Written By Flavien
Aug. 24, 2019, 11 p.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
That is a lot of silver for a staff, is it not? Must be an heirloom, surely.
Written By Lysander
Aug. 24, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
I will make this damned work if it kills me. On that note, I do not recommend picking up one's broken glass themselves. That path ends with many cuts.
Written By Sabella
Aug. 24, 2019, 10:40 p.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
Tonight's Grayson Grand Festival lived up to its name in absolutely every way! Princess Liara and Lord Michael ought to be commended for organizing such a wonderful event and I was lucky to be able to play a small part in it. The pie eating contest was fantastic and I am grateful to all the participants! My sister, Princess Reese took first place and ate so many pies I likely should not mark the number here, with Countess Arcadia coming in second, and Lady Isabetta coming in third. At least I'm rather sure it was her, she was covered in so much pie it was hard to tell! A great many pies were enjoyed afterwards and the leftovers split for donations to the Soup Kitchen and the Tragedy in the Lowers.
But what fun was had tonight! The pig races were hilarious and the dancing afterwards absolutely sublime. I got to spend time with my Kennex in-laws and my cousin Wash and lots of friends that I had not yet been able to catch up with since we returned to the city! A night of dancing by the firelight and I'm just about spent, writing these words here before retiring to bed!
It's so lovely when people come together for events like this!
But what fun was had tonight! The pig races were hilarious and the dancing afterwards absolutely sublime. I got to spend time with my Kennex in-laws and my cousin Wash and lots of friends that I had not yet been able to catch up with since we returned to the city! A night of dancing by the firelight and I'm just about spent, writing these words here before retiring to bed!
It's so lovely when people come together for events like this!
Written By Niklas
Aug. 24, 2019, 8:38 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
It seems odd that such a bombastic, unpolitical response to the divorce proclamation would be the official opinion of the Whispers.
Written By Monique
Aug. 24, 2019, 7:28 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
The Torchlight Tournament was a great deal of fun! I wish there were more chances to play with small sharp objects. And the prize, a diamondplate weapon of exceptional skill, was an honor to behold.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 24, 2019, 6:17 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I deal with a great number of marriage contracts. A number of both nobles and commoners of the realm wish to add a level of formality to their arrangements, and so they have Whisper House handle the negotiations and draft the contracts before they pass to the Faith for approval. Alliances between baronies, between counties, distant cousins, much of that never makes the public eye because it passes through these walls, these halls. Higher level ones have also been handled here, and then, as a Devotion of Limerance, I look at many more again in reviewing them and filing them for those with actual authority in the Faith to respond to. The majority of my duties to the Faith are actually this - paperwork.
A strange place for a woman who actually ran away from a marriage to find herself in, one would think.
But that is just it - I had no interest in holding to whatever oaths and vows I would have had to make, and refused to put myself in the situation where I could do so. There was no shame of that that followed me through my life, because I am of common blood. Marriage is not part of my duties, nor will it ever be unless, gods forbid, someone decides to ennoble me. The only time it has seriously come up was an attempt to keep a larger issue contained - and when it fell through, I dropped that part and moved on.
Duty, devotion, and fidelity, these are the elements of Limerance involved in any noble contract. It seems clear to me that the Dominus did not believe those could continue in this case, and that is unfortunate. Thus, I do not comment on the decision to end the union. It was something for which details have been kept behind closed doors, and should likely remain so.
What I will say is to be very careful about the contracts you draft. A woman wiser than I am once told me that if love is the gift of Limerance, then romance must be the work of its reflection.
Do not confuse the two.
They both can be wondrous, fulfilling, amazing things to pursue, leaving you feeling the best - or the worst - that you ever will. But do not write contracts which assume they will last. Do not base your marriage on the happiness you are feeling. Do not tie yourself to another person permanently for something which is often merely temporary. Do not make promises you will not be able to keep, or put in terms that will be so restrictive that they are sure to be broken. Down that path leads heartbreak, upset, ruin.
All of this is far more important if you are part of the nobility. Your marriage is something that is larger than you, and represents a tying of two peoples together, for everything that means. Everything - even your happiness - will be secondary to the duty and the oaths that you have sworn. It is particularly hard for me to imagine what might lead to a divorce when children have already been produced, on top of everything else. At that point? Live in different rooms, lead separate lives unless ceremony requires the appearance of the two of you together, which is a far rarer thing than might be expected.
But your contract is more than you. If happiness were required for a noble marriage to continue, the nobility would be long, long dead.
A strange place for a woman who actually ran away from a marriage to find herself in, one would think.
