Written By Klaus
March 10, 2021, 7 p.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
Written By Khanne
March 10, 2021, 11:10 a.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
My brain tells me I should write a tribute to you, that I should tell the world about the wonderful man that you were. But when I attempt to begin writing about your accomplishments, my mind simply gets lost in memory after memory of you. I remember the first time we sat together to talk. You brought a picnic to the Stone Grove, wanting to ask questions of me. I think it was about balance, but honestly, the foremost memory of that moment was how you looked at me with such excitement for learning, and how you adjusted your glasses every time they slipped.
I remember when I learned why you never really drank. I do not think I have seen such a magnificent bump on the noggin since then. I remember the birthday present you gave me that first year and how completely surprised I was, and how thrilled I was by it. I remember your rules, and how I dared to break them. And your art... oh, how I loved your art. It brings a smile instantly to my face to see one of your works. I remember how you wrote "The Book of You", which was, as it were, all about me. I treasure each and every entry still. I remember how you worried that I was so involved with my work that I would forget to eat. Lourche would come by with a basket full of tasty foods. Mrr. I remember how you said I smelled like 'blue'.
I remember, of course, the dark times too. Like, the mistake I made that still causes me pain to think about. How I felt incomplete for so long. I recall when we began speaking again and how difficult it was, for both of us. And I remember never giving up hope, no matter how dark it got.
I remember when we began to reconcile. How you brought me gifts; lovely dresses, a beautiful ornamental sprig of lavender for my hair. I remember how you called me your Light. I remember stolen moments that grew longer and longer. I remember waiting for spring. Oh, how I loved winter... until that year when it felt like Spring was painfully far away and could not arrive quick enough. I remember how welcomed into Halfshav you were, and how everyone was so excited to have a scholar of your like in our family. I remember how much fun we had torturing my brother.
I remember how the curls lay across your forehead and how my fingers seemed magnetized to them, twirling and winding that spring of hair around them playfully.
Let others extoll tales of your brilliant mind, your gifts as an alchemist, and all that. I will tell the world about the man behind all that. The man who moved me emotionally more than anyone else I have ever known. If they can not tell how amazing you were by my words, they will never truly understand. The Queen of Endings is richer today for having you with her, and the rest of us will have to carry the wealth of the memory of you instead.
I remember.
Always.
Written By Lisebet
March 10, 2021, 8:36 a.m.(2/2/1015 AR)
Written By Adrienne
March 10, 2021, 7:57 a.m.(2/2/1015 AR)
Harlequin Tanith Grayhope performed the delivery with the expertise her reputation promises. I thank her for her service.
Written By Lianne
March 10, 2021, 2:28 a.m.(2/2/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
He was one of the first to watch after me as I began my studies in earnest, always quick with a polished mirror and a keen question. He started the rumor of my beard. He married the woman who's become my dearest friend over the years. And he drifted away into his work as I retreated into mine.
It is a strange ache, to lose someone whose significance had dimmed, who held an important role in foundational years but had grown distance since. It feels so dull when I know how Khanne must hurt, how unique the grief which comes with the lose of one's beloved.
Still, that's three this month. Three people I'd known for nearly my entire time in Arx, three people who held particular places in my heart, dead or disappeared. And that on top of other losses.
If winter is to be a time of reaping, let spring bring growth to match.
Written By Bliss
March 9, 2021, 10:37 p.m.(2/2/1015 AR)
So what now? Well, we have a wonderful tradition of past Radiants settling down into married life, or finding their calling in diplomacy, being living embodiments of state. Maybe the second could be interesting, I don't know.
What I do know is the first thing I'm going to do is get drunk and get laid. Utmost importance, those. Everything else can fucking wait.
Written By Pasquale
March 9, 2021, 8:07 p.m.(2/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Maren
--
Remember that no matter where it is you go on land or sea, if you remember to navigate towards each other regardless of the storm, you will be able to face it with interwoven strength that would not be available to each of you alone. There will be times when you feel as if surely you will burn to ash in anger or drown in sorrow, but by choice you can rise from it more beautiful than before.
The jade here is strong and smooth and untouched, and each starts as a piece to mirror the other. Over time the color will shift as it is worn, and there will be marks and perhaps even chips made individually, first sharp but then smoothed over time. Though they may change in appearance, no longer identical, they are still carved from a single vein, and they are still two pieces of one whole, beautiful together and in how they diverge from one another and create a matching set that is uniquely yours.
Certainly you will face many challenges in these days remaining in the world, both from outside of yourselves, and between you. I know that you also have the courage, faith and strength to turn those marks of heart and spirit and body into a testament to what you will build together, your choice to weather what comes and polish it into greater brightness.
Written By Lucita
March 9, 2021, 6:42 p.m.(2/1/1015 AR)
Written By Corban
March 9, 2021, 4:26 p.m.(2/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
Great Queen of Beginnings and Endings, I pray that You welcome the unique and irreplaceable soul of Percephon Halfshav to your Wheel. May he, when it pleases You, return to us, and, if it does not, that he spend the rest of his days in Elysium surrounded by all the books that one man can ask for.
For me, I shall add a symbol of his glasses to my sash, in honor of his service rendered to Vellichor. As Silver's Arx endures, I will remember him.
Written By Mikani
March 9, 2021, 11:09 a.m.(2/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
I distilled a whiskey. Yes scholar, someone from the Isles can make something other than Vodka or Rum. Yes, I know I'm known for my rums. Yes, I'm just as surprised as the rest of us.
It is a black whiskey. Made from aged blackwood casks. Everything about it screams "I am a Crovane Whiskey!" I should have a party to celebrate it. We need more parties in our lives.
Yes scholar, you can come. Everyone will be invited.
