Written By Mabelle
Sept. 21, 2019, 3:50 a.m.(11/15/1011 AR)
Are wolves an acceptable companion now? Should I worry for my puppies?
Written By Shard
Sept. 21, 2019, 12:56 a.m.(11/15/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophelia
They bite.
Written By Acantha
Sept. 20, 2019, 9:24 p.m.(11/15/1011 AR)
I am overjoyed that Clearlake's new furs are being loved so much. It was a project that I had been very excited to get started and I cannot thank people enough.
Written By Sabella
Sept. 20, 2019, 9:24 p.m.(11/15/1011 AR)
Like others, I have received a beautiful ring with a seraphinite at the center from House Stahlben! It is so exquisite that I am having a difficult time deciding exactly where I want to wear it to. Of course, the answer is always! To everything! But I truly want to showcase this lovely piece so I shall have to pair it with something amazing to give it its due. Hopefully with enough of us showing such gems off there will be a run on them, so should you know how to get some, I would recommend doing so now before they become so popular they are hard to come by!
Written By Karina
Sept. 20, 2019, 8:14 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
My familiarity with Arx hasn't yet blossomed, though I study every new street like a volunteer to be painted. Looking long enough, the roads start to look like veins. They lead to a heart - the eclectic blend of cultures and creeds that take on a life of their own here. Sounds and smells are unique in every district and there are times it makes my head spin... I like it.
My cousin and his wife, Duke and Duchess Grimhall, along with a handful of their allies, made me feel most welcome when I attended the family dinner last night, for which I'm grateful. Much later, that made my head spin as well, but was more the blame of rum than conversation.
Lady Sanya and Valdemar spoke of Uncle Harald's famed stories, which I've been recalling pieces of all day, and it's hard not to smile at those memories. I always admired his dry humor - much to my mother's exasperation. None should underestimate Aunt Anneke's stories of the man himself, either. She can paint him in a hundred colors and love him in every single one. I wish I'd had the chance to see him again. He'd be proud of what his children have weathered to stand where they are.
That's enough words for now. So many images in my mind. It's time to get to work.
My cousin and his wife, Duke and Duchess Grimhall, along with a handful of their allies, made me feel most welcome when I attended the family dinner last night, for which I'm grateful. Much later, that made my head spin as well, but was more the blame of rum than conversation.
Lady Sanya and Valdemar spoke of Uncle Harald's famed stories, which I've been recalling pieces of all day, and it's hard not to smile at those memories. I always admired his dry humor - much to my mother's exasperation. None should underestimate Aunt Anneke's stories of the man himself, either. She can paint him in a hundred colors and love him in every single one. I wish I'd had the chance to see him again. He'd be proud of what his children have weathered to stand where they are.
That's enough words for now. So many images in my mind. It's time to get to work.
Written By Ophelia
Sept. 20, 2019, 5:41 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
I /do/ believe that I need a wolf. Oh, the thrill of the hunt is a glorious feeling!
Written By Jyri
Sept. 20, 2019, 4:29 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
We came upon a burned down village on our arduous trek from the northern Gray Forest down to Arx, when we left our homeland as it was ruined by Tolamar Brand's army and very few of us survived. We came upon more than one, but this one will forever in my heart for a special reason.
Amongst the dead was a young dog, a well bred big animal. He was wounded, but not mortally so. He had been wounded trying to protect his human family and left for dead. Though I was wounded and exhausted myself, I refused to leave the dog behind and I pulled him on a makeshift sleigh after myself and nursed him back to health on the journey. We bonded. We understood each other. I named him Onida. Onida loved my baby boy - my boy rode on the same sleigh. We became family, the three of us.
In Arx, it was us three for a long time. It took time for us to become a part of Arx and to make friends. Amongst the Iron Guard, we found more brothers and sisters, but that too took a long time. Onida was a big part of making things easier for me. People like dogs, and Onida is an amazing dog. Fierce but protective at the same time, and sometimes just this funny amusing puppy.
Tero and Outi, the other Iron Guard dogs in my care, they started out as street dogs. I don't know what breeds are in them, they are a little bit of everything. Onida has been their friend and leader from the start - he doesn't care what they are, or what their background is. They are dogs and they are part of his pack. He does not care if they do not have a 'fine' breed.
