Written By Venturo
March 17, 2019, 8:37 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Chiara
It's good to see Mistress Tavetti back safe and sound in her temporary home of Arx after what sounds like quite some time at sea and in various ports. However, I'm not sure if Arx is prepared for her return. Either way, Malespero Tower will be even more lively than normal for the moment.
Written By Dariel
March 17, 2019, 7:24 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Samuele
Lord Samuele Rubino, an acquaintance who I've only met on a few brief occasions, did invite me to meet him for wine and to get to actually get to know each other. Never one to decline an offer of wine and some interesting company I accepted. What could a knight and an artist talk about? As it turns out quite a bit.
I've never felt quite so acutely small than I did when in his presence. The cliche of a dull military type was certainly not true at all. His company was enjoyable and time rather flew by. He put a surprising proposal to me which I will certainly have to think over for a while.
I've never felt quite so acutely small than I did when in his presence. The cliche of a dull military type was certainly not true at all. His company was enjoyable and time rather flew by. He put a surprising proposal to me which I will certainly have to think over for a while.
Written By Edward
March 17, 2019, 6:53 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
It was a great pleasure to reconnect with family. I hope to see more of the wonderful Cady in the days to come. I have already sent a letter letting Elly know her sister is back in Arx. I am sure she will burn her eyebrows off in her excitement.
Written By Ouida
March 17, 2019, 6:34 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
The personal oath is written, and stares back at me upon the page.
It occurs to me that in my life I have sworn many oaths, and upheld them through joy or suffering, but that it has been my privilege to have always given my oath to one who is known to me and who has earned--at least insofar as my eyes and mind may take their measure--my word.
Not so this time. This time, with approval, we shall both place our trust, at least, initially, not because of each other, but to whom we belong and were born to. As has happened over and over again, with every generation before us. How normal this appears, and right. And yet, there are the words, stark upon ivory parchment. I wonder if my mother and her mother and her mother and her mother before her, and beyond, felt the same way. Not sad. Not without hope or excitement. But alone and vulnerable, despite knowing that all of us, regardless of name or staying or going, face it alone even as we weave something greater together with duty and dreams.
When things are difficult, I shall return to this place and remember. In all likelihood he also will have sat at his table, staring at words upon the page, to be given to another that has not yet earned that trust. May the gods grant peace, and may I remember grace. And duty.
It occurs to me that in my life I have sworn many oaths, and upheld them through joy or suffering, but that it has been my privilege to have always given my oath to one who is known to me and who has earned--at least insofar as my eyes and mind may take their measure--my word.
Not so this time. This time, with approval, we shall both place our trust, at least, initially, not because of each other, but to whom we belong and were born to. As has happened over and over again, with every generation before us. How normal this appears, and right. And yet, there are the words, stark upon ivory parchment. I wonder if my mother and her mother and her mother and her mother before her, and beyond, felt the same way. Not sad. Not without hope or excitement. But alone and vulnerable, despite knowing that all of us, regardless of name or staying or going, face it alone even as we weave something greater together with duty and dreams.
When things are difficult, I shall return to this place and remember. In all likelihood he also will have sat at his table, staring at words upon the page, to be given to another that has not yet earned that trust. May the gods grant peace, and may I remember grace. And duty.
Written By Reese
March 17, 2019, 5:56 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
I am still very pleased to have my father Prince Ahriman in town. Despite all that he has been through or maybe in part because of such, he is very intelligent and knows how things work. He survived many years of slavery and made it back to us after all this time. Him being back with us is a great blessing to the Graysons and will be to the Grayson military. I look forward to working closely with him to help defend Compact and the Crownlands,
Reese.
Reese.
Written By Reese
March 17, 2019, 5:51 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
I am pleased with how both the patrol of the Crownlands portion of the Great Road and the Recruiting for the Grayson Army went. I am thankful to the King and the voices of my house who entrusted me with such and allowed for such. I am also thankful to Dame Thena who gave me such a chance to help Solace and the Great Road.
I am very thankful to those who helped with recruiting - Princess Liara, Princess Roxana and Whisper Selene. They are very charming and intelligent woman and I was fortunate they agreed to help with such.
Then I am thankful to those who came on the patrol as well - Marquis Rymarr who was my second in command and who is a military minded man one wants on their side. Lady Rey and Lady Olivia who came to help heal. Duchess Lisebet who is so talented, she can use words like weapons. Lord Jyri who is a fine warrior and understands how many think and Lord Bedivere the White Hawk General.
I feel the Great Road in the Crownlands is much safer now for travelers.
