Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 10:22 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
The fundraiser for the Bard's College was a wonderful success, if I do say so myself!
And I do.
What an adventure, and what a privilege to be there for its beginnings!
And I do.
What an adventure, and what a privilege to be there for its beginnings!
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 10:17 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
You're alive! And complimenting me!
How hard did you hit your head on that trip of yours?
How hard did you hit your head on that trip of yours?
Written By Fredrik
June 6, 2018, 10:05 p.m.(12/6/1008 AR)
From :Desk of Lord Fredrik RedTyde
Subject: Whisper's Words
As the good Whispers Bliss and Lumen (and Archlectors Aureth in his own style) have noted, we are not in competition with the Whispers, and never have been. To do so is to add unnecessary tension to an amiable situation, as far as I can see. They have been most gracious and from my readings, accurate in their descriptions, and I thank them for it. We appreciate all they do to grace our establishment with their own presence, and encourage all to mingle in the Empyrean free of stress. That is the point, after all.
Subject: Whisper's Words
As the good Whispers Bliss and Lumen (and Archlectors Aureth in his own style) have noted, we are not in competition with the Whispers, and never have been. To do so is to add unnecessary tension to an amiable situation, as far as I can see. They have been most gracious and from my readings, accurate in their descriptions, and I thank them for it. We appreciate all they do to grace our establishment with their own presence, and encourage all to mingle in the Empyrean free of stress. That is the point, after all.
Written By Bliss
June 6, 2018, 9:13 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
When I arrived in Arx five years ago, I stepped off the carriage with my sword arm in a sling, with no title, with hardly a silver to my name, a strong voice and a drive to succeed. I walked directly to Whisper House, got an audience with the Radiant, and was accepted as an apprentice beginning that very day. Learning how to be a Whisper was perhaps the most grueling experience of my life - I had some experience with the Peerage, but I was raw, unrefined, angry and spiteful. But I was determined to improve and become the best I could be.
I am still many of those things, but with the support of Whisper House and endless hard work on my part, I am living a life I never imagined when I first left Tor all those years ago, and I am a far better person for it. I work every day to improve - every member of Whisper House does. None of us are ever content with where we have landed, otherwise we never would have become Whispers in the first place. I grew up in the drill grounds of Tor, alongside the future Rose, the generals, the finest soldiers and officers. It's where I learned to fight. My life has been one of literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Nothing comes remotely close to the utterly grueling work and training I went through to become a Whisper. Not even getting my arm back to its former speed.
---
When discussing anything regarding Whisper House, the first thing you must understand is why we were founded and what our purpose is. From there, our relationship to the Peerage and to the other Courtier houses of Arvum can be better understood.
Since our inception, Whisper House has operated under the direct patronage of the Crown. Queen Alarice set up the House under the first Radiant, Caithness Anthy, a brilliant diplomat and a woman of extreme charm and grace, at a time when a loose Compact needed to be drawn together and made stronger. It is this diplomatic work which remains at our core. We fiercely neutral so that we can negotiate the best deals between the noble houses to not only their mutual benefit, but that of all of Arvum. We have the finest performers and entertainers so that the Peerage has a place to come together and mingle without any of the weight of House tied to an event and so that there is no concern of what the appearance of a Lord at an event might mean.
We maintain the highest standards in etiquette, beauty, and elegance within our walls because the decisions that are made in Whisper House affect the lives of every member of the Compact, and the difference between two duchies going to war can be whether or not one of the Dukes involved is already annoyed because his tea is too cold, or whether he is in a great mood due to having a childhood favorite meal prepared the best he has ever had. Thousands of lives can hinge on such small things.
Many of these things can be found in other Courtier houses, it is true.
But perhaps the most important thing is our secrecy. I take this rule very seriously - particularly as a Devotion of Limerance - and I am just as serious about enforcing it. Whether it is just company with a Whisper that is being sought or whether it is advisement on heavy and sensitive matters of state, a Whisper can be trusted fully on such things, though we will, of course, refuse any service that would betray the Compact. The individual contracts are just as important as any advising matters - we know all too well how heavy the burdens of state weigh, and we are there to help make sure they do not break those who bear them. This part is often underestimated or dismissed, but our House words are what they are for a reason.
