Written By Vanora
Dec. 9, 2019, 2:18 p.m.(5/6/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
You, dear one, are a survivor in the deepest sense of the word.
We bend, we change, we do not break. I'm keeping your good advice in mind.
We bend, we change, we do not break. I'm keeping your good advice in mind.
Written By Vanora
Dec. 5, 2019, 5:46 p.m.(4/27/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
I have not had much time for perusing the whites lately but I spent a little while at it today, curious about the comments the citizenry would have on recent events.
Instead though I found myself focusing on Sparte's latest entry, and thinking that I am entirely in agreement.
Instead though I found myself focusing on Sparte's latest entry, and thinking that I am entirely in agreement.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 12, 2019, 11:01 p.m.(3/9/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Faelan
A worthy Warlord for Grimhall, in every sense of the word.
Written By Vanora
Nov. 11, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(3/7/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
I will never forget what you've done, for myself back when I needed you the most, and for my son now, each and every day.
I will never forget who you are, and that is a person worth admiring.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show you who I am in turn, and for forgiving me, in whatever way you have.
I will never forget who you are, and that is a person worth admiring.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show you who I am in turn, and for forgiving me, in whatever way you have.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 31, 2019, 4:34 p.m.(2/12/1012 AR)
Even the sharks are hungrier this week.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 13, 2019, 3:03 a.m.(1/3/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
Rarely do I find the sections of the whites where people are reflecting on their knowledge to be terribly engaging.
Yours though, every single time.
Yours though, every single time.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 6, 2019, 1:08 a.m.(12/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Zacharie
We have always had a relationship that was complicated at best, far more so than even most people have with their parents.
Yet I am finding my father to be a consistent source of wisdom, strength, and support when I need it most.
And he does dote on his grandchildren so.
Yet I am finding my father to be a consistent source of wisdom, strength, and support when I need it most.
And he does dote on his grandchildren so.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 5, 2019, 12:46 p.m.(12/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
The poem (or song?) in your last journal was absolutely beautiful.
Written By Vanora
Oct. 4, 2019, 3:14 p.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
It feels good to have all of my boys under this roof again. To watch them smiling and laughing, the twins chasing after their big brother whom they absolutely adore.
Baby Harry is too little to keep up with their play, he just laughs and watches them. But it won't be long now before he is running in circles in the Practice Yard too, with a play sword of his own.
They grow up too quickly.
Baby Harry is too little to keep up with their play, he just laughs and watches them. But it won't be long now before he is running in circles in the Practice Yard too, with a play sword of his own.
They grow up too quickly.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 28, 2019, 8:58 p.m.(12/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Karina
I could not be prouder of my newest protege. The opening of her gallery this evening was a wonderful success, she sold every painting in the entire studio! Thank you to everyone who came out to support her and the arts.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 19, 2019, 12:28 a.m.(11/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Karina
I am delighted that Karina is back in Arx, I know the last time she'd planned to come and stay for a spell was right before the battle in Setarco, and her plans changed understandably. To have her among us again is wonderful, she is a source of support to me and of brightness around the Great Grim Hall.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 14, 2019, 9:11 p.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
I had a great deal of fun playing hostess to Sea Monster Attack this evening and want to express my thanks to the Empyrean for letting us host the event there.
It was simple and amusing and let us put down our cares for a little while, get to know some new people, and make one another laugh.
I think I shall have to make it a more regular occurrence. Even Grims can use a smile now and again.
It was simple and amusing and let us put down our cares for a little while, get to know some new people, and make one another laugh.
I think I shall have to make it a more regular occurrence. Even Grims can use a smile now and again.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 13, 2019, 9:23 p.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
As the responses already come pouring in about our Mirrors Masquerade at Sea I find myself truly delighted for the events to come.
Perhaps I'm to become a society hostess after all. Whatever would my parents say?
Perhaps I'm to become a society hostess after all. Whatever would my parents say?
Written By Vanora
Sept. 13, 2019, 11:39 a.m.(10/28/1011 AR)
I have slowly but surely emerged from the studies and work that have kept my focus and moved towards some of the goals I'd set for myself before the year's end.
The first is to become a hostess of sorts, and be it quiet family dinners or more lavish masquerade parties, to make my mark on the social scene of the peerage, which I think benefits both my own individual projects as well as the larger ones of House Grimhall. As of yet there have been scheduling and cancellations scattered all over, but I think with my days starting to regain rythm to them that bumpy phase is over.
