Written By Ingrid
June 6, 2018, 11:43 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Another evening plagued with restless dreams. Perhaps I've had enough sleep for now. I should probably visit the Archives again and bury myself in my research.
Written By Elloise
June 6, 2018, 11:22 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
If you could learn blacksmithing, Cady, that would be indescribably helpful. I need an extra set of hands to swing a hammer for this little what-happens-if project I'm working on.
Written By Cambria
June 6, 2018, 11:04 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabeau
I am not well known in Arx for my bubbly personality. I do not flit hither and thither as other social butterflies, making friends wherever I go. This was not always so, but it has become so during my time in the capital. I realize, however, that reaching out for companionship is not a mistake. Denying it is a mistake.
Written By Arcadia
June 6, 2018, 10:52 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Three days since I've arrived in Arx, and I couldn't be happier. There is so much to see! And the people. So many beautiful people. Ugly ones, too! It's all so exciting! The room they gave me in the Leary house is huge and gorgeous, with a view of the most colorful garden.
Finally, I'm free. No parents. No chores. And I can still go run around the Gray Forest any time I want... It's a dream. I feel like I've died, and gone to wherever you go when that happens. Assuming it's nice, that is.
There's so much to learn. I've met a blacksmith, a Princess, and a pirate already. I want to be all three. The first blacksmithing princess pirate! Gods, I hope Fairen doesn't make me get a job. I could wander the streets of Arx until I became a decrepit old lady...
I wonder what that's like.
Being old?
Finally, I'm free. No parents. No chores. And I can still go run around the Gray Forest any time I want... It's a dream. I feel like I've died, and gone to wherever you go when that happens. Assuming it's nice, that is.
There's so much to learn. I've met a blacksmith, a Princess, and a pirate already. I want to be all three. The first blacksmithing princess pirate! Gods, I hope Fairen doesn't make me get a job. I could wander the streets of Arx until I became a decrepit old lady...
I wonder what that's like.
Being old?
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 10:22 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
The fundraiser for the Bard's College was a wonderful success, if I do say so myself!
And I do.
What an adventure, and what a privilege to be there for its beginnings!
And I do.
What an adventure, and what a privilege to be there for its beginnings!
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 10:17 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
You're alive! And complimenting me!
How hard did you hit your head on that trip of yours?
How hard did you hit your head on that trip of yours?
Written By Fredrik
June 6, 2018, 10:05 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
From :Desk of Lord Fredrik RedTyde
Subject: Whisper's Words
As the good Whispers Bliss and Lumen (and Archlectors Aureth in his own style) have noted, we are not in competition with the Whispers, and never have been. To do so is to add unnecessary tension to an amiable situation, as far as I can see. They have been most gracious and from my readings, accurate in their descriptions, and I thank them for it. We appreciate all they do to grace our establishment with their own presence, and encourage all to mingle in the Empyrean free of stress. That is the point, after all.
Subject: Whisper's Words
As the good Whispers Bliss and Lumen (and Archlectors Aureth in his own style) have noted, we are not in competition with the Whispers, and never have been. To do so is to add unnecessary tension to an amiable situation, as far as I can see. They have been most gracious and from my readings, accurate in their descriptions, and I thank them for it. We appreciate all they do to grace our establishment with their own presence, and encourage all to mingle in the Empyrean free of stress. That is the point, after all.
Written By Bliss
June 6, 2018, 9:13 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
When I arrived in Arx five years ago, I stepped off the carriage with my sword arm in a sling, with no title, with hardly a silver to my name, a strong voice and a drive to succeed. I walked directly to Whisper House, got an audience with the Radiant, and was accepted as an apprentice beginning that very day. Learning how to be a Whisper was perhaps the most grueling experience of my life - I had some experience with the Peerage, but I was raw, unrefined, angry and spiteful. But I was determined to improve and become the best I could be.
I am still many of those things, but with the support of Whisper House and endless hard work on my part, I am living a life I never imagined when I first left Tor all those years ago, and I am a far better person for it. I work every day to improve - every member of Whisper House does. None of us are ever content with where we have landed, otherwise we never would have become Whispers in the first place. I grew up in the drill grounds of Tor, alongside the future Rose, the generals, the finest soldiers and officers. It's where I learned to fight. My life has been one of literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Nothing comes remotely close to the utterly grueling work and training I went through to become a Whisper. Not even getting my arm back to its former speed.
---
When discussing anything regarding Whisper House, the first thing you must understand is why we were founded and what our purpose is. From there, our relationship to the Peerage and to the other Courtier houses of Arvum can be better understood.
Since our inception, Whisper House has operated under the direct patronage of the Crown. Queen Alarice set up the House under the first Radiant, Caithness Anthy, a brilliant diplomat and a woman of extreme charm and grace, at a time when a loose Compact needed to be drawn together and made stronger. It is this diplomatic work which remains at our core. We fiercely neutral so that we can negotiate the best deals between the noble houses to not only their mutual benefit, but that of all of Arvum. We have the finest performers and entertainers so that the Peerage has a place to come together and mingle without any of the weight of House tied to an event and so that there is no concern of what the appearance of a Lord at an event might mean.
