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Written By Khanne

July 4, 2018, 7:17 p.m.(2/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

Always.

It's one of my favorite words. And for us, it says everything we ever need it to say between us.

Always.

Written By Khanne

July 1, 2018, 11:22 p.m.(2/13/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Percephon

You simply amaze me every day. Halfshav is very lucky to count you amongst our house. And I? I am the luckiest woman in the Compact.

Just thought you should know how wonderful you are.

Written By Khanne

June 23, 2018, 9:59 a.m.(1/24/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

Dame Ida, you have always held a warm place in my heart, though we rarely get to see each other socially. It was you that crafted my bow when my old one was lost on my travels to Arx. It was you who created the beautiful knife I wield. It is you I have often gone to with some vague idea about what I would like to give as a gift to someone that you run with and create the most perfect, most amazing piece of metal artistry that I am so proud to give to those I love or care for.

But now, you have outdone yourself. Thank you, so very much, for this beautiful wedding gift. It is absolutely amazing. In fact, it is perfect in every way! I have given it a home in our courtyard, and I look forward to many years sitting there with Percephon by my side.

Thank you!

Written By Khanne

June 22, 2018, 9:17 a.m.(1/22/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Gwenna

You are far too kind to me. I just happened to visit Lottie's and see the treats. I had to share them! They are wonderful! (Thank you Lovely Lottie!) I am glad I am able to make you smile when you didn't know yo needed to. Hopefully, this is a trend that spreads to others and that can continue on for some time. Smiles, true, happy smiles, are beautiful!

Written By Khanne

June 17, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(1/13/1009 AR)

As many know, I have been far too busy for too long. Too much paperwork. Too many travels far away. A lot of things keeping me from the city itself, limiting me largely to communicating via missive. I settled into my suite yesterday and smiled, thinking, finally... finally I will be able to catch up on all the things I need to. Finally I will be able to meet with all those people I promised meetings with. Finally.

And then... well, just... an explosion of things needing my attention and making my head spin.

I decided it was best for me, after a long day of being informed of numerous, well, mind blowing actions taken, to sleep on it and address matters with a more clear head. I thought... today.. I would expound on this matters and speak at length and eloquently....

But, right before I fell asleep, Marquis Cirroch planted a seed of thought in my mind. While I slept, that seed grew, sprouted lovely flowering vines that reaches out, branched off, and idea after idea bloomed.

And so, i have spent majority of my available time today working at those ideas. Putting them into the beginning stages of action.

And so, here it is, late at night... past the point of my ability to be eloquent. I will not be addressing in full my thoughts on the recent proclamation by Dominus Aldwin. Though, I will say I often wish people would let things sink in fully before they react abruptly... much less misunderstanding might occur if people would just take the time to clarify and understand before they act or react.

But... I will say that I remain hopeful and excited for the future. If all goes well in the coming days or weeks, and this idea, these plans, take deeper root and are allowed to continue to grow, I think it could bring great things not just for those who are devoted at least in part to the Spirits, but to the Compact as a whole. Perhaps. Perhaps I am too hopeful, but, I suppose we will see....

The basis of this idea is that there are many here in the city now who have stepped down from the positions they held so dear for so long. Some of these positions held were not just a vocation, but a way in which people identified their very lives as being meant to do. However, not being able to work within the Faith due to a duality of beliefs, does not mean these people cease to be talented in their areas of expertise.

While we cannot offer the same thing, at all, what we can do, and plan to do, is create a directory of people who are not within the long established and highly respected Faith organizations, and how they can serve the Compact. So, if someone came to us and said "I am planning an expedition and am looking to take with me a healer and a guard," we could give them the names of people who have informed us of their talents in these areas and suggest they begin by speaking with them to find people who can help.

This is just at the baby stages of planning, but I wanted to let the people know, you will not need to stop doing what it is you love to do... you can do it in a different way.

Any questions, please, feel free to ask me. It is late, and I hope this is at least somewhat clear enough that those reading it can perhaps see the vision for this.

Written By Khanne

June 10, 2018, 9:09 p.m.(12/18/1008 AR)

Balance is the topic of the day it seems. Balance is something I have spoken about for years. When I speak of it, I speak of the balance of self... not something as grand as a balance of good and evil. I know some will say that it is important to have that balance too. And in some ways, to some level, I agree that good and bad are both necessary components of a full life.... but bad and evil are not exactly the same. There is something to be said about a balance of emotions. I have had conversations with someone about this... would we feel the highs of happiness, the elation of true love without the lows of sadness and heartache?

Laric spoke of the balance of architecture, which was a good example of a time that it is absolutely necessary... but can a person be perfectly balanced? Even I, who speak of the concept often, do not strive to be so balanced that my life is a straight line. My balance is being able to find that centered feeling when I need to. I enjoy the thrills of life. I experience its pain. It is these experiences that often drive us. But I know, when it is time to focus, I can find my center, my balance, and get the job done.

That is my balance.

