Written By Raziel
Jan. 5, 2021, 1:54 p.m.(9/12/1014 AR)
Are you ready to lose your pretty face? Your strong limbs? Are you ready to not simply die on the battlefield, but survive broken? Have you contemplated the long years that await you as but a shadow of your former self? Are you ready to see your friends and loved ones go through the same? Are you ready to watch those dear to you avoid you, so they are spared the discomfort of facing who you became?
You best take a good long look at yourself in the mirror because if you intend to go wage war for His Majesty and the Compact, odds are good it'll be the last time you'll look this good.
War is no tournament or fancy duel. If you're not ready to face the truth about what it may take from you, you've no business on the battlefield.
And lest you think I'm addressing anyone but you, no. I am specifically thinking of you, dear Peers of mine. Born high or low, your bones will break the same, much as your flesh will sear.
Best make your peace with it, preferrably before lives actually depend on you holding the line.
You best take a good long look at yourself in the mirror because if you intend to go wage war for His Majesty and the Compact, odds are good it'll be the last time you'll look this good.
War is no tournament or fancy duel. If you're not ready to face the truth about what it may take from you, you've no business on the battlefield.
And lest you think I'm addressing anyone but you, no. I am specifically thinking of you, dear Peers of mine. Born high or low, your bones will break the same, much as your flesh will sear.
Best make your peace with it, preferrably before lives actually depend on you holding the line.
Written By Audgrim
Jan. 5, 2021, noon(9/12/1014 AR)
It feels strange with all the walls and all the people. I focus on making a living as a leatherworker while making connections and training. Princess Ophelia told me about the archery ranges, I went there to practice, and it was fine. It does not take that long to leave the city and go into the forest, either.
Written By Caprice
Jan. 5, 2021, 10:59 a.m.(9/12/1014 AR)
I was present when somebody died. I am not handling it well.
It isn't the muted sorrow from learning of a distant relative's passing, or the jagged pain of an ended relationship. There is guilt, and the weight of failure, and the constant question of whether or not I could have saved them if I had lived my own life differently, if I had different skills or tools.
As a Disciple of Jayus, I have found endless delight in watching people add to their life stories, but it has never struck me so clearly before that we're not just penning today and planning tomorrow. We're writing our own obituaries.
How do you hope to be remembered?
It isn't the muted sorrow from learning of a distant relative's passing, or the jagged pain of an ended relationship. There is guilt, and the weight of failure, and the constant question of whether or not I could have saved them if I had lived my own life differently, if I had different skills or tools.
As a Disciple of Jayus, I have found endless delight in watching people add to their life stories, but it has never struck me so clearly before that we're not just penning today and planning tomorrow. We're writing our own obituaries.
How do you hope to be remembered?
Written By Branwen
Jan. 5, 2021, 10:55 a.m.(9/12/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Miss Mirari Corsetina gave some clothing away today. Her amethyst outfit caught my eye. Should I need to dress to fit in with the southerners, it will suit me well. It was generous of Miss Mirari to give these lovely things away.
Written By Teague
Jan. 4, 2021, 11:42 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aelgar
Steady your mind. Watch the enemy, then strike. Remember this well. You will be forged if you don't break after a week or two.
Written By Raziel
Jan. 4, 2021, 11:18 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
A productive day, all in all. If there's one thing I can be sure of, it's that the coming days will not find me bored out of my mind with nothing to do.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 4, 2021, 9:59 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
I weary of people telling us how to raise our children. Without fail, it is Astrid that they focus on. Never instructing us on how we aught to raise Danse, or Siggy, Delia or even Eleyna. Always Astrid. Likely because she is the oldest and tends to hang about literally on Victus' arm. But without fail, we are told that we should hug her more, let her be a child more. She has fleeting years before she is to be high lady, we need to relax and let her being a little girl.
She carved her abyss forsaken name into the arms of no less than ten of the fifty year old chairs and the underside of the table in the dining room with a dagger.
I would surmise if anything, that we are not being stringent enough. For someone has far too little time, and the nanny's managed to apparently lose track of her. She's getting more than enough of a childhood, and tutoring in the necessary subjects for a child and the necessary ones for the future High Lady. Including ethics and morals.
