Written By Shae
Oct. 18, 2018, 5:45 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
I think Geralt felt threatened by my beard and stole it. If we time the next competition for early spring I should have a better one with proper dyes so that the beard matches the ...
... What's the saying? 'Matches the drapes and the curtains'.
Scholar, did I say that right?
... What's the saying? 'Matches the drapes and the curtains'.
Scholar, did I say that right?
Written By Nuala
Oct. 18, 2018, 4:54 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
Something to be found in the satisfaction of sitting here in a heap of leathers, finding ways to patch a seam stronger or add a little more refinement. Didn't think much of it then when I was designing this suit that it would serve so well. It's gained a season of scratches and scrapes from sparring that need to be patched. Fresh dye reapplied to the spaces where the gray shows through and I'd rather keep it black. These are the small signs of honest work and honest practice until a girl is practically falling down tired.
I can name most of the bigger marring signs that batter the surface. This one at Harlex's claws. That one at Domonico's blade, the lovely red one. This from the shav's ugly axe. Another down the side where I wasn't fast enough to turn aside Sir Jordan's steel. All a story. All a minor proof against death if this had been real.
Soon it will be real. Sooner than I expect the frosts will be readily on us. But three weeks into October and it's a near thing which will be first.
So here I sit, waiting for the armorer to get done with my boots and cursing that I chose to chase them in metal and reinforce them with quite so many buckles. He's back there in the sweltering darkness of his shop waiting for my cloak to cure properly with the dyes.
Give me the scent of rum, the bite of cinnamon, and the cool window panes over this. But it's time well spent. I may not achieve much else this week but I can say I'm not longer quite as poorly outfitted as I was.
I can name most of the bigger marring signs that batter the surface. This one at Harlex's claws. That one at Domonico's blade, the lovely red one. This from the shav's ugly axe. Another down the side where I wasn't fast enough to turn aside Sir Jordan's steel. All a story. All a minor proof against death if this had been real.
Soon it will be real. Sooner than I expect the frosts will be readily on us. But three weeks into October and it's a near thing which will be first.
So here I sit, waiting for the armorer to get done with my boots and cursing that I chose to chase them in metal and reinforce them with quite so many buckles. He's back there in the sweltering darkness of his shop waiting for my cloak to cure properly with the dyes.
Give me the scent of rum, the bite of cinnamon, and the cool window panes over this. But it's time well spent. I may not achieve much else this week but I can say I'm not longer quite as poorly outfitted as I was.
Written By Domonico
Oct. 18, 2018, 4:40 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
It is a sobering thought knowing that so many people are preparing their wills in the case of them perishing in the defence of the Lodge.
Part of me aches to be there alongside them, fighting so that more of them can return.
However it is not to be, as all have their roles to play in the dark times ahead.
Part of me aches to be there alongside them, fighting so that more of them can return.
However it is not to be, as all have their roles to play in the dark times ahead.
Written By Evaristo
Oct. 18, 2018, 3:11 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I am grievously wounded you would think I would pay your assistants to like something.
They like the cabinet because it is amazing and you can stand staring at it for hours and be lost in tales of what this cabinet has been part of.
That, and I promised them all I'd sing and play for them for free at their evening of choice, at some party or another.
They like the cabinet because it is amazing and you can stand staring at it for hours and be lost in tales of what this cabinet has been part of.
That, and I promised them all I'd sing and play for them for free at their evening of choice, at some party or another.
Written By Margret
Oct. 18, 2018, 2:47 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
This is the Will of Margret Greenmarch, daughter of Alda and Malcolm Greenmarch.
If I and my husband Alessandro Greenmarch were both to perish we leave our ward Valarienne in the care of my cousin Marquis Marius Greenmarch and his wife Marquessa Simone Greenmarch. Any funds or financial resources I have, if both my husband and I are dead, are to be used in the upbringing of our ward. We also ask that every effort be made to give the child a trade fit for our beloved little girl who we would adopt as our own if social station were not a factor so she may have a happy and comfortable life.
To Valarienne I leave my iridescite and stygian necklace.
To Alessandro I leave my wedding ring. On the event of his death my ring is to be given to our unborn child. If our darling baby perishes with me I ask that my wedding ring be placed in the Heritage Hall of Greenmarch Lodge.
To my sister Ianna I leave my wardrobe. Could you have ever imagined we would ever have such lovely things when we were growing up in the Greenwood, Ianna?
Save for my green seasilk gown and slippers with the dragonflies. That goes to Marquessa Simone Greenmarch because she looks so stunning in green.
