Written By Alarissa
Feb. 11, 2019, 9:15 a.m.(7/19/1010 AR)
Five years. I will see this done in five years. It will take over three hundred thousand every fortnight, but I have faith that it can be done. I have laid the plea across the city and we shall see what will come of it. But I am certain, that if we put our mind to it, as I have put my mind to it, that it will be done. Not can. Will.
Written By Alarissa
Feb. 4, 2019, 1:39 p.m.(7/6/1010 AR)
Ten thousand.
In amidst all the squabbling and yelling, the debating about the morals and the choices put before us. The infighting that nothing is being done.
We as a community, as a people, as members of the Compact have banded together and over the past two and a half years have managed to bring to freedom ten thousand children. I have placed four million of my own coin where my House's mouth is. We will place much more between now and when it ends. But for now? There are ten thousand freed. Half of what Kennex turned loose. Without danger. Without peril. Without discord and threat. It has started a change, invoked a ban upon even making any more. Not enough, I am sure, would be the claim by many. But it is a start. A peaceful one. It is a transition that will start the wave rolling.
I will take the time to venture forth and thank the gods after I set about to sealing these missives and finalizing these last few of this batch. You will see me about the temples and I hope that I will see you. That your hearts be light as mine is at the moment. And filled with determination.
There are forty more and I'll not rest till each no longer has a proverbial or physical shackle upon them.
In amidst all the squabbling and yelling, the debating about the morals and the choices put before us. The infighting that nothing is being done.
We as a community, as a people, as members of the Compact have banded together and over the past two and a half years have managed to bring to freedom ten thousand children. I have placed four million of my own coin where my House's mouth is. We will place much more between now and when it ends. But for now? There are ten thousand freed. Half of what Kennex turned loose. Without danger. Without peril. Without discord and threat. It has started a change, invoked a ban upon even making any more. Not enough, I am sure, would be the claim by many. But it is a start. A peaceful one. It is a transition that will start the wave rolling.
I will take the time to venture forth and thank the gods after I set about to sealing these missives and finalizing these last few of this batch. You will see me about the temples and I hope that I will see you. That your hearts be light as mine is at the moment. And filled with determination.
There are forty more and I'll not rest till each no longer has a proverbial or physical shackle upon them.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 30, 2019, 6:11 p.m.(6/24/1010 AR)
Five hundred thousand more. How swiftly can I see that reached.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 25, 2019, 6:01 p.m.(6/14/1010 AR)
Well.
At least there was an advantage to marrying in one of the beekeepers.
I'm tossing them on the ship for the next week though. Peace and quiet in the house.
At least there was an advantage to marrying in one of the beekeepers.
I'm tossing them on the ship for the next week though. Peace and quiet in the house.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 5, 2019, 3:33 p.m.(4/21/1010 AR)
The goal of the dinners being auctioned off was to bring individuals of note and or infamy together and auction off chances for people to partake of a meal with them.
Admittedly, some of them are not Arvani and so I found that a caution was needed. When a handful of your invitee's state 'they had best not be boring or annoying or I can't promise no injuries" Well. It will be interesting meals no doubt.
But the game made of the mystery one has been something that I've enjoyed and a very good idea by the Lady Monique. Another stanza in the poem is released and some guesses have started to trickle in. But my big question as I watch over the ledgers that the bids are recorded in is who will win that prize.
And will they survive? Gods, I hope they survive. No, no, I'm sure they will.
Admittedly, some of them are not Arvani and so I found that a caution was needed. When a handful of your invitee's state 'they had best not be boring or annoying or I can't promise no injuries" Well. It will be interesting meals no doubt.
But the game made of the mystery one has been something that I've enjoyed and a very good idea by the Lady Monique. Another stanza in the poem is released and some guesses have started to trickle in. But my big question as I watch over the ledgers that the bids are recorded in is who will win that prize.
