Written By Jan
Sept. 4, 2023, 12:15 a.m.(6/21/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Cousin but more like a sister. Blessed that she's safely returned to us.
Written By Agric
Aug. 11, 2023, 9:53 p.m.(5/3/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
It has been a pleasure to get to know Lady Titania over the recent months, and I thank her for being the first to sit down with me for a portrait. I hope she enjoyed her birthday party and wish her many more to come.
Written By Gailin
March 20, 2019, 1:46 a.m.(10/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
My late wife the sea took you from me but you will always have a piece of my heart.
Written By Zoey
Aug. 26, 2018, 11:33 p.m.(6/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Regarding Titania Fireviper --
I knew Titania almost from the day I arrived in Arx, joining my family at Bisland Manor and meeting with the various vassal Houses that had their homes built around the manor. I found her to be kind and polite, with an innate gentility that made her a charming companion. She was generous and expended considerable effort in looking after my comfort, making introductions and recommendations alike and sending small trinkets through messengers while inquiring after my well being.
Likewise, I was pleased by the somberness with which she treated grave matters. She was no shrinking violet, simpering behind a fan when there was work to be done. She impressed me. Work and family, as they so often do, drew us apart for a while, but my transition to House Kennex allowed us to stay in contact even if not very closely.
I was surprised, therefore, to learn that she had been on an excursion to the Isles of Storms. Indeed, I didn't know of it until news of her death reached me. I find it odd that a woman of the Mourning Isles did not pay attention to the sailors surrounding her, did not heed the superstitions of the waters. But there you have it. She didn't, and now she's gone.
The question that remains is not 'Why' but rather 'What now?' All the whys in the world cannot undo what has happened. However, when properly examined, 'What now?' can prompt so much that would honour a dedicated soul like the Countess. I am of the opinion that her memory should be honoured not in words and breast-beating and the wringing of hands, but in action. And so, I will not mourn her passing; instead, I will find the next right action and take it.
I owe her that much, at least, for her kindness.
I knew Titania almost from the day I arrived in Arx, joining my family at Bisland Manor and meeting with the various vassal Houses that had their homes built around the manor. I found her to be kind and polite, with an innate gentility that made her a charming companion. She was generous and expended considerable effort in looking after my comfort, making introductions and recommendations alike and sending small trinkets through messengers while inquiring after my well being.
Likewise, I was pleased by the somberness with which she treated grave matters. She was no shrinking violet, simpering behind a fan when there was work to be done. She impressed me. Work and family, as they so often do, drew us apart for a while, but my transition to House Kennex allowed us to stay in contact even if not very closely.
I was surprised, therefore, to learn that she had been on an excursion to the Isles of Storms. Indeed, I didn't know of it until news of her death reached me. I find it odd that a woman of the Mourning Isles did not pay attention to the sailors surrounding her, did not heed the superstitions of the waters. But there you have it. She didn't, and now she's gone.
The question that remains is not 'Why' but rather 'What now?' All the whys in the world cannot undo what has happened. However, when properly examined, 'What now?' can prompt so much that would honour a dedicated soul like the Countess. I am of the opinion that her memory should be honoured not in words and breast-beating and the wringing of hands, but in action. And so, I will not mourn her passing; instead, I will find the next right action and take it.
I owe her that much, at least, for her kindness.
Written By Christine
Aug. 22, 2018, 5:50 p.m.(6/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Oh, my dear dear sweet child...
It really upsets me every time I hear about any young people dying...
But you were always so sweet, my dear... And I haven't met you enough since you left the house. I should had tried harder...
It really upsets me every time I hear about any young people dying...
But you were always so sweet, my dear... And I haven't met you enough since you left the house. I should had tried harder...
Written By Coraline
Aug. 22, 2018, 4:44 p.m.(6/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
I remember the day we met so very well. You arrived in the courtyard and we began speaking. Our conversation moved as did we, and at last we were in the Hall of Heroes. You told me stories of your adventures, you inspired me.
