Written By Acacia
June 18, 2016, 2:21 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Superstitions.
Oh, you meet the odd extremist now and then, usually those older folk who you think might just be touched, swearing upon how you must use the blood of a live chicken to coat the doorways with a sprinkling of iron or other such nonsense on particular days to stave off all sorts of cruel things. And then you get the other side, the stubborn denizens who grew up or now know better, like they passed some metered point in their life where enlightenment came upon them to bestow truth and they're the wiser for it.
Me? If I can wear a single bronze necklace touched by the sign that might ward off demons or avoid the devastation of a storm, without too much additional effort involved -- why not? We laugh at the peddlers of the trinkets and wards, exposing their games or feeling the wiser for knowing their tricks before they're dealt to the vulnerable. We smile with that faux pride like we're untouchable, even if we put our backs to the wall out of habit. And in the same breath, there's those forced laughs when something occurs that doesn't /really/ have a clear cut explanation at all, just to make it a little easier to brush it aside.
But those things, those superstitions and what brought them into existence to begin with are all easy to forget, aren't they? In the daily turmoil of that which is more important: things like living and breathing, the coin weighted in your hand or pocket, the contacts established along the way. These are the things we can readily see, feel and experience. There's enough unseen in the shadows to be cautious of without exploring the unknown. But does it hurt to be a little wary?
Oh, you meet the odd extremist now and then, usually those older folk who you think might just be touched, swearing upon how you must use the blood of a live chicken to coat the doorways with a sprinkling of iron or other such nonsense on particular days to stave off all sorts of cruel things. And then you get the other side, the stubborn denizens who grew up or now know better, like they passed some metered point in their life where enlightenment came upon them to bestow truth and they're the wiser for it.
Me? If I can wear a single bronze necklace touched by the sign that might ward off demons or avoid the devastation of a storm, without too much additional effort involved -- why not? We laugh at the peddlers of the trinkets and wards, exposing their games or feeling the wiser for knowing their tricks before they're dealt to the vulnerable. We smile with that faux pride like we're untouchable, even if we put our backs to the wall out of habit. And in the same breath, there's those forced laughs when something occurs that doesn't /really/ have a clear cut explanation at all, just to make it a little easier to brush it aside.
But those things, those superstitions and what brought them into existence to begin with are all easy to forget, aren't they? In the daily turmoil of that which is more important: things like living and breathing, the coin weighted in your hand or pocket, the contacts established along the way. These are the things we can readily see, feel and experience. There's enough unseen in the shadows to be cautious of without exploring the unknown. But does it hurt to be a little wary?
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 2:17 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Talen Artiglio is a man after my heart. Proper and respectful without being terrified or obsequious, he is well-spoken, clever, and willing to run a social risk here and there. He is a servant; he makes that clear. His worth is no less because of that.
Oh, and he is the Sword of Velenosa. How about that? A killer with the mien of a rabbit. Fear the man whose pride does not get in the way of his duties. It is all too tempting to trust him.
That is a high compliment for a man from Lenosia.
Oh, and he is the Sword of Velenosa. How about that? A killer with the mien of a rabbit. Fear the man whose pride does not get in the way of his duties. It is all too tempting to trust him.
That is a high compliment for a man from Lenosia.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 2:10 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
She was the most well-armed visitor to the Ambassadors Salon that day by a margin of at least two swords. Given what happened to her husband and his family, I cannot blame her.
I did warn Princess Marian that the most likely threat in the capital ignored armor and weapons alike. It feels very strange to tell someone that she ought to worry about poison. I believed this common knowledge. To her credit, she did not look at me afterwards as though I invented poison myself.
She does not seem a traditional Valardin, but we did not get into sharing the stories of our lives. I am not an expert on how members of the House conduct themselves, but she was not scandalized when- well, that is a matter for a Black Reflection, I think.
I did warn Princess Marian that the most likely threat in the capital ignored armor and weapons alike. It feels very strange to tell someone that she ought to worry about poison. I believed this common knowledge. To her credit, she did not look at me afterwards as though I invented poison myself.
She does not seem a traditional Valardin, but we did not get into sharing the stories of our lives. I am not an expert on how members of the House conduct themselves, but she was not scandalized when- well, that is a matter for a Black Reflection, I think.
Written By Kima
June 18, 2016, 1:57 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
We've known one another since childhood, though few outside of Southport are aware of that fact. Oh, how I fondly recall the days when I was actually taller than a boy. Being a handful of years older than he, I even got to enjoy such a thing for a little bit longer than if we were of the same age. Then puberty hit, and with it all of my vertical advantage. They were halcyon days indeed. Who would have imagined he would end up Duke?
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:55 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
The Lyceum's respect for the Thirteenth is misunderstood everywhere else in Arvum. Lady Isolde Velenosa is well-suited to being a Mirrormask: she tempts deliberately; she reminds men and women of what they want and what they secretly wish they could be.
She needs no mask to be a mirror, for she is a reminder that you, too, have a Dark Reflection, whether you admit it to yourself or not. You need not fear being possessed by your reflection, so long as -you- are willing to possess -it.-
Did I miss my calling in life as a disciple of the Thirteenth?
