Written By Sophie
March 10, 2018, 10:42 p.m.(5/4/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
Where is my copy?
Written By Sophie
March 8, 2018, 12:24 a.m.(4/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
In light of Lord Percephon Telmar's quasi-will, I enter into the public record the following, addressed to my beloved cousin, Princess Alis Valardin.
My dearest Alis, Perce's smut collection is mine to inherit. I love you, but I will cut you. I will stitch you back up, but I will cut you.
My dearest Alis, Perce's smut collection is mine to inherit. I love you, but I will cut you. I will stitch you back up, but I will cut you.
Written By Sophie
March 2, 2018, 12:50 p.m.(4/15/1008 AR)
To my dear little cousin and future High Lord, please pardon my taking so long to write about the blessing that was being the one to first welcome you into the world. When your father, my beloved cousin Edain, asked me to safely deliver you to the start of lambent Lagoma's beautiful cycle, I was immeasurably honored. To see you, to hold you, my heart immediately expanded with such love and tenderness -- love and tenderness I've felt for you since you were a seed of hope yet to be planted.
Know that I will always do whatever I can to see you blossom and flourish.
Know that I will always do whatever I can to see you blossom and flourish.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 22, 2018, 2:39 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I consider myself blessed to count Lady Eirene Malvici as both friend and colleague. Although she leaves the Physicians Guild in the capable hands of Countess Reigna Keaton -- an appointment that is well-deserved -- I am the utmost certain that her excellence shall continue in her service as Crown Minister of Health.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:13 p.m.(3/23/1008 AR)
Opening a chrysalis before a butterfly is ready to be a butterfly results in no butterfly at all.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 20, 2018, 2:47 a.m.(3/22/1008 AR)
"Every one of us can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. We can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is our response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized."
Not only is this one of the earliest teachings instilled in me, it is one of the most important.
Not only is this one of the earliest teachings instilled in me, it is one of the most important.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 20, 2018, 1:57 a.m.(3/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
The eloquence with which he imparts Vellichor's wisdom is a gift from Jayus that honors all of us and the Gods. I am grateful for such a blessing.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 13, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
My dear Eirene, I am more than happy to mix you a batch of detoxifier, but considering how potent it is, I suspect you might wish you actually were dead until everything is worked out of your system.
If that is not deterrent enough, let me remind you that you are not allowed to die.
If that is not deterrent enough, let me remind you that you are not allowed to die.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 8, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(2/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
I am generally not one to write about my loved ones in the white journals although, one day, the depth of my affection shall be revealed when I finally pass and my blacks are made public. Perhaps this idiosyncrasy is a form of protectiveness. Regardless, I wish to express my tremendous gratitude and pride for the exceptional efforts of my dear cousin, Countess-Consort Reigna Keaton née Wyrmguard. She oversaw a grand rallying of healers of all kinds, including the Mercies who answered my call. (She even recruited the legendary alchemist Valery!)
May the Gods continue to bless my dear cousin and everyone else who assisted in this considerable collaboration of healers.
May the Gods continue to bless those healers who serve the cause.
May the Gods continue to bless any and all who shall fight for a better world.
May the Gods continue to bless my dear cousin and everyone else who assisted in this considerable collaboration of healers.
May the Gods continue to bless those healers who serve the cause.
May the Gods continue to bless any and all who shall fight for a better world.
Written By Sophie
Feb. 4, 2018, 3:10 p.m.(2/13/1008 AR)
Forgiveness is to release anger and resentment, and that must come in its own time. It cannot and should not be forced. Forgiveness is not for the benefit of those who have transgressed against us. It is for our own benefit, for prolonged anger and resentment are poisonous and detrimental to our personal and collective well-being.
Although they often are found together to the point of conflation, compassion is not forgiveness. Compassion is sympathetic concern for the sufferings and misfortunes of others, including the experiences that culminated in the transgression. Compassion is to have the empathy and humility to recognize that we might well be no different in actions were our circumstances those that the transgressor has known.
Mercy also is not the same as forgiveness. Mercy is chosen. It is neither weakness nor a sign that someone can be readily taken advantage of. It does not downplay or forget a transgression. Mercy is built on the foundation of compassion, which, again, is not the same thing as forgiveness. Mercy is to give someone an opportunity that they may never have had so that they may be better than what they have been. It also affords us the same opportunity.
Some have never had the opportunity to know better. Some are also demonstrating they they, too, will not turn the other cheek for feeling that they and their people have been wronged by our people.
