Written By Samantha
Dec. 29, 2016, 2:12 p.m.(7/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
I believe the reason so many women find him attractive is because he is so stoic. The allure is the prospect of being singular in making him smile, and knowing one is special for that. It speaks to a woman's desire, and her sense of challenge.
I enjoy making him smile. But I also enjoy his bearing, his dedication, his intelligence, his earnestness, his patience, and his sensibilities of justice, fairness, and honor.
I enjoy making him smile. But I also enjoy his bearing, his dedication, his intelligence, his earnestness, his patience, and his sensibilities of justice, fairness, and honor.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 29, 2016, 2:07 p.m.(7/8/1005 AR)
"You are a daisy in a field of dandelions."
That is what he said.
That is what he said.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:23 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
Have you ever met someone that you've looked at and felt like you were staring at a mirror's reflection? Not in the sense of being an exact copy, but rather, someone with so much similarity and intent of purpose as you, but seems to go about it in the same way you would. Where the Princess is fair, I am dark. Where the princess favors the tools of logistics and information to achieve understanding, I work with the tools of emotional appeal. She favors solitutude, I thrive on the energy of those around me. And yet we desire the same things, and in some ways the manner in which we structure our efforts to reach them are exactly alike. I don't know if this is the basis for a significant friendship or a frustrating clash of manner and a method, but I do think once we find our rhythm, we will be a formidable team.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 21, 2016, 4:11 p.m.(6/12/1005 AR)
I knew him. Horatio, who loved the beasts that slithered and and the insects that scurried. Perhaps not as well as many, and perhaps better than some.
Deepwood's roots and those of Mercier have long been entertwined. Sir Silas and Mistress Bethany were friends in my most tentative years, and their mother was my mother's lady-in-waiting. And as they grieved for my family, so I will grieve with them for their lost one. I hope his creatures are being cared for; he would want that.
Deepwood's roots and those of Mercier have long been entertwined. Sir Silas and Mistress Bethany were friends in my most tentative years, and their mother was my mother's lady-in-waiting. And as they grieved for my family, so I will grieve with them for their lost one. I hope his creatures are being cared for; he would want that.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 15, 2016, 1:42 a.m.(5/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
We first met at the Redrain bear fight, but had a longer encounter in the training center. I'm impressed with any man who can acknowledged his actions may have been flawed and seek to improve himself. He was willing to fight so that I might observe, and I get the impression that he smiled more while speaking to me than he may have total in the past month.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 15, 2016, 1:28 a.m.(5/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Barric is trying to become the hero he has always wanted to be. When I look at him, I see both the determined boy doing sword drills outside my window when we were young, and as the man I'm coming to know and appreciate more and more each day.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 9, 2016, 4:12 p.m.(5/4/1005 AR)
It is probably best that I reserve my passions for causes, not people, from now on.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 8, 2016, 4:21 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
It is a truth nigh-universal that the state of thralldom is only a scant step above the institution of slavery. The premise of this system is that of indentured servitude, with few if ever any earning their wage with the intent to release them from their eventual debt. More frequently thralls die in servitude, and it is not unknown for their debt to be further passed down to their offspring, who must in turn engage themselves into the system in order to pay it off, while acruing more debt.
It is also a truth night-universal that the institution of thralldom is regarded in disdain by almost all the regions of our great kingdom, save amongst the Thrax, from which it originates. In the past, thralls who have escaped have been welcomed into the service of other lords and masters in order to prevent their return to such a demeaning and inhumane circumstance. However, this was done as a quiet measure, with no one truly daring to openly challenge the convention. Until now, all objection has been subversive. But if the nobility ofour great land is to truly act in the name of the people they have by the grace of the Gods been granted to lead, this social construct must be confronted, and a solution must be sought.
Dear friends, it may seem on the surface that an immediate abolishment of thralldom is the natural conclusion to such thoughts, however that is the furthest from the case. It is important to remember that the House of Thrax and its banner Houses are strong, providing members of our great land, and to simply insist that they revert an entrenched element of their culture and economy would be to do them a disservice. We must not throw the lives of so many into chaos, not only those who gain directly from thralldom, but also those who live simpler lives that are dependent on a secure economy and would suffer as a result of too swift a change, and for thralls themselves, who would eventually need to realize a new way of thinking about their personal value and worth. Change and growth are painful processes, but with guidance and support, great change for the betterment of all men and women may happen.
