Written By Appolonia
Feb. 2, 2020, 10:35 p.m.(9.176566633597883/10.887731481481481/1012.6813805527999 AR)
I wonder if fear is more like dirt that will come off in a steady flow, like a garment to be rent and cast asunder, or like a solute in water. I suppose I will find out.
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 22, 2020, 10:21 a.m.(8.355021494708994/13.881203703703704/1012.6129184578924 AR)
I have made four new friends. I wonder if I make eight more I will feel comfortable. Maybe I need to get out more, though, and make more friends. More animated ones.
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 17, 2020, 5:27 a.m.(7/28/1012 AR)
As part of my readings in the ancient whites, I have been able to piece together a speculative version of an old song which was oft referred to by Thraxians, Lycenes, and Ischians of yore, as well as others who were more peregrine in their Arxish habits.
This is not, of course, exactly what they would have sung. Songs are fleeting things and living things as well. But it is, perhaps, something that they would recognize.
And so I give to you, my people, my children - the readers of the white journals now and into the future - a gift. The tale of Sannashee and Gundunhild.
/Sannashee did ride the waves, upon a steed of cherry
The skiff was tight and sail sat high and all her crew were merry
For Sannashee rode round the coast and never oft did tarry
For the crew was she,
As the silver sea
Was her fortune (and what coin? nary)/
/Say Gundunhild, called Sannashee, as her skiff tied up down the launch
Your trade is high and your fortunes ride, and your herds and villeins staunch:
Could you lend a sack of coin or tat or a platter bearing crunch
For I sailed a half,
with the wind abaft,
and it's been two weeks since lunch./
/O Sannashee, said Gundunhild, you're aught but skin and bone
The albatross's tongue lolls out, a-dreaming of a home
Within your cracked and vacant skull, a place to call her own
But kin we are,
And you've travelled far,
So a supper, aye, I'll loan./
/A loan! cried Sannashee in shock as she staggered up the brack
That led to Gundunhild's high hall, blessed by plaster wash and cleac.
Not gift? Not treat? Not benefice? A loan shall ease my lack??
I'll take it, although
I feel you should know,
You may not want it back./
(Scholar's note: cleac, which rhymes with "react," is an archaic term for what is commonly known as "tabby," a concrete derived from oyster shells.)
This is not, of course, exactly what they would have sung. Songs are fleeting things and living things as well. But it is, perhaps, something that they would recognize.
And so I give to you, my people, my children - the readers of the white journals now and into the future - a gift. The tale of Sannashee and Gundunhild.
/Sannashee did ride the waves, upon a steed of cherry
The skiff was tight and sail sat high and all her crew were merry
For Sannashee rode round the coast and never oft did tarry
For the crew was she,
As the silver sea
Was her fortune (and what coin? nary)/
/Say Gundunhild, called Sannashee, as her skiff tied up down the launch
Your trade is high and your fortunes ride, and your herds and villeins staunch:
Could you lend a sack of coin or tat or a platter bearing crunch
For I sailed a half,
with the wind abaft,
and it's been two weeks since lunch./
/O Sannashee, said Gundunhild, you're aught but skin and bone
The albatross's tongue lolls out, a-dreaming of a home
Within your cracked and vacant skull, a place to call her own
But kin we are,
And you've travelled far,
So a supper, aye, I'll loan./
/A loan! cried Sannashee in shock as she staggered up the brack
That led to Gundunhild's high hall, blessed by plaster wash and cleac.
Not gift? Not treat? Not benefice? A loan shall ease my lack??
I'll take it, although
I feel you should know,
You may not want it back./
(Scholar's note: cleac, which rhymes with "react," is an archaic term for what is commonly known as "tabby," a concrete derived from oyster shells.)
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 15, 2020, 1:51 a.m.(7/24/1012 AR)
An ATTEMPTED murder?
Truly?
Genuinely?
Does the queen grant favours for ATTEMPTED jousting?
I am aghast. I walked all the way over here, I am so aghast.
Truly?
Genuinely?
Does the queen grant favours for ATTEMPTED jousting?
I am aghast. I walked all the way over here, I am so aghast.
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 12, 2020, 12:49 a.m.(7/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Yes
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 11, 2020, 11:44 p.m.(7/18/1012 AR)
I have recovered an ancient lay, but more importantly, I wish to report that a cow's nose is heavenly in its softness.
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 4, 2020, 10:11 p.m.(7/3/1012 AR)
I had two people draw suspicion on my offer of a drink today, and at least one of them was alive. Oh, the pain. The pain!
Written By Appolonia
Jan. 3, 2020, 4:12 a.m.(6/27/1012 AR)
I think I will play another game, but this time it will be a game of answers.
