Written By Bliss
Sept. 11, 2018, 10:26 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lisebet
There are a few people alive, today, who I would consider heroes, but there are a few problems with naming them such. The most notable issue, to me, is that when they're alive, they still have the opportunity to ruin everything good they have ever done in a single moment. It's something that you.can see happening again and again in the past, and it's something that I've had all too much experience with, in people who were not what they claimed to be.
The sad truth of the matter, though, is that many of the people we consider heroes and honor as such had sickening truths to them - truths that are easier to ignore once they are dead, truths that are easier to fathom in the contexts of their whole lives. They did not always do the right thing, by any means, yet some of the things they did are such shining examples that we choose to follow them. There is also the issue that what one people finds heroic, others might find monstrous. There are a number of statues in the Hall of Heroes you would never see outside of their own halls for this reason.
Heroism is embodying the ideals of your people. And if you are led to believe you are a hero while alive, well, then you are going to find it really easy to justify doing anything you want - after all, you're doing it, so it must be heroic. There are a few prominent, dangerous examples of this, so it's probably best to just wait until people die.
Or I suppose you say 'fuck it', recognize that your life will be a legendary thing, and work as hard as you can to make sure that when it's looked at, people will be inspired.
The sad truth of the matter, though, is that many of the people we consider heroes and honor as such had sickening truths to them - truths that are easier to ignore once they are dead, truths that are easier to fathom in the contexts of their whole lives. They did not always do the right thing, by any means, yet some of the things they did are such shining examples that we choose to follow them. There is also the issue that what one people finds heroic, others might find monstrous. There are a number of statues in the Hall of Heroes you would never see outside of their own halls for this reason.
Heroism is embodying the ideals of your people. And if you are led to believe you are a hero while alive, well, then you are going to find it really easy to justify doing anything you want - after all, you're doing it, so it must be heroic. There are a few prominent, dangerous examples of this, so it's probably best to just wait until people die.
Or I suppose you say 'fuck it', recognize that your life will be a legendary thing, and work as hard as you can to make sure that when it's looked at, people will be inspired.
Written By Bliss
Sept. 9, 2018, 4:31 p.m.(7/24/1009 AR)
Sitting in the Shrine of Limerance, thinking about love and promises and needs. There are a few promises I have made that I need to be doing better on, certainly, but I think I can be satisfied with my work as a Devotion this year.
I am keeping to my vows. The ones which I made to myself, the ones which I don't know will be worth it in the end - but which I am bound to follow. I have not tried to weasel out of anything, and I have not tried to come up with an excuse for why I shouldn't. And every time I consider them, I am renewed in my vigor.
As I come out of hiding, I am proud of the woman whom the world can see.
If you were exposed, could you be? If not, make amends, and fix it.
I am keeping to my vows. The ones which I made to myself, the ones which I don't know will be worth it in the end - but which I am bound to follow. I have not tried to weasel out of anything, and I have not tried to come up with an excuse for why I shouldn't. And every time I consider them, I am renewed in my vigor.
As I come out of hiding, I am proud of the woman whom the world can see.
If you were exposed, could you be? If not, make amends, and fix it.
Written By Bliss
Sept. 8, 2018, 9:11 p.m.(7/22/1009 AR)
I seem to have been brought a bit low by a flu these last few days. I didn't even really realize how much time had passed until I saw the small stack of letters which Jared had left beside my bed and started going through them, the dates noted on them.
Still planning plenty of things though. These next few months should be interesting.
Still planning plenty of things though. These next few months should be interesting.
Written By Bliss
Sept. 1, 2018, 2:56 a.m.(7/3/1009 AR)
Happy birthday, Queen Alarice.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 31, 2018, 3:16 p.m.(7/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Let them know that I accept proof of devotion in the form of gifts, would you? But do point out as well that Dame Talenthia Tael'Nal'Thal has, as far as I know, produced a rather amazing show in my honor, recreating my Folly most entertainingly in the Most Like Bliss contest of 1008 AR, and that is a hard bar to pass.
I'm rather looking forward to the drinks. I will be writing soon.
I'm rather looking forward to the drinks. I will be writing soon.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 31, 2018, 3:10 p.m.(7/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Lord Karadoc,
I can personally attest to the efficacy of being put through a harrowing, life-threatening experience when you are in your lowest of lows. As I said when I was telling the story, our lives are meant to be lived, fully and completely.
