Written By Zakhar
Feb. 16, 2021, 3:15 a.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
Many ran around the city today. And congrats to them for showing their prowess in doing so. I had a lovely walk, and got to see my love for a few minutes while they berated everything, even the kittens. it was a lovely afternoon.
Remember to take a moment to really see what's around you.
It might be a race, though there's plenty that can be missed if we don't slow down every so often
Remember to take a moment to really see what's around you.
It might be a race, though there's plenty that can be missed if we don't slow down every so often
Written By Donella
Feb. 16, 2021, 1:09 a.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
I have taken to having story time with the children in the great hall in front of the fire before I put them to bed. Dacian is too wiggly to do more than nurse a treat before he passes out, but Taran, Ailbhe, and Siaran practically fight for pride of place by whatever elder will spin a yarn for us. I often find myself paying as stringent attention as they do. Stories are important to the education I want my children, and my people to receive so it is right, I feel, to learn this way myself.
Written By Svana
Feb. 15, 2021, 11:58 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
Considering Sydney Waterfall is whipping my ass at damned near everything, I'm afraid to compete in the Fistfight. My teeth are some of the only nice things I have. I wouldn't want them to fall out.
She's done beautifully. And Anisha has truly outdone herself running The People's Tournament. I think a small vacation is in order after this.
I keep trying to explain to the children that soon there will be hot cocoa and snowmen, but all they really understand is the hot cocoa part. I tried giving them hot apple cider and Elanne spat it out. Charming. She'll make a fine Whisper someday, as Anisha keeps insisting.
She's done beautifully. And Anisha has truly outdone herself running The People's Tournament. I think a small vacation is in order after this.
I keep trying to explain to the children that soon there will be hot cocoa and snowmen, but all they really understand is the hot cocoa part. I tried giving them hot apple cider and Elanne spat it out. Charming. She'll make a fine Whisper someday, as Anisha keeps insisting.
Written By Caprice
Feb. 15, 2021, 11:12 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
I had such a wonderful time at the Bard's College Autumn 1014 Concert. From conception to completion, it was a joy to be involved.
Younger members (well, -newer- members, more accurately) of the local troupe joined me in a live retelling of Stone Soup. Oh, there were a few mishaps, as is essentially tradition for an opening night. Ugh, I was so flustered by the stone prop popping that I forgot my lines, and I wrote the bloody thing!
Really, though, the entire group did a phenomenal job. Everyone made it through their own flubbed lines and missed blocking. And while a certain understudy did look like they were about to lose their lunch while convincing the villagers that yes indeed, rocks make good eating, we did avoid any unplanned special effects in the end. Delightful performance, delightful actors all around.
The College is lucky to have added those newest applicants to our ranks. Hold it - 'our' ranks? I'm finally considering myself part of the group, it seems. Since joining up, in spite of the warm welcome from several prominent members, I've always felt like a bit of an outsider.
Like a guest or a visitor. Even though I joined with an impromptu song, I always assumed I'd just be another costumer or set designer. That my contributions would be eagerly offered but always - and often literally - in the background.
Maybe all these attempts to grow beyond my comfort area are beginning to pay off? Even with my list of shrine event plans, my future goals, I never saw myself stepping out of the audience to serve from the stage.
Kind reviews from the afterparty will buoy me for weeks, and some of my new performing friends are already asking about when the next event will be. Nice to see such a large turnout, and interest from both sides of the stage in future productions. Only time will tell when the next College-sponsored performance will happen, but there's nothing preventing smaller performances between now and then. What would the people like to see?
Younger members (well, -newer- members, more accurately) of the local troupe joined me in a live retelling of Stone Soup. Oh, there were a few mishaps, as is essentially tradition for an opening night. Ugh, I was so flustered by the stone prop popping that I forgot my lines, and I wrote the bloody thing!
