Written By
Lys
Oct. 29, 2023, 5:20 a.m.(2/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Auda
I dreamt of endless fields of poppies. Bright, bloody red, and fragrant. I dreamt of sun-bleached tresses trailing among the blooms. I followed slowly behind as I watched you walk. A golden watering can in your dainty fingers. You watered every poppy with care and love. I dreamt you cast one last look over your shoulder and smiled at me.
Bite woke me up by nipping my nose.
But I was alright. I'll miss you.
Written By
Lys
Oct. 29, 2023, 5:17 a.m.(2/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Malcolm
My patron was right... This puppy is quite good at chasing off bad dreams. Archduchess Jaenelle and I have renamed her Winter's Bite. I call her 'Bite' or 'Bitey' for short, because she quite enjoys running behind me, nipping at my heels. Still... I have a nightmare only every three nights now, rather than every night.
Written By
Lys
Oct. 29, 2023, 5:16 a.m.(2/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Renata
Princess Renata is an unexpected friend, but a friend nonetheless. How interesting she is. How kind and sweet. If you ever get to meet her you shall truly be lucky.
Oct. 29, 2023, 12:24 a.m.(2/5/1021 AR)
The victory ball was marvelous. so good to see so many friends, soo many i have not spoken to in some time. It was a moment to remember why we fight, and who we fight for. Thank you to the Queen for hosting, and for all who stoof to keep our city safe.
Oct. 28, 2023, 10:43 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)
I had such a lovely time at the celebration ball tonight. I got to meet so many other people, and got to know others so much better. For once in this large city, I did not feel so alone. The queen is so gracious and such a lovely host. Things could not have been anymore perfect. though I cannot lie. My dance with the Archduke Patrizio was most certainly the highlight of my evening. I had thought I might not attend, after all I do not know so many people with whom to mingle with. And then when I did arrive, I must admit I felt quite overwhelmed, and as if I had walked into the wrong place. But the queen Symonesse was so welcoming and charming, I found myself soon relaxing, and had a marvelous time. I hope there will be another such ball soon. Though I do realize these things take an age to plan.
Oct. 28, 2023, 5:20 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)
I have found myself with a new patron! Our meeting must have been the alignment of the stars for I have never met another who could be so much like myself in terms of the way we think and view the world. Granted, our goals serve different causes; his on a larger scale, mine on one that is but a smidge smaller. Still, I have great expectations this will be a fantastic patronage and I am truly looking forward to all that this patronage/protege relationship will bring.
Oct. 28, 2023, 4:16 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)
Metal glints. Jewels glisten. Since returning to Arx, I've felt inspired and so the forge is hot. Fire and smoke.
I enjoy the process, because there's always a risk. The metal can burn and the blades are sharp. One wrong move, ...but life isn't much different.
The first piece I created was one that I've spent a long time considering, an alacirite sword that is aptly named. A cutlass sword, I'm rather fond of the jagged blade. It has an eerie quality to it, I used some rather unique materials, not for the faint of heart. Luckily, mine is doing just well.
Then, there's a few pieces I made to stock-up at the boutique at Of Works Obscura. This and that, though it's hard to sell a sword, I have this urge to use them all. And for those that don't want to carry one, well, I've made miniature ones to hang around the neck.
Oct. 28, 2023, 3:14 p.m.(2/4/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Miraya
We are all coming home. That whisper on the waves, it beckons us together. I am glad that my sister is back, I look forward to catching up. I have just the right bottle for it, too.
Oct. 27, 2023, 11:17 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)
I spent nearly three months traveling through the Northlands before the real brunt of winter was upon us. It was cold, don't get me wrong, but the kind of cold that feels refreshing and clean when you're away from the city. But wrong, lately, in a way that is hard to describe. Still, duty called and there were many villages to visit as well as review the recent construction projects that were completed. Sometimes being away and distracted with tasks outside of Arx remind me how much there is to love in the city as well. It's good to be back, though I wonder if I could have done more while away. I suppose such things haunt us all these days.