Save for my blue seasilk with the empire waist that looks like a night sky along with my duskstone coronet. I leave that to Princess Elgana Redrain because it would look beautiful on her.
I leave my pewter friendship bracelet to Bliss Whisper so she remembers she always has friends who love her.
I leave my hairpins to my cousin Lady Monique Greenmarch because I know she loves sharp things.
I ask that my wedding gown be displayed in the Heritage Hall of Greenmarch Lodge, and future generations of Greenmarch women should feel welcomed to wear it. I hope they are as happy on their wedding days as I was mine.
I ask that my body to interred in a location that will be known to Marquis Marius Greenmarch, Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, and Lord Alessandro Greenmarch as well as stated in my Black Journal.
I ask that on my death my Black Journals be opened up to Lord Alessandro Greenmarch, whom I never want to keep a secret from.
I ask that on my death my Black Journals always be open to whoever holds the title of Marquis of Greenhaven.
If I and my husband Alessandro Greenmarch were both to perish we leave our ward Valarienne in the care of my cousin Marquis Marius Greenmarch and his wife Marquessa Simone Greenmarch. Any funds or financial resources I have, if both my husband and I are dead, are to be used in the upbringing of our ward. We also ask that every effort be made to give the child a trade fit for our beloved little girl who we would adopt as our own if social station were not a factor so she may have a happy and comfortable life.
To Valarienne I leave my iridescite and stygian necklace.
To Alessandro I leave my wedding ring. On the event of his death my ring is to be given to our unborn child. If our darling baby perishes with me I ask that my wedding ring be placed in the Heritage Hall of Greenmarch Lodge.
To my sister Ianna I leave my wardrobe. Could you have ever imagined we would ever have such lovely things when we were growing up in the Greenwood, Ianna?
Save for my green seasilk gown and slippers with the dragonflies. That goes to Marquessa Simone Greenmarch because she looks so stunning in green.
Save for my blue seasilk with the empire waist that looks like a night sky along with my duskstone coronet. I leave that to Princess Elgana Redrain because it would look beautiful on her.
I leave my pewter friendship bracelet to Bliss Whisper so she remembers she always has friends who love her.
I leave my hairpins to my cousin Lady Monique Greenmarch because I know she loves sharp things.
I ask that my wedding gown be displayed in the Heritage Hall of Greenmarch Lodge, and future generations of Greenmarch women should feel welcomed to wear it. I hope they are as happy on their wedding days as I was mine.
I ask that my body to interred in a location that will be known to Marquis Marius Greenmarch, Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, and Lord Alessandro Greenmarch as well as stated in my Black Journal.
I ask that on my death my Black Journals be opened up to Lord Alessandro Greenmarch, whom I never want to keep a secret from.
I ask that on my death my Black Journals always be open to whoever holds the title of Marquis of Greenhaven.
Written By Sorrel
Oct. 18, 2018, 1:33 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
...
"Let all flames burn to banish the night
Unified by Faith we fight the good fight.
"To the gods do we pray: hear us every day."
(Original song cut off early.
"Let all flames burn to banish the night
Unified by Faith we fight the good fight.
"To the gods do we pray: hear us every day."
(Original song cut off early.
Written By Isabetta
Oct. 18, 2018, 12:24 p.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
Today I received the following missive:
Lady Isabetta,
While I am well-versed in cup cake combat I am no familiar with any sellcakes that specialize in that ancient martial art.
X
This missive is perfect context and portrays my frame of mind and the thing I am attempting to currently accomplish. Both sides will likely be seeking to muster their forces and indeed sellcakes maybe in high demand.
Lady Isabetta,
While I am well-versed in cup cake combat I am no familiar with any sellcakes that specialize in that ancient martial art.
X
This missive is perfect context and portrays my frame of mind and the thing I am attempting to currently accomplish. Both sides will likely be seeking to muster their forces and indeed sellcakes maybe in high demand.
Written By Amari
Oct. 18, 2018, 10:36 a.m.(10/20/1009 AR)
It seems we have some very strong contenders for best beard of beards, including the King's beard (that's rumored to hold meetings on its own). I can personally vouch for Baron Norwood's and second Duke Cristoph's nomination, but unfortunately I've yet to see Lord Riagnon's so can't comment on how it may be shaping up. Lord Arik's isn't to be dismissed lightly either, Lord Brogan's is quite fine and I think everyone knows my opinion of Duke Vercyn's.
