Written By Audgrim
Feb. 14, 2021, 9:50 a.m.(12/8/1014 AR)
City life felt easier once I joined the Crimson Blades and could spend time in the barracks, and with the other mercenaries. I have more chances to travel, and the companionship reminds me of the Woodsmen.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 14, 2021, 2:41 a.m.(12/7/1014 AR)
Journal
I had never missed an appointment and I was never late. Belinha would have to cancel on occasion or would be several minutes to hours late. I mean, she was busy, you know?
But seldom was it she missed two appointments in a row. And she never missed three. Then four.
We had met twice a week for the better part of nearly three years. It took me twice a week for the better part of nearly three months to realize we were not meeting any longer.
It wasn't just the lessons when I had seen her, you know? I would see her around. Going into the bank. Walking down the street. At the marketplace. On the pier. Walking to and from the House of Silken Sighs. It wasn't just the lessons. She was gone entirely.
I would like to say I don't know what happened to her. But I do. It would only be much later that I would find out - quite accidentally - and it will be told much later in my story.
It was my first heartbreak. Losing my father and my brothers was tortuous. This was different. Those hours before the mirror. Those stupid exercises in the streets. The practicing on my own. Memorizing titles and names and places and dishes. Which of the Hundred Cities kiss cheeks, which kiss the air beside cheeks, and which should be greeted with no contact at all. So much committed to memory I've forgotten more than what many ever learn.
This was the death of everything I had worked toward. That wasn't true, as time would go on, but in the sliver of the moment it was true. It was an impotency against the ruthlessness of the world.
As I mentioned, I ran rather low on things to sell. I got a job doing menial tasks for a merchant and cleaning his shop. But my time with Belinha and the practice I put into that precluded my seeking a proper tradesperson with whom I could apprentice. How I kicked myself.
True, I had met many of her friends and attended many parties. But not enough. Not enough to be more than Belinha's escort. Guillermo, Matilde, Mariana, Joale...I would see them and maybe win a small look of recognition. But to ask after Belinha got little more than a shrug.
But it was Ines who explained it best. "Sometimes people just aren't around any more, Duarte."
I had never missed an appointment and I was never late. Belinha would have to cancel on occasion or would be several minutes to hours late. I mean, she was busy, you know?
But seldom was it she missed two appointments in a row. And she never missed three. Then four.
We had met twice a week for the better part of nearly three years. It took me twice a week for the better part of nearly three months to realize we were not meeting any longer.
It wasn't just the lessons when I had seen her, you know? I would see her around. Going into the bank. Walking down the street. At the marketplace. On the pier. Walking to and from the House of Silken Sighs. It wasn't just the lessons. She was gone entirely.
I would like to say I don't know what happened to her. But I do. It would only be much later that I would find out - quite accidentally - and it will be told much later in my story.
It was my first heartbreak. Losing my father and my brothers was tortuous. This was different. Those hours before the mirror. Those stupid exercises in the streets. The practicing on my own. Memorizing titles and names and places and dishes. Which of the Hundred Cities kiss cheeks, which kiss the air beside cheeks, and which should be greeted with no contact at all. So much committed to memory I've forgotten more than what many ever learn.
This was the death of everything I had worked toward. That wasn't true, as time would go on, but in the sliver of the moment it was true. It was an impotency against the ruthlessness of the world.
As I mentioned, I ran rather low on things to sell. I got a job doing menial tasks for a merchant and cleaning his shop. But my time with Belinha and the practice I put into that precluded my seeking a proper tradesperson with whom I could apprentice. How I kicked myself.
True, I had met many of her friends and attended many parties. But not enough. Not enough to be more than Belinha's escort. Guillermo, Matilde, Mariana, Joale...I would see them and maybe win a small look of recognition. But to ask after Belinha got little more than a shrug.
But it was Ines who explained it best. "Sometimes people just aren't around any more, Duarte."
Written By Cambria
Feb. 13, 2021, 11:27 p.m.(12/7/1014 AR)
Is all pleasure the scratch of some itch?
