Written By Valdemar
Feb. 7, 2020, 2:59 p.m.(9.510984623015872/15.615138888888888/1012.7092487185846 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
Your generosity toward the people of Grihem's Point will be remembered, I promise. My family and the people give our sincere thanks.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 28, 2020, 11:55 a.m.(8.787821593915343/24.11800925925926/1012.6489851328263 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
You do?
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 12, 2020, 8:39 p.m.(7/19/1012 AR)
Another evening spent in the Shrine of Tehom, another lesson learned. A man came in seeking assistance, and so I acted as his reflection, helping him to meditate on his passions so that he could gain clarity on how they might be getting in his way. What I was not expecting was just how closely his situation might mirror my own, how guiding him toward that clarity could bring it to me as well, how it might help me to see how I might be getting in my own way. I cannot, of course, go into detail about the matters discussed with him, but I am grateful for the opportunity that presented itself this evening.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 2, 2020, 4:21 p.m.(6/26/1012 AR)
It has been a busy, but rewarding, week of meeting new people and establishing new relationships. I greatly look forward to seeing what comes of it all.
Written By Valdemar
Dec. 28, 2019, 8:50 p.m.(6/17/1012 AR)
Recently, I had the opportunity to assist in a Mirrormask ritual of reflection by sharing my own meditations aloud, and then assisting those who remained afterward toward conquering their own darker selves. My thanks to the Godsworn and to my lovely wife the Second Reflection who conducted the rite for the opportunity.
Written By Valdemar
Nov. 26, 2019, 5:27 p.m.(4/9/1012 AR)
Sons, whether you find yourself in a position of rulership or not, you will undoubtedly face a decision at some point in your lives where your instincts tell you that one choice is the correct one no matter how many other signs tell you otherwise. Every advisor you trust, every tradition that you hold dear, even your own logic perhaps, will be screaming at you, telling you not to do it. That there has to be some other way to accomplish what you are trying to do. That the feeling deep down in your gut is wrong, and they will pile reasons on you to prove it. You may begin to feel you are drowning in those reasons before it is over.
Never be afraid to go against them, to face those consequences and strike out on your own if you deem your path worth it. Nothing of value is ever achieved through indecision or meekness. Consider advice when it is warranted, but in the end you must be your own man, or else live a life of regret, something that I never want for any of you.
Never be afraid to go against them, to face those consequences and strike out on your own if you deem your path worth it. Nothing of value is ever achieved through indecision or meekness. Consider advice when it is warranted, but in the end you must be your own man, or else live a life of regret, something that I never want for any of you.
Written By Valdemar
Oct. 20, 2019, 8:38 p.m.(1/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
My father prized your loyalty, and since becoming Duke myself, you have shown why over and over again. Grimhall is proud to have you at our side.
Written By Valdemar
Sept. 29, 2019, 5:51 p.m.(12/5/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Karina
Congratulations on the grand opening of your shop, Cousin. It was good to see it so packed yesterday.
Written By Valdemar
Aug. 17, 2019, 8:11 p.m.(9/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
I would have to disagree, based on my own experiences. There is at least one person still alive out there that I hate with every fiber of my being. And I never loved that person before, not even for a second. The best I could ever say about them was that I was indifferent, and that indifference did not last long.
Written By Valdemar
July 27, 2019, 5:13 p.m.(7/16/1011 AR)
Boys,
I have, and will do so again in the future, written here to advise you of the things you are likely to face. The trials and tests that life will undoubtedly put in your path. That is not my purpose here today, though. Instead, I'm going to tell you what I want for you, because holding on to your goals is how, ultimately, you will overcome those obstacles. Of course I want you to have the things that any parent will tell you they wish for their children: love, success, loyal friends...these things are an important part of life, vital experiences that you will need in order to give you strength against the unpleasant aspects of it that we all face.
But you will have responsibilities that go beyond the personal, and so there is more that I wish for you. Though I have had my issues with the Compact as a whole in the past, I've never failed to understand its necessity. Thus I desire for you, and the people you will rule over when I am gone, to have a greater place in it. Some of the hardest choices I have made since becoming Duke have been with this in mind, only made worth it when I look at you. Likewise, there are enemies out there that, at the moment, we as a whole are woefully unequipped to combat, and it is one of my greatest wishes to see you with the tools necessary to fight those battles on even ground. So much knowledge lost over the centuries, that I would see restored for you. That is the legacy I dream of leaving you, no matter how difficult it becomes.
I have, and will do so again in the future, written here to advise you of the things you are likely to face. The trials and tests that life will undoubtedly put in your path. That is not my purpose here today, though. Instead, I'm going to tell you what I want for you, because holding on to your goals is how, ultimately, you will overcome those obstacles. Of course I want you to have the things that any parent will tell you they wish for their children: love, success, loyal friends...these things are an important part of life, vital experiences that you will need in order to give you strength against the unpleasant aspects of it that we all face.