And will they survive? Gods, I hope they survive. No, no, I'm sure they will.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 27, 2018, 10:50 p.m.(4/3/1010 AR)
So it begins. The courage of my convictions is strong. Or else I would not have made it to where I am.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 26, 2018, 12:38 a.m.(3/27/1010 AR)
It is an enormous undertaking. This much I knew going in. Would that I could spend it all from my own pockets. But it is too great an amount for any singular person. This task. Thralldom after all, took a great many years into turning into what it is. It cannot and will not be dealt with overnight. Generations likely. But after having had Astrid and then having been carrying Danse, I knew that I could do something. They are children after all. Children are such innocents in all this.
For two years I have been striving to raise the funds, to throw auctions, to work with others to see proceeds go to this. Many hours I have sat going over names and lists, making sure that not too many children come from any one fealty so as to ensure that any financial impact is softened by the debt bought and not so much that cannot be bourne by thrax. By us. There will be many that we won't reach before they turn their majority. Save to shuffle those names to the Liberators and let them try.
I sat today, going through the books with the accountant, to see where we stand. A smile on my face when I saw the numbers. Three months into our third year of this, already we have surpassed last years. Today.... today... today. Seven million in all, from start to now. Seven thousand children and counting. A small amount in the face of the whole of it. But none the less, seven thousand children. As I point out when someone sends me a thousand silver or even four resources and express guilt that it is but one child, I reply that one child, is still a child, and one more to grow up and thrive within our compact, and learn a skill and break a cycle.
One child, is one more than none.
I have to breath deep. A project that I saw taking so many years, that I did not know if I might even succeed in seeing completed before my time to go back to the wheel... it's possible. So very very possible within even the next five or ten years. Blessed be.
Freedom. A breaking of chains. This is the mark I leave for my own children.
For two years I have been striving to raise the funds, to throw auctions, to work with others to see proceeds go to this. Many hours I have sat going over names and lists, making sure that not too many children come from any one fealty so as to ensure that any financial impact is softened by the debt bought and not so much that cannot be bourne by thrax. By us. There will be many that we won't reach before they turn their majority. Save to shuffle those names to the Liberators and let them try.
I sat today, going through the books with the accountant, to see where we stand. A smile on my face when I saw the numbers. Three months into our third year of this, already we have surpassed last years. Today.... today... today. Seven million in all, from start to now. Seven thousand children and counting. A small amount in the face of the whole of it. But none the less, seven thousand children. As I point out when someone sends me a thousand silver or even four resources and express guilt that it is but one child, I reply that one child, is still a child, and one more to grow up and thrive within our compact, and learn a skill and break a cycle.
One child, is one more than none.
I have to breath deep. A project that I saw taking so many years, that I did not know if I might even succeed in seeing completed before my time to go back to the wheel... it's possible. So very very possible within even the next five or ten years. Blessed be.
Freedom. A breaking of chains. This is the mark I leave for my own children.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 26, 2018, 12:26 a.m.(3/27/1010 AR)
I took Astrid and Danse to the springs beneath Navegant. I like the water, warm and comforting to my leg, easy for me to sit there and let Astrid play with the nursemaid in the water. Danse sat on my lap and splashed. It's not hard to see that Astrid hears Mangata's call. There is a change in her, in the joy that permeates her being when she is near water. Be it the pond in the atrium, here in the springs or when running up to the waves that crash upon the shoreline. She feels Mangata's call, though I think she does not know that's what it is yet.
A wildness to her. One that I need to temper, to not let it overtake her. She's almost two and a half, time to start learning to sit still and to be polite. More so than she already is. How to behave in public. To start taking them all with us to Maelstrom when we go, even if it has to be on separate ships.
The kittens follow her too. Tumbling in her wake, some of them with patches of color in that sea of white. They've gotten into Prince Jasher's belongings and I've lost no less than three dresses to their claws. I swear now that they are old enough, I will find them homes. Save our wardrobes from their sharp claws. At least the mostly seem to be spared the temperament of their mother.
A wildness to her. One that I need to temper, to not let it overtake her. She's almost two and a half, time to start learning to sit still and to be polite. More so than she already is. How to behave in public. To start taking them all with us to Maelstrom when we go, even if it has to be on separate ships.
