Written By Lucita
Sept. 14, 2019, 10:29 a.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
The gem given me by Quenia is beautiful. It is too beautiful to rush off and just have set into 'something'. It needs careful thought and planning and figuring out just when and where I plan to first wear it. To do less careful thought would be to lessen the impact and appreciation of the gift.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 14, 2019, 10:21 a.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
One would think an instrumental piece of music is easier to compose, no words, no rhyming or evocative wording, no carefully selecting just the right phrase. It isn't. Believe me, it isn't. How do you make sounds to convey the waking morning, the progress of the tasks of the day? How do you show purpose, intent, joy all without parting your lips, just with the touch of your fingers or bow on an instruments's strings? How do you fit many moods, rhythms, ideas into just one lengthy composition? Marching songs, light hearted dancing notes of insects fluttering around flowers, hopeful notes of a love-sick swain in shorter songs are not as difficult. One can understand their meaning without knowing words or title but to portray the passage of a whole day and encompass the joy that Jayus brings to lives and the many ways he affects us, now that is not easy in the least. One might never know what the song represented without knowing the history and title of it.
Written By Willow
Sept. 14, 2019, 10:07 a.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
I can't for the life of me think of anything enduringly true that feels meaningful to write. I think in reading through old journals I have more than anything else taught myself how much my thoughts and focus change on most things. Even big things about which my feelings have not changed, have seen my perspective on them change due to new information and the like.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 14, 2019, 7:43 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
It felt like it had been a very long time since I had occasion to visit House Crovane's Black Hall. When Lorenzo noted he ran into Duke-Consort Kaldur a week or so ago and we would be invited to dinner, I was quite looking forward to seeing it again. It was good to hear how Stormwall grows, to have met the House's Minister of Medicine, Rukhnis Al-Katibi, as well as have some insight into a large variety of dog breeds. I certainly, if reluctantly, left the great hall feeling merry and the lingering warmth of fine hospitality. My only regret is not also leaving with their duck recipe. To say it was divine does not give it the credit it deserves.
Duties and responsibilities hinder social activities at times, leading to late arrivals or early departures, but it was a wonderful evening that I am exceptionally glad we all managed to have together.
Duties and responsibilities hinder social activities at times, leading to late arrivals or early departures, but it was a wonderful evening that I am exceptionally glad we all managed to have together.
Written By Raimon
Sept. 14, 2019, 5:20 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
It would be an honor, Cousin. Though we would need to find a third.
Written By Archeron
Sept. 14, 2019, 5:02 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Unsettled affairs in the Isles once more. Some will be afraid, some will be excited, some will see opportunity and some will see the risk. For my part it brings back uncomfortable memories of leaving Tyde Hall to visit Ashford, my father waving us off - and I would not see the Isle again for 12 years. And this time I have responsibilities, I am not the 6 year old child who lived or died on others choices.
Still, I would hope the risk of conflict might make others pause and think. We are the Isles. When we fight one another there is no half measure, there is no border scuffle nor symbolic skirmish. It is reaving without constraint, it is crosses facing the sea. And sailing past hoping you don't recognise a face on them. I do not feel afraid nor excited. I see neither opportunity nor risk. I simply feel regret that we so fail to learn the lessons of our past, and I see only the duty to serve.
Still, I would hope the risk of conflict might make others pause and think. We are the Isles. When we fight one another there is no half measure, there is no border scuffle nor symbolic skirmish. It is reaving without constraint, it is crosses facing the sea. And sailing past hoping you don't recognise a face on them. I do not feel afraid nor excited. I see neither opportunity nor risk. I simply feel regret that we so fail to learn the lessons of our past, and I see only the duty to serve.
Written By Elisha
Sept. 14, 2019, 2:03 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
Thus does the young apprentice always hurry toward his lover.
Is the apprentice truly urged by love for his man, and not by love of himself? Isn't he looking for a certainty of existing that only this loose-limbed dew-skinned youth can give him? Our apprentice hurries, falls in love, uncertain of himself, happy, desperate, and for him his man is the person who definitely exists, of which only he can give the proof. But his lover, too, either exists or does not. There he is, narrow-waisted before the apprentice, also trembling, also uncertain. How is it that the apprentice does not understand that?
What does it matter, which of the two is strong and which is weak? They are equals. However, this the apprentice does not know, because he does not wish to know. What he yearns for is the touch of a man who exists, a man who is definite. Thus does he always hurry toward his lover.
Is the apprentice truly urged by love for his man, and not by love of himself? Isn't he looking for a certainty of existing that only this loose-limbed dew-skinned youth can give him? Our apprentice hurries, falls in love, uncertain of himself, happy, desperate, and for him his man is the person who definitely exists, of which only he can give the proof. But his lover, too, either exists or does not. There he is, narrow-waisted before the apprentice, also trembling, also uncertain. How is it that the apprentice does not understand that?
What does it matter, which of the two is strong and which is weak? They are equals. However, this the apprentice does not know, because he does not wish to know. What he yearns for is the touch of a man who exists, a man who is definite. Thus does he always hurry toward his lover.
