Oct. 11, 2020, 10:29 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on
Carita
The charming and self-possessed Countess Carita Darkwater has seen fit to take me under her wing as her protege. Once this conflict in the Isles is resolved, I hope I can make her time worthwhile as I begin to take my newly constructed caravel, the Intrepid, in search of new lands for Blackshore.
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:17 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I bristle sometimes at the vicissitudes of fashion. I am glad when something worthy and beautiful, inspiring, new, takes hold in the minds and hearts of the city. I thrill at the sound of a breath caught up by something well-made, well-adorned, both. I think that sometimes it sounds not in response to what's made but to what's heard. News spreads like wildfire, they say. But it's approval, so swift and so craved, that travels so. It's gone as soon, a sense of derision catching quicker than tinder in a hearth.
I think it's true that art belongs to its moment - to an extent. Good art lasts - years and decades and centuries on, you can still tell it's good. You might wonder at the impact it had in its moment, that having got tangled in its own time, but that it's good and that it mattered, that's evident in both the rendering and the care given through years and wars and changed fortunes.
It has been my inclination, when I can, to make heirloom pieces, things that will be cared for and kept and used, damaged and repaired - stories people will armor themselves in, though I had the inclination before I udnerstood particularly why. It has been hard to square the time spent at making things with the idea that they will be worn or used once and then discarded, torn apart for what's next. Yet that there is a next - for that I am grateful. And I would be lost I think if I did not sometimes make something to acknowledge only a moment - pitch a trinket in a fire, like a heart's wish.
Making armor, it might be that everything I make is about a future. An expectation. But that's the wearer's expectation, not mine. To craft something now with a vision of a future hundreds of years on - I felt for a moment sure, this is what we do when we're at our best. If love is a hope we let walk around outside us, then it's an act of love to make something meant for a day we won't see, can't be sure will come.
So then a rest, and some new things for spring.
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:04 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I am honored to have attended the ceremony and reception for the union between Valardin and Pravus. Princess Adrienne is my patron and I have the best of hopes for her among the Pravosi. She and Prince Sebastian seem a strong pair. If I could, I would give her the gift she gave me upon my arrival to the Oathlands. Princess Adrienne has been a beacon, an invaluable resource, an ally, and a friend as I found (and am yet finding) my way in the Oathlands. I will miss her dearly, but hope someone can be for her what she has been for me.
The reception was a stunning affair, ably orchestrated by Nina Autumndale, and one to remember.
I pray for Limerance's blessings on Valardin and Pravus for a fruitful and mutually beneficial alliance.
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:02 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I had the utmost pleasure of attending Princess Adrienne and Prince Sebastian's wedding the other night and I am still reeling from the dizzying happiness the event caused! Perhaps it was all the alcohol, but never have I seen two people more suited for each other and it is always something to celebrate when two houses--Great Houses at that!--can come together to form alliances that will benefit them both! The party was sublime, the wedding gown was so absolutely glorious I admit to some envy, and the music was of course delightful!
I do hope they make it a yearly event! Not getting married, of course, but throwing a party to celebrate it!
Oct. 11, 2020, 10:01 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I have to say that Mistress Zyanya and Mistress Maren have absolutely outdone themselves with the opening of the Jade Moon! I have never heard such interesting and lovely music and I was utterly transfixed by the story they wove through their song. It was also quite lovely to catch up with Princess Berenice and Master Harlex, whom I rarely seem to cross paths with these days! Hopefully that will be rectified as I'm rather certain we will all be in rapt attendance for the second half of the story telling event!
I do highly recommend that everyone stop by there!
Oct. 11, 2020, 9:57 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Neilda and Medeia did a very nice job organizing a family dinner. There were old friends and new acquaintences there to enjoy the relaxed informal gathering.
Oct. 11, 2020, 9:54 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
It's time to get all of my armor refitted again. It doesn't quite fit like it used to.
Oct. 11, 2020, 9:37 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I know winter is not for everyone and that there is much about it that vexes or causes trouble for many. However, I must say that I adore it so. Even as much I love the fresh green scent of a new spring, the promise of a crisp and richly coloured autumn or the glorious heat of a sensual summer.
