Written By Sophie
Nov. 13, 2017, 3:16 a.m.(7/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
Dearest Bianca, there is no statute of limitation regarding my ears to listen, my shoulders to cry on, or my arms to give hugs.
Although none can ever replace dear Damon, I shall make greater effort pester you about what you are reading -- and see if we cannot create some interesting tales of our own.
Although none can ever replace dear Damon, I shall make greater effort pester you about what you are reading -- and see if we cannot create some interesting tales of our own.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 11, 2017, 2:18 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
I have donated some funds to aid in the restoration of Cedar Vale, which, in recent months, had been razed and near entirely destroyed by Abandoned raiders. I regret that I was unable to donate more. Nonetheless, I shall see what else can be done.
Perhaps dear Leola and the Lodge of Petrichor may be of assistance in the rejuvenation of the land and the restocking of its wildlife. I shall ask. For my part, at the very least, I will reach out to what remains of the Mercy chapterhouse there and see how I can best be of support and service in their time of need.
It seems so little, so I must remind myself that drops in a bucket add up. Alas, there are so many buckets in the world. I do what I can to fill them, but it never feels enough.
Should any reading this be so moved to aid in the county's restoration, I earnestly beseech that you speak with Lord Samael Bisland or Marquis Malesh Stonewood if you have not done so. Should my entreaty fail to inspire, then may Gild, Limerance, Petrichor, and Lagoma so move you.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Perhaps dear Leola and the Lodge of Petrichor may be of assistance in the rejuvenation of the land and the restocking of its wildlife. I shall ask. For my part, at the very least, I will reach out to what remains of the Mercy chapterhouse there and see how I can best be of support and service in their time of need.
It seems so little, so I must remind myself that drops in a bucket add up. Alas, there are so many buckets in the world. I do what I can to fill them, but it never feels enough.
Should any reading this be so moved to aid in the county's restoration, I earnestly beseech that you speak with Lord Samael Bisland or Marquis Malesh Stonewood if you have not done so. Should my entreaty fail to inspire, then may Gild, Limerance, Petrichor, and Lagoma so move you.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 4, 2017, 10:41 p.m.(7/11/1007 AR)
My heart breaks for what is transpiring in Stormward.
The proverb of "all things in their proper time and place" is no platitude. Too much change, too suddenly, is traumatic. It can even kill. Although things can be done to expedite the healing process, healing still takes time. Sometimes, too much medicine is as lethal as the ailment. Acclimation is required if the host is to survive. It is the stark and painful truth all healers must accept even as we strive to mend and save all we can.
I pray for and work towards a day where Thralldom will be abolished, aching in knowing that it will never be as soon as I wish. Alas, such often is the purview of change, working at pace that does not suit my impatience, yet urging us to be mindful of the care we give during such trying times.
What is done is done, though, and now we must stem the bleeding before Stormward entirely hemorrhages. The health of the entire Compact will be impacted by how we treat this grievous wound. I daresay that extends to all of humanity.
I will give what aid I am able, in comfort, in coin, and in the implementation of support systems with the Mercy chapters in Stormward, the Maelstrom, and any other holding that will welcome the former thralls. Those who wish me to coordinate with the respective Mother or Father Mercy of their holding's chapterhouses are urged to please contact me.
Furthermore, those former thralls with the interest to serve Our Lady of Change as a Mercy of Lagoma will be welcomed as a novitiate, here, in Arx, where they will undergo all the rigors and proper training to warrant wearing the mantle of a Mercy. Those who are willing and able to aid in the logistics of such a relocation are also urged to please contact me.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Yours, in Faith and in service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother Mercy of Arx
The proverb of "all things in their proper time and place" is no platitude. Too much change, too suddenly, is traumatic. It can even kill. Although things can be done to expedite the healing process, healing still takes time. Sometimes, too much medicine is as lethal as the ailment. Acclimation is required if the host is to survive. It is the stark and painful truth all healers must accept even as we strive to mend and save all we can.
