Written By Bethany
Dec. 21, 2016, 2:05 a.m.(6/10/1005 AR)
( From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
Cold winds blow against the hill,
With frost across the plain.
Away, Winter soon will go--
Yet, I wait with patience still.
Knowing Spring with come again--
Leaving violets 'neath the snow.
Cold winds blow against the hill,
With frost across the plain.
Away, Winter soon will go--
Yet, I wait with patience still.
Knowing Spring with come again--
Leaving violets 'neath the snow.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 20, 2016, 7:53 a.m.(6/8/1005 AR)
It has become a bittersweet season.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 18, 2016, 4:45 p.m.(6/3/1005 AR)
[ From the gritty sand-strewn observations of B. Mercier: ]
* Royals in attendence: many. Garbed in the finery deemed acceptable for a hunt - and one supposes that each rider matches their mount.
* Lord Grayward. Only a little ominous. Also, yes, the epitome of politesse.
* Guildmaster and sister mirror each other's actions, at times. Makes me wish Mother and Father had made me an older sister instead of the youngest.
* Noticed - one very dour gentleman. Unsure of name, family or station.
* Agreed. So many Nightgolds.
* Perhaps should ask brother about DW. Feel as if my history is amiss in regard to this family.
* Suspicions confirmed: MANY cousins.
* Royals in attendence: many. Garbed in the finery deemed acceptable for a hunt - and one supposes that each rider matches their mount.
* Lord Grayward. Only a little ominous. Also, yes, the epitome of politesse.
* Guildmaster and sister mirror each other's actions, at times. Makes me wish Mother and Father had made me an older sister instead of the youngest.
* Noticed - one very dour gentleman. Unsure of name, family or station.
* Agreed. So many Nightgolds.
* Perhaps should ask brother about DW. Feel as if my history is amiss in regard to this family.
* Suspicions confirmed: MANY cousins.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 18, 2016, 12:19 p.m.(6/3/1005 AR)
The Steward's Job: A Handbook
From the household of the Regent to the humblest common dwelling - including, more or less the distant relatives and varying numbers of servants and dependents usually cohabiting with the Lord or Lady of the house and his or her immediate family.
Truly, not all positions of a household have truly distinctive positions outside of what is typically known - but, within these broad classifications there is a definitive array of other occupations. Each occupation fills a crucial space in the social system or a manor to ensure that the household is properly maintained.
Yet, many of these positions would also serve other functions, and there would be servants entirely devoted to domestic tasks. At the lower level, these were simply commoners recruited from the localities. The higher level positions – in particular those attending on the lord or lady – were often filled by persons of rank: sons and daughters of local nobles, merchants, retainers or vassals.
The steward of a household is one such position. To cover the daily tasks of managing a manor, villa, or estate a noble hired a steward. Normally, the steward was the head of all the domestic personnel, merely in charge of the estate.
From there, the position evolves into the steward aiding the household accounts and books. Calculating revenue from taxes and money spent.
At times, there are two stewards; dividing responsibilities of the estate between two - one managing the household and the other assigned to administrative duties. Also known as seneschal, major-domo or ...
[ What follows is a dry, but accurate history of the position, outlined duties, etiquette and expectations. ]
In conclusion, although a steward is promised to serve their House, theirs is a position of power - not, necessarily of status. A minor character in the greater play of a household, but, always an essential one.
Always: to be true and loyal to your household. To be prudent and faithful and frugal. To know the members of your house, lands, and people. To show hospitality to allies. To welcome friends. To know the law of the realm. To protect the business of your Lord or Lady. To instruct the staff properly and ensure that the household knows no difficulties.
Under the Pantheon,
Written in homage and fealty,
B. Mercier
6.3.1005 AR
From the household of the Regent to the humblest common dwelling - including, more or less the distant relatives and varying numbers of servants and dependents usually cohabiting with the Lord or Lady of the house and his or her immediate family.
Truly, not all positions of a household have truly distinctive positions outside of what is typically known - but, within these broad classifications there is a definitive array of other occupations. Each occupation fills a crucial space in the social system or a manor to ensure that the household is properly maintained.
