April 30, 2023, 6:51 p.m.(9/22/1019 AR)
We've recently returned from a tour of our beloved Ostria and the opportunity to immerse ourselves within the culture of our people. Many months ago I spoke with the voice of my Duchess and declared that the Walled City's formidable defenses should become yet greater and that recruitment should be increased. Through sword, arrow, or horse the loyal sons and daughters of Ostria stepped forward in service to their land and liege. The First Hydra is flush with volunteers and those who have shown themselves to stand out as the very best that my wife's lands have to offer were invited to join with the Third Hydra.
Honor and pride abounds, only to surge to even greater heights as the city's namesake have been completed. Not since my wife's notion of the watchtowers that spread across the Lyceum was realized or the day that Port Valerio's deep water ports were made ready to receive the largest of vessels, has the Walled City been so prepared to do its part to defend all who seek aid and partnership within the Lyceum or beyond.
The shipwrights of Ostria have been working diligently and are truly worthy of both praise and their liege's admiration. The time and effort which they have placed into expanding the reach and capability of both the First and Second Fleet is truly a breathtaking achievement that leaves the Duchess and I filled with pride in our people. Time and again the Compact has fought and bled together to confront the myriad threats presented to us over what has been nearly two decades. While we of Arvum are no strangers to the need to commit ourselves in Gloria's name for the sake of securing our people and our lands, such tribulations can present a burden upon the shoulders of us all. We of House Mazetti extend our greatest gratitude to our people for their continued service, dedication, and at times greatest sacrifice to the safeguarding of our beloved Walled City on the Sea.
It has not only been the Arvani who have fought and fell in battle in defense of our lands and our ways. The people of Cardia have likewise lent their strength to our own, bolstering our ability and prowess on the battlefield to answer previously unimaginable threats from beyond our borders. Out of respect for our having bled in battle together, fallen dead upon the same fields, and the continued support that our friends from the south have provided? Not only does House Mazetti and Ostria stand ready to stand in the defense of our fellows in the Lyceum and abroad, but also with those friends from distant lands who have sacrificed their lives to guarantee that the Arvani way of life trudges ever forward.
Our visit to Ostria was inspiring and truly a balm for the soul, but I will admit that a small part of me has missed the hustle and bustle of Arx.
April 30, 2023, 1:23 p.m.(9/21/1019 AR)
Soon I'll be back to the road. Spending just a few days in the city between trips. I miss the days of idling away hours watching the world fall past while sipping Lenosian reds. I miss casual conversations that sparked up everywhere. Most of all I miss people, I miss my friends. I was prepared to lose some free time.. not all of it.
I need to be more diligent sending messengers.
April 30, 2023, 10:12 a.m.(9/21/1019 AR)
Success is never final, nor generally is failure. Success tends to be the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out. How very fortunate we are that the Northlands are filled with great people who often courageously greet each day with this in mind. Whether that be the courage to sow fields in less than hospitable climates, or defend borders against threats, or come to Arx to parry with politics. Each task is a piece of a much larger, though ever-changing, puzzle. There are times, like in this moment, when those endeavors bring the whole of the Northlands to a prosperous place. For that, I am humbled and sincerely grateful. It has taken many years and the efforts of so many people - family and allies - who quietly helped build something great.
Such things can be fleeting, of course, but it is nice to take in the moment when it happens and marvel at what the Northlands has managed to accomplish. Not that we can linger long at as much, for the winds of war continue to blow over the Compact and we must ready ourselves for what may come next.
April 30, 2023, 3:08 a.m.(9/20/1019 AR)
I was able to be truthful for once, to a new audience. In return, I learned more about people I didn't know of before, of hope, of falling stars, and rare things! Some topics of conversation will stick in my brain for a long time; like places you wouldn't want to have dragon scales.
Written By
Lucaj
April 30, 2023, 12:26 a.m.(9/20/1019 AR)
Recently I have undertaken a new project with my ship, though on second thought the figurehead is rather old as are the masts. I may have to find a woodworker or artisan that is willing to take up the task of making it fitting given the new deck and the memorial it shall serve in days to come to those I have served with and known who have passed.
