Written By Saedrus
June 20, 2017, 6:34 a.m.(9/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Niamh
I met Lady Niamh Greenmarch very early on, when she arrived to the Grotto for an evening of relaxation. She was a kind woman, and unfathomably brave when she wished to be; she was a woman would could have overcome the darkness itself with a laugh. Though I think she took too much joy in saying things to see me blush or try to turn a conversation away from a topic that made her laugh, I would take the embarrassment a thousand times over if it meant she might walk back into the Grotto in her armour, and a smile, and tell me I need to take a moment just to breath. I will miss her, as so many others will, and so many others will no doubt miss her more than I do for reasons much deeper than my own. I just hope wherever she is, she is at peace.
Written By Saedrus
June 18, 2017, 1:55 a.m.(9/3/1006 AR)
I believe the Salon was a success.
I do hope that those attended found it enlightening, or at least left with some thought of the message therein. Aleksei spoke so well, in his own charming sort of manner, and I am glad it all came together. I am proud to be a Liberator of Skald and to be a Whisper. I did not expect that Aleksei asked the Whisper house to host the event, though when he told me it could not be 'fancy' or anything 'formal' I did struggle a little.
All in all, I was very happy with it, and too, that knowledge of the First Choice continues to grow in understanding within the city of Arx.
I do hope that those attended found it enlightening, or at least left with some thought of the message therein. Aleksei spoke so well, in his own charming sort of manner, and I am glad it all came together. I am proud to be a Liberator of Skald and to be a Whisper. I did not expect that Aleksei asked the Whisper house to host the event, though when he told me it could not be 'fancy' or anything 'formal' I did struggle a little.
All in all, I was very happy with it, and too, that knowledge of the First Choice continues to grow in understanding within the city of Arx.
Written By Saedrus
June 11, 2017, 8:26 p.m.(8/19/1006 AR)
I really do not think my wardrobe is that impressive. If it was so grand, I would not struggle finding something wear for special occasions.
Written By Saedrus
June 4, 2017, 12:43 p.m.(8/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Dearest Lady Juliet Fidante.
She was a woman of passions, in that I could not fault her. She was brave and brilliant when she wished to be and as gentle as a summer breeze any other time. I admired her strength, even if her nature did not mix well to my own on occasion, she had a golden heart and she is sorely missed.
I can only hope she is in peace, adored there just as she had been here.
She was a woman of passions, in that I could not fault her. She was brave and brilliant when she wished to be and as gentle as a summer breeze any other time. I admired her strength, even if her nature did not mix well to my own on occasion, she had a golden heart and she is sorely missed.
I can only hope she is in peace, adored there just as she had been here.
Written By Saedrus
May 3, 2017, 6:17 p.m.(5/23/1006 AR)
23rd of the Fifth Month, 1005
In Memory.
"Halt the belltowers, clear the cobblestone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Build up the pyre, let the mourners come.
Let crows circle crying overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message 'He Is Dead',
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the iron guards wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my evening rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
((Minor adjustments, but credit due: W. H. Auden "Stop all the clocks..."))
In Memory.
"Halt the belltowers, clear the cobblestone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Build up the pyre, let the mourners come.
Let crows circle crying overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message 'He Is Dead',
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the iron guards wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my evening rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
((Minor adjustments, but credit due: W. H. Auden "Stop all the clocks..."))
Written By Saedrus
April 23, 2017, 9:30 a.m.(4/28/1006 AR)
I think Vashti has made a little friend in Opia. Darling little things have been playing in the Grotto all day. For all the darkness hanging over the city, it is such a delight to see something quite as sweet as the kindling of new friendships. I do hope Mirari will not mind if they have more regular play dates; I would not want to keep little Vashti away from his newest companion. He really does need to learn to play with others, I think I may have spoilt him a touch too much.
Written By Saedrus
April 2, 2017, 10:10 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
That was possibly one of the more interesting nights I have ever spent at the Queensrest Inn. A barrage of players from all walks, vocations and class; there was talk of the siege and nearly everything else, an impromptu etiquette quiz that ended really rather horribly; something found and well, something lost quite suddenly all over the floor. Needless to say, I think I managed to placate the Inn's staff -- with lucky everyone will still be permitted back in the establishment. One only needs one such exciting night in a life time.
Written By Saedrus
April 1, 2017, 6:12 a.m.(3/11/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
There now, that was not so painful was it?
One lesson complete. I can only hope progress is made with the next one and perhaps with less vocal complaints next time. I feel as though this is rather like training a puppy not to chew during teething. All the same, I am certain he will impress.
One lesson complete. I can only hope progress is made with the next one and perhaps with less vocal complaints next time. I feel as though this is rather like training a puppy not to chew during teething. All the same, I am certain he will impress.