I have to give thanks to Lady Medeia Eswynd. Without her, I wouldn't know what to do with this stuff. It would just gather dust on a shelf. So thank you!
Written By Victus
March 9, 2021, 3 a.m.(1/28/1015 AR)
Unluckily, I have several shards of metal to dispose of before the children find them.
Written By Isabeau
March 9, 2021, 1:14 a.m.(1/28/1015 AR)
Now, however, I feel the pull of duty once again as the Compact faces its challenges, and so I must find a balance between the rearing of the Heir to the Telmarch, and the duties I can no longer set aside. I left her in the care of Elaine as I ventured out this afternoon into the snow, to tend to some matters. While out and about in the city, I paused by the Ambassador Salon which, apparently, has gone somewhat out of fashion, for reasons I do not know. Still, many came and went, and conversations were shared. It was pleasant to be among my peers once again, and to share in a drink and a laugh.
I look forward to returning to the social scene, to offer what help I may in these trying times.
Written By Medeia
March 9, 2021, 1:12 a.m.(1/28/1015 AR)
Haakon returned home from the battle aiding House Leporidae unscathed and having lost none of Eswynd's longships. Further? The combined efforts of all who were involved resulted in victory. While I have already had wonderful personal ties to some of the people of Tremorous and Sangris, it is my hope that this is the foundation for strong alliances. I also heard that my time providing medical training to Leporidae's Myrmidons helped save lives.
In the wake of that battle, when the ships came to port, I was on shift at Saving Grace and had to send out emergency summons to attend to the more grievously wounded who needed care they could not get in the field. I am relieved to say that all will recover in time. My heart absolutely dropped seeing Zakhar - my husband's protege, Savio, and Lord Orland brought in. By the gods, I was blessed with answers to my summons that helped me ensure all our patients stabilized and are able to return to their loved ones. My gratitude goes to Lady Thea and Lady Cecelia, Sister Giada and Brother Aelgar, Physician Oswyn and Apothecary Ksenia.
The following day, I had the delight of speaking with Lady Cecilia about having her join the Physicians Guild - we were of the same mind, Scholar, she had come to speak to me on it when I asked her about it. She even asked if she might train with me! I am honored by the trust she has in me.
I have also recently found myself gifted with the friendship of Lady Zoey - in fact, many a Kennex has joined the table for a meal at Eswyndol as of late. I am glad of it. However, Lady Zoey has been a compassionate and comforting ear in the wake of loss, and being asked to be her midwife - being asked to be anyone's midwife - is an honor. We have shared in conversation over difficult topics and found similar thoughts, curiosities, hopes, and goals. And then she asked if I would consider being a tutor to young Lord Uriel. I am excited to add him to my growing list of students.
After a surprising conversation with Ilira Whisper recently, she wrote me and asked if I might speak with her again. She was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Arx, and so it is nice to still have some of those longer connections. When we met, she left me stunned by her gracious gift - a dress of honeysilk dyed to match the mossy and earthen shades of color in my eyes. Such kindness is a beautiful thing to see (and perhaps I shall find a chance to wear it soon, backless though it may be).
I learned my cousin Volya has come to the city, and while I was only able to see him in passing last week, it was a joy to have him visit the house and meet both my husband and my protege. It is strange, how life's circumstances play out - each thinking the other dead, and now occupying the other's birth fealty. Even so, he still has that fantastic sense of humor (and remembers far too many of the nicknames he once had for me). I never did get to ask him about the shirt business I keep seeing mentioned in other journals. A topic for the next visit.
At the same time, Nijah was visiting. She is marvelous. When people think of wanting a protege, I bet they think of having one like her. I was so concerned when we first met, and she expressed interest in discussing a patronage relationship, that she would come to regret the choice. But if she has had any complaints of me, I have not heard a hint of them. The last several months she has been exceptionally busy fulfilling her duties to Whisper house, yet still found the time to assist me every few weeks with some trade tasks. There are other projects in the works that I can't share just yet that he has been instrumental in ensuring success as well. And so it was with much elation and pride that I celebrate her as Nijah Whisper, no longer an apprentice. She should be seeking out a more prestigious patron, but I have been assured she sees no reason to change the nature of our relationship. She is an asset to the Whispers, the city, and a light in my own life.
There is good happening all around us. Even in these heavy times. Take comfort in it. Embrace it. Let it fill up your heart so that you have a shield from the darkness. If that fails, I can possibly lend you an Eswynd warrior - they're excellent at fending off unwanted things.
Written By Aine
March 8, 2021, 10:34 p.m.(1/28/1015 AR)
Written By Rey
March 8, 2021, 9:36 p.m.(1/28/1015 AR)
Now I am back in Arx for...I don't know what. I'm sure it will come to me though.
Written By Piccola
March 8, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
There is nothing other than the single purpose of the present. If one fully understands it, there will be nothing else to do or pursue. Live being true to that single purpose.
Everyone lets the present slip by, then looks for it as though it were somewhere else.
Written By Savio
March 8, 2021, 6:24 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
In every clever masterpiece, a detail gone awry
Words that slipped their meaning, although they were so near
Paints with muddied colors, when at first it seemed so clear
We chase and chase perfection, a place we fail to find
Whispers of its temptation echo cruelly in our minds
And there within lies madness, all that we can't repair
The errors in the artistry, addictive sweet despair
The flawless work is just a dream, transcendent, out of reach
Yet our hands unfailing reach out for that sweet mirage we seek
Every creator feels it, that anguish as we strive
The peace is in the knowledge that we never will arrive.
Written By Baldessare
March 8, 2021, 3:41 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
Written By Tila
March 8, 2021, 3:29 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
Written By Deva
March 8, 2021, 2:22 p.m.(1/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.