Written By Marian
June 3, 2017, 2:31 a.m.(8/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Jewel that had no equal
Unique facets none could ignore
Lesser ladies so did envy
Incandescent way you shown.
Enigma, original, vivacious...
The words do not compare.
I once had the pleasure of running the Gauntlet against her. She wore no armor, instead she chose to wear a dress. I believe that is the way she embraced life. I would urge those that knew her to remember the amazing woman that danced to her own song rather than the tragedy of her death.
Unique facets none could ignore
Lesser ladies so did envy
Incandescent way you shown.
Enigma, original, vivacious...
The words do not compare.
I once had the pleasure of running the Gauntlet against her. She wore no armor, instead she chose to wear a dress. I believe that is the way she embraced life. I would urge those that knew her to remember the amazing woman that danced to her own song rather than the tragedy of her death.
Written By Marian
May 30, 2017, 1:28 p.m.(7/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Narciso
We have not met but I do enjoy your wit. Perhaps you'll like my poem and pay me a visit. I do so like to wordsmith and you seem up to the challenge. Come...read my words and see if it sparks your interest.
The Inquisition came by for tea.
Oh what a happy event for me.
The dark cloaks do fit so well.
Inquiring eyes that want to know.
How social tidings and friendships be.
Crown and Compact, the topics I see.
A knife to cut the butter.
The subtle flick of a cup.
Oh your manners are befitting
Of circumstance and pomp.
What a wonderful guest.
My dark and shining friend.
I do not understand why
Anyone would even try
To leave you off the guest list.
So please, come by and have a cup
Of my faithful, devoted brew.
Cause I have nothing to hide.
Do you?
The Inquisition came by for tea.
Oh what a happy event for me.
The dark cloaks do fit so well.
Inquiring eyes that want to know.
How social tidings and friendships be.
Crown and Compact, the topics I see.
A knife to cut the butter.
The subtle flick of a cup.
Oh your manners are befitting
Of circumstance and pomp.
What a wonderful guest.
My dark and shining friend.
I do not understand why
Anyone would even try
To leave you off the guest list.
So please, come by and have a cup
Of my faithful, devoted brew.
Cause I have nothing to hide.
Do you?
Written By Marian
May 30, 2017, 10:45 a.m.(7/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
My friends. I have another member of the Crafters Guild that I wish to recognize:
Mistress Aurora Thornburn is a seamstress of exceptional skill. She came to me in my hour of need to fix a ball gown that I damaged through my own foolishness right before I was suppose to attend a ball. Using Jayus' muse, she turned the frumpy mess into a gown that had the whole court talking. I am in her debt, and consider any patron of hers to be quite lucky.
Mistress Aurora Thornburn is a seamstress of exceptional skill. She came to me in my hour of need to fix a ball gown that I damaged through my own foolishness right before I was suppose to attend a ball. Using Jayus' muse, she turned the frumpy mess into a gown that had the whole court talking. I am in her debt, and consider any patron of hers to be quite lucky.
Written By Marian
May 30, 2017, 10:41 a.m.(7/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
My friends. It is rare that I give compliments to the Crafters Guild. However, I wish to change that oversight:
Mistress Joslyn Manicelli is a crafter of exceptional worth. She came to me in my hour of need to finish a suit of armor that another left incomplete. I am in her debt, and jealous of any that would take either one as protege.
Mistress Joslyn Manicelli is a crafter of exceptional worth. She came to me in my hour of need to finish a suit of armor that another left incomplete. I am in her debt, and jealous of any that would take either one as protege.
Written By Marian
May 28, 2017, 8:26 a.m.(7/17/1006 AR)
Hello…
Do you hear me in the night?
Do you wonder what’s next?
Do you try to feint, to parry?
I am waiting…
For the next attack by our foes.
For the next crisis to rock our walls.
For the next enemy to rise from the ashes.
Don’t be scared…
Of the darkness that creeps in shadows.
Of the scars that were left behind.
Of the future that seems unknown.
We will prevail…
By standing together in unity.
By protecting Crown and Compact.
By staying Faithful to the Pantheon.
Do you hear me in the night?
Do you wonder what’s next?
Do you try to feint, to parry?