Written By Cambria
Sept. 14, 2019, 1:45 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Not every desirable end can be achieved, and unhappiness shall always abound. Therefore, doing your best to lessen the impact of suffering upon those closest to you should be a priority.
Written By Kaia
Sept. 14, 2019, 12:06 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Oh-well! Gods forgive me for I may or may have not...lied to a certain Leary lord about these turkeys being huge and "magical" and having certain outstanding properties when cooked that grant the recipient strength and what not; crazy stories; unbelievable nonsense! Like the stuff from myths and legends.
I'm actually quite surprised he believed it! Those small acting lessons from Dariel have really done their job!
I'm afraid lord Elias will find himself slightly disappointed when the hunt starts; but, hey! At least I got him to come!
*chuckles*
I'm actually quite surprised he believed it! Those small acting lessons from Dariel have really done their job!
I'm afraid lord Elias will find himself slightly disappointed when the hunt starts; but, hey! At least I got him to come!
*chuckles*
Written By Elias
Sept. 13, 2019, 11:51 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
First time in Arx after a while. Woohoo! I am excited to see my cousins who I haven't met in years! Finally, I will live in a proper city and not on the streets. Hehehe. I am glad that everyone in Arx continues the habit of being strange and unpredictable. The first people I met weren't all that nice, but hey, I am used to it anyway. Time to do some hunting!
Written By Shard
Sept. 13, 2019, 11:42 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I am pretty confident in saying that this is not something that's going to be resolved just by throwing soldiers at it.
And I wonder, what's the offense that we'd start killing over? Claiming land that the Compact claims but hasn't held for generations? I could see that. Convincing Abandoned to bend the knee? Well, they're no longer Abandoned now, are they? Not if they've sworn fealty to the Emperor. No, that would make them citizens of the Undying Empire, and considering the Compact is perfectly happy to kill Abandoned, and has been engaged in some fucking impressive examples of slaughter in the Oathlands this past year, it seems strange to be angry that someone else managed to get them to stop being Abandoned, particularly when it's likely at least in part to that same slaughter that they were willing to accept the Undying Empire's protection. And do people really think that even if the Compact's armies marched and they wiped out these three tribes, that would somehow /discourage/ other Abandoned from signing up with other powers, particularly powers that don't have the Compact's best interests at heart? People want to live, and a number of Oathlands Houses just proved that even if you bend the knee to the Compact, you're not safe from being murdered by the people you've sworn oaths of fealty to. I imagine the Emissary's offer looks pretty damned tempting to more tribes than the ones she's got so far.
But fine, I constantly say the Compact keeps making more enemies for itself. The plain reason why very few people are rattling their swords at the Undying Empire is because the Undying Empire has much, much bigger swords. We would lose. We would lose badly. It comes down to who ultimately holds the most power, because, unfortunately, it almost always does.
And I wonder, what's the offense that we'd start killing over? Claiming land that the Compact claims but hasn't held for generations? I could see that. Convincing Abandoned to bend the knee? Well, they're no longer Abandoned now, are they? Not if they've sworn fealty to the Emperor. No, that would make them citizens of the Undying Empire, and considering the Compact is perfectly happy to kill Abandoned, and has been engaged in some fucking impressive examples of slaughter in the Oathlands this past year, it seems strange to be angry that someone else managed to get them to stop being Abandoned, particularly when it's likely at least in part to that same slaughter that they were willing to accept the Undying Empire's protection. And do people really think that even if the Compact's armies marched and they wiped out these three tribes, that would somehow /discourage/ other Abandoned from signing up with other powers, particularly powers that don't have the Compact's best interests at heart? People want to live, and a number of Oathlands Houses just proved that even if you bend the knee to the Compact, you're not safe from being murdered by the people you've sworn oaths of fealty to. I imagine the Emissary's offer looks pretty damned tempting to more tribes than the ones she's got so far.
But fine, I constantly say the Compact keeps making more enemies for itself. The plain reason why very few people are rattling their swords at the Undying Empire is because the Undying Empire has much, much bigger swords. We would lose. We would lose badly. It comes down to who ultimately holds the most power, because, unfortunately, it almost always does.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 13, 2019, 9:23 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
As the responses already come pouring in about our Mirrors Masquerade at Sea I find myself truly delighted for the events to come.
Perhaps I'm to become a society hostess after all. Whatever would my parents say?
Perhaps I'm to become a society hostess after all. Whatever would my parents say?
Written By Arik
Sept. 13, 2019, 9:13 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
On the matter of the Platinum throne shav'arvani...
The issue is perhaps complex as Grandmaster Preston has indicated but I believe it is simply a matter of practicality that leads to lack of public response. We do not need to provoke another rash of civil unrest between Houses with hurried military efforts. Should a northland House provoke the banner shavs and an Oathlands house be targetted would we not quickly return to having a border conflict? If a marche were to attack only to see a duchy reprised against would we not see bad blood and misattributed hostilities?