I insist that no one is beyond redemption.
I reaffirm that not all will accept the blessing of betterment that Our Lady of Change grants us all.
I accept that those who reject Her gift of salvation must not be permitted to continue harming others, even if the necessary measure may be the transgressor's death.
I pray that those tragic souls will do better in another lifetime should they ever find themselves re-spun on the Great Wheel.
I maintain that we do all we can to ensure it does not come to that, and that we have only ourselves to blame should nothing virtuous blossom because we planted that seed somewhere it had no chance of growing into the goodness it is capable of being. Breaking through the darkness of the earth in order to sprout is difficult enough and not aided by the lack of adequate water and sunlight.
Nothing happens in a void. We have the Skald given right to choose how far back accountability goes, how to interpret the history that Vellichor so cherishes, and how honorably to comport ourselves in light of those discoveries. To keep these things in mind is just.
Although they often are found together to the point of conflation, compassion is not forgiveness. Compassion is sympathetic concern for the sufferings and misfortunes of others, including the experiences that culminated in the transgression. Compassion is to have the empathy and humility to recognize that we might well be no different in actions were our circumstances those that the transgressor has known.
Mercy also is not the same as forgiveness. Mercy is chosen. It is neither weakness nor a sign that someone can be readily taken advantage of. It does not downplay or forget a transgression. Mercy is built on the foundation of compassion, which, again, is not the same thing as forgiveness. Mercy is to give someone an opportunity that they may never have had so that they may be better than what they have been. It also affords us the same opportunity.
Some have never had the opportunity to know better. Some are also demonstrating they they, too, will not turn the other cheek for feeling that they and their people have been wronged by our people.
I insist that no one is beyond redemption.
I reaffirm that not all will accept the blessing of betterment that Our Lady of Change grants us all.
I accept that those who reject Her gift of salvation must not be permitted to continue harming others, even if the necessary measure may be the transgressor's death.
I pray that those tragic souls will do better in another lifetime should they ever find themselves re-spun on the Great Wheel.
I maintain that we do all we can to ensure it does not come to that, and that we have only ourselves to blame should nothing virtuous blossom because we planted that seed somewhere it had no chance of growing into the goodness it is capable of being. Breaking through the darkness of the earth in order to sprout is difficult enough and not aided by the lack of adequate water and sunlight.
Nothing happens in a void. We have the Skald given right to choose how far back accountability goes, how to interpret the history that Vellichor so cherishes, and how honorably to comport ourselves in light of those discoveries. To keep these things in mind is just.
Written By Sophie
Jan. 28, 2018, 1:37 p.m.(1/19/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Echo
Your Highness, one of the tenets of Our Lady of Change is that we do the best we can, and that when we know better that we do better and become better people, which very much includes helping others to do the same. How we each do that is irrelevant, so, for what it may be worth, I do not believe that yours is a too literal interpretation.
Thank you for doing what you can. Little by little, action by action is how we change the world for the better.
Thank you for doing what you can. Little by little, action by action is how we change the world for the better.
Written By Sophie
Jan. 28, 2018, 1:36 p.m.(1/19/1008 AR)
When we care, we strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.
<<OOC: This predates one of Echo's journals. It was accidentally deleted it when I wanted to delete the message that was the reply to Echo's journal 'cos I accidentally linked it to Enyo, instead. Sorry!>>
<<OOC: This predates one of Echo's journals. It was accidentally deleted it when I wanted to delete the message that was the reply to Echo's journal 'cos I accidentally linked it to Enyo, instead. Sorry!>>
Written By Sophie
Jan. 28, 2018, 1:21 p.m.(1/19/1008 AR)
We do not create a better world by tearing down those who seek to make amends for their wrongdoings, no matter how grievous those wrongdoings. It is our duty to help enable those positive changes and to remember that it is a process -- one that oft is slow, difficult, full of stumbling and moments of regression, and seemingly invisible to onlookers, much like a seed buried deep in the dark earth. Much like that seed, when the efforts of a person to self-improve are properly tended in an environment conducive to that growth, that betterment will eventually sprout and blossom.
There is a significant difference between condemning the actions of a person and condemning the person. No one is beyond redemption even if it may never manifest for some in this lifetime. To denounce the possibility of such a thing is to denounce the ideals that Our Lady of Change embodies.