Yet, many of these positions would also serve other functions, and there would be servants entirely devoted to domestic tasks. At the lower level, these were simply commoners recruited from the localities. The higher level positions – in particular those attending on the lord or lady – were often filled by persons of rank: sons and daughters of local nobles, merchants, retainers or vassals.
The steward of a household is one such position. To cover the daily tasks of managing a manor, villa, or estate a noble hired a steward. Normally, the steward was the head of all the domestic personnel, merely in charge of the estate.
From there, the position evolves into the steward aiding the household accounts and books. Calculating revenue from taxes and money spent.
At times, there are two stewards; dividing responsibilities of the estate between two - one managing the household and the other assigned to administrative duties. Also known as seneschal, major-domo or ...
[ What follows is a dry, but accurate history of the position, outlined duties, etiquette and expectations. ]
In conclusion, although a steward is promised to serve their House, theirs is a position of power - not, necessarily of status. A minor character in the greater play of a household, but, always an essential one.
Always: to be true and loyal to your household. To be prudent and faithful and frugal. To know the members of your house, lands, and people. To show hospitality to allies. To welcome friends. To know the law of the realm. To protect the business of your Lord or Lady. To instruct the staff properly and ensure that the household knows no difficulties.
Under the Pantheon,
Written in homage and fealty,
B. Mercier
6.3.1005 AR
Written By Bethany
Dec. 18, 2016, 12:47 a.m.(6/1/1005 AR)
That - that painting.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 17, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(5/28/1005 AR)
[ From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward: ]
These days are stranger, stranger than any fiction found in any book.
I can only suspect that the forces of the world conspire to see that events are too strange - too strong - to be mere coincidences.
How different, how terrible, how wonderful.
These days are stranger, stranger than any fiction found in any book.
I can only suspect that the forces of the world conspire to see that events are too strange - too strong - to be mere coincidences.
How different, how terrible, how wonderful.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 16, 2016, 10:24 p.m.(5/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Curran
You ought to spend more time at the docks, Master Curran, in order to learn more - and better - insults.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 16, 2016, 5:50 p.m.(5/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Garza
'Protection can pay well, even if it's just another set of eyes on the back of their heads.'
I will definitely not disagree with a mercenary on subjects I know nothing of.
I will definitely not disagree with a mercenary on subjects I know nothing of.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 15, 2016, 11:08 p.m.(5/23/1005 AR)
( From the tea-strewn desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
It has been a day.
First, the good. It was a successful tea-shop opening. Even if the fortune that I was given with my pastry was rather grim.
(Thank you, Lisette.)
Second, Archscholar validated me. That has set my mind at ease. I move onto the next individual in my learning quest, and I hope that it will serve as the first steps into my future initiation into the Scholars.
Third, it seems as though I have sourced a writer for the project that I agreed to organize, and they are - well, he is considering it. Master Branan is now easily considered a peer. I apologized, he accepted, and I do hope that he will be a valuable contact and ally in the future.
(Also: coin tricks.)
Last, the terrible. I did not personally know the Baron Saik - but, I can mourn the loss of life, of any life. Even if it is difficult to show the necessary emotions... I know that his absence will pain everyone in the Saik Greenlands and my heart pains for them.
It has been a day.
First, the good. It was a successful tea-shop opening. Even if the fortune that I was given with my pastry was rather grim.
(Thank you, Lisette.)
Second, Archscholar validated me. That has set my mind at ease. I move onto the next individual in my learning quest, and I hope that it will serve as the first steps into my future initiation into the Scholars.
Third, it seems as though I have sourced a writer for the project that I agreed to organize, and they are - well, he is considering it. Master Branan is now easily considered a peer. I apologized, he accepted, and I do hope that he will be a valuable contact and ally in the future.
(Also: coin tricks.)
Last, the terrible. I did not personally know the Baron Saik - but, I can mourn the loss of life, of any life. Even if it is difficult to show the necessary emotions... I know that his absence will pain everyone in the Saik Greenlands and my heart pains for them.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 14, 2016, 10:11 p.m.(5/20/1005 AR)
If you tell a secret, what do you have left to be afraid of?
