Written By Martino
Aug. 18, 2019, 3:30 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
Have you had to Finn-proof all your furniture by lifting it off the ground?
He is getting big.
He is getting big.
Written By Martino
Aug. 18, 2019, 3:29 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Having spent the best part of this week, and the last, writing for the Lady Monique's competition - I am not sure I would ever cut out to be a writer. Usually someone does it for me.
Next hobby. Violin.
Next hobby. Violin.
Written By Rymarr
Aug. 18, 2019, 2:54 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Caius
There comes a time when conducting ones duties that someone may find themselves in a state where they seem to be going through their actions through rote, rather than any conscious thought. Immersed in the forward momentum, they can easily overlook general observations in favor of the pertinent details. That is where I have found myself for the past few weeks. Focused and honed with my vision and mind metaphorically tunneled.
It was like a hot knife through butter that news of Prince Caius Valardin's death cut through that state. I can't claim to have known him like a best friend, but I did have the distinct honor and privilege of knowing him as a fellow warrior. We rode together once, during the defense at the Lodge of Petrichor. Without going into the details of that encounter for one reason or another, Prince Caius revealed the full extent of his bravery to me during those engagements. When I went to him to enlist his aid, it was with a very clear and distinct warning provided: "you may die if you go with me". He did not hesitate. I have written previously about that interaction with equal measures of pride and the heat of a successful military engagement on our shoulders.
It is with sorrow that I must write it this time. This time it is not with the knowledge that he - and others - returned from their patrol alive, well, and whole. It is quite the opposite this time. Given what he fought through, endured, and what was ultimately something that would have killed many others in one angered gesture? I can only imagine what it took to fell him in battle. In honor of him, I may consider shaving my beard, much to my wife's chagrin. Perhaps I will grow a lip ferret in remembrance of Prince Caius Valardin. Though I can only imagine mine will not carry with it the myth and legend associated with the fallen Dragon of the Oathlands. The defenders of Arvum and the Compact have suffered a loss with his death. We will fight on though. In these times one must lead, follow, or get out of the way to use Prince Caius' words.
It was like a hot knife through butter that news of Prince Caius Valardin's death cut through that state. I can't claim to have known him like a best friend, but I did have the distinct honor and privilege of knowing him as a fellow warrior. We rode together once, during the defense at the Lodge of Petrichor. Without going into the details of that encounter for one reason or another, Prince Caius revealed the full extent of his bravery to me during those engagements. When I went to him to enlist his aid, it was with a very clear and distinct warning provided: "you may die if you go with me". He did not hesitate. I have written previously about that interaction with equal measures of pride and the heat of a successful military engagement on our shoulders.
It is with sorrow that I must write it this time. This time it is not with the knowledge that he - and others - returned from their patrol alive, well, and whole. It is quite the opposite this time. Given what he fought through, endured, and what was ultimately something that would have killed many others in one angered gesture? I can only imagine what it took to fell him in battle. In honor of him, I may consider shaving my beard, much to my wife's chagrin. Perhaps I will grow a lip ferret in remembrance of Prince Caius Valardin. Though I can only imagine mine will not carry with it the myth and legend associated with the fallen Dragon of the Oathlands. The defenders of Arvum and the Compact have suffered a loss with his death. We will fight on though. In these times one must lead, follow, or get out of the way to use Prince Caius' words.
Written By Rymarr
Aug. 18, 2019, 2:27 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
The time approaches. Bend and bend and bend. Eventually being flexible must stop and a hard response must be given. Remain a reed in a moving stream until you must become a mountain.
Even if it kills you.
Even if it kills you.
Written By Rymarr
Aug. 18, 2019, 2:24 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kerr
Reliable and committed. He has served House Deepwood for some time now and I am confident that when things get tough, he will plant his feet in defense of House Deepwood. I will be watching his growth with great interest.
