Written By Miranda
Dec. 30, 2019, 8:17 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Thank you, Cousin! Your well wishes are received with gratitude.
Also, I can still kick your ass in the ring. Don't think, just because I'm a 'married woman' now, that I can't do that.
Just saying.
Also, I can still kick your ass in the ring. Don't think, just because I'm a 'married woman' now, that I can't do that.
Just saying.
Written By Miranda
Dec. 30, 2019, 8:15 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
You were there in my heart and mind, Cousin!
Besides, what if you decided that a prank was due???
I'd have to make a choice. To join in on the prank or cut it off before it could go on.
... Better that I didn't have to make that choice.
Besides, what if you decided that a prank was due???
I'd have to make a choice. To join in on the prank or cut it off before it could go on.
... Better that I didn't have to make that choice.
Written By Sydney
Dec. 30, 2019, 8:11 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
I consider myself to be a passing good judge of character.
...but boy, when I get it wrong? I get it terribly, /terribly/ wrong.
...but boy, when I get it wrong? I get it terribly, /terribly/ wrong.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 30, 2019, 6:40 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
No more than a day in Arx and I'm reminded of the many things I both love and hate about this city. There's a beauty in sorrow and I have sorrow in spades. So poetical. I'm also deeply drunk which is probably why I wax poetical on things. I wandered the city and looked up old friends - most of them died. All my lovers - dead. All my friends - dead.
I still have my Malvici family, and they will always come first. Thank the Gods for that. I also have two brats to look out for and ensure they grow and are cunning and strong enough to help me avenge their father.
I still have my Malvici family, and they will always come first. Thank the Gods for that. I also have two brats to look out for and ensure they grow and are cunning and strong enough to help me avenge their father.
Written By Ida
Dec. 30, 2019, 6:36 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I am constantly humbled by the kind words and regard of Sir Preston, Grandmaster of the Templars. His faith in my abilities is something I will be forever grateful for, and his trust in me as both a smith and, it seems, a person, is something I hope I continue to earn. Were it not for my family, my children in particular, I would have long ago sought the path of the Templars due largely to Sir Preston's example.
Written By Martino
Dec. 30, 2019, 3:54 p.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Something that I did truly miss from being in these city walls is the complete variance you can experience in a day. From trying to spar with the Lady Colette Laurent and, well, being bruised by the Scout of Artshall to then aching on the way home to be greeted by brother, sister and the return of Lady Eirene Malvici. Hunched with a limp over the maps, forced to listen about troop movements, while dying inside to sit down.
Well it is better than being on the road travelling from place to place after all.
Well it is better than being on the road travelling from place to place after all.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 30, 2019, 2:32 p.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
As reported by Carissa, Eirene's aide de camp
Message sent: Lady <redacted>, it's been brought to my attention that you're adept in the detection and elimination of many threats beyond mortal capability. I'd appreciate it if we could sit and discuss more of your techniques and knowledge. Sincerely, Lady Brigadier General Eirene Malvici
Message Dictated: Hey <redacted>, someone said you're good at throwing down with supernatural shit. Let's chat.
Message sent: Lady <redacted>, it's been brought to my attention that you're adept in the detection and elimination of many threats beyond mortal capability. I'd appreciate it if we could sit and discuss more of your techniques and knowledge. Sincerely, Lady Brigadier General Eirene Malvici
Message Dictated: Hey <redacted>, someone said you're good at throwing down with supernatural shit. Let's chat.
Written By Eirene
Dec. 30, 2019, 1:39 p.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
I'm back in town.
Deal with it.
No doubt some of you are glad, others are glaring, and those of you who don't know me? You will soon enough...
Deal with it.
No doubt some of you are glad, others are glaring, and those of you who don't know me? You will soon enough...
Written By Sanya
Dec. 30, 2019, 1:26 p.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dianna
Your words for my duchess are kind, Sister. And it warms my heart to read them.
That being said, I believe she is well loved. Not by all, since as you say it is not possible. But as well loved as one could be. And deservedly so.
That being said, I believe she is well loved. Not by all, since as you say it is not possible. But as well loved as one could be. And deservedly so.
Written By Gabriella
Dec. 30, 2019, 12:31 p.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadenza
I am not overly certain of much from last night. I believe everyone performed admirably. I am reasonably certain no lives nor limbs were lost. There may have been talk of dodging arrows, but I am - albeit slightly less so - generally certain no arrows were actually loosed.
