Written By Llewella
Oct. 16, 2019, 2:06 p.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
"Not All The Isles."
Those four words are not the motto of my family, but they are repeated by those who have dealings with us more than the actual words sewn into our crests. They are the words that came to mind as I read the words of our Highlord in his recent discussion on the products of slavery that have become useful and fashionable.
Not All The Isles.
There is not a single stone of dragonweep, no scrap of Steelsilk, not a boot of Cardian Snakeskin to be found in Melaeris Fasthold. Travel to Astarrea and you will find many former thralls; not because we have complied with the wishes of House Thrax and removed their enslavement, but because we never had Thralls to begin with and have instead welcomed those who have become freed. We have invited them to the ongoing prosperity of our realm as equal citizens.
House Melaeris has always been a champion of the freedoms of humanity and our right not to be shackled to the will of another through anything other than our own choices. It is a history frought with times of friction when we have bristled against the decisions of House Marin and even, at times, House Tyde. For much of our existence we have been isolated from our neighbors at sea for our views.
Those four words I keep writing? The ones often attributed to us by our trade allies? This is what they refer to. Our fortunes have never been built on the backs of slaves or thralls, and never shall.
We have also given a home to anyone who agrees to follow our rules, our moral standpoints. The past is the past, there to be learned from but we cannot forever hold it against another if they show willingness to change. Lagoma would be quite wroth with us if we rejected someone's sincere efforts to change themselves to the better. Melaeris understands Prince Victus's concerns over possible hypocrisy. We do not demand he burn his steelsilk or his thrall-built ships. Only that he do better with his present and future than his past. So long as House Thrax continues to lead the way in ending thralldom and profiting from slavery they will have our support.
Those four words are not the motto of my family, but they are repeated by those who have dealings with us more than the actual words sewn into our crests. They are the words that came to mind as I read the words of our Highlord in his recent discussion on the products of slavery that have become useful and fashionable.
Not All The Isles.
There is not a single stone of dragonweep, no scrap of Steelsilk, not a boot of Cardian Snakeskin to be found in Melaeris Fasthold. Travel to Astarrea and you will find many former thralls; not because we have complied with the wishes of House Thrax and removed their enslavement, but because we never had Thralls to begin with and have instead welcomed those who have become freed. We have invited them to the ongoing prosperity of our realm as equal citizens.
House Melaeris has always been a champion of the freedoms of humanity and our right not to be shackled to the will of another through anything other than our own choices. It is a history frought with times of friction when we have bristled against the decisions of House Marin and even, at times, House Tyde. For much of our existence we have been isolated from our neighbors at sea for our views.
Those four words I keep writing? The ones often attributed to us by our trade allies? This is what they refer to. Our fortunes have never been built on the backs of slaves or thralls, and never shall.
We have also given a home to anyone who agrees to follow our rules, our moral standpoints. The past is the past, there to be learned from but we cannot forever hold it against another if they show willingness to change. Lagoma would be quite wroth with us if we rejected someone's sincere efforts to change themselves to the better. Melaeris understands Prince Victus's concerns over possible hypocrisy. We do not demand he burn his steelsilk or his thrall-built ships. Only that he do better with his present and future than his past. So long as House Thrax continues to lead the way in ending thralldom and profiting from slavery they will have our support.
Written By Tikva
Oct. 16, 2019, 1:21 p.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
Sisterhood has defined me all my life in ways that I never really understood. I am a sister who was chosen, and it turns out I am a sister who has lived.
Family is everything. Beyond lifetimes.
Family is everything. Beyond lifetimes.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 16, 2019, 1:06 p.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
To all those who love winter, let me ask: what is wrong with you? Be gone, snow! Your sordid touch is unwelcome and your miasma of sadness anathema to all that is good.
Written By Mirk
Oct. 16, 2019, 11:51 a.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
I was going to say something about the first snows of winter, how pristine the world looks in those few minutes before the snow is marred with footprints...but it seems like I'm about the tenth person to get there. So instead, I think I'm going to sit down at the edge of a snowbank with my hip flask. That sounds like a good way to spend an afternoon.
I always have liked winter.
I always have liked winter.
Written By Sparte
Oct. 16, 2019, 9:50 a.m.(1/10/1012 AR)
I've been lucky enough to get my cloak looked at by a professional seamstress at last. I was given a solid earful for the shoddy stitchwork I did patching the holes, and another when she started digging the wax out I'd stuck in to keep the water from running through, then when I admitted I had torn the hem on purpose for something to tie off a wound? I was given the distinct impression admitting to further mistreatment of the garment would be the last thing I ever did.
The restoration work they performed was nothing short of extraordinary. I can still find the mends because I know where to look and only because of that. They've been paid for their solidly performed work, and I'll be sending over a box of pastries from Lottie's once a week for a while besides. I realize I may well need to mend this cloak again, and I would rather be welcomed back if I do than have to find another.
The restoration work they performed was nothing short of extraordinary. I can still find the mends because I know where to look and only because of that. They've been paid for their solidly performed work, and I'll be sending over a box of pastries from Lottie's once a week for a while besides. I realize I may well need to mend this cloak again, and I would rather be welcomed back if I do than have to find another.
Written By Arcadia
Oct. 16, 2019, 2:41 a.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
Did I not send you new shoes? I am positive your socks were only a touch damp.
