Written By Vanora
June 28, 2019, 12:26 a.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
You are silly and delightful. As if I'd think my married-rank makes my time more valuable than that of the Truespeaker.
I love you the most.
I love you the most.
Written By Skye
June 27, 2019, 11:45 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I would not be where I am today without the generous contributions you provided. You rallied your crafters, found tradesmen willing to help me rebuild and provided me a different perspective that influenced my interactions. There are so many ways you help me grow into the leader I am today.
I shall make sure that House Blackshore will remember for future generations.
I shall make sure that House Blackshore will remember for future generations.
Written By Brianna
June 27, 2019, 10:12 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
It's odd that I've never owned a ring before recently. When I was younger, I never liked the feeling of things on my fingers, and it stuck with me long past when it should have ended.
Naturally, now that I have a ring, I never want to take it off.
Naturally, now that I have a ring, I never want to take it off.
Written By Vanora
June 27, 2019, 9:33 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
I dearly wish that I had been able to attend the event in the new Lily garden that Petal has created. I'm sure it was wonderful, and I expect I will find myself there too in my own time.
Written By Fortunato
June 27, 2019, 9:19 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I don't know what to think. Or to say.
But I'm going to try this bracelet thing. Distilling people's stories into a bit of metal they can keep with them.
It's something you would've liked, maybe.
But I'm going to try this bracelet thing. Distilling people's stories into a bit of metal they can keep with them.
It's something you would've liked, maybe.
Written By Maja
June 27, 2019, 4:56 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
When I write about my daily life -- the highs and lows, the grand things and the inconsequential -- it is always done so with purpose. Leaving a record of our triumphs and failures, no matter how small, is a precious thing.
It is also so that, when the bird uprising happens and those FOWL beasts murder nearly all of us, the survivors will be able to look back and see how it happened and what we lost.
In closing: birds -- still the worst.
It is also so that, when the bird uprising happens and those FOWL beasts murder nearly all of us, the survivors will be able to look back and see how it happened and what we lost.
In closing: birds -- still the worst.
Written By Helena
June 27, 2019, 3:07 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
I am excited to be helping with the upcoming Festival of Death, and will be hosting two events.
I wanted, for anyone who actual reads this journal of mine, to explain why I'm helping, first. I'm not a Harlequin, and am in fact a believer and follower of both the Pantheon and the Shamanism of the north.
But the Queen of Endings and Beginnings is, like all of our gods and goddesses, one to honor and respect and love. Many fear her, but she is the one who gives our souls second chances at times, or brings us home to her when the time is right for us. I have recently found that my soul is one of those who has had a second chance (or however many!) and for that I am grateful, because the love I have known from the friends and family in my life is a gift beyond measure.
***
On to the events (these are just the two I am planning -- there will be many others by others on the Festival committee)!
There will be a poetry reading at the Shrine of the Queen. All of my regular poets and poetry lovers are of course most welcome to come and share a poem, as are any newcomers as well. This time, however, I do ask the poems be inspired by the Queen and her workings. Please send a messenger to me if you would like to read your original work at the reading; I will be creating a schedule of readers in advance. A book of the poems read that day will be made to be sold with proceeds going to the Harlequins.
A fashion show, with designs inspired as well by the Queen, will be held. Anyone can enter and prizes will be given in the categories of skulls, spiders, bats, and overall theme. A donation is appreciated, but not required, which will also go to the Harlequins for their work. All models need to write a paragraph describing their outfit that will be read during their time on the runway. Men -- this is not a ladies event only! Do show up and show off your finest breeches.
Those with questions can certainly feel free to message me.
I wanted, for anyone who actual reads this journal of mine, to explain why I'm helping, first. I'm not a Harlequin, and am in fact a believer and follower of both the Pantheon and the Shamanism of the north.
But the Queen of Endings and Beginnings is, like all of our gods and goddesses, one to honor and respect and love. Many fear her, but she is the one who gives our souls second chances at times, or brings us home to her when the time is right for us. I have recently found that my soul is one of those who has had a second chance (or however many!) and for that I am grateful, because the love I have known from the friends and family in my life is a gift beyond measure.
***
On to the events (these are just the two I am planning -- there will be many others by others on the Festival committee)!
There will be a poetry reading at the Shrine of the Queen. All of my regular poets and poetry lovers are of course most welcome to come and share a poem, as are any newcomers as well. This time, however, I do ask the poems be inspired by the Queen and her workings. Please send a messenger to me if you would like to read your original work at the reading; I will be creating a schedule of readers in advance. A book of the poems read that day will be made to be sold with proceeds going to the Harlequins.