I am waiting…
For the next attack by our foes.
For the next crisis to rock our walls.
For the next enemy to rise from the ashes.
Don’t be scared…
Of the darkness that creeps in shadows.
Of the scars that were left behind.
Of the future that seems unknown.
We will prevail…
By standing together in unity.
By protecting Crown and Compact.
By staying Faithful to the Pantheon.
Written By Marian
May 25, 2017, 6:42 p.m.(7/12/1006 AR)
Vigilance
Look within to find the strength
At battlefield and dueling ground.
Where force of will drives longer.
The Sword must temper anger.
Money does not matter here.
Come soldier, find the wisdom
From training to lost matches.
Look to your liege and generals
Who lead with honor and chivalry.
Has vision matched by compassion.
The betterment of Crown and Compact.
Means and titles are cold bed fellows
For cruel victory and empty accolades.
Betrayal for coin is blasphemous.
Don't be a pawn by wearing blinders.
Be vigilant to the ideas of the Pantheon.
Fools trust their orders blindly or
By looking away when injustice calls.
Trusting in those who have your back.
House politics set aside for survival.
Pledge to root out corruption and evil.
Anyone can just follow orders.
True soldiers protect and serve.
Will and character are just as important.
Follow the Gods, not darker intentions.
The Foul Heralds have fallen to swords.
Path of destruction still beckons to leaders
Of Houses if power supersedes connections.
Sentinel sees and knows what all of us do.
Do not lose sight in what our victories taught us.
Look within to find the strength
At battlefield and dueling ground.
Where force of will drives longer.
The Sword must temper anger.
Money does not matter here.
Come soldier, find the wisdom
From training to lost matches.
Look to your liege and generals
Who lead with honor and chivalry.
Has vision matched by compassion.
The betterment of Crown and Compact.
Means and titles are cold bed fellows
For cruel victory and empty accolades.
Betrayal for coin is blasphemous.
Don't be a pawn by wearing blinders.
Be vigilant to the ideas of the Pantheon.
Fools trust their orders blindly or
By looking away when injustice calls.
Trusting in those who have your back.
House politics set aside for survival.
Pledge to root out corruption and evil.
Anyone can just follow orders.
True soldiers protect and serve.
Will and character are just as important.
Follow the Gods, not darker intentions.
The Foul Heralds have fallen to swords.
Path of destruction still beckons to leaders
Of Houses if power supersedes connections.
Sentinel sees and knows what all of us do.
Do not lose sight in what our victories taught us.
Written By Marian
May 24, 2017, 4:10 p.m.(7/9/1006 AR)
Tempting looks that burn
Rival wanting the renders
Accepting flaws beneath the
Guard. Beneath the scars.
Ever faithful to our houses.
Denying thoughts past lust.
Yes, I want him…no I don’t.
Answers bring more questions.
Trembling fingers write dark thoughts.
Still my wanton thoughts.
Adorn my house as armor
Never speak, never ponder
Collecting our missing bits
Trusting no one, locked forever
Unyielding in our faith that
Marriage does not fit in either.
Rival wanting the renders
Accepting flaws beneath the
Guard. Beneath the scars.
Ever faithful to our houses.
Denying thoughts past lust.
Yes, I want him…no I don’t.
Answers bring more questions.
Trembling fingers write dark thoughts.
Still my wanton thoughts.
Adorn my house as armor
Never speak, never ponder
Collecting our missing bits
Trusting no one, locked forever
Unyielding in our faith that
Marriage does not fit in either.
Written By Marian
May 24, 2017, 8:54 a.m.(7/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
Lord Edward, I have seen your prose. You give me a boon with your words. I am honored that my rites to Jayus are recognized and appreciated. As a Sword, I have many weapons at my disposal. One of the most powerful is my quill, because I can use my ink to influence change. To right wrongs. To celebrate the Crown and the Compact. To give praise to the Pantheon for seeing us through the siege and helping us recover.
Hope, love and wit are tools to be used against our enemies. Because it shows their efforts do not daunt us. They do not cow us. They do not quell our inspiration.
Hope, love and wit are tools to be used against our enemies. Because it shows their efforts do not daunt us. They do not cow us. They do not quell our inspiration.
