Written By Duarte
July 24, 2019, 12:25 a.m.(7/9/1011 AR)
A day and a night in the Shrine of Gild where I donated a glorious sculpture I had made special, by the late Oliver Arterius, as a testament to this deity of the pantheon.
By Gild's light I have been blessed to succeed, and to give back. It's a gift I've never taken for granted.
By Gild's light I have been blessed to succeed, and to give back. It's a gift I've never taken for granted.
Written By Duarte
July 20, 2019, 7:35 p.m.(7/2/1011 AR)
Quite the difference between playing the contrarian and being aggressively oppugnant.
And I don't believe the Mirrormasks teachings include pulling conspiracies out of one's arse with no evidence.
And I don't believe the Mirrormasks teachings include pulling conspiracies out of one's arse with no evidence.
Written By Duarte
July 19, 2019, 3:19 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
I have spent a day and a night in the Shrine of the Sentinel.
I feel collapsing pressure all around me when I look to It's altar. Not a guilty feeling but a sort of sensation just the same I can't fully describe.
It's like a sense that one is alone in control of themself and the Sentinel sees through the excuses we make to pretend this is not the case.
I feel collapsing pressure all around me when I look to It's altar. Not a guilty feeling but a sort of sensation just the same I can't fully describe.
It's like a sense that one is alone in control of themself and the Sentinel sees through the excuses we make to pretend this is not the case.
Written By Duarte
July 14, 2019, 12:37 p.m.(6/17/1011 AR)
A day and a night spent in the Shrine of Limerance.
I thought of those who've turned their backs on me throughout the years, and those I have abandoned as well.
Though often no formal binding oaths are exchanged between friends and allies, there is a spirit of adhesion that forms when affinities grow.
Why do we break ties so easily when there are no sacred murmurings to secure them?
I should do better to fulfill obligations unspoken and unsworn. Not because I must but because it feels right.
I thought of those who've turned their backs on me throughout the years, and those I have abandoned as well.
Though often no formal binding oaths are exchanged between friends and allies, there is a spirit of adhesion that forms when affinities grow.
Why do we break ties so easily when there are no sacred murmurings to secure them?
I should do better to fulfill obligations unspoken and unsworn. Not because I must but because it feels right.
Written By Duarte
July 9, 2019, 5:21 p.m.(6/8/1011 AR)
A day and night at the Shrine of Petrichor, and this completes my time with the triad of creation.
It is altogether overwhelming and humbling to realize the gifts Petrichor bestows.
It is altogether overwhelming and humbling to realize the gifts Petrichor bestows.
Written By Duarte
July 6, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(6/1/1011 AR)
A day and I night in the Shrine of Lagoma.
I believe this is one of the most peaceful spots in any city. Certainly of the ones I've been, at least.
There's much to be said of the ramifications of Lagoma. How we grow. How we renew. Lagoma encourages us to shed old skins, past regrets and failure. To grow new and stronger through each. To remember that age and eventual passing are part of the dream's beautiful nature and themselves facilitate birth and regrowth.
One thing has become certain. Nothing stays as it is. It grows, or it decays. And one's decay can be premature if they refuse to grow or improve.
Lagoma encourages strength through growth, and brings peace and reassurance in the final half of a natural cycle.
I like it here.
I believe this is one of the most peaceful spots in any city. Certainly of the ones I've been, at least.
There's much to be said of the ramifications of Lagoma. How we grow. How we renew. Lagoma encourages us to shed old skins, past regrets and failure. To grow new and stronger through each. To remember that age and eventual passing are part of the dream's beautiful nature and themselves facilitate birth and regrowth.
One thing has become certain. Nothing stays as it is. It grows, or it decays. And one's decay can be premature if they refuse to grow or improve.
Lagoma encourages strength through growth, and brings peace and reassurance in the final half of a natural cycle.
I like it here.
Written By Duarte
July 5, 2019, 4:14 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
I've spent a day and a night at Mangata's shrine. Admittedly she is the God with whom I am the least familiar. The truth of it struck me suddenly whilst holding vigil and thereafter dominated my considerations.
How much is taken for granted? The blessed breath of life itself. How many are drawn by the hour? The day? A decade?
How humbling it should be to remember that at our greatest achievement, and at our darkest hour alike, Her substance sustains us.
How much is taken for granted? The blessed breath of life itself. How many are drawn by the hour? The day? A decade?
How humbling it should be to remember that at our greatest achievement, and at our darkest hour alike, Her substance sustains us.
Written By Duarte
July 2, 2019, 10:38 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)
A day and a night in the Shrine of the Thirteen.
Here I begin a tour through each sanctum dedicated to Gods, and thus ending (somewhat) what has been perhaps a years' reclusion.
Oh I've had a time of it, but nightmares and lessening appetites seem a paltry plight, pondering predicaments plaguing paupers.
I shan't describe in detail here any affliction. I'm certain nothing that has happened to me exists. I have a wild imagination, it seems. Hopefully a healthy dose of religion can temper it? Bring it to heel?
