Written By Bliss
June 4, 2019, 4:56 p.m.(3/22/1011 AR)
We decided that we would stand on our own. That we would reject the aid offered by both the Undying Empire and by Cardia. That we would prepare ourselves to fight our own battles, knowing that this would be difficult, and knowing that once this decision was made, they would be unable to help us. After all, as Emissary Zulana made it particularly clear last night that if they did help us? That would be a violation of the agreement that we had made.
That would mean we had essentially allied ourselves with one side or the other.
That would mean war.
In order to remain neutral, we must rebuff any offer from either side and continue to strike forward on our own path, or else we will find ourselves in the position of both being indebted to one side and antagonizing the other. I am not sure why this is such a difficult concept for so many to understand, but independence means independence. We made a difficult decision, but now that we have made it, let's not immediately undermine it the first chance we get.
I do hope that everyone who spoke considered the effects your words might have on the Emissary from the Undying Empire. I hope that each and every one of you considered the weight of the information that was going out, the nature of who was listening to it, and what that might mean. I hope that all of you are ready to deal with the consequences for everything which you have said.
Somehow, I suspect you haven't, and I suspect you aren't. There is a certain inevitability to a few paths of our future, but the speed at which those happen has just been rapidly increased.
Do not underestimate them.
That would mean we had essentially allied ourselves with one side or the other.
That would mean war.
In order to remain neutral, we must rebuff any offer from either side and continue to strike forward on our own path, or else we will find ourselves in the position of both being indebted to one side and antagonizing the other. I am not sure why this is such a difficult concept for so many to understand, but independence means independence. We made a difficult decision, but now that we have made it, let's not immediately undermine it the first chance we get.
I do hope that everyone who spoke considered the effects your words might have on the Emissary from the Undying Empire. I hope that each and every one of you considered the weight of the information that was going out, the nature of who was listening to it, and what that might mean. I hope that all of you are ready to deal with the consequences for everything which you have said.
Somehow, I suspect you haven't, and I suspect you aren't. There is a certain inevitability to a few paths of our future, but the speed at which those happen has just been rapidly increased.
Do not underestimate them.
Written By Bliss
June 2, 2019, 11:36 p.m.(3/18/1011 AR)
Attentions are drawn ever outward - it is not just the issues of the Great Road, even those remaining, but the world beyond. Knowing what lies in any direction we choose, and the step beyond, and wondering what all of that will mean for us. There is so much out there that it's easy to forget what's right next to us. This city is not understood by any means. This city is not free of problems by any means. Some time taken to address those will make all of us far more capable moving forward.
Written By Bliss
June 2, 2019, 11:27 p.m.(3/18/1011 AR)
I find that of all things there are in the world, nothing makes me feel more powerless than when faced with the prospect of disease. Of seeing a human being withering away in front of me and being helpless to do anything except provide comfort. I could not do what Juniper has done. I could not do what the physicians of this city do. Such work is entirely beyond me.
Written By Bliss
May 26, 2019, 9:51 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)
The box has been knocked over.
It was empty.
I have no idea where Flopsy is.
It was empty.
I have no idea where Flopsy is.
Written By Bliss
May 26, 2019, 12:52 a.m.(3/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
I have just remembered that I have a box of dried, dead mice in my room for a project which never saw the light of day.
It has not been opened in almost a year.
I feel like this is somehow your fault. Personal responsibility is for the birds.
It has not been opened in almost a year.
I feel like this is somehow your fault. Personal responsibility is for the birds.
Written By Bliss
May 24, 2019, 7:26 p.m.(2/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Braden
To be quite clear, I have never heard of any claims of poverty within the Laurents before. By all accounts, Artshall is doing quite well and Duke Cristoph pays his family a generous and fair allowance, as well as there being multiple opportunities where Lord Braden could find work.
So I am not quite certain what he is doing with all this money that renders him so miserably poor, but it is surely not the fault of his family.
Distressing that he is attempting to deny a living to others on top of it.
So I am not quite certain what he is doing with all this money that renders him so miserably poor, but it is surely not the fault of his family.
Distressing that he is attempting to deny a living to others on top of it.
Written By Bliss
May 20, 2019, 12:13 a.m.(2/19/1011 AR)
The reports are starting to come in of our work in regard to the Great Road - the vast majority of things seem to be leaning toward the positive, and yet, I cannot help but wonder about all the things I am not seeing. Still, with each conflict that manages to be resolved, we can each take a breath, take a step back, and redouble our efforts where they are needed. What I am convinced of, more than ever, is that no set of tools should be without variation.