I do not believe that all Thrax or all of their bannermen believe in maintenance of this institution, but are perhaps cautious of speaking out against it. They are a proud, strong people. If any were able to face such a significant alteration of their lives and culture, it would be them.
But what solutions may we offer, to ease the pains that would surely come from such a deconstruction? How can we buffer our fellows who, if they choose to commit to this course, will surely suffer from the loss of an established institution? Can solutions be found at the Crown level? Through the support of the other Great Houses? Perhaps, if House Thrax is so willing, a kind of council can be formed to discuss the topic of gradual abolishment in a way that minimizes the impact.
All men and women deserve the right to shape their destiny in as much as they are able, in the loyal and willing service to those responsible for their mutual care. To trap any in less is to reduce them to a state of chattel. If your great kingdom is to be a beacon of true greatness and utopia, we can no longer quietly avoid the inequality present within the realm. It must be faced head on, but respectfully and with consideration for those who will need to prepare for the brunt of this change. Anyone familiar with the natural world knows this to be true: the strongest creatures of the forest and sea survive by adapting to their circumstances. It is not easy, but for doing so, they become stronger, swifter, and more powerful than before. If we can succeed in this my friends, it makes not just the House of Thrax more powerful, but it will bring greater power to us all, throughout the realm.
It is also a truth night-universal that the institution of thralldom is regarded in disdain by almost all the regions of our great kingdom, save amongst the Thrax, from which it originates. In the past, thralls who have escaped have been welcomed into the service of other lords and masters in order to prevent their return to such a demeaning and inhumane circumstance. However, this was done as a quiet measure, with no one truly daring to openly challenge the convention. Until now, all objection has been subversive. But if the nobility ofour great land is to truly act in the name of the people they have by the grace of the Gods been granted to lead, this social construct must be confronted, and a solution must be sought.
Dear friends, it may seem on the surface that an immediate abolishment of thralldom is the natural conclusion to such thoughts, however that is the furthest from the case. It is important to remember that the House of Thrax and its banner Houses are strong, providing members of our great land, and to simply insist that they revert an entrenched element of their culture and economy would be to do them a disservice. We must not throw the lives of so many into chaos, not only those who gain directly from thralldom, but also those who live simpler lives that are dependent on a secure economy and would suffer as a result of too swift a change, and for thralls themselves, who would eventually need to realize a new way of thinking about their personal value and worth. Change and growth are painful processes, but with guidance and support, great change for the betterment of all men and women may happen.
I do not believe that all Thrax or all of their bannermen believe in maintenance of this institution, but are perhaps cautious of speaking out against it. They are a proud, strong people. If any were able to face such a significant alteration of their lives and culture, it would be them.
But what solutions may we offer, to ease the pains that would surely come from such a deconstruction? How can we buffer our fellows who, if they choose to commit to this course, will surely suffer from the loss of an established institution? Can solutions be found at the Crown level? Through the support of the other Great Houses? Perhaps, if House Thrax is so willing, a kind of council can be formed to discuss the topic of gradual abolishment in a way that minimizes the impact.
All men and women deserve the right to shape their destiny in as much as they are able, in the loyal and willing service to those responsible for their mutual care. To trap any in less is to reduce them to a state of chattel. If your great kingdom is to be a beacon of true greatness and utopia, we can no longer quietly avoid the inequality present within the realm. It must be faced head on, but respectfully and with consideration for those who will need to prepare for the brunt of this change. Anyone familiar with the natural world knows this to be true: the strongest creatures of the forest and sea survive by adapting to their circumstances. It is not easy, but for doing so, they become stronger, swifter, and more powerful than before. If we can succeed in this my friends, it makes not just the House of Thrax more powerful, but it will bring greater power to us all, throughout the realm.
