Written By Delilah
Aug. 13, 2018, 1:32 p.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
The lengths to which we will strive for happiness deserve a moment of consideration. Spend some time while the tea brews or the server pours the wine into your glass, putting mind to but a single thought. Focusing so fully requires an effort, to be sure. It cannot be done whilst conversing with your dining companions or impatiently awaiting the arrival of a messenger.
Some in our society willingly devote hours of their time to slaying the beasts of paperwork and bureaucracy, that a fledgling organization may find equilibrium and focus their outreach upon those in need. Some brave the ghastly conditions found in untended woods or sick houses in the Lowers or impoverished shav'arvani villages, fearless despite risks to their own persons, to better deliver sought-after respite and resources.
A countless number of tasks await to improve the lot of one or many. The burden seems impossible, for even putting a few coins into charity seems but a pebble to the immense mountain range confronting me. But is it entirely so hopeless? I would hope not. Ask the Iron Guardsman delivering bread for a hungry family, in hopes their bellies may be full, and thus deprived the temptation to pilfer a loaf from the market. Ask the princess painstakingly developing a plan to better education among those so long without, they might seem unteachable. Ask the merchant with a kind word and a steady hand for anyone seeking assistance.
For all that shadows stretch over our city, and our land --
For all that the conversation turns to lighter topics that somehow seem to ignore the troubles beneath --
For all that quarrels and cares may prove petty held up to this mirror --
So many accomplish tremendous good, and tremendous things, day by day, unsung by the bard's, unknown save to those who receive their benevolence or witness the aftereffects when they return home.
Spare but a thought. Gratitude comes not far behind.
Then open the door, step out, and change your world.
Some in our society willingly devote hours of their time to slaying the beasts of paperwork and bureaucracy, that a fledgling organization may find equilibrium and focus their outreach upon those in need. Some brave the ghastly conditions found in untended woods or sick houses in the Lowers or impoverished shav'arvani villages, fearless despite risks to their own persons, to better deliver sought-after respite and resources.
A countless number of tasks await to improve the lot of one or many. The burden seems impossible, for even putting a few coins into charity seems but a pebble to the immense mountain range confronting me. But is it entirely so hopeless? I would hope not. Ask the Iron Guardsman delivering bread for a hungry family, in hopes their bellies may be full, and thus deprived the temptation to pilfer a loaf from the market. Ask the princess painstakingly developing a plan to better education among those so long without, they might seem unteachable. Ask the merchant with a kind word and a steady hand for anyone seeking assistance.
For all that shadows stretch over our city, and our land --
For all that the conversation turns to lighter topics that somehow seem to ignore the troubles beneath --
For all that quarrels and cares may prove petty held up to this mirror --
So many accomplish tremendous good, and tremendous things, day by day, unsung by the bard's, unknown save to those who receive their benevolence or witness the aftereffects when they return home.
Spare but a thought. Gratitude comes not far behind.
Then open the door, step out, and change your world.
Written By Monique
Aug. 13, 2018, 12:31 p.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Have you ever seen a superb Fireweave cloak? I have. Now. I don't want to raffle it off! By all the gods and all the spirits, don't make me give this away!
Written By Perronne
Aug. 13, 2018, 10:58 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
I may have a problem.
I tell myself it is not a problem. An up and coming merchant should be dressed in appropriate clothing, particularly if she wishes to ply her trade among those who have the wealth and status to afford her very particular goods. She should not just dress in whatever happens to have survived three years on the road without getting any obvious holes in it. With that in mind, I undertook to get some replacement 'business wear' for in the city.
The first outfit arrived today. It was...quite frankly, ridiculously expensive. And I love it! It doesn't quite hide the boots, but I am hardly going to wear NICE shoes out into those streets. There is a limit to fashion, at least for the average day. I also have made a good bargain for some very, VERY expensive materials for a certain gown I have dreamed of since I was a child. Arx has access to so many materials and amazing crafters, and I have done better than I'd hoped here, so I think I might finally be able to make that dream into a reality. I am very excited!
Now, if only I can just avoid spilling ink on my BRAND NEW CLOTHES. Augh! There has got to be a better way.
