Written By Julea
Dec. 4, 2016, 4:35 a.m.(4/16/1005 AR)
I've managed to stay (mostly) sober now since the night of my arrival but it hasn't helped any with the sea of new faces. I'm not used to being around so many people with their titles and their fancy clothes and have no clue when I need to be curtsying, and standing and what ever else I'm supposed to be doing. I'm surprised I've not already offended half the nobility of Arx and been shown the gate.
In my drunken state in my arrival, I seemed to have rented a room at a place called the Spirits, it looks fancy and it even has a bed. I slept on it the first night, but have been using the furs on the floor since. Too worried I'll mess it up and I'll get charged cleaning or something.
And I hate to think what it's doing to my meagre savings. I'm going to need to find somewhere more suitable, before I've not enough to rent some time on a forge. And if I can't do that, then .. well this whole trip is for nought. Or mostly.
Also, a Princess has invited me to tea. I didn't bring clothes for such affairs. I think if I got it mended my green dress might still fit me. It isn't much but it's going to have to do. I can't even imagine what she'd want me for. Perhaps to chastise me for insulting half the nobility of Arx. Do they hang people for that? This trip might prove to be very short if so.
Assuming I'm not hung, the plan remains the same. Rent out some time on the forge, produce some examples of my work, sell and make profit, and send back home to father.
Julea Sanguine
9am, 16th of April, 1005 AR.
In my drunken state in my arrival, I seemed to have rented a room at a place called the Spirits, it looks fancy and it even has a bed. I slept on it the first night, but have been using the furs on the floor since. Too worried I'll mess it up and I'll get charged cleaning or something.
And I hate to think what it's doing to my meagre savings. I'm going to need to find somewhere more suitable, before I've not enough to rent some time on a forge. And if I can't do that, then .. well this whole trip is for nought. Or mostly.
Also, a Princess has invited me to tea. I didn't bring clothes for such affairs. I think if I got it mended my green dress might still fit me. It isn't much but it's going to have to do. I can't even imagine what she'd want me for. Perhaps to chastise me for insulting half the nobility of Arx. Do they hang people for that? This trip might prove to be very short if so.
Assuming I'm not hung, the plan remains the same. Rent out some time on the forge, produce some examples of my work, sell and make profit, and send back home to father.
Julea Sanguine
9am, 16th of April, 1005 AR.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:50 a.m.(4/16/1005 AR)
(Such dreams. Such nightmares. Interwoven and intermingled.)
Thoughts for tea blends:
To intellectual engagement with a thorny wit. A bouquet of fine red roses juxtaposed against the keen edge of hot spices and smoke.
To the breath of wild and tangled. Dried herbs, resinous needles, roots and the suggestion of damp and rich earth. Perhaps an undercurrent of honest mint.
Thoughts for tea blends:
To intellectual engagement with a thorny wit. A bouquet of fine red roses juxtaposed against the keen edge of hot spices and smoke.
To the breath of wild and tangled. Dried herbs, resinous needles, roots and the suggestion of damp and rich earth. Perhaps an undercurrent of honest mint.
Written By Cara
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:45 a.m.(4/16/1005 AR)
I rode out of the city today in the mid-morning on that sweet little mare I've had the pleasure of riding a few times now; she is a good-tempered one and very gentle. Once we came to the woods I let her choose the path and -- I confess -- I did get a bit turned around.
By the time I made it home we were both all over in mud, soaked through and covered in brambles.
I'll have to make sure she gets an extra treat for putting up with me, poor dear.
By the time I made it home we were both all over in mud, soaked through and covered in brambles.
I'll have to make sure she gets an extra treat for putting up with me, poor dear.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 3, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I visited the Shrine to Jayus on my way through the city. There was a book beside the two offerings left from the day of prayer. Forgive the thought, I thought about taking -
(For shame. No, I had no such thought.)
However, I read the book of Uncommon Prayer and committed the following to memory so that I could transcribe it to my journal:
Prayer Against Nightmares
May Jayus touch my eyes to seal them against dark visions;
May Jayus touch my mind to seal it against weakness;
May Jayus touch my heart to seal it against fear;
May Jayus touch my dreams to open them to clarity;
Eyes, mind, and heart bring dreams;
Mine I consecrate to Jayus.
