Written By Belladonna
June 9, 2019, 11:31 p.m.(4/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Giuliano
My cousin is full of life, he has always been. We rode together in Setarco, and we will do the same now, until the curtains close at last.
Written By Belladonna
April 14, 2019, 11:46 p.m.(12/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Willow
Remarkable young woman. I can see her going far in the courts of Arx.
Written By Belladonna
April 14, 2019, 11:45 p.m.(12/5/1010 AR)
The Deviant is a thing of beauty. A proper vessel to travel my summer seas with. Thank you truly for all of you who have contributed for its construction. There are no caravels quite like it.
Written By Belladonna
March 31, 2019, 11:45 p.m.(11/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
You fought like a god-graced swordmaster savant today, Lord Michael. It was a sight to behold. May Arvum take notice of your skill and will of iron.
Written By Belladonna
March 3, 2019, 11:47 p.m.(9/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Beatrice
My cousin always had an eye for hidden gems. Here she is, maybe the most valuable one yet.
Written By Belladonna
Feb. 16, 2019, 7:25 a.m.(8/1/1010 AR)
On the Titan of Pravus:
Not a mere woman, she soared above gods and generals not on the backs of mighty beasts, but by virtue of her own so-called sins. She waited not for her wishes to be wrought by the hand of others, wresting them from the icy grip of those she should have feared.
This is her gift: for centuries ahead, and countless Reckonings yet to come, her shadow will fall upon any who hoist their sails in southern seas, shielding Setarco, eternally beautiful and forever unbowed.
A helpless girl turned legend, Archduchess Procella was blood of her House, Sin to her very bones, a testament to Setarco's will and its people. May her whispers be carried in the winds of the ageless seas, so all who sail past Setarco know our words: Cunning is no sin, a foolish ideal is no virtue.
Not a mere woman, she soared above gods and generals not on the backs of mighty beasts, but by virtue of her own so-called sins. She waited not for her wishes to be wrought by the hand of others, wresting them from the icy grip of those she should have feared.
This is her gift: for centuries ahead, and countless Reckonings yet to come, her shadow will fall upon any who hoist their sails in southern seas, shielding Setarco, eternally beautiful and forever unbowed.
A helpless girl turned legend, Archduchess Procella was blood of her House, Sin to her very bones, a testament to Setarco's will and its people. May her whispers be carried in the winds of the ageless seas, so all who sail past Setarco know our words: Cunning is no sin, a foolish ideal is no virtue.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 21, 2019, 12:54 a.m.(6/5/1010 AR)
What a time to be alive and well in the city of Arx!
I sometimes wish our Assemblies were more organized, but what is a party without a rabblerouser or two?
I sometimes wish our Assemblies were more organized, but what is a party without a rabblerouser or two?
Written By Belladonna
Dec. 17, 2018, 12:23 a.m.(3/9/1010 AR)
And now, green snow.
I pray for the soldiers and warriors, healers and armorsmiths, the horse tenders and the cooks. I pray for the people of Arvum, and for this never-ending cycle of war that has become our lives. We will persevere, as we have always, but my heart goes out to the ones in the frontlines. You make me more hopeful for better days.
I pray for the soldiers and warriors, healers and armorsmiths, the horse tenders and the cooks. I pray for the people of Arvum, and for this never-ending cycle of war that has become our lives. We will persevere, as we have always, but my heart goes out to the ones in the frontlines. You make me more hopeful for better days.
Written By Belladonna
Dec. 10, 2018, 12:14 a.m.(2/23/1010 AR)
More death and new beginnings. I was warned the passage of time would change my perspective on many things, and although I don't consider myself a cowardly woman, I sometimes find myself yearning to go back to when things were very different than what they are now.
All momentary, of course.
Although I feel for the passing of my uncle Tommaso, I am overjoyed by the bright future being paved by my cousins Juliana Pravus and Lianne Malespero.
All momentary, of course.
Although I feel for the passing of my uncle Tommaso, I am overjoyed by the bright future being paved by my cousins Juliana Pravus and Lianne Malespero.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 28, 2018, 8:51 p.m.(11/21/1009 AR)
The moon was beautiful tonight. Puissant and conquering, it painted Arvum in a sheen of silvery blue. A long time ago I could have wasted my night away looking at it, wishing upon it. "What a night for romance, for the pulse of blood."
Instead, I spent my night with family, feasting with my own blood and our friends.
The perks of wisdom, I suppose. What a lovely night!
Thank you, all of you.
Instead, I spent my night with family, feasting with my own blood and our friends.
The perks of wisdom, I suppose. What a lovely night!
Thank you, all of you.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 24, 2018, 6:59 p.m.(11/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Witnessing your pain likens to being stuck behind a mirror. Albeit we do not know each other, I feel your anguish, deeply so.
The gods did not see fit to bless me with a talent for weaving words into beautiful tapestries, but beautiful or not some thoughts need to be given wings in the hopes they will find their home. I wish I could prepare you for the sleepless nights ahead when the last exchange of words between you and your love will echo in your head ceaselessly. You will find yourself in the presence of his ghost for the smallest things, from words spilled from your own lips to your best and worst habits.
The way you like your tea? Your side of the bed? The way you claimed the covers like a jealous child? The details of your life together will sting like needles and bleed like razors. There will be endless misery and my advice is for you to learn how to live with his ghost. You will want to make this looming shadow proud, and I urge you not to. Wallow in your pain now, cry and allow yourself to break as many times as you need before your child is born. Whatever misshapen creature is left afterward, embrace it, and allow it to teach you how to survive.
Whatever is left she will have the wisdom to spare.