But that is just it - I had no interest in holding to whatever oaths and vows I would have had to make, and refused to put myself in the situation where I could do so. There was no shame of that that followed me through my life, because I am of common blood. Marriage is not part of my duties, nor will it ever be unless, gods forbid, someone decides to ennoble me. The only time it has seriously come up was an attempt to keep a larger issue contained - and when it fell through, I dropped that part and moved on.
Duty, devotion, and fidelity, these are the elements of Limerance involved in any noble contract. It seems clear to me that the Dominus did not believe those could continue in this case, and that is unfortunate. Thus, I do not comment on the decision to end the union. It was something for which details have been kept behind closed doors, and should likely remain so.
What I will say is to be very careful about the contracts you draft. A woman wiser than I am once told me that if love is the gift of Limerance, then romance must be the work of its reflection.
Do not confuse the two.
They both can be wondrous, fulfilling, amazing things to pursue, leaving you feeling the best - or the worst - that you ever will. But do not write contracts which assume they will last. Do not base your marriage on the happiness you are feeling. Do not tie yourself to another person permanently for something which is often merely temporary. Do not make promises you will not be able to keep, or put in terms that will be so restrictive that they are sure to be broken. Down that path leads heartbreak, upset, ruin.
All of this is far more important if you are part of the nobility. Your marriage is something that is larger than you, and represents a tying of two peoples together, for everything that means. Everything - even your happiness - will be secondary to the duty and the oaths that you have sworn. It is particularly hard for me to imagine what might lead to a divorce when children have already been produced, on top of everything else. At that point? Live in different rooms, lead separate lives unless ceremony requires the appearance of the two of you together, which is a far rarer thing than might be expected.
But your contract is more than you. If happiness were required for a noble marriage to continue, the nobility would be long, long dead.
Written By Reese
Aug. 24, 2019, 5:41 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I have found myself very impressed with Lady Mabelle. She is a wonderful, creative and welcoming host. She also makes for interesting and empathic company. I recommend her events highly.
Reese
Reese
Written By Reese
Aug. 24, 2019, 5:37 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I found a very lovely ring in Mistress Josephine's shop which I just sent to Whisper Delia who as kind enough to escort me to a Grayson event. Mistress Josephine makes wonderful jewelry and I was excited to find such. I also found a peridot cat pendant in Master Calaudrin's shop that was perfect for Lady Isabetta.
Reese
Reese
Written By Tikva
Aug. 24, 2019, 5:24 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I entirely disagree with Lady Elloise Leary's conclusions vis a vis the Abandoned and the prodigal and civilization; more, I have written so in these pages myself.
Yet she is my protege, a woman whose thoughts and creativity and spirit of scientific exploration I continue to foster amidst society as a whole. I suppose that may make a puzzle of the thing to some. There are many people with whom I disagree on many salient points that I still believe have a great deal to offer to society.
For example, I cherish Bliss Whisper as Radiant. I believe she is dynamic and her aggressive approach to the pride and dignity of her house is a fascinating alchemy upon the social welfare of our society. Indeed, when I served as Voice of Grayson, I was honored to consider her a friend and ally of my family.
But I do think she behaves sometimes in poor taste, so now we call for champions and have done.
I hope for her sake she is victorious in our duel because otherwise she shall have more than the usual number of words to eat.
Yet she is my protege, a woman whose thoughts and creativity and spirit of scientific exploration I continue to foster amidst society as a whole. I suppose that may make a puzzle of the thing to some. There are many people with whom I disagree on many salient points that I still believe have a great deal to offer to society.
For example, I cherish Bliss Whisper as Radiant. I believe she is dynamic and her aggressive approach to the pride and dignity of her house is a fascinating alchemy upon the social welfare of our society. Indeed, when I served as Voice of Grayson, I was honored to consider her a friend and ally of my family.
But I do think she behaves sometimes in poor taste, so now we call for champions and have done.
I hope for her sake she is victorious in our duel because otherwise she shall have more than the usual number of words to eat.
Written By Shazza
Aug. 24, 2019, 4:07 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
A million silver as bounty for a staff.
I imagine the number of Lowers families that sum could feed and clothe, and for how long. I imagine also the mercenaries it could hire, for how many campaigns. By these imaginations I by no means wish to shame the bounty's poster, but only to place the amount in perspective. That such a large sum would pass for so small a thing (with all respect to Archlector Brigida) gives me pause. The reward doesn't come from a wealthy eccentric with no practical understanding of what the sum could otherwise accomplish, but from the Guildmaster of Arx's Crafter's Guild. I find economic implications.
