Written By Bliss
April 25, 2018, 2:29 a.m.(8/12/1008 AR)
With the Shadow Carnival coming up, my attention has turned to my wardrobe and I have come to realize I need something new for this. Something grandiose. I have more than a few ideas in my mind, the question is determining which I want to pursue - and which I want to keep for more private usage.
A truly daunting thing.
In the meantime, I am working on getting my shoulder back into working condition. There are many well-intentioned people out there advising me to slow it down, take it easy. It happens nearly every time I pick up a sword. One even told me I should be refusing to duel while this heals. I laid in bed, ill, for months, and if anything it got worse. Pushing myself as far as I can go, and further beyond that still remains the only thing that ever seems to do me any good.
Of course, this applies even outside the arena.
What are a few more scars, after all?
Shard, I'm not sure what catty thing you'll find to say to this one, but I'm sure you'll find something. I look forward to it.
A truly daunting thing.
In the meantime, I am working on getting my shoulder back into working condition. There are many well-intentioned people out there advising me to slow it down, take it easy. It happens nearly every time I pick up a sword. One even told me I should be refusing to duel while this heals. I laid in bed, ill, for months, and if anything it got worse. Pushing myself as far as I can go, and further beyond that still remains the only thing that ever seems to do me any good.
Of course, this applies even outside the arena.
What are a few more scars, after all?
Shard, I'm not sure what catty thing you'll find to say to this one, but I'm sure you'll find something. I look forward to it.
Written By Bliss
April 23, 2018, 1:50 p.m.(8/9/1008 AR)
It is a good day to be a Whisper.
Written By Bliss
April 17, 2018, 8:39 p.m.(7/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Congratulations! You were already on the short list of people whom I was planning on contacting for this, and you've just confirmed your place. I will be sending a messenger this evening, as you did such a wonderful job of bringing up nearly all the questions which I wanted to ask someone for advice on and all the points which I was considering! Thank you for volunteering.
Though I would also point out that it's more like asking questions about Eurusians. You don't really believe the Abandoned and the Arvani a wholly different race, do you?
Though I would also point out that it's more like asking questions about Eurusians. You don't really believe the Abandoned and the Arvani a wholly different race, do you?
Written By Bliss
April 17, 2018, 4 p.m.(7/25/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sidney
This was very dangerous information to let me know.
I hope you are prepared for some surprise lessons. Don't wear anything you don't want cut off of you for a while.
I hope you are prepared for some surprise lessons. Don't wear anything you don't want cut off of you for a while.
Written By Bliss
April 17, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(7/25/1008 AR)
There are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything I wish. Between my rehabilitation, my personal projects, and everything else going on, I fear that I'm simply not able to give enough time to as many people as they deserve.
Do rest assured, darlings, it's not you. Usually. I will eventually respond to most correspondence.
There is a royal mission coming up, as well - if anyone has experience with the Abandoned and is interested in a field trip, (particularly any who can speak their language), do reach out to me?
A very wise woman wrote a white a couple weeks ago saying that life is not worth living unless you feel overwhelmed. I still haven't hit that - but I am certainly reveling in this.
Do rest assured, darlings, it's not you. Usually. I will eventually respond to most correspondence.
There is a royal mission coming up, as well - if anyone has experience with the Abandoned and is interested in a field trip, (particularly any who can speak their language), do reach out to me?
A very wise woman wrote a white a couple weeks ago saying that life is not worth living unless you feel overwhelmed. I still haven't hit that - but I am certainly reveling in this.
Written By Bliss
April 12, 2018, 3:25 p.m.(7/15/1008 AR)
Passion - what is it?
For me, it's the drive to live life to the fullest. To chase your dreams and goals with such ardor, such vigor, that others cannot help but get swept up in it and swept along. To tackle each obstacle with the fullest of your capabilities, and to never let your drive waver.
If life doesn't feel like it's too much, too big for you, I would think you probably aren't living your life to where you should be.
Your emotions should never terrify you. Even the painful ones.
For me, it's the drive to live life to the fullest. To chase your dreams and goals with such ardor, such vigor, that others cannot help but get swept up in it and swept along. To tackle each obstacle with the fullest of your capabilities, and to never let your drive waver.
If life doesn't feel like it's too much, too big for you, I would think you probably aren't living your life to where you should be.
Your emotions should never terrify you. Even the painful ones.
Written By Bliss
April 4, 2018, 2:29 a.m.(6/26/1008 AR)
Some days I wonder what life would be like if I only made good decisions.
Dreadful, I think.
