Written By Tarik
May 31, 2020, 10:36 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Sunaia
May 31, 2020, 10:29 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
I've asked for lessons. Gratefully, he's agreed, saying that my level head is to my benefit. I can't express how much that means to me, quite frankly - considering the number of people I've met who think I'm odd for not having an ill temperament or becoming angry.
...No. In fact, I don't get angry, for all the passion I have regarding many things. I cry; I howl; I evoke my sorrows -- but, no, Scholar; I don't get angry, not like most people I've seen. It's a waste, to do so, and I don't think it would serve me at all.
It's easier without it, actually. And I'm sure it's what helps me to stay on my feet.
Written By Mayir
May 31, 2020, 10:23 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
Your family grows stronger with every passing day.
And I had plenty of rum in your honor at the Ebb and Flow!
Written By Gaston
May 31, 2020, 10:21 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Hadrian
May 31, 2020, 10:21 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Count yourselves fortunate that you've not been named Hadrian IV. Or count yourselves unfortunate, because it would have made each of you just a little greater. It's up to you the view you wish to take. I know none of you can really read, but some day you'll look back on this journal entry and you'll think "damn, I could have been named Hadrian?"
The answer to that is a simple one. Yes, you could have been. Hadrian IV. Are you bothered that you're not? Are you confused about Hadrian II and III? Blame your mother. She stole my thunder a lot. She also stole me, incidentally. She's pretty big on theft when it comes to me, it seems. She stole my cup. It was the best cup ever. Bathed you, my children, in it. So I threw it in a fire and had a little daydream.
Don't let her name your children, too. She's your liege though, so she just might try to claim that privilege.
Never forget that each of you could have been Hadrian IV. Sure, this is a joke. Sure, your mother's none of the things mentioned above. I'd even contend that she's quite the opposite. She is charitable, greedy, kind, merciless, remorseless, compassionate, clever, focused, and so many more ways to describe her. Definitely never underestimate her though, that would be among your greatest mistakes. A joke and good advice?!? See? I care about the five and two-thirds of you so very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, vveerry, very, very, very, very, very, verryy, very, very, very, very, verrryyyyy, very much.
The previous bit of humor and advice is likewise bequeathed to any future sons or daughters, too. Yes, future Hadrian VI, as my daughter you were likewise susceptible to this name.
Be who you choose to be. It is a choice. You needn't concern yourself with the name you're given, it is the actions you partake while bearing it that will make you great. There is power in a name, but there is strength in your actions too. Greatness is in how you elect to wield that power. Whether you're named Damianos or Hadrian V.LXVI or Hamdria I? It is up to you to make yourselves and your name memorable, great, feared, envied, or whatever else you deign to make it.
If you want some more good advice? Make your decisions with your people in mind. Your choices should uplift them. You should never leave an option off the table when it comes to their safety. Your decisions should nurture them. You should never be slow to discipline them should it be necessary. If you show them that they carry within them a seed of greatness as well. They will admire you for it, they will serve you with enthusiasm and loyalty. Show them the way to a secure, prosperous future. You can achieve greatness with your people. You needn't sacrifice their or prosperity for your own achievement. Share in it with them and you will find your own life and name prosper.
This entry has had its highs and lows, I know. It has gone from humorous, to sound advice, back to humor, and then into some very serious advice for your future years. These are but some of the lessons your mother and I have strove to instill in each of you since the moment you could comprehend even the most basic concepts. It is our duty as your parents, your liege, her Voice, your House, and members of the Peerage to ensure that you are raised with a firm understanding of your duties to the people and a proper education. Do not disappoint us. Don't disappoint me. You may regret it if you do.
As you grow into adulthood, I hope you will read this advice and carry it with you in your daily actions. Or don't. Don't come crying to me when you've not followed good advice and regret it.
Written By Gaston
May 31, 2020, 10:06 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
One night this past week, I had stepped out of the Fasthold for a brief reprieve in my studies back at the Fasthold and decided to visit the botanical gardens where I ran into someone I did not expect to nor would I have wished to. Seeing her and hearing her voice again, a tiny sliver of me was happy but the rest was sharply reminded of the dangers she represents in the new realm I am stepping into. Words from her tongue flowed smoothly with a touch of gentleness but they are no doubt as sharp as ever, where even the thickest of armor could not protect.
I am honestly glad to see that she was doing well, especially after the last encounter we had that felt like ages ago before I saw her again. Then the memories surfaced as if they happened yesterday. The anger, the words flung at me as sharp as alaricite, which cut deeply. It was only due to my own misguided emotions towards another, towards an impossible future that allowed me to turn and walk away.
So seeing her again in the gardens was a surprise and I was certainly on my guard, though I am sure that would have done nothing to protect myself. Her demeanor was cordial and proper, though the words she spoke shows that she has not forgotten what happened the last time we met. Even though I wish her well, I am not sure if I will want to see her again, especially now when my focus is elsewhere.
Written By Lucita
May 31, 2020, 9:59 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
Written By Matteo
May 31, 2020, 9:47 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Lucita
May 31, 2020, 9:44 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Corban
May 31, 2020, 9:39 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophelia
You have done so much. For the gods, for Petrichor, for the Lodge.
I know you will do even more this next year.
The fowl should be on guard.
Written By Torian
May 31, 2020, 9:33 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Raphael
May 31, 2020, 9:29 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Lucita
May 31, 2020, 9:28 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Matteo
May 31, 2020, 9:26 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Matteo
May 31, 2020, 9:25 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Hadrian
May 31, 2020, 9:04 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
It's unlikely to be as random as one would imagine. The accuracy of it may very well be debatable, but the origin of that dislike is most certainly there and in most cases ready to be offered up with scathing commentary if one only seek it. If fortunate finds you, then you will be spared such frantic remarks and faced instead with a measured answer of what error was made that resulted in the distaste.
The discovery of that reason is actually one of the easiest ways to lay it to rest, so parties may make amends and move forward. If one is concerned with such things, anyway.
That is, of course, assuming that there is some problem to begin with. Far too often anxiety and paranoia will lead many to assume there is a problem without there ever being one. Communication is an essential element to a peaceful existence. It's also one of the faster ways to cease having a peaceful existence. Interpersonal relationships are fun like that!
Written By Philippe
May 31, 2020, 8:37 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Written By Hadrian
May 31, 2020, 8:26 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
One can daydream always and forever, but without taking that first step they will never cease being daydreams and begin being achievements.
Written By Piccola
May 31, 2020, 8:13 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
I was reminded the other night that, for whatever problems I have, there are others who have it worse. Much worse.
At least I have a place to stay. A family to talk to. And people around here who don't seem to give a shit who I am or where I come from.
It could be much worse, I guess.
Well, at least the mead is good around here.
Written By Teagan
May 31, 2020, 8:08 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.