Written By Lucita
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:54 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Once again others have come to the aid of Saikland. Mistress Petal, Ladies Olivia, Miranda, Sanya,Lords Julian, Mirk and Ian, Prince Jasher. We checked on that odd moss found under the blackened glass once it was cleansed and ... dealt with that horrible sickening growth as well as some creatures that killed one of the village women. I left some silvers with her husband and child to help them out for a while as we delivered the sad news to them.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:49 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
Another memorial person is gone. Duke Arn, skilled in war, interesting, kind below his grumpy crust. He came to the wedding reception of Estaban and myself in Jan. of 1008. He almost picked a fight with Esta because he was taller than the duke. And his wedding gift to us was a jar of squirrel jerky cut in tidbits sized to feed a dog. At least we had a dog, Gunther, at the time though he tried to give us a dog he claimed was annoying him to go with the jerky. Attending the wedding festivities was, what he claimed, to be his one and only social event of the year. Grumpy or not, I liked him and respected him. He did things one might not expect since to my knowledge he never spoke of it to others. He took time to help soldiers retrain to be better, more skilled, to compensate for difficulties left from wounds. He had high expectations and set high goals for those he helped and never made a to-do about it. I never would have known about what he did if Lord Ian had not spoken of this to me.
Written By Philippe
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:47 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
I will burn and trample every forest if I have to but I will find you.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:27 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I never said otherwise, Prima, but without a Compact I am quite skeptical that humanity would have won any of them. Our victories certainly did not come from abandoning civilization.
Written By Tesha
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:20 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
Uncle,
After my parents died when I was still so young I looked to my Uncle. Not for comfort or for sweet words. But for how to continue on with a straight spine and to lead without wavering or backing down. There were times where I knew that he was proud of me, but I don't think he'd ever mention it.
Our last few years were filled with ups and downs. We had to make hard decisions for the House, but you did and you did so without backing down. You also listened to me when I suggested a thing that was unthinkable, but you did it in the end.
You were my role model in a lot of ways. Like when I need to harden my heart or when I need to tell someone something difficult, make hard decisions that no one else might be able to.
It made me stronger. It made me able to go through situations with my head held high and able to tell people exactly what needed to be done.
And for that I will always love you.
After my parents died when I was still so young I looked to my Uncle. Not for comfort or for sweet words. But for how to continue on with a straight spine and to lead without wavering or backing down. There were times where I knew that he was proud of me, but I don't think he'd ever mention it.
Our last few years were filled with ups and downs. We had to make hard decisions for the House, but you did and you did so without backing down. You also listened to me when I suggested a thing that was unthinkable, but you did it in the end.
You were my role model in a lot of ways. Like when I need to harden my heart or when I need to tell someone something difficult, make hard decisions that no one else might be able to.
It made me stronger. It made me able to go through situations with my head held high and able to tell people exactly what needed to be done.
And for that I will always love you.
Written By Valencia
Aug. 11, 2019, 2:19 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
I believe I mentioned spirits, darling.
Though, if someone feels the need to display their milk-drinking prowess, who am I to deny them their pleasure? Especially when it comes to choice of beverages.
Life is short. One should seek to enjoy pleasurable things as often as possible, yes? Indulge your passions and desires and bring happiness to others. What better way to enjoy life while serving the greater good?
~~~<~<@
Though, if someone feels the need to display their milk-drinking prowess, who am I to deny them their pleasure? Especially when it comes to choice of beverages.
Life is short. One should seek to enjoy pleasurable things as often as possible, yes? Indulge your passions and desires and bring happiness to others. What better way to enjoy life while serving the greater good?
~~~<~<@
Written By Ian
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:33 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
I'm not good at these, but some things have to be done even when someone's not good at them.
After I got hurt, a lot of people had suggestions for what I should do to get better. They were all, with one exception, the same handful of suggestions, none of them helpful, all of them false hope. I'd gotten so I didn't want to hear them anymore.