I pray for and work towards a day where Thralldom will be abolished, aching in knowing that it will never be as soon as I wish. Alas, such often is the purview of change, working at pace that does not suit my impatience, yet urging us to be mindful of the care we give during such trying times.
What is done is done, though, and now we must stem the bleeding before Stormward entirely hemorrhages. The health of the entire Compact will be impacted by how we treat this grievous wound. I daresay that extends to all of humanity.
I will give what aid I am able, in comfort, in coin, and in the implementation of support systems with the Mercy chapters in Stormward, the Maelstrom, and any other holding that will welcome the former thralls. Those who wish me to coordinate with the respective Mother or Father Mercy of their holding's chapterhouses are urged to please contact me.
Furthermore, those former thralls with the interest to serve Our Lady of Change as a Mercy of Lagoma will be welcomed as a novitiate, here, in Arx, where they will undergo all the rigors and proper training to warrant wearing the mantle of a Mercy. Those who are willing and able to aid in the logistics of such a relocation are also urged to please contact me.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Yours, in Faith and in service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother Mercy of Arx
Written By Sophie
Oct. 22, 2017, 1:39 a.m.(6/11/1007 AR)
I have discovered that my propensity for seasickness extends to small boats. In spite of it, Princess Katarina, Marquis Gaston Blackram, and Lord Armand Farshaw performed admirably in the first Annual Compact Crew Race. Next year, I will see myself properly medicated before taking the helm. That, or I shall see myself cheering from the sidelines.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:03 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
I swear, Mother Magrithe's disappointment at my lackluster ability to raise funds is so acute that it can be felt all the way from the Shining Lands.
The Harrowed Heart program continues to slowly trod along. So slowly that it behooves me to seek further help to acquire the necessary resources, although I am grateful for all that dearest Saedrus and Whisper House have done, and I am grateful for all who have already lent their support. I am certain we will have need for these therapeutic services in the years to come, and I fear it will be so much sooner than later.
The Harrowed Heart program continues to slowly trod along. So slowly that it behooves me to seek further help to acquire the necessary resources, although I am grateful for all that dearest Saedrus and Whisper House have done, and I am grateful for all who have already lent their support. I am certain we will have need for these therapeutic services in the years to come, and I fear it will be so much sooner than later.
Written By Sophie
Sept. 3, 2017, 12:45 a.m.(2/20/1007 AR)
My dearest Ellara, born to dear Alis and Fiachra on this 19th day in the 2nd month of 1007 AR, how blessed I am to have been the first to have welcomed you into this world -- something I believe vexes Vex, for he has been so keenly awaiting your arrival. Thankfully, he seems to grudgingly concede that I am the most qualified to midwife.
If you are anything like your mother, and I do not at all doubt that you will be, please know that your smallness in size will somehow manage to accommodate a huge and valiant heart. If you are further like your mother, I do not at all doubt that you will stubborn yourself into growing to your father's height.
If you are anything like your mother, and I do not at all doubt that you will be, please know that your smallness in size will somehow manage to accommodate a huge and valiant heart. If you are further like your mother, I do not at all doubt that you will stubborn yourself into growing to your father's height.
Written By Sophie
Aug. 18, 2017, 1:15 p.m.(1/17/1007 AR)
If there are words that may soothe the tragedy of what befell those at the Shrine of Mangata and at the harbor, the best ones I know are these: the Mercies of Lagoma shall continue to offer whatever succor is within our means to all who are in need, and shall continue to work in tandem with the Ministry of Health to ensure such. Our hearts and hands go out to you.
In agreement with Lady Eirene Malvici, the Crown Minister of Health, any and all exposed to the ichor are to be brought to the House of Solace, where they will be under the watchful care of Our Lady of Change and the healers who serve Her.
Preliminary examinations lead us to believe that all are expected to make a full recovery. To make certain, however, a 48-hour period of quarantine has been implemented, for the health and well-being of the general populace is no less of a concern.
May the Gods bless and keep us all.
