Written By Mabelle
Aug. 29, 2019, 1:39 a.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
The Duchess Grimhall is a delight and an honour to call a friend.
Weirdest yet funniest conversation I had all month.
Weirdest yet funniest conversation I had all month.
Written By Raimon
Aug. 29, 2019, 1:24 a.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
Tomorrow I shall test my skill against Prince Alecstazi for the right to carry the Trident that I was granted at the Clearlake Tournament. I fully intend that even if I am victorious that any my challenge me for the right to carry it themselves. It is a rather marvelous looking weapon and worthy of being carried by the best.
Written By Sina
Aug. 29, 2019, 1:05 a.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
I wanted to take a moment to write about Duchess Vanora Grimhall after reading her recent journal entry. I do not know the details of her involvement with certain events, but I will certainly vouch for her steadfast piety. She has shown herself to be truly penitent, at least in my dealings with her. I applaud and support her efforts in building a school of theology at Grihem's Point.
We all make mistakes, and we can all only strive to do better in our service to the gods. Penance is not meant to be easy. But necessary for growth when we err. It forces us to take a hard look at our actions and find ways to improve. I pray for both Duchess Vanora and Fatima, that they may both find favor in the eyes of the gods amd the Compact once more.
We all make mistakes, and we can all only strive to do better in our service to the gods. Penance is not meant to be easy. But necessary for growth when we err. It forces us to take a hard look at our actions and find ways to improve. I pray for both Duchess Vanora and Fatima, that they may both find favor in the eyes of the gods amd the Compact once more.
Written By Miranda
Aug. 28, 2019, 11:24 p.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
I have been at the Shrine of Lagoma a lot lately...
... I need to do more than stare into the pond, I think.
Perhaps there is one of the faithful who can advise me... or just perk me up.
Or explain what I'm doing wrong...
... I need to do more than stare into the pond, I think.
Perhaps there is one of the faithful who can advise me... or just perk me up.
Or explain what I'm doing wrong...
Written By Miranda
Aug. 28, 2019, 11:14 p.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Dariel
There is nothing I would ask of you that I would not ask of myself.
There is nothing I would ask of you that I am not willing to do myself.
There is nothing I would ask of you that you are unwilling to do.
Do not fret or worry, Pookie. Let us talk it out and you'll see.
The hammock?
There is nothing I would ask of you that I am not willing to do myself.
There is nothing I would ask of you that you are unwilling to do.
Do not fret or worry, Pookie. Let us talk it out and you'll see.
The hammock?
Written By Torian
Aug. 28, 2019, 3:22 p.m.(9/24/1011 AR)
I wonder what Vellichor thinks when we write down what we think we know based on hearsay and rumor?
On the one hand we're doing out good deed by documenting our lives for the future, but are the archives of the past full of as much rumor and conjecture as the whites of today? This one of those things that we think is a problem now only because we don't know it was always a problem?
On the one hand we're doing out good deed by documenting our lives for the future, but are the archives of the past full of as much rumor and conjecture as the whites of today? This one of those things that we think is a problem now only because we don't know it was always a problem?
Written By Vanora
Aug. 28, 2019, 2:11 p.m.(9/24/1011 AR)
I wrote this letter to Legate Aureth today, but am thinking that given its context it might be useful for the journals to have a copy. Normally I tuck copies of missives into the blacks, but this one I think is best shared.
To Father Aureth,
I wished to write to express to you my most sincere gratitude for everything that you have provided me. I am well aware that I argued and pleaded and did just about everything I could to avoid the Faith's disfavor, and yet you held fast to your convictions as I'm sure you always do. It was not what I wished for, but it was what I needed.
I believe it is not what comes easily but our trials that shape us, that make us who we are, and this one has changed me in ways that I never expected. I understand now the purpose of this kind of penance. I recall arguing with you that I was just being used to 'set an example' (You pointed out Fatima was the one actually doing that, that I was merely being lightly reprimanded, but in that moment my thoughts were about my own plight, not Fatima's.) I know that I can be spoiled and selfish, and this showed me that even more vividly. It is not who I want to be, and the only way to ensure I do not submit to those shadows is through vigilance.
I understand now that I was setting an example as well, but a necessary one. A Duchess of the Isles who fell in with such ugly and unsavory business and did nothing to save those whom might have been saved. Of course a price should be paid for that, and a public one. I want House Grimhall to know that they have a pious Duchess, one committed to bringing the faith and the gods to them. One who will be the penitent when she has earned it, so they understand there is no shame in finding one's way back to the gods again, if they have been lost.
So this letter is to thank you, sincerely.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Vanora Grimhall
To Father Aureth,
I wished to write to express to you my most sincere gratitude for everything that you have provided me. I am well aware that I argued and pleaded and did just about everything I could to avoid the Faith's disfavor, and yet you held fast to your convictions as I'm sure you always do. It was not what I wished for, but it was what I needed.
