Written By Larissa
June 24, 2017, 1 a.m.(9/18/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
She called me complicated.
I suppose I can't argue.
I don't like trusting people, I never trust it but I suppose there's something there that comes close enough. She's a fascinating woman, I feel like a child sometimes when I'm with her as I want her to tell her story again and again and again. Perhaps I'll do us both a favor and put it to quill and paper.
I suppose I can't argue.
I don't like trusting people, I never trust it but I suppose there's something there that comes close enough. She's a fascinating woman, I feel like a child sometimes when I'm with her as I want her to tell her story again and again and again. Perhaps I'll do us both a favor and put it to quill and paper.
Written By Larissa
June 24, 2017, 12:33 a.m.(9/18/1006 AR)
The Thrax Duel was very entertaining, albeit short lived. It's a bit surreal at times - these faces I have known since childhood like they might be mine but not mine at all. It's almost like walking in a dream that is part memory and part fantasy and full of ghosts. - For a moment I even thought I saw Donrai and how is it that my blood can still run cold and feel like rot in my veins at the thought of him?
I finally had the chance to offer my congratulations on Duchess Tyde's daughter, it is good to see her thriving and happy.
And as ever it is unnerving to see Prince Dominic in any capacity, it's unfair to him but a habit I cannot break to look for traces of his sister in his face.
I finally had the chance to offer my congratulations on Duchess Tyde's daughter, it is good to see her thriving and happy.
And as ever it is unnerving to see Prince Dominic in any capacity, it's unfair to him but a habit I cannot break to look for traces of his sister in his face.
Written By Larissa
June 23, 2017, 4:02 p.m.(9/17/1006 AR)
On Dueling, Conflict Resolution and Whispers.
We are no strangers to the art of the Duel, and an art it is. There is an entertainment in it, a beauty of strength and the dance of the sword and human body. There is a craftsmanship and passion that our esteemed Champions work towards in mind and body and should be admired and celebrated and is celebrated in the Duels we provide them. For an average insult or slight, or to celebrate in a Rite of Gloria, a duel is a most proper and fitting course of action. We are a people who thrive on entertainment, who enjoy our games whole heartedly and passionately – but what happens when it isn’t a game? When it stops being entertaining and turns into something else? When it is used to stunt and silence? Do we bring honor to Gloria when our hearts our heavy with defeat and bitterness is left in our wake?
It is important, I feel, to make these distinctions – the difference between an average insult or slight, something small, something that has no deep emotional ties and something that goes deeper, that means more and has more of an impact than a duel can respectfully offer resolution to. Simply put there is a difference between true conflict resolution and a duel. However I feel like this is sometimes overlooked out of habit, that more often than not people reach out with the threat of a duel out of lack of better options – and this is where I would like to introduce the presence of Whispers. I think it is assumed that we are here to plan parties and events and while we certainly love doing so – who doesn’t love a good party? – but that is only the very tip of what we offer. We are trained and educated in diplomacy, in mediation and in conflict resolution and I would invite all of you to make use of these tools we offer and that are at your disposal.
In the past month three separate events stand out in my mind. The first, a duel between not only friends, but spouses. This was utterly charming and beautifully entertaining. Two people who held between them a slight insult of one to the other – they turned to the Champions Guild and made it an event to be enjoyed by everyone. I believe they held the spirit and honor of Gloria in their hearts and in turn offered a festive event for the city to enjoy. I find this to be an excellent example of the spirit and art of the duel. The second event is one that weighs heavier on my heart and what inspired me to reach out as I am, a duel between individuals that escalated into something weightier and left very little resolution in it’s wake. In instances such as these, I find very little honor brought to Gloria and the end result is something that only festers further resentment between a people and a Compact that relies heavily on alliance and communication. The third and last event that comes to mind was not a public event, but a private discourse between two conflicting houses on the verge of a cataclysm that had the potential to destroy years of hard wrought alliances. Instead of turning to a duel to resolve their conflict they instead turned to the Whisper House and entreated with a mediator to talk out and find common ground between them and in the end found peace and conflict resolution that fit both parties needs.
There are techniques that Whispers are trained in using to ease discord, and ensure that good and healthy relationships are priority. The Whispers are scions of the entire city. We are ever a neutral party who’s goals and interests and purpose is to ENABLE in all the various forms and opportunities we are given. We are yours and I invite you to make use of us in our full capacity.