In Faith and service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother of Mercy
In agreement with Lady Eirene Malvici, the Crown Minister of Health, any and all exposed to the ichor are to be brought to the House of Solace, where they will be under the watchful care of Our Lady of Change and the healers who serve Her.
Preliminary examinations lead us to believe that all are expected to make a full recovery. To make certain, however, a 48-hour period of quarantine has been implemented, for the health and well-being of the general populace is no less of a concern.
May the Gods bless and keep us all.
In Faith and service,
Princess Sophie Valardin, the Mother of Mercy
Written By Sophie
Aug. 6, 2017, 6:46 p.m.(12/21/1006 AR)
I was 13 when I first saw my future on a battlefield near the Telmarch, as I watched Mercies of Lagoma scour the field for survivors, combing the wreckage and ruin. How white their robes were in contrast to the earth that had been stained dark with such outpourings of blood that are the terrible oblations of war. How they navigated the agonized wails and low groans, and weathered the stench of fear and death. Such comfort they brought to every wounded soul they encountered, whether Oathlander or Abandoned, determined to do Our Lady of Change's blessed work in the face of the fury of those who would slaughter some of those they so valiantly strove to save.
I was 15 when my family finally relented and let me commence my training as a Mercy in hallowed Blancbier. For all I threw myself into my studies, for all I was grateful that my Uncle Radley and my parents saw fit to permit me the passionate pursuit of my path before my age of majority, a part of me regrets that I had not started sooner. For the next three years, I learned all that was before me, all I could grasp about the arts of the healer and the apothecary. I honed my empathy into a bedside manner that has, so far, well-served me and those in my care. I bolstered my faith with a much deeper knowledge of the Faith.
I was 18 when I finally earned the mantle of Mercy, as tender an age that the order will permit that honor. In less than six months' time, I found myself bereaved numerous times over, with the deaths of so many of my kin during what we call the Tragedy at Sanctum. My parents, my remaining grandparents, most of my aunts and uncles, so many cousins and friends, all violently taken from this life. Such grief and anguish, indescribable, yet I am grateful that such loss was spared me at an even more tender age. The countless tears merely tempered the flame-forged alaricite of my resolve to heal all that ails the world.
I was 22, which I still am as of writing this, when I sought to give others the opportunity I had, and an even earlier start than I was gifted. With the diligent work of my beloved brothers and sisters of Mercy, and with the generous donations given to us by the Faithful of Arx, we have seen fit to implement an apprenticeship program to give orphans possessing an interest and aptitude in the medicinal and apothecary arts a chance to one day be a Mercy of Lagoma. Although most are too young to be recognized as disciples of the Faith, they are welcomed and embraced as novitiates of Mercy. Those who may wish to simply tend to the plants and animals we use to make medicines may study with Mistress Leola Allenatore, the First Horn of the Lodge of Petrichor, who so graciously is sharing her time and knowledge. Between her and the training overseen by Mercy Cybele Walker In-Between, I thrum with such elation for what the future holds.
It is my intention and determination to grow this program and open it to all in Arx who may lack opportunity to train yet who possess the aptitude and interest to learn and serve. With the collaboration of my fellow Fathers and Mothers of Mercy throughout the Compact, and with the continued support of His Holiness, Dominus Aldwin Aurum and His Majesty, King Alaric Grayson IV, we will ensure that such opportunities are available in every House of Solace that exists in Arvum.
I was 15 when my family finally relented and let me commence my training as a Mercy in hallowed Blancbier. For all I threw myself into my studies, for all I was grateful that my Uncle Radley and my parents saw fit to permit me the passionate pursuit of my path before my age of majority, a part of me regrets that I had not started sooner. For the next three years, I learned all that was before me, all I could grasp about the arts of the healer and the apothecary. I honed my empathy into a bedside manner that has, so far, well-served me and those in my care. I bolstered my faith with a much deeper knowledge of the Faith.