We maintain the highest standards in etiquette, beauty, and elegance within our walls because the decisions that are made in Whisper House affect the lives of every member of the Compact, and the difference between two duchies going to war can be whether or not one of the Dukes involved is already annoyed because his tea is too cold, or whether he is in a great mood due to having a childhood favorite meal prepared the best he has ever had. Thousands of lives can hinge on such small things.
Many of these things can be found in other Courtier houses, it is true.
But perhaps the most important thing is our secrecy. I take this rule very seriously - particularly as a Devotion of Limerance - and I am just as serious about enforcing it. Whether it is just company with a Whisper that is being sought or whether it is advisement on heavy and sensitive matters of state, a Whisper can be trusted fully on such things, though we will, of course, refuse any service that would betray the Compact. The individual contracts are just as important as any advising matters - we know all too well how heavy the burdens of state weigh, and we are there to help make sure they do not break those who bear them. This part is often underestimated or dismissed, but our House words are what they are for a reason.
This is just some of what we do in Arx proper. We also do work around the Compact - more than many might expect. We smooth disagreements, arrange needed meetings, call in favors, and quite simply make things work and happen.
In light of all this, I do not think it difficult to understand why we choose to live in comfort and beauty. The work - both public and private - is draining, and we earn every silver that we are paid. That silver then goes to make sure we ourselves do not break by letting us enjoy what we have earned, but it also goes to making sure that we are the finest in Arx in terms of fashion and our trappings. No noble should ever be ashamed to have a Whisper on their arm for an event, because of who we are and everything we stand for.
---
As for the other Courtier houses, I am in agreement with Lumen Whisper: I welcome them and the services they provide. Perhaps they can even inspire us to do even better. That would not be a bad thing.
However, they are not Whisper House, which is a statement I don't think really needs to be written. Many of our courtiers do come from the other schools, elevated and trained and then retrained to their full potential once they come here. But our roles, our goals, and what we can do - they are distinct from one another.
I will say one last thing, one important correction: Whisper House does not just support our own performers. We do not turn everything inward, we are not self-indulgent without purpose. We teach, we provide opportunity, and we provide support of other nature as well. We simply have the highest standards for such things, for to bear the support of Whisper House, they must.
If there is any performer or artist in the city who is struggling - do send me, or whoever is Softest at the time, a missive. I will be happy to see what we can do for you.
-- Softest Whisper Bliss
I am still many of those things, but with the support of Whisper House and endless hard work on my part, I am living a life I never imagined when I first left Tor all those years ago, and I am a far better person for it. I work every day to improve - every member of Whisper House does. None of us are ever content with where we have landed, otherwise we never would have become Whispers in the first place. I grew up in the drill grounds of Tor, alongside the future Rose, the generals, the finest soldiers and officers. It's where I learned to fight. My life has been one of literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Nothing comes remotely close to the utterly grueling work and training I went through to become a Whisper. Not even getting my arm back to its former speed.
---
When discussing anything regarding Whisper House, the first thing you must understand is why we were founded and what our purpose is. From there, our relationship to the Peerage and to the other Courtier houses of Arvum can be better understood.
Since our inception, Whisper House has operated under the direct patronage of the Crown. Queen Alarice set up the House under the first Radiant, Caithness Anthy, a brilliant diplomat and a woman of extreme charm and grace, at a time when a loose Compact needed to be drawn together and made stronger. It is this diplomatic work which remains at our core. We fiercely neutral so that we can negotiate the best deals between the noble houses to not only their mutual benefit, but that of all of Arvum. We have the finest performers and entertainers so that the Peerage has a place to come together and mingle without any of the weight of House tied to an event and so that there is no concern of what the appearance of a Lord at an event might mean.
We maintain the highest standards in etiquette, beauty, and elegance within our walls because the decisions that are made in Whisper House affect the lives of every member of the Compact, and the difference between two duchies going to war can be whether or not one of the Dukes involved is already annoyed because his tea is too cold, or whether he is in a great mood due to having a childhood favorite meal prepared the best he has ever had. Thousands of lives can hinge on such small things.
Many of these things can be found in other Courtier houses, it is true.
But perhaps the most important thing is our secrecy. I take this rule very seriously - particularly as a Devotion of Limerance - and I am just as serious about enforcing it. Whether it is just company with a Whisper that is being sought or whether it is advisement on heavy and sensitive matters of state, a Whisper can be trusted fully on such things, though we will, of course, refuse any service that would betray the Compact. The individual contracts are just as important as any advising matters - we know all too well how heavy the burdens of state weigh, and we are there to help make sure they do not break those who bear them. This part is often underestimated or dismissed, but our House words are what they are for a reason.
