Written By Anisha
Sept. 8, 2020, 1:53 a.m.(12/25/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Svana
Mistress Svana caught my eye a long time ago - I purchased a woolen dress that spoke to me, with a matching cloak and a belt pouch. I spoke to her, said I might call upon her to make me something similar, though in richer fabric.
Artshall Velvet is a very rich fabric, and Mistress Svana has expanded upon her work. To wear that garb thrilled me beyond belief, and I quite enjoy all the little touches and trinkets that come my way. Her husband, Master Asher, made a diadem I was quite enamoured with. I received that, too, the other day.
There are so many talents in this town. Mistress Ephrath has been another favourite. Mistress Caprice, Mistress Nina. I know I am missing names, and I shall endeavour to visit all the stores, and find something suitable for me in all of them.
I might just be wearing one of Mistress Svana's scents when I do so.
Written By Anisha
July 26, 2020, 12:46 p.m.(9/22/1013 AR)
I do need to still follow up on some of it, mind.
I think I shall keep setting aside time. To be available, accessible, and to provide a soft touch.
Written By Anisha
July 7, 2020, 2:16 a.m.(8/11/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Samira
I found myself recently at the Shrine to the Queen of Endings, witnessing the tapestries there. I was in the company of one Samira Culler - she was showing me her piece.
Master Apollo had been quite insistent that I meet with Messere Samira, so I was glad to get the opportunity. Glad to get the chance to see her works, as well.
They were all quite lovely, the tapestries. Works of art. Important.
But then I beheld messere Samira's work. My breath slipped away. For a second I was weak in the knees.
Hers is a tapestry depicting the Lowers of Arx. A myriad of lives and fates, moving along. And you can get lost. It is so intricate and detailed, every piece as important as the rest, all telling a cacophony of stories that somehow rises to a singular voice.
Art is important. And an artist like Messere Samira Culler shows us why.
Written By Anisha
June 30, 2020, 8:23 p.m.(7/26/1013 AR)
I visited Princess Alarissa Thrax's language night on Lady Monique Greenmarch's arm. After all, while I don't know a great many languages, I am a very expressive person with my eyes and face and body, and I was sure I could make do if needed.
I ended up at the Shav'arvani dialect table, where Lady Monique took charge, meeting old friends and new, alike.
Alas, as the Shav'arvani dialects were not terribly well known, Lady Monique and Elder Mirk Halfshav took upon themselves to teach us the very basics of the various dialects. They chose a single word, a very expressive one, so that we might witness the changes in the dialects, compare to the Arvani term, and start a thrilling journey on learning the basics of these tongues.
Or maybe that was just me. I am suspecting Lady Monique may also have had some pranksterous ideas in mind.
I'm glad our table ended up conversing in Arvani as well - however expressive I may be, words make it easier.
And thankfully, Lady Monique decreed my new responsibility in Arvani as well.
I am to arrange the Tournament of Thorns this year.
But Lady Monique has promised to act as one of my judges, at least.
(Oh, and fret not, it's a ways off yet - you will know when the time comes).
Written By Anisha
June 26, 2020, 12:46 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Now to figure out a good set of truths and lies to present at their birthday.
Preparation is everything.
Written By Anisha
June 8, 2020, 1:16 a.m.(6/9/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Swift
I spoke to her on a few occasions - she was vivacious, self-confident, and beautiful. She showed off an impressive tattoo which she got while drunk. She went on adventures.
We spent time together on the journey to Sungreet. We spent time together aboard the Eurusi ship. When the assassins struck, Swift moved as you'd expect from her name.
She paid for that.
They call us heroes for the work we did, for Lady Monique turning the Crown Prince and the work the rest of us - including Swift - did to convince and shift the crew before Crown Prince Damik'uhl'daja declared his defection.
I am thankful for that. But Sungreet brought us so, so many heroes.
And Swift Grayhope, though she's an example to us all, is just one of many, many dead after that battle.
I'll be lighting candles. In the Shrine of the Queen and Mother, that she may welcome them to her bosom, and send them along.
In the shrine of Gloria, in thanks for letting courage and honour be with our troops on the day, and hope for it every day since. In memory of the Swift action that saved the Crown Prince's life.
And then I expect, I will walk as my feet lead me, to each of the other shrines - to light candles there, and pray for the virtues of the gods that instill us, and the principles that we fight for.
Thank you Swift Grayhope.
