Written By Medeia
March 4, 2021, 1:31 p.m.(1/19/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
It has been several weeks, Scholar, since I learned of the passing of Marquessa Sunniva Harthall. I had wanted to say something sooner, but the words wouldn't come. I was so focused on trying to figure out why this happened. I thought if I knew, it might comfort me. I still don't know, not for certain. No one will confirm my suspicions. But if I am right? No. This is not the time for more brooding. Right now, I wish to commit her to our collective memory. To show how good of heart she was.
When I first met her, we had both found ourselves at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings around the same time. It was fortuitous, in a way: she - newly pregnant and nervous, me - a midwife looking to join the discipleship. We talked for a while, and I was struck by how genuine she was, this Oathlands marquessa open to the comfort of the Mother and baring her vulnerability without shame. When we parted ways that afternoon, I wasn't certain that we would have reason to cross paths again, but I was thankful for the opportunity to have met her just the once.
Sometime after, I was seeking instruction on a matter of courtly graces. She remembered me and wrote to me to offer her assistance. I joined her in the Harthall library and we talked for a while. She provided the requested lesson seamlessly within our conversation, and I left her company that day feeling as though I had been truly seen and heard by someone for the first time in a long time. In the privacy of that fire-warmed room, we didn't feel like Marquessa Harthall and Lady Saik, we felt like Sunniva and Medeia.
As time wore on, bringing the birth of Lady Tibella ever closer, she and I continued to exchange letters, resulting in her choosing me to be her midwife. It was an honor, to say the least. The heir to the March of Fair Harbour! There is something wholly transformative about bringing a new life into this world, being the one entrusted to welcome it, being the first to see the child when the mother has been awaiting that moment for many months. Sunniva's trust was something different entirely. Earning it made me want to be the person she believed me to be, to continue to be worthy of it. She had cleared it with her staff that I could come and go as I pleased to see to the preparations. And then, it was the day!
Every mother I have attended has had strength beyond what any man might expect. Giving birth is physically and emotionally exhausting. Even the quickest and easiest deliveries are still an ordeal. And at that this point, Scholar, I'd forgive you for thinking I am exaggerating the qualities of this particular woman in some attempt to speak kindly of the dead. I'm not. Exaggerating, I mean. I returned in the evening, after the very early morning delivery, to find her awake, alert, friendly, and conversational. I had to remind her to rest and took care of a few things for her while she sat in a comfortable chair. And then I settled on the floor and held Tibella while we talked. We were the only three who existed, it felt like, and we let out some of the hurts and hopes of our past. We shared a similar horror from our youth. And she told me then that I was family. She had decided.
One last anecdote to illustrate the goodness of this woman, Scholar. Shortly before the birth, I had joined her in her garden, with additional company from Duke Ryhalt and his wife Duchess Clover. They had mentioned wanting to invite Haakon and me to dinner, the five of us with Marquis Orvyn, as well. I hesitated, explaining that, perhaps, these fine Oathlanders might wish to reconsider such an invitation to a Mourning Isles Prodigal. It was not my finest moment, assuming their values. I get upset at others when they do the same, but they were all so gracious. Sunniva and Ryhalt agreed with me that the prejudice against Prodigals is ridiculous. They've made their oaths before Limerance, it is the duty of all Faithful to respect those oaths. Anyway. They were both so kind and reassuring. Sunniva was such a bright and shining woman.
One never hopes to receive a letter that begins "If you are reading this..." as the words that follow will inevitably break your heart. The day I received such a letter from Sunniva was meant to be a day of celebration. And not wanting to let anyone down, I put on my new dress made just for the occasion and went out to the party. But I left early and went to the shrine and wept before the altar, clutching that letter, the one that asked me to check in on Tibella from time to time, to ensure the little lady has a woman of warmth and strong character in her life.
If half of what I suspect is true, Marquessa Sunniva Harthall died a hero. Selfless and brave and with love in her heart for the entire Compact. And I am better for having been touched in this life by her.
