Written By Belladonna
Feb. 26, 2020, 7:54 a.m.(10/27/1012 AR)
I am happy to see all the former hostages of Skal'daja finding new life in Setara, and the fields that are now theirs to work and earn their silver from are plenty and rich. In Setarco City we have found some are even highly skilled artisans and performers, and their foreign ways are rapidly becoming popular and being absorbed by our own people. In no time we will be them, and they will be us.
The Setaran people have long been my pride and joy, my one true love, and our greatest treasure. Now we are better for harboring those who share our love for freedom and tenacity to resist even the darkest punishments. As our future unfolds, I know we will remain strong, for our foundation is unshakeable.
The Setaran people have long been my pride and joy, my one true love, and our greatest treasure. Now we are better for harboring those who share our love for freedom and tenacity to resist even the darkest punishments. As our future unfolds, I know we will remain strong, for our foundation is unshakeable.
Written By Belladonna
Feb. 26, 2020, 7:45 a.m.(10/27/1012 AR)
Just as it is in the fields, the ashes of what is old pave the way to better things. Death sustains new life. The Setaran people have always been good at feeding from their own past, and leaving the carcass behind. It is time to do so again. The past is dead. It will not be missed.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 5, 2020, 10:07 p.m.(7/5/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Camilla
Welcome back, my cousin. I already feel more energized by your presence among us.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 3, 2020, 5:27 a.m.(6/28/1012 AR)
And so it begins.
The conquest of Isla Visonis was all too easy, giving credence to the old adage of lucky are those who although they may not have riches have many friends. Friends are, after all, the most precious thing.
As we begin establishing Pieros, the Saffron Chains are put on notice that the Compact is coming, and with it the light of the Faith and our touch of Setarcan fire. I take this day to reminisce on my father, after who I name our first great conquest, and thank the people of our isles that have taken up arms to fight in other shores in the name of House Pravus, in the name of freedom and in the name of the gods.
Although my father is not alive to witness the deeds of his people, but I must believe that he would be pleased to see the Houses of the Lycene sea charging into the dark of night to usher a new life of love and song for those who know nothing of it. For now, we are victorious and overwhelmingly so, but our true test does not lie in the shores of the Chains, but in the heartland, where barbarism and evil have taken hold.
The people of the Saffron Chains will be free, and their lives will be touched by the gods. This I swear.
The conquest of Isla Visonis was all too easy, giving credence to the old adage of lucky are those who although they may not have riches have many friends. Friends are, after all, the most precious thing.
As we begin establishing Pieros, the Saffron Chains are put on notice that the Compact is coming, and with it the light of the Faith and our touch of Setarcan fire. I take this day to reminisce on my father, after who I name our first great conquest, and thank the people of our isles that have taken up arms to fight in other shores in the name of House Pravus, in the name of freedom and in the name of the gods.
Although my father is not alive to witness the deeds of his people, but I must believe that he would be pleased to see the Houses of the Lycene sea charging into the dark of night to usher a new life of love and song for those who know nothing of it. For now, we are victorious and overwhelmingly so, but our true test does not lie in the shores of the Chains, but in the heartland, where barbarism and evil have taken hold.
The people of the Saffron Chains will be free, and their lives will be touched by the gods. This I swear.
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 Belladonna
Dec. 22, 2019, 9:47 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)
The trip to the Northlands was lovely. If I could, I would never return.
Written By Belladonna
Nov. 24, 2019, 2:42 p.m.(4/4/1012 AR)
Goodbye, winter!
You shall not be missed!
You shall not be missed!
Written By Belladonna
Nov. 9, 2019, 4:14 a.m.(3/1/1012 AR)
Some people write about how others should free slaves.
Others simply free slaves.
Quite the difference.
Others simply free slaves.
Quite the difference.
Written By Belladonna
Nov. 1, 2019, 11:18 a.m.(2/14/1012 AR)
The day after the Eclipse of Mirrors is just delightful. Hangover, aching limbs, sore feet, dresses that need restitching, all the hallmarks of a fabulous night.
On the flip side, I can see some people wasted their Blood Moon bothering the scholars with more self-righteous cloutchasing. I do love when someone commits to the gimmick.
