Written By Kima
Feb. 2, 2017, 7:13 p.m.(11/1/1005 AR)
I've always preferred men to women. As friends, as lovers, as figures of authority. Men like to keep things simple. None of the absurd oversensitivity, reacting to every damned expression or glance or gesture. None of the stewing over some careless comment made in passing. And, most importantly, none of the vicious backstabbing and poison cups given with such winning smiles.
No.
I have long since learned all the cruel lessons of my own gender. I've seen enough eyes crawling up and down my body: judging the clothes I wear, the cut and style of my hair, the man at my side. I've seen women carving up others when they think their victim isn't looking, (Sometimes, even when they know that they are looking!) with eyes like blades.
Stab! Slice! Gut!
And isn't it true -beyond all challenge or doubt- that women who prefer the company of men are they most hated women of all?
No.
I have long since learned all the cruel lessons of my own gender. I've seen enough eyes crawling up and down my body: judging the clothes I wear, the cut and style of my hair, the man at my side. I've seen women carving up others when they think their victim isn't looking, (Sometimes, even when they know that they are looking!) with eyes like blades.
Stab! Slice! Gut!
And isn't it true -beyond all challenge or doubt- that women who prefer the company of men are they most hated women of all?
Written By Orazio
Feb. 2, 2017, 4:24 p.m.(11/1/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
It is in the extremes that one grows to understand the strength of one's connections and the truth of one's friendships. Sometimes, it is simply in the kindnesses shown, be it a selection of exquisite teas, the impromptu rearrangement of one's sleeping quarters, or any number of cherished messages sent by those close to my heart. We are a strong and passionate people, the Arvani. Often, this very strength and passion can lead us into impasse and conflict, torn apart by competing duties or desires; as a man, I have often tried to moderate and disperse this passion, to replace it (or at least to channel it) with the cooler, harder substances of reason and intellect.
But it is good to be reminded, once in a while, that it is our passions which urge people close, and hold the bonds between us fast even when reason and intellect might suggest we should pull away. Never be ashamed of your regard and affection for another, faithful readers, even though the world may tell you it is foolish. Do not allow it to tempt you into dishonor or away from the gods' path, but do not be ashamed. Limerance is, after all, the god of Love and Fidelity.
It is in the extremes that one grows to understand the strength of one's connections and the truth of one's friendships. Sometimes, it is simply in the kindnesses shown, be it a selection of exquisite teas, the impromptu rearrangement of one's sleeping quarters, or any number of cherished messages sent by those close to my heart. We are a strong and passionate people, the Arvani. Often, this very strength and passion can lead us into impasse and conflict, torn apart by competing duties or desires; as a man, I have often tried to moderate and disperse this passion, to replace it (or at least to channel it) with the cooler, harder substances of reason and intellect.
But it is good to be reminded, once in a while, that it is our passions which urge people close, and hold the bonds between us fast even when reason and intellect might suggest we should pull away. Never be ashamed of your regard and affection for another, faithful readers, even though the world may tell you it is foolish. Do not allow it to tempt you into dishonor or away from the gods' path, but do not be ashamed. Limerance is, after all, the god of Love and Fidelity.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:59 p.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
No, Scholar I am not done yet. I just had no desire to have that moment of flailing panic to be permanently documented in the Journals.
(I am *not* getting a new dress for this - the one that Mistress Aurora made last summer will suit me just fine!)
Damnation!
(I am *not* getting a new dress for this - the one that Mistress Aurora made last summer will suit me just fine!)
Damnation!
Written By Bethany
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:44 p.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
By the scantified scrot--
No, no. No cursing. How did I not know that my own reception was just around the corner? See. This is what happens when I mope for too long.
No, no. No cursing. How did I not know that my own reception was just around the corner? See. This is what happens when I mope for too long.
Written By Serafine
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:21 p.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Propriety? Really?
Written By Fergus
Feb. 2, 2017, 10:48 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Each day it seems there is something new, whether it is the vanishing of others, their death, uprisings, conflict.
I took the sword down from the mantle to see if I could make right things that went wrong, and I may have found a way to do that in a manner I didn't think about before.
I have been trying to seek opinions of those that aren't noble, but live their lives in the uncertaintity of their future, and I want to give them something to be certain about.
Their own strength. It is something we all look at when we look inside of ourselves, and we wonder if we are strong enough to continue doing what is needed to be done.
When we feel strong, we are sure footed, confident, and we know the next day will not be our last. It makes you calm. It makes you know hope.
I wish to give that to the people.