Mother Ailith teaches her how to bake bread. Victus teaches her how to rule and involves her when appropriate so she can learn by seeing. She journies to other houses to play with and interact with the others to whom she will rule over and other houses in the compact so that she may learn to rule with.
It is not like we keep her tied to a table and chair and endless piles of parchment before her.
I even heard her laugh the other day.
Clearly, anyone who questions whether we are too strict with her or not, has never seen her running down the hall with Scarf in her arms and littel sword raised, chasing after Elegance or falling asleep with a Scarf scarf in Victus' throne in the cross halls.
Most assuredly, we are raising our children to be children but also to be the leaders of the house, and the future of Thrax.
She carved her abyss forsaken name into the arms of no less than ten of the fifty year old chairs and the underside of the table in the dining room with a dagger.
I would surmise if anything, that we are not being stringent enough. For someone has far too little time, and the nanny's managed to apparently lose track of her. She's getting more than enough of a childhood, and tutoring in the necessary subjects for a child and the necessary ones for the future High Lady. Including ethics and morals.
Mother Ailith teaches her how to bake bread. Victus teaches her how to rule and involves her when appropriate so she can learn by seeing. She journies to other houses to play with and interact with the others to whom she will rule over and other houses in the compact so that she may learn to rule with.
It is not like we keep her tied to a table and chair and endless piles of parchment before her.
I even heard her laugh the other day.
Clearly, anyone who questions whether we are too strict with her or not, has never seen her running down the hall with Scarf in her arms and littel sword raised, chasing after Elegance or falling asleep with a Scarf scarf in Victus' throne in the cross halls.
Most assuredly, we are raising our children to be children but also to be the leaders of the house, and the future of Thrax.
Written By Sabella
Jan. 4, 2021, 9:41 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
This evening Niklas and I went to the Kismet Carnival, and I won the card game! The trophy stein is simply gorgeous in its purple and silver splendor. I have happily added it to the display case as a reminder of the fun and joy of the evening. Everyone there seemed to be having the best time, so much good cheer! Venturo Thayne is a brilliant man. He and his patron, Marquessa Lianne, and his protege, Sloane Starling, pulled together an event that will surely be looked forward to next year.
Written By Piccola
Jan. 4, 2021, 8:49 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
Ten years ago, I met a woman who told me about a braggart who frequented a nearby village's tavern.
I went with her to see this man and, lo, he told anyone who would listen of his feats. He fawned on my friend, but she was repulsed by him, as was I. Another night, I came by with my company, and there he was, mocking them at the bar and boasting of his many victories. When my captain went to get a drink, he challenged him to a fight, but before my captain could react he was boxed about the ears. We retreated from the tavern that night.
When we returned after a successful hunt, there was the braggart at the bar. He called himself the village champion and he laughed at us. He called us names. He made fun of the woman, who was the mayor's wife. So I drew my bow, nocked an arrow, and shot him through the throat. He died in the street, choking on his blood and kicking at the dirt.
The moral is, wise general, that there are limits to false courage.
I went with her to see this man and, lo, he told anyone who would listen of his feats. He fawned on my friend, but she was repulsed by him, as was I. Another night, I came by with my company, and there he was, mocking them at the bar and boasting of his many victories. When my captain went to get a drink, he challenged him to a fight, but before my captain could react he was boxed about the ears. We retreated from the tavern that night.
When we returned after a successful hunt, there was the braggart at the bar. He called himself the village champion and he laughed at us. He called us names. He made fun of the woman, who was the mayor's wife. So I drew my bow, nocked an arrow, and shot him through the throat. He died in the street, choking on his blood and kicking at the dirt.
The moral is, wise general, that there are limits to false courage.
Written By Cirroch
Jan. 4, 2021, 6:08 p.m.(9/11/1014 AR)
Another dinner turned to cake war. Some seem to think that this is a childish act. We prefer to allow our guests the ability to blow off some steam, then feed them while conversations about anything but current events or work are had.
Written By Maya
Jan. 4, 2021, 12:30 p.m.(9/10/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
Mother,
The Lady Medeia has offered to be my mentor with the Physicians. I have seen her at work and know her to be skilled. I am confident that with her guidance, I will become someone who can save lives.
The missive she sent to the Guildmasters was very touching and I have saved my copy to re-read in the future when I am in need of bolstering.
