Written By Khanne
Oct. 25, 2020, 8:52 p.m.(4/8/1014 AR)
Nobles of Arx, those of you who enjoy the freedoms of being where you are, who you are, and the families you were born into (or married into), this is for you.
Think about how it feels to eat a meal whenever you please, with whomever you please, and often, whatever foods you wish.
Remember the joys you felt when you attended your most recent fete, party, masquerade, or talk in the salon.
Cherish the moments when lively conversation stimulates your intellect, helps spread ideas for growth, shares knowledge, brings you closer to others as friends or family.
Recall the time you visited your favorite shop and were delighted to find something new that tickled your fancy, and you were able to pull silver from your pocket or pouch and pay for it to bring home.
These are things most of us can and do enjoy really whenever we wish. The same falls true for the most fortunate of Commoners who are able to live very well. These are things that we might often take for granted. Rarely do we think about the ease in which we are able to do near whatever we like... hopefully in the vein of it harming no one else.
Now, imagine that you could not.
Imagine that a Master was in control of your every move, every morsel you ate, every item of clothing you wore, every chore you worked your fingers to the bone to do, every person you associated with, if any.
Imagine every minutiae of your life being controlled by someone else.
Imagine having no freedom, no choice.
THIS is why the houses of Arx and the Faith call banners. To protect our own way of life, and to grant others the freedoms they may have never known the sweet taste of. This is not just a problem for the houses of the south. This is not for someone else to handle. This is something to be fought against together, as a Compact, as Arvani.
May Freedom of Choice prevail!
Think about how it feels to eat a meal whenever you please, with whomever you please, and often, whatever foods you wish.
Remember the joys you felt when you attended your most recent fete, party, masquerade, or talk in the salon.
Cherish the moments when lively conversation stimulates your intellect, helps spread ideas for growth, shares knowledge, brings you closer to others as friends or family.
Recall the time you visited your favorite shop and were delighted to find something new that tickled your fancy, and you were able to pull silver from your pocket or pouch and pay for it to bring home.
These are things most of us can and do enjoy really whenever we wish. The same falls true for the most fortunate of Commoners who are able to live very well. These are things that we might often take for granted. Rarely do we think about the ease in which we are able to do near whatever we like... hopefully in the vein of it harming no one else.
Now, imagine that you could not.
Imagine that a Master was in control of your every move, every morsel you ate, every item of clothing you wore, every chore you worked your fingers to the bone to do, every person you associated with, if any.
Imagine every minutiae of your life being controlled by someone else.
Imagine having no freedom, no choice.
THIS is why the houses of Arx and the Faith call banners. To protect our own way of life, and to grant others the freedoms they may have never known the sweet taste of. This is not just a problem for the houses of the south. This is not for someone else to handle. This is something to be fought against together, as a Compact, as Arvani.
May Freedom of Choice prevail!
Written By Khanne
Oct. 4, 2020, 9:58 p.m.(2/22/1014 AR)
If we keep having family dinners every time more Halfshavs find their way to Arx, I might not look as svelte for much longer.
All joking aside, it is a blessing that our estate is so full of family. It might even make me smile a bit.
All joking aside, it is a blessing that our estate is so full of family. It might even make me smile a bit.
Written By Khanne
Sept. 20, 2020, 6:13 p.m.(1/22/1014 AR)
What is it about the winter that fills me with such a sense of... what even is the right word?
Infinitesimal.
Not as much here in the city... but something about the blanket of snow that covers the ground, the trees, the roofs against the night sky. Yes, it is an eventide feeling overall. The vast night bordering the vast white. Stars break up the darkness while people and objects dot the white with color. It is like one is a reflection of the other. Now that's a ponder, isn't it?
In it all, I feel small, almost inconsequential. Some days, when I walk alone, the feeling settles into my bones like the sharp cut of the cold that a Northern winter consists of. At other times, when I am not alone, I find the company of those I love as friends and family to be like a fire to warm me, offering me comfort, and I feel more present... less like I will be swallowed whole by the very environment around me.
