Written By Octavia
Dec. 29, 2019, 4:23 p.m.(6/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I see you are winning friends with the truth again, dear brother. People don't like to be reminded of the crimes of the dead.
Alrec killed half of his crew when he swore to Pravus, and even though the compact has brushed it aside, I doubt that the Sentinel will.
Alrec killed half of his crew when he swore to Pravus, and even though the compact has brushed it aside, I doubt that the Sentinel will.
Written By Preston
Dec. 27, 2019, 7:54 a.m.(6/14/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Prince Niklas writes something on the memory of Admiral Alrec - and others find it impolite. Perhaps it is, but he is dead - lies do not change that, nor change the man he was, or what he did.
He is not someone I knew by more than reputation, and that alone was sufficient. Perhaps there is some greater truth hidden that makes what Niklas wrote incorrect, but I would suggest the onus is on those that know it to step forward. As it was, what the Prince wrote accords with the known stories of the man. And sadly, tell the tale of someone who placed too low a value on their honour. The silver you gain for your honour will tarnish, it will flow through your fingers like wine from bottle to cup. And in the end, all we are will be memories held in others, stories going forward, our soul returned to the Wheel. Our honour will last far longer than coins, and the stains and tarnishes cannot simply be polished away.
He is not someone I knew by more than reputation, and that alone was sufficient. Perhaps there is some greater truth hidden that makes what Niklas wrote incorrect, but I would suggest the onus is on those that know it to step forward. As it was, what the Prince wrote accords with the known stories of the man. And sadly, tell the tale of someone who placed too low a value on their honour. The silver you gain for your honour will tarnish, it will flow through your fingers like wine from bottle to cup. And in the end, all we are will be memories held in others, stories going forward, our soul returned to the Wheel. Our honour will last far longer than coins, and the stains and tarnishes cannot simply be polished away.
Written By Juliette
Dec. 26, 2019, 5:13 p.m.(6/13/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I would think a renowned playwright would be a better storyteller. It does eliminate some fear of missing out due never having seen one of his shows, reading his painted narrative, at least.
Written By Belladonna
Dec. 26, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(6/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I see that to honor Alrec Magaldi your highness has decided to post an ignoble little jab at the dead man.
Alas, no one has ever accused the Prince of being a classy man.
Alas, no one has ever accused the Prince of being a classy man.
Written By Rysen
Dec. 26, 2019, 10:18 a.m.(6/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
When my time comes, please do not allow Prince Niklas Grayson to write my obituary or speak at my funeral, should any be held.
Written By Saoirse
Nov. 3, 2019, 3:13 p.m.(2/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
What a riot you are.
Written By Teagan
Oct. 4, 2019, 7:45 a.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I worry for the day when our leaders in the Faith cannot admit to their own failings as men and women. They guide us. They are not gods themselves.
Written By Teagan
Oct. 4, 2019, 7:45 a.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I worry for the day when our leaders in the Faith cannot admit to their own failings as men and women. They guide us. They are not gods themselves.
Written By Rysen
Sept. 10, 2019, 12:19 p.m.(10/22/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I spent a significant part of my life training for maintaining diplomatic relations with the Shav'arvani in Northlands, which often involves fighting - not necessarily because negotiations failed (though that did sometimes occur), but because in the north, the struggle for survival is an unshrouded daily reality. That reality shapes the values of the people who live there, and many a chieftain or matriarch will not even speak to a diplomat from the Compact unless they can prove that they are strong and hardy, blessed by Petrichor and the spirits, and the quickest method they have to determine such fitness is through ritual combat.
In seeking to continue my studies in the arts of diplomacy, I was honored to accept an invitation to learn from Prince Niklas Grayson, where I was exposed to a whole different manner of diplomacy, which has opened my eyes to methods which I have seen firsthand to be exceedingly effective. Prince Niklas is a gifted speaker on any subject, but his method of teaching is entertaining as well as enlightening. He asked me questions, dilated on my responses, provided examples and seasoned the lessons with humorous digressions, which, in the end, proved further illustrations of his points and principles.