I am led to consider what vast amounts of silver may be held in private hands in Arx, both noble and common. At any moment, an unforeseen spike in demand or necessity (a brush war flaring into a larger conflict? A threat from outside Arvum?) might send all that liquidity leaping into the market as competitors vie to purchase the moment's limited supply. Prices will rise but demand could be such that they're paid regardless, and in the end silver will be devalued. The poor will find basic needs even further beyond their means, and maintaining order in the Lowers will be problematic.
The only reasonable course is to diversify. The Peerage need worry little, as so much of their wealth is in lands, the needs of military readiness, and human capital (to avoid controversy I will clarify that I do not refer to slaves or thralls, but rather the value of a sworn, trained and equipped knight or a loyal craftsperson).
But for those of us with less solid holdings? They'll need solidifying. I write this publicly as a more resilient economy benefits the Compact. While growth will likely suffer if the merchant class divests from liquid silver, more than one sign suggests we have been riding high on volatility's rewards without sufficiently respecting its risks.
I thank whoever stole the Archlector's staff for leading me to this reevaluation.
I imagine the number of Lowers families that sum could feed and clothe, and for how long. I imagine also the mercenaries it could hire, for how many campaigns. By these imaginations I by no means wish to shame the bounty's poster, but only to place the amount in perspective. That such a large sum would pass for so small a thing (with all respect to Archlector Brigida) gives me pause. The reward doesn't come from a wealthy eccentric with no practical understanding of what the sum could otherwise accomplish, but from the Guildmaster of Arx's Crafter's Guild. I find economic implications.
I am led to consider what vast amounts of silver may be held in private hands in Arx, both noble and common. At any moment, an unforeseen spike in demand or necessity (a brush war flaring into a larger conflict? A threat from outside Arvum?) might send all that liquidity leaping into the market as competitors vie to purchase the moment's limited supply. Prices will rise but demand could be such that they're paid regardless, and in the end silver will be devalued. The poor will find basic needs even further beyond their means, and maintaining order in the Lowers will be problematic.
The only reasonable course is to diversify. The Peerage need worry little, as so much of their wealth is in lands, the needs of military readiness, and human capital (to avoid controversy I will clarify that I do not refer to slaves or thralls, but rather the value of a sworn, trained and equipped knight or a loyal craftsperson).
But for those of us with less solid holdings? They'll need solidifying. I write this publicly as a more resilient economy benefits the Compact. While growth will likely suffer if the merchant class divests from liquid silver, more than one sign suggests we have been riding high on volatility's rewards without sufficiently respecting its risks.
I thank whoever stole the Archlector's staff for leading me to this reevaluation.
Written By Camilla
Aug. 24, 2019, 3:59 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
Aida insisted on a trip to the mercantile district today -- the Duchess' orders. My continued tutelage has seen me rather studious since my arrival, so it was quite nice to see more of Arx. It is a beautiful city.
When we arrived, the Duchess' ever-pleasant assistant revealed her surprise: we were to have a dress tailor-made! The seamstress was lovely, helpful, and promised to design it to my specifications. Few times have I felt so exalted. Silver truly does make the world go around.
When we arrived, the Duchess' ever-pleasant assistant revealed her surprise: we were to have a dress tailor-made! The seamstress was lovely, helpful, and promised to design it to my specifications. Few times have I felt so exalted. Silver truly does make the world go around.
Written By Valencia
Aug. 24, 2019, 1:24 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
That moment when you wake from another incredible dream and the memory of it begins to melt away by the light of day.
The remnants of it soon misty tatters in your hands. Soft, curling whispers of what was and could have been.
You know it still exists, if only you could remember it.
And yet, somehow, deep in your heart, there is a gentle spark that ripples through your body that says you know you will find it again some day.
~~~~<~<@
The remnants of it soon misty tatters in your hands. Soft, curling whispers of what was and could have been.
You know it still exists, if only you could remember it.
And yet, somehow, deep in your heart, there is a gentle spark that ripples through your body that says you know you will find it again some day.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Thea
Aug. 24, 2019, 1:23 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
I still have a ways to catch up to you. A simple,"I'm so glad you were born, my favorite sister," would be sufficient. Which is tomorrow.
Same for you, Domonico.
Same for you, Domonico.