Written By Savio
Feb. 13, 2021, 11:06 p.m.(12/7/1014 AR)
This is a place, and yet it's not
An in-between that time forgot
Darkness aching, crippled, lost
For everything, there is a cost
We use the stars to sail the sea
But how could anyone foresee
That everything we failed to hold
Is waiting here in starless cold?
Above, below, and all between
Among the skies yet submarine
We sacrifice, we break asunder
And commit at last our gifts to Hunger.
An in-between that time forgot
Darkness aching, crippled, lost
For everything, there is a cost
We use the stars to sail the sea
But how could anyone foresee
That everything we failed to hold
Is waiting here in starless cold?
Above, below, and all between
Among the skies yet submarine
We sacrifice, we break asunder
And commit at last our gifts to Hunger.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 13, 2021, 8:10 p.m.(12/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
My friend,
There is a difference between being incapable of fighting close and having an advantage in close quarters. Were you to ask my preference on weapons to wield whilst fighting in a narrow hallway, I would pick a pair of daggers over a great sword.
As for on a field, the best place to be is about ten yards from the edge of a pike's point on the back of a horse with a shortbow and a full quiver.
There is a difference between being incapable of fighting close and having an advantage in close quarters. Were you to ask my preference on weapons to wield whilst fighting in a narrow hallway, I would pick a pair of daggers over a great sword.
As for on a field, the best place to be is about ten yards from the edge of a pike's point on the back of a horse with a shortbow and a full quiver.
Written By Thalamina
Feb. 13, 2021, 4:18 p.m.(12/6/1014 AR)
Sometimes there is a need to leave the city for a bit, reflect on your actions and where your path is traveling. There is nothing more peaceful than a forest or rolling meadows beside a bubbling brook. I needed time spent in nature to remember myself.
Written By Lianne
Feb. 13, 2021, 1:08 p.m.(12/6/1014 AR)
Not all secrets need thorough keeping.
Written By Haakon
Feb. 13, 2021, 11:36 a.m.(12/6/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Piccola
Your point of controlling distance is well made, but any body who never learned to fight up close with a longsword, longaxe, or spear has never learned to fight properly. No body can control distance perfectly every time, even in a duel- let alone battle, and a true warrior will learn to survive and fight out of a bad position.
A pommel to face, a check through the shoulder, a bind and wrestle, half-swording, and so on. Any weapon has a use up close, even if not ideal.
Except pikes.
Fucking pikes.
A pommel to face, a check through the shoulder, a bind and wrestle, half-swording, and so on. Any weapon has a use up close, even if not ideal.
Except pikes.
Fucking pikes.
Written By Sunaia
Feb. 13, 2021, 10:35 a.m.(12/6/1014 AR)
Right, Scholar Einar? Ending on _that_? It's like I was cursing myself, right? Right? That was a great joke.
Written By Sunaia
Feb. 13, 2021, 3:28 a.m.(12/5/1014 AR)
I am dangerously close to feeling completely contented.
Written By Medeia
Feb. 13, 2021, 2:33 a.m.(12/5/1014 AR)
The other night we held a feast at Eswyndol and invited people to come to eat and drink and spar in our training field. My husband saw fit to incite a melee with Marquis Oskar, Lady Thea, and Lords Romulius, Ian, and Drake. It was a long and entertaining bout that ended in Lord Ian's victory. I should send him a prize. Maybe a nice bottle of whiskey? After, Lord Yuri and I took our chances against one another. Even with improvement with my trident, I can still barely touch him. He's fast, Scholar! Someday, I will win. That day might be years from now, but I assure you it will happen. Don't look at me like that! Fine, have your doubts. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet a sculptor named Kyden Black that same evening. I made my way out to see her work earlier today and had a piece delivered home. I have no idea where I am going to put it - I just knew I had to have it.
