Written By Donella
Oct. 25, 2016, 10:25 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
My younger brother, heir to the Thrax line. He is everything a prince and heir should be, and much admired both for his social grace and his fencing skill. I think he is even starting to appreciate the advantages of the Thrax identity, though he hasn't let go of his lander ideals. That's alright. That is what I am for. I would pull down the sky to protect him. Was there ever a brother and sister whose fates are so bound up together as are ours?
Written By Orazio
Oct. 25, 2016, 5:32 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 4:18 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
I was struck by a memory today, of sitting by the fire on a warm summer night, me at Etali's feet while she threaded my hair, Ularan at her side binding my sword hand.
We three talked often about the Compact, the place I hailed from but had no intention of returning to. Conversation was easy, I took to the language quick enough and they were so informal after the second year we'd been married that our tribemates often mimicked us to sound like bickering gutterscamps prattle prattle prattle. But it was never such, the three of us were well suited to each other. And while I've let go the loss of them, I do miss them. Etali for her sharp wit and her sly tongue, and the way her eyes glazed over when I kissed her thigh, and Ularan, for his wisdom and council and how he wielded a hammer with such skill.
They'd have liked to join me, I think, when the children were grown and we were certain they'd find their own way.
That's another life. It's silly to dwell on what isn't.
We three talked often about the Compact, the place I hailed from but had no intention of returning to. Conversation was easy, I took to the language quick enough and they were so informal after the second year we'd been married that our tribemates often mimicked us to sound like bickering gutterscamps prattle prattle prattle. But it was never such, the three of us were well suited to each other. And while I've let go the loss of them, I do miss them. Etali for her sharp wit and her sly tongue, and the way her eyes glazed over when I kissed her thigh, and Ularan, for his wisdom and council and how he wielded a hammer with such skill.
They'd have liked to join me, I think, when the children were grown and we were certain they'd find their own way.
That's another life. It's silly to dwell on what isn't.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 3:04 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
The last time I fought a noblewoman, I was living in this city doing my best to not be what I was. She knocked me on my ass, then, but eh, gotta have someone to aspire to, aye?
General Calypso put up a good fight, I can't remember the last time I came up against an even match as her. I look forward to rollin' in the sands again, and if it's with her, I wouldn't that either.
General Calypso put up a good fight, I can't remember the last time I came up against an even match as her. I look forward to rollin' in the sands again, and if it's with her, I wouldn't that either.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
This was the first woman I met here. Cloaked in the banner of some mid-level house. She left an impression of strength. I wondered if a robust set of balls lay under that dress somewhere. She seems a knight. She talks a knight. I respect a knight. Shame I've butchered so many fucking knights. Hopefully she'll stick.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:30 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
What can I say? I find the duchess of Nightgold to be someone I enjoy being with. I have spent the last twelve years in blood and salt; this is something I have never known -- relating to women in such a manner that they are seen as equals. I have never ventured before to call a woman my equal. And I am still skeptical -- no woman would survive the Salt life I live. How could one expect there to be the nurture of babe to breast after such slaughter? Nor would I ever dream of placing her in the way of certain death. So I am left perplexed -- but she has become my one beacon in the stinking dredges of a fat and lazy Grayson led city.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 10:14 a.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
I can't believe I'm fucking doing this. Writing thoughts and feelings down like some girl taking a piss about her feelings but here goes.
All I want is a fucking axe? I went around to a few shops and I see these monsters of weapons. I mean absolute fine quality but every single one of them is done up in beautiful oceans scenes with majestic ships that harken me back to some time when I was a wee boy and blah blah blah.
This just makes me want to vomit my scallops and clams all over the pretty things.
I just want a fucking weapon that will spill a guts ten times out of tens when fucking used with proper Thraxian guidance. I don't want the unfortunate villager to think I'm taking out the weapon because I want to sit and commiserate with his feelings about the sea. I want the shit to see it be like.. that looks functional. And real - and it best he hand over his taxation before I split his wig with it.
All I want is a fucking axe? I went around to a few shops and I see these monsters of weapons. I mean absolute fine quality but every single one of them is done up in beautiful oceans scenes with majestic ships that harken me back to some time when I was a wee boy and blah blah blah.
This just makes me want to vomit my scallops and clams all over the pretty things.
I just want a fucking weapon that will spill a guts ten times out of tens when fucking used with proper Thraxian guidance. I don't want the unfortunate villager to think I'm taking out the weapon because I want to sit and commiserate with his feelings about the sea. I want the shit to see it be like.. that looks functional. And real - and it best he hand over his taxation before I split his wig with it.
