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Written By Quenia

Sept. 24, 2018, 8:56 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

I might be crazy enough to start to believe the "Igniseri Curse" we joke about must be real. I know it's not. I don't believe in curses.

My would be suitor has been called away to work on the things he's most passionate about. I understood, of course. When a person has a calling, they should follow their heart. I can't say I wasn't disappointed. I was. But, the world is a better place for the work he does and I could never begrudge him that. I wish him well in his life.

I've read over the many suggestions people provided. Take up a hobby? I might consider it - though to those suggesting artistry, I'm afraid the only artistic thing I can do is work a crowd. Alas, the mechanical arts, performance arts, and artsy arts elude me completely. I can't draw or paint for the life of me, and I haven't a creative bone in my body for coming up with tales or songs. Those talents are better left to my sister and cousin, Baroness Lucita. I shall find something.

So, for now - it's work. My must current task is trying to divine whether or not the mine we found on Igniseri lands us truly haunted or not, and apparently some of the Gyre's forces who took refuge on Igniseri land have been dispatched, but others have gotten away - so we'll need to send another party of people after them, something I'm sure Luis will have well in hand.

I suppose, what I really need, is a goal for my very own. Something to do that's a part from the house that I'd find fun and exciting. Perhaps I'll start looking into dreams once more, as they do so very much intrigue me. And, asking the vintners to design more wines. It's beyond time to have another wine party, and to have people gracing Domus Igniseri once more.

Written By Archeron

Sept. 24, 2018, 8:17 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Amari

It seems my intended has been having a lot of fun with strange drink concoctions. And I have been warned not to simply sit in my bed fort and hide from the world while she stays a few days with the Keatons.

So I thought I would make an entry in my whites - as I am often remiss at doing, yes Scholar, I am a terrible idolant who loves too much the world of petrichor over the world of man. Prove to my intended I did indeed go out and make my entry and read others and pootle along and take an interest in my fellow people.

Oh, and Root would like to make his own entry.

<The rest of the entry consists of inky paw prints>

Written By Archeron

Sept. 24, 2018, 8:13 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Skye

I suppose the blunt answer I'd have is the best way to become used to it is to do it. Though, I'd say that you don't necessarily want to lose those things, Baroness. War should make you hesitate. Killing should make you uneasy. When those things become easy? When they become the simple choice? That is how the Isles made the reputation it is trying to move away from.

I am glad that my first time at war removed the delusion that it was some great adventure, a painful but necessary lesson. And my second time at war dismissed all notions I had that I might know anything about the enemies we faced.

Ultimately I'm a great fan of recognition life is choices. Each of us has choices, big and small. And like I said, I'm glad the ones to go to war and kill are not easy ones for you, Baroness. It says a lot about the kind of ruler you will be.

Written By Skye

Sept. 24, 2018, 7:31 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Things I've never done...

1) Struck another in anger.
2) Been engaged much less married.
3) Captained my own vessel.
4) Saved someone's life.
5) Traveled outside of the Mourning Isles or Arx.

Apparently war cries elicit fainting spells from me. I'm rather squeamish when it comes to injuring others. I do want to be more, have more adventures. I wonder if there are lessons in building tolerance for such things.

Written By Sina

Sept. 24, 2018, 4:41 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Sometimes we find knowledge in the most unexpected of places. Today was a day for learning.

Written By Ouida

Sept. 24, 2018, 2:40 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Another month, and another lover wed. I recall the lady in question's wicked smile, her dastardly ability to cheat at any game without the slightest flicker of it in her face, the softness of the nape of her neck underneath my fingertips, her laughter that was as sweet as an answered prayer. We have not seen each other in the flesh for nearly five years, though it’s seldom been more than a month between letters, and this month is no exception; it is always a source of great joy that something that started purely in pleasure and fascination can take deep root into friendship. I had hoped to attend her wedding in person, and to meet her now-husband, but duties called in Arx and a gift and a note and my prayers for fecundity and good fortune had to suffice.

I have never been one to long for keeping home and hearth and children, though I suppose no lady or lord can truly escape that mantle of expectation. One of the most delightful aspects of being thirdborn, I suppose, is that in almost all things one is granted the gift of time. And yet slips away bit by bit, as more and more of my companions and loves both great and small step up for their duty.

And thus I turn my mind to the hope that I might find myself as fortunate as my brother in his Marquessa; though I am certain that there are certain aspects of our family that are much more frustrating for my sister-of-the-heart than she shows, and their compatibility is such that it is clear that despite Father’s sternness, one can see his tender care in their partnership as well. Now I need only hope that in a few years when Orvyn’s mind is turned to putting together a list of potential compatible lords, he will forget how many times I dunked him in the cistern, or loosened the girth on his pony, or stuck a peppercorn in his wine. I suppose from now on I’ll have to be on my very best and most charming behavior. Perhaps.

