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Written By Serafine

Dec. 8, 2016, 12:16 a.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

So I received a marriage proposal today.

It was unexpected. I wasn't half naked so I know the lad was serious. I barely know him but I guess I made a lasting impression. Or, that was what I thought.

I forget, however, that I am of House Velenosa, a noble family of prestige and power and no little bit of wealth. It's not that I'd forgotten, but I did forget what that can mean for some.

Perhaps it's the announcement of that wedding between the Grayson Princess and the Thraxian Prince that's put it into the heads of a few; an unwedded Velenosan higher up in the ranks of the House but not too high. A remarkable prize for many, aye?

I was kind and told him no. He looked surprised. And then offended. And then he remembered that I'd just beaten him into the training center floor and decided that it was best to bow, thank me, and run away.

And then it happened again, in a tavern I stopped at for a quick chat and some lunch.

If this is going to be the norm with all this talk of weddings and House alliances, I'll stop it right now:

I have no intention of marrying for any political reason, so please stop asking.

But I hear my sister is free. You should check with her.

Written By Serafine

Dec. 8, 2016, 12:12 a.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Weapon. Check. Armor? Pending.

Written By Donella

Dec. 7, 2016, 11:28 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Preparation.
Know how you came to the conflict, and understand the theater in which you will fight. What variables are likely to affect the outcome in such a setting? Determine the probability of victory, given your logistical resources and liabilities. These are weighty matters, even for those steeped in blood. Consider carefully.

Written By Cordelia

Dec. 7, 2016, 11:13 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)


Dear oh dear Diary,

    Will you forgive me for leaving you to gather dust for so long? I've purchased new ink to honor our reunion, and I have much to tell. After that insufferable intersection, I did indeed go cool down at the Vellichorian Academy, where I met the Archscholar Aldwin Aurum himself. He let me talk and talk, and I told him all about my first love: exploration. To uncover the mysteries of our world and color in unknown lands; such defines my dreams. Well, I best not get off track! I've got a lot to catch you up on, and only a single bottle of ink in arm's reach. I discovered a most extraordinary locale, situated right in the middle of Arx. I speak of The Grotto, and its many heated pools. Gods above, are they a blessing during the heart of winter. I tried to visit as often as I could, which admittedly wasn't nearly as frequent as I'd like. Still, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. I've been getting in touch with other nobles in the city, and its such a relief to realize so many of them are so welcoming. I had my worries, but I think I can officially put said worries to rest. In fact, in recognition of just such a concern resolved, I was awarded a medal by the Lady Regent Dawn Baseborn herself. Oh, by the way, Dawn's now the Regent of the entire Compact! It's an honor just to have met her. Speaking of meetings, I...

(The script appears to halt abruptly, but the parchment was properly packaged and delivered to the Archives nevertheless)

Written By Leona

Dec. 7, 2016, 10:38 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Felix

I am loathe to offer further detail of my own thoughts on this beyond the following:


This is ... truly a fine weapon.

Carry on.

Written By Bethany

Dec. 7, 2016, 8:45 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Orange roses are also an expression of desire.

Or of enthusiasm,

Or fascination.

Oh my.

Written By Kima

Dec. 7, 2016, 8:35 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

Anze Redrain was my partner by lot for the Concordal Melee. I have fought along side men of northern blood before. Marcas, as it happens, in the last melee. I have always found northmen to be incredibly solid personalities. In battle, they are gleefully without fear.

The north, I think, produces excellent warriors.

I have yet to determine if they produce equally excellent soldiers.

Speculation aside, I hope Anze and I continue to grow our friendship. And not solely because he has this completely charming desire to unravel the licentious mysteries that weave themselves so utterly around the Lyceum.

Written By Kima

Dec. 7, 2016, 8:35 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Anze

Anze Redrain was my partner by lot for the Concordal Melee. I have fought along side men of northern blood before. Marcas, as it happens, in the last melee. I have always found northmen to be incredibly solid personalities. In battle, they are gleefully without fear.

The north, I think, produces excellent warriors.

I have yet to determine if they produce equally excellent soldiers.

Speculation aside, I hope Anze and I continue to grow our friendship. And not solely because he has this completely charming desire to unravel the licentious mysteries that weave themselves so utterly around the Lyceum.

Written By Eos

Dec. 7, 2016, 8:15 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

When I arrived in Arx, I did not know how long it would be. I knew it would not be a short stay away from the Saiklands, but I did not foresee myself being away from home long enough to warrant more than a room at the inn.

We are approaching summer once again. I've resigned myself to the idea that I should start to think of my time in Arx in less transient terms. Accordingly, with the help of my family and our people, we have raised our home away from home in Southport Square. It is a simple thing, having someplace to call home, someplace you can step out of your room and not walk into a room full of patrons, or raid the kitchen without being chased out by a broom, but it has been a comforting thing none the less.

