Written By Valencia
April 2, 2017, 10:28 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
Sometimes the darkest nights have the brightest lights.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
~~~~<~<@
Thank you. Thank you so much.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 26, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
It occurs to me that perhaps I may be too private with my feelings. Though I can hear some already laughing at the notion. But with the coming threat I am finding more clarity in how I truly feel about certain people. And, while I will may never find my way to openly speak of them here in these journals where everyone can brazenly see the workings of my heart and mind, it does not mean that my feelings are not there for good or ill.
Perhaps I should be more bold and speak openly of this impression or that. But I sometimes find my first impressions are not my second or even my last and while I do have thoughts I cannot seem to share all of them openly even when I want to. Not yet. Though I try.
As we find ourselves closer to danger and possible death more than ever before I have been trying to keep my head and my hope up. Fear of losing people I love is tearing my guts to pieces. I am sick with it. I am made even more ill knowing that I cannot always say what I wish to say.
And, though I want to believe in my heart of hearts all will be well, there is a part of me that feels I must speak now or never. But despite struggle I still far too often remain silent. I suppose what adds salt to the wound is that time is running out for such things and yet here I am, struggling and still too silent.
But I am trying. Though likely it is not enough.
But the fact remains true, though I may not always be able to say so, that does not mean I do not wish I could.
~~~~~<~<@
Perhaps I should be more bold and speak openly of this impression or that. But I sometimes find my first impressions are not my second or even my last and while I do have thoughts I cannot seem to share all of them openly even when I want to. Not yet. Though I try.
As we find ourselves closer to danger and possible death more than ever before I have been trying to keep my head and my hope up. Fear of losing people I love is tearing my guts to pieces. I am sick with it. I am made even more ill knowing that I cannot always say what I wish to say.
And, though I want to believe in my heart of hearts all will be well, there is a part of me that feels I must speak now or never. But despite struggle I still far too often remain silent. I suppose what adds salt to the wound is that time is running out for such things and yet here I am, struggling and still too silent.
But I am trying. Though likely it is not enough.
But the fact remains true, though I may not always be able to say so, that does not mean I do not wish I could.
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 24, 2017, 10:41 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
The city still sits on edge and I wished for breath and to escape this place in the best way I knew how. And so to the beaches I went, but this time not alone.
I am not yet a proper rider nor a very elegant one. Not yet. But today I rode. Not far and not as fast as I would like, but fast enough to take my breath and still make me want so much more. Gods above and below, the freedom in this I cannot explain.
My sweetest Cicero, you have given me the power of flight without wings. How can I ever repay you? Thank you for giving such a precious gift to me. Thank you for for all that you do. Words cannot express how much this means to me.
I may not yet have yet found my way onto the sea, but I now at least I can fly beside it. And maybe, just maybe, with luck I can fly away.
~~~~<~<@
I am not yet a proper rider nor a very elegant one. Not yet. But today I rode. Not far and not as fast as I would like, but fast enough to take my breath and still make me want so much more. Gods above and below, the freedom in this I cannot explain.
My sweetest Cicero, you have given me the power of flight without wings. How can I ever repay you? Thank you for giving such a precious gift to me. Thank you for for all that you do. Words cannot express how much this means to me.
I may not yet have yet found my way onto the sea, but I now at least I can fly beside it. And maybe, just maybe, with luck I can fly away.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 20, 2017, 12:11 a.m.(2/15/1006 AR)
Protect our home from all that is dark.
Protect those who well here, too.
Protect the people who hold our hearts.
And let good and light shine through.
Holding breath. The city is on edge.
I am more afraid for those on the front lines, those in our city who are so vulnerable and those I care for and love than I am for myself.
Gods give us strength for what is to come, and even more for what will follow.
~~~~<~<@
Protect those who well here, too.
Protect the people who hold our hearts.
And let good and light shine through.
Holding breath. The city is on edge.
I am more afraid for those on the front lines, those in our city who are so vulnerable and those I care for and love than I am for myself.
Gods give us strength for what is to come, and even more for what will follow.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 19, 2017, 4:23 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
We finally opened the Golden Hart. What an amazing night! So many beautiful faces and such generosity and kindness.
