Written By Orazio
Dec. 6, 2016, 10:21 p.m.(4/24/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Friendship is a fine thing, much like wine. It can also be difficult to sort out the greatest specimens of it from the tide of imitators. Unlike wine, of course, it's difficult to have too much of, and should you reach that happy state, you're far less likely to do something you regret in the morning.
I had the all too rare pleasure of spending time in the company of a true friend, this evening. Weighty matters were discussed, for we cannot escape them in these times, but we spent some time just speaking of trivialities, as well.
Although this may seem like a strange thing to say, I feel that I do that too little. It was a pleasant change. For those who may read this - particularly those who often feel weighed down by duty and the chains of their position - I urge you to name your friends, your real friends, and if there are fingers left over when you finish, perhaps it is time to go out and make some more.
Lagoma has turned the wheel, and spring has come.
Friendship is a fine thing, much like wine. It can also be difficult to sort out the greatest specimens of it from the tide of imitators. Unlike wine, of course, it's difficult to have too much of, and should you reach that happy state, you're far less likely to do something you regret in the morning.
I had the all too rare pleasure of spending time in the company of a true friend, this evening. Weighty matters were discussed, for we cannot escape them in these times, but we spent some time just speaking of trivialities, as well.
Although this may seem like a strange thing to say, I feel that I do that too little. It was a pleasant change. For those who may read this - particularly those who often feel weighed down by duty and the chains of their position - I urge you to name your friends, your real friends, and if there are fingers left over when you finish, perhaps it is time to go out and make some more.
Lagoma has turned the wheel, and spring has come.
Written By Orazio
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:31 p.m.(4/17/1005 AR)
Few knew the Legate of Concepts. As is common among the higher echelons of our Faith, most of her time was devoted to serving the institution of the Church in ways that were invisible to much of the laity, but which were vital to the continuance of all the good that the Faith does across the Compact. When a Knight of the Silver Order walked with the cold and lonely on pilgrimage, the Legate was there. When vows were spoken under Limerance's eyes, the Legate was there. When the destitute but innocent found a voice through my own priesthood, the Legate was there. The Shield of the Faith showed the devotion and service expected of her station, and her loss will impact us all, both on a spiritual and practical level. Fewer still even knew of her retinue, Holy Templars who served her faithfully and bravely to the end. They had names, these men and women, and stories, and pure hearts. We do not just mourn one person, but many.
While some may begrudge the Faith for indulging in a time of mourning and contemplation, I recognize that this is because they are too deeply mired in their own concerns to realize that even the servants of the gods can grieve.
It is my hope that during this dark time, the Faithful will forgive the time that we selfishly spend in prayer, in memorial, in the notification of friends and loved ones, and in the solemn contemplation of the future. May the gods watch over us all.
While some may begrudge the Faith for indulging in a time of mourning and contemplation, I recognize that this is because they are too deeply mired in their own concerns to realize that even the servants of the gods can grieve.
It is my hope that during this dark time, the Faithful will forgive the time that we selfishly spend in prayer, in memorial, in the notification of friends and loved ones, and in the solemn contemplation of the future. May the gods watch over us all.
Written By Orazio
Dec. 2, 2016, 10:28 p.m.(4/12/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Gloria, we ask you not for victory. Victory is won with our own hands, or not at all.
Gloria, we ask you not for strength. Strength is what we build every time we practice our skills and step onto the eternal battlefield.
Gloria, we ask you not for courage. Courage we carry with us, the sword and shield of our will, honed in tradition and the clash of blade on blade.
Lady Gloria, bless us and guide us in our pursuit of honor, but grant us nothing; what must be won, we will earn for ourselves.
Gloria, we ask you not for victory. Victory is won with our own hands, or not at all.
Gloria, we ask you not for strength. Strength is what we build every time we practice our skills and step onto the eternal battlefield.
Gloria, we ask you not for courage. Courage we carry with us, the sword and shield of our will, honed in tradition and the clash of blade on blade.
Lady Gloria, bless us and guide us in our pursuit of honor, but grant us nothing; what must be won, we will earn for ourselves.
Written By Orazio
Dec. 2, 2016, 10:22 p.m.(4/12/1005 AR)
Now I seem to be in possession of both a beautifully trained bird, and a maniacal dervish disguised as a kitten. I have had to intervene at least three times in the past two days to prevent the death of the bird by predation or the death of the cat by misadventure in the course of predation. I am shortly to go on a trip. I suspect one of the animals will be dead when I return.