I do not recommend Follies for everyone. While they are an incredibly fun experience, they are very likely to end up with you rather breathless in the worst sort of way, and we do not have the favor that the Nox do in order to keep our perfect memories after such a thing. There will, of course, be a change - but I don't think this is what most people are going for.
Nonetheless, do something big, dramatic, frightening. Something that you are good at. You will feel the chains you've put on yourself fall away, and even breathing will feel amazing afterward as you realize: this is who you are.
Bliss
I can personally attest to the efficacy of being put through a harrowing, life-threatening experience when you are in your lowest of lows. As I said when I was telling the story, our lives are meant to be lived, fully and completely.
I do not recommend Follies for everyone. While they are an incredibly fun experience, they are very likely to end up with you rather breathless in the worst sort of way, and we do not have the favor that the Nox do in order to keep our perfect memories after such a thing. There will, of course, be a change - but I don't think this is what most people are going for.
Nonetheless, do something big, dramatic, frightening. Something that you are good at. You will feel the chains you've put on yourself fall away, and even breathing will feel amazing afterward as you realize: this is who you are.
Bliss
Written By Bliss
Aug. 30, 2018, 2:50 p.m.(6/28/1009 AR)
Less than a week now until I turn a quarter of a century old. Fitting timing, really - as one arc of my life reaches its conclusion, and the next begins.
So I'm taking some time for reflection today. Looking back at what I have done with these first twenty-five years. A runaway girl from Tor, the years on the road, both with a partner and alone. The men, the women, the songs and the duels and the dances and the laughter. Whisper House. The pain - the folly. The Folly. Devoting myself to Limerance. The things which I've kept quiet for so long - the shedding of those trappings. Trips to the Twilight Court. The titles I've earned, the ones yet to come.
And I think back on the missed opportunities - on the things I could have stopped if I had spoken up sooner, on the things I could have unrooted. Then I think on what has happened when I did speak up.
Love, heartache, fashion, wounds and scars, and never letting any of it really stop me.
It's been fun.
The show continues on. I'm nowhere near done yet.
So I'm taking some time for reflection today. Looking back at what I have done with these first twenty-five years. A runaway girl from Tor, the years on the road, both with a partner and alone. The men, the women, the songs and the duels and the dances and the laughter. Whisper House. The pain - the folly. The Folly. Devoting myself to Limerance. The things which I've kept quiet for so long - the shedding of those trappings. Trips to the Twilight Court. The titles I've earned, the ones yet to come.
And I think back on the missed opportunities - on the things I could have stopped if I had spoken up sooner, on the things I could have unrooted. Then I think on what has happened when I did speak up.
Love, heartache, fashion, wounds and scars, and never letting any of it really stop me.
It's been fun.
The show continues on. I'm nowhere near done yet.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 29, 2018, 10:56 p.m.(6/26/1009 AR)
At what point does a fake name just become your name?
Asking for a friend.
Asking for a friend.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 27, 2018, 9:40 p.m.(6/22/1009 AR)
With the selection of the Twin Radiants complete, I have been letting myself do something I haven't in a very long time: relax. I have worked with both Lumen and Saedrus Whisper extensively since recovering from my illness last year, and I have no doubt that the House is in good hands - and the first signs have been encouraging. I remain Softest, so long as they will have me in the role, but my duties and responsibilities are shifting in a way that I can only think will be better both for me and the House.
I am still not really available for entertainment contracts outside of duels for a while, there are simply too many other things to do, but I have been feeling more myself than I have in a long time lately. I feel like I am starting to come out of the shadows.
Of course, not everyone will like that.
Tough shit.
I am still not really available for entertainment contracts outside of duels for a while, there are simply too many other things to do, but I have been feeling more myself than I have in a long time lately. I feel like I am starting to come out of the shadows.
Of course, not everyone will like that.
Tough shit.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 27, 2018, 1:27 a.m.(6/20/1009 AR)
In case this wasn't glaringly obvious:
Yes, I am very different from the majority of Whispers, in many ways. We are not monolithic. We each have our own unique skills and strengths. I certainly have my flaws.
I have never once claimed to be a diplomat, or diplomatic. I am a performer - I was accepted into Whisper House because of my voice and my determination, my unfailing resolve and my drive.
I represent a different side of what we are than the Twin Radiants do, which was a significant part of why I chose not to run for the position (which was, for the record, entirely my uninfluenced choice).