I will wholeheartedly admit that I was apprehensive despite my excitement and the continued reassurance that the Hart would be a success, but I certainly could not imagine how successful it would be.
The tournament was so very exciting. The best matches I have seen in some time. Lead by my most beloved cousin Luca, four bold and brilliant fighter took to the sands to open the Hart’s arena in style -- the renowned Mistress Zhayla, Lord Commander Sir Silas Mercier; Prince Edain Valardin of the Oathlands; and the remarkable and very talented Missere Mathias.
My heart still reels with such joy to see such talent and heart. All who entered the ring fought beautifully, but it was Mathias who bravely won the day and has been named the first of the Hart’s champions. I cannot wait to see who will earn their place next to him in the coming days.
The warm winter drink contest in the Main Hall was also a delight and such a huge success thanks to my sweetest cousin Cicero and a panel of esteemed judges. How they were able to pick just one is a mystery to me, but I am so grateful they were up to the task.
All the entries were excellent, however it was Mistress Valery’s spicy cinnamon and orange tea that won the 500 silver purse, followed by the delicious Marquessa Samantha Deepwood’s mulled caramel apple cider and Lady Juliet Fidante’s Hot Blush, a pale pink rose wine with spices and hints of carbonation. It is by greatest pleasure that Mistress Valery’s tea will be served as the Hart’s signature drink for the winter season.
And then there were games and drinking and dance. Gods, it was a beautiful night and a perfect way to open the Hart.
My only sadness is that there were so many faces missing. Those I care for but could not be with us. Some are gone, some I pray will return. It is a bittersweet thing. But I am eternally grateful for those who will return. I cannot wait to see them and pray that they are safe.
I am so very grateful to everyone who helped to make this possible. I cannot thank them enough.
To my dearest and most beloved Lord Asger, Cicero, Lord Dante, Mistress Joslyn, Lady Juliet, Kieran, Luca, Prince Remi and so many others who have been so kind to me along the way, I thank you. Your love, kindness and generous support humbles me. My heart is yours as always. I wish there was a way I could show adequate appreciation. I am so glad you are on this journey with me. With you, I am so much stronger and better person.
Thank you so very much to the Silver Consortium and much gratitude to Haati Wavehowler for donating four sets of outstanding armor and all a full sets of weapons so that all who step upon the sands of the Arena have fair opportunity to test their skills and hearts in the Ring of Valor. Your generosity and your dedication and skills inspire me.
And, it goes without saying how much I appreciate and adore those who have quietly shown their support and do not wish to be recognized. How I earned your kindness I do not know, but I am grateful or it and so very happy you are in my life.
The Hart is now open and I hope its halls, garden and arena are filled with people.
And now the real work begins.
With life, luck and love...
~~~~~<~<@
I will wholeheartedly admit that I was apprehensive despite my excitement and the continued reassurance that the Hart would be a success, but I certainly could not imagine how successful it would be.
The tournament was so very exciting. The best matches I have seen in some time. Lead by my most beloved cousin Luca, four bold and brilliant fighter took to the sands to open the Hart’s arena in style -- the renowned Mistress Zhayla, Lord Commander Sir Silas Mercier; Prince Edain Valardin of the Oathlands; and the remarkable and very talented Missere Mathias.
My heart still reels with such joy to see such talent and heart. All who entered the ring fought beautifully, but it was Mathias who bravely won the day and has been named the first of the Hart’s champions. I cannot wait to see who will earn their place next to him in the coming days.
The warm winter drink contest in the Main Hall was also a delight and such a huge success thanks to my sweetest cousin Cicero and a panel of esteemed judges. How they were able to pick just one is a mystery to me, but I am so grateful they were up to the task.
All the entries were excellent, however it was Mistress Valery’s spicy cinnamon and orange tea that won the 500 silver purse, followed by the delicious Marquessa Samantha Deepwood’s mulled caramel apple cider and Lady Juliet Fidante’s Hot Blush, a pale pink rose wine with spices and hints of carbonation. It is by greatest pleasure that Mistress Valery’s tea will be served as the Hart’s signature drink for the winter season.