But I am unconditionally certain I triumphed in our drinking contest, admiral.
I may not know the reason one would try to coax piss from a snake, but I know that much, at least.
But I am unconditionally certain I triumphed in our drinking contest, admiral.
I may not know the reason one would try to coax piss from a snake, but I know that much, at least.
Written By Amari
Dec. 30, 2019, 11:20 a.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shae
You should really marry Kedehern in. There was a tradition, historically, of Keatons have names starting with K. All we have is Kael now. No Khae, Keronica, Keigna, Kaerith, Korhan, Kaeryn, Kalis, Krianne or Kamari.
Then to fully revive the tradition, you'd need only name your children something like Kerbert and Keatrice... or perhaps not. I suppose it's a custom only the Kertons have continued to this day. Maybe it should remain theirs alone.
Then to fully revive the tradition, you'd need only name your children something like Kerbert and Keatrice... or perhaps not. I suppose it's a custom only the Kertons have continued to this day. Maybe it should remain theirs alone.
Written By Strozza
Dec. 30, 2019, 10:02 a.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Bound by space rather than steel.
I wonder where the images in the haze of my mind will rule?
Will it be tender? Will my mind be cruel?
A wandering tempest that begs for closer view.
A reflection of the self that beggars resolve on what is real.
Thoughts that leave one to consider is this my or the gods purview.
I wonder where the images in the haze of my mind will rule?
Will it be tender? Will my mind be cruel?
A wandering tempest that begs for closer view.
A reflection of the self that beggars resolve on what is real.
Thoughts that leave one to consider is this my or the gods purview.
Written By Aelgar
Dec. 30, 2019, 8:23 a.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
Arx is huge for a human place. Not like the ocean, but in the manner that an ant colony with a knee-high hill and endless streams of the insects can seem huge. I have wandered and explored with Griz for weeks now. Found a talented trader to help me invest my small purse, a skilled weaponsmith to make a spear and renouned leatherworker to create a suit fit for travel and protection. An Iron Guardswoman has helped me learn the streets, a stealthy and suspicious young man the Lower Burroughs, and many fellow Scholars and kindred spirits from whom to gather information. So much to learn. I recently annoyed an Archlechtor inadvertently by not recognizing her, so my new project is to learn the local power tree and political environment. I am also joining the Explorers for chances to explore and study further afield.
Written By Gaston
Dec. 30, 2019, 4:57 a.m.(6/20/1012 AR)
If the Queen suddenly seems a lot taller for some reason, you have not in fact gone mad.
...actually on second thought, perhaps it's best I make no guarantee, just in case.
...actually on second thought, perhaps it's best I make no guarantee, just in case.
Written By Dianna
Dec. 30, 2019, 4:07 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
There will, undoubtedly, be those who ask why I have chosen as a patron one not beloved by all --
But I will return to them, to my dearest friends, even, should they question me in this:
Firstly: Is there anyone truly beloved by all? Do we not all have challenges, have disagreements with others, find those who do not respect us - and those who are not respected by us?
Secondly, and more importantly to me: What is gained by taking as a patron, or even a friend, one beloved by all but who can offer little in one's growth?
Does not the winter (much as I disdain it, yet, in Arx - to speak nothing of the climate farther north that I have not experienced) challenge growth, year upon year; and does not growth come, time and again, despite - and sometimes precisely because of the harshest of climes?
This is not to say that I find in any way Duchess Vanora Grimhall, my patron, to be harsh with me, personally, in any manner of speaking, nor do I find it difficult to embrace her as patron. (If I did, it would be beyond foolish to accept her patronage.) Rather, the difficulty, the harshness I expect to find may come from my friends, who have, perhaps, had their own difficulties with the Duchess - but those are their difficulties, their challenges, and not mine. Far be it for me to judge on circumstances of which I have little, if any, knowledge; and, regardless: as a Mirrormask, one ought to know that I am wont to question and question again reality and truths held by many, most or all.
For those of my friends, family, Brothers and Sisters of the Faith or any other reading this who may not know:
It is a Mirrormask's duty to defend those who are most defenseless. If I shirk this duty in any manner, particularly in this, what kind of Mirrormask am I? What servant to the Truth, to Tehom, to the gods - and to you? And what truths, in this, by this, would I deny?