I believe it is not what comes easily but our trials that shape us, that make us who we are, and this one has changed me in ways that I never expected. I understand now the purpose of this kind of penance. I recall arguing with you that I was just being used to 'set an example' (You pointed out Fatima was the one actually doing that, that I was merely being lightly reprimanded, but in that moment my thoughts were about my own plight, not Fatima's.) I know that I can be spoiled and selfish, and this showed me that even more vividly. It is not who I want to be, and the only way to ensure I do not submit to those shadows is through vigilance.
I understand now that I was setting an example as well, but a necessary one. A Duchess of the Isles who fell in with such ugly and unsavory business and did nothing to save those whom might have been saved. Of course a price should be paid for that, and a public one. I want House Grimhall to know that they have a pious Duchess, one committed to bringing the faith and the gods to them. One who will be the penitent when she has earned it, so they understand there is no shame in finding one's way back to the gods again, if they have been lost.
So this letter is to thank you, sincerely.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Vanora Grimhall
Written By Llewella
Aug. 28, 2019, 10:45 a.m.(9/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Artur
Today I am pleased to write that my search for a patron has come to an end. I now walk with Prince Artur Redrain to guide me. A fellow artist, I look forward to seeing how his adventures and connections might inspire me to improve myself and Melaeris.
Written By Sabella
Aug. 28, 2019, 7:50 a.m.(9/23/1011 AR)
I had the most amazing time at Prince Artur's play last night! I had the great honor of stepping into the role of the Merchant Princess and I've never actually been involved in a production where the audience got to participate and it was handled so beautifully well I think everyone really enjoyed themselves! Then after the final act the play closed with a dirge that I had only just learned backstage during act II, but I felt so incredibly moved by it, by the tale of Weohstan Redrain, that I think I sang better than I ever have in my entire life! It was as if the tune were pure emotion that I channeled through the words of the song which reached not only the ears of the audience but touched and moved their hearts as well. I have never seen so many tears at once in a place that was not an actual funeral!
It was a spectacular night and I do hope that Prince Artur has raised the funds he needed for his expedition. If you have not heard the tale of Weohstan Redrain you ought to seek him out, for he has made a fine retelling of it!
It was a spectacular night and I do hope that Prince Artur has raised the funds he needed for his expedition. If you have not heard the tale of Weohstan Redrain you ought to seek him out, for he has made a fine retelling of it!
Written By Marian
Aug. 28, 2019, 12:26 a.m.(9/23/1011 AR)
We celebrated my boys' 3rd birthday in the woods amongst the trees where their father spent his youth. The party started off well. The tents went up seamlessly. The sky was clear. We found the fishing hole where their father caught many fish. Fergus caught the biggest fish. We put the in a basket, tied it up in a tree to keep them away from animals, and the moved on to our hike.
When we returned to camp, an unexpected sight was waiting for us. A bear managed to knock our fishing basket out of the tree and start eating our dinner. Nia let out a roar and I caught her before she could defend our dinner. Fergus got caught caught in the other arm when he tried to follow his sister. In all the confusion, Valen wandered off. It was less than 5 minutes but I swear it took 5 years off my life. The clever scamp had circled back to the tent and slipped inside. Perfectly logical to get out of the chaos. Happily playing with his toys.
No one was injured. The bear ambled off once he ate his fill. We ate our backup rations that were brought along incase we failed at fishing. I let them stay up past their bedtime, and sung songs to the stars afterwards. Overall, I think my boys enjoyed their birthday. Apparently the arrival of the bear was one of their favorite highlights.
Next year we're going to celebrate at the castle. Or some area that has four walls that can contain my brood.
When we returned to camp, an unexpected sight was waiting for us. A bear managed to knock our fishing basket out of the tree and start eating our dinner. Nia let out a roar and I caught her before she could defend our dinner. Fergus got caught caught in the other arm when he tried to follow his sister. In all the confusion, Valen wandered off. It was less than 5 minutes but I swear it took 5 years off my life. The clever scamp had circled back to the tent and slipped inside. Perfectly logical to get out of the chaos. Happily playing with his toys.
No one was injured. The bear ambled off once he ate his fill. We ate our backup rations that were brought along incase we failed at fishing. I let them stay up past their bedtime, and sung songs to the stars afterwards. Overall, I think my boys enjoyed their birthday. Apparently the arrival of the bear was one of their favorite highlights.
Next year we're going to celebrate at the castle. Or some area that has four walls that can contain my brood.
Written By Denica
Aug. 27, 2019, 10:22 p.m.(9/23/1011 AR)
Prince Artur's play was truly an emotional event. I'm certain it moved everyone to tears and educated many in the rich history of House Redrain. We could do with more events like these!