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 25, 2016, 7:42 a.m.(12/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I have been fasting all week. I will spend the next week at the shrine in meditation. Prelate Aeden and the others should have things well in hand while I am away.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:55 a.m.(12/8/1004 AR)
Damn fools, a person leaves for a decade or so and suddenly everyone goes 'you're alive!' when you walk into the city you were born in.
Bleedin' arses, don't make such a fuss. Aye, I'm back and aye, I am alive. But stop fainting every time I tell you 'how' I'm alive and where I've been.
No, it's not bloody paint, it's woad, you little fucker. How often do I have to do this shite?
Bleedin' arses, don't make such a fuss. Aye, I'm back and aye, I am alive. But stop fainting every time I tell you 'how' I'm alive and where I've been.
No, it's not bloody paint, it's woad, you little fucker. How often do I have to do this shite?
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 24, 2016, 8:17 p.m.(12/7/1004 AR)
I pen this here, between the white leather folds of my public journal, that all may bear witness.
We are charged by Vellichor with a sacred duty to guard the knowledge of the world. Whether you believe in the literal meaning of the Canticle of Vellichor or take it for a metaphor showing the demons of ignorance that we face every day, our duty as Scholars remains the same. We wear the mantle of guardianship over the knowledge of the world.
There are those who argue that guarding knowledge does not mean that we need to share it. Others stand on the opposite side, claiming that the only true way to keep knowledge from perishing is to ensure that everyone has it. I will admit that I err more to the latter than the former. If we do nothing but keep knowledge locked away then it dies even as it is written on the velum of its eternal prison.
That is not to say, however, that all knowledge should be granted freely. For those who wish to know the best way to tend their fields, we will grant this without a second thought. For those that wish to know herblore, we may exact a demonstration of discernment. We, as Scholars, do not charge for this knowledge, but we must make an effort to ensure that it will be used somewhat wisely.
We are charged by Vellichor with a sacred duty to guard the knowledge of the world. Whether you believe in the literal meaning of the Canticle of Vellichor or take it for a metaphor showing the demons of ignorance that we face every day, our duty as Scholars remains the same. We wear the mantle of guardianship over the knowledge of the world.
There are those who argue that guarding knowledge does not mean that we need to share it. Others stand on the opposite side, claiming that the only true way to keep knowledge from perishing is to ensure that everyone has it. I will admit that I err more to the latter than the former. If we do nothing but keep knowledge locked away then it dies even as it is written on the velum of its eternal prison.
That is not to say, however, that all knowledge should be granted freely. For those who wish to know the best way to tend their fields, we will grant this without a second thought. For those that wish to know herblore, we may exact a demonstration of discernment. We, as Scholars, do not charge for this knowledge, but we must make an effort to ensure that it will be used somewhat wisely.
Written By Silas
Oct. 24, 2016, 8:15 p.m.(12/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Horatio
My cousin was sent to us by his father, who pleaded with my brother to take him after suggesting he was responsible for the destruction of a homestead in Clemenstone; an incident my cousin insists he had nothing to do with. I confess I never took a particular interest in him during the times my family would visit the farm - he was always rather sullen and did not seek to speak to us - but perhaps this is a chance to change that and get to know him better. Horatio is doubtlessly intelligent and talented, but I fear his unconventional interests and hobbies have made him much maligned among his peers.
Though... how did his hair get so white? I could have sworn it was blonde last time I saw him.
Though... how did his hair get so white? I could have sworn it was blonde last time I saw him.
Written By Esera
Oct. 24, 2016, 8:20 a.m.(12/5/1004 AR)
When I was younger -- just old enough to think I was the most beautiful and powerful girl in all of Lenosia, but still too young to realize I was neither -- I went down to the market with one of my cousins. She struck up a conversation with a silk merchant, a minor cousin of House Pravus. He was handsome beyond words. He could've sold poorspun linen to a princess -- any other princess but my cousin. The two of them got into a spat over a bolt of seasilk, and by the end my cousin was convinced House Pravus should be cast from the Lyceum and burned to the ground.
I told my mother -- I was outraged that a vassal should show my cousin so little respect. I was all but ready to go to war on her behalf. My mother laughed, and shook her head, and told me that if I fought every one of my cousins' battles for them, I'd never stop fighting. It was only a spat between a cousin of House Velenosa and a cousin of House Pravus. A minor thing, petty. Should my mother intercede, it would be transformed -- not a fight between cousins, but a fight between Houses. Not a spat, but a war.
"We make allies, Esera," she told me. "We do not make enemies. Our allies make us stronger -- our enemies only make us weaker. Which would you rather be?"
My mother knew the value of an alliance. She chose her own fights -- she allowed no one else to choose them for her.