A fashion show, with designs inspired as well by the Queen, will be held. Anyone can enter and prizes will be given in the categories of skulls, spiders, bats, and overall theme. A donation is appreciated, but not required, which will also go to the Harlequins for their work. All models need to write a paragraph describing their outfit that will be read during their time on the runway. Men -- this is not a ladies event only! Do show up and show off your finest breeches.
Those with questions can certainly feel free to message me.
Written By Monique
June 27, 2019, 2:55 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Two Pendants won in the Tournament of Thorns! It's quite an accomplishment, and Princess Vega and Lady Narcissa ought to be congratulated for their incredible feat. Shower them in gifts! Send them booze! Ask to see their beautiful Pendants, designed by the equally talented Princess Marisol.
Written By Lou
June 27, 2019, 2:50 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
This one perfect day has inspired me to wax nostalgic over my latest exploratory trip.
Whitepeak. They called it the City of Miracles. It fell when Lorwroth Kinsbane sacked it. Its location had been forgotten for a long time, until a team of rather dedicated explorers shared information, worked together, and determinedly put their heads together, along with a smattering of help from outsiders, were able to discover general vicinity of where it should exist. It's been a topic of conversation over a number of centuries; explorers trying to find it, long thought impossible.
It was Sir Jordan Ober that had first brought the mountain to my attention asked me to find it; he was my protégé at the time. Rediscovering the location of the mountain was the best way I figured I could ever honor him after his heroic passing in saving Duke Harlan Ashford's life. And oh, how we did. He would have been both saddened and mystified to see the magnificence of Whitepeak.
The streets of Whitepeak were riddled with the skeletons of the people that Lorwroth Kinsbane and his warriors slew; those cut down while they tried to escape the grandeur of the city, else face his mighty wrath. Many of the buildings were destroyed. However, not all things were lost. Some things survived; great works of art, snippets of a lost language, trinkets made of brass, statues made of every kind of metal imaginable. The city is nowhere near as big as Arx, but it is big enough that it will take many, many decades to properly explore and catalog.
The first piece discovered, a tiny brass statue of a griffin, will be on loan to the Society of Explorers when we finally finish constructing our museum. I long to go back even now, but. . . seeing the city in all of its glory has made me realize that I need to see to doing my part at making sure the rest of Arvum gets to experience every bit of wonder I do when I go out and explore things; both the good and the terrible.
Whitepeak. They called it the City of Miracles. It fell when Lorwroth Kinsbane sacked it. Its location had been forgotten for a long time, until a team of rather dedicated explorers shared information, worked together, and determinedly put their heads together, along with a smattering of help from outsiders, were able to discover general vicinity of where it should exist. It's been a topic of conversation over a number of centuries; explorers trying to find it, long thought impossible.
It was Sir Jordan Ober that had first brought the mountain to my attention asked me to find it; he was my protégé at the time. Rediscovering the location of the mountain was the best way I figured I could ever honor him after his heroic passing in saving Duke Harlan Ashford's life. And oh, how we did. He would have been both saddened and mystified to see the magnificence of Whitepeak.
The streets of Whitepeak were riddled with the skeletons of the people that Lorwroth Kinsbane and his warriors slew; those cut down while they tried to escape the grandeur of the city, else face his mighty wrath. Many of the buildings were destroyed. However, not all things were lost. Some things survived; great works of art, snippets of a lost language, trinkets made of brass, statues made of every kind of metal imaginable. The city is nowhere near as big as Arx, but it is big enough that it will take many, many decades to properly explore and catalog.
The first piece discovered, a tiny brass statue of a griffin, will be on loan to the Society of Explorers when we finally finish constructing our museum. I long to go back even now, but. . . seeing the city in all of its glory has made me realize that I need to see to doing my part at making sure the rest of Arvum gets to experience every bit of wonder I do when I go out and explore things; both the good and the terrible.
Written By Lucita
June 27, 2019, 1:50 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
Such generosity! What a beautiful gift you sent to me. I will certainly enjoy wearing the beautiful blue dress and mask.
Written By Evaristo
June 27, 2019, 12:20 p.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
New Socks - The Josie Poem
New Socks
By Evaristo Arterius
To Joscelin Arterius
The best cousin-sister
Fresh scones and cussing
'Take your dirty boots off!'