There were possibilities to make a real difference with my lives, my actions, my words. Recently arrived in Arx from a war that haunted me, you were a beacon of hope. Your words reminded me that there were things I loved even still, that war had not taken. And your devotion to Mangata began to stir my own.
We did not spend a lot of time together, I should have sought you out more, I have been saying that a lot lately. But the time we did have, that is something I will cherish the rest of my days, as I will cherish your memory.
Thank you. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being you, because you were amazing. May your next turn round the wheel be as amazing as you are my friend.
There were possibilities to make a real difference with my lives, my actions, my words. Recently arrived in Arx from a war that haunted me, you were a beacon of hope. Your words reminded me that there were things I loved even still, that war had not taken. And your devotion to Mangata began to stir my own.
We did not spend a lot of time together, I should have sought you out more, I have been saying that a lot lately. But the time we did have, that is something I will cherish the rest of my days, as I will cherish your memory.
Thank you. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being you, because you were amazing. May your next turn round the wheel be as amazing as you are my friend.
Written By Reese
Aug. 22, 2018, 9:45 a.m.(6/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Countess Titania will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to her husband, to her child and to her family in Kennex. Countess Titania was a woman of rare beauty. She was a being of the sea. Grayson was extremely happy and honored to have her join our faction with her marriage to Count Fireviper. Her husband I remember loving and cherishing her much. Countess Titania was present at the fight for Maelstorm. That battle was a bit ago at this time. She had got a cobalt bow and that was was well deserved. She frequently was around us Graysons who went to that battle and I felt much more comfortable around Maelstrom because of her welcome. She lead us through the grounds and she knew the ruins like nobody else. Despite being a woman of the sea, she was eager to join our Gray Forest Mission and helped us to keep the forest safe. Titania was a good woman, strong, wise, calm and a survivor. She switched families at a time of conflict and duress, continued on and landed on her feet. I am sorry to hear of her passing as I am sure that many others are as well. I am sorry that her child will not grow up to know her, but I if I am around, I will sure I share the stories of her.
Written By Vanora
Aug. 22, 2018, 12:58 a.m.(6/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
The news is so strange and disturbing that it becomes hard to process.
Lady Titania was as close as kin to me, though we would go long stretches without seeing one another when we did that always snapped back into place.
She was also probably the person I was cruelest too in all of Arx, and she never deserved to be. I show my anger rarely, I try not to become flustered, but twice Titania witnessed me lose my temper completely and they are not moments I am proud of, even if my anger felt right at the time.
I am so pleased that while I know I'm only beginning to miss her...I am not left with deep regrets. The troubles between us were surmounted easily each time, and we were friends to one another, well after we'd ceased to have a real familial link.
I cannot think of a proper bit of holy wisdom or a wise quotation to end this entry with any sort of finality. Perhaps that alone is the ending. What is truly final?
Lady Titania was as close as kin to me, though we would go long stretches without seeing one another when we did that always snapped back into place.
She was also probably the person I was cruelest too in all of Arx, and she never deserved to be. I show my anger rarely, I try not to become flustered, but twice Titania witnessed me lose my temper completely and they are not moments I am proud of, even if my anger felt right at the time.
I am so pleased that while I know I'm only beginning to miss her...I am not left with deep regrets. The troubles between us were surmounted easily each time, and we were friends to one another, well after we'd ceased to have a real familial link.
I cannot think of a proper bit of holy wisdom or a wise quotation to end this entry with any sort of finality. Perhaps that alone is the ending. What is truly final?
Written By Vanora
May 16, 2018, 1:39 a.m.(10/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
I've only ever had brothers growing up. They were so much older than me that we didn't fight so much as barely interacted.
I don't have a sister, though I used to wish for one as a girl.
Yet I do have Titania. Family is blood ties yes, is kin, is our pasts. Yet we can also expand our family as we find the people who are meant to be parts of our lives.