May you rejoin us in due time.
Written By Anisha
May 26, 2020, 1:15 a.m.(5/11/1013 AR)
I am thankful that Legate Cassandra is able to offer wisdom about the purpose of challenges, and the expected protocol in the aftermath of one being issued.
For any further confusion on the matter of courtly etiquette and city culture, I shall remind the peerage that Whisper House is more than happy to offer tutors and lessons to both children and adults.
Written By Anisha
May 10, 2020, 10:01 a.m.(4/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
It stunned me. Here she was, the famed Princess in Pink. Ribbons. Hero of The Silent War, of the Gyre War, and the Battle at the Lodge. General of the Grayson Armies.
Really, there are books written about her, you don't need me spending pages upon pages of parchment listing her accomplishments.
The point is I was stunned. The point is, I had to stop myself from shouting yes. I took a few days, asked around a bit. Everyone seemed to think it was an excellent idea.
Reader, they were right.
I accepted Princess Reese as my patron, and I have not regretted it for a moment. She has always been supportive and kind. We sent each other little attentions - she'd find something in a store that made her think of me, and I would do so in turn. She'd introduce me to so many people. And we both got to look glamorous together, on each other's arms.
She guided me from being a simple Whisper arriving in Arx, until I had the pleasure of accepting the title of Softest from my Radiant.
She is, and forever will be, my Princess. And I hope she will forever think of me fondly as her Whisper.
The astute among the city know she is no longer my patron. It was not an easy choice, nor should it be.
But Princess Reese and Emissary Jadara met, and sat down, and I believe the three of us are in accord.
Princess Reese is a brilliant star in the sky of the Compact. And no-one can take from her the time we spent together. She is a fine patron, and I will never stop singing her praises.
But as the Compact and Arx opens themselves up to the greater stage of the world, as we deal with foreign nations more directly, well.
I need someone to prepare me for that.
My Princess was and is perfect, and I cherish her and her friendship. And I am thrilled that we continue to have a close bond.
And I am so, so very blessed to have her support in looking outwards. In learning from Emissary Jadara.
In striving to be the best I can be. As Anisha. As Whisper. As Softest.
Thank you, my Princess.
May the Thirteen always smile upon you and your labours, and may they each grant you their blessings in turn.
Written By Anisha
April 11, 2020, 7:41 a.m.(2/5/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
It was a truly exceptional experience. Princess Sorrel and the Bard's College performed in amazing fashion. There will be talk for years about it.
And then the news to wake up to.
The life of Princess Arianna Pravus was exceptional and unique and I will miss her dearly.
Written By Anisha
April 8, 2020, 11:37 a.m.(1/27/1013 AR)
Written By Anisha
April 3, 2020, 7:26 a.m.(1/17/1013 AR)
Yes, I'm refering to them solely as Leolan Lodges in honour of Dame Leola, scholar.
At any rate, the work was a challenge, but I enjoyed it.
Now to wait for the muse to helpfully strike so I can finish my other works...
Written By Anisha
March 23, 2020, 2:15 a.m.(12/22/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
But I heard of her more than once. And, it would seem, now I have put off meeting this woman once too many times, and lost my chance.
Still, the outpouring of grief and love in the Whites paints a very lovely and flattering image. Almost so I feel that I could know her.
May the Queen send her quickly onto the Wheel, and the Mother welcome her back to us soon.
Written By Anisha
March 22, 2020, 3:16 a.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
My deepest thanks to Lady Monique for her devoted work and efforts in making this happen, as well as my respect of her display as the Queen of Thorns.
Likewise, I wish to extend my thanks to Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax, Princess Sabella Grayson, Prince Sebastian Pravus, Archlector Etienne Telmar, Marquis Dante DiFidante, and Mistress Swift Grayhope as my fellow commitee members and Royalty of Thorns. It has been an exquisite pleasure to act as your Neodymium, and I hope I get to repeat the trick in a year.
It would go amiss not to thank the stunning competitors - there may only have been one formal winner, but I have been consistently impressed with the talent and creativity of our contestants, and I have numerous tales to show for my challenge, which drives me to want to repeat it. If you did give me a tale, I may reach out to you in the coming days, to gain permission to publish (and, potentially, alter for better reading consumption), as well as inquire a bit about your choices.
It has been a busy few weeks, and I am only sorry I was not able to meet more folk to share with me their little truths. This thorn has pricked her last drop... For now.
