Written By Medeia
Sept. 15, 2021, 1:49 a.m.(3/16/1016 AR)
I got to spend time with my cousin, Lady Carissa Malespero, during my birthday! It was shaping up to be a rather mundane passing - missives to reply to, notes to review, lessons to plan, but she came by and stayed a while. We don't get to spend nearly enough time together, and I couldn't have asked for a better gift than time with my family. She got to see the twins, who are back in the city. They're getting so big. They'll be a year old in a month! That seems impossible.
I do hope Neilda, wherever she is lately, had a good birthday. I haven't see her since before the battle at Pieros. That's nearing a year past, too. I'm almost scared to blink, wondering what I might miss as time passes so quickly. So many projects are in a state of half-done. Maybe my sister has the right idea; passing the days at sea may be less busy.
And Cesare, my incredible, hardworking, gorgeous protege, I hope his birthday was indulgent. If it wasn't? I will simply have to make up for it at our party later.
I do hope Neilda, wherever she is lately, had a good birthday. I haven't see her since before the battle at Pieros. That's nearing a year past, too. I'm almost scared to blink, wondering what I might miss as time passes so quickly. So many projects are in a state of half-done. Maybe my sister has the right idea; passing the days at sea may be less busy.
And Cesare, my incredible, hardworking, gorgeous protege, I hope his birthday was indulgent. If it wasn't? I will simply have to make up for it at our party later.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 11, 2021, 9:11 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
The selfishness of using a proclamation that is meant to be celebratory and using it to push a personal agenda that hurts the very people meant to be celebrated is inexcusable. Whether noble or common born, one should be able to recognize when it is their turn to sit back and uplift others.
I am no fool. I listen when others speak. I have heard the arguments others have made against neo-nobles when I have been in support of them. Even I cannot find a way to spin Count Amadeo's recent actions. His choice, which I respect as his Skald-given right, was inarguably terrible. It is upsetting that the man who was entrusted with the stewardship of the people of Bravura - in the wake of the pain and destruction they endured because of the Argento war - has failed to understand the duties he was elevated to perform. If he truly has no interest in performing them, he should set aside his given nobility. It isn't as if he doesn't have plenty to fall back on.
"Loyalty knows no bounds." Those are the words of House Amadeo. The count's loyalty to his people has found its bounds. However, I wouldn't implicate Lord Orland in the same breath. Appointing the young man as Voice has been a good decision on the count's part. When the Tydelands were dealt the tragic loss of Astarrea and House Melaeris, Lord Orland was the one who stepped forward to join Amadeo's ships to Eswynd's in remapping the affected coasts. His genuine care for aiding the Compact in that moment made it so that the Physicians Guild fleet could safely navigate and deploy assistance to those who needed food and medical care. Lord Orland has been essential to having Bravura's ports aid in trade arrangements and projects with Proscipi, Eswynd, and Shepherd. He has sought out training as a knight, and an archlector of the Faith serves as his patron.
The situation is more complicated than just that, however. Stability is vital. The Lycene isles have been subjected to upheavals, seemingly ceaselessly, for over a decade now. What should be a strengthening union has highlighted the divisions we face throughout the Compact. It would be imprudent to paint all neo-nobles with the brush Count Amadeo holds, but he has certainly done them no favors.
I am no fool. I listen when others speak. I have heard the arguments others have made against neo-nobles when I have been in support of them. Even I cannot find a way to spin Count Amadeo's recent actions. His choice, which I respect as his Skald-given right, was inarguably terrible. It is upsetting that the man who was entrusted with the stewardship of the people of Bravura - in the wake of the pain and destruction they endured because of the Argento war - has failed to understand the duties he was elevated to perform. If he truly has no interest in performing them, he should set aside his given nobility. It isn't as if he doesn't have plenty to fall back on.
"Loyalty knows no bounds." Those are the words of House Amadeo. The count's loyalty to his people has found its bounds. However, I wouldn't implicate Lord Orland in the same breath. Appointing the young man as Voice has been a good decision on the count's part. When the Tydelands were dealt the tragic loss of Astarrea and House Melaeris, Lord Orland was the one who stepped forward to join Amadeo's ships to Eswynd's in remapping the affected coasts. His genuine care for aiding the Compact in that moment made it so that the Physicians Guild fleet could safely navigate and deploy assistance to those who needed food and medical care. Lord Orland has been essential to having Bravura's ports aid in trade arrangements and projects with Proscipi, Eswynd, and Shepherd. He has sought out training as a knight, and an archlector of the Faith serves as his patron.