Written By Bliss
May 20, 2019, 12:12 a.m.(2/19/1011 AR)
We have a very solid crop of Apprentices coming up through the ranks right now, all at different points in their training and their accomplishments - and yet, whenever I hear about anything, it is all extremely positive. Soon, each of them will shine as brightly as any of the rest of the House, and we will all be the brighter for it. It has been a delight to give them this opportunity and see each of them seize it. I could not be prouder of their work.
Written By Bliss
May 9, 2019, 11:12 p.m.(1/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Orathy Culler wrote the following in his White Journal, not too long ago:
"It be gettin me thinking a wee bit. I ain't had the chance to choose not to eat rats 'n lizards 'n dogs 'n cats 'n the shit that walks on four legs in the Lowers...Aye, this why I ain't like yer fancy animals who be livin better than most the kids in the Lowers... Aye... I had to be doin what I be doin, because where I be born 'n them folk that brought me into the world died when I be a lad 'n ain't left nothin fer me. I fought fer all I did be havin 'n every scrap of food, every day, till the Cullers found me, then we fought together fer more 'n fer protectin 'em who can't protect 'emselves. Aye, life ain't always been easy but I be workin fer all I had. It ain't easy to stomach dem entitled wenches who ain't ever starved a day in there lives, lookin at me 'n thinking I be some lowly swag 'n a scumbag. Ya ain't ever lived as I did. I do be givin to me fellow commoners 'n I be fightin fer em, I be fightin fer every commoner who ever be labelled a damn criminal just because we be dirty 'n missin teeth.
Ain't most of them rich folk who live beyond the Lowers able to understand what it take to live on nothin 'n live only because ya gotta live, n' live because ya ain't want anythin or anyone else to feast on ya. Ain't most of 'em know what hunger does, what despair does, what bein' forgotten does... to a person. Aye. Iffin I be a monster, it ain't because of me, it be from the ways dem rich 'n titled folk keep the rest of us down.
Ahh shit. One day kids, yer gunna understand what Uncle Orathy be talkin bout. One day."
Let us take a look at this in light of today's events on the battlefield of honor. Messere Culler has often written about his poverty, as pretending to be an example of the plight of the poor, with a clear implication that he is better than others for this work. That he eats the same food that others do who are starving, that he lives with the same issues that so many do. That he is really, truly speaking for those in the city who are struggling, day-in and day-out. This is a noble thing to do, as so many of those people do not feel like they have a voice.
But let us be clear, Orathy Culler proved today that he is not, and never can be, the voice of the Lowers.
Not only has he shown his true colors as a coward by being absolutely, utterly convinced that he would die today, and making a dramatic deal of it - which no one who entered the grand melee did, I will note, despite all of us wearing armor of much lower quality - he arrived to this duel wearing millions of silver worth of armor and jewelry. Even if he did not own much of this jewelry, he was willing to throw thousands and thousands at it out of his fear of either death or even just losing a fair fight.
It is, simply put, pathetic.
It is, simply put, a betrayal to those who are actually poor.
How much could that money have done in building businesses and lives in the Lowers, Messere Culler? How many mouths could it have fed? How many lives could you have saved, if you truly are this dedicated to speaking up for those who cannot speak?
If you had accrued that much wealth - where do you get off telling anyone else that because they are rich, their opinions do not matter?
You are a hypocrite, and that is on display for the world to see today.
"It be gettin me thinking a wee bit. I ain't had the chance to choose not to eat rats 'n lizards 'n dogs 'n cats 'n the shit that walks on four legs in the Lowers...Aye, this why I ain't like yer fancy animals who be livin better than most the kids in the Lowers... Aye... I had to be doin what I be doin, because where I be born 'n them folk that brought me into the world died when I be a lad 'n ain't left nothin fer me. I fought fer all I did be havin 'n every scrap of food, every day, till the Cullers found me, then we fought together fer more 'n fer protectin 'em who can't protect 'emselves. Aye, life ain't always been easy but I be workin fer all I had. It ain't easy to stomach dem entitled wenches who ain't ever starved a day in there lives, lookin at me 'n thinking I be some lowly swag 'n a scumbag. Ya ain't ever lived as I did. I do be givin to me fellow commoners 'n I be fightin fer em, I be fightin fer every commoner who ever be labelled a damn criminal just because we be dirty 'n missin teeth.
Ain't most of them rich folk who live beyond the Lowers able to understand what it take to live on nothin 'n live only because ya gotta live, n' live because ya ain't want anythin or anyone else to feast on ya. Ain't most of 'em know what hunger does, what despair does, what bein' forgotten does... to a person. Aye. Iffin I be a monster, it ain't because of me, it be from the ways dem rich 'n titled folk keep the rest of us down.