And then there were games and drinking and dance. Gods, it was a beautiful night and a perfect way to open the Hart.
My only sadness is that there were so many faces missing. Those I care for but could not be with us. Some are gone, some I pray will return. It is a bittersweet thing. But I am eternally grateful for those who will return. I cannot wait to see them and pray that they are safe.
I am so very grateful to everyone who helped to make this possible. I cannot thank them enough.
To my dearest and most beloved Lord Asger, Cicero, Lord Dante, Mistress Joslyn, Lady Juliet, Kieran, Luca, Prince Remi and so many others who have been so kind to me along the way, I thank you. Your love, kindness and generous support humbles me. My heart is yours as always. I wish there was a way I could show adequate appreciation. I am so glad you are on this journey with me. With you, I am so much stronger and better person.
Thank you so very much to the Silver Consortium and much gratitude to Haati Wavehowler for donating four sets of outstanding armor and all a full sets of weapons so that all who step upon the sands of the Arena have fair opportunity to test their skills and hearts in the Ring of Valor. Your generosity and your dedication and skills inspire me.
And, it goes without saying how much I appreciate and adore those who have quietly shown their support and do not wish to be recognized. How I earned your kindness I do not know, but I am grateful or it and so very happy you are in my life.
The Hart is now open and I hope its halls, garden and arena are filled with people.
And now the real work begins.
With life, luck and love...
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 18, 2017, 4:54 p.m.(2/12/1006 AR)
The Golden Hart opens tonight and I am filled with a mix of emotions. I feel such great excitement, joy, anticipation, apprehension, amazement, dread, sadness and so much gratitude and hope…. so much excitement, gratitude and hope. My head would be swimming if I did not have so much work to do.
It is strange to see this day come. Soon we will open our Hart and we will begin to do all that we can to raise the spirits of the people and support for good causes. I am told again and again that these things are needed more than ever now and I am determined to do what we can to help the people of the realm. And, with good grace, hard work and an abundance of luck, we shall welcome all of Arx into our Hart as well. It is my deepest wish that all know that they are welcome here.
It was a long journey, one far from done, and not one taken alone. I am so grateful to those who have walked with me, cared for me and loved me so much. To those who have supported me and without whom the Hart would never be. I do not know what I did to deserve such kindness and I pray that I will make them so very proud and find way to replay their kindness.
It is a strange night. One that I hope will set a good, strong course for success for the Golden Hart and all that she stands for and hopes to do, and perhaps in a little way for me as well.
With life, love and luck…. and a warm, full heart.
~~~~~<~<@
It is strange to see this day come. Soon we will open our Hart and we will begin to do all that we can to raise the spirits of the people and support for good causes. I am told again and again that these things are needed more than ever now and I am determined to do what we can to help the people of the realm. And, with good grace, hard work and an abundance of luck, we shall welcome all of Arx into our Hart as well. It is my deepest wish that all know that they are welcome here.
It was a long journey, one far from done, and not one taken alone. I am so grateful to those who have walked with me, cared for me and loved me so much. To those who have supported me and without whom the Hart would never be. I do not know what I did to deserve such kindness and I pray that I will make them so very proud and find way to replay their kindness.
It is a strange night. One that I hope will set a good, strong course for success for the Golden Hart and all that she stands for and hopes to do, and perhaps in a little way for me as well.
With life, love and luck…. and a warm, full heart.
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
March 12, 2017, 10:32 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
The winter season seems to finally upon us and though it is not exactly a proper Northern winter it is cold enough. With that in mind, we have set our minds to finding an excellent drink to ward off winter chills and warm spirits at the Golden Hart.
I must admit when I first suggested this I did not realize that there were so many different warm drinks that are favoured by the many Houses and peoples of the realm. Our staff is a diverse group and their seem to be strong opinions as to what the best drinks to serve would be.
As we hope to offer the best of the best to one and all in Arx I am thinking that perhaps borrowing the idea of a contest for our Grand Opening charity event would be wise. Thought we may have to arrange for safe transport home for our judges. It is noted that some of these recipes are rather strong.