Written By Samantha
Dec. 6, 2016, 6:34 p.m.(4/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
If she is a prime example of the nature of House Redrain, then I truly regret not having gotten to know Old Oak's distant western neighbors until now. What a marvelous woman!
Written By Samantha
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:58 p.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Runa
What an incredibly sharp, astute mind. Her aid will be invaluable, as will her friendship.
Written By Samantha
Nov. 21, 2016, 12:19 p.m.(3/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
One might imagine that we are two people who could not be more diametrically opposed in air and principle, but I found Prince Abbas surprisingly amenable. It's simply a matter of different avenues toward reaching the same goal. There are always friends you know you will argue with about important things, and I appear to have made one in him. I hope everything he told me about his hopes for Thrax are true, and I will be forever grateful for the gift he gave me, even knowing he had little to gain for it.
Written By Samantha
Nov. 18, 2016, 10:42 a.m.(2/25/1005 AR)
It is never easy to explain to people how what happened to me as a child lives so presently in my mind. Duke Gabriel once told me this is something he has sometimes seen in his soldiers, especially after a particularly brutal encounter. Despite moving on with their lives, in some ways they are still on the battlefield.
I was witness to unspeakable carnage and utterly helpless at the time. To allow myself to be helpless again, even for something as potentially pleasurable as a beauty treatment, took far more than I think the other ladies realized, and it's not as if I would drag the party down by explaining myself.
The end result was entirely lovely, I don't remember my skin feeling so much like silk before. And I think, in the right environment, I'd do it again. But the fear is not entirely conquered.
I was witness to unspeakable carnage and utterly helpless at the time. To allow myself to be helpless again, even for something as potentially pleasurable as a beauty treatment, took far more than I think the other ladies realized, and it's not as if I would drag the party down by explaining myself.
The end result was entirely lovely, I don't remember my skin feeling so much like silk before. And I think, in the right environment, I'd do it again. But the fear is not entirely conquered.
Written By Samantha
Nov. 15, 2016, 10:29 a.m.(2/16/1005 AR)
Dawn's investiture as Regent was almost a non-issue, and I'm glad for it. I hope I was able to do my small part in making it happen. Even if the evening before did not go off quite as I had hoped. But that's trivial.
We may be at war. The Gray Forest has been visited with atrocities the likes of which from the sound of it would make what I experienced in my childhood a day in the sun. Old Oak is a place of peace and trade, and we have very little in the way of a military. I am dispatching messages back home to bolster our defenses, but I am not prepared to order conscription just yet. The nobility throw away common lives far too easily and commoners are always the first to day in defense of the nation. For any man to do this with a willing heart, we must be a nation worth dying for.
I have received an offer of marriage. It would solve a great many problems, and open the door to a plethora of new ones.
We may be at war. The Gray Forest has been visited with atrocities the likes of which from the sound of it would make what I experienced in my childhood a day in the sun. Old Oak is a place of peace and trade, and we have very little in the way of a military. I am dispatching messages back home to bolster our defenses, but I am not prepared to order conscription just yet. The nobility throw away common lives far too easily and commoners are always the first to day in defense of the nation. For any man to do this with a willing heart, we must be a nation worth dying for.
I have received an offer of marriage. It would solve a great many problems, and open the door to a plethora of new ones.
Written By Samantha
Oct. 31, 2016, 12:06 a.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
I attended the sailing party hosted by Princess Donella and Duchess Nadia. My first time on a ship, and apparently I am not prone to sea-sickness, for which I am thankful.
Dawn was there, and I was able to express to her how much I respected her, and wanted to help in asserting how much I wished for her to be respected by others. Despite that, she still holds my friendship in warm regard, and so I can simply call her Dawn with good grace.
I've recently made friends in the forms of Princess Natalia and Lady Juliet. Both of them are far more adept socially than me, and I've taken to watching them as they interact with others. Lady Juliet seems the sort who flirts with anyone she finds lovely, and I confess to it being a bit confusing. I think they may both see me as some kind of wide eyed doe, but they've also never seen me on the floor of the Assembly. Of course, in the social arena, I rather am a wide eyed doe.