None of us are perfect or above reproach. Not a single one of us. To forget that is a form of hubris, and hubris is not a virtue of any of the Gods.
There is a significant difference between condemning the actions of a person and condemning the person. No one is beyond redemption even if it may never manifest for some in this lifetime. To denounce the possibility of such a thing is to denounce the ideals that Our Lady of Change embodies.
None of us are perfect or above reproach. Not a single one of us. To forget that is a form of hubris, and hubris is not a virtue of any of the Gods.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 30, 2017, 4:23 p.m.(11/14/1007 AR)
It is done. After nearly two years of effort, the Harrowed Heart program has fully been implement in Arx. I am blessed that dearest Cybele so wisely helped me put it together and trained to many. I am blessed by the efforts of dearest Saedrus and Radiant Selene, who raised funds and who saw the Whispers involvement in treating some of the worst emotional trauma cases. Dearest Eirene helped spread awareness and used her clout to gather momentum.
So many generously lent their influence to aid the effort. It is only fit to publicly acknowledge them. Please know that my gratitude is immense and that you've helped to help so money.
Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax
Dame Alexis Wyrmfang
Prince Aiden Grayson
Seraph Ailith
Dominus Aldwin Aurum, Voice of the Pantheon and Closest to the Gods
Blessed Aleksei, Archlector of the First Choice
Princess Alis Valardin
Lord Ansel Telmar
Duke-Consort Anze Malvici
Sir Armel Godsworn, Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace
Blessed Aureth, Archlector of the Queen of Endings
Prince Beaumont Valardin
Mercy Cybele Walker In-between of the Children of the Sun and the Moon
Duchess Dafne Zaffria
Prince Darren Redrain, Highlord of the Northlands
Prince Edain Valardin, Highlord of the Oathlands
Lady Eirene Malvici, Crown Minister of Health and Physicians Guildmistress
Prince Fiachra Valardin
Marquis Hadrian Mazetti
Princess Isabeau Valardin
Mistress Joscelin Arterius, Crafters Guildmistress
Lady Lailah Bisland
Prince Laric Grayson, Master of Questions of the Inquisition
Dame Leola Allenatore, First Horn of the Hunt of the Lodge of Petrichor, Paladin of Groves
Lady Lilia Telmar
Lord Percephon Telmar
Princess Tikva Grayson
Marquessa Samantha Deepwood
Softest Whisper Saedrus of Whisper House
Radient Selene of Whisper House
Dame Thena Grayhope, adjutant of the Knights of Solace
Mistress Valery
Prince Victus Thrax, Highlord of the Mourning Isles
<<Assorted NPCs>>
And now, our people cared for and merciful Lagoma honored, I shall enjoy a moment's rest.
OOC: If anyone is missing from the list, I apologize. It is entirely an OOC oversight and not an IC one. I had a spreadsheet that became corrupted some six months ago, so the list was largely recreated from memory. If you should be on the list, please let me know and I'll update the journal entry if it's still within the coded editing deadline for changes.
So many generously lent their influence to aid the effort. It is only fit to publicly acknowledge them. Please know that my gratitude is immense and that you've helped to help so money.
Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax
Dame Alexis Wyrmfang
Prince Aiden Grayson
Seraph Ailith
Dominus Aldwin Aurum, Voice of the Pantheon and Closest to the Gods
Blessed Aleksei, Archlector of the First Choice
Princess Alis Valardin
Lord Ansel Telmar
Duke-Consort Anze Malvici
Sir Armel Godsworn, Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace
Blessed Aureth, Archlector of the Queen of Endings
Prince Beaumont Valardin
Mercy Cybele Walker In-between of the Children of the Sun and the Moon
Duchess Dafne Zaffria
Prince Darren Redrain, Highlord of the Northlands
Prince Edain Valardin, Highlord of the Oathlands
Lady Eirene Malvici, Crown Minister of Health and Physicians Guildmistress
Prince Fiachra Valardin
Marquis Hadrian Mazetti
Princess Isabeau Valardin
Mistress Joscelin Arterius, Crafters Guildmistress
Lady Lailah Bisland
Prince Laric Grayson, Master of Questions of the Inquisition
Dame Leola Allenatore, First Horn of the Hunt of the Lodge of Petrichor, Paladin of Groves
Lady Lilia Telmar
Lord Percephon Telmar
Princess Tikva Grayson
Marquessa Samantha Deepwood
Softest Whisper Saedrus of Whisper House
Radient Selene of Whisper House
Dame Thena Grayhope, adjutant of the Knights of Solace
Mistress Valery
Prince Victus Thrax, Highlord of the Mourning Isles
<<Assorted NPCs>>
And now, our people cared for and merciful Lagoma honored, I shall enjoy a moment's rest.