When the time comes, hopefully Lord Geralt will be free to defend the title he so narrowly won over my cousin Shae at the next competition. Given current circumstances however, I don't imagine this will be any time soon so all the clean shaven out there still have time to grow their face hairs out to properly epic lengths.
When the time comes, hopefully Lord Geralt will be free to defend the title he so narrowly won over my cousin Shae at the next competition. Given current circumstances however, I don't imagine this will be any time soon so all the clean shaven out there still have time to grow their face hairs out to properly epic lengths.
Written By Preston
Oct. 18, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
It is hard when the topic of inducting people into the Hall of Heroes comes up. Various nominations will always come - each fealty will have their heroes, and if one fealty gets to nominate someone, then all wish to nominate their greatest. Not wishing to risk losing others support for their nominations, you will then find nominations often proceed. The long campaign for support, and eventual call of a convocation is where the difference is made. That is where we can truly assess if someone's contribution was not just as a hero of their fealty, not just a hero in the ordinary sense, but if they are a hero of the compact, and a hero of such magnitude that they should be memorialised for all time on sacred ground. It is a serious duty - and it is also important to note that rejection at that stage is not to deny the person was a good person, or a great person, or a nice person, or a hero, but to say that they are not at the extreme level of heroism that must apply for inclusion.
I am not a Seraph, I have no say in these convocation as I understand it. Though it would be disingenuous for me to pretend my voice does not matter - there is a difference between humility and dishonesty through self deception. There is talk though that one campaign of the recent nominations will submit to the Faith - that for Lord Darrow Darkwater. He swore his oaths before Gloria and Limerance as a knight. And he fell against the Pirate King, the Gyre, in the recent war. He and his people fought with a resolve that spoke of deep faith in the necessity of what they did, but also of love for the Compact. I have gone and seen the site of his falling - and from the beauty of the spot, you would think the Gods themselves weeped and marked his passing. It is not my place to judge whether that is sufficient, whether his life was sufficient, for him to join the Hall of Heroes. But I think no-one can deny his right to be considered.
His fall also has a lesson - because we failed to act swift enough, so that sacrifice became essential, inevitable. And I include myself in those who should have pressed for swifter action. In truth I am not sure if swifter action were possible however - we are not where we were in the days of the Reckoning. We still allow doubt and political concerns to restrain and bind us. Once, my order could respond swiftly across Arvum. Once, great fortresses of the Faith stood as bastions, anchoring our people and our culture in the dark, allowing the Faith Militant to muster close to action, to equip ourselves, to fight and respond before threats became too large, to allow us flexibility. Perhaps the debt I owe to Lord Darrow, as the living to the dead, is to ensure that a sacrifice like his will not be forced upon us again through a lack of preparedness.
I am not a Seraph, I have no say in these convocation as I understand it. Though it would be disingenuous for me to pretend my voice does not matter - there is a difference between humility and dishonesty through self deception. There is talk though that one campaign of the recent nominations will submit to the Faith - that for Lord Darrow Darkwater. He swore his oaths before Gloria and Limerance as a knight. And he fell against the Pirate King, the Gyre, in the recent war. He and his people fought with a resolve that spoke of deep faith in the necessity of what they did, but also of love for the Compact. I have gone and seen the site of his falling - and from the beauty of the spot, you would think the Gods themselves weeped and marked his passing. It is not my place to judge whether that is sufficient, whether his life was sufficient, for him to join the Hall of Heroes. But I think no-one can deny his right to be considered.
His fall also has a lesson - because we failed to act swift enough, so that sacrifice became essential, inevitable. And I include myself in those who should have pressed for swifter action. In truth I am not sure if swifter action were possible however - we are not where we were in the days of the Reckoning. We still allow doubt and political concerns to restrain and bind us. Once, my order could respond swiftly across Arvum. Once, great fortresses of the Faith stood as bastions, anchoring our people and our culture in the dark, allowing the Faith Militant to muster close to action, to equip ourselves, to fight and respond before threats became too large, to allow us flexibility. Perhaps the debt I owe to Lord Darrow, as the living to the dead, is to ensure that a sacrifice like his will not be forced upon us again through a lack of preparedness.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Since we are facing a new threat and updating everything, my own will ought be recorded.
Should I fall, my wedding ring is to be upon my body.
My stygian ring, commissioned by Valdemar as a wedding gift, goes to my son Arkyn Grimhall, that he might give it to his own wife one day.
My dawnstone ring, another gift from my husband, goes to Antony Grimhall for the same purpose.
A set of black Stormward pearls and earrings gifted from Ford Kennex go to Darion Kennex, with a similar story.