Written By Saedrus
Feb. 25, 2017, 9:43 p.m.(12/26/1005 AR)
Of all the gifts complete with a satin bow to receive, I think the precious little feline I was given is by far my favourite. I woke to find the most beautiful seal-point face watching me from the foot of the bed, with a gold ribbon about his neck and blue eyes wide and curious. The name, I decided, must suit him in elegance and charm and so I have called him Vashti. Such an intelligent creature and my favourite company while I am busy working, though I wish he would keep his little paws away from the ink pots.
I adore him.
I adore him.
Written By Saedrus
Feb. 25, 2017, 9:29 p.m.(12/26/1005 AR)
As a child living just outside the village of the Saikland Greens I made a small pilgrimage every week from the age of seven to when I left my home to travel. Every three days without fail I would go with my older sisters on the back of the cart to the village and while they tendered wine to the taverns and the market I took a small collection up a winding path to the Saik's Castle kitchen. I have not made that trip in many years but I can still picture which stones on the path were loose, and where the steps begun near a peach tree that blossomed beautifully but never yielded fruit.
For the past months I have found a new path, albeit a far shorter journey now between the Ward of the Crown and Southport Square, that I make every three days. I do not take a crate of wine with me, only a single bottle and two glasses and rather than the kitchen my little pilgrimage ends at the Saik Tower gardens. I know the cobbleroads well, but there are no loose stones and no peach tree to warn of stairs, only the marble faces of late Barons and a whisper on the breeze.
For the past months I have found a new path, albeit a far shorter journey now between the Ward of the Crown and Southport Square, that I make every three days. I do not take a crate of wine with me, only a single bottle and two glasses and rather than the kitchen my little pilgrimage ends at the Saik Tower gardens. I know the cobbleroads well, but there are no loose stones and no peach tree to warn of stairs, only the marble faces of late Barons and a whisper on the breeze.
Written By Saedrus
Jan. 27, 2017, 6:57 a.m.(10/10/1005 AR)
A clarification of Profession:
When one says, 'I am a physician' a person smiles, nods, and knows this person is a healer. Should one say, 'I am a smith' a person smiles, nods, and knows this person is a crafter of various mediums. Yet, when one says, 'I am a courtesan' a person is as likely to misuse or misconstrue the other's craft, as it were, as quickly as they are likely to ask which fork is used after entree but before the main.
It is overwhelmingly frustrating at times; having to constantly acquaint people with what the role of a Courtesan actually is or, as is sometimes the case, tear to shreds the misconceptions a person has built. Not that this is merely a problem within the city walls and I have dealt with the same outrageously petulant complaints throughout most of the Compact.
For fear of this matter turning its ugly head and poor taste at me ever again, and the risk of grey hair, I decided to put to clear and concise terms what is it the role those of my vocation take in society and the Compact at large. My hope is that for those that take the time to read this presently, they may be more knowledgeable on the matter and not risk an inevitably embarrassing scenario of being slapped back to the Reckoning for a wandering hand or self-absorbed sense of entitlement. In addition, should this ever be read by historians (and I do, so very much, hope the bite of my internal tone is audible by way of ink) that shed light on any sordid shadows cast on such a noble and enterprising profession by others.
I should note that, come the end of the day, it is to each courtier and courtesan their own; what they do, do not, and will not afford is their own right. As a standard however here is the crux of the matter: what we are not.
We are not lovers leased by the Houses in which we serve. We are not objects to be set aside like collectable dolls on the shelf of an over-indulged child. We are not, nor can be, owned, claimed or bartered over like cattle in the yards.
And certainly it must be said that whether prince or pauper, we are not an Entitlement.
What we are not, though pertinent is not at all that which I seek to be made clear. Most importantly and above all else is what we /are/.
We are artisans in all that we do, and our service to the Compact is one I see as an esteemed honour. Yes, our role is certainly and without doubt one of beauty – and those within the city are exquisite, but there is a great well of wisdom in our ranks as well. We are diplomats within the courts; we are skilled teachers, graceful entertainers and passionate artists.
We each have spent the best part of our lives training in one or many facets of the services we provided. We are present to help speak between Houses in need of more social grace when the risk of a duel may be too much. Some of us sing sweeter than a songbird while others could make a poet weep for their turn of phrase.
And of course, we throw the most outrageously divine parties the Compact has ever seen.
Now it is written for the public, clearly and in most delicate script, I feel ignorance on the matter can no longer be claimed.
When one says, 'I am a physician' a person smiles, nods, and knows this person is a healer. Should one say, 'I am a smith' a person smiles, nods, and knows this person is a crafter of various mediums. Yet, when one says, 'I am a courtesan' a person is as likely to misuse or misconstrue the other's craft, as it were, as quickly as they are likely to ask which fork is used after entree but before the main.
It is overwhelmingly frustrating at times; having to constantly acquaint people with what the role of a Courtesan actually is or, as is sometimes the case, tear to shreds the misconceptions a person has built. Not that this is merely a problem within the city walls and I have dealt with the same outrageously petulant complaints throughout most of the Compact.