Heavens, no.
Isolde is good for Arx. It is human nature that we frequently resist what is good for us.
She needs no mask to be a mirror, for she is a reminder that you, too, have a Dark Reflection, whether you admit it to yourself or not. You need not fear being possessed by your reflection, so long as -you- are willing to possess -it.-
Did I miss my calling in life as a disciple of the Thirteenth?
Heavens, no.
Isolde is good for Arx. It is human nature that we frequently resist what is good for us.
Written By Kima
June 18, 2016, 1:45 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
While taking my morning walk, I decided to venture to a part of the city I had not yet given the pleasure of my presence - the Seawatch, overlooking the Bay of Thrax. Imagine my surprise, and great pleasure, when I saw none other than Hadrian. Now I say Hadrian, but it is more appropriate to say Duke Malvici. Society dictates that knowing someone since before their voice broke doesn't excuse a person from following social rules and codes.
That aside, the last time we were together was very nearly three years ago, when he became Duke. Look at how a rise in station just completely puts a damper on fun. Even today, after all this time, what did we discuss? The king. It was depressingly serious. But I shan't wax on about that. No doubt we'll have the chance to get together again for wine and mischief.
My afternoon was filled out by another meeting with Victus - oh, am I being too informal again? I managed to get him to visit the Menagerie with me. Can you imagine, he'd never seen a lion before!
That aside, the last time we were together was very nearly three years ago, when he became Duke. Look at how a rise in station just completely puts a damper on fun. Even today, after all this time, what did we discuss? The king. It was depressingly serious. But I shan't wax on about that. No doubt we'll have the chance to get together again for wine and mischief.
My afternoon was filled out by another meeting with Victus - oh, am I being too informal again? I managed to get him to visit the Menagerie with me. Can you imagine, he'd never seen a lion before!
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:39 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
This Lord of Thrax is an uncouth barbarian more suited to piracy than representing his House. He is a weapon to be wielded; who thought he would be an asset at court or the Assembly of Peers?
I think I would like him during his good moods. I wonder if he has any.
What I would love beyond all else is to see him in a social situation where he has no choice but to attempt the niceties. Can he form sentences without cursing? Does he know the purpose of a fork? These mysteries and more will only be laid to rest should the day come when a command from his liege forces him to care.
I hope I'm there to see it.
I think I would like him during his good moods. I wonder if he has any.
What I would love beyond all else is to see him in a social situation where he has no choice but to attempt the niceties. Can he form sentences without cursing? Does he know the purpose of a fork? These mysteries and more will only be laid to rest should the day come when a command from his liege forces him to care.
I hope I'm there to see it.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:28 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
A beautiful woman sent me a rose and claims she does not hate me. Shouldn't that be enough for any reasonable man? If it weren't for the largely-contained Tor-Southport War, I could take her at her word without worry or care.
Unfortunately, a man with my last name caused that war. Her mother the Duchess of Tor could be considered the first casualty. The war proper began with Valardin knights supporting Duke Leo Fidante's claims. That this did not cause a wider war and bring more ruin and death than it did is a testament to skillful diplomacy and restraint.
Lady Calista and I have much in common. We were both very young during these events, neither of us could affect them in any way, yet they have, in many ways, shaped our lives. Will they continue to determine our destiny?
For my part, I hope not.
Unfortunately, a man with my last name caused that war. Her mother the Duchess of Tor could be considered the first casualty. The war proper began with Valardin knights supporting Duke Leo Fidante's claims. That this did not cause a wider war and bring more ruin and death than it did is a testament to skillful diplomacy and restraint.
Lady Calista and I have much in common. We were both very young during these events, neither of us could affect them in any way, yet they have, in many ways, shaped our lives. Will they continue to determine our destiny?
For my part, I hope not.
Written By Hadrian
June 18, 2016, 1:02 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Duke Niccolo Velenosa is dignified without being pompous and respectful without resorting to flattery. He seems entirely unforced: either his entire life is a deception or he is genuinely self-contained. There is an economy about his words and actions - he doesn't say too much or too little. He expresses himself without revealing all, and his gestures are those befitting a statesman.
He would be a formidable opponent. I do wish I had been able to see him together with the Grand Duchess Carlotta. Given the lengths he went in order to wed her (who in the Lyceum doesn't know the story?), she must have been an extraordinary woman.
Written By Acacia
June 18, 2016, 12:37 a.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Issac
There's something Borough-pure about Issac that draws me towards him. Maybe it's that romanticized idea of our roots that kind of influences me. At this stage of the game, it's truly a matter of where he chooses to take it. Will he be loyal? Will he deviate from his path? Will he be consumed or freed from it all? He's one of the sole people which have me utterly curious about how he will turn out.
Written By Acacia
June 17, 2016, 11:40 p.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Issac
There's something Borough-pure about Issac that draws me towards him. Maybe it's that romanticized idea of our roots that kind of influences me. At this stage of the game, it's truly a matter of where he chooses to take it overall.