This is just some of what we do in Arx proper. We also do work around the Compact - more than many might expect. We smooth disagreements, arrange needed meetings, call in favors, and quite simply make things work and happen.
In light of all this, I do not think it difficult to understand why we choose to live in comfort and beauty. The work - both public and private - is draining, and we earn every silver that we are paid. That silver then goes to make sure we ourselves do not break by letting us enjoy what we have earned, but it also goes to making sure that we are the finest in Arx in terms of fashion and our trappings. No noble should ever be ashamed to have a Whisper on their arm for an event, because of who we are and everything we stand for.
---
As for the other Courtier houses, I am in agreement with Lumen Whisper: I welcome them and the services they provide. Perhaps they can even inspire us to do even better. That would not be a bad thing.
However, they are not Whisper House, which is a statement I don't think really needs to be written. Many of our courtiers do come from the other schools, elevated and trained and then retrained to their full potential once they come here. But our roles, our goals, and what we can do - they are distinct from one another.
I will say one last thing, one important correction: Whisper House does not just support our own performers. We do not turn everything inward, we are not self-indulgent without purpose. We teach, we provide opportunity, and we provide support of other nature as well. We simply have the highest standards for such things, for to bear the support of Whisper House, they must.
If there is any performer or artist in the city who is struggling - do send me, or whoever is Softest at the time, a missive. I will be happy to see what we can do for you.
-- Softest Whisper Bliss
I am still many of those things, but with the support of Whisper House and endless hard work on my part, I am living a life I never imagined when I first left Tor all those years ago, and I am a far better person for it. I work every day to improve - every member of Whisper House does. None of us are ever content with where we have landed, otherwise we never would have become Whispers in the first place. I grew up in the drill grounds of Tor, alongside the future Rose, the generals, the finest soldiers and officers. It's where I learned to fight. My life has been one of literal blood, sweat, and tears.
Nothing comes remotely close to the utterly grueling work and training I went through to become a Whisper. Not even getting my arm back to its former speed.
---
When discussing anything regarding Whisper House, the first thing you must understand is why we were founded and what our purpose is. From there, our relationship to the Peerage and to the other Courtier houses of Arvum can be better understood.
Since our inception, Whisper House has operated under the direct patronage of the Crown. Queen Alarice set up the House under the first Radiant, Caithness Anthy, a brilliant diplomat and a woman of extreme charm and grace, at a time when a loose Compact needed to be drawn together and made stronger. It is this diplomatic work which remains at our core. We fiercely neutral so that we can negotiate the best deals between the noble houses to not only their mutual benefit, but that of all of Arvum. We have the finest performers and entertainers so that the Peerage has a place to come together and mingle without any of the weight of House tied to an event and so that there is no concern of what the appearance of a Lord at an event might mean.
We maintain the highest standards in etiquette, beauty, and elegance within our walls because the decisions that are made in Whisper House affect the lives of every member of the Compact, and the difference between two duchies going to war can be whether or not one of the Dukes involved is already annoyed because his tea is too cold, or whether he is in a great mood due to having a childhood favorite meal prepared the best he has ever had. Thousands of lives can hinge on such small things.
Many of these things can be found in other Courtier houses, it is true.
But perhaps the most important thing is our secrecy. I take this rule very seriously - particularly as a Devotion of Limerance - and I am just as serious about enforcing it. Whether it is just company with a Whisper that is being sought or whether it is advisement on heavy and sensitive matters of state, a Whisper can be trusted fully on such things, though we will, of course, refuse any service that would betray the Compact. The individual contracts are just as important as any advising matters - we know all too well how heavy the burdens of state weigh, and we are there to help make sure they do not break those who bear them. This part is often underestimated or dismissed, but our House words are what they are for a reason.
This is just some of what we do in Arx proper. We also do work around the Compact - more than many might expect. We smooth disagreements, arrange needed meetings, call in favors, and quite simply make things work and happen.
