Written By Rainier
Sept. 11, 2016, 10:18 p.m.(7/19/1004 AR)
The King is ill and there were updates so I went to a session expecting to get news - to hear from physicians or maybe at worst to face saddened relatives, perhaps even to witness secondary succession bids.
One must be prepared.
I was not prepared for this cacophony of *opinions* and *thoughts*, tossing fake expertise on the nature of venoms and their effects, curative or otherwise. So many unconsidered words, pieces of unsanctioned advice and pure speculation.
Lady Dawn handled herself well. I think Liv will be able to help, also, once it actually occurs to someone she is more capable than she lets on.
The Faith though, there is something brewing there. I cannot put my finger on it just yet.
One must be prepared.
I was not prepared for this cacophony of *opinions* and *thoughts*, tossing fake expertise on the nature of venoms and their effects, curative or otherwise. So many unconsidered words, pieces of unsanctioned advice and pure speculation.
Lady Dawn handled herself well. I think Liv will be able to help, also, once it actually occurs to someone she is more capable than she lets on.
The Faith though, there is something brewing there. I cannot put my finger on it just yet.
Written By Esera
Sept. 11, 2016, 10:17 p.m.(7/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
She is a sweet girl. Sweeter than my brother deserved. Sweeter than most men deserve, in truth. She came to my family from House Thrax, and though her marriage was short lived, I pray her time as a Velenosa will last much longer. Last a lifetime, if she wishes it. She is welcome among us -- more than welcome. Loved. She has my protection.
Written By Esera
Sept. 11, 2016, 10:10 p.m.(7/19/1004 AR)
I lay awake at night, and the shadows in my room grow closer. Darker. I lay awake, and I swear that they begin to move around me. I can hear my heart beat in my ears. My breath, a whisper. The night is too long. It will only get longer.
Written By Luca
Sept. 11, 2016, 8:59 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
I went to the bonfire. It was sandy. Heard a story that Ophelia liked. Yeah.
Written By Joscelin
Sept. 11, 2016, 8:56 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
A few hours ago there was a whole giggle of girls, all highborn by their clothing, tittering away as they looked at some of the items in my atelier.
This isn't unusual but they stopped to stare at one of my large object d'art, a sculpture of an obelisk about the height of a standing rabbit. I'd made it years ago in pewter and particularly adored the way I'd managed to pave` set all the little blue topazes in gradiated color, a single double line from base to tip.
Muttering occurred, soft giggles, and embarrassed laughter.
I tried to approach but another customer came in, and I was busy with him until well after they'd left, but my assistant spoke to them, asked them what they were looking for. I missed their blushing replies but made a mental not to ask later.
After my client left and the girls were long gone, I approached my assistant, who was staring at the sculpture that had gained so much attention from those twittering teens.
"Tehom's tits, boy. Did they tell you what they wanted?" I asked her.
The young man looked up at me with burning red cheeks, which isn't a surprise given how those girls ogled, and a bemused frown on his face.
"I... think so. But-" And then he told me what they wanted.
I was confused.
So that's part of the reason I've come here, scholar, thinking to make an entry in your journals while I'm at it. But maybe you can help me?
What on -earth- is a dildo?
This isn't unusual but they stopped to stare at one of my large object d'art, a sculpture of an obelisk about the height of a standing rabbit. I'd made it years ago in pewter and particularly adored the way I'd managed to pave` set all the little blue topazes in gradiated color, a single double line from base to tip.
Muttering occurred, soft giggles, and embarrassed laughter.
I tried to approach but another customer came in, and I was busy with him until well after they'd left, but my assistant spoke to them, asked them what they were looking for. I missed their blushing replies but made a mental not to ask later.
After my client left and the girls were long gone, I approached my assistant, who was staring at the sculpture that had gained so much attention from those twittering teens.
"Tehom's tits, boy. Did they tell you what they wanted?" I asked her.
The young man looked up at me with burning red cheeks, which isn't a surprise given how those girls ogled, and a bemused frown on his face.