The one exception was Duke Arn. He was the one who put me on the path to where I am now. He was a busy man. I wasn't even in his fealty. He had no duty to me. But he gave me his time and attention, anyway.
Duke Arn was a hard man, and a hard teacher, but not because he was cruel or enjoyed making me suffer. He was a hard teacher because he believed I could do better than I was doing, and he was willing to show me how. I think he was that way for a lot of people, but I'm not sure that many understood where it was coming from, the demands he made and the compromises and excuses he wasn't willing to tolerate
I owe him a debt that I'll never be able to repay, but I hope the gods give me a chance, on the next turn of the wheel, to try.
After I got hurt, a lot of people had suggestions for what I should do to get better. They were all, with one exception, the same handful of suggestions, none of them helpful, all of them false hope. I'd gotten so I didn't want to hear them anymore.
The one exception was Duke Arn. He was the one who put me on the path to where I am now. He was a busy man. I wasn't even in his fealty. He had no duty to me. But he gave me his time and attention, anyway.
Duke Arn was a hard man, and a hard teacher, but not because he was cruel or enjoyed making me suffer. He was a hard teacher because he believed I could do better than I was doing, and he was willing to show me how. I think he was that way for a lot of people, but I'm not sure that many understood where it was coming from, the demands he made and the compromises and excuses he wasn't willing to tolerate
I owe him a debt that I'll never be able to repay, but I hope the gods give me a chance, on the next turn of the wheel, to try.
Written By Domonico
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:32 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Santi
Be it on land or sea, you have always been a strong, reliable ally.
I am honoured to call you kinsman and a comrade in arms.
Thank you. I owe you.
I am honoured to call you kinsman and a comrade in arms.
Thank you. I owe you.
Written By Monique
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
No one will ever know just how deeply I mourn your loss.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
On the subject of forks:
The array of silverware that is set before you at a dinner is each one fork for a specialized course. The delineation between each is a matter of showing respect for your host, but _also_ for your host's staff. Each element of cutlery has its assigned dish, and you use it only for that dish, so you do not impact the rest of the meal with flavors that were meant for the past course. This permits the cook's artistry to shine properly, for each course.
This is something that I, too, once thought extremely silly. But like most etiquette, it comes from a place of civilization and respect. Is it silly? Perhaps. But most things people do started somewhere, and I find civilization and respect to be heartening sources of behavior.
When I was first studying etiquette, there was an interesting etiquette manual by a famous (or infamous) Lycene that also discussed the various ways silverware etiquette could be subverted, but I can't remember most of it now. If anyone remembers the book and can recommend it to me, I would be entertained.
The array of silverware that is set before you at a dinner is each one fork for a specialized course. The delineation between each is a matter of showing respect for your host, but _also_ for your host's staff. Each element of cutlery has its assigned dish, and you use it only for that dish, so you do not impact the rest of the meal with flavors that were meant for the past course. This permits the cook's artistry to shine properly, for each course.
This is something that I, too, once thought extremely silly. But like most etiquette, it comes from a place of civilization and respect. Is it silly? Perhaps. But most things people do started somewhere, and I find civilization and respect to be heartening sources of behavior.
When I was first studying etiquette, there was an interesting etiquette manual by a famous (or infamous) Lycene that also discussed the various ways silverware etiquette could be subverted, but I can't remember most of it now. If anyone remembers the book and can recommend it to me, I would be entertained.
Written By Elloise
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:23 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
I know that this may appear casually stubborn, but it is with great reflection that I write:
I will not, ever, apologize for posing a thesis.
Notwithstanding the sheer lunacy of not being able to open an investigation to learn by asserting a conclusion to observations, a great many scholars live and die with their words unliked and unvalued only for us to find that, after death, they were right. Walking back because people are upset about your findings is the mark of a cowardly scientist.
I will say, I am no trained philosopher. And careful observation of the shavs around our lands is probably due; I, perhaps mistakenly, believed the prodigals were close enough. It seems they too have been marred by our over civilized world and perhaps also need a return to nature.
