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Written By Saoirse

July 15, 2019, 11:37 a.m.(6/19/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

I cannot think of a member of the peerage more deserving of a fond eulogy than Niccolo, though I am pretty annoyed that he forgot to remind his barkeep to let me behind the bar at the Black Fox before he passed. Now it's a complicated system of lies to get into that room and let me tell you: I have yet to find a more comfortable chair for reading than back there.

The Lyceum weaves a tangled web of family lines and ties by design. We value when our family solidifies those ties via marriages and when someone joins our house, he or she becomes one of our own: Velenosa. A Fox. To lead the Lyceum is an artful job, and one held by some of the most brilliant minds I've lucked to not only meet but call my family.

Niccolo was one of those artful rulers and his influence pulsed through more than his own titled reign. Niccolo helped our political climate by magnanimously lending his experience and thoughts to those who came so successfully after him. I was witness to his sharp mind -- and dry wit -- and I am a better noble for it, as were others who came across his path.

And that is the legacy of House Velenosa: our strengths, we pass forward to those around us, so that our leaders may grow ever better.

And so they do.

Written By Ajax

July 4, 2019, 6:42 p.m.(5/26/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

You were an interesting man. I wouldn't of expected you to go peacefully, I hope the wheel treats you well.

Written By Saoirse

July 3, 2019, 8:17 p.m.(5/24/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Niccolo. How will I ever demand access to the back of the bar again at the Black Fox.

Written By Ophelia

July 3, 2019, 8:39 a.m.(5/23/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

I love you, Uncle. I will hold onto your memory as tightly as I hold onto Luca's. Non omnis moriar.

Written By Vincenzo

July 2, 2019, 11:49 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

It was a beautiful spring morning today, I woke early for a meeting with importers at the botanical gardens. Seeing the sunrise touch pearls of dew, turning gemmed petals with a golden hue and breathing in the light perfume was simply perfect, plus the deal sealed was absolutely excellent for all parties. And so it came that I heard the passing of a man I once had the privilege of calling uncle.

That old fox played the game very well, making allies and gaining powerful enemies as each seemed to be fluid depending on the moment. Death comes for all, we just choose whether we'll meet her with honor or not.

I'll remember something you taught though. Failure is required in order to grow, and without it, I'd stagnate and grow complacent. You said don't be ruled by failure or pain, learn to accept it and learn from it so I might grow. And above all, find out the truth from that experience and bring it to the light.

I've failed those whom I loved the most in this world, and I failed specifically one treasured above all. I will use the memory of the man who was once my uncle and set out to do something different, a new adventure. To take a new risk and grow.

Vapid enemy hiding in plain sight, always so hungry to devour while you search what you can't have. You and your friends have grown complacent because you don't embrace that failure can make you better.

I'm coming.

Written By Valencia

July 2, 2019, 10:49 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

No words. Heart finally fully broken.

Written By Arman

July 2, 2019, 10:06 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Forever emblazoned within my memory shall be the day you stood as the victor of the Tournament of Roses, the horns of a hundred heralds at your back as all eyes turned to you for the moment in which you asked your boon from the King. I will never forget the gasps that ruptured throughout the audience, Peer and commoner alike and the look of adoration that filled my cousin's face. While by today's standards your acts would be far less of a surprise, marriage born in love becoming more common amongst the Peerage, I fear they forget it was you who paved the way for them and shocked a kingdom. Your bravery in the face of the court of public opinion.

I may not have agreed with it then and I may not agree with it now, but you changed the world as we knew it.

Written By Calista

July 2, 2019, 9:34 p.m.(5/22/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

I heard the news today and could not believe it. My heart is broken but I am ever so grateful for the time in which we became more than allies. We shared in grief and joy together, but where it not for your guidance, your patience, kindness, and friendship, I would have made many mistakes those first couple of years after Leo's disappearance. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you taught me. Rest sweetly in peace.

Written By Lucita

July 2, 2019, 11:40 a.m.(5/21/1011 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

The Black Fox is gone? Prince Niccolo is gone? Memories of him standing strong on the walls of Setarco during the war fill my thoughts and sorrow, a sense of loss darkens the day.

Written By Vanora

Dec. 5, 2018, 4:18 p.m.(2/14/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

I am deeply disturbed by what happened to my Uncle Niccolo, especially so soon after losing Uncle Tomasso. Niccolo and my father survive their other two brothers, and I do hope they continue to for some time to come.

Written By Talen

Oct. 28, 2018, 10:26 p.m.(11/22/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Every time I have another daughter, I think I become closer to being an old man. I have grey hair already and I'm barely thirty. Now I know how you must feel.

It's the strangest form of masochism.

Written By Alessandro

April 21, 2018, 7:57 p.m.(8/6/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

I must commend you on your excellent establishment, cousin. One always meets the most interesting people at the Black Fox.

Written By Talen

March 19, 2018, 6:17 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Today we see what I've learnt from your lessons, father.

Today we see what I've ignored in effort to do better, too.

Written By Saoirse

March 17, 2018, 6:09 p.m.(5/17/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Living in fear of knowledge is no way to live. And if no one should help me learn about what I seek, I will struggle on alone, I guess.

That was very dramatic.

Written By Talen

Jan. 21, 2018, 10:47 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

It will be good to fight by your side again, father.

Written By Eleyna

Jan. 21, 2018, 7:38 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

You've come back to Arx just in time for me to give you excessive amounts of work to do.

Written By Talen

Oct. 22, 2017, 4:31 p.m.(6/12/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

My father deserves his rest yet I do am thankful we are not without him completely, for the time being, in this state of transition.

I have much to learn. From commoner to royal ward, Sword to knight, prince to Archduke-- there is much to learn.

So, Arx, please. If I punch anyone in the throat when it would otherwise be deemed inappropriate, allow me the odd slip up, yes?

Written By Leta

May 14, 2017, 8:59 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Archduke Niccolo Velenosa has made me a knight of Lenosia. It is a great honor. I will have to trust his Grace's judgment though, as I never thought I was much suited for knighthood. I never used to give such things much thought before. I can fight, and I can even sit on a horse and not fall down, and I suppose I've done some deeds, though I never did think of them that way. But his Grace seems to think I can do it, so I suppose I must.

His Grace says I've got to learn about Lycene history and such things, which seems a bit scholarly, but maybe that is part of knighthood in Lycene parts. I shall try not to embarrass his Grace or his House or anyone else, though 've not had much learning in knightly matters. I don't even know if a knight gets paid for knighting or if it's more rewards for such deeds as rescuing princes and whatnot.

Written By Stefano

April 16, 2017, 11:59 p.m.(4/15/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Where would I be without House Velenosa and Archduke Niccolo? Well, on the road as a Knight of Solace but I don't hold it against my liege or his family. The Archduke taught me to fight as a child and House Gilden remains a loyal and staunch ally and vassal of House Velenosa. We are a small family with few holdings but Archduke Niccolo has shown nothing but respect and so as ever he and House Velenosa will retain my respect and affection.

Written By Talen

March 29, 2017, 3:48 p.m.(3/6/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Niccolo

Do you remember when I was thirteen and we road south of Lenosia, out of reach of the the walls and its gardens, to hunt boar?

I'd never seen a spear thrown so far as when you'd done it, yet I knew I could out-throw you. I did, of course, but that wasn't the point - I missed. It wasn't about power and throwing it far, it was about hitting your mark. You always knew how to utilise power to its best effect, rather than simply go wild with it. I think that's why we are where we are today despite our challenges.

We should hunt again, when this is all over.

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