The rest of my jewels are to be given to House Grimhall to distribute or dispose of as they please.
My gowns go to Lady Ingrid Grimhall.
I humbly ask Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa and Archduke Talen Velenosa to keep an eye out for all three of my sons. To tell them stories of their mother, good or bad. Duchess Belladonna Pravus and Princess Isolde Velenosa may surely assist in this task. My sons will need First Liars even more without me to help guide them.
My black journals may be released to my sons when they are fourteen years of age. Beyond that they are to remain sealed.
By my hand,
Lady Vanora Grimhall
Should I fall, my wedding ring is to be upon my body.
My stygian ring, commissioned by Valdemar as a wedding gift, goes to my son Arkyn Grimhall, that he might give it to his own wife one day.
My dawnstone ring, another gift from my husband, goes to Antony Grimhall for the same purpose.
A set of black Stormward pearls and earrings gifted from Ford Kennex go to Darion Kennex, with a similar story.
The rest of my jewels are to be given to House Grimhall to distribute or dispose of as they please.
My gowns go to Lady Ingrid Grimhall.
I humbly ask Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa and Archduke Talen Velenosa to keep an eye out for all three of my sons. To tell them stories of their mother, good or bad. Duchess Belladonna Pravus and Princess Isolde Velenosa may surely assist in this task. My sons will need First Liars even more without me to help guide them.
My black journals may be released to my sons when they are fourteen years of age. Beyond that they are to remain sealed.
By my hand,
Lady Vanora Grimhall
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 18, 2018, 5:49 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Ramblings of a Still-Griefing Lycene on the Matter of Life and Death
10/19/1009 AR
Yesterday some of us lit candles to the departed in a beautiful ceremony at The Great Cathedral of the Pantheon, but death is far from pretty, isn't it? From the lips of one of Gloria's most stalwart servants, proper prayer to the goddess is not one that begs for victory; it is one that pleas for strength to face the Queen of Endings with dignity.
How we breathe our final breath matters. To some it is all that matters. I would gander that if the reflection was never made in one's head, it is because they have never seen someone leave this life. A clean death is not a right, but a rare privilege, and if this doesn't give you pause, maybe it should.
I am sure the ritual had a different meaning to each of us. I know that I have wondered myself if my memories and love mean anything to him now in the Shining Lands, or if they are simply selfish means that allow me to cope with the pain of his absence.
Death really gives perspective of life.
They are released now. They are free. They have met with the Queen and, with grace or agony, the have left. We, however, have much work to do still. From commoner to noble the only certainty in life is we have a dance with the Queen.
Do not squander your day today. Love someone you shouldn't. Practice with someone you stronger and more skilled. Push yourself, learn something new. Be daring. Do not be caught off guard when the Queen comes for you. Then it will have been too late. But only then.
Duchess Belladonna Pravus,
Ruler of Setarco
10/19/1009 AR
Yesterday some of us lit candles to the departed in a beautiful ceremony at The Great Cathedral of the Pantheon, but death is far from pretty, isn't it? From the lips of one of Gloria's most stalwart servants, proper prayer to the goddess is not one that begs for victory; it is one that pleas for strength to face the Queen of Endings with dignity.
How we breathe our final breath matters. To some it is all that matters. I would gander that if the reflection was never made in one's head, it is because they have never seen someone leave this life. A clean death is not a right, but a rare privilege, and if this doesn't give you pause, maybe it should.
I am sure the ritual had a different meaning to each of us. I know that I have wondered myself if my memories and love mean anything to him now in the Shining Lands, or if they are simply selfish means that allow me to cope with the pain of his absence.
Death really gives perspective of life.
They are released now. They are free. They have met with the Queen and, with grace or agony, the have left. We, however, have much work to do still. From commoner to noble the only certainty in life is we have a dance with the Queen.
Do not squander your day today. Love someone you shouldn't. Practice with someone you stronger and more skilled. Push yourself, learn something new. Be daring. Do not be caught off guard when the Queen comes for you. Then it will have been too late. But only then.
Duchess Belladonna Pravus,
Ruler of Setarco
Written By Auda
Oct. 18, 2018, 2:57 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
If I rolled my eyes any harder, I think they might fall out of my head.
Written By Shard
Oct. 18, 2018, 2:42 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Once upon a time, there was a powerful warlord that killed and enslaved people. One day, he did something he'd done hundreds and thousands of times before, and some people died. They left behind a little girl who was very sad and too young to know the world. The little girl fell asleep and had a dream, and in that dream a voice asked the little girl, "What are you going to do about it?"