But you will have responsibilities that go beyond the personal, and so there is more that I wish for you. Though I have had my issues with the Compact as a whole in the past, I've never failed to understand its necessity. Thus I desire for you, and the people you will rule over when I am gone, to have a greater place in it. Some of the hardest choices I have made since becoming Duke have been with this in mind, only made worth it when I look at you. Likewise, there are enemies out there that, at the moment, we as a whole are woefully unequipped to combat, and it is one of my greatest wishes to see you with the tools necessary to fight those battles on even ground. So much knowledge lost over the centuries, that I would see restored for you. That is the legacy I dream of leaving you, no matter how difficult it becomes.
Written By Valdemar
June 30, 2019, 2:17 p.m.(5/18/1011 AR)
Recently, there has been a lot of arguing about an issue that has been settled, thralldom. Clearly not settled in that everyone agrees that ending the practice was a good idea, or else those discussions would not be going on. However, the proclamation by the Prince of Maelstrom makes that discussion a moot point; the institution is on its way out, for better or worse.
In light of that, I ask my fellow Mourning Isles traditionalists to look at what might be gained going forward, because there is no going back in time. Alliances with other houses will be easier to form in the future. Trading partners will be easier to find, opening new markets for our exports. These things are how we will get through the rough times ahead, as well as how our people will come to thrive again. How our children will flourish when we return to the Wheel. Step back for a moment, and look at the long view of what this will all mean.
In light of that, I ask my fellow Mourning Isles traditionalists to look at what might be gained going forward, because there is no going back in time. Alliances with other houses will be easier to form in the future. Trading partners will be easier to find, opening new markets for our exports. These things are how we will get through the rough times ahead, as well as how our people will come to thrive again. How our children will flourish when we return to the Wheel. Step back for a moment, and look at the long view of what this will all mean.
Written By Valdemar
June 23, 2019, 6:56 p.m.(5/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
No apologies are necessary, Baron. Your choice has put you and your holdings in a good position for our new reality. Though your clarification does make me wonder even further why all this lecturing people are doing about thralldom is necessary. One would think they'd be happy with the fact that the practice is coming to an end in the foreseeable future.
Written By Valdemar
June 22, 2019, 1:52 a.m.(5/1/1011 AR)
How brave it is to fight against straw men.
Written By Valdemar
June 21, 2019, 9:11 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Just because I have accepted the reality of a situation does not make the associated self-righteousness any less sickening to witness.
Written By Valdemar
June 3, 2019, 11:33 p.m.(3/20/1011 AR)
Afforded a chance to learn, some of us were blinded by self-righteousness. I wish I could say I was surprised.
Written By Valdemar
May 14, 2019, 10:39 a.m.(2/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
I have heard the phrase "labor of love" many times before, but until now I don't think I ever really understood its meaning. With the Harald Grimhall Naval Academy now open and the first classes getting ready to begin, I do now. This school will mean a great deal to the future of my people, and more personally, serve as a testament to my father's legacy. I am certain he would have been proud to see it, and he deserves it, having taught many among my generation of nobles about our tradition of naval excellence, not just his own sons. My satisfaction in seeing it done is immense.
There are many people who deserve recognition for this. Duchess Vanora Grimhall, Countess Carita Darkwater, Lady Katya Grimhall, Lord Erik Grimhall, Count Turo Navegant, Baroness Lucita Saik, and Baron Edward Stormbreak all played important parts in this project, and have my gratitude as not just a Duke, but as a son seeking to honor his father.
The Academy of War deserves special thanks, though. This idea took root when my father still lived, right after I joined that organization, as a result of a conversation with the head of it at the time, Marquis Kael Keaton. And once we were ready to break ground, Natalia Whisper worked hard on their behalf to assist us in getting it constructed and finding instructors. I look forward to seeing what comes of the students sponsored by the Academy of War who will be coming to us for education in naval tactics and strategies.
There are many people who deserve recognition for this. Duchess Vanora Grimhall, Countess Carita Darkwater, Lady Katya Grimhall, Lord Erik Grimhall, Count Turo Navegant, Baroness Lucita Saik, and Baron Edward Stormbreak all played important parts in this project, and have my gratitude as not just a Duke, but as a son seeking to honor his father.
The Academy of War deserves special thanks, though. This idea took root when my father still lived, right after I joined that organization, as a result of a conversation with the head of it at the time, Marquis Kael Keaton. And once we were ready to break ground, Natalia Whisper worked hard on their behalf to assist us in getting it constructed and finding instructors. I look forward to seeing what comes of the students sponsored by the Academy of War who will be coming to us for education in naval tactics and strategies.