In light of all this, I do not think it difficult to understand why we choose to live in comfort and beauty. The work - both public and private - is draining, and we earn every silver that we are paid. That silver then goes to make sure we ourselves do not break by letting us enjoy what we have earned, but it also goes to making sure that we are the finest in Arx in terms of fashion and our trappings. No noble should ever be ashamed to have a Whisper on their arm for an event, because of who we are and everything we stand for.
---
As for the other Courtier houses, I am in agreement with Lumen Whisper: I welcome them and the services they provide. Perhaps they can even inspire us to do even better. That would not be a bad thing.
However, they are not Whisper House, which is a statement I don't think really needs to be written. Many of our courtiers do come from the other schools, elevated and trained and then retrained to their full potential once they come here. But our roles, our goals, and what we can do - they are distinct from one another.
I will say one last thing, one important correction: Whisper House does not just support our own performers. We do not turn everything inward, we are not self-indulgent without purpose. We teach, we provide opportunity, and we provide support of other nature as well. We simply have the highest standards for such things, for to bear the support of Whisper House, they must.
If there is any performer or artist in the city who is struggling - do send me, or whoever is Softest at the time, a missive. I will be happy to see what we can do for you.
-- Softest Whisper Bliss
Written By Aureth
June 6, 2018, 9:02 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I didn't say there isn't anything wrong with it. But to find the vanity project of a noble or two in the... fighting weight class ... of the oldest and most prestigious courtier enterprise in Arvum? Nah. Just ... fucking nah.
I don't know anything about Lady Iseulet's project, nor do I care to, particularly. I think Lord ReDtYdE seems a decent fellow who has a sense of humor about himself. And she seems very into her passion project. That's nice. I won't be using it, of course. I don't indulge in Princess Valencia's casino either, though I don't begrudge those that do. Some of my best friends have a scrap in there now and again. That's fine. Not my choice, but fine.
If I have coin to spend, I spend it where I want to, and that's not for nobles to decide what counts as charitable giving when I can walk down the hill and drop 20,000 silver on a soup kitchen run by the Boroughs, for the Boroughs, if what I really want is to feel impressively good about myself.
But it's no skin off my nose if that's how the high wish to entertain themselves. It definitely beats bear-baiting.
I don't know anything about Lady Iseulet's project, nor do I care to, particularly. I think Lord ReDtYdE seems a decent fellow who has a sense of humor about himself. And she seems very into her passion project. That's nice. I won't be using it, of course. I don't indulge in Princess Valencia's casino either, though I don't begrudge those that do. Some of my best friends have a scrap in there now and again. That's fine. Not my choice, but fine.
If I have coin to spend, I spend it where I want to, and that's not for nobles to decide what counts as charitable giving when I can walk down the hill and drop 20,000 silver on a soup kitchen run by the Boroughs, for the Boroughs, if what I really want is to feel impressively good about myself.
But it's no skin off my nose if that's how the high wish to entertain themselves. It definitely beats bear-baiting.
Written By Fortunato
June 6, 2018, 8:34 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Ah! For an organization of crafters and entertainers who exist only for their own expression and only incidentally for others. But I suppose that's the Crafters Guild and your due auspice of Jayus.
Written By Thena
June 6, 2018, 8:22 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Itsy has always had a way with the ladies.
Written By Monique
June 6, 2018, 8:07 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
The Gilded Page isn't capable of blushing.
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 7:58 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
I have been accused of such, but I insist, it comes from the heart, for no prefabricated statements or lines would ever be befitting the Whispers of the Whisper House. From the heart, nay, the soul, nothing less!
Written By Lumen
June 6, 2018, 7:50 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
Wow, Master Itzal, you sure know just what to say to a girl.
Written By Itzal
June 6, 2018, 7:41 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Say, how much would it cost me, a simple bard from the Lowers, for the witty company of the Whisper House's finest, if I want to impress and possibly not make a complete fool of myself at a social occasion, but also simply enjoy the aforementioned fine company?
