Written By Raymesin
April 12, 2020, 3:33 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
People keep congratulating me on getting married - and trying to find out just how it was possible. They can keep asking, Scholar, I'm not entirely sure myself.
Some things have changed in my life. Some things haven't changed. But it still feels right, like I didn't so much fall for a woman as have events in my life conspire to push me over, hold me down and stake me out for when she needed something to trip over.
Seems there's a lot of people puzzled about who I've chosen to marry, like 'barmaid' is some sort of an insult. But she's funny, she's cute, she's clever, she's strong enough to toss drunks - and other undesireables - out the door, and she knows ways to deal with people that don't involve scowling at them, growling at them, or stabbing them. And, most important, she trusts me and I trust her.
I figure that's the most important thing in any marriage, even if I haven't been at this marriage game long. Trust. Without trust, you've just got chains.
Some things have changed in my life. Some things haven't changed. But it still feels right, like I didn't so much fall for a woman as have events in my life conspire to push me over, hold me down and stake me out for when she needed something to trip over.
Seems there's a lot of people puzzled about who I've chosen to marry, like 'barmaid' is some sort of an insult. But she's funny, she's cute, she's clever, she's strong enough to toss drunks - and other undesireables - out the door, and she knows ways to deal with people that don't involve scowling at them, growling at them, or stabbing them. And, most important, she trusts me and I trust her.
I figure that's the most important thing in any marriage, even if I haven't been at this marriage game long. Trust. Without trust, you've just got chains.
Written By Monique
April 12, 2020, 3:07 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
This was not the plan. I will miss you. Rest assured, I know the good you've done and I will continue to be inspired by it.
Written By Shard
April 12, 2020, 1:59 p.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
You know, I wasn't going to say anything. People are mourning, the only times Arianna and I ever interacted were almost entirely arguments and those pretty scattered and far apart. I didn't know her. I wasn't really any part of her life. It didn't seem right to put anything out there. It's why I never wrote anything openly about Aislin Ashford when she went, because we didn't meet each other often and, while she did a lot of good for me, while I still owe her a debt because I could never pay that back even if she'd never expect it, never ask for it, while I admired her--I couldn't call us friends. Our paths didn't cross enough and her real friends and family didn't deserve me pretending like we were. So it didn't make any sense to say anything about Princess Arianna Pravus, because about all I could say would be that, if she had to go, taking a bunch of slaving murderers with her is a pretty good way to go out.
But it would be great, it would be really swell, if House Pravus could go one single, infinitesimal second without patting each other on the back and crowing about how they're the greatest supporters of freedom and the most ardent opponents of slavery out there, maybe the best there ever were, because slavers were in their way when they went into the Chain with the goal of growing their domain as part of their bid to become a Great House. What they did was admirable, it involved a lot of loss, and it deserves praise. There are a lot of former slaves that owe Pravus their freedom and their new lives, thousands of them.
But they don't speak of the allies that helped them. They don't speak of Grimhall, they don't speak of Stormbreak. They don't speak of the Faith, the other Great Houses, individuals, entire armies, often the whole Compact that have been fighting and sacrificing against slavery since at least the days of Queen Triscali the Black Rose, let alone all the others who have been involved in it just in my own lifetime. How many missions did Princess Reese Grayson lead into the Gray Forest? How many sacrificed their lives defending Farhaven? How many dead fighting slavers who attacked the Lodge of Petrichor, where Duke Harald Grimhall himself fell? How many died defending /Setarco/?
And how many are gathering, planning, and marching to meet the Skal'dajan fleet that's been set against House Pravus? How many have answered the crusade, how many have flocked to the banners of Houses great and small? How many are prepared to die for the sake of freedom?
Maybe it's not the best look for Pravus to use the death of a family member they're still mourning who only died /a few days ago/ in order to take political potshots at people and organizations who criticized her for things that had nothing to do with fighting for freedom or opposing slavery and everything to do with her mocking a dead and beloved member of the Faith; an action that, at the time, Pravus insisted was Arianna's and Arianna's alone and they couldn't be held accountable for it, and yet immediately chose to throw the entire weight of their House's influence against the Nightingale of the Bard's College, a commoner, who dared to suggest it wasn't a good thing to do.