Now if I can figure out who in that tower snores so loudly that it can be heard through brick walls.

Written By Mydas

Dec. 7, 2016, 7:58 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Nadia

My younger cousin, Duchess.

Written By Mydas

Dec. 7, 2016, 7:57 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Signe

My younger sister.

Written By Mydas

Dec. 7, 2016, 7:56 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Sigurd

My younger brother.

Written By Eirene

Dec. 7, 2016, 7:54 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

I told the story about Penni and the dog to see just how many people I could gross out. Punchline is as good as ever. I should write to her and see how that wooden leg is treating her. I bet the dog is dead by Joe.

Written By Eirene

Dec. 7, 2016, 6:43 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Stairs are my natural enemy.

Not horses. Not ships.

Stairs.

Written By Natalia

Dec. 7, 2016, 6:13 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Bethany

It is always a pleasure. My only one flaw in her, is that I cannot steal her as my own trusted ally.

Have you tried her tea though? It's quite refreshing.

Written By Dagon

Dec. 7, 2016, 5:47 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

As I settle back in after a short bit of time away from the city, one word and one word only comes to mind:

Fuck.

There are things to be dealt with and messages to send out. There are times that I am thankful that my dearest sister, Donella, is so good at what she does. My confidence in her is absolute.

Written By Julea

Dec. 7, 2016, 5:40 p.m.(4/27/1005 AR)

This week I managed to finally meet, for the second time, someone that I've found to be one of the more interesting people in Arx. And it was nice to be able to relax, and just... not have to worry which noble I'm inadvertently going to insult next.

My fathers insistence that I learn to read, write and speak 'properly' has paid off though, and at least has helped me not seem quite like the country bumpkin that I am. Though I suspect my accent largely gives me away.

The head of the Redrain house is as people described to me, a 'good guy', and he promised to both become my patron, and aid me in the costs involved to set up a shop. He was charming, not bad on the eye, and well loved by everyone around him. But still a noble, and not of my ilk. And I feel like I stick out in my patched armor and cape next to their fine silks and exotic gear.

I'm still getting lost regularly and a few days ago I found myself down at the docks, where I ran into a local and found him to be quite charming. The contact was brief but I can't help hoping I get to run into them again. Something strange happened while I was down there, I near bumped into a sailor and he seemed, perhaps, scared of me? Maybe I am more menacing in appearance than I initially thought. I need to probably reign in my glare.

Julea
27th April, 1005

Written By Anze

Dec. 7, 2016, 4:42 p.m.(4/26/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

There is something about that first snow to hit the mountains in winter.

I've spoken with a lot of people who hate the winter and hate the snow, they're cold and miserable and dream of summer. I always dream of winter. It's hard to understand in the south I imagine, but when the snow chokes the passes and everything stills there is peace, at least for a little bit. No one starts a campaign in the northern winter.

That fresh snow, unbroken by man or beast, covering the mountaintops and the land below it, there is a stillness to it. I can look at it for hours, but its true beauty comes out at night. A clear night, the moon and stars in the sky with their light bouncing off the snow. It colors everything in a blue glow, and it feels like the whole world is visible in a way you had never considered before. It's the same thing you've seen every day before then, but somehow it's different. Like you're seeing something from another world or that you're looking through life through a painting. Time and time again I come back to those moonlit nights in Farhaven, just staring from the walls off into the distance. Nothing has ever captured it before, no piece of art, no secluded grove, no mountain or cliff has ever quite captured that sense of beauty and peace you can see in the mountain snow.

I'll be damned if that's not what I see in her eyes though.

They're haunting because they capture me so completely. I just stare at them and lose track of what I was thinking about. I don't know what to do about it sometimes, but I know I keep wanting to see that hidden warmth in those snow colored eyes.

Written By Ida

Dec. 7, 2016, 3:26 p.m.(4/26/1005 AR)

After many months of working at it, and then ignoring it completely to just step away for a bit, and then working at it again (along with some wonderful insight from Mistress Hana), I can now work rubicund. It is thrilling to have achieved this long-sought benchmark of mine.

Beyond that, I had almost forgotten how just a few words exchanged with an old friend can brighten the day a bit. With my two biggest goals recently met, it is time that I step out of the forge and have all those whiskeys, teas, and catching-ups I waved off lately due to training.

Written By Damon

Dec. 7, 2016, 3:11 p.m.(4/26/1005 AR)

If I don't have calves of steel after this week then I never will.

I have run, fast walked, slow walked, sprinted, and jogged across this city more in the last few days that I have my entire time here.

I suppose a little cardio never hurt anyone.

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