A hole in my sock
and there's more cussing
and worry about my feet
but also
new socks
I eat ten of the scones
and half of the butter
when you're not watching
and you cuss again
I laugh and run away
But I'm wearing
new socks
But I always came back
and you always forgave me
One year, a month, a week
felt like nothing when
I came back to scones
and cussing
and new socks
But now you feel that wonder
of new Beginnings and adventure
That which always worried
that which always baffled
Now you know
and you can love the new world
with cussings
and new socks
New Socks
By Evaristo Arterius
To Joscelin Arterius
The best cousin-sister
Fresh scones and cussing
'Take your dirty boots off!'
A hole in my sock
and there's more cussing
and worry about my feet
but also
new socks
I eat ten of the scones
and half of the butter
when you're not watching
and you cuss again
I laugh and run away
But I'm wearing
new socks
But I always came back
and you always forgave me
One year, a month, a week
felt like nothing when
I came back to scones
and cussing
and new socks
But now you feel that wonder
of new Beginnings and adventure
That which always worried
that which always baffled
Now you know
and you can love the new world
with cussings
and new socks
Written By Miranda
June 27, 2019, 11:35 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Helena
I feel truly thankful for those in Arx who consider me 'friend' enough to offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with.
Grief takes on many forms and I find mine tends to jump out and bother me when I least expect it.
I can be happy and playful one moment and someone can speak about or do something that will suddenly sap me of all my joy. It brings me to a point where the grief is new and real as if it weren't months old. And, sometimes, the grief and memories, even the good ones, bring me to such a dark place, I can hardly see my way clear of it.
So, thank you, Princess Helena, for being an ear and for offering your shoulder. It was most appreciated and I enjoyed the chance to talk.
Grief takes on many forms and I find mine tends to jump out and bother me when I least expect it.
I can be happy and playful one moment and someone can speak about or do something that will suddenly sap me of all my joy. It brings me to a point where the grief is new and real as if it weren't months old. And, sometimes, the grief and memories, even the good ones, bring me to such a dark place, I can hardly see my way clear of it.
So, thank you, Princess Helena, for being an ear and for offering your shoulder. It was most appreciated and I enjoyed the chance to talk.
Written By Gunther
June 27, 2019, 11:17 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Sally,
There is them nights Sally where I am tuckered out. Just plum dragging keister an' all. Ain't that I'm feelin' my age or nuthin' but it is just that some of them days when I see people in love it gets to me and just takes my gumption right outta these old bones. When them strangers is holdin' hands or necking I just get to missing you something awful. Even arguments! Why, I saw this old couple they was going at each other like two young goats buttin' heads and all I could do was just get this gut ache and think on you and us.
Wish that was us Sally and it ain't fair none that it weren't. I would give anything to be fightin' over that pillow with you. We could only afford the one as tattered as it was. Them prickly duck feathers always pokin' ya in the ear. I miss us tosslin' over it and sure in the end you always won. It was the act of it that was special. You was the only person beat me every time we wrassled. Wonder if you knew that you was and why.
Wish I truly knew how special it was when it was.
I did a little bit then. Reckon I see it all the time now.
Love always,
Gunther
There is them nights Sally where I am tuckered out. Just plum dragging keister an' all. Ain't that I'm feelin' my age or nuthin' but it is just that some of them days when I see people in love it gets to me and just takes my gumption right outta these old bones. When them strangers is holdin' hands or necking I just get to missing you something awful. Even arguments! Why, I saw this old couple they was going at each other like two young goats buttin' heads and all I could do was just get this gut ache and think on you and us.
Wish that was us Sally and it ain't fair none that it weren't. I would give anything to be fightin' over that pillow with you. We could only afford the one as tattered as it was. Them prickly duck feathers always pokin' ya in the ear. I miss us tosslin' over it and sure in the end you always won. It was the act of it that was special. You was the only person beat me every time we wrassled. Wonder if you knew that you was and why.
Wish I truly knew how special it was when it was.
I did a little bit then. Reckon I see it all the time now.
Love always,
Gunther
Written By Cristoph
June 27, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
I hope Marquis Keaton and Lord Asriel are enjoying their birds.
Written By Alecstazi
June 27, 2019, 10:30 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
Your words grace us, Archscholar, and inspire, I am certain, more than just myself to commit more to the contemplation of our daily notations. Our journals are sacred, a bridge between ourselves and the gods, an expression of our souls, a transcript of our darkest fears or desires.
I was entirely with you until you spoke a single line, and that made me pause. You spoke of committing to writing the truth.
In my years in this world, if I have learned one thing, it is that truth is more clay than stone.
