Written By Ida
Sept. 22, 2019, 8:30 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
I am so touched by the kind words I read this morning about the recent hairpins, inspired by House Stahlben, that were in the shop. To say that I love what I do does not give it the slightest amount of justice, but those are the only words I have. I love to craft weapons, to bend metal or set stones or etch something of personal meaning onto a piece someone will trust to protect them. I am humbled by the trust people have put into my work over the years since His Grace, Prince Edain, invited me to Arx. I have realized so many dreams here, some of which I never dared even speak aloud for fear they'd never come true. I have had the honor of forging two House blades and I still get a bit of a tear in my eye when I think about it. Every piece, though, that has been commissioned means something to me; from delicate hairpins with little bumblebees on their tips to the only alaricite blade I've been asked to make, they all hold a special place in my heart.
I mull all this over as I pack a small bag for a requested return trip to the Oathlands with Sir Preston, after reading his white along with the others this morning. It hadn't really occurred to me that I might not return until recently. It's not that I think I'm invincible by any means! I guess I just do things that need doing without considering the consequences sometimes.
I think myself a very, very fortunate woman and am grateful for this life I've been allowed to live. As the Grandmaster wrote: I hope I shall return as well.
I mull all this over as I pack a small bag for a requested return trip to the Oathlands with Sir Preston, after reading his white along with the others this morning. It hadn't really occurred to me that I might not return until recently. It's not that I think I'm invincible by any means! I guess I just do things that need doing without considering the consequences sometimes.
I think myself a very, very fortunate woman and am grateful for this life I've been allowed to live. As the Grandmaster wrote: I hope I shall return as well.
Written By Marian
Sept. 22, 2019, 8:22 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
In my youth, my hands itched to wield my sword and honor my family by slaying my enemies. My fresh scars were a mantle of survival that showed I'm still here. The fires in the war camps were filled with stories of heroism that bonded me to my fellow warriors. I had no care at times for my own safety.
As the seasons have passed, I find that my sword hand no longer aches for blood. My skin has scars layered upon one another. My eyes are weary from the smoke of burning bodies, my ears ache from the lamentations of those left behind. My children's prayers are reminders of why I cannot court Death without consequence.
War is no longer my first action but my last because I have learned other ways to solve conflict. While it is my hope diplomacy will keep the peace, the signs point towards the drums beating in the distance as feet march in sync. I prepare myself once again.
As the seasons have passed, I find that my sword hand no longer aches for blood. My skin has scars layered upon one another. My eyes are weary from the smoke of burning bodies, my ears ache from the lamentations of those left behind. My children's prayers are reminders of why I cannot court Death without consequence.
War is no longer my first action but my last because I have learned other ways to solve conflict. While it is my hope diplomacy will keep the peace, the signs point towards the drums beating in the distance as feet march in sync. I prepare myself once again.
Written By Artur
Sept. 22, 2019, 7:58 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
As winter closes in on Arx, I find myself reflecting on Farhaven. By now, the first snows have fallen across the castle grounds - and it would be the time to bundle up against the weather to head out on the first hunts of elk and moose. After a long day of hunting, we would return. Most of the time it would be with the prizes of our hunt, and start a large campfire and celebrate with mead, whiskey, song, and stories. Perhaps it is all of the white fur seen in the city as of yet that has inspired it. Baroness Clearlake gifted me with several of the pelts, and I had a winter's cloak made for someone after she worried that the cold in Arx may be bitter.
Perhaps an early winter's hunt is in the works. I have found myself pondering my place in Redrain's future. I know that my sister is the minister of finance. Do they have a Lord of the Hunt? A master huntsman. Maybe I should consider that. Some way I can help promote my home.
Pickle brine does not go with mead, I discovered last night. Though I had meant to grab the rum from Thrax, not the pickling spices. But it seemed to inspire me to try something different, and I was bold enough to ask Princess Liara Grayson for the first dance of the evening - and then danced with Lady Esme Fidante. We then retired to the Spirits with my cousin Baelos, and talked for a while before going our own ways. It was a good night.