Amongst the dead was a young dog, a well bred big animal. He was wounded, but not mortally so. He had been wounded trying to protect his human family and left for dead. Though I was wounded and exhausted myself, I refused to leave the dog behind and I pulled him on a makeshift sleigh after myself and nursed him back to health on the journey. We bonded. We understood each other. I named him Onida. Onida loved my baby boy - my boy rode on the same sleigh. We became family, the three of us.
In Arx, it was us three for a long time. It took time for us to become a part of Arx and to make friends. Amongst the Iron Guard, we found more brothers and sisters, but that too took a long time. Onida was a big part of making things easier for me. People like dogs, and Onida is an amazing dog. Fierce but protective at the same time, and sometimes just this funny amusing puppy.
Tero and Outi, the other Iron Guard dogs in my care, they started out as street dogs. I don't know what breeds are in them, they are a little bit of everything. Onida has been their friend and leader from the start - he doesn't care what they are, or what their background is. They are dogs and they are part of his pack. He does not care if they do not have a 'fine' breed.
Written By Martino
Sept. 20, 2019, 3:24 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Catalana
A simple day away from our Ball to bring those bound and wrapped in duty together, to meet and mingle. To share their ideas, to indulge in wine, food and music - to listen to booked singing and dance the night away.
Just a few more bottles of fine liquor needed, I suspect, as we may be off our feet. For Houses, Organisations and those out there proud of a crop you have had. Do send one forth by the Ball and it will be put on display for others to sample. To speak highly of your work.
Just a few more bottles of fine liquor needed, I suspect, as we may be off our feet. For Houses, Organisations and those out there proud of a crop you have had. Do send one forth by the Ball and it will be put on display for others to sample. To speak highly of your work.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 20, 2019, 12:13 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
I received a most unexpected and entirely welcome gift from House Stalhben! A cuff with the most exquisite gemstone I have seen in quite some time. It is called seraphinite and is a glorious green with these curiously lovely feathery inclusions. I am quite enamored of it and shall be wearing it proudly.
Written By Elisha
Sept. 20, 2019, 12:10 p.m.(11/14/1011 AR)
Everything is her, and everywhere.
Truth is the sweet daydream of a woman
who smiles as she puts on her jewelry
and braids her hair.
Everything is him, and everywhere.
Truth is the sweet daydream of a man
who smiles as he puts on his jewelry
and braids my hair.
* * *
And now the blessed camp lanterns
are eyes that watch you
And the ears that hear you confess the dark.
If you have no darkness, the blessed
camp lanterns will cast
shadows and call them by your name.
Once, my mother carried a lamp to my bedside
to keep the nightmares at bay
but the light showed only fangs and fury
and healers who cradle the deserving to their bosoms
and judge the unworthy
with eyes like blessed camp lanterns.
* * *
The bravery of a pale linen dress and
a wine woolen cloak twined with leaves.
The loyalty of winter boots embroidered with owls;
a gold-leafed olyphant, a cricket in a cage.
The memory of love is still love.
Truth is the sweet daydream of a woman
who smiles as she puts on her jewelry
and braids her hair.
Everything is him, and everywhere.
Truth is the sweet daydream of a man
who smiles as he puts on his jewelry
and braids my hair.
* * *
And now the blessed camp lanterns
are eyes that watch you
And the ears that hear you confess the dark.
If you have no darkness, the blessed
camp lanterns will cast
shadows and call them by your name.
Once, my mother carried a lamp to my bedside
to keep the nightmares at bay
but the light showed only fangs and fury
and healers who cradle the deserving to their bosoms
and judge the unworthy
with eyes like blessed camp lanterns.
* * *
The bravery of a pale linen dress and
a wine woolen cloak twined with leaves.
The loyalty of winter boots embroidered with owls;
a gold-leafed olyphant, a cricket in a cage.
The memory of love is still love.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 20, 2019, 8:28 a.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
"Fire is renewal, for in the embers of a purifying fire can new life be uncovered and nurtured. Tend it well."
