Written By Skye
April 19, 2019, 5:01 a.m.(12/13/1010 AR)
When I was a little girl, my uncle would punish me for seeking knowledge that was not meant for me to have. He tried to stem my intellectual curiosity with fear and pain. As if he could crush my spark with the reed across my knuckles. I still bear the marks of his cruelty upon my hands. I have worn gloves over these scars ever since.
His study, where he hid all the best books, was forbidden to me. When I would venture into his inner sanctum, he would take a reed to the bottoms of my feet. Then he would make me walk on my wounds until I fell to my knees. He would crow that such a weak creature was too delicate to stand against Thraxian traditions. My gender should be regaled to more delicate things, not battle or ship making.
When unmarried men would visit our keep, he would send me to my room. It's laughable to think that my reputation was more precious than my hands and feet. Even now I see other traditionalists, like my uncle, take steps to keep the divides in place. Some are just words on paper while others take darker methods to make their point against men and women who are strong enough to stand against outdated, twisted systems that bleed our souls. My tears in the wake of their destruction does not make me less of a person.
To the angry whispers who live in the past. Step into the light and embrace the new beginning. Work diligently to shore up your fiances and plan for a day when thralls no longer work upon your lands. Change is coming. The best thing you can do for your people is plan and prepare.
His study, where he hid all the best books, was forbidden to me. When I would venture into his inner sanctum, he would take a reed to the bottoms of my feet. Then he would make me walk on my wounds until I fell to my knees. He would crow that such a weak creature was too delicate to stand against Thraxian traditions. My gender should be regaled to more delicate things, not battle or ship making.
When unmarried men would visit our keep, he would send me to my room. It's laughable to think that my reputation was more precious than my hands and feet. Even now I see other traditionalists, like my uncle, take steps to keep the divides in place. Some are just words on paper while others take darker methods to make their point against men and women who are strong enough to stand against outdated, twisted systems that bleed our souls. My tears in the wake of their destruction does not make me less of a person.
To the angry whispers who live in the past. Step into the light and embrace the new beginning. Work diligently to shore up your fiances and plan for a day when thralls no longer work upon your lands. Change is coming. The best thing you can do for your people is plan and prepare.
Written By Willow
April 19, 2019, 4:10 a.m.(12/13/1010 AR)
thank you
for your boundless charm
and crooked smiles
and the bounty of bright blessings
you bring to my life
thank you
for your deep love
and the secrets you hold
and my heart you hold
with such grace and such care
thank you
for understanding
that the signet i wear
ties me to duty before romance
and knowing i love you so
thank you
for never asking me to choose
between the platform to help, and you
you are wiser, kinder, more loving
than you show the world
thank you
for showing me
for your boundless charm
and crooked smiles
and the bounty of bright blessings
you bring to my life
thank you
for your deep love
and the secrets you hold
and my heart you hold
with such grace and such care
thank you
for understanding
that the signet i wear
ties me to duty before romance
and knowing i love you so
thank you
for never asking me to choose
between the platform to help, and you
you are wiser, kinder, more loving
than you show the world
thank you
for showing me
Written By Calista
April 19, 2019, 1:13 a.m.(12/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Vayne
Now I understand what is meant by seeing "forever" in one's eyes, or face. The idea sounds dizzying, but I am certain I can convince Inigo to indulge me.
Written By Calista
April 19, 2019, 1:11 a.m.(12/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Lora
I've the perfect gift in mind for you. It is the gift that keeps on giving... and giving. Now, when -is- your birthday?
Written By Alarissa
April 19, 2019, 12:46 a.m.(12/13/1010 AR)
Vega threw a small birthday, a more private affair with those I consider close and dear. Replete with a cake to cut and a miniature version of my husband Axe. Duties of seat kept him from attending, but between Vega and I, it was ensured that he didn't miss out on the cake.