"I... think so. But-" And then he told me what they wanted.
I was confused.
So that's part of the reason I've come here, scholar, thinking to make an entry in your journals while I'm at it. But maybe you can help me?
What on -earth- is a dildo?
Written By Dagon
Sept. 11, 2016, 8:14 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
My dear sister organized a dinner party the other day. It all went quite well and I was glad to see Jaenelle and some others there. It has me thinking that I should be more proactive about setting up some sort of event myself. The question then becomes... what? What could I do to showcase the greatness of House Thrax without overdoing it? It is a challenge I will need to think on.
For now I will remain thankful for Donella's gathering the other night.
For now I will remain thankful for Donella's gathering the other night.
Written By Rook
Sept. 11, 2016, 8 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
As an experiment I've decided to distribute a flyer seeking an emerald. It has no indication that I'll actually pay, just iterates my desire for one. Perhaps an anonymous benefactor or somewhat equally kindly will endeavor to quiet my yearning. I'm almost certain it'll be used in a thumb ring.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:47 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
It is safe to say that I had not anticipated finding myself in this particular situation, but word has arrived from home: I have been chosen as the Truespeaker for my late husband's people. Trogen's Truesworn want me to speak for and guide them, and have furthermore chosen Tenebrae as my deputy. I suspect that more than a few waves might follow from this, but it is an immense honour for us both.
Written By Rook
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:45 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
I attended the storytelling function down on the beaches by the sea last night, outside of the city of Arx. In the company of Lady Dawn Grayson I sat among many of her family while they conversed. Princess Lou was there with her quiet companion, a shav, Master Vik... something. I should really brush up on my pronunciations. Perhaps I'll take linguistic lessons again. It'll keep the tongue flexible, for when it truly matters. Like pronouncing foreign names, for example.
Normally I'm a man for stories but in truth that night I was far more distracted by Mistress Sina, servant to the Thraxian royalty. As an artist she had created a rendition of a tragedy worth mourning. A vision of one of her dreams, she said. I offered to purchase it from her, a bag of 1,000 silvers. She assented-- thankfully.
All in all it was well run and relaxing. I look forward to sponsoring further gifted, creative individuals as opportunities arise.
Normally I'm a man for stories but in truth that night I was far more distracted by Mistress Sina, servant to the Thraxian royalty. As an artist she had created a rendition of a tragedy worth mourning. A vision of one of her dreams, she said. I offered to purchase it from her, a bag of 1,000 silvers. She assented-- thankfully.
All in all it was well run and relaxing. I look forward to sponsoring further gifted, creative individuals as opportunities arise.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:45 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fawkuhl
No.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:34 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fawkuhl
I never got to know my cousin Fawkuhl well. He had left to dedicate his life to the faith while I was very young. I was always proud of how he rose to prominence in the Faith. I thought, he is Valardin born, who could be better be steward of the faith. Meeting him the few times I have have been, disappointing. He purposefully insulted someone in their own home, and then justified those actions with semantics that are the anathema of the gallantry we grow up learning to hold so dear. He acts as one expects of one in his station, but I feel that just, something is absent. My sister Princess Tabitha once told me, "Some men are capable of acting humble, without having an ounce of humility in their heart." I wonder now, if I know who she was speaking off.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:34 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Some will no doubt look to this journal for a diplomatic recounting of the day's events.
Instead, I will say this:
To those of you who place ambition over the welfare of those who look to you for more, such dealings will no longer be tolerated by those who believe honor and duty to others are an ideal that can and should be achieved.
These games will end so we, as a people, can focus on what truly matters.
Instead, I will say this:
To those of you who place ambition over the welfare of those who look to you for more, such dealings will no longer be tolerated by those who believe honor and duty to others are an ideal that can and should be achieved.
