Written By Medeia
Nov. 13, 2021, 9:43 p.m.(7/23/1016 AR)
A far more pleasant happening, which deserves a separate entry into the record: I was pleased to welcome Gio diMalvici as a resident of the sanctuary this week. The long ties between our families, and my understanding of how loss can require a new beginning, made this an easy offer. I suppose it helps that my dear protege was of like mind! I learned that Cesare had also suggested the sanctuary to Gio. It is good to know that those living within the same place are liable to get along.
Written By Medeia
Nov. 13, 2021, 9:22 p.m.(7/23/1016 AR)
Some time ago, during the winter, a group of people who were assisting with the production of peachskin and windspun wool were visiting Eswynd Rock. While they were there, a Shav clan - Velniavis - from the nearby Oksehode Islands launched a daring raid in an attempt to steal sheep from my people. They were thwarted thanks to the guests and the efforts of the Eswynders. However, I was not willing to let their misdeed go unpunished. Once, the Velniavis were sworn to Eswynd. They refused to kneel when Eswynd did. Their choices were their own. And now their name is dead. I suspect this writing may be the last time any acknowledgement of their existence will be made for history's record.
From the moment someone first levelled the accusation of being a Shav sympathizer against me, it has been inaccurate. I do not believe all Shavs are deserving of the protection the Compact grants, and I will not tolerate harm to my people. For those who oppose us? The wind cares not.
From the moment someone first levelled the accusation of being a Shav sympathizer against me, it has been inaccurate. I do not believe all Shavs are deserving of the protection the Compact grants, and I will not tolerate harm to my people. For those who oppose us? The wind cares not.
Written By Medeia
Nov. 7, 2021, 9:30 a.m.(7/10/1016 AR)
I am proud of all of the hard work done by the people of houses Eswynd, Blackshore, Proscipi, Shepherd, and the assistance of many other individuals, that was done to produce the special wool and leather materials that are now - slowly - coming into the city's market. The wool is simply gorgeous, pearlescent and elegant. The leather? It is velvety and supple.
The timing is imperfect, releasing a wool at the start of summer, but unfortunate delays - like dealing with Shavs that were trying to steal sheep from Eswynd Rock - have been a part of the process. I suspect few of the artisans of the city will be creating much using either for a while. Even so, both are worth seeking out.
Marquessa Norah, Lady Temira, Messere Zakhar, Prince Romulius, Lady Quinley, Lord Dycard, Messere Ethan, Marquessa Cassiopeia, Lord Savio, Lord Orland, Sir Audgrim, Radiant Anisha, Duke Apollo, and Lady Mabelle all deserve congratulations for their contributions to these successful projects.
The timing is imperfect, releasing a wool at the start of summer, but unfortunate delays - like dealing with Shavs that were trying to steal sheep from Eswynd Rock - have been a part of the process. I suspect few of the artisans of the city will be creating much using either for a while. Even so, both are worth seeking out.
Marquessa Norah, Lady Temira, Messere Zakhar, Prince Romulius, Lady Quinley, Lord Dycard, Messere Ethan, Marquessa Cassiopeia, Lord Savio, Lord Orland, Sir Audgrim, Radiant Anisha, Duke Apollo, and Lady Mabelle all deserve congratulations for their contributions to these successful projects.
Written By Medeia
Nov. 4, 2021, 2:05 p.m.(7/4/1016 AR)
How strange it is to have to say this, but I would appreciate if people respected the sanctuary's purpose: a place for all. If someone should ever need to be removed from the sanctuary or its grounds, that should be a decision made by myself, my hired staff for the manor, or the residents of the manor - Cesare Whisper and Vulpiano Rossetti. In this, I also give leave for my husband, Lord Haakon Eswynd, to make such a determination if need be in my absence. Should someone come to the sanctuary in need or disheveled - perhaps from having fallen into some water, I will not turn them away. Benches can be dried out or replaced. Twigs and leaves may be picked up from the floor. I pay people for this! Further, it would be horribly hypocritical to allow my cat and dog access to the sanctuary and not welcome the pets of guests. Simply clean up after them if they are especially messy. I do ask that larger animals, such as horses, be limited to the courtyard, however. How insulting it would be for me to walk into someone else's home or business or retreat and command people about.
I did rather enjoy the lesson I was able to attend, hosted by Cesare and Lady Brigid. It was informational, and I was able to fill in some of the gaps of my own knowledge. Exactly the sort of thing I had envisioned for the classroom.
I did rather enjoy the lesson I was able to attend, hosted by Cesare and Lady Brigid. It was informational, and I was able to fill in some of the gaps of my own knowledge. Exactly the sort of thing I had envisioned for the classroom.
