Written By Mabelle
May 17, 2019, 5:15 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
To a dear friend who joins in marriage this week-end. I pray you shall be happy in your union and may it bear fruit of children as sweet as you.
Written By Rook
May 17, 2019, 3:46 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
A delight to catch up with you my dear friend over tea and the sweetest fruits we could find. In my absence your desire to do good in our realm has not stopped, I am just distraught that I could not assist you while I had the chance.
Written By Wren
May 17, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
The gods' damned snowfall is something I shall never forget about Arx no matter how many years I spend outside the city, especially in far warmer climes. Yet, the familiarity of the snow and even the spots of black ice are a welcomed thing. Not as welcomed as the look of shock and surprise on my parent's faces when I woke them. Even after all of these years, they are still surprised when I roll in like a stray cat or bird as my father teases. His little bird come home to roost.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
Written By Stygia
May 17, 2019, 1:40 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
The gray hairs may not be because of you, but I am willing to bet one is at the very least named after you.
Written By Delilah
May 17, 2019, 12:55 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Every now and then, the veil slips back. An image takes shape from the blank background. Thoughts coalesce into clear ideas. A friend is found among the many faces of the city.
Like unexpectedly delightful tea blends, say, lime and rosemary, these joys are welcome when they strike.
Like unexpectedly delightful tea blends, say, lime and rosemary, these joys are welcome when they strike.
Written By Syd
May 17, 2019, 12:44 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
What makes someone a pastry chef? What makes someone a stone mason? Two things, largely, and they ain't hard to guess.
By a gelding's missing plums, my rosy children of snow and statues! No offense to Vellumichor but my personal recommendation is more lovemaking and less inkspilling. You're young, lusty, and boastful. Find yourself the ugliest lover who'll take you abed and make smiles together in warm flannel sheets every afternoon for a month.
The White Singer and the Widening Gyre, the Lord of Antlers and Echo of Whispers? Let them bide for a time, in this chilly city, and wrap yourselves in the little pleasures.
There is a brawny blacksmith of my acquaintance, can't remember his name, who smells of honest sweat and iron sparks, and any night he sleeps with his burly arms empty is another tiny tragedy. I'm too old to lay him gently in my own bed, so I must delegate. There is a charming young slab of a naval lady, built along the lines of a galleon--though twice as swift and thrice as strong--who in my younger days I would've pursued with such a persistence passionate pestilence that she would've been obliged to crush me like a boom swinging with the force of Jayus's spare hammer. There is a tailor with a throb in her voice and a candymaker sweeter then her goods. A knight whose sword is neither swift nor sharp, but it's long, my children, with a steady, purposeful, pounding. There is a heart in a heart, aglow with enough warmth to bring summer single-handed, and there is a mind of such startling diamond brilliance that all you can do--all you can wish to do--is prop your head on the pillow and watch the morning light play among its facets.
War is easy. Love is hard.
And ponder on this for a time, a saying from the Mother of Mercies: "We start whole. That's what 'whole' means. How we start."
By a gelding's missing plums, my rosy children of snow and statues! No offense to Vellumichor but my personal recommendation is more lovemaking and less inkspilling. You're young, lusty, and boastful. Find yourself the ugliest lover who'll take you abed and make smiles together in warm flannel sheets every afternoon for a month.
The White Singer and the Widening Gyre, the Lord of Antlers and Echo of Whispers? Let them bide for a time, in this chilly city, and wrap yourselves in the little pleasures.
There is a brawny blacksmith of my acquaintance, can't remember his name, who smells of honest sweat and iron sparks, and any night he sleeps with his burly arms empty is another tiny tragedy. I'm too old to lay him gently in my own bed, so I must delegate. There is a charming young slab of a naval lady, built along the lines of a galleon--though twice as swift and thrice as strong--who in my younger days I would've pursued with such a persistence passionate pestilence that she would've been obliged to crush me like a boom swinging with the force of Jayus's spare hammer. There is a tailor with a throb in her voice and a candymaker sweeter then her goods. A knight whose sword is neither swift nor sharp, but it's long, my children, with a steady, purposeful, pounding. There is a heart in a heart, aglow with enough warmth to bring summer single-handed, and there is a mind of such startling diamond brilliance that all you can do--all you can wish to do--is prop your head on the pillow and watch the morning light play among its facets.
War is easy. Love is hard.
And ponder on this for a time, a saying from the Mother of Mercies: "We start whole. That's what 'whole' means. How we start."
Written By Rysen
May 17, 2019, 12:33 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
We have concluded our investigation into Asger's death, and found much of value, though it seems to have lead to a dead end; however, I no longer have any doubt that Asger's murder was part of a large and ingenious design. Grimkin, the Cracknecks, Longwoods, Warwynds - perhaps even Marquis Ford - they are all connected in an attempt to divide us, to distract - yet my eyes are open, and my search continues with a restless will.