The Lady Medeia has offered to be my mentor with the Physicians. I have seen her at work and know her to be skilled. I am confident that with her guidance, I will become someone who can save lives.
The missive she sent to the Guildmasters was very touching and I have saved my copy to re-read in the future when I am in need of bolstering.
Written By Giada
Jan. 4, 2021, 12:18 p.m.(9/10/1014 AR)
There's something about watching a friend get his ass kicked in a spar that hits the spot.
Written By Dio
Jan. 4, 2021, 10:37 a.m.(9/10/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Allegra
The Compact prepares for war. No efforts are spared to prepare our sailors and or ships. Provisions must be organized, weapons maintained, ships tarred, and orders conveyed for the time when we will risk our lives for our freedom.
Among those who have been invaluable to this effort is Princess Allegra Pravus. I visited her office recently to find her combing through a stack of records, issuing missives and orders that form the backbone of our wartime operation. We spoke a while, and she gave me a gift, and told me that her prayers are with me, and that I should come home safely.
It is difficult to describe the power the princess's words and actions hold for me. The war we are fighting is a spiritual war. The first hints of this were given to me by Princess Damiana, though I did not understand it until I spoke with Functionary Xia of the Undying Empire.
The prayers of our friends are our weapons and armor. Those who speak to the great powers of Elysia on our behalf strengthen our resolve and sharpen our focus. We soon sail against a future that threatens all we love with slavery - to be made tools under the whip of a tyrant, but we are not alone.
Among those who have been invaluable to this effort is Princess Allegra Pravus. I visited her office recently to find her combing through a stack of records, issuing missives and orders that form the backbone of our wartime operation. We spoke a while, and she gave me a gift, and told me that her prayers are with me, and that I should come home safely.
It is difficult to describe the power the princess's words and actions hold for me. The war we are fighting is a spiritual war. The first hints of this were given to me by Princess Damiana, though I did not understand it until I spoke with Functionary Xia of the Undying Empire.
The prayers of our friends are our weapons and armor. Those who speak to the great powers of Elysia on our behalf strengthen our resolve and sharpen our focus. We soon sail against a future that threatens all we love with slavery - to be made tools under the whip of a tyrant, but we are not alone.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 3, 2021, 11:58 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
I've let something terrible happen.
I've gotten complacent with my choice of drinking venues - yes, yes, I'm quite well known at The Hollow. You can hardly go a week without me showing up at the Murder, a familiar face in the mornings at Bold Espressions, an occasional at the Trader's Tavern, and on special occasions, I've a habit of showing up at the Hart, but that's the sort of drinking that's typically incidental before taking to the sands for a Sip and Spar.
I've gotten complacent.
When you drink at the same places, you bump shoulders with the same people. When you bump shoulders with the same people, you stop seeing new faces. Stop hearing different ideas. Stop finding those you'd share a beer with. Stop finding those you'd share a brawl with.
How very shameful of me. Be seeing more of you, taverns and bars of Arx.
I've gotten complacent with my choice of drinking venues - yes, yes, I'm quite well known at The Hollow. You can hardly go a week without me showing up at the Murder, a familiar face in the mornings at Bold Espressions, an occasional at the Trader's Tavern, and on special occasions, I've a habit of showing up at the Hart, but that's the sort of drinking that's typically incidental before taking to the sands for a Sip and Spar.
I've gotten complacent.
When you drink at the same places, you bump shoulders with the same people. When you bump shoulders with the same people, you stop seeing new faces. Stop hearing different ideas. Stop finding those you'd share a beer with. Stop finding those you'd share a brawl with.
How very shameful of me. Be seeing more of you, taverns and bars of Arx.
Written By Duarte
Jan. 3, 2021, 11:05 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
Journal
Belinha was a tall and captivating woman. She had those sort of eyes that let you know she saw your soul for what it was. And you could say anything to her, in any way you cared to deliver it, no matter how convincingly, and she would still seem to know who you were.
She was a Suspire and I saw her around often. She wasn't the most beautiful but she was the most confident. Even her charges and her clients seemed rather to be entertaining her rather than the other way to.
I didn't know her name those early days when I would see her pass. I just knew that I had to ask her one question.
I waited every day for a chance to ask that question. She was always surrounded. Always catering to the clientele. Always engaged in tutoring her classes.