When I first met her, we had both found ourselves at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings around the same time. It was fortuitous, in a way: she - newly pregnant and nervous, me - a midwife looking to join the discipleship. We talked for a while, and I was struck by how genuine she was, this Oathlands marquessa open to the comfort of the Mother and baring her vulnerability without shame. When we parted ways that afternoon, I wasn't certain that we would have reason to cross paths again, but I was thankful for the opportunity to have met her just the once.
Sometime after, I was seeking instruction on a matter of courtly graces. She remembered me and wrote to me to offer her assistance. I joined her in the Harthall library and we talked for a while. She provided the requested lesson seamlessly within our conversation, and I left her company that day feeling as though I had been truly seen and heard by someone for the first time in a long time. In the privacy of that fire-warmed room, we didn't feel like Marquessa Harthall and Lady Saik, we felt like Sunniva and Medeia.
As time wore on, bringing the birth of Lady Tibella ever closer, she and I continued to exchange letters, resulting in her choosing me to be her midwife. It was an honor, to say the least. The heir to the March of Fair Harbour! There is something wholly transformative about bringing a new life into this world, being the one entrusted to welcome it, being the first to see the child when the mother has been awaiting that moment for many months. Sunniva's trust was something different entirely. Earning it made me want to be the person she believed me to be, to continue to be worthy of it. She had cleared it with her staff that I could come and go as I pleased to see to the preparations. And then, it was the day!
Every mother I have attended has had strength beyond what any man might expect. Giving birth is physically and emotionally exhausting. Even the quickest and easiest deliveries are still an ordeal. And at that this point, Scholar, I'd forgive you for thinking I am exaggerating the qualities of this particular woman in some attempt to speak kindly of the dead. I'm not. Exaggerating, I mean. I returned in the evening, after the very early morning delivery, to find her awake, alert, friendly, and conversational. I had to remind her to rest and took care of a few things for her while she sat in a comfortable chair. And then I settled on the floor and held Tibella while we talked. We were the only three who existed, it felt like, and we let out some of the hurts and hopes of our past. We shared a similar horror from our youth. And she told me then that I was family. She had decided.
One last anecdote to illustrate the goodness of this woman, Scholar. Shortly before the birth, I had joined her in her garden, with additional company from Duke Ryhalt and his wife Duchess Clover. They had mentioned wanting to invite Haakon and me to dinner, the five of us with Marquis Orvyn, as well. I hesitated, explaining that, perhaps, these fine Oathlanders might wish to reconsider such an invitation to a Mourning Isles Prodigal. It was not my finest moment, assuming their values. I get upset at others when they do the same, but they were all so gracious. Sunniva and Ryhalt agreed with me that the prejudice against Prodigals is ridiculous. They've made their oaths before Limerance, it is the duty of all Faithful to respect those oaths. Anyway. They were both so kind and reassuring. Sunniva was such a bright and shining woman.
One never hopes to receive a letter that begins "If you are reading this..." as the words that follow will inevitably break your heart. The day I received such a letter from Sunniva was meant to be a day of celebration. And not wanting to let anyone down, I put on my new dress made just for the occasion and went out to the party. But I left early and went to the shrine and wept before the altar, clutching that letter, the one that asked me to check in on Tibella from time to time, to ensure the little lady has a woman of warmth and strong character in her life.
If half of what I suspect is true, Marquessa Sunniva Harthall died a hero. Selfless and brave and with love in her heart for the entire Compact. And I am better for having been touched in this life by her.
Written By Sedna
Feb. 22, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(12/28/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I did not know her, but we shared a patron. For that, I held a regard and distant fondness for her. I still do.