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 7:40 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
I do not think anyone ever cast any doubts to the hard work you have put into your business, Lady Blackshore. No aspersions were cast towards your gathering of resources, or the depth of your passion for your project.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
Written By Lumen
June 6, 2018, 7:36 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
Not at all to undermine the struggles many go through that prevent them from being able to afford non-necessity and luxury services, but Whisper House actually operates on a sliding scale so as to be more accessible to people from many different walks of life. So, to say that not everybody can afford the best, well...
Written By Sabella
June 6, 2018, 7:19 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
Don't be so hard on yourself, Master Bastien! Every noble I've ever met loves your works!
Written By Mirari
June 6, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
I am really very sorry. I promise.
Written By Iseulet
June 6, 2018, 6:54 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Perhaps I was too quick to assume that, with the flurry of Empyrean-directed posts, you were referencing the Empyrean in your last journal.
If that's not the case, I do apologize.
If that's not the case, I do apologize.
Written By Austen
June 6, 2018, 6:54 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Ow.
Ow. Ow. Ow.
[The scholar notes that Austen continued in this vein for several minutes]
Ow.
Ow. Ow. Ow.
[The scholar notes that Austen continued in this vein for several minutes]
Ow.
Written By Natalia
June 6, 2018, 6:40 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
Where did that come from?
I suspect Lady Blackshore has me mistaken for someone else. I hope.
I suspect Lady Blackshore has me mistaken for someone else. I hope.
Written By Iseulet
June 6, 2018, 6:12 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Subject: Regarding the Status of the Empyrean.
Warning: I am long winded when I get passionate.
While it may not have been immediately obvious to some, but maybe those close to the project and my heart - the Empyrean is firstly, a charitable organization.
I will make that clear first and foremost so that the rest of this (what is assuredly going to be a dissertation in white journal form) isn't misconstrued and I'll try to make this in digestible chunks.
--Income and Charity
The bulk of what we make here goes to charity. I have many projects lined up for this after we get up and running, but what I have earned through The Empyrean (roughly 20-30,000 silver though the precise figure escapes me currently) through the sales of the books I have written in conjunction with the Legate have gone directly toward its intended purpose: The rebuilding of Blackshore, and was released to my Baroness.
There are also only two copies left in the Lunaris (it was a limited supply), should one wish to purchase a copy. It is also available at the Gilded Page to read since Princess Reese bought and donated a copy to them.
--Income and Opportunity, Part 1: Entertainers
The portion of our income that doesn't go to charity will go toward providing an opportunity for entertainers of all stripes (not just Whispers, as in the Whisper House) to perform, earn silver, and make a name for themselves , although a Whisper has joined us in a part time basis and will be working with us on future performances.
I am honored to have the likes of her by my side (indeed - I am speechless and grateful beyond measure) and when it came to making her dream of the Bard's College real? I jumped at the chance.
Whispers are even invited and able to become members and entertain their guests in the members' area (as per the hospitality guidelines outlined to members of the Empyrean, they are able to bring guests into the members' area).
I look forward to future ties with them and working with them and while I am honored, I hope to be a place that takes an active interest in giving commoners as a whole a place to shine. As I said, Whispers are /more/ than welcome, but there are many entertainers in Arx that are not Whispers.
Just as there are more courtiers in Arx than exist within the sphere of the Whispers.
--Income and Opportunity, Part 2: Crafters
We prove a place where crafters can set up shop. For example, Mistress Giselle Caron is a fine perfumer and Master Nilos Latsis a master bookbinder (and dare I say the finest wig maker in all of Arx) and are setting up shop with us - with absolutely no start up costs, monthly fees, or other such strings. I even have a space I am making a point of keeping available to my sister, Mistress Thesbe Aryn, should she return to Arx and wish to fulfill her dream of becoming a seamstress with her own shop.
We also actively reach out to businesses to buy exclusive items specifically for the Empyrean to offer. For example, the cabaret's liquor is exclusively stock from Master Venturo Thayne's Raconteur. They are then sold at a profit to raise funds to pay employees and make donations.
Those that work with us are absolutely free to have their own, private shops - I'm not their mother (well, one is my sister) nor here to police their actions, but I understand what it is like to need a leg up, to have a 'family' and a community haven to collaborate with. That is the point of offering opportunity as a whole.