I tell myself it is not a problem. An up and coming merchant should be dressed in appropriate clothing, particularly if she wishes to ply her trade among those who have the wealth and status to afford her very particular goods. She should not just dress in whatever happens to have survived three years on the road without getting any obvious holes in it. With that in mind, I undertook to get some replacement 'business wear' for in the city.
The first outfit arrived today. It was...quite frankly, ridiculously expensive. And I love it! It doesn't quite hide the boots, but I am hardly going to wear NICE shoes out into those streets. There is a limit to fashion, at least for the average day. I also have made a good bargain for some very, VERY expensive materials for a certain gown I have dreamed of since I was a child. Arx has access to so many materials and amazing crafters, and I have done better than I'd hoped here, so I think I might finally be able to make that dream into a reality. I am very excited!
Now, if only I can just avoid spilling ink on my BRAND NEW CLOTHES. Augh! There has got to be a better way.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 13, 2018, 10:44 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
I heard I missed a most wonderful affair which I had no choice by to miss. Well, I suppose we always have a choice, so I should say I chose duty over pleasure. Lady Margret and Princess Elgana put on a lovely party and I was sad not to be able to attend. Hopefully there will be another? Perhaps Lorenzo and I might conspire to do a little something ourselves! Well...maybe after the wedding. Perhaps best to focus on that party first.
Written By Khanne
Aug. 13, 2018, 9:41 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Riagnon
It was nice getting to know him a little better, lovely little conversation I none of my favorite places. Now, if I can just meet his sister....
As for snacks? Well, Lottie's is my favorite, but, I might be biased. The chef for the Keatons, Marie, is another favorite. I have heard there is a shop owned and operated by someone named Candace that is lovely. I believe someone sent me a treat from there once.... And of course, apricot pastries are the best and ultimate treat. Or anything with apricots in... I am partial to them, fresh or dried, mmmmmm, MM! On occasion I enjoy chocolate, but, give me nuts, fruits, cheeses, and breads and really... I wouldn't need anything else... well, I would need whiskey, and tea, but food wise.... I would be happy.
I once ate candied rose petals out of politeness to the hostess. I would not recommend those, personally. Not the worst thing I have eaten, but... it was like tasting the air after someone sprayed perfume. About as filling too. But, I suppose we all have our preferences, yeah?
As for snacks? Well, Lottie's is my favorite, but, I might be biased. The chef for the Keatons, Marie, is another favorite. I have heard there is a shop owned and operated by someone named Candace that is lovely. I believe someone sent me a treat from there once.... And of course, apricot pastries are the best and ultimate treat. Or anything with apricots in... I am partial to them, fresh or dried, mmmmmm, MM! On occasion I enjoy chocolate, but, give me nuts, fruits, cheeses, and breads and really... I wouldn't need anything else... well, I would need whiskey, and tea, but food wise.... I would be happy.
I once ate candied rose petals out of politeness to the hostess. I would not recommend those, personally. Not the worst thing I have eaten, but... it was like tasting the air after someone sprayed perfume. About as filling too. But, I suppose we all have our preferences, yeah?
Written By Denica
Aug. 13, 2018, 9:25 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
I feel as though I have the debate on perfection on a nearly daily basis, so in the interest of having this down in the whites for posterity, I'll throw my own thoughts into the matter.
Perfection is, at best, an illusion. The feeling of being perfectly at peace? It is called solitude, or quite simply contentment. The beauty of the love between parent and child is one of the most perfect things I ever bear witness to, but that does not include those moments when the child has driven her mother to wits end, where she just has to find a nanny just so that she may find a reprieve, if only for a moment. There is beauty in that love, but like all things there are flaws, imperfections and moments of weakness.
As an artist, I find perfection to be the most boring thing that one could strive for. If five artists gathered to paint a portrait of the same person, you will have five distinct and equally flawed and yet beautiful works of art. Five perfect portraits would be 5 copies of the same, is that truly something worth striving for? Or should we instead stop striving for the unachievable and learn to appreciate the beauty in those flaws that makes us all unique.
I did find beauty in the words of Lady Khanne, but I do believe to claim perfection in those things is to sell short the gritty flaws of life that really make the truth and beauty all around us truly stand out.
