Written By Sydney
Aug. 30, 2020, 5:28 p.m.(12/8/1013 AR)
Winter is just around the corner. Two winters ago, I nearly froze to death in the streets, copperless and prideful.
I would wish that fate to none.
As you find yourself replacing your current wardrobe for more stylish winter fare, consider donating your old clothing to those who have need. I shall happily act as your go-between if you do not wish to set foot in the Lower Boroughs for whatever reason.
Besides, you'd then get the opportunity to meet me. That would rather be its own reward, would you not agree?
I would wish that fate to none.
As you find yourself replacing your current wardrobe for more stylish winter fare, consider donating your old clothing to those who have need. I shall happily act as your go-between if you do not wish to set foot in the Lower Boroughs for whatever reason.
Besides, you'd then get the opportunity to meet me. That would rather be its own reward, would you not agree?
Written By Sydney
Aug. 27, 2020, 10:35 p.m.(12/2/1013 AR)
Why is a book of fanciful nothings easier to read than knowledge which might actually amount to something?
I suppose for the same reason that we prefer to smoke when there is no cause for it, or drink whiskey instead of water. Still, I can't help but interrogate my reading list of late. I have tortuously labored through some brief folios about topics that should be of profound interest to me, but I find my concentration drifting to far-off tales of sellswords on quests to find long-lost holy relics, a man on each arm, and...
I am not advocating for this series. It's utter nonsense, but it's the sort of utter nonsense that I can curl up and keep myself warm with. The pages turn readily, and my mind drifts easily. The intimate scenes are written clumsily - the only time my bosom has heaved is after a long night of drinking - but I still keep turning the sharding pages as eagerly as going back for seconds at a dull party.
How utterly insipid, and how delightfully enjoyable.
I suppose for the same reason that we prefer to smoke when there is no cause for it, or drink whiskey instead of water. Still, I can't help but interrogate my reading list of late. I have tortuously labored through some brief folios about topics that should be of profound interest to me, but I find my concentration drifting to far-off tales of sellswords on quests to find long-lost holy relics, a man on each arm, and...
I am not advocating for this series. It's utter nonsense, but it's the sort of utter nonsense that I can curl up and keep myself warm with. The pages turn readily, and my mind drifts easily. The intimate scenes are written clumsily - the only time my bosom has heaved is after a long night of drinking - but I still keep turning the sharding pages as eagerly as going back for seconds at a dull party.
How utterly insipid, and how delightfully enjoyable.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 25, 2020, 9:56 p.m.(11/26/1013 AR)
Dream not of what you can change for yourself on the next turn of the wheel.
Everything you do in this turn, do it in full. There will always be regrets, but nothing stings more keenly than the opportunity not taken.
Everything you do in this turn, do it in full. There will always be regrets, but nothing stings more keenly than the opportunity not taken.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 23, 2020, 5:16 p.m.(11/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ras
The hardest part of any journey worth taking is working up the courage to actually take the first steps.
There should be nothing but praise for recognizing the weakness in yourself and making it a catalyst for your growth and change. There are many who will look upon your words with skepticism, but I am not among them. I look forward to watching the path you take, and the change you can cause without relying on your fists.
The irony is not lost on me, I assure you.
There should be nothing but praise for recognizing the weakness in yourself and making it a catalyst for your growth and change. There are many who will look upon your words with skepticism, but I am not among them. I look forward to watching the path you take, and the change you can cause without relying on your fists.
The irony is not lost on me, I assure you.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 23, 2020, 5:06 p.m.(11/22/1013 AR)
There are entirely too many ships.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 21, 2020, 10:24 p.m.(11/18/1013 AR)
I have been given a great deal to think about in recent days - frankly, more than I anticipated having to, given the nature of things. I look back on some of my earlier entries where I wrote with such passion and fervor, and I wonder where that version of myself got off to.
Merely consumed by other tasks that are of equal importance to her, I know.
All the same, I do hope she returns.
Merely consumed by other tasks that are of equal importance to her, I know.
All the same, I do hope she returns.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 16, 2020, 9:28 p.m.(11/8/1013 AR)
I will freely admit that I seldom have cause to ride horses in my day-to-day life. I haven't needed to since I was young, and I was clumsy at it for the time that I was able to ride, at that. Still, I consider myself capable of at least sitting in the saddle and guiding a horse where I want it to go much of the time.