The kittens follow her too. Tumbling in her wake, some of them with patches of color in that sea of white. They've gotten into Prince Jasher's belongings and I've lost no less than three dresses to their claws. I swear now that they are old enough, I will find them homes. Save our wardrobes from their sharp claws. At least the mostly seem to be spared the temperament of their mother.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 21, 2018, 3:26 p.m.(3/18/1010 AR)
This cold is dreadful and business still needs be done even though my head feels stuffed to bursting and the pressure. Nor that no matter how close to the fire I get, I still feel chilled. I suppose this fits in with the mood. Or did fit in with the mood. One last meeting nad then I shall go drag my sorry corpse to hide in my bedchambers and pray this departs swiftly.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 14, 2018, 9:55 p.m.(3/5/1010 AR)
I am aged and past my prime, the zenith of my beauty has come and gone and I am but a wilted flower.
Or so someone says.
I wonder what they would say if they knew. Or if they would say such things to my face.
I'm smiling right now as I write this.
Or so someone says.
I wonder what they would say if they knew. Or if they would say such things to my face.
I'm smiling right now as I write this.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 14, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(3/4/1010 AR)
Who shreds Aeterna more effectively? A two yer old or a handful of kittens.
The answer is in my wardrobe.
The answer is in my wardrobe.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 2, 2018, 6:43 p.m.(2/8/1010 AR)
To maelstrom I have set sail, tend to some matters. Danse makes the journey with me, leaving Astrid to make her now weekly visits to Tyde instead of Grimhall, and Velenosa. The twins are too young and bringing all the family at once is not the wisest thing to do. I hope to stop at Darkwater on my return. Things have not been the same since the twins were born. I don't know what. It's worrisome. I'll bring Elegance with me. It's been sorrowful but at the same time, comforting to have her back at my side even if the reason for her return brings sad thoughts. I am out of sorts.
I am joyfully able tow rite that a generous, very generous donation from Mistress Aurora brought about the binding of the shackles of just a little over a thousand children. When I received word, I had to pause a moment and smile. Unexpected generosity. So I sail, to add to the list and see to the arrangements for the last batch and now this batch. Arrange the ships and supplies, make sure that those who remain behind are going to be cared for. Much to do. Five thousand. Over five thousand children in under three years. It makes me think that this could indeed happen before I am shuffled off to the wheel.
I am joyfully able tow rite that a generous, very generous donation from Mistress Aurora brought about the binding of the shackles of just a little over a thousand children. When I received word, I had to pause a moment and smile. Unexpected generosity. So I sail, to add to the list and see to the arrangements for the last batch and now this batch. Arrange the ships and supplies, make sure that those who remain behind are going to be cared for. Much to do. Five thousand. Over five thousand children in under three years. It makes me think that this could indeed happen before I am shuffled off to the wheel.
Written By Alarissa
Nov. 9, 2018, 11:37 p.m.(12/18/1009 AR)
This one was more successful than the last and I do not know how possibly that we could surpass any in the future in one fell sweep. The Duchess Clover gained a Ranseur for a song though. That was the only one I was disappointed in. Over two million when all is said and done and as I sort through this all with others, I make a list of those to sing the praises of. House Champagne of a surety for.. well, From donating prizes to generous bidding what can I say. Short of that I am glad that we have them within the compact and they have such generous hearts. Two thousand children, at the least. Preserved and enjoying a traditional and more normal childhood within the next month. I cannot wait to set sail and pay the bonds in person when the time comes.
Written By Alarissa
Nov. 5, 2018, 3:13 a.m.(12/8/1009 AR)
I felt up to shopping. Mind you, I had to sit and rest in almost all the jewelry shops across town and they were more than delighted to see me again. New earrings, a new tiara, an abundance of new dresses and matching slippers even the most delicious umbra jacket with aa matching fox fur muff. Decadent. Simply marvelous.