I will not, ever, apologize for posing a thesis.
Notwithstanding the sheer lunacy of not being able to open an investigation to learn by asserting a conclusion to observations, a great many scholars live and die with their words unliked and unvalued only for us to find that, after death, they were right. Walking back because people are upset about your findings is the mark of a cowardly scientist.
I will say, I am no trained philosopher. And careful observation of the shavs around our lands is probably due; I, perhaps mistakenly, believed the prodigals were close enough. It seems they too have been marred by our over civilized world and perhaps also need a return to nature.
Written By Elloise
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:19 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Dante
Hm. As you say, Lord Dante - perhaps I should venture further, for it seems the PRODIGAL who lives here has been corrupted by Compact manners and thus does not, in fact, embrace the ideals of their lost brethren.
Written By Sanya
Aug. 11, 2019, 1:15 p.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
My condolences to House Valardin and House Telmar for their losses. They fought and died bravely.
Written By Rysen
Aug. 11, 2019, 11:57 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Narcissa
Is all wisdom sorrowful?
Is bliss only ignorance?
Can one who sees with open eyes
Hope to sing and dance?
Let roses armed with thorns arise!
Let sunlight shine through rain,
For better is the tea of joy
When spiked with a bit of pain,
For in the end the rats and crows
Will always have their due,
Feasting on those of vanity
And th' humblest of us too,
But music and good alcohol
To our time yet adds a glow,
And reminds us that amid our strife
Still we are not alone.
Is bliss only ignorance?
Can one who sees with open eyes
Hope to sing and dance?
Let roses armed with thorns arise!
Let sunlight shine through rain,
For better is the tea of joy
When spiked with a bit of pain,
For in the end the rats and crows
Will always have their due,
Feasting on those of vanity
And th' humblest of us too,
But music and good alcohol
To our time yet adds a glow,
And reminds us that amid our strife
Still we are not alone.
Written By Monique
Aug. 11, 2019, 11:39 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
Minxes love gifts and this Minx has been delightfully spoiled of late. I could not have chosen a wiser, more generous patron. Truly, Gild smiles in her abundance.
Written By Amari
Aug. 11, 2019, 11:22 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
A wild feral cat and a cat kept as a treasured pet will both purr when content and happily kill the birds in your garden if given the opportunity. They are by nature cats, even if their circumstances and behaviors may be varied enough to consider them breeds apart.
They really aren't essentially different though. They're all equally cats.
They really aren't essentially different though. They're all equally cats.
Written By Skye
Aug. 11, 2019, 10:27 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
"We ain't be choosin who we be born as, as it is, jist who we die as." - Master Orathy
I met an interesting fellow at the Shrine of the Thirteenth who gave me these words to ponder on. I don't believe I ever caught his surname but he gave me quite a lot to think about. We talked about origins and how they shape us as people. However, it's our own choices that ultimately allows us to come into ourselves. While many burdens can be placed on our childhoods, as adults, we talk responsibility at some point for our own actions.
No, we don't choose if our family. We can choose to support their ideals or forge new ones. Our journeys are driven by crossroads. It's important to remember that. To stand up when you see injustice. To strike a new path when the current one doesn't make any sense. Traditions only become chains when we refuse to question and evolve as our leaders do.
I met an interesting fellow at the Shrine of the Thirteenth who gave me these words to ponder on. I don't believe I ever caught his surname but he gave me quite a lot to think about. We talked about origins and how they shape us as people. However, it's our own choices that ultimately allows us to come into ourselves. While many burdens can be placed on our childhoods, as adults, we talk responsibility at some point for our own actions.
No, we don't choose if our family. We can choose to support their ideals or forge new ones. Our journeys are driven by crossroads. It's important to remember that. To stand up when you see injustice. To strike a new path when the current one doesn't make any sense. Traditions only become chains when we refuse to question and evolve as our leaders do.