I remain eager to speak to High Lord Victus, and I offer my sincere thanks to those who helped us to investigate in the Northlands, especially my cousin, Duchess Fianna, Lady Amari Keaton, Lord Cadern Ravenseye, Rukhnis and even Gilroy Greyhope, whose insolence, under very specific circumstances, is quite useful.
To any who may be involved: look around. Your co-conspirators have been sent in agony to the Shinning Lands to await punishment for their sins and betrayals. There is still time for you to decide whether you will be a tool to be disposed of, or whether you will to do right in the eyes of the Sentinel. Send word before it's too late, for if I track you down, even Mercy will whet the blade of Justice.
I remain eager to speak to High Lord Victus, and I offer my sincere thanks to those who helped us to investigate in the Northlands, especially my cousin, Duchess Fianna, Lady Amari Keaton, Lord Cadern Ravenseye, Rukhnis and even Gilroy Greyhope, whose insolence, under very specific circumstances, is quite useful.
To any who may be involved: look around. Your co-conspirators have been sent in agony to the Shinning Lands to await punishment for their sins and betrayals. There is still time for you to decide whether you will be a tool to be disposed of, or whether you will to do right in the eyes of the Sentinel. Send word before it's too late, for if I track you down, even Mercy will whet the blade of Justice.
Written By Athaur
May 17, 2019, 11:41 a.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
We are getting married tomorrow. Don't mind me. Just losing my mind. Is it nerves or excitement? Your guess is as good as mine.
Written By Peri
May 17, 2019, 11:14 a.m.(2/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
Raimon, in your white you write that a warrior is someone who is prepared to kill and die for an idea.
I have thought of three challenges I face in understanding whether someone meets your criteria. I feel a Godsworn may have less challenges than I do.
Firstly, the knowledge of what ideas even _are_ is difficult. I recently spoke to someone who led me through the the complexities of duty and loyalty and the acts of obedience that follow from those ideas. The acts may be the same, yet the ideals behind those acts will be different. As I began to imagine what act would fall under what idea, I realized how little I understand of the concepts of Limerance.
Secondly, discerning the motivations of a person is difficult without the help of the gods.
Thirdly, making a life or death decision that requires the knowledge and the insight to know which ideal takes priority is difficult, and making that decision in the heat of a moment is difficult.
I am a veteran of the Gyre War and lost many people at Setarco. The Academy of War has meeting areas where we can re-enact those wars in miniature. I have relieved that time over and over working through every decision in that war with my compatriots as we slowly develop military doctrines and the strategic and tactical decisions that follow from them. Some decisions have us kill enemies, some decisions have us sacrifice our own people. I claim to you that knowing which ideal in any one moment is not easy.
I will not be able to judge whether myself or anyone is a warrior by your criteria until I have the years to grow insights and prove those insights time and time again when faced with decisions of life and death.
I hope until then to treat myself and others with respect from the humbleness of our ignorance. Unless someone is an absolute shite who violates some law. In the which case I will judge them greatly and perhaps will have to do so out of duty to an ideal despite wishing no good will towards shites.
If anyone asks what qualities absolute shites have, I confess that I have no oyster jobbing clue.
I have thought of three challenges I face in understanding whether someone meets your criteria. I feel a Godsworn may have less challenges than I do.
Firstly, the knowledge of what ideas even _are_ is difficult. I recently spoke to someone who led me through the the complexities of duty and loyalty and the acts of obedience that follow from those ideas. The acts may be the same, yet the ideals behind those acts will be different. As I began to imagine what act would fall under what idea, I realized how little I understand of the concepts of Limerance.
Secondly, discerning the motivations of a person is difficult without the help of the gods.
Thirdly, making a life or death decision that requires the knowledge and the insight to know which ideal takes priority is difficult, and making that decision in the heat of a moment is difficult.
I am a veteran of the Gyre War and lost many people at Setarco. The Academy of War has meeting areas where we can re-enact those wars in miniature. I have relieved that time over and over working through every decision in that war with my compatriots as we slowly develop military doctrines and the strategic and tactical decisions that follow from them. Some decisions have us kill enemies, some decisions have us sacrifice our own people. I claim to you that knowing which ideal in any one moment is not easy.
I will not be able to judge whether myself or anyone is a warrior by your criteria until I have the years to grow insights and prove those insights time and time again when faced with decisions of life and death.
I hope until then to treat myself and others with respect from the humbleness of our ignorance. Unless someone is an absolute shite who violates some law. In the which case I will judge them greatly and perhaps will have to do so out of duty to an ideal despite wishing no good will towards shites.
If anyone asks what qualities absolute shites have, I confess that I have no oyster jobbing clue.
Written By Valenzo
May 17, 2019, 8:47 a.m.(2/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
Our dear Josie mentioned thirteen silver strands, aye?
I mean if we're all being honest here, you're probably responsible for...oh...twelve of them, I'd wager.
I mean if we're all being honest here, you're probably responsible for...oh...twelve of them, I'd wager.
Written By Jasher
May 17, 2019, 1:55 a.m.(2/13/1011 AR)
What makes someone a warrior?