Still, all of these reasons yet speak nothing of the truths that rest so easily before me for why I chose to accept Duchess Grimhalls' patronage:
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall was raised and educated to be what I am now: From the youngest of ages, she had intended to be a Godsworn Mirrormask, a Priestess to Tehom, the Thirteenth, and was to avow herself to serve all of the gods. Who better to give me an education in my duties, in what I have but begun to learn than the Second Reflection - a woman who would have been me? True: I learn yet from the Archlector to Tehom, Blessed Vayne; but I wish and aspire to learn all I may, and take on as many teachers are as willing to give their great or small amounts of knowledge to me.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall is and has been, for some not small amount of time, of the most notable philanthropists within this great city and continues to give generously - not only to the Faith, not only to the Mirrormasks, not only to her family, friends and proteges, but to the entire city.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall has weathered storms and difficulty since the time of her birth - and manages, yet, not only to survive, but to prosper, to grow her family and House Grimhall, to gain the respect of many throughout the Compact - if, also, their fear. (Fear, though, is a matter I shall leave to another journal, as I have so very many thoughts and feelings regarding an emotion drawn so much more often of one's own refusal to question, face and accept reality - and is more indicative, in truth, of one's own mind and strength of character than of the object one claims incites one's fear.) If there is one thing I or anyone might come to learn, it is in how best to weather storms of skepticism, disapproval and hatred by others so well and gracefully as she, my patron, while still finding the strength to grow, in oneself, and accomplish one's goals.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall is of the Lyceum, thereby being one who is, by birth and heritage, one who is familiar with the customs to which I am accustomed - and yet, is married now and has been married to men from other Noble Houses so vastly different from her own heritage, has helped both in their successes - provides me with still more opportunity to learn how to set aside what is familiar to me, or to use what I have learned to help, to the best of my ability, not just the Faith and the various differences I already and inevitably find therein, but any who may seek aid and advice in any number of subjects.
I firmly believe we are not meant to exist only for the pleasure we might find in life - though, certainly, there are boundless joys to be found, particularly and most often when we are truest to ourselves and to the paths we take in honest self-reflective states.
Certainly and without shame do I admit that my patron blesses me with her favor, praise and assistance in gaining favor from the people of this good Compact. What better way to help, to reach out to the world than if one is in their favor? For one is trusted - and one hopes, as I strive, to be trusted for their good and honest works, for the quality of their heart and mind, and for the merit of their work. I strive for this every day, as I have striven for it every day since I was a child.
This is why I accept such patronage, such favor from Duchess Vanora Grimhall.
I find that I am blessed with enjoying her company, as well - having a commonality of purpose in growing the trust of the people in the Mirrormasks, in assisting others to reflect upon their weaknesses, their darkness, their fears and to overcome, become stronger with this knowledge, that we may, as a Compact, be strong together and well.
And I am blessed with the prospect of becoming her friend, and she mine. Friendships are strange, sometimes, and grow from differences as well as from similarities; and I find I have more questions than I have time to ask them all - but hope, through her patronage, to earn true and sincere trust, to give to her peace and love that she surely needs - as all need, most particularly those who are, for whatever reason, considered askance.
I give to her my trust, in return; and what favor my words may bring. And I hope and pray to the gods that my friends, my family will do me the honor of respecting - or at least of questioning - my choices.
It is the best we can give to one another, and the only true way to bind us all, despite fears, disagreements or lack of understanding.
I look forward to knowing you, Duchess. And thank you again for your patronage.
But I will return to them, to my dearest friends, even, should they question me in this:
Firstly: Is there anyone truly beloved by all? Do we not all have challenges, have disagreements with others, find those who do not respect us - and those who are not respected by us?
Secondly, and more importantly to me: What is gained by taking as a patron, or even a friend, one beloved by all but who can offer little in one's growth?
Does not the winter (much as I disdain it, yet, in Arx - to speak nothing of the climate farther north that I have not experienced) challenge growth, year upon year; and does not growth come, time and again, despite - and sometimes precisely because of the harshest of climes?