Two men can have a single, simple interaction and walk away with two entirely different stories that to each is the precise truth of the encounter, and yet utterly contradict the other. And this is not just that people, in general, tend to be the most unreliable witnesses, (Ask any lawyer or law enforcement official and they will tell you that) but it is that truth, like so many other things in this world is almost entirely subjective to the individual.
Even something that should be an objective truth, "The sky is blue," is debatable between people. Is it blue, or cyan? Cobalt or ultramarine?
I may be pushing this a little bit to the extreme, but the gist of my point is that truth, at the end of the day, even when earnestly believed by the one telling it, is rarely, if ever, the solid concept we speak of it as.
I was entirely with you until you spoke a single line, and that made me pause. You spoke of committing to writing the truth.
In my years in this world, if I have learned one thing, it is that truth is more clay than stone.
Two men can have a single, simple interaction and walk away with two entirely different stories that to each is the precise truth of the encounter, and yet utterly contradict the other. And this is not just that people, in general, tend to be the most unreliable witnesses, (Ask any lawyer or law enforcement official and they will tell you that) but it is that truth, like so many other things in this world is almost entirely subjective to the individual.
Even something that should be an objective truth, "The sky is blue," is debatable between people. Is it blue, or cyan? Cobalt or ultramarine?
I may be pushing this a little bit to the extreme, but the gist of my point is that truth, at the end of the day, even when earnestly believed by the one telling it, is rarely, if ever, the solid concept we speak of it as.
Written By Ida
June 27, 2019, 9:37 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
How do you say good-bye to one of the most constant things in your life? You don't, really. You say, 'farewell for now' or 'see you soon' even if you're not sure how long 'soon' may truly be.
Joscelin defies description. My work wife and dearest friend, the exuberance to my reserve, the wicked humor to foil my Oathlands diffidence, the stealer of my hammers and giddy mischief maker in those exact times that I needed something to laugh about. The forger of my Hammer of the West badge, bestowed upon me with my knighthood from Prince Edain. So many years of gossip and laughter and tears.
Memories of us as much younger women, sweeping out old buildings that we would turn into our livelihoods and homes. The loves of craft and partners and friends that ushered down our little stretch of the Merchant Road, the whiskey drunk, the shouts of joy and rage, the arched brows that said, 'oh, here we go,' when no one else knew we were sharing that thought between us.
Our friendship is a veritable life all its own, bound in a love so deep and honest and full of delight that it almost can not be put to things so simple as words. My fiercest defender, my partner in so many things, my sister of metal and creation.
There is no good-bye when someone will always be with you, part of your heart and soul in a most tangible way. When loyalty and adoration will have you cross the world to be beside them if needed and without question.
My grief is only dimmed by my sincere joy for what lays ahead for you. Your chair will remain next to mine, as has always been, until you return to sit in it beside me again and your mischief brightens Arx once more.
Joscelin defies description. My work wife and dearest friend, the exuberance to my reserve, the wicked humor to foil my Oathlands diffidence, the stealer of my hammers and giddy mischief maker in those exact times that I needed something to laugh about. The forger of my Hammer of the West badge, bestowed upon me with my knighthood from Prince Edain. So many years of gossip and laughter and tears.
Memories of us as much younger women, sweeping out old buildings that we would turn into our livelihoods and homes. The loves of craft and partners and friends that ushered down our little stretch of the Merchant Road, the whiskey drunk, the shouts of joy and rage, the arched brows that said, 'oh, here we go,' when no one else knew we were sharing that thought between us.
Our friendship is a veritable life all its own, bound in a love so deep and honest and full of delight that it almost can not be put to things so simple as words. My fiercest defender, my partner in so many things, my sister of metal and creation.
There is no good-bye when someone will always be with you, part of your heart and soul in a most tangible way. When loyalty and adoration will have you cross the world to be beside them if needed and without question.
My grief is only dimmed by my sincere joy for what lays ahead for you. Your chair will remain next to mine, as has always been, until you return to sit in it beside me again and your mischief brightens Arx once more.
Written By Magpie
June 27, 2019, 9:10 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Another that I've come to call family is leaving. I said cruel things to her when I should have been giving hugs and wishing the best. Maybe that's why this keeps happening? Because I can't keep my damned mouth shut?
I mean, I know she saw past my attitude, she sent me a letter at the last moment. I know things are fine and I know that she will be fine. Everything is fine. We got high together.
The greater the pain, the greater the loss, right? One after another, ripped away by powers outside your control. I don't write many whites these days but I'm angry and I want the world to know it.