Written By Thea
Aug. 24, 2019, 1:19 p.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I made my first trip north. My stomach is still a bit unsettled, that something is still left unsaid. Perhaps another trip? Perhaps I can send provisions until next harvest. Regardless, there were people saved and I would call that successful.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 24, 2019, 9:37 a.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
Attended the torchlight tournament last night and was gladdened when no one was decapitated. Fighting at night seems a dangerous thing. Though I suppose fighting during the day is as well. I told Sabella that I would sign up to fight in the heavy weapons tournament, but she told me that if I did she would knock me in the dirt and stand on my neck until the urge passed. I took her at her word and did not make any such attempt.
Now that I am fully back in the mindset of being in the city I need to decide what I'm going to do with it. The temptation to sit around and do nothing while looking fantastic and simply being the envy of all is certainly there, and it really does take into account my skills, but I abandoned an agenda when I left and I really should revisit it and decide what is most important to me.
Now that I am fully back in the mindset of being in the city I need to decide what I'm going to do with it. The temptation to sit around and do nothing while looking fantastic and simply being the envy of all is certainly there, and it really does take into account my skills, but I abandoned an agenda when I left and I really should revisit it and decide what is most important to me.
Written By Tyrus
Aug. 24, 2019, 9:23 a.m.(9/16/1011 AR)
I will not speak of that particular union, for I know not its details, its people, and prefer to leave it to the personal lives of those involved. But divorces are rare enough that news has reached me in the Mourning Isles, along with some of the reactions, and I am moved to write some of my thoughts down.
I will, again, not approach the topic from a theological point of view, as it is not my expertise. But vows and oaths are more than a simply religious matter, aren't they? The very fabric of our society and elsewhere rely upon one's trusted word, upon some solid basis upon which to build rapport and relationships. As such, their preservation, of word and spirit, is often important lest it harm the lifeblood of civilization.
But then, are there not also bad oaths, sworn out of ignorance, out of misguided passion either good or ill? How many tales have been written already, of men and women swearing terrible revenge and how their destructive oath inflicted misfortune not only on themselves but anyone unlucky enough to encounter their path?
I suppose now would be the time when a Mirrormask jumps in with mention of the Thirteenth and the necessity of balance. Once again I remain ignorant of the value of the theological argument. But it would seem to me that to maintain a stance too rigidly is inviting the corruption and abuse of an ideal.
We should never assume to know everything, even on a small matter. It takes so little, a mere detail, to change one's perception of an idea or person. And we, mortals that we are, fall so easily to the conceit that what we think and feel is true and right and the whole of the matter. Experts and masters, they can all be wrong, and so often are, when something new and unexpected comes around. Easier to assume others are mistaken than to change the construct that has served one so well in understanding one's preferred field.
Once again, this latest divorce is not the subject of this entry. While it was the catalyst for its writing, I've nothing to say or share on the matter. Others have been more than willing to do so, and I am sure their entries would satisfy those eager for something more dramatic and oh so human.
I will, again, not approach the topic from a theological point of view, as it is not my expertise. But vows and oaths are more than a simply religious matter, aren't they? The very fabric of our society and elsewhere rely upon one's trusted word, upon some solid basis upon which to build rapport and relationships. As such, their preservation, of word and spirit, is often important lest it harm the lifeblood of civilization.
But then, are there not also bad oaths, sworn out of ignorance, out of misguided passion either good or ill? How many tales have been written already, of men and women swearing terrible revenge and how their destructive oath inflicted misfortune not only on themselves but anyone unlucky enough to encounter their path?
I suppose now would be the time when a Mirrormask jumps in with mention of the Thirteenth and the necessity of balance. Once again I remain ignorant of the value of the theological argument. But it would seem to me that to maintain a stance too rigidly is inviting the corruption and abuse of an ideal.
We should never assume to know everything, even on a small matter. It takes so little, a mere detail, to change one's perception of an idea or person. And we, mortals that we are, fall so easily to the conceit that what we think and feel is true and right and the whole of the matter. Experts and masters, they can all be wrong, and so often are, when something new and unexpected comes around. Easier to assume others are mistaken than to change the construct that has served one so well in understanding one's preferred field.
Once again, this latest divorce is not the subject of this entry. While it was the catalyst for its writing, I've nothing to say or share on the matter. Others have been more than willing to do so, and I am sure their entries would satisfy those eager for something more dramatic and oh so human.
Written By Willow
Aug. 24, 2019, 8:40 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
I am so glad that things were seen to without any known lasting injury on the heels of Twilight Dale. The best thing I can think to do toward helping is to see to the construction of an orphanage their for the children who lost their parents in the mess. While the story of many of the people their is tragic, none is worse than that of the children left behind when their parents were lost to the atrocities of those Dark Arts only heretics and foreigners are wont to dabble in.
