Written By Sabine
July 19, 2019, 4:26 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Before I slept last night, I read my bulletins from Iriscal. The county flourishes, my cloth mills spin pure silver from their looms, fattening our coffers. The land we've reclaimed from the wilderness is green and abundant, perfect for the stables and farms whose plans I've had drawn up. I fell asleep smiling, my husband's head tilted against my shoulder, his hand on my hip. Then, this morning, while I lay in bed before the servants drew the curtains open, I was certain I felt the child stir within me. A small touch, like fingertips pressed to a mirror.
The physicians say it is surely too early, this being my first. But I knew. I knew. I have claimed, before, that I prefer satisfaction to happiness but I suspect the glow I felt at that moment held more of the latter... and a great deal of the former. We dare, we prosper.
The world is mine, little Count. And I will make it yours too, while you sleep safe, and grow.
It is time Arvum produced a cloth which compares with fireweave, with steelsilk. In my contentment-- my happiness-- I declare it publicly: Tessere will accomplish this. We have the mills, we have the artisans. No other House can do what we've done, with the fabric arts. We shall do this. I begin planning now, and those who wish to contribute to its creation may reach out, with their offers of support. It's a labour that might take years but all great legacies take time to build.
The physicians say it is surely too early, this being my first. But I knew. I knew. I have claimed, before, that I prefer satisfaction to happiness but I suspect the glow I felt at that moment held more of the latter... and a great deal of the former. We dare, we prosper.
The world is mine, little Count. And I will make it yours too, while you sleep safe, and grow.
It is time Arvum produced a cloth which compares with fireweave, with steelsilk. In my contentment-- my happiness-- I declare it publicly: Tessere will accomplish this. We have the mills, we have the artisans. No other House can do what we've done, with the fabric arts. We shall do this. I begin planning now, and those who wish to contribute to its creation may reach out, with their offers of support. It's a labour that might take years but all great legacies take time to build.
Written By Lark
July 19, 2019, 4:07 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
It is only easy to find grey in situations if you are looking for easy excuses in your own morality and the Gods' decrees. Yes, we are weak and human, but that does not make a situation grey or not. Yes, I want to continue to live. However, if the choice was presented to me that I could only live if I allowed others to become enslaved, I would throw myself on to a sword, trusting in the Queen to weave my soul into the next life as she sees fit.
Written By Alecstazi
July 19, 2019, 3:43 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Despite the more vehement voices of the day, I maintain there is a distinct difference between thralldom and slavery. People like to throw around words saying it is the same but give them a choice between the two, my guess is most would pick thralldom. Slavery removes a person's humanity, rendering them no more than beasts. I do not know the details of the situation that led to Fatima's disgrace, but I know that working with slavers pots a stain on the honor of all Thrax. Victus and the Faith saw fit to grant a path to redemption. There is nothing gray or confusing here. It is the Thrax way.
Written By Duarte
July 19, 2019, 3:19 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
I have spent a day and a night in the Shrine of the Sentinel.
I feel collapsing pressure all around me when I look to It's altar. Not a guilty feeling but a sort of sensation just the same I can't fully describe.
It's like a sense that one is alone in control of themself and the Sentinel sees through the excuses we make to pretend this is not the case.
I feel collapsing pressure all around me when I look to It's altar. Not a guilty feeling but a sort of sensation just the same I can't fully describe.
It's like a sense that one is alone in control of themself and the Sentinel sees through the excuses we make to pretend this is not the case.
Written By Jasher
July 19, 2019, 2:50 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Your Grace, who did you offend to warrant this influx of olives? Eating these would require enough milk to become an honourary Oathlander.
Written By Vanora
July 19, 2019, 1:50 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
I am truly fortunate to have a friend as kind and supportive as you are, Highness.
I never take such a thing for granted.
I never take such a thing for granted.
Written By Yvon
July 19, 2019, 11:23 a.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
I question Prince Victus's dedication to ending thralldom.
His credentials as an abolitionist are too obviously, too blatantly cemented. Is the Usurper Prince playing a double game? Are his principles as changeable as the tide? Does he answer, willingly or otherwise, to some hidden, malevolent force? Is he motivated by personal animosity in this matter, by revenge or jealousy?
I don't know. Yet if we cease to question, we cease.
His credentials as an abolitionist are too obviously, too blatantly cemented. Is the Usurper Prince playing a double game? Are his principles as changeable as the tide? Does he answer, willingly or otherwise, to some hidden, malevolent force? Is he motivated by personal animosity in this matter, by revenge or jealousy?
I don't know. Yet if we cease to question, we cease.
