Written By Arianna
March 22, 2020, 1:28 p.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
Awww. Get well soon.
Written By Zoey
March 22, 2020, 1:27 p.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Words cannot express my gratitude for the outpouring of support I have experienced since the news began to spread of Lord Ian's capture.
If you wish to help, please direct your offers to Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex.
If you wish to help, please direct your offers to Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex.
Written By Hadrian
March 22, 2020, 1:10 p.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Alongside my need to settle on adding titles and honorifics that I've likely forgotten, there's also the need to come up for a new topic of discussion at the Salon. I'm sure I'll have something come to mind in the next day or two.
* The strength of allies. Can having core differences still result in lasting alliances? The answer is usually yes. Adults at the table can accomplish many things despite different core values. The secret is in simple respect.
* What resides among the stars? Is life out there? If things here are terrifying, how terrifying are the things out there? How fast would an Arvani try to procreate with it or them, if so? The answer is definitely yes. Twice.
* Are secret clubs really as neat as they're made out to be by the members who brag about being in them? They're not really that neat. You don't really get to tell anyone that you're in a secret clu -- oh, never mind. That wouldn't work for a subject.
* Spit or oil, which is better? That one wouldn't really work. Everyone knows that spit is better.
* If your neighbor's a slaver, does that make you a slaver too? Probably. Your dog, too. A discussion on Arvani foreign relations.
* Who were the allies of old that the Compact or its peoples once held? The renewal of alliances, peace agreements, and similar diplomatic efforts should take a forefront to the constant rattling of sword and shield. When applicable, of course.
* Who was the melting man on the back of the horse? Why did he call me Duke Malvici? An irrelevant note, but something that warrants further consideration now that it has popped into my head.
* What does Luigi even look like without his mustache? This one still makes me wonder. Sometimes I lose sleep at night thinking about this one. I imagine he looks like some sort of tough investigator with a lively rabbit friend or something.
I'll think of something in a day or two that'll stick. Then the time will come to make arrangements for the next gathering. Maybe it'll become a group activity that continues rolling even after the conclusion of the initial discussion; perhaps a series of experiments working to prove the competitive virtues of spit against oil? I do so enjoy that little surge of excitement when it comes to the planning phase for a discussion at the Empirical.
* The strength of allies. Can having core differences still result in lasting alliances? The answer is usually yes. Adults at the table can accomplish many things despite different core values. The secret is in simple respect.
* What resides among the stars? Is life out there? If things here are terrifying, how terrifying are the things out there? How fast would an Arvani try to procreate with it or them, if so? The answer is definitely yes. Twice.
* Are secret clubs really as neat as they're made out to be by the members who brag about being in them? They're not really that neat. You don't really get to tell anyone that you're in a secret clu -- oh, never mind. That wouldn't work for a subject.
* Spit or oil, which is better? That one wouldn't really work. Everyone knows that spit is better.
* If your neighbor's a slaver, does that make you a slaver too? Probably. Your dog, too. A discussion on Arvani foreign relations.
* Who were the allies of old that the Compact or its peoples once held? The renewal of alliances, peace agreements, and similar diplomatic efforts should take a forefront to the constant rattling of sword and shield. When applicable, of course.
* Who was the melting man on the back of the horse? Why did he call me Duke Malvici? An irrelevant note, but something that warrants further consideration now that it has popped into my head.
* What does Luigi even look like without his mustache? This one still makes me wonder. Sometimes I lose sleep at night thinking about this one. I imagine he looks like some sort of tough investigator with a lively rabbit friend or something.
I'll think of something in a day or two that'll stick. Then the time will come to make arrangements for the next gathering. Maybe it'll become a group activity that continues rolling even after the conclusion of the initial discussion; perhaps a series of experiments working to prove the competitive virtues of spit against oil? I do so enjoy that little surge of excitement when it comes to the planning phase for a discussion at the Empirical.
Written By Thea
March 22, 2020, 1:09 p.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
And just like that....Our strength is being tested from all over.
Written By Yelana
March 22, 2020, 10:52 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
I am so grateful to those who forestalled an attack on my home city of Granato.