The gods did not see fit to bless me with a talent for weaving words into beautiful tapestries, but beautiful or not some thoughts need to be given wings in the hopes they will find their home. I wish I could prepare you for the sleepless nights ahead when the last exchange of words between you and your love will echo in your head ceaselessly. You will find yourself in the presence of his ghost for the smallest things, from words spilled from your own lips to your best and worst habits.
The way you like your tea? Your side of the bed? The way you claimed the covers like a jealous child? The details of your life together will sting like needles and bleed like razors. There will be endless misery and my advice is for you to learn how to live with his ghost. You will want to make this looming shadow proud, and I urge you not to. Wallow in your pain now, cry and allow yourself to break as many times as you need before your child is born. Whatever misshapen creature is left afterward, embrace it, and allow it to teach you how to survive.
Whatever is left she will have the wisdom to spare.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 18, 2018, 5:49 a.m.(10/19/1009 AR)
Ramblings of a Still-Griefing Lycene on the Matter of Life and Death
10/19/1009 AR
Yesterday some of us lit candles to the departed in a beautiful ceremony at The Great Cathedral of the Pantheon, but death is far from pretty, isn't it? From the lips of one of Gloria's most stalwart servants, proper prayer to the goddess is not one that begs for victory; it is one that pleas for strength to face the Queen of Endings with dignity.
How we breathe our final breath matters. To some it is all that matters. I would gander that if the reflection was never made in one's head, it is because they have never seen someone leave this life. A clean death is not a right, but a rare privilege, and if this doesn't give you pause, maybe it should.
I am sure the ritual had a different meaning to each of us. I know that I have wondered myself if my memories and love mean anything to him now in the Shining Lands, or if they are simply selfish means that allow me to cope with the pain of his absence.
Death really gives perspective of life.
They are released now. They are free. They have met with the Queen and, with grace or agony, the have left. We, however, have much work to do still. From commoner to noble the only certainty in life is we have a dance with the Queen.
Do not squander your day today. Love someone you shouldn't. Practice with someone you stronger and more skilled. Push yourself, learn something new. Be daring. Do not be caught off guard when the Queen comes for you. Then it will have been too late. But only then.
Duchess Belladonna Pravus,
Ruler of Setarco
10/19/1009 AR
Yesterday some of us lit candles to the departed in a beautiful ceremony at The Great Cathedral of the Pantheon, but death is far from pretty, isn't it? From the lips of one of Gloria's most stalwart servants, proper prayer to the goddess is not one that begs for victory; it is one that pleas for strength to face the Queen of Endings with dignity.
How we breathe our final breath matters. To some it is all that matters. I would gander that if the reflection was never made in one's head, it is because they have never seen someone leave this life. A clean death is not a right, but a rare privilege, and if this doesn't give you pause, maybe it should.
I am sure the ritual had a different meaning to each of us. I know that I have wondered myself if my memories and love mean anything to him now in the Shining Lands, or if they are simply selfish means that allow me to cope with the pain of his absence.
Death really gives perspective of life.
They are released now. They are free. They have met with the Queen and, with grace or agony, the have left. We, however, have much work to do still. From commoner to noble the only certainty in life is we have a dance with the Queen.
Do not squander your day today. Love someone you shouldn't. Practice with someone you stronger and more skilled. Push yourself, learn something new. Be daring. Do not be caught off guard when the Queen comes for you. Then it will have been too late. But only then.
Duchess Belladonna Pravus,
Ruler of Setarco
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 11, 2018, 5:17 a.m.(10/5/1009 AR)
To the brave, beautiful and bold of Pravus, know you will never be alone. Search the blood in your veins and you will always find your way back home. Cunning is no sin, a foolish ideal is no virtue.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 10, 2018, 6:21 a.m.(10/3/1009 AR)
Only a fool would close their eyes at a pack of wolves and hope they cease to exist. To them all bites are an unwelcome surprise.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 17, 2018, 3:59 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Prisila
Actually, my dear, what you -declared- was that all 'non-merchant vessels' NOT associated with the Empyrean Trade Route clear the waters around Ischia. That includes personal vessels, fishing boats, military craft. Anything not a merchant is far more than 'just military'. And again, you did so without explanation or warning. And now you accuse your lieges of treason against the Compact as well. This is getting better and better. Its hard for people to step forward to be cleansed of accusation that they didn't know was happening in the first place. But I suppose that would get in the way of your witch hunt.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 17, 2018, 2:52 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Prisila
And lets not forget that this is after you've neglected to inform your liege of increased pirate activity in the area, or afforded them the opportunity to extend the aid of martial support -as the oaths between liege and vassal demand-. House Seraceni has instead been quiet, sullen, and now declaring martial law in our fealty with no prior warning or notification. You have all but declared war against your liege and insist that I am at fault.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 17, 2018, 2:47 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Prisila
You mean the King that you've also banned from your waters?
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 11, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(5/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Raymesin
That is because he IS the Grandmaster Caspian Wild. He's playing a part for a game that is part of the lead up to the Gala.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 7, 2018, 7:41 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I actually cannot believe that I'm getting into this debate but... if you seek to find the lethality of a spoon, you need look no further than the grapefruit spoon. Etiquette does have its strange uses now and then.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 7, 2018, 7:39 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I feel you are trying to separate 'challenges' from 'duels', as if the two were separate things. They are not, however, in the context you are trying to separate them. A challenge, once named, with terms and Champions, is a -duel of honor-. You cannot force a thing to be something it is not just because it suits your whims, Your Highness. These are the rules by which duels have occurred since time immemorial. You claim that duels have been fought in the past by non-combat means, I then challenge you to bring forth proof of this. See how I use 'challenge' in its proper place to denote it not being a duel? I challenge -you- to bring forth proof of your claim. I do not need a Champion and there are no terms.
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