Forgive me... my words a ramble of thought, it seems. However... I do look forward to Spring.
Infinitesimal.
Not as much here in the city... but something about the blanket of snow that covers the ground, the trees, the roofs against the night sky. Yes, it is an eventide feeling overall. The vast night bordering the vast white. Stars break up the darkness while people and objects dot the white with color. It is like one is a reflection of the other. Now that's a ponder, isn't it?
In it all, I feel small, almost inconsequential. Some days, when I walk alone, the feeling settles into my bones like the sharp cut of the cold that a Northern winter consists of. At other times, when I am not alone, I find the company of those I love as friends and family to be like a fire to warm me, offering me comfort, and I feel more present... less like I will be swallowed whole by the very environment around me.
Forgive me... my words a ramble of thought, it seems. However... I do look forward to Spring.
Written By Khanne
Sept. 20, 2020, 2:57 p.m.(1/22/1014 AR)
Just curious....
What's everyone's favorite thing about winter in Arx? And for those who come from lands outside of the city proper, what is your favorite thing about winter where you grew up?
What's everyone's favorite thing about winter in Arx? And for those who come from lands outside of the city proper, what is your favorite thing about winter where you grew up?
Written By Khanne
Sept. 6, 2020, 9:31 p.m.(12/22/1013 AR)
I attended the third Feast of the Senses held by Archduchess Jaenelle. I went with trepidation, unsure who I would be paired with, and what we might have to try to eat while blindfolded. I shouldn't have been nervous though, Jaenelle hosted beautifully, and my trust in her was not misplaced. The food was delicious, truly... most of it. There were perhaps a couple courses that did not please me as much as others, but overall... divine. And, the conversation I had with my companion for the evening was fabulous. Thank you, Jaenelle and he who wore the crimson sash, for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Written By Khanne
Aug. 30, 2020, 10:48 p.m.(12/8/1013 AR)
Maybe I should have Drysi put a bunch of names of strangers in a hat for me and let me pick one so I can make that person my new penpal... I mean, I suppose they have to agree to it. Maybe that wouldn't work...
Back to the drawing board.
Back to the drawing board.
Written By Khanne
Aug. 16, 2020, 5:57 p.m.(11/8/1013 AR)
I would like to make public apologies to Braith and all of the Mazetti. I had planned on attending their Festival of Lights and was greatly looking forward to it. Alas, I missed it, though I am told that it was a wonderful experience. Of that, I had no doubt it would be. Hopefully, I will be able to attend the next... or another gathering.
Written By Khanne
July 19, 2020, 9:49 p.m.(9/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Talia
The Northlands Collection of the Fashion of the Fealties was well worth the wait. The gowns were beautiful. Some were a bit more ostentatious than my own tastes run, but I was still well able to see the beauty in them, and how they were meant for the houses they were to go to. I, myself, am quite pleased with the gown made for Halfshav House. It is no secret that I am proud of our Rubicund, and this gown is just... glowing with it!
Thank you, Talia, for sharing your talents with all of us. I shall hope to be able to view the Thrax collection when it is debuted.
Thank you, Talia, for sharing your talents with all of us. I shall hope to be able to view the Thrax collection when it is debuted.
Written By Khanne
July 12, 2020, 10:04 p.m.(8/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
Bri Bri... you are a sly, sly one. Sneaking that surprise on me like that! Congratulations!!!
Written By Khanne
July 12, 2020, 10 p.m.(8/22/1013 AR)
Thank you to everyone who was able to celebrate (belatedly) my birthday with me at the Spirits. It was great fun and I hope to see all of you again soon!
Written By Khanne
July 11, 2020, 11:42 a.m.(8/20/1013 AR)
How does time get away from me so easily? I forgot a birthday.... just... completely forgot...
.... and it was my own.
Belated birthday drinks on me at the Spirits (for today only, probably)!
.... and it was my own.
Belated birthday drinks on me at the Spirits (for today only, probably)!
Written By Khanne
July 5, 2020, 8:15 p.m.(8/8/1013 AR)
It was not a productive week for me.. again. I strive to do better.