Written By Adalyn
Feb. 22, 2021, 12:25 p.m.(12/27/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
True to her name, Sunni radiated warmth and light wherever she went, always with a kind word or a helping hand. She was gracious and giving, considerate of others' wants and needs, not because she felt such behavior was expected of her, but simply because that's who she was to the core. We were united by home and a shared upbringing, fast friends from the beginning. Her reason and calm formed the perfect counterbalance to my tendency to act on impulse. Looking back at our childhood, I realize now how sweetly she managed to soothe the chaos often left in my wake.
Sister to my soul, she said, and I feel the same.
Bravery is not simply rushing headlong into battle with a blade in your hand and a battle cry upon your lips. Sometimes, it is a subtler thing: a prayer, a hope, a determined stand. Marquessa Sunniva Harthall was truly brave.
She will be sorely missed.
Sister to my soul, she said, and I feel the same.
Bravery is not simply rushing headlong into battle with a blade in your hand and a battle cry upon your lips. Sometimes, it is a subtler thing: a prayer, a hope, a determined stand. Marquessa Sunniva Harthall was truly brave.
She will be sorely missed.
Written By Apollo
Feb. 21, 2021, 10:06 p.m.(12/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I miss Marquessa Sunniva already. I wasn't good about going around to talk; seems sometimes it takes a small act of the gods to get me to slow down a minute, remember I've people around me I care for, people that care for me. She had a way of noticing people. An insistence, a want to shine a light on anything that had retreated too far into shadows or quiet. I wondered once, if that was my fault, if remembering when we were young and she couldn't coax a word out of me drove her to a panic, but I saw soon after that it's just her way. I've never known anyone who took growing as a person more seriously than she did, even if her manners were perfect, cultured, beyond reproach. Her heart knew no station. Only compassion, invitation, warmth, gratitude.
If you have stories about her - stories or poetry or artwork, something you're willing to share - please reach out. I'm putting together a book for her daughter to know her by, and though I've plenty in my heart I know that she deserves better than I can do alone, a picture from many perspectives.
If you have stories about her - stories or poetry or artwork, something you're willing to share - please reach out. I'm putting together a book for her daughter to know her by, and though I've plenty in my heart I know that she deserves better than I can do alone, a picture from many perspectives.
Written By Ryhalt
Feb. 20, 2021, 10:39 p.m.(12/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I won't forget the promise I made to you. For now I stand by Orvyn and do all in my power to support him and your daughter. She will grow up well, surrounded by love and happiness.
Farewell.
Farewell.
Written By Apollo
Dec. 13, 2020, 12:42 a.m.(7/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
Lady Tibella would have had my heart without my name. I am humbled the faith of my friends, and will be there for her.
Written By Baldessare
Aug. 14, 2020, 6:47 a.m.(11/3/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Marquessa Sunniva Harthall. She orbits the Oathlanders I have already had occasion to interact with. Friends with Norwood, for whom I have sat through lessons at the Academy. Friends with Marquessa Reigna Keaton for whom I have been, shall we say, penpals? But while I have found grudging respect with some of these people, the Marquessa Harthall has won that straight out. It was clear from our conversation that she cares deeply for her people.
And somehow she seems to have been born without a stick already placed firmly in her backside!
It is my honor to call her protege.
And somehow she seems to have been born without a stick already placed firmly in her backside!
It is my honor to call her protege.
Written By Shae
Aug. 13, 2020, 12:33 a.m.(11/1/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I'm glad Marquessa Sunniva joined the Keaton Picnic, it was great finally getting to see her again, after so long. I'm looking forward to getting to further catch up with her, and her husband Marquis Orvyn, as well. And introduce her to Kierlys and Kristoph. Perhaps we should bring her a gift, I think I know the perfect one, too!
Written By Orvyn
July 31, 2020, 3:01 p.m.(10/4/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
The last month has flown by, Summer changing to Autumn at record pace, though I must say that having Sunniva here to support and rally the cause of Harthall has been uplifting and freeing. With her desire to see the world a better place and her heart for all, it has allowed me to focus on those things that I find myself better at and so that she can shine where she does excel. Already the connections she has brought from all over and restored the relationship with House Laurent, it has been wonderful and truly it reminds me of the time that we first arrived in Arx, when we set forth with a plan and a purpose, before she had to leave of course.