Written By Dariel
Aug. 18, 2019, 2:20 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I was glitterbombed. I suppose it was my turn.
I'm glad the messenger didn't find me until you were in my presence so at least it got you back as much as it got me. I'm still coughing the stuff up. It claws to my throat every time I do.
I shall no longer be opening packages except in your presence!
I'm glad the messenger didn't find me until you were in my presence so at least it got you back as much as it got me. I'm still coughing the stuff up. It claws to my throat every time I do.
I shall no longer be opening packages except in your presence!
Written By Dariel
Aug. 18, 2019, 2:15 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
I can't help thinking that went alright. Didn't it? Apart from the talk of ministers anyway.
Written By Arthen
Aug. 18, 2019, 1:21 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
I could do without all the heat and the humidity, seems endless don't it? Worse even when you are sitting around on your rear in Arx and not taking in the sound of the sea breeze and billowing sails, or trekking around beneath the canopy of a forest so old only the smallest shafts of sunlight manage to lance through and light up the path. When there's a path at all. I know this itch, and these endless hot days? They are the best for giving in to it.
Written By Brigida
Aug. 18, 2019, 1:08 p.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Brigida
I am deeply concerned and worried for Archlector Brigida of Petrichor. Since she returned from the expedition to High Hill, where Duke Arn, Prince Caius and so many brave Compact soldiers lost their lives, she has been increasingly withdrawn. She is eating little and I believe sleeping less despite both mine and Keski's attempts to get her to eat and sleep more.
Her refusal to change out of those dirty, blood stained robes is also worrying and I dare not broach the subject with her against lest my knuckles suffer again.
She spends to much time alone and not even the presence of Oswald seems to provide any cheer for her. She refuses to speak about what happened at High Hill to anyone I know and I fear for her health.
I will pray to Petrichor further for her.
Aletta,
Disciple of Petrichor, Aide to Blessed Brigida, Archlector of Petrichor
Her refusal to change out of those dirty, blood stained robes is also worrying and I dare not broach the subject with her against lest my knuckles suffer again.
She spends to much time alone and not even the presence of Oswald seems to provide any cheer for her. She refuses to speak about what happened at High Hill to anyone I know and I fear for her health.
I will pray to Petrichor further for her.
Aletta,
Disciple of Petrichor, Aide to Blessed Brigida, Archlector of Petrichor
Written By Wren
Aug. 18, 2019, 11:25 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
It is terrifyingly easy to hate someone, far easier than it is to love someone. Though I don't appreciate the thought of such extremes, there are more personages I dislike than outright hate. Not to say there aren't things or people I do hate. Oh, there are those. The dishonest, for one. It is invigorating to deal with those who can be so genuinely themselves, for good or for ill.
Written By Delia
Aug. 18, 2019, 11:20 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I was as honoured to be Princess Reese's guest as she was to have me. An enjoyable time and beautiful clothing to admire all around. What more could I ask for?
Written By Thea
Aug. 18, 2019, 11:08 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Sometimes it takes a talk with someone to put back in perspective something you forgot you wanted to do. Just add it to my list...
Written By Lucita
Aug. 18, 2019, 10:43 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Taking the children to the shrines and starting to teach them has proven to be an interesting task. They are fascinated with the spiders, the fish in the pool, make faces in the mirrors and generally have done well though how much of theology they may absorb is questionable. Still, it is a start.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 18, 2019, 10:42 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
While the marquessa's forthcoming book of aphorisms sounds like it will be quite interesting, if anyone believes they can hate without first loving I would say that they have good cause to be thankful to have never run across someone worth hating from moment-one. These people tend to introduce themselves in a rough manner.
Written By Amari
Aug. 18, 2019, 10:04 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Duchess Fianna Crovane and Marquessa Eilonwy Blackwood, thank you both very kindly. I'll not forget the hospitality, nor the wailing wind and frozen pines of the North any time soon.
Also, Veronica, I promise you I will never sing that one particular song ever again in your presence (unless you deserve it).