The gifts given were lovely. No matter how small and personal some were, or deadly as one was. I get given daggers all the time as a gift. I must say, the necklace was by far an interesting and touching choice. Garrote's are in fashion? Perhaps. I'll have to see if it can be worn within the hair as well. The song though. I have passed the latter part of the gathering, learning it so I can sing it to the children. Not that I'm terribly skilled at singing, but I can do so good enough that it's not screeching.
Dear dragon,
I think you would have enjoyed. I most certainly do. I know I did.
The gifts given were lovely. No matter how small and personal some were, or deadly as one was. I get given daggers all the time as a gift. I must say, the necklace was by far an interesting and touching choice. Garrote's are in fashion? Perhaps. I'll have to see if it can be worn within the hair as well. The song though. I have passed the latter part of the gathering, learning it so I can sing it to the children. Not that I'm terribly skilled at singing, but I can do so good enough that it's not screeching.
Dear dragon,
I think you would have enjoyed. I most certainly do. I know I did.
Written By Lisebet
April 18, 2019, 10:17 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
That was fun. Such good conversation about diplomacy and propaganda - I quite enjoyed it, and despite being billed the teacher, I learned a lot as well.
I look forward to doing that again in future. it's quite exciting to facilitate such discussions and promote learning.
I look forward to doing that again in future. it's quite exciting to facilitate such discussions and promote learning.
Written By Mikani
April 18, 2019, 9:57 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
I was asked to write a journal. So I said this is my journal. I think it turned out well.
Written By Evander
April 18, 2019, 8:06 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
To get it out of the way: No, I'm not dead. Yes, everyone's surprised to find I still live.
When I was much younger, it used to bother me starting every conversation with that reassurance, but it no longer does. Once you've faced death a time or two or three... or more... the little things stop mattering as much.
I'm grateful to my family for welcoming me to Arx. There is much to see, the immensity of it makes me feel it will take me a year or more to grow familiar with the city, especially at the pace I explore.
There are things I want to do sooner than later, though: seek out the Scholars and experience the delight of the Stacks -- I've heard much talk of it. I want to visit the various shrines for myself. And I've been informed there's a public archives from some of the Society of Explorers tales that I really would love to peruse. I've also been given an extensive list of places that host their own libraries that I'm keen to start working on.
One day at a time.
When I was much younger, it used to bother me starting every conversation with that reassurance, but it no longer does. Once you've faced death a time or two or three... or more... the little things stop mattering as much.
I'm grateful to my family for welcoming me to Arx. There is much to see, the immensity of it makes me feel it will take me a year or more to grow familiar with the city, especially at the pace I explore.
There are things I want to do sooner than later, though: seek out the Scholars and experience the delight of the Stacks -- I've heard much talk of it. I want to visit the various shrines for myself. And I've been informed there's a public archives from some of the Society of Explorers tales that I really would love to peruse. I've also been given an extensive list of places that host their own libraries that I'm keen to start working on.
One day at a time.
Written By Lisebet
April 18, 2019, 7:53 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
I can scarce believe it, but I am nervous about this lecture I am presenting.
Also, how is it my birthday again?
Also, how is it my birthday again?
Written By Lora
April 18, 2019, 7:01 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
The next time you sit and think to pen a message, consider:
Do I need to do this? Do I need to do it now? Have I already done it a dozen times? Is the number of messages I have already sent so great the pages could be bound and an entire book made of the contents?
Then then think very long and hard about whether sending a bottle of alcohol in place of the message is really the next best option.
Do I need to do this? Do I need to do it now? Have I already done it a dozen times? Is the number of messages I have already sent so great the pages could be bound and an entire book made of the contents?
Then then think very long and hard about whether sending a bottle of alcohol in place of the message is really the next best option.
