Written By Gwenna
Dec. 25, 2020, 7:03 p.m.(8/19/1014 AR)
I am working on another painting, when time allows. I had hoped to do something that represents the winds over the seas, but that seems a hard concept for me to put to canvas. Instead, it will be two seahorses, which I admit have nothing to do with the wind but...well. Such are within my talents at this point and I hope it will be well received.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 25, 2020, 6:17 p.m.(8/19/1014 AR)
It is only when we fill our bowl that we realize that the bowl we were trying to fill is too small, too shabby, or is seen as gauche.
When I have the occasion to glimpse myself in a whisper's mirrormask, I've found myself staring at myself and wondering what became of the whip of a girl that landed half-starved on the streets, her head shaved to give her opponents nothing to grab hold of, sipping on ale because it made me less ill than the water, and being able to afford little more than scraps to get me from one day to the next.
There were any number of goals I set for myself, at the end of which I knew that I would be satisfied and content. I've blown past them, and the satisfaction never came. Contentedness never arose.
Oh, it's not to say I'm some sad sop, moping from moment to moment. The contrary is often true - but it makes me wonder on the nature of the goals that we set for ourselves. As we seek top ourselves, we race against time, against life, against our bodies, against our wits. We reach, and we reach, and we hope that a turn on the wheel is enough to grasp all that we hope for in this Dream. The objective always moves. Something must be strived for. Something must be clung to. Something drives a body from her bed, and there is no ending until we no longer open our eyes.
It is equal parts exquisite as it is frustrating.
Turn the page, now. The next chapter's soon.
When I have the occasion to glimpse myself in a whisper's mirrormask, I've found myself staring at myself and wondering what became of the whip of a girl that landed half-starved on the streets, her head shaved to give her opponents nothing to grab hold of, sipping on ale because it made me less ill than the water, and being able to afford little more than scraps to get me from one day to the next.
There were any number of goals I set for myself, at the end of which I knew that I would be satisfied and content. I've blown past them, and the satisfaction never came. Contentedness never arose.
Oh, it's not to say I'm some sad sop, moping from moment to moment. The contrary is often true - but it makes me wonder on the nature of the goals that we set for ourselves. As we seek top ourselves, we race against time, against life, against our bodies, against our wits. We reach, and we reach, and we hope that a turn on the wheel is enough to grasp all that we hope for in this Dream. The objective always moves. Something must be strived for. Something must be clung to. Something drives a body from her bed, and there is no ending until we no longer open our eyes.
It is equal parts exquisite as it is frustrating.
Turn the page, now. The next chapter's soon.
Written By Svana
Dec. 25, 2020, 3:48 p.m.(8/18/1014 AR)
I must spend my time honing my craft and riding my horse rather than spending time reading the Whites, Scholar.
It's just another way to procrastinate and I believe I read a journal entry in which someone said 'two cups of ass' which is a baking ingredient I don't really recommend.
It's just another way to procrastinate and I believe I read a journal entry in which someone said 'two cups of ass' which is a baking ingredient I don't really recommend.
Written By Lucrezia
Dec. 25, 2020, 3:14 p.m.(8/18/1014 AR)
Father, how did you handle this? To be loved was such a shining ideal.
This not love, though.
Was I wrong?
This not love, though.
Was I wrong?
Written By Patrizio
Dec. 25, 2020, 11:42 a.m.(8/18/1014 AR)
Preparations for the defence of the Saffron Chain continue apace.
I am concerned that there's so much disagreement on the field of the naval engagement - I avoided, perhaps for the best, the latter discussion of naval tactics, though from what I witness from my cousin's demeanour, it's probably for the best in terms of my sanity. The land-based operations are more fraught with peril, since it's becoming increasingly apparent that I need plan out for three separate matters... but we shall be ready to meet the Skal'dajan forces when they arrive.
We really have little other choice, do we.
I am concerned that there's so much disagreement on the field of the naval engagement - I avoided, perhaps for the best, the latter discussion of naval tactics, though from what I witness from my cousin's demeanour, it's probably for the best in terms of my sanity. The land-based operations are more fraught with peril, since it's becoming increasingly apparent that I need plan out for three separate matters... but we shall be ready to meet the Skal'dajan forces when they arrive.
We really have little other choice, do we.
Written By Piccola
Dec. 25, 2020, 12:21 a.m.(8/17/1014 AR)
Remember, wise general, the nature of etiquette.
The acme of etiquette is this: goodness among equals cannot be extorted by force. All people have a right both to defend himself from injuries. All people may seek to exact punishment or restitution for wrongs done to them. And when a man attempts to take what does not belong to them -- life or property -- every honorable person takes alarm and believes they do right when they run to defend or seek revenge for the injured person.