Written By Joscelin

Sept. 24, 2018, 1:12 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Reigna

I pity the position Guildmaster Reigna has put herself in, my letters asking her about ever twitch and change in body and out will likely drive her mad. I have no regrets, however; the more I learn the more impressed I am with what I am becoming.

Written By Paloma

Sept. 24, 2018, 12:22 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

I appreciate the quality of the rubicund armor I now wear, and the value in my life and the completion of my duty it symbolizes. Yet it brings an unexpected challenge. I find the kit I used to maintain my armor when it was steel doesn't fully serve, I need to find a better oil and polish for the higher grade material. If there are any smiths who offer such kits, I would appreciate being pointed towards them so I can acquire one.

Written By Orvyn

Sept. 24, 2018, 12:01 a.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Fair Harbour, the jewel of the West, will offer something new for the nobles of Arx, and those whom wish to make a little bit of money on the side. Query Orvyn if you have an interest.

Written By Nijah

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:35 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

In my time of being here in Arx, I am learning many things. Most recently I am learning that I am not as good at drinking as I am thinking I am, and I am never going to underestimate Arvani drinks again. The food was good, but I am afraid that I am losing all of it to my sickness. I am hoping Princess Valencia can be making me another dish like it again, it was being very good.

Written By Thesarin

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:34 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Troubles never come in steady streams. There are droughts and then there is a deluge.

Written By Sparte

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:32 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

I've been taking lessons at the Academy of War, in advance of the coming conflict. The things I never understood about military combat are, well, more massive than I had thought. It was the sort of lessons that leave me realizing how little I've learned and what passionate military minds must be capable of.

Written By Shard

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:29 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

In my tribe, there are the scars you earn from living, the scars you earn from hunting or battle, and the scars you earn from your people. These last are when you come of age, when you are no longer a child and are old enough to be counted as a full member. They are also not simply given to you; you must pass challenges for them that the elders decide on. And they don't come easily when you do earn them--pain is a part of growing up, and especially being grown. They can take months to fully heal. The woman who raised me used to tell me about how she got a high fever from hers, and dreamed all sorts of things. That's how she became a shaman.

Scars from living and hunting, scars from battle, those are unique to you. But the tribe's scars are all the same, even if the process of earning them is different for everyone. The wolf face for strength, endurance, and skill in the hunt. The raven face for wisdom and cunning...and a sense of humor, although I freely admit it doesn't seem like I learned much of that last. They sit together, forming a single design out of many different cuts, because that is the tribe. We were all ourselves, and we all worked together to survive.

There's a downside. You get used to those familiar faces. You get used to scars. Unmarked faces are slightly stranger, even if they belong to friendly tribes. It took me a long time after coming to the Compact to adjust to being surrounded by faces without those scars. It took longer to be able to trust any of them.

Written By Brogan

Sept. 23, 2018, 11:05 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Arik

Allow me to take you away on such a journey in regards to whiskey! Plenty of tasting to be had, samples to be found, drinks in general to be consumed. Nothing untoward could possibly happen while we do this!

Written By Draven

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:37 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Arik

Most alcohol gains flavor as it ages! Normally the Mead Nova and I are making would take at least two years before it is even ready, but I used special Alchemy stuff to make it age much faster. We will lose out on some of the flavor, but it will be done somewhat soon!

Written By Tabitha

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:37 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

When a lethargic mood washes over me, I remind myself that I have the most wonderful family. That always brightens me up.

I have also been entrusted with a most precious charge. She has a fondness for acorns, is as plump as a pudding, and has the bushiest of tails. My heart is full to the brim with love.

Written By Silas

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:35 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

The Lodge garrison is on the cusp of finishing their preparations. If anyone needs a place to go, now is the time to ask.

Written By Arik

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:29 p.m.(8/27/1009 AR)

I will need to inquire unto the Nightgold's why is it whiskey tastes to much better when it's so old that everyone who could have possibly had a hand in making it is dead? Seems a crime.

Written By Jeffeth

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:13 p.m.(8/26/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Magpie

Pie's a good boy. Mostly. You take care of him and I'm sure he'll take care of you in kind. You and Harper are doing good things.

Written By Perronne

Sept. 23, 2018, 10:10 p.m.(8/26/1009 AR)

People are interesting!

I think a lot about making money, I suppose. Money is useful for many things, and not having it means hunger and homelessness and a lot of very unpleasant things! But really, one of the things I enjoy most about being in the work I am is taking an interest in people. Everyone wants something, and everything has something worthwhile to offer in return for the things they want. But beyond desire, people are just so INTERESTING. Everyone has a story, a history, something that drives them.

I don't know why I'm writing this, really. Except that it's something good for me to remember.

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