These games will end so we, as a people, can focus on what truly matters.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:18 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I have only met Prince Darren a small handful of times, but so far I am impressed. He is every bit the rugged Northman his people want him to be, but in speaking with him I have seen that he is the cunning diplomat they need him to be. Despite personal tragedy and loss he has stepped into the mantle of his father, and even though I know it is not, he has made it look easy. I cannot deny that I envy that.
Written By Edain
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:06 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jessamine
I met young Goodwoman Jessamine at a council of physicians and healers to discuss the condition of King Alaric IV. By happenstance I found myself sitting next to her at the table. After reading a report on the King's disposition, I discretely asked her what 'pupils' were, medically you see, because I always thought that referred to a student. She shared with me that she first thought the report said 'puppies' and was sad to find there are none. Now in my experience puppies in healer's tent are a nuisance. They try to like the wounds, they eat the medicine and promptly get sick and vomit all over everything. But she seemed so so enamored with the thought of puppies romping in the gauze I couldn't bring myself to point this out. She seems like a good lass.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:59 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
On Faith.
One may wonder, or even assume that the bias toward the gods means taking faith blindly, and closing one's mind to facts, truths, and the discovery of the natural order of the world. I feel this is to misunderstand the very nature of faith, and religion as a whole. You see, if one starts from a place where the natural order is dictated by divine mandate, then that assumption becomes a real concern.
Consider this, instead. The divine forces we place our faith in, and right revere as superior beings, lending their power and strength to the very world around us are not discrete beings, with minds and wills. Instead they are embodiments of the truths that become evident through observation and experimentation. Limerance, for example, is not a hormonal teenager that watches over us and plays at making hearts flutter at the sight of a pretty face. More, he is the ideal, the embodiment of what to strive for in courtly love, and the ideals of fidelity. We give face and name to this entity, and in so doing, actually limit his power to a singular will, instead of accepting his purpose as a guide, a teacher in the ways we live our day to day lives. He is, and yet, he is not, transcending our ability to understand divinity. He is a god, how could we even begin to fathom him.
If we accept this theory as true, then, it is our divine imperative, our very life's purpose, to live in this world, created by beings beyond understanding, and then use the tools they gave us to try and understand them better -- the very world itself, their archives, their musings on the higher ideals and truth. A farmer knows one must plant a seed, water it, and it will grow, and has learned, as he travels his life's path, when to plant, how much water, and all the necessary details to produce a flush crop. In doing so, Petrichor's very essence is revered. That farmer comes closer to that aspect of divinity than I ever could, even if I were to take my place as godsworn. That Farmer is greater to Petrichor's heart than any priest with fancy words and faithful soul.
There are mysteries in the world, and divine nature is but one. Perhaps the greatest one, and all others lead to that end. When the unexplained happens, we take on Faith that the divine understanding has shown us a hint, but also another path to explore, to make the world open it's trove of secrets to us. Faith is not to be feared or dismissed, but lauded, for only the Faithful truly understand that the world is meant to be ours. Those that turn from the faith, I pity, and do not despise, for they are simply blinded to the nature of the world. Their path is hard, wrought with peril, and perhaps they cannot even see the way. The guide and light of truth is there for them, but they reject it. I would walk with these people, to give them comfort, if I could.
Pantheon of the Thirteen Gods, I offer these words in understanding of your greatness, and pledge myself, once more, to learn the truths you have written in the world around me. I pray that I can guide others, to open their eyes, and bring them the peace that they are not lost, without recourse, but only a student in a never-ending lesson, meant to better and Strengthen.
One may wonder, or even assume that the bias toward the gods means taking faith blindly, and closing one's mind to facts, truths, and the discovery of the natural order of the world. I feel this is to misunderstand the very nature of faith, and religion as a whole. You see, if one starts from a place where the natural order is dictated by divine mandate, then that assumption becomes a real concern.