We are no strangers to the art of the Duel, and an art it is. There is an entertainment in it, a beauty of strength and the dance of the sword and human body. There is a craftsmanship and passion that our esteemed Champions work towards in mind and body and should be admired and celebrated and is celebrated in the Duels we provide them. For an average insult or slight, or to celebrate in a Rite of Gloria, a duel is a most proper and fitting course of action. We are a people who thrive on entertainment, who enjoy our games whole heartedly and passionately – but what happens when it isn’t a game? When it stops being entertaining and turns into something else? When it is used to stunt and silence? Do we bring honor to Gloria when our hearts our heavy with defeat and bitterness is left in our wake?
It is important, I feel, to make these distinctions – the difference between an average insult or slight, something small, something that has no deep emotional ties and something that goes deeper, that means more and has more of an impact than a duel can respectfully offer resolution to. Simply put there is a difference between true conflict resolution and a duel. However I feel like this is sometimes overlooked out of habit, that more often than not people reach out with the threat of a duel out of lack of better options – and this is where I would like to introduce the presence of Whispers. I think it is assumed that we are here to plan parties and events and while we certainly love doing so – who doesn’t love a good party? – but that is only the very tip of what we offer. We are trained and educated in diplomacy, in mediation and in conflict resolution and I would invite all of you to make use of these tools we offer and that are at your disposal.
In the past month three separate events stand out in my mind. The first, a duel between not only friends, but spouses. This was utterly charming and beautifully entertaining. Two people who held between them a slight insult of one to the other – they turned to the Champions Guild and made it an event to be enjoyed by everyone. I believe they held the spirit and honor of Gloria in their hearts and in turn offered a festive event for the city to enjoy. I find this to be an excellent example of the spirit and art of the duel. The second event is one that weighs heavier on my heart and what inspired me to reach out as I am, a duel between individuals that escalated into something weightier and left very little resolution in it’s wake. In instances such as these, I find very little honor brought to Gloria and the end result is something that only festers further resentment between a people and a Compact that relies heavily on alliance and communication. The third and last event that comes to mind was not a public event, but a private discourse between two conflicting houses on the verge of a cataclysm that had the potential to destroy years of hard wrought alliances. Instead of turning to a duel to resolve their conflict they instead turned to the Whisper House and entreated with a mediator to talk out and find common ground between them and in the end found peace and conflict resolution that fit both parties needs.
There are techniques that Whispers are trained in using to ease discord, and ensure that good and healthy relationships are priority. The Whispers are scions of the entire city. We are ever a neutral party who’s goals and interests and purpose is to ENABLE in all the various forms and opportunities we are given. We are yours and I invite you to make use of us in our full capacity.
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 10:31 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Duchess Belladonna Pravus and Prince Abbas Thrax just hosted the most darling "Naval Battle" in the Duchess' private pool. Everyone chose teams and manned a small rowboat, it was absolutely darling. What's more, is that the event was able to raise 157,000 silver for the Tragedy Orphanage in the Boroughs. Well done to everyone!!
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 7:10 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliana
I have only met her once, but once was enough to know I would gladly give her anything she wishes, simply because she wished it. She absolutely sparkles, she dazzles and she charms. I am looking forward to planning many events together.
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 7:08 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
Sometimes I think I hate you. I know I've told you enough times. For a while there, you made my life miserable. But I am thankful for it. Growing up is difficult. That is what I am learning most of all, of late. Learning to balance these concepts of right and wrong and defining what path we want to shape, and what we want to shape us in return. -- I think I could have lived in ignorant bliss all my days without considering any of this, but then you came along and forced me to it.
Because of that, I like who I am becoming today more than I did before I knew you.
Because of that, I like who I am becoming today more than I did before I knew you.
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 7:03 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
He's a scoundrel, but... a cute scoundrel.
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 7 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
In the Duchess Belladonna Pravus I have become acquainted with a woman born of compassion and respect for the deeper parts of ourselves, the gracious humanity that we all possess. Ours was a path made difficult by our own and divided pride. But as we are each able to step around the ugly sticky confines of that divide, I think we find in each other a kindred heart and spirit.
You gave me something to dream about that I never knew I wanted. Gods willing, we make it that far.
You gave me something to dream about that I never knew I wanted. Gods willing, we make it that far.
Written By Larissa
June 4, 2017, 6:43 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Carita
Whispers are capable of wearing so many different faces and filling so many different roles. Sometimes I think it is often overlooked or forgotten that we offer so much more than planning parties (And auctions! Ha!). We are diplomats and mediators, companions and confidants, we educate, we enable - We are anything and everything that our city needs us to be and I am always so thrilled to see us called upon in all our many capacities.
A few days ago the Lady Carita Darkwater called upon me for just such a service and asked me to mediate tense and difficult discussions between two different houses that were having difficulty communicating effectively. I was so honored to be asked, and honored still that the individuals in question took comfort from my presence and that together all parties were able to resolve the conflict without any bloodshed! It was certainly the highlight of my week and I hope to see many others begin opening themselves to the idea of using us beyond the means of entertainment.
