Written By Isabeau
March 29, 2018, 3:51 p.m.(6/13/1008 AR)
It has been established that hiring a Champion, especially from the Guild, is not only an acceptable means of answering a challenge between the nobility, but it is, in fact, the preferred protocol for answering a challenge over what appears to be little more than a difference of opinion on behavior in a bath house. If the Sword of any House feels that their honor requires them to stand for themselves against said Champion, that is their prerogative. However, I question the honor of any Sword who would bring the heirloom weapon of his House into the squared circle to settle a personal grudge.
Of course, it also appears that those of us who stand as the Princes and Princesses of our various Great Houses could collectively use another lesson or two in etiquette, as recent wars waged have seemingly blinded us to the responsibilities of our stations, as we are meant to serve as the models and standard-bearers of our High Lords and the King. Ill-mannered men and women make for poor role models. If you are skilled in these matters and happen to be browsing my Whites, please contact me via messenger at your convenience.
Of course, it also appears that those of us who stand as the Princes and Princesses of our various Great Houses could collectively use another lesson or two in etiquette, as recent wars waged have seemingly blinded us to the responsibilities of our stations, as we are meant to serve as the models and standard-bearers of our High Lords and the King. Ill-mannered men and women make for poor role models. If you are skilled in these matters and happen to be browsing my Whites, please contact me via messenger at your convenience.
Written By Isabeau
March 11, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(5/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
As there appears to have been some confusion earlier in the week about which Archlector and which god holds sway and right of say in who may have access to and serve the gods through recording their thoughts, dreams, hopes, fears, and ambitions in these journals, I was thankful that Blessed Bianca Wyrmguard, the Archscholar of Vellichor, who is the god of histories and knowledge, put the matter to rest. The confusion for some may be understandable, as the black books are also called Reflections, but that does not place them under the purview of any god or goddess except Vellichor.
"Let the most studious amongst you take sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world, and allow all among you from the greatest to the least to chronicle their lives in journals so their knowledge may never be lost."
"Let the most studious amongst you take sacred vow to forever guard the knowledge of the world, and allow all among you from the greatest to the least to chronicle their lives in journals so their knowledge may never be lost."
Written By Isabeau
Feb. 25, 2018, 10:23 p.m.(4/6/1008 AR)
Lagoma. Our Lady of Change. I bear witness to her work in the world. She is so much more than merely the goddess of healers, as some might have her consigned. Her eternal flame both destroys and creates. The rite of the Thirteen Lanterns reminded us not only of sacrifice, but also of the light that the goddess brings. Hope.
All things have their season.
All things change.
Embrace it.
All things have their season.
All things change.
Embrace it.
Written By Isabeau
Jan. 28, 2018, 12:54 p.m.(1/19/1008 AR)
I cannot decide if Archlector Aleksei or Archlector Aureth has the most keen grasp of irony. Perhaps there should be a duel.
In regards to the language of flowers that seems to be present in so many other white journals, Mistress Mirari, who skillfully crafted my favorite perfume, determined some time ago that I am a blue iris.
In regards to the language of flowers that seems to be present in so many other white journals, Mistress Mirari, who skillfully crafted my favorite perfume, determined some time ago that I am a blue iris.
Written By Isabeau
Jan. 26, 2018, 6:10 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
No man is above reproach.
No man is beyond redemption.
No man is beyond redemption.
Written By Isabeau
Dec. 17, 2017, 11:36 p.m.(10/16/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
Few scholars could ever hope to aspire to match Lord Percephon for pleasant company and conversation, not to mention his myriad creative talents and skills. Few, too, could claim to share as much trust with their High Lord to act as his Voice.
Written By Isabeau
Dec. 17, 2017, 11:30 p.m.(10/16/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
May the gods bless our good King Alaric! He has returned to us as a wiser, more thoughtful leader possessed of a noble heart. His company is an enjoyable privilege that I look forward to sharing again soon.
Written By Isabeau
Oct. 28, 2017, 8:09 p.m.(6/25/1007 AR)
There is a certain wisdom to be found in silence that ought be sought more often. Perhaps by some more than others.
Written By Isabeau
Sept. 6, 2017, 6:38 p.m.(2/27/1007 AR)
In all the gifts that I received for my birthday, Count Kael and Countess Reigna made certain that theirs was the first to be delivered. Their thoughtful generosity will not be forgotten and I look forward to when I might take them up on their offer such that it will please all involved.
In all the gifts that I received for my birthday, Marquis Hadrian provided the most unexpected gift. It was a creation of pure artistry, worthy of Jayus, and I will look upon it fondly hereafter.
In all the gifts that I received for my birthday, Prince Abbas proved to be a man of both dedication and devotion and gave that which remains unmatched. I could not have asked for anything more.
However, in all the gifts that I received for my birthday, it was Princess Alis and Prince Fiachra who saw fit to give me the most precious present in the arrival of Princess Ellara and, with her, all of the fresh hopes and limitless dreams born to the next generation of House Valardin. I plan to spoil her shamelessly.
In all the gifts that I received for my birthday, Marquis Hadrian provided the most unexpected gift. It was a creation of pure artistry, worthy of Jayus, and I will look upon it fondly hereafter.
