Written By Sydney
July 11, 2020, 10:31 a.m.(8/19/1013 AR)
Things worth knowing from The Murder:
* Be frightened of any alcohol that smells like lemons.
* If you ask for your tea with 'Extra Limerance', I don't think it actually helps, it just makes it taste worse.
* I punched Raja Cullers's paramour in his favorite spleen - whoops. Looks like he walked it off well enough if she hadn't heard about it.
* Svana Grayhope throws a mean snake, and makes all the men weep.
* Samira Culler is an accomplished artist and presents wonderful arguments for being an aunt. Wish I met the basic qualifications. Also, what is that drawing?
* There are no other bartenders at the Murder, only varying degrees of Tanith, from worst to best.
* Apollo Oakwood ties an excellent braid, and is wasted on lesser craft.
* Be frightened of any alcohol that smells like lemons.
* If you ask for your tea with 'Extra Limerance', I don't think it actually helps, it just makes it taste worse.
* I punched Raja Cullers's paramour in his favorite spleen - whoops. Looks like he walked it off well enough if she hadn't heard about it.
* Svana Grayhope throws a mean snake, and makes all the men weep.
* Samira Culler is an accomplished artist and presents wonderful arguments for being an aunt. Wish I met the basic qualifications. Also, what is that drawing?
* There are no other bartenders at the Murder, only varying degrees of Tanith, from worst to best.
* Apollo Oakwood ties an excellent braid, and is wasted on lesser craft.
Written By Sydney
July 9, 2020, 1:48 a.m.(8/15/1013 AR)
My mood has been black lately, and I can't quite put my finger on why.
I blame the lack of time striking at that which can actually strike back, unlike the men of stick and straw at the Training Center, or half of the nobility that decides they're brave enough to test their shiny new swords against me and wind up not even landing a strike that tastes of anything before going down.
Perhaps a trip is in order. Clear my head. Find someone who can kick my ass and leave me wondering what the fuck just hit me. I've not felt that since Sir Jeffeth Bayweather threw me clear over his head in the sands, or that unrelenting wall named Harlex Valtyr whittled me down without breaking a sweat.
When I'm not aiming at something higher, I feel as though some of my motivation bleeds away. Perhaps that's the root of it.
I blame the lack of time striking at that which can actually strike back, unlike the men of stick and straw at the Training Center, or half of the nobility that decides they're brave enough to test their shiny new swords against me and wind up not even landing a strike that tastes of anything before going down.
Perhaps a trip is in order. Clear my head. Find someone who can kick my ass and leave me wondering what the fuck just hit me. I've not felt that since Sir Jeffeth Bayweather threw me clear over his head in the sands, or that unrelenting wall named Harlex Valtyr whittled me down without breaking a sweat.
When I'm not aiming at something higher, I feel as though some of my motivation bleeds away. Perhaps that's the root of it.
Written By Sydney
July 6, 2020, 10:11 p.m.(8/10/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tanith
I believe I've stolen the affections of your dog.
Looked utterly reluctant to leave when the meeting wrapped up. Please remind him that nurture isn't in my nature - I just give scritches.
Looked utterly reluctant to leave when the meeting wrapped up. Please remind him that nurture isn't in my nature - I just give scritches.
Written By Sydney
July 4, 2020, 12:06 p.m.(8/6/1013 AR)
As an addendum to my last entry: I am honored to serve as an alternate.
And I should like to never have to be called upon as one, given the respect I have for the names on the primary list.
And I should like to never have to be called upon as one, given the respect I have for the names on the primary list.
Written By Sydney
July 3, 2020, 9:39 p.m.(8/4/1013 AR)
I extend my congratulations to those elected to the Commoners' Council proper, and my heartfelt thanks to those that turned out and threw the name of a Houseless pugilist in with their 'aye's.
Rest easy that there are names on this Council that are known to me, known to the Lowers, and they can be trusted to take their concerns seriously.