Is there a balance of good and evil? Some say we must find it... that they are equally important to existence. I try to understand what they mean by this... but, with evil being the extreme of bad... I just can't see it. I can't wrap my mind around allowing evil to thrive. Unpleasant things, bad things... yes, I can understand that. There is often a purpose. A rose has thorns for a reason. but evil? I will continue to fight evil as much and as long as I am able. A person would be very hard pressed to convince me otherwise.

Written By Khanne

June 4, 2018, 11:29 a.m.(12/1/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Driskell

I find myself rather frozen by the news of your death, Brother Driskell. We were not close, yet you were always someone that intrigued me. We spoke more through missives than in person, though were scheduled to meet for a long overdue conversation. And now what? Now I cannot ask of you the questions I had. Now I cannot find out what it was you wished to tell me.

Unless....

I will miss you, Brother Driskell, and remember you always for writing the journals that made me write you with a list of rambling questions. I regret that we were unable to have that last meeting.

Written By Khanne

June 2, 2018, 8:31 p.m.(11/25/1008 AR)

Lips of blue
turning blush the shade of sky
amidst a sea of algae
all in effort to wash away the yellow

Written By Khanne

May 23, 2018, 10:07 a.m.(10/17/1008 AR)

Holy Hannah Handmaiden....

I spoke that the level of honesty in an answer is often (note, not always) more important and more revealing than the answer itself. I spoke of many possibilities that it might (not will always, but might) reveal if it were not an honest answer. I did not say the limited examples I listed were the end all be all. And it is often (not always) impossible to tell in the moment if the answer given is a lie, or honest, or misleading, or absolutely given with any level of good intent or any level of ill intent (which I will say includes infinite possibilities of levels), or even possibly completely neutral intent.

All I was saying was that the level of honesty or dishonesty, openness or guardedness, in an answer given is often, not always, probably not never, more revealing than the answer itself. (If that level of honesty etc. can at some point be determined)

In my opinion. This is not rule or rote.

Written By Khanne

May 21, 2018, 2:44 p.m.(10/13/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

It is perhaps not the questions that are asked that matters as much as the honesty in which the other answers, is it not?

Any answer given honestly and thoughtfully, as in, beyond simplest terms, is quite revealing, whether the question be - what is your favorite food? - or - What are your thoughts on faith in regards to the Pantheon and that of Spirits?

However, if the answer given is misleading or, well, a straight out lie... well, it can still reveal a few things, but mostly that the person is untrustworthy, does not trust you, or is hiding something... or possibly all of the above.

Written By Khanne

May 16, 2018, 8:28 a.m.(10/3/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Cassius

I sit and write this with so many confusing emotions drifting through my mind. Cassius... gone. I am not surprised by the manner in which death has taken him, though I wish it did not need to be that way, and of course, wish it did not need to be so soon. I mourn the man I knew so very well once upon a time. I truly do not know that my life would be the same had he not been in it as he was. We lost touch in more recent times... barely spoke. But I mourn the man I knew and offer those others close to him my condolences.

I will forever remember that time in the shop years ago when we first truly spoke, and I first made him smile. That image will be the one carried always in my heart.

Written By Khanne

May 15, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(10/1/1008 AR)

It amuses me how often people see fit to tell others what to do or not do, when to take offense or not take offense when it is those very people who appear to take offense so easily and often.

It is also amusing how often people say something that equates to, this is not your business, stay out of it.

If it is not others business, perhaps one should consider keeping it private. If it is not a duel meant for the public, don't advertise it and then there will be no audience to take offense or not. If you do not want your words read and possibly commented on for good or ill... keep your writings to the blacks.

Things brought to the public attention make it open for public reaction. Actions have consequences, whether you like what happens or not.

Written By Khanne

May 7, 2018, 9:44 a.m.(9/12/1008 AR)

When I took my vows of marriage, I did so with forever in mind. I did so with pride, knowing I chose well for my family. As Voice of my House, this was something very important to me. When I pledged my oaths to the Gods, to the Spirits, and to Percephon, I did so knowing that divorce would not be an option for me. If we hit rough times, we would have to see them through, one way or another. To divorce, allowed in the eyes of faith or not, would most likely bring shame to me, and to my House.

Growing up, even as a heathen shaman of the barbarous north (I do write that with a note of humor, I assure you), as nobles we are taught the way of things. We were taught that while divorce does occur, it is rare and almost never looked upon as a good thing. It is a subject spoken about heavily to those who are about to wed, so that they understand the weight of the vows, the oaths, they are about to take. Marriage is not to be done frivolously, as divorces should not occur. They are proof that the people involved were not wise in their choices, were not strong in their convictions when they took oath, are too weak to make it work, put themselves before their House, and fail all those they promised the oath to.

I understand that here in Arx, people try to be progressive, to buck the system, to change societal views on social norms. But, this is how most of us were raised, and is a belief that many of us still hold strong to. Is it any wonder that brows are raised at so many recent divorces? It is surprising then that the trustworthiness of those so willing to break oaths is scrutinized? If they are so willing to break an oath to the Gods, the Spirits, the Fealties and Houses, as important as marriage, what other promises are they willing to break?