Titania is the only woman whom I've ever shouted insults at, had guards interfere in conversations with, and tossed out insults that left us both bleeding.
After each one, a few days go by, and we are hugging, weeping, apologizing.
I imagine it must be like having a sister. Though I don't know for certain.
I don't have a sister, though I used to wish for one as a girl.
Yet I do have Titania. Family is blood ties yes, is kin, is our pasts. Yet we can also expand our family as we find the people who are meant to be parts of our lives.
Titania is the only woman whom I've ever shouted insults at, had guards interfere in conversations with, and tossed out insults that left us both bleeding.
After each one, a few days go by, and we are hugging, weeping, apologizing.
I imagine it must be like having a sister. Though I don't know for certain.
Written By Carita
April 27, 2018, 8:54 a.m.(8/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
A Dear Friend & Terribly Fond Of
Written By Vanora
Jan. 12, 2018, 12:08 a.m.(12/13/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
To think how recently it was that I was livid at the very sound of your name, and thoroughly enjoyed offering the cut of a Pravus trained tongue when dressing you down as I deemed appropriate.
I've never claimed to be a kind person, few of us do where I come from. Yet I consistently regret how cruelly we argued, and am grateful that those moments are somewhat behind us in time and very far behind us in emotion.
I treasure you deeply Titania, and always will, however close or far apart our pathways take us. You are not merely 'sweet' as I've seen you praised, though you are that. You are also wise and brave, and learning to stand your ground. Should we find the time, the latter may be one of the things I can offer you further guidance on, for thriving under fire has been a hallmark of my existence. I know there is much I could learn from you as well, and hope to.
I've never claimed to be a kind person, few of us do where I come from. Yet I consistently regret how cruelly we argued, and am grateful that those moments are somewhat behind us in time and very far behind us in emotion.
I treasure you deeply Titania, and always will, however close or far apart our pathways take us. You are not merely 'sweet' as I've seen you praised, though you are that. You are also wise and brave, and learning to stand your ground. Should we find the time, the latter may be one of the things I can offer you further guidance on, for thriving under fire has been a hallmark of my existence. I know there is much I could learn from you as well, and hope to.
Written By Octavia
Jan. 7, 2018, 11:10 p.m.(12/4/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
I reviewed my cousin's marriage treaty with Fireviper today, and it looks sound. I am pretty sure this is the best path forward, and I'm wishing her all the best in her new house.
Written By Vanora
Dec. 28, 2017, 6:41 p.m.(11/10/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Scholar, I must tell you I am shocked and I do not shock easily.
A day or two ago I had afternoon drinks with Lady Titania, the well-beloved Disciple of Magnata, aspiring diplomat, and former Voice of Kennex.
Though the last part, the 'former voice' part was not entirely my doing, I did supply the information that led to it. Scholar, I want it understood that I am not an apologist for those who would undermine succession in their own families, because it turns out there is more to reflect on, and errors in execution that I am now reflecting on.
My last discussion (prior to this recent afternoon of adult beverage enjoyment) with Titania ranged from unpleasant to heartbreaking. It was not comfortable for anyone, and I let anger cloud my decisions even /knowing/ that as a Disciple of the Thirteenth I know better. So much better.
This time it went far differently. I was able to apologize in earnest for the manner in which I had wronged her, to attempt to make amends for the pain I caused, and rather than refusing (which in truth I suspected might happen) Lady Titania accepted such wholeheartedly, reacting with only warmth, love, and affection.
I have no sisters, not by blood at any rate, but if I did, I'd wish for one like this Lady.
For not only did we mend fences and speak kindly to one another, the very next day she proved beyond a doubt that the words she spoke were true. I found myself in a deeply uncomfortable situation which was made rather public, and within hours received a message from Titania asking what had happened, followed by another where she pledged her /help/. Never has a parchment warmed my heart so much as this one.