The last horse I took out was a mare named Mahogany. I have no earthly idea why, but she seems to tolerate me far better than most of the horses I've ridden, and I find myself rather taken. I don't think there's any real danger of finding myself in a position to be prancing about on horseback much as a pugilist who largely remains in Arx, but I do have a journey coming up.
Perhaps she'll enjoy some time on the road to neighboring cities.
The last horse I took out was a mare named Mahogany. I have no earthly idea why, but she seems to tolerate me far better than most of the horses I've ridden, and I find myself rather taken. I don't think there's any real danger of finding myself in a position to be prancing about on horseback much as a pugilist who largely remains in Arx, but I do have a journey coming up.
Perhaps she'll enjoy some time on the road to neighboring cities.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 14, 2020, 6:14 p.m.(11/4/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tanith
I'd hardly call that a negative trait.
Some sap is dark, sugary, and delicious.
Some sap is dark, sugary, and delicious.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 10, 2020, 11:48 a.m.(10/24/1013 AR)
I am happy to report that I have successfully started a trend among children in the Lowers where one pretends to be a vicious bear and chases the others.
No, it's not 'too soon'. We cope with our fears and anxieties the best way we can, and a game of make-believe is easier to parse for the resilient youth of this city.
No, it's not 'too soon'. We cope with our fears and anxieties the best way we can, and a game of make-believe is easier to parse for the resilient youth of this city.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 8, 2020, 12:32 p.m.(10/20/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rukhnis
Let it never be said that Rukhnis Al-Katibi cannot dance.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 4, 2020, 12:37 a.m.(10/11/1013 AR)
After all this is over, I am going to just find some remote place in the Crownlands and track some game that is less maddening to chase after.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 1, 2020, 5:15 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
From the sound of it, I'm halfway to making a proper sailor, then.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 1, 2020, 12:25 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
A person's word is to him or her the sweetest and most valuable thing they own.
Some might say it is the most important thing in Arvum to that person.
It is the one way those who have nothing might be taken seriously. It is a sign of honor and a way of recognizing them. When someone acknowledges that we are as good as our word, we feel respected and more important. It makes a positive and lasting impression on others. To besmirch someone's word, especially when someone has had to defend it their entire life, is to make that person's subsequent words valueless and small.
A commoner who isn't as good as their word often finds themselves on the outs with their community, or face-down in an alley, depending on how little their word is worth to the right people. It is dangerous to assume that losing a title or standing is where this breakdown ends for those without a noble house to fall back upon.
It is discouraging and dismaying to find out that your word will not be vouchsafed by someone who throws words around like 'love', and instead shrinks away from their own word because their equals are around. Often, what is correct is not the path that is righteous. It's horrible to be treated as a lesser by someone who you respected, simply because the situation was inconvenient. Or worse, to assume that you would suffer their continued disrespect for any longer when their respect of you extends only so long as it takes to ask the bare minimum of favors: Telling one who would listen to you that the one you purport to love can be trusted not to have ulterior motives. Believing them when they speak. Treating them with kindness, not suspicion. With affection and with dignity.
Your word and your feelings are precious. Protect them from those who would not respect them, or make light of them.
Do not feel the need to return someone's words of adulation out of duty. Love is nothing more than a promise waiting to be broken.
It always has been.
Some might say it is the most important thing in Arvum to that person.
It is the one way those who have nothing might be taken seriously. It is a sign of honor and a way of recognizing them. When someone acknowledges that we are as good as our word, we feel respected and more important. It makes a positive and lasting impression on others. To besmirch someone's word, especially when someone has had to defend it their entire life, is to make that person's subsequent words valueless and small.
A commoner who isn't as good as their word often finds themselves on the outs with their community, or face-down in an alley, depending on how little their word is worth to the right people. It is dangerous to assume that losing a title or standing is where this breakdown ends for those without a noble house to fall back upon.
It is discouraging and dismaying to find out that your word will not be vouchsafed by someone who throws words around like 'love', and instead shrinks away from their own word because their equals are around. Often, what is correct is not the path that is righteous. It's horrible to be treated as a lesser by someone who you respected, simply because the situation was inconvenient. Or worse, to assume that you would suffer their continued disrespect for any longer when their respect of you extends only so long as it takes to ask the bare minimum of favors: Telling one who would listen to you that the one you purport to love can be trusted not to have ulterior motives. Believing them when they speak. Treating them with kindness, not suspicion. With affection and with dignity.
Your word and your feelings are precious. Protect them from those who would not respect them, or make light of them.
Do not feel the need to return someone's words of adulation out of duty. Love is nothing more than a promise waiting to be broken.