I also had the privilege of accompanying the prince on a diplomatic meeting he had been asked to join, involving representatives of Houses Twinstone and Wolfhall and a dispute over some stone that had been quarried and transported, and the price to be paid for it. Prince Niklas listened to both representatives and lauded both Houses for their contributions to the Crownlands. He then gave a hilarious account of an intractable baron whose greed had prevented him from coming to terms with his allies, and whom he had made the principle character in a satiric play he had written that had been recently performed in Arx. We had all seen the play, and laughed together at coming to know the inspiration for that truly unfortunate character. Prince Niklas went on to say that this poor Baron was now so reviled in polite society, that even the commoners in Arx will not acknowledge him, and, that his daughter, for lack of a better option, had married a profligate merchant. Perceiving the prince's aim, I added that I had last seen this merchant in the Golden Hart, gambling away the last of the poor baron's wealth in the most dissipated and shameful manner. Happily, the diplomats of House Twinstone and House Wolfhall decided to accept Prince Niklas's mediation, and offered him several personages who might be a good fit for the villain of his next play.
I learned a great deal from Prince Niklas, and am most grateful for his lessons. When we parted ways, he even gifted me a copy of the classic guide to diplomacy, _In Defense of Lying_, the works of Giovinazzo Pravus. I will cherish it.
In seeking to continue my studies in the arts of diplomacy, I was honored to accept an invitation to learn from Prince Niklas Grayson, where I was exposed to a whole different manner of diplomacy, which has opened my eyes to methods which I have seen firsthand to be exceedingly effective. Prince Niklas is a gifted speaker on any subject, but his method of teaching is entertaining as well as enlightening. He asked me questions, dilated on my responses, provided examples and seasoned the lessons with humorous digressions, which, in the end, proved further illustrations of his points and principles.
I also had the privilege of accompanying the prince on a diplomatic meeting he had been asked to join, involving representatives of Houses Twinstone and Wolfhall and a dispute over some stone that had been quarried and transported, and the price to be paid for it. Prince Niklas listened to both representatives and lauded both Houses for their contributions to the Crownlands. He then gave a hilarious account of an intractable baron whose greed had prevented him from coming to terms with his allies, and whom he had made the principle character in a satiric play he had written that had been recently performed in Arx. We had all seen the play, and laughed together at coming to know the inspiration for that truly unfortunate character. Prince Niklas went on to say that this poor Baron was now so reviled in polite society, that even the commoners in Arx will not acknowledge him, and, that his daughter, for lack of a better option, had married a profligate merchant. Perceiving the prince's aim, I added that I had last seen this merchant in the Golden Hart, gambling away the last of the poor baron's wealth in the most dissipated and shameful manner. Happily, the diplomats of House Twinstone and House Wolfhall decided to accept Prince Niklas's mediation, and offered him several personages who might be a good fit for the villain of his next play.
I learned a great deal from Prince Niklas, and am most grateful for his lessons. When we parted ways, he even gifted me a copy of the classic guide to diplomacy, _In Defense of Lying_, the works of Giovinazzo Pravus. I will cherish it.
Written By Cabrera
Aug. 27, 2019, 4:29 a.m.(9/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
You make a fine point that it includes another and so spreads the income made.
But does the reliance on a market's whisperer by some indicate they are living beyond means?
But does the reliance on a market's whisperer by some indicate they are living beyond means?
Written By Sabella
April 7, 2019, 9:30 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Some things stay the same.
Written By Vanora
March 11, 2019, 4:17 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I was glad to see what you wrote in the whites, and how well you understand how hard this will hit parts of the Isles.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Written By Shard
Feb. 16, 2019, 3:22 a.m.(8/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Am I an actual head of state now, then, rather than a mouthy commoner who clearly doesn't know what she's talking about? Fascinating.