Had I to do it over again, I might have insisted that Count Fireviper abdicate his title in order to join Kennex, that we might keep Titania. Lucky for him (perhaps her too) that I do not.
A day or two ago I had afternoon drinks with Lady Titania, the well-beloved Disciple of Magnata, aspiring diplomat, and former Voice of Kennex.
Though the last part, the 'former voice' part was not entirely my doing, I did supply the information that led to it. Scholar, I want it understood that I am not an apologist for those who would undermine succession in their own families, because it turns out there is more to reflect on, and errors in execution that I am now reflecting on.
My last discussion (prior to this recent afternoon of adult beverage enjoyment) with Titania ranged from unpleasant to heartbreaking. It was not comfortable for anyone, and I let anger cloud my decisions even /knowing/ that as a Disciple of the Thirteenth I know better. So much better.
This time it went far differently. I was able to apologize in earnest for the manner in which I had wronged her, to attempt to make amends for the pain I caused, and rather than refusing (which in truth I suspected might happen) Lady Titania accepted such wholeheartedly, reacting with only warmth, love, and affection.
I have no sisters, not by blood at any rate, but if I did, I'd wish for one like this Lady.
For not only did we mend fences and speak kindly to one another, the very next day she proved beyond a doubt that the words she spoke were true. I found myself in a deeply uncomfortable situation which was made rather public, and within hours received a message from Titania asking what had happened, followed by another where she pledged her /help/. Never has a parchment warmed my heart so much as this one.
Had I to do it over again, I might have insisted that Count Fireviper abdicate his title in order to join Kennex, that we might keep Titania. Lucky for him (perhaps her too) that I do not.
Written By Octavia
Dec. 7, 2017, 9:21 p.m.(9/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
*Scholar's Note: At Lady Octavia's request, this black journal entry of 8/21/1007 has been edited and reproduced in her white journal*
Mark this one, Scholar. I intend to make it public in due time. I need to get my thoughts down on paper.
I've felt many emotions in my life, but a betrayal this profound has never been one of them. I could feel which way the wind was shifting, towards Harald removing Ford from rule and installing someone else. I can't say I blame him, given the response to the assembly. The peerage had no confidence in him anymore. I wanted to speak with the Duke several days ago about it, to get ahead of the issue, but unfortunately there was no time. By the time I spoke to him two nights later, he'd already moved.
When we spoke, he openly questioned my loyalty to him. That question made sense, because as his vassal's vassal, my loyalty to Grimhall has always been indirect. He told me he'd selected Titania. I responded that her claim to the seat of Kennex is tenuous at best, that she's young and inexperienced, and that I fear she could be easily influenced. When the Duke agreed, I asked him if he was confusing loyalty with blind obedience, and whether he was looking for a vassal or a puppet.
The answer did not comfort me.
Of course, my reading has since confirmed that there is no precedent for a duke to replace a marquis without open warfare, but the seeds were there, the threat of violence to remove the ruler of Stormward March and replace him with one of the duke's preference. It was not something that could be ignored.
When I returned to the Kay, the Titania I met was not the young woman I thought she was. She was cold, callous, and she knew that Harald was making this move. When I confronted her... I'm unsure if she was just doing as she was told, or if she had planned this, asked for this. I thought I could read her before, but there was something so odd to the way she was behaving. I'm not sure what happened to the sweet, eager diplomat-to-be who originally came to Arx.
When the succession crisis happened after Denholm's death, it was not unexpected. My father's waning health had caused many in the fleet to think that they could seize control, and they were completely wrong. Titania's actions, however, came as a complete surprise. A voice conspiring with a duke to overthrow her liege, using her position of power to attempt to turn the opinion of the house against its ruler... it's not unheard of, but it's not the Titania I saw in public, or thought I knew.
Ultimately, Lady Titania violated the trust that was placed in her as Voice, and thus the title was stripped from her. No matter how lovely and charming and persuasive she may be to other houses, a Voice who conspires to overthrow her liege is not a Voice who can be trusted.