For this I am so thankful to the Lady Carita. Too, I must praise her and admire her for braving the storm and persevering with grace and dignity.
A few days ago the Lady Carita Darkwater called upon me for just such a service and asked me to mediate tense and difficult discussions between two different houses that were having difficulty communicating effectively. I was so honored to be asked, and honored still that the individuals in question took comfort from my presence and that together all parties were able to resolve the conflict without any bloodshed! It was certainly the highlight of my week and I hope to see many others begin opening themselves to the idea of using us beyond the means of entertainment.
For this I am so thankful to the Lady Carita. Too, I must praise her and admire her for braving the storm and persevering with grace and dignity.
Written By Larissa
June 2, 2017, 10:53 p.m.(7/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
I have always enjoyed a sharp and clever mind, and when it is matched by a warm heart and fueled with compassion and integrity - you are faced with a very rare breed of man indeed. The Lord Redreef is, in my humble opinion, one such man and I am very honored to be counted among his friends. He offers sound advice and sage wisdom and then he'll turn around on you and start singing a pirate shanty. A perfect balance of a gentleman and a rogue.
Written By Larissa
June 2, 2017, 10:45 p.m.(7/28/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Fear no more the heat o' the sun;
Nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers come to dust.
Fear no more the frown of the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan;
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!
Nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers come to dust.
Fear no more the frown of the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan;
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!
Written By Larissa
May 21, 2017, 11:37 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Prince Aiden Grayson is someone I've come to know more and more over the past week. At times he reminds me of my darling Saedrus, the willingness he has to step forward and open himself up... The part of him that values beauty, and isn't afraid to dig deep within himself to bring it forth. He is excellent company, he plays music that makes your heart weep, he is attentive and selfless and dedicated to his endeavors. I so pleased we have begun a new friendship and look forward to his music and his company.
Written By Larissa
May 21, 2017, 11:21 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Charlaine
I had the pleasure of hosting the auction for charity with Lady Charlaine and I am so glad for it. The entire evening was her brain child and I was so honored to have been a part of it. Throughout the evening she was attentive and available and very comfortable with setting the tone of the evening and keeping things moving forward. She was an excellent co-host and I would be flattered and happy to work with her again.
Written By Larissa
May 21, 2017, 9:18 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
That Auction! Of course every time we are asked to host or participate in an event, there is that trepidation of whether or not it will succeed... Whispers, in particular, as this is our domain. We are the entertainers of Arx and when our attempts fail we always see it as a direct reflection of our own flaws.
But Arx. You have outdone yourselves. I cannot even begin to take the credit for co-hosting, it was as though the auction transcended a hosted event and turned into something all it's own. I am so humbled by the gracious generosity I was witness to last night. I am thankful to live among people who are not afraid to stand for their beliefs, who are not afraid to set aside their pride for a cause, who are not afraid to do what they can to make their home better. It is brave to put yourself on display for all to see and I was honored find our many participants did so with grace and finesse. I am proud to announce that our total earnings last night total to an impressive 673, 362 silver. I would like to think that this will benefit so many people and am so eager to see our city begin to heal. I thank everyone for their participation from the bottom of my heart.
But Arx. You have outdone yourselves. I cannot even begin to take the credit for co-hosting, it was as though the auction transcended a hosted event and turned into something all it's own. I am so humbled by the gracious generosity I was witness to last night. I am thankful to live among people who are not afraid to stand for their beliefs, who are not afraid to set aside their pride for a cause, who are not afraid to do what they can to make their home better. It is brave to put yourself on display for all to see and I was honored find our many participants did so with grace and finesse. I am proud to announce that our total earnings last night total to an impressive 673, 362 silver. I would like to think that this will benefit so many people and am so eager to see our city begin to heal. I thank everyone for their participation from the bottom of my heart.
Written By Larissa
May 21, 2017, 6:24 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
Firstly I would offer my sincerest apologies. This idea that something I was apart of might have inspired such painful memories and feelings is appalling, and for that can only say that I am so sorry. A Courtesan and a Whisper in particular is a scion of her city, she is a reflection of what is cheered for and what is cherished and celebrated most - and I would not have you end your day believing that any of us celebrate slavery. I would have loved the chance to speak to you on this matter personally before the auction took place and I will offer an open invitation to seek me out for any reason in the future, particularly if you are struggling with parts of our culture that are foreign to you. We are educators, politicians and artists of every ilk - knowledge is our saving grace.