Written By Khanne
June 28, 2020, 10:01 p.m.(7/22/1013 AR)
So many letters I need to write, want to write, should write. So many people I need to see, want to see, should see.
But when I put ink to parchment all that comes out is a stain.
When I move to walk out the door, the handle doesn't turn.
I need to figure out what is blocking me and remove the obstacle. I need to stop waiting and just do.
So much is different, so much is missed, but that doesn't mean what is new, or could be new, isn't waiting around the corner to bring joy. But if I never walk down the path, I won't turn that corner.
But when I put ink to parchment all that comes out is a stain.
When I move to walk out the door, the handle doesn't turn.
I need to figure out what is blocking me and remove the obstacle. I need to stop waiting and just do.
So much is different, so much is missed, but that doesn't mean what is new, or could be new, isn't waiting around the corner to bring joy. But if I never walk down the path, I won't turn that corner.
Written By Khanne
June 28, 2020, 9:54 p.m.(7/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
I do not know who brought up the topic of the education of northern people, or why, or if there was a journal I missed or what (truth be told, I don't read very many these days). One thing I do know though is that Arik likes to yell. A lot. He's a boisterous brother.
Written By Khanne
June 7, 2020, 10:09 p.m.(6/8/1013 AR)
I would like to thank House Crovane and Lady Clara for hosting the Unicorn Masquerade. While it is not my usual type of outing to attend, I thought it would be a nice change of pace. Plus, wearing a mask I could just... relax. I can't say I went all out, but, it did also give me a reason to wear the unicorn gown my beloved Perce bought for me so long ago. I had fun!
Written By Khanne
May 24, 2020, 10:48 p.m.(5/9/1013 AR)
I was going to write about Spring.
I was going to write about the anxious energy I have been feeling, the desire to get out and do, run, adventure.
I was going to write about the color blue.
Instead, I sit here and write about what I was going to write, if my thoughts were a bit less scattered.
Perhaps I have been thinking too much of the whirlpool. Perhaps my thoughts have descended into a swirl.
It's okay. I will find my balance once more. I always do.
I was going to write about the anxious energy I have been feeling, the desire to get out and do, run, adventure.
I was going to write about the color blue.
Instead, I sit here and write about what I was going to write, if my thoughts were a bit less scattered.
Perhaps I have been thinking too much of the whirlpool. Perhaps my thoughts have descended into a swirl.
It's okay. I will find my balance once more. I always do.
Written By Khanne
May 24, 2020, 10:27 p.m.(5/8/1013 AR)
On occasion, when I am trying to focus on one of my more mundane duties, my mind wanders to any number of places. The other day, I was thinking about the freedom of choice. I started wondering, where would my life have gone if I had made different choices? Not that I am unhappy with my life at all, but I couldn't help but wonder. I have had so many opportunities and of course I could not take a chance at them all. A single person does not have that much time. So what if I chose that adventure instead of the one I went on? What if I had gone to that party, instead of the other? What if I had danced the dance that I sat out? And then, sometimes... what if I just said what I wanted to instead of worrying about being proper and polite? What if I lived a life without fear of what my words might do?
What if?
What if?
Written By Khanne
May 11, 2020, 9:14 p.m.(4/10/1013 AR)
Sometimes, I read something that makes my eyebrows furrow and my hand to reach for the ink and parchment to retort.
Sometimes, the pure absurdity of it ends up making me just shake my head and put the ink away before even a mere dot is formed. I ask myself if what I am about to write is true (yes), helpful (mmm... probably not), important or inspiring (yeah... probably not), necessary (doubtful), or kind (I mean... it wouldn't have been UNkind but no, probably not...). Doing this makes me realize, it just isn't beneficial for me to respond at this time.
This is one of those times.
Sometimes, the pure absurdity of it ends up making me just shake my head and put the ink away before even a mere dot is formed. I ask myself if what I am about to write is true (yes), helpful (mmm... probably not), important or inspiring (yeah... probably not), necessary (doubtful), or kind (I mean... it wouldn't have been UNkind but no, probably not...). Doing this makes me realize, it just isn't beneficial for me to respond at this time.
