Written By Sorrel
March 9, 2018, 2:56 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
You might. You might think that there's something to be said for the socioeconomic privilege that can come with being noble. Whether that's worth it to give up your children is entirely on you and your priorities. That's something you can judge the parents for.
Another commoner has said that he loves his (potential or real) children too much to sacrifice his parental rights to make them noble. I would hazard those children are granted an edge in being raised by parents who love them. Is that edge greater than the socioeconomic privilege?
Another commoner has said that he loves his (potential or real) children too much to sacrifice his parental rights to make them noble. I would hazard those children are granted an edge in being raised by parents who love them. Is that edge greater than the socioeconomic privilege?
Written By Sorrel
March 9, 2018, 2:23 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
I am under the impression that the mother consented to have her children taken away because that was the wish of their father and that she is further being permitted to stay with them as they transition to their new lives. However, she is a common member of the Thrax fealty, and I believe she is sacrificing her own parental rights to give her children a better future (as Pravus adoptees). I feel further that she felt as if she had no choice but to consent because, like all parents, she desires the best for her children.
If you were common, you might give up your parental rights to have your children become noble, after all.
If you were common, you might give up your parental rights to have your children become noble, after all.
Written By Sorrel
March 9, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
I have spoken with the children's mother, as it turns out, because I was concerned that two Thrax wards were taken from their mother for no apparent reason. Said mother serves as a handmaiden to the children's aunt, furthermore. Or served, really. She is bitter with House Thrax, presumably for making the father of her children lie in the bed he made.
Their mother assures me that she will have the opportunity to spend time with her children, but she is truly troubled by their separation from their father. Mistress Zaina and Master Abbas ask for support for their children in this time and in the time ahead. That I can grant them. I am willing to support innocent children. I do not condone the actions of their father nor the fact that the mother's parental rights were essentially removed. These children are not orphans in any sense, however, and I offer them the same sort of support I would show any other child in a similar situation.
According to the children's mother, it is the wish of their father that they live ennobled by the Pravus household. While clearly this is a better social situation for the children than being common Thrax wards with little chance of being ennobled by the Thrax household, this doesn't mean the children were treated poorly or were uneducated while living as Thrax wards. It is merely convenient that Pravus is sympathetic to Abbas Crownsworn, who has been excommunicated and removed from his family for war crimes.
Their mother assures me that she will have the opportunity to spend time with her children, but she is truly troubled by their separation from their father. Mistress Zaina and Master Abbas ask for support for their children in this time and in the time ahead. That I can grant them. I am willing to support innocent children. I do not condone the actions of their father nor the fact that the mother's parental rights were essentially removed. These children are not orphans in any sense, however, and I offer them the same sort of support I would show any other child in a similar situation.
According to the children's mother, it is the wish of their father that they live ennobled by the Pravus household. While clearly this is a better social situation for the children than being common Thrax wards with little chance of being ennobled by the Thrax household, this doesn't mean the children were treated poorly or were uneducated while living as Thrax wards. It is merely convenient that Pravus is sympathetic to Abbas Crownsworn, who has been excommunicated and removed from his family for war crimes.
Written By Sorrel
March 9, 2018, 12:47 a.m.(4/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Galen
The problem with this stage of pregnancy is the crying and the cake. I guess if I'm going to put on weight, I might as well enjoy it, right? But gods above, I'm tired of crying at nothing.
Galen, this is your fault, and I love you more than life, and I'm so thrilled to be carrying your child that I'm probably going to cry again.
And (Agatha's letters please) THIS IS WHY YOU CANNOT ANNOUNCE THE PREGNANCY WITH A PROCLAMATION.
(Okay, calm soothing letters now.) I love you, but there isn't enough cake in the Thrax district for this baby. If you can't find me, I'll be at the Wyrmguard Estate eating chocolate cake.
Galen, this is your fault, and I love you more than life, and I'm so thrilled to be carrying your child that I'm probably going to cry again.
And (Agatha's letters please) THIS IS WHY YOU CANNOT ANNOUNCE THE PREGNANCY WITH A PROCLAMATION.
(Okay, calm soothing letters now.) I love you, but there isn't enough cake in the Thrax district for this baby. If you can't find me, I'll be at the Wyrmguard Estate eating chocolate cake.