Written By Jaenelle
March 22, 2020, 8:47 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Winning second place within the Tournament of Thorns was an enjoyable experience for me. I wish to thank those who worked so diligently in the creation and execution of such a grand scaled undertaking. I shall wear my cloak with pride, and send a letter for what I want from my friends in the Twilight Court anyway. What could go wrong?
Written By Celeste
March 22, 2020, 8:34 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
But I am a well so deep
Sweet is no longer a memory.
Sweet is no longer a memory.
Written By Jeffeth
March 22, 2020, 3:17 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
My Fawn,
You have always been more thoughtful than me. I don't think of doing something for you until you've already done it for me. So why should it be any different when it comes to a parting letter. You write something lovely to me and I don't think to write anything for you until you've already went and done it. I write this letter to you in the whites, letting it out among everyone with the hope that someday it may in some way find its way to you. Even if you may not know it. For everyone of you that is not Juniper brought back from the Wheel that comes upon this, I apologize, if you keep reading.
Yes, you were right, it did take me a very long time to read the letter. I'm not sure how long exactly, that first night was a hazy blur. I remember panicking because my tears were dropping on the letter and I was so scared I would ruin it. I had to stop a few times but it kept happening, but eventually I think my body became so dehydrated I was able to read it right through. At that point it likely had been hours and I let out probably a horrible sounding laugh when I saw you saying you knew it would take me all night to read it. It is strange to talk to you this way, you writing to me while you listen to me making whistling sounds while I sleep and me writing to you while I sit in the very same place you were, just a few days ago. But there is no snoring and no whistling through your nose, you're not in the bed. It's empty and very sad looking. I've been sleeping on the floor. On the bed any time I start to maybe fall asleep I start to reach out to throw my arm over you and there's a lurch when my arm drops through nothing where I thought there would be your side. Like when you walk up the stairs at night, thinking there's an extra step and there isn't. It hurts my chest and I don't like it.
Thank you, for writing this, for giving me something to read again and again. To fold up and keep over my chest as I try to sleep. I love you too. Never past tense. I love you and that will always be true.
I remember when you told me about what Lagoma showed you, the two paths. I remember feeling selfish but I tried not to say anything. I know you knew exactly how I felt even if I did my very best not to say anything. The vision of you in the Faith or you in with the wedding band on your finger, with children. I tried not to think about it too much, but I've always worn the ring you gave me. Until now, it's the first time I have taken it off for more than a few minutes time. My finger feels naked and lighter than it should be. I don't like it. I took it off because... I don't know. When I found yours in the box you left me, I just thought they should be together. Maybe I should have them forged into a necklace or something, I don't know. You would know what to do, and I just wish you were here to give me the idea that I would need. Sorry, I'm getting distracted.
I will always be your Bull. I would not trade a minute of it either. You know I had one secret I managed to keep from you? When this plan was set, I spoke to the queen (she really is lovely, by the way) and when we spoke I just knew. I knew that doing this, you would be going back to the Wheel. I thought that perhaps coming to terms with it before it happened would make it easier for me when it actually did. It didn't. I cried hard the day I realized what was going to happen and it effected me that night. I think you noticed a little but I was able to hide most of it, probably the only thing I've ever been able to hide from you. I'm crying harder now that it has actually happened. Our memories of course will be a light. I'll tell your stories, loudly and often, and perhaps at some point I'll even be able to tell them without crying.
You have only ever been light. You have always been a constant. Even were we separated for years, I knew your love for me would not diminish a single ounce. It does feel darker, this world, now that you are not in it. It feels a little darker, a little colder. But I know that will not last. More lights will ignite because of yours, sparks will fan to flame and soon a sea of twinkling lights will rise up because of your sacrifice, because of your love. But right now, I feel cold.
I am going to miss you, Pebble. I am going to miss telling you about whatever quest or mission or dangerous thing I was going to be doing and you doing your best not to dissuade me, to let me be who I need to be, and coming home to the most vigorous inspection for wounds, every single time. You never did anything but support me, there is no one like you. I hope in these last days I was a Juniper to you. That would feel awfully nice, if I was able to support you once like you always did for me. I will hold on to my light, even if it will never compare to how brightly you would shine like the sun.