Written By Medeia
Nov. 2, 2021, 3:46 a.m.(6/28/1016 AR)
I delivered three babies to two duchesses in one day (if we're being generous and counting the day from an atypical starting point). I had thought I was done celebrating the Blood Moon after the poetry picnic. Yes, I know, it's the feast day of the Thirteenth, but I can think of few ways better to celebrate than welcoming new souls in its wake.
Or maybe I just need more sleep.
Or maybe I just need more sleep.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 31, 2021, 9:55 p.m.(6/25/1016 AR)
I had not expected to be able to make the trip to Saikland to join in the early celebrations of the eclipse. It was lovely to be home. Well, what was once home. It was lovely to be there in the summer, with the heat and the sun and the ability to plunge into the river for a swim without shivering. As I was there at the time, hosting of the masquerade in the Grand Mirrored Ballroom fell to me as the Minister of Population. It is hard to host a gathering anonymously when everyone knows you are the host! Even better was that I was able to make it back to the city in time to host the poetry gathering on the Reflection poetic form. It is a difficult one! But I was glad to hear the offerings of those who came.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 29, 2021, 12:40 p.m.(6/20/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Sonnet
As you reminded me, you have far more time than I do. I believe in your ability to become an art history scholar. In fact, I would be quite pleased to hear your take on the history of the piece of art you acquired from the sanctuary recently. Perhaps we could work together to have you give a public lecture? I am certain others in the city would find it worthwhile.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 26, 2021, 2:45 p.m.(6/14/1016 AR)
It is a bittersweet thing, being promoted to Master Physician within the Physicians Guild. I have certainly put in the time and effort, but I cannot claim that time and effort without acknowledging all the lives I have touched as a result. The joy of helping someone recover from illness, welcome a new child, or heal an injury is set against the fact that illness and injury are unpleasant. The battles that have been fought, the horrific violence many have faced, have largely been the cause of my ability to earn this promotion.
To everyone I have ever treated, thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your lives. Thank you for standing against those who would see the promise of the Compact undone. I could not receive this honor without you.
To everyone I have ever treated, thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your lives. Thank you for standing against those who would see the promise of the Compact undone. I could not receive this honor without you.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 24, 2021, 6:04 p.m.(6/11/1016 AR)
I find myself wondering if there is any guilty pleasure the more traditional folk of the Isles indulge in. I have spent some time among them this past year, visiting with fellow vassals of Duchess Tyde. Among them all, I found plenty to compliment and enjoy. Yet? There was little evidence of those things which the mainland revels in - dances, flirtations, lush gardens, pets, spices. There are some explanations, such as trade difficulties for islands and harsh weather in the northern Mourning Sea, but there is something more to it.
Perhaps they really like chocolate.
Perhaps they really like chocolate.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 19, 2021, 2:52 p.m.(6/1/1016 AR)
I have been told I nearly died yesterday. I do not remember what happened, not really. There are no cuts to stitch, no bruises to soothe. Yet, I am terribly weak and cannot get warm and am exhausted. It is not even clear who or what may be responsible. I hold that my friends are making too much of it. A person under stress can faint away with little provocation! And I have felt these symptoms before, though to a lesser extent. This is all perfectly explainable.
Though, I trust that my friends would not lie to me. What I remember, what I feel, and what happened are not the same thing. How disturbing.
At least this has allowed me to take some much needed rest time. I spent part of today in the courtyard, warming under the sun, watching as the children crawled and climbed about on the dinghy that Zakhar built. The thing is beautiful and is proving to be a joy to the twins. Good to get them used to being on boats, yes?
Though, I trust that my friends would not lie to me. What I remember, what I feel, and what happened are not the same thing. How disturbing.
At least this has allowed me to take some much needed rest time. I spent part of today in the courtyard, warming under the sun, watching as the children crawled and climbed about on the dinghy that Zakhar built. The thing is beautiful and is proving to be a joy to the twins. Good to get them used to being on boats, yes?
Written By Medeia
Oct. 18, 2021, 12:27 a.m.(5/25/1016 AR)
Archduchess Jaenelle made a very kind donation to the Saving Grace of a selection of cribs, cradles, and bassinets. I was delighted to accept it! They are now available at the hospital for new mothers. It feels wonderful to be able to help families begin and grow. I know to some this may seem trivial, but even having such simple things taken care of can be an immense relief during a very busy, exciting, and sometimes nerve wracking time.
And, now that it is spring, and the city has had a recent influx of laborers, the plans for the education center at the hospital may be able to finish. I have so many classes to organize! The herb primers will be coming back, though I think now I can move on to a more intermediate set of lessons for those students who have been diligent in their studies. It was a nice surprise to have Lord Ian's assistance in teaching during the combat medicine lesson. As much as I wish those lessons were not needed, I believe there will more of those coming soon.
