Written By Sudara
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:18 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Umbra: an intriguing (though perhaps somewhat odd) thing to have found myself contemplating. The mystical material of shadow and beauty provides obvious sartorial temptations for one who finds herself attending the grandest court of the land (of the world?) while clad in mourning garb. But how much more is there to it, when one finds oneself peering into shadows, mixing awe and wonderment with surprise at how much more there seems to be beyond the surface? Throw in expense, difficulty of acquisition, and an incomprehension of how it came to be - and one has all the more to muse upon in relation to the times in which we now live.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:15 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
It astonishes me how much my relationship with Prince Inquisitor Gareth has developed. He was one of my first friends in Arx and, despite the Saga of the Tea Set, I feel it continues to be a delight for both of us. I'll have to think of something as memorable as that gift for the next time.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 7:37 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Dawn, the current Voice of House Grayson, is an interesting woman. Every impression I have of her is one of someone who is very controlled and politically adept, yet who it seems is not as accepted as she could be due to a circumstance of birth.
Any achievement of hers will likely be justified by others as the work of her advisors and comrades. Yet any stumble, any perceived fault, will be taken as a personal failing and proof that her birth makes her unsuitable for the role.
Which strikes me as ridiculous, but I suppose it's not my field; I'd much rather spend my time uncovering the past, preferably as far away from politics as I can manage.
Any achievement of hers will likely be justified by others as the work of her advisors and comrades. Yet any stumble, any perceived fault, will be taken as a personal failing and proof that her birth makes her unsuitable for the role.
Which strikes me as ridiculous, but I suppose it's not my field; I'd much rather spend my time uncovering the past, preferably as far away from politics as I can manage.
Written By Sudara
Oct. 9, 2016, 7:19 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
A foundling, rescued by my husband long before we met. But having plucked her from the sea, he maintained an active interest in her. Back then, he was formally Abandoned - but she was a child of the Compact. I wonder quite what her legal status was, during that time? In any case, he maintained an interest in her, and she developed into an intriguing young woman.
Written By Esera
Oct. 9, 2016, 5:13 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Augustus
I have known him all my life, and all my life he has been a pillar -- something solid and certain, even when the world around me was not. I remember him, from a child's eyes, as ... Historic. A man who had seen and been a part of so much history. I am no longer that little girl, but he is still that pillar, and although I wish he could have lived the rest of his days in peace in Lenosia, I am glad to have him here in Arx. No man is ever free from duty.
Written By Kima
Oct. 9, 2016, 4:32 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
It occurs to me that the previous entry reads in such a way that others might believe I've had men tell me to wear bags at all, ever.
Such is not the case.
Audric is the first.
Such is not the case.
Audric is the first.
Written By Kima
Oct. 9, 2016, 4:30 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I've never had a man quite so politely - and in a decidedly round about manner, it should be noted - suggest that I should wear a bag.
The bag is really very nice, though. Might actually be the best I've ever seen.
The bag is really very nice, though. Might actually be the best I've ever seen.
Written By Kima
Oct. 9, 2016, 3:47 p.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
It has been some time since my last entry pertaining to the tale that would eventually bring me to Arx. Today I shall write of the woman many saw as a mysterious oddity, though to me she was a close friend and staunch ally. Her name was Yinali, she was born on the island of Setarco, though neither of her parents were natives to that wild place. With midnight-hued skin and hair, and these gorgeous amber eyes, it was no wonder that men found her bewitching. Yinali had a rich contralto of a voice that often had people stop to listen to her simply for the sake of listening.
-----
The dark woman fanned herself as she lounged upon a chaise. The air was thick and sticky, with the promise of an afternoon storm. Kima did not watch her, but rather stared lazily at the man across from Yinali, noting the scar that across the bridge of his nose.
"We will pay you fifteen hundred for each man now, and fifteen hundred upon return," she said, her tone of voice very 'take it or leave it.'
"Two thousand," the man countered, determined. "You know that we are the best. No other mercenary band has ventured as far or as often us." Kima took a drink, and found herself smiling when he said again, confidently, "We are the best."
"Not true, the captain's man of Lascala's Jovial Bunch told me just the other night that they've ranged as far as where we want to go. That's important to my friends and I. What's more, I know they'd settle for one thousand per man." Yinali continued to fan herself, silently praying for the moment when she could enjoy fresh coastal air rather than being confined to some cramped, muggy tavern.
"They'd settle for one thousand because they'd stab you in the back and leave you for dead just as soon as you were out of civilized land. You know that, I know that. Eighteen hundred and my captain will sign off on your contract. He's a Southport vet," he saluted, fist to chest. Veterans of the acclaimed Southport military were held in high regard by the citizens of the City of Swords, and abroad. "As am I. We're worth it."
Yinali snapped her fan closed, smiled at the man, and got to her feet. She was a considerably tall woman, more so than many men. Some found it off-putting, but Kima could see the appreciation in his eyes as he took in Yinali's graceful frame. "Eighteen," she said, tapping her fan upon his broad, thick shoulder. "Tell your captain we agree to pay eighteen hundred. Meet with me again tomorrow at this time, at the bank where we'll settle up. Be sure to tell the captain we'll be ready to leave in three days."
-----
Of honorable mention are captain Salandri and his right hand man, Dexio. They ran a small but competent group of mercenaries - Gloria's Roamers. They lived storied lives, as is chronicled elsewhere, and met ignominious deaths. The job they took with us would be their last. The Roamers are no more, stricken from the record.
-----
The dark woman fanned herself as she lounged upon a chaise. The air was thick and sticky, with the promise of an afternoon storm. Kima did not watch her, but rather stared lazily at the man across from Yinali, noting the scar that across the bridge of his nose.
"We will pay you fifteen hundred for each man now, and fifteen hundred upon return," she said, her tone of voice very 'take it or leave it.'