Much like people, there is always something wonderful to be found and enjoyed in every season.
However, this year, I am especially grateful for the extra chill. It makes harvesting ice for my Hart's growing cellars and expanded storage much more easier.
Thank goodness Missere Master Barkeep Maggnus and my dearest Lizette were so clever to bring this to my attention. Not only with regard to the expansion that will allow us to keep our guests very well cared for well throughout the year, but that we might harvest more ice than before.
Clever indeed. With so much success we have found that we are able to doubled the number of staff to see to this work and ensure that we are all very well set when summer's heat returns.
I wonder if our guests will remember the wicked, icy kiss of this winter as they seek a little bit of our ice to soothe them.
~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Oct. 11, 2020, 8:41 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on
Dagny
All my gratitude to the champion who won me a magnificent gown! Truly, her skill and his Highness Talwyn's taste are matched in splendor.
I shall employ her every time a rich prince wishes a wager, I think.
Oct. 11, 2020, 8:17 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Crisp air, hot coco, and a wealth of wonders in people to unravel: the capital is all I hoped and ever much more!
I will admit to a deep excitement, the flowering of some untapped potential within me. Does Arx spark that through all who fall in her arms?
I am driven to paint, something sprawling and in chiaroscuro and endlessly intertwined. Inspiration does, as he said, strike strangely.
Oct. 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Goodboy Pickle and Sir Floppington are the best boys. My sibling team of Northern mares are good girls, too. My Morien Man (Goodman Tarik) has been diligently working with them both and Sir Floppington on new tricks, too.
Oct. 11, 2020, 7:43 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I had the privilege of attending a beautiful wedding. In my waning years, I feel grateful for every opportunity I have to spend time with young people beginning their lives together. May the gods watch over Princess Adrienne and Prince Sebastian.
Just be mindful about what I said about moving house.
Written By
Leena
Oct. 11, 2020, 7:37 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on
Medeia
Some days I wish I had your grace to ease through social dealings with grace. Though usually I instead prefer to hide somewhere with a few books to read, and a sketch pad. I'm reminded after today - you have a gift.
Written By
Leena
Oct. 11, 2020, 7:33 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on
Piccola
She seems to have a purpose and a direct way to getting to the point of what she wants without the real banter that can go on in conversations. I like her for this, leaves more time for doing actual work.
Written By
Leena
Oct. 11, 2020, 7:31 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
A morning at the Blackshore event, and it was a huge success for them. I've learned that Arxians love games, and even someone as socially inept as me can somehow find a place in the social circle.
In a whirlwind of talking there was talk of my hand, I saw a brief glimpse of softness from someone with a very strong personality, and even addressed positively by a Princess. My biggest takaway from the event - Thrax knows how to party.
Oct. 11, 2020, 7:22 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I made a beautiful collectors coin for the Blackshore party, I rather liked the gaming night. It is always nice to have a party of such turnout. Thank you everyone who came.
Written By
Thea
Oct. 11, 2020, 6:49 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
The medic face off. I have no words except how fun it was. Aunt Eirene did a great job pulling it off and I learned what I should probably work on regarding myself. Now to scrub this blood--I mean jelly from my hands. Congratulations to Lady Azova, Professor Orick, and Lady Lethe on your winnings.
Oct. 11, 2020, 6:30 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on
Odin
I met Lord Odin Eswynd in the training centre and had a small spar with him. He is not bad at all but clearly could do with some more practice and combat drills.
His equipment did put him at further disavantage as well but in warfare you are seldom matched with an equal opponent.
Regardless, I believe he has the potential to be very good indeed.
Oct. 11, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
It's time for new armor. This that I wear has the scratches and dents of a dozen fights that won't truly mend now. And I've gained a little weight if I'm to be honest. I'm thinking brigandine this go around. I've written Mistress Eithne to see if she has the time; she was the best and probbaly still is.
Written By
Leola
Oct. 11, 2020, 6:10 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)
I was speaking to a number of Arx's folks. I have been sought to support in integrating the newcomers to the compact, as I did once before, following the Silent War. I will strive to do so well; the Lodge will be in much need of new support and hands