Written By Bliss
Aug. 17, 2018, 4:19 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
Well that was certainly a prophetic last White I wrote. Then again - some things are very nearly sure bets, aren't they?
In any case, I would like to remind the Compact that Whisper House remains neutral and is here to help with many of the needs of the Peers, including diplomatic overtures, public image consultation, etiquette training, and other such important features of day-to-day life in the Compact.
In any case, I would like to remind the Compact that Whisper House remains neutral and is here to help with many of the needs of the Peers, including diplomatic overtures, public image consultation, etiquette training, and other such important features of day-to-day life in the Compact.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 17, 2018, 12:10 p.m.(6/1/1009 AR)
I've often heard talk of a calm before a storm, or the eerie silence that hangs over soldiers before a battle. My father spoke of it often, how in the war against Southport, those were often the last moments where he would find clarity before the chaos descended upon everyone. What you care about - what life is - becomes stunningly obvious, and the rest falls away as you sit there with your thoughts, knowing that no matter what happens - it will be different on the other side.
I'm very much not the soldier my father is, but I have had moments of it myself. When I woke up surrounded by elves in dark armor, when I heard news of some battle forming.
The city feels like it's in that state right now - and admittedly, perhaps, some of that is my own experiences in life filtering in. But there is a tension in the air, as I stand here at one of the highest points on the great plateau of Arx.
My father thrives in those moments before the fight. I thrive in those moments where everything is too much.
Let's do this.
I'm very much not the soldier my father is, but I have had moments of it myself. When I woke up surrounded by elves in dark armor, when I heard news of some battle forming.
The city feels like it's in that state right now - and admittedly, perhaps, some of that is my own experiences in life filtering in. But there is a tension in the air, as I stand here at one of the highest points on the great plateau of Arx.
My father thrives in those moments before the fight. I thrive in those moments where everything is too much.
Let's do this.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 13, 2018, 5:25 p.m.(5/21/1009 AR)
Not all scars heal. Some go far too deep and caused too much damage. We continue to live anyway.
In light of the recent conversation, it seems a prudent time to mention that I've been working on overcoming another limitation of mine (despite, I am sure, Mercy Estelle's protests). When I was recovering, playing the vielle was an almost impossibly painful task to continue - the things do not seem that heavy, but the angle and the length of time? They get to you.
But I'm happy to say that my arm is finally at the point where I have been able to resume practice again. I'm rusty, but my fingers are beginning to remember how to be where they must.
And I've written a song again, instead of just making one up on the fly like usual. I'm happy with it, and I forgot how productive such things can be, how turmoil put into words makes beauty.
I just need a vielle of my own again (what happened to my old one is a story in and of itself). So if a luthier wishes to reach out to me or one of my adoring fans wishes to send one to their favorite Whisper? I would be much obliged.
In light of the recent conversation, it seems a prudent time to mention that I've been working on overcoming another limitation of mine (despite, I am sure, Mercy Estelle's protests). When I was recovering, playing the vielle was an almost impossibly painful task to continue - the things do not seem that heavy, but the angle and the length of time? They get to you.
But I'm happy to say that my arm is finally at the point where I have been able to resume practice again. I'm rusty, but my fingers are beginning to remember how to be where they must.
And I've written a song again, instead of just making one up on the fly like usual. I'm happy with it, and I forgot how productive such things can be, how turmoil put into words makes beauty.
I just need a vielle of my own again (what happened to my old one is a story in and of itself). So if a luthier wishes to reach out to me or one of my adoring fans wishes to send one to their favorite Whisper? I would be much obliged.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 12, 2018, 11:28 p.m.(5/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
Maybe that's the explanation for some scars. I cannot speak to each and every scar on each and every person.
But for me, my own are a record of the mistakes I have made in my life, and a stern warning to never repeat them.
I have a lot of scars.
But for me, my own are a record of the mistakes I have made in my life, and a stern warning to never repeat them.
I have a lot of scars.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 12, 2018, 5:12 a.m.(5/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
I wish it worked that way, sometimes, Princess. But despite the pain, Love is something to be revered rather than shunned away from. It will not always be wonderful, but it will always be immense and awe-inspiring.
Written By Bliss
Aug. 10, 2018, 7:19 p.m.(5/15/1009 AR)
Only one death?
We're calling this an event now?
We're calling this an event now?
Written By Bliss
Aug. 10, 2018, 1:16 a.m.(5/14/1009 AR)
Literally every garment I brought along on that trip has been soaked through in blood, the smell of smoke from burning books wreathes around me, my abdominal muscles ache from too much laughter, my sword arm is nearly numb.