I am so sick of hiding who I am. The time for that is over.
I'm here, and I have earned my right to be here. Stop saying "I thought Whispers were supposed to be..." because I am a Whisper. What I am is as much what Whispers are as any other member of this House.
Yes, I am very different from the majority of Whispers, in many ways. We are not monolithic. We each have our own unique skills and strengths. I certainly have my flaws.
I have never once claimed to be a diplomat, or diplomatic. I am a performer - I was accepted into Whisper House because of my voice and my determination, my unfailing resolve and my drive.
I represent a different side of what we are than the Twin Radiants do, which was a significant part of why I chose not to run for the position (which was, for the record, entirely my uninfluenced choice).
I am so sick of hiding who I am. The time for that is over.
I'm here, and I have earned my right to be here. Stop saying "I thought Whispers were supposed to be..." because I am a Whisper. What I am is as much what Whispers are as any other member of this House.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 24, 2018, 4:51 a.m.(6/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Melody
All of this is accurate. I really have nothing else to say about it.
To clarify: the invitation is so that I can attempt to apologize and make amends in person.
To clarify: the invitation is so that I can attempt to apologize and make amends in person.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 24, 2018, 4:23 a.m.(6/14/1009 AR)
By the gods, I was just bored and needling someone over something minor and pithy and pointless. I can't believe I'm the one saying this, but let's all relax a moment, shall we? Champions are literally about to be called over the definitions of words. Is this entertaining anyone or productive at this point?
Lord Faruq, Lady Prisila, I personally extend an invitation to both of you to visit Whisper House over the weekend. Let's have some wine (or whatever Lord Faruq would prefer!) and discuss lighter things. Or heavier things. Anything that isn't this because this topic has absolutely been run into the ground.
Lord Faruq, Lady Prisila, I personally extend an invitation to both of you to visit Whisper House over the weekend. Let's have some wine (or whatever Lord Faruq would prefer!) and discuss lighter things. Or heavier things. Anything that isn't this because this topic has absolutely been run into the ground.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 24, 2018, 2:01 a.m.(6/14/1009 AR)
Sometimes I am convinced that people are writing out long-form comedy acts in their White Journals. Some form of improvisational show where they pretend they don't recognize the irony of what they are doing, how they are embodying the very things they accuse others of, how their attempts at diplomacy or veiled insults both just utterly fail.
Then I realize that, no, they are very likely serious, and back to the wine I go.
Sophomoric is a fascinating word, isn't it? The concept of a fool believing themselves to be wise and embodying it in their behavior, but still very clearly acting the fool, is so common that we actually have a term for it!
Then I realize that, no, they are very likely serious, and back to the wine I go.
Sophomoric is a fascinating word, isn't it? The concept of a fool believing themselves to be wise and embodying it in their behavior, but still very clearly acting the fool, is so common that we actually have a term for it!
Written By Bliss
Aug. 24, 2018, 12:46 a.m.(6/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Faruq
You may write whatever you wish in your Whites. It is, in fact, a holy duty to Vellichor to scribe your thoughts and day-to-day activity down. Through such things, future generations may learn the sort of person we are. Which is why I am confused that of all things you could have written to Marquis Leary, you chose to write something essentially meaningless, given that you had already stated your disagreement by having your original opinion, which remained unchanged, in public view already.
What I am trying to understand, in its most fundamental form, is why you chose to write, "NUH UH" in more polite terms. That is about the entirety of the argument you presented.
You represent the honor of your House. Be better.
What I am trying to understand, in its most fundamental form, is why you chose to write, "NUH UH" in more polite terms. That is about the entirety of the argument you presented.
You represent the honor of your House. Be better.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 23, 2018, 11:48 p.m.(6/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Faruq
I see, Lord Saraceni, that you have mastered the art of debate: simply lower yourself to using the most intellectually lazy form of disagreement possible, rather than attempting to muster any kind of real response, but try to look like you are wise and reasonable in doing so by making it sound like you are above the argument. Truly stunning. Certainly better than simply silence.
Is your favorite conversational topic the weather, I wonder?
Do you laugh at the little cartoons of elders saying the most blatantly obvious things possible as if it were some great revelation in the broadsheets?
Please, tell us more. Your contributions to our world are fascinating and absolutely worth our time.
Is your favorite conversational topic the weather, I wonder?
Do you laugh at the little cartoons of elders saying the most blatantly obvious things possible as if it were some great revelation in the broadsheets?