Here is one that many have enjoyed so far:
~Master Chef Othello Mulavi's Mulled Wine~
2 bottles Red wine, late fall harvest, if possible
3 cups clear water
2 tsp grains of paradise, ground
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp ginger, ground
15 cloves
dash of nutmeg, ground
1 orange
1 lemon
1/2 cup of sugar (brown is best) or honey
Gently heat wine and water in a pan with ground grains of paradise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, and sliced orange and lemon.
Stir in sugar or honey.
Grate nutmeg and simmer, but do not boil for 15 minutes.
Add Northern whiskey, spiced rum or apple jack to taste.
Serve warm, not scalding, with sliced dried citrus round.
Best shared with good company and a warm heart.
~~~~~<~<@
I must admit when I first suggested this I did not realize that there were so many different warm drinks that are favoured by the many Houses and peoples of the realm. Our staff is a diverse group and their seem to be strong opinions as to what the best drinks to serve would be.
As we hope to offer the best of the best to one and all in Arx I am thinking that perhaps borrowing the idea of a contest for our Grand Opening charity event would be wise. Thought we may have to arrange for safe transport home for our judges. It is noted that some of these recipes are rather strong.
Here is one that many have enjoyed so far:
~Master Chef Othello Mulavi's Mulled Wine~
2 bottles Red wine, late fall harvest, if possible
3 cups clear water
2 tsp grains of paradise, ground
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp ginger, ground
15 cloves
dash of nutmeg, ground
1 orange
1 lemon
1/2 cup of sugar (brown is best) or honey
Gently heat wine and water in a pan with ground grains of paradise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, and sliced orange and lemon.
Stir in sugar or honey.
Grate nutmeg and simmer, but do not boil for 15 minutes.
Add Northern whiskey, spiced rum or apple jack to taste.
Serve warm, not scalding, with sliced dried citrus round.
Best shared with good company and a warm heart.
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 24, 2017, 3:42 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
When we first secured the building we didn't realize what a treasure she was. We wanted to build a place for one and all to come together to meet, enjoy good company, raise spirits and enjoy perhaps winning a little extra coin (and to give little to charity as well).
But we didn't expect to find a little garden courtyard concealed from prying eyes by walls of stone.
There is such a sense of mystery and magic about this place. It is wild and beautiful with little stone terraces for dinner and dancing, and small alcoves for more intimate meetings. There is even little spring that fills a stone pool. It is a little haven and heaven hidden in heart of the city.
I want all who I know and love to see it, though I know it is not sacred like the Stone Grove or the hallowed places others know and love. But just so, I still love places like the beach, the forest and now here.
With fox's luck it will continue to be a safe and enchanted place held deep in the Hart’s heart.
And now, thanks to the generosity of a wonderful benefactor and many sweet and good friends, it will be ready for others to enjoy as well. There is even talk of weddings and parties.
I cannot wait for all of Arx to visit the Hart when we open and for long after. I am grateful that we will offer a welcoming place for all, employ many in good work, raise spirits for all and raise coin for those in need.
I am so proud and so very humbled by those who have supported this, and who will continue to help to make this dream come true. I have so many other plans and good works to be done.
I hope everyone will enjoy it and love the work of my Hart as much as I do. <3
~~~~~<~<@
But we didn't expect to find a little garden courtyard concealed from prying eyes by walls of stone.
There is such a sense of mystery and magic about this place. It is wild and beautiful with little stone terraces for dinner and dancing, and small alcoves for more intimate meetings. There is even little spring that fills a stone pool. It is a little haven and heaven hidden in heart of the city.
I want all who I know and love to see it, though I know it is not sacred like the Stone Grove or the hallowed places others know and love. But just so, I still love places like the beach, the forest and now here.
With fox's luck it will continue to be a safe and enchanted place held deep in the Hart’s heart.
And now, thanks to the generosity of a wonderful benefactor and many sweet and good friends, it will be ready for others to enjoy as well. There is even talk of weddings and parties.