I was 18 when I finally earned the mantle of Mercy, as tender an age that the order will permit that honor. In less than six months' time, I found myself bereaved numerous times over, with the deaths of so many of my kin during what we call the Tragedy at Sanctum. My parents, my remaining grandparents, most of my aunts and uncles, so many cousins and friends, all violently taken from this life. Such grief and anguish, indescribable, yet I am grateful that such loss was spared me at an even more tender age. The countless tears merely tempered the flame-forged alaricite of my resolve to heal all that ails the world.
I was 22, which I still am as of writing this, when I sought to give others the opportunity I had, and an even earlier start than I was gifted. With the diligent work of my beloved brothers and sisters of Mercy, and with the generous donations given to us by the Faithful of Arx, we have seen fit to implement an apprenticeship program to give orphans possessing an interest and aptitude in the medicinal and apothecary arts a chance to one day be a Mercy of Lagoma. Although most are too young to be recognized as disciples of the Faith, they are welcomed and embraced as novitiates of Mercy. Those who may wish to simply tend to the plants and animals we use to make medicines may study with Mistress Leola Allenatore, the First Horn of the Lodge of Petrichor, who so graciously is sharing her time and knowledge. Between her and the training overseen by Mercy Cybele Walker In-Between, I thrum with such elation for what the future holds.
It is my intention and determination to grow this program and open it to all in Arx who may lack opportunity to train yet who possess the aptitude and interest to learn and serve. With the collaboration of my fellow Fathers and Mothers of Mercy throughout the Compact, and with the continued support of His Holiness, Dominus Aldwin Aurum and His Majesty, King Alaric Grayson IV, we will ensure that such opportunities are available in every House of Solace that exists in Arvum.
Written By Sophie
June 7, 2017, 11:17 p.m.(8/11/1006 AR)
On this day, the Thraxian military decreed that it shall end all flaying as capital punishment. It has decreed that the practice of flaying as an act of punishment shall be considered a military offense and punished accordingly. It has also decreed that it shall follow the common will of Arvum and cease to use disease for the purpose of war, forever banning its application.
Long and fervently, I have prayed to Our Lady of Change that such a change as these proclamations would come.
Today, blessed Lagoma has made her presence known, and I rejoice. Deeply, I am grateful, and I acknowledge the divinity in the decisions House Thrax has made. Whatever proper balm finally applied in proper measure to bring this about, I am immensely grateful.
May we continue to heal, individually and collectively, in all the world and in all the other worlds.
Long and fervently, I have prayed to Our Lady of Change that such a change as these proclamations would come.
Today, blessed Lagoma has made her presence known, and I rejoice. Deeply, I am grateful, and I acknowledge the divinity in the decisions House Thrax has made. Whatever proper balm finally applied in proper measure to bring this about, I am immensely grateful.
May we continue to heal, individually and collectively, in all the world and in all the other worlds.
Written By Sophie
May 7, 2017, 4:57 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Mother Margrith is gone. Murdered. Poisoned. Whoever is responsible must surely know that all will be done to bring them to justice. I put it here, in the pages of my white journal, as a solemn vow. May the Gods bless and keep her soul.
Every ounce of Margrith's life was spent in dedication to the Mercy's credo or in supporting those who uphold it. A formidable woman, her loss is keenly felt as both mentor and friend. She possessed a tremendous gift for inspiring (well, guilting) others into gifting generously to the Mercies of Lagoma. Yet all of Arx is hurting now, and I cannot in good conscience seek to refill our coffers when so much needs to be rebuilt. She would tell me this is the prime time, for when will our services be more needed than after a bloody assault on the city itself?
My counter is that this is why I spent so many months and so much silver expanding and upgrading the garden solariums and apothecary ateliers of the House of Solace, and why I imported and stockpiled countless supplies. We will have what we need to do what must be done. If my sole legacy as Mother is simply that I have made us truly self-sufficient in what we can produce and prepare, able to withstand countless sieges and assaults, then I will have left things better than I found them. We are far from there but far closer than we have been in recollected history. Nonetheless, there is so much left to be done.