But think of these injuries: when a parent fails in the ordinary degree of affection towards their child; when a child seems to want that reverence expected by their parents; when siblings conspire against each other; when a person shuts their heart against compassion and refuses to relieve or recognize the misery of his fellows. In all these cases, the sufferer can only complain, the spectator can only advise, and the compassionate can only listen. To do otherwise is seen as insolent or disrespectful. We all know of these occasions.
So it is that cruelty and goodness are embraced in equal measure. We do not demand goodness from our peers because our mores prohibit it. We do but stand as bystanders while the small cuts are made one by one, day by day. We never talk of the quiet things that no one ever knows because it would shed the weakness we share with our equals: that we would rather watch the cruelty continue in silence than dare over-step out boundaries. And then we wonder why others see us as barbaric.
To us, the mere want of beneficence seems to merit no punishment from equals. Instead, we talk of the virtuous and meritorious among us, and exalt those who have shown that goodness without demand and unselfishly. It is not the absence of that apparent goodness that poisons the heart of society, but the deafening silence between us when we fail to condemn or simply demand better from one another. The man who barely abstains from violating either the person, or the estate, or the reputation of his neighbors has very little merit; however, because he fulfills all the rules of what we consider justice, he remains among us. He may therefore remain as cruel and vile as he is because we cannot demand he be better.
Thus, among peers, wise general, etiquette is the binding on a wound which never heals and inevitably kills.
The acme of etiquette is this: goodness among equals cannot be extorted by force. All people have a right both to defend himself from injuries. All people may seek to exact punishment or restitution for wrongs done to them. And when a man attempts to take what does not belong to them -- life or property -- every honorable person takes alarm and believes they do right when they run to defend or seek revenge for the injured person.
But think of these injuries: when a parent fails in the ordinary degree of affection towards their child; when a child seems to want that reverence expected by their parents; when siblings conspire against each other; when a person shuts their heart against compassion and refuses to relieve or recognize the misery of his fellows. In all these cases, the sufferer can only complain, the spectator can only advise, and the compassionate can only listen. To do otherwise is seen as insolent or disrespectful. We all know of these occasions.
So it is that cruelty and goodness are embraced in equal measure. We do not demand goodness from our peers because our mores prohibit it. We do but stand as bystanders while the small cuts are made one by one, day by day. We never talk of the quiet things that no one ever knows because it would shed the weakness we share with our equals: that we would rather watch the cruelty continue in silence than dare over-step out boundaries. And then we wonder why others see us as barbaric.
To us, the mere want of beneficence seems to merit no punishment from equals. Instead, we talk of the virtuous and meritorious among us, and exalt those who have shown that goodness without demand and unselfishly. It is not the absence of that apparent goodness that poisons the heart of society, but the deafening silence between us when we fail to condemn or simply demand better from one another. The man who barely abstains from violating either the person, or the estate, or the reputation of his neighbors has very little merit; however, because he fulfills all the rules of what we consider justice, he remains among us. He may therefore remain as cruel and vile as he is because we cannot demand he be better.
Thus, among peers, wise general, etiquette is the binding on a wound which never heals and inevitably kills.
Written By Maya
Dec. 24, 2020, 11:59 p.m.(8/17/1014 AR)
Mother,
I know you never wished me to be in the city. But family needs as family will. You will have to forgive me.
I believe everything will be just fine here.
I know you never wished me to be in the city. But family needs as family will. You will have to forgive me.
I believe everything will be just fine here.
Written By Teague
Dec. 24, 2020, 3:29 p.m.(8/16/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Reagan
My gifts are ready; both are finished for the woman to be my wife. I can't wait to give them to her, see which one is more to her liking. It will reflect on our future, but either way, I'm pleased with how they came out.
Written By Preston
Dec. 24, 2020, 9:35 a.m.(8/16/1014 AR)
I remain quite wary of embassies of these foreign powers. That the Cardians do not worship the Gods I find strange, offputting...unsettling perhaps. Yet, in the legends of the Faith and the Compact, the Cardians honoured an oath made to come and defend the Compact against the enemies of the Gods. I have no love still of those that rule Cardia, they offer imperiously through their man Marcus their protection at the cost of everything we are. If other groups of Cardians, these 'Scales', wish to re-learn the ways of Limerance and honour those Oaths made? Then I will welcome that and tolerate such an embassy while that occurs. I have no interest in us adopting the ways of these foreign powers, but I have every interest in teaching them, in them adapting to become our friends.
To that end we should welcome this move with cautious optimism, but with our eyes open. Guests are welcomed, courtesy given, but trust is earned.