(For shame. No, I had no such thought.)
However, I read the book of Uncommon Prayer and committed the following to memory so that I could transcribe it to my journal:
Prayer Against Nightmares
May Jayus touch my eyes to seal them against dark visions;
May Jayus touch my mind to seal it against weakness;
May Jayus touch my heart to seal it against fear;
May Jayus touch my dreams to open them to clarity;
Eyes, mind, and heart bring dreams;
Mine I consecrate to Jayus.
Written By Leona
Dec. 3, 2016, 10:36 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
Not terribly long after I received my rapier from Master Meadson - (it is a terribly beautiful piece of weaponry, and feels a little more mine than Lord Dayne's blade.
My blade, now.
I will carry both. But, the Crown's Defender is mine. Without the history or the sadness of loss attached to it. I shall write a new story with it, Gloria willing.)
--and stepped into another shop, The Storied Blade. I met the Lady Fidante (walking blossom of scandal) and Mistress Hana. The former provided me with a piece of excellent advice: revel in one's reputation.
It was only slightly more proper than my previous interaction at Ferron Arms and Armor.
My blade, now.
I will carry both. But, the Crown's Defender is mine. Without the history or the sadness of loss attached to it. I shall write a new story with it, Gloria willing.)
--and stepped into another shop, The Storied Blade. I met the Lady Fidante (walking blossom of scandal) and Mistress Hana. The former provided me with a piece of excellent advice: revel in one's reputation.
It was only slightly more proper than my previous interaction at Ferron Arms and Armor.
Written By Ida
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:56 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I have not yet written about my honored naming to the low council by Lady Regent Dawn. I am not one for politics and the gods know I am hardly one who could pull off the sort of necessary rituals that seem so much a part of social...warfare? Whatever one might call such things, I suck at them. I've no desire to be good at them, either.
When Lady Regent Dawn asked, I could not say no, despite all my protestations about such things. What came to mind was a quote His Grace, Prince Edain, shared with me, that his sister had shared with him once upon a time. It's not mine to share here, but I heeded it and hope I manage to serve the Lady Regent in this regard both faithfully and with honor. To say I am humbled by her trust in me hardly suffices.
When Lady Regent Dawn asked, I could not say no, despite all my protestations about such things. What came to mind was a quote His Grace, Prince Edain, shared with me, that his sister had shared with him once upon a time. It's not mine to share here, but I heeded it and hope I manage to serve the Lady Regent in this regard both faithfully and with honor. To say I am humbled by her trust in me hardly suffices.
Written By Ida
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:50 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I have not been this sore after a fight for this long in quite some time. It's pretty awesome! To add to the after-melee glow, of sorts, the shop was full of visitors recently, both for commissions and just chatting. I could not feel more honored by such wonderful company.
I met Lady Niamh Greenmarch first of all, who came to visit. What an amazing and interesting woman! I truly hope to cross paths with her again soon.
A woman who used so, soooo few words, a Mistress Aslaug, commissioned a dagger shortly after. I'm nearly done with that as of this writing, even.
His Grace, Prince Edain, Lord Damon (whose shiner I still proudly sport from the melee - and who was happy to remind me of it) and even /the/ Dame Leona also stopped by for a bit. I had not met her before, but the sword she carries is unmistakable. There are hardly words enough to describe my honor and enjoyment speaking with them all.
I also met Master Aksel, who the Duchess Nadia recommended me to. I've been sketching a weapon for her recently and her sending him to me means a great deal. He is the Sword of Stonedeep and the heirloom weapon he carries is breathtaking. I am excited to craft the greataxe he commissioned. He told me a wonderful story as well, which I think I will try to have turned into a small book at Mistress Gisele's shop. I find myself rather charmed.
I met Lady Niamh Greenmarch first of all, who came to visit. What an amazing and interesting woman! I truly hope to cross paths with her again soon.
A woman who used so, soooo few words, a Mistress Aslaug, commissioned a dagger shortly after. I'm nearly done with that as of this writing, even.
