Written By Valerius
Aug. 28, 2016, 6:15 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
Written By Anastasio
Aug. 28, 2016, 5:49 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
I spent yesterday salvaging what I could. There are a few wars that did not get broken or carried away in their looting, and most of my coin was held by the bank. I've hired a rom at the Crown Apartments until these matters get settled. I have half a mind to march into the prettier wards of the city and see if I can beg audiences of the nobles.
Someone has to put an end to the extortion. We can't just raise our prices; it's not a valid long term solution.
Written By Dagon
Aug. 28, 2016, 4:45 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
I hope our next encounter is equally as enjoyable.
Written By Joscelin
Aug. 28, 2016, 3:25 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Hammar
I received no less than 6 messengers, maybe closer to a dozen, from that strange, lovely man.
He has a thing for hairy breasts. And whacking heads.
It's odd that I fi-
No. It's not odd at all. Whacking heads is quite adorable.
I mean, for some.
Written By Prospero
Aug. 28, 2016, 1:17 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
Until I come upon such answers, I fear the pattern will only continue.
Yes, it seems I've drawn the attention of yet another Princess. Or two.
Bloody hell, Four in twenty four hours. I need a drink.
Written By Darren
Aug. 28, 2016, 1:09 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
I'm sure the Duchess of Stonesdeep will be cross with me for my failure to sway the votes towards her whiskey. It was, in my opinion, the clear winner of the evening, but I fear it was far too strong for some of those who voted. Still, I was impressed by some of those who partaked. The Sword of Lenosia appears to be a man of hearty stamina, and I gladly matched the silver that Lady Dawn had wagered for the orphans of the lower boroughs after the Sword drank three glasses in succession without even a stumble.
Written By Dawn
Aug. 28, 2016, 1:07 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
The People's Choice tasting event was sublime. I say this not because Grayson won (and I cannot take credit for this, but must praise Sir Silas Mercier for his choice of submission) but because it was, indeed, the event to attend this season. As the Princess Isolde said, spirits show our differences but they also bring us together in celebration.
Mistress Acacia Culler is to be commended for organizing the event; she shows a thoughtfulness and flair for entertaining that some might find surprising. And, of course, all praise goes also to her patron, Duke Niccolo, whose elegance and generosity also made their mark on the event itself.
I think when Alaric awakens, he might be displeased by some of my decisions, but he will not argue with my determination to fill our cellars with casks of each of the submissions. I can hear him now, declaring it to be, "A worthy expense!"
Written By Jaenelle
Aug. 28, 2016, 7:33 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Prospero
Written By Jaenelle
Aug. 28, 2016, 7:26 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
Written By Jaenelle
Aug. 28, 2016, 7:22 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 28, 2016, 5:06 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
The tree I used to hide behind still stands in front of that tavern my father loved to visit. I even found the fountain in which some of my cousins and I splashed during hot summer days.
However, I was mostly touched by some people who approached me during my walk. Some just wanted to greet me. Some wanted to ask how am I doing. Some just praised my beauty. Some had troubles they wanted to bring up to my attention. Though, they all addressed me as "Princess Alarissa Grayson".
I am happy that people of Arx still remembers me as Grayson. I still remember names of some of them too. How could I forget the name of a woman who used to give me the most delicious biscuits? Or how I could forget that old jeweler, who made my first necklace? How I could not remember the seamstress who used to make gowns to my mother?
Some of them are no longer with us, but their smiling features will stay in my memory forever. I visited some of them who are very old but still breathing. I was happy to see them well and happy.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 28, 2016, 3:05 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
The wagers were incredibly fun for me, not only to see what people were willing to creatively invest, but how they interacted with other people to do so. It was originally Lord Prospero Fidante who had brought it up with his companion, a man who proved to be quick of tongue and sly of mind. And then it grew from there, with Lord Eos Saik willingly participating with boldness right from the start and Lady Dawn fearlessly sweetening the deal. It wasn't long after that when Prince Darren Redrain, a striking man in presence and appearance, and Duke Niccolo Velenosa, the esteemed host and my much-respected patron, had joined in, both gracious and good-naturedly conniving all at once. While Lady Lydia didn't compete, she was kindly indulgent to me and she brightened the affair by her presence, and Lady Calista certainly stole the show the minute she fashionably entered, as ever.
The Sword of Lenosia brought an interesting lesson to the table, but watching Sir Silas' face after he first guzzled the whiskey was priceless. Watchman or not, I'm aware of the deals he's given me and he's always been surpassingly fair without fault. He deserved that won quill gifted by Lady Dawn and I hope he puts it to good use.
My personal favorite drink though? Even with my unrefined palate, I'm quite partial to the darkest red wines. Shadow and Flame was a win for me, but Sailor's Rum, submitted by Lady Margot as House Thrax' contribution was certainly a fierce contender.
It was enough culture and civility to inspire for some time; but I have to admit, I'm looking forward to reveling in the opposite end of the spectrum soon.
Written By Kima
Aug. 28, 2016, 2:06 a.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
There were also jugglers, tumblers, and troubadours. Of the three, I found the tumblers to be the most impressive, if only because the city center was incredibly crowded that day - Eos and I had a hard enough time shouldering our way through - I can't imagine actually trying to tumble through it. Somehow they managed.
Perhaps those rumors I'd once heard about the removal of certain bones from within the body bear some truth.
As for the featured craftsman, I confess to finding myself most envious the lot of them. Denon Whisper sculpted a bust of the former king, and while I have always appreciated art in all its forms, the sheer talent and skill that radiated from his work is worthy of the highest praise. Were I an art critic, I am most certain those words would hold more weight. Alas, I am only a knight.
