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Written By Sparte

Oct. 18, 2019, 9:46 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)

I don't know how to write this. I've written it five times and scraped the page again and again. I see the traces of ink that my penknife could not erase, echoes of what I might've written.

I feel a mix of things both good and bad right now about myself and it all comes to one clear truth.

There is so much I still don't know.

Written By Fairen

Oct. 18, 2019, 7:45 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Arcadia

Cousin,

You have just inspired me to work on a great invention - one long overdue for the preservation of wisdom. Especially with certain cousins who threaten my library with muck splattered about.

Mud-proof book covers.

Written By Gabriella

Oct. 18, 2019, 7:29 p.m.(1/15/1012 AR)

This is the first winter I will have experienced outside of the balmy embrace of Setarco. It is quite the seachange from that which I am used to: the cold is relentless. Different. Uncomfortable. The cold has a way of shivering its way down to my bones in a manner even the most merciless summers could scarce compare to. Snow is truly beautiful, and unbearably cruel.

I believe I rather like it. We do not grow if we do not reach beyond our comfort zones. I take this winter as a challenge, and one I shall gladly rise to. It is unfortunate that I must already depart so soon, but needs must.

I hear the weather conditions of the Northlands are much more the worse. I hope one day to see for myself.

Written By Peri

Oct. 18, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(1/14/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Rowenova

I shall shovel snow around clinics and apothecaries again this year.

Last year Scout Rowenova inspired me to shovel snow from the apothecary in her neighborhood all the way to the Trader's Tavern. We were able to stir up the enthusiasm of the neighborhood kids to assist, though we did get some pummeling with snowballs from that font.

Anyway...

The times when you need to go the apothecary are not the times to go outside and see that you are snowed in.

Written By Lucita

Oct. 18, 2019, 10:53 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Zoey

We do tend to get into mischief, don't we? That was quite a surprise for Lady Octavia, to have found us all soaking in her spa instead of having a quiet place to soak and relax. Wonder what mischief we will get into next?

Written By Lucita

Oct. 18, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Brigida

Full of plain speaking, spirit, bravery and common sense. I'm glad to have done something to please her.

Written By Sirius

Oct. 18, 2019, 7:54 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)

I am Sirius Valardin,

And I was born into this world, just like you, who reads this. A world of unceasing mysteries, and endless questions. Within a nation of humans at its heart, who some would say is a bastion of hope, and courage; the Compact.

Whose history taught us was once led by the cowardly, torn apart by the selfish. At times weakened, at others strengthened, but "no longer" we tell ourselves, will that cycle continue. A heart full of pride beats within the populace of Arx, I've noticed. I remember growing, being taught by Priests of the faith that virtue and honor were a thing of the Oathlands, noplace else. That I'd find an alien people on Arx, uncannily different to me and mine, but they were wrong.

I am shocked by the kindness I've received from all here, noble and commoner alike, and hope for a future where I can speak only more kindness of Arx, here, to be filed and archived forevermore.

To my future children when they read this, my very first entry, I leave a message: Drink your tea only from the Mercier shop, and brook no competition to it in matters of quality. This is my edict to you, children.

Written By Sabine

Oct. 18, 2019, 5:12 a.m.(1/14/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Berenice

I have been fortunate in my patronage by the Princess Berenice. I came to Arx with the foundation of my House and family rocked by my mother's death, our name still tarnished. I knew her first as a young girl, driven, energetic, claws sharp but still endearingly clumsy. I was her senior in so many ways-- age, beauty, suitors and eventually, in rule. Naturally, I inspired her in her own climb, from girl to glorious, and I am grateful for the support she has given me in turn, from Countess to Marquessa.

It took a challenge of honour to secure her patronage-- she does know how I enjoy a good challenge, so invested in the delights of others is our sweet Berenice-- but what began with spectacle ends now with the deepest of respect and bonds of eternal friendship forged.

Written By Mabelle

Oct. 18, 2019, 3:46 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

I adore winter, especially the serenity of it. But for reasons that are entirely unrelated to the seasons, I cannot wait for spring!

Written By Arcadia

Oct. 18, 2019, 12:59 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Fairen

Fairen.

It was barely any snow. And your books were fine.

Perhaps you would prefer mud?

Written By Bree

Oct. 18, 2019, 12:28 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Cahal

He called it a 'map to folly.' He isn't wrong, and as keep returning to it, studying the way to the Dusklight Grove, I wonder at the Folly, and the folly of humanity. If venturing there could bring restorative powers to the city, is it a risk I should take? My heart tells me yes, but I already saw the power of Cliff. I pray to Gild for guidance.

If there are any out there reading these journals who might have insight, or are tempted by the journey themselves, find a way to contact me.