"Two thousand," the man countered, determined. "You know that we are the best. No other mercenary band has ventured as far or as often us." Kima took a drink, and found herself smiling when he said again, confidently, "We are the best."
"Not true, the captain's man of Lascala's Jovial Bunch told me just the other night that they've ranged as far as where we want to go. That's important to my friends and I. What's more, I know they'd settle for one thousand per man." Yinali continued to fan herself, silently praying for the moment when she could enjoy fresh coastal air rather than being confined to some cramped, muggy tavern.
"They'd settle for one thousand because they'd stab you in the back and leave you for dead just as soon as you were out of civilized land. You know that, I know that. Eighteen hundred and my captain will sign off on your contract. He's a Southport vet," he saluted, fist to chest. Veterans of the acclaimed Southport military were held in high regard by the citizens of the City of Swords, and abroad. "As am I. We're worth it."
Yinali snapped her fan closed, smiled at the man, and got to her feet. She was a considerably tall woman, more so than many men. Some found it off-putting, but Kima could see the appreciation in his eyes as he took in Yinali's graceful frame. "Eighteen," she said, tapping her fan upon his broad, thick shoulder. "Tell your captain we agree to pay eighteen hundred. Meet with me again tomorrow at this time, at the bank where we'll settle up. Be sure to tell the captain we'll be ready to leave in three days."
-----
Of honorable mention are captain Salandri and his right hand man, Dexio. They ran a small but competent group of mercenaries - Gloria's Roamers. They lived storied lives, as is chronicled elsewhere, and met ignominious deaths. The job they took with us would be their last. The Roamers are no more, stricken from the record.
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 9, 2016, 2:22 p.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
Master Rook Grayward brightened my morning when he stopped by the shrine and talked for a time. He is quick of word and wit, and it should be interesting to see where the two take him.
Written By Darren
Oct. 9, 2016, 2:06 p.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
The tailor bear of the North. This one has talent, and she serves House Redrain well.
Written By Darren
Oct. 9, 2016, 1:59 p.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Drea
Mother bear, I'm glad you're here. Through all the tragedy and grief, we'll be stronger together.
Written By Darren
Oct. 9, 2016, 1:56 p.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
What can I say about my cousin Freja? Back in Farhaven, we'd tear up the occasional tavern in revelry. I assumed that'd be the way of things here in Arx - it's how things initially started, at least, with run-ins at the Spirits and not much else.
But all relationships evolve eventually, and mine with Freja is no exception to the rule. She's a good woman, and I'm proud to call her an actual friend now, and confidant as well.
But all relationships evolve eventually, and mine with Freja is no exception to the rule. She's a good woman, and I'm proud to call her an actual friend now, and confidant as well.
Written By Augustus
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:35 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Hammar
Dawn apparently has found herself a champion in this behemoth of a man.
I had the privilege of seeing him trounce Prince Dagon in the training centre... but that was hardly a surprise. The man is as tall as a watchtower and twice as broad. And he has a giant hammer.
Quite an appropriate name, that.
I had the privilege of seeing him trounce Prince Dagon in the training centre... but that was hardly a surprise. The man is as tall as a watchtower and twice as broad. And he has a giant hammer.
Quite an appropriate name, that.
Written By Edain
Oct. 9, 2016, 9:21 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
I finally got a chance to sit and talk with Archscholar Aldwin, and already feel wiser for the experience. I cannot deny that this is a little childish, but there is a calm and honor to the man. After talking to him you are left with a sense that no matter how dark things are, we will endure, and history will carry on. We are richer for his service and that of the Scholars of Vellichor.
Written By Edain
Oct. 9, 2016, 9:02 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
He's young to be leading his own mercenary company, but it is a testament to his talent. Sellsword leadership usually belongs to the veteran's largely, but it is impressive to see him forging his own way.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:37 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
While I felt out of my element, especially in the company that I was in, I enjoyed seeing Joscelin enjoying herself with her fellow crafters. Her talents, and the talents of all those gathered, deserve to be recognized.
Written By Victus
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:26 a.m.(10/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Yasmine
I never really figured out where the Ravashari fit in the scheme of things on the mainland. Not many of her sort back home, or at all really. I suspect those who set foot on the Isles soon find themselves in thralldom.
What use is there for a bunch of traveling no-gooders? None that I can see.
Still not sure about the dancing, either. A damn lot of hip wriggling.
What use is there for a bunch of traveling no-gooders? None that I can see.
Still not sure about the dancing, either. A damn lot of hip wriggling.
Written By Isabeau
Oct. 9, 2016, 3 a.m.(10/16/1004 AR)
To ease my distraction, I've had a pair of new gowns commissioned for Sophie and I. I have no doubt my younger sister may think the choice of fit is a tad adventurous, but we need more of that in our lives. What truly troubles me is the loss of so many of my family and people two years ago. It seems to be a dark pall that hangs over our family and the more we learn, the greater the mystery deepens. How much was truly lost in the Reckoning?
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 9, 2016, 2:42 a.m.(10/16/1004 AR)
I finally finished the favors for the gala. Yes, at the wee hours of the morning.
Thankfully, Messere Belardi's healing ointments work wonders, and you can bet I'm coating my fingers before I sleep. Hopefully it won't be so noticable come the evening, and if that's the case, I'll just wear gloves.
Thankfully, Messere Belardi's healing ointments work wonders, and you can bet I'm coating my fingers before I sleep. Hopefully it won't be so noticable come the evening, and if that's the case, I'll just wear gloves.
Written By Viktarkim
Oct. 9, 2016, 12:41 a.m.(10/16/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Redrain Duchess of Southdeep. A woman to turn a man's eye, but also a clever one. Maybe too clever. One to be wary of.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.