But it stirred thoughts. I'll write my sister this morning and see what she thinks. Maybe she'll give me some ideas.
Perhaps an early winter's hunt is in the works. I have found myself pondering my place in Redrain's future. I know that my sister is the minister of finance. Do they have a Lord of the Hunt? A master huntsman. Maybe I should consider that. Some way I can help promote my home.
Pickle brine does not go with mead, I discovered last night. Though I had meant to grab the rum from Thrax, not the pickling spices. But it seemed to inspire me to try something different, and I was bold enough to ask Princess Liara Grayson for the first dance of the evening - and then danced with Lady Esme Fidante. We then retired to the Spirits with my cousin Baelos, and talked for a while before going our own ways. It was a good night.
But it stirred thoughts. I'll write my sister this morning and see what she thinks. Maybe she'll give me some ideas.
Written By Sabella
Sept. 22, 2019, 6:45 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
The party at the Ambassador last night was all around amazing! Lady Catalana and Lord Martino truly outdid themselves. I don't think I've ever seen that much alcohol in one place in my life! Sadly, Jayus' hand did not guide mine when it came to creating new drinks and I may have inadvertently poisoned my husband. But! He's doing much better today and his tongue is only double the size it should be rather than triple so that's good news!
Written By Bliss
Sept. 22, 2019, 5:14 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
"Fire is cleansing, it purifies and refines. By its flame shall the chaff be burned away. Use it wisely."
When the destruction of an inferno has raged through, and everything has burned down, there are often very few things left standing. Those that are, those that remain in good condition, they are the things you can lean upon to move through. They may not have seemed important before, but due to sheer longevity, they hold a place now.
But that is not everything. When the ash is cleared, we are faced with a choice. Choose the next thing carefully. It is a blank slate, and from that, you can build whatever you want off of that. Whatever you build, make it important.
Make life something worth living.
After many years of service, I have left the Discipleship of Limerance. The constancy of the vows I swore to my self served an important base for me to follow, and they drove me forward in a way to achieve my goals. But I find myself running into something else now. Stagnation. Feeling the world slow down around me, and stop moving.
That is the one thing, above all else, I cannot abide. That is the one thing I will rip and scream and claw at once it has become too much. So, a change.
I am now a Harlequin. The choice was an easy one, once I was sure I would never, ever have to attend a birth. There has long been a call to me from Death - an echo that, I think, has resonated back with Her people. So here in the service of Our Lady of Terrible Puns, the Mother of Beginnings, I will make a new one. I will find my next steps forward to change the world.
Not Radiant. Not Champion. Not Disciple.
Not lover. Not friend. Not confidant. Not historian. Not servant. Not firebrand. Not celebrity. Not upstart. Not thief.
All of these things are things which will, in the end, be able to burn away and leave the core standing. There is only one word that I have ever found, that has ever captured the entirety of who I am. The one core thing that will continue forward.
I am Bliss. A name I gave myself, a name that has become mine far more than the one I am born with.
Only I am in control of what that means. I need to remember that.
The rest? Is chaff.
When the destruction of an inferno has raged through, and everything has burned down, there are often very few things left standing. Those that are, those that remain in good condition, they are the things you can lean upon to move through. They may not have seemed important before, but due to sheer longevity, they hold a place now.
But that is not everything. When the ash is cleared, we are faced with a choice. Choose the next thing carefully. It is a blank slate, and from that, you can build whatever you want off of that. Whatever you build, make it important.
Make life something worth living.
After many years of service, I have left the Discipleship of Limerance. The constancy of the vows I swore to my self served an important base for me to follow, and they drove me forward in a way to achieve my goals. But I find myself running into something else now. Stagnation. Feeling the world slow down around me, and stop moving.
That is the one thing, above all else, I cannot abide. That is the one thing I will rip and scream and claw at once it has become too much. So, a change.
I am now a Harlequin. The choice was an easy one, once I was sure I would never, ever have to attend a birth. There has long been a call to me from Death - an echo that, I think, has resonated back with Her people. So here in the service of Our Lady of Terrible Puns, the Mother of Beginnings, I will make a new one. I will find my next steps forward to change the world.