OOC: If anyone is missing from the list, I apologize. It is entirely an OOC oversight and not an IC one. I had a spreadsheet that became corrupted some six months ago, so the list was largely recreated from memory. If you should be on the list, please let me know and I'll update the journal entry if it's still within the coded editing deadline for changes.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 21, 2017, 5:54 p.m.(10/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Ah, my dear Eirene has paid me quite the compliment in saying she wants none other than myself to see her purified and stitched up should she be carved and infected by agents of the Abyss.
In truth, though, she is stubborn enough to attempt doing it herself, and I suspect she'd be a fair hand at it, too.
Unless she were unconscious. Even then, on some level, I'm sure that she'd nonetheless try.
May we never have to find out.
In truth, though, she is stubborn enough to attempt doing it herself, and I suspect she'd be a fair hand at it, too.
Unless she were unconscious. Even then, on some level, I'm sure that she'd nonetheless try.
May we never have to find out.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 7, 2017, 8:33 p.m.(9/23/1007 AR)
Having been shown the kind words of Princess Valencia Velenosa in regard to the elevation of Mercy Cybele to the position of Voice of Mercy, I wish to publicly thank her for her public showing of support.
I realize that more conservative members of the Faith, including my fellow Orthodox Oathlanders, will be shocked and dismayed by such a choice from a Valardin Princess. To them, I ask that you reserve your judgment and have faith in my judgment. It was not a decision made lightly. Mercy Cybele may be syncretic but they also are a true and devoted disciple of Lagoma who has honored Our Lady of Change with consistent, skilled, and compassionate service.
I also gently remind that syncretism is not denounced in our scripture as incompatible with the tenets of the Faith. The Gods remain honored, so let us honor that. However, should any wish to directly address their concerns to me, I make myself available to assuage those concerns.
May the Gods bless and keep us.
I realize that more conservative members of the Faith, including my fellow Orthodox Oathlanders, will be shocked and dismayed by such a choice from a Valardin Princess. To them, I ask that you reserve your judgment and have faith in my judgment. It was not a decision made lightly. Mercy Cybele may be syncretic but they also are a true and devoted disciple of Lagoma who has honored Our Lady of Change with consistent, skilled, and compassionate service.
I also gently remind that syncretism is not denounced in our scripture as incompatible with the tenets of the Faith. The Gods remain honored, so let us honor that. However, should any wish to directly address their concerns to me, I make myself available to assuage those concerns.
May the Gods bless and keep us.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 6, 2017, 6:19 p.m.(9/20/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cybele
On this, the 20th day of the 9th month of the year 1007 AR, let it be known that, by my hand and my will, Mercy Cybele Walker Inbetween of the Children of the Sun and the Moon is henceforth elevated to the position of Voice for the Mercies of Lagoma of Arx.
Mercy Cybele has been nothing less than a blessing, the utmost dedicated to the healing arts and upholding the tenets of Our Lady of Change. They have been integral to seeing the return of His Majesty, King Alaric IV's, return to wellness. They have sagaciously been lead instructor of our novitiates of Mercy, ensuring that they each ascend to the right to wear the mantle of a Mercy. They have repeatedly demonstrated their trustworthiness and devotedness as a confidant and colleague. They have proven themselves invaluable countless times and countless ways.
I am honored to have Mercy Cybele among the ranks of our holy order of healers and I am honored to see them so recognized.
In Faith and in service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother Mercy of Arx
Mercy Cybele has been nothing less than a blessing, the utmost dedicated to the healing arts and upholding the tenets of Our Lady of Change. They have been integral to seeing the return of His Majesty, King Alaric IV's, return to wellness. They have sagaciously been lead instructor of our novitiates of Mercy, ensuring that they each ascend to the right to wear the mantle of a Mercy. They have repeatedly demonstrated their trustworthiness and devotedness as a confidant and colleague. They have proven themselves invaluable countless times and countless ways.
I am honored to have Mercy Cybele among the ranks of our holy order of healers and I am honored to see them so recognized.
