Written By Sydney
Feb. 5, 2021, 12:31 a.m.(11/17/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Orland
Though a Wise General has already stolen a march on me for advice that should be marked and heeded well by all, I'll nevertheless scribble my thoughts, as well.
1. What are you afraid of?
The end of all things.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
A noble pursuit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Forward, inexorably.
4. What advice would you give to one who really needs it?
All things pass. Remember this and apply it to your comfort or your dread as the mood allows.
1. What are you afraid of?
The end of all things.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
A noble pursuit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Forward, inexorably.
4. What advice would you give to one who really needs it?
All things pass. Remember this and apply it to your comfort or your dread as the mood allows.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 3, 2021, 5:30 p.m.(11/14/1014 AR)
We all commit our thoughts to the Archives in different ways, but it's still disheartening to see one wield their words as a spoiled child might.
Worse still when you recognize it in your own writings. Shards.
I've a way to walk, yet.
Worse still when you recognize it in your own writings. Shards.
I've a way to walk, yet.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 31, 2021, 3:06 p.m.(11/8/1014 AR)
Love, as with every relationship personal or business, is not without condition.
The notion of unconditional love is steeped in wishful thinking. Could you love your child if they became a heretic, and murdered scores? Could you love a partner who violated your trust continuously? Is 'love' even still a notion when it becomes a one-sided thing, or does it simply become unrequited pining for something that could be, once was, or never came to be?
There's always a condition.
If you don't see that threshold due to blind faith and optimism in the power of you bonds, you risk running up to the line that should not be crossed, not seeing it for what it is, and hurtling right past.
Unconditional love is reserved for storybooks and the exceptionally naïve.
The notion of unconditional love is steeped in wishful thinking. Could you love your child if they became a heretic, and murdered scores? Could you love a partner who violated your trust continuously? Is 'love' even still a notion when it becomes a one-sided thing, or does it simply become unrequited pining for something that could be, once was, or never came to be?
There's always a condition.
If you don't see that threshold due to blind faith and optimism in the power of you bonds, you risk running up to the line that should not be crossed, not seeing it for what it is, and hurtling right past.
Unconditional love is reserved for storybooks and the exceptionally naïve.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 30, 2021, 12:14 a.m.(11/5/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Adalyn
When you leap from a cliff into the sea and feel your stomach lurch at the height of your leap, your instincts care decidedly little that the waters you're plunging in to are new.
It only sees before it the plummet which it knows could bring harm.
We are not meant to be ruled on instinct alone, but neither are we intended to ignore it. Whatever is coming next, keep your wits about you.
Standing still may not be an option, but trust in the part of you that begs you caution as the trajectory of your actions urge you forward.
It only sees before it the plummet which it knows could bring harm.
We are not meant to be ruled on instinct alone, but neither are we intended to ignore it. Whatever is coming next, keep your wits about you.
Standing still may not be an option, but trust in the part of you that begs you caution as the trajectory of your actions urge you forward.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 27, 2021, 10:37 p.m.(11/1/1014 AR)
Soldiers young and the bold will tell you that there is nothing so deadly on the field of battle as succumbing to fear.
The young and the bold often remain such when they fall on the field they've chosen not to be afraid of.
I'm more inclined to trust to fear.
You'll find fewer more reliable teachers with more lessons to give, and the gift of a great deal of time on this spin of the wheel to digest them, surrounded by the fertile soil of the unflinchingly and unfailingly courageous.
The young and the bold often remain such when they fall on the field they've chosen not to be afraid of.
I'm more inclined to trust to fear.
You'll find fewer more reliable teachers with more lessons to give, and the gift of a great deal of time on this spin of the wheel to digest them, surrounded by the fertile soil of the unflinchingly and unfailingly courageous.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 23, 2021, 10:31 p.m.(10/21/1014 AR)
Strange though it may seem, it's been a stretch since I last was able to test myself in the Training Center.
To have two drastically different fights in one day was quite the treat - and what's more, I was able to learn a thing or two that should help me in combat going forward. Reach cannot be overstated, but a second weapon being added into the mix is something I clearly need more practice with. It shouldn't be so very different in theory from a fistfight, and yet it's an entirely different demon when there's sharp blades coming at you that you need not only dodge the impact of, but ensure that you're not caught by the backswing of. What in a fight would be a correct slap to the side of the head with a fist can easily become a gash on the side of the neck.
I will continue to learn, chasing the tail of the one I strive to be.
To have two drastically different fights in one day was quite the treat - and what's more, I was able to learn a thing or two that should help me in combat going forward. Reach cannot be overstated, but a second weapon being added into the mix is something I clearly need more practice with. It shouldn't be so very different in theory from a fistfight, and yet it's an entirely different demon when there's sharp blades coming at you that you need not only dodge the impact of, but ensure that you're not caught by the backswing of. What in a fight would be a correct slap to the side of the head with a fist can easily become a gash on the side of the neck.