Reese
I am very thankful to those who helped with recruiting - Princess Liara, Princess Roxana and Whisper Selene. They are very charming and intelligent woman and I was fortunate they agreed to help with such.
Then I am thankful to those who came on the patrol as well - Marquis Rymarr who was my second in command and who is a military minded man one wants on their side. Lady Rey and Lady Olivia who came to help heal. Duchess Lisebet who is so talented, she can use words like weapons. Lord Jyri who is a fine warrior and understands how many think and Lord Bedivere the White Hawk General.
I feel the Great Road in the Crownlands is much safer now for travelers.
Reese
Written By Mailys
March 17, 2019, 4:31 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Sometimes I wonder why I come back to Arx, to all.. -this-. Mirari always reminds me, though. We have to look after each other, and all the Corsetinas out there.
Written By Donato
March 17, 2019, 4:22 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
I miss Caina, I always will whenever we are parted. I miss my sister, Oriana, as well. These feelings are blunted by knowing that this is best for Caina - and finding eager adventurers to help explore the island fully is going splendidly. I should throw them all a party, a real party.
Written By Rysen
March 17, 2019, 4:21 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Asger
Sleep well, cousin, knowing that we will keep your family safe. Avert your eyes, Gloria and mighty Sentinel. Awake dark spirits of vengeance. There is no sacrifice I will not make to find the truth. My shade will never rest until the designs of the guilty have been razed, and those responsible have been cast into the Abyss forever.
Written By Cambria
March 17, 2019, 3:40 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Sometimes, superlatives fail us.
Written By Cambria
March 17, 2019, 2:33 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
One must never underestimate moral cowardice as a factor in human existence.
Written By Cambria
March 17, 2019, 2:33 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
One must never underestimate moral cowardice as a factor in human existence.
Written By Ian
March 17, 2019, 2:32 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
I guess I should say something about the Marquis.
I won't mourn him the way some will. He was a complicated man, and I saw a lot of sides of him. I know I have friends who'll be happy to hear that he's gone. I hope they'll remember the message his death was intended to send. This was revenge against my House for proving that the Isles can function without thralls. That by setting them free, we'll also untie our own hands.
Anyone who knows me, who knows my brothers or Lady Jan or the Marquis' siblings knows that for better or for worse, there's a stubborn streak that runs through Kennex blood. We're not going away.
Keep pushing. See what happens.
I won't mourn him the way some will. He was a complicated man, and I saw a lot of sides of him. I know I have friends who'll be happy to hear that he's gone. I hope they'll remember the message his death was intended to send. This was revenge against my House for proving that the Isles can function without thralls. That by setting them free, we'll also untie our own hands.
Anyone who knows me, who knows my brothers or Lady Jan or the Marquis' siblings knows that for better or for worse, there's a stubborn streak that runs through Kennex blood. We're not going away.
Keep pushing. See what happens.
Written By Joscelin
March 17, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
The nights are getting colder. It's a pleasure wearing my blues, Aureth's skill is on par with his mother's, but don't tell him I said that.
Where did my boots go? Time to unpack my cloak, as well, the fur-lined one in shark leather. I still don't know how Oliver came up with the electrum clasp on his own. The man didn't know alloy to elbow.
Where did my boots go? Time to unpack my cloak, as well, the fur-lined one in shark leather. I still don't know how Oliver came up with the electrum clasp on his own. The man didn't know alloy to elbow.
Written By Cambria
March 17, 2019, 2:22 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
It is a good exercise to read what one will probably disagree with. How can one argue unless one knows with whom or with what one is arguing?
Written By Helena
March 17, 2019, 1:18 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
These news accounts are frightening, my heart breaks for those who have lost anyone they love.
To those I love:
If I hug you a little tighter, a little longer, a little more often, please forgive me and humor me. I do not want to regret not showing you how much you matter to me.
To those I love:
If I hug you a little tighter, a little longer, a little more often, please forgive me and humor me. I do not want to regret not showing you how much you matter to me.
Written By Perronne
March 17, 2019, 11:48 a.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
It can be easy to forget, when you're living in Arx, that a lot of people in the Compact don't really consider us one people at all. We're not, really, citizens of the Compact as such - I'm a Crownsworn, he's a Lycene (and not even a Lycene except to people outside the Lyceum - within the Lyceum, he might be sworn to Velenosa, or a citizen of Southport, or a member of a certain merchant family, and the idea of seeing him as a "citizen of the Lyceum" might seem to be ridiculous, because it's his /family/ and his small cadre of people he truly 'belongs' to, and everyone else is a potential rival, ally, or enemy, but not really "us". Very much "them".