And, now that it is spring, and the city has had a recent influx of laborers, the plans for the education center at the hospital may be able to finish. I have so many classes to organize! The herb primers will be coming back, though I think now I can move on to a more intermediate set of lessons for those students who have been diligent in their studies. It was a nice surprise to have Lord Ian's assistance in teaching during the combat medicine lesson. As much as I wish those lessons were not needed, I believe there will more of those coming soon.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 13, 2021, 9:53 a.m.(5/16/1016 AR)
The scribes I hired have been working diligently on compiling the Triad poems from the recent picnic into books for all who attended. Copies will also be made available to the Scholars and Disciples of Jayus. Those should be completed soon.
Luckily, my interest in hearing more poetry has been (temporarily) sated by the discovery of yet another poetic form that I had not encountered before. It is called a Reflection - what a loaded name - and has a very particular rhyming pattern. I may need to organize another picnic.
Luckily, my interest in hearing more poetry has been (temporarily) sated by the discovery of yet another poetic form that I had not encountered before. It is called a Reflection - what a loaded name - and has a very particular rhyming pattern. I may need to organize another picnic.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 8, 2021, 11:14 a.m.(5/6/1016 AR)
I was surprised when Klavdiya told me I had not been to the Archives since before the poetry picnic. The last month has proven to be a busy one, and I suspect the first month of spring will always be from here out. My usual duties to Eswynd and Saik, my patients and students, along with the twins' birthday and tending the gardens after winter have kept me with little time to rest.
The twins. Nothing prepared me for them getting teeth. I knew it would happen. But I did not know they would chew on my fingers. Or my jewelry. Or the dog's tail. Thankfully, Butterpup is endlessly patient with them. The cat on the other hand? She seems to have lost her interest in them now that the children are moving on their own and grabbing at things. The hall is certainly not a quiet place most days.
The twins. Nothing prepared me for them getting teeth. I knew it would happen. But I did not know they would chew on my fingers. Or my jewelry. Or the dog's tail. Thankfully, Butterpup is endlessly patient with them. The cat on the other hand? She seems to have lost her interest in them now that the children are moving on their own and grabbing at things. The hall is certainly not a quiet place most days.
Written By Medeia
Oct. 1, 2021, 12:54 p.m.(4/20/1016 AR)
A poem can lift the sunken spirit, truth written,
bringing to light those hidden wounds, healing balm spoken,
allowing growth to flourish in those who will listen.
I am looking forward to the picnic at the sanctuary and hope to see many of the city's fantastic poets there to share their words. The triad is a simple form of three lines, each containing thirteen syllables - it can communicate a lot with so little!
bringing to light those hidden wounds, healing balm spoken,
allowing growth to flourish in those who will listen.
I am looking forward to the picnic at the sanctuary and hope to see many of the city's fantastic poets there to share their words. The triad is a simple form of three lines, each containing thirteen syllables - it can communicate a lot with so little!
Written By Medeia
Sept. 29, 2021, 12:46 a.m.(4/15/1016 AR)
My husband went to Bastion to help discover the state of things in the wake of the horrific losses there. He returned injured, but I suspect he took a head injury I was not informed of. He speaks of his deeds in the last year - leaving off nearly an entire year of our marriage! The twins will be a year old in a handful of days.
I worry about the world that will be when they are old enough to embark on the kinds of missions that Haakon and I are duty-bound to go on. Will those of us working so hard make enough of a difference that what they face is less daunting? I hope so, and that is why I do not shirk my duty. Hope is not a passive thing, we must actively engage in it.
And in the meantime, I will seek those moments of humor and joy that I can so that they do not lose out on their childhood. They will grow up knowing they are loved and seeing an example of a political marriage that thrives.
I worry about the world that will be when they are old enough to embark on the kinds of missions that Haakon and I are duty-bound to go on. Will those of us working so hard make enough of a difference that what they face is less daunting? I hope so, and that is why I do not shirk my duty. Hope is not a passive thing, we must actively engage in it.
And in the meantime, I will seek those moments of humor and joy that I can so that they do not lose out on their childhood. They will grow up knowing they are loved and seeing an example of a political marriage that thrives.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 27, 2021, 5:10 p.m.(4/13/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
It is always a joy to have a wine bottled for a special occasion, but there is something truly magnificent about creating a wine for a special occasion. Archduchess Jaenelle has been the best to work with on such a project! And I cannot understate how much honor and pride I felt having the vintners of Saikland recognized at such a prestigious event. The fortified wine is as bold as she - and her new husband - is, layering the distinct characteristics of a single grape varietal into a deceptively strong yet velvety smooth drink. The aim was to create a wine that would not only be worthy of the couple and their celebration, but a wine that would evoke the spirit of them and their union.