Really, though, the entire group did a phenomenal job. Everyone made it through their own flubbed lines and missed blocking. And while a certain understudy did look like they were about to lose their lunch while convincing the villagers that yes indeed, rocks make good eating, we did avoid any unplanned special effects in the end. Delightful performance, delightful actors all around.
The College is lucky to have added those newest applicants to our ranks. Hold it - 'our' ranks? I'm finally considering myself part of the group, it seems. Since joining up, in spite of the warm welcome from several prominent members, I've always felt like a bit of an outsider.
Like a guest or a visitor. Even though I joined with an impromptu song, I always assumed I'd just be another costumer or set designer. That my contributions would be eagerly offered but always - and often literally - in the background.
Maybe all these attempts to grow beyond my comfort area are beginning to pay off? Even with my list of shrine event plans, my future goals, I never saw myself stepping out of the audience to serve from the stage.
Kind reviews from the afterparty will buoy me for weeks, and some of my new performing friends are already asking about when the next event will be. Nice to see such a large turnout, and interest from both sides of the stage in future productions. Only time will tell when the next College-sponsored performance will happen, but there's nothing preventing smaller performances between now and then. What would the people like to see?
Written By Sedna
Feb. 15, 2021, 10:48 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
Yet another terrifying ordeal to associate with my cousin. Some cowardly villain has attempted to claim her life! Only he couldn't do the deed himself and left it to some silly henchfolk who couldn't tell their heads from their asses. I committed his face to memory and distributed some charcoal sketches of his likeness to our guards and military as soon as my poor hands stopped shaking. Y'know, I've known plenty of charming (and generous) baldheaded gentlemen but this fellow really might've put me off all of them for life. Or a month, at least.
Oh, and I've been cliff-diving! Right into the water! First time in my life, can you believe it? Exhilarating.
Oh, and I've been cliff-diving! Right into the water! First time in my life, can you believe it? Exhilarating.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 15, 2021, 9:18 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
Though I have participated in many legs of the Peoples' Tournament, this is the first time that I've managed to snatch a win. I'm not so headstrong as to think the race was never in doubt, nor so humble as to say that its outcome was solely the result of luck. I suppose what I'm saying is that it's... nice to see ones particular set of skills come together in a series of modest victories, and to watch them pay dividends.
Josephine paved the way for this, and I hope she would be pleased with the job that Anisha Whisper is doing in carrying on this tradition in her place. I am. I know that when I was struggling to even keep my head out of the gutter, the Peoples' Tournament was a welcome distraction. A chance to get food in belly, a chance to mingle with those who I'd otherwise not encounter, and this year is proving no different.
I hope to see some of my fellow competitors outside of the confines of this race.
Share a drink with me - I'm buying.
Josephine paved the way for this, and I hope she would be pleased with the job that Anisha Whisper is doing in carrying on this tradition in her place. I am. I know that when I was struggling to even keep my head out of the gutter, the Peoples' Tournament was a welcome distraction. A chance to get food in belly, a chance to mingle with those who I'd otherwise not encounter, and this year is proving no different.
I hope to see some of my fellow competitors outside of the confines of this race.
Share a drink with me - I'm buying.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 15, 2021, 7:22 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
I have often regretted my birth; I have often wished to fall back into nothingness rather than advance through the series of successive sufferings and losses that will precede my death.
Even in those moments of terrible faintheartedness, when despair overmasters reason, and when I forget that life is a task imposed me to finish, I would admit to thinks I have not regretted along the way: a lover's touch; a cousin's kindness; or a cold revenge.
Yet there remain things I cannot recall having: a mother's milk; a father's love; that relationship of heart and soul between siblings; or household affections, joys, and cares.
Even in those moments of terrible faintheartedness, when despair overmasters reason, and when I forget that life is a task imposed me to finish, I would admit to thinks I have not regretted along the way: a lover's touch; a cousin's kindness; or a cold revenge.