The situation is more complicated than just that, however. Stability is vital. The Lycene isles have been subjected to upheavals, seemingly ceaselessly, for over a decade now. What should be a strengthening union has highlighted the divisions we face throughout the Compact. It would be imprudent to paint all neo-nobles with the brush Count Amadeo holds, but he has certainly done them no favors.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 2, 2021, 10:05 a.m.(2/18/1016 AR)
There are some memories of my youth that are coming back to me, lately, and instead of inspiring sadness at what was tainted and lost? They make me smile. They are moments that I will never get back, but I had the fortune of living them. There are some memories that I will never recall, others altered irreparably. But whether they were happy or sad, I had the fortune of living those, too. It has felt easy, or if not easy then less complicated, to retreat into smallness that steals opportunities to make new memories.
Let's make new memories. Flood the world with stories. Take chances. It can't all be tainted and stolen from us.
Can it?
Let's make new memories. Flood the world with stories. Take chances. It can't all be tainted and stolen from us.
Can it?
Written By Medeia
Aug. 31, 2021, 5:12 p.m.(2/15/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
I have been blessed in my search for knowledge on knights to meet Sir Corban Telmar. A pair of chance encounters on the same day led to enlightening conversation. The man sent me away with a list of books to read and an invitation to observe the King's Own in training. I have known knights, before, but to have found myself graced with the First Captain's tutelage has been an eye opening experience.
I was surprised to find the books he had written contained much of my own values and beliefs. Perhaps it should not have been so surprising, given we were both raised within the Faith and Compact, but on the surface? The differences between a knight from the Oathlands and a Lycene married into the Isles can seem stark. It was interesting to find that I have even behaved like a knight in several situations. Sir Corban is a skilled writer, which he will likely deny, but he made the information simple to understand without feeling as though anything was being lost.
When the opportunity to observe the training came about, I stood with a small gathering that watched the knights do drills in awe. One little boy declared he would grow up to be a knight just like them. I made the child a deal - I hope he holds to it. The training, however, was worth the awe of the spectators. To my eye? They performed flawlessly under Sir Corban's command. I am grateful for his patience and humor in helping me gain a better understanding of the commitments knights make.
I was surprised to find the books he had written contained much of my own values and beliefs. Perhaps it should not have been so surprising, given we were both raised within the Faith and Compact, but on the surface? The differences between a knight from the Oathlands and a Lycene married into the Isles can seem stark. It was interesting to find that I have even behaved like a knight in several situations. Sir Corban is a skilled writer, which he will likely deny, but he made the information simple to understand without feeling as though anything was being lost.
When the opportunity to observe the training came about, I stood with a small gathering that watched the knights do drills in awe. One little boy declared he would grow up to be a knight just like them. I made the child a deal - I hope he holds to it. The training, however, was worth the awe of the spectators. To my eye? They performed flawlessly under Sir Corban's command. I am grateful for his patience and humor in helping me gain a better understanding of the commitments knights make.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 19, 2021, 10:14 p.m.(1/19/1016 AR)
I had the absolute pleasure of being a model on behalf of House Blackram at the request of Duchess Isabeau and Lady Ivy. The outfit I was given is a stunning, vivid green wrap dress of their Cloudspine cashmere - made from the wool of Blackram's golden fainter goats! It's soft and warm and cozy, like wearing a hug. I hope I will be forgiven for wearing it all winter - it's perfect.
I didn't get to wear the velvet, but it is lovely. And also woolen! How novel.
I didn't get to wear the velvet, but it is lovely. And also woolen! How novel.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 14, 2021, 12:22 p.m.(1/8/1016 AR)
I have rejoined the Apothecary College, stepping back into the role of professor. It feels like the right choice to have made - insomuch as any choice is "right" or "wrong" as opposed to simply "yours." I was able to teach a class on chamomile and meadowsweet, despite the snow. And the conservatory is nearly ready to host events! All of the transplanting was done just at the turn of season, creating a gorgeous space full of greenery and blooms just in time for the outside to become blanketed in white. A few more cushioned chairs are needed, I think, to make everything nice and cozy.