Not Radiant. Not Champion. Not Disciple.
Not lover. Not friend. Not confidant. Not historian. Not servant. Not firebrand. Not celebrity. Not upstart. Not thief.
All of these things are things which will, in the end, be able to burn away and leave the core standing. There is only one word that I have ever found, that has ever captured the entirety of who I am. The one core thing that will continue forward.
I am Bliss. A name I gave myself, a name that has become mine far more than the one I am born with.
Only I am in control of what that means. I need to remember that.
The rest? Is chaff.
Written By Martino
Sept. 22, 2019, 3:49 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Catalana
Very well co-hosted Lady Kennex, the Salon was tidied up with afterwards and I am sure the staff behind the bar are quite happy with just how many drinks were taken it seems.
Also - hat made by your husband Lord Wash? Excellent humour to put Lady Catalana in a hat. Especially a tiny one with a little sign sticking into it.
Also - hat made by your husband Lord Wash? Excellent humour to put Lady Catalana in a hat. Especially a tiny one with a little sign sticking into it.
Written By Eilonwy
Sept. 22, 2019, 3:47 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
I am not overly fond of this journal thing. But I feel like this sentiment needs to be preserved for future generations.
When you are injured and seek a healer's aid. Tell that healer all the injuries you may have received. Even the smallest probably nothing issue.
I've never wanted to harm a patient. But I might well make the exception.
So there it is. Future generation, tell the healer everything.
When you are injured and seek a healer's aid. Tell that healer all the injuries you may have received. Even the smallest probably nothing issue.
I've never wanted to harm a patient. But I might well make the exception.
So there it is. Future generation, tell the healer everything.
Written By Lucrezia
Sept. 22, 2019, 3:25 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
I wasn't planning on going to the Leadership Ball, but I am glad that I did. I learned important negotiation skills, such as employ the worst drink you can inflict upon yourself and, more importantly, the other party is necessary. It "smooths" the process. Also, when you accidentally give your cities away because you are so drunk from your own smoothing over, don't forget to empty them of gems and jewels first.
I was going to do that last anyway!
Look at me, half a diplomat. Have fear Arx, deep fear: Diplomat Lucrezia is coming!
Lord Martino and Lady Catalana were excellent hosts.
In a heroic act that saved some man's feet, I left in the middle of dancing. Ugh, why does everyone try to get me to dance?
I was going to do that last anyway!
Look at me, half a diplomat. Have fear Arx, deep fear: Diplomat Lucrezia is coming!
Lord Martino and Lady Catalana were excellent hosts.
In a heroic act that saved some man's feet, I left in the middle of dancing. Ugh, why does everyone try to get me to dance?
Written By Dariel
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:51 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
I have recollections of being woken up at 3am and being marched to Menagerie by Brenlin. Did this happen or was it a dream? If it's true I hope I at least made sense at least. There was something about steelsilk, I seem to remember.
If it happened please send him with coffee next time.
If it happened please send him with coffee next time.
Written By Dariel
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:45 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
The brunch with my Melaeris relatives was good. I was expecting it to be small. Perhaps just Llewella and Amir but there were a number of others who turned up. A nice group of friendly people, so I suppose you can't ask for much more. I am glad to have more of the other side of my family in Arx.
Written By Cambria
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:45 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Our lives are marked by reversals as well as rewards for which we rarely find ourselves prepared. That change will come is certain - the only question is how you will receive it when it comes?
Written By Cambria
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:41 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Courage is found in unexpected places. It is not the sole province of warriors, nor does it find its only fulfillment in the vanquishing of foes. Indeed, courage manifests itself most powerfully not as a single act of valor, but throughout a lifetime of endurance.
Written By Cambria
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:26 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
There is always room in the temple of Jayus for another voice, another perspective, another way of tackling the great themes of humanity.
Written By Modi
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:23 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
It draws close to a year since I had first arrived in Arx. A year since I had bent my knee to the Compact and this great kingdom graciously afforded me security and a home. Today I wish to take one step further toward realizing my place in this culture.