Have you ever seen the aftermath of Lagoma's fire that saw the destruction of great swaths of forest? The tears of the mourning fall upon the scorched ground, washed away by Mangata's healing rains. Suddenly a sprig of green shoots from the charred ashes, like a tiny beacon of hope. Slowly the life returns to the earth and the flow of tears ebb. Petrichor returns life to the forest, with new growth.
Animals return, and plants flourish from the ashes of those that came before them - stronger than before. The scars of the flame will always remain - a testament to the beauty of something that was, but is no longer - but from the ashes will rise something greater than it ever knew it could be.
Destruction unchecked is good for none, but there are times when destruction is what Lagoma must have. Burn beautifully. Burn honorably. Burn with Limerance's passion. Burn down the world, if that's what it takes to remake this into a better place. (Figuratively speaking, of course. Please don't start any actual fires.)
Have you ever seen the aftermath of Lagoma's fire that saw the destruction of great swaths of forest? The tears of the mourning fall upon the scorched ground, washed away by Mangata's healing rains. Suddenly a sprig of green shoots from the charred ashes, like a tiny beacon of hope. Slowly the life returns to the earth and the flow of tears ebb. Petrichor returns life to the forest, with new growth.
Animals return, and plants flourish from the ashes of those that came before them - stronger than before. The scars of the flame will always remain - a testament to the beauty of something that was, but is no longer - but from the ashes will rise something greater than it ever knew it could be.
Destruction unchecked is good for none, but there are times when destruction is what Lagoma must have. Burn beautifully. Burn honorably. Burn with Limerance's passion. Burn down the world, if that's what it takes to remake this into a better place. (Figuratively speaking, of course. Please don't start any actual fires.)
Written By Shard
Sept. 20, 2019, 4 a.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
I remember standing on the edge of a cliff, watching for the storm to roll in over miles of snow-bound tundra. You can't see it yet, but you can feel it in the air. You can smell it coming. And no matter how long it takes to reach you, you're never quite prepared.
Don't do anything fucking stupid.
Don't do anything fucking stupid.
Written By Arcadia
Sept. 20, 2019, 3:31 a.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
When I married into house Stahlben, I was told a legend by a couple of northern merchants.
They told me that in the far north on the edge of the Everwinter was a woman referred to as the northern rose. That she grew heads above the other women, her skin was as flawless as the fresh snow and her beauty would make men and women weep with joy for seeing someone so pure and beautiful. They spoke of how not only was she beautiful, but it was her unending kindness and the warmth of her smile that made her truly unique. Of course, I thought this was just a myth.
Until I met Lady Volcica.
I have been blessed beyond belief to have been gifted her as a sister in law. Her passion, dedication to her people and her unique and endearing charm has made me a better person. A better leader.
So I ask all reading, that you recognize her as the rose of the north. The rarest of flowers you could ever encounter at the Bonespire.
They told me that in the far north on the edge of the Everwinter was a woman referred to as the northern rose. That she grew heads above the other women, her skin was as flawless as the fresh snow and her beauty would make men and women weep with joy for seeing someone so pure and beautiful. They spoke of how not only was she beautiful, but it was her unending kindness and the warmth of her smile that made her truly unique. Of course, I thought this was just a myth.
Until I met Lady Volcica.
I have been blessed beyond belief to have been gifted her as a sister in law. Her passion, dedication to her people and her unique and endearing charm has made me a better person. A better leader.
So I ask all reading, that you recognize her as the rose of the north. The rarest of flowers you could ever encounter at the Bonespire.
Written By Alarissa
Sept. 19, 2019, 11:57 p.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
There are some days when one needs something unique to wear. And of late, it seems, I have been wearing everything. But no lie, when Maxene left the little box on my dresser with the note, and I opened it to find jewlery? A darling necklace, a gift from House Stahlben. Seraphinite she wrote. I admit, green is not my best color, but it reminded me of an epiphanite, only the inclusions are feathery instead of a milky swirl.
I think I need more of these. Oh... a seaweed coronet of praseodymium and seraphinite....
I do most certainly need more of these now.
I think I need more of these. Oh... a seaweed coronet of praseodymium and seraphinite....
