Written By Marian
June 25, 2016, 12:31 a.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Got around to testing myself some these past days. Lady Kima Saik managed to surprise me. Wasn't ready for her first strike at all, stupid of me, and I was on the backfoot for the rest of the bout. No excuse for letting it happen, and I lost fair and square. Was a good lesson that I apparently needed, though, and I'm grateful it came at a time where the only thing permanently wounded was my pride. Can't dismiss these Compact Nobles just because they sometimes make me want to roll my eyes. I'd say trounce them and /then/ dismiss them, but I've heard too many stories about daggers in the dark and poisoned wine. Don't dismiss them.
A few days later, a slightly more serious bout with Lady Viviana Pravus proved rather thrilling. There's a certain...thrill, in wielding Oathbinder. And no small amount of emotion. It reminds me of Valen. And it reminds me of how he died. Still, the feel of that draconic, bejewelled hilt in my grip just brings something to life. It makes me feel like I could take down a dozen men. Or, just one pretty, dark-haired master swordswoman from the Silk Isles. The Sword of Setarco is fast. Quite possibly the quickest I've seen. Anyone unarmored and not as quick as she or myself would likely find themselves run through before they realized what was happening. With that Alaricite sword, I suspect even plate might not save her opponents. I managed to keep up, in large part due to having two swords to her one and being no slowpoke myself. There is no doubt in mind that if it ever came down to a true fight, it could very easily go in her favor rather than in mine like our little exhibition did.
A few days later, a slightly more serious bout with Lady Viviana Pravus proved rather thrilling. There's a certain...thrill, in wielding Oathbinder. And no small amount of emotion. It reminds me of Valen. And it reminds me of how he died. Still, the feel of that draconic, bejewelled hilt in my grip just brings something to life. It makes me feel like I could take down a dozen men. Or, just one pretty, dark-haired master swordswoman from the Silk Isles. The Sword of Setarco is fast. Quite possibly the quickest I've seen. Anyone unarmored and not as quick as she or myself would likely find themselves run through before they realized what was happening. With that Alaricite sword, I suspect even plate might not save her opponents. I managed to keep up, in large part due to having two swords to her one and being no slowpoke myself. There is no doubt in mind that if it ever came down to a true fight, it could very easily go in her favor rather than in mine like our little exhibition did.
Written By Marian
June 25, 2016, 12:05 a.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Eira
A common sellsword I happened to meet in the training grounds after she finished a couple of bouts. I say common only because she has no title. She seemed to be well above your usual soldier in terms of skill with the blade. No telling if she's truly seen battle or not, though. While a deft hand on the practice grounds doesn't necessarily a great warrior make, I doubt this particular mercenary will be looking for a patron for long before she finds herself employed by a Duke or something of the sort.
Written By Marian
June 24, 2016, 11:52 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
The Sword of Setarco. Truth be told, not certain I understand that title. My knowledge of the Compact outside of Sanctum is pretty limited though, so I'm sure there's an explanation, and I just don't have it. Somewhere along the line, I'd come to think the whole 'Sword' business was something only the great Houses did. And the Lyceum House is the Velenosa? Eh. Anyways. These Lyceum women certainly seem to be of a type. All about having a good time and enjoying themselves. Viviana and Kima'd probably get on like sisters. Or stab each other in the heart for being competition. The Lady Pravus strikes the balance just a tad better though, I think. I couldn't mistake Viviana for anything but a swordswoman when we first met, and that was before I'd any idea who she was, or that she had an alaricite blade. Good to know all the Compact's noblewomen aren't soft damsels.
Written By Margot
June 24, 2016, 11:40 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Eugine
The duke of Grimhall is a... unique character at best. Still he's promised to give me some coral and pearls from his island though I hope the price he asks for them is not ungentlemanly.
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:39 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Gustave
The Marquis Blackram is very tall and wide. He is polite but puts on no airs. I think perhaps he should put on at least one; his March's location ought to be a badge of honor.
One could be forgiven for thinking his people Redrains of unusual size, but Marquis Gustave is of the Oathlands' northern frontier.
I believe I see a principle at work here: proximity to danger increases pragmatism. No wonder everyone expects the Lyceum to be soft. They ought to expect Southport to be the softest of the lot.
I hope they do. Looks of surprise are a joy to behold.
One could be forgiven for thinking his people Redrains of unusual size, but Marquis Gustave is of the Oathlands' northern frontier.
I believe I see a principle at work here: proximity to danger increases pragmatism. No wonder everyone expects the Lyceum to be soft. They ought to expect Southport to be the softest of the lot.
I hope they do. Looks of surprise are a joy to behold.
Written By Marian
June 24, 2016, 11:33 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Alarissa's brother, we only happened to cross paths fleetingly when I first stumbled across the training center in the Compact Ward. The first fellow 'Sword' of one of the High Houses that I met since arriving here in the capital. "None greater than Grayson". Heh. He's big, quicker than he has any damn right to be, and I imagine my sister-in-law would be less than thrilled if I were to hurt him. So let's just hope I've never a reason to really put that saying of theirs to the test and have to truly cross blades with him. Pretty and charming, in the way so many of the Compact's Knights seem to be. How many of them have a heart like Valen, though?
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
We had too little time to talk. All I know is that we both enjoy Lenosian wine, both speak fairly, and are both all-too-careful when it comes to our personal security.