I cannot wait for all of Arx to visit the Hart when we open and for long after. I am grateful that we will offer a welcoming place for all, employ many in good work, raise spirits for all and raise coin for those in need.
I am so proud and so very humbled by those who have supported this, and who will continue to help to make this dream come true. I have so many other plans and good works to be done.
I hope everyone will enjoy it and love the work of my Hart as much as I do. <3
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 19, 2017, 1:59 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
It has taken some time and so much work, but I think soon everyone will know my Hart and I hope they love it as much as I do.
There is much to be done in this city and I hope to to my part, with the greatest of joy and charity.
I have been told that I am lucky and I agree. All the people I have met, those who I love and care for so very deeply, those who I am growing closer to, how can this be anything but lucky.
And though this may seem a little thing for now, I think it has such great potential and I hope it will bring at least a little happiness and luck to others.
~~~~<~<@
There is much to be done in this city and I hope to to my part, with the greatest of joy and charity.
I have been told that I am lucky and I agree. All the people I have met, those who I love and care for so very deeply, those who I am growing closer to, how can this be anything but lucky.
And though this may seem a little thing for now, I think it has such great potential and I hope it will bring at least a little happiness and luck to others.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 11, 2017, 4:05 p.m.(11/26/1005 AR)
I constantly find myself seeking the sea, especially at night.
I do not know why, but she is the place I go when I need to think, or cry, or just be. It is also a place where I find great joy and inspiration. I feel at home there. Despite all the dangers, for some reason it feels safe.
Some of my most memorable meetings have happened on these beaches. And, some of my most heartbreaking moments.
I love how stirred sands and debris of the day is swept from those shores with the coming and going of the tides. The sea's resilience setting things right again. If only it was so simple for for one's life.
I wish I could be the sea for those that I care for. Constant. Always there for them. To bring great joy and inspiration or sweet solace. To sweep away their pain and sorrow. Setting things right again. Giving them a fresh start and another chance, their hearts and minds clear and clean of unhappy happenings.
~~~~<~<@
I do not know why, but she is the place I go when I need to think, or cry, or just be. It is also a place where I find great joy and inspiration. I feel at home there. Despite all the dangers, for some reason it feels safe.
Some of my most memorable meetings have happened on these beaches. And, some of my most heartbreaking moments.
I love how stirred sands and debris of the day is swept from those shores with the coming and going of the tides. The sea's resilience setting things right again. If only it was so simple for for one's life.
I wish I could be the sea for those that I care for. Constant. Always there for them. To bring great joy and inspiration or sweet solace. To sweep away their pain and sorrow. Setting things right again. Giving them a fresh start and another chance, their hearts and minds clear and clean of unhappy happenings.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 11, 2017, 6:20 a.m.(11/25/1005 AR)
It is sad when you realize you are not as important to someone as they are to you.
But standing by someone who doesn't appreciate you isn't loyalty, its stupidity.
I am many things, but I would prefer that stupid not be one of them.
~~~~<~<@
But standing by someone who doesn't appreciate you isn't loyalty, its stupidity.
I am many things, but I would prefer that stupid not be one of them.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 7, 2017, 5:32 p.m.(11/16/1005 AR)
What will be, will be. Maybe it will set me free.
~~~~~<~<@
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 5, 2017, 7:36 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Being in love is a beautiful thing. It is a rare treasure but it is also the sharpest of double-edges swords.
I try to avoid it, lest I fall on that beautiful blade. It is a terrible wound that often takes long to heal if one is not careful.
But it appears that sometimes, despite best efforts, we slip.
So, unless you are very sure that it is worth the price you may pay, it is best to not play with sharp objects lest you cut yourself, or worse, someone else.
Sadly, despite all this wise advice, I'm still rather fond of certain blades.
~~~~<~<@
I try to avoid it, lest I fall on that beautiful blade. It is a terrible wound that often takes long to heal if one is not careful.
But it appears that sometimes, despite best efforts, we slip.
So, unless you are very sure that it is worth the price you may pay, it is best to not play with sharp objects lest you cut yourself, or worse, someone else.
