Written By Tikva
June 23, 2019, 5:22 p.m.(5/4/1011 AR)
I am delighted with the turnout for the Patronage Fair that Princess Zara and I held upon the beach today. It was lovely to see people from all walks of life mingling and learning about each other, and I sincerely hope that many newly kindled relationships from this event will develop and grow.
I can say also that Princess Zara Valardin is a most wonderfully efficient person with whom to host an event and I am very glad to have made her acquaintance. Since joining the Inquisition, I have learned a great deal about the importance of ordering information, and extreme competency in that regard is a rare and wonderful blessing to observe in action.
I can say also that Princess Zara Valardin is a most wonderfully efficient person with whom to host an event and I am very glad to have made her acquaintance. Since joining the Inquisition, I have learned a great deal about the importance of ordering information, and extreme competency in that regard is a rare and wonderful blessing to observe in action.
Written By Tikva
June 21, 2019, 3:46 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Justice is not easy.
Service is not simple.
Duty is a complex network of interconnected obligations and privileges.
Yet we undertake it, for that is the demand of our oaths.
Do not forget that the trappings of wealth and privilege with which you were born come with these responsibilities. Noble blood and familial position are pillars of service, not mere entitlement.
You are the guardians of your people. The arbiters of justice. The protectors of life and blood and safety. And yes. Freedom. Such that it is ours to name.
You are called to do what is hard. It is unfair to treat it as anything other than a difficulty. Rise to the occasion with the fortitude of your forefathers. I exhort you to remember them with dignity.
That is what is righteous. Effort. Strength. The integrity of your choices.
I have confidence that it can and will be done.
Change is not easy. It is not simple. It is also not optional.
Walk in the light of Limerance. It will help you.
Service is not simple.
Duty is a complex network of interconnected obligations and privileges.
Yet we undertake it, for that is the demand of our oaths.
Do not forget that the trappings of wealth and privilege with which you were born come with these responsibilities. Noble blood and familial position are pillars of service, not mere entitlement.
You are the guardians of your people. The arbiters of justice. The protectors of life and blood and safety. And yes. Freedom. Such that it is ours to name.
You are called to do what is hard. It is unfair to treat it as anything other than a difficulty. Rise to the occasion with the fortitude of your forefathers. I exhort you to remember them with dignity.
That is what is righteous. Effort. Strength. The integrity of your choices.
I have confidence that it can and will be done.
Change is not easy. It is not simple. It is also not optional.
Walk in the light of Limerance. It will help you.
Written By Tikva
June 18, 2019, 1:22 a.m.(4/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elloise
Lady Elloise, Baroness Consort of Stormbreak, born of House Leary, has also agreed to accept my patronage. She has done all she can to ensure that her house pays reparations to the shop that was inadvertantly damaged in the Ward of House Grayson the other week, and I'm certain that with a steady supply of reagents and vials and whatever else scientists need -- I'm no expert -- to outfit her lab, we will be able to avoid future mishaps.
I'm tremendously _curious_ about where this relationship shall go. But then, is that not why we both serve the House of Questions?
I'm tremendously _curious_ about where this relationship shall go. But then, is that not why we both serve the House of Questions?
Written By Tikva
June 18, 2019, 1:20 a.m.(4/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I am delighted to report that the master craftsman, Ida Ferron, has agreed to be my protege. I look forward to promulgating her beautiful work to any and all who have not already seen it. I've never seen a weapon she has made that has failed to delight me and I look forward to seeing what she creates next.
May Jayus inspire you always, Dame Ida!
May Jayus inspire you always, Dame Ida!
Written By Tikva
June 16, 2019, 3:32 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
Princess Zara Valardin and I are embarking upon a journey to enable patrons and proteges to find each other. I am also going to be ensuring that the event is catered with beach-appropriate foods that can be eaten with the hands as people move about before the surf, in the bright sunshine. It should be a lively day in the early summer.
The first time I sponsored a protege, she was an artist, a woman of fantastical design acumen, who made gowns of fabulous creativity. By the time we went our separate ways, I felt that I had learned much from her as a student of fashion.