Life back in Arx seems so sleepy in comparison. I watch the trees, waiting to see who is hiding in them, and am disappointed to find that it is only squirrels, insects and bark. When I hear giggling and draw my rapier, the innocent children walking by run, instead of enacting their attempt on my life - or to try to get my autograph (let's face it - usually both). There are no traps on my door waiting to slice off my leg so that someone can have a souvenir, there is no fifteen minutes back and forth riddle contest to get myself a loaf of bread, there's no bundle of spider eggs hidden inside the loaf of bread, there are no statues of air or signs warning of my hilarious and horrific death, and blood magic is oh so rare.
My work continues to be here, but -
Can I really say it's good to be back?
Life back in Arx seems so sleepy in comparison. I watch the trees, waiting to see who is hiding in them, and am disappointed to find that it is only squirrels, insects and bark. When I hear giggling and draw my rapier, the innocent children walking by run, instead of enacting their attempt on my life - or to try to get my autograph (let's face it - usually both). There are no traps on my door waiting to slice off my leg so that someone can have a souvenir, there is no fifteen minutes back and forth riddle contest to get myself a loaf of bread, there's no bundle of spider eggs hidden inside the loaf of bread, there are no statues of air or signs warning of my hilarious and horrific death, and blood magic is oh so rare.
My work continues to be here, but -
Can I really say it's good to be back?
Written By Bliss
Aug. 7, 2018, 3:44 p.m.(5/9/1009 AR)
I have my feet under me again today. For all of those who wrote to check on me - thank you. Your words mean more than I could ever really express.
Nothing has really changed. I keep working. One day, this will happen. In the meantime, the Sentinel is watching.
This really gives me an opportunity to discuss something near and dear to my heart: the beauty of a good sulk. We all know about the wonder of joy, of beauty, of love, but perhaps the most productive times in my life - at least when I am trying to figure out what to do next - are the sulks. Those lovely times when we just hide under a blanket, in front of the fire, and we don't even move - but our mind is either processing that which is most important to us, or it is emptying those things we no longer need. So long as we don't let it tip over too far, a sulk provides us the space we might not have taken otherwise to get things in order.
Do not be afraid to sulk when it is earned. In fact, make an art of it. Keep the curtains drawn. Light candles. Read poetry written by people too young to be really writing it. Embrace the rawness of your emotions. Understand them, process them, then let them go, and stand up ready to fight once more.
I am interested - does anyone have stories of a /particularly good/ sulk that they have had?
Nothing has really changed. I keep working. One day, this will happen. In the meantime, the Sentinel is watching.
This really gives me an opportunity to discuss something near and dear to my heart: the beauty of a good sulk. We all know about the wonder of joy, of beauty, of love, but perhaps the most productive times in my life - at least when I am trying to figure out what to do next - are the sulks. Those lovely times when we just hide under a blanket, in front of the fire, and we don't even move - but our mind is either processing that which is most important to us, or it is emptying those things we no longer need. So long as we don't let it tip over too far, a sulk provides us the space we might not have taken otherwise to get things in order.
Do not be afraid to sulk when it is earned. In fact, make an art of it. Keep the curtains drawn. Light candles. Read poetry written by people too young to be really writing it. Embrace the rawness of your emotions. Understand them, process them, then let them go, and stand up ready to fight once more.
I am interested - does anyone have stories of a /particularly good/ sulk that they have had?
Written By Bliss
Aug. 6, 2018, 3:42 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
It apparently doesn't matter.
No matter how egregious the wrong done to you - it doesn't matter.
People will never choose to give you justice on their own if it's going to cost them something.
But hey, at least they get to continue living their sham, right? Fuck the commoners, apparently. Fuck honor, apparently.
I'm probably not going to be great company for a while.
No matter how egregious the wrong done to you - it doesn't matter.
People will never choose to give you justice on their own if it's going to cost them something.
But hey, at least they get to continue living their sham, right? Fuck the commoners, apparently. Fuck honor, apparently.
I'm probably not going to be great company for a while.
Written By Bliss
July 30, 2018, 11:35 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)
Last night must have gone well. Apparently I lost my duel - I don't remember this! But it is always wonderful waking up with a hangover, a scrambled memory, and people gushing about the amazing things you can do with your tongue - all these are usually signs of a great night well spent.
My thanks to Prince Luca for once again being an excellent opponent - someday, perhaps, we will have opportunity to face off once more. My thanks also to Princess Alis Valardin and Marquis Hadrian Mazetti, for hosting such a fine event, hiring myself and Prince Luca, and being willing to listen to and incorporate our advice to make the whole thing as entertaining as possible.
My thanks to Prince Luca for once again being an excellent opponent - someday, perhaps, we will have opportunity to face off once more. My thanks also to Princess Alis Valardin and Marquis Hadrian Mazetti, for hosting such a fine event, hiring myself and Prince Luca, and being willing to listen to and incorporate our advice to make the whole thing as entertaining as possible.
