Written By Alis
May 22, 2018, 2:07 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Your grief is your own. You don't owe anybody an explanation about your silence, in the whites or otherwise.
May the Gods offer you peace and comfort in these trying times.
May the Gods offer you peace and comfort in these trying times.
Written By Belladonna
May 22, 2018, 2:03 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
What my feelings are regarding my husband's death are nobody's business but my own. That I do not make a public spectacle of wailing and beating my chest and pulling my hair is very deliberate. My private life is exactly that, private.
However, since it apparently offends some people so much that I do not openly weep over his death, let me apologize. I am sorry that I do not have the time to put on a better show for your public consumption. I am sorry that I have additional duties now laid upon my shoulders with my husband's passing that I must sort through and deal with, rather than adding to the already substantial sums being offered for information about his death. I am sorry that my way of dealing with his death is not up to your exacting standards.
And to those of you who truly knew Cassius, expect an invitation shortly.
However, since it apparently offends some people so much that I do not openly weep over his death, let me apologize. I am sorry that I do not have the time to put on a better show for your public consumption. I am sorry that I have additional duties now laid upon my shoulders with my husband's passing that I must sort through and deal with, rather than adding to the already substantial sums being offered for information about his death. I am sorry that my way of dealing with his death is not up to your exacting standards.
And to those of you who truly knew Cassius, expect an invitation shortly.
Written By Godric
May 22, 2018, 2:03 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
I'm reminded why I prefer to barricade myself in the morgue with the dead bodies.
Written By Shard
May 22, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
When it comes to the Abandoned and the Compact, their view of what is the righteous, brave choice is not usually the one you're thinking of. When it comes to the choice Calaudrin and I witnessed playing out, actual enslavement or horrific death of themselves and the death of themselves and everyone (their children included) they knew, I'm not going to sit and talk about what choice Gloria or whoever the fuck would find the most meaningful; we saw the results of the people who either chose to resist or panicked and tried to run. If you talk to either of us (or both), in person we'll share the details.
But those were other people. As for that family? I highly doubt they /chose/ their fate. Skald's Reflection isn't usually big on choices. At least, not meaningful ones.
My point was there's nothing wrong with coming together, unifying for a cause, isn't in and of itself a problem, but conformity for the sake of conformity isn't something to strive for. It's not a virtue. Taken to its extreme, its horrifying. If that's not something you believe, then great. We agree on something.
But those were other people. As for that family? I highly doubt they /chose/ their fate. Skald's Reflection isn't usually big on choices. At least, not meaningful ones.
My point was there's nothing wrong with coming together, unifying for a cause, isn't in and of itself a problem, but conformity for the sake of conformity isn't something to strive for. It's not a virtue. Taken to its extreme, its horrifying. If that's not something you believe, then great. We agree on something.
Written By Thena
May 22, 2018, 11:58 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
Since you were calling out ‘someones’ who pointed out that Lady Vanora used the word ‘missing’ by accident, and I did write about that in my journal, I assumed I was one of the someones. If I was not one of their number, my apologies for misinterpreting your words.
Written By Valdemar
May 22, 2018, 11:51 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
A "risk"? I'm not hurt by your words, only confused as to why someone who claims to have been agreeing with my wife took issue with what I said. Something that, if your claim is true, did not apply to you. I was not being purposefully vague, I was commenting on something that multiple people did. If I was going to call out specific people, I would have done so through a messenger, not in the whites.
Written By Thena
May 22, 2018, 11:34 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
It is a risk you run when being vague.
Written By Valdemar
May 22, 2018, 11:23 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
A) I did not mention your name, so I am not sure why you felt the need to "correct" me.
B) I understand that words matter. But it is also true that everyone makes mistakes, and this one was pretty innocuous and easy to read past if one bothered to try. I was merely pointing out that some did not bother to. Whether that was due to an honest mistake of their own, a desire to appear "witty", or sheer laziness, I did not speculate.
B) I understand that words matter. But it is also true that everyone makes mistakes, and this one was pretty innocuous and easy to read past if one bothered to try. I was merely pointing out that some did not bother to. Whether that was due to an honest mistake of their own, a desire to appear "witty", or sheer laziness, I did not speculate.
Written By Thena
May 22, 2018, 11:16 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
A) I was agreeing with your wife.
B) Words matter. People will read the journals and see the word ‘missing’ and misconstrue the situation, particularly if they are not privy to the reports that some of us have access to.
B) Words matter. People will read the journals and see the word ‘missing’ and misconstrue the situation, particularly if they are not privy to the reports that some of us have access to.
Written By Valdemar
May 22, 2018, 11:11 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
I see a number of people who are eager to jump on a simple, easily understood error on the part of my wife. Clearly, we have not been searching for a man who is known to be deceased. If you have nothing better to do than criticize a mistake of grammar, or were not sharp enough yourself to read the intent of what was being said, perhaps you simply have too much free time on your hands.