8 months I waited. Until one day...
It was an odd day of rain in Setarco when chance should have it she came for shelter 'neath an the overhang of a local market where I had just purchased my week's loaf. She look like she had been crying, but it may have just been the rain. I'm almost certain it was the rain. I stared at her for a good long while, stonied. I couldn't speak. But then she, rather, spoke to me. I'd never been looked at like that before. Never dreamed it, even. Not a seductive look - mind you. Just a look. Given with such ease. A tossed-off glance to me, an orphan lad barely living. A look that made me feel as if I was the only person who ever existed.
I forgot entire what I was going to ask her. Instead I uttered, "How did you do that?"
Belinha was a tall and captivating woman. She had those sort of eyes that let you know she saw your soul for what it was. And you could say anything to her, in any way you cared to deliver it, no matter how convincingly, and she would still seem to know who you were.
She was a Suspire and I saw her around often. She wasn't the most beautiful but she was the most confident. Even her charges and her clients seemed rather to be entertaining her rather than the other way to.
I didn't know her name those early days when I would see her pass. I just knew that I had to ask her one question.
I waited every day for a chance to ask that question. She was always surrounded. Always catering to the clientele. Always engaged in tutoring her classes.
8 months I waited. Until one day...
It was an odd day of rain in Setarco when chance should have it she came for shelter 'neath an the overhang of a local market where I had just purchased my week's loaf. She look like she had been crying, but it may have just been the rain. I'm almost certain it was the rain. I stared at her for a good long while, stonied. I couldn't speak. But then she, rather, spoke to me. I'd never been looked at like that before. Never dreamed it, even. Not a seductive look - mind you. Just a look. Given with such ease. A tossed-off glance to me, an orphan lad barely living. A look that made me feel as if I was the only person who ever existed.
I forgot entire what I was going to ask her. Instead I uttered, "How did you do that?"
Written By Apollo
Jan. 3, 2021, 10:51 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
It was lovely hearing the laughing excitement of the Crafters Guild over the Death Fat Ones Pathfinder Lou talked about being in Brightshore. I wonder what strange animals are out there with hides I've never seen? Don't be shy now, if you've seen something fantastic, write me.
Written By Mayir
Jan. 3, 2021, 10:50 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Bonibel
What a delightful new addition to the shops of the Lowers! She has candles! She has brews! And other skills besides! I will be sure to be back, and everyone else should stop by and see what good Bonibel has in store as well!
Written By Lianne
Jan. 3, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
Some questions are simultaneously so vast and so specific that finding words to suit them seems impossible. What, then, am I to ask now that I know where to find those with answers?
Written By Strozza
Jan. 3, 2021, 10:41 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
I think without mirrors I might have missed out some ugly parts about me that I've been working to clear away... And I don't just mean my face.
That's still being worked on. My apologies, Compact.
That's still being worked on. My apologies, Compact.
Written By Calista
Jan. 3, 2021, 10:21 p.m.(9/9/1014 AR)
What an extraordinary event! I was not quite sure if I would have been able to attend but I am so glad I did.
The journey to the Saiklands was rather pleasant and my retinue of guards kept me safe. Once there, I became enraptured by Lady Medeia's gorgeous decor. It felt as if I had traveled to another world, one only I had dared to dream of.
There was dancing and singing and drinking and all sorts of merriment. Marquis Gaspar was my first victim on the dance floor and what an impeccable dancer he is. If I remember correctly, he did not stop dancing the entire night.
There were so many familiar faces and while I wanted to speak to all of them, there was simply not enough time. Oh how I wish I could go back to that night and dance all over again. I very much look forward to the next gala.
The journey to the Saiklands was rather pleasant and my retinue of guards kept me safe. Once there, I became enraptured by Lady Medeia's gorgeous decor. It felt as if I had traveled to another world, one only I had dared to dream of.
There was dancing and singing and drinking and all sorts of merriment. Marquis Gaspar was my first victim on the dance floor and what an impeccable dancer he is. If I remember correctly, he did not stop dancing the entire night.
There were so many familiar faces and while I wanted to speak to all of them, there was simply not enough time. Oh how I wish I could go back to that night and dance all over again. I very much look forward to the next gala.
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