Written By Camilla
Aug. 24, 2019, 6:17 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
Last night, I enjoyed my first sound sleep since I departed Setarco harbour.
I daresay that being firmly planted on solid land agrees with me. The unsteadiness of the sea is so jarring.
I daresay that being firmly planted on solid land agrees with me. The unsteadiness of the sea is so jarring.
Written By Brianna
Aug. 23, 2019, 9:14 p.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
I can't think of a good reason for a noble to divorce other than malice, neglect or cruelty. I think some young nobles ought to be reminded of the purpose and role of marriage among the peerage.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 23, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyrus
I have been quite frustrated as of late, which is somewhat hard for me to admit. I try to be positive and hopeful even in the smallest of things, but I suppose we are all prone to moments when that is a challenge; I am certainly not immune. Perhaps it is even good to take a step back to let those feelings burn themselves out over a day or three. I am still frustrated, but upon reviewing some of the whites in an effort to catch up on things, these words somewhat struck me: "Some questions must be asked whose answers cannot be found in tomes. If there even are answers."
Maybe I need to seek answers outside of the archives. Maybe there aren't even any answers left to be found on parchment, or at all. Whatever the case, the words were like the sort of snap someone gives to another who appears too lost in thought. You blink yourself out of the self-centered darkness and regain hope that, perhaps, what you seek might be found down a different path.
Maybe I need to seek answers outside of the archives. Maybe there aren't even any answers left to be found on parchment, or at all. Whatever the case, the words were like the sort of snap someone gives to another who appears too lost in thought. You blink yourself out of the self-centered darkness and regain hope that, perhaps, what you seek might be found down a different path.
Written By Delia
Aug. 23, 2019, 7:47 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
Our friendship is just getting started. Trust me!
Written By Camilla
Aug. 23, 2019, 7:47 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
The journey from Setarco was long and fatiguing, but my room & board here in Pravus Manor has been exquisite. I have left stardom behind to come to Arx at the behest of the good Duchess Belladonna of House Pravus, to whom I owe a great debt. Despite this leap into the unknown, I am excited for the opportunity to mingle among some of the best Arvum has to offer.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 23, 2019, 5:55 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
I was appreciative to read recent entries in the whites which spoke on oaths, particularly the very rare occasions when a person or persons are released from them.
It is no secret to the world that my first marriage was dissolved by former Dominus Aldwin, and no secret either that it became something of a public scandal. That period of my life was filled with challenges and pain which is why I reflect on it often, for it is often during such times we gain the greatest insights into ourselves. I know what it feels like to be called Oathbreaker when one is not one, for to be released from an oath is not the same as breaking one, yet the nuance is not always appreciated by gossiping tongues.
I know the days ahead will not be easy for those who are now going through what I once did myself. If I had one piece of advice to offer it would be to continue to look to the Faith, when your steps falter and your sense of self is uncertain allow them to be there to pull you through. Allow your own faith to do so as well. Look for compassion where it is offered to you, and where you find yourself facing hostility, try to empathize. A failed oath incurs peoples derision because it should, because our oaths are everything to us and if they lose value then do we not ourselves lose value too? Listen, and try to take what lessons you can from even those most hostile.
Should you find yourself suffering, remember the suffering will pass, and try to use it to strengthen yourself for the future.
Remember you are not alone.
It is no secret to the world that my first marriage was dissolved by former Dominus Aldwin, and no secret either that it became something of a public scandal. That period of my life was filled with challenges and pain which is why I reflect on it often, for it is often during such times we gain the greatest insights into ourselves. I know what it feels like to be called Oathbreaker when one is not one, for to be released from an oath is not the same as breaking one, yet the nuance is not always appreciated by gossiping tongues.
I know the days ahead will not be easy for those who are now going through what I once did myself. If I had one piece of advice to offer it would be to continue to look to the Faith, when your steps falter and your sense of self is uncertain allow them to be there to pull you through. Allow your own faith to do so as well. Look for compassion where it is offered to you, and where you find yourself facing hostility, try to empathize. A failed oath incurs peoples derision because it should, because our oaths are everything to us and if they lose value then do we not ourselves lose value too? Listen, and try to take what lessons you can from even those most hostile.
Should you find yourself suffering, remember the suffering will pass, and try to use it to strengthen yourself for the future.
Remember you are not alone.
Written By Tikva
Aug. 23, 2019, 4:46 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
I have loved Limerance all my life and it is a sad day that vows are dissolved. I grieve for that sad necessity. Yet adherence to oaths requires not only the letter of the law but respect to its spirit. It pays no respect to the gods to stay trapped in a marriage that is treated without the respect of a holy union.
I rejoice at the return of Lady Elloise to House Leary. For those of you who think it a coward's path to seek the mercy of the Faith for release from a contract that has become intolerable ... you are making assumptions about what petty indignities a spouse must be willing to suffer beneath the station of her birth. Though I love duty and I love Limerance, I give thanks to the Dominus for releasing my protege from that indignity and will be donating the greater proportion of my allowance as a Princess of Grayson to the Faith for the next three months.