I guess this all but settles it: we need a Cardian embassy if only so these people can spend the whole day in front of it, protesting.
On the flip side, I can see some people wasted their Blood Moon bothering the scholars with more self-righteous cloutchasing. I do love when someone commits to the gimmick.
I guess this all but settles it: we need a Cardian embassy if only so these people can spend the whole day in front of it, protesting.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 31, 2019, 9:49 a.m.(2/12/1012 AR)
A few weeks back I accused the Compact of not producing thrilling drama. I am here to apologize. This last fight against the concept of slavery through fashion embargos has been one of the most entertaining ones yet.
A race to the bottom if I have ever seen one. There is something about the fantasy of it all that is just delicious in how lacking in self-awareness it is.
Instead of pretending like your island is this booming economy that drains the city market of Cardian wares, or that banning Thraxians from your shop is some bold move, you should realize you are fighting cloth. Pat yourselves on the back, raise a glass to your self-righteousness and further alienate your Peers with all this hilarious finger-wagging.
If you actually cared about anything other than garnering attention, and wanted actual changes to happen, you would be diplomatic and respectful, for only together we can do anything of note. Alas, the self-righteous seldom are.
I must say, however, that the ruse has worked. We have heard of your names now. So bravo. Sold morality for public notoriety and it was far cheaper than what I usually pay for my Cardian steelsilk.
A race to the bottom if I have ever seen one. There is something about the fantasy of it all that is just delicious in how lacking in self-awareness it is.
Instead of pretending like your island is this booming economy that drains the city market of Cardian wares, or that banning Thraxians from your shop is some bold move, you should realize you are fighting cloth. Pat yourselves on the back, raise a glass to your self-righteousness and further alienate your Peers with all this hilarious finger-wagging.
If you actually cared about anything other than garnering attention, and wanted actual changes to happen, you would be diplomatic and respectful, for only together we can do anything of note. Alas, the self-righteous seldom are.
I must say, however, that the ruse has worked. We have heard of your names now. So bravo. Sold morality for public notoriety and it was far cheaper than what I usually pay for my Cardian steelsilk.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 17, 2019, 11:21 a.m.(1/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Well put. Your thoughts were quite enjoyable to read and think of. Thank you for taking the time to write them. Although I will never fully appreciate snow and winters, I respect one's love for their homeland greatly.
On a more humorous note, not meant to offend any Northerners:
You do make winter sound like my late mother. That is much appreciated, despite not being the intention of your journal.
On a more humorous note, not meant to offend any Northerners:
You do make winter sound like my late mother. That is much appreciated, despite not being the intention of your journal.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 17, 2019, 11:18 a.m.(1/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
I stand before my Peers to apologize for my scorching, hurtful remarks on snow and winter. I was insensitive and careless, unable to comprehend the enduring values represented by such elements that, somehow, seem to represent all Northerners in Princess Marian Redrain's eyes.
In the future I will be more considerate in making colorful jokes about the worst season of the year and in this moment of great personal shame, I can only hope that one day I may yet see the saddest of seasons as something more than an excuse to have Clearlake marmots slain to make beautiful cloaks.
I will do better.
In the future I will be more considerate in making colorful jokes about the worst season of the year and in this moment of great personal shame, I can only hope that one day I may yet see the saddest of seasons as something more than an excuse to have Clearlake marmots slain to make beautiful cloaks.
I will do better.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 16, 2019, 1:06 p.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
To all those who love winter, let me ask: what is wrong with you? Be gone, snow! Your sordid touch is unwelcome and your miasma of sadness anathema to all that is good.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:51 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Well, if nobody will say it, I suppose I shall.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 4, 2019, 11:07 a.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
Is this really what passes for drama these days? Things have surely gotten dull. Peace does breed weak people.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 28, 2019, 8:08 p.m.(12/3/1011 AR)
The Tragedies of Carmella recount the last days of a merchant-princess of Setarco, and how one can gain so much and lose it all by being true to their nature. As a play it is beautiful and moving, the sets and coreography humbling even the most jaded, but the warning about the pitfalls of success ring hollow to some.