Also, Veronica, I promise you I will never sing that one particular song ever again in your presence (unless you deserve it).
Written By Artur
Aug. 18, 2019, 9:49 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
I found myself inspired this morning and worked on a painting for a new friend that I have promised to assist with in her adventuring. I hope she finds it to her liking. I painted it on the leather side of a pelt of a white bear stretched out on a wooden frame - just to add a little something to it.
Below is a sketch of the painting: A massive white bear crossing an ice flow. It has smears of fresh blood on it, having just feasted on a kill, and bears some injuries of it's own. It's stepping onto an ice floe on a lake, preparing to cross it in preparation for it's next hunt.
Below is a sketch of the painting: A massive white bear crossing an ice flow. It has smears of fresh blood on it, having just feasted on a kill, and bears some injuries of it's own. It's stepping onto an ice floe on a lake, preparing to cross it in preparation for it's next hunt.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 18, 2019, 8:05 a.m.(9/3/1011 AR)
I actually have very little interest in unicorns, though I did have a most wonderful plushy of one when I was a girl in Farhaven. I named him Moonpie because at seven years old it seemed a fitting, if unoriginal, name. Sometimes those things that we think are full of wonder and joy as children change a little when we grow up. I still have Moonpie, but I do promise I'd not assist in negotiating a marriage contract that held an actual unicorn as part of the deal! Reading my brother's entry did make me laugh with the memory, though, for which I'm grateful.
I know having children is of great importance for a number of reasons even beyond duty and the joys of having our own family. I get the letters from mother and can hardly blame her for wanting grandchildren; I imagine no few mothers with grown children are not of such inclinations. It is sometimes a bit amusing how very, very, very, very often I am asked when there will be children, from people within the family and outside of it. There were some things Lorenzo and I hoped to do before following that path and I'm not sure we're quite done with them yet. Besides, it would hardly be like us if we did things in the expected or timely way.
I know having children is of great importance for a number of reasons even beyond duty and the joys of having our own family. I get the letters from mother and can hardly blame her for wanting grandchildren; I imagine no few mothers with grown children are not of such inclinations. It is sometimes a bit amusing how very, very, very, very often I am asked when there will be children, from people within the family and outside of it. There were some things Lorenzo and I hoped to do before following that path and I'm not sure we're quite done with them yet. Besides, it would hardly be like us if we did things in the expected or timely way.
Written By Evaristo
Aug. 18, 2019, 6:45 a.m.(9/3/1011 AR)
I don't consider myself a very reflective person. In fact, one of my major strengths is that I don't really spend a lot of time considering things before doing them. (Some claim this is a bad thing, but I disagree wholeheartedly.)
It's baffled me many times when people tell me 'But, think of what could go wrong!' I don't see it like that. I see it as 'Think of everything nice that could come from this!' - and hence I go ahead. If everyone always thinks 'but it could go wrong' - would anything ever change? Anything ever happen, to become better, or more interesting, or more EXCITING in your life?
That said, I MIGHT consider things a BIT more these days. Some people got this way of getting through to me. Good friends (or divine advice) that don't discourage me, but that point out flaws in my ideas, honing them to become more likely to succeed. They don't tell me 'you can't do that' - which is the most likely way to make me do just THAT - but they help me find the best path. Not that I'm terribly afraid of failing, that's part of life. If you fail, least you tried, and you can try again but in another way.
Of course, this only goes for things that don't get you killed, although technically, that's not the end of anything either. You can always try again... in your next life.
It's baffled me many times when people tell me 'But, think of what could go wrong!' I don't see it like that. I see it as 'Think of everything nice that could come from this!' - and hence I go ahead. If everyone always thinks 'but it could go wrong' - would anything ever change? Anything ever happen, to become better, or more interesting, or more EXCITING in your life?