And the little girl said, "I'm going to rip his fucking throat out."
And the little girl said, "I'm going to rip his fucking throat out."
Written By Delilah
Oct. 18, 2018, 1:10 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tabitha
O sweet cousin, truly I am grateful to have shared the evening with you over our candles in the light of faith. Prayer is a strange thing to perform in public, en masse, sometimes, especially on matters near and sacred to the heart. Yet there was something magical about standing in the Great Cathedral at your side, thinking on the matters facing us ahead and knowing we would be there together for one another.
Through us, too, the kinship to all our siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and parents were represented. Hearing the soaring, glorious voices of the choir, my heart felt calm and stilled for the first time in a very long span. Mostly because we were together, sharing in a moment that still leaves me wistful in a way. There lies a beauty in the way voices mingle on the stone, and the archlectors and legates together performed a profound, subtly moving ceremony. Sir Jeffeth, too, added a human touch in unexpected ways. For that, and for Dame Thena, I am grateful.
Though I must say, spending the following hour or so shuttling silk every which way left me delighted and, I fear, a bit wearisome. Now, with the stars flickering overhead and a cool breeze stirring up the autumnal foliage, let it be said tonight held its own special magic: that of family and faith, friendship and fortune.
May such hopefulness and brightness of spirit touch everyone headed forth to the defense of Arx, now and in times ahead.
Through us, too, the kinship to all our siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and parents were represented. Hearing the soaring, glorious voices of the choir, my heart felt calm and stilled for the first time in a very long span. Mostly because we were together, sharing in a moment that still leaves me wistful in a way. There lies a beauty in the way voices mingle on the stone, and the archlectors and legates together performed a profound, subtly moving ceremony. Sir Jeffeth, too, added a human touch in unexpected ways. For that, and for Dame Thena, I am grateful.
Though I must say, spending the following hour or so shuttling silk every which way left me delighted and, I fear, a bit wearisome. Now, with the stars flickering overhead and a cool breeze stirring up the autumnal foliage, let it be said tonight held its own special magic: that of family and faith, friendship and fortune.
May such hopefulness and brightness of spirit touch everyone headed forth to the defense of Arx, now and in times ahead.
Written By Sparte
Oct. 18, 2018, 12:59 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Service, Honor, Duty, Faith, Hope, Courage, Strength, Mercy, Justice, and Fidelity. Funny how words make big things seem obtainable when you write them on paper.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 18, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
I've been gifted a piece of furniture I'm required to love.
Fine.
It's hideous but oddly endearing. Also I am too tired to move the thing so it's in my Atelier now. The assistants like it a lot, I don't know if he paid them to like it but they do.
Fine.
It's hideous but oddly endearing. Also I am too tired to move the thing so it's in my Atelier now. The assistants like it a lot, I don't know if he paid them to like it but they do.
Written By Cambria
Oct. 17, 2018, 11:55 p.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
A prayer for the lost, for those unknown, and without witness.
Written By Thesarin
Oct. 17, 2018, 11:37 p.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlex
No great mystery, to my mind.
Folk good with words like things settled with words.
Folk good at killing like things settled with killing.
Folk selling swords like things settled by folk buying swords.
Folk good with words like things settled with words.
Folk good at killing like things settled with killing.
Folk selling swords like things settled by folk buying swords.
Written By Sorrel
Oct. 17, 2018, 11 p.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
"Circles go round and round, time after time;
Every new season its own paradigm.
"We come together: faith and unity
Mankind dreams of an age where all souls are free...
"See how the fire burns so hot and bright
Exhorting us always to walk in the Light.
"We work as one people; we are as one --
Labor together 'til labor is done.
"Show your compassion to your fellow man
And thus do good deeds where ever you can.
Every new season its own paradigm.
"We come together: faith and unity
Mankind dreams of an age where all souls are free...
"See how the fire burns so hot and bright
Exhorting us always to walk in the Light.
"We work as one people; we are as one --
Labor together 'til labor is done.
"Show your compassion to your fellow man
And thus do good deeds where ever you can.
Written By Sidney
Oct. 17, 2018, 10:54 p.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
What in the world have you all been doing to the Scholars while I was away? They look positively haggard.
I, on the other hand, am aglow from a summer spent in various scenic locales.
I expect everyone to come by the House and tell me very exciting stories about what I've missed.
I, on the other hand, am aglow from a summer spent in various scenic locales.
I expect everyone to come by the House and tell me very exciting stories about what I've missed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.