And in regards to someone trying to make this about gender blame... perhaps they should step back and look at who broke oaths, and so soon after promised themselves in marriage to another? Not even merely promised, but in just a matter of a couple months, WED another. Under the banner of the same fealty they just broke ties with. Would not the male be questioned as heavily if it were him doing so?

Though I may be long winded, and expect to have people gripe and moan about my words, my points are simple.

Marriage for nobles is supposed to be a deeply serious matter. Marital oaths should be taken with as much consideration as any other oath given to the Gods and/or Spirits.

Divorce should be a last resort and done only under extreme conditions. It should never be looked at as something to be taken lightly. A Divorce is the breaking of oaths, no matter if it is recognized and allowed or not. As one pointed out, a divorce is not an annulment. If we begin to not care that such oaths to Gods and Spirits are broken, if we treat it as "not a big deal at all" it weakens any oath we would vow to them.

Get married. Stay married. If you don't think you can adhere to your own word... don't get married.

Written By Khanne

May 6, 2018, 6:57 p.m.(9/11/1008 AR)

I am so behind.... on everything. Absolutely everything. All I can do is apologize to everyone and say I am hoping to be back to my normal self soon. I truly am sorry.

Especially to my nearest and dearest who I owe messages to. I feel awful for not keeping my communications up well lately.

Just a bump in the road, I hope. Those of you who know I adore you... know, I still adore you.

Written By Khanne

April 27, 2018, 11:30 a.m.(8/18/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Oswyn

Thank you. It is an odd feeling, seeing my own words written as notes such as you did, but, I was delightfully surprised to see them at the same time. I imagine that such notes will help many who were unable to make it, or perhaps, many in the future who look back on things.

Perhaps I should hire you as a note taker for future events.

Written By Khanne

April 25, 2018, 4:13 p.m.(8/13/1008 AR)

It was a long time coming, but.... finally, I held an open talk in the Grove the other night. It was open to anyone who wanted to come ask shamans questions about the Spirits, what we do, Shamanism... or things along those lines. And boy, did they ever ask questions. I never imagined so many would come to do so... and many that have only more questions. I think the Spirit Walkers are going to try to hose such an event once a month or two... clearly, there is a desire or willingness to learn more. And knowledge is the key to opening so many doors.

I want to thank you all for coming. I have taken the names of those who wished more private meetings, and I will get to you all as soon as my busy schedule allows.

Thank you. And thank you as well to Master Brewer Venturo Thayne who sold me a lovely whiskey to offer to our guests.

Written By Khanne

April 22, 2018, 10:49 p.m.(8/8/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Laric

I suddenly want to find the perfect gift for you....

Written By Khanne

April 22, 2018, 7:48 p.m.(8/8/1008 AR)

My birthday is mere days away. I just noticed, really. I don't pay much attention to the date usually, but as I sit here skimming over some of the most recent white journals, the date caught my attention.

It is that time for me to look back at the past year again. So much has happened, for good and bad.

Stormwall was one of the hardest fought battles I have ever experienced first hand, and telling that many families that their loved one would not return to them... was humbling and difficult. I am ever proud of the resilience of our people in the face of hardship. I can never thank them enough for their sacrifices, but at the same time... I know I don't need to. We do what we must for the good of all, for the strength of the Compact.

I have formed even stronger bonds to friends who are like family to me. I have progressed my own studies and helped to guide others. I have worked so hard.... I often say, I'd like a small vacation, a break... but the truth is (and everyone who knows me knows this, I am sure), I wouldn't be able to relax knowing there are things that need my attention. And still, always, there are too many things that need my attention. The Spirit Walkers has exploded with new members. New shamans and spiritualists who have come to the city. Others who have recently returned. I look back to those years ago when the four of us, Drea, Rowan, Cybele, and myself, worked to begin our little group. And now, with so many here, so many involved... I realize the org has to change a bit to accommodate the growth. It has outgrown its original purpose, and over the next few weeks, I hope to have things hammered out a bit more.

Of course, the biggest change in my life is that I am married. Even now, I can't help but smile writing that. Lord Percephon Halfshav has filled my life with so much love and happiness, I truly cannot believe how lucky I am to be wed to him. He has already worked so hard for Halfshave, for Redrain. We are, truly, the perfect match. However, I know people don't like gushing much in journals, so... I shall put any further sentiments today in my blacks. But my, how far we have come. Thank you, Perce. For everything.

And Happy Birthday to me.

Written By Khanne

April 10, 2018, 8:56 a.m.(7/11/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Agatha

If you are interested in shark wrestling....

Have I got a story for you.....

It all began one day when I was on a ship, far out in the ocean. And, I saw fit to..... dive in.

The rest is best told in person.

Written By Khanne

April 9, 2018, 4:28 p.m.(7/9/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Fianna

Actually, it told her it was 42.

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