I don't mean to pick on the South, either! While it's one of those places that jumps forcibly to mind when one thinks of rivalries and intrigue, the truth is that, as we're clearly seeing, the conflicts exist throughout the Compact. We're held together - to the extent we ARE held together - by tradition and alliances based on a sense of personal honor and the pressure of peers to keep each other in line, either through diplomacy, or force of arms. Unspoken and unwritten expectations that tomorrow will be very much like today, so long as no one starts kicking the apple cart.
But we are. We're kicking! Sometimes, it's for good reasons - I think thralldom is a tradition we have long since needed to consign to the dustbin of history, and I'm excited that there is at least some agreement on that. I think that the Isles and everyone else will be better, will be stronger, once it is gone and the wounds have healed, and that will happen all the faster if people didn't go out of their way to make things horrible. But they will. Some of them. But then, sometimes the reasons don't feel so great. I admit, I don't really know if people have thought through all the neo-noble elevations - I'm sure the elevated are very nice people, but there are other options for rewarding someone for being a nice person! Consider a purebred horse, or a really shiny necklace, before elevating someone and all of their heirs in perpetuity to the peerage, maybe. Side note: I like antiques and old, old heirlooms, and have absolutely no interest in a noble title. If it ever comes up and you need something that will cause a moderate amount of scandal as a reward. I will accept furniture! Small furniture. I don't have a really big house, and I'm not entirely sure of the sturdiness of the floor, so no ironwood armor racks or anything, even if they're made by Eris the Woodsmith from the Three Queens Era (but if you HAVE an ironwood armor rack made by Eris the Woodsmith, I'd love to see it).
Wait. What was my point? Oh, right, yes - good thing about journals, you can always read back to see where you wandered off the field. Basically: we're kicking at a lot of long traditions. Some for good reasons. Some maybe not for good reasons, but made way above my level of status or competence. But either way, kick kick kick. And people are going to kick BACK, because we don't really have a lot of us who see ourselves as 'citizens of the Compact' but rather 'members of X House/family/village/land', and the change in those traditions is seen as a direct threat on that identity. Things are gonna get surly for a bit. Dangerous. Unhappy. I think we're going to get through it, though. Most of us. We're just going to have to fight for what we really believe, whatever that is - and know that other people are gonna do the same.
I don't mean to pick on the South, either! While it's one of those places that jumps forcibly to mind when one thinks of rivalries and intrigue, the truth is that, as we're clearly seeing, the conflicts exist throughout the Compact. We're held together - to the extent we ARE held together - by tradition and alliances based on a sense of personal honor and the pressure of peers to keep each other in line, either through diplomacy, or force of arms. Unspoken and unwritten expectations that tomorrow will be very much like today, so long as no one starts kicking the apple cart.
But we are. We're kicking! Sometimes, it's for good reasons - I think thralldom is a tradition we have long since needed to consign to the dustbin of history, and I'm excited that there is at least some agreement on that. I think that the Isles and everyone else will be better, will be stronger, once it is gone and the wounds have healed, and that will happen all the faster if people didn't go out of their way to make things horrible. But they will. Some of them. But then, sometimes the reasons don't feel so great. I admit, I don't really know if people have thought through all the neo-noble elevations - I'm sure the elevated are very nice people, but there are other options for rewarding someone for being a nice person! Consider a purebred horse, or a really shiny necklace, before elevating someone and all of their heirs in perpetuity to the peerage, maybe. Side note: I like antiques and old, old heirlooms, and have absolutely no interest in a noble title. If it ever comes up and you need something that will cause a moderate amount of scandal as a reward. I will accept furniture! Small furniture. I don't have a really big house, and I'm not entirely sure of the sturdiness of the floor, so no ironwood armor racks or anything, even if they're made by Eris the Woodsmith from the Three Queens Era (but if you HAVE an ironwood armor rack made by Eris the Woodsmith, I'd love to see it).
Wait. What was my point? Oh, right, yes - good thing about journals, you can always read back to see where you wandered off the field. Basically: we're kicking at a lot of long traditions. Some for good reasons. Some maybe not for good reasons, but made way above my level of status or competence. But either way, kick kick kick. And people are going to kick BACK, because we don't really have a lot of us who see ourselves as 'citizens of the Compact' but rather 'members of X House/family/village/land', and the change in those traditions is seen as a direct threat on that identity. Things are gonna get surly for a bit. Dangerous. Unhappy. I think we're going to get through it, though. Most of us. We're just going to have to fight for what we really believe, whatever that is - and know that other people are gonna do the same.