Written By Valdemar
May 12, 2019, 3:45 p.m.(2/4/1011 AR)
Sons,
As you grow up, you will be afforded a great many privileges by your birth. You are noblemen of the Mourning Isles, sons of a Duke. But that does not mean you can afford to avoid examining your faults, as many of our station seem prone to doing. It is not a pleasant thing to do, boys, to look into the mirror and face everything you see there. All of the doubts. Whatever anger, pain, and frustration plague you. It can get ugly, at times, I know as well as anyone.
If you can't find the courage to face these things, though, they will rule you. Without examining your weaknesses, whether rage, lust, greed, vanity, or any others are among them, you will never understand how to control them so that they cannot control you. Maybe you will even find ways to use them, healthy outlets for them. Or perhaps you will simply have to conquer them; you have stubborn, willful blood running in your veins without a doubt. Either way, being enslaved to these things is not a fate I ever want for you, both because I love you, and because you are too important to the future of our people for such terrible weakness to take root. If you want an example of what happens when our leaders lack this understanding, seek out stories of Koraj Marin and what his fall did to the Mourning Isles.
As you grow up, you will be afforded a great many privileges by your birth. You are noblemen of the Mourning Isles, sons of a Duke. But that does not mean you can afford to avoid examining your faults, as many of our station seem prone to doing. It is not a pleasant thing to do, boys, to look into the mirror and face everything you see there. All of the doubts. Whatever anger, pain, and frustration plague you. It can get ugly, at times, I know as well as anyone.
If you can't find the courage to face these things, though, they will rule you. Without examining your weaknesses, whether rage, lust, greed, vanity, or any others are among them, you will never understand how to control them so that they cannot control you. Maybe you will even find ways to use them, healthy outlets for them. Or perhaps you will simply have to conquer them; you have stubborn, willful blood running in your veins without a doubt. Either way, being enslaved to these things is not a fate I ever want for you, both because I love you, and because you are too important to the future of our people for such terrible weakness to take root. If you want an example of what happens when our leaders lack this understanding, seek out stories of Koraj Marin and what his fall did to the Mourning Isles.
Written By Valdemar
April 28, 2019, 1:08 a.m.(1/3/1011 AR)
Many people use 'hope' and 'want' interchangeably, though there are important differences between the two. This is easier to see when you consider that you can want something and not hope for it, as well as hoping for something and not wanting it.
For an example of the former situation, many of us have been in a situation where we want to go back and change something that has happened in the past. For instance, to warn someone of the damage a certain course of action will bring about and convince them to do it differently. However, to hope for that is insane, because it is impossible. You might be able to repair the damage, or you might not, but in either case, there is no going back to prevent it. What's done is done.
The latter situation is a bit trickier, admittedly. But let's say there is a course of action that you don't want to take, but see that it is necessary. You don't want it for yourself, nor do you want it for anyone else. You probably hope that others will see the necessity and follow you down that path anyway, however your desire might be different.
For an example of the former situation, many of us have been in a situation where we want to go back and change something that has happened in the past. For instance, to warn someone of the damage a certain course of action will bring about and convince them to do it differently. However, to hope for that is insane, because it is impossible. You might be able to repair the damage, or you might not, but in either case, there is no going back to prevent it. What's done is done.
The latter situation is a bit trickier, admittedly. But let's say there is a course of action that you don't want to take, but see that it is necessary. You don't want it for yourself, nor do you want it for anyone else. You probably hope that others will see the necessity and follow you down that path anyway, however your desire might be different.
Written By Valdemar
April 1, 2019, 1:40 a.m.(11/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
Dame Harrow provided quite the challenge in the Grand Melee of the Tournament of Roses today. One that I was unable to overcome this time around, but that I was grateful to face all the same.
Written By Valdemar
March 26, 2019, 4:30 p.m.(10/22/1010 AR)
My Sons,
Eventually, you will probably face a situation where you have a choice between what you feel is right, and what you know is best for the long term even if it feels absolutely wrong. Most people do, especially those responsible for ruling over others. Going against your instincts is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to do. That feeling in your gut, which I hope will be a great guide for you most of the time, is a powerful thing boys. But no one, and nothing in this world, is perfect. Your initial reaction might just be incorrect, or the situation might turn out to be too complicated for instinct alone to provide proper guidance. Whatever the reason, when that time comes, you will need the courage to do what is right, as best you can see it, not just what feels like it.
Eventually, you will probably face a situation where you have a choice between what you feel is right, and what you know is best for the long term even if it feels absolutely wrong. Most people do, especially those responsible for ruling over others. Going against your instincts is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to do. That feeling in your gut, which I hope will be a great guide for you most of the time, is a powerful thing boys. But no one, and nothing in this world, is perfect. Your initial reaction might just be incorrect, or the situation might turn out to be too complicated for instinct alone to provide proper guidance. Whatever the reason, when that time comes, you will need the courage to do what is right, as best you can see it, not just what feels like it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.