It is to the Crown, now, to see that the Council is given more opportunity to function in its proper capacity. Better still, to expand upon it. The voice of the people is at your fingertips - pray use those voices. We've seen what comes from paying more attention to threats abroad than injustice within, and it's my hope that we dare not repeat it.
< Several Lines struck through with ink >
Still, a loss is a loss. What better way to take the sting off than with some drink and some company?
None better.
Rest easy that there are names on this Council that are known to me, known to the Lowers, and they can be trusted to take their concerns seriously.
It is to the Crown, now, to see that the Council is given more opportunity to function in its proper capacity. Better still, to expand upon it. The voice of the people is at your fingertips - pray use those voices. We've seen what comes from paying more attention to threats abroad than injustice within, and it's my hope that we dare not repeat it.
< Several Lines struck through with ink >
Still, a loss is a loss. What better way to take the sting off than with some drink and some company?
None better.
Written By Sydney
June 27, 2020, 10:01 p.m.(7/20/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tanith
There is something that needs to be said, and I have not had the platform to say so.
Too much chocolate in the cookies. Too much - especially for this heat. It makes eating them an absolute mess. Who makes things with chocolate when it's sweltering like this?
...send more. A few melted.
Too much chocolate in the cookies. Too much - especially for this heat. It makes eating them an absolute mess. Who makes things with chocolate when it's sweltering like this?
...send more. A few melted.
Written By Sydney
June 27, 2020, 1:12 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
There is no greater solace than the words one needs to hear, written by whom one needs to hear it from, delivered by letter.
They do not cure all, but they're a welcome start.
They do not cure all, but they're a welcome start.
Written By Sydney
June 26, 2020, 6:08 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
The rumors say there was a falling star. Did anyone find it?
Why do I sleep through every ephemeral occurrence of note in this city but the damned painful snow?
Why do I sleep through every ephemeral occurrence of note in this city but the damned painful snow?
Written By Sydney
June 21, 2020, 11:58 a.m.(7/8/1013 AR)
I've seen hundred of fistfights. I've participated in more than I ever cared to count, and I they bled together to effectively with time for me to bother counting them all, but one thing that doesn't translate to is weaponry. I'm always baffled and amazed by what people come up with in order to do harm to one another, and I'm certainly no exception to that rule.
I've certainly never seen someone incorporate mummery and staffwork into their combat style, and it was interesting as hell to test myself against. I wonder what the man is capable of when he isn't literally fall-down drunk, or if that's just how he is all the time.
It's good to know that after so much observation, I can still be taken off my guard in the name of innovation. The more tricks I see, the less likely I am to fall for them when it truly counts.
I hope.
I've certainly never seen someone incorporate mummery and staffwork into their combat style, and it was interesting as hell to test myself against. I wonder what the man is capable of when he isn't literally fall-down drunk, or if that's just how he is all the time.
It's good to know that after so much observation, I can still be taken off my guard in the name of innovation. The more tricks I see, the less likely I am to fall for them when it truly counts.
I hope.
Written By Sydney
June 19, 2020, 10:33 p.m.(7/4/1013 AR)
I don't need to convince those that know me, but many of you do not. Perhaps you've read me in the Whites, perhaps you had no cause to pay attention until this election for The Commoners' Council was announced.
There will, without doubt, be rousing speeches from those who are vying for the position, but I'll keep my own pitch concise:
If you wish to see the Lowers have an actual advocate who has put her money and actions where her mouth is, consider me.
I will not pretend that my words shall always be placed correctly, or in proper turn, as diplomacy is not my strength - but I have yet to balk from speaking truths that need to be spoken or putting forth proposals to better our situation.
Consider me.
There will, without doubt, be rousing speeches from those who are vying for the position, but I'll keep my own pitch concise:
If you wish to see the Lowers have an actual advocate who has put her money and actions where her mouth is, consider me.
I will not pretend that my words shall always be placed correctly, or in proper turn, as diplomacy is not my strength - but I have yet to balk from speaking truths that need to be spoken or putting forth proposals to better our situation.
Consider me.
