Written By Gesa
June 23, 2019, 3:37 a.m.(5/3/1011 AR)
I was not enthralled because I was a criminal. I was born a thrall. My mother was born a thrall. Perhaps her parents were criminals or Abandoned who were "mercifully" spared by becoming thralls or perhaps it was a parent before then. I don't know. Mama and I didn't talk much about it. I was not beaten or treated cruelly although I did get slapped a few times on account of my mouth. My mother was a nursemaid to some little lords, and when we were little we played together in the sand. It wasn't the worst childhood.
However, it lacked choice. I didn't get to choose much of anything. Not the hour I rose or the clothes on my back or what I would do during the day. I didn't choose where I lived. I didn't even get to choose the blanket I slept with because we got what the noble family didn't want anymore. Now, you could say commoners outside of the Isles don't have much choice, but that isn't entirely true. A commoner in the poorest portions of the Compact can choose to leave. They can choose to say the hell with it and never leave their bed again and lie there until they die if they'd like. A commoner girl can choose what color cheap cotton or wool she'd like her dress made from. A thrall doesn't get that choice.
The most oppressive part of thralldom I experienced was the lack of color and beauty. Those that know me know I love loud color. The gaudier the better I've always said. I would help the noble ladies my mother and I served sometimes, and it was my favorite thing because for a little while I got to be surrounded by beautiful things even if I would never possess anything but the rough spun dress I was given to wear. I remember it as being colorless for the most part. I was under-stimulated. Underwhelmed. If I hadn't of left I would have remained in this colorless world doing what I was told my entire life, as far as I knew. If I wanted to be a mother my children would have likely lived through the same. That I was a thrall on Kennex lands would have been the only thing that saved me.
I ran away from the Isles when I was twenty. Do you know what my freedom cost me? I never got to see my mother again. She died a month before thralldom was outlawed on Stormbreak. I lost all of my friends. I l had to give up the boy I loved so fiercely because he was one of the few choices I got to make. All of it gone forever.
I'm one of the lucky ones because I am free and relatively successful. I can't help but think of my mother, who was denied choice her entire life, and died a month before she would legally have been given that choice. Think of all of the people like her when you think of thralldom. Mama I'm sorry. I hope if you are given another turn on the wheel that you are spoiled for choice.
However, it lacked choice. I didn't get to choose much of anything. Not the hour I rose or the clothes on my back or what I would do during the day. I didn't choose where I lived. I didn't even get to choose the blanket I slept with because we got what the noble family didn't want anymore. Now, you could say commoners outside of the Isles don't have much choice, but that isn't entirely true. A commoner in the poorest portions of the Compact can choose to leave. They can choose to say the hell with it and never leave their bed again and lie there until they die if they'd like. A commoner girl can choose what color cheap cotton or wool she'd like her dress made from. A thrall doesn't get that choice.
The most oppressive part of thralldom I experienced was the lack of color and beauty. Those that know me know I love loud color. The gaudier the better I've always said. I would help the noble ladies my mother and I served sometimes, and it was my favorite thing because for a little while I got to be surrounded by beautiful things even if I would never possess anything but the rough spun dress I was given to wear. I remember it as being colorless for the most part. I was under-stimulated. Underwhelmed. If I hadn't of left I would have remained in this colorless world doing what I was told my entire life, as far as I knew. If I wanted to be a mother my children would have likely lived through the same. That I was a thrall on Kennex lands would have been the only thing that saved me.
I ran away from the Isles when I was twenty. Do you know what my freedom cost me? I never got to see my mother again. She died a month before thralldom was outlawed on Stormbreak. I lost all of my friends. I l had to give up the boy I loved so fiercely because he was one of the few choices I got to make. All of it gone forever.
I'm one of the lucky ones because I am free and relatively successful. I can't help but think of my mother, who was denied choice her entire life, and died a month before she would legally have been given that choice. Think of all of the people like her when you think of thralldom. Mama I'm sorry. I hope if you are given another turn on the wheel that you are spoiled for choice.