I will continue to learn, chasing the tail of the one I strive to be.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 22, 2021, 7:52 p.m.(10/19/1014 AR)
I can scarcely contain my excitement - it is seldom enough that I am afforded a true test of abilities, and to have one presented for me that's so strikingly unique is enough to raise gooseflesh on my arms. Looking back over the past few months, I've not anticipated very much of late, and this shall be a welcome change of pace.
It's enough to make me want to procure a map of the city and fill it with points of interest, for I know if I don't plan ahead, my disadvantage will be marked.
Oh, I've worked plenty as a fighter, but seldom as a hunter or soldier, and never as a tactician. It should be fascinating to see how I fare. I hope to learn a great deal, indeed.
It's enough to make me want to procure a map of the city and fill it with points of interest, for I know if I don't plan ahead, my disadvantage will be marked.
Oh, I've worked plenty as a fighter, but seldom as a hunter or soldier, and never as a tactician. It should be fascinating to see how I fare. I hope to learn a great deal, indeed.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 18, 2021, 12:01 a.m.(10/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Geralt
Everything about your dream sounds painful.
A bath in whiskey would be most unpleasant. As someone who's had her fair share of whiskeys poured on her face (almost entirely by herself), I can assure you that it's unpleasant to bathe one's face in. It gets in the nostrils, and it burns. It gets in your eyes, and it BURNS.
Thinking about submerging my lower half in it brings with it only flinching and further shuddering.
...and to make matters worse, you spilled your drink.
Painful.
A bath in whiskey would be most unpleasant. As someone who's had her fair share of whiskeys poured on her face (almost entirely by herself), I can assure you that it's unpleasant to bathe one's face in. It gets in the nostrils, and it burns. It gets in your eyes, and it BURNS.
Thinking about submerging my lower half in it brings with it only flinching and further shuddering.
...and to make matters worse, you spilled your drink.
Painful.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 17, 2021, 4:42 a.m.(10/7/1014 AR)
Everywhere I turn of late, I see those about me who were trained to hold a blade, spear, or axe or shoot a bow from the moment they could safely hold a stick or manage the pull strength of a particularly forgiving string. It's of little secret that I find the lives of those born into such circumstances baffling.
From the moment I could sit a horse, I was guiding the family mare.
From the moment I could hold a stick, I was putting holes in the earth to drop seeds into, or breaking up weeds. I split wood for the fire. I worked with my hands to lay snares to supplement our meals so that we didn't tire of endless vegetable stews, with mixed results.
Didn't get in a fight right and proper until I was into my early teens, and I fumbled my way through it. No fancy footwork, just adrenaline and anger, same as most any youthful scuffle over love and hate's intersection. Am I to gloat here, and say I beat him within an inch of his life, and made him regret striking me in the back of the head? I'd be lying to say I gave even half as good as I got, but I stayed upright, staring him down until he backed off, knowing I wasn't as easy to lay out as he'd assumed.
Never underestimate the tenacity of those who cut their teeth on working hard to keep alive every day of their turn on the wheel, and not merely when it's time for 'practicing'.
It's those who make light of their opponents that risk the most, and lose the most when it matters.
For every fight in this life has equal weight, and you never know the story of who swings their blade at you, not for true, 'til one or both of those stories end.
From the moment I could sit a horse, I was guiding the family mare.
From the moment I could hold a stick, I was putting holes in the earth to drop seeds into, or breaking up weeds. I split wood for the fire. I worked with my hands to lay snares to supplement our meals so that we didn't tire of endless vegetable stews, with mixed results.
Didn't get in a fight right and proper until I was into my early teens, and I fumbled my way through it. No fancy footwork, just adrenaline and anger, same as most any youthful scuffle over love and hate's intersection. Am I to gloat here, and say I beat him within an inch of his life, and made him regret striking me in the back of the head? I'd be lying to say I gave even half as good as I got, but I stayed upright, staring him down until he backed off, knowing I wasn't as easy to lay out as he'd assumed.
Never underestimate the tenacity of those who cut their teeth on working hard to keep alive every day of their turn on the wheel, and not merely when it's time for 'practicing'.
It's those who make light of their opponents that risk the most, and lose the most when it matters.
For every fight in this life has equal weight, and you never know the story of who swings their blade at you, not for true, 'til one or both of those stories end.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 12, 2021, 12:20 a.m.(9/25/1014 AR)
There is comfort in knowing that even as the world lurches and churns around you, some things remain the same.
Those that anchor you to this Dream with warmth, like a home.
Those that make you thrilled to be alive, like one's rivals.
Those that accept you and urge you to enjoy the sweeter things in life.
And those that continue to drive you forward, toward whatever might come next. Change comes for us all in one form or another, but I do hope some things remain near enough that I can hardly tell the difference.
Those that anchor you to this Dream with warmth, like a home.
Those that make you thrilled to be alive, like one's rivals.
Those that accept you and urge you to enjoy the sweeter things in life.
