Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 10:58 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Today is the day I brave that testament of 'arrival' in Arx, as it were, for any member of the nobility. Seeking out a protégé counts as something significant, a right of passage of sorts for any person with a title, doesn't it? Or rather, it marks that more essential turning point, to me.
So much of my knowledge came through the caring and patient study with other tutors and teachers. Even now I learn such a great deal from experts in their fields. Society wouldn't be where we are without the dissemination of knowledge made freely, as so richly embodied by the disciples of Vellichor -- and near everyone else in the Faith, and the broader world. But there is something to a student being able to pass on that knowledge and hard-won insights to another, empowering them to achieve whatever goals they hold, armed with new skills. I'm more than likely getting ahead of myself but it counts, for something, to be able to make a different sort of alliance. At the very least, I have tremendous examples all around.
And there's simply too much work to be done for a single soul to manage it all. I have no idea how the king or the high lords do all they do other than by delegation and a lack of sleep.
So much of my knowledge came through the caring and patient study with other tutors and teachers. Even now I learn such a great deal from experts in their fields. Society wouldn't be where we are without the dissemination of knowledge made freely, as so richly embodied by the disciples of Vellichor -- and near everyone else in the Faith, and the broader world. But there is something to a student being able to pass on that knowledge and hard-won insights to another, empowering them to achieve whatever goals they hold, armed with new skills. I'm more than likely getting ahead of myself but it counts, for something, to be able to make a different sort of alliance. At the very least, I have tremendous examples all around.
And there's simply too much work to be done for a single soul to manage it all. I have no idea how the king or the high lords do all they do other than by delegation and a lack of sleep.
Written By Delilah
July 23, 2018, 10:53 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Let it never be said House Whitehawk lacks a sense of humor. Failing at maintaining the necessary stern seriousness expected of an Oathlander in one of their contests, I failed spectacularly well. Failing upward by laughing at a ribald joke, and /not/ the jest about Gild's view of wealth and time, accounts for a roaring success, surely. Especially with the Archlector, Etienne, right there in the same pool. Let it be said Lady Monique is dangerously witty. I must investigate this further.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
You remind me why I am grateful for such acquaintances as I have been blessed to know upon my arrival to Arx.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:26 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
I wish it were easier to trust the world. The funny part of knowledge, the more you get, the better you understand those barriers created by our parents to establish a civil society aren't entirely real. The artificial boundaries do a fine job allowing a maturing mind to test ideas, and to learn about the world, within relative safety. I suppose that's not an insignificant purpose for a parent: making an environment in which a child can make increasing forays into the greater world at large without being utterly maimed in the process. I can only imagine how much a burden I put on my dear papa and mumsy, forever trying to leap over the wall and run free into the vastness beyond Whitehawk. But as an adult, you learn some doors opened cannot close. Some sights cannot be barred from the mind. You learn that you can poison those barriers and bring them down simply by asking a question, or holding a corrosive key of sorts.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 8:52 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Is there anything so perfect as curling up with a book on a frosty morning and discovering the bottom of a subject you thought you knew fell out? That sensation of hitting a foundational precept that cracks into pieces, shattering lines of thought and pre-established notions, is one I don't fear so much as accept is my lot in life. There is so much to learn, so terribly little time to grasp it all. But I feel like a woman starving before a banquet, and without the slightest idea of where to begin.
Written By Delilah
July 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
The city under the snow brings a certain peaceful frame of mind I've come to miss. When everything stands still and holds its collective breath, I can almost imagine I stand alone. The air is pure enough to sharpen every sound. Shut my eyes and breathe in the woodsmoke, and I can taste the forest. It's hard to believe this kind of clarity exists in the heart of such a large city, but winter bestows a certain rare gift on those willing to hold still long enough to take advantage of the peace.
Written By Delilah
July 17, 2018, 4:05 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)
Killian Ashford. Paladin of Ideals.