Most importantly, he appears not to gamble.
I wonder how he relaxes.
Surely he does relax?
Most importantly, he appears not to gamble.
I wonder how he relaxes.
Surely he does relax?
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Princess Valencia Redrain has baited what traps I've seen too openly.
Is that what passes for subtle maneuvering in the North? I'm not willing to make such a facile judgment.
We shall meet again, your highness, and dance further.
Is that what passes for subtle maneuvering in the North? I'm not willing to make such a facile judgment.
We shall meet again, your highness, and dance further.
Written By Marian
June 24, 2016, 11:22 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Gustave
I'm used to fighting men bigger, taller, stronger than I am, but you've damn well got to draw a line somewhere, aye? That line is somewhere damn well below however big it is Marquise Gustave Blackram is. He's a Valardin vassal..I think? A vassal of a Valardin Vassal, anyways. Should amount to the same thing, if it doesn't. Damn nobles. Good to know the family has more allies here in the capital should the need of them arise, as it very well might in the near future. Especially good to know when they're the size of mountains.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:19 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
A darling man, and probably the one person I can absolutely trust to be around Esera. I would even trust him to stand against me, if I ever lost my wits. That makes me feel better. She needs someone like him.
Written By Marian
June 24, 2016, 11:18 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
I can recall a time where I'd have been angry about losing to a soft noblewoman who doesn't appear to take much seriously. Thankfully, I'm not a younger woman, and thankfully Lady Kima Saik isn't the fool she likes to present herself as. She knows how to use that blade at her hip, so I'm willing to ignore the attention seeking she seems fond of. Should make for a good drinking partner some eveninge. Next time we go a real round, she'll be going down.
Written By Hadrian
June 24, 2016, 11:16 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Vercyn
The Duke of House Halfshav is a personable older gentleman. We met while watching Lady Kima Saik's bout with Princess Marian Valardin. He offered a decent wager on 'the redhead,' on no other basis I can discern but pride in that common hair color of men and women from the North.
Some might judge this foolish. I do not.
Someone who has that much pride and confidence in his fellows can win fierce loyalty. His money may be gone - I passed it on to the true victor, Lady Kima - but consistently expect the best, and you have greater odds at receiving it.
I met his bet with one on Lady Kima for the same reason. I had not seen her fight in years. Might I have been backing a losing candidate? Perhaps, but I always support those who support me.
If I had lost the wager, it would still have been a thousand silver well-spent.
Duke Vercyn, I must also note, has excellent manners. He seems quite taken with Princess Valencia Redrain (nee Velenosa), as well, perhaps because she invites courtesies.
Is the North a place where my lord Vercyn has little opportunity to practice such ways? I do not know, but I intend to find out.
Some might judge this foolish. I do not.
Someone who has that much pride and confidence in his fellows can win fierce loyalty. His money may be gone - I passed it on to the true victor, Lady Kima - but consistently expect the best, and you have greater odds at receiving it.
I met his bet with one on Lady Kima for the same reason. I had not seen her fight in years. Might I have been backing a losing candidate? Perhaps, but I always support those who support me.
If I had lost the wager, it would still have been a thousand silver well-spent.
Duke Vercyn, I must also note, has excellent manners. He seems quite taken with Princess Valencia Redrain (nee Velenosa), as well, perhaps because she invites courtesies.
Is the North a place where my lord Vercyn has little opportunity to practice such ways? I do not know, but I intend to find out.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:15 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Oh, bless his heart, Prince Edain just has no concept of how to handle Velenosa women. He's noble, handsome, virtuous... stuffy, slightly pompous, and daft. He will be a long term project, so hopefully he can stop making Esera livid with him by breathing. A very, very long term project.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:13 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
The lovely Lady Fidante, she is a good friend, a confidant, and someone who loves the game, without the cruelty. She is exciting and sweet and I have every intention of seeing her flourish and succeed.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianwen
This delightful commoner is trying to be a courtesan, or so she says. She's obviously trying to climb the social ladder and it's adorable. Hopefully she takes my advice and doesn't -actually- fall in love with a nobleman, especially a Prince. It would only end badly for the poor dear, and she has so much -potential-.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:04 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
A wild northman who beat up Victus quite nicely. I intend on getting to know her better, as long as she doesn't get -too- dirty. You can never tell with those northern types.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:01 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Eira
A delightfully blunt and crude commoner, she comes highly recommended as a bodyguard. There may be some growing pains, but she has the potential to be good for me. She has delusions of being a landed noble of some sort, and it's charming, even if practically impossible.
Written By Margot
June 24, 2016, 10:19 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarie
A fine young tailer who I hope will help me make Thraxian fashions... fashionable. It will be a struggle but perhaps we will have some success.
Written By Margot
June 24, 2016, 10:13 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Isolde's father and now I know where so many of her best qualities come from. Refreshingly blunt, and to the point, and not nearly as fussy as I expected of a Lyceum man. He asks hard questions and distracts any attempts to turn the tables on himself but I shall still try.
Written By Dagon
June 24, 2016, 9:43 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
Ah, my cousin Jaenelle, charming and clever, I think she was happy with her arrangement, and it was a real tragedy that she became a widow so soon and at such a young age. I do enjoy the time I spend in her company though, especially when Valerius is around. Having someone else try and prod him down a better path is quite useful!
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