Written By Gesa
June 23, 2019, 3:20 a.m.(5/3/1011 AR)
Reading through the Whites I have seen quite a bit of commentary by certain nobility regarding thralldom. They speak of economics. Of tradition. Of what is best for society as a whole.
They do not address us as individuals. I've noticed we're not people to them when they talk about us. So in an effort to remind my illustrious betters of my status as a person I will be sharing my account. I invite other ex-thralls to do the same.
We should not allow our humanity to be taken from us. We are people and that should be the first point in the discussion. Not economics or tradition or a societal problem that must be solved.
They do not address us as individuals. I've noticed we're not people to them when they talk about us. So in an effort to remind my illustrious betters of my status as a person I will be sharing my account. I invite other ex-thralls to do the same.
We should not allow our humanity to be taken from us. We are people and that should be the first point in the discussion. Not economics or tradition or a societal problem that must be solved.
Written By Berenice
June 23, 2019, 2:01 a.m.(5/3/1011 AR)
Sometimes satisfaction is all the more enjoyable for coming as a surprise.
Written By Silas
June 23, 2019, 1:54 a.m.(5/3/1011 AR)
I guess I'm 28 now.
I miss being a decade short of thirty.
I miss being a decade short of thirty.
Written By Lucita
June 22, 2019, 11:30 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Finally finished the Layperson's Songs of Faith, part one that I was writing and got a start on the first song for part two. Now to rest my poor tired brain and fingers.
Written By Rowenova
June 22, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Archlector and Mercies of Lagoma,
Thank you for having been comforting company to me, not only during First Bloom (Mother Mercy Sophie and Sister Estelle), but also during times past, too.
Thank you.
Thank you for having been comforting company to me, not only during First Bloom (Mother Mercy Sophie and Sister Estelle), but also during times past, too.
Thank you.
Written By Delfina
June 22, 2019, 8:15 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
I found a key out in the street today. I imagine someone might have stubbed their toe on a knob in the road and it flew out of their pocket like a bird. The key has a fancy bow, engraved with a window of vines and leaves, so I think whatever it unlocks must be fancy as well. And perhaps leafy. I've been taking an extra hard look at doors today, sizing them up.
Written By Gwenna
June 22, 2019, 7:58 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
There are many chains in this world that need to be broken. To bind someone against their will, to capture them in bonds they did not choose, is a travesty I refuse to find acceptable in any form.
Written By Josephine
June 22, 2019, 7:42 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
There are times when I am profoundly grateful for all that I have and even all that I have lost. Today is such a day, returning home. To press kisses to the foreheads of my grandchildren, my children and to pen letters to my sister and brother back home. To stop along the way and say a prayer of thanks for the safety of my children who stand with the Queen of Endings, waiting thier turn to be spun back out and a life lived again.
I would brave the waters if I had to for my children even. No doubt she will do so ten times over before she finds her child.
I would brave the waters if I had to for my children even. No doubt she will do so ten times over before she finds her child.
Written By Lucita
June 22, 2019, 7:41 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sebastian
Such talent. How did he get so much detail packed into such a small square of canvas? Wonder what will inspire or what will become his next painting.
Written By Reigna
June 22, 2019, 7:41 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
I cannot say that I understand your stories, but I find the images captivating. They have been a boon as I have been trapped in bed recovering. They take my mind to unknown places.
Written By Lucita
June 22, 2019, 7:30 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Numbers make my head hurt. Today it is the naval fleet figures of salaries, the amount of food eaten, upkeep, fleet size versus coastline length, merchant traffic, and pirate activity...aaargh!
Written By Alecstazi
June 22, 2019, 6:35 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
1. Just because I am "newly come to Arx" does not mean my opinions are invalid or uninformed. There is a whole world outside the walls of this city.