A lovely title, really, in a land full of remarkable titles. Knight of Butterflies, Voice of Grayson, Mother of Mercy. The Paladin of Ideals sings in a certain powerful way, doesn't it?
I wish dearly I knew him in life. I wish I had the opportunity to meet with him, invite him to speak his mind, and learn the nature of the man he was. Alas, he's gone too soon from us. I've collected a little of his story by hearsay and secondhand accounts, firsthand impressions, and the sort of receding flotsam and jetsam kicked up when a great act transpires. Here was a man that, by all accounts, held to a noble code of conduct. In the end, the cost for his service was great. The greatest, really, when you get right down to it. One's life sacrificed for others -- complete strangers, people he would have no reason to intervene for, other than by his own code of honor. It says much about him. The very barest sampling of who he was arises from that courageous act, and I'd be lying if I didn't say it moved me to think long and hard on a winter's day about the meaning of life, legacy, and service.
To think he liked crawling through ruins and exploring the world too. A loss in the worst of ways. Prince Ainsley aims to have him interred in the Grayson Hall for heroic, honourable folk and I find it's an intriguing cause. But the deeper I dig in, the more I realize the depth of the man for whom the honour is sought.
I wish I might have known him. Such people are rare in this world, incredibly so. With luck, I shall help to gather a tale that continues to the future, and inspires others.
A lovely title, really, in a land full of remarkable titles. Knight of Butterflies, Voice of Grayson, Mother of Mercy. The Paladin of Ideals sings in a certain powerful way, doesn't it?
I wish dearly I knew him in life. I wish I had the opportunity to meet with him, invite him to speak his mind, and learn the nature of the man he was. Alas, he's gone too soon from us. I've collected a little of his story by hearsay and secondhand accounts, firsthand impressions, and the sort of receding flotsam and jetsam kicked up when a great act transpires. Here was a man that, by all accounts, held to a noble code of conduct. In the end, the cost for his service was great. The greatest, really, when you get right down to it. One's life sacrificed for others -- complete strangers, people he would have no reason to intervene for, other than by his own code of honor. It says much about him. The very barest sampling of who he was arises from that courageous act, and I'd be lying if I didn't say it moved me to think long and hard on a winter's day about the meaning of life, legacy, and service.
To think he liked crawling through ruins and exploring the world too. A loss in the worst of ways. Prince Ainsley aims to have him interred in the Grayson Hall for heroic, honourable folk and I find it's an intriguing cause. But the deeper I dig in, the more I realize the depth of the man for whom the honour is sought.
I wish I might have known him. Such people are rare in this world, incredibly so. With luck, I shall help to gather a tale that continues to the future, and inspires others.
Written By Delilah
July 17, 2018, 3:59 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)
Count Thesarin left me thinking again. It's a fascinating thing, how different people can be. We wear our outward masks to present to society and we keep our inner faces guarded, somewhat at least. Those who wear glass masks offer the truest sense of their inner selves, either through folly or bravery. It takes a certain confidence to show the world what and whom you are. Others can be utterly at odds, and those may be the more dangerous extreme.
Then I am reminded how fortunate Riven is for its leadership. Mia is a brilliant lantern burning steady and bright. Thesarin, ah, now there's someone of greater, deeper currents than meets the eye. I mean it in the very best senses. A man able to balance his talents in the field with convictions and restraint of leadership is a rare commodity. A plain-spoken, sensible manner atop that? Count it as one of the better rarities in the world, right up there with unicorns and honest politicians.
In ten words, he can school me on what it means to be a good leader, a potent diplomat, and a decent person. Better than decent. I'm underselling the quality that comes with acknowledging how much in the world relies on being clear-sighted and pragmatic, even when everything else is as wild as a party in full swing. He's someone I admire.
