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Written By Wagner

Oct. 13, 2020, 10:24 p.m.(3/12/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Tanith

Apparently, there was some talk recently 'bout Tanith and her tarts.

Aye, she's a tart with the best tarts, particularly the blackberry one's she gives me.

Never know what effect they'll have.

Written By Valdemar

Oct. 13, 2020, 9:58 p.m.(3/12/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

If you're going to wait until there are no more wars to fight before finding other things to enjoy, ten years is likely a bit of an optimistic estimate, your Grace. I sincerely doubt that there will be any less need for soldiers and generals before the end of our lifetimes, and likely not within those of our children, or even those of their children. Whether anyone likes it or not, war is in humanity's nature. There will always be something that people believe is worth fighting for, and as long as that belief exists, so will the conflict that spawns war.

Written By Haakon

Oct. 13, 2020, 7:13 p.m.(3/12/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

Your mid life crisis were a decade ago.
The likes of us aren't meant to live past fifty.

Written By Svana

Oct. 13, 2020, 4:17 p.m.(3/12/1014 AR)

People say that it's not right to live your life in fear, but sometimes I think fear is what protects us.

I have a beautiful home where I feel safe. On the streets, prodigals are harassed. Not all that long ago, there was a werewolf stalking our streets. There still may be others. And for people with certain talents - there are dangers untold. I have never been a fearful person up until my ex-husband died and when he went, so appeared a creeping dread that I have never felt before - not even when my precious parents died and I was still a child myself. I fear for my children but it would seem that I cannot even take them to my ancestral home to keep the safe, at the ends of the earth upon a high mountaintop.

Evil doesn't care about the ice and snow. It will seek you out and find you no matter where you are.

So perhaps my fear will push me to live life to its fullest after all, if tomorrow cannot be counted on. People say, 'Do not let your fear control you', 'Do not dwell on past lives, live this one', but what if the latter has the answer for the former? I wish to know. There is so much I wish to know. Knowledge may not be able to control fear but knowing makes you stronger.

Written By Eirene

Oct. 13, 2020, 2:47 p.m.(3/12/1014 AR)

So I hosted a Medic's Face-Off challenge the other day, which seemed a grand success. We had almost 10 contestants from all types of medical schools. It was good to see the skills of the city's medically trained sorts. I admit, the 'haul the patient' portion of the competition was a bit rough, and Gods knows I would have struggled there too, but it was important to showcase that medical skill alone isn't always needed in an emergency situation.

A fucking success, if I do say so myself. I'm quite pleased. Maybe I'll make it an annual event, to keep the skills of our doctors, Mercy's, alchemists, and Harlequins honed. And have some fun with goopy fake raspberry gel blood in the process.

Written By Emberly

Oct. 13, 2020, 10:08 a.m.(3/11/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Romulius

When the waves come in
they wash ashore
many things
Broken and New.

Mysteriously weaving,
Washing, Rolling

Polishing
Smoothing

Once the ocean grabs ahold
the unforgiving tide
molds and shifts pieces ashore
home again once more.

Sometimes for better
these gems of the sea
gleaming in the waves
of adversity.

Slipping sideways
Rolling under
the waves of thunder
Reeving, Reeping, Roaring
Tearing Rendering

Sleeping, Creeping,
Beauty Amore

Peacefully accepting
Finally resting
Heart of the sea.

------------------------------
This one could use a revision sometime, but I hope you like it just the same.

Written By Victus

Oct. 13, 2020, 12:50 a.m.(3/11/1014 AR)

There are days when I wonder when I'll be done with war. I've seen dozens of battlefields, hundreds of wrecked ships, thousands of bodies in my time. I could enjoy it more a decade ago, when I was faster and burdened with less duty. Now? It is an ever changing landscape that always exacts the same price.

Still, it's been the only game I've ever truly been good at since I came of age. I'd had a conversation with our new family from Jadariel not so long ago. It was pointed out that I lack in hobbies that don't revolve around my map table.

Don't have a damn clue what I'd end up doing instead. Don't write books, don't strum instruments, don't weave, don't pound metal into shape. Fishing becomes so monotonous when you've spent so much time at sea already. Hunting means I might have to ride a horse. Hate horses.

Suppose it won't be worth really thinking about until the last thrall is released. But if I'm still alive in the next ten years, I can feel myself heading for one hell of a mid-life crisis.