The second, he was a brilliant musician, a songster and bard of youth and energy and mystery, and his loss hurt my heart. It hurt my heart all the more to find that he had died, long after we had parted, for he was not only a singer whose music I very much wanted to bring to the world, but a young man I considered very much my friend.
Of course the third was Calarian, and he little needed the social boost. It was more... an excuse, perhaps, for him to continue to serve House Grayson awhile until he felt the work that he had done for us was close enough to finished that he could leave it lie. Now he serves his married house, no doubt with all the conscientious duty he ever felt for us. I miss him, too, but the way I miss friends and family, and of course, he has done me the courtesy of _not dying_, which I very much appreciate.
I don't know what comes next for me, but I think that there are lessons I have learned from this I am happy to share, and I think there are many who do not know how to go about finding a protege or knowing whom to demonstrate their work to in order to find a patron, though they may be deserving indeed.
I look forward to seeing what heights we can help the city's society reach through our efforts to come.
The first time I sponsored a protege, she was an artist, a woman of fantastical design acumen, who made gowns of fabulous creativity. By the time we went our separate ways, I felt that I had learned much from her as a student of fashion.
The second, he was a brilliant musician, a songster and bard of youth and energy and mystery, and his loss hurt my heart. It hurt my heart all the more to find that he had died, long after we had parted, for he was not only a singer whose music I very much wanted to bring to the world, but a young man I considered very much my friend.
Of course the third was Calarian, and he little needed the social boost. It was more... an excuse, perhaps, for him to continue to serve House Grayson awhile until he felt the work that he had done for us was close enough to finished that he could leave it lie. Now he serves his married house, no doubt with all the conscientious duty he ever felt for us. I miss him, too, but the way I miss friends and family, and of course, he has done me the courtesy of _not dying_, which I very much appreciate.
I don't know what comes next for me, but I think that there are lessons I have learned from this I am happy to share, and I think there are many who do not know how to go about finding a protege or knowing whom to demonstrate their work to in order to find a patron, though they may be deserving indeed.
I look forward to seeing what heights we can help the city's society reach through our efforts to come.
Written By Tikva
June 13, 2019, 8:17 a.m.(4/11/1011 AR)
I actually find it quite heartening that people feel comfortable whining publicly about the Inquisition. We have come a long way from the reign of Shreve's terror and corruption when men toying with what they do not understand can bleat from the rooftops without fear that they will vanish in the night.
I am tremendously proud of how far we have come.
I am tremendously proud of how far we have come.
Written By Tikva
June 12, 2019, 3:11 p.m.(4/10/1011 AR)
I really have let some of my social duties slide in focusing on other things in the past few months, but my thirtieth birthday has been and gone, and it is high time I took up the slack. With that in mind, I hope to see as many of you as enjoy a spot of jam at Prince Asharion's Jamboree. Of course, Asharion is three years old, so while he is nominal guest of honor I expect he will not be there very long, and we shall simply have to dance and laugh and enjoy each other in his honor.
I do love the feel of spring sunshine on my face. It's a brand new day.
I do love the feel of spring sunshine on my face. It's a brand new day.
Written By Tikva
May 10, 2019, 2:03 p.m.(1/28/1011 AR)
One of the more difficult lessons a young nobleman can learn as he grows up in the world is the lesson of the dignity of his station. To understand that the honor of not only himself, but of a family name, of a House, his relations and his connections, relies upon his ability to ignore slights that are too far beneath him for him to respond. That if you rise to bait from rabble, it can bring you down to their level, and that if you permit those who rely on goading and insult to earn a reaction to get beneath your skin, you have given them an unearned victory by permitting them to bring you low.
I am tremendously proud of my son for demonstrating that he has begun to internalize that lesson, even at his tender years. His father did not always have the cool-headedness to show such restraint, though it is a dignity that I have seen often in the sober strength of his uncle Thesarin.
What possesses a grown man of any bloodline to attempt to callously bully a six-year-old is beyond me, but were it not for that absurd and buffoonish insolence, Tiber would not have demonstrated his public fortitude.
It is a lesson that we all must learn if we are to be credits to our houses. People will fling filth at you from below always; if you permit it to rattle you, you show yourself unworthy of your heights.
I am tremendously proud of my son for demonstrating that he has begun to internalize that lesson, even at his tender years. His father did not always have the cool-headedness to show such restraint, though it is a dignity that I have seen often in the sober strength of his uncle Thesarin.