This is not to say that I find in any way Duchess Vanora Grimhall, my patron, to be harsh with me, personally, in any manner of speaking, nor do I find it difficult to embrace her as patron. (If I did, it would be beyond foolish to accept her patronage.) Rather, the difficulty, the harshness I expect to find may come from my friends, who have, perhaps, had their own difficulties with the Duchess - but those are their difficulties, their challenges, and not mine. Far be it for me to judge on circumstances of which I have little, if any, knowledge; and, regardless: as a Mirrormask, one ought to know that I am wont to question and question again reality and truths held by many, most or all.
For those of my friends, family, Brothers and Sisters of the Faith or any other reading this who may not know:
It is a Mirrormask's duty to defend those who are most defenseless. If I shirk this duty in any manner, particularly in this, what kind of Mirrormask am I? What servant to the Truth, to Tehom, to the gods - and to you? And what truths, in this, by this, would I deny?
Still, all of these reasons yet speak nothing of the truths that rest so easily before me for why I chose to accept Duchess Grimhalls' patronage:
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall was raised and educated to be what I am now: From the youngest of ages, she had intended to be a Godsworn Mirrormask, a Priestess to Tehom, the Thirteenth, and was to avow herself to serve all of the gods. Who better to give me an education in my duties, in what I have but begun to learn than the Second Reflection - a woman who would have been me? True: I learn yet from the Archlector to Tehom, Blessed Vayne; but I wish and aspire to learn all I may, and take on as many teachers are as willing to give their great or small amounts of knowledge to me.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall is and has been, for some not small amount of time, of the most notable philanthropists within this great city and continues to give generously - not only to the Faith, not only to the Mirrormasks, not only to her family, friends and proteges, but to the entire city.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall has weathered storms and difficulty since the time of her birth - and manages, yet, not only to survive, but to prosper, to grow her family and House Grimhall, to gain the respect of many throughout the Compact - if, also, their fear. (Fear, though, is a matter I shall leave to another journal, as I have so very many thoughts and feelings regarding an emotion drawn so much more often of one's own refusal to question, face and accept reality - and is more indicative, in truth, of one's own mind and strength of character than of the object one claims incites one's fear.) If there is one thing I or anyone might come to learn, it is in how best to weather storms of skepticism, disapproval and hatred by others so well and gracefully as she, my patron, while still finding the strength to grow, in oneself, and accomplish one's goals.
* That Duchess Vanora Grimhall is of the Lyceum, thereby being one who is, by birth and heritage, one who is familiar with the customs to which I am accustomed - and yet, is married now and has been married to men from other Noble Houses so vastly different from her own heritage, has helped both in their successes - provides me with still more opportunity to learn how to set aside what is familiar to me, or to use what I have learned to help, to the best of my ability, not just the Faith and the various differences I already and inevitably find therein, but any who may seek aid and advice in any number of subjects.
I firmly believe we are not meant to exist only for the pleasure we might find in life - though, certainly, there are boundless joys to be found, particularly and most often when we are truest to ourselves and to the paths we take in honest self-reflective states.
Certainly and without shame do I admit that my patron blesses me with her favor, praise and assistance in gaining favor from the people of this good Compact. What better way to help, to reach out to the world than if one is in their favor? For one is trusted - and one hopes, as I strive, to be trusted for their good and honest works, for the quality of their heart and mind, and for the merit of their work. I strive for this every day, as I have striven for it every day since I was a child.
This is why I accept such patronage, such favor from Duchess Vanora Grimhall.
I find that I am blessed with enjoying her company, as well - having a commonality of purpose in growing the trust of the people in the Mirrormasks, in assisting others to reflect upon their weaknesses, their darkness, their fears and to overcome, become stronger with this knowledge, that we may, as a Compact, be strong together and well.
And I am blessed with the prospect of becoming her friend, and she mine. Friendships are strange, sometimes, and grow from differences as well as from similarities; and I find I have more questions than I have time to ask them all - but hope, through her patronage, to earn true and sincere trust, to give to her peace and love that she surely needs - as all need, most particularly those who are, for whatever reason, considered askance.
I give to her my trust, in return; and what favor my words may bring. And I hope and pray to the gods that my friends, my family will do me the honor of respecting - or at least of questioning - my choices.
It is the best we can give to one another, and the only true way to bind us all, despite fears, disagreements or lack of understanding.
I look forward to knowing you, Duchess. And thank you again for your patronage.