I have projects enough to keep me busy through the winter, and exciting things coming for spring. I spent some time catching up with Haakon's cousin, Lady Temira, recently! It is good to have her in the city. She has agreed to let me take her out one evening to meet people. Hopefully soon. And I taught Marquessa Cassiopeia how to make a snowball. Have you ever seen someone experience the excitement of something new? I highly recommend that. It was a fun (and cold) afternoon spent with her and Lord Titus. There may have been talk of a north-south snowball fight. Admittedly, my loyalties are torn in such a case. Am I the southerner I was born as and spent more than 20 years being? Or am I a northerner, having married and adapted to the chilling lands of Eswynd? Whichever I am, it turns out I enjoy a snowball fight. The marquessa is a worthy opponent.
I have projects enough to keep me busy through the winter, and exciting things coming for spring. I spent some time catching up with Haakon's cousin, Lady Temira, recently! It is good to have her in the city. She has agreed to let me take her out one evening to meet people. Hopefully soon. And I taught Marquessa Cassiopeia how to make a snowball. Have you ever seen someone experience the excitement of something new? I highly recommend that. It was a fun (and cold) afternoon spent with her and Lord Titus. There may have been talk of a north-south snowball fight. Admittedly, my loyalties are torn in such a case. Am I the southerner I was born as and spent more than 20 years being? Or am I a northerner, having married and adapted to the chilling lands of Eswynd? Whichever I am, it turns out I enjoy a snowball fight. The marquessa is a worthy opponent.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 13, 2021, 2:04 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
At some point in this life, I was granted the opportunity to become friends with Thea. And I am fairly certain that between her and Neilda, I have aged some 20 years beyond my youth due to trying to keep them alive. Caring for someone as if they are family when they are as stubborn and as apt to sacrifice their own safety for another as yourself is a special kind of torment. You want to be proud of them for doing what is right, while also being angry that they would enter dangerous situations; the feeling of relief when you know they will be okay mingling with the gut-churning horror of realizing you could have lost them forever is so terribly human. But that feeling reminds you of what love is. In this case, love for a friend so close they may as well be your sister.
It's funny, isn't it? How we can be so frustrated with someone that we want to shake them until they fall apart, but if anyone else dares to speak against them, we would stop the shaking to take up sword in their defense?
And now I get to be "auntie Deia" again. I can remind little Lord Calo Wyvernheart how I welcomed him to the world when he is caught trying to put a newt in my cloak hood (look at his parents and tell me that won't happen). For every obnoxious gift Thea gives my children, I can now return the favor. Oh, this friendship may be the death of us both. But I know that Eswynd and Wyvernheart will be friends after we are gone as we raise our children together.
It's funny, isn't it? How we can be so frustrated with someone that we want to shake them until they fall apart, but if anyone else dares to speak against them, we would stop the shaking to take up sword in their defense?
And now I get to be "auntie Deia" again. I can remind little Lord Calo Wyvernheart how I welcomed him to the world when he is caught trying to put a newt in my cloak hood (look at his parents and tell me that won't happen). For every obnoxious gift Thea gives my children, I can now return the favor. Oh, this friendship may be the death of us both. But I know that Eswynd and Wyvernheart will be friends after we are gone as we raise our children together.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 9, 2021, 11:50 a.m.(12/26/1015 AR)
There have been many ups and downs in the past few weeks. I'd like to believe there were more ups. But to say that my emotions are in a tangle would be a generous representation of my state of mind. I find some comfort in one thing: Before all else, I am human. A sister, daughter, mother, wife, friend, confidante, patron, physician, vintner. A noble of the Compact. I am all these things and more, but I am human at the core of it and liable to misstep as humans do.
When discussing recent missteps with my patron, she asked me what I would do differently, if I could. It was a good question to ask, but in the moment? I deflected with humor. This is something I do often - whenever I am uncomfortable, or trying to ease the mind of a patient, or feel a need to respond before I have fully considered my response. And so, perhaps? I might strive to withhold my responses until they are better considered. Gain more control over my emotions. This has ever been a challenge for me; my feelings have always been big and strong and far less tame than one might hope.