Perhaps just enjoy the tea next time.
Perhaps just enjoy the tea next time.
Written By Marian
Oct. 16, 2019, 2:28 a.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
Ice. Wind. Chill. The elements that herald winter are old friends. I find myself standing in snow, closing my eyes and listening to nature's fury. It soothes my own fires and lets me hibernate until the spring thaw.
Written By Amund
Oct. 16, 2019, 12:49 a.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
Snow falls to remind some of us there won't be a time to rest.
Written By Acantha
Oct. 15, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
The Winter here in Arx makes me miss Clearlake Hold and my brothers even more. Well, I miss the family, not them shoving me in the snowbanks.
Written By Martino
Oct. 15, 2019, 4:02 p.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
It is Winter so the perfect time to review the gardens and consider if we could do more.
Written By Selene
Oct. 15, 2019, 4:02 p.m.(1/9/1012 AR)
Such unexpected and delightful discoveries at the Golden Hart have relit a flame deeply banked these past few weeks. Perhaps there is some charm buried in the very building by Princess Valencia to lend itself so to loosening those shackles on my creativity.
Written By Martino
Oct. 15, 2019, 3:53 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I have only just been able to properly re-enter the Bold Espressions after they seem to have, somehow, forgotten the moment I entered.
Coffee, however, might forever be ruined. Countess.
Coffee, however, might forever be ruined. Countess.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:51 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Well, if nobody will say it, I suppose I shall.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Can we please find a better spokesperson for the antislavery sentiment most of us in the Compact share than our dear Prince Victus of House Thrax?
We all lauded your recent change of heart as something enlightened, but now you seem to have taken a liking for emancipation as a hobby, and let me say it is not a good look. Peers who manage to acquire steelsilk and dragonweep, for whatever reason, do not have their hands stained with the blood of slaves.
The Prince cannot claim the same.
Recognize the limitations of the political goodwill you have garnered with your very late, but commendable, act, and focus on what is coming for your domain. There is a lot of ground still to cover now that you have thankfully joined us in a slave-free society.
Written By Kaia
Oct. 15, 2019, 12:31 p.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
Lady Rubino, I admit, ever since that incident with the duck and your aide I have held my doubts for the man. Still, I would never wish the man any ill intent.
After hearing of such tragic news, my thoughts and prayers go with you and yours during this most troubling time. I do hope the perpetrator or perpetrators are soon found and brought to justice.
After hearing of such tragic news, my thoughts and prayers go with you and yours during this most troubling time. I do hope the perpetrator or perpetrators are soon found and brought to justice.
Written By Aureth
Oct. 15, 2019, 11:37 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Do not assume that Shard is not correct merely because her social position is strange and her tongue harsh. I have seen few clearer eyes on the subject of diplomacy. The wise would be wiser to heed a sensible pen.
Written By Narcissa
Oct. 15, 2019, 10:53 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
At the apogee of Mirror’s eclipse,
Gaudy finery dances splendid on dolls,
In solitude such vanity doth conscript,
The Mirror’s telling smile that mauls.
Gaudy finery dances splendid on dolls,
In solitude such vanity doth conscript,
The Mirror’s telling smile that mauls.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 15, 2019, 10:40 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Sometimes when you learn the circumstances of a friend's death, you wish you never asked.
Written By Preston
Oct. 15, 2019, 9:14 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
On the matter of embassies I am struck by the fact Prima Shard and I appear to be in agreement. I wonder if that alone shouldn’t give people reason to pause and think.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 15, 2019, 8:23 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
On the longest, darkest night it's hard to remember the first rays of the sun.
But morning always comes
On the cold, and most bitter of winters it's hard to remember the warmth of the sun on your face
But spring always comes
In the most unbearable cloying heat of summer it's hard to remember the nip of frost on the tip of your nose
But autumn always comes
Lagoma assures this. Change is always occurring. Tiny changes, like the sprouting of a flower and the breaking of a heart.. and large changes that sweep the land and throw everything into uncertainty. It is during these times that we can turn to Our Lady of Change. In prayer and meditation we find our way.
But morning always comes
On the cold, and most bitter of winters it's hard to remember the warmth of the sun on your face
But spring always comes
In the most unbearable cloying heat of summer it's hard to remember the nip of frost on the tip of your nose
But autumn always comes
Lagoma assures this. Change is always occurring. Tiny changes, like the sprouting of a flower and the breaking of a heart.. and large changes that sweep the land and throw everything into uncertainty. It is during these times that we can turn to Our Lady of Change. In prayer and meditation we find our way.
Written By Catalana
Oct. 15, 2019, 5:58 a.m.(1/8/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ember
My pride got a thorough thrashing.
I thought after a few short lessons with a sword that I could stand my ground against Baroness Ember. Unfortunately not. With an audience present, before I even had chance to strike at her, she had me on my back and knocked out.
I bow to you Baroness Ember, thank you for saying I was brave to face you, but right now, it certainly is foolishness.
Now to find you a dress.
I thought after a few short lessons with a sword that I could stand my ground against Baroness Ember. Unfortunately not. With an audience present, before I even had chance to strike at her, she had me on my back and knocked out.
I bow to you Baroness Ember, thank you for saying I was brave to face you, but right now, it certainly is foolishness.
Now to find you a dress.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.