Oh! And the cast was amazing too.
Oh! And the cast was amazing too.
Written By Tyrus
Aug. 27, 2019, 8:30 p.m.(9/22/1011 AR)
This is an entry I've considered for some time. I've put it off, or considered placing it in the blacks. Yet it is not something either of them deserved, to be consigned to ignorance, forgotten save in the fading memory of those that knew them, or whom I told. Still, it is a different subject to approach, even if I know it deserves to be brought to light. That they both deserve to be known, even if by a stranger who'd chance upon this entry.
I had considered putting it off long enough to tell my sister in person, but timing has not been kind to us. And I never found the right words to tell Sylvi she had been an aunt for three years without ever knowing it. I didn't want to spoil our reunion, the joy to know at least she still lived for my return. But that is doing her a disservice, and them. So, sister, if you read this entry, my apologies for not telling you sooner, or first.
I should be starting at the beginning, shouldn't I?
I was a slave for the last thirteen years to Eurusi pirates. I freed myself and my fellow slaves at the thirteenth year, marking my return to Maelstorm and then Arx. My return to this city I so rarely visited in the past. I did not spend these thirteen years alone. There was a woman, an Abandoned herbalist taken by the pirates on an island far from our shores, with whom I could only speak to through the language of our captors. Her name was Damia. She became my wife.
A slave possess little freedom, but he can still marry if the Gods are the only witnesses of the act. Thus we married, through words unfamiliar to both our homes, and loved one-another. And from that love, three years ago, was born our daughter Aelia.
We had been afraid, terrified, when Damia found out she was pregnant. But we were fools. The slavers didn't mind. Why would they? It ensured neither of us would try to flee, and when the child was strong enough, she could be sold on the markets. This they told us plainly, well aware there was nothing we could do. I had already lived ten years as a slave, I believed it by then.
Years passed, one after the other. They were the happiest of my life, even in that accursed place. I was a slave, yet husband and father, and though every day was spent in fear, there it was, the faint echo of humanity I had thought cast out into oblivion, growing, burning away the darkness. As Aelia grew, I knew I needed to act. Damia and I knew. The new life she had granted us demanded nothing less. I would not let my daughter live her entire life a slave. I had known freedom. Her mother had known freedom. I would not rob her from that right through cowardice and inertia.
So I planned the uprising against the pirates. For all our preparation, the day it came, it was a surprise. An opportune storm we could not afford to ignore or reject. We rushed for the ship, fighting but mostly running straight to it while chaos reigned all around us. It's just as we reached the black ship that I lost them.
The sea took them both.
I didn't want to share them with anyone. Afraid, perhaps rightfully, that to speak of them would taint their memory with the spite and scorn of the self-righteous. Yet I did not tolerate fear and inaction to hold me back from what had to be done before, and I won't now.
Damia, Aelia, forgive me that it was all I could give you in the end. A mention in the records of Vellichor, an immortality upon paper. Much as I detest hearing of the Wheel and being told you've returned to it, at least your existence within this world will not remain in darkness.
I had considered putting it off long enough to tell my sister in person, but timing has not been kind to us. And I never found the right words to tell Sylvi she had been an aunt for three years without ever knowing it. I didn't want to spoil our reunion, the joy to know at least she still lived for my return. But that is doing her a disservice, and them. So, sister, if you read this entry, my apologies for not telling you sooner, or first.
I should be starting at the beginning, shouldn't I?
I was a slave for the last thirteen years to Eurusi pirates. I freed myself and my fellow slaves at the thirteenth year, marking my return to Maelstorm and then Arx. My return to this city I so rarely visited in the past. I did not spend these thirteen years alone. There was a woman, an Abandoned herbalist taken by the pirates on an island far from our shores, with whom I could only speak to through the language of our captors. Her name was Damia. She became my wife.
A slave possess little freedom, but he can still marry if the Gods are the only witnesses of the act. Thus we married, through words unfamiliar to both our homes, and loved one-another. And from that love, three years ago, was born our daughter Aelia.
We had been afraid, terrified, when Damia found out she was pregnant. But we were fools. The slavers didn't mind. Why would they? It ensured neither of us would try to flee, and when the child was strong enough, she could be sold on the markets. This they told us plainly, well aware there was nothing we could do. I had already lived ten years as a slave, I believed it by then.
Years passed, one after the other. They were the happiest of my life, even in that accursed place. I was a slave, yet husband and father, and though every day was spent in fear, there it was, the faint echo of humanity I had thought cast out into oblivion, growing, burning away the darkness. As Aelia grew, I knew I needed to act. Damia and I knew. The new life she had granted us demanded nothing less. I would not let my daughter live her entire life a slave. I had known freedom. Her mother had known freedom. I would not rob her from that right through cowardice and inertia.