Written By Sorrel
March 4, 2018, 11:56 p.m.(4/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
Reality is what we make of it. Sometimes it's ugly and brutal and muddy and harsh. Sometimes it's beautiful and gentle and kind and wonderful. Other times it manages to be both fantastic and bloody, lovely and disgusting, all at the same time. We just have to realize what things are and work to change them. Some of that is in preparation. You don't wear dancing slippers if you're wading through mud.
I'm here for you when you need me. We will shape reality to the truth.
I'm here for you when you need me. We will shape reality to the truth.
Written By Sorrel
March 4, 2018, 11:42 p.m.(4/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Galen
Come back from war alive. I love you, and so does this son or daughter of yours that's in the process of growing into a human. I need you in my life. You're the best part of my life, and I'm not about to lose you to war. You are beloved to me.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 25, 2018, 9:10 p.m.(4/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
My best friend just had the cutest baby Asharion! I think the world should know that he is potentially the most adorable thing in Arvum when he's not screaming his head off. The little guy is LOUD! But adorable. The only other thing that comes close in the running is my niece.
(Also, we're pretty sure our royal husbands are both goofballs and we each love ours immensely.)
(Also, we're pretty sure our royal husbands are both goofballs and we each love ours immensely.)
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 16, 2018, 10:54 p.m.(3/16/1008 AR)
The math jokes. The live octopus. The vomiting. Victus's cat. Dinner with the Thrax household is not dull.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 14, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(3/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esra
It is a pity you died, Esra. I hoped that the shock of being denobled and excommunicated might have brought you to your senses, but it was not to be. You were a kind man, an enthusiastic man, even if you were wrong and deluded and saw conspiracies everywhere. Even in all of the crazy screeds you wrote to me, I could see the kernel of truth, but your refusal to behave like a noble and your desperate desire to twist the world to your reality, a reality we simply do not live in nor care to, was overwelming. You seemed utterly incapable of noble honor or propriety. Your truths were twisted with madness to the point that what was real was obfuscated by wrongness and straight lies.
I am sorry that you will never have the opportunity to repent and see the Light. The Faith would have helped you to ease back to our reality. You were killed by a dishonorable man who lied about defending himself from you. You were through and through a scholar. You were not a fighter, not physically, and little danger to others, only to yourself.
I am sad that you are gone, even though I am the one who made the heartbreaking decision to remove you from our house. I regret that I could not help you, but I also know from your long letters, that you did not care for my help. I pray for your soul. May you find peace with the Queen of Endings and Beginnings.
I am sorry that you will never have the opportunity to repent and see the Light. The Faith would have helped you to ease back to our reality. You were killed by a dishonorable man who lied about defending himself from you. You were through and through a scholar. You were not a fighter, not physically, and little danger to others, only to yourself.
I am sad that you are gone, even though I am the one who made the heartbreaking decision to remove you from our house. I regret that I could not help you, but I also know from your long letters, that you did not care for my help. I pray for your soul. May you find peace with the Queen of Endings and Beginnings.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 10, 2018, 10:05 a.m.(2/24/1008 AR)
Sing! Reality
Is only what we
Believe it can be!
Love! The world is full
Of sadness and dull
Moments that just lull.
Love is a fierce fire
That burning, grows higher
When it inspires.
Love is splendor.
Love opens doors.
Love is something more.
Love is gentleness
Soothing calm to bless
Those it might address.
Love is a fine balm.
Love is a sweet song.
Love is never wrong.
Is only what we
Believe it can be!
Love! The world is full
Of sadness and dull
Moments that just lull.
Love is a fierce fire
That burning, grows higher
When it inspires.
Love is splendor.
Love opens doors.
Love is something more.
Love is gentleness
Soothing calm to bless
Those it might address.
Love is a fine balm.
Love is a sweet song.
Love is never wrong.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 8, 2018, 11:31 p.m.(2/22/1008 AR)
I did a great many things today. Some of them make me happy, like obtaining a beautiful costume for the masquerade ball. Some of them make me sad, like removing my cousin Esra from the family for transgressions against the Faith, among others. We have high standards, and I can only pray that he can make restitution and find peace with the Faith. I hope others can help him see reason where I could not.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 5, 2018, 10:05 p.m.(2/15/1008 AR)
For a pair of good friends, a song in honor of Limerance about giant water birds that mate for life and always return to their spouses and do not recover the loss of a spouse:
I love you like an albatross
Forever true and never dross
With you I'll mate just once for life
To hold against upcoming strife
Together shall we build a nest
And keep it safely from the rest
Our chicks may come, our chicks may go
And though they're flying to and fro
I'll always find my home in you
A place of safety that is true
I love you like an albatross
And should I ever face your loss
To mate again I cannot do
For I recall my love for you.