Consider this, instead. The divine forces we place our faith in, and right revere as superior beings, lending their power and strength to the very world around us are not discrete beings, with minds and wills. Instead they are embodiments of the truths that become evident through observation and experimentation. Limerance, for example, is not a hormonal teenager that watches over us and plays at making hearts flutter at the sight of a pretty face. More, he is the ideal, the embodiment of what to strive for in courtly love, and the ideals of fidelity. We give face and name to this entity, and in so doing, actually limit his power to a singular will, instead of accepting his purpose as a guide, a teacher in the ways we live our day to day lives. He is, and yet, he is not, transcending our ability to understand divinity. He is a god, how could we even begin to fathom him.
If we accept this theory as true, then, it is our divine imperative, our very life's purpose, to live in this world, created by beings beyond understanding, and then use the tools they gave us to try and understand them better -- the very world itself, their archives, their musings on the higher ideals and truth. A farmer knows one must plant a seed, water it, and it will grow, and has learned, as he travels his life's path, when to plant, how much water, and all the necessary details to produce a flush crop. In doing so, Petrichor's very essence is revered. That farmer comes closer to that aspect of divinity than I ever could, even if I were to take my place as godsworn. That Farmer is greater to Petrichor's heart than any priest with fancy words and faithful soul.
There are mysteries in the world, and divine nature is but one. Perhaps the greatest one, and all others lead to that end. When the unexplained happens, we take on Faith that the divine understanding has shown us a hint, but also another path to explore, to make the world open it's trove of secrets to us. Faith is not to be feared or dismissed, but lauded, for only the Faithful truly understand that the world is meant to be ours. Those that turn from the faith, I pity, and do not despise, for they are simply blinded to the nature of the world. Their path is hard, wrought with peril, and perhaps they cannot even see the way. The guide and light of truth is there for them, but they reject it. I would walk with these people, to give them comfort, if I could.
Pantheon of the Thirteen Gods, I offer these words in understanding of your greatness, and pledge myself, once more, to learn the truths you have written in the world around me. I pray that I can guide others, to open their eyes, and bring them the peace that they are not lost, without recourse, but only a student in a never-ending lesson, meant to better and Strengthen.
Written By Hammar
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:59 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Hammar might need go talk to Hammer lady Ida, he find a buckle from Hammar armor not on Hammar armor! Hammar take care of armor, so not know where buckle come from, but it not hold armor on no more! Maybe Hammar maybe should check armor better, or not whack so hard, maybe Hammar whack too hard and buckle say 'no, not want hold armor'. Can armor talk? Hammar talk with old warhammer sometime when no one want talk to Hammar.
Written By Hammar
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:48 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Hammar sometime wish Murder not get so loud with drunk. Hammar try sleep so Hammar not tired if need whack someone hard. People always make loud when get drunk and Hammar get tired of wake up. Hammar got wake up other day, Tavern full and Hammar have sit alone near table with lord and woman who ready to make naughty time. Why lord in Lower boroughs? Hammar not know, but no sign say Lord not can be there, Hammar guess.
Written By Fergus
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:41 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Freja, apparently has not changed much since childhood. I've spent a lot of time at war, fighting with Sherrod and Vercyn, but since Sherrod's death and following the Battle of Deep pines, I am making a bit more of a relationship with my sister. She's apparently got a relatively important reason or reasons to be in this city. Makes me feel all the more useless for being here, as I am just here to try and make good on having not been here when Sherrod was killed. I'd just like to return to Farhaven, but I must make good on that, at the very least.
Written By Eos
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:32 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
It might have taken some time for the stars to align, and schedules with them, but the wait to sit and share a drink with Duke Niccolo outside of the larger social engagements proved well worth it. We have taken similar paths through our lives, to similiar effect, but he is some years ahead of me and I believe there is something to be learned from his experiences and wisdom that I might use in my own life and toward my own aspirations. House Velenosa continues to honor House Saik with each exchange.
Written By Anastasio
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:17 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
Ask any healer and they will tell you the same. It is not the laws of nature or the will of gods that most frequently impedes a patient's speedy recovery. Rather, it is the advice of the uninitiated yelling loudly about their ideas for treatment, rather than listening to those trained in the matter.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.