If I return. Ah, well. There's a priest of Vellichor who owes me a favor. She can watch them for a few days.
If I return. Ah, well. There's a priest of Vellichor who owes me a favor. She can watch them for a few days.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 30, 2016, 12:32 p.m.(4/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
A member of the Whisper House, properly educated and seasoned, is one of the greatest assets and companions that anyone of power can be lucky enough to experience. A skilled courtesan enhances every event and every conversation he or she is a member of. Courtesy and manners are his or her watchwords, and a courtesan is as clever and knowledgeable as he or she is beautiful, without the need to boast about either. They pour oil on troubled waters where required, and are never out of place in comportment, sophistication, or respect.
Sadly, for Larissa, it seems the title "Whisper" is more of an aspiration. Perhaps, in a decade or two, she might grow into at least one of those qualities.
Sadly, for Larissa, it seems the title "Whisper" is more of an aspiration. Perhaps, in a decade or two, she might grow into at least one of those qualities.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 25, 2016, 7:33 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sebell
I've cast Mangata's blessings before, when I was in Southport. Sailors aren't picky about who appeases the goddess so that they can travel the waves in safety. I haven't, however, spent much time with her sworn clergy. I like this one - rather irreverent, but one can hardly fault that in a seapriest. Perhaps I shall ask him if there are any whiskeys he can recommend as being prized in Mangata's eyes.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 25, 2016, 7:31 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
I knew her father, although I had no real association with the daughter. Seeing her skill, it's clear she's inherited the talent for working with beasts of all types. I wonder if she could be engaged to tame the Terror? Although, that might be more than even one of her skill can handle.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 25, 2016, 7:30 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
Continuing a trend for the Grayson ladies, the Princess Lark is a mystery. At least, in this case, the mystery seems a benevolent one. That is one pair of gloves that is never going to come clean, however.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 23, 2016, 12:41 a.m.(3/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
There are some people who are pared down to their essence, with no room for extraneous frills or flourishes. Even as a much younger woman, Lady Eirene was just such a person, and I always admired her for it.
Meeting her again, I am pleased to say that she remains admirable. Perhaps even more so, with the passing of time. It is good to have her here, come what may.
Meeting her again, I am pleased to say that she remains admirable. Perhaps even more so, with the passing of time. It is good to have her here, come what may.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 18, 2016, 12:40 a.m.(2/24/1005 AR)
Lagoma, of change and rebirth, with your unflinching hands, you guide each of us to our winter. Our quiet. Our final breath. This is not a punishment, but a gift. For only in winter can spring be born. Only in death can we pass through the final Reflection, and the worthy among us find peace in the realms beyond.
Sadeletto, my brother, I pray that you have found your rest, hard-won and well-deserved. I hope you find Mother, Father, and the twins there. I hope you knew how proud you should be of your son and your daughter.
I hope that--I hope.
I hope.
Sadeletto, my brother, I pray that you have found your rest, hard-won and well-deserved. I hope you find Mother, Father, and the twins there. I hope you knew how proud you should be of your son and your daughter.
I hope that--I hope.
I hope.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 15, 2016, 9:23 p.m.(2/17/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
We speak often of redemption. I'm not certain that we do it as often as we speak of it, but everyone loves a good redemption story. I think, in my heart of hearts, that the Sentinel likes one just as much.
But redemption is not easy. It cannot be predicted. You cannot murder someone and say, "Yes, I did that, but I spent ten years giving all my possessions to the poor and my food to the hungry, so I am redeemed." Even if, over that decade, you improved the lives of far more people than you ruined. There is no guarantee.
The path of redemption is not a road, paved with specific "good deeds" that you can hold up to others' eyes and say, "Look, I deserve your forgiveness. I deserve your trust and your affection. I deserve to live." The path of redemption is a thorn-strewn trail through the darkest thickets, where you will never know if you've arrived at your destination until you finally pass through the Reflection.
The only certainty is pain and regret.
We speak often of redemption. I'm not certain that we do it as often as we speak of it, but everyone loves a good redemption story. I think, in my heart of hearts, that the Sentinel likes one just as much.
But redemption is not easy. It cannot be predicted. You cannot murder someone and say, "Yes, I did that, but I spent ten years giving all my possessions to the poor and my food to the hungry, so I am redeemed." Even if, over that decade, you improved the lives of far more people than you ruined. There is no guarantee.