Written By Calista

Oct. 18, 2019, 12:23 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

It is the night before Leandro's fourth birthday. On this night, I read him a story I have secretly been writing for him. It is the tale of a young man who faces adversity but is not dissuaded by the obstacles that lie ahead. Leandro sat up in his bed with his big green eyes wide and alert, hanging onto my every word as I took him on a heroic journey.

He will come to know the protagonist of his story as a fabled knight, but in reality, I am retelling the tale of Duke Leo Fidante, his uncle, for whom he is named. I watched my son fight sleep. His little yawns, the attempt to stay awake by rubbing his eyes with his small fists. Naturally he is leaps and bounds bigger than he was when he was born but he will always be my little boy.

As I watch my children sleeping, I am moved by the feeling of purpose. This is why we fight and these are the ones we fight for. On the eve of this special birthday, I pray to the gods for his health and well being, that he always be happy and have the strength and courage to obliterate obstacles in his path.

Written By Wren

Oct. 18, 2019, 12:18 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

People will fight about anything, even the weather.

Written By Tyche

Oct. 18, 2019, 12:05 a.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Valentina

A new game, perfect for your party pleasures:

Invite guests. Give each guest a small trinket (I used diamonds). Turn guests loose, telling them that they can 'win' diamonds from others by challenging them to perform tasks, or betting them that they can win a contest between the two. At the end of the night, the guests get to keep their trinkets, however many they were able to accumulate.

Do not, if you plan to take this game and use it at your own party, allow one Lady Valentina Pravus to play. She is ruthless, and will talk you out of your diamonds before you even realize they are gone.

Written By Juniper

Oct. 17, 2019, 11:43 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

I breathe more deeply in winter than I do in summer. The air seems clearer, cleaner. More pure. It pours into the lungs, fills them in a way summer air doesn't.

My little garden is blanketed under the snow to sleep for the season, there to dream green dreams. My spiders in their little tent, they are insulated behind thick walls of golden hay. Whether they dream I cannot say but I like to imagine it's so. Jeffeth has helped me lay in wood enough for months and months, and the pantry is full to bursting, the medicine cabinet stocked. The people I look after, my people, they will pass to the Wheel in light and warmth.

It isn't a hut buried in evergreen branches-- oh, I miss that smell, pine and snow mingling, the blue sky, and high mountain sun glittering on an icy crust with just a trace of camp smoke to remind us we people have a place in the world too-- but it's enough.

Light and warmth, a year put to rest tucked beneath a white blanket, and another new to come. I do love winter... though I would love it less if I weren't able to create a place within it, where my other loves can safely bide.

Written By Berenice

Oct. 17, 2019, 10:49 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Sabine

It is truly a tragedy to lose such a remarkable, talented, and brilliant protege. But I suppose that seeing one's protege rise too high for you to continue to sponsor is the best way for it to happen.

Written By Sabella

Oct. 17, 2019, 9:51 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

If we are laying claim to the seasons, I would like to claim the spring!

Written By Victus

Oct. 17, 2019, 8:58 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

Unrelated follow up:

Astrid locked herself in a cabinet for an hour yesterday. There was a widespread panic before someone heard her cackling. I don't know why it was hilarious, but apparently cabinets are very funny.

Found her in there again this morning. Laughing. Again. Hoping this new hobby fades fast.

Written By Victus

Oct. 17, 2019, 8:54 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

I had the good fortune of running the captain I'd served under as a cabin-boy, on a night at the Ebb and Flow with the some other graybeards. I hadn't seen him since our first run in with the Marin'alfar.

Once when I was very young, I was being foolish at the helm and rocking the wheel side to side. I was making noises as if we were in a storm and I was only hope as a navigating savant. Complete with lightning striking and thunder crashing in my own head. Unfortunately due to my idiocy, I'd also thrown us entirely off course.

When the captain interrupted me he took me into his quarters. He had a cupboard around five or six feet tall. He locked me in there for about eight or nine hours. Never did I play with the wheel of a ship ever again, that's for fucking sure.

My favorite story of him. I'm glad he's still sailing.

Written By Eilonwy

Oct. 17, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(1/13/1012 AR)

I've finally found a match and taken the first steps towards marrying as so many older, more established houses do. Contract topics are being discussed and I've been warmed by so many words of support. After years of trying to make a match and do my duty as a land holding noble another house finally said yes and it's the most encouraging sensation.

So I suppose this sentiment is for future neo-nobles as we're called. It may take time, but eventually even we find a means to behave as we are expected to and it is not so painful to conform to the primeval noble standards.

And Lord Cadern is a wonderful man, I count myself most fortunate.

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