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Written By Tarik

May 31, 2020, 10:36 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

I must admit I have not been this excited about not being hot for awhile. I hope this endeavor is worth it.

Written By Sunaia

May 31, 2020, 10:29 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Ian

I sparred with Lord Ian Kennex. ...No, I don't regret it; but, if you know him well enough to know that I, perhaps, should, you'll understand why I'm limping. He didn't hit me hard; but every single strike seemed planned - as if to strike in exactly the spot that would level me. I'm not used to being beaten by someone who just stands there, making me do all the work to try to get in. And paying for it doubly, since he wore me out more than men I've sparred with who also move about on the sands.

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

Congratulations to you, to the Duke, and to Lady Alia!

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)

Received a message from my home back in Cloudspine, it seems like one of the mines are having issues with an Abandoned Tribe. That is surprising because when I was home a few months ago, there was no sign of any troubles with the Abandoned in the area. Things were relatively quiet when I went to check on the notable areas of our home. I pray that it is just a minor incident and that the trip will just be another opportunity to see home again. I shall see who is available to journey to Cloudspine with me to take a look and make it an enjoyable trip instead of a troubling one. Now I shall depart, Scholar, and start making preparations for the trip. With luck, I will be back here soon updating my journal that it was just a misunderstanding.

Written By Hadrian

May 31, 2020, 10:21 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Children,

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)

Good evening Scholar, tonight I am here to have my thoughts recorded down on transcript instead of reading the entry of others. And this one is of a more personal nature instead of pertaining to my duties or my House.

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

Dame Leola works with my guard dogs frequently, honing their training and seeing they behave and know things like not to eat 'found' food or food given by anyone but the Saiks or it is something they are told is ok to eat. It is a relief to have them with me, knowing how strong and capable they are. I don't have to worry about they changing jobs or moving away or gossip if they sleep outside my bedroom door.

Written By Matteo

May 31, 2020, 9:47 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

I am an uncle! Well, I suppose I have been an uncle, but this is the first time I have been an uncle and can see my new niece. I cannot wait to see her and her mother. I am only afraid that my heart is going to get stolen for eternity.

Written By Lucita

May 31, 2020, 9:44 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Finally am back to my roots, music, the joy of my life. The instrumental variety .. with no lyrics. Sometimes it is nice to just relax and let the notes flow along according to my mood and thoughts.

Written By Corban

May 31, 2020, 9:39 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Ophelia

Happy birthday, my dear princess.

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)

Got out of the city for a little bit with the family for some fishing. The time to relax with Acacia was much needed, and Tython showed real potential filling in as Captain so she could take the day off. Samira was kind and helpful the whole way out and back, which is always nice to see from one that has every excuse to be bitter. Ravna was... Ravna. What more can you say? Had a good time, and everybody appreciated the hard work Raja put in minding the Lowers while we were out. Somebody had to draw the short straw after all.

Written By Raphael

May 31, 2020, 9:29 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Finally back in the city. The scale and breadth of the challenges that lay before me are simulatantiously daunting and thrilling. Still, I have family here. And purpose, I will not want for that.

Written By Lucita

May 31, 2020, 9:28 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Teaching caring and generosity at an early age. We gave up flower beds for raising more food for the lowers. While it is not huge shipments, it is fresh and a personal effort and will help a few steady on through the seasons. The twins helped with the weeding. Saikland is largely agricultural based and that will help them understand the effort necessary.

Written By Matteo

May 31, 2020, 9:26 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

It seems that I need to improve my sword work, and quickly. I should send out word again in the city that I am looking for instructors, but I feel bad each time I do. And then I think, I have had so many wonderful people offer dancing lessons and it has led to delightful meetings. What would be the harm in asking for more instruction?

Written By Matteo

May 31, 2020, 9:25 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

I have offended probably many in my handful of weeks in Arx, but one, in particular, I did not mean to. I was thoughtless and so crass. Honestly, it is hard to adjust to being Noble again. There are times, too, that I wonder if I want to. But I am here, and if anyone has any tips to send for my adjustment, please do.

Written By Hadrian

May 31, 2020, 9:04 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

Rarely does one person dislike another without some justification. The justification can be stupid, of course! But there is most assuredly some justification if one only seek it out.

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)

The troubles continue. The peerage seems to be taking the needs of the poor seriously, which would be a good thing for them to maintain in the long term. And yet this unrest is still the result of enemy action. I am left unquiet considering what else they may be planning. All manner of dire intrigues may be afoot, moving invisibly around us. Our foes use our social issues against us, but we cannot prevail unless we are united. Fortunately, the Compact gives us the tools to succeed if we are only determined enough to use them rather than operating purely from self-interest.

Written By Hadrian

May 31, 2020, 8:26 p.m.(5/22/1013 AR)

There is little difference between vision and daydream. They both are free to be forgotten as quickly as they end or recognized as the many varied paths of potential laid before you. They even both require effort to draw them from the mind into the world.

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 find myself drowning my insecurities in mead these nights.

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)

I've sent much of my family off to investigate an issue with one of the new mines in the Cloudspine. I wish them well and hope they manage to sort the issue out with ease and success. Meanwhile, my husband is on his way back to the city after an initial tour of the lands he is now Marquis of. I'm torn on how I feel about this. I suppose I should start adapting to the idea of cohabitation at least part of the time.

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