I do most certainly need more of these now.
Written By Elgana
Sept. 19, 2019, 11:38 p.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
I received the gift of a beautiful necklace of a bear fashioned from seraphinite from Lady Volcica. It is simply stunning, and I shall wear it quite proudly. So many beautiful things come from the northlands, so I am unsurprised such a stone originates in the mines of the Bonespire. I shall treasure this gift always.
I also urge others to look into acquiring this stone for their jewelry. It is breathtaking! I feel so lucky to own this piece myself and to have such wonderful friends as Volcica.
I also urge others to look into acquiring this stone for their jewelry. It is breathtaking! I feel so lucky to own this piece myself and to have such wonderful friends as Volcica.
Written By Bliss
Sept. 19, 2019, 9:41 p.m.(11/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
"Fire is destruction, and a fire unchecked can grow beyond boundaries very quickly. Use it carefully."
I am getting so tired of holding back.
I am getting so tired of holding back.
Written By Sabine
Sept. 19, 2019, 7:27 p.m.(11/12/1011 AR)
To those who have offered me congratulations, I thank you. It is a satisfactory thing, to celebrate one's success with well-wishers. Tessere's redemption is a labour which has been centuries in the making. To be the one fortunate enough to complete that effort and reap the rewards of it... I am content. At least for now, for there is ever more work to be done. I pray, wherever Karadoc tarries, he has some hint of the success he contributed to while he was still among us. I pray he too is satisfied.
I offer my own thanks to my liege lady, the Duchess Calista. Her vision for her lands matches my own. Her commitment to improvement and excellence, it is a match for my own. I am fortunate that she saw the merits of raising Iriscal to its rightful place once more.
Now I may turn with a clear mind and a lightened heart to the task of creating the finest fabric Arvum has ever produced: a weave to rival the protection granted by steelsilk or fireweave. And thanks Archduchess Regent, her highness Jaenelle Velenosa, I may have struck on new inspiration for that undertaking.
I offer my own thanks to my liege lady, the Duchess Calista. Her vision for her lands matches my own. Her commitment to improvement and excellence, it is a match for my own. I am fortunate that she saw the merits of raising Iriscal to its rightful place once more.
Now I may turn with a clear mind and a lightened heart to the task of creating the finest fabric Arvum has ever produced: a weave to rival the protection granted by steelsilk or fireweave. And thanks Archduchess Regent, her highness Jaenelle Velenosa, I may have struck on new inspiration for that undertaking.
Written By Volcica
Sept. 19, 2019, 4:36 p.m.(11/12/1011 AR)
It's rather fun designing jewelry. Perhaps in another life, I'll be able to explore the art more fully.
Written By Martino
Sept. 19, 2019, 3:59 p.m.(11/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
Why is it when I usually am in the archives, and you are there, there are few books around you but instead a youthful apprentice learning their craft?
Are you skipping lessons and, instead, getting one of them to do it for you? If so, well. Maybe you did pick up a few techniques of mine.
Are you skipping lessons and, instead, getting one of them to do it for you? If so, well. Maybe you did pick up a few techniques of mine.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 19, 2019, 12:13 p.m.(11/12/1011 AR)
I'm the first to tell others that Lagoma will help you through transitions if you only turn to her for guidance. Now it's time to take my own advice.
A passage keeps coming to me from the Strictures of Fire. It's not specifically related to Lagoma, but it rings true for me right now.
"Fire is sustenance, for it can chase away the cold and bring to all living beings a succor in the darkest times."
Heartbreak will heal. I will turn to Lagoma, and I will trust that the advice I give to others will ring true for me as well. She will guide me through this change until the tears stop, and one day I will look back with fond memories that aren't blurred by the veil of tears in my eyes.
A passage keeps coming to me from the Strictures of Fire. It's not specifically related to Lagoma, but it rings true for me right now.
"Fire is sustenance, for it can chase away the cold and bring to all living beings a succor in the darkest times."
Heartbreak will heal. I will turn to Lagoma, and I will trust that the advice I give to others will ring true for me as well. She will guide me through this change until the tears stop, and one day I will look back with fond memories that aren't blurred by the veil of tears in my eyes.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.