Written By Lys
Dec. 7, 2023, 4:22 a.m.(4/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I know not exactly what or who the Count writes of, but a line in his recent journal struck me as interesting:
"It still surprises me from time to time how much a smile can hide." - Count Duarte Amadeo.
What surprises me about a smile is how many people trust them. How just a gentle laugh and a well curled smile will put people at ease. Do people not realize that a smile is a lie? That it is a mask behind which we all hide? Sure some people smile when they are happy, laugh when they are amused. But how many of us force it? How many of us flash our smiles to show we are not a threat? That we are not offended? That it is all just a joke. That everything is fine?
We smile when we are uncomfortable to avoid further awkwardness. We smile when we are upset to avoid conflict. We smile to make someone think we are friendly to avoid a fight. We smile to lie. Day in and day out. Sometimes the smile is a lie to ourselves. Because if we don't force a smile everything will collapse down upon us.
I'm smiling just now writing this, because it's all just a joke. Everything is fine.
Imagine my laughter accompanying this journal.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
"It still surprises me from time to time how much a smile can hide." - Count Duarte Amadeo.
What surprises me about a smile is how many people trust them. How just a gentle laugh and a well curled smile will put people at ease. Do people not realize that a smile is a lie? That it is a mask behind which we all hide? Sure some people smile when they are happy, laugh when they are amused. But how many of us force it? How many of us flash our smiles to show we are not a threat? That we are not offended? That it is all just a joke. That everything is fine?
We smile when we are uncomfortable to avoid further awkwardness. We smile when we are upset to avoid conflict. We smile to make someone think we are friendly to avoid a fight. We smile to lie. Day in and day out. Sometimes the smile is a lie to ourselves. Because if we don't force a smile everything will collapse down upon us.
I'm smiling just now writing this, because it's all just a joke. Everything is fine.
Imagine my laughter accompanying this journal.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
Written By Lianne
Dec. 3, 2023, 10:03 p.m.(4/21/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I have experienced only two things in all my life that scared me as much as the series of urgent letters I received telling me of your injuries, as seeing your torso torn open, your mustache nearly burned clean off.
You may ask me what terrors compare, if you'd like.
Let's think of it as payment, in part, for how kindly you've obliged my insistence that you not die without my say so.
You may ask me what terrors compare, if you'd like.
Let's think of it as payment, in part, for how kindly you've obliged my insistence that you not die without my say so.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 12, 2021, 9:51 p.m.(9/25/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Good friends know the best gifts for just the right occasions.
Written By Savio
Feb. 6, 2021, 9:14 p.m.(11/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
What a beautiful evening at the Crossroads Casino. Beautiful people. Beautiful crafts. The most beautiful clothes I have yet seen in Arx! Count Duarte put together a good show. I was honored to perform a song and will record it here, to remember the evening and to commit to the Journals an ode to those who create.
There are some who find the arts to be an inane waste of time
As though passion and creative heart might be some sort of crime
With love and understanding for our grim, pragmatic neighbors
Tonight we raise a glass and song to all creative labors!
Artists, you truly know this world is hard and cold and dark
And through your art defy the night with bright, unfailing spark
Beauty, truth, and insight are the tools with which you work
And in this inspired undertaking, you gift to life its worth
Here's to the poets, the painters, and singers
To the infinite journey, the masters, beginners
Here's to the jewelers, the sculptors, the writers
To the luminous dreamers, who make the world brighter
All those who endeavor to create, with your setbacks and success
Tonight we celebrate your path, and the gift that you possess
Your works are perfect, valid, true, and of yourselves, be forgiving
Your art informs, restores, explores, and it's what makes life worth living!
There are some who find the arts to be an inane waste of time
As though passion and creative heart might be some sort of crime
With love and understanding for our grim, pragmatic neighbors
Tonight we raise a glass and song to all creative labors!
Artists, you truly know this world is hard and cold and dark
And through your art defy the night with bright, unfailing spark
Beauty, truth, and insight are the tools with which you work
And in this inspired undertaking, you gift to life its worth
Here's to the poets, the painters, and singers
To the infinite journey, the masters, beginners
Here's to the jewelers, the sculptors, the writers
To the luminous dreamers, who make the world brighter
All those who endeavor to create, with your setbacks and success
Tonight we celebrate your path, and the gift that you possess
Your works are perfect, valid, true, and of yourselves, be forgiving
Your art informs, restores, explores, and it's what makes life worth living!
Written By Lianne
Jan. 29, 2021, 7:34 a.m.(11/4/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Someone important once told me, "You don't have to put it back together the way it was."
We are not what we were. A few pieces salvaged from the wreckage of complicated years, but so much surrendered, so much changed. Whatever we are, whatever we will be, I am glad to have my friend near again.
We are not what we were. A few pieces salvaged from the wreckage of complicated years, but so much surrendered, so much changed. Whatever we are, whatever we will be, I am glad to have my friend near again.
Written By Apollo
Jan. 17, 2021, 10:26 p.m.(10/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I should thank Count Duarte for the lovely stitching awl as well. I don't think I'd ever laid eyes on goldenwood prior - it's really beautiful. I wonder if it's hard to work with.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 30, 2020, 8:34 a.m.(8/28/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Count Duarte Amadeo is, to my outsider's eyes, the full promise and potential of the Lycene. I will admit I misunderstood him. I may still. In his way Count Duarte fills his role with the boldness and devotion of an Oathlands knight. His mind is his own - independent, perceptive, challenging. A lesser man would choose the easy path.