Thus already invitations have gone out for a Masquerade Ball in honor of the Eclipse of Mirrors, (not to be confused nor compete with the Velenosa's, as I hope to attend that myself and it falls on the exact night of the bloodmoon. This party is to take place thirteen days prior, on the Song of Sorrows, a masq at sea which I hope I can make into everything I imagine it might be.
(I do hope anyone hoping for an invitation that does not see one among their missives will let me know, for I'm already certain I must have made omissions with the guest list.)
Next comes rescheduling a game hosted by House Grimhall, and hopefully fitting in a family dinner even if just a casual one limited to immediate relations.
The first is to become a hostess of sorts, and be it quiet family dinners or more lavish masquerade parties, to make my mark on the social scene of the peerage, which I think benefits both my own individual projects as well as the larger ones of House Grimhall. As of yet there have been scheduling and cancellations scattered all over, but I think with my days starting to regain rythm to them that bumpy phase is over.
Thus already invitations have gone out for a Masquerade Ball in honor of the Eclipse of Mirrors, (not to be confused nor compete with the Velenosa's, as I hope to attend that myself and it falls on the exact night of the bloodmoon. This party is to take place thirteen days prior, on the Song of Sorrows, a masq at sea which I hope I can make into everything I imagine it might be.
(I do hope anyone hoping for an invitation that does not see one among their missives will let me know, for I'm already certain I must have made omissions with the guest list.)
Next comes rescheduling a game hosted by House Grimhall, and hopefully fitting in a family dinner even if just a casual one limited to immediate relations.
Written By Vanora
Sept. 1, 2019, 12:42 a.m.(10/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
Call on me darling. I can make no promises regarding the emotional state of such a visit but I can guarantee it won't be boring.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 28, 2019, 2:11 p.m.(9/24/1011 AR)
I wrote this letter to Legate Aureth today, but am thinking that given its context it might be useful for the journals to have a copy. Normally I tuck copies of missives into the blacks, but this one I think is best shared.
To Father Aureth,
I wished to write to express to you my most sincere gratitude for everything that you have provided me. I am well aware that I argued and pleaded and did just about everything I could to avoid the Faith's disfavor, and yet you held fast to your convictions as I'm sure you always do. It was not what I wished for, but it was what I needed.
I believe it is not what comes easily but our trials that shape us, that make us who we are, and this one has changed me in ways that I never expected. I understand now the purpose of this kind of penance. I recall arguing with you that I was just being used to 'set an example' (You pointed out Fatima was the one actually doing that, that I was merely being lightly reprimanded, but in that moment my thoughts were about my own plight, not Fatima's.) I know that I can be spoiled and selfish, and this showed me that even more vividly. It is not who I want to be, and the only way to ensure I do not submit to those shadows is through vigilance.
I understand now that I was setting an example as well, but a necessary one. A Duchess of the Isles who fell in with such ugly and unsavory business and did nothing to save those whom might have been saved. Of course a price should be paid for that, and a public one. I want House Grimhall to know that they have a pious Duchess, one committed to bringing the faith and the gods to them. One who will be the penitent when she has earned it, so they understand there is no shame in finding one's way back to the gods again, if they have been lost.
So this letter is to thank you, sincerely.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Vanora Grimhall
To Father Aureth,
I wished to write to express to you my most sincere gratitude for everything that you have provided me. I am well aware that I argued and pleaded and did just about everything I could to avoid the Faith's disfavor, and yet you held fast to your convictions as I'm sure you always do. It was not what I wished for, but it was what I needed.
I believe it is not what comes easily but our trials that shape us, that make us who we are, and this one has changed me in ways that I never expected. I understand now the purpose of this kind of penance. I recall arguing with you that I was just being used to 'set an example' (You pointed out Fatima was the one actually doing that, that I was merely being lightly reprimanded, but in that moment my thoughts were about my own plight, not Fatima's.) I know that I can be spoiled and selfish, and this showed me that even more vividly. It is not who I want to be, and the only way to ensure I do not submit to those shadows is through vigilance.