There's nothing more amazing than having a healthy, safe atmosphere in which to breed creativity, bond with fellow performers and creators and feed from each other's enthusiasm and help one another realize their dreams and aspirations. I know, because I was born a common bastard and was only recently afforded membership into the Peerage. While I thank Baroness Skye for this opportunity and hope that I am nothing but a boon to her home, I grew up singing for my supper. Unfortunately, many night I spent hungry. So did my sister. I personally would have flourished in a place like this. So would she. Maybe we wouldn't have been so hungry would we have had a place like this.
--Compare, Contrast
The Whisper House, by contrast has existed for many, many years and while we do offer services akin to theirs, perhaps or even the Observers if you want to stretch that far - neither one do it for a charitable purpose. The Observers work for the Crown and the Whisper House takes care of its own through similar means and all Whispers are Crownsworn to maintain neutrality. This is a tradition that reaches back far into their founding to make sure that a Whisper's allegiance remains untied to a specific House. I can't say we work toward only our House's goals, but we do bend over backward to be transparent and neutral, especially when collaborating with a number of Houses like with the upcoming trade route.
--Current Projects
*Helping Lord Aethan Kennex rebuild the Kennex Navy. Absolutely no cost to them, I have donated a portion of my time and a small accumulation of personal military writs and have committed myself to a little tour through
*Establishing a trade route. The purpose of which is to not only provide economic growth around Arvum but to strengthen ties between Houses in a general fashion. Currently, affirmatively, this includes 30 Houses/Organizations, with another 16 possible.
--Future Projects / Projects That Interest Me
*Princess Alarissa's Thursday's Child project (and generally the freeing of Thralls in Thrax)
*Rebuilding of Darkwater
*Celebration in conjunction with the Faith.
It should be mentioned I have had a lot on my plate and have reached out only to the Faith on these for my immediate focus remains trained on my current projects, before I take on many others.
*Seraceni Fund Raiser
*The opening of a new form of entertainment for Arx. Yes, something /unique/ that can't be found anywhere else in Arx. This is coming very soon.
--Personal Notes
Fredrik has told me numerous times he won't be taking a salary. Neither will I.
To get to this place, I worked my fingers to the /bone/ for a number of organizations and Houses to be able to afford what the Empyrean is today. I have sunk thousands of writs and possibly hundreds of thousands of silver making it into what it is.
Still, every copper it makes is moved on to projects that are bigger than me and my ego.
[*Amendment. I have received donations. Donations to Date: <~10 economic writs, courtesy Lord Jaerith Keaton.]
For clarity, I even refuse to use the weekly allowance that my House affords me on anything other than The Empyrean and living expenses (sadly, I still must eat).
Not even fancy dresses or the trappings of wealth. I have no dragontears to adorn my fingers with. I have no sea silk sheets on my bed. I own the two common cloth dresses I arrived with and one silk dress that Baron Audric de Lire gifted me. Well. The silver was the gift - you can't expect him to be /too/ thoughtful. But I wanted a nice dress in which to attend a ball (to which I was stood up) so that's what it went to. I have two pairs of common cloth shoes, one pair of tights, and a garter. I have one bottle of perfume gifted to me by Mayir Grayhope. And recently - I have gotten my first piece of jewelry which is wholly mine: my Bard's College pin.
At the end of the day, all I have is an organization I worked very hard for from the ground up to forge into something unique. That I am passionate about. I believe the sheer amount of novels I could write on what visions I have for The Empyrean could make the Gilded Page blush. Now, there are similarities, on the surface to a number of organizations (not just Whispers) but why not come peel back the mask and delve deeper? Maybe we have more to offer than what's on the surface. Maybe we are /different/ than the Whisper House. The Golden Hart. The Heart in Hand. The Observers. The Gilded Page.
--A Note on Competition
It doesn't have to be directly said that Whisper Natalia feels that we are some kind of threat to the Whisper House, but I don't see it that way. Natalia, there's no reason to feel this way. And Countess Reigna, please never think I would ever be offended at the offering of a sincere question.