Is Grayhope forever destined to be bound as a place of temporary refuge? We've had our inn since the beginning of Arx. People come through for a brief stay, and other times they stay for years. It's not always the safest place, and certainly not the most welcoming (at least where the actual inn is concerned), but we've looked past blood and past lineage (or lack thereof). I'm not going to offer free drinks to everyone, the Crafter's Guild can pay for that. But if you want to talk about how Josie inspired you, there might be a drink earned there, if the story is *good.* I need something to pull me out of this mood.
I mean, I know she saw past my attitude, she sent me a letter at the last moment. I know things are fine and I know that she will be fine. Everything is fine. We got high together.
The greater the pain, the greater the loss, right? One after another, ripped away by powers outside your control. I don't write many whites these days but I'm angry and I want the world to know it.
Is Grayhope forever destined to be bound as a place of temporary refuge? We've had our inn since the beginning of Arx. People come through for a brief stay, and other times they stay for years. It's not always the safest place, and certainly not the most welcoming (at least where the actual inn is concerned), but we've looked past blood and past lineage (or lack thereof). I'm not going to offer free drinks to everyone, the Crafter's Guild can pay for that. But if you want to talk about how Josie inspired you, there might be a drink earned there, if the story is *good.* I need something to pull me out of this mood.
Written By Morrighan
June 27, 2019, 9:08 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Oh, Josie.
I know well that when you are given a call, it must be answered, and there's no stopping it. In life there is always change, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes it's what we need, regardless of either. This is the sort I never really anticipated, in my mind I thought you'd be here forever. I have to admit it took the breath from me harder than any punch to the gut I've had. Now I'm at a loss. My heart breaks a little that you've left, that another part of my family is no longer close, and I've no idea where you're going. I can't help but worry if you and the children will be okay, or if you'll come across any trouble, or when you'll be back. I'm overjoyed for you, for the path you've now found for yourself, but I mourn your absence. I feel blessed that our paths were able to converge for as long as they did, and in that time you very much became a sister to me. Until the time comes your path brings you back around, I'll be waiting to welcome you and the children home. Safe travels, Josie. I'll miss you.
Now I need a drink.
I know well that when you are given a call, it must be answered, and there's no stopping it. In life there is always change, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes it's what we need, regardless of either. This is the sort I never really anticipated, in my mind I thought you'd be here forever. I have to admit it took the breath from me harder than any punch to the gut I've had. Now I'm at a loss. My heart breaks a little that you've left, that another part of my family is no longer close, and I've no idea where you're going. I can't help but worry if you and the children will be okay, or if you'll come across any trouble, or when you'll be back. I'm overjoyed for you, for the path you've now found for yourself, but I mourn your absence. I feel blessed that our paths were able to converge for as long as they did, and in that time you very much became a sister to me. Until the time comes your path brings you back around, I'll be waiting to welcome you and the children home. Safe travels, Josie. I'll miss you.
Now I need a drink.
Written By Thena
June 27, 2019, 8:37 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Crows are smart and acquisitive. They have a fine irreverent sense of humor, they work together, and they mourn their dead. I'm not sure why anyone would believe that they are innately evil.
I'd like to think that's why they are associated with the Grayhopes but maybe I'm just flattering myself.
I'd like to think that's why they are associated with the Grayhopes but maybe I'm just flattering myself.
Written By Evaristo
June 27, 2019, 5:36 a.m.(5/11/1011 AR)
Silk crawled out of the bag when I visited the Iron Guard Barracks. (It was a BUSINESS MEETING, nothing else.) Iron Guards, such staunch, brave protector of our city. And very much devote, as well!
Anyway, Silk is in there SOMEWHERE. I'm sure she's fine, and that there'll be quite a few less mice around the place while she's having fun there, but even so, I'd like her to find her way back. I keep going there to bother the guards in the reception, but so far, nothing.
Very crafty spider though. I keep her in a cozy box with netting. The netting had broken a little and she crawled out, then out of the bag and somewhere into the barracks. Maybe she likes the air in there? Or there's plenty of mice there? Insects?
Anyway, Silk is in there SOMEWHERE. I'm sure she's fine, and that there'll be quite a few less mice around the place while she's having fun there, but even so, I'd like her to find her way back. I keep going there to bother the guards in the reception, but so far, nothing.
Very crafty spider though. I keep her in a cozy box with netting. The netting had broken a little and she crawled out, then out of the bag and somewhere into the barracks. Maybe she likes the air in there? Or there's plenty of mice there? Insects?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.