I believe under the circumstances it is a fitting tribute for me, as a Princess of Grayson, to go without a stipend for awhile.
I rejoice at the return of Lady Elloise to House Leary. For those of you who think it a coward's path to seek the mercy of the Faith for release from a contract that has become intolerable ... you are making assumptions about what petty indignities a spouse must be willing to suffer beneath the station of her birth. Though I love duty and I love Limerance, I give thanks to the Dominus for releasing my protege from that indignity and will be donating the greater proportion of my allowance as a Princess of Grayson to the Faith for the next three months.
I believe under the circumstances it is a fitting tribute for me, as a Princess of Grayson, to go without a stipend for awhile.
Written By Elloise
Aug. 23, 2019, 2:54 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Ah, air. I can breathe.
Written By Sabella
Aug. 23, 2019, 2:22 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
I have been quite busy this week making new acquaintances and reconnecting with old ones and the continued open arms with which the city has welcomed us back never seem to tire! I very much look forward to seeing everyone at the Grayson Grand Festival tomorrow where Lord Michael has placed me in charge of the pie eating contest! So do stop by and say hello and try your hand at eating pies! Or, I suppose, your mouth. Hands will not be allowed!
It has made me start thinking about the things I want to do, the charities to run, the fundraisers, the parties! Considering the approaching winter something like a food drive or a blanket and clothing drive or both might be worthwhile for the people of the Lowers. I would also ask that anyone reading this who is in a position to sponsor a child of someone who was lost in the many conflicts we have been faced with in a position of apprenticeship so that they may learn a worthwhile trade reach out to me as my last outreach found many families were still struggling with their losses and they would be very grateful to have someone helping them in such a way.
I am so very grateful to those that I have seen so far and happy that friendships that are made in this city transcend distance and time! If anything they only grow better, like a fine wine or an aged cheese! Only less smelly and more wonderful!
It has made me start thinking about the things I want to do, the charities to run, the fundraisers, the parties! Considering the approaching winter something like a food drive or a blanket and clothing drive or both might be worthwhile for the people of the Lowers. I would also ask that anyone reading this who is in a position to sponsor a child of someone who was lost in the many conflicts we have been faced with in a position of apprenticeship so that they may learn a worthwhile trade reach out to me as my last outreach found many families were still struggling with their losses and they would be very grateful to have someone helping them in such a way.
I am so very grateful to those that I have seen so far and happy that friendships that are made in this city transcend distance and time! If anything they only grow better, like a fine wine or an aged cheese! Only less smelly and more wonderful!
Written By Rysen
Aug. 23, 2019, 1:52 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Narcissa
Sonnet for Narcissa
O true poet, what light within you shines,
Though shrouded oft in sable verse most grave,
Well wrought in images and tones sublime
That like a potent dream does with us stay
Not for an hour, week or passing year,
But like a timeless, deep and hidden spring,
With inspiration charms our inner ear,
And to our souls gives drink most nourishing.
O true poet, take up your raven's quill!
For to time your verse will not be lost.
Though all of Arvum's life grow cold and still -
Then would Jayus your words still hold in trust,
For if I never more enjoy your verse
I could suffer not a greater curse.
O true poet, what light within you shines,
Though shrouded oft in sable verse most grave,
Well wrought in images and tones sublime
That like a potent dream does with us stay
Not for an hour, week or passing year,
But like a timeless, deep and hidden spring,
With inspiration charms our inner ear,
And to our souls gives drink most nourishing.
O true poet, take up your raven's quill!
For to time your verse will not be lost.
Though all of Arvum's life grow cold and still -
Then would Jayus your words still hold in trust,
For if I never more enjoy your verse
I could suffer not a greater curse.
Written By Tyrus
Aug. 23, 2019, 1:27 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
I may have to spend more time among the shrines, and especially the godsworn, when I return. Not due to any particular impiety, or a need to seek forgiveness.
Some questions must be asked whose answers cannot be found in tomes. If there even are answers.
Some questions must be asked whose answers cannot be found in tomes. If there even are answers.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 23, 2019, 1:02 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
If you call someone an oathbreaker who has been released from their oath by the Most Holy, you are setting yourself up as a voice who stands against the Church.
You may do so, but I urge you to consider the wisdom of so doing. For one thing, Lord Arik Halfshav, I quite like your sister.
You may do so, but I urge you to consider the wisdom of so doing. For one thing, Lord Arik Halfshav, I quite like your sister.
Written By Mabelle
Aug. 23, 2019, 12:09 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Delia
I have contracted an illness which makes me run to the market every day for fashion bargains and bolts of fabric. But as fun as it is to try on top of the fashion game and try to come up with new designs, the best boon of it all is meeting new people who are equally interested, trading gifts and knowledge and just having clean fun with it!