Written By Richard
Dec. 30, 2019, 2:43 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
A brief pause from tending to the garden again after a... tumultuous night. What I had intended to be a welcome for an honored and trusted vassal Count proved instead to be a night of confrontation (though knowing the man, it may have been more relaxing than if it were a simple quiet evening). Some might assume I am bothered by the incident.
To tell the truth, I am not. I am heartened, instead. Heartened whenever I am reminded of the capacity for a citizen of Arx to hold a righteous red rage against the injustices in this world that lurk in the darkness of night and the shadows of stately manors and cramped alleyways both. You may read this and believe I am being patronizing.
I assure you that I am not.
Such conversations remind me of the importance of my duties as Knight and Physician both. I feel firmer than I have in quite some time, and I hope you too may find your way to stability. I do not know you and you do not know me, but permit me to give this advice: Look to those who are around you and with you, whether it is doubt or frustration that you feel. I cannot know the Question that you chase. We exist in worlds out of step with one another. But there is always, always value in asking the Question aside from the content of the Answer, even if it is a ripple in a pond.
I do hope that we meet again in a more suitable time.
To tell the truth, I am not. I am heartened, instead. Heartened whenever I am reminded of the capacity for a citizen of Arx to hold a righteous red rage against the injustices in this world that lurk in the darkness of night and the shadows of stately manors and cramped alleyways both. You may read this and believe I am being patronizing.
I assure you that I am not.
Such conversations remind me of the importance of my duties as Knight and Physician both. I feel firmer than I have in quite some time, and I hope you too may find your way to stability. I do not know you and you do not know me, but permit me to give this advice: Look to those who are around you and with you, whether it is doubt or frustration that you feel. I cannot know the Question that you chase. We exist in worlds out of step with one another. But there is always, always value in asking the Question aside from the content of the Answer, even if it is a ripple in a pond.
I do hope that we meet again in a more suitable time.
Written By Theo
Dec. 30, 2019, 2:23 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Like any Velenosa, I have a vested interest in the health, well-being, and future of the Lyceum. So I took it upon myself to donate 116,000 silver from my own personal funds directly to the Lyceum. I did this because I want to emphasize that Velenosa, Pravus, and all of our vassel houses are a family. The health of the Lyceum is the health of every Lycene house.
I am loyal to the Lyceum because I am loyal to the Lycene people as a whole. I, Prince Theo Velenosa, see it as my responsibility as a Lycene prince to go out of my way as a show of good will to every house in the Lyceum.
You are my people, when Pravus becomes a great house they will still be my people, just as Velenosa are my people.
I will be here forever, never to abandon a single Lycene noble or commoner who is simply doing their best to thrive and grow. So I hope that this serves as an olive branch between myself and every Lycene house.
I am loyal to the Lyceum because I am loyal to the Lycene people as a whole. I, Prince Theo Velenosa, see it as my responsibility as a Lycene prince to go out of my way as a show of good will to every house in the Lyceum.
You are my people, when Pravus becomes a great house they will still be my people, just as Velenosa are my people.
I will be here forever, never to abandon a single Lycene noble or commoner who is simply doing their best to thrive and grow. So I hope that this serves as an olive branch between myself and every Lycene house.
Written By Brigid
Dec. 30, 2019, 1:09 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Katherine
How much you are teaching me and here I had thought that there was little left to learn! You are young, radiant, and full of a desire to make your world what you want it to be. The public eye is not one that I am comfortable being in but you've coaxed me like one teaching a horse to get used to a hawk - carefully and with much devotion.
I am proud to have you at my side and the Moore family grows ever greater because of you, cousin.
I am proud to have you at my side and the Moore family grows ever greater because of you, cousin.
Written By Brigid
Dec. 30, 2019, 1:05 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaspar
The forests of my home were as familiar to me as my own bedroom, the boughs as comfortable as my bed. The beasts that roamed betwixt the tall pines both in the light of revealing sunshine and the halo of starshine as comfortable with my presence as the horses and even hounds I trained. But for some reason I'd never expected to meet a familiar acquaintance, who hails from mossy undergrowth and chicken coop raids, in the city of Arx.
Well met, Mr. Fox.
Well met, Mr. Fox.
Written By Calista
Dec. 30, 2019, 12:49 a.m.(6/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
Such high praise from an effortlessly elegant Baroness. I find difficulty in finding another who can hold a candle to the flame of your beauty, kindness, and talent.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.