Then I am reminded how fortunate Riven is for its leadership. Mia is a brilliant lantern burning steady and bright. Thesarin, ah, now there's someone of greater, deeper currents than meets the eye. I mean it in the very best senses. A man able to balance his talents in the field with convictions and restraint of leadership is a rare commodity. A plain-spoken, sensible manner atop that? Count it as one of the better rarities in the world, right up there with unicorns and honest politicians.
In ten words, he can school me on what it means to be a good leader, a potent diplomat, and a decent person. Better than decent. I'm underselling the quality that comes with acknowledging how much in the world relies on being clear-sighted and pragmatic, even when everything else is as wild as a party in full swing. He's someone I admire.
Written By Delilah
May 20, 2018, 12:38 a.m.(10/10/1008 AR)
Why did someone have to mention a dragon under the city? Indeed, a dragon with a dislike of Oathlanders.
In other words, likely a considerable grudge originating from a source buried in time, possibly due to a misunderstanding, matters of territory, or plausibly any sort of dispute stitched and reworked by bards, storytellers, and historians throughout time.
I wonder if anyone in the past ever seeded these tales with the intent to confound future generations. Imagine sitting around a table with a few friends, bottles of liquor, and stacks of paper. It sounds like the ideal way to pass a rainy night in the most productive fashion, burning through ideas, increasingly more imaginative and ridiculous, and wondering if anyone will pay them credence in ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred years. How we bequeath a slanted view through a wavery looking-glass of the world so often runs out of our biases and limitations.
In other words, likely a considerable grudge originating from a source buried in time, possibly due to a misunderstanding, matters of territory, or plausibly any sort of dispute stitched and reworked by bards, storytellers, and historians throughout time.
I wonder if anyone in the past ever seeded these tales with the intent to confound future generations. Imagine sitting around a table with a few friends, bottles of liquor, and stacks of paper. It sounds like the ideal way to pass a rainy night in the most productive fashion, burning through ideas, increasingly more imaginative and ridiculous, and wondering if anyone will pay them credence in ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred years. How we bequeath a slanted view through a wavery looking-glass of the world so often runs out of our biases and limitations.
Written By Delilah
May 18, 2018, 2:55 p.m.(10/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
Kenna brought me a set of books to read upon the customs of marriage and courtship. Now be it said I have no intentions to make a match of any sort yet. Nonetheless, a book is a book, worthy in its own right of appreciation for what information it harbours.
No sooner did I open the covers than vanish away into a personal conversation with a lady I have never met, and she escorted me through the finer points of a matter with sensible eloquence and gracious wit I wish somehow could be purchased in the marketplace. That is to say, not nearly enough people demonstrate the rare conviction of explaining things clearly and engagingly. Evidently I need more extensive connections with her, something to put on the to do list.
If she speaks anywhere near as well as she writes out her thoughts, it should be a conversation to remember.
No sooner did I open the covers than vanish away into a personal conversation with a lady I have never met, and she escorted me through the finer points of a matter with sensible eloquence and gracious wit I wish somehow could be purchased in the marketplace. That is to say, not nearly enough people demonstrate the rare conviction of explaining things clearly and engagingly. Evidently I need more extensive connections with her, something to put on the to do list.
If she speaks anywhere near as well as she writes out her thoughts, it should be a conversation to remember.
Written By Delilah
March 29, 2018, 4:33 a.m.(6/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kenna
Must you play with my feelings, dear sister? I wouldn't trade you for the world.
... Please stay out of danger.
... Please stay out of danger.
Written By Delilah
Jan. 21, 2018, 8:04 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
I'm pretty sure I used up whatever luck I had left last night. I'm in for many months of stubbed toes in the mornings. So it's a good thing I have these boots!
Written By Delilah
Dec. 30, 2017, 4:40 p.m.(11/14/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
It seems as if so much of my knowledge falls within Lady Aislin's purview. That's not to say she's omnipotent or anything -- Though I will give credit where it is due. She's amazing.
Scholar, Explorer, Inquisitor.