Written By Sydney
June 19, 2020, 12:52 p.m.(7/4/1013 AR)
The more that my life shifts to be involved with or adjacent to problems that are further-reaching than where to find my next meal or where to get my next drink, the more I wish for problems that I can solve on my own.
I don't miss it, but solutions were easier to come upon.
I don't miss it, but solutions were easier to come upon.
Written By Sydney
June 14, 2020, 4:18 p.m.(6/22/1013 AR)
Am I boring when I'm not drinking, or am I just more aware of how dull the world around me can be?
Either way, fuck it. Falling off the horse tonight, for want of anything more interesting to do.
Either way, fuck it. Falling off the horse tonight, for want of anything more interesting to do.
Written By Sydney
June 14, 2020, 3:04 p.m.(6/22/1013 AR)
No one is as you expect them to be.
Accept this facet of human behavior, and you'll be better equipped to handle surprises. It's a lesson I've had to learn time and time again, through both unpleasant discoveries and pleasant surprises, but our perception of a person isn't where that person begins and ends.
Or should I be drunkenly cursing, at the moment, and raring for a fight?
Accept this facet of human behavior, and you'll be better equipped to handle surprises. It's a lesson I've had to learn time and time again, through both unpleasant discoveries and pleasant surprises, but our perception of a person isn't where that person begins and ends.
Or should I be drunkenly cursing, at the moment, and raring for a fight?
Written By Sydney
June 11, 2020, 10:40 a.m.(6/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tescelina
I've struggled with what to put to paper after these momentous events overlapped so cleanly with a personal matter that recently came to resolution.
I didn't know well those who noteworthy souls who were lost, other than finding a great deal of admiration in the swordplay of Tescelina - I'd hoped to test myself against that sword, because that's how I find I best come to know a person. In the sands, you learn the measure of a person, or at least get a deep glance into what you can't often glean by a courteous bow or handshake.
I wish I'd had that chance.
I didn't know well those who noteworthy souls who were lost, other than finding a great deal of admiration in the swordplay of Tescelina - I'd hoped to test myself against that sword, because that's how I find I best come to know a person. In the sands, you learn the measure of a person, or at least get a deep glance into what you can't often glean by a courteous bow or handshake.
I wish I'd had that chance.
Written By Sydney
May 26, 2020, 7:23 p.m.(5/12/1013 AR)
Now that I've sobered up:
I'm filled with remorse. I should very much like to have fought in this historic series of challenges. I suppose I'm thrilled enough to have been included, however briefly, in this peculiar event.
...That the takeaway is 'You challenged a commoner', however, is proof enough that even when this whirlpool diminishes, we'll be left with the same problems, should nothing change. Something must change.
I'm filled with remorse. I should very much like to have fought in this historic series of challenges. I suppose I'm thrilled enough to have been included, however briefly, in this peculiar event.
...That the takeaway is 'You challenged a commoner', however, is proof enough that even when this whirlpool diminishes, we'll be left with the same problems, should nothing change. Something must change.
Written By Sydney
May 26, 2020, 2:12 a.m.(5/11/1013 AR)
My head is throbbing.
I dreamt I agreed to duel a dog, but then the dog backed out.
My dreams are as turbulent and nonsensical as ever. At the very least, I learned that Apollo and Vitalis are a decent sort. Well, okay. I knew the latter. But had no idea about the former.
...This is some journal entry. Remind me to have breakfast before writing next.
I dreamt I agreed to duel a dog, but then the dog backed out.
My dreams are as turbulent and nonsensical as ever. At the very least, I learned that Apollo and Vitalis are a decent sort. Well, okay. I knew the latter. But had no idea about the former.
...This is some journal entry. Remind me to have breakfast before writing next.
Written By Sydney
May 25, 2020, 2:41 p.m.(5/10/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Korka
Don't be so sure of the reach that your journal has. I specifically request a copy each time I stop by the library, because I simply must know what's on your mind.
In this case, I would say: "That's awfully short-sighted of you."