What possesses a grown man of any bloodline to attempt to callously bully a six-year-old is beyond me, but were it not for that absurd and buffoonish insolence, Tiber would not have demonstrated his public fortitude.
It is a lesson that we all must learn if we are to be credits to our houses. People will fling filth at you from below always; if you permit it to rattle you, you show yourself unworthy of your heights.
Written By Tikva
May 9, 2019, 7:54 p.m.(1/26/1011 AR)
I'm of the opinion that STUFF simply begins to multiply as soon as you move into a room with another person. I'm reasonably certain that Ainsley's various medals and awards and breeding with my trinkets and brooches. I have no other explanation for how much stuff we have littering our quarters. And so of course when I try to find my perfumes, who even knows where they are! I hate to set the staff on it, it's not like the clutter is any of their doing.
Rats.
Rats.
Written By Tikva
May 9, 2019, 7:31 p.m.(1/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Sometimes a crafter's work inspires me to order an entire outfit designed just so that I have something that will show it off appropriately.
While of course I favor buying things after my own taste, nothing makes me happier than observing fine artistry based on what the crafter chose, herself, to create. In addition to making the purchase, I felt inspired to donate to the Faith in honor of Jayus in her name.
While of course I favor buying things after my own taste, nothing makes me happier than observing fine artistry based on what the crafter chose, herself, to create. In addition to making the purchase, I felt inspired to donate to the Faith in honor of Jayus in her name.
Written By Tikva
May 9, 2019, 4:55 p.m.(1/26/1011 AR)
Now that Princess Lara is a year old, I look forward to hearing her speak. The wordless yowl of consternation with which she greets her breakfast regardless of what it is has begun to get several of the staff down. It's not that there's anything shocking that a child of mine is quite good at screaming but the obstinate silence in which she wreaths herself much of the rest of the time can be distressing.
It is a wonder how little one toddler is like another. I thought Asharion was a picky eater but he has certainly met his match in sheer contrarianism.
It is a wonder how little one toddler is like another. I thought Asharion was a picky eater but he has certainly met his match in sheer contrarianism.
Written By Tikva
May 5, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(1/18/1011 AR)
The Confessor's Laboring Song
Princess, can you look and see—
In a bush or up a tree?
Princess, Highness, off the track—
Hello, Tikva, welcome back!
Princess, Princess, riddle a rhyme
we shan’t solve them every time.
Time to hunt and time to scour
Inquisitors gather hour to hour,
Down the pub you’ll find them slack
Princess, Highness, mind the lack
ale’s just the treat to wet the whistle
before your troops are lost in the thistle.
Can’t say yes and can’t say no
Beware! the night is going slow!
Highness, Princess, our tab is long
maybe if you write us a song
we’ll gather our papers while we may
and find our riddling answers’ stray.
Is this what you had in mind?
Gentlemen, you're in a bind--
Now pick up your tankards, and bottles, too,
and we'll finish up this round for true
and then it's back to work for all of you
or no promises I won't tell Sally, too!
Princess, can you look and see—
In a bush or up a tree?
Princess, Highness, off the track—
Hello, Tikva, welcome back!
Princess, Princess, riddle a rhyme
we shan’t solve them every time.
Time to hunt and time to scour
Inquisitors gather hour to hour,
Down the pub you’ll find them slack
Princess, Highness, mind the lack
ale’s just the treat to wet the whistle
before your troops are lost in the thistle.
Can’t say yes and can’t say no
Beware! the night is going slow!
Highness, Princess, our tab is long
maybe if you write us a song
we’ll gather our papers while we may
and find our riddling answers’ stray.
Is this what you had in mind?
Gentlemen, you're in a bind--
Now pick up your tankards, and bottles, too,
and we'll finish up this round for true
and then it's back to work for all of you
or no promises I won't tell Sally, too!
Written By Tikva
April 21, 2019, 1:30 p.m.(12/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
No dirges, my friend. You know why.
But I'll miss you.
But I'll miss you.
Written By Tikva
April 13, 2019, 2:02 p.m.(12/2/1010 AR)
I have to admit, I can think of little in poorer taste than setting oneself up as somehow a reflection of the Tournament of Roses. It really does take 'cheap knockoff' to the next level.