For fear of this matter turning its ugly head and poor taste at me ever again, and the risk of grey hair, I decided to put to clear and concise terms what is it the role those of my vocation take in society and the Compact at large. My hope is that for those that take the time to read this presently, they may be more knowledgeable on the matter and not risk an inevitably embarrassing scenario of being slapped back to the Reckoning for a wandering hand or self-absorbed sense of entitlement. In addition, should this ever be read by historians (and I do, so very much, hope the bite of my internal tone is audible by way of ink) that shed light on any sordid shadows cast on such a noble and enterprising profession by others.
I should note that, come the end of the day, it is to each courtier and courtesan their own; what they do, do not, and will not afford is their own right. As a standard however here is the crux of the matter: what we are not.
We are not lovers leased by the Houses in which we serve. We are not objects to be set aside like collectable dolls on the shelf of an over-indulged child. We are not, nor can be, owned, claimed or bartered over like cattle in the yards.
And certainly it must be said that whether prince or pauper, we are not an Entitlement.
What we are not, though pertinent is not at all that which I seek to be made clear. Most importantly and above all else is what we /are/.
We are artisans in all that we do, and our service to the Compact is one I see as an esteemed honour. Yes, our role is certainly and without doubt one of beauty – and those within the city are exquisite, but there is a great well of wisdom in our ranks as well. We are diplomats within the courts; we are skilled teachers, graceful entertainers and passionate artists.
We each have spent the best part of our lives training in one or many facets of the services we provided. We are present to help speak between Houses in need of more social grace when the risk of a duel may be too much. Some of us sing sweeter than a songbird while others could make a poet weep for their turn of phrase.
And of course, we throw the most outrageously divine parties the Compact has ever seen.
Now it is written for the public, clearly and in most delicate script, I feel ignorance on the matter can no longer be claimed.
Written By Saedrus
Jan. 21, 2017, 5:12 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
I am reminded of a simple, yet didactic fable where once a wolf, caught choking on a bone stuck in his throat, hired a Swan, for a handsome sum, to put her head into his throat and draw out the offending bone.
When the Swan had extracted it she demanded the payment he had promised her. The Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:
“Why, you have surely already a sufficient recompense, for being permitted to draw out your head in safety from the fanged maw of a wolf.”
In this, one must remember that in serving the wicked to expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.
When the Swan had extracted it she demanded the payment he had promised her. The Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:
“Why, you have surely already a sufficient recompense, for being permitted to draw out your head in safety from the fanged maw of a wolf.”
In this, one must remember that in serving the wicked to expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.
Written By Saedrus
Jan. 17, 2017, 10:29 a.m.(9/8/1005 AR)
Just when I think I have reached a point where pain could not surprise me, there is some new, boundless surge of ache that strikes. Thereafter I am lost to it all over again. A thick skin can only get you so far when you're armoured in silk.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 16, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(5/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
Dearest and Most Beloved, my Sun
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 15, 2016, 10:26 p.m.(5/23/1005 AR)
I feel as though I've been struck. Like every last ounce of air has been stolen from me--
I cannot breathe.
I cannot breathe.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 12, 2016, 7:05 a.m.(5/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Though I had known of the Archlector long before he held the title, I only met him when I arrived here in Arx. And I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do so; his counsel in recent times has been a great comfort. He is a just and honourable man of the Faith with an astute mind and generous nature.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 12, 2016, 6:39 a.m.(5/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Admittedly Lady Eirene may be a little rough, but I do not know a more competent and knowledgeable medic. I find her to be quite stimulating in conversation and I rather like the time spent walking the gardens of Southport Square... even if she somehow manages to bruise me just taking my arm. A good thing she is a medic, I suppose.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 12, 2016, 6:30 a.m.(5/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
There are few quiet as lovely as Lady Juliet Fidante. She has a remarkable way to remind a person of the bright and beautiful things in the world. Certainly she is a woman that knows precisely what she wants, and I find it an admirable trait. And she is a highly valued guest of the Grotto.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 12, 2016, 6:23 a.m.(5/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
Larissa is like the lightning; beautiful and shocking in the most wonderful of ways. She is a constant inspiration to me as much as she is a beloved companion. There is not a single woman or man more captivating then her. Her gaze alone ensnares an unsuspecting viewer and her passion is enough to bring any creature to their knees. I envy the sheer presence of the Whisper even if at first there had been a true spark of jealousy; I am now only ever proud of everything she accomplishes.
Written By Saedrus
Dec. 12, 2016, 5:50 a.m.(5/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
Truly my favourite Artist in Arx. Not only is Master Fortunato's work both thoughtful and beautiful, he is truly a delight to sit and chat with. His company is always welcome, and his opinions on each topic I have brought up with him have been particularly refreshing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.