In Faith and in service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother Mercy of Arx
Written By Sophie
Nov. 24, 2017, 8:56 p.m.(8/25/1007 AR)
So it is that dearest Cybele and I, along with several of Arx's Mercies, traveled to Stormward, the seat of House Kennex in the Mourning Isles. With the additional aid of the Physicians Guild, we tended to the sick and wounded, and ensured that there would be no outbreaks of disease. Stormguard's Mercy chapter was ill-equipped to deal with so many casualties, so Arx's chapter donated 40,000 silver to make certain they had the means and materials to better tend to the ill and injured. Additionally, having much experience in dealing with such overflow, dearest Cybele and I offered training in how to better manage such. I remain ever available to the Mother Mercy of Stormward for further consultation.
Even so, I wish we had been in a position to do more.
We must content ourselves with tending to our charges in Arx, which, quite joyfully, now include numerous former thralls and Abandoned who wish to serve merciful Lagoma. Dearest Cybele and I shall do all we can to assist our newest novitiates in becoming full-fledged Mercies. And among the healers who do not feel such a holy calling, Lady Eirene and I wholeheartedly welcome them into the Physicians Guild and shall do what we can to see them likewise thrive.
May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Even so, I wish we had been in a position to do more.
We must content ourselves with tending to our charges in Arx, which, quite joyfully, now include numerous former thralls and Abandoned who wish to serve merciful Lagoma. Dearest Cybele and I shall do all we can to assist our newest novitiates in becoming full-fledged Mercies. And among the healers who do not feel such a holy calling, Lady Eirene and I wholeheartedly welcome them into the Physicians Guild and shall do what we can to see them likewise thrive.
May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 16, 2017, 2:53 p.m.(8/6/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Thank you, dear Eirene, for seeing my concerns so well addressed.
For those who may be reading this, please know that I am ever available to assist regarding this matter and any other regarding the health and welfare of the people.
---
It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health that there are currently sick and infected creatures in the Grey Forest. This pronouncement is to accompany the already existing provisions and recommendations in place.
Effective immediately, all scouting parties or persons in the Grey Forest who report injuries, specifically bites by abnormal or sickly animals, are to report to a fully trained Mercy or member of the Physician's Guild for examination and treatment upon return to the city. This is to ensure no infections or complications arise. This also applies to any refugees rescued or brought in with the parties in the forest.
Any and all infected or tainted creatures killed are to be disposed of and burned unless kept for specific study purpose with the sanction of the Ministry of Defense, Inquisition, the Faith, or other authorized parties. For the public welfare and personal safety of those involved, taking trophies or keeping any remnants of tainted creatures or persons will be considered illegal and punishable by fine. Any with remnants are welcome to present them to the Mercies or Physician’s Guild for disposal within the next fourteen days without penalty.
Done by both the will of the Crown and the Faith,
Lady Eirene Malvici – Minster of Health
For those who may be reading this, please know that I am ever available to assist regarding this matter and any other regarding the health and welfare of the people.
---
It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health that there are currently sick and infected creatures in the Grey Forest. This pronouncement is to accompany the already existing provisions and recommendations in place.
Effective immediately, all scouting parties or persons in the Grey Forest who report injuries, specifically bites by abnormal or sickly animals, are to report to a fully trained Mercy or member of the Physician's Guild for examination and treatment upon return to the city. This is to ensure no infections or complications arise. This also applies to any refugees rescued or brought in with the parties in the forest.
Any and all infected or tainted creatures killed are to be disposed of and burned unless kept for specific study purpose with the sanction of the Ministry of Defense, Inquisition, the Faith, or other authorized parties. For the public welfare and personal safety of those involved, taking trophies or keeping any remnants of tainted creatures or persons will be considered illegal and punishable by fine. Any with remnants are welcome to present them to the Mercies or Physician’s Guild for disposal within the next fourteen days without penalty.
Done by both the will of the Crown and the Faith,
Lady Eirene Malvici – Minster of Health
Written By Sophie
Nov. 13, 2017, 11:48 a.m.(7/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
A true blessing from Gild to me, the Mercies, and the Knights of Solace, Dame Thena Grayhope's generosity is truly humbling. Dear Armel wisely (and unsurprisingly) chose well in appointing her as his adjutant.
She, as much as anyone, deserves a boat named in her honor. Even so, she even more so deserves to be honored by not having a boat named in her honor, if that is what she prefers.
She, as much as anyone, deserves a boat named in her honor. Even so, she even more so deserves to be honored by not having a boat named in her honor, if that is what she prefers.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.