Yet there remain things I cannot recall having: a mother's milk; a father's love; that relationship of heart and soul between siblings; or household affections, joys, and cares.
Written By Martinique
Feb. 15, 2021, 6:51 p.m.(12/11/1014 AR)
Ember ordered Zoya to get me new clothes, stating that "this is a manor house, not a field camp." Zoya came to do the measurements and established both my relationship with the Baroness and proper bust size. I confess I'm both nervous and a little bit excited--I've never had much money to devote towards clothing that wasn't armor.
Written By Viviana
Feb. 15, 2021, 3:56 p.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
A request for a joke has inspired an idea. It's so much fun, being able to see how this develops.
Written By Tanith
Feb. 15, 2021, 2:12 p.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
I dreamt of mice last night.
I watched them, tiny things, cluster in one of the little alcoves where we sleep. They pilled among each other, cold and trying to warm themselves. A line of them, a family, found safety in our den and it was nice.
I heard a squeak.
I searched for this wayward mouse: it was always so close! But when I turned my head I couldn't see it.
squeak!
It was in distress! I needed to find it.
Eventually, I realized the mouse wasn't near me- it was -in- me. It was in my ear! Stuck!
I reached into my left ear and caught the edge of it, and pulled and pulled- It was so stuck! With a -pop- it came free, wriggling, and I looked down at it in my head. It was relieved and sleepy, and I was relieved and sleepy. I put the baby mouse with its family and crawled back into bed amongst my lovers.
When I woke, I checked the alcove; it was empty.
I watched them, tiny things, cluster in one of the little alcoves where we sleep. They pilled among each other, cold and trying to warm themselves. A line of them, a family, found safety in our den and it was nice.
I heard a squeak.
I searched for this wayward mouse: it was always so close! But when I turned my head I couldn't see it.
squeak!
It was in distress! I needed to find it.
Eventually, I realized the mouse wasn't near me- it was -in- me. It was in my ear! Stuck!
I reached into my left ear and caught the edge of it, and pulled and pulled- It was so stuck! With a -pop- it came free, wriggling, and I looked down at it in my head. It was relieved and sleepy, and I was relieved and sleepy. I put the baby mouse with its family and crawled back into bed amongst my lovers.
When I woke, I checked the alcove; it was empty.
Written By Dio
Feb. 15, 2021, 12:36 p.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
When I first came to Arx, Archscholar Sina wrote to me with words of welcome. She had been very close to Prisila and a good friend to my family, as she is to this day. At the symposium, where many gathered to discuss the war with Skal'daja, she offered the resources of the Archives of Vellichor, and her own stores of knowledge to aid the leaders of the Compact. Her hair is sable, and it is often adorned with beads of burnished brass. Her skin is fair, her voice clear and steady, neither shrill nor overly deep. She is stately in her demeanor, though I have seen her angry once - not in the blustering manner of those prone to wrath - but a species of frustration for one persisting in ignorance. She can be very warm around those she trusts. Her eyes are silver: a unique metallic hue that add to the sense that she sees things hidden since the foundation of the world.
Sina has honored me with her council, and sailed with me to the Saffron Chain, far from the safety of Arx, to apply her intellect to the protection of our realm. When in Tremorous, and those bribed by the pretender sought our lives to lay at the feet of their new master, the priestess stood with eminent courage, wielding her own gleaming blade beside her Templars.
Against the enemies of the Compact, who seek relentlessly to deprive humanity of all choice, all history, art and meaning, the Archscholar holds aloft the light of knowledge. I have been raised to be a man of action, and by experience find it difficult to trust, or to accept gifts given freely, nor am I one to watch idly as a friend risks her life. Yet I continue to learn from the wisest scholar among us, and find myself uttering fervent prayers that, however unworthy the petitioner, may yet still reach the ears of those who might shield our great hope amid her trials, or see her light transcend the mere season of one life and, like the stars, illuminate the way for all.