Fallen in battle or lost at sea they are not forgotten. Nor shall they ever be so long as the Tempest still sails and I am in command and Captain of her.
April 29, 2023, 7:16 p.m.(9/20/1019 AR)
The Physicians Guild and the Mercies of the House of Solace continue our partnership in preparing the Compact for darker days. We both strive to bring good health and long lives to all that we serve, and with our continued preparation we hope that we can prevent the worst of what may happen should those dark days come. And let's fucking face it, Scholar, we all know there's a storm on the horizon and I don't mean that big one which hit a few months ago... My thanks to Archlector Giada who is the best damn Q a person could want, and Mercy Azova who has shit handled while Mother Sophie is off on goodwill tours. I can't do it without them and I'm glad we're all on the same damn side.
April 29, 2023, 3:36 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
This day was a long time in coming and I have no words. I am filled with joy and yet there will be much to grieve and adjust to. I promised that both of us would do our best to move forward in joy and not linger over what was so normal for us. To love someone so much to feel pride in their freedoms and yet sadness with the changes to come ... it is a complicated place to be. I am just as certain that as time passes, I will only feel more pride and joy and what my dearest friend has grown to be.
Written By
Delia
April 29, 2023, 3:08 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
The resilience and ingenuity of the people of Arx have always been our greatest assets, and I am confident that we will continue to overcome any obstacles that come our way.
Written By
Zyn
April 29, 2023, 3:04 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
General of Kennex - you might turn out to be a good drinking buddy after all. You just gotta do more of the drinking part.
Written By
Zyn
April 29, 2023, 3:03 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
Master Sira -- looking forward to working with you.
April 29, 2023, 3 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
The salty air of the sea keeps beconing me to sail. I can only stand the fetid air in Arx for so long before I must set out. Now where is me first mate, not seen her anywhere as of late!
April 29, 2023, 2:57 p.m.(9/19/1019 AR)
One apology down, a few dozen more to go.
Written By
Lark
April 28, 2023, 1:29 a.m.(9/16/1019 AR)
How tempting it is to champion those we most cherish, rather than support them enough to champion themselves.
April 27, 2023, 7:07 a.m.(9/15/1019 AR)
I'm told Trevor's sleep was less fitful than the night before. I cannot help but wonder if passing through the grove as we returned took hold of his dreams.
We should have kept to our plans to save our return to Arx to autumn. The cold that lingers at Glacial Grove had me misthinking that the city would be less brutal in its summer heat.
Its a contrast I find odd, though we are not so many years in those lands to know its peculiarities. Odd or not, there is the matter of food to consider, with the seasons' plantings thwarted for so long.
Stifling though it is, Arx better positions us to make arrangements that will see our people through the coming winter, through the coming year.
Written By
Tesha
April 24, 2023, 8:26 p.m.(9/10/1019 AR)
I have something new and exciting planned. I hope it is well received.
Written By
Noah
April 24, 2023, 3:06 p.m.(9/9/1019 AR)
Don't call it a sacrifice if you are getting exactly what you want.
Written By
Ann
April 24, 2023, 2:45 p.m.(9/9/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on
Jaenelle
Well done, Niece. I rather enjoyed the Feast. Only my second one since returning. The food and the service was spectacular. I look forward to next year's.
April 23, 2023, 10:37 p.m.(9/8/1019 AR)
The simplest of the meal. The sardines. Their saltiness helped build the rest of the meal into the savory and sweet. To find a mix of the delicate melting sweet of fudge upon tongue at end.
A complete mess. Each feast is a growth upon the last. From the very first to set foot within as a fill spot... The experience within is unique and delicious.
Written By
Auda
April 23, 2023, 10:11 p.m.(9/8/1019 AR)
I don't have any family, so in the event of my untimely demise? Duchess Evelynn Helianthus gets to look at my Black journals and decide what to do with them.
I suggest bringing libations when you do, Duchess.
Written By
Lark
April 23, 2023, 8:49 p.m.(9/8/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on
Keely
Nests are made to be flown from, and griffin wings get quite a distance on them.