Written By Orick

Oct. 12, 2020, 6:09 p.m.(3/10/1014 AR)

Second place, won by the son of a scullery maid, in any competition where the peerage compete, is a testament to the grace of the Gods. I prayed long to the entire pantheon, gave thanks to Jayus and Petrichor before we mixed ingredients and gave my hands in Lagoma's name for guidance during the surgery and sutures. They delivered, I secured second place in the Medic Face Off hosted by Lady Eirene Riven. I only hope this does positive things for the Apothecary College, since becoming Guildmaster I have only wanted to see it flourish like my roses back in Tor.

The prize was a triage tent and I already have several of the same design for the College. I gave away the prize to someone who could use it in good faith, I see great promise in Lady Medeia as a medic and midwife.

Congratulations to everyone who placed, Mercy Azova Darkwater for placing first, Harlequin Lethe Tyde for third.

Written By Gwenna

Oct. 12, 2020, 8:10 a.m.(3/9/1014 AR)

The wedding reception for Princess Adrienne and Prince Sebastian certainly did not disappoint! It was a true feast, for the eyes as well as the spirit and, of course, the stomach. Duties delayed my arrival, but I'm quite glad that I wasn't dreadfully late. Both the bride and groom looked beyond stunning, and I have no doubt their partnership will be a strong and storied one. It was nice to see so many familiar faces gathered together to celebrate this exceptional event.

I think I may even be getting a taste for Setarco Fire! In small doses, for it has an intriguing kick to it that sneaks up on a person.

Written By Zyanya

Oct. 12, 2020, 4:45 a.m.(3/9/1014 AR)

It is a humble poet who will confess to the flutter in her heart and her belly standing before an audience of very different faces. Before, in Jadairal, I would look into the crowd and see myself reflected back. There, I felt the calm and light of sharing. I knew I would be seen and known. Here, I was very nervous. The news which comes every day from the criers, the looks I receive in the streets, the things some have said to me...

When the doors opened and I was met with smiles, some of these flutters went away. When Ma took up her flute beside me and I felt the familiar strings beneath my hands, more of these flutters were gone. I took a breath and the notes were there.

Still it was not easy. To share. To look into that crowd. But I am glad to have done this. To open myself and to live in more than ink with others.

The Jade Moon is open. To those who came to celebrate with us, to hear the first part of my history, to share food and drink and music, I give my humble thanks to you. I bow to you.

Written By Mabelle

Oct. 12, 2020, 3:02 a.m.(3/9/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Dycard

What a beautiful event at the Blackshore Manor. I suspect the coins handed upon entry will soon become collectibles, lovely idea!
I do need to get my hands on a deck of cards of that Queen game.

Written By Medeia

Oct. 12, 2020, 1:51 a.m.(3/9/1014 AR)

I participated in the medic challenge hosted by General Eirene Riven, placing 5th behind some truly impressive competitors. Congratulations to Mercy Azova Darkwater for placing first, Professor Orick for placing second, and Harlequin Lethe Tyde for placing third! Also, my deepest thanks to the professor for gifting me his prize and speaking so kindly of my skills as a student at the Apothecary College. It was a moment of pride to come in second to him for the portion of the challenge that involved making medicine.

I'm apparently not too shabby at hauling bodies. Though, I may have done the worst at sewing up a wound, but here "worst" means "successfully done, just everyone else was being an overachiever"; and, I stand by my claim that a shoddy stitch job makes a more interesting scar and thus I did the patient a favor. The patient was a steak. It's fine. Also, maybe being made to laugh while stitching is a bad idea? Not likely to be laughing while stitching an actual body up.

Side note: It was wonderful to see so many people in the Southport Training Center. Getting folks out in the winter to utilize the space my family helped make happen felt nice.

Written By Dycard

Oct. 11, 2020, 10:29 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Carita

The charming and self-possessed Countess Carita Darkwater has seen fit to take me under her wing as her protege. Once this conflict in the Isles is resolved, I hope I can make her time worthwhile as I begin to take my newly constructed caravel, the Intrepid, in search of new lands for Blackshore.

Written By Apollo

Oct. 11, 2020, 10:17 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

I bristle sometimes at the vicissitudes of fashion. I am glad when something worthy and beautiful, inspiring, new, takes hold in the minds and hearts of the city. I thrill at the sound of a breath caught up by something well-made, well-adorned, both. I think that sometimes it sounds not in response to what's made but to what's heard. News spreads like wildfire, they say. But it's approval, so swift and so craved, that travels so. It's gone as soon, a sense of derision catching quicker than tinder in a hearth.