That said, I MIGHT consider things a BIT more these days. Some people got this way of getting through to me. Good friends (or divine advice) that don't discourage me, but that point out flaws in my ideas, honing them to become more likely to succeed. They don't tell me 'you can't do that' - which is the most likely way to make me do just THAT - but they help me find the best path. Not that I'm terribly afraid of failing, that's part of life. If you fail, least you tried, and you can try again but in another way.
Of course, this only goes for things that don't get you killed, although technically, that's not the end of anything either. You can always try again... in your next life.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 18, 2019, 4:35 a.m.(9/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
Marquessa, I will also have to disagree. Hate can exist entirely independently of love. There are some people out there whose very existence can fill you with vitriol and rancor - even long, long after they are dead.
Written By Eshra
Aug. 18, 2019, 4:34 a.m.(9/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
I wasn't going top write about Duke Arn. I had no intention on doing so. I still can see him, defiant, stubborn even as he died. He did not surrender and refused death without getting his way first.
He would not die until his foe was dead first.
No, I wasn't going to write. Then this evening I woke up to the stillness and the heat, as I have so many evenings since that battle. Most those nights I wake up, trembling from the dreams of that battle but not tonight. Tonight I woke and yes as I lay there staring up into the darkness of the room. I find that my thoughts again turn to the Duke but not to how he died. Instead about the day we met.
I had decided that I needed a patron and I had decided that it would be Arn. Others warned me. "Arn won't take you, he doesn't like Prodigals." "Arn will not take you, he won't like someone who isn't going to run themselves ragged to please him." I decided to ask for an audience anyway.
He ignored the request, I sent another... and another. Third one I got a reply and we met. I can't say it was a long meeting or the Duke was warm or welcoming. What I can say is he asked what I wanted to talk to him about. "I have decided you need to take me as a protege." He stared at me for a long moment then asked "Why?" I told him that even if he didn't like prodigals, he had them as his vassals and that if we were going to find our way. We would need his help. That my being better would be better for him.
They told me, Arn won't bend. he doesn't change his mind. But I found out something that day. Duke Arn respected a logical argument. Even if he didn't like it.
I did become his protege that day. It wasn't hearts and hugs. It was a hard snort, a vague command and an expectation to follow along as he turned to leave. But it was never a what I would call a waste of time. Did we ever become close. No. But never once did he not speak to me with respect. I was his protege, I was his Admiral.
And he was one of the best teachers I have ever known.
Rest well my Liege.
He would not die until his foe was dead first.
No, I wasn't going to write. Then this evening I woke up to the stillness and the heat, as I have so many evenings since that battle. Most those nights I wake up, trembling from the dreams of that battle but not tonight. Tonight I woke and yes as I lay there staring up into the darkness of the room. I find that my thoughts again turn to the Duke but not to how he died. Instead about the day we met.
I had decided that I needed a patron and I had decided that it would be Arn. Others warned me. "Arn won't take you, he doesn't like Prodigals." "Arn will not take you, he won't like someone who isn't going to run themselves ragged to please him." I decided to ask for an audience anyway.
He ignored the request, I sent another... and another. Third one I got a reply and we met. I can't say it was a long meeting or the Duke was warm or welcoming. What I can say is he asked what I wanted to talk to him about. "I have decided you need to take me as a protege." He stared at me for a long moment then asked "Why?" I told him that even if he didn't like prodigals, he had them as his vassals and that if we were going to find our way. We would need his help. That my being better would be better for him.
They told me, Arn won't bend. he doesn't change his mind. But I found out something that day. Duke Arn respected a logical argument. Even if he didn't like it.
I did become his protege that day. It wasn't hearts and hugs. It was a hard snort, a vague command and an expectation to follow along as he turned to leave. But it was never a what I would call a waste of time. Did we ever become close. No. But never once did he not speak to me with respect. I was his protege, I was his Admiral.
And he was one of the best teachers I have ever known.
Rest well my Liege.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.