I think we accomplished that. And though duty kept me from attending the event myself, it was a pleasure to see the intention to celebrate the second anniversary with it. Archduchess, I tucked a few bottles aside, just in case. Should you find yourself without a bottle come that day? Send word and one will be sent to you.
I think we accomplished that. And though duty kept me from attending the event myself, it was a pleasure to see the intention to celebrate the second anniversary with it. Archduchess, I tucked a few bottles aside, just in case. Should you find yourself without a bottle come that day? Send word and one will be sent to you.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 25, 2021, 3:12 a.m.(4/8/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
I have no shortage of reasons to be proud of my husband.
He truly is remarkable. I wish the whole of the Compact had witnessed the Rite of Gloria.
He truly is remarkable. I wish the whole of the Compact had witnessed the Rite of Gloria.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 25, 2021, 3 a.m.(4/8/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Titus
Lord Titus Vaevici has been a true friend to Eswynd, bringing his ship and crew to our aid in times of conflict. He's taken injuries on our behalf that, honestly, even I am impressed he survived - and I am the one that tended many of those wounds! I did not know, some two years ago now, that when I befriended Baroness Calla that I would find myself grateful to her cousin for his invitation to explore the jungle around the Calderra, that I'd have a rare flowering vine from those travels growing in my conservatory, or that the relationship would come to bear fruit for an alliance between our houses - mine not even being mine, at that time!
Though he was not victorious in the Rite of Gloria against my husband, he maintained dignity, fervor, and honor. His dedication is unquestionable. It is a privilege to have one such as him on your side. Someday, I hope to be able to express my gratitude in a more tangible way. What does one gift an ally?
Though he was not victorious in the Rite of Gloria against my husband, he maintained dignity, fervor, and honor. His dedication is unquestionable. It is a privilege to have one such as him on your side. Someday, I hope to be able to express my gratitude in a more tangible way. What does one gift an ally?
Written By Medeia
Sept. 23, 2021, 12:38 p.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
It's spring! Scholar, I'm so very happy that I will be able to hold lessons out in the garden again. It is so much nicer being able to discuss plants with them flourishing all around you. The garden at the sanctuary is coming along into Its spring colors beautifully, too. Soon, I'll have fresh herbs instead of dried. And bright, sweet berries! I've been thinking of some new tea blends - both to offer my patients and for simply enjoying.
Perhaps I will expand my lessons. I've been keeping them fairly simple, so that beginning students could understand. But it may be time to bring the public lessons along in expertise, offer more in depth information about making medicines and treating certain things. Yes. I will begin to draft lesson plans.
Perhaps I will expand my lessons. I've been keeping them fairly simple, so that beginning students could understand. But it may be time to bring the public lessons along in expertise, offer more in depth information about making medicines and treating certain things. Yes. I will begin to draft lesson plans.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 19, 2021, 10:03 p.m.(3/25/1016 AR)
My birthday party with Cesare was beautiful. I'm so pleased with how the conservatory has come together, and I do believe it is finally ready to host public events. In just a handful of days, spring will be here and I'll be able to open the doors tot he garden so guests can move freely between the two spaces. This is very exciting! Cesare, of course, looked stunning. Does he ever not? That blouse! What a fabulous fabric that was. And, well, his position as Softest Whisper is very well deserved. I'm not sure I would have been able to handle the party crashers half as well as I did if it weren't for Cesare's steady guidance and cool head. I am constantly impressed by him, and I am truly among the luckiest of patrons to have had him agree to be my protege.
Afterward, my husband and I attended the Assembly of Peers. I am not sure what I was expecting, it being my first opportunity to attend since coming to the city. It sounded as though I might be witness to great turmoil, but instead it was a fairly standard dose of politics. I suspect far more interesting comments were being made too quietly for the whole of the gathered to hear. Though, I admit disappointment with some of the comments that were heard and should have been left unsaid entirely. Not that I am any stranger to saying out loud that which should have been kept to myself.
So many things to think about.
Afterward, my husband and I attended the Assembly of Peers. I am not sure what I was expecting, it being my first opportunity to attend since coming to the city. It sounded as though I might be witness to great turmoil, but instead it was a fairly standard dose of politics. I suspect far more interesting comments were being made too quietly for the whole of the gathered to hear. Though, I admit disappointment with some of the comments that were heard and should have been left unsaid entirely. Not that I am any stranger to saying out loud that which should have been kept to myself.
So many things to think about.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.