Written By Marian
May 23, 2017, 7:50 p.m.(7/8/1006 AR)
Unraveling
Marriage is a sacred bond,
Binding for both families
Heralds cry to post the bans
Scions pray for blissful matrimony.
But wait...
Perchance disharmony?
Contract gone amiss?
Sisterly spite, brotherly dis?
Mother grinds her teeth?
Father's anger persists?
Remember...
Union binds two hearts
Unites two distinct threads
In court and in nightly bed
Planting seeds for the future.
It is...
Children who see family follies,
Ties to Crown and Compact
Falter under hate's hot duress
Cracks sunder rifts that are...
Far reaching.
Marriage is a sacred bond,
Binding for both families
Heralds cry to post the bans
Scions pray for blissful matrimony.
But wait...
Perchance disharmony?
Contract gone amiss?
Sisterly spite, brotherly dis?
Mother grinds her teeth?
Father's anger persists?
Remember...
Union binds two hearts
Unites two distinct threads
In court and in nightly bed
Planting seeds for the future.
It is...
Children who see family follies,
Ties to Crown and Compact
Falter under hate's hot duress
Cracks sunder rifts that are...
Far reaching.
Written By Marian
May 22, 2017, 6:16 p.m.(7/6/1006 AR)
The Sword
Forged in fire
Brandished in steel
Honed like a razor
Oh how you cut me
Sheathed in armor
Battered by choices
Ground to the quick
Don't try to protect me
Balanced has shifted
Weighed by the past
Twisted by deceit
Oh how you break me
Encrusted by duty
Bejeweled by fame
Victory shapes history
Don't try to regale me
Forged in fire
Brandished in steel
Honed like a razor
Oh how you cut me
Sheathed in armor
Battered by choices
Ground to the quick
Don't try to protect me
Balanced has shifted
Weighed by the past
Twisted by deceit
Oh how you break me
Encrusted by duty
Bejeweled by fame
Victory shapes history
Don't try to regale me
Written By Marian
May 21, 2017, 3:28 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
Mistress of the Sea
How you carry me
From desert sands
To Arxian beaches
Always flowing wild and free.
Mistress of the Sea
How you play with me
From teasing tides
To ebbing shallows
A mystery throughout history.
Mistress of the Sea
How you defy me
From crashing into rocks
Through narrowing straights
Never to be restrained by fates.
Mistress of the Sea
How you nourish me
From your deeps with bounty
Through the storms and calm
Waters that never bind or anchor me.
How you carry me
From desert sands
To Arxian beaches
Always flowing wild and free.
Mistress of the Sea
How you play with me
From teasing tides
To ebbing shallows
A mystery throughout history.
Mistress of the Sea
How you defy me
From crashing into rocks
Through narrowing straights
Never to be restrained by fates.
Mistress of the Sea
How you nourish me
From your deeps with bounty
Through the storms and calm
Waters that never bind or anchor me.
Written By Marian
May 21, 2017, 2:27 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Raven black locks
With eyes deep blue,
Pure skin of ivory
Shines right through
The darkest day.
You make the angels weep
With how your beauty shines
And leaves us mortals
Feeling the emptiness
Of our own visage.
You are not content
To sit on your throne
A mannequin of plenty.
Only fools of cacophony
Would claim it so.
Intellect and reason
Are your craftsmen’s tools.
Vision and temperance
Are your nighttime guide.
You are a monarch butterfly.
Violence and whispers
Snip at your heels.
Tradition and fear
Try to clip your wings.
But you are not daunted.
Politics and passion
Follow in suit.
Princes and princesses
Watch your words.
Oh how your soar.
With eyes deep blue,
Pure skin of ivory
Shines right through
The darkest day.
You make the angels weep
With how your beauty shines
And leaves us mortals
Feeling the emptiness
Of our own visage.
You are not content
To sit on your throne
A mannequin of plenty.
Only fools of cacophony
Would claim it so.
Intellect and reason
Are your craftsmen’s tools.
Vision and temperance
Are your nighttime guide.
You are a monarch butterfly.
Violence and whispers
Snip at your heels.
Tradition and fear
Try to clip your wings.