For now, though, we use what we have to help and heal, as always has been the Mercy way. May blessed Lagoma and honored Gild be satisfied by the efforts of those who perform good works in Their hallowed names. May I prove myself worthy of the mantle bestowed upon me. May my brothers and sisters of Mercy ever continue to be a comfort and provide solace for those who are hurting, whether the wound or ailment be of body, heart, mind, or spirit.
Every ounce of Margrith's life was spent in dedication to the Mercy's credo or in supporting those who uphold it. A formidable woman, her loss is keenly felt as both mentor and friend. She possessed a tremendous gift for inspiring (well, guilting) others into gifting generously to the Mercies of Lagoma. Yet all of Arx is hurting now, and I cannot in good conscience seek to refill our coffers when so much needs to be rebuilt. She would tell me this is the prime time, for when will our services be more needed than after a bloody assault on the city itself?
My counter is that this is why I spent so many months and so much silver expanding and upgrading the garden solariums and apothecary ateliers of the House of Solace, and why I imported and stockpiled countless supplies. We will have what we need to do what must be done. If my sole legacy as Mother is simply that I have made us truly self-sufficient in what we can produce and prepare, able to withstand countless sieges and assaults, then I will have left things better than I found them. We are far from there but far closer than we have been in recollected history. Nonetheless, there is so much left to be done.
For now, though, we use what we have to help and heal, as always has been the Mercy way. May blessed Lagoma and honored Gild be satisfied by the efforts of those who perform good works in Their hallowed names. May I prove myself worthy of the mantle bestowed upon me. May my brothers and sisters of Mercy ever continue to be a comfort and provide solace for those who are hurting, whether the wound or ailment be of body, heart, mind, or spirit.
Written By Sophie
March 26, 2017, 5:23 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Like sheaves of corn, love gathers you unto itself.
It threshes you to make you naked.
It sifts you to free you from your husks.
It grinds you to whiteness.
It kneads you until you are pliant;
And then it assigns you to Lagoma's sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for Limerance's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of life's heart.
It threshes you to make you naked.
It sifts you to free you from your husks.
It grinds you to whiteness.
It kneads you until you are pliant;
And then it assigns you to Lagoma's sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for Limerance's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of life's heart.
Written By Sophie
Jan. 20, 2017, 1:06 p.m.(9/18/1005 AR)
For all the horror that has befallen us, and for all the horror more that is yet to come -- and it /will/ come -- I take comfort in knowing that we have all been gifted an opportunity to grow stronger and evolve for the better, even though the conditions are agonizing and, in many respects, downright terrifying. I have faith in blessed Lagoma, Our Lady of Change, and in humanity to accept Her gift and put it to good use, to rise to the challenge to be the best versions of ourselves, so that we may inspire and empower others to likewise be so.
In recognizing our shortcomings, in being merciless in our assessment and then compassionate in our collective striving to do better and be better, we shall embody the virtues of the Gods, those noble ideals to which we all should aspire. We shall become the Bright Reflection that will set ourselves, the Compact, and the entirety of the world aglow with the healing warmth and light of blessed Lagoma.
May the Gods bless and keep us, and may we honor Them by better caring for ourselves and each other.
In recognizing our shortcomings, in being merciless in our assessment and then compassionate in our collective striving to do better and be better, we shall embody the virtues of the Gods, those noble ideals to which we all should aspire. We shall become the Bright Reflection that will set ourselves, the Compact, and the entirety of the world aglow with the healing warmth and light of blessed Lagoma.
May the Gods bless and keep us, and may we honor Them by better caring for ourselves and each other.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 22, 2016, 10:23 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses
your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.
your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 29, 2016, 2:20 p.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Antonio
It has been brought to my attention that Prince Antonio Velenosa has taken offense to something I said and has since publicly expressed his displeasure. As such, I feel that I would be remiss to not offer a public reply. The others who were present are welcome to weigh in with their perceptions. I would ask, however, of those of you reading this or hearing about it, please let this be a cautionary tale that reminds all of us to examine any prejudices and preconceived notions we may hold against our fellows in the Compact -- and how we perceive ourselves may get in the way of making inroads with those we would and should have concord.