Maybe. I don't know. It seems in poor taste. But really, who's going to bother reading the Whites of a prodigal commoner at any time, let alone with so many more important things going on in Arvum?
But it would be great, it would be really swell, if House Pravus could go one single, infinitesimal second without patting each other on the back and crowing about how they're the greatest supporters of freedom and the most ardent opponents of slavery out there, maybe the best there ever were, because slavers were in their way when they went into the Chain with the goal of growing their domain as part of their bid to become a Great House. What they did was admirable, it involved a lot of loss, and it deserves praise. There are a lot of former slaves that owe Pravus their freedom and their new lives, thousands of them.
But they don't speak of the allies that helped them. They don't speak of Grimhall, they don't speak of Stormbreak. They don't speak of the Faith, the other Great Houses, individuals, entire armies, often the whole Compact that have been fighting and sacrificing against slavery since at least the days of Queen Triscali the Black Rose, let alone all the others who have been involved in it just in my own lifetime. How many missions did Princess Reese Grayson lead into the Gray Forest? How many sacrificed their lives defending Farhaven? How many dead fighting slavers who attacked the Lodge of Petrichor, where Duke Harald Grimhall himself fell? How many died defending /Setarco/?
And how many are gathering, planning, and marching to meet the Skal'dajan fleet that's been set against House Pravus? How many have answered the crusade, how many have flocked to the banners of Houses great and small? How many are prepared to die for the sake of freedom?
Maybe it's not the best look for Pravus to use the death of a family member they're still mourning who only died /a few days ago/ in order to take political potshots at people and organizations who criticized her for things that had nothing to do with fighting for freedom or opposing slavery and everything to do with her mocking a dead and beloved member of the Faith; an action that, at the time, Pravus insisted was Arianna's and Arianna's alone and they couldn't be held accountable for it, and yet immediately chose to throw the entire weight of their House's influence against the Nightingale of the Bard's College, a commoner, who dared to suggest it wasn't a good thing to do.
Maybe. I don't know. It seems in poor taste. But really, who's going to bother reading the Whites of a prodigal commoner at any time, let alone with so many more important things going on in Arvum?
Written By Lucene
April 12, 2020, 1:29 p.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
As much as I like to moan about being worked to the bone, I must admit that it is something I actually enjoy. Be it writing my signature for the thousandth time, getting down in the dirt to help create new fields among refugees or imparting knowledge to my shiny new army recruits.
Still, I have taken the advice of those around me and hired an assistant to give me a helping hand. He's good at what he does, but Scholar, he makes /me/ look absolutely lovely in comparison! And here I thought I had a foul mouth and no filter.
With his help, I hope I can finally find the time to leave the safety of my study once more. I miss drinking at the Black Fox and getting into vicious fights at the Training Center.
Still, I have taken the advice of those around me and hired an assistant to give me a helping hand. He's good at what he does, but Scholar, he makes /me/ look absolutely lovely in comparison! And here I thought I had a foul mouth and no filter.
With his help, I hope I can finally find the time to leave the safety of my study once more. I miss drinking at the Black Fox and getting into vicious fights at the Training Center.
Written By Catalana
April 12, 2020, 12:51 p.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
The other day I was alerted to a broken foot in the Kay. Naturally, I was concerned. Scared. Alarmed. Our home had been broken into.
However, after hearing some shouting, I realized it's Porter's room and that it was just Rorik stealing his pants.
Scholars, I do hope at some point the Kennexs will grow up, be quiet, well groomed and own their own pants. But I believe that to be an utter and absolute fantasy I will never see.
However, after hearing some shouting, I realized it's Porter's room and that it was just Rorik stealing his pants.
Scholars, I do hope at some point the Kennexs will grow up, be quiet, well groomed and own their own pants. But I believe that to be an utter and absolute fantasy I will never see.
Written By Rosalind
April 12, 2020, 11:32 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
There was ICE SKATING at the Hart! It was so fun to watch..At least the little I did watch. Then I had to run, because...things to do! I promised to get some research done. Don't ask.