And those that continue to drive you forward, toward whatever might come next. Change comes for us all in one form or another, but I do hope some things remain near enough that I can hardly tell the difference.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 11, 2021, 6 p.m.(9/25/1014 AR)
Since we're ennobling commoners seemingly at random for good behavior, I can provide a long list of those who deserve better than their current lot. I welcome this wholeheartedly and my comprehensive list is available upon request.
At least one of them is the neighborhood cat, if only so it yowls in some other Ward.
At least one of them is the neighborhood cat, if only so it yowls in some other Ward.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 7, 2021, 7:33 p.m.(9/17/1014 AR)
To say I feel overperfumed at the moment is an understatement, and I wasn't anywhere near the actual creation. I suppose there are worse things to smell like than flowers, plums, and the ocean breeze.
But perhaps not all at once. I need a bath.
But perhaps not all at once. I need a bath.
Written By Sydney
Jan. 5, 2021, 2:13 p.m.(9/12/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Piccola
Seems more a solid lesson in protecting one's neck before sticking it out.
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 Sydney
Jan. 2, 2021, 7:59 p.m.(9/7/1014 AR)
Well, this seems as good a night as any to drink myself senseless.
Certainly, we've all had these days?
Certainly, we've all had these days?
Written By Sydney
Dec. 30, 2020, 1:08 a.m.(8/27/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Teague
Worry not - this abyssal cat has her claws if she has need of them.
Certainly an enjoyable spar, Lord Teague.
Certainly an enjoyable spar, Lord Teague.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 29, 2020, 12:30 a.m.(8/25/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Hamish
I don't have anything clever to say. You were always better at that.
Knowing little of you, I at first reviled you, but the more I saw of you, the taller an order that became. We stood shoulder to shoulder when the Cathedral came under attack. Did you overexert yourself, or was it simply your time?
Death has a sense of humor.
I suppose you taught me that, even if I hate the lesson.
Knowing little of you, I at first reviled you, but the more I saw of you, the taller an order that became. We stood shoulder to shoulder when the Cathedral came under attack. Did you overexert yourself, or was it simply your time?
Death has a sense of humor.
I suppose you taught me that, even if I hate the lesson.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 25, 2020, 6:17 p.m.(8/19/1014 AR)
It is only when we fill our bowl that we realize that the bowl we were trying to fill is too small, too shabby, or is seen as gauche.
When I have the occasion to glimpse myself in a whisper's mirrormask, I've found myself staring at myself and wondering what became of the whip of a girl that landed half-starved on the streets, her head shaved to give her opponents nothing to grab hold of, sipping on ale because it made me less ill than the water, and being able to afford little more than scraps to get me from one day to the next.
There were any number of goals I set for myself, at the end of which I knew that I would be satisfied and content. I've blown past them, and the satisfaction never came. Contentedness never arose.
Oh, it's not to say I'm some sad sop, moping from moment to moment. The contrary is often true - but it makes me wonder on the nature of the goals that we set for ourselves. As we seek top ourselves, we race against time, against life, against our bodies, against our wits. We reach, and we reach, and we hope that a turn on the wheel is enough to grasp all that we hope for in this Dream. The objective always moves. Something must be strived for. Something must be clung to. Something drives a body from her bed, and there is no ending until we no longer open our eyes.
It is equal parts exquisite as it is frustrating.
Turn the page, now. The next chapter's soon.
When I have the occasion to glimpse myself in a whisper's mirrormask, I've found myself staring at myself and wondering what became of the whip of a girl that landed half-starved on the streets, her head shaved to give her opponents nothing to grab hold of, sipping on ale because it made me less ill than the water, and being able to afford little more than scraps to get me from one day to the next.
There were any number of goals I set for myself, at the end of which I knew that I would be satisfied and content. I've blown past them, and the satisfaction never came. Contentedness never arose.
Oh, it's not to say I'm some sad sop, moping from moment to moment. The contrary is often true - but it makes me wonder on the nature of the goals that we set for ourselves. As we seek top ourselves, we race against time, against life, against our bodies, against our wits. We reach, and we reach, and we hope that a turn on the wheel is enough to grasp all that we hope for in this Dream. The objective always moves. Something must be strived for. Something must be clung to. Something drives a body from her bed, and there is no ending until we no longer open our eyes.
It is equal parts exquisite as it is frustrating.
Turn the page, now. The next chapter's soon.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 23, 2020, 4:40 p.m.(8/14/1014 AR)
There are times when I question the use of the martial pursuits when so much carnage can be wrought by (unfortunately) superior might of what our enemies have in their arsenal. I suppose it's little different than being struck down by an arrow or bolt, but it feels more terrifying by far.
That's life, is it not? One moment you're laughing, the next you're dead.
That's life, is it not? One moment you're laughing, the next you're dead.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 20, 2020, 7:16 p.m.(8/9/1014 AR)
I am intimately familiar with taking strikes to the head, but seldom from my own attempts to disembark a vessel.
My pride is stung more than my body. All things being equal, that's a price cheaply paid.
My pride is stung more than my body. All things being equal, that's a price cheaply paid.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.