It began when Prince Antonio took offense when a certain Northlander referred to every realm south of the Northlands as 'the South'. Alas, it was not a matter of incorrect geography -- after all, one can easily see Cloudspine's location in relation to Farhaven -- but more that it was both abhorrent and unthinkable that House Velenosa ever be lumped in with the likes of House Valardin. As his Highness put it, our people have very different values.
Now, I will take full responsibility for the quip I made, at that point, in regard to certain Houses of the Lyceum whose values seen more aligned with those of the Oathlands, and how House Valardin would heartily welcome them under our banner were House Velenosa to gift them to us. Prince Antonio took that to mean that House Valardin had actual designs to steal Velenosan vassals. In all fairness, many cannot fathom Oathlanders possessing senses of humor, so in that sense, the misunderstanding is understandable. That people doubt House Valardin's commitment to unity, however, is in and of itself distressing. It is clear that my family must do a better job of demonstrating our sincerity.
Where things escalated, however, is when Prince Antonio obliquely denigrated the virtues and values that my family and our vassals hold so dear. So it was that I sought fit to remind him that some of those very same virtues are the reason he even is alive today. The short of it is that he did not appreciate the history lesson.
Let me be frank: the War of the Dragon's Fury was a tragedy on many levels, for both the Oathlands and the Lyceum. And although I understand why some of the Lycene wish to not remember how thoroughly they were crushed beneath the righteous wrath of Princess Igraine, the Sword of the South, they should nonetheless be grateful that her mercy -- one of those Valardin values so readily mocked -- is the reason why there are any foxes at all.
Should you have made it this far, thank you, and now I shall close with this: Please revisit the collective history of the Compact, in the Main Hall and in each hall of the Great Houses. Ask others to do so, as well. Be grateful for the lessons to be found there that have been preserved for us all. Let us learn from those mistakes and do better. Let us carry on positive parts of our legacies. I would wish this even if we did not have common enemies that seek to destroy us all. The fact remains, though, that we will all fall should we not stand together, and that centuries of acrimony and distrust will not be healed overnight. So we must remain vigilant and tender and relentless in treating those wounds.
It began when Prince Antonio took offense when a certain Northlander referred to every realm south of the Northlands as 'the South'. Alas, it was not a matter of incorrect geography -- after all, one can easily see Cloudspine's location in relation to Farhaven -- but more that it was both abhorrent and unthinkable that House Velenosa ever be lumped in with the likes of House Valardin. As his Highness put it, our people have very different values.
Now, I will take full responsibility for the quip I made, at that point, in regard to certain Houses of the Lyceum whose values seen more aligned with those of the Oathlands, and how House Valardin would heartily welcome them under our banner were House Velenosa to gift them to us. Prince Antonio took that to mean that House Valardin had actual designs to steal Velenosan vassals. In all fairness, many cannot fathom Oathlanders possessing senses of humor, so in that sense, the misunderstanding is understandable. That people doubt House Valardin's commitment to unity, however, is in and of itself distressing. It is clear that my family must do a better job of demonstrating our sincerity.
Where things escalated, however, is when Prince Antonio obliquely denigrated the virtues and values that my family and our vassals hold so dear. So it was that I sought fit to remind him that some of those very same virtues are the reason he even is alive today. The short of it is that he did not appreciate the history lesson.
Let me be frank: the War of the Dragon's Fury was a tragedy on many levels, for both the Oathlands and the Lyceum. And although I understand why some of the Lycene wish to not remember how thoroughly they were crushed beneath the righteous wrath of Princess Igraine, the Sword of the South, they should nonetheless be grateful that her mercy -- one of those Valardin values so readily mocked -- is the reason why there are any foxes at all.