It always has been.
Written By Sydney
July 31, 2020, 8:38 p.m.(10/4/1013 AR)
There is nothing more exquisitely painful for someone who's trained to do a thing well than to have to sit on their hands and just not.
I suppose I understand now how those who sail must feel with this whirlpool in place, pacing the docks as though in a prowl, thinking any moment might be the one in which they can launch into action, and finally feel the sea breeze on their face again.
This horse thinks I'm fucking insane, given how often I've checked and rechecked the saddle.
...a literal horse, not a proverbial horse. Don't read into it.
I suppose I understand now how those who sail must feel with this whirlpool in place, pacing the docks as though in a prowl, thinking any moment might be the one in which they can launch into action, and finally feel the sea breeze on their face again.
This horse thinks I'm fucking insane, given how often I've checked and rechecked the saddle.
...a literal horse, not a proverbial horse. Don't read into it.
Written By Sydney
July 27, 2020, 1:06 a.m.(9/23/1013 AR)
Most that is new is also ugly, flawed, and imperfect.
When you first learned to read letters, did you stumble over the words? When you first learned to write, did you find yourself wondering how your letters would ever look as eloquent as the ones you saw others write?
I had the distinct pleasure to oversee the first Assembly of Commons and it - like all things worth doing - was not a perfect thing, from the halting introductions from your nervous council members to the way in which several people chose to conduct themselves. Despite these issues, I am profoundly pleased with the results. Those who may not have known that we existed now know. Those who felt they didn't have a voice now know that they have a venue with which to see their concerns addressed.
Couldn't make it, and have something you want us to discuss? Send me a letter. I'll see it gets to where it needs to go. Whether you're huddled in an overcrowded tenement or reading this in the comfort of your quarters in the Upper Boroughs, the Ward of the Compact, the deck of a ship, we are your advocates, and we shall see your concerns met with the gravity they deserve.
To those who could attended - every single one of you: My gratitude. You were a part of the first draft, and the work of the Commoners Council may now begin in earnest. We've heard your comments, your concerns, and your frustrations. We are here, we are listening, and we will act.
When you first learned to read letters, did you stumble over the words? When you first learned to write, did you find yourself wondering how your letters would ever look as eloquent as the ones you saw others write?
I had the distinct pleasure to oversee the first Assembly of Commons and it - like all things worth doing - was not a perfect thing, from the halting introductions from your nervous council members to the way in which several people chose to conduct themselves. Despite these issues, I am profoundly pleased with the results. Those who may not have known that we existed now know. Those who felt they didn't have a voice now know that they have a venue with which to see their concerns addressed.
Couldn't make it, and have something you want us to discuss? Send me a letter. I'll see it gets to where it needs to go. Whether you're huddled in an overcrowded tenement or reading this in the comfort of your quarters in the Upper Boroughs, the Ward of the Compact, the deck of a ship, we are your advocates, and we shall see your concerns met with the gravity they deserve.
To those who could attended - every single one of you: My gratitude. You were a part of the first draft, and the work of the Commoners Council may now begin in earnest. We've heard your comments, your concerns, and your frustrations. We are here, we are listening, and we will act.
Written By Sydney
July 23, 2020, 8:44 p.m.(9/16/1013 AR)
Ran the Gauntlet today - wonderful to see everyone's different approaches to it. I learned an important lesson.
I hate The Rope.
I hate The Rope.
Written By Sydney
July 21, 2020, 9:59 p.m.(9/12/1013 AR)
I miss working the forge. My knowledge has likely dwindled in the - oh, eight years it's been since I last swung a hammer at steel in earnest, but I bet I can heft the hammer quite a bit better know than when I was a gawky stick of a thing.
I keep telling myself to try to get back into it, but... well.
So it goes.
I keep telling myself to try to get back into it, but... well.
So it goes.
Written By Sydney
July 19, 2020, 9:14 p.m.(9/8/1013 AR)
...I have pudding in places I'd rather not mention. It is a perfectly normal day, and perfectly average events transpired.
Written By Sydney
July 16, 2020, 9:47 p.m.(9/2/1013 AR)
Sometimes, you take a smack so hard that it really makes you reevaluate your stance on people who tromp about in full plate.
It's been days now. Days. This is an awful welt.
It's been days now. Days. This is an awful welt.
Written By Sydney
July 15, 2020, 12:29 a.m.(8/27/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
Never before has a loss felt so exhilarating. My gratitude.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.