Written By Bliss
July 25, 2018, 12:07 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jordan
These are the kinds of duels where a man's anger and grief can take over while swinging the blade, and without realizing what he's doing, he can make a mistake that haunts him the rest of his life - and very easily, the brief rest of his opponent's. This is not a fight to first blood over a simple insult - it is the entire honor of a knight at stake. Mistakes happen.
Years past, before I became a Champion, when I was just a lone girl exploring the world, I fought a lot of my own duels - I made my silver that way, enough to get by, and it was fun, and I was good at it. But it was always taunts and songs, little things. The easiest to provoke were, almost inevitably, the knights. Not the ones who stood tall and proud and had earned the title through great self-sacrifice, truly embodying honor. No, the ones who used the term as a way to let you know that they were better than you, who insisted loudly on being called 'Sir', usually gaining their knighthood from some simple roadside ceremony and never really knowing what it meant.
When you accept a challenge, as a knight, you run a risk - a real risk. Not only is it a question on your honor to not simply apologize when you have truly hurt someone, or to apologize and get it done with if it's a minor grievance, but if Gloria proves your opponent true and really shows you have no honor left?
What then?
Of course, sometimes someone is egregious enough to show that before the fight even starts, and it becomes plain for the world to see what sort of person they really are.
Years past, before I became a Champion, when I was just a lone girl exploring the world, I fought a lot of my own duels - I made my silver that way, enough to get by, and it was fun, and I was good at it. But it was always taunts and songs, little things. The easiest to provoke were, almost inevitably, the knights. Not the ones who stood tall and proud and had earned the title through great self-sacrifice, truly embodying honor. No, the ones who used the term as a way to let you know that they were better than you, who insisted loudly on being called 'Sir', usually gaining their knighthood from some simple roadside ceremony and never really knowing what it meant.
When you accept a challenge, as a knight, you run a risk - a real risk. Not only is it a question on your honor to not simply apologize when you have truly hurt someone, or to apologize and get it done with if it's a minor grievance, but if Gloria proves your opponent true and really shows you have no honor left?
What then?
Of course, sometimes someone is egregious enough to show that before the fight even starts, and it becomes plain for the world to see what sort of person they really are.
Written By Bliss
July 23, 2018, 2:53 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Martin
Death seems to be the topic today.
I did not know Brother Martin - but I see the echoes of his loss in the writings of some of the people I respect the most. I see the heavy influence he played on their lives. From this alone, I must assume that the Queen of Endings is enthralled with his tales of all those children he met, helped grow, who they became, what they did.
But we are robbed of him in this world. One thing that has become starkly clear to me lately is that all that will be left of us, when everything else fades, are the things we built, the children we bear, and our stories.
I'd like to know more about this man. I am certain future Scholars will, as well. What other stories can be put into the Whites, to honor his passing?
All of this also makes me realize - it is time I begin to put all of mine into words. Into my Black. So that there is no mystery or speculation once I, too, pass, and prepare for my next turn on the Wheel.
I did not know Brother Martin - but I see the echoes of his loss in the writings of some of the people I respect the most. I see the heavy influence he played on their lives. From this alone, I must assume that the Queen of Endings is enthralled with his tales of all those children he met, helped grow, who they became, what they did.
But we are robbed of him in this world. One thing that has become starkly clear to me lately is that all that will be left of us, when everything else fades, are the things we built, the children we bear, and our stories.
I'd like to know more about this man. I am certain future Scholars will, as well. What other stories can be put into the Whites, to honor his passing?
All of this also makes me realize - it is time I begin to put all of mine into words. Into my Black. So that there is no mystery or speculation once I, too, pass, and prepare for my next turn on the Wheel.
Written By Bliss
July 21, 2018, 11:52 p.m.(3/27/1009 AR)
I would probably be dead if Selene Whisper had not given me a chance to join Whisper House. This is not an exaggeration - I was broke. I had one working arm. I had no name, no one, nothing, no skills to sell beyond the ones which she was looking for. She took a chance on me. A very, very risky chance, one which I am sure is still earning some questions today.
My mind is full of turmoil, but -
Soft whispers, harder hearts.
We move on.
My mind is full of turmoil, but -
Soft whispers, harder hearts.
We move on.
Written By Bliss
July 20, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(3/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
Excellent point.
I've never had one try that with me, but excellent point, and conceded.
I've never had one try that with me, but excellent point, and conceded.
Written By Bliss
July 20, 2018, 2:55 p.m.(3/23/1009 AR)
Replying to individual journal entries on fashion trends is now OUT, writing one longer entry to address recent questions is now IN.