They're not an army, they're a company of sellswords. People, usually nobles, hire them to do things, and that puts food on their table. On my table. They're all Compact citizens. And I've been helping to lead them for a number of years in countless battles. I led them at Setarco. I helped command at the Lodge of Petrichor.
I can see where this might be uncomfortable, given recent revelations. I can see where this might be questionable. By all means, let's have this discussion. Is it right, or proper, for me to be leading armed men and women into battle for members of the Compact? Is it right, or proper, for me to keep taking contracts from the nobility in order to carry out your wishes? To continue fighting in your wars as a mercenary? A weapon for hire?
The one thing that has changed, the one thing that is different, is that I've been named Prima of a faraway land most people have never heard of. Does that matter to the Compact, Your Highness? Because if it matters in this particular instance, it has to matter in /all/ instances. If my bloodline is important, then it's important. If I'm royal, then I'm royal. Not a joke. Not something to sneer at. Not someone to talk down to.
I mean this sincerely; I'm very interested in what anyone might have to say on this wrinkle.
They're not an army, they're a company of sellswords. People, usually nobles, hire them to do things, and that puts food on their table. On my table. They're all Compact citizens. And I've been helping to lead them for a number of years in countless battles. I led them at Setarco. I helped command at the Lodge of Petrichor.
I can see where this might be uncomfortable, given recent revelations. I can see where this might be questionable. By all means, let's have this discussion. Is it right, or proper, for me to be leading armed men and women into battle for members of the Compact? Is it right, or proper, for me to keep taking contracts from the nobility in order to carry out your wishes? To continue fighting in your wars as a mercenary? A weapon for hire?
The one thing that has changed, the one thing that is different, is that I've been named Prima of a faraway land most people have never heard of. Does that matter to the Compact, Your Highness? Because if it matters in this particular instance, it has to matter in /all/ instances. If my bloodline is important, then it's important. If I'm royal, then I'm royal. Not a joke. Not something to sneer at. Not someone to talk down to.
I mean this sincerely; I'm very interested in what anyone might have to say on this wrinkle.
Written By Monique
Feb. 7, 2019, 11:36 p.m.(7/13/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
There has been an influx of new works in the Gilded Page, and I couldn't be happier. My gratitude is extended in particular to Prince Niklas Grayson, who has been instrumental in finding books to grace the shelves and give patrons new reading to devour, without being asked and without asking for anything in return. His generosity is inspiring.
Written By Jennyva
Jan. 28, 2019, 9:19 a.m.(6/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Boy, would I! I've been toying with the idea, imagining my own personal menagerie following me around Arx. Sounds wonderful!
Written By Bliss
Jan. 17, 2019, 5:07 p.m.(5/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Your Highness,
I feel it worth pointing out that I was writing about the bloodshed and catastrophe in trying to resolve this mess with the Scholars and how people are self-righteously beating their chests and saying that it doesn't matter what the consequences were or how things look from the outside, they most certainly did the right thing, and everyone who is offering criticism after the fact doesn't matter because they know what they did was right. There is a wealth of arrogance and lack of contrition on display that would be nearly impressive to behold - were my eyes not aching so much from rolling that I was nearly blinded. I find myself furious and wishing that things had been handled in a different way, but unsurprised given many of the personalities who are involved.
The fact that I can literally replace the word "Scholars" with "Great Road" and leave everything else unchanged in that last paragraph is immaterial, though, perhaps, it helps encapsulate the reason why I am still upset about that as well. That one, at least, I am working to do things about.
You do seem to have rather a chip on your shoulder and have taken personal offense to things, though, or else you wouldn't have written what you did. The messengers know where to find me if you wish to write.
I feel it worth pointing out that I was writing about the bloodshed and catastrophe in trying to resolve this mess with the Scholars and how people are self-righteously beating their chests and saying that it doesn't matter what the consequences were or how things look from the outside, they most certainly did the right thing, and everyone who is offering criticism after the fact doesn't matter because they know what they did was right. There is a wealth of arrogance and lack of contrition on display that would be nearly impressive to behold - were my eyes not aching so much from rolling that I was nearly blinded. I find myself furious and wishing that things had been handled in a different way, but unsurprised given many of the personalities who are involved.