Many people have already stepped forward and offered their thoughts on the matter so I will not say much else here. There are of course vast and numerous differences of what transpired last night and what you have witnessed in your lifetime, I think that goes without saying. But for me personally, the biggest difference was the simple and beautiful humility of it. It was an honor for me to host everyone who stepped upon that stage, and I can not express that enough. Theirs was an act of selfless generosity, and I could no more ignore or condemn that than I could your personal feelings and tragedy. I am thankful and humbled for that experience. I am proud of everyone who attended and gave to the charity, which in my mind was what most of us were focused on. With so many people still homeless after the siege I would like to think what we managed to pull together will put many roofs over families heads once more.
Again I would urge you to seek me out if you are so willing. This will not be the last auction that is hosted by the Whisper House as there were so many people I had to turn away that had wanted to participate. In Eurisi auctions are for the unwilling, they are the reflection of a broken society. In Arx they are a celebration of the individuals that participate. A different society, a different culture and a different world.
Many people have already stepped forward and offered their thoughts on the matter so I will not say much else here. There are of course vast and numerous differences of what transpired last night and what you have witnessed in your lifetime, I think that goes without saying. But for me personally, the biggest difference was the simple and beautiful humility of it. It was an honor for me to host everyone who stepped upon that stage, and I can not express that enough. Theirs was an act of selfless generosity, and I could no more ignore or condemn that than I could your personal feelings and tragedy. I am thankful and humbled for that experience. I am proud of everyone who attended and gave to the charity, which in my mind was what most of us were focused on. With so many people still homeless after the siege I would like to think what we managed to pull together will put many roofs over families heads once more.
Again I would urge you to seek me out if you are so willing. This will not be the last auction that is hosted by the Whisper House as there were so many people I had to turn away that had wanted to participate. In Eurisi auctions are for the unwilling, they are the reflection of a broken society. In Arx they are a celebration of the individuals that participate. A different society, a different culture and a different world.
Written By Larissa
May 20, 2017, 4:24 p.m.(7/1/1006 AR)
Tonight's Auction List
The Finest of Arx: A Fundraising Auction
------------------------------------------------
Cound Max Darkwater
Lady Juliet Fidante
Princess Isolde Velenosa
Prince Aiden Grayson
Prince Darren Redrain
Shadow
Prince Anze Redrain & Lady Calypso Malvici
Fortunato Grayhope
Lord Karadoc Saik
Princess Katarina Valardin
Lady Carita Darkwater
Prince Edain Valardin
Lady Eirene Malvici
Duke Cristoph Laurent
Prince Fergus Redrain
Whisper House - Elysian Ballroom
9:00 PM
The Finest of Arx: A Fundraising Auction
------------------------------------------------
Cound Max Darkwater
Lady Juliet Fidante
Princess Isolde Velenosa
Prince Aiden Grayson
Prince Darren Redrain
Shadow
Prince Anze Redrain & Lady Calypso Malvici
Fortunato Grayhope
Lord Karadoc Saik
Princess Katarina Valardin
Lady Carita Darkwater
Prince Edain Valardin
Lady Eirene Malvici
Duke Cristoph Laurent
Prince Fergus Redrain
Whisper House - Elysian Ballroom
9:00 PM
Written By Larissa
Jan. 25, 2017, 11:55 p.m.(10/6/1005 AR)
Tonight we hosted our first fashion show and I was so happy with the outcome. I could not have been more proud of my House in that moment. The Whispers were beautiful and alluring in every gown they showed off and the dresses were each a true inspiration of Jayus. Each designer made a beautiful dress especially for the show and Guildmaster Joscelin worked in a piece of jewelry for each, despite feeling under the weather. I am so honored to have been a part of such a beautiful collaboration of minds and bodies and artistry. Praise Jayus!
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:26 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
Yours is the love my heart can never abandon. Even when I grow fickle and jealous of your grace and slender movements. You are the other half of my heart, the light of my day and the dark of my night. You are the only person to which the word "friend" sounds foul and obscene to my ears; nor "brother" - though we should all be so lucky. You are my moon and you outshine all the stars in the sky.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:17 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
When there is a storm coming, yours is the shelter we seek. When I am pulled to pieces and fractured, yours are the hands that warm my frazzled soul. When I would turn from myself in the midst of chaos, you remind me of my worth. Where you lead, so shall I follow.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:14 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Calandra
For a moment I was nervous, when I first reached out to you. I feared that perhaps this world of ours would overwhelm you. I feared that I would expect too much. But.. Oh... How you shine. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments in the short time you have been with us. Your grace, your kindness and your open heart shine through everything you do.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.