Should you have made it this far, thank you, and now I shall close with this: Please revisit the collective history of the Compact, in the Main Hall and in each hall of the Great Houses. Ask others to do so, as well. Be grateful for the lessons to be found there that have been preserved for us all. Let us learn from those mistakes and do better. Let us carry on positive parts of our legacies. I would wish this even if we did not have common enemies that seek to destroy us all. The fact remains, though, that we will all fall should we not stand together, and that centuries of acrimony and distrust will not be healed overnight. So we must remain vigilant and tender and relentless in treating those wounds.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 14, 2016, 3:01 a.m.(2/12/1005 AR)
She is so beautiful, the purebred, notch-eared Westshore hound gifted to the House of Solace by Archlector Orazio. Stalwart, vivacious, and of such a sweet disposition, Panacea already is, by far, the most popular Mercy.
Written By Sophie
Nov. 5, 2016, 1:55 p.m.(1/14/1005 AR)
As a matter of my devotion to Our Lady of Change and my duty as a Dragon of the West, the concept of noblesse oblige is one dear to my heart, and one that I strive to uphold in every way. My work as a Mercy makes me no stranger to the Lower Boroughs. As a Valardin, I am blessed to have the means to regularly offer succor those less privileged. Yet I am only one woman, and my House only one House, so I am most heartened and grateful for those who saw fit to share some of their riches, last night, with those who are less fortunate. It is my hope that more will come forward, and for more than a handful of occasions.
To Lord Propsero Fidante, I thank you for your gifts of small medicines and teas. I know first-hand how precious such things are in such places, and I extend my gratitude for your continued service to the orphans of the Lower Boroughs.
To Lady Juliet Fidante, I thank you for the bounty of firewood that warms hearths and hearts.
To Lord Eos Saik, I thank you for your gifts of southern cured meats, the assortment of winter root vegetables, the crates of jarred fruits, and the remedies for common winter ailments. These are hearty, nourishing things that are good for both the body and spirit, and I know they have heartened their recipients.
To Prince Darren Redrain, Highlord of the Northlands, I thank you for your most pragmatic gift of furs fashioned into durable and warm clothing to stave off winter's chill. I also relay the gratitude of several fellows who appreciated your spirit lifting barrel of spirits.
To Princess Donella Thrax, Voice of her House, I thank you for rallying our privileged peers to lend aid to those so often overlooked. I am certain that Queen Genevieve would be proud.
Finally, to all others, please accept my apologies if you were somehow overlooked, and please know that you have my gratitude, as well as that of those you have helped.
Thank you, and may the Gods bless us all.
To Lord Propsero Fidante, I thank you for your gifts of small medicines and teas. I know first-hand how precious such things are in such places, and I extend my gratitude for your continued service to the orphans of the Lower Boroughs.
To Lady Juliet Fidante, I thank you for the bounty of firewood that warms hearths and hearts.
To Lord Eos Saik, I thank you for your gifts of southern cured meats, the assortment of winter root vegetables, the crates of jarred fruits, and the remedies for common winter ailments. These are hearty, nourishing things that are good for both the body and spirit, and I know they have heartened their recipients.
To Prince Darren Redrain, Highlord of the Northlands, I thank you for your most pragmatic gift of furs fashioned into durable and warm clothing to stave off winter's chill. I also relay the gratitude of several fellows who appreciated your spirit lifting barrel of spirits.
To Princess Donella Thrax, Voice of her House, I thank you for rallying our privileged peers to lend aid to those so often overlooked. I am certain that Queen Genevieve would be proud.
Finally, to all others, please accept my apologies if you were somehow overlooked, and please know that you have my gratitude, as well as that of those you have helped.
Thank you, and may the Gods bless us all.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 31, 2016, 12:26 a.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Miriemi
This veteran soldier who attended the Valardin Grand Ball never gave her name, but she did give me something to mull over. I know not if anyone in attendance knows who she is or where she might be found, but I make mention of her here, where I rarely express my thoughts, in hope that perhaps someone will read this and gift me with the answers I seek.