His Grace, Prince Edain, Lord Damon (whose shiner I still proudly sport from the melee - and who was happy to remind me of it) and even /the/ Dame Leona also stopped by for a bit. I had not met her before, but the sword she carries is unmistakable. There are hardly words enough to describe my honor and enjoyment speaking with them all.
I also met Master Aksel, who the Duchess Nadia recommended me to. I've been sketching a weapon for her recently and her sending him to me means a great deal. He is the Sword of Stonedeep and the heirloom weapon he carries is breathtaking. I am excited to craft the greataxe he commissioned. He told me a wonderful story as well, which I think I will try to have turned into a small book at Mistress Gisele's shop. I find myself rather charmed.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:49 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I'm starting to see runes in my sleep.
It's not that I don't appreciate a good intellectual puzzle, mind you; this has certainly been something to keep my mind active for months. And months. And months.
And I am definitely making progress in attempting to translate them! My talent for languages proving to be useful is actually a bit gratifying.
But I swear, I may need to take a break in a bit. Just to clear my brain for a week.
It's not that I don't appreciate a good intellectual puzzle, mind you; this has certainly been something to keep my mind active for months. And months. And months.
And I am definitely making progress in attempting to translate them! My talent for languages proving to be useful is actually a bit gratifying.
But I swear, I may need to take a break in a bit. Just to clear my brain for a week.
Written By Aslaug
Dec. 3, 2016, 8:19 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Kieran
(On this page is drawn a handsome and face with an energetic and detailed smile, lively whisps of hair fluffed up off his head, and a regal square jaw. Only making the sketch unsettling is the absence of eyes in it, flat flesh instead over there space under his brows.)
Written By Aslaug
Dec. 3, 2016, 8:16 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
(where there should be writing is instead a sketch of a handsome faced man, though it takes a moment to notice he's missing his ears)
Written By Leona
Dec. 3, 2016, 7:38 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
Oh, blast it.
Poor humor and ill timing. However, it was such a pleasure to meet Master Ferron and the High Lord Valardin. Although, I personally feel as if my mentor would be bemused with me - if he had witnessed the interaction.
(It feels uncomfortable... to be so noticed.)
Currently, I do believe that I would fully benefit from a tutor in charm and comportment.
Poor humor and ill timing. However, it was such a pleasure to meet Master Ferron and the High Lord Valardin. Although, I personally feel as if my mentor would be bemused with me - if he had witnessed the interaction.
(It feels uncomfortable... to be so noticed.)
Currently, I do believe that I would fully benefit from a tutor in charm and comportment.
Written By Aslaug
Dec. 3, 2016, 6:45 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
(On a piece of paper shoved into her journal that clearly isn't from it)
Drawing:
A rat, gray-furred, bare-tailed, clasps pale paws around the upper edge of an upper edge of a shot glass. Inside the shotglass, a chunk of jagged, dark rock. Underneath all that, a single exclamation mark, small, almost timid.
Signed Fortunato Greyhope.
Drawing:
A rat, gray-furred, bare-tailed, clasps pale paws around the upper edge of an upper edge of a shot glass. Inside the shotglass, a chunk of jagged, dark rock. Underneath all that, a single exclamation mark, small, almost timid.
Signed Fortunato Greyhope.
Written By Freja
Dec. 3, 2016, 5:03 p.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
The Order of Hope.
That is this new advisory council I have been added to, a council for the crown created by Lady Regent Dawn. As the only Northern voice on it, I have to wonder how much weight and salt my opinion will be taken with.
As I run my thumb along this symbol of the new status, a medallion of sorts, I can't help but find it curious how I keep finding myself in these situations.
I was raised by the Sword of Farhaven, fashioned for military prowess and not for the political, but somehow I keep finding myself here.
I have been told it is my truths and outright refusal to sugarcoat anything, my abhorrence for weakness and tolerance of it. My lack of mercy for would be charmers and snakes in the snow.
I find it quaint that in spite of my protests others call me gentle and even kind, but I know that they have yet to see me in the midst of a frozen tempest. I haven't had the chance to show that nature.
Two heads cut off and thrown high into the tree have only the winds with which to scheme.