Exhausted. So very tiring. So we skipped the last few shops as I sent in Ovelia and the clothiers sent fabric and samples, ideas and the like to the maw, so I could be doted on there. Textures. It's all about textures this season. Manipulation of the cloth to show waves, pintucks, pleats, scales, ruching, you name it. And gems. Nothing gaudy. But plenty of crystals and quartz, pearls and the like. That's what I predict. Seasilk, Aeterna, and Umbra.
And plenty of little aeterna gowns for the newest princesses and things for Astrid and Danse. Celebration of life for all.
It shall make me feel pretty and I need to feel pretty right now.
Exhausted. So very tiring. So we skipped the last few shops as I sent in Ovelia and the clothiers sent fabric and samples, ideas and the like to the maw, so I could be doted on there. Textures. It's all about textures this season. Manipulation of the cloth to show waves, pintucks, pleats, scales, ruching, you name it. And gems. Nothing gaudy. But plenty of crystals and quartz, pearls and the like. That's what I predict. Seasilk, Aeterna, and Umbra.
And plenty of little aeterna gowns for the newest princesses and things for Astrid and Danse. Celebration of life for all.
It shall make me feel pretty and I need to feel pretty right now.
Written By Alarissa
Nov. 2, 2018, 11:46 p.m.(12/4/1009 AR)
Sisters of the sea, with their stoic brother. There had been bets placed that they would be boys. But they are girls. An unmatched pair. Dark of hair and fair for the other. Swift as a storm, one on the heels of the other. Siggy then came Delia. He was surprised, I think he thought that I was jesting when I said that I felt too many feet. Indeed Victus, there was more than one in there.
And by my side, like he wanted to be and swore to be. Right there in the water from Maelstrom he was, with his hand in mine, he had my back. Reminds me of promises made in a hot springs less than three years ago. Not safe to travel for reasons of health, so we brought Maelstrom to us. Beneath Mangata's gaze and in in a room blessed by the Dominus. I felt safer there. I have had time to rest, though I need to rest more. Much more. This took a great deal out of me. In a few weeks time I can step back into my responsibilities.
For now, for now Astrid is sitting on the bed in front of the two and just watching them in their baskets. No attempts to hit them or yell or act a hellion. Watch them quietly she has been told and she does. I don't think she grasps that the things she heard and felt in my belly are now in front of her and swaddled. Danse is far too young to grasp.
How will it change us? At some point, Victus will stop looking so pale I am sure and stop staring. Though he's much better at holding a child now.
And by my side, like he wanted to be and swore to be. Right there in the water from Maelstrom he was, with his hand in mine, he had my back. Reminds me of promises made in a hot springs less than three years ago. Not safe to travel for reasons of health, so we brought Maelstrom to us. Beneath Mangata's gaze and in in a room blessed by the Dominus. I felt safer there. I have had time to rest, though I need to rest more. Much more. This took a great deal out of me. In a few weeks time I can step back into my responsibilities.
For now, for now Astrid is sitting on the bed in front of the two and just watching them in their baskets. No attempts to hit them or yell or act a hellion. Watch them quietly she has been told and she does. I don't think she grasps that the things she heard and felt in my belly are now in front of her and swaddled. Danse is far too young to grasp.
How will it change us? At some point, Victus will stop looking so pale I am sure and stop staring. Though he's much better at holding a child now.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 31, 2018, 12:13 a.m.(11/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
An hour. He stood in the courtyard for over an hour in tge rain with the most ridiculous look on his face. Called out that I should join him, that the weather was fine when he saw me in the atrium.
Save me. The ridiculousness of that man. It was a forceful deluge. Not a spritz.
Save me. The ridiculousness of that man. It was a forceful deluge. Not a spritz.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 30, 2018, 1:04 p.m.(11/25/1009 AR)
Tomes have been sent to keep me occupied, others come to bring city gossip. Twice I have been out to carry out obligations of a host for things planned before I was encouraged to remain off my feet. Thank the gods above that it was things I could do while I could sit. Never have i longed for fresh air like I have these past few weeks. Things come to a head soon, I hope. They move less and less, less room for them. Them. A perhaps somewaht cruel joke maybe. But I am reminded of the Dominus's whites over a year ago, and perhaps in there, there is some understanding of the why.