Other advice I have been given recently was to say nothing further. To let the matter slip from the consciousness of the public as it will. And I appreciate that advice. It may even be the correct course. Yet, I can admit when I was wrong. I am capable of learning and growth, of reflection and change. And so I wish to apologize for my flippant, dismissive response to Duke Malcolm's proclamation. Regardless of my intentions or actual thoughts on the matter, the words that I chose to release publicly were in poor taste and did not convey my beliefs accurately.
I have many knights among those I consider dear, and I am shamed to have disrespected them so carelessly. I have reached out to a few so that I might learn more about their vows and oaths, the call they have answered, and the honorable duty they perform. I look forward to hearing their stories and better understanding how I can support them in the future.
When discussing recent missteps with my patron, she asked me what I would do differently, if I could. It was a good question to ask, but in the moment? I deflected with humor. This is something I do often - whenever I am uncomfortable, or trying to ease the mind of a patient, or feel a need to respond before I have fully considered my response. And so, perhaps? I might strive to withhold my responses until they are better considered. Gain more control over my emotions. This has ever been a challenge for me; my feelings have always been big and strong and far less tame than one might hope.
Other advice I have been given recently was to say nothing further. To let the matter slip from the consciousness of the public as it will. And I appreciate that advice. It may even be the correct course. Yet, I can admit when I was wrong. I am capable of learning and growth, of reflection and change. And so I wish to apologize for my flippant, dismissive response to Duke Malcolm's proclamation. Regardless of my intentions or actual thoughts on the matter, the words that I chose to release publicly were in poor taste and did not convey my beliefs accurately.
I have many knights among those I consider dear, and I am shamed to have disrespected them so carelessly. I have reached out to a few so that I might learn more about their vows and oaths, the call they have answered, and the honorable duty they perform. I look forward to hearing their stories and better understanding how I can support them in the future.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 6, 2021, 10:35 p.m.(12/21/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
I still don't know how I managed to go two years in the city without attending one of Lady Mabelle's events. It wasn't something I was avoiding! Circumstances just always seemed to prevent me from being able to go. I learned today that that was a shame, and the situation has finally been rectified. The Honey Festival at the Laurent estate was magnificent! The food and drink were delicious and filling, the company was of the highest quality, and the games. Well, I didn't embarrass myself too terribly. I even won a prize!
I've been lucky enough to convince the lady of the merit of some of my projects, and her expertise is a boon to me as I navigate these new challenges. And now I see that I need to make a greater effort to clear my schedule whenever she hosts a party! We all deserve to take a break and enjoy ourselves from time to time.
I've been lucky enough to convince the lady of the merit of some of my projects, and her expertise is a boon to me as I navigate these new challenges. And now I see that I need to make a greater effort to clear my schedule whenever she hosts a party! We all deserve to take a break and enjoy ourselves from time to time.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 4, 2021, 3:38 p.m.(12/17/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
Earlier, I had the joy of being the first to welcome the newest Saiks to the world. Lord Brio and Lady Coda, perfectly named in honor of their musical parents, are delightful. I'll never stop being amazed by just how tiny babies are. Toes like little garden peas! I've already promised Coda a pony. And if we're being honest? I'll probably buy Brio his first sword. Thankfully, I have a sister-by-marriage who doesn't seem overly concerned about my indulgent auntie behaviors. And who is incredibly strong. Don't underestimate her! That poor maid is going to have a bruised hand for a while.
Jokes aside - not the maid's hand, that isn't a joke, this woman has given me the opportunities I needed to set myself on a course I can be proud of. And I may misstep at times, but she can see the good intentions I carry. I'm so happy to be able to continue to serve my families both with her understanding.
Jokes aside - not the maid's hand, that isn't a joke, this woman has given me the opportunities I needed to set myself on a course I can be proud of. And I may misstep at times, but she can see the good intentions I carry. I'm so happy to be able to continue to serve my families both with her understanding.