Sina has honored me with her council, and sailed with me to the Saffron Chain, far from the safety of Arx, to apply her intellect to the protection of our realm. When in Tremorous, and those bribed by the pretender sought our lives to lay at the feet of their new master, the priestess stood with eminent courage, wielding her own gleaming blade beside her Templars.
Against the enemies of the Compact, who seek relentlessly to deprive humanity of all choice, all history, art and meaning, the Archscholar holds aloft the light of knowledge. I have been raised to be a man of action, and by experience find it difficult to trust, or to accept gifts given freely, nor am I one to watch idly as a friend risks her life. Yet I continue to learn from the wisest scholar among us, and find myself uttering fervent prayers that, however unworthy the petitioner, may yet still reach the ears of those who might shield our great hope amid her trials, or see her light transcend the mere season of one life and, like the stars, illuminate the way for all.
Written By Preston
Feb. 15, 2021, 6:57 a.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
The Faith acts often quietly and in private - we offer advice, consolation, listen to problems, guide, educate, support, protect. A thousand thousand acts and more a day across Arvum to help hold our people together, to help them advance. Our desire has always been, will always be, to see our people flourish and to see them walk a good path.
This is not always possible, sometimes people fall. And sometimes people leap, run from the path, seeking some easy shortcut. Sometimes no matter how we reach out, no matter the attempts, they will refuse to come back to the path. Even more rarely are these people of the Faith. And yet, the investment of the Faith in that person is not wasted, for they have one use left. As examples. As a lesson. And such lessons are taught in public.
This is not always possible, sometimes people fall. And sometimes people leap, run from the path, seeking some easy shortcut. Sometimes no matter how we reach out, no matter the attempts, they will refuse to come back to the path. Even more rarely are these people of the Faith. And yet, the investment of the Faith in that person is not wasted, for they have one use left. As examples. As a lesson. And such lessons are taught in public.
Written By Ida
Feb. 15, 2021, 6:25 a.m.(12/10/1014 AR)
Inspiration struck in two forms - swords as prologues and hairpins with a sun and waves theme. The cases in the shop gleam once again and it's a good feeling. I considered a re-run of the cat hairpins I'd done some time ago, but didn't quite manage it. My one big project still needs some tweaking, so I let myself continue to put it away and work on other things. I'm debating another one-run special blade for the shop, of some sort, as it's been awhile since I've attempted as much.
Written By Bonibel
Feb. 15, 2021, 4:33 a.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
Blustery Winter, scholar, it has been a long time. I suspect it may be a long time again after this entry.
After John was lost at sea I spent a good deal of my time in the garden and experimenting with what I could grow and brew. Countless times I wanted to go back to my beloved Northland but I felt guilty giving up on our dream. Nearly five years I spent most of my days talkin' to my plants and then Brutus once he hatched.
But these last few weeks I have been inspired and have been so blessed I've met all sorts of people as they have come through. I've made candles for weddings and etched and burned tapestries into the leather. I might even try it on the glass.
I've even had a few takers on my beard oils, I was almost certain those wouldn't sell. People have no idea how lovely a well-groomed beard is.
I've even got a potential project lined up...
Experimenting and making up old concoctions from the family traditions have made me more than just money.. I think I've made a few friends too.
Here's to another five years in the city and probably a long while before I enter these halls again..
But something about the smell makes me want to see if I can scent new paper...
After John was lost at sea I spent a good deal of my time in the garden and experimenting with what I could grow and brew. Countless times I wanted to go back to my beloved Northland but I felt guilty giving up on our dream. Nearly five years I spent most of my days talkin' to my plants and then Brutus once he hatched.
But these last few weeks I have been inspired and have been so blessed I've met all sorts of people as they have come through. I've made candles for weddings and etched and burned tapestries into the leather. I might even try it on the glass.
I've even had a few takers on my beard oils, I was almost certain those wouldn't sell. People have no idea how lovely a well-groomed beard is.