Ahh shit. One day kids, yer gunna understand what Uncle Orathy be talkin bout. One day."
Let us take a look at this in light of today's events on the battlefield of honor. Messere Culler has often written about his poverty, as pretending to be an example of the plight of the poor, with a clear implication that he is better than others for this work. That he eats the same food that others do who are starving, that he lives with the same issues that so many do. That he is really, truly speaking for those in the city who are struggling, day-in and day-out. This is a noble thing to do, as so many of those people do not feel like they have a voice.
But let us be clear, Orathy Culler proved today that he is not, and never can be, the voice of the Lowers.
Not only has he shown his true colors as a coward by being absolutely, utterly convinced that he would die today, and making a dramatic deal of it - which no one who entered the grand melee did, I will note, despite all of us wearing armor of much lower quality - he arrived to this duel wearing millions of silver worth of armor and jewelry. Even if he did not own much of this jewelry, he was willing to throw thousands and thousands at it out of his fear of either death or even just losing a fair fight.
It is, simply put, pathetic.
It is, simply put, a betrayal to those who are actually poor.
How much could that money have done in building businesses and lives in the Lowers, Messere Culler? How many mouths could it have fed? How many lives could you have saved, if you truly are this dedicated to speaking up for those who cannot speak?
If you had accrued that much wealth - where do you get off telling anyone else that because they are rich, their opinions do not matter?
You are a hypocrite, and that is on display for the world to see today.
Written By Bliss
May 7, 2019, 6:14 a.m.(1/21/1011 AR)
I can only imagine what my White Journal would look like if I had so little confidence in my fighting ability that I spelled out a detailed will before every duel which I took part in.
Written By Bliss
May 6, 2019, 12:17 a.m.(1/19/1011 AR)
A couple weeks off - some time away from my office, as even the highest beauty can grow stuffy - has left me fresh and renewed. I have a small stack of messages waiting which I will need to attend to, but thankfully, it is not as tall as I had feared.
Written By Bliss
April 29, 2019, 12:10 a.m.(1/5/1011 AR)
Another note, though, is what has become clear to me through this - any morning, I might receive a letter to do something, and by that evening be dead because of it. There is nothing that can prevent this, no skill, no hope, no amount of determination. My life will be over, and the world will move on without me as it has so many others. This is not really something I'm afraid of - but it does make me consider my legacy.
What work can I leave behind to make sure that people thrive because of it, and that my time here was not in vain? And so, I write.
What work can I leave behind to make sure that people thrive because of it, and that my time here was not in vain? And so, I write.
Written By Bliss
April 29, 2019, 12:09 a.m.(1/5/1011 AR)
There has been a sentiment going around that humans should not participate in Follies. There is likely some truth in that matter, in that they were never really meant for us in the same way they were for the Nox'alfar, and that all too often, the games are at our expense. I think it's truly impossible to know what's at stake unless you have actually been through one before.
But I do not, and will not, hold with that opinion. Humans are fascinating creatures in the very fact that there is very little that isn't made for us. We have proven, time and time again, that we are more than we are estimated in being.
But I do not, and will not, hold with that opinion. Humans are fascinating creatures in the very fact that there is very little that isn't made for us. We have proven, time and time again, that we are more than we are estimated in being.
Written By Bliss
April 19, 2019, 9 p.m.(12/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Sometimes there are people in your life who, though they aren't often there, you know are important. Prince Luca Grayson was one of those for me. I only ever really ran into him in the context of the Champions - either in duels, or on trips, or bantering after events. But I can tell you that he had a major impact on me. Early on, he felt like a kindred spirit, someone whom I could immediately understand, and who could immediately understand me. We talked, we bantered, we watched each other, and I think in the end, we both decided the other one was alright.
But it was when we fought that the world really made sense between him and me. No one else ever pushed me as hard as Luca did. He matched me rhyme for rhyme, driving me further with the wordplay, rising to the challenge. He would beat me in the swordplay, but it never felt like a loss I was bitter about - because I got to face off against such an exceptional talent. I have an 'L' that he carved into my leg, and it will stay there for the rest of my life.
I stood side-by-side with him, or back-to-back, on a few occasions, and I would have been happy to do so again. He would do the best to protect us that he could. So would I.
And when the call came, he volunteered just as readily as any of us. Now he's gone. But the memory will stay with me forever. Caught up in the thrill of the evening, the rush of a life on the edge swirling him higher, the music and the dancing and the clapping as we all found our place. And then he was gone.
"You've got to be kidding me," he said.