Written By Medeia
July 30, 2021, 6:08 p.m.(12/7/1015 AR)
The task of the peers is to lead. Some might say rule. I would offer steward, shepherd, manage, administrate, guide, influence... Care for. My duty as a noblewoman is to the people sworn to my house. As one married into my house, I am meant to be the bridge that unites Eswynd and Saik. Being born to the peerage does not make me better than anyone else. It does, however, bestow upon me expectations of being better. Of doing better. Of stepping forward to do what is right and just on behalf of others. I firmly believe that the nobility is in service to the people of the Compact.
If our people are starving after crop failure while we parade around the city in brand new luxury fabrics? We are not performing our duty. A sign of struggle for our people while we flourish is a failure of ours to honor the oaths sworn to us. We come to the city to create trade amongst us, to provide opportunities for growth and learning, to bolster our defenses. While we are all of the Compact and should consider each other allies, we make more formal alliances to strengthen our houses - and the Compact as a whole. We marry our family members off and ask them to accept that their marriage is not based on love for their spouse, but love for the Compact.
To claim that Prodigals cannot bend knee to the Compact and be given noble roles is ridiculous. Those who are "given" nobility upon bending knee were already performing the duties of nobility for their people. For generations. They know their people best. They know their lands best. They know the other Shavs that may threaten those people and lands best. We need them! We need their knowledge, expertise. They support us, accept great change, and allow us to prosper rather than be spread too thin. There are those of you who would see the Abandoned all slaughtered to a man. How do you propose to handle the lands gained without the people to work them and protect them? Is it truly honorable?
Those who are elevated to the ranks of nobility are thus given the same expectations and opportunities to serve and strengthen their people and the Compact. And it is our place to help them. Extend a hand in friendship, in understanding of what they must become. We should be embracing them as peers, as our peers. They are opportunities for innovation, fortification, and perspective. They know how the people sworn to them live, firsthand, and can provide insights on how best to serve them.
A greater Compact is made through the acceptance of, the embrace of, Prodigals and neonobles. When we must stand against terrible threats to our existence against foreign armies, we will face better odds when we are united. All of Arvum.
If our people are starving after crop failure while we parade around the city in brand new luxury fabrics? We are not performing our duty. A sign of struggle for our people while we flourish is a failure of ours to honor the oaths sworn to us. We come to the city to create trade amongst us, to provide opportunities for growth and learning, to bolster our defenses. While we are all of the Compact and should consider each other allies, we make more formal alliances to strengthen our houses - and the Compact as a whole. We marry our family members off and ask them to accept that their marriage is not based on love for their spouse, but love for the Compact.
To claim that Prodigals cannot bend knee to the Compact and be given noble roles is ridiculous. Those who are "given" nobility upon bending knee were already performing the duties of nobility for their people. For generations. They know their people best. They know their lands best. They know the other Shavs that may threaten those people and lands best. We need them! We need their knowledge, expertise. They support us, accept great change, and allow us to prosper rather than be spread too thin. There are those of you who would see the Abandoned all slaughtered to a man. How do you propose to handle the lands gained without the people to work them and protect them? Is it truly honorable?
Those who are elevated to the ranks of nobility are thus given the same expectations and opportunities to serve and strengthen their people and the Compact. And it is our place to help them. Extend a hand in friendship, in understanding of what they must become. We should be embracing them as peers, as our peers. They are opportunities for innovation, fortification, and perspective. They know how the people sworn to them live, firsthand, and can provide insights on how best to serve them.
A greater Compact is made through the acceptance of, the embrace of, Prodigals and neonobles. When we must stand against terrible threats to our existence against foreign armies, we will face better odds when we are united. All of Arvum.
Written By Medeia
July 28, 2021, 2:06 p.m.(12/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
My dear tenth-cousin-by-choice by made the bold decision to knight all Graypeak mountain dogs in honor of the legacy of Boofus the Bold. When I told Butterpup that she was now Dame Butterpup, she smiled that wonderfully friendly smile of hers and devoured a chunk of pork roast. Though young, she has committed herself to the vigilant protection of myself and my children, especially against the scourge of mint plants which threaten to overtake my garden if not routed out with prejudice.
