Written By Yvon
Oct. 19, 2019, 1:13 p.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
"As far as they're concerned, /you/ are the savage, backwards idiots who don't know what's best for you and who are, at best, squatting on territory they either want, or already consider theirs. I'll note from experience that it's not a very safe or comfortable place to stand, but it's where we all are."
While I would amend 'you' to 'we,' I agree with the above.
The puppy trapped between two warhounds cannot hope to prevail over one, much less both. The puppy who wishes to survive will learn to roll onto his back, show his belly, and wet himself. Our choice appears quite clear: chose which side to whom we wish to submit (though we may use the word 'ally' to salve our pride) and commence to wagging.
If our betters in the Compact are not currently negotiating our surrender with both sides, to determine who offers the better terms, they are doing us a disservice.
While I would amend 'you' to 'we,' I agree with the above.
The puppy trapped between two warhounds cannot hope to prevail over one, much less both. The puppy who wishes to survive will learn to roll onto his back, show his belly, and wet himself. Our choice appears quite clear: chose which side to whom we wish to submit (though we may use the word 'ally' to salve our pride) and commence to wagging.
If our betters in the Compact are not currently negotiating our surrender with both sides, to determine who offers the better terms, they are doing us a disservice.
Written By Elisha
Oct. 19, 2019, 12:56 p.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
When the Duchess of Thieves crept into the labyrinth
beneath the besieged city,
she stole treasures and wonders
but lost herself.
She forgot her own name, and the password that opened
the secret door of her family's house,
and the scent of the first lover whose throat she slit
during the act of love.
Her mothers demanded the help of seraphs and charlatans
in vain
until a blind pauper urged them to seek the White Library,
presided over by a holy scholar who knew with absolute certitude
the difference between truth and lies.
In the White Library, the scholar warned the mothers
that the price they'd pay for a cure was regret,
and they said, "That is precisely the same cost as not trying to heal
our beloved daughter."
So the holy scholar murdered the Duchess of Thieves
and blamed her mothers,
who blinded themselves and lived as paupers,
urging grieving parents to seek the White Library,
unshakable in their faith that
one day
a woman with a trembling voice and tearful eyes
would slay certainty
and release his prisoners.
beneath the besieged city,
she stole treasures and wonders
but lost herself.
She forgot her own name, and the password that opened
the secret door of her family's house,
and the scent of the first lover whose throat she slit
during the act of love.
Her mothers demanded the help of seraphs and charlatans
in vain
until a blind pauper urged them to seek the White Library,
presided over by a holy scholar who knew with absolute certitude
the difference between truth and lies.
In the White Library, the scholar warned the mothers
that the price they'd pay for a cure was regret,
and they said, "That is precisely the same cost as not trying to heal
our beloved daughter."
So the holy scholar murdered the Duchess of Thieves
and blamed her mothers,
who blinded themselves and lived as paupers,
urging grieving parents to seek the White Library,
unshakable in their faith that
one day
a woman with a trembling voice and tearful eyes
would slay certainty
and release his prisoners.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 19, 2019, 9:05 a.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Met with Shard again. Try as I might, I can't seem to get a smile out of her that doesn't look threatening - of course, it probably doesn't help overmuch that we have a point of contention between us. Still, I can't bring myself to dislike her. She follows her own compass, and sticks to it like a fucking arrow that's already been loosed. Unwavering?
She's... I don't know - dangerous? But dangerous in the way that appeals to me. (Not that sort of appeal.) ((...I don't think?))
Just once I'd like to share enough drinks with her to actually get her past talkin' about something beyond current events, but we seem to always be interrupted by something or another.
She's... I don't know - dangerous? But dangerous in the way that appeals to me. (Not that sort of appeal.) ((...I don't think?))
Just once I'd like to share enough drinks with her to actually get her past talkin' about something beyond current events, but we seem to always be interrupted by something or another.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 19, 2019, 8:58 a.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
Busy, busy day. To say I didn't spend the bulk of it drunk would be to tell a lie, but still a productive day.
Made a more thorough acquaintance of Evaristo, whom I first met during the People's Champion tournament. Easier to talk to than I anticipated, and what's better, he actually shared a drink with me rather than just watching me plaster myself. I think it's been a stretch since his drinking days. I had a lead on him in empties, and he still had to tap out first. Asked me to walk him home, and I was happy to oblige. A couple of drunks stretching their legs. He's made some silver, and no mistake, but it doesn't seem to have turned him all... silky. I respect that. I respect that a lot.
Agreed to show up to his housewarming party, even though he disclaimed that some even silkier folks may show - hope I'm able to make an appearance, if even brief. One of my many responsibilities may keep me away.