I understand now that I was setting an example as well, but a necessary one. A Duchess of the Isles who fell in with such ugly and unsavory business and did nothing to save those whom might have been saved. Of course a price should be paid for that, and a public one. I want House Grimhall to know that they have a pious Duchess, one committed to bringing the faith and the gods to them. One who will be the penitent when she has earned it, so they understand there is no shame in finding one's way back to the gods again, if they have been lost.
So this letter is to thank you, sincerely.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Vanora Grimhall
Written By Vanora
Aug. 23, 2019, 5:55 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
I was appreciative to read recent entries in the whites which spoke on oaths, particularly the very rare occasions when a person or persons are released from them.
It is no secret to the world that my first marriage was dissolved by former Dominus Aldwin, and no secret either that it became something of a public scandal. That period of my life was filled with challenges and pain which is why I reflect on it often, for it is often during such times we gain the greatest insights into ourselves. I know what it feels like to be called Oathbreaker when one is not one, for to be released from an oath is not the same as breaking one, yet the nuance is not always appreciated by gossiping tongues.
I know the days ahead will not be easy for those who are now going through what I once did myself. If I had one piece of advice to offer it would be to continue to look to the Faith, when your steps falter and your sense of self is uncertain allow them to be there to pull you through. Allow your own faith to do so as well. Look for compassion where it is offered to you, and where you find yourself facing hostility, try to empathize. A failed oath incurs peoples derision because it should, because our oaths are everything to us and if they lose value then do we not ourselves lose value too? Listen, and try to take what lessons you can from even those most hostile.
Should you find yourself suffering, remember the suffering will pass, and try to use it to strengthen yourself for the future.
Remember you are not alone.
It is no secret to the world that my first marriage was dissolved by former Dominus Aldwin, and no secret either that it became something of a public scandal. That period of my life was filled with challenges and pain which is why I reflect on it often, for it is often during such times we gain the greatest insights into ourselves. I know what it feels like to be called Oathbreaker when one is not one, for to be released from an oath is not the same as breaking one, yet the nuance is not always appreciated by gossiping tongues.
I know the days ahead will not be easy for those who are now going through what I once did myself. If I had one piece of advice to offer it would be to continue to look to the Faith, when your steps falter and your sense of self is uncertain allow them to be there to pull you through. Allow your own faith to do so as well. Look for compassion where it is offered to you, and where you find yourself facing hostility, try to empathize. A failed oath incurs peoples derision because it should, because our oaths are everything to us and if they lose value then do we not ourselves lose value too? Listen, and try to take what lessons you can from even those most hostile.
Should you find yourself suffering, remember the suffering will pass, and try to use it to strengthen yourself for the future.
Remember you are not alone.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 17, 2019, 2:30 a.m.(9/1/1011 AR)
Whoever does not observe as I do, how love and hate...much like wrath and tenderness...or despair and hope...live on two sides of a thin coin...
Well I cannot call them wrong, they have experienced things I have not, they know the world differently.
Yet I'd be hard pressed to see anything else, by this point.
Well I cannot call them wrong, they have experienced things I have not, they know the world differently.
Yet I'd be hard pressed to see anything else, by this point.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 16, 2019, 2:50 a.m.(8/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
An instrumental, what a lovely task to have before you. I am almost never asked to write for people, but I suppose I also don't often tell them I can.
Should you need a first listener, or even a seventh or eighth, I hope you'll call on me.
Should you need a first listener, or even a seventh or eighth, I hope you'll call on me.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 15, 2019, 4:29 p.m.(8/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
It has taken me time to consider what words to put to paper regarding the passing of Duke Arn Telmar.
I did not know the man at all, I met him a few times, introduced through the Great Grim Duke, and I can see how he and Harald considered one another birds of a feather.
Birds of a feather that we could all learn so much from. I am grateful I had the chance, even if it was brief.
I mourn him along with his family and ours.
Especially since these families are to be joined soon through marriage. One of Duke Arn's last political acts, setting up his daughter's future.
We will do him proud in Grimhall, I hope.
I did not know the man at all, I met him a few times, introduced through the Great Grim Duke, and I can see how he and Harald considered one another birds of a feather.
Birds of a feather that we could all learn so much from. I am grateful I had the chance, even if it was brief.
I mourn him along with his family and ours.
Especially since these families are to be joined soon through marriage. One of Duke Arn's last political acts, setting up his daughter's future.
We will do him proud in Grimhall, I hope.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.