In all the gifts that I received for my birthday, Prince Abbas proved to be a man of both dedication and devotion and gave that which remains unmatched. I could not have asked for anything more.
However, in all the gifts that I received for my birthday, it was Princess Alis and Prince Fiachra who saw fit to give me the most precious present in the arrival of Princess Ellara and, with her, all of the fresh hopes and limitless dreams born to the next generation of House Valardin. I plan to spoil her shamelessly.
Written By Isabeau
July 13, 2017, 5:32 p.m.(11/1/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
The incredibly talented Mirari Corsetina has created for me a signature scent that is the most sublime perfume I've ever had the pleasure of smelling, let alone wearing. Lavender, iris, and just a hint of honeyed mead. It's truly a marvel, of the highest quality, and entirely unique. She is truly an artist above all other apothecaries!
Written By Isabeau
July 11, 2017, 9:20 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
What is the difference between a man who has committed monstrous acts and a true monster? Men can change. Prince Abbas Thrax has made a vow to mend his ways and, while this does not absolve him of the dark deeds done in the past, it marks him out as a man instead of a monster. May the gods guide him. (Maybe I'll lend a little guidance myself.)
Written By Isabeau
June 11, 2017, 10:54 p.m.(8/19/1006 AR)
Having now borne witness to several contests of martial prowess pitted between House Thrax and House Valardin, I have come to see more clearly both the qualities that define us as similar creatures and those that mark us out as different. There is great strength to be found in both of our Houses, unquestionably, but there is also a rather remarkable measure of real honor and quiet wisdom that might sometimes be easy to overlook for the sake of less favorable labels.
Written By Isabeau
May 21, 2017, 7:18 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Niamh
The Sword of Greenmarch is skillful, to be sure, and more clever than most might be willing to give her credit upon first encounter. But, beneath her mantle of considerable strength and unquestionable beauty, there is a woman possessed of remarkable grace and real finesse that I find enviable on a great many levels. Also, she's very, very tall.
Written By Isabeau
May 21, 2017, 7:05 p.m.(7/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
Prince Laric is an Inquisitor, it's true, but he is also an honorable and honest man who I have become fortunate enough to call favored friend. His clarity of vision is inspiring and his company a pleasure albeit infrequently shared.
Written By Isabeau
March 19, 2017, 10:48 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
For one brief moment, we were all equal.
For one brief moment, we were all united.
For one brief moment, we were all bound together by a vision of Nothing. Waking or sleeping, we dreamt of destruction the likes of which we have never experienced. The horror of it was complete. No matter the outcome of the siege on our horizon, Death waits for us all. The hour may not be known to us, but the result of each life is always the same.
I pray that when Death comes for me, I am older, wiser, grayer... and ready.
For one brief moment, we were all united.
For one brief moment, we were all bound together by a vision of Nothing. Waking or sleeping, we dreamt of destruction the likes of which we have never experienced. The horror of it was complete. No matter the outcome of the siege on our horizon, Death waits for us all. The hour may not be known to us, but the result of each life is always the same.
I pray that when Death comes for me, I am older, wiser, grayer... and ready.
Written By Isabeau
March 1, 2017, 10:25 p.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Having now witnessed the wedding of Prince Laric Grayson and Lady Cara Ashford, I can attest that they make a smart match. Their vows were simple, sweet, and sincere. For a moment, with eyes closed, I imagined they were my own. What princess has not wondered about her own wedding? I can only hope that when my smart match is made, it brings as much joy to House Valardin as was beheld between House Grayson and House Ashford tonight.
Written By Isabeau
Nov. 6, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
"King Alaric sat on a wall,
King Alaric had a great fall.
Four-score Men and Four-score more,
Could not make King Alaric what he was before." - I heard a group of children singing the above rhyme as they played. What dark days we've come to.
King Alaric had a great fall.
Four-score Men and Four-score more,
Could not make King Alaric what he was before." - I heard a group of children singing the above rhyme as they played. What dark days we've come to.
Written By Isabeau
Nov. 6, 2016, 11:46 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
I had a dream last night. It was a dream of Sanctum, as if the tragedy that was the death of so many of our family had never happened. We had never come to Arx, my Uncle still ruled and the people praised his name. Beaumont was the greatest knight the Valardin family had ever known and Sophie was the most beloved Mercy in the Oathlands. I wept for what we have lost, but know all too well that we must hope the present is for the best and events will lead us to a better path and place in our lives.
Written By Isabeau
Nov. 6, 2016, 11:43 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
I cannot help but wonder if the massacre of Sanctum, the tragedy that befell the King and his party and the explosion near the Graveyard are all connected; part of some intricate plot that threatens to consume the Compact. Seemingly, all events are unrelated and separated by time, but I feel there must be a link, if not between all three, then at least two. Only time will tell. I pray to the Gods, all of them, that we do not find these missing links too late.
Written By Isabeau
Oct. 30, 2016, 11:25 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
Alis is perhaps the only woman in our family shorter than Sophie and I and for that, I am grateful to her. She has a great deal of wisdom for her age and the effect she has upon Edain is hard to deny, by the day he reminds me more of our Uncle and I cannot help but feel Alis is the one to give credit for that. She does worry me though, courage and bravery tend to result in dangerously short lives especially when one is as deadest upon having a statue erected in their honor as she is.
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