Made a more thorough acquaintance of Evaristo, whom I first met during the People's Champion tournament. Easier to talk to than I anticipated, and what's better, he actually shared a drink with me rather than just watching me plaster myself. I think it's been a stretch since his drinking days. I had a lead on him in empties, and he still had to tap out first. Asked me to walk him home, and I was happy to oblige. A couple of drunks stretching their legs. He's made some silver, and no mistake, but it doesn't seem to have turned him all... silky. I respect that. I respect that a lot.
Agreed to show up to his housewarming party, even though he disclaimed that some even silkier folks may show - hope I'm able to make an appearance, if even brief. One of my many responsibilities may keep me away.
Written By Hamish
Oct. 19, 2019, 8:21 a.m.(1/16/1012 AR)
If you hate a snowy winter in Arx you should try a snowy winter outside of it.
Written By Monique
Oct. 19, 2019, 2:23 a.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
The invitations one receives when one is infamous are the most entertaining and exciting invitations. Though, to be fair, I don't think I've ever tried being retiring, to see the difference.
Written By Calista
Oct. 19, 2019, 12:31 a.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Saverio
That you consider me clever like you is but a compliment of the highest esteem. Your profound knowledge on choice topics has allowed me to see you in a different light. Unlike a moth to your flame, I am an ember, inspired to burn brightly.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 18, 2019, 10:01 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
Having children name the mound of snow shoveled from the walkways around the Iron Guard area named 'Mount Sparte' is not a bad thing. Just think, it could have been Hillock Sparte or Icybluff Sparte or Snowfort Sparte.
Written By Sparte
Oct. 18, 2019, 9:46 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
I don't know how to write this. I've written it five times and scraped the page again and again. I see the traces of ink that my penknife could not erase, echoes of what I might've written.
I feel a mix of things both good and bad right now about myself and it all comes to one clear truth.
There is so much I still don't know.
I feel a mix of things both good and bad right now about myself and it all comes to one clear truth.
There is so much I still don't know.
Written By Fairen
Oct. 18, 2019, 7:45 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Cousin,
You have just inspired me to work on a great invention - one long overdue for the preservation of wisdom. Especially with certain cousins who threaten my library with muck splattered about.
Mud-proof book covers.
You have just inspired me to work on a great invention - one long overdue for the preservation of wisdom. Especially with certain cousins who threaten my library with muck splattered about.
Mud-proof book covers.
Written By Gabriella
Oct. 18, 2019, 7:29 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)
This is the first winter I will have experienced outside of the balmy embrace of Setarco. It is quite the seachange from that which I am used to: the cold is relentless. Different. Uncomfortable. The cold has a way of shivering its way down to my bones in a manner even the most merciless summers could scarce compare to. Snow is truly beautiful, and unbearably cruel.
I believe I rather like it. We do not grow if we do not reach beyond our comfort zones. I take this winter as a challenge, and one I shall gladly rise to. It is unfortunate that I must already depart so soon, but needs must.
I hear the weather conditions of the Northlands are much more the worse. I hope one day to see for myself.
I believe I rather like it. We do not grow if we do not reach beyond our comfort zones. I take this winter as a challenge, and one I shall gladly rise to. It is unfortunate that I must already depart so soon, but needs must.
I hear the weather conditions of the Northlands are much more the worse. I hope one day to see for myself.
Written By Peri
Oct. 18, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(1/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
I shall shovel snow around clinics and apothecaries again this year.
Last year Scout Rowenova inspired me to shovel snow from the apothecary in her neighborhood all the way to the Trader's Tavern. We were able to stir up the enthusiasm of the neighborhood kids to assist, though we did get some pummeling with snowballs from that font.
Anyway...
The times when you need to go the apothecary are not the times to go outside and see that you are snowed in.
Last year Scout Rowenova inspired me to shovel snow from the apothecary in her neighborhood all the way to the Trader's Tavern. We were able to stir up the enthusiasm of the neighborhood kids to assist, though we did get some pummeling with snowballs from that font.
Anyway...
The times when you need to go the apothecary are not the times to go outside and see that you are snowed in.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 18, 2019, 10:53 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
We do tend to get into mischief, don't we? That was quite a surprise for Lady Octavia, to have found us all soaking in her spa instead of having a quiet place to soak and relax. Wonder what mischief we will get into next?
Written By Lucita
Oct. 18, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Brigida
Full of plain speaking, spirit, bravery and common sense. I'm glad to have done something to please her.
Written By Sirius
Oct. 18, 2019, 7:54 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)
I am Sirius Valardin,
And I was born into this world, just like you, who reads this. A world of unceasing mysteries, and endless questions. Within a nation of humans at its heart, who some would say is a bastion of hope, and courage; the Compact.
Whose history taught us was once led by the cowardly, torn apart by the selfish. At times weakened, at others strengthened, but "no longer" we tell ourselves, will that cycle continue. A heart full of pride beats within the populace of Arx, I've noticed. I remember growing, being taught by Priests of the faith that virtue and honor were a thing of the Oathlands, noplace else. That I'd find an alien people on Arx, uncannily different to me and mine, but they were wrong.