Please, tell us more. Your contributions to our world are fascinating and absolutely worth our time.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 23, 2018, 11:32 a.m.(6/13/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Talwyn
If you are really looking for inspiration for a song, I suppose I could be bothered to try to be your muse. Do you mind competing with Nox'Alfar artists and writers? I really hope you don't.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 21, 2018, 3:03 a.m.(6/8/1009 AR)
The voting for the Radiant begins.
I've finished my part of the work - my report was certainly thorough - and I have to say, I have much more respect for the Mirrormasks. I have never been afraid to speak my mind when someone is upsetting me, and yet, when it is your dearest and most trusted friends whom you have to search for the flaws of, and then expose these flaws to their colleagues? There is something different in it. Something valuable, surely - someone needed to say the things which I said.
Yet I feel troubled.
I've finished my part of the work - my report was certainly thorough - and I have to say, I have much more respect for the Mirrormasks. I have never been afraid to speak my mind when someone is upsetting me, and yet, when it is your dearest and most trusted friends whom you have to search for the flaws of, and then expose these flaws to their colleagues? There is something different in it. Something valuable, surely - someone needed to say the things which I said.
Yet I feel troubled.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 20, 2018, 1:39 a.m.(6/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
We never did bury the hatchet. You're not the first, I doubt you'll be the last.
Thank you for living up to who you claimed you were in the end. Any wrongs are forgiven. I apologize for those which I might have inflicted upon you. May your next turn on the Wheel be a delightful one, and I am certain the Queen is enjoying your stories now.
None Greater, indeed.
Thank you for living up to who you claimed you were in the end. Any wrongs are forgiven. I apologize for those which I might have inflicted upon you. May your next turn on the Wheel be a delightful one, and I am certain the Queen is enjoying your stories now.
None Greater, indeed.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 19, 2018, 3:27 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
A single day can hold such momentous, monumental changes that when you wake up the next morning, you wonder if any of it is real as you pause, look around yourself, and find your setting almost painfully familiar.
It helps when it's known that they were all an inevitability. Very little of yesterday was really a surprise to me in any way, and while some of it hurt, Change is fire - it will always burn a little while it refines us. I have always been good at moving on when the time is necessary for such things. Lingering in pain and regret and missed opportunities? There's no fun in that. But then, I think I am quicker to adapt to so much than most.
Is there an ache? Of course. For all I sometimes wonder if I was meant to be, I am still human, and those very real human sensations hit me just as hard as anyone else. I feel purely. I always have.
But isn't that the point of life? To live it, to its fullest, and experience what we can and revel in all of it? The wonder, the beauty, the terror, the ugliness.
The love. The heartache.
Many people confine these things to their Blacks, but I feel little need to do so. Denying ourselves these things makes us lesser. Pretending they are not a part of us makes us lesser. Dreams shift to nightmares and back with each one of our actions, and we must be all too aware of what is happening in order to continue to make the world beautiful.
Soft Whispers, Harder Hearts.
It helps when it's known that they were all an inevitability. Very little of yesterday was really a surprise to me in any way, and while some of it hurt, Change is fire - it will always burn a little while it refines us. I have always been good at moving on when the time is necessary for such things. Lingering in pain and regret and missed opportunities? There's no fun in that. But then, I think I am quicker to adapt to so much than most.
Is there an ache? Of course. For all I sometimes wonder if I was meant to be, I am still human, and those very real human sensations hit me just as hard as anyone else. I feel purely. I always have.
But isn't that the point of life? To live it, to its fullest, and experience what we can and revel in all of it? The wonder, the beauty, the terror, the ugliness.
The love. The heartache.
Many people confine these things to their Blacks, but I feel little need to do so. Denying ourselves these things makes us lesser. Pretending they are not a part of us makes us lesser. Dreams shift to nightmares and back with each one of our actions, and we must be all too aware of what is happening in order to continue to make the world beautiful.
Soft Whispers, Harder Hearts.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 18, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(6/3/1009 AR)
The end is in sight. The path forward is suddenly so very, very clear.
I owe some people debts I will never be able to repay now. I'm shaking, looking at what's in front of me. It's everything I needed, that I never thought I would get.
Six years.
Here we go.
I owe some people debts I will never be able to repay now. I'm shaking, looking at what's in front of me. It's everything I needed, that I never thought I would get.
Six years.
Here we go.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.