The path of redemption is not a road, paved with specific "good deeds" that you can hold up to others' eyes and say, "Look, I deserve your forgiveness. I deserve your trust and your affection. I deserve to live." The path of redemption is a thorn-strewn trail through the darkest thickets, where you will never know if you've arrived at your destination until you finally pass through the Reflection.
The only certainty is pain and regret.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 13, 2016, 10:19 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
Art is one of the gods' many gifts to mankind. I quite enjoy meeting artists, although few of them seem to enjoy the meeting as well. Master Grayhope is an intriguing man - rough and unpolished, but talented, and I cannot fault his courage.
I have commissioned a portrait, and a painting, and so should have more time to see if my initial impressions were correct.
I have commissioned a portrait, and a painting, and so should have more time to see if my initial impressions were correct.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 9, 2016, 10:14 p.m.(1/27/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
It is one of the pleasures of service to the Sentinel to stand in judgement when the Faithful have a dispute or grievance which does not enter the domain of the Iron Guard, a lord's personal demesne, or other such interests. There are more of these than one might suppose, even in the great city of Arx. Since I have arrived from Southport, my administrative duties have been such that I've rarely had the opportunity to judge in such fashion.
Today, I was able to change that. A lawyer of my acquaintance asked me to intervene in a matter of a property dispute which, for reasons mutually agreed to by both parties, no one wished to escalate to a matter for the Guard. We met in the Shrine to the Sentinel, and both counsel presented the details of the case as their respective clients understood them. Under questioning, it became apparent that one party was lying about the date of the initial acquisition. Further examination revealed that the lying was only necessary because the second party had been intending to defraud the first party, and had simply been beaten to the punch in dishonesty, so to speak.
After some deliberation, a purebred, notch-eared Westshore hound was removed from both parties, and instead gifted to the House of Solace, where it will serve as a comfort to the wounded and a runner of medicines, as needed. The first and second party received appropriate compensation for the lost, considering both their testimony.
It is one of the pleasures of service to the Sentinel to stand in judgement when the Faithful have a dispute or grievance which does not enter the domain of the Iron Guard, a lord's personal demesne, or other such interests. There are more of these than one might suppose, even in the great city of Arx. Since I have arrived from Southport, my administrative duties have been such that I've rarely had the opportunity to judge in such fashion.
Today, I was able to change that. A lawyer of my acquaintance asked me to intervene in a matter of a property dispute which, for reasons mutually agreed to by both parties, no one wished to escalate to a matter for the Guard. We met in the Shrine to the Sentinel, and both counsel presented the details of the case as their respective clients understood them. Under questioning, it became apparent that one party was lying about the date of the initial acquisition. Further examination revealed that the lying was only necessary because the second party had been intending to defraud the first party, and had simply been beaten to the punch in dishonesty, so to speak.
After some deliberation, a purebred, notch-eared Westshore hound was removed from both parties, and instead gifted to the House of Solace, where it will serve as a comfort to the wounded and a runner of medicines, as needed. The first and second party received appropriate compensation for the lost, considering both their testimony.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 1, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(1/3/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Anyone reading this, by the time anyone gets around to doing so (if, indeed, anyone does), will know of the explosion in Arx, and the death of Malavaunt, the leatherworker, by the means of an unusual fire. That is only tangentially what I wish to put into words. Or rather, to praise. I praise all who went through the rubble during the night, looking for casualties and survivors. While the gods blessed us with no other casualties, it was hard, hopeful work. But more, I wish to praise the Mercies of Lagoma, ever one of the brightest lights in the Faith. I praise their willingness to dare the aftermath of a disaster, with no other thought than the preservation of others. I praise their strength, to fight for the right to do so. And, as ever, I praise their healing skills - thankfully unneeded in this venture, but remarkable all the same. Princess Sophie Valardin is only one name among many, perhaps, but it is good to see a Princess put herself at risk for the pursuit of compassion.