I took the sword down from the mantle to see if I could make right things that went wrong, and I may have found a way to do that in a manner I didn't think about before.
I have been trying to seek opinions of those that aren't noble, but live their lives in the uncertaintity of their future, and I want to give them something to be certain about.
Their own strength. It is something we all look at when we look inside of ourselves, and we wonder if we are strong enough to continue doing what is needed to be done.
When we feel strong, we are sure footed, confident, and we know the next day will not be our last. It makes you calm. It makes you know hope.
I wish to give that to the people.
Written By Jasher
Feb. 2, 2017, 10:25 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
An excellent weaponsmith. He put a better edge on my blade in an hour than I've done in weeks with my whetstone.
Written By Cecilia
Feb. 2, 2017, 9:01 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
I love my brother dearly.
One day, I will finally get to know him.
One day, I will finally get to know him.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 2, 2017, 8:49 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
How does one write the sound of an uncertain and disapproving grunt?
Hrm?
Hrm?
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 2, 2017, 8:17 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rainier
A knight who has returned to His Majesty's royal guard. I found him somewhat grating to begin with. As time progresses I am noticing the capacity for wisdom in his typically casual manner. I can respect that.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 2, 2017, 8:17 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rainier
A knight who has returned to His Majesty's royal guard. I found him somewhat grating to begin with. As time progresses I am noticing the capacity for wisdom in his typically casual manner. I can respect that.
Written By Rymarr
Feb. 2, 2017, 8:15 a.m.(10/28/1005 AR)
Dear Diary,
It has clearly been some time since I've witnessed my original home before taking my vow. I've been assured that it has been a great deal of time if I've forgotten the taste of the Redoubt's rubylicious apples and the juicy, thick, robust, girth of the most mouth-watering and filling apples ever grown.
Some day perhaps I will visit Dicken's Cider & Apple Orchard personally in order to collect a few fresh rubylicious treats. I imagine that Dauntless would eat every one in sight.
Love,
Rymarr
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the event that you and yours find yourselves reading this: As before, my outlook and stance has not altered. I am merely waiting for your move. I am patient.
It has clearly been some time since I've witnessed my original home before taking my vow. I've been assured that it has been a great deal of time if I've forgotten the taste of the Redoubt's rubylicious apples and the juicy, thick, robust, girth of the most mouth-watering and filling apples ever grown.
Some day perhaps I will visit Dicken's Cider & Apple Orchard personally in order to collect a few fresh rubylicious treats. I imagine that Dauntless would eat every one in sight.
Love,
Rymarr
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In the event that you and yours find yourselves reading this: As before, my outlook and stance has not altered. I am merely waiting for your move. I am patient.
Written By Julea
Feb. 2, 2017, 5:30 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Things have been in something of a turmoil over the last few days, and I am eager to put my feet to solid ground again. I want to know where I stand, so I can start walking again. I've never been good with uncertainty.
So I have been trying to stay focused on the funding and support for the boroughs, and it has been going well. Almost everyone I have asked has come through with an offer of food, medical supplies, housing, funding, training, and many of them have more than exceeded my expectations.
And I hope that it is enough to smooth things over. That we lose no more of our people to that Herald. That we can in turn focus on the real threat. I think that is what they're trying to do, make us fight each other, encourage this civil unrest between the Crown and the Faith. To turn the people against each other, because a people divided, is much easier to defeat. They paint the picture that we already expect. And we've fallen for it before, haven't we? Deluded into ignoring the real enemy, and doing their work for them.
Maybe I'm just paranoid and my mind is working over time trying to think about just about everything but the feet that are so close to slipping from beneath me.
Also I bought a dress. A fucking expensive sea-silk dress of a Thraxian style that I really ought not to of. But it is beautiful and I do not know that I will wear it. Maybe just hang it up on the wall like a picture.
I guess I need to find my sea-legs.
So I have been trying to stay focused on the funding and support for the boroughs, and it has been going well. Almost everyone I have asked has come through with an offer of food, medical supplies, housing, funding, training, and many of them have more than exceeded my expectations.
And I hope that it is enough to smooth things over. That we lose no more of our people to that Herald. That we can in turn focus on the real threat. I think that is what they're trying to do, make us fight each other, encourage this civil unrest between the Crown and the Faith. To turn the people against each other, because a people divided, is much easier to defeat. They paint the picture that we already expect. And we've fallen for it before, haven't we? Deluded into ignoring the real enemy, and doing their work for them.
Maybe I'm just paranoid and my mind is working over time trying to think about just about everything but the feet that are so close to slipping from beneath me.