Written By Domonico
March 17, 2019, 11:33 a.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
Lady Sudara Pravus proved to be a useful teammate in the mock naval battle that took place at the wedding party in the Velenosa grounds.
I'm glad we won as how can I be a naval commander if I can't win a game like that.
I'm glad we won as how can I be a naval commander if I can't win a game like that.
Written By Rymarr
March 17, 2019, 10:30 a.m.(10/3/1010 AR)
The people of Old Oak have prospered. The prodigals of Old Oak have provided tremendous aid to their people. Our collective people. A diverse and equally vital people.
I and we will defend them not simply because it is our sworn duty, but because it is our honor to protect those who have done nothing wrong besides exist. Those who placed a piece of their faith in us when they chose to rejoin the Compact under the banner of House Deepwood. Their only crime has been to return their strength, honor, and faith to the Compact. We will not be intimidated, manipulated, or threatened away from our principles.
Let us not forget that when the Compact needed allies, it was an army of painted prodigals with the three trees of House Deepwood on armbands that fell upon the northern flanks of our enemies when the Compact found itself under siege. Prodigals. Humans. People born on the back of Arvum itself. They did not win the battle alone, as no battle is ever carried to victory by a single action or a single person. It is a joint effort, with multiple parts and engagements contained within a larger framework. Their contribution to a Compact victory can not be ignored.
That display of honor, duty, and bravery when they were so very freshly joined with the Compact solidified their place among us. Regardless of the actions or inaction of their ancestors in centuries past, they proved that those who live today were willing to pit their mettle and flesh against our enemies, for the safety and future of the Compact. That is worthy of my respect and I will defend such a people. People who are recognized and accepted citizens of the Compact - not chattel to be used when convenient and then discarded when danger or need has passed.
Let us not forget, House Grayreeve, that it was Marquessa Samantha Deepwood who brought thirty thousand of such people back beneath the auspice of the Compact. It was the liege which House Grayreeve has so easily disregarded oaths to who brought greater strength and security to the Compact. Much like battles, the safety of the Compact is built upon the backs of many parts feeding their responsibilities to the whole. It is not too late for House Grayreeve to make amends to House Deepwood and the Faith of the Pantheon, before returning to being contributing members of our civilization.
I and we will defend them not simply because it is our sworn duty, but because it is our honor to protect those who have done nothing wrong besides exist. Those who placed a piece of their faith in us when they chose to rejoin the Compact under the banner of House Deepwood. Their only crime has been to return their strength, honor, and faith to the Compact. We will not be intimidated, manipulated, or threatened away from our principles.
Let us not forget that when the Compact needed allies, it was an army of painted prodigals with the three trees of House Deepwood on armbands that fell upon the northern flanks of our enemies when the Compact found itself under siege. Prodigals. Humans. People born on the back of Arvum itself. They did not win the battle alone, as no battle is ever carried to victory by a single action or a single person. It is a joint effort, with multiple parts and engagements contained within a larger framework. Their contribution to a Compact victory can not be ignored.
That display of honor, duty, and bravery when they were so very freshly joined with the Compact solidified their place among us. Regardless of the actions or inaction of their ancestors in centuries past, they proved that those who live today were willing to pit their mettle and flesh against our enemies, for the safety and future of the Compact. That is worthy of my respect and I will defend such a people. People who are recognized and accepted citizens of the Compact - not chattel to be used when convenient and then discarded when danger or need has passed.
Let us not forget, House Grayreeve, that it was Marquessa Samantha Deepwood who brought thirty thousand of such people back beneath the auspice of the Compact. It was the liege which House Grayreeve has so easily disregarded oaths to who brought greater strength and security to the Compact. Much like battles, the safety of the Compact is built upon the backs of many parts feeding their responsibilities to the whole. It is not too late for House Grayreeve to make amends to House Deepwood and the Faith of the Pantheon, before returning to being contributing members of our civilization.
Written By Kaya
March 17, 2019, 10:05 a.m.(10/3/1010 AR)
Somehow you slipped past my defenses, I never saw it coming. Now the door is open, and my heart is racing and I’m wondering if you’ll come around. You lower your walls to let me in...Why does it feel we have been here before? I fall into this moment and the world appears as a blur. All I see are images of you in my mind. Do you notice, can you see, the picture forming around us? My world is shattered, broken and torn. I feel the world opening to dreams again and it is because of him.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.