Am I condemning myself to some sort of social disgrace by finding a sliver of joy in this? Perhaps. The duke's aims are not malicious. There is no offense to knights, no lowering of regard for the sirs and dames of the land, meant in his decree. Well trained dogs will serve loyally, to the death even, protecting their people and people's property. They have souls, too. And so why shouldn't they be honored? Because they haven't words to speak an oath? If you have ever had a dog, you wouldn't need to hear it to know it is in their hearts. If we aren't to knight our dogs, then we should be equally dismayed at pets being given titles like lord or lady, duchess or princess. Are you not concerned about an animal being given presumed higher social rank than the baker who makes your bread?
Was the duke's choice silly? Frivolous? Of course. And yet people crowd the stands to watch a duel over the right to make puns about bees. Recent events have shown us that we don't know when the Queen will reclaim our souls. I don't intend to spend whatever remaining days or months or years I have snuffing out sparks of happiness.
Am I condemning myself to some sort of social disgrace by finding a sliver of joy in this? Perhaps. The duke's aims are not malicious. There is no offense to knights, no lowering of regard for the sirs and dames of the land, meant in his decree. Well trained dogs will serve loyally, to the death even, protecting their people and people's property. They have souls, too. And so why shouldn't they be honored? Because they haven't words to speak an oath? If you have ever had a dog, you wouldn't need to hear it to know it is in their hearts. If we aren't to knight our dogs, then we should be equally dismayed at pets being given titles like lord or lady, duchess or princess. Are you not concerned about an animal being given presumed higher social rank than the baker who makes your bread?
Was the duke's choice silly? Frivolous? Of course. And yet people crowd the stands to watch a duel over the right to make puns about bees. Recent events have shown us that we don't know when the Queen will reclaim our souls. I don't intend to spend whatever remaining days or months or years I have snuffing out sparks of happiness.
Written By Medeia
July 26, 2021, 1:29 a.m.(11/26/1015 AR)
(This entry is written in the lady's handwriting, but it is smudged in several places, possibly smeared with a bit of stray blood, and not as neat as usual.)
I started the day off being woken by the sound of my husband returning to our bedroom for the first time in months after being at sea. Was it this day? Perhaps it was yesterday, now. I jumped from the bed and into his arms, so happy I was to see him. It feels safe there. I intend to return there as soon as I have finished this writing.
When the messenger arrived calling for help at the hospital, I ran out of the hall without a second thought. Upon arrival, I relieved the lead physician and found myself in an unfortunately familiar scene. But the news coming in with the injured didn't make sense. It still doesn't, not really. Marquis Sanna is gone? Whisper House breached? I have no words for this.
What I do have is sanctuary. The ability to offer respite and healing. One need only ask.
I started the day off being woken by the sound of my husband returning to our bedroom for the first time in months after being at sea. Was it this day? Perhaps it was yesterday, now. I jumped from the bed and into his arms, so happy I was to see him. It feels safe there. I intend to return there as soon as I have finished this writing.
When the messenger arrived calling for help at the hospital, I ran out of the hall without a second thought. Upon arrival, I relieved the lead physician and found myself in an unfortunately familiar scene. But the news coming in with the injured didn't make sense. It still doesn't, not really. Marquis Sanna is gone? Whisper House breached? I have no words for this.
What I do have is sanctuary. The ability to offer respite and healing. One need only ask.
Written By Medeia
July 23, 2021, 10:19 a.m.(11/20/1015 AR)
There comes a point where one has added so much to something that it is no longer that something and becomes something else.
I expressed this in regard to spirits - the liquid kind which we drink. An example being the Fernerra produced in Saikland. Though it starts with grapes, like wine, it has many additional ingredients and a different finishing process. It is not a wine. It cannot be called a wine, even if it might start out similarly.
And it seems to apply in other areas. Add enough length and frill to a blouse? It is a dress. Add meat and vegetables to broth? Soup. Add training and conviction to a swordsman? Knight. (Sometimes.)
It stands to reason that, inversely, if you take enough away from something that it will cease to be that something and become something else.
Be mindful of creating desperation.
I expressed this in regard to spirits - the liquid kind which we drink. An example being the Fernerra produced in Saikland. Though it starts with grapes, like wine, it has many additional ingredients and a different finishing process. It is not a wine. It cannot be called a wine, even if it might start out similarly.