Thorns?
Please.
You aren't as cute as you think you are.
Thorns?
Please.
You aren't as cute as you think you are.
Written By Tikva
April 12, 2019, 1:02 p.m.(11/28/1010 AR)
All things are possible.
The world is dark. It is rife with greed, with conflict, with ignorance and pettiness, nastiness and gloom. Poisons lurk in the heart, in the spirit, in the mind. The unpleasant sides of ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge.
Yet _we are_. We stand in the light of day, hand in hand, and fill our lungs to sing and greet the morning. I taste the brisk chill of autumn on my tongue and feel the fire of dawn upon my eyelids and I smile.
Because all things are possible.
Learn for no reason besides the joy of knowing. Give for no reason besides the delight of another heart. And when you feel yourself weighted down by the yoke of spent passion and weariness and a heart teetering on the brink of despair, trust in the giving heart of your friend to lift you up again. Because he can, or she can. Because love is the warmest sunshine, hope is the sweetest drink--
And _all things are possible_.
Not just today, but all days. Sing it aloud, as loud as you can. I know I will.
The world is dark. It is rife with greed, with conflict, with ignorance and pettiness, nastiness and gloom. Poisons lurk in the heart, in the spirit, in the mind. The unpleasant sides of ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge.
Yet _we are_. We stand in the light of day, hand in hand, and fill our lungs to sing and greet the morning. I taste the brisk chill of autumn on my tongue and feel the fire of dawn upon my eyelids and I smile.
Because all things are possible.
Learn for no reason besides the joy of knowing. Give for no reason besides the delight of another heart. And when you feel yourself weighted down by the yoke of spent passion and weariness and a heart teetering on the brink of despair, trust in the giving heart of your friend to lift you up again. Because he can, or she can. Because love is the warmest sunshine, hope is the sweetest drink--
And _all things are possible_.
Not just today, but all days. Sing it aloud, as loud as you can. I know I will.
Written By Tikva
March 26, 2019, 11:51 a.m.(10/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I should like to publicly commend our General, Princess Reese, for demonstrating her true honor as a warrior by refusing to fight in a contest that someone would attempt to dilute the Glorian purity of this way. Truly, it is a winner's spirit she demonstrates by refusing to sully her name with such antics. I am proud of her for taking the only honorable course once such underhanded dealings were brought to her attention.
None greater!
None greater!
Written By Tikva
Feb. 22, 2019, 12:02 p.m.(8/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
There is no child who shall have a fiercer or more loving mother than yours.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 14, 2019, 1:04 p.m.(7/26/1010 AR)
When I was a little girl, at Brighthold, the sea was the horizon, and the sky was the limit. Imagination was everything. There was really no limit to how high my heart could soar or how far my imagination could reach. I was conscious of the gift I had been given, the gift of a family, the gift of a future. I don't know that I've ever entirely outgrown that consciousness.
Now, as a Princess of Grayson, I turn that same gaze inward, into the depths of this family that has taken me in and elevated me and shown me how to grow. Perhaps in this way, I can find adventures all unlooked for, in a direction I didn't expect.
Now, as a Princess of Grayson, I turn that same gaze inward, into the depths of this family that has taken me in and elevated me and shown me how to grow. Perhaps in this way, I can find adventures all unlooked for, in a direction I didn't expect.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 12, 2019, 11:38 a.m.(7/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
A rhyme of mold need not be undersold,
For once we've grown old and our story's been told,
And scratchy-voiced, scold, over the winter's cold,
our blankets warm-rolled in our bright-hearthed stronghold,
no regrets for choices bold over hoarding our gold;
just scrape it off the fold and dry bread will uphold
an adventurer's toehold on the wild paths untold.
For once we've grown old and our story's been told,
And scratchy-voiced, scold, over the winter's cold,
our blankets warm-rolled in our bright-hearthed stronghold,
no regrets for choices bold over hoarding our gold;
just scrape it off the fold and dry bread will uphold
an adventurer's toehold on the wild paths untold.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 7, 2019, 1:26 p.m.(7/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I'll never pay this debt. You grinning maniac.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.