Written By Calista
June 17, 2016, 9:49 p.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
The Sword of Bastion, Prince Barric Grayson is King Alaric IV's second cousin. He seems to have just come out of no where with his bold and brazen ways and I can't help but be completely amused by him. I don't know what it is about those Grayson men, but they are quite charming.
Written By Dagon
June 17, 2016, 9:22 p.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
Princess Isolde is a credit to her house and to her sister. She is pleasant and diplomatic, and I hope to work with her and her sister to maintain good relations between House Velenosia and House Thrax. I know how people feel about Mirrormasks, but I simply do not have the time nor the inclination to listen to any of that. There is work to be done.
Written By Brianna
June 17, 2016, 9:04 p.m.(10/15/1003 AR)
The manor of House Thrax. Victus claims it used to be a castle, that the Graysons tore it down after the Thraxian dynasty so it couldn't be repeated. It's something spectacular to see, even in the darkness; they don't have that sort of architecture up north, certainly not in Whitehold.
There was a servant girl there. She seemed so shy, and uneasy. Is that how they treat their people? Make them afraid? Is that how they expect their women to be? Seems like it'd be a miserable sort of time to spend life, being afraid of your lords and ladies so much. Wouldn't go very well back home, either. We'd end up with some kind of revolt, and those men and women are tough.
I ought to go and poke around in the other wards. The palace, the Thraxian ward, the Redrain ward - I'm practically sheltered. May as well take a look at every other place, isn't that right? I'll do that at some point, when I'm not fighting the affects of too much ale and pirate sweat.
There was a servant girl there. She seemed so shy, and uneasy. Is that how they treat their people? Make them afraid? Is that how they expect their women to be? Seems like it'd be a miserable sort of time to spend life, being afraid of your lords and ladies so much. Wouldn't go very well back home, either. We'd end up with some kind of revolt, and those men and women are tough.
I ought to go and poke around in the other wards. The palace, the Thraxian ward, the Redrain ward - I'm practically sheltered. May as well take a look at every other place, isn't that right? I'll do that at some point, when I'm not fighting the affects of too much ale and pirate sweat.
Written By Moira
June 17, 2016, 12:27 p.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Theodoric
I am so terribly unfond of this man. He thinks himself witty. He thinks himself smart. But while he toils away seeking to usurp full control of the Lower Boroughs, people like me look towards a brighter future. There's a reason I live in noble-worthy surroundings, and it's not because I set my eyes so low - though I suppose setting his eyes low is all he can do.
Written By Ailith
June 17, 2016, 12:26 p.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
Those who rode with the king are obviously beyond help, but what has happened to His Majesty? This is no natural state for anyone to be in. I can only pray for his recovery. No doubt many will view this as an opportunity instead of seeing that something is seeking to sew maximum disunity and chaos, while I can hope that people follow their better natures, no doubt many high lords and ladies will be doing the work of Tehom before long as they scrabble for advantage.
Written By Ailith
June 17, 2016, 12:20 p.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
Isolde decided to try to persuade me that there is truth to what she has been taught about the Thirteenth, she is obviously an intelligent young woman but her words still ring false. She tried to persuade me that incorporating Tehom into the faith would strengthen it, like allowing a metal or a tree bending in the breeze, likening my faith to something brittle... Adding termites to a strong wooden house is a better analogy. She also tried to flirt with me, which was unexpected.
Written By Brianna
June 17, 2016, 12:12 p.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
Sherrod gone. Alaric left as a yam - all eyes and no consciousness. Miserable timing for all of that.
It's not that I think he's a fabulous King, I really don't; he's a damn fool, but he grows on you. Like lichen. I enjoyed all those moments we laughed at amusing stories together. I enjoyed the riding we did. The hunting. The talking. He was a fool, but he was my fool - my closest friend for quite some time, until that farce of a marriage was performed.
I had duties in Whitehold to handle, but I do wish I had been in Arx. Maybe I could have helped him somehow.
It's not that I think he's a fabulous King, I really don't; he's a damn fool, but he grows on you. Like lichen. I enjoyed all those moments we laughed at amusing stories together. I enjoyed the riding we did. The hunting. The talking. He was a fool, but he was my fool - my closest friend for quite some time, until that farce of a marriage was performed.
I had duties in Whitehold to handle, but I do wish I had been in Arx. Maybe I could have helped him somehow.
Written By Victus
June 17, 2016, 9:34 a.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
Didn't talk to her long, but she made an impression. I've seen women warriors with skill since I came to Arx, but they always struck me as pretenders in a way. Untested. Marian, not so much. There's something hard about her, something tested and tempered. She's tasted the pain of battle, carries the scars. I can respect that, woman or not. And heh, she spent half her life murdering Valardin knights. What's not to admire about that?
Written By Victus
June 17, 2016, 9:22 a.m.(10/13/1003 AR)
So the king, eh? I'd write more, but I didn't know him, didn't fucking care. What was it that Valardin Princess said? Yeah. A storm's here. Best secure the ship and prepare for a rough fucking ride.
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