Perfection is, at best, an illusion. The feeling of being perfectly at peace? It is called solitude, or quite simply contentment. The beauty of the love between parent and child is one of the most perfect things I ever bear witness to, but that does not include those moments when the child has driven her mother to wits end, where she just has to find a nanny just so that she may find a reprieve, if only for a moment. There is beauty in that love, but like all things there are flaws, imperfections and moments of weakness.
As an artist, I find perfection to be the most boring thing that one could strive for. If five artists gathered to paint a portrait of the same person, you will have five distinct and equally flawed and yet beautiful works of art. Five perfect portraits would be 5 copies of the same, is that truly something worth striving for? Or should we instead stop striving for the unachievable and learn to appreciate the beauty in those flaws that makes us all unique.
I did find beauty in the words of Lady Khanne, but I do believe to claim perfection in those things is to sell short the gritty flaws of life that really make the truth and beauty all around us truly stand out.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 13, 2018, 8:52 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Sometimes your scars are the record of the mistakes others have made for which you paid.
Even if they're minor, even if they're almost invisible, those are the scars that you never forget.
Especially if the person whose mistake causes you pain never acknowledges it.
Even if they're minor, even if they're almost invisible, those are the scars that you never forget.
Especially if the person whose mistake causes you pain never acknowledges it.
Written By Denica
Aug. 13, 2018, 8:23 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Faruq
When I found myself in a rather crowded night at the Ebb and Flow, I was delighted by the company I found in Lord Faruq Seraceni. Speaking with him on his heritage and Eurusi background got Fatima and I talking about tutoring in the language. Truly I know so few speakers of the language, it should be nice to have another person to keep in practice with!
Of course we did all enjoy the company of Lady Monique and Lady Carita, I shouldn't want to keep them out as well, let us hope that all of our paths cross again in the future.
Of course we did all enjoy the company of Lady Monique and Lady Carita, I shouldn't want to keep them out as well, let us hope that all of our paths cross again in the future.
Written By Corban
Aug. 13, 2018, 8 a.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
I could not be happier about Dame Felicia's promotion to the officer corps of the King's Own. She has acquitted herself well in recent expeditions, and has richly earned the rank of Knight Lieutenant.
Welcome, Knight Lieutenant Felicia. There is a good deal of paperwork to be done. But I am sure you will strike it down as well as you do the enemies of the Compact.
Welcome, Knight Lieutenant Felicia. There is a good deal of paperwork to be done. But I am sure you will strike it down as well as you do the enemies of the Compact.
Written By Marian
Aug. 13, 2018, 7:07 a.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
My scars are sometimes mistakes, sometimes badges of honor. It's validation that I am still here. I survived. I was damaged but not broken.
Written By Ann
Aug. 13, 2018, 5:19 a.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
Only to have an endless supply of Westrock Coffee in Stormwall, my Lord.
I'm starting a school and helping Lord Kaldur set up a trade route - coffee will be in great demand, you know.
I'm starting a school and helping Lord Kaldur set up a trade route - coffee will be in great demand, you know.
Written By Faruq
Aug. 13, 2018, 2:30 a.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fatima
** Written quickly as if penned in a hurry. A few errant drops here and there but the handwriting is still... too... loopy **
I quite enjoyed our meeting as well Princess. It was I can say the most interesting day I have had since my coming to this city. I am glad to learn more of my Eurusi history and heritage if such is there, and as for the Canines... it is something I already do. I will of course help as I can.
As for Princess Denica, Lady Carita, and Lady Monique... I think we /both/ owe all three. Just to be safe and make sure nobody is left out.
I quite enjoyed our meeting as well Princess. It was I can say the most interesting day I have had since my coming to this city. I am glad to learn more of my Eurusi history and heritage if such is there, and as for the Canines... it is something I already do. I will of course help as I can.
As for Princess Denica, Lady Carita, and Lady Monique... I think we /both/ owe all three. Just to be safe and make sure nobody is left out.
Written By Riagnon
Aug. 13, 2018, 12:41 a.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Vala Khanne is so wise. Sometimes it's just overwhelming how little of this world we actually know. I have so much to learn from her about snacks, and what the best snacks are, and where the best dispensaries are... from which to acquire those snacks.