I am shocked by the kindness I've received from all here, noble and commoner alike, and hope for a future where I can speak only more kindness of Arx, here, to be filed and archived forevermore.
To my future children when they read this, my very first entry, I leave a message: Drink your tea only from the Mercier shop, and brook no competition to it in matters of quality. This is my edict to you, children.
And I was born into this world, just like you, who reads this. A world of unceasing mysteries, and endless questions. Within a nation of humans at its heart, who some would say is a bastion of hope, and courage; the Compact.
Whose history taught us was once led by the cowardly, torn apart by the selfish. At times weakened, at others strengthened, but "no longer" we tell ourselves, will that cycle continue. A heart full of pride beats within the populace of Arx, I've noticed. I remember growing, being taught by Priests of the faith that virtue and honor were a thing of the Oathlands, noplace else. That I'd find an alien people on Arx, uncannily different to me and mine, but they were wrong.
I am shocked by the kindness I've received from all here, noble and commoner alike, and hope for a future where I can speak only more kindness of Arx, here, to be filed and archived forevermore.
To my future children when they read this, my very first entry, I leave a message: Drink your tea only from the Mercier shop, and brook no competition to it in matters of quality. This is my edict to you, children.
Written By Sabine
Oct. 18, 2019, 5:12 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Berenice
I have been fortunate in my patronage by the Princess Berenice. I came to Arx with the foundation of my House and family rocked by my mother's death, our name still tarnished. I knew her first as a young girl, driven, energetic, claws sharp but still endearingly clumsy. I was her senior in so many ways-- age, beauty, suitors and eventually, in rule. Naturally, I inspired her in her own climb, from girl to glorious, and I am grateful for the support she has given me in turn, from Countess to Marquessa.
It took a challenge of honour to secure her patronage-- she does know how I enjoy a good challenge, so invested in the delights of others is our sweet Berenice-- but what began with spectacle ends now with the deepest of respect and bonds of eternal friendship forged.
It took a challenge of honour to secure her patronage-- she does know how I enjoy a good challenge, so invested in the delights of others is our sweet Berenice-- but what began with spectacle ends now with the deepest of respect and bonds of eternal friendship forged.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 18, 2019, 3:46 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)
I adore winter, especially the serenity of it. But for reasons that are entirely unrelated to the seasons, I cannot wait for spring!
Written By Arcadia
Oct. 18, 2019, 12:59 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
Fairen.
It was barely any snow. And your books were fine.
Perhaps you would prefer mud?
It was barely any snow. And your books were fine.
Perhaps you would prefer mud?
Written By Bree
Oct. 18, 2019, 12:28 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cahal
He called it a 'map to folly.' He isn't wrong, and as keep returning to it, studying the way to the Dusklight Grove, I wonder at the Folly, and the folly of humanity. If venturing there could bring restorative powers to the city, is it a risk I should take? My heart tells me yes, but I already saw the power of Cliff. I pray to Gild for guidance.
If there are any out there reading these journals who might have insight, or are tempted by the journey themselves, find a way to contact me.
If there are any out there reading these journals who might have insight, or are tempted by the journey themselves, find a way to contact me.
Written By Calista
Oct. 18, 2019, 12:23 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)
It is the night before Leandro's fourth birthday. On this night, I read him a story I have secretly been writing for him. It is the tale of a young man who faces adversity but is not dissuaded by the obstacles that lie ahead. Leandro sat up in his bed with his big green eyes wide and alert, hanging onto my every word as I took him on a heroic journey.
He will come to know the protagonist of his story as a fabled knight, but in reality, I am retelling the tale of Duke Leo Fidante, his uncle, for whom he is named. I watched my son fight sleep. His little yawns, the attempt to stay awake by rubbing his eyes with his small fists. Naturally he is leaps and bounds bigger than he was when he was born but he will always be my little boy.
As I watch my children sleeping, I am moved by the feeling of purpose. This is why we fight and these are the ones we fight for. On the eve of this special birthday, I pray to the gods for his health and well being, that he always be happy and have the strength and courage to obliterate obstacles in his path.
He will come to know the protagonist of his story as a fabled knight, but in reality, I am retelling the tale of Duke Leo Fidante, his uncle, for whom he is named. I watched my son fight sleep. His little yawns, the attempt to stay awake by rubbing his eyes with his small fists. Naturally he is leaps and bounds bigger than he was when he was born but he will always be my little boy.
As I watch my children sleeping, I am moved by the feeling of purpose. This is why we fight and these are the ones we fight for. On the eve of this special birthday, I pray to the gods for his health and well being, that he always be happy and have the strength and courage to obliterate obstacles in his path.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.