Written By Edain
Oct. 16, 2016, 6:05 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
While the events that brought my to the city of Arx where tragedy, not just for my family but for so many throughout the Compact, it has allowed me to reconnect with members of my family I have not seen in a very long time. Among that number is my cousin, Princess Sophie who came to Arx to be a Mercy of Lagoma. Her endless enthusiasm still brings a smile to my face, and it makes me feel better to know that she has the resolve to let nothing darken her spirit. Though I should expect nothing less, she still has Sir Nutwel Oakley looking over her.
Written By Rook
Oct. 16, 2016, 6:02 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Courtiers and courtesans take the side of nobility for a reason; they're to be treated as such. If one wanted a simple commoner to fool around with or if the companionship of someone to treat a fool is wanted then that is what someone should take.
This is sometimes forgotten and sadness is to be had by all parties when wronged. When a courtier such as myself is mistreated by rude address, I am furious. When a noble of the realm decides to treat me thus, they act with haste and deny me the respect I am due.
It is a shame then that this happens more regularly than I am willing to admit. I take care to be a gentleman in all things but sometimes, just sometimes, I must make a stand.
This is sometimes forgotten and sadness is to be had by all parties when wronged. When a courtier such as myself is mistreated by rude address, I am furious. When a noble of the realm decides to treat me thus, they act with haste and deny me the respect I am due.
It is a shame then that this happens more regularly than I am willing to admit. I take care to be a gentleman in all things but sometimes, just sometimes, I must make a stand.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:14 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
The Wandering Prince is actually a priest. I am not fully sure how this holds in my opinions of him. He is hard to define. It seems that he is more interested in a good time than that which is around him; but I have learned that such things can be deceptive.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:12 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I am not sure what I was thinking when I thought about meeting the High Prince. He was not fully what I expected in a man in his position, but that is not bad in the least. I have secured his escort on a future trip and it is sure to be delightful if not a little thrilling.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:10 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
I will admit that I had to work to get granted an audience with the High Prince of Thrax. I was also slightly worried that I might end up on the menu. Instead, I was delightfully surprised with how the meeting transpired. While he is firm and resolute, I am not sure that I fear him. This is not a secret as I told him such. I do hope that he will find favor in myself and call again for tea.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:05 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
I wish I could pronounce his name. Perhaps I shall endeavor to take lessons in his language from him. I am distressed when I cannot be at the most perfect and speaking his language would be that. I will send word today actually about it. He is a good man it seems and he seems well suited for his Princess wife. There are such grand tales of his lands, I do hope that he will allow me to hear other tales. I also feel for him, for it must be hard to be foreign in a land and city such as our own.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:02 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Sir Silas is an interesting sort of person. He was quick to meet and has done nothing but amuse me since. He is taking a commission for me and I could not be happier for it. A few commissions actually. I am happy to have met him in truth. I feel as if I do not have to mind my tongue and thoughts as I do with others.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 3:58 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
There is a bit of irony to the King's unrecognized bastard being the voice of the house. Such irony is not lost on me. While she cannot help the circumstances of her birth, I am most curious to see what she does with what she can help.
I have found that we share a common interest in learning about people. Perhaps it is the only adventure that I am skilled in and thus I am prone to live through others and their tales.
She has tasked me with a few galas and I have taken it upon myself to do so with a flair. I am most certain she has done so to get me out of her hair, but it is something I enjoy; so I am not fully vexed by the prospect. It also allows me to time to do as I please as well.
I have found that we share a common interest in learning about people. Perhaps it is the only adventure that I am skilled in and thus I am prone to live through others and their tales.
She has tasked me with a few galas and I have taken it upon myself to do so with a flair. I am most certain she has done so to get me out of her hair, but it is something I enjoy; so I am not fully vexed by the prospect. It also allows me to time to do as I please as well.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 3:53 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Wolbrand
Master Wolbrand was an interesting tea companion. He is a firm man and full of mystery. A past that is only hinted too. However, he may be more politically astute than I was to give him credit. Also, one cannot help but like a man that sends you gifts simply for being you.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 3:51 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Augustus
I find myself a bit troubled over Prince Augustus. He seems to absolutely detest me. He has refused to meet with me. He has had nothing good to say and the fact someone was rude to me, makes him happy. I have no clue in how I have vexed him in just arriving. I am curious is this is going to be how I am received by all the family.