Dreadful, I think.
Written By Bliss
March 30, 2018, 4:43 a.m.(6/15/1008 AR)
I managed to finally be convinced to spend a night on the town again, a part of my work I've been sorely neglecting lately. How did I let my ambitions fall to the wayside for so long? I suppose I haven't been feeling much myself.
Wine, flirtation, stories, and the strangest duel challenges I've ever seen. It is rather lovely when an evening goes just as it should.
Wine, flirtation, stories, and the strangest duel challenges I've ever seen. It is rather lovely when an evening goes just as it should.
Written By Bliss
Dec. 5, 2017, 6:09 a.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
We have expressions about Duty that warn us of it's perils. Duty is heavier than a mountain. We say this to prepare ourselves for the monumental decisions that we have to make to fulfill our duties. Yet we have few warnings for the most significant danger that duty can bring us.
Isolation.
Duty is an insidious insulator. It takes us away from friends and loved ones, whispering ever that what it needs is more important. It sends us to hold conference with strangers, opponents, and worse in order to accomplish it. Duty, even while putting us around others, isolates us from ourselves and our beloveds if we let it.
In it's extreme, focusing only on duty sickens the soul, then the body, and makes it harder to accomplish our goals as our very motivation wears away.
This is why I am glad that Seraph Ailith knows how to balance her duties with her loves. She has been my longest friend in Are, and even when we cannot find time to share a drink, she finds time to make me smile. I look forward to her Messengers nearly as much as I look forward to her company.
Let Ailith be a model for any that need to balance the drudgeries of their duties with their personal lives. She has found a way and continues to refine it.
Isolation.
Duty is an insidious insulator. It takes us away from friends and loved ones, whispering ever that what it needs is more important. It sends us to hold conference with strangers, opponents, and worse in order to accomplish it. Duty, even while putting us around others, isolates us from ourselves and our beloveds if we let it.
In it's extreme, focusing only on duty sickens the soul, then the body, and makes it harder to accomplish our goals as our very motivation wears away.
This is why I am glad that Seraph Ailith knows how to balance her duties with her loves. She has been my longest friend in Are, and even when we cannot find time to share a drink, she finds time to make me smile. I look forward to her Messengers nearly as much as I look forward to her company.
Let Ailith be a model for any that need to balance the drudgeries of their duties with their personal lives. She has found a way and continues to refine it.
Written By Bliss
Dec. 1, 2017, 7:18 p.m.(9/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
There are those among us that do not lift a weapon made of steel to fight, but instead use their words. Some hold lofty titles as nobles, diplomats, courtiers; while others, just as skilled, claim only to be merchants, tavern keepers, or conmen. Just as anyone, regardless of social strata, might pick up a sword and use it, so can words be wielded with great effect by the high and low alike. In my experience, these wordy warriors fall into similar categories as their martial counterpoints.
Some wield blunt weapons, seeking to use the force of their impact to achieve their goals. They will bludgeon and batter you with their views until you yield or fall beneath the press of their onslaught.
Others will arm themselves as a knight, protecting their thoughts in layers of padding and hardened edges before wading into battle.
And then there are those that can use their conversations like a proper duelist. Quick, sharp rapiers their tongues become, dazzling to behold. Each responds is a honed riposte, each counter-argument a parry, and the space between filled with the flash of cloak or the dance of feet. These are the men and women that understand a conversation can be entertainment; that conversation does not have to drive straight to the end, nor does it have to be something dreaded. You can talk to another person for the thrill of it.
Marquis Hadrian is a duelist. I spoke with him to no real point, yet I was entertained the entire time.
Some wield blunt weapons, seeking to use the force of their impact to achieve their goals. They will bludgeon and batter you with their views until you yield or fall beneath the press of their onslaught.
Others will arm themselves as a knight, protecting their thoughts in layers of padding and hardened edges before wading into battle.
And then there are those that can use their conversations like a proper duelist. Quick, sharp rapiers their tongues become, dazzling to behold. Each responds is a honed riposte, each counter-argument a parry, and the space between filled with the flash of cloak or the dance of feet. These are the men and women that understand a conversation can be entertainment; that conversation does not have to drive straight to the end, nor does it have to be something dreaded. You can talk to another person for the thrill of it.
Marquis Hadrian is a duelist. I spoke with him to no real point, yet I was entertained the entire time.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 23, 2017, 5:44 a.m.(8/19/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Jhond
Jhond is quickly growing in my affections. He's been delightful company, a qiuck teacher, and this last evening brought a gift on the pretense of wanting to be part of the Evening of Bliss. While many of my duels will not be able to use it, for its quality is considerably, it is without a doubt the finest sword I have ever owned. He even had irridescite lined in the basket guard!