Written By Anisha
Feb. 27, 2020, 8:14 a.m.(11/1/1012 AR)
My thanks to all who chose to attend, and all who chose to engage. May the Thirteenth challenge your path.
Written By Anisha
Feb. 16, 2020, 7:06 p.m.(10.269164599867725/9.073217592592592/1012.7724303833223 AR)
The Thorn of Neodymium shall await worthy victors.
May your path not have too many pricks in your future.
Written By Anisha
Feb. 9, 2020, 4:17 p.m.(9.657526041666667/23.821458333333332/1012.7214605034723 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
I shouldn't be surprised, really. Dame Leola Allenatore, Paladin of Groves, Daughter of the Woods, Rider of Whale and Porpoise...
Really, I could go on for hours listing her accomplishments, and still have a ways to go.
Since coming to Arx, we've shared a bond, I'm proud to say. My love for the gods is deep, and working with the Dame was pleasing to me. And it culminated in this. Months of trips, speaking to varied folk. Convincing lieges to allow the use of their land. Watching the construction, hearing the word "Leolan Lodge".
Hearing the speculations.
Dame Leola Allenatore has become immortal, in a way. Her legend and touch on the compact will echo for generations. And all the people who aided her, whose lives she touched and touched her in turn, have my gratitude.
Now I need to start working on a design for a memorial statue commemorating the project.
Written By Anisha
Feb. 1, 2020, 8:12 a.m.(9.062344990079366/4.491319444444445/1012.6718620825067 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Her appointment comes alongside the declaration that House Grayson is rallying the banners. That, of course, is less fortunate. The Compact has known peace for scant time, and I've seen whites expressing worries in various directions.
I say that when the weapons are drawn, my mission has failed. But sometimes, weapons must be drawn to protect that which we care for. I have faith. Faith in the Compact, faith in the people who are drawing arms to protect us. Faith in my Princess.
She will draw on the virtues of Gloria and she will staunchly defend our values, and she will stand shoulder to shoulder with so, so many others willing to do the same.
And I am thankful.
And I will do my best to remind people why they fight.
That is the least I can do.
Written By Anisha
Jan. 24, 2020, 12:13 a.m.(8.467693039021164/20.190810185185185/1012.6223077532518 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
I wrote about a dramatic fight in the Training Center before. A spar, willingly entered into by both parties. A remarkable feat of endurance by a woman chosing to test herself against one of the finest Arx has to offer in the field of martial combat.
Sir Jeffeth Bayweather is an intriguing figure, coming from humble origins, raised in the Tragedy, he has devoted his life to the Knights of Solace. Indeed, the two are fairly synonymous in Arx these days.
So I will say this: Sir Jeffeth Bayweather respects people. When they come at him, he gives them exactly what they ask for. He was the winner of the bout, and he worked for it - taking cuts and providing a worthy opponent for Messere Qadira. And when the battle was ended, he showed concern and care for her, same as any other. It was clear to me that this was a match between two warriors, testing themselves, and if I have given any impression to the contrary, I am deeply sorry.
Gloria would have looked upon the clash between Sir Jeffeth Bayweather and Qadira Thorne with pride, and they are both the better for having had it.
Written By Anisha
Jan. 23, 2020, 6:28 a.m.(8.414916087962963/17.235300925925927/1012.6179096739969 AR)
I don't know that I can answer Blessed Roran's inquiry in the Whites. But I have answered, as best I am able.
It is rare for me to see my thoughts put down in the Whites these days. It is, perhaps, time for me to make a choice about changing that, at least.
Written By Anisha
Jan. 23, 2020, 6:11 a.m.(8.414044312169313/17.18648148148148/1012.6178370260141 AR)
Relationship Note on Qadira
She lost-
But not before standing against him longer than I thought possible. Not before scoring marks against Sir Jeffeth, multiple. Telling.
I spoke with Lady Lenne and met Fidget, which apparently follows Sir Jeffeth around, now.Watching the battle in rapt fascination. She went down, several times. Was bloodied as he was and more. But she kept coming back up for more.
Sir Jeffeth lifted her over his head and it looked like, for a moment, that he'd driven her straight through the ground and into the depths below.
She lived, and that was how we met. We took her home, so Lady Lenne might look after her.
Mirari Corsetina might still owe her a drink.
I admit a passionate admiration. It's not about whether we fall.
It's about getting up again.
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