There's something fitting about that. I'll miss you, Prince Luca, but we should all be looking forward to whatever your next Turn on the Wheel brings - even if we won't remember you, ourselves, it will be something spectacular. I'm certain of it.
But it was when we fought that the world really made sense between him and me. No one else ever pushed me as hard as Luca did. He matched me rhyme for rhyme, driving me further with the wordplay, rising to the challenge. He would beat me in the swordplay, but it never felt like a loss I was bitter about - because I got to face off against such an exceptional talent. I have an 'L' that he carved into my leg, and it will stay there for the rest of my life.
I stood side-by-side with him, or back-to-back, on a few occasions, and I would have been happy to do so again. He would do the best to protect us that he could. So would I.
And when the call came, he volunteered just as readily as any of us. Now he's gone. But the memory will stay with me forever. Caught up in the thrill of the evening, the rush of a life on the edge swirling him higher, the music and the dancing and the clapping as we all found our place. And then he was gone.
"You've got to be kidding me," he said.
There's something fitting about that. I'll miss you, Prince Luca, but we should all be looking forward to whatever your next Turn on the Wheel brings - even if we won't remember you, ourselves, it will be something spectacular. I'm certain of it.
Written By Bliss
April 18, 2019, 3:59 a.m.(12/11/1010 AR)
In Flopsy news, I am nearly at my wit's end in trying to figure out how to make this rabbit like me. It does not seem like he likes carrots. Rather, he is fond of the most expensive flowers in the gardens, he prefers to ruin umbra gowns as opposed to aeterna (I think it's because the fabric is so dark that it's harder for us to notice the holes until it's too late - and they are inevitably in spots that would horrify an Oathlanders and delight a Lycene), and I gave him a scrap of neodymium brocade leftover from an outfit I had made.
He didn't care about it.
I think it's because he knew I didn't care about it.
But sometimes - only sometimes - I think I see less blood chilling hatred behind those adorable eyes. Less murderous intent in the muscles underneath that impossibly soft fur. Less listening for any sign of weakness in those huge ears.
And then, inevitably, I wake up and find I have a mess to clean up.
He didn't care about it.
I think it's because he knew I didn't care about it.
But sometimes - only sometimes - I think I see less blood chilling hatred behind those adorable eyes. Less murderous intent in the muscles underneath that impossibly soft fur. Less listening for any sign of weakness in those huge ears.
And then, inevitably, I wake up and find I have a mess to clean up.
Written By Bliss
April 18, 2019, 3:47 a.m.(12/11/1010 AR)
Magnificence awaits. Months of planning are now in motion, and now we get ourselves ready. I anticipate hiccups - nothing ever goes as smoothly to plan as we want it to - but in addressing those, we will learn even more and grow, adapt, and change.
Whisper House continues to astonish me with what we can do.
Whisper House continues to astonish me with what we can do.
Written By Bliss
April 14, 2019, 2:34 p.m.(12/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
Godsworn, King's Own, Whisper.
Three groups who dedicate our lives to the service of others. It is impossible to not reflect on such things whenever I have the opportunity to watch someone take their vows, hear them echo in my very soul, and see them leave what was behind in the embrace of something new. Each of the three groups tends to draw from a different source, of course, but we share much in common. It always feels easy to relate to them.
Though there is some difference, of course - those who were once Whispers can leave without the same stigma, though they will not be allowed to come back to the House proper, but still, any of the secrets which we learn and ask to be kept secret are expected to be held in silence for the rest our lives. Some things never go away, and time in this House shapes everyone who leaves it.
The King's Own serve the Crown, of course. They are ready and willing to give up their lives in service to the King, to fight impossible battles to keep another alive, to make sure that their personal loyalties and past lives will never conflict with the interest of their charge.
The Godsworn, though. What a varied group. From those who feel it is the best way to live their lives because they cannot find other opportunity, to those who have every opportunity in the world and pass it to answer a call that is beyond them, there is such a diversity and strength in it within their ranks. All held together by the Faith, by fighting for what's good for us in each of their own ways. They recognize the call to something larger and embrace it fully, and give their lives to it.
Sister Sophie, I am proud of you. I know what you gave up, I know how long it took for you to be sure this was the right choice, and I know the thought and effort you put in to prepare yourself for this and make sure you would be able to do this in the best capacity you could. The world will be a better place because of the choice you made.
Three groups who dedicate our lives to the service of others. It is impossible to not reflect on such things whenever I have the opportunity to watch someone take their vows, hear them echo in my very soul, and see them leave what was behind in the embrace of something new. Each of the three groups tends to draw from a different source, of course, but we share much in common. It always feels easy to relate to them.