The fact that I can literally replace the word "Scholars" with "Great Road" and leave everything else unchanged in that last paragraph is immaterial, though, perhaps, it helps encapsulate the reason why I am still upset about that as well. That one, at least, I am working to do things about.
You do seem to have rather a chip on your shoulder and have taken personal offense to things, though, or else you wouldn't have written what you did. The messengers know where to find me if you wish to write.
Written By Miranda
Dec. 13, 2018, 10:40 a.m.(3/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Apparently, I'm not the only one out there with an aide who thinks they have a right to boss me about or to decide what they should or should not do.
Perhaps, I should pen a thorough list of the requirements of the job for which Brenlin must attend to, as well as, what he should not.
For instance:
1. You are allowed to think what you like, just don't say it.
2. No facial commentary that indicates what you are thinking... I mean, that. No eye rolling, snorting, and so forth when you disapprove of my shenanigans!
3. Under absolutely no conditions should I have to -tell- you to take my cloak. Just take the bloody thing.
4. And do not tell me I must eat my meat first when that pastry is so much better for my morale!
Please, feel free to add to this list..
Perhaps, I should pen a thorough list of the requirements of the job for which Brenlin must attend to, as well as, what he should not.
For instance:
1. You are allowed to think what you like, just don't say it.
2. No facial commentary that indicates what you are thinking... I mean, that. No eye rolling, snorting, and so forth when you disapprove of my shenanigans!
3. Under absolutely no conditions should I have to -tell- you to take my cloak. Just take the bloody thing.
4. And do not tell me I must eat my meat first when that pastry is so much better for my morale!
Please, feel free to add to this list..
Written By Sabella
Nov. 29, 2018, 4:04 p.m.(2/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
It has been a year since the impossible dream was realized and I was married to the most brilliant man in the Compact! There are days when things pass by like a blissful dream and I wonder how I was so lucky as to meet him after our chance dance at the opera masquerade. I have never shared a connection so deep with anyone. I remember the days before we had the union blessed when seeing him from across a room would make my heart race and I lived for receiving his exquisite messages, sent all throughout the day and night. His written words woo'd me as surely as his smiles did, and had anyone told my younger self that I'd fall for a Thraxian playwright Lord I would have laughed aloud and dismissed the idea as idle fancy. Yet, here we are with a baby on the hip and another on the way and I've never been happier in my entire life!
And it isn't a dream and I still live for his smiles and his letters and his words.
Happy first anniversary, my love! To many more dreamy years to come!
And it isn't a dream and I still live for his smiles and his letters and his words.
Happy first anniversary, my love! To many more dreamy years to come!
Written By Octavia
Nov. 13, 2018, 8:48 p.m.(12/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
It would be /you/ who remembered our mother's cooking most of all, wouldn't it?
Written By Sabella
Nov. 4, 2018, 1:47 p.m.(12/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
We have not had as much time to ourselves as we thought we might, despite Elizabetta and Lily taking the Lion's share of baby duty, but I am so grateful to have you as my partner in this new great adventure. I watched you last night as you walked about the room telling her amazing stories using words she couldn't possibly understand yet, but you still softened the danger and twisted the end to be something happy instead of sad as if she could follow along. Your tone was so soft, every look, movement, and word so full of love and devotion for the small bundle you held in your arms. I know I was supposed to be tending to my own affairs, granted a sort reprieve from feeding and bouncing and entertaining, but I was so captivated by how astonished and amazed you seemed to be with every little thing she did. How proud you were when she fell asleep in your arms by the window. And I laughed at how quickly you then fell asleep in your seat still cradling her, your cheek to her forehead. I wish that I could paint it was such a sweet scene.
I think I can no longer say that you will be a great father. You ARE a great father.
I think I can no longer say that you will be a great father. You ARE a great father.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.