This is just some of what we do in Arx proper. We also do work around the Compact - more than many might expect. We smooth disagreements, arrange needed meetings, call in favors, and quite simply make things work and happen.
In light of all this, I do not think it difficult to understand why we choose to live in comfort and beauty. The work - both public and private - is draining, and we earn every silver that we are paid. That silver then goes to make sure we ourselves do not break by letting us enjoy what we have earned, but it also goes to making sure that we are the finest in Arx in terms of fashion and our trappings. No noble should ever be ashamed to have a Whisper on their arm for an event, because of who we are and everything we stand for.
---
As for the other Courtier houses, I am in agreement with Lumen Whisper: I welcome them and the services they provide. Perhaps they can even inspire us to do even better. That would not be a bad thing.
However, they are not Whisper House, which is a statement I don't think really needs to be written. Many of our courtiers do come from the other schools, elevated and trained and then retrained to their full potential once they come here. But our roles, our goals, and what we can do - they are distinct from one another.
I will say one last thing, one important correction: Whisper House does not just support our own performers. We do not turn everything inward, we are not self-indulgent without purpose. We teach, we provide opportunity, and we provide support of other nature as well. We simply have the highest standards for such things, for to bear the support of Whisper House, they must.
If there is any performer or artist in the city who is struggling - do send me, or whoever is Softest at the time, a missive. I will be happy to see what we can do for you.
-- Softest Whisper Bliss
Written By Aureth
June 6, 2018, 9:02 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I didn't say there isn't anything wrong with it. But to find the vanity project of a noble or two in the... fighting weight class ... of the oldest and most prestigious courtier enterprise in Arvum? Nah. Just ... fucking nah.
I don't know anything about Lady Iseulet's project, nor do I care to, particularly. I think Lord ReDtYdE seems a decent fellow who has a sense of humor about himself. And she seems very into her passion project. That's nice. I won't be using it, of course. I don't indulge in Princess Valencia's casino either, though I don't begrudge those that do. Some of my best friends have a scrap in there now and again. That's fine. Not my choice, but fine.
If I have coin to spend, I spend it where I want to, and that's not for nobles to decide what counts as charitable giving when I can walk down the hill and drop 20,000 silver on a soup kitchen run by the Boroughs, for the Boroughs, if what I really want is to feel impressively good about myself.
But it's no skin off my nose if that's how the high wish to entertain themselves. It definitely beats bear-baiting.
I don't know anything about Lady Iseulet's project, nor do I care to, particularly. I think Lord ReDtYdE seems a decent fellow who has a sense of humor about himself. And she seems very into her passion project. That's nice. I won't be using it, of course. I don't indulge in Princess Valencia's casino either, though I don't begrudge those that do. Some of my best friends have a scrap in there now and again. That's fine. Not my choice, but fine.
If I have coin to spend, I spend it where I want to, and that's not for nobles to decide what counts as charitable giving when I can walk down the hill and drop 20,000 silver on a soup kitchen run by the Boroughs, for the Boroughs, if what I really want is to feel impressively good about myself.
But it's no skin off my nose if that's how the high wish to entertain themselves. It definitely beats bear-baiting.
Written By Fortunato
June 6, 2018, 8:34 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Ah! For an organization of crafters and entertainers who exist only for their own expression and only incidentally for others. But I suppose that's the Crafters Guild and your due auspice of Jayus.
Written By Thena
June 6, 2018, 8:22 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Itsy has always had a way with the ladies.
Written By Monique
June 6, 2018, 8:07 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
The Gilded Page isn't capable of blushing.
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 7:58 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
I have been accused of such, but I insist, it comes from the heart, for no prefabricated statements or lines would ever be befitting the Whispers of the Whisper House. From the heart, nay, the soul, nothing less!
Written By Lumen
June 6, 2018, 7:50 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
Wow, Master Itzal, you sure know just what to say to a girl.
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 7:41 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Say, how much would it cost me, a simple bard from the Lowers, for the witty company of the Whisper House's finest, if I want to impress and possibly not make a complete fool of myself at a social occasion, but also simply enjoy the aforementioned fine company?
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 7:40 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
I do not think anyone ever cast any doubts to the hard work you have put into your business, Lady Blackshore. No aspersions were cast towards your gathering of resources, or the depth of your passion for your project.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
Written By Lumen
June 6, 2018, 7:36 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
Not at all to undermine the struggles many go through that prevent them from being able to afford non-necessity and luxury services, but Whisper House actually operates on a sliding scale so as to be more accessible to people from many different walks of life. So, to say that not everybody can afford the best, well...
Written By Sabella
June 6, 2018, 7:19 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
Don't be so hard on yourself, Master Bastien! Every noble I've ever met loves your works!
Written By Mirari
June 6, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
I am really very sorry. I promise.
Written By Iseulet
June 6, 2018, 6:54 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Perhaps I was too quick to assume that, with the flurry of Empyrean-directed posts, you were referencing the Empyrean in your last journal.
If that's not the case, I do apologize.
If that's not the case, I do apologize.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.