Though there is some difference, of course - those who were once Whispers can leave without the same stigma, though they will not be allowed to come back to the House proper, but still, any of the secrets which we learn and ask to be kept secret are expected to be held in silence for the rest our lives. Some things never go away, and time in this House shapes everyone who leaves it.
The King's Own serve the Crown, of course. They are ready and willing to give up their lives in service to the King, to fight impossible battles to keep another alive, to make sure that their personal loyalties and past lives will never conflict with the interest of their charge.
The Godsworn, though. What a varied group. From those who feel it is the best way to live their lives because they cannot find other opportunity, to those who have every opportunity in the world and pass it to answer a call that is beyond them, there is such a diversity and strength in it within their ranks. All held together by the Faith, by fighting for what's good for us in each of their own ways. They recognize the call to something larger and embrace it fully, and give their lives to it.
Sister Sophie, I am proud of you. I know what you gave up, I know how long it took for you to be sure this was the right choice, and I know the thought and effort you put in to prepare yourself for this and make sure you would be able to do this in the best capacity you could. The world will be a better place because of the choice you made.
Written By Bliss
April 14, 2019, 2:23 p.m.(12/4/1010 AR)
At the end of each week, I find myself exhausted. But it is the good sort - the kind where I feel I have run both my mind and my body to their absolute limit, and now I need to take a moment to take a breath and relax, and be ready to move forward onto whatever is coming next. Whisper House is having people come home, and new apprentices are coming through our doors, all of which excite me with their possibilities. The world is in flux, but it is times like these when the best and brightest begin to shine and show what they can do.
The future looms, but it looms with as much opportunity as anything else. It is time to seize it.
The future looms, but it looms with as much opportunity as anything else. It is time to seize it.
Written By Bliss
April 7, 2019, 6 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
There are some people for whom the call is so obvious, so strong, that we cannot help but cheer and applaud as they heed it. Princess Sophie is the embodiment of what it means to be a Mercy in so many ways, and this next step she is taking is one which will do us all good. I am incredibly proud of her.
Written By Bliss
April 7, 2019, 5:34 a.m.(11/17/1010 AR)
There was a story I was told - I think there might have been a song to go with it, but I cannot remember the words now - about blind men who discovered a beast in the middle of the road.
None had any idea what it might be, and each that touched it declared, with absolute certainty, what they had found.
The first touched the tail, feeling the broad expanse, and declared that it must be a fan.
The second felt its claws, and announced it had found the hardest stone.
The third stroked its side, felt the rough flesh, and decided it must be a wall.
The fourth pushed into the flesh, felt the softness, and knew it was a pillow.
Fifth felt along the tusks, feeling the point, and announced that it was a spear.
And the sixth man felt its whiskers, the long and rough strands, and decided it had found a paintbrush.
They began to argue, nearly coming to blows, when another person came along who could see - and pointed out that they were arguing over a walrus.
To me, this story is incomplete. We don't know what was buried beneath the ground, or why the walrus was in the path in the first place, or who was watching. Was this an experiment? A prank? A trap? Or just mere coincidence?
Was it all the lead-in to something greater?
Or are we just overthinking it?
When you think you know something, for certain, you may not be wrong - but more pieces, more information, can help you understand a bit better. There are times when we can act quickly, and act rashly, but it is a risk to underestimate anyone else.
Those who stand against you are likely precisely as smart as you are. They might be more so. Maybe they knew how you would react and it was exactly what they had hoped.
Be better.
None had any idea what it might be, and each that touched it declared, with absolute certainty, what they had found.
The first touched the tail, feeling the broad expanse, and declared that it must be a fan.
The second felt its claws, and announced it had found the hardest stone.
The third stroked its side, felt the rough flesh, and decided it must be a wall.
The fourth pushed into the flesh, felt the softness, and knew it was a pillow.
Fifth felt along the tusks, feeling the point, and announced that it was a spear.
And the sixth man felt its whiskers, the long and rough strands, and decided it had found a paintbrush.
They began to argue, nearly coming to blows, when another person came along who could see - and pointed out that they were arguing over a walrus.
To me, this story is incomplete. We don't know what was buried beneath the ground, or why the walrus was in the path in the first place, or who was watching. Was this an experiment? A prank? A trap? Or just mere coincidence?
Was it all the lead-in to something greater?
Or are we just overthinking it?
When you think you know something, for certain, you may not be wrong - but more pieces, more information, can help you understand a bit better. There are times when we can act quickly, and act rashly, but it is a risk to underestimate anyone else.
Those who stand against you are likely precisely as smart as you are. They might be more so. Maybe they knew how you would react and it was exactly what they had hoped.
Be better.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.