Also I bought a dress. A fucking expensive sea-silk dress of a Thraxian style that I really ought not to of. But it is beautiful and I do not know that I will wear it. Maybe just hang it up on the wall like a picture.
I guess I need to find my sea-legs.
Written By Serafine
Feb. 2, 2017, 2:36 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Sorry, scholar, I've got purple paint all up my-
No, no, I'm not painting a house. Well, aye, I am, but this isn't from that.
What? Oh, a giant phallus out in the Lyceum ward.
Don't make that face. People need a different thing to laugh about at the moment. Don't think Jayus will grant me any blessings, but it's not even white-wash, goes away with a rain or two.
Of -course- I know these journals are public. How's anyone going to know it's a joke and not a declaration of rooster fights?
No, no, I'm not painting a house. Well, aye, I am, but this isn't from that.
What? Oh, a giant phallus out in the Lyceum ward.
Don't make that face. People need a different thing to laugh about at the moment. Don't think Jayus will grant me any blessings, but it's not even white-wash, goes away with a rain or two.
Of -course- I know these journals are public. How's anyone going to know it's a joke and not a declaration of rooster fights?
Written By Merek
Feb. 2, 2017, 1:43 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
The Princess is quite an intelligent woman, with much willpower. Willing to do what she needs to when required. I talked to her at the Shrine of the Thirteenth, and she had quite a bit of insight to give to me.
Written By Merek
Feb. 2, 2017, 1:40 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I've not spoken to this woman much, but she seems to be a curiosity amongst the people I've met. Often as smiling and laughing like I tend to be sometimes. I hope that we can become friends, regardless what some might think about her.
Written By Merek
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:49 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Drea
I have become acquainted with Princess Drea, who is fairly smart when it comes to scholarly pursuits. It seems not all agree with her however. I for one trust the woman, and would like to learn more of what she has to say. Quite wise.
Written By Serafine
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:29 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Esera is dead.
Uncle Niccolo is now Archduke.
Esera dressed like a grieving bride to confront he that kept her from what should have been one of the happiest day of her life.
I'm assuming, anyway.
I don't see her doing anything else but fighting for her right to happiness. It's not always so easy for some, and that she found hers-
I can't stay here too long. It makes me feel guilty, to have a spot of light in a world that has gone dark for so many.
Cousin Esera. Clever, brilliant, lovely kinswoman.
Uncle Niccolo is now Archduke.
Esera dressed like a grieving bride to confront he that kept her from what should have been one of the happiest day of her life.
I'm assuming, anyway.
I don't see her doing anything else but fighting for her right to happiness. It's not always so easy for some, and that she found hers-
I can't stay here too long. It makes me feel guilty, to have a spot of light in a world that has gone dark for so many.
Cousin Esera. Clever, brilliant, lovely kinswoman.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 2, 2017, 12:21 a.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
The Auction for the Fashion Show was incredible, so many generous patrons of the arts, it was a sight to see.
I'm a little overwhelmed still; I won a gorgeous painting by my near-brother, Fortunato, and.... there are no words. I want to display it somewhere public but I've not the clue where.
Myri would be proud of the attention paid to her dress. It was ...
...well.
The others did well to, little Lyiana ran off with a -fortune-.
Larissa Whisper, you are a wonder.
I'm a little overwhelmed still; I won a gorgeous painting by my near-brother, Fortunato, and.... there are no words. I want to display it somewhere public but I've not the clue where.
Myri would be proud of the attention paid to her dress. It was ...
...well.
The others did well to, little Lyiana ran off with a -fortune-.
Larissa Whisper, you are a wonder.
Written By Darren
Feb. 1, 2017, 11:48 p.m.(10/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
We were bonded by fate, you and I, but bound by will.
You were more than an ally to me, Esera. You were my friend, my confidant. This is a loss that hits hard and heavy. You will never be forgotten. Your death will be avenged. No one will harm you unpunished.
I'll stand by the promise I made you there in the ocean. We looked like fools such fools, didn't we? But the words we spoke ring all the more true now. I couldn't protect you there on that bridge. But I will not fail you.
I will miss you, my friend. Until we meet again.
You were more than an ally to me, Esera. You were my friend, my confidant. This is a loss that hits hard and heavy. You will never be forgotten. Your death will be avenged. No one will harm you unpunished.
I'll stand by the promise I made you there in the ocean. We looked like fools such fools, didn't we? But the words we spoke ring all the more true now. I couldn't protect you there on that bridge. But I will not fail you.
I will miss you, my friend. Until we meet again.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.