"Loyalty knows no bounds" are House Amadeo's words. I believe it and am grateful for it.
"Loyalty knows no bounds" are House Amadeo's words. I believe it and am grateful for it.
Written By Saoirse
Dec. 20, 2020, 7:44 p.m.(8/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
What a horrible thing to declare as your house stance when an ally of the Crown and your liege is killed.
Written By Mirari
Nov. 29, 2020, 5:52 p.m.(6/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
A stiletto, hm? With a hammer and shivving knife. You don't ask hard tasks of me, at all, my friend. No worries, I shall figure it out. I shall make you something utterly remarkable and unique. Something... to get the blood rushing (ha ha ha).
Written By Willow
July 5, 2019, 2:46 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
If I had known, I might have stopped by. Most of my communing with and prayers to Mangata happens at the beach shrine. The fish and Atrium are lovely at the place inside the city, but the sea breeze breath and heartbeat tides feel such a stronger and more primal place to make that connection.
Written By Iseulet
July 5, 2019, 10:33 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
A beautiful spring day. A good day to catch up with old friends.
Too bad most of them have gone. Either moved on or taken another turn on the wheel.
At least we still have our whiskey.
Too bad most of them have gone. Either moved on or taken another turn on the wheel.
At least we still have our whiskey.
Written By Juliana
March 10, 2019, 10:38 p.m.(9/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Dear Count, never fear. I will be sure to send the occasional goat or duckling into your manor to keep you occupied.
Written By Rinel
Feb. 24, 2019, 7:31 p.m.(8/18/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I considered writing this in a black journal, but that seemed to me almost an attempt at hiding. If the Count Bravura should see this, then so be it. I am tired of secrets.
I begin to despair of any reconciliation between myself and Count Amadeo. Neither he nor I will budge on the singular issue that divides us. In truth, I do not know whether it is an issue of pride--which I have grown to learn that both of us possess in excess of our stations--or a deeper matter altogether. But deep or no, the chasm that divides us remains unbridged, and with every passing day that yawning gulf seems to widen. I regret, in part, the circumstances that led to the severing of our relationship; I mourn the loss of company and intellect.
I shall continue to pray to Lord Limerance that comity be restored--but I have begun to pray to Lady Lagoma as well. All things change, and, in time, all things end. Perhaps it is time to let the field lie fallow for a season. Growth of a new crop may yet come.
I begin to despair of any reconciliation between myself and Count Amadeo. Neither he nor I will budge on the singular issue that divides us. In truth, I do not know whether it is an issue of pride--which I have grown to learn that both of us possess in excess of our stations--or a deeper matter altogether. But deep or no, the chasm that divides us remains unbridged, and with every passing day that yawning gulf seems to widen. I regret, in part, the circumstances that led to the severing of our relationship; I mourn the loss of company and intellect.
I shall continue to pray to Lord Limerance that comity be restored--but I have begun to pray to Lady Lagoma as well. All things change, and, in time, all things end. Perhaps it is time to let the field lie fallow for a season. Growth of a new crop may yet come.
Written By Jennyva
Feb. 3, 2019, 11:58 p.m.(7/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Here, here.
Written By Mirella
Feb. 3, 2019, 9:05 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Truly. Such deprivation.
Written By Rinel
Dec. 2, 2018, 7:06 a.m.(2/7/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
I believe I have learned something about my patron.
I hope I can exact revenge for past humiliation with it.
I hope reading this causes concern to him. More likely it will cause amusement.
Yes, I know you're reading this, Count Bravura.
I hope I can exact revenge for past humiliation with it.
I hope reading this causes concern to him. More likely it will cause amusement.
Yes, I know you're reading this, Count Bravura.
Written By Alrec
Nov. 20, 2018, 5:58 p.m.(1/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Every fight I have had, whiskey has been involved so, if whiskey could talk - it would not only say my name but demand a respond befitting a noble. My count, Lord Duarte Amadeo, I would like to challenge you to a rite of Gloria. If I win, your house Amadeo will put forth the bill to have a whiskey made that carries my name; The Alrec, whiskey of Amadeo. Ignore my challenge, as I have learned, it is a right afforded to you silks or accept and have your champion reach out to me, we know who's the better swordsman between the two of us, my beloved count.
Written By Prisila
Sept. 9, 2018, 9:33 p.m.(7/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
It's a sure sign of a restless, albeit brilliant mind. Perhaps you're inspired to tell a story?
Written By Oliver
Sept. 2, 2018, 4:54 p.m.(7/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Count Duarte commissioned me for some large sculptures honouring Gild and Vellichor, to be placed in the Crossroads Casino. Sculpting is far more of a hobby of mine than a serious profession - it's just a different way of expression altogether - but I really enjoy the opportunities I get to push away the silks and leathers and work with wood and stone instead.
The sculptures were far larger than anything I've built in the past, but the Count provided more than enough inspiration with the themes he desired. I'm proud of the work I did, and I look forward to seeing my art in the Crossroads Casino when I go and visit.
The sculptures were far larger than anything I've built in the past, but the Count provided more than enough inspiration with the themes he desired. I'm proud of the work I did, and I look forward to seeing my art in the Crossroads Casino when I go and visit.
Written By Saoirse
July 14, 2018, 5:34 p.m.(3/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
But who cares?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.