And should you be reading this, goodwoman, please know that I wish you well and that you remain such.
And should you be reading this, goodwoman, please know that I wish you well and that you remain such.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 30, 2016, 10:17 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
I am generally not one to frequently put quill to the pages of my white journal, but I would feel remiss were I to not set the record straight regarding a certain incident that transpired Saturday morning -- particularly because so many have been talking about it.
During the camping trip, I did go on a boar hunt with Lord Victus Thrax, Lady Dawn Grayson, and her adorably deadly deerhound, Macdon. It is also true that I incurred the sow's ire, and she charged me. Lady Dawn was most insistent that the luck of the Gods was bestowed upon me, for I escaped unscathed, although the vestment of my vocation most certainly was a casualty, an entire chunk savagely torn away. Lord Victus and Macdon dispatched the beast with such skill and swiftness -- even before I could strike, she was slain -- I would say that I was doubly blessed.
For those who are concerned that I am a liability on a hunt, please be assured that my good Highlord cousin, Prince Edain, gave me all the expected lectures. Boars do not respect the rules of engagement, he informed me, therefor do not recognize the universal rule that one does not assault a Mercy of Lagoma. Therefore my place is in the rear, atop a battle horse trained to bash in the skulls of any boars who would dare attack my person, so says my liege. I am a bit chagrined to admit that I never realized how dangerous it all was, for my brother and my cousins always made it seem so safe and easy the rare occasions I accompanied them on their quests for fresh bacon. Deer certainly are not so troublesome.
That said, even Lord Victus could find no fault with my field dressing of the beast. (Although I suspect he might be disappointed that I didn't accidentally rupture one of the sow's milk sacks, which would've made a most unfortunate mess all over my person, but that is neither here nor there.) Perhaps the bottle of Kraken spiced black rum that I sent him will ease the sting a little.
During the camping trip, I did go on a boar hunt with Lord Victus Thrax, Lady Dawn Grayson, and her adorably deadly deerhound, Macdon. It is also true that I incurred the sow's ire, and she charged me. Lady Dawn was most insistent that the luck of the Gods was bestowed upon me, for I escaped unscathed, although the vestment of my vocation most certainly was a casualty, an entire chunk savagely torn away. Lord Victus and Macdon dispatched the beast with such skill and swiftness -- even before I could strike, she was slain -- I would say that I was doubly blessed.
For those who are concerned that I am a liability on a hunt, please be assured that my good Highlord cousin, Prince Edain, gave me all the expected lectures. Boars do not respect the rules of engagement, he informed me, therefor do not recognize the universal rule that one does not assault a Mercy of Lagoma. Therefore my place is in the rear, atop a battle horse trained to bash in the skulls of any boars who would dare attack my person, so says my liege. I am a bit chagrined to admit that I never realized how dangerous it all was, for my brother and my cousins always made it seem so safe and easy the rare occasions I accompanied them on their quests for fresh bacon. Deer certainly are not so troublesome.
That said, even Lord Victus could find no fault with my field dressing of the beast. (Although I suspect he might be disappointed that I didn't accidentally rupture one of the sow's milk sacks, which would've made a most unfortunate mess all over my person, but that is neither here nor there.) Perhaps the bottle of Kraken spiced black rum that I sent him will ease the sting a little.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 16, 2016, 11:11 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
It was a grand evening to be regaled by such inspired tales. I am starting to wonder, however, if it is possible for Lord Salazar Argento to go anywhere without promoting his wine. Should boisterous determination garner him sales, he surely has earned himself no small amount of coin.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:25 a.m.(11/9/1004 AR)
This eve, I had the pleasure of making acquaintance with both Goodman Lazarus Mercier and his delightfully earthy green tea. My dearest Isabeau also enjoyed herself, playing cards, and if there were anyone there to whom my sister must lose, I am glad that it was my brother in Faith, Prince Jerek.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.