But you are not daunted.
Politics and passion
Follow in suit.
Princes and princesses
Watch your words.
Oh how your soar.
Written By Marian
Nov. 22, 2016, 4:52 p.m.(3/10/1005 AR)
Alis received an odd gift of a dead fowl today. She requested that I bear witness to her bearing it unaided to the kitchens. I do not know if this is a prank or a strange courtship ritual, but I find it exceedingly puzzling.
Written By Marian
Nov. 3, 2016, 12:04 a.m.(1/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
Marian met Prince Jarek Velenosa as she was walking through the market one day. She was startled when he drew her into an argument with a merchant over which were better, cats or dogs. She found him to be amusing and joined him later for a drink, but it is hard for her to take him too seriously. She has learned though, not to dismiss anyone here, as people are often more than they seem.
Written By Marian
July 11, 2016, midnight(12/26/1003 AR)
I have been thinking of late. My roughness in Sanctum was never truly an issue, because being married to Valen erased the potential for it to be an issue. That was in Sanctum. Here, in Arx, I am not the wife of one of the High Lord's sons. I am just another 'princess', one amidst dozens and dozens. It may be time for me to consider learning to at least learning to toe the line of these games the Compact's nobility are so fond of, and the etiquette they live their lives upon. Arx is a mixture of everyone and everything in the Compact, and they all have vastly different sensibilities, it seems. The last thing I want to do is cause unnecessary issues for the Valardin family with no reason beyond my own ignorance.
Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 11:52 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Another woman I met in the Ambassador, conversing with Aurelian and Arianwen. She is a Courtesan, it seems. I asked Aurelian for a bit of a rundown on what that means, precisely. I've heard crude rumors and jokes before of course, but never paid overly much attention to the notion. Based on what Aurelian told me, it seems these woman are fully respected amongst the nobility, and even bring prestige to the families of those who contract them for companionship at events or entertainment. Mirari was a finely honed razor in comparison to Arianwen's stammering, so it is easy to see that the woman is likely adept at maneuvering through the dance of politics and etiquette here in the capital. --Perhaps I should consider hiring one of these women? I blame Aurelian for this idea.
Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 11:49 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianwen
I met Goodwoman Arianwen Grayhope in the Ambassador, when she was conversing with Edain and another woman, one Mirari. Just a girl, really, it seems, and her skittishness made her seem all the younger. I suspect she is out of her depth, playing at this game of learning to be a Courtesan. Then again, maybe it is common amongst the commoners of the Compact to fawn over the 'nobles' thusly. I noticed it on occasion in Sanctum, but never so...obviously. I suppose the servants and the like are used to being around their 'betters'. Truth be told, that sensation makes me feel a bit awkward. I grew up a Chieftan's daughter, so I am used to a bit of, well, being deferred to on occasion, but not in such a fashion that a girl trips over her own tongue trying to talk to me, wide-eyed.
Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 11:41 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I've still not managed to catch Edain alone, or when we both have a great deal of time to speak. We've chatted in passing, but not in detail, and I've chatted with other family about him. Alis, Aurelian, Alarissa, everything I've seen and heard about Edain so far, he seems to be living up to what the family needs him to be. I will be here to help him as best as I can, as Valen would have, if he were still here.
Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 11:16 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ida Farron, but I have every intention to. She is the smith Edain contracted for both my armor, and Alis's, and if she also forged the new sword I've seen my sister-in-law with, I expect I would like to be very good friends with this woman. I must admit, one of the benefits to life as a member of the Compact, and House Valardin? The artisans are far more gifted than any I knew growing up.
Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 10:34 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Edain had sent me a message asking to meet, saying he had something for me. I am not certain what I expected, truth be told, but I was surprised with a very fine suit of steel. Adorned with a white dragon, in the style of House Valardin of course. I grew up with leather, and prefer it, but thanks to a lifetime in the Greenwood, north of Sanctum, fighting other tribes and the Valardin knights, I still know steel. This is very good work, something I could have seen Valen wearing, as the son of a High Lord and Sword of his family. I love my leathers, for the freedom of movement, but I will have to wear this plate to the training grounds a few times at the very least. Perhaps I can grow used to it.
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