Perhaps this trip to Arx truly was a punishment if this is how it is to be. The outsider in ones own family. I am a Grayson, so I shall continue to smile and pretend as if my feelings are not hurt, but sadly they are. I enjoy the city, but I find myself longing to be back home when around my own family.
Perhaps this trip to Arx truly was a punishment if this is how it is to be. The outsider in ones own family. I am a Grayson, so I shall continue to smile and pretend as if my feelings are not hurt, but sadly they are. I enjoy the city, but I find myself longing to be back home when around my own family.
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:52 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I am pleased we've been able to come to such a beneficial business arrangement. I look forward to see Gemecittan quartz used in her work; if I've given her ideas on how to deal with other noble houses, all the better.
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:43 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
/Ridiculous/. The very idea that he would try to refuse a commission on the basis that he "doesn't work quickly." Pah! Any artist who spends their time in such an establishment should have no basis to refuse /anyone's/ money.
At least Pietro was there to keep me from murdering him.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
At least Pietro was there to keep me from murdering him.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:40 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
If I were to list the most humiliating events of my life, I believe this most recent conversation with Lady Dawn would come quite near the top, if not take the foremost place. The idea, the very /idea/, that I see her as nothing more than a symbol, as a "light of hope" or whatever ridiculous nonsense others have apparently told her -- bah. If others could see nothing but her position, power, and appearance, they are fools and idiots.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:37 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
I cannot believe -- /cannot believe/ -- that Vincere is trying to claim he held no special affection for my sister when we were children. That he was not in fact pining into his books for want of her while she was swooning over his brother. That I did not have to forcibly /drag/ his attention from her with humiliating displays attempting to earn his favor. It is perhaps more acceptable to remember such indiscretions in one's youth, but to have them erased entirely!
Unacceptable. I can't believe Cara doesn't remember, either. Ridiculous.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Unacceptable. I can't believe Cara doesn't remember, either. Ridiculous.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Sylphie and I continue to be positively impossible to each other. It is distinctly rare that we manage to find some overlapping understanding between the two of us, some moment that we are not at each other's throats. I find myself continually offended when I feel that I am putting forth a /real effort/ to be civil, only to have /her/ become the temperamental one.
The lingering desire to shove her against a wall or bend her over a desk while we're fighting is certainly not helping matters.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
The lingering desire to shove her against a wall or bend her over a desk while we're fighting is certainly not helping matters.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:29 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I remain distinctly uncertain of what Duchess Nightgold actually /wants/. I am hardly the person anyone should think of for random jaunts through the Hall of Heroes, particularly while I'm still feeling the effects of the gala that night before. I am not a companionable person, yet she still finds an excess of things to laugh at around me. It's rather aggravating. I find myself continually uncomfortable feeling that she has something else going on beneath the surface.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Darren
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:22 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Princess Donella Thrax defies expectations and stereotypes. She is a woman of good humour and decent riding skills. But that race was only tied out of sheer luck on her part.
Of course, she threw down the next gauntlet. The challenge? A race of Legate's Leap. I'm willing to put a good bit of silver that she doesn't follow through though. We shall see.
Of course, she threw down the next gauntlet. The challenge? A race of Legate's Leap. I'm willing to put a good bit of silver that she doesn't follow through though. We shall see.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:20 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
A fine illustration of both the virtues of a man of honest, forthright scholarship, and of the difficulties in mixing such a man with an inherently complex and pride-driven world. Much can be learned from the Archscholar's wisdom and compassion. I only pray that the Compact learns the lessons while we can benefit the most from them.
Written By Darren
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:11 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
Lady Signe is one of the Nightgold cousins. A bit out there, certainly, but the North is rich in personality and that's what makes us so interesting as a people.
She's promised me one of her pups once they are whelped. Perhaps it would be good to have a kennel built in the Ward, to aide her in her chosen vocation.
She's promised me one of her pups once they are whelped. Perhaps it would be good to have a kennel built in the Ward, to aide her in her chosen vocation.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.