Now I am looking at where you used to sleep and thinking about what dreams and nightmares may come that you've gone away. I'm thinking about the lives to come after this and perhaps one day, many years from now, a young woman with a fawn mask will dance with a young man in the mask of a bull.
I love you, Juniper. Goodbye.
Always,
Your Bull
You have always been more thoughtful than me. I don't think of doing something for you until you've already done it for me. So why should it be any different when it comes to a parting letter. You write something lovely to me and I don't think to write anything for you until you've already went and done it. I write this letter to you in the whites, letting it out among everyone with the hope that someday it may in some way find its way to you. Even if you may not know it. For everyone of you that is not Juniper brought back from the Wheel that comes upon this, I apologize, if you keep reading.
Yes, you were right, it did take me a very long time to read the letter. I'm not sure how long exactly, that first night was a hazy blur. I remember panicking because my tears were dropping on the letter and I was so scared I would ruin it. I had to stop a few times but it kept happening, but eventually I think my body became so dehydrated I was able to read it right through. At that point it likely had been hours and I let out probably a horrible sounding laugh when I saw you saying you knew it would take me all night to read it. It is strange to talk to you this way, you writing to me while you listen to me making whistling sounds while I sleep and me writing to you while I sit in the very same place you were, just a few days ago. But there is no snoring and no whistling through your nose, you're not in the bed. It's empty and very sad looking. I've been sleeping on the floor. On the bed any time I start to maybe fall asleep I start to reach out to throw my arm over you and there's a lurch when my arm drops through nothing where I thought there would be your side. Like when you walk up the stairs at night, thinking there's an extra step and there isn't. It hurts my chest and I don't like it.
Thank you, for writing this, for giving me something to read again and again. To fold up and keep over my chest as I try to sleep. I love you too. Never past tense. I love you and that will always be true.
I remember when you told me about what Lagoma showed you, the two paths. I remember feeling selfish but I tried not to say anything. I know you knew exactly how I felt even if I did my very best not to say anything. The vision of you in the Faith or you in with the wedding band on your finger, with children. I tried not to think about it too much, but I've always worn the ring you gave me. Until now, it's the first time I have taken it off for more than a few minutes time. My finger feels naked and lighter than it should be. I don't like it. I took it off because... I don't know. When I found yours in the box you left me, I just thought they should be together. Maybe I should have them forged into a necklace or something, I don't know. You would know what to do, and I just wish you were here to give me the idea that I would need. Sorry, I'm getting distracted.
I will always be your Bull. I would not trade a minute of it either. You know I had one secret I managed to keep from you? When this plan was set, I spoke to the queen (she really is lovely, by the way) and when we spoke I just knew. I knew that doing this, you would be going back to the Wheel. I thought that perhaps coming to terms with it before it happened would make it easier for me when it actually did. It didn't. I cried hard the day I realized what was going to happen and it effected me that night. I think you noticed a little but I was able to hide most of it, probably the only thing I've ever been able to hide from you. I'm crying harder now that it has actually happened. Our memories of course will be a light. I'll tell your stories, loudly and often, and perhaps at some point I'll even be able to tell them without crying.
You have only ever been light. You have always been a constant. Even were we separated for years, I knew your love for me would not diminish a single ounce. It does feel darker, this world, now that you are not in it. It feels a little darker, a little colder. But I know that will not last. More lights will ignite because of yours, sparks will fan to flame and soon a sea of twinkling lights will rise up because of your sacrifice, because of your love. But right now, I feel cold.
I am going to miss you, Pebble. I am going to miss telling you about whatever quest or mission or dangerous thing I was going to be doing and you doing your best not to dissuade me, to let me be who I need to be, and coming home to the most vigorous inspection for wounds, every single time. You never did anything but support me, there is no one like you. I hope in these last days I was a Juniper to you. That would feel awfully nice, if I was able to support you once like you always did for me. I will hold on to my light, even if it will never compare to how brightly you would shine like the sun.