Written By Bethany
Dec. 14, 2016, 2:09 p.m.(5/19/1005 AR)
[ From the tea-stained desk of B. Mercier, Steward: ]
Keep your compliments, your serenades, your love letters and silvery-tongued flattery -
I will have none of that.
(T hankfully, from him, I will never need to fear any of those cloyingly sweet sentiments unless they are given with cake or confectionery. )
Instead, give me your dreams - your aims - your goals. For they are tangible and true and they are worth the offering. They may be simple, but they are real.
I will keep them close to my heart and I will work tirelessly to help you achieve them, for they align so perfectly with my own.
Keep your compliments, your serenades, your love letters and silvery-tongued flattery -
I will have none of that.
(T hankfully, from him, I will never need to fear any of those cloyingly sweet sentiments unless they are given with cake or confectionery. )
Instead, give me your dreams - your aims - your goals. For they are tangible and true and they are worth the offering. They may be simple, but they are real.
I will keep them close to my heart and I will work tirelessly to help you achieve them, for they align so perfectly with my own.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 13, 2016, 9:44 p.m.(5/17/1005 AR)
( From the sleepless, paper-strewn desk of B. Mercier : )
Nightmares, again.
Infrequent, troublesome.
I sit, and read, and write nonsense, and burn down the last of my candles that solidify into cold puddles of wax by daybreak. I am too afraid of going back to sleep, sometimes. All the more eager to tend to my daily duties.
I don't know who I need to speak to about these chasing shadows away.
Nightmares, again.
Infrequent, troublesome.
I sit, and read, and write nonsense, and burn down the last of my candles that solidify into cold puddles of wax by daybreak. I am too afraid of going back to sleep, sometimes. All the more eager to tend to my daily duties.
I don't know who I need to speak to about these chasing shadows away.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 13, 2016, 6:52 p.m.(5/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Another Grayhope.
Are they all 'traders' or 'merchants'?
(Are all those rumors true.
I think so.)
Are they all 'traders' or 'merchants'?
(Are all those rumors true.
I think so.)
Written By Bethany
Dec. 12, 2016, 9:27 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Observations as writ by B. Mercier:
* Bears.
* Is it terrible to wish that the bears win.
* It's a terribly diverse crowd.
* Redrain in numbers: Redstorm?
* S is looking for whom - must ask.
* Nightgolds. (Forget it.)
* SO much nobility here, it's nice to feel like a little mouse. (Squeak!) Especially once the drink begins. No wonder elder brother does not partake.
* Bears.
* Is it terrible to wish that the bears win.
* It's a terribly diverse crowd.
* Redrain in numbers: Redstorm?
* S is looking for whom - must ask.
* Nightgolds. (Forget it.)
* SO much nobility here, it's nice to feel like a little mouse. (Squeak!) Especially once the drink begins. No wonder elder brother does not partake.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 12, 2016, 6:24 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
( From the neat-as-a-pin desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
I cannot in all good faith and conscience decide if he is mad or brilliant.
Brilliantly mad.
I read every word.
I cannot in all good faith and conscience decide if he is mad or brilliant.
Brilliantly mad.
I read every word.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 11, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Curran
... Judge me only by my smile.
You're not getting any information from me.
You're not getting any information from me.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 11, 2016, 11:26 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Impassioned and dedicated to her causes, she needs a kindred spirit that is deserving of her.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 11, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
My writing partner in the Lower Burroughs.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 11, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sigurd
An interesting figure that understands what it is like to be a younger sibling.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 11, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
( From the Untidy Desk of Bethany Mercier: )
Officially met my first Grayhope. I was suspicious enough to consider sticking him with my Wit (instead of my wit) and making very quite certain that there would be nothing identifiable proceeding the incident.
Clever girl, no?
Officially met my first Grayhope. I was suspicious enough to consider sticking him with my Wit (instead of my wit) and making very quite certain that there would be nothing identifiable proceeding the incident.
Clever girl, no?
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