Written By Evonleigh
July 19, 2019, 10:36 a.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
I've never been the scholar my sister is. I do have a love of written words, but I usually want them to spin and dance across the page, with larger-than-life characters making grand, dramatic gestures. Even better if it's a script with a well-written character I can give voice to! But of late, I've been researching a forgotten figure from our past who performed a great service to Arx long ago.
And I've found a pleasure, if not a passion, in piecing together the puzzle that comes in bits and pieces. The most important piece, a name, is a treasure found that can allow the rest of the puzzle to fit around it, I hope.
Thank you to my fellow researchers on this matter. I could not do it without you.
And I've found a pleasure, if not a passion, in piecing together the puzzle that comes in bits and pieces. The most important piece, a name, is a treasure found that can allow the rest of the puzzle to fit around it, I hope.
Thank you to my fellow researchers on this matter. I could not do it without you.
Written By Tyrus
July 19, 2019, 8:39 a.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
I find it difficult to find grey in slavery.
It is the death of freedom, the death of self and the death of hope. Even the last choice one might take, to end one's life by their own hand, is taken away.
For who wants to die a slave when the memory of freedom lingers?
No doubt the reasons are good. Few make such dark choices without convincing themselves the good outweighs the bad.
Those who think so often never felt the bite of chains around their neck.
It is the death of freedom, the death of self and the death of hope. Even the last choice one might take, to end one's life by their own hand, is taken away.
For who wants to die a slave when the memory of freedom lingers?
No doubt the reasons are good. Few make such dark choices without convincing themselves the good outweighs the bad.
Those who think so often never felt the bite of chains around their neck.
Written By Tyrus
July 19, 2019, 8:26 a.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lora
Very well. Let it not be said that I cannot be moved by heartfelt pleas.
Henceforth I shall limit the amount of berries I offer.
I shall, however, continue to serve them one at a time, as a proper gift to be cherished and savoured, for it is precisely what they are.
Henceforth I shall limit the amount of berries I offer.
I shall, however, continue to serve them one at a time, as a proper gift to be cherished and savoured, for it is precisely what they are.
Written By Calaudrin
July 19, 2019, 7:26 a.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
I'm once again deeply concerned for Lord Riagnon's eating habits.
Lord Commander Silas sent me a very unique set of nesting dolls which I've left on the kitchen table for Esoka to look at.
Unfortunately my daughter cries when she sees them, so I might not be able to display them publicly except for special occasions.
Lord Commander Silas sent me a very unique set of nesting dolls which I've left on the kitchen table for Esoka to look at.
Unfortunately my daughter cries when she sees them, so I might not be able to display them publicly except for special occasions.
Written By Leonaess
July 19, 2019, 2:11 a.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Many a question buzzes through my mind and perhaps such acts of taking others under your wing comes naturally. Either way, it is a strangeness you present to my life and I welcome it as meeting you has provided new challenges.
I also find that I like the stubble.
I also find that I like the stubble.
Written By Shard
July 19, 2019, 12:53 a.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
I've also heard what happened. And I'm not in the slightest bit conflicted as to what the /right/ action would have been. Lots of situations are messy, and complicated. Lots of decisions are very difficult. This wasn't one.
The only thing that made it 'gray and complex' is that the people it happened to aren't considered to be worth anything. Or, for that matter, to actually be people. The Gods are the gods of everyone, but why would Skald really care about those particular humans, after all?
The only thing that made it 'gray and complex' is that the people it happened to aren't considered to be worth anything. Or, for that matter, to actually be people. The Gods are the gods of everyone, but why would Skald really care about those particular humans, after all?
Written By Elisha
July 19, 2019, 12:09 a.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
A mayfly with mica wings hovers,
then darts away.
Farther down the valley,
a little fog broods.
Each version of this dream conveys a different choice.
A star falls from a bone-white sky
toward an army of the dead.
A bent figure stands among the fallen;
not beckoning for aid but
calling down the star.
That is when you realize
that the stiffening corpses are arranged
to perfectly reflect the constellations
hidden by this heavenly ossuary.
If the crickets ever quiet--
my great-hearted guardian,
my untouchable love--
we might hear a grub burrow beneath
the tarry pine bark
and a salamander
skitter
across the limestone gravel
toward the mayfly
who is already
reborn.
then darts away.
Farther down the valley,
a little fog broods.
Each version of this dream conveys a different choice.
A star falls from a bone-white sky
toward an army of the dead.
A bent figure stands among the fallen;
not beckoning for aid but
calling down the star.
That is when you realize
that the stiffening corpses are arranged
to perfectly reflect the constellations
hidden by this heavenly ossuary.
If the crickets ever quiet--
my great-hearted guardian,
my untouchable love--
we might hear a grub burrow beneath
the tarry pine bark
and a salamander
skitter
across the limestone gravel
toward the mayfly
who is already
reborn.