But now that she is returned, the plans and desires to continue to strengthen in all areas are returned, I find myself with room to breathe and think again. It is wonderful and I am truly glad that she is here.
But now that she is returned, the plans and desires to continue to strengthen in all areas are returned, I find myself with room to breathe and think again. It is wonderful and I am truly glad that she is here.
Written By Orvyn
July 19, 2020, 6:23 p.m.(9/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
You have returned, my lovely Sun. Such a period of years it has been since last you left, but now you are back in Arx and I fear for us all. It shall be a beautiful sight to see what sort of touch your caring heart does bring to the city. You were gone far too long, but that is the past, we must look to the future. There is much that remains to be done, though I am strengthened to have you here, and I know that we shall be an even far more formidable force because of your presence!
Written By Ouida
Oct. 21, 2018, 6:09 p.m.(11/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I noticed, darling, that you seemed to gain a taste for the spicy cheese that was served at the Salon's gathering. Did it perhaps whet your appetite for the exchange of firey (though always well placed and sublime, as is your nature) words? I wonder if the refreshments served at such gatherings are always so divine. Perhaps they might lure in more of the least-likely-to-sit-still kind, such as myself. Though I shall always be glad to serve as your escort, perhaps we might also seek to lure your husband to the next one. Sprinkling sweet crumbs and drops of whiskey, as necessary!
Written By Ouida
Oct. 2, 2018, 12:50 a.m.(9/15/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
I know that you are eager to take part in the aftermath of what happens in the aftermath of a great battle--from little stitches to resting a hand on the brow of those whom you can do nothing but wish them well as they pass from this life they know well. Waiting for you when you return from finding your place amidst the fray shall be a properly drawn bath with appropriate herbs and sweet smelling things to ease the stench of blood and bile and piss and shit that is inevitable. I am not a healer, but I have been the recipient of such caretaking many a time, and know that the muscles of one assisting a physician grow fatigued and faint in the end as anyone else's. I'm sure your husband will have other tender caring things prepared for you, or at least he had better!
Let us hope this is not worse than what you have seen thus far. How passing strange that I should wish so much to protect you from the mantle that you have worked so hard to achieve! I have confidence that you will be a credit to Harthall.
And I propose in the near future, that we should take advantage of the splendid baths in the city, when we are ready to purge the sounds and sights and smells of the field at least for a time from immediate memory.
Gods guide your hands and bless those that you bring comfort to, dear heart.
Let us hope this is not worse than what you have seen thus far. How passing strange that I should wish so much to protect you from the mantle that you have worked so hard to achieve! I have confidence that you will be a credit to Harthall.
And I propose in the near future, that we should take advantage of the splendid baths in the city, when we are ready to purge the sounds and sights and smells of the field at least for a time from immediate memory.
Gods guide your hands and bless those that you bring comfort to, dear heart.
Written By Orvyn
April 1, 2018, 5:17 p.m.(6/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sunniva
We are here my dear. After years away from the city, and chasing the sun upon the sea, we are now Marquis and Marquessa and the city of Arx has never looked so ready an opportunity.
So we come, so we shall remain until Mangata and Gild call us home. I feel for now that Lagoma's blessing will be upon us and we shall have our children within the city, raise them on the commerce and trade, the joy and laughter, and the strange, yet wonderful sights that the city has for us.
It is a time of new beginnings and I can think of no one other than you whom I would start this chapter with.
So we come, so we shall remain until Mangata and Gild call us home. I feel for now that Lagoma's blessing will be upon us and we shall have our children within the city, raise them on the commerce and trade, the joy and laughter, and the strange, yet wonderful sights that the city has for us.
It is a time of new beginnings and I can think of no one other than you whom I would start this chapter with.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.