Written By Marian
Aug. 11, 2019, 10:14 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
Oh and I should note that my daughter, Prince Nia Imogen Redrain, can't use a salad fork except to try to stab her brother for the grievous crime of stealing a piece of bread that was near her soup bowl. Civilization is quite lacking at the toddler's table. One does try as a parent.
I have high hopes that eventually she'll come around. I've placed a mandate that 'incidents' at the dinner table will result in no swordplay the next day.
I have high hopes that eventually she'll come around. I've placed a mandate that 'incidents' at the dinner table will result in no swordplay the next day.
Written By Marian
Aug. 11, 2019, 10:06 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
I don’t think you can observe the “Prodigals” and correctly form any opinions about the diverse cultures that live outside the boundaries of the Compact. These tribes differ in language, traditions and living conditions. Many are nomadic that might choose to live in nature, or they may have strongholds, like my own family prior to bending on knee, that were fortified against knights. Yes, there were many times in my childhood I slept in a tree while hunting, but I always came home to a warm bed in castle walls, much like I imagine you experienced growing up.
I have made a point of learning four dialects of the shavs. I have rode out and sat with their leaders to discuss their peaceful removal from both Redrain and Valardin lands. I have bloodied my sword on violent strike forces that thought to weaken our great nation. I have sat with other prodigals and shared origins that are nothing like my own.
My mother tried desperately to teach me manners but I was a hoyden of the first order and oftentimes angered her by leaving my sword on the table. My lack of manners was a reckless choice of youth rather than a lack of upbringing. I assure you that my mother did try at one point to teach me what a salad fork was. I’m sure she would be relieved to find my much older self can get through a state dinner without embarrassing myself. That came with age and maturity, not my origins.
My personal choice to be truthful and forthright has nothing to do with my birth. I just don’t see the point of flirting with deceit. However, ‘simple’ is not a word I would describe myself. I can assure you m’lady, I have many layers, some of which were grown after I joined the Compact. Nor would my younger self even recognize the woman that first stepped into marriage vows with Prince Valen Valardin so observing me now would give you no clue to who I was back then. Because we all grow, change with the seasons.
I am a Prodigal. But my story is not like any others. Nor would I make grand sweeping statements on their culture and how it compares to Arx. Simple is not a word I would ever use when trying to define all these different, diverse groups. Just as we have many Great Houses that all bring unique qualities to the table. Frankly, I prefer a world that has so many colors of humanity.
I have made a point of learning four dialects of the shavs. I have rode out and sat with their leaders to discuss their peaceful removal from both Redrain and Valardin lands. I have bloodied my sword on violent strike forces that thought to weaken our great nation. I have sat with other prodigals and shared origins that are nothing like my own.
My mother tried desperately to teach me manners but I was a hoyden of the first order and oftentimes angered her by leaving my sword on the table. My lack of manners was a reckless choice of youth rather than a lack of upbringing. I assure you that my mother did try at one point to teach me what a salad fork was. I’m sure she would be relieved to find my much older self can get through a state dinner without embarrassing myself. That came with age and maturity, not my origins.
My personal choice to be truthful and forthright has nothing to do with my birth. I just don’t see the point of flirting with deceit. However, ‘simple’ is not a word I would describe myself. I can assure you m’lady, I have many layers, some of which were grown after I joined the Compact. Nor would my younger self even recognize the woman that first stepped into marriage vows with Prince Valen Valardin so observing me now would give you no clue to who I was back then. Because we all grow, change with the seasons.
I am a Prodigal. But my story is not like any others. Nor would I make grand sweeping statements on their culture and how it compares to Arx. Simple is not a word I would ever use when trying to define all these different, diverse groups. Just as we have many Great Houses that all bring unique qualities to the table. Frankly, I prefer a world that has so many colors of humanity.
Written By Lisebet
Aug. 11, 2019, 9:44 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
I do get to sleep again sometime, right?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.