And it seems to apply in other areas. Add enough length and frill to a blouse? It is a dress. Add meat and vegetables to broth? Soup. Add training and conviction to a swordsman? Knight. (Sometimes.)
It stands to reason that, inversely, if you take enough away from something that it will cease to be that something and become something else.
Be mindful of creating desperation.
Written By Medeia
July 20, 2021, 11:26 a.m.(11/14/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Vitalis
Lord Vitalis has been kind enough to remind me that I have danced since my children were born. Thus, I submit this correction to my previous entry:
At last feast of summer at Eswyndol, Lord Vitalis Clement and I shared in a dance which came to an abrupt end as we nearly drowned one another. We were blessed by the presence and quick thinking of Cesare Whisper, who saved us from ourselves.
Perhaps I might be forgiven the forgetting?
At last feast of summer at Eswyndol, Lord Vitalis Clement and I shared in a dance which came to an abrupt end as we nearly drowned one another. We were blessed by the presence and quick thinking of Cesare Whisper, who saved us from ourselves.
Perhaps I might be forgiven the forgetting?
Written By Medeia
July 20, 2021, 12:45 a.m.(11/14/1015 AR)
I was recently made painfully aware that I have not danced since before Miklos and Savja were born. Well, that is not entirely true. I have danced on my own to a song hummed or sung to myself in the quiet of my garden or office. I have danced with them, pretending that I might be able to instill some aptitude during their earliest experiences to ensure they can dazzle at Lycene gatherings someday.
What I have not done in nearly a year is feel the thrill of a dance offer made or accepted, the flutter of those first few steps to get a feel for one another's competence and confidence. A good dance partner is someone you can trust to dip you to the floor and not smack your head against it. Or to lift you in the air and not allow you to fall. To hold you upright when all the twirling makes your head spin. In a dance there is give and take, both dancers performing a part of a whole. Particularly adept (and well suited) partners can hide missteps from observers, switch the lead effortlessly when one falters, and share their deepest secrets or complete a trade deal without anyone being the wiser once the dance is done.
This has been an accidental metaphor. But I am also open to invitations to dance. I should celebrate the second anniversary of my arrival in the city somehow.
What I have not done in nearly a year is feel the thrill of a dance offer made or accepted, the flutter of those first few steps to get a feel for one another's competence and confidence. A good dance partner is someone you can trust to dip you to the floor and not smack your head against it. Or to lift you in the air and not allow you to fall. To hold you upright when all the twirling makes your head spin. In a dance there is give and take, both dancers performing a part of a whole. Particularly adept (and well suited) partners can hide missteps from observers, switch the lead effortlessly when one falters, and share their deepest secrets or complete a trade deal without anyone being the wiser once the dance is done.
This has been an accidental metaphor. But I am also open to invitations to dance. I should celebrate the second anniversary of my arrival in the city somehow.
Written By Medeia
July 18, 2021, 11:39 a.m.(11/10/1015 AR)
There is nothing more terrifying or more worthwhile than surviving regardless of that which would see your story end. Every breath taken is an act of bravery and defiance. Every step is progress they wish had never happened. But they cannot undo you. The impact that you have made will still have affected the world in some way. All the actions we take change the world.
Oh, sure. There are exceptions. Someone could argue endlessly that I am wrong. I know a few ways in which I am wrong already. But those arguments can only happen with survivors.
Oh, sure. There are exceptions. Someone could argue endlessly that I am wrong. I know a few ways in which I am wrong already. But those arguments can only happen with survivors.
Written By Medeia
July 15, 2021, 5:12 p.m.(11/5/1015 AR)
The feast at Eswyndol the other night was certainly entertaining! I never expected the competition to end in a five-way tie, but the combatants were truly formidable. I ended up having to call the entire thing to an end for fear they'd cause deadly internal injuries before any of them yielded. If ever one should need a body between them and another who wishes them harm? Consider Prince Raimon Thrax, Count Drake Wyvernheart, Lady-General Piccola Tessere, or Messeres Raven and Wagner. Watching them fight was like watching a particularly brutal dance. There was an elegance in their ability to avoid each other, inspiration found in their relentless determination to stay on their feet. I am pleased to report that my concern over lasting injuries appears to have been outsized. They all were content enough with the bit of sport that they agreed to split the prize among them.