This problem existed well before the whirlpool and will persist well after it, should we find a way to rid ourselves of its presence.
Still, it seems we agree on at least one facet of all of this: To mend a broken bone, you don't apply a dab of ointment.
In this case, I would say: "That's awfully short-sighted of you."
This problem existed well before the whirlpool and will persist well after it, should we find a way to rid ourselves of its presence.
Still, it seems we agree on at least one facet of all of this: To mend a broken bone, you don't apply a dab of ointment.
Written By Sydney
May 24, 2020, 7:25 p.m.(5/8/1013 AR)
The boil may have calmed to a simmer, but that doesn't mean the fires have stopped burning. This is Arx, the wealthiest fucking city in Arvum last I checked, and our idea of fixing this problem is to slap a bandage over it, thus far.
The Wards all flourish. The Upper Boroughs is a haven with the up-and-coming. And then there's the heap of inequity that is the Lowers, forgotten and swept under the rug until the moments when it's inconvenient, and then forgotten all over again when the inconvenience passes.
Many nobles I know won't set foot in the Lowers. You worry about being harmed? Being robbed? These things happen on the regular all throughout the city, and the only thing that increase that severity in the Lowers is the sense of desperation.
I know I'm from the Lowers because I've done things I'm not proud of in order to scrape the bits together for a meal. To choose between going hungry and going a winter without a roof over my head. So when you recoil away from the Lowers, you recoil away from me. What's worse? When you recoil away from the Lowers, you cheapen the oath by which we're sworn. Are their oaths no stronger than your own? Is their blood a different shade?
Go. See for yourself. If you feel unsafe or frightened, I will personally escort you the entire way, free of charge, so long as you keep a respectful tongue and your looks of revulsion muted.
If you feel unsafe with what you've seen, imagine how living in these conditions wears at the body and mind. And then imagine just how long this problem has been festering.
The Wards all flourish. The Upper Boroughs is a haven with the up-and-coming. And then there's the heap of inequity that is the Lowers, forgotten and swept under the rug until the moments when it's inconvenient, and then forgotten all over again when the inconvenience passes.
Many nobles I know won't set foot in the Lowers. You worry about being harmed? Being robbed? These things happen on the regular all throughout the city, and the only thing that increase that severity in the Lowers is the sense of desperation.
I know I'm from the Lowers because I've done things I'm not proud of in order to scrape the bits together for a meal. To choose between going hungry and going a winter without a roof over my head. So when you recoil away from the Lowers, you recoil away from me. What's worse? When you recoil away from the Lowers, you cheapen the oath by which we're sworn. Are their oaths no stronger than your own? Is their blood a different shade?
Go. See for yourself. If you feel unsafe or frightened, I will personally escort you the entire way, free of charge, so long as you keep a respectful tongue and your looks of revulsion muted.
If you feel unsafe with what you've seen, imagine how living in these conditions wears at the body and mind. And then imagine just how long this problem has been festering.
Written By Sydney
May 23, 2020, 5:59 p.m.(5/6/1013 AR)
When you wish for interesting times, prepare yourself well for them.
They never arrive in the way we quite expect.
They never arrive in the way we quite expect.
Written By Sydney
May 21, 2020, 11:44 a.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
...of late, I seem to be arriving at the Training Center just as the interesting fights are winding down. No matter how I jostle my schedule around, I seem to arrive during a lull, only to be told I've just missed the most epic of engagements.
If I'm of a mood to go through my exercises I do so.
Often, I stay, loitering and watching the squires and newly-inspired noblemen flail around with the training dummies and collect my things and go.
...and quite frequently get told that just after I leave I've missed the most marvelous of martial matches. It's truly uncanny, this luck of mine.
If I'm of a mood to go through my exercises I do so.
Often, I stay, loitering and watching the squires and newly-inspired noblemen flail around with the training dummies and collect my things and go.
...and quite frequently get told that just after I leave I've missed the most marvelous of martial matches. It's truly uncanny, this luck of mine.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.