Written By Skye
Aug. 24, 2019, 7:47 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
When I hear of others seeking to divorce and part ways, it reaffirms my decision to wait for the right alliance. To find a partner who will see my vision for Blackshore Isle and wish to join my side. It's been five years since I've come to Arx, and I've seen many bans read. None of them bore my name because whatever flirtations that have been brief on my part, there were always circumstances that prevented me from seeking vows to Limerance.
I do hold out hope, even in the midst of such uncertainty these days. I pray for those who's dreams did not turn out as they intended. They have my compassion. I trust Dominus Orazio's wisdom, and the Faith to see to such matters of penance. There is no need to add any judgement to their troubles.
I do hold out hope, even in the midst of such uncertainty these days. I pray for those who's dreams did not turn out as they intended. They have my compassion. I trust Dominus Orazio's wisdom, and the Faith to see to such matters of penance. There is no need to add any judgement to their troubles.
Written By Marian
Aug. 24, 2019, 7:35 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
Marriage is not a bond to go into lightly, but I can not cast shade on others that enter into these vows quickly. My own history shows that sometimes that bright spark is enough to fan a fire that will last a lifetime.
Within weeks of meeting Prince Valen Valardin at the point of my sword, I fell for him. Entered into holy matrimony and gave vows to Limerance to be his wife. There were some that cautioned the prince, told him not to enter into this bond with me. However, it was his love that ultimately drew myself and my house back into the Compact. The only decision I ever regretted with my prince was waiting to have children. For thinking foolishly that we had all the time in the world to start a family. Events took him from me too soon. I mourned him for many years after this death, far more than our actual marriage.
Prince Fergus Redrain and I met in the sparring ring. I resisted the bond that time. I had been burned once by loss and didn't want to let love into my life again. Let my head rule my heart and delayed our vows far past when I should have. It look a friend, who now I know as traitor, to show me the error in my ways. When I gave vows to Limerance a second time, it was not rushed with youthful vigor. He gave me three adoring children who have brought light and joy into my existence, even after he was taken from me. I found purpose in taking up his mantle and taking a role of leadership in his beloved house.
Neither path was better than the other. My actions that led to speaking vows in both cases were not what led to the success. It was just the right time, the right person. I have known soul-shattering loss twice, when they left my side to rejoin the Wheel. I can not judge others who have chosen a different path. Who have walked away from their marriage. I leave such wisdom to Dominus Orazio to help troubled couples seek penance.
Within weeks of meeting Prince Valen Valardin at the point of my sword, I fell for him. Entered into holy matrimony and gave vows to Limerance to be his wife. There were some that cautioned the prince, told him not to enter into this bond with me. However, it was his love that ultimately drew myself and my house back into the Compact. The only decision I ever regretted with my prince was waiting to have children. For thinking foolishly that we had all the time in the world to start a family. Events took him from me too soon. I mourned him for many years after this death, far more than our actual marriage.
Prince Fergus Redrain and I met in the sparring ring. I resisted the bond that time. I had been burned once by loss and didn't want to let love into my life again. Let my head rule my heart and delayed our vows far past when I should have. It look a friend, who now I know as traitor, to show me the error in my ways. When I gave vows to Limerance a second time, it was not rushed with youthful vigor. He gave me three adoring children who have brought light and joy into my existence, even after he was taken from me. I found purpose in taking up his mantle and taking a role of leadership in his beloved house.
Neither path was better than the other. My actions that led to speaking vows in both cases were not what led to the success. It was just the right time, the right person. I have known soul-shattering loss twice, when they left my side to rejoin the Wheel. I can not judge others who have chosen a different path. Who have walked away from their marriage. I leave such wisdom to Dominus Orazio to help troubled couples seek penance.
Written By Artur
Aug. 24, 2019, 6:23 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
Something still sits odd with me on Twilight Dale.
I feel as if we did not truly fix anything. That it's somehow unfulfilled. It is in Stormwall lands, perhaps I will speak to Duchess Crovane on it.
Maybe about a horse as well. Ophelia's mount is a fine one. Even if I did say I'd speak to Artshall first, since they are family.
But there was something about that girl that does not feel right. I was not the only one. I'll speak with Willow when I have the chance.
I feel as if we did not truly fix anything. That it's somehow unfulfilled. It is in Stormwall lands, perhaps I will speak to Duchess Crovane on it.
Maybe about a horse as well. Ophelia's mount is a fine one. Even if I did say I'd speak to Artshall first, since they are family.
But there was something about that girl that does not feel right. I was not the only one. I'll speak with Willow when I have the chance.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.