Sadly, despite all this wise advice, I'm still rather fond of certain blades.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Feb. 4, 2017, 11:58 a.m.(11/6/1005 AR)
It is interesting that some preach about a virtue and yet find it so very hard to demonstrate it.
This is not a condemnation. Just an observation. I suppose that it is a very human thing to do.
~~~~<~@
This is not a condemnation. Just an observation. I suppose that it is a very human thing to do.
~~~~<~@
Written By Valencia
Jan. 29, 2017, 8:23 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Sleep is often hard to find, especially these days. And so I walk often alone at night with my thoughts.
Over the past few days I have sensed a stirring. I do not know if this means things will get better or worse, but I do sense that things are on the cusp of great change, for good or ill.
I can only hope that as settle, if they ever settle, I will see things more clearer. And perhaps, with luck, others will too.
~~~~<~<@
Over the past few days I have sensed a stirring. I do not know if this means things will get better or worse, but I do sense that things are on the cusp of great change, for good or ill.
I can only hope that as settle, if they ever settle, I will see things more clearer. And perhaps, with luck, others will too.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Jan. 28, 2017, 9:12 p.m.(10/14/1005 AR)
Well, I suppose it is better to know where you stand rather than stepping off a cliff in the night.
Though the gut-wrenching fall before true disaster may still hurt, you at least live to tell the tale.
On the other hand, someone's loss is another's gain. What's more, is I have learned something new and very valuable.
Isn't it funny how the world turns.
~~~~<~<@
Though the gut-wrenching fall before true disaster may still hurt, you at least live to tell the tale.
On the other hand, someone's loss is another's gain. What's more, is I have learned something new and very valuable.
Isn't it funny how the world turns.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Jan. 27, 2017, 9:16 p.m.(10/11/1005 AR)
So many I am worried about. My uncle Niccolo, Max, Luca, Azne, Asger, Gavin are a few that spring to mind.
Niccolo and Max bring me most pause right now. Especially Niccolo. Gods, if I lose him...
And yet I feel unable to help. And if I cannot help, what use am I?
~~~~~<~<#
Niccolo and Max bring me most pause right now. Especially Niccolo. Gods, if I lose him...
And yet I feel unable to help. And if I cannot help, what use am I?
~~~~~<~<#
Written By Valencia
Jan. 27, 2017, 9:12 p.m.(10/11/1005 AR)
Yet another thing dear to me taken.
It begs the question just how much more I will lose before the day is done.
More importantly, how might I arrest this most unhappy and unwanted trend.
I am fear I am about to cease being so very gracious about losing such things.
~~~~<~<@
It begs the question just how much more I will lose before the day is done.
More importantly, how might I arrest this most unhappy and unwanted trend.
I am fear I am about to cease being so very gracious about losing such things.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Jan. 22, 2017, 10:49 p.m.(9/25/1005 AR)
So many new faces today. I hope I will become better acquainted with all of them. Some are rather interesting I think.
True, it doesn't kill the sting of losing those already in my heart but are now parted from me, but the hope of beautiful new things is something to be honoured and enjoyed.
Also, I still adore love no matter how much it hurts me. I only wish it didn't hurt others so much.
~~~~~<~<@
True, it doesn't kill the sting of losing those already in my heart but are now parted from me, but the hope of beautiful new things is something to be honoured and enjoyed.
Also, I still adore love no matter how much it hurts me. I only wish it didn't hurt others so much.
~~~~~<~<@
Written By Valencia
Jan. 22, 2017, 3:05 a.m.(9/22/1005 AR)
[See as written in an elegant and delicately feminine hand....]
Dearest fickle fate, ill-timed unpleasant happenstance and bad luck.... with all due respect, kindly <CENSORED>.
As ever, with less than fond regard,
The Princess Valencia Redrain nee Velanosa
~~~~~<~<@
Dearest fickle fate, ill-timed unpleasant happenstance and bad luck.... with all due respect, kindly <CENSORED>.
As ever, with less than fond regard,
The Princess Valencia Redrain nee Velanosa
~~~~~<~<@
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.