Written By Porter
Aug. 13, 2018, midnight(5/20/1009 AR)
Dear journal, storms rolled through two nights ago and put the wind and lash to my beloved Damsel's Heart. I know that she's no longer war worthy, but she's still got the hold capacity to do a decent trade and keep the crew in relative comfort. That I convinced a blacksmith to run tin ducting through the cabin alone makes her unique of any ship I've been on.
We're working night and day to save her. There may yet be enough pitch.
We're working night and day to save her. There may yet be enough pitch.
Written By Valerio
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:58 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
I recommend you save your Sister, not only for being your Sister. It's just that I am fairly certain she would find a way to haunt you for an eternity if you did not. Intimate moment with your loved one? No. Ghost-Khanne to make you rue the day. Is this a risk you'd be willing to take?
Written By Candace
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:54 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Know that one thousand and nine years have passed since the Reckoning. Today is the twentieth day of the fifth month. I am writing from the city of Arx in The Bakery in the Ward of the Compact. I am Candace Corvo, proprietor of The Bakery, and this is my white journal.
It seems so much time has passed in such a short while. With strawberries coming into their fullness, there's a great deal to be done. The shortcakes sold out promptly, and I've not been able to find sugar loaves of sufficient purity to make confections. They must be extraordinarily small and white loaves in order to be powdered finely enough to give the cake its texture. Perhaps in the future.
Leon and I have continued to offer breakfast rolls, and the relationship has been rewarding. Not only do our products compliment each other well, the sellswords and mercies have been well fed and the traveling merchants pleased.
It seems so much time has passed in such a short while. With strawberries coming into their fullness, there's a great deal to be done. The shortcakes sold out promptly, and I've not been able to find sugar loaves of sufficient purity to make confections. They must be extraordinarily small and white loaves in order to be powdered finely enough to give the cake its texture. Perhaps in the future.
Leon and I have continued to offer breakfast rolls, and the relationship has been rewarding. Not only do our products compliment each other well, the sellswords and mercies have been well fed and the traveling merchants pleased.
Written By Sparte
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:38 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
The tournament for the Champions is at a close. I somehow managed to win against Sir Jeffeth Bayweather in the opening exchange. I managed to surprise him, perhaps my greatest strength as a fighter. I surprised myself too as I never expected that to work.
I've donated the reward from the tournament to the Knights of Solace. Perhaps Sir Jeffeth will appreciate the gesture, but it isn't for his sake. I do not like what had to be done at the Tragedy nor the outcome. It is for my own conscience to be given some rest.
I've donated the reward from the tournament to the Knights of Solace. Perhaps Sir Jeffeth will appreciate the gesture, but it isn't for his sake. I do not like what had to be done at the Tragedy nor the outcome. It is for my own conscience to be given some rest.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:28 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
Maybe that's the explanation for some scars. I cannot speak to each and every scar on each and every person.
But for me, my own are a record of the mistakes I have made in my life, and a stern warning to never repeat them.
I have a lot of scars.
But for me, my own are a record of the mistakes I have made in my life, and a stern warning to never repeat them.
I have a lot of scars.
Written By Monique
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:25 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
One Throne remains to be won for The Gala, that of Lady Orelia (Prince Weohstan Redrain) and only 12 days until the event itself. I find myself more excited with every passing day for this vision to be realized. It is the result of the hard work and creativity of many, and I hope all the city turns out to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
No, there is no dress code.
No, I won't be selling raffle tickets after the event officially starts.
No, I'm not actually going naked.
Yes, I did forget, in all the party planning, to design myself an outfit.
But then, I am my own Legend.
No, there is no dress code.
No, I won't be selling raffle tickets after the event officially starts.
No, I'm not actually going naked.
Yes, I did forget, in all the party planning, to design myself an outfit.
But then, I am my own Legend.
Written By Fatima
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:20 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Faruq
The Seraceni Sword and a corsair. We struck up a conversation because I thought his name sounded Eurusi, and it seems his family may have some heritage of that sort. So Denica and I may be tutoring him, and I may be encouraging him to sail with the Canines. I do... very much hope it goes well.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.