I think it's true that art belongs to its moment - to an extent. Good art lasts - years and decades and centuries on, you can still tell it's good. You might wonder at the impact it had in its moment, that having got tangled in its own time, but that it's good and that it mattered, that's evident in both the rendering and the care given through years and wars and changed fortunes.

It has been my inclination, when I can, to make heirloom pieces, things that will be cared for and kept and used, damaged and repaired - stories people will armor themselves in, though I had the inclination before I udnerstood particularly why. It has been hard to square the time spent at making things with the idea that they will be worn or used once and then discarded, torn apart for what's next. Yet that there is a next - for that I am grateful. And I would be lost I think if I did not sometimes make something to acknowledge only a moment - pitch a trinket in a fire, like a heart's wish.

Making armor, it might be that everything I make is about a future. An expectation. But that's the wearer's expectation, not mine. To craft something now with a vision of a future hundreds of years on - I felt for a moment sure, this is what we do when we're at our best. If love is a hope we let walk around outside us, then it's an act of love to make something meant for a day we won't see, can't be sure will come.

So then a rest, and some new things for spring.

Written By Vitalis

Oct. 11, 2020, 10:04 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

I am honored to have attended the ceremony and reception for the union between Valardin and Pravus. Princess Adrienne is my patron and I have the best of hopes for her among the Pravosi. She and Prince Sebastian seem a strong pair. If I could, I would give her the gift she gave me upon my arrival to the Oathlands. Princess Adrienne has been a beacon, an invaluable resource, an ally, and a friend as I found (and am yet finding) my way in the Oathlands. I will miss her dearly, but hope someone can be for her what she has been for me.

The reception was a stunning affair, ably orchestrated by Nina Autumndale, and one to remember.

I pray for Limerance's blessings on Valardin and Pravus for a fruitful and mutually beneficial alliance.

Written By Sabella

Oct. 11, 2020, 10:02 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

I had the utmost pleasure of attending Princess Adrienne and Prince Sebastian's wedding the other night and I am still reeling from the dizzying happiness the event caused! Perhaps it was all the alcohol, but never have I seen two people more suited for each other and it is always something to celebrate when two houses--Great Houses at that!--can come together to form alliances that will benefit them both! The party was sublime, the wedding gown was so absolutely glorious I admit to some envy, and the music was of course delightful!

I do hope they make it a yearly event! Not getting married, of course, but throwing a party to celebrate it!

Written By Sabella

Oct. 11, 2020, 10:01 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

I have to say that Mistress Zyanya and Mistress Maren have absolutely outdone themselves with the opening of the Jade Moon! I have never heard such interesting and lovely music and I was utterly transfixed by the story they wove through their song. It was also quite lovely to catch up with Princess Berenice and Master Harlex, whom I rarely seem to cross paths with these days! Hopefully that will be rectified as I'm rather certain we will all be in rapt attendance for the second half of the story telling event!

I do highly recommend that everyone stop by there!

Written By Lucita

Oct. 11, 2020, 9:57 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

Neilda and Medeia did a very nice job organizing a family dinner. There were old friends and new acquaintences there to enjoy the relaxed informal gathering.

Written By Porter

Oct. 11, 2020, 9:54 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

It's time to get all of my armor refitted again. It doesn't quite fit like it used to.

Written By Valencia

Oct. 11, 2020, 9:37 p.m.(3/8/1014 AR)

I know winter is not for everyone and that there is much about it that vexes or causes trouble for many. However, I must say that I adore it so. Even as much I love the fresh green scent of a new spring, the promise of a crisp and richly coloured autumn or the glorious heat of a sensual summer.

Much like people, there is always something wonderful to be found and enjoyed in every season.

However, this year, I am especially grateful for the extra chill. It makes harvesting ice for my Hart's growing cellars and expanded storage much more easier.

Thank goodness Missere Master Barkeep Maggnus and my dearest Lizette were so clever to bring this to my attention. Not only with regard to the expansion that will allow us to keep our guests very well cared for well throughout the year, but that we might harvest more ice than before.

Clever indeed. With so much success we have found that we are able to doubled the number of staff to see to this work and ensure that we are all very well set when summer's heat returns.

I wonder if our guests will remember the wicked, icy kiss of this winter as they seek a little bit of our ice to soothe them.

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