2. Politics has little room for emotion. Hopefully this is a lesson you learn before you assume the role of Countess, for your people's sake.
3. It is actually his highness Prince Alecstazi Thrax.
4. The Isles do not beg. Nor are we a people who will easily accept charity.
2. Politics has little room for emotion. Hopefully this is a lesson you learn before you assume the role of Countess, for your people's sake.
3. It is actually his highness Prince Alecstazi Thrax.
4. The Isles do not beg. Nor are we a people who will easily accept charity.
Written By Peri
June 22, 2019, 6:18 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
The pond in the Bisland east garden is my favorite pond in the all of Arx.
Written By Vanora
June 22, 2019, 5:54 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Willow
You must feel so if you responded to me in the whites to tell me. It is lovely to have good friends that you can trust. I wish I'd appreciated mine more, spent more time with her, before it was too late.
Written By Ajax
June 22, 2019, 5:53 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rikako
You're doing great lass.
Written By Ajax
June 22, 2019, 5:49 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Congratulations, I'll send a rocking horse or something. I am not really sure what kids like. But I hope all the happiness for the little one.
Written By Monique
June 22, 2019, 5:43 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
I've heard from the Crown just recently. The Gilded Page must pay a fee of 25,000 silver monthly to remain open. Quite a hefty sum for a free library the does not make any money for itself, and whose proceeds are all donated to the Faith, when there are proceeds to donate. What a challenge I have been presented with.
Written By Rowenova
June 22, 2019, 5:15 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Lycene games -- of the strategic variety (not the naked kind) -- were entertainingly hosted by Lady Videl at the Great Hall in the Domus Igniseri.
First Place: Lord Quintin. Second Place: Mistress Nurie. Third Place: Me!
Princess Liara and Sir Merek were formidable challengers, too. A fun time was definitely had, not only due to fine company and great eats/drinks but also due to Sir Floppington being there, too!
First Place: Lord Quintin. Second Place: Mistress Nurie. Third Place: Me!
Princess Liara and Sir Merek were formidable challengers, too. A fun time was definitely had, not only due to fine company and great eats/drinks but also due to Sir Floppington being there, too!
Written By Peri
June 22, 2019, 4:54 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I confess! I left money at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings.
I was in a panic that day over worry for the safety of my friend. I went to all the shrines that day to pray for him, but at the shrines of Mangata and the Queen of Endings I left offerings. I left a necklace at the Shrine of Mangata and money at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings.
My friend and I are sailors and travel on Mangata's waters. Her waters wash the sands of many shores. I have heard of the black sand in the lowers and thought perhaps she would protect him from it. I left a necklace I cherish in hopes she might protect my friend whom many cherish.
As my friend is also beloved of the Queen of Endings, I left coin with the thought of how ephemeral possessions are and how much chance is involved in life. I thought perhaps the Queen would like that I left it in her hands who would stumble upon that coin.
It was some time later that a friend explained more of gods and the pantheon to me. I was foolish in my ignorance, but I do not regret the offerings if they did not offend the gods.
And I also do not regret them even more now - for they have amused people.
I was in a panic that day over worry for the safety of my friend. I went to all the shrines that day to pray for him, but at the shrines of Mangata and the Queen of Endings I left offerings. I left a necklace at the Shrine of Mangata and money at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings.
My friend and I are sailors and travel on Mangata's waters. Her waters wash the sands of many shores. I have heard of the black sand in the lowers and thought perhaps she would protect him from it. I left a necklace I cherish in hopes she might protect my friend whom many cherish.
As my friend is also beloved of the Queen of Endings, I left coin with the thought of how ephemeral possessions are and how much chance is involved in life. I thought perhaps the Queen would like that I left it in her hands who would stumble upon that coin.
It was some time later that a friend explained more of gods and the pantheon to me. I was foolish in my ignorance, but I do not regret the offerings if they did not offend the gods.
And I also do not regret them even more now - for they have amused people.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.