Written By Rosalind
April 12, 2020, 11:29 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
I watched a musical this week. It was creepy! Know what else was scary. Aella's stink eye. That she gave both me AND Cadern. Gods and Spirits! It was like being five again and I blurted out something I shouldn't have and Aella told me I can't say that out allowed. Only this time I thought I was saving someone. Ooops.
Written By Rosalind
April 12, 2020, 11:27 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
Another Redrain Dinner! OHMYGOSH! That cold shot thing! I managed 3. 3! Then I think stumbled home. Quite the feat. Good thing home isn't too far. I should explain to Aella a few things. Nah. I don't think I will..
Written By Belladonna
April 12, 2020, 6:41 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Princess Arianna Pravus died fighting against agents of the Slaver-Kingdom of Skal'daja, agents she assisted in routing and crippling in the Saffron Chain. The silence of many of those who profess a love for freedom is deafening.
Arianna sacrificed more for the Peers of the Compact, and our beloved people of the Summer Seas, than most will ever know and only a handful could ever hope to match. She inspired her many detractors to cower behind few, whispering voices, while ushering a new age for our Compact.
For many centuries yet to come her fable will be celebrated under the shadow of our ageless Titan in Setarco City. In the end that is all that ever mattered to her: to be home with her family. Today that will be good enough for me as well.
Tomorrow, I may have a desire for blood.
Arianna sacrificed more for the Peers of the Compact, and our beloved people of the Summer Seas, than most will ever know and only a handful could ever hope to match. She inspired her many detractors to cower behind few, whispering voices, while ushering a new age for our Compact.
For many centuries yet to come her fable will be celebrated under the shadow of our ageless Titan in Setarco City. In the end that is all that ever mattered to her: to be home with her family. Today that will be good enough for me as well.
Tomorrow, I may have a desire for blood.
Written By Malesh
April 12, 2020, 3:48 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
I'm in a bit of continued surprise and disbelief still.
I sit here, an educated and supposedly dispassionate man, searching for the words to document the death of my sister.
In time perhaps I shall come up with something that is more befitting of historical value, but I am at almost a complete loss.
One thing does occur to me, however, and while I (of course ) do not smile at her passing, it does please me to believe that she might have thought this humorous as well, and so I shall record here that thought which entered my otherwise empty mind.
Get well soon.
I sit here, an educated and supposedly dispassionate man, searching for the words to document the death of my sister.
In time perhaps I shall come up with something that is more befitting of historical value, but I am at almost a complete loss.
One thing does occur to me, however, and while I (of course ) do not smile at her passing, it does please me to believe that she might have thought this humorous as well, and so I shall record here that thought which entered my otherwise empty mind.
Get well soon.
Written By Mirari
April 12, 2020, 3:40 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Get well soon!
Written By Tanith
April 12, 2020, 1:39 a.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Emara
Your sweater smells amazing.
Stop stealing my skirts. We have the same mother, she'll make you your own.
You're not getting this sweater back.
Stop stealing my skirts. We have the same mother, she'll make you your own.
You're not getting this sweater back.
Written By Rafael
April 12, 2020, 1:37 a.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Haptenna
I may not agree with your means, but I can't argue with your results.
..I have a headache.
..I have a headache.
Written By Tanith
April 12, 2020, 1:30 a.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
I've had many messages and words of congratulation this past fortnight, people I've known my whole life wishing me well (but also looking surprised). I was never the kind of person who thought she'd get married; my parents rather upended any fantastic notions about how that might go, and no, Mother, I'm not mad about it, but you and Dad have more complications and partners than a horny spider.
While there's been much kindness (and gifts! what!), there's also been a fair amount of incredulity. Getting married was apparently not as surprising as -who- I was marrying. Fair; not many know that we had known each other for so long, or were so close. No one is privy to everything in anyone's life, I think my sister was the only one who was there for any of our friendship.