Captain Igniseri: Fashion is the height of that which is entirely arbitrary, yet somehow important. However! You are in luck! Alligator skin happens to be IN right now, though not nearly so much as the skin of a caiman. Crocodile skin, on the other hand, is OUT, so be very wary of your source. Confusing the two could lead to a dreadful faux pas! Dolphin oil also looks to be wanting in favor of beluga oil, so keep that in mind.
Lord Halfshav: That is not actually a hard and fast rule! While it is generally wise, sometimes, someone will sometimes have caught our eye and we are looking for an excuse, any excuse at all, that shows they are interested as well. Though if they give us something that is OUT - woe unto those men.
Marquis Leary: The problem with such a book is that writing books about fashion is currently OUT, whereas writing about it in your White is IN. What is more pertinent than that, even, is that this is likely to all be outdated in a week.
Captain Igniseri: Fashion is the height of that which is entirely arbitrary, yet somehow important. However! You are in luck! Alligator skin happens to be IN right now, though not nearly so much as the skin of a caiman. Crocodile skin, on the other hand, is OUT, so be very wary of your source. Confusing the two could lead to a dreadful faux pas! Dolphin oil also looks to be wanting in favor of beluga oil, so keep that in mind.
Lord Halfshav: That is not actually a hard and fast rule! While it is generally wise, sometimes, someone will sometimes have caught our eye and we are looking for an excuse, any excuse at all, that shows they are interested as well. Though if they give us something that is OUT - woe unto those men.
Marquis Leary: The problem with such a book is that writing books about fashion is currently OUT, whereas writing about it in your White is IN. What is more pertinent than that, even, is that this is likely to all be outdated in a week.
Written By Bliss
July 20, 2018, 2:03 p.m.(3/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Men of Arvum - you will want to pay attention to this one.
The Marquessa Keaton brings up a rather excellent question in regards to a set of armor that has been given to her, but this is one of the easiest ones to answer in some ways, though with the attention that Lagoma's followers have given me, I must stress that nothing should be immune to change.
That said, it will take a lot to change my opinion on this matter.
You are asking about a gift of a trophy from a creature which terrorized, and whose death is vengeance, protection, and continuation of life for so many. A gift which was then transformed into something not only, I am certain, gorgeous, but also useful, which might one day save your life. A gift which was very likely unexpected, from a Lord to his Lady (proper titles aside). A gift with a story behind it, and power, and emotion and feeling.
While I certainly join Natalia Whisper in wanting to see it, I cannot imagine a situation where such a thing is not IN.
(And, men, very likely to get you laid. Take notes.)
The Marquessa Keaton brings up a rather excellent question in regards to a set of armor that has been given to her, but this is one of the easiest ones to answer in some ways, though with the attention that Lagoma's followers have given me, I must stress that nothing should be immune to change.
That said, it will take a lot to change my opinion on this matter.
You are asking about a gift of a trophy from a creature which terrorized, and whose death is vengeance, protection, and continuation of life for so many. A gift which was then transformed into something not only, I am certain, gorgeous, but also useful, which might one day save your life. A gift which was very likely unexpected, from a Lord to his Lady (proper titles aside). A gift with a story behind it, and power, and emotion and feeling.
While I certainly join Natalia Whisper in wanting to see it, I cannot imagine a situation where such a thing is not IN.
(And, men, very likely to get you laid. Take notes.)
Written By Bliss
July 20, 2018, 1:01 p.m.(3/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
Snakes are one of those things which can be OUT or IN, and it all depends on how you accessorize and the type of snake. For example, trying to make yourself look dangerous and edgy with a snake and leather, unless you are already the kind of person who wore leather and actually are dangerous? Very OUT. It has been done so many times before!
However, a pretty bow on a snake, tied right behind its head? I would say that is IN. And adorable.
However, a pretty bow on a snake, tied right behind its head? I would say that is IN. And adorable.
Written By Bliss
July 20, 2018, 11:37 a.m.(3/22/1009 AR)
Haven't you heard, Lumen? Bunnies are OUT, cats are IN.
Now, to Princesses Tikva and Sabella - it is okay. Fashion changes quickly on us and we do not always understand why. But I am fairly certain that Lumen Whisper will once again be IN again.
She just has to send me a nice present.
Now, to Princesses Tikva and Sabella - it is okay. Fashion changes quickly on us and we do not always understand why. But I am fairly certain that Lumen Whisper will once again be IN again.
She just has to send me a nice present.
Written By Bliss
July 19, 2018, 7:14 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Amanda
Lumen is OUT, Amanda is IN.
Written By Bliss
July 19, 2018, 3:56 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
With a Commoners Ball approaching and Spring just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to further describe current fashion trends so that no one is left feeling awkward and out of date at the ball.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.