Written By Appolonia
Dec. 28, 2019, 4:11 p.m.(6/16/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ringvald
Welcome to Arx!! And congratulations!!
Written By Appolonia
Dec. 27, 2019, 3:52 a.m.(6/13/1012 AR)
Rum is really quite an impressive spirit. I think it's like the wine I've heard rumors of, in old tales (I think? can't remember source right now), where they said if you drink it without blending it with water, it will drive you mad.
Written By Appolonia
Dec. 24, 2019, 6:24 p.m.(6/9/1012 AR)
Things are settling in Arx again, and I feel as though the fog is creeping back round me. The diverting thrill of shopping et al. soon pales, and my thoughts turn back again. I think that I shall never dance again.
But Dio is dear and I may take him up on his plan. It was good too to meet Lady Thea, and to see her steel.
But Dio is dear and I may take him up on his plan. It was good too to meet Lady Thea, and to see her steel.
Written By Appolonia
Dec. 22, 2019, 6:36 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)
My chambers smell of paint. This was a nostalgic thing, a ward against salt and sun, but now I'm getting a headache. It is sufficiently powerful that I have thought 'I should record this for posterity.'
Written By Appolonia
Nov. 29, 2018, 3:22 p.m.(2/1/1010 AR)
I have never been a stranger within the Shrine of the Thirteenth even though I am certain many can claim they've never laid eyes upon me there. I've always been content to play the part of the silent shadow, milling amongst those reflections both dark and bright. Watchful of priest and pilgrim alike. Yet this week's time I've spent within the Shrine has not been something merely for myself, but for my growth as a scholar. I've always known the path I wanted to tread, one often misunderstood but it has led me here.
Looking upon the Silent Reflections is hard even for me. They've lost the ability to do two things I can't imagine living without - to be able to speak and write. And to have lost them by willfully breaking a vow they made only makes it worse. It is a harsh, sobering reminder to see those who could not remain steadfast. My mind wanders to what they may have done to break such trust. What would be worth paying such a price? Did some think they could escape it? What would be great enough to stray me from my path? Hard questions. Important questions.
Yet, I know the answers to them for myself. I've always known who I am, who I want to be, and I walk that path even now. A vow is a vow and it must be kept.
Looking upon the Silent Reflections is hard even for me. They've lost the ability to do two things I can't imagine living without - to be able to speak and write. And to have lost them by willfully breaking a vow they made only makes it worse. It is a harsh, sobering reminder to see those who could not remain steadfast. My mind wanders to what they may have done to break such trust. What would be worth paying such a price? Did some think they could escape it? What would be great enough to stray me from my path? Hard questions. Important questions.
Yet, I know the answers to them for myself. I've always known who I am, who I want to be, and I walk that path even now. A vow is a vow and it must be kept.
Written By Appolonia
Aug. 12, 2018, 3:20 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Princess Katarina and Lady Joslyn put together a little something at the Ambassador that I attended. It was rather interesting to see so many faces, so many minds, in one place for an evening of conversation and more than one interesting game.
It also didn't hurt that I got to spend more time in the company of Lady Delilah Whitehawk who is starting to become one of the few people in the entire city that I truly enjoy running into. She is the possessor of a keen mind and excellent wit so it is hard not to find enjoyment in her company.
I just hope the princess has since recovered from my answer to the question she posed to me.
It also didn't hurt that I got to spend more time in the company of Lady Delilah Whitehawk who is starting to become one of the few people in the entire city that I truly enjoy running into. She is the possessor of a keen mind and excellent wit so it is hard not to find enjoyment in her company.
I just hope the princess has since recovered from my answer to the question she posed to me.
Written By Appolonia
July 24, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
I've met this Sir Ober briefly, so I cannot speak to his entire character but perhaps I have no need to wonder on such from what I am seeing and hearing. As I do know Sir Jeffeth far better and treasure him as my dear friend I am appalled he is being treated in such a fashion during such a difficult time.
If he is in mourning, why not respect the man and give him peace?
Where is your honor?
If he is in mourning, why not respect the man and give him peace?
Where is your honor?
Written By Appolonia
July 13, 2018, 3:36 p.m.(3/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Briar
Spirit Leathers. I stumbled upon this shop by accident - I was freezing, it looked warm - and within I found some of the most beautiful craftsmanship I've seen yet in the city. Of course, I couldn't leave without a little something for myself. /Somethings/ in the form of a beautiful white leather corset and a silk skirt to match.
It is my hope to have many returns to see what else will be on offer.
It is my hope to have many returns to see what else will be on offer.