This is one of those times.
Written By Khanne
May 10, 2020, 8:48 p.m.(4/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
Drysi just brought some white journals to my attention she thought I would either enjoy reading or should read. There were a couple from Rysen within the pile, both were surprising. One, because apparently there is some sort of.. competition or... disagreement or something between he and Alecstazi, something about love. He has a talent in writing poems, but perhaps I am too tired... it confused me a little. So I just wanted to say that love can exist within a union. It's not supposed to be the sole reason, amongst most nobles, that we marry, but when it so happens to benefit both houses in ways that are agreeable to the heads of each house, well, it just makes the marriage that much more beneficial to all parties.
Halfshav is incredibly happy to be allied with Thrax.
Aside from Victus nearly accidentally killing my brother. (High Lord, perhaps next time someone suggests you put your sword away during a snowball fight, perhaps consider that option a little more... please.) Thankfully, Arik will be okay. He has survived far worse. Can you imagine the embarrassment he would feel in the Shining Lands if he, our House Sword, had to tell the other souls there that he died during a lethal... snow ball fight? So glad that is not a risk at this time. I ould hear it now... everytime I went to visit, I'd hear, "oh! You are HIS sister? The guy that died in a snowball fight? I am so sorry... are you okay?"
But, I am rambling....
Anyway, Arik is fine, Bri and Alecstazi are wed, we are allies with Thrax and all is good.
But then, I also saw a journal Rysen wrote about my appearance at the Taste of Arx Ball at the Palace. His words in that entry made me grin, the way he spoke of my manner of dress that evening. Be careful, Lord Rysen, or people might think I can be civilized and blend in with the more formal sorts from the peerage. I say this with joy, because it made me giggle. The gown is one I do not wear too often, as it is very warm, made for the winter months (Designed by none other than Morrighan, a tailor I am thrilled to work with when I am able to sneak away some of her free time to do so), but what better place to represent my heritage than the Taste of Arx?
Then he said that it also "possessed all the warmth of a Spring morning in the sunlight" which... well, if anyone knows how much I love spring, they know how much it thrilled me to hear that.
I too enjoyed our conversation, Rysen, and look forward to more like it in the future.
Halfshav is incredibly happy to be allied with Thrax.
Aside from Victus nearly accidentally killing my brother. (High Lord, perhaps next time someone suggests you put your sword away during a snowball fight, perhaps consider that option a little more... please.) Thankfully, Arik will be okay. He has survived far worse. Can you imagine the embarrassment he would feel in the Shining Lands if he, our House Sword, had to tell the other souls there that he died during a lethal... snow ball fight? So glad that is not a risk at this time. I ould hear it now... everytime I went to visit, I'd hear, "oh! You are HIS sister? The guy that died in a snowball fight? I am so sorry... are you okay?"
But, I am rambling....
Anyway, Arik is fine, Bri and Alecstazi are wed, we are allies with Thrax and all is good.
But then, I also saw a journal Rysen wrote about my appearance at the Taste of Arx Ball at the Palace. His words in that entry made me grin, the way he spoke of my manner of dress that evening. Be careful, Lord Rysen, or people might think I can be civilized and blend in with the more formal sorts from the peerage. I say this with joy, because it made me giggle. The gown is one I do not wear too often, as it is very warm, made for the winter months (Designed by none other than Morrighan, a tailor I am thrilled to work with when I am able to sneak away some of her free time to do so), but what better place to represent my heritage than the Taste of Arx?
Then he said that it also "possessed all the warmth of a Spring morning in the sunlight" which... well, if anyone knows how much I love spring, they know how much it thrilled me to hear that.
I too enjoyed our conversation, Rysen, and look forward to more like it in the future.
Written By Khanne
April 26, 2020, 1:28 p.m.(3/8/1013 AR)
Dear long lost friends,
I have been very busy as of late (I know, I know, when am I not? But really...). So much so I at times wonder if people send guards to my suite to make sure I am still breathing in there. Rest assured everyone, I am. But even a busy mind finds opportunity to wander at times. For me, I might look out the window to try to think of the right word in something I am writing, or perhaps the dance of the flame in the hearth draws my attention away from my work.