That is this new advisory council I have been added to, a council for the crown created by Lady Regent Dawn. As the only Northern voice on it, I have to wonder how much weight and salt my opinion will be taken with.
As I run my thumb along this symbol of the new status, a medallion of sorts, I can't help but find it curious how I keep finding myself in these situations.
I was raised by the Sword of Farhaven, fashioned for military prowess and not for the political, but somehow I keep finding myself here.
I have been told it is my truths and outright refusal to sugarcoat anything, my abhorrence for weakness and tolerance of it. My lack of mercy for would be charmers and snakes in the snow.
I find it quaint that in spite of my protests others call me gentle and even kind, but I know that they have yet to see me in the midst of a frozen tempest. I haven't had the chance to show that nature.
Two heads cut off and thrown high into the tree have only the winds with which to scheme.
Written By Aslaug
Dec. 3, 2016, 4:32 p.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
(Instead of words, the first page of Aslaug's journal contains a detailed sketch of a wolf's head with several nonsense symbols beneath it.
Further down is three large, smudged question marks in a row.)
Further down is three large, smudged question marks in a row.)
Written By Eirene
Dec. 3, 2016, 12:33 p.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
**As reported by Eirene's aide de camp Carissa..**
Another one? Is she thinking I'm pissed off at her or something? I'm not mad, it's cute. I'm fine. She's fine. It's... Gads... Send her a note back...
Highness, blah blah, I'm glad you think so highly of me, we medics have to stick together especially in the shitstorm that's slowly barreling down on our heads, if I ever get in shit that's too much for me to handle I'll turn to you first cause I know you won't jack me up or leave me with really ugly scars.
**Message delivered to Princess Sophie**
Your highness, it's reassuring to know I have such good friends in Arx. We of the healer's persuasion will certainly need to band together when times grow dark, as we fear they will shortly. Should I ever find myself with wounds too serious for my own abilities to tend, I will certainly place myself in your care as I trust your skill as much as my own.
In friendship, Eirene Malvici.
Another one? Is she thinking I'm pissed off at her or something? I'm not mad, it's cute. I'm fine. She's fine. It's... Gads... Send her a note back...
Highness, blah blah, I'm glad you think so highly of me, we medics have to stick together especially in the shitstorm that's slowly barreling down on our heads, if I ever get in shit that's too much for me to handle I'll turn to you first cause I know you won't jack me up or leave me with really ugly scars.
**Message delivered to Princess Sophie**
Your highness, it's reassuring to know I have such good friends in Arx. We of the healer's persuasion will certainly need to band together when times grow dark, as we fear they will shortly. Should I ever find myself with wounds too serious for my own abilities to tend, I will certainly place myself in your care as I trust your skill as much as my own.
In friendship, Eirene Malvici.
Written By Aksel
Dec. 3, 2016, 12:14 p.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
I realize I need a hobby beyond just fighting. I'm not really sure what but I need to make more of a real effort at getting better at it. My life cannot all be about combat. There has to be more to life than just that.
Written By Branan
Dec. 3, 2016, 12:09 p.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
Her eyes. Her eyes haunt me. They held such mirth. Such truth. Such a passion for life and a joy that I cannot say I have seen anywhere else.
My father said before I left, I would spend my time in Arx spending all my coin at the House of Whispers.
Of course, he also said I would be penniless in a gutter trying to sell sailors limericks for a meal.
He's absolutely wrong on one point.
I may try to make him correct on the other, for kindnesses sake.
My father said before I left, I would spend my time in Arx spending all my coin at the House of Whispers.
Of course, he also said I would be penniless in a gutter trying to sell sailors limericks for a meal.
He's absolutely wrong on one point.
I may try to make him correct on the other, for kindnesses sake.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 3, 2016, 10:33 a.m.(4/14/1005 AR)
Every inch of me hurts like crazy. I haven't fought in such an insane melee in years. I think it was some anniversary of somebody's victory or perhaps one of Hadrian's birthdays. I can't remember.
I'd say I acquitted myself well. I scored some good hits on men who are constantly training and perfecting their skill. Held my own pretty well until the end. I'd like to think I helped Kima take that final victory by keeping Aaron off of her for a while. Whatever; it was fun and I think the two of us showed well by Southport.