As the War Minister of Whitehold, I believe wholeheartedly and publicly in any tavern you care to speak to me in... The shav'arvani within any noble demesne have only two options: kneel or begone by threat of war if needbe. That is House Halfshav's longstanding stance towards these unsworn, but we do not sally into the lands of our vassals or neighbors to pick such fights. The banner shavs either by common sense or guidance from their foreign benefactors have chosen to remain in motion such that I do not believe any House can claim they are within their demesne and address the matter unilaterally.
Should the Great Houses confer or Crown wish to remove such concerns with a mandate it would likely be a greater response than even the Gyre invasion warranted and House Halfshav would gladly contribute as we did then we would again.
The issue is perhaps complex as Grandmaster Preston has indicated but I believe it is simply a matter of practicality that leads to lack of public response. We do not need to provoke another rash of civil unrest between Houses with hurried military efforts. Should a northland House provoke the banner shavs and an Oathlands house be targetted would we not quickly return to having a border conflict? If a marche were to attack only to see a duchy reprised against would we not see bad blood and misattributed hostilities?
As the War Minister of Whitehold, I believe wholeheartedly and publicly in any tavern you care to speak to me in... The shav'arvani within any noble demesne have only two options: kneel or begone by threat of war if needbe. That is House Halfshav's longstanding stance towards these unsworn, but we do not sally into the lands of our vassals or neighbors to pick such fights. The banner shavs either by common sense or guidance from their foreign benefactors have chosen to remain in motion such that I do not believe any House can claim they are within their demesne and address the matter unilaterally.
Should the Great Houses confer or Crown wish to remove such concerns with a mandate it would likely be a greater response than even the Gyre invasion warranted and House Halfshav would gladly contribute as we did then we would again.
Written By Kaia
Sept. 13, 2019, 7:39 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
I'm super excited for Prince Artur's upcoming Turkey Shoot!
Father has been sweet enough to gift me with a brand new and superb rubicund bow; and, quite frankly, I can't wait to use it!
Watch out Turkeys!
Here I come!~
Father has been sweet enough to gift me with a brand new and superb rubicund bow; and, quite frankly, I can't wait to use it!
Watch out Turkeys!
Here I come!~
Written By Selene
Sept. 13, 2019, 7:39 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
A few more days until it is done, surely. The waiting is unbearable.
Written By Monique
Sept. 13, 2019, 4:33 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
My twenty-eighth year approaches in a matter of weeks. In truth, I never thought I would live so long.
And as I have every year for a very long time, I ask myself a single question...
Have I done anything lately worth remembering? And this year I am content to answer that I have, and that is my gift to myself.
And as I have every year for a very long time, I ask myself a single question...
Have I done anything lately worth remembering? And this year I am content to answer that I have, and that is my gift to myself.
Written By Apollo
Sept. 13, 2019, 3:54 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
The jests are all quite funny, really, but may I offer that towels are ever so much easier to clean than shoes?
Written By Alecstazi
Sept. 13, 2019, 2:10 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
If the timing is right, I'd be glad to team up with you.
Written By Preston
Sept. 13, 2019, 2:09 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
I've seen the question made as to why nothing is done about the bending of the knee of the tribes to the Platinum banner, why more voices are raised in opposition. I had wondered it too, and yet, what would those voices demand? That we attack? I am confident if I was ordered I could crush three tribes - but then what? Is Thrax prepared for the onslaught of a naval war in the east? How many forces would we face on the land? If I raised the whole host of my order, and Dame Thena raised all hers, would that be sufficient to hold? To win? Would we need to call on every banner in the Kingdom? Or could we win the battle with three lame donkeys ridden by Rinel Tern?
And the answer to all of that is...that we just don't know. There is so much we don't know. So much we must then know first. But, the instincts of Countess Sabine are right, that our first thought should be to offer our fullest support to those parts of the Oathlands who are concerned - so they know they are not alone, will never be alone. And in that knowledge we can calmly wait.
The Compact has endured for a long time, the Faith even longer. We can survive calmly that bit longer until the Ambassador explains herself - and it certainly won't be to me, but those far more important.
And the answer to all of that is...that we just don't know. There is so much we don't know. So much we must then know first. But, the instincts of Countess Sabine are right, that our first thought should be to offer our fullest support to those parts of the Oathlands who are concerned - so they know they are not alone, will never be alone. And in that knowledge we can calmly wait.
The Compact has endured for a long time, the Faith even longer. We can survive calmly that bit longer until the Ambassador explains herself - and it certainly won't be to me, but those far more important.
Written By Martino
Sept. 13, 2019, 1:50 p.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
Having at last taken the lessons in how to instruct groups to my peak, I feel about ready to help others improve as well.
For the majority of talents needed to work the hearts and minds of others, if furthering your abilities in these areas is needed, do send word to House Malvici directed to my door. Guido, my courier, will take the notice and hand across.
We can discuss fees, information and the like in correspondence.
For the majority of talents needed to work the hearts and minds of others, if furthering your abilities in these areas is needed, do send word to House Malvici directed to my door. Guido, my courier, will take the notice and hand across.
We can discuss fees, information and the like in correspondence.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.