There's more than enough room in the city for more than one courtier service (charitable or non). And if we are talking about competition I might bring up that Master Rook Grayward has the monopoly on the courtier market - not the Empyrean.
I would also like to point out that perhaps we wouldn't have been able to pass through the registration committee (I hear the committee is rather tight on these things) should we have been /too/ much like the Whisper House.
Rhetorically, I wonder...
Should the Raconteur feel threatened should another place sell ale? Or wine?
How about Lottie's Place, The Bakery, and Petal's Bakery?
Should we allow only one tailor in the city?
--A Note on Biting
I don't... and the door to the Empyrean is always open to those of inquiring minds. So are messengers.
Warning: I am long winded when I get passionate.
While it may not have been immediately obvious to some, but maybe those close to the project and my heart - the Empyrean is firstly, a charitable organization.
I will make that clear first and foremost so that the rest of this (what is assuredly going to be a dissertation in white journal form) isn't misconstrued and I'll try to make this in digestible chunks.
--Income and Charity
The bulk of what we make here goes to charity. I have many projects lined up for this after we get up and running, but what I have earned through The Empyrean (roughly 20-30,000 silver though the precise figure escapes me currently) through the sales of the books I have written in conjunction with the Legate have gone directly toward its intended purpose: The rebuilding of Blackshore, and was released to my Baroness.
There are also only two copies left in the Lunaris (it was a limited supply), should one wish to purchase a copy. It is also available at the Gilded Page to read since Princess Reese bought and donated a copy to them.
--Income and Opportunity, Part 1: Entertainers
The portion of our income that doesn't go to charity will go toward providing an opportunity for entertainers of all stripes (not just Whispers, as in the Whisper House) to perform, earn silver, and make a name for themselves , although a Whisper has joined us in a part time basis and will be working with us on future performances.
I am honored to have the likes of her by my side (indeed - I am speechless and grateful beyond measure) and when it came to making her dream of the Bard's College real? I jumped at the chance.
Whispers are even invited and able to become members and entertain their guests in the members' area (as per the hospitality guidelines outlined to members of the Empyrean, they are able to bring guests into the members' area).
I look forward to future ties with them and working with them and while I am honored, I hope to be a place that takes an active interest in giving commoners as a whole a place to shine. As I said, Whispers are /more/ than welcome, but there are many entertainers in Arx that are not Whispers.
Just as there are more courtiers in Arx than exist within the sphere of the Whispers.
--Income and Opportunity, Part 2: Crafters
We prove a place where crafters can set up shop. For example, Mistress Giselle Caron is a fine perfumer and Master Nilos Latsis a master bookbinder (and dare I say the finest wig maker in all of Arx) and are setting up shop with us - with absolutely no start up costs, monthly fees, or other such strings. I even have a space I am making a point of keeping available to my sister, Mistress Thesbe Aryn, should she return to Arx and wish to fulfill her dream of becoming a seamstress with her own shop.
We also actively reach out to businesses to buy exclusive items specifically for the Empyrean to offer. For example, the cabaret's liquor is exclusively stock from Master Venturo Thayne's Raconteur. They are then sold at a profit to raise funds to pay employees and make donations.
Those that work with us are absolutely free to have their own, private shops - I'm not their mother (well, one is my sister) nor here to police their actions, but I understand what it is like to need a leg up, to have a 'family' and a community haven to collaborate with. That is the point of offering opportunity as a whole.
There's nothing more amazing than having a healthy, safe atmosphere in which to breed creativity, bond with fellow performers and creators and feed from each other's enthusiasm and help one another realize their dreams and aspirations. I know, because I was born a common bastard and was only recently afforded membership into the Peerage. While I thank Baroness Skye for this opportunity and hope that I am nothing but a boon to her home, I grew up singing for my supper. Unfortunately, many night I spent hungry. So did my sister. I personally would have flourished in a place like this. So would she. Maybe we wouldn't have been so hungry would we have had a place like this.