Written By Bliss
Nov. 23, 2017, 5:43 a.m.(8/19/1007 AR)
My reputation is starting to get around. Princess Jaenelle, Minister to the Crown, sent a letter today and asked if I would assist with the new Nox'Alfar embassy. Of course I agreed. The embassy will need rooms that truly show off the Nox'Alfar spirit, and that means a sense of humor should be brought to their decoration, and a fearlessness of death.
This will also need to be tempered with Arxian sensibilities, else the whole embassy might be found utterly offensive.
This will also need to be tempered with Arxian sensibilities, else the whole embassy might be found utterly offensive.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 12, 2017, 8:47 a.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Yesterday morning, with the first rays of dawn starting to touch the flowers strewn along the path, I walked to the altar of Limerance. Yesterday, I answered the Ten Questions of Faith before the priests of the Pantheon and dedicated myself as a Devotion of Limerance.
Yesterday afternoon I spent more hours than I knew were possible learning to review marriage applications and questioning merchant's sons and daughters to ensure that they entered these contracts of their own free will.
Today, as a Disciple of the God of Courtly Love and Fidelity, I announce that I am giving not just of my time in clerical work to support the Devotions. Beginning today I will take only those clients who seek a Champion that seek to defend themselves against accusations of infidelity or defending their love. I will take only what coin is required to pay for healers or mending armor, and any other coin collected as a Champion I will donate to the Fatih.
Yesterday afternoon I spent more hours than I knew were possible learning to review marriage applications and questioning merchant's sons and daughters to ensure that they entered these contracts of their own free will.
Today, as a Disciple of the God of Courtly Love and Fidelity, I announce that I am giving not just of my time in clerical work to support the Devotions. Beginning today I will take only those clients who seek a Champion that seek to defend themselves against accusations of infidelity or defending their love. I will take only what coin is required to pay for healers or mending armor, and any other coin collected as a Champion I will donate to the Fatih.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 10, 2017, 10:15 a.m.(7/22/1007 AR)
A member of my fanclub died for writing this, so I feel his words should have the honor of being immortalized in our journals.
"In the Gray Forest went the duelist named Bliss,
Trapped in a folly no clue did she miss,
With her blade and her smile,
And devious guile,
By lips or by blade many Nox wished to be kissed."
"In the Gray Forest went the duelist named Bliss,
Trapped in a folly no clue did she miss,
With her blade and her smile,
And devious guile,
By lips or by blade many Nox wished to be kissed."
Written By Bliss
Nov. 10, 2017, 9:18 a.m.(7/21/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
Lady Joslyn. It is still odd to think of her so when I remember her as an awkward commoner in my days before leaving Tor. I'm glad that we've had the chance to get reacquainted in Arx and finding that she's no longer as awkward as she was a decade ago. I've had few patrons in Arx as charming as she has been, nor found the theater as entertaining than when in her company.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 10, 2017, 9:14 a.m.(7/21/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Agnarr
I have had some enjoyable evenings this week, and at least one moment of intense pain. Heady with my recent victories in the North, I have, perhaps, forgotten just how strong an opponent that Agnarr can be. I did well in keeping my distance or shoving his massive blade to the side for a time, but in the end it took only one hit to send me gasping for breath.
Dear, sweet Agnarr, this is not the way I wish my breath stolen.
In related news I have had new armor commissioned. Or at least some leather clothing that might relieve some of the sting if I decide to spar in it.
Dear, sweet Agnarr, this is not the way I wish my breath stolen.
In related news I have had new armor commissioned. Or at least some leather clothing that might relieve some of the sting if I decide to spar in it.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 6, 2017, 1:57 p.m.(7/14/1007 AR)
The Folly of Bliss Whisper
I was feeling fine on my way back from Whitehold, my victory against Ringar the Red and my time with a grateful patron had left me with no shortage of warm tinglies. The journey had been just what I needed to forget the sting of mortality. What the fuck else do you do when your enemy had the temerity to die at someone else’s hands? I need time for me, and the dueling circuit had offered. And when it made good on its offer to refocus my life, I set my horse south again.
Things were fine until closer to Arx. I spent more than my fair share of coin at many a tavern and inn and my purse was feeling light once more. But my flask was still full and my boisterous singing of Gloria was a thing of legend. I like to think that my dulcet tones were what drew Their attention.