Anyone reading this, by the time anyone gets around to doing so (if, indeed, anyone does), will know of the explosion in Arx, and the death of Malavaunt, the leatherworker, by the means of an unusual fire. That is only tangentially what I wish to put into words. Or rather, to praise. I praise all who went through the rubble during the night, looking for casualties and survivors. While the gods blessed us with no other casualties, it was hard, hopeful work. But more, I wish to praise the Mercies of Lagoma, ever one of the brightest lights in the Faith. I praise their willingness to dare the aftermath of a disaster, with no other thought than the preservation of others. I praise their strength, to fight for the right to do so. And, as ever, I praise their healing skills - thankfully unneeded in this venture, but remarkable all the same. Princess Sophie Valardin is only one name among many, perhaps, but it is good to see a Princess put herself at risk for the pursuit of compassion.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 30, 2016, 11:07 a.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Sometimes it is good to set aside the chains of duty for a moment or two, and enjoy revelry on a hot, summer night. House Valardin was kind enough to provide a superb entertainment, and somehow I managed to enjoy myself for several whole hours without thinking about the issues pressing on my soul.
Much of that, I confess, was due to the skill and grace of my dancing partners. Mistress Joscelin and Princess Eleyna Velenosa were kind enough to take an aging priest around the dance floor a couple of times, and I like to think I did not embarrass myself too badly. It was, all in all, a pleasant night.
Sometimes it is good to set aside the chains of duty for a moment or two, and enjoy revelry on a hot, summer night. House Valardin was kind enough to provide a superb entertainment, and somehow I managed to enjoy myself for several whole hours without thinking about the issues pressing on my soul.
Much of that, I confess, was due to the skill and grace of my dancing partners. Mistress Joscelin and Princess Eleyna Velenosa were kind enough to take an aging priest around the dance floor a couple of times, and I like to think I did not embarrass myself too badly. It was, all in all, a pleasant night.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 30, 2016, 10:35 a.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Serafine
Walked away from her bonds of fealty and blood to play Abandoned in the wilds. As much as I can have sympathy for her losses, I cannot but disapprove of her behavior.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 30, 2016, 10:31 a.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Skilled warrior. Not much in the way of social niceties, perhaps, but that sort of forthrightness is sometimes what's needed on the field of battle.
Would gladly spar again with him some time...after I have regained my fighting trim.
Would gladly spar again with him some time...after I have regained my fighting trim.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 29, 2016, 2:45 p.m.(12/21/1004 AR)
I have allowed my skills with a blade to lapse most abominably over the last two decades. Too much time spent wielding a pen, while the years march on and take away the reflexes I used to be able to count on.
Or perhaps I am just blaming time, when the truth is that I have been lazy. And, of course, that I faced a most superior opponent in Lord Victus Thrax. The man wields a blade like he was born with it - not in the more graceful court styles I have seen in the Lycene, but a style made for the battlefield, meant not to be admired, but to be the most effective on the field.
Much like the style, do I find the man.
Or perhaps I am just blaming time, when the truth is that I have been lazy. And, of course, that I faced a most superior opponent in Lord Victus Thrax. The man wields a blade like he was born with it - not in the more graceful court styles I have seen in the Lycene, but a style made for the battlefield, meant not to be admired, but to be the most effective on the field.
Much like the style, do I find the man.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 26, 2016, 9:37 a.m.(12/12/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
This is an entirely personal entry, so if you were perusing my journals with hopes of another mini-sermon, you shall be disappointed. And yes, I am aware that no one does that, but leave an aging man his pleasures of the pen. I do not get to sermonize much in my current position.
I cannot remember the last time I was invited to a dinner that was not related to my duty as the Archlector, so the invitation I received from Lady Calypso was as rare as it was welcome. The hospitality was, as expected from the Lyceum, exquisite, but it was the company that made the night. Lord Eos, Lady Kima, and the courtier Master Saedrus rounded out the evening's guests, to my pleasure. I cannot say whether I made good company, for it has been a while, but for me, the evening was a most pleasant one.
This is an entirely personal entry, so if you were perusing my journals with hopes of another mini-sermon, you shall be disappointed. And yes, I am aware that no one does that, but leave an aging man his pleasures of the pen. I do not get to sermonize much in my current position.
I cannot remember the last time I was invited to a dinner that was not related to my duty as the Archlector, so the invitation I received from Lady Calypso was as rare as it was welcome. The hospitality was, as expected from the Lyceum, exquisite, but it was the company that made the night. Lord Eos, Lady Kima, and the courtier Master Saedrus rounded out the evening's guests, to my pleasure. I cannot say whether I made good company, for it has been a while, but for me, the evening was a most pleasant one.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 26, 2016, 9:31 a.m.(12/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I remember her when she was much younger, eschewing the typical pastimes of young noblewomen for an intense interest in the arts of war. With time, she has become more refined and confident in her power, as a commander and otherwise, but I do not believe she has ever lost that core of strength and passion. It is good to see.
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