I told my mother -- I was outraged that a vassal should show my cousin so little respect. I was all but ready to go to war on her behalf. My mother laughed, and shook her head, and told me that if I fought every one of my cousins' battles for them, I'd never stop fighting. It was only a spat between a cousin of House Velenosa and a cousin of House Pravus. A minor thing, petty. Should my mother intercede, it would be transformed -- not a fight between cousins, but a fight between Houses. Not a spat, but a war.
"We make allies, Esera," she told me. "We do not make enemies. Our allies make us stronger -- our enemies only make us weaker. Which would you rather be?"
My mother knew the value of an alliance. She chose her own fights -- she allowed no one else to choose them for her.
Written By Silas
Oct. 24, 2016, 4:39 a.m.(12/5/1004 AR)
Approximately 152 redwood trees had to be slain to create all the pavilions Lady Dawn needed for the event she is co-hosting with Duchess Esera Velenosa. I could not afford the highest quality silk, I'm afraid, but they will have to make due. I tried to make them look unique.
Onward, to furnishing Lord Prospero room next. I had heard from my brother that he had put in a good word for me, so I hope he doesn't mind having to wait a day or two longer than usual; there is only so many trees I can slay in one night!
I finally ran into my cousin, Horatio, who has recently arrived in Arx at the behest of his father. He was always a rather reclusive kid, but he has some unconventional talents which could be handy in our trade if properly utilized. Can't say I'm fond of the giant snake he's brought with him, though.
I have ordered Lisette to keep an eye on him. He is less than thrilled.
Onward, to furnishing Lord Prospero room next. I had heard from my brother that he had put in a good word for me, so I hope he doesn't mind having to wait a day or two longer than usual; there is only so many trees I can slay in one night!
I finally ran into my cousin, Horatio, who has recently arrived in Arx at the behest of his father. He was always a rather reclusive kid, but he has some unconventional talents which could be handy in our trade if properly utilized. Can't say I'm fond of the giant snake he's brought with him, though.
I have ordered Lisette to keep an eye on him. He is less than thrilled.
Written By Morrighan
Oct. 24, 2016, 2:53 a.m.(12/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kieran
This one has quite the streak of mischief in him, always impish and ever smiling. I find that quality of his is refreshing in comparison to all the seriousness that some nobles have. Except when there's amphibians strewn about the carls' area of the villa. The Prince is rather fond of his pranks, but it keeps the environment lively, to say the least. He was one of the first of the family I met after I came to the city, and he's grown to be quite a good friend. I think Sherrod would be glad for that - my getting along with his family.
Written By Morrighan
Oct. 24, 2016, 2:43 a.m.(12/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
The Princess-Scout. I admit I haven't spent a great deal of time getting to know her, but the instances I have crossed ways, she's been amicable. She's a fierce Princess, as most Northern women tend to be, and from what I hear, she handles whiskey well. It's something to admire, which I do. Much like her brother, she speaks her mind from what I've observed, says things quite plainly without sugaring them. Yet another quality that I respect about her. One of these days I should prod at her about the ways of the Shaman - I find it terribly fascinating.
Written By Morrighan
Oct. 24, 2016, 2:38 a.m.(12/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I wasn't sure in the beginning if getting along with this surly, grumpy man was possible - but as it turns out, he's not that bad. Quite frank, really, and doesn't mince words - which is something I can appreciate. (I wonder if this is where Freja gets it?) I think I'm beginning to understand the Prince a little bit, and we seem to be on good terms, now. I did make him rather exceptional garb, and he appeared quite happy with it. He's not someone I would want as an enemy, and it makes me thankful we're on the same side of things. Looks like this friendship thing is possible after all.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 23, 2016, 11:55 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
It seems as though Princess Freja has certainly come into her own since her arrival so many weeks ago into the city. Not only is she a fine warrior, but she's taken steps to position herself as one of the more visible shamans for House Redrain at the time being. Hers is a refreshingly plain-spoken point of view, but one ought to be careful not to earn her ire.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 23, 2016, 11:30 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
I recently had a chance to share a drink with Lady Juliet. She had decided to introduce herself, and I'm pleased she took such a step. She was easy to talk to, and while she seems to have a certain reputation in the south, I found her to have a depth that was a little unexpected, but certainly welcomed.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 23, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
I ordered a new sofa made for Dawn's study as a gift and a sign of friendship. It matches that office perfectly and I suddenly find myself realizing that I missed an opportunity to add a bit of a Southern flair to the place.
Written By Rook
Oct. 23, 2016, 11:11 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
Master Quiet's new armour has been put to commission. It shall look so very splendid and serve well, I think, in the years to come. What wonderful news, then, that he's agreed to become a full time member of my personal retinue.
I now have an official champion. Let's hope it never comes anywhere near to needing be exercised as a service.
I now have an official champion. Let's hope it never comes anywhere near to needing be exercised as a service.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.