To that end we should welcome this move with cautious optimism, but with our eyes open. Guests are welcomed, courtesy given, but trust is earned.
Written By Rowynna
Dec. 24, 2020, 5:55 a.m.(8/16/1014 AR)
Whilst I have had my head buried in books, friendships I had once enjoyed have withered away. I find myself lonely at times.
Written By Lyra
Dec. 24, 2020, 5:50 a.m.(8/16/1014 AR)
I was given a very beautiful potted fern the other day. I've decided that the only place for it is in the grand hall of Byrne Manor, though it is so very large and flourishing that I think I shall need to commission a pedestal to stand it upon so it's leaves can freely drape. For now I have had the helmet removed from one of the ornamental suits of armours that are on display there, and have had it balanced atop the remainder. It looks quite spectacular and resembles a great green-haired warrior.
Written By Damiana
Dec. 24, 2020, 3:06 a.m.(8/15/1014 AR)
Beware those with no honor for their faithlessness and selfishness will consume them and their entire world with their greed.
Written By Piccola
Dec. 23, 2020, 10:43 p.m.(8/15/1014 AR)
On charity, wise general, remember this:
Charity is a calm, severe duty. It must be intellectual, to be advantageous. It is not a merit: its fulfilment is only what we owe to each other, and is a debt never paid to its full extent.
Charity is a calm, severe duty. It must be intellectual, to be advantageous. It is not a merit: its fulfilment is only what we owe to each other, and is a debt never paid to its full extent.
Written By Cirroch
Dec. 23, 2020, 5:03 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Neve
Lady Neve should be awarded a medal for her attempts to save one of Lottie's cakes from the second battle of cakes at Sanna Manor. Her efforts to save and preserve the cake were most commendable.
Written By Cirroch
Dec. 23, 2020, 5:01 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Neve
Lady Neve should be awarded a medal for her attempts to save one of Lottie's cakes from the second battle of cakes at Sanna Manor. Her efforts to save and preserve the cake were most commendable.
Written By Neve
Dec. 23, 2020, 4:59 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Cirroch
He has an adorably beautiful wife, who shines with her beauty inside and out. So much so it struggles to not escape those blondie-blonde blondness of her hair.
Cirroch seems like the strongest family man, spoiler of his wife, children, and a good man.
If I were to ever marry, any man or any woman - I think their relationship is the model that I would strive for. There are two intertwined hearts working together there.
Also, the Marquis's wife Sasha sure knows how to throw a party!
Cirroch seems like the strongest family man, spoiler of his wife, children, and a good man.
If I were to ever marry, any man or any woman - I think their relationship is the model that I would strive for. There are two intertwined hearts working together there.
Also, the Marquis's wife Sasha sure knows how to throw a party!
Written By Neve
Dec. 23, 2020, 4:55 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
Beauty, sociability, grace, even with a face full of cake.
Some people are truly impressive!
Some people are truly impressive!
Written By Neve
Dec. 23, 2020, 4:53 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
Beauty, sociability, grace, even with a face full of cake.
Some people are truly impressive!
Some people are truly impressive!
Written By Sydney
Dec. 23, 2020, 4:40 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
There are times when I question the use of the martial pursuits when so much carnage can be wrought by (unfortunately) superior might of what our enemies have in their arsenal. I suppose it's little different than being struck down by an arrow or bolt, but it feels more terrifying by far.
That's life, is it not? One moment you're laughing, the next you're dead.
That's life, is it not? One moment you're laughing, the next you're dead.
Written By Savio
Dec. 23, 2020, 10:17 a.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
Oh, we're sailing hard for the southern seas
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll bring Skal'daja to its knees
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, there's war on the water, sail her faster
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll break the fleet of the Nointy Bastards!
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, Skal'daja lusts for a Saffron slave
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll send them all to a watery grave
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, the sea will burn with Arvani fire
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
Every ship a Eurusi pyre
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, leave your sweethearts, leave your wives
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
Sail with your souls and fight for your lives
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Pull away hard boys, never look home
---
This is so much more optimistic than I feel, but we need a rhythm to row to, you know?
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll bring Skal'daja to its knees
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, there's war on the water, sail her faster
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll break the fleet of the Nointy Bastards!
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, Skal'daja lusts for a Saffron slave
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
We'll send them all to a watery grave
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, the sea will burn with Arvani fire
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
Every ship a Eurusi pyre
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Oh, leave your sweethearts, leave your wives
Hey, hey, pull away! Sail away hard boys, never look home
Sail with your souls and fight for your lives
Pull away hard boys, never look home
Pull away hard boys, never look home
---
This is so much more optimistic than I feel, but we need a rhythm to row to, you know?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.