You see, beloved reader, darling fan… it so happened at I was beset and surrounded by dark creatures one evening as I made my camp. They took me unawares, two dozen of them in the darkest of black leathers. Two dozen with the wickedest of weapons.
Stepping into the ring of my firelight a tall, pale-haired and dark-skinned elf leered at me. “Riddle me this, most beautiful of human women: To survive this Folly you must agree, the risks you accept all on your own; one thing you can give me, and after giving must keep.”
I smirked. “My word.”
And that was all it took to bring me into the greatest challenge of my life so far (other than breathing in an Oathlands corset). From sundown to sunrise I had to fight them. They chased me through the forest like some beast to be hunted. They clapped like I were a trained dog when their traps I avoided. When a test was passed a riddle was given, and once or twice I had to think. It was in steel I wrote my name – one of theirs shall forever bear a kiss of bliss from my Rapier instead of my lips.
At the end I had laughed at their challenges, defeated their champions, tied the tongues of their Riddlemasters, and been declared the winner of a Folly.
Why do I tell you this, gentle reader?
Beause my fanclub is coming to Arx with their embassy. If you see a pack of Nox’alfar vying for my attention, know it is in adoration and not cruelty that they seek me. Make them buy you a drink and then teach them to send a letter to Whisper House.
I was feeling fine on my way back from Whitehold, my victory against Ringar the Red and my time with a grateful patron had left me with no shortage of warm tinglies. The journey had been just what I needed to forget the sting of mortality. What the fuck else do you do when your enemy had the temerity to die at someone else’s hands? I need time for me, and the dueling circuit had offered. And when it made good on its offer to refocus my life, I set my horse south again.
Things were fine until closer to Arx. I spent more than my fair share of coin at many a tavern and inn and my purse was feeling light once more. But my flask was still full and my boisterous singing of Gloria was a thing of legend. I like to think that my dulcet tones were what drew Their attention.
You see, beloved reader, darling fan… it so happened at I was beset and surrounded by dark creatures one evening as I made my camp. They took me unawares, two dozen of them in the darkest of black leathers. Two dozen with the wickedest of weapons.
Stepping into the ring of my firelight a tall, pale-haired and dark-skinned elf leered at me. “Riddle me this, most beautiful of human women: To survive this Folly you must agree, the risks you accept all on your own; one thing you can give me, and after giving must keep.”
I smirked. “My word.”
And that was all it took to bring me into the greatest challenge of my life so far (other than breathing in an Oathlands corset). From sundown to sunrise I had to fight them. They chased me through the forest like some beast to be hunted. They clapped like I were a trained dog when their traps I avoided. When a test was passed a riddle was given, and once or twice I had to think. It was in steel I wrote my name – one of theirs shall forever bear a kiss of bliss from my Rapier instead of my lips.
At the end I had laughed at their challenges, defeated their champions, tied the tongues of their Riddlemasters, and been declared the winner of a Folly.
Why do I tell you this, gentle reader?
Beause my fanclub is coming to Arx with their embassy. If you see a pack of Nox’alfar vying for my attention, know it is in adoration and not cruelty that they seek me. Make them buy you a drink and then teach them to send a letter to Whisper House.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 4, 2017, 2:41 p.m.(7/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
The Legate of Concepts, after a single meeting, has captured me in words better than most others ever could. i almost cried reading it.
This is the new bar, ladies and lords of Arx, for stealing my breath.
This is the new bar, ladies and lords of Arx, for stealing my breath.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 4, 2017, 5:58 a.m.(7/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
Nostalgia holds a special places in our hearts. Master Rook's - excuse me, Prince Rook's - recent visit to the Whisper House has reminded me of that. He is still the consummate courtier with a platinum tongue. He assures me that swimming in piles of coin is not as fun as some might think.
Written By Bliss
Nov. 4, 2017, 5:52 a.m.(7/9/1007 AR)
The ennui of the past month fades as I find myself in Arx once more. Traveling the Compact as a Champion, living Duel to Duel across the length and breadth of the continent is certainly an experience, but there are things I have come to enjoy in the capital. Not the least of which is my bed, I'll admit this readily.
Saedrus has been a dear in helping me get an intimate dinner prepared for some lucky patrons. The first gifts have started coming in and I have high hopes for some interesting attendees. A certain Princess has set the bar high for top prize.
Saedrus has been a dear in helping me get an intimate dinner prepared for some lucky patrons. The first gifts have started coming in and I have high hopes for some interesting attendees. A certain Princess has set the bar high for top prize.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.