cousin Tabitha. She is amazing.
(Scholar note: Lady Whitehawk left giggling.)
If you want art lessons, I suggest my cousin Tabitha. She is amazing.
(Scholar note: Lady Whitehawk left giggling.)
Written By Aureth
June 8, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
The choices we make, the paths we take, and the new chapters we write in our stories are the gifts we give to Death. Life is a gift.
Written By Sparte
June 8, 2018, 12:05 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Carnifex.
Whenever people talk about the Orthodoxy, they remember Carnifex Alor Valardin as the founder.
What does Carnifex mean, though? It doesn't seem to be a first name, it is placed in the name like a title. A title for what?
It feels like maybe I should already know this, but for some reason I keep drawing a blank.
Whenever people talk about the Orthodoxy, they remember Carnifex Alor Valardin as the founder.
What does Carnifex mean, though? It doesn't seem to be a first name, it is placed in the name like a title. A title for what?
It feels like maybe I should already know this, but for some reason I keep drawing a blank.
Written By Fredrik
June 8, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
From: Desk of Lord Fredrik RedTyde
Subject: marriage potential and opinions
I will not name names in here, because honestly, I do not find the unsolicited opinion of one or two nobles worth that level of pursuit or vehemence. But to clarify my position here?
Who I determine to pursue as a political marriage, which is first and foremost a /political/ arrangement between two Houses? Is nobody's business. If those House Heads and the parties involve agree to the arrangement, formal or not? Then it is nobody's business but theirs. I applaud all those marrying for love, and I hope that I may, one day, share this honor, but that is not the foremost purpose of political marriage, in many cases. If you have an issue with it, please do go ahead and write the marquis, duke, duchess, high lord, or whoever else may be involved and inform them of your opinion, and I will be delighted to hear the response. Until then I will, without the ardent hormonal urge that seems to drive many, pursue a match that it best for myself, my House, and my Liege.
Subject: marriage potential and opinions
I will not name names in here, because honestly, I do not find the unsolicited opinion of one or two nobles worth that level of pursuit or vehemence. But to clarify my position here?
Who I determine to pursue as a political marriage, which is first and foremost a /political/ arrangement between two Houses? Is nobody's business. If those House Heads and the parties involve agree to the arrangement, formal or not? Then it is nobody's business but theirs. I applaud all those marrying for love, and I hope that I may, one day, share this honor, but that is not the foremost purpose of political marriage, in many cases. If you have an issue with it, please do go ahead and write the marquis, duke, duchess, high lord, or whoever else may be involved and inform them of your opinion, and I will be delighted to hear the response. Until then I will, without the ardent hormonal urge that seems to drive many, pursue a match that it best for myself, my House, and my Liege.
Written By Karadoc
June 8, 2018, 11:38 a.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
... Damn these emotions to the Abyss for this. I am stricken.
Written By Ainsley
June 8, 2018, 10:49 a.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I also like swords.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.