Written By Mae
May 22, 2018, 10:40 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
In the wake of my Commoners Bulletin, and my declaration that House Pravus has not offered support nor reward in the investigation of Duke Cassius Pravus' death, I received a letter from Lady Vanora Grimhall "born of House Pravus". She encouraged me to offer a correction to my bulletin, as House Pravus was offering support and/or reward for information about Duke Cassius' death, by way of alliance through House Grimhall (and presumably her own efforts). As I worry there might be others that misunderstood my point, and as Lady Vanora has already taken to the whites about this, I'll offer my response in the form of a public letter to her.
Lady Vanora,
I am very sorry for any offense I've caused. I did not mean to suggest that you or anyone else of Pravus blood was not grieving or not helping in the investigation of Duke Cassius' death. I am well aware that Pravus' allies and Pravus' vassals and Pravus' extended family has offered help and silver.
What I meant was that in the many, many open displays of grief and investment into finding out what happened to Duke Cassius and his soldiers and the Knights of Solace with him, House Pravus itself, officially, was oddly silent.
I know you are Voice of House Grimhall. I do not think you are a Voice of House Pravus. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the only Voice of House Pravus is Marquessa Lianne Malespero, who did openly offer her support, but she did so as House Malespero, not House Pravus. Knowing the Marquessa as I do, I am quite sure she had her reasons for not speaking on behalf of House Pravus. She is nothing if not methodical.
Now, I am a Harlequin of Death. I know sometimes grief is a strange thing. Sometimes it is silent or distant. If Duchess Belladonna were either, I would understand entirely. Yet she took to the white journals to write: "Much as I hate to admit it, he was always destined for a young and violent death, and you well know why. Death surrounds some of us. We cannot control it, we cannot stop it. We must simply learn to bear up under the burden and keep going." It is true: in the end, we all die. But to say we cannot control or stop it is crazy talk. Thousands and thousands of men and women have died in service to the Compact and the Faith to save lives. We work tirelessly to make sure lives are lived long and full, as the Mother of Beginnings would wish them.
And, really? Taking the time to declare one's husband "destined to die young", but being unable to make any sort of public declaration of grief? It seems very odd to me.
Duchess Belladonna's other public words since the death - captured in the whites - were to bemoan Duke Cassius' little sister having a wake for the man without her consent, and to pun alongside Lord Percephon. (Yes, I checked. It is my job to inform the Commoners and to take the pulse of the city. A dead duke in the Lowers has hearts racing and warranted my digging.)
Again, I am sorry if I've caused you grief. It wasn't my intent. And I am sorry if I am wrote, and you do speak as Voice of House Pravus.
I hope this clarifies my words in the Commoners Bulletin.
Mae Culler, Commoners' Councilor
Lady Vanora,
I am very sorry for any offense I've caused. I did not mean to suggest that you or anyone else of Pravus blood was not grieving or not helping in the investigation of Duke Cassius' death. I am well aware that Pravus' allies and Pravus' vassals and Pravus' extended family has offered help and silver.
What I meant was that in the many, many open displays of grief and investment into finding out what happened to Duke Cassius and his soldiers and the Knights of Solace with him, House Pravus itself, officially, was oddly silent.
I know you are Voice of House Grimhall. I do not think you are a Voice of House Pravus. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the only Voice of House Pravus is Marquessa Lianne Malespero, who did openly offer her support, but she did so as House Malespero, not House Pravus. Knowing the Marquessa as I do, I am quite sure she had her reasons for not speaking on behalf of House Pravus. She is nothing if not methodical.
Now, I am a Harlequin of Death. I know sometimes grief is a strange thing. Sometimes it is silent or distant. If Duchess Belladonna were either, I would understand entirely. Yet she took to the white journals to write: "Much as I hate to admit it, he was always destined for a young and violent death, and you well know why. Death surrounds some of us. We cannot control it, we cannot stop it. We must simply learn to bear up under the burden and keep going." It is true: in the end, we all die. But to say we cannot control or stop it is crazy talk. Thousands and thousands of men and women have died in service to the Compact and the Faith to save lives. We work tirelessly to make sure lives are lived long and full, as the Mother of Beginnings would wish them.
And, really? Taking the time to declare one's husband "destined to die young", but being unable to make any sort of public declaration of grief? It seems very odd to me.
Duchess Belladonna's other public words since the death - captured in the whites - were to bemoan Duke Cassius' little sister having a wake for the man without her consent, and to pun alongside Lord Percephon. (Yes, I checked. It is my job to inform the Commoners and to take the pulse of the city. A dead duke in the Lowers has hearts racing and warranted my digging.)
Again, I am sorry if I've caused you grief. It wasn't my intent. And I am sorry if I am wrote, and you do speak as Voice of House Pravus.
I hope this clarifies my words in the Commoners Bulletin.
Mae Culler, Commoners' Councilor
Written By Bliss
May 22, 2018, 10:38 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Regarding Twins:
That idea of the Gods decreeing a bounty of children would be why I am making my tea so strong, Legate. I simply want nothing to do with it. My own, personal tribute to Skald, I suppose, given the other topic of conversation in the Whites today.