Mark this one, Scholar. I intend to make it public in due time. I need to get my thoughts down on paper.
I've felt many emotions in my life, but a betrayal this profound has never been one of them. I could feel which way the wind was shifting, towards Harald removing Ford from rule and installing someone else. I can't say I blame him, given the response to the assembly. The peerage had no confidence in him anymore. I wanted to speak with the Duke several days ago about it, to get ahead of the issue, but unfortunately there was no time. By the time I spoke to him two nights later, he'd already moved.
When we spoke, he openly questioned my loyalty to him. That question made sense, because as his vassal's vassal, my loyalty to Grimhall has always been indirect. He told me he'd selected Titania. I responded that her claim to the seat of Kennex is tenuous at best, that she's young and inexperienced, and that I fear she could be easily influenced. When the Duke agreed, I asked him if he was confusing loyalty with blind obedience, and whether he was looking for a vassal or a puppet.
The answer did not comfort me.
Of course, my reading has since confirmed that there is no precedent for a duke to replace a marquis without open warfare, but the seeds were there, the threat of violence to remove the ruler of Stormward March and replace him with one of the duke's preference. It was not something that could be ignored.
When I returned to the Kay, the Titania I met was not the young woman I thought she was. She was cold, callous, and she knew that Harald was making this move. When I confronted her... I'm unsure if she was just doing as she was told, or if she had planned this, asked for this. I thought I could read her before, but there was something so odd to the way she was behaving. I'm not sure what happened to the sweet, eager diplomat-to-be who originally came to Arx.
When the succession crisis happened after Denholm's death, it was not unexpected. My father's waning health had caused many in the fleet to think that they could seize control, and they were completely wrong. Titania's actions, however, came as a complete surprise. A voice conspiring with a duke to overthrow her liege, using her position of power to attempt to turn the opinion of the house against its ruler... it's not unheard of, but it's not the Titania I saw in public, or thought I knew.
Ultimately, Lady Titania violated the trust that was placed in her as Voice, and thus the title was stripped from her. No matter how lovely and charming and persuasive she may be to other houses, a Voice who conspires to overthrow her liege is not a Voice who can be trusted.
Written By Leona
Sept. 4, 2017, 10:16 p.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
I did not expect to witness an apology. (For those of you nosily snooping, I was not owed one and did not collect - I simply witnessed) It seemed heartfelt even seen through my surprise. I hope your chosen path is one that brings you blessings and joy.
Written By Leona
July 20, 2017, 12:07 p.m.(11/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
A gracious hostess and an unskilled as yet, but determined diplomat. I suspect she'll go far. Particularly if she shares around that Kennex vodka. But that's what diplomats do, right? Drink and talk until they have exactly what they want from you, and then ideally you'll think it's your idea in the first place and part as friends. I will be interested to see her future career.
Written By Octavia
July 10, 2017, 12:05 a.m.(10/22/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Dearest cousin, don't be upset that you're unwed. Be grateful that you still have your youth to chase after youthful pursuits. Your time will come soon enough.
Written By Octavia
June 4, 2017, 2:42 p.m.(8/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
My youngest cousin has asked me to let her see what being a Voice is like, and in return, I explained to her why Kennex will not be paying salaries to our fallen.
She understands, but I can see how it broke her heart. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions, decisions we hate. It remains to be seen if our little tropical lily has the mettle to make them.
She understands, but I can see how it broke her heart. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions, decisions we hate. It remains to be seen if our little tropical lily has the mettle to make them.
Written By Carita
May 10, 2017, 12:27 p.m.(6/9/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
She seems as though she's a book that's being read while it's being written - a kind of work in progress. So much potential. She's quite the opposite of her cousin, as well, but that's a good thing. A House needs all kinds of different personalities in order to function. I look forward to making friends with her.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.