--Compare, Contrast
The Whisper House, by contrast has existed for many, many years and while we do offer services akin to theirs, perhaps or even the Observers if you want to stretch that far - neither one do it for a charitable purpose. The Observers work for the Crown and the Whisper House takes care of its own through similar means and all Whispers are Crownsworn to maintain neutrality. This is a tradition that reaches back far into their founding to make sure that a Whisper's allegiance remains untied to a specific House. I can't say we work toward only our House's goals, but we do bend over backward to be transparent and neutral, especially when collaborating with a number of Houses like with the upcoming trade route.
--Current Projects
*Helping Lord Aethan Kennex rebuild the Kennex Navy. Absolutely no cost to them, I have donated a portion of my time and a small accumulation of personal military writs and have committed myself to a little tour through
*Establishing a trade route. The purpose of which is to not only provide economic growth around Arvum but to strengthen ties between Houses in a general fashion. Currently, affirmatively, this includes 30 Houses/Organizations, with another 16 possible.
--Future Projects / Projects That Interest Me
*Princess Alarissa's Thursday's Child project (and generally the freeing of Thralls in Thrax)
*Rebuilding of Darkwater
*Celebration in conjunction with the Faith.
It should be mentioned I have had a lot on my plate and have reached out only to the Faith on these for my immediate focus remains trained on my current projects, before I take on many others.
*Seraceni Fund Raiser
*The opening of a new form of entertainment for Arx. Yes, something /unique/ that can't be found anywhere else in Arx. This is coming very soon.
--Personal Notes
Fredrik has told me numerous times he won't be taking a salary. Neither will I.
To get to this place, I worked my fingers to the /bone/ for a number of organizations and Houses to be able to afford what the Empyrean is today. I have sunk thousands of writs and possibly hundreds of thousands of silver making it into what it is.
Still, every copper it makes is moved on to projects that are bigger than me and my ego.
[*Amendment. I have received donations. Donations to Date: <~10 economic writs, courtesy Lord Jaerith Keaton.]
For clarity, I even refuse to use the weekly allowance that my House affords me on anything other than The Empyrean and living expenses (sadly, I still must eat).
Not even fancy dresses or the trappings of wealth. I have no dragontears to adorn my fingers with. I have no sea silk sheets on my bed. I own the two common cloth dresses I arrived with and one silk dress that Baron Audric de Lire gifted me. Well. The silver was the gift - you can't expect him to be /too/ thoughtful. But I wanted a nice dress in which to attend a ball (to which I was stood up) so that's what it went to. I have two pairs of common cloth shoes, one pair of tights, and a garter. I have one bottle of perfume gifted to me by Mayir Grayhope. And recently - I have gotten my first piece of jewelry which is wholly mine: my Bard's College pin.
At the end of the day, all I have is an organization I worked very hard for from the ground up to forge into something unique. That I am passionate about. I believe the sheer amount of novels I could write on what visions I have for The Empyrean could make the Gilded Page blush. Now, there are similarities, on the surface to a number of organizations (not just Whispers) but why not come peel back the mask and delve deeper? Maybe we have more to offer than what's on the surface. Maybe we are /different/ than the Whisper House. The Golden Hart. The Heart in Hand. The Observers. The Gilded Page.
--A Note on Competition
It doesn't have to be directly said that Whisper Natalia feels that we are some kind of threat to the Whisper House, but I don't see it that way. Natalia, there's no reason to feel this way. And Countess Reigna, please never think I would ever be offended at the offering of a sincere question.
There's more than enough room in the city for more than one courtier service (charitable or non). And if we are talking about competition I might bring up that Master Rook Grayward has the monopoly on the courtier market - not the Empyrean.
I would also like to point out that perhaps we wouldn't have been able to pass through the registration committee (I hear the committee is rather tight on these things) should we have been /too/ much like the Whisper House.
Rhetorically, I wonder...
Should the Raconteur feel threatened should another place sell ale? Or wine?
How about Lottie's Place, The Bakery, and Petal's Bakery?
Should we allow only one tailor in the city?
--A Note on Biting
I don't... and the door to the Empyrean is always open to those of inquiring minds. So are messengers.
Written By Harper
June 6, 2018, 5:32 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Adriana
With a description like that, I know where I'll be going to supper.
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