I was partnered with a smithy named Ida. Girl brought a pair of fists to a swordfight. I guess she makes them and hasn't any clue to use 'em. She's very cheerful and enjoys the spirit of the sport. Punches like a mulekick too, though perhaps if she's going to enter melee tourneys we should see about getting her some gauntlets or knuckles or something...
Anyhow - I did right by my house and my name. And even did the medic thing with the Mercy's afterwards - once my own bells stopped ringing.
I'd say I acquitted myself well. I scored some good hits on men who are constantly training and perfecting their skill. Held my own pretty well until the end. I'd like to think I helped Kima take that final victory by keeping Aaron off of her for a while. Whatever; it was fun and I think the two of us showed well by Southport.
I was partnered with a smithy named Ida. Girl brought a pair of fists to a swordfight. I guess she makes them and hasn't any clue to use 'em. She's very cheerful and enjoys the spirit of the sport. Punches like a mulekick too, though perhaps if she's going to enter melee tourneys we should see about getting her some gauntlets or knuckles or something...
Anyhow - I did right by my house and my name. And even did the medic thing with the Mercy's afterwards - once my own bells stopped ringing.
Written By Julea
Dec. 3, 2016, 7:48 a.m.(4/13/1005 AR)
I have arrived in Arx. At least, I have to assume I did at some point the previous day, but my memory blurs with whiskey and the actual event, somehow... I don't recall. At least not well. There are a few choice snippets filtering through at inopportune times that saw me wincing more than once today, which didn't help my pounding head any.
A kind soul took pity on me this morn, and offered me whiskey, for breakfast. And that aided with the thump, but I fear that I will have to eventually face it, or remain forever a drunk.
But I have a room, and a bed, and that's more than I've had for quite some time. And already people have shown interest in my trade. Which is half of what I'm here for, to find work, to make my mark. And to find.. something, or someone else.
A kind soul took pity on me this morn, and offered me whiskey, for breakfast. And that aided with the thump, but I fear that I will have to eventually face it, or remain forever a drunk.
But I have a room, and a bed, and that's more than I've had for quite some time. And already people have shown interest in my trade. Which is half of what I'm here for, to find work, to make my mark. And to find.. something, or someone else.
Written By Silas
Dec. 3, 2016, 4:13 a.m.(4/13/1005 AR)
The Concordal Melee was an entertaining exercise and I suspect the citizens of Arx enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Princess Serafine Velenosa was without a teammate, so I had my squire join her team, and he fared far better than expected even if he needs some work on his sword swing. He did what he does best, though: take punishment - and they ended up pulling off the win.
Though her teammate fell and there was little chance she could win, Lady Kima Saik was the last standing and I dare say she still gained quite a few fans. Prince Anze did well, too: he just happened to be the only one Arron managed to hit.
Lady Eirene Malvici proved her ability to adapt by teaming with Lady Kima when her teammate was eliminated, even if it was for naught. It was done in the true spirit of the event. I suspect it helped that Lady Kima was of the Lyceum as well, but still...
Mistress Ida punched through some steel plate. I'm not sure how, but the feat in itself is impressive.
The others did as well as they could within the chaos, I imagine: perhaps next time they will coordinate with another team to knock out their rivals? That would be my strategy!
Well, back to work. This gazebo isn't going to make itself.
Though her teammate fell and there was little chance she could win, Lady Kima Saik was the last standing and I dare say she still gained quite a few fans. Prince Anze did well, too: he just happened to be the only one Arron managed to hit.
Lady Eirene Malvici proved her ability to adapt by teaming with Lady Kima when her teammate was eliminated, even if it was for naught. It was done in the true spirit of the event. I suspect it helped that Lady Kima was of the Lyceum as well, but still...
Mistress Ida punched through some steel plate. I'm not sure how, but the feat in itself is impressive.
The others did as well as they could within the chaos, I imagine: perhaps next time they will coordinate with another team to knock out their rivals? That would be my strategy!
Well, back to work. This gazebo isn't going to make itself.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.