And so my first day is here contemplating the part(s) of me that have primarily propelled self to the circumstances in which I am found.
And as I gaze upon my own visage I can't help but reflect that those drives and motivations that have led to this dismay are the very same that have brought me my greatest success.
Sagacity would be practiced in knowing one's greatest strengths are also the very thing that can condemn one. A chink in every armor. Soft spots in every sword.
A lesson learned too late?
Hmm. Hmmmm.
Here I begin a tour through each sanctum dedicated to Gods, and thus ending (somewhat) what has been perhaps a years' reclusion.
Oh I've had a time of it, but nightmares and lessening appetites seem a paltry plight, pondering predicaments plaguing paupers.
I shan't describe in detail here any affliction. I'm certain nothing that has happened to me exists. I have a wild imagination, it seems. Hopefully a healthy dose of religion can temper it? Bring it to heel?
And so my first day is here contemplating the part(s) of me that have primarily propelled self to the circumstances in which I am found.
And as I gaze upon my own visage I can't help but reflect that those drives and motivations that have led to this dismay are the very same that have brought me my greatest success.
Sagacity would be practiced in knowing one's greatest strengths are also the very thing that can condemn one. A chink in every armor. Soft spots in every sword.
A lesson learned too late?
Hmm. Hmmmm.
Written By Duarte
May 10, 2019, 4:25 a.m.(1/27/1011 AR)
I have a plant growing out of my arm. It's the damnedest thing.
Written By Duarte
April 19, 2019, 2:28 p.m.(12/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
It was bound to happen.
Written By Duarte
March 14, 2019, 8:03 a.m.(9/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Valdemar
When I cheer for the promised end of thralldom I can assure you I am cheering for just that, and not cheering for the 'death of your people'.
You pretend as if an individual is incapable of changing their own mind, and they've no choice over what outmoded practices they will allow to drag them - willy-nilly - to the grave. As if the sweet aroma of thralldom was like a siren's song beckoning these houses to crash upon the rocks of modern times and fall as martyrs for the nostalgia of archaic constructs.
I'm afraid indentured servitude is no such drug. If people die trying to save the institution of thralldom, 'twas their pertinaciousness did them in - not my cheering.
You pretend as if an individual is incapable of changing their own mind, and they've no choice over what outmoded practices they will allow to drag them - willy-nilly - to the grave. As if the sweet aroma of thralldom was like a siren's song beckoning these houses to crash upon the rocks of modern times and fall as martyrs for the nostalgia of archaic constructs.
I'm afraid indentured servitude is no such drug. If people die trying to save the institution of thralldom, 'twas their pertinaciousness did them in - not my cheering.
Written By Duarte
March 3, 2019, 10:33 p.m.(9/5/1010 AR)
I am very proud of the compact for this decision and my praise and admiration to the King.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 24, 2019, 3:23 p.m.(8/18/1010 AR)
My visit to Setarco was glorious. There is no place quite like the Silken City and no finer place to call home. The statue is wonderous and will inspire all as a testament to the creativity and capabilities of people. Well done to those who oversaw the task from planning and design to funding and construction.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 17, 2019, 2:40 p.m.(8/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliana
I have known Lady Juliana for quite some time - nearly half my life, in fact, and most of hers. From our pranks to our fights to our quieter moments of discussion, I will miss her.
Even if she is only half a block's stroll away.
Even if she is only half a block's stroll away.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 17, 2019, 2:35 p.m.(8/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Bergamot over lemon. It isn't even a question.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 10, 2019, 12:56 p.m.(7/18/1010 AR)
Umbra. Aeterna. And now luxury brocade.
Well done, Tessere. Well done.
Well done, Tessere. Well done.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 3, 2019, 2:39 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
The shortage of Lenosian wine has been hard on us all.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 2, 2019, 4:44 p.m.(7/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Any who advocate to the extreme that the ends do justify the means have also, to them, some 'means' which nothing would justify.
And further, none of those who assert such, when withdrawn from a field of battle or duel, would look you in the eyes in the final moments before their death, as blood spilled from their veins - caught completely unaware - and in fidelity with their own philosophy think to themselves, "Well done, you."
The assertion is specious and ultimately depends on the probable consequences one is willing to bare for self or witness in others, or the madness of their fixations.
And further, none of those who assert such, when withdrawn from a field of battle or duel, would look you in the eyes in the final moments before their death, as blood spilled from their veins - caught completely unaware - and in fidelity with their own philosophy think to themselves, "Well done, you."
The assertion is specious and ultimately depends on the probable consequences one is willing to bare for self or witness in others, or the madness of their fixations.
Written By Duarte
Jan. 27, 2019, 8:39 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Berenice
I had the singular pleasure of sharing some wine with the newest Voice of Velenosa and, I hope, of being some use to the Great House as they form their decision.
Written By Duarte
Jan. 19, 2019, 8:47 p.m.(5/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Amund
No. I could think of a few other cities as well.
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