Now I am looking at where you used to sleep and thinking about what dreams and nightmares may come that you've gone away. I'm thinking about the lives to come after this and perhaps one day, many years from now, a young woman with a fawn mask will dance with a young man in the mask of a bull.
I love you, Juniper. Goodbye.
Always,
Your Bull
Written By Anisha
March 22, 2020, 3:16 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
The Tournament of Thorns of 2012 has come to an end, and it has been an experience beyond compare.
My deepest thanks to Lady Monique for her devoted work and efforts in making this happen, as well as my respect of her display as the Queen of Thorns.
Likewise, I wish to extend my thanks to Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax, Princess Sabella Grayson, Prince Sebastian Pravus, Archlector Etienne Telmar, Marquis Dante DiFidante, and Mistress Swift Grayhope as my fellow commitee members and Royalty of Thorns. It has been an exquisite pleasure to act as your Neodymium, and I hope I get to repeat the trick in a year.
It would go amiss not to thank the stunning competitors - there may only have been one formal winner, but I have been consistently impressed with the talent and creativity of our contestants, and I have numerous tales to show for my challenge, which drives me to want to repeat it. If you did give me a tale, I may reach out to you in the coming days, to gain permission to publish (and, potentially, alter for better reading consumption), as well as inquire a bit about your choices.
It has been a busy few weeks, and I am only sorry I was not able to meet more folk to share with me their little truths. This thorn has pricked her last drop... For now.
My deepest thanks to Lady Monique for her devoted work and efforts in making this happen, as well as my respect of her display as the Queen of Thorns.
Likewise, I wish to extend my thanks to Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax, Princess Sabella Grayson, Prince Sebastian Pravus, Archlector Etienne Telmar, Marquis Dante DiFidante, and Mistress Swift Grayhope as my fellow commitee members and Royalty of Thorns. It has been an exquisite pleasure to act as your Neodymium, and I hope I get to repeat the trick in a year.
It would go amiss not to thank the stunning competitors - there may only have been one formal winner, but I have been consistently impressed with the talent and creativity of our contestants, and I have numerous tales to show for my challenge, which drives me to want to repeat it. If you did give me a tale, I may reach out to you in the coming days, to gain permission to publish (and, potentially, alter for better reading consumption), as well as inquire a bit about your choices.
It has been a busy few weeks, and I am only sorry I was not able to meet more folk to share with me their little truths. This thorn has pricked her last drop... For now.
Written By Alarissa
March 22, 2020, 2:44 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
I have two black eyes, a broken nose, but at least my husband didn't have to cleave through the Shav population of the Oathlands to come find me.
The ridiculousness of this is not lost on me, in the least.
Mistress Swifts poultices work wonders and I can already breath far better and the prodigal healer swears that my nose will be as straight as it was before.
The ridiculousness of this is not lost on me, in the least.
Mistress Swifts poultices work wonders and I can already breath far better and the prodigal healer swears that my nose will be as straight as it was before.
Written By Svana
March 22, 2020, 2:30 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
No wonder why people described this city as 'fun' and 'bustling' to me before I decided to settle; if they had told me the truth, that it is a hateful place full of mistrust and ugliness, I would have never come here.
Written By Monique
March 22, 2020, 1:49 a.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
This year's Queen of Thorns was Princess Lucrezia Pravus! She put in a truly fantastical showing at the Tournament of Thorns and has claimed the prize of a favor from the Twilight Court.
Claiming second place was ArchDuchess-Regent Jaenelle Velenosa, winning a truly splendid steelsilk cloak.
And earning third, Lady Juliana Igniseri, who took home a stunning pyreweave cloak.
The event was a wonderful evening, surrounded by the breathtaking skill of the courtiers of Arvum. My gratitude is boundless to those who showed up, who stayed to compete. And too, I could not have done this without the Committee of Thorns, for their tireless effort to make this vision a grand reality. Thank you.
Claiming second place was ArchDuchess-Regent Jaenelle Velenosa, winning a truly splendid steelsilk cloak.