I love you like an albatross
Forever true and never dross
With you I'll mate just once for life
To hold against upcoming strife
Together shall we build a nest
And keep it safely from the rest
Our chicks may come, our chicks may go
And though they're flying to and fro
I'll always find my home in you
A place of safety that is true
I love you like an albatross
And should I ever face your loss
To mate again I cannot do
For I recall my love for you.
Written By Sorrel
Feb. 4, 2018, 1:19 p.m.(2/13/1008 AR)
Tournaments have become extremely popular, but then, it seems useful for us to know how to coordinate and fight as a team. I am somewhat glad to sit out and watch. There's a lot to be learned by watching people fight, but sitting on the sidelines and observing is educational as well. Just because someone is out early doesn't mean they're not a good fighter. If anything, it often means that they're a threat, to be taken out quickly. Sometimes the lesser fighters get picked off, but it's generally once the biggest threat to one's own team has been eliminated.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 31, 2018, 12:56 p.m.(1/25/1008 AR)
I have edited the Valardin lullaby. I think it flows better this way:
Hush! Hush, Baby!
Someday you'll be a knight,
You'll guard over the Oathlands
And keep it day and night!
Sleep now, Baby!
Find strength and courage, too.
Be loyal and have honor
For many trust in you.
Quiet, Baby!
Keep Faith always in mind.
True power can be fragile,
But less so if you're kind.
Sleepy, Baby!
Your hand will hold the sword!
Always be the truest liege:
A lady or a lord!
Hush! Hush, Baby!
Someday you'll be a knight,
You'll guard over the Oathlands
And keep it day and night!
Sleep now, Baby!
Find strength and courage, too.
Be loyal and have honor
For many trust in you.
Quiet, Baby!
Keep Faith always in mind.
True power can be fragile,
But less so if you're kind.
Sleepy, Baby!
Your hand will hold the sword!
Always be the truest liege:
A lady or a lord!
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 27, 2018, 4:51 p.m.(1/18/1008 AR)
I'm named for a flower. Or really, a leaf. I claim sorrel as my plant! Because I'm Sorrel.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 24, 2018, 10:17 p.m.(1/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Rinel
I went to the Flammas for Lagoma and Rinel taught me a new hymn:
I saw in winter a light from afar,
And wondered at the sight.
I saw in spring a light from afar,
And laughed in joy and delight.
Hearken now to season's turning.
Hearken to the hearthfire burning.
Hearken to the pledges made
Which stay unchanging age to age.
I saw in winter a light from afar,
And wondered at the sight.
I saw in spring a light from afar,
And laughed in joy and delight.
Hearken now to season's turning.
Hearken to the hearthfire burning.
Hearken to the pledges made
Which stay unchanging age to age.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 17, 2018, 8:43 p.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
God songs, completed:
Queen of Endings:
While you live, you may treasure every breath.
In her eyes, there is naught to fear from death.
New beginnings bloom, giving greater depth,
As expands the soul, giving greater breadth.
Sentinel:
The righteous fear not, as justice for all
Delivered with swiftness must be our call.
Mind your honor, lest you falter and fall;
The Faceless: impartial to great or small.
Skald:
The trouble with choices is one must choose
One option might win; another might lose
Choosing to act now or choosing to muse?
Too many choices does sorely confuse.
Tehom:
Black ink on black paper: show not a word
Is this a song that should never be heard?
Look through the haze but the image is blurred
Be not darkness else darkness be conferred.
Vellichor:
Knowledge unwritten is knowledge forsook
Your children's children may have a look
Others' wisdom can change paths that you took
What we know now is the future's guidebook.
Queen of Endings:
While you live, you may treasure every breath.
In her eyes, there is naught to fear from death.
New beginnings bloom, giving greater depth,
As expands the soul, giving greater breadth.
Sentinel:
The righteous fear not, as justice for all
Delivered with swiftness must be our call.
Mind your honor, lest you falter and fall;
The Faceless: impartial to great or small.
Skald:
The trouble with choices is one must choose
One option might win; another might lose
Choosing to act now or choosing to muse?
Too many choices does sorely confuse.