To these few there is only the chase.
The chase is what gets them out of bed in the morning, and keeps them moving well beyond when all others are tired and must rest their aching legs. The pursuit is all there is, like a hunger that never stops, something that crawls up the throat and chokes, until one day the old wolf gets too close to prey that is stronger and faster.
The wolf chases because he must, and he chases forever, because he knows in his bones that this is what he must do. A creature with clarity of purpose and devoid of all chatter, living by its own code, and ultimately undone by it. There is no shame in the life of a wolf, only purity.
I tried, especially in my childhood, to see Carmella as a tragic figure, dousing herself in oil and leaving this life in a screaming pile of charred flesh and bones, not a single coin to her name. I do not think I am able to, and the realization is unsettling, somehow.
Carmella did not choose her path, but she was wise enough to find it by being true to herself, and in the end her requiem took the only form it could: absolute purity.
That is all to say, I have enjoyed the latest installment of the Tragedies from my most recent visit to Setarco. I would rate it far above average, and a great victory for the company involved in its production.
To these few there is only the chase.
The chase is what gets them out of bed in the morning, and keeps them moving well beyond when all others are tired and must rest their aching legs. The pursuit is all there is, like a hunger that never stops, something that crawls up the throat and chokes, until one day the old wolf gets too close to prey that is stronger and faster.
The wolf chases because he must, and he chases forever, because he knows in his bones that this is what he must do. A creature with clarity of purpose and devoid of all chatter, living by its own code, and ultimately undone by it. There is no shame in the life of a wolf, only purity.
I tried, especially in my childhood, to see Carmella as a tragic figure, dousing herself in oil and leaving this life in a screaming pile of charred flesh and bones, not a single coin to her name. I do not think I am able to, and the realization is unsettling, somehow.
Carmella did not choose her path, but she was wise enough to find it by being true to herself, and in the end her requiem took the only form it could: absolute purity.
That is all to say, I have enjoyed the latest installment of the Tragedies from my most recent visit to Setarco. I would rate it far above average, and a great victory for the company involved in its production.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 15, 2019, 10:54 p.m.(11/5/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lycoris
My condolences, Marquessa Lycoris. Although the pain never quite fades, I am sure House Hawkmour will keep thriving, and continue to grow under your leadership, now needed more than ever. Remember you are not alone.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 1, 2019, 3:45 p.m.(10/4/1011 AR)
I shared an evening with my family this week, and I am still collecting my thoughts on the experience. All the silver and titles in the world are worthless without family. I hope that my efforts to be the duchess they deserve do not blindside me from scheduling these dinners more often! What a perfect evening, and company.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 1, 2019, 3:40 p.m.(10/4/1011 AR)
Rumors of wars urge the inhabitants of Setarco to rally once again, and rally they did. As always, my people have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect their beautiful motherland, and even as new enemies threaten our shores, I have no doubt the result will be the same as it has always been: blood-caked sands, celebrations and victory.
That is the privilege of having a long legacy of fighting against tyrants and foreign would-be conquerors. Setarcans are not all blood and wine, we are defiance as much as deviance, and we will stake our enemies, burn their ships, curse their gods and live to add them to the long list of unnatural fools who thought they could have our Setarco.
If I am wrong, may it be known Duchess Belladonna Pravus brought ruin to her home and people. If I am right, however, I fully expect congratulations from my peers in the form of unpoisoned chocolate truffles.
That is the privilege of having a long legacy of fighting against tyrants and foreign would-be conquerors. Setarcans are not all blood and wine, we are defiance as much as deviance, and we will stake our enemies, burn their ships, curse their gods and live to add them to the long list of unnatural fools who thought they could have our Setarco.
If I am wrong, may it be known Duchess Belladonna Pravus brought ruin to her home and people. If I am right, however, I fully expect congratulations from my peers in the form of unpoisoned chocolate truffles.
Written By Belladonna
June 9, 2019, 11:34 p.m.(4/4/1011 AR)
I saw a ship sink once. It was a terrible thing. Once it was done, so few swam back to the shore. Death in the sea must be slow torture and despair. I wonder why so many yearn for it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.