I, Modi Blackbelt, do hereby swear that I shall no longer practice the art of shamanism. The Pantheon shall be the only guide for my soul. Their teachings my only conscience, their traditions my future rituals toward virtue.
The advice of spirits and the tribute we gave to them was comforting. But it is in the past. With a people no longer living. This is the present. And all the future of my life belongs to the Compact. It is time for me to move on and let nothing else distract me from the thirteen gods.
I look forward to discovering new happiness with a singular purpose in mind.
I, Modi Blackbelt, do hereby swear that I shall no longer practice the art of shamanism. The Pantheon shall be the only guide for my soul. Their teachings my only conscience, their traditions my future rituals toward virtue.
The advice of spirits and the tribute we gave to them was comforting. But it is in the past. With a people no longer living. This is the present. And all the future of my life belongs to the Compact. It is time for me to move on and let nothing else distract me from the thirteen gods.
I look forward to discovering new happiness with a singular purpose in mind.
Written By Alecstazi
Sept. 22, 2019, 2:14 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
*The text is written in a different hand than the other entries*
Dictated to Scholar Sereladi.
I have returned to Arx, humbled but unbowed, less than I was, but determined to regain what was lost. The trip was more successful than I could have hoped, though that is not to say there was no cost.
I continue to learn more, often more than I am comfortable with. I have spent quite a lot of time with Northerners, the Halfshavs in particular and it is a curious thing, seeing how other families operate.
I count myself fortunate to be able to speak these words, to be once more within the city, with its sounds.
Dictated to Scholar Sereladi.
I have returned to Arx, humbled but unbowed, less than I was, but determined to regain what was lost. The trip was more successful than I could have hoped, though that is not to say there was no cost.
I continue to learn more, often more than I am comfortable with. I have spent quite a lot of time with Northerners, the Halfshavs in particular and it is a curious thing, seeing how other families operate.
I count myself fortunate to be able to speak these words, to be once more within the city, with its sounds.
Written By Vincenzo
Sept. 22, 2019, 1:54 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Your lips are like the holy shrine,
and mine the pilgrims
who seek holy pilgrimage.
And where they meet,
Elysium is found
as we live in paradise forever.
and mine the pilgrims
who seek holy pilgrimage.
And where they meet,
Elysium is found
as we live in paradise forever.
Written By Sparte
Sept. 21, 2019, 11:49 p.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Dame Tom has gone missing, probably trying to find a spot to nest for the next litter. If anyone sees her please let me know.
Written By Zoey
Sept. 21, 2019, 10:46 p.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
After today, I needed that party at the Ambassador Salon. It was nice being able to relax with wine and catch up with Caspian. Spring will be here before I know it, and I don't feel at all ready.
Written By Helena
Sept. 21, 2019, 10:22 p.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I do think that Dame Ida must be a tiny bit psychic, as she always seems to know what an outfit needs even before I've worn it or spoken of it. This time, her shop was stocked with new items of the new green gem everyone is so enchanted with. Green is my favorite color, and the hairpins are reminiscent of the woods in winter. I feel it was simply made for me, and funnily enough, I had just designed and had made a silvery green gown in seatouched wool -- swool! I forgot I had so abbreviated it -- feeling my winter wardrobe was wanting.
May Jayus continue to inspire her to such lovely creations. And thank you, House Stahlben, for sharing this beautiful new gem with us.
May Jayus continue to inspire her to such lovely creations. And thank you, House Stahlben, for sharing this beautiful new gem with us.
Written By Evonleigh
Sept. 21, 2019, 10:17 p.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Lord Martino and Lady Catalana were such lovely hosts at the Ball With a Very Long Name. It was so fun to laugh and tease one another as we tried to play bartender -- my concoction was not drinkable, truly, and I will not ruin anyone's stomach by writing down the recipe here, lest it should suffer some strange fate and be seen by someone in the future without a warning preceding it. Gods forbid someone try to recreate that travesty. I'm sure I will have nightmares tonight because it still throbs in my veins after a tiny sip.
The company was lovely enough to make it all worthwhile, of course.
The company was lovely enough to make it all worthwhile, of course.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.