I had the honor of hosting the celebration of Lucita's marriage to Talwyn, also, which was simply beautiful. So many came to congratulate them that I couldn't begin to name them all, but the collection of family and friends was a delight to watch. My attention was largely focused on ensuring everything went smoothly as opposed to socializing, however. I am grateful to the staff at Golden Hart for doing such good work in transforming the Hidden Gardens into an elegant autumn party. Princess Valencia has really made that place something special. It wasn't all work, though! At the end of the night, I was able to finally share a dance with Marquis Dio after so many occasions where we could have but didn't. He is a fine dancer, and I am thankful to him for indulging me.
After the impromptu purchase of statuary, I found myself in the company of Princess Alarissa and little Princess Eleyna at the atrium shrine within the Thrax estate. Fluffy, my cat, took to the girl quickly! She's normally so timid - it was a relief to not have a hissing cat around a child. And an even bigger comfort to have time shared in both the princesses' company. It seems I may have another young student come spring to teach about basic medicines and cosmetics. I can't help but feel hopeful after leaving their sides. Princess Alarissa is the epitome of grace.
I had the honor of hosting the celebration of Lucita's marriage to Talwyn, also, which was simply beautiful. So many came to congratulate them that I couldn't begin to name them all, but the collection of family and friends was a delight to watch. My attention was largely focused on ensuring everything went smoothly as opposed to socializing, however. I am grateful to the staff at Golden Hart for doing such good work in transforming the Hidden Gardens into an elegant autumn party. Princess Valencia has really made that place something special. It wasn't all work, though! At the end of the night, I was able to finally share a dance with Marquis Dio after so many occasions where we could have but didn't. He is a fine dancer, and I am thankful to him for indulging me.
After the impromptu purchase of statuary, I found myself in the company of Princess Alarissa and little Princess Eleyna at the atrium shrine within the Thrax estate. Fluffy, my cat, took to the girl quickly! She's normally so timid - it was a relief to not have a hissing cat around a child. And an even bigger comfort to have time shared in both the princesses' company. It seems I may have another young student come spring to teach about basic medicines and cosmetics. I can't help but feel hopeful after leaving their sides. Princess Alarissa is the epitome of grace.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 12, 2021, 11:26 p.m.(12/5/1014 AR)
I have truly excelled at finding the smallest fish imaginable.
For the record, they still tasted excellent.
For the record, they still tasted excellent.
Written By Lenard
Feb. 12, 2021, 1:58 p.m.(12/4/1014 AR)
Back to Arx, likely for longer than my previous brief visits. The city's layouts are confusing, its people myriad and there's just too much. I don't know if I ever could come to call it home, and in some ways it makes me miss Sanctum more than being on the road.
But it is no doubt a fitting heart of the compact, reflecting its diversity and strength. I am honoured to be here, and glad for the lessons it may teach. With its diversity come many people who inspire me to work harder to improve myself.
But it is no doubt a fitting heart of the compact, reflecting its diversity and strength. I am honoured to be here, and glad for the lessons it may teach. With its diversity come many people who inspire me to work harder to improve myself.
Written By Piccola
Feb. 12, 2021, 10:08 a.m.(12/4/1014 AR)
Wise general, heed these lessons of the blade.
Some think to defeat their enemies from a distance; so, they wield long swords. This is error: they do not appreciate the principle of cutting the enemy by any means. They say: "One inch gives the hand advantage". As a woman, I know this to be false. It is inferior strategy to be dependent on the length of a blade because a path too large is an encumbrance and a disadvantage to a short sword, whose wielder can avoid the first strike, close, and cut. Further, you cannot swing a long sword in a hallway and not all men have the strength of others.
Nor is the short sword the perfect weapon. To win against a man with a long blade, one must aim for the enemy's unguarded moment. This is completely defensive and undesirable at close quarters with the enemy. You cannot jump inside a defense if there are many enemies. To go against many enemies with a short blade means to parry cuts continuously, and eventually become entangled with the enemy. Further, you can never hope to defeat a line of pikes, and not all men have the stamina of others.