I believe I will have something special sent along to Archlector Giada. Never underestimate a Lycene; it will end poorly. She's an impressive person. And my gratitude is entirely Cesare's for his assistance getting everything ready for the feast. I've recovered most of my energy since my injury, but it will be a few more days before the stitches can come out. Bending and lifting are not good ideas, so having a pair of extra hands was a boon. Also, the evening resulted in me having reason to visit the Academy of War. I wouldn't blame them for thinking I'd gotten lost when I arrive! It should be interesting.
I believe I will have something special sent along to Archlector Giada. Never underestimate a Lycene; it will end poorly. She's an impressive person. And my gratitude is entirely Cesare's for his assistance getting everything ready for the feast. I've recovered most of my energy since my injury, but it will be a few more days before the stitches can come out. Bending and lifting are not good ideas, so having a pair of extra hands was a boon. Also, the evening resulted in me having reason to visit the Academy of War. I wouldn't blame them for thinking I'd gotten lost when I arrive! It should be interesting.
Written By Medeia
July 13, 2021, 1:40 a.m.(10/28/1015 AR)
A new box of coral from Eswynd Rock arrived today. It's so gorgeous in its natural state. I held up a piece in good light so the sparkle would be especially bright and moved it around for Miklos and Savja to see. They were thrilled with it. Seeing their smiles makes me feel like I could take on everything and win. I can't take on everything and win. But by the gods, they make me wish I could. I had Klavdiya and Loryk, and several extra guards help me take them to the sanctuary today so I could work on some of my lesson plans and sending off notes to patients. I had the chance to speak with Cesare for a short time while there, also. And then there was the Lyceum meeting. And so many other missives to respond to.
I know I'm supposed to be resting. I don't even remember what happened. One moment I was in the woods, the next I was waking up in a bed in the Saving Grace. I'm grateful for the fuss that Countess Thea, Ladies Kiera and Clarisse, Blessed Giada, Brothers Aelgar and Oswyn, and Messeres Evaristo and Zakhar have made over me. And I am given to understand I may owe Count Drake and Lord Marzio gifts of gratitude for ensuring my return home. I may not remember most of that fuss and aid, either, but the nurses did a good job of telling me who was looking out for me.
At least I won't have to worry about my husband learning I almost made him a widower while he was away; he never reads these. And no one is going to tell him because no one ever wants to be the one to face him bearing bad news.
I know I'm supposed to be resting. I don't even remember what happened. One moment I was in the woods, the next I was waking up in a bed in the Saving Grace. I'm grateful for the fuss that Countess Thea, Ladies Kiera and Clarisse, Blessed Giada, Brothers Aelgar and Oswyn, and Messeres Evaristo and Zakhar have made over me. And I am given to understand I may owe Count Drake and Lord Marzio gifts of gratitude for ensuring my return home. I may not remember most of that fuss and aid, either, but the nurses did a good job of telling me who was looking out for me.
At least I won't have to worry about my husband learning I almost made him a widower while he was away; he never reads these. And no one is going to tell him because no one ever wants to be the one to face him bearing bad news.
Written By Medeia
July 10, 2021, 10:38 a.m.(10/22/1015 AR)
There is, it seems, a word for everything. Across all the places of Aion, in all the languages to have been spoken or written or gestured, it is likely that all worldly experience has a word to fit it.
For instance, the back of the knee? You know, that hollow at the bend? Hough. The word for that is "hough." Or kneepit, if you insist.
And yet? I cannot find a word to describe the feeling of having a dog wake you up by licking your entire face. I suppose this is entirely my own fault for letting Butterpup sleep in the bedroom. She does help keep the house from feeling so empty, though. I'm starting to warm up to this "having pets" thing.
For instance, the back of the knee? You know, that hollow at the bend? Hough. The word for that is "hough." Or kneepit, if you insist.
And yet? I cannot find a word to describe the feeling of having a dog wake you up by licking your entire face. I suppose this is entirely my own fault for letting Butterpup sleep in the bedroom. She does help keep the house from feeling so empty, though. I'm starting to warm up to this "having pets" thing.
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