And earning third, Lady Juliana Igniseri, who took home a stunning pyreweave cloak.
The event was a wonderful evening, surrounded by the breathtaking skill of the courtiers of Arvum. My gratitude is boundless to those who showed up, who stayed to compete. And too, I could not have done this without the Committee of Thorns, for their tireless effort to make this vision a grand reality. Thank you.
Written By Porter
March 22, 2020, 12:22 a.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
Anyone that thinks Ian Kennex is dead is wrong.
Written By Gaspar
March 22, 2020, 12:15 a.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
What a grand adventure on which we are about to embark.
Written By Zoey
March 21, 2020, 11:44 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
We had to come home without them. Lady Brianna, Lord Rysen, and my husband. I pray that the rescue efforts are not in vain. We cannot lose hope.
Written By Yelana
March 21, 2020, 10:44 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
I think I must obtain some of this new ironwool. I could have a cunning little capelet made of it that might keep Percy's talons out of my skin.
Written By Dycard
March 21, 2020, 8:52 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
It is with pride that I announce in my Whites that I have taken the florist Revell Crownsworn - or simply, Revell - under my wing as my Protege.
She may make missteps - as do we all. As her Patron I accept those missteps as my own, and ask that members of the peerage look kindly on them and her inexperience, both when interacting with Nobility and in general in terms of the cultural melting pot that is our Capital.
If Revell makes a mistake that does not outright breach a law of the Compact, I ask that my fellow Peers take it up with me where possible, although of course the right to correct a commoner is one that all Nobles have. She is an intelligent woman and a quick study, who I genuinely believe wishes to fit in in our city.
I look forward to the fruits of her labours benefiting both me and family, and hope that in return, my vouching for the calibre of her character carries some weight among my peers.
She may make missteps - as do we all. As her Patron I accept those missteps as my own, and ask that members of the peerage look kindly on them and her inexperience, both when interacting with Nobility and in general in terms of the cultural melting pot that is our Capital.
If Revell makes a mistake that does not outright breach a law of the Compact, I ask that my fellow Peers take it up with me where possible, although of course the right to correct a commoner is one that all Nobles have. She is an intelligent woman and a quick study, who I genuinely believe wishes to fit in in our city.
I look forward to the fruits of her labours benefiting both me and family, and hope that in return, my vouching for the calibre of her character carries some weight among my peers.
Written By Brannen
March 21, 2020, 8:46 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
One day from Death's hand we set out.
One day to Death's hand we return.
We humans cannot decide if death has meaning.
We humans cannot judge if a life fulfilled its purpose.
But - we humans may mourn.
May the life of our sister have brought hope to those in need of guidance.
May we all remember her deeds in our memory and in the Great Archive.
One day to Death's hand we return.
We humans cannot decide if death has meaning.
We humans cannot judge if a life fulfilled its purpose.
But - we humans may mourn.
May the life of our sister have brought hope to those in need of guidance.
May we all remember her deeds in our memory and in the Great Archive.
Written By Harlex
March 21, 2020, 7:47 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
I can't say I'll ever understand. The damned world asks too much and yields so little. What's the point of any of this?
I want to let this prove some bitterness in me is vindicated. That I am right.
But that would be a disservice to you. Wouldn't it?
I'll try to be hopeful instead.
You were my dearest friend after all. I have so few left.
That's all I have to say.
See you around, June, on the next one.
I want to let this prove some bitterness in me is vindicated. That I am right.
But that would be a disservice to you. Wouldn't it?
I'll try to be hopeful instead.
You were my dearest friend after all. I have so few left.
That's all I have to say.
See you around, June, on the next one.
Written By Tanith
March 21, 2020, 7:24 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
A few lessons today. First off, I really need to think about opening a bakery, but I don't know what I'd name it. Secondly, using laundry soap to wash your hair is the worst last resort ever. I haven't had locks this fuzzy since I was a toddler. Thirdly ... just because you didn't know a person, doesn't mean you can't grieve for your friends when they are heartbroken with that person's death.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.