Written By
Ida
Oct. 27, 2023, 11:09 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)
I want to create something epic. The sketch I'm working on for an alaricite sword...isn't quite that. Yet? Maybe it won't ever be, but I like the idea of an emerald green dragon as part of its inspiration. I guess we'll see. It may end up as a very expensive dustable on the shop shelves.
Oct. 27, 2023, 6:20 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)
For the first time I felt the potential of a song without winding up feeling like I was going to die.
Oct. 27, 2023, 3:27 p.m.(2/2/1021 AR)
I pen a new chapter entire, looking fondly upon the last, and knowing it has ended.
I am not yet grown, for is my belief that no one ever is. We simply continue to grow, to blossom.
Nourished by warm conversations, by evening strolls, by warm blankets and delicious pies.
By sudden rainstorms, beating against the rooftops, by the silence of snow that piles up in blankets, and the rink-a-tink of each snowflake as each one finds its place.
By the sound of the ocean, beating against the shore in rhythmic tumbles and scrapes. The sound of the leaves rustling in the trees on an autumn afternoon, the crunch of dried maples underfoot. The wind in our hair, a lover's touch and comfort.
Through adversity, through pain. Through deception, through absence, and through loss.
We all grow, just a little bit better, just a little bit more broken, just a little bit stronger, just a little weaker, and there's beauty in that.
Grow until you can grow no more. It is only upon Death's embrace that we can truly say we were an adult.
For there is so room for us yet, child, time for us yet.
And we must grow.
Oct. 27, 2023, 3:20 p.m.(2/2/1021 AR)
I find solace in the snow, in these burned out lands.
I find solace in the company of friends, marveling that I can still enjoy life.
I find solace in my newfound resolve, a purpose that I hope my enemies will come to regret planting inside of me.
Oct. 25, 2023, 10:24 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Mirari
Sister! I have returned home. I cannot say for how long as the sea, it calls to me. But for now, rejoice and celebrate. I know you've missed me!
Oct. 25, 2023, 10:10 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Caspian
We share an appreciation for the cider at the Trader's Tavern and interesting conversation by the hearth. The man is well acquainted with my cousins, Mailys and Beatrix and he told tall tales of how young girls of the Lowers chase away would be assailants with sticks like the Swashbuckler of Corsetina. Even if it -isnt'- true, I lavished in the story for a moment. It was all around a good time well spent.
Oct. 25, 2023, 9:52 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)
Nothing much new since the seige axcept I have been working out with the dogs lately. Animals require a different approach than human warriors! Elora has trained this to a fault, too, making them extremely effective even against armored men.
Oct. 25, 2023, 8:41 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)
Trust is not just providing someone a key to your home, it is providing them enough flint and tinder to burn it down around you. May the people you trust always love you more than they love their pyromania.
Oct. 25, 2023, 12:15 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Radhilde
My sweet, beautiful, charming little sister. I am so glad that you survived the fall of Cliffmore. I am equally glad that you have found a place with the Tydes. May you ever prosper.
Oct. 25, 2023, 12:07 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on
Rhea
Marquessa Rhea Acheron. She rescued me and my sister from the ruins of Cliffmore. Moreso my sister. I was married off before the fall of the Barony, but she took me back in when I had nowhere else to go after my husband died. I owe her everything.
Oct. 24, 2023, 1:06 p.m.(1/24/1021 AR)
For those of you who were wondering why I call a memorial a Vulture's Feast, here's a little cultural lesson for you.
In times of war, in the Malvici tradition, a deceased soldier's arms, armor, and kit are divided up among their mates and friends, with the most personal of mementos going to the family. These folk rarely have elaborate wills like us silks do. Maybe a piece of jewelry is instructed to go to a loved one, or a lock of hair. But the rest? No plans.
A soldier's boots, or dice, or cards, or even armor help keep their memory alive when given to their friends and kinfolk. Much as an ancestral sword is passed down, simple things like a pipe or a belt buckle may help keep them in our thoughts and find good use for something made to be used. More importantly a sword, bow, or armor may keep someone alive - and what better tribute to a deceased soldier than saving a life of someone they fought with or loved or died for?
Much as a vulture makes life from death, so do we find life and love in the distribution of the fallen's things.
Until we see our loved ones again beyond this life - may that day be a long fucking way off.