Thank you for the lovely gift, Whisper Delia. I pray our new friendship will prosper, albeit the silliness which brought us together.
Thank you for the lovely gift, Whisper Delia. I pray our new friendship will prosper, albeit the silliness which brought us together.
Written By Tyrus
Aug. 23, 2019, 10:26 a.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Purpose. To lack it is to live a miserable existence, or so has been said. Not all purposes are of the same worth, much less as beneficial to their bearer.
Yet purpose can allow one to endure what they would not otherwise. Knowing there is a goal, a greater end, than what is immediately before them.
Yet purpose can allow one to endure what they would not otherwise. Knowing there is a goal, a greater end, than what is immediately before them.
Written By Ashur
Aug. 23, 2019, 9:17 a.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
Freedom. Take a deep breath. It's over.
Written By Martino
Aug. 23, 2019, 9:11 a.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
You'll be older soon.
Welcome to the club.
Welcome to the club.
Written By Martino
Aug. 23, 2019, 9:10 a.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Skye
The attention to detail on the sculpture, the gift, at the Shrine is something truly impressive Baroness.
I hope as the surprising owl swooping by did not interrupt your work too much.
I hope as the surprising owl swooping by did not interrupt your work too much.
Written By Preston
Aug. 23, 2019, 6:20 a.m.(9/13/1011 AR)
As it has come up in other whites, I thought I would muse on the issue of being released from oaths.
To be released from an oath is not to be an oathbreaker, but it may well mean that you undertook most solemn oaths without being able to commit to fulfil them. This can be for a variety of reasons, perhaps circumstances changed beyond your control, perhaps two oaths came into conflict, perhaps you simply never took them seriously. As we saw from then-Brother Aleksei, atonement can be made. But people will judge, they will wonder - if you cannot fulfil your oath on this, why is that? And if they are not satisfied, they may then ask if they can trust your oath, or even your most basic promise, on anything else. They may look at the behaviour of those involved, they may question, are these the actions of one trying to fulfil that oath? Or one eager to be rid of it? Are these the symptoms of the failing of an oath, or the cause?
It is easy though to want to be harsh, to want to judge another, to give in to the mistrust that at times comes all to naturally to all of us. Instead we should be sad that anyone should feel so at conflict from their Oaths and their commitments under Limerance that release is worth the cost. We should be thankful to the Dominus, for his wise consideration in judging the merits and the needs of all things, and in coming to decisions on these matters. We should celebrate those oaths that endure, those obligations that never end, from the King to his Subjects, from the Subjects to their King, from all of us to the Gods. Even if events cause one to question individuals, we should never let it erode our certainty in the importance of Limerance's oaths, and of all commitments we come to under the Gods.
To be released from an oath is not to be an oathbreaker, but it may well mean that you undertook most solemn oaths without being able to commit to fulfil them. This can be for a variety of reasons, perhaps circumstances changed beyond your control, perhaps two oaths came into conflict, perhaps you simply never took them seriously. As we saw from then-Brother Aleksei, atonement can be made. But people will judge, they will wonder - if you cannot fulfil your oath on this, why is that? And if they are not satisfied, they may then ask if they can trust your oath, or even your most basic promise, on anything else. They may look at the behaviour of those involved, they may question, are these the actions of one trying to fulfil that oath? Or one eager to be rid of it? Are these the symptoms of the failing of an oath, or the cause?
It is easy though to want to be harsh, to want to judge another, to give in to the mistrust that at times comes all to naturally to all of us. Instead we should be sad that anyone should feel so at conflict from their Oaths and their commitments under Limerance that release is worth the cost. We should be thankful to the Dominus, for his wise consideration in judging the merits and the needs of all things, and in coming to decisions on these matters. We should celebrate those oaths that endure, those obligations that never end, from the King to his Subjects, from the Subjects to their King, from all of us to the Gods. Even if events cause one to question individuals, we should never let it erode our certainty in the importance of Limerance's oaths, and of all commitments we come to under the Gods.
Written By Dante
Aug. 23, 2019, 4:29 a.m.(9/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucrezia
The Admiral of the Black Fleet cuts an impressive figure - after meeting her, I have no doubt that I will become a far better commander of a fleet myself with her guidance.
Written By Juniper
Aug. 23, 2019, 1 a.m.(9/13/1011 AR)
I've done nothing these past week but debride bedsores and wash bedpans and make beds and scrub linens. My work is very bedcentric. Next week, life willing, I should be able to begin the process of stripping the garden (something which proper Petrochorians call "harvesting", I'm told) of all the usable bits with my more mobile patients. Then, preservation. It is productive, constructive, worthy work, the stuff which life is made of, day by day, week by week, with none of the grand flourishes which attended my previous existence.
Which is not to say I don't like a good flourish, now and then. If not for flourishes, we would have no cathedrals.
Which is not to say I don't like a good flourish, now and then. If not for flourishes, we would have no cathedrals.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.