The claw has been occasionally lazy on the bed near me as well. No reaching out to swipe at me. Though Astrid appeared with more than a few new scratches herself from the demon. She likes to lay against my belly while I am laying down or rocking in the atrium and for all her ramapging eagerness and energy, she falls silent and listen and babbles. As if somewhere in there, Genaile has managed to instill some modicum of restraint and calm and we see it more.
Dance pulls himself up too, on his chubby legs and and shows hints of walking. Making more noise now too. A picture of domestication perhaps, when all of us are in the atrium and the three of them looking at the water and the fish while I rock. Thus soon three becomes five. Please be soon. I cannot bear this tediousness.
The claw has been occasionally lazy on the bed near me as well. No reaching out to swipe at me. Though Astrid appeared with more than a few new scratches herself from the demon. She likes to lay against my belly while I am laying down or rocking in the atrium and for all her ramapging eagerness and energy, she falls silent and listen and babbles. As if somewhere in there, Genaile has managed to instill some modicum of restraint and calm and we see it more.
Dance pulls himself up too, on his chubby legs and and shows hints of walking. Making more noise now too. A picture of domestication perhaps, when all of us are in the atrium and the three of them looking at the water and the fish while I rock. Thus soon three becomes five. Please be soon. I cannot bear this tediousness.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 26, 2018, 12:10 p.m.(11/17/1009 AR)
I'm bigger than the Caraval. I'm fair certain of it. But it was very nice to get out of the estates and some fresh air.
The Legate Bianca came to visit and laid blessings on the atrium. Closer and closer I get to seeing it so thoroughly blessed. It is nice to sit in there in the rocking chair and see the tree's turn their shades and the water lapping in the pond. Makes the aches of this last month far less and brings me more measure of peace.
The Legate Bianca came to visit and laid blessings on the atrium. Closer and closer I get to seeing it so thoroughly blessed. It is nice to sit in there in the rocking chair and see the tree's turn their shades and the water lapping in the pond. Makes the aches of this last month far less and brings me more measure of peace.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 25, 2018, 8:25 a.m.(11/14/1009 AR)
Silver finds its way in letters, dropped by the Maw, with indication thst it is to procure the debts of the children still thralled in the isles. No small amounts either. In the name of Master Oliver. Would that he could see such.
I thought about delaying the auction and raffles. To not carrying on with the plan. But Lady Mikani in her wisdom and to a degree Master Rook spoke wise words. If we change our purpose, uf we change what we were going to do, then they win. They achieve their desires at the cost of lives. Their goals.
So we forge forth. The gathering at the Whispers still happens and we shall not shy. I shall not shy. Even if tgese children are not born yet, we shall gather and see to funds raised so that they may be as free as my own children.
I thought about delaying the auction and raffles. To not carrying on with the plan. But Lady Mikani in her wisdom and to a degree Master Rook spoke wise words. If we change our purpose, uf we change what we were going to do, then they win. They achieve their desires at the cost of lives. Their goals.
So we forge forth. The gathering at the Whispers still happens and we shall not shy. I shall not shy. Even if tgese children are not born yet, we shall gather and see to funds raised so that they may be as free as my own children.
Written By Alarissa
Oct. 23, 2018, 7:58 p.m.(11/11/1009 AR)
This I can do from my repose. The messengers have started. We thought about not pushing forth with the auction but Lady Mikani spoke and said that if we did not move forward, if we changed that which was our intent, to mollify them, then they win.
Mind you those are bold words when I am behind walls and surrounded by guards who would lay down their life in a heartbeat for mine and those I carry.
And so we move forward. We move forward and will work twice as hard to free more children than our goal was in this round, and in the name of Master Arterius.
Mind you those are bold words when I am behind walls and surrounded by guards who would lay down their life in a heartbeat for mine and those I carry.
And so we move forward. We move forward and will work twice as hard to free more children than our goal was in this round, and in the name of Master Arterius.
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