I've even got a potential project lined up...
Experimenting and making up old concoctions from the family traditions have made me more than just money.. I think I've made a few friends too.
Here's to another five years in the city and probably a long while before I enter these halls again..
But something about the smell makes me want to see if I can scent new paper...
Written By Medeia
Feb. 15, 2021, 1:20 a.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
Surround yourself with the kind of people who celebrate your joys, remember you like your tea plain, will dance with you when there is no music, will sit beside you on the floor when your emotions become to heavy to stand, can talk about uncomfortable things with honesty and grace, don't make you feel guilty when you call upon a favor, say kind things about you when you're not around, allow you to be yourself. Be the kind of person those people want to be around.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I actually called upon every sword that has ever sworn to come when I call. I don't often call upon favors, Scholar. I can't be disappointed by someone not returning a favor when asked if I never ask. A cynical view, perhaps, but it allows them to exist in a better light. And there are things that I tend to leave unsaid. For much the same reason: I can't be hurt by someone's response if I never give them something to respond to. These last few weeks I have been calling upon favors and speaking the things I've been wanting to say. The results have been decidedly mixed.
Do the things that scare you, Scholar. It doesn't always work out for the best, but neither do the things that make you happy. And if you follow the advice at the beginning of this rambling note? Your heart might hurt a little less when things don't go the way you want them to.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I actually called upon every sword that has ever sworn to come when I call. I don't often call upon favors, Scholar. I can't be disappointed by someone not returning a favor when asked if I never ask. A cynical view, perhaps, but it allows them to exist in a better light. And there are things that I tend to leave unsaid. For much the same reason: I can't be hurt by someone's response if I never give them something to respond to. These last few weeks I have been calling upon favors and speaking the things I've been wanting to say. The results have been decidedly mixed.
Do the things that scare you, Scholar. It doesn't always work out for the best, but neither do the things that make you happy. And if you follow the advice at the beginning of this rambling note? Your heart might hurt a little less when things don't go the way you want them to.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 15, 2021, 12:52 a.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
The nights are growing colder again, and the first snows are a scant few weeks away. I've made mention of this before, but I'll make special mention of it again - for this winter, and for every winter that it doesn't slip my mind to commit it to writing:
If you have clothing to spare, consider donating them to the less fortunate - I assure you that not a single person in the Lower Boroughs minds that it's already been seen worn at a banquet or party, merely that it's free of holes and is able to keep them warm through the nights.
If you have clothing to spare, consider donating them to the less fortunate - I assure you that not a single person in the Lower Boroughs minds that it's already been seen worn at a banquet or party, merely that it's free of holes and is able to keep them warm through the nights.
Written By Apollo
Feb. 15, 2021, 12:36 a.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Decius
I'm glad the story of Oakhide was enjoyed, but I should note - it was invented, not discovered.
Written By Giada
Feb. 14, 2021, 10:59 p.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
My most sincere gratitude to House Thrax, House Blackshore, and House Eswynd for these gorgeous new cogs.
Written By Patrizio
Feb. 14, 2021, 10:23 p.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
As much as the last naval symposium that I attended was absolutely useless - to me, at least - for the purpose of planning what is to come, I find myself almost wanting to hold another one, at least in light of recent events. There are too many groups who have pieces of the puzzle when it comes to what we do and do not know about the disposition of the Skal'dajan forces in the Saffron, and we waste valuable time trying to track it all down.
I worry we're preparing to die separately, instead of rising together.
I worry we're preparing to die separately, instead of rising together.
Written By Georgine
Feb. 14, 2021, 10:04 p.m.(12/9/1014 AR)
I had the honour of making some chains of office for the Crown's court. It was a matter of workmanship over flare or expense, but I am confident that I did them well. Truthfully, iron isn't something I've played with much, but it was a delight to simply practice the craft of such a simple and meaningful item.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.