These are all things that the Pathfinder may be. I am no different.
Naturally, my footsteps occasionally fall where hers have once landed. We may not always be on the same path, but we are very much headed the same direction. She has taught me so much. Beyond that, she has been so kind to me. I feel like I bothered her a bit too much, but... I'll make it up to her.
One day, her foot shall meet a path that I had created for her. See you soon, Lady Aislin.
Scholar, Explorer, Inquisitor.
These are all things that the Pathfinder may be. I am no different.
Naturally, my footsteps occasionally fall where hers have once landed. We may not always be on the same path, but we are very much headed the same direction. She has taught me so much. Beyond that, she has been so kind to me. I feel like I bothered her a bit too much, but... I'll make it up to her.
One day, her foot shall meet a path that I had created for her. See you soon, Lady Aislin.
Written By Delilah
Dec. 12, 2017, 3:36 a.m.(10/5/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Princess Reese Grayson
General of the Grayson army, an amazing warrior (so I've heard), and a most wonderful Princess.
The Compact is so incredibly lucky to have you.
Thank you for everything. For organizing those scouting missions, for taking care of others when they were hurt, for giving people gifts when it was completely unnecessary. For everything.
You're my hero, no word of a lie.
General of the Grayson army, an amazing warrior (so I've heard), and a most wonderful Princess.
The Compact is so incredibly lucky to have you.
Thank you for everything. For organizing those scouting missions, for taking care of others when they were hurt, for giving people gifts when it was completely unnecessary. For everything.
You're my hero, no word of a lie.
Written By Delilah
Dec. 8, 2017, 2:13 p.m.(9/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
It's as beautiful as the name suggests.
You most certainly deserve it, and with your expertise, I can only imagine how scary you'll be in combat.
You most certainly deserve it, and with your expertise, I can only imagine how scary you'll be in combat.
Written By Delilah
Dec. 4, 2017, 4:18 a.m.(9/15/1007 AR)
Consider writing a journal at the start of your week to make the end of your week just a little bit less frantic!
Written By Delilah
Nov. 15, 2017, 9:24 p.m.(8/5/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
You know what's better than a Guard Corgi?
Two of 'em.
Two of 'em.
Written By Delilah
Nov. 12, 2017, 5:02 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
First Silas, and then you. I expect Esken to be complaining about his cold in due time.
Written By Delilah
Nov. 2, 2017, 1 a.m.(7/5/1007 AR)
It might just be in my head at this point, but it is terribly cold. The tranquility I once thought of is no such thing - Rather, it's an eerie silence. Only occasionally interrupted by the harsh sounds of footsteps, everything feels like it might just be an illusion. On the surface, it's as I say. A shrine dedicated to a god whose name I will not speak of, respectfully, as I do not wish for his eyes to watch me. Men and women of higher knowledge tending to the grounds. But these men and women no longer have their dominant hand, nor do they have their tongue. They serve the Thirteenth, the dark god of reflection. They are the Silent Reflections, oathbreakers who shall do as their name implies.
To walk amongst the Silent Reflections for a week was a difficult challenge, both physically and mentally. Perhaps the lack of voice has worn me out, or I'm not as tough as I'd like to say I am -- regardless, it has certainly drained me of my usual composure. Stepping inside here feels as if I've been removed from the world in the most uneasy way possible. The passage of time is slower, and my thoughts echo with a bizarre sense of clarity. Perhaps the time spent here has taken a toll on me -- It might all just be in my head.
To walk amongst the Silent Reflections for a week was a difficult challenge, both physically and mentally. Perhaps the lack of voice has worn me out, or I'm not as tough as I'd like to say I am -- regardless, it has certainly drained me of my usual composure. Stepping inside here feels as if I've been removed from the world in the most uneasy way possible. The passage of time is slower, and my thoughts echo with a bizarre sense of clarity. Perhaps the time spent here has taken a toll on me -- It might all just be in my head.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.