Sir Silas produces fine, fine work. Were I not staying within a rented room, I would have just cause to make purchases from the man. As it stands, the room comes furnished and I can't imagine stuffing another armoire in here no matter how much I might like another. One day.
Ida, someone I am certain needs no introduction, has been someone I've kept an eye on. While I am not in the market for a new weapon, she assured me that honing my current one would be easily done. My schedule hasn't allowed for making it over to that side of town recently, but I do hope to have that done soon.
Now we come to the jeweller. Ah yes, the jeweller. Lady Dawn's own. Sort of. Joscelin is her name. Before I go further, I must say that while I was at first dubious of the claim that the item matches my skin tone, as I stand here now with the comb in my hair and the gloves on my hands and admire myself in the mirror...yes, yes I see it. The blush of pink silk contrasted by polished coral, combined with the pearl-encrusted silver comb. It brings out my eyes, of course, where else are you looking?
Yes, yes, one day, I'll actually have something to wear with these gloves, but the good thing is that I'll never tire of staring at myself in the mirror - clothed or otherwise.
Right. Red isn't quite your color.
Lady Dawn purchased this comb for me! My profuse thanks! I hope she doesn't hold the supposed virtue of humility in high esteem, as it is one I studiously eschew in favor of pride and vanity.
Maybe that is what I should name the next pair of swords I purchase?
Written By Niccolo
Aug. 28, 2016, 12:53 a.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
It was interesting to see how an evening of drinking brings people of all walks of life together, from high lords to guards, to denizens of the lower boroughs. I was grateful to see Lady Dawn, Prince Darren, and Prince Edain present and taking time to spend with the people. I was touched by the support of fellow Lycene in the likes of Lord Eos, Lord Prospero and Lady Calista. I hadn't seen Lady Lydia in sometime, and her taking the time to show up was certainly noticed. Of course, my ward Talen made an appearance, and even a guard such as Sir Silas Mercier, known for his dislike of whiskey decided to participate.
I'm sure Her Grace, my daughter, will be thrilled to know that one of the vintages personally chosen by her was favored, but as the hosts, it didn't feel right for House Velenosa to claim our placement. Others were kind enough to participate, and they deserved the recognition for it.
My thoughts are often dark, these are after all and as I've mentioned dark times. But today, today I found myself relaxing. Today, I enjoyed myself in a way I don't often do. That was a wonderful gift I was given, and I think one that we managed to share with the people of the city. Slowly but surely, I can see us enduring this journey the people of the Compact find themselves in, just to emerge stronger and more alive when all is said and done.
Acacia named the tasting the People's Choice, and the people chose House Grayson. It was a curious and thought provoking choice. Theirs was certainly a very good liquor, deserving of the vote. The people also seemed interested in seeing this tasting happening again. Perhaps we can turn it into a seasonal event. I am proud of what we accomplished, and as my dear Isolde alluded, I feel that by celebrating our differences we honored the strength and unity of the Compact.
Written By Silas
Aug. 28, 2016, 12:29 a.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
For my efforts, Lady Dawn graciously rewarded me the quill she had been given for House Grayson's victory. I think it may be the most expensive quill in all the land, and it fits in my hand quite well! I'm using it right now. You might notice the lack of dripping.
My vote went to Mountain's Thunder. The hint of mint kept it from truly thundering in my mouth, but it was a noteworthy touch which put it ahead of my list. I quite enjoyed the citrus-y Valardin white wine and the White City Cider, too. House Valardin is not to be underestimated when it comes to interesting alcoholic concoctions; I can tell they're willing to experiment and have a wide range of flavors available to them.
Stone Mountain White Whisky was popular. I guess some people like to be metaphorically punched by their drinks. I am not one of them.
Prince Edain has sent me a commission requesting a large table with a map carved into it's tabletop. This one will have to be left up to me: my apprentices are not cartographers. Thinking oak or white cedar so the map isn't difficult to distinguish.
We'll see.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 27, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
These were the listings of those who submitted:
The Choices of Alcohol: Revealed Names
1. A white dried-grape wine from the Oathlands [House Valardin]
a straw-yellow wine scented of orange peel, ginger and spice
2. Rose' [House Fidante]
a deliciously pink-hued wine
3. Grappa Bradywine [House Fidante]
a clear liquor with notes of sweetness
4. Mountain's Thunder [House Blackram]
a smokey amber tequila of agave and toffeed vanilla leveled by mint
5. Black Velvet Whiskey [House Nightgold]
a molten gold whisky with a cloyingly sweet scent
6. Stone Mountain White Whisky [House Nightgold]
a pale white whisky, unapologetically uncouth
7. Riverstreet Brandy [House Grayson]
a deep copper brandy with a woodsy aroma of roasted nuts and fruits
8. White City Cider [House Valardin]
a dark, fragrant cider with heavy foam
9. Sailor's Rum [House Thrax]
a dark spiced rum that has a warm odor and a hint of cinnamon
10. Flame and Shadow [House Velenosa]
a honeyed amber wine served chilled
11. Shadow and Flame [House Velenosa]
a red wine so dark that it is almost as black as ink
12. The Promise [House Saik]
a red wine that sparkles like vibrant garnet
Written By Donella
Aug. 27, 2016, 10:49 p.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
Written By Ida
Aug. 27, 2016, 7:38 p.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Written By Prospero
Aug. 27, 2016, 6:17 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
Written By Prospero
Aug. 27, 2016, 6:16 p.m.(6/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
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