Written By Acantha
April 18, 2019, 6:41 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
Baron Kritr has made me a Voice of the House, while some might think it's a chore, I do not. I was sent to Arx to make sure that Clearlake prospers and to make sure that we make a good go of joining the compact. I would hope that we are at least making some headway with that. I've started to focus more on what might be good for the House in a number of things. Hopefully we'll see how it goes over time.
Written By Lucita
April 18, 2019, 6:04 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowenova
A survivor. Some of the things she experienced and relates are enough to give nightmares to others.
Written By Lucita
April 18, 2019, 6:02 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
The more we learn, the less we know. Finding one bit of information does not fill in a missing puzzle piece but make one realize the puzzle is much bigger than one imagined.
Written By Monique
April 18, 2019, 3:40 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
The next poem I write is most certainly going to start with 'Roses are red', just for you, my lord.
The Wisest Fly
'I was still feeding when the book was shut, I was reading!'
Is that what the fly was thinking to itself?
it got stuck at 'quibbling', the least appealing word
in a book on problems of philosophy.
Were you attracted to the two b's?
I'm sorry, I didn't notice you
But you died by the words of a profound thinker
Yelm would have been proud to know you landed on
Platinum's dialogue with Copper.
'Fire is the test of gold, adversity is the test of men'
I'm sorry, I didn't see you fly by
You didn't die, in my mind. But
it is your mind that matters
if you were paying attention to Platinum.
You were most certainly a fruit fly
Were you after the fruit of wisdom?
I tried to flick you, but you stayed stuck
I admire you for sticking by your words
This is an ode to you
the wisest of flies.
The Wisest Fly
'I was still feeding when the book was shut, I was reading!'
Is that what the fly was thinking to itself?
it got stuck at 'quibbling', the least appealing word
in a book on problems of philosophy.
Were you attracted to the two b's?
I'm sorry, I didn't notice you
But you died by the words of a profound thinker
Yelm would have been proud to know you landed on
Platinum's dialogue with Copper.
'Fire is the test of gold, adversity is the test of men'
I'm sorry, I didn't see you fly by
You didn't die, in my mind. But
it is your mind that matters
if you were paying attention to Platinum.
You were most certainly a fruit fly
Were you after the fruit of wisdom?
I tried to flick you, but you stayed stuck
I admire you for sticking by your words
This is an ode to you
the wisest of flies.
Written By Rymarr
April 18, 2019, 2:54 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
All this talk of poetry causes me to recall a memory from years past. When I had a need for pretty words wrapped together that were determined to be given to another, I hired someone to write them.
Help another put food in the belly of themselves and their family. Hire a poet today.
Help another put food in the belly of themselves and their family. Hire a poet today.
Written By Josephine
April 18, 2019, 2:16 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
Lord Dante Fidante has exceptionally sturdy ankles.
They make a satisfying thwack when struck by a cane utterly and completely on accident no matter how well deserved.
Not even a tear.
I was impressed.
They make a satisfying thwack when struck by a cane utterly and completely on accident no matter how well deserved.
Not even a tear.
I was impressed.
Written By Josephine
April 18, 2019, 1:36 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
They won't shut up. They have shifted from talking to me about what they wish to be, what they don't, how to put them, cut them, set them. The noise is bearable but I could tune them out before. An easy enough thing to have learned to do over the ages.
It's so hard.
They are so excited.
They have thawed.
Who are They?
It's so hard.
They are so excited.
They have thawed.
Who are They?
Written By Thea
April 18, 2019, 1:11 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
It's asked of us what our greatest pride is. My answer always the same---my family.(Even if they do spread awful touchy fabrications about me)
Written By Sparte
April 18, 2019, 11:46 a.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
I've learned today that what I always called baby freckles other people call birthmarks.
Written By Rysen
April 18, 2019, 11:04 a.m.(12/11/1010 AR)
I invited Selene to the Nightingale's concert at the Bard's College. It was amazing, and I had a great time. Congratulations to Gianna and Prince Niklas, who have managed to present us with songs moving, witty and satyric in perfect measure.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.