I was given to the Salt when I was young, and when I was old enough to wield a cutlass, I spilled my share of blood upon the high seas. I killed many people--shav pirates, escaped thralls, or other malcontents--who found us, or who we found. I tasted saltwater and swam with sharks. I wear the scars of Silence, the Gyre, and the Lodge, among other battles.
For all this, they call me a warrior.
It is one of many paths, and there will be journals to come that will speak of their perspectives, but if you wish my perspective, being a warrior is not always about superior skill. It is also about understanding the mercy of preparation and a quick resolution, the weight of a weapon readied, and the scars that come with glory. It is to fight despite the odds you face, and to know that one day, you will not find victory but death, either by circumstance or choice.
Perhaps you may walk down that path, or you will never see it come to pass. But should the day come where you receive a weapon of your own, treat it with the respect it is due. One day you will kill someone with it, and if their face haunts your dreams, better that it is the face of an enemy that sought to destroy you or yours, than the face of an innocent.
I was given to the Salt when I was young, and when I was old enough to wield a cutlass, I spilled my share of blood upon the high seas. I killed many people--shav pirates, escaped thralls, or other malcontents--who found us, or who we found. I tasted saltwater and swam with sharks. I wear the scars of Silence, the Gyre, and the Lodge, among other battles.
For all this, they call me a warrior.
It is one of many paths, and there will be journals to come that will speak of their perspectives, but if you wish my perspective, being a warrior is not always about superior skill. It is also about understanding the mercy of preparation and a quick resolution, the weight of a weapon readied, and the scars that come with glory. It is to fight despite the odds you face, and to know that one day, you will not find victory but death, either by circumstance or choice.
Perhaps you may walk down that path, or you will never see it come to pass. But should the day come where you receive a weapon of your own, treat it with the respect it is due. One day you will kill someone with it, and if their face haunts your dreams, better that it is the face of an enemy that sought to destroy you or yours, than the face of an innocent.
Written By Willow
May 17, 2019, 12:19 a.m.(2/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
Congratulations on your contract old friend. We shall have to get together to talk silks again sometime, you truly are my most valued ally when discussing the details and philosophies of fashion and the merits of one silk or cut versus another.
Written By Ishmael
May 16, 2019, 10:56 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
This city is rather lovely I will admit. I expect to be able to do a lot of great work here. Now if only it wasn't so beastly cold all the time
Written By Raimon
May 16, 2019, 9:18 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
I shall address the words of Lady Peri and Lord Quintin at the same time as they both asked what amounts to the same thing. What makes someone a warrior.
In my opinion, it is someone who is prepared to kill and die for an idea. That idea may be wealth, fealty, Honor. There are a number of reasons why some choose to fight. But it is an act of service in my opinion.
Since coming to Arx I have seen several individuals pursing martial capabilities because they feel they should. Not everyone is cut out for the field of battle. There is no shame in that. Strength comes from a variety of places. No one can be strong in every way. It is best to focus on ones strength then try to become something you are not.
In my opinion, it is someone who is prepared to kill and die for an idea. That idea may be wealth, fealty, Honor. There are a number of reasons why some choose to fight. But it is an act of service in my opinion.
Since coming to Arx I have seen several individuals pursing martial capabilities because they feel they should. Not everyone is cut out for the field of battle. There is no shame in that. Strength comes from a variety of places. No one can be strong in every way. It is best to focus on ones strength then try to become something you are not.
Written By Jaenelle
May 16, 2019, 5:08 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
For the record, you said that rainbow was a color. It was my position that rainbow is a group of many colors and therefore could not be labeled as singular.
Written By Riagnon
May 16, 2019, 4:30 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kenna
No, that's not how you spell it.
Written By Willow
May 16, 2019, 4:28 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
I sometimes wonder if people aren't supercharging AntiVellichor with much unnecessary power by being as secretive as they are. In truth that is part of why I favor blunt openness in my dealings and feelings, even if they are things others have distaste for. I will gladly not share the secrets of others because they aren't mine to share, but I prefer not to keep any of my own.
Written By Evaristo
May 16, 2019, 3:13 p.m.(2/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Happy Birthday!
The gray hair isn't because of me, right?
The gray hair isn't because of me, right?
Written By Sparte
May 16, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(2/11/1011 AR)
I thank all within the Faith of the Pantheon for the opportunity to return to the grace of the Faith. I want to thank Legate Aureth and Archscholar Sina in particular, for taking the time to speak with me and help me to understand both the full burden of my choices and to see my path forward more clearly.
Written By Martino
May 16, 2019, 10:14 a.m.(2/11/1011 AR)
With many preparations being handled by the sweetest Lady Kaia, as we await the final details of our contract, I have recently been using free time to plunge forth into the Grand Archives and Library in research of both old and recent history of the city I call home. Southport.
While my education did certainly cover so much of this before, it is always good to refresh and remind.
While my education did certainly cover so much of this before, it is always good to refresh and remind.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.