Prince Jarek wants to speak further with me about the clinic, and Lord Damon danced with me. I'm certain he was only being polite, but I hope to speak to him again, as apparently he has an academic nature.
The most magnificent part of the whole event was seeing the sea light up from within. Apparently there are creatures who live under the surface who produce the glow, and there are all manner of stories - myths and legends about them. I am curious about their biology, as I am curious about many things, but I simply don't have the time time to spare to learn as much as I'd like. If I don't speak for Old Oak and those else who have no voice, who will?
Dawn was there, and I was able to express to her how much I respected her, and wanted to help in asserting how much I wished for her to be respected by others. Despite that, she still holds my friendship in warm regard, and so I can simply call her Dawn with good grace.
I've recently made friends in the forms of Princess Natalia and Lady Juliet. Both of them are far more adept socially than me, and I've taken to watching them as they interact with others. Lady Juliet seems the sort who flirts with anyone she finds lovely, and I confess to it being a bit confusing. I think they may both see me as some kind of wide eyed doe, but they've also never seen me on the floor of the Assembly. Of course, in the social arena, I rather am a wide eyed doe.
Prince Jarek wants to speak further with me about the clinic, and Lord Damon danced with me. I'm certain he was only being polite, but I hope to speak to him again, as apparently he has an academic nature.
The most magnificent part of the whole event was seeing the sea light up from within. Apparently there are creatures who live under the surface who produce the glow, and there are all manner of stories - myths and legends about them. I am curious about their biology, as I am curious about many things, but I simply don't have the time time to spare to learn as much as I'd like. If I don't speak for Old Oak and those else who have no voice, who will?
Written By Samantha
Oct. 21, 2016, 12:22 p.m.(11/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
I'm not one to deny Michael's faults. He is arrogant and needs to be a lot more humble about his place in the world; he needs to understand that even if your position is granted by birth, you're obligated to do well in order to earn respect. It's going to be a hard lesson when he finally realizes it. Regardless, I have effectively been his elder sister ever since I was fostered by the Bislands. I always made sure he was included in our childhood games. If he can move past his sense of entitlement he will become the great man he hopes to be, and I will do everything I can to help him achieve that goal.
Written By Samantha
Oct. 12, 2016, 12:35 p.m.(10/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Iona
As Duke Gabriel served to be a surrogate father, Duchess Iona was my mother in much the same way. If one were to point at the most influential person in making me the person I am today, it is her. By her example, I found my voice to speak for the people. I hope she is proud of me, and I hope I never do anything to destroy that sense of pride.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 27, 2016, 2:19 p.m.(9/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
In my heart, I know that he does not deserve to be blamed for what has happened to me. But it's hard for me to look at him, see those tattoos, the shape of his face, and not recall the horror of what I have known. It is not his fault. He deserves to be treated as an individual, worthy of judgment by virtue of his own accomplishments and failures. And so that is what I shall try to do.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 27, 2016, 1:54 p.m.(9/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
I confess to being uncertain as to how to sum up my feelings regarding Prince Gareth. We are both survivors of shav atrocities, even if he wears his trauma on the outside as mine is hidden within. He is eloquent and witty and intelligent, all features I appreciate. I could even call him handsome despite the scar. But he carries his pain like he himself is a walking wound, and like any animal in pain, lashes out at others. Not to mention his vocation is appalling. And yet...I think he is lonely. If I continue to maintain a presence in his company, I may enjoy myself, but must remember at the end of everything, who and what he is.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:07 p.m.(9/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
I remember him, in those days after what happened. We were both little, and he was always trying to find ways to make me smile without making me feel as if what happened was something to be dismissed. Silas has a sense of daring to him that reminds me that risks are worth taking. I hope he has occasion to rise. He deserves it.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 26, 2016, 11:43 a.m.(9/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
For as long as I can remember, Barric has wanted to be a hero. Like his cousin Dawn, he was frequently around in my early years under Duke Gabriel's roof and one of a small group of us who maintained friendships as children. He was practically the Duke's shadow back then. I haven't seen much of him in the past few years as our obligations have taken us on different paths.
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