That idea of the Gods decreeing a bounty of children would be why I am making my tea so strong, Legate. I simply want nothing to do with it. My own, personal tribute to Skald, I suppose, given the other topic of conversation in the Whites today.
Written By Samantha
May 22, 2018, 10:36 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
For those of you who may question what's so bad about the Rex'alfar, as an example, let me remind you of some history:
The Rex'alfar and their human agents tortured me and brainwashed me, then slaughtered in an entire noble House, just to put me in place as a decoy they could activate at their leisure to serve them on the inside of the Compact. If not for the heroic efforts of my foster father, Duke Gabriel Bisland, and the care and love of my Bisland family, that is very well who I might have turned out to be.
I was about four years old at the time.
The Rex'alfar and their human agents tortured me and brainwashed me, then slaughtered in an entire noble House, just to put me in place as a decoy they could activate at their leisure to serve them on the inside of the Compact. If not for the heroic efforts of my foster father, Duke Gabriel Bisland, and the care and love of my Bisland family, that is very well who I might have turned out to be.
I was about four years old at the time.
Written By Preston
May 22, 2018, 9:52 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
Meaningful choice should not always be easy, and often the just and righteous path is harder to take - especially knowing the difficulties it places. The difference is whether you place emphasis on the outcome of the choice or the principle of it I suppose. Gloria commands that we are righteous in our actions, that we are at our heart good and virtuous. The outcome to her is not as important. That is not to say she does not care, for I am sure Gloria cares deeply about good defeating evil, but that it is not what she asks of us. To fail honourably 100 times is better than to succeed any number of times through poor behaviour. And in that, when the outcome is removed, you are left with a choice in the earlier example. Freedom or Enslavement. And then, the choice is easy, is it not?
But, as you touch on Brother, reality is harder when your life is based in the secular world. When others lives bear on your choices. And we should always leave room for us to understand why people make choices that we feel are wrong.
But, as you touch on Brother, reality is harder when your life is based in the secular world. When others lives bear on your choices. And we should always leave room for us to understand why people make choices that we feel are wrong.
Written By Fortunato
May 22, 2018, 9:51 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
A priest I am not, but I don't have the impression the god of freedom is delighted by certain choice sets. Namely "do this or die".
Written By Orazio
May 22, 2018, 9:50 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Regarding the sudden upswelling of twins:
To be fair, it does run in the Saik family. My youngest siblings were born twins, as well. And perhaps the gods see the many sacrifices we have made, and the many good men and women lost, and have decided to give us the bounty of children that our families might continue to thrive despite those losses.
Now, should there suddenly start being multiple births of triplets, we may need to check for something in the tea.
To be fair, it does run in the Saik family. My youngest siblings were born twins, as well. And perhaps the gods see the many sacrifices we have made, and the many good men and women lost, and have decided to give us the bounty of children that our families might continue to thrive despite those losses.
Now, should there suddenly start being multiple births of triplets, we may need to check for something in the tea.
Written By Calaudrin
May 22, 2018, 9:41 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I'm not a father but I think would have a difficult time choosing between the options of "Dead and free" or "enslaved and alive" for my children, for myself even. I think these are important perspectives to view.
Written By Preston
May 22, 2018, 9:37 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
A choice to die free to to die a slave I would say is a choice, a meaningful choice, even if we dislike the outcomes. However, it often takes you making many other choices to reach those points - but it is correct that people should be offered always a chance to seek a better path as far as we can. Still, we cannot fully dictate what choices we will be offered, nor can we decide what consequences we will face, what other choices others will have to make in response to that.
Written By Preston
May 22, 2018, 9:30 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Ah, I thought you meant conformity as in conformity with the Faith, conformity of worship. Now I understand your meaning. Still, I do not think I have argued for a bland acceptance of the world as it is or that following the crowd being a virtue either. So I am unsure of the point.
Written By Calaudrin
May 22, 2018, 8:36 a.m.(10/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I'll admit that I haven't searched the archives for every entry between yourself and Shard. That said, I think the point being made is that some choices are not choices at all but the will of another being forced on you. And that for a great many Abandoned tribes, this is their view of the Compact.
There's been centuries of conflict, that we are where we are isn't surprising. And that someone would take advantage of those fissures isn't either.
I was there with Shard when she met that family in the Gray Forest. We saw other dark things along the way. But this was the worst without a doubt. It's the kind of thing that creeps on you throughout the day, constantly reminding you of its profound horror.
They were told they had choices too, but the loss of everything, one way or another isn't a choice.
I think I really went off the point I was trying to make. This is why I don't write long shit like this in the whites.
There's been centuries of conflict, that we are where we are isn't surprising. And that someone would take advantage of those fissures isn't either.
I was there with Shard when she met that family in the Gray Forest. We saw other dark things along the way. But this was the worst without a doubt. It's the kind of thing that creeps on you throughout the day, constantly reminding you of its profound horror.
They were told they had choices too, but the loss of everything, one way or another isn't a choice.
I think I really went off the point I was trying to make. This is why I don't write long shit like this in the whites.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.