Make no mistake; my husband is no one you want to see in the best circumstances. He's terrifying as fuck and he's been that way for as long as I've known him, he's only gotten better at it as time has gone on. He is dour, brooding, and if you even see the hint of a blade and he's looking at you, get the Abyss out of his way. I've seen merchants pause to gape when they ask about my nuptials, watched one of the rudest drunks I've had to deal with go pale and stumble in his own vomit when he figured out which 'Tanith' I was. The collection of patrons at the Murder have become noticeably more polite, and I have struggled not to laugh out right when some crusty jackass who cursed at me last fortnight is suddenly asking me with 'please' and 'thank you' for his customary mug of poison. I suspect this will be a trend.
Is it wrong, then, that I'm so utterly delighted by it?
Probably.
Still fun though.
While there's been much kindness (and gifts! what!), there's also been a fair amount of incredulity. Getting married was apparently not as surprising as -who- I was marrying. Fair; not many know that we had known each other for so long, or were so close. No one is privy to everything in anyone's life, I think my sister was the only one who was there for any of our friendship.
Make no mistake; my husband is no one you want to see in the best circumstances. He's terrifying as fuck and he's been that way for as long as I've known him, he's only gotten better at it as time has gone on. He is dour, brooding, and if you even see the hint of a blade and he's looking at you, get the Abyss out of his way. I've seen merchants pause to gape when they ask about my nuptials, watched one of the rudest drunks I've had to deal with go pale and stumble in his own vomit when he figured out which 'Tanith' I was. The collection of patrons at the Murder have become noticeably more polite, and I have struggled not to laugh out right when some crusty jackass who cursed at me last fortnight is suddenly asking me with 'please' and 'thank you' for his customary mug of poison. I suspect this will be a trend.
Is it wrong, then, that I'm so utterly delighted by it?
Probably.
Still fun though.
Written By Sorrel
April 12, 2020, 1:29 a.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
I hope that you are free and happy. May Death hold you gently in her arms.
Written By Juliette
April 11, 2020, 10:38 p.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
It's hard to believe how quickly the last year passed. I hope it is not too many more of those before I pin this thing down for the clan. Family before all!
Written By Kastelon
April 11, 2020, 10:36 p.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
For the first time this week, I went to train at the public training center in Arx, rather than the range on Keaton grounds.
It was interestingly crowded. Perhaps I could practice there more often as an exercise in focus, because at the public training center there are many distractions to draw one's eye from the target.
It was interestingly crowded. Perhaps I could practice there more often as an exercise in focus, because at the public training center there are many distractions to draw one's eye from the target.
Written By Martino
April 11, 2020, 4:27 p.m.(2/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
Perhaps we are not as good as a tag-team as I thought in the ring. More to do with my abilities than yours.
Although this has now inspired another fine idea because of you. Couples tournament.
Although this has now inspired another fine idea because of you. Couples tournament.
Written By Esme
April 11, 2020, 10:37 a.m.(2/5/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Erik
I wrote to you today. I could not send Happiness to send it to you as you are not within Arx now. I miss you.
Written By Preston
April 11, 2020, 8:42 a.m.(2/5/1013 AR)
In the battle of good versus evil, it is true that evil is often more obvious in its power, that it may seem to have all the big battalions on their side. Perhaps all good can offer you is a noble cause and a risk of death in pursuit of that. Perhaps you could try and ignore that battle, to stand between the two and stare intently at your fingernails as you hear the sound of death around you.
But what I do know is that those who side with evil, through fear of death and in the hopes that that which is evil shares its power, will never achieve their desires. Evil will use you as far as it can, it will steal everything from you - all the good the Gods put into you - until you have nothing more to give, and it will give you either death or unending unmerciful torment.
For myself, if I must choose a path that may well end in my death, I shall choose the one that sees me die on my feet, my head unbowed, in pursuit of a noble cause. Never the one that may push that death back by trading every good thing I am, have ever done, and could ever be.
But what I do know is that those who side with evil, through fear of death and in the hopes that that which is evil shares its power, will never achieve their desires. Evil will use you as far as it can, it will steal everything from you - all the good the Gods put into you - until you have nothing more to give, and it will give you either death or unending unmerciful torment.
For myself, if I must choose a path that may well end in my death, I shall choose the one that sees me die on my feet, my head unbowed, in pursuit of a noble cause. Never the one that may push that death back by trading every good thing I am, have ever done, and could ever be.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.