Written By Appolonia
July 7, 2018, 8:51 p.m.(2/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
I'm flattered that you would name me as one of your favorite scholars to work with, Lord Fredrik.
Written By Appolonia
June 26, 2018, 11:14 p.m.(2/3/1009 AR)
Despite the cold, I decided I would start visiting the Shrines of the Gods so that I may reflect on my arrival here in Arx during what feels to be such a dark time. I decided to start with the Queen of Endings because it felt appropriate since She is also the Mother of Beginnings and this is the next chapter in my life. A beginning here in Arx that may take me many places, allow me to meet many faces, and continue my own research with the Scholars.
While at the Shrine, I met a curious northern lord who does not feel as deep a connection to the Pantheon as I do. A perhaps surprising thing to me but we shared words, insights, and reflected upon some of this. He told me some of his belief in the spirits of his home, which is intriguing for I admit an area of ignorance there and curiosity. He was even kind enough to allow me the use of his cloak as I fear this cold lingers with me even indoors.
During our talks, we were joined by another lord, one I had met briefly at a duel where there was far too much cold and snow for me to linger long after it was done. He entered in the last moments of my talks with the northern lord but lingered after he had left. We spoke some on thoughts of dreams and reincarnation when we were joined by a lovely lady I had never met before. She is searching for her brother and has been having odd dreams of late. I hope that she finds all that she seeks in regards to her lost blood and that perhaps she gains answers to the meanings behind her dreams if there are any to be had.
Despite the bitter cold, I feel fortunate to have met these three individuals, exchange ideas and start to feel even more at home here in this city. Still, it is my cousin I wish to speak with the most and hope that we get that chance very soon in the near future.
While at the Shrine, I met a curious northern lord who does not feel as deep a connection to the Pantheon as I do. A perhaps surprising thing to me but we shared words, insights, and reflected upon some of this. He told me some of his belief in the spirits of his home, which is intriguing for I admit an area of ignorance there and curiosity. He was even kind enough to allow me the use of his cloak as I fear this cold lingers with me even indoors.
During our talks, we were joined by another lord, one I had met briefly at a duel where there was far too much cold and snow for me to linger long after it was done. He entered in the last moments of my talks with the northern lord but lingered after he had left. We spoke some on thoughts of dreams and reincarnation when we were joined by a lovely lady I had never met before. She is searching for her brother and has been having odd dreams of late. I hope that she finds all that she seeks in regards to her lost blood and that perhaps she gains answers to the meanings behind her dreams if there are any to be had.
Despite the bitter cold, I feel fortunate to have met these three individuals, exchange ideas and start to feel even more at home here in this city. Still, it is my cousin I wish to speak with the most and hope that we get that chance very soon in the near future.
Written By Appolonia
June 21, 2018, 9:34 p.m.(1/21/1009 AR)
Today I met a merchant lord, a lady medic, a lord who is exactly what he says he is, a craftswoman, a marquessa, and a knight. All of them were intriguing in their own ways, and a couple of them perhaps the most enjoyable people I have yet to speak with since my arrival in the city. Uncertain if any of them would be willing to play the game of two million questions with me, though.
The knight who is playing the game with me is up to ninety questions asked, but only eighty-nine answered. I do not take umbrage as I wait for his reply as I know he will respond. Sometimes the wait is the best part of the game, after all. The curiosity eating and gnawing at you until the answer arrives. Sometimes this can lead to a fleeting sense of disappointment but most other times it is the opening of a door.
The knight who is playing the game with me is up to ninety questions asked, but only eighty-nine answered. I do not take umbrage as I wait for his reply as I know he will respond. Sometimes the wait is the best part of the game, after all. The curiosity eating and gnawing at you until the answer arrives. Sometimes this can lead to a fleeting sense of disappointment but most other times it is the opening of a door.
Written By Appolonia
June 20, 2018, 9:14 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Today I met with a curious apothecary who focuses upon scents for both men and women. A delightful creature with a keen nose for such things. She is even going to create a scent for me, the 'Lady Apple', as she calls me. And as fortune would have it my cousin also made her way to the shop. It was lovely seeing her after so very long but it was sadly a short visit but that something that I shall remedy in short order.
I have been playing the game of two million questions with this curious Knight and so far he's made quite the good progress having reached seventy-nine questions answered. A long way to go yet, but if he reaches at least two-hundred I shall be impressed. The last person I played this game with only made it to thirty-seven answered before they could stand it no more.
I have been playing the game of two million questions with this curious Knight and so far he's made quite the good progress having reached seventy-nine questions answered. A long way to go yet, but if he reaches at least two-hundred I shall be impressed. The last person I played this game with only made it to thirty-seven answered before they could stand it no more.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.