Tehom:
Black ink on black paper: show not a word
Is this a song that should never be heard?
Look through the haze but the image is blurred
Be not darkness else darkness be conferred.
Vellichor:
Knowledge unwritten is knowledge forsook
Your children's children may have a look
Others' wisdom can change paths that you took
What we know now is the future's guidebook.
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 16, 2018, 3:47 p.m.(12/23/1007 AR)
God songs, continued:
Lagoma:
Circles go round themselves, time after time
So too the meter of songs as they rhyme
Renew the body to be in its prime
Every season a new paradigm
Limerance:
Honor your vows with great fidelity
Follow the laws true and set yourself free
Unbroken trust is the greatest of these
Love in your heart: the best reality
Mangata:
Breathe the air, drink water, be full of life
Take to the sea, though it may cause you strife
Forests and mountains where waters are rife
Goddess, sustain all us, husband or wife
Petrichor:
Green are the fields, the crops planted in loam
Sweet is the honey from each honeycomb
Lovely the land is where'er one should roam
Warm is the hearth of every dear home
Lagoma:
Circles go round themselves, time after time
So too the meter of songs as they rhyme
Renew the body to be in its prime
Every season a new paradigm
Limerance:
Honor your vows with great fidelity
Follow the laws true and set yourself free
Unbroken trust is the greatest of these
Love in your heart: the best reality
Mangata:
Breathe the air, drink water, be full of life
Take to the sea, though it may cause you strife
Forests and mountains where waters are rife
Goddess, sustain all us, husband or wife
Petrichor:
Green are the fields, the crops planted in loam
Sweet is the honey from each honeycomb
Lovely the land is where'er one should roam
Warm is the hearth of every dear home
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 15, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(12/22/1007 AR)
Some short songs for the gods. Not all of the gods yet. It takes time to write. But some of the gods. In alphabetical order, because that's as good a method as any, I suppose.
Aion:
Beautiful dreamer, create unto me
Teach and inspire with your mystery
A wonder fantastic for all to see
Light and true joy from our learned history
Gild:
Charity mothers civilization
Yet travel can cause so much frustration
Prosperity grant the population
Hospitality to every station
Gloria:
Guide always my hand when I go to fight
Grant me no warfare unless it is right
Keep me beside you always in the Light
Protect me always from unending night
Jayus:
A song, a song is ringing in my head
A dance, a dance, for energy must spread
A painting true or magical instead
The art, the art: I'll make it 'til I'm dead!
Aion:
Beautiful dreamer, create unto me
Teach and inspire with your mystery
A wonder fantastic for all to see
Light and true joy from our learned history
Gild:
Charity mothers civilization
Yet travel can cause so much frustration
Prosperity grant the population
Hospitality to every station
Gloria:
Guide always my hand when I go to fight
Grant me no warfare unless it is right
Keep me beside you always in the Light
Protect me always from unending night
Jayus:
A song, a song is ringing in my head
A dance, a dance, for energy must spread
A painting true or magical instead
The art, the art: I'll make it 'til I'm dead!
Written By Sorrel
Jan. 9, 2018, 5:33 p.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
For those who read journals and like to write music, this message is for you. I too am a musician, and I am trying to write a unifying song for the Compact to help improve morale and unity in the upcoming military engagement. I've written a chorus for the song, but it could use some verses, perhaps mentioning the gods or the fact that we're facing multiple threats.
Here's my song draft, if you're curious:
Joined strong by unity
Faith, hope, and victory
Together we have greater might
Forever holding in the Light
The darkness will be banished
Abyssal forces vanquished
As one people we do fight
To persevere o'er endless night
If you're inspired to write something, I cannot promise I'll use it, as I'm recruiting the efforts of as many songwriters as I can. Credit will be given, naturally, to all who help, whether or not their contributions are used. If you'd like to talk with me more about it, I'd be delighted. Thank you so much for your consideration and for reading my journal.
Here's my song draft, if you're curious:
Joined strong by unity
Faith, hope, and victory
Together we have greater might
Forever holding in the Light
The darkness will be banished
Abyssal forces vanquished
As one people we do fight
To persevere o'er endless night
If you're inspired to write something, I cannot promise I'll use it, as I'm recruiting the efforts of as many songwriters as I can. Credit will be given, naturally, to all who help, whether or not their contributions are used. If you'd like to talk with me more about it, I'd be delighted. Thank you so much for your consideration and for reading my journal.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.