Written By Lysander
July 19, 2019, 12:07 a.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Ah, the true devastation that comes with a work lost. An experience of glass set in such a beautiful entropy, glittering across the planes of stone. The glitter in the dark. My great work - now nothing but that which cuts scattered across every surface. Perhaps I will seal it up, add a window, and pay people to look upon such devastation with something that drew one away so long. I hardly feel like the same man I was before. Who are these people? Do they remember my face, my voice, or was all given to the work? I can only look forward to finding out.
Written By Raimon
July 18, 2019, 11:34 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
There is only one proper way to drink tea. Find a bottle of wine. Throw the tea out. Drink the wine
Written By Aureth
July 18, 2019, 10:42 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Since this does keep coming up:
Fireweave is not banned. You may wear it, craft with it, sell it, attempt to turn it into incredibly expensive bedding -- all of this is fine. If you bought it before the Faith spoke out against trade with Eurus, excellent; you may use it with my blessings upon your health.
The Faith has come out against trading with Eurus as a recognition of the moral ugliness of continuing to profit and enable Abyss-worshipping slavers. We do not cast judgment on trade with Eurusi that happened in the past. We do not seek to punish anyone for actions taken while we still were silent. You do not need to destroy your fireweave (I honestly doubt that you _could_ destroy your fireweave but I suppose that's neither here nor there) or hide it a secret hiding hole or immediately divest yourself of it.
The only action that we have placed this interdict upon is trading with Eurusi. This means buying _anything_ from Eurusi -- whether it is fireweave or not -- or selling anything _to_ Eurusi. But fireweave that is already here is not forbidden. It is already here.
I hope that this resolves some of the confusion that continues to persist. While I am happy to provide counsel to the Faithful on matters moral, spiritual, obscure or arcane, for the record I am not myself a merchant banker, and even when I was a businessman, I was not the particular kind of businessman who would have useful advice for anyone on individuated matters of trade.
Fireweave is not banned. You may wear it, craft with it, sell it, attempt to turn it into incredibly expensive bedding -- all of this is fine. If you bought it before the Faith spoke out against trade with Eurus, excellent; you may use it with my blessings upon your health.
The Faith has come out against trading with Eurus as a recognition of the moral ugliness of continuing to profit and enable Abyss-worshipping slavers. We do not cast judgment on trade with Eurusi that happened in the past. We do not seek to punish anyone for actions taken while we still were silent. You do not need to destroy your fireweave (I honestly doubt that you _could_ destroy your fireweave but I suppose that's neither here nor there) or hide it a secret hiding hole or immediately divest yourself of it.
The only action that we have placed this interdict upon is trading with Eurusi. This means buying _anything_ from Eurusi -- whether it is fireweave or not -- or selling anything _to_ Eurusi. But fireweave that is already here is not forbidden. It is already here.
I hope that this resolves some of the confusion that continues to persist. While I am happy to provide counsel to the Faithful on matters moral, spiritual, obscure or arcane, for the record I am not myself a merchant banker, and even when I was a businessman, I was not the particular kind of businessman who would have useful advice for anyone on individuated matters of trade.
Written By Julian
July 18, 2019, 9:18 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
Such kindness will never be forgotten.
Written By Quenia
July 18, 2019, 9:16 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
Now that people are starting to work in Granato on the agricultural center, it's time to figure out my next venture. Only, I'm fresh out of ideas.
Written By Calaudrin
July 18, 2019, 8:30 p.m.(6/27/1011 AR)
I learned how to make a few things at the forge recently. Mostly rings.
I sent one out to Marquis Rymarr who replied with a very encouraging message.
Then I sent another to Lady Kenna who tried to return it to me initially but has opted to keep it.
Grandmaster Thena said hers was burning her finger, I'm little concerned about that one.
Marquessa Rhea does not seem to believe me that it's a ring but she said that she likes it. So I'll take that compliment and I guess I'm going to have to work on my technique...
No word yet from Lord Riagon or Lord Commander Silas.
My wife has not yet reacted to the fine boots I made for her. I spent the most time on those.
I sent one out to Marquis Rymarr who replied with a very encouraging message.
Then I sent another to Lady Kenna who tried to return it to me initially but has opted to keep it.
Grandmaster Thena said hers was burning her finger, I'm little concerned about that one.
Marquessa Rhea does not seem to believe me that it's a ring but she said that she likes it. So I'll take that compliment and I guess I'm going to have to work on my technique...
No word yet from Lord Riagon or Lord Commander Silas.
My wife has not yet reacted to the fine boots I made for her. I spent the most time on those.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.