So I planned the uprising against the pirates. For all our preparation, the day it came, it was a surprise. An opportune storm we could not afford to ignore or reject. We rushed for the ship, fighting but mostly running straight to it while chaos reigned all around us. It's just as we reached the black ship that I lost them.
The sea took them both.
I didn't want to share them with anyone. Afraid, perhaps rightfully, that to speak of them would taint their memory with the spite and scorn of the self-righteous. Yet I did not tolerate fear and inaction to hold me back from what had to be done before, and I won't now.
Damia, Aelia, forgive me that it was all I could give you in the end. A mention in the records of Vellichor, an immortality upon paper. Much as I detest hearing of the Wheel and being told you've returned to it, at least your existence within this world will not remain in darkness.
Written By Stygia
Aug. 27, 2019, 4:33 p.m.(9/22/1011 AR)
All the Onyx is gone - maybe in a few months I'll have a bit more.
Written By Rysen
Aug. 27, 2019, 11:13 a.m.(9/22/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Countess Arcadia has great poetic talent, but her choice of topics is horrendous.
Find a better subject for your verse, My Lady, and your work will find a happier fate than incineration.
Find a better subject for your verse, My Lady, and your work will find a happier fate than incineration.
Written By Amantha
Aug. 27, 2019, 10:01 a.m.(9/22/1011 AR)
Yesterday I met a young squire in the barracks, intent on joining the iron guard one day. He was there to hear some stories of his mother and the silent war. Sparte asked me to impart some advice as well since he is intent on joining the guard. Told him a bit about what my grandfather taught me, beyond sword and spear. Seemed like a good squire from our little interaction, I hope the house he's staying with takes up my proposal, that he walks with the guard a few days. That way he might get a better idea about what he needs to learn and if it's truly what he wants.
Written By Cabrera
Aug. 27, 2019, 4:33 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
There will be a note awaiting your attention then with your esteemed guards.
Written By Cabrera
Aug. 27, 2019, 4:29 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
You make a fine point that it includes another and so spreads the income made.
But does the reliance on a market's whisperer by some indicate they are living beyond means?
But does the reliance on a market's whisperer by some indicate they are living beyond means?
Written By Nurie
Aug. 27, 2019, 3:18 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Just when you think that your heart is full to bursting with love, something can happen and it expands yet again.
My beloved sister is safe and well and resting, and while she does I hold the most beautiful boy in my arms. He is so perfect, and he settles when I sing to him. Less than a day and already it's just impossible to imagine life without him.
Between the sweet little noises he makes, and the radiant happiness of his mother, for the moment the world is so very blissfully perfect.
My beloved sister is safe and well and resting, and while she does I hold the most beautiful boy in my arms. He is so perfect, and he settles when I sing to him. Less than a day and already it's just impossible to imagine life without him.
Between the sweet little noises he makes, and the radiant happiness of his mother, for the moment the world is so very blissfully perfect.
Written By Arcadia
Aug. 27, 2019, 1:31 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
Over the last few days I have sent the poetic lord some of my -best- work. I, Arcadia Stahlben, have taken pen to paper in an artistic endeavor. Yet the good Lord has said he hates my work. The first he even deposited it in the fire!
My heart is broken! Perhaps I will never write again.
My heart is broken! Perhaps I will never write again.
Written By Lucrezia
Aug. 27, 2019, 1:15 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
It was good to be back with the family again. There were drinks. I wanted to get drunk and succeeded. All the qualifications met for having a good party.
*Somehow*(not admitting it!) I ended up dancing on the drink table. Well, it isn't as if any of them expected me to dance on the dance floor. Did they? Except at the end Belladonna did manipulate me into doing so.
Dancing with Belladonna left me disturbed. Maybe it's just because there's been a lot of hair pulling lately. After that, all I could think of was the music and escaping the house guards to slake my hunger with my latest flame. Waiting for some of this buzz to go away so I can elude them.
Being the scandal of the party again: mission complete. I know, when I write it like that, it sounds like I planned this deliberately...
Over-all: fun time!
*Somehow*(not admitting it!) I ended up dancing on the drink table. Well, it isn't as if any of them expected me to dance on the dance floor. Did they? Except at the end Belladonna did manipulate me into doing so.
Dancing with Belladonna left me disturbed. Maybe it's just because there's been a lot of hair pulling lately. After that, all I could think of was the music and escaping the house guards to slake my hunger with my latest flame. Waiting for some of this buzz to go away so I can elude them.
Being the scandal of the party again: mission complete. I know, when I write it like that, it sounds like I planned this deliberately...
Over-all: fun time!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.