Whenever you cross swords with an enemy you must not think of cutting him either strongly or weakly; just think of cutting and killing him. If you rely on strength, when you hit the enemy's sword you will inevitably hit too hard; your own sword will be carried along as a result. But you cannot rely on speed alone, for speed is an illusion; events seem fast or slow only according to whether or not they are in rhythm.
The lesson is all strengths have weakness. Thus, the true path is to master strategy. The wise general controls the rhythm of the fight and its terms. The wise general chooses the best arms for each situation, relying on no single path. This is the way to victory.
Some think to defeat their enemies from a distance; so, they wield long swords. This is error: they do not appreciate the principle of cutting the enemy by any means. They say: "One inch gives the hand advantage". As a woman, I know this to be false. It is inferior strategy to be dependent on the length of a blade because a path too large is an encumbrance and a disadvantage to a short sword, whose wielder can avoid the first strike, close, and cut. Further, you cannot swing a long sword in a hallway and not all men have the strength of others.
Nor is the short sword the perfect weapon. To win against a man with a long blade, one must aim for the enemy's unguarded moment. This is completely defensive and undesirable at close quarters with the enemy. You cannot jump inside a defense if there are many enemies. To go against many enemies with a short blade means to parry cuts continuously, and eventually become entangled with the enemy. Further, you can never hope to defeat a line of pikes, and not all men have the stamina of others.
Whenever you cross swords with an enemy you must not think of cutting him either strongly or weakly; just think of cutting and killing him. If you rely on strength, when you hit the enemy's sword you will inevitably hit too hard; your own sword will be carried along as a result. But you cannot rely on speed alone, for speed is an illusion; events seem fast or slow only according to whether or not they are in rhythm.
The lesson is all strengths have weakness. Thus, the true path is to master strategy. The wise general controls the rhythm of the fight and its terms. The wise general chooses the best arms for each situation, relying on no single path. This is the way to victory.
Written By Ida
Feb. 12, 2021, 9:43 a.m.(12/4/1014 AR)
Runty and Quill now have a new and adorably outgoing companion: Gildedstern. She is the most adorable goat I have ever seen, though I may be biased. The cats don't particularly care for her, but they don't particularly care for anyone to be honest. Rigby and I are learning to be a bit more careful around the shop so that we don't startle her into fainting quite so often.
Written By Giada
Feb. 12, 2021, 8:31 a.m.(12/4/1014 AR)
Thank fuck for maps.
Written By Yuri
Feb. 12, 2021, 12:56 a.m.(12/3/1014 AR)
The construction on La Rosa has been tasking work, but I can definitively say that it has been an enriching experience. My staff could not be more engaged and energetic about such possibilities that are emerging. The dining room has seen quite a few notable guests, from the word I hear at functions, and the ballroom shall be catering to the desires of the populace.
A grand opening is in order!
A grand opening is in order!
Written By Victus
Feb. 11, 2021, 8:12 p.m.(12/3/1014 AR)
My favorite kind of mask is the one that just looks like a face. But metal. It's really ingenious. If you want to cover your identity, just throw another face over it.
Written By Zakhar
Feb. 11, 2021, 7:31 p.m.(12/3/1014 AR)
Too many lifetimes have passed, I cared not for them.
A simple wind carries the thoughts of many across the city.
None hear the cries unless it is what they seek deliberately
Don't cross the line. It is only to be held.
I wish to fly a blue flag and paint myself the same.
Though unable, too many are still in hiding.
A simple wind carries the thoughts of many across the city.
None hear the cries unless it is what they seek deliberately
Don't cross the line. It is only to be held.
I wish to fly a blue flag and paint myself the same.
Though unable, too many are still in hiding.
Written By Savio
Feb. 11, 2021, 6:39 p.m.(12/3/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Giorgio
There once was a fine Merchant-Prince
Who was at last with great effort convinced
To liven his days
By smoking some haze
And no one has heard from him since.
This is my new goal.
Who was at last with great effort convinced
To liven his days
By smoking some haze
And no one has heard from him since.
This is my new goal.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.