In these moments I often find myself thinking of you. In this case, it is the collective you. The yous who I have held close in my life in one way or another, that have left this life to return to the wheel, or in some cases, to parts and well being unknown. I have been feeling nostalgic for the wonderful letters we wrote to one another, many very long; some deep and philosophical, some just full of joy and silliness, others full of affection. Some were very short, but full of meaning as well.
I treasure these letters. I treasure too every memory of moments we spent together in conversation face to face, but there is something about the written word that is just special.. I am having a difficult time explaining how or why these sorts of letters mean so much to me. I am not truly a poet, even if I try sometimes. In your life, all of you, I like to think the letters were special to you too, meant something. I could be wrong and to you they were just a way to pass the time, but, well, feel free to come visit from the Shining Lands and tell me otherwise if I am wrong, otherwise, I will just continue on thinking as I do.
I remember the moment I met each and every one of you. And in our meeting alone, something special was born. The friendship I shared with each of you began with significant conversation. Okay, well... with one of you it began because I made you smile when pretty much everyone was convinced you were incapable. And how did I do that? I stuck my tongue out at you. But all the rest of you? We sat together amidst chaos in a quiet corner, or you found me amongst the stone columns of the grove when I needed solace, or you dared me to drink something other than whiskey and distracted me from the crowd to focus on conversation with you... and when we parted, I found myself looking forward to talking to you again... and that's usually how the letters began.
Anyway, long lost friends, I just wanted to put into words how much I miss you all. You live on in my thoughts and in my heart. I hope you are well, whether you remain in the Shining Lands, or have been returned from the wheel again, born anew.
And to those who I am still lucky enough to share letters with, I hope you know how meaningful they are to me, and that we will be able to continue to share them with one another for a long time to come.
Affectionately,
Khanne
I have been very busy as of late (I know, I know, when am I not? But really...). So much so I at times wonder if people send guards to my suite to make sure I am still breathing in there. Rest assured everyone, I am. But even a busy mind finds opportunity to wander at times. For me, I might look out the window to try to think of the right word in something I am writing, or perhaps the dance of the flame in the hearth draws my attention away from my work.
In these moments I often find myself thinking of you. In this case, it is the collective you. The yous who I have held close in my life in one way or another, that have left this life to return to the wheel, or in some cases, to parts and well being unknown. I have been feeling nostalgic for the wonderful letters we wrote to one another, many very long; some deep and philosophical, some just full of joy and silliness, others full of affection. Some were very short, but full of meaning as well.
I treasure these letters. I treasure too every memory of moments we spent together in conversation face to face, but there is something about the written word that is just special.. I am having a difficult time explaining how or why these sorts of letters mean so much to me. I am not truly a poet, even if I try sometimes. In your life, all of you, I like to think the letters were special to you too, meant something. I could be wrong and to you they were just a way to pass the time, but, well, feel free to come visit from the Shining Lands and tell me otherwise if I am wrong, otherwise, I will just continue on thinking as I do.
I remember the moment I met each and every one of you. And in our meeting alone, something special was born. The friendship I shared with each of you began with significant conversation. Okay, well... with one of you it began because I made you smile when pretty much everyone was convinced you were incapable. And how did I do that? I stuck my tongue out at you. But all the rest of you? We sat together amidst chaos in a quiet corner, or you found me amongst the stone columns of the grove when I needed solace, or you dared me to drink something other than whiskey and distracted me from the crowd to focus on conversation with you... and when we parted, I found myself looking forward to talking to you again... and that's usually how the letters began.
Anyway, long lost friends, I just wanted to put into words how much I miss you all. You live on in my thoughts and in my heart. I hope you are well, whether you remain in the Shining Lands, or have been returned from the wheel again, born anew.
And to those who I am still lucky enough to share letters with, I hope you know how meaningful they are to me, and that we will be able to continue to share them with one another for a long time to come.
Affectionately,
Khanne
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.