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Written By Mabelle

Nov. 9, 2019, 12:27 a.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Some things I will never get used to.

Not winter, winter is fine.

Written By Valencia

Nov. 9, 2019, 12:22 a.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

It occurs to me that there is usually nothing "good" in a goodbye.

Especially when it is the last time you say it to someone you care for.

~~~~~<~<@

Written By Jael

Nov. 8, 2019, 11:10 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

I can’t believe I slept through the sleigh races! Someone should have woken me!

Written By Dianna

Nov. 8, 2019, 11:05 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Vincenzo

What slavery, in the Compact, exists?

Thralldom, yes. But the two, as I understand them, are vastly, vastly different.

Not that we Lycene stoop to either one, nor would we. A free mind is an industrious mind; a free will is one that can create and bring more wealth than ever either thralldom or slavery might bring.

Words, of course, have meanings.

Written By Dante

Nov. 8, 2019, 8:52 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Cambria

A recent conversation with the Marquessa has left me convinced that Ostria is fortunate to be in such extraordinarily capable hands. Her wits and resolve do House Mazetti proud - I believe that Fidante and Mazetti have nothing but a stronger future together given our consensus on important matters. I shall have to get to know the whole House and favorably anticipate it.

Written By Fortunato

Nov. 8, 2019, 8:48 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Peri

Art is not meant to last forever. Paintings gain from their weathering. Even if it remained 'til the end of days, I will never prefer stone to the expressiveness of the brush, faded as the strokes may become.

Written By Saoirse

Nov. 8, 2019, 6:07 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

I am to perform in a modeling event for House Velenosa. I am positively thrilled to show off my house colors, of course, but I have to wonder if I am not perhaps more suited to ...a book?

Written By Dianna

Nov. 8, 2019, 5:47 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

Well-written, my lord, and well-explained.

There is undoubtedly a consequence to every action; a void so much more thoroughly destroys than does an unpleasant or undesirable act.

There are those who understand this distinction and use it with great care; and so many more fools who think that it is so very easy to remove a leg, once built, and not collapse the table, spilling everything.

Such fools are worse than the most blatant of evil-doers (if such is possible), for they repeat and repeat again their deeds with ignorance and self-righteous pride, claiming that they did not know of or intend the results.

We must take a care to learn and understand - and learn again - particularly and most especially when the unexpected may arise.

Written By Dianna

Nov. 8, 2019, 5:25 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Strozza

My cousin's words bring tears to my eyes - tears I did not know were held by the walls of my heart and mind, held fast by the family I have in Arx, held fast by the love of friends earned since being here.

For, in this world of white and cold that feels not dead, but alive and wily, a fast and most unrelenting opponent that demands and again demands retreat - how can I yearn for anything but home? For soft sands under bare feet; for hot, black stones at the sea's edge; for brightness and warmth that even night must struggle to overtake? For winding roads and olive trees; for figs and cherries ripe and sweet paired with the most exquisite of brittle and silky cheeses on our own fresh-baked bread, drizzled with fragrant honey and olive oil?

And yet, though it grieves me to know my dear cousin also yearns for home, he is here, and has - perhaps unbeknownst to him - brought so much of home /with him/. I find myself falling into habits of speech so readily in his presence that they cling to me, even after we have departed, one from the other and I nearly forget that others, here, will not know or understand me. I find, with him, a sense of 'gioia' that never leaves; and the strength of my heart growing, now that my 'Tato' is in the city.

There is not a one among my family whom my heart does not adore; but there is one, alone, whose presence faithfully yields pure delight. It takes but a moment, in your presence, Tato, to burn away the coldest of these winter storms.

Written By Drusila

Nov. 8, 2019, 5:10 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Superior ability breeds superior ambitions.

Written By Faye

Nov. 8, 2019, 4:59 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

The other day, someone gave me the side-eye when they noticed the scarf of steelsilk I wear in my hair. I respect the choice of some not to wear Cardian or Eurusi materials, but I don't believe any Arvani's decision either way affects a single slave on the other side of the ocean. For my choice, I wear it as a reminder of someone lost to me. Not that that's anyone else's beeswax.

Written By Vincenzo

Nov. 8, 2019, 4:28 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)

Slavery needs to be destroyed, and the Compact needs to eradicate that practice from its borders. It's wrong, it's terrible and has no place at all with anyone who follows the Faith. If your riches and power are built on a foundation of slavery, then you need to see the dry rot of your house for what it is and take drastic measures. If your hand has an infection of blood poisoning, you cut the hand off to save the body. Every day where a slave is still allowed to be this way is one day too many.

To put it another way, if the yoke of being a slave was on your shoulders and neck, you’d probably be protesting the loudest on the delays to freedom.

Written By Peri

Nov. 8, 2019, 1:59 p.m.(2/28/1012 AR)

I wish that I could provide materials for the artists so that they can capture history in vivid art that lasts thousands of years. I have seen how cracked and faded paintings look after hundreds of years, much less thousands. Art in stone and metal endures longer, though stone weathers and metal erodes.

Written By Dominique

Nov. 8, 2019, 11:18 a.m.(2/28/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Aksel

Makes me wish I was a Lycene woman...

Written By Juliette

Nov. 8, 2019, 3:59 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

If only I weren't stuck in bed trying to recuperate from the flu after attending a Blood Moon party half undressed in the snow. Still: worth it.

Written By Juliette

Nov. 8, 2019, 3:57 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Belladonna

It is hard not to put her on a pedestal, with the strength of her leadership, the elegance of her carriage, and the beauty of her form. Half the taverns of the Silken City one can hear songs of her legend just thus far. I do hope to meet her in the next few weeks now that I am in Arx.

Written By Juliette

Nov. 8, 2019, 3:54 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Arianna

I eagerly await our meeting properly, my Lady.

Written By Cambria

Nov. 8, 2019, 12:54 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Dante

A recent meeting between myself and the Sword of Roses, Dante Fidante, has shown me that he and I share many thoughts and opinions on particular matters. I greatly appreciate his reaching out to me, and am equally thankful for the information he willingly shared. Our two Houses enjoy a most favorable relationship already, and I think that it will only grow stronger.

Written By Cambria

Nov. 8, 2019, 12:39 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Strozza

I requested that my cousin, Strozza, make the journey to Arx and he acquiesced. I confess his chambers were not quite ready upon his arrival, but the matter was remedied quickly enough. The Hundred Cities is as fine a place as any to stay temporarily, but I should hate to have any of my relations end up staying outside off the manor for any longer than is necessary.

Of course, at my request, Luigi set up the necessary arrangements with the bank, and made certain that Strozza was given a small sum so that he may purchase whatever he required upon his arrival in the capital.

Though I have not yet had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Strozza myself, it has been made known to me through various means that he has already met up with some of my other relations, and appears to be settling in well.

As a final note, I found his ruminations on the nature of coffee and water to be most enlightening.

Written By Strozza

Nov. 8, 2019, 12:33 a.m.(2/27/1012 AR)

Could it be that the sign that a compliment is being accepted is that the person who is to receive does not want to believe it? This could be the greatest showing of the Dark Reflection. One's vanity rears its head, so to combat it - and combat narcissism - they project the speaker to be flowery and full of mistruths.

Could this be the sign of the struggle of our natures? The truth of the constant war waged between crudely titled good an evil? I shall hold no offense, for this allows me into the heart and soul of others whom I speak with. To allow me to know a worthwhile person... and trash.

Today I spoke truths to a worthwhile person. Those truths now make me long for home, to the estates of my family, to the grounds of my own home where my garden is. Where my family vineyard stands.

I am homesick. But where I see memories of home may be a needed comfort.

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