Written By Adrienne
March 10, 2021, 7:57 a.m.(2/2/1015 AR)
On 1/31 Prince Giacomo Pravus arrived in the world, angry and impatient, aboard The Deviant en route from Setarco to Pieros. His namesake is the First Artist of House Pravus, commemorated in a statue in Arx's Gardens of Silken Delights. He is a winter child who has yet to see snow and for whom the world offers unlimited potential.
Harlequin Tanith Grayhope performed the delivery with the expertise her reputation promises. I thank her for her service.
Harlequin Tanith Grayhope performed the delivery with the expertise her reputation promises. I thank her for her service.
Written By Adrienne
Feb. 28, 2021, 11:05 a.m.(1/11/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Varan
What madman kidnaps a baby? And what mother would not put him to the blade upon learning of it?
Written By Adrienne
Feb. 21, 2021, 11:42 p.m.(12/26/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
It is the morning of 12/26, one thousand and fourteen years after the reckoning. By all accounts Sina Godsworn, Archlector of Vellichor, has been murdered. I made a promise to her, one which must be filled. Tomorrow. Today, we remember a woman with a sunlight smile and a mind of gracious and complex knowledge.
I had to travel to Pieros to meet her. She came there despite the Skal'dajans, despite the distance, despite its strangeness. She came to learn and to help and she will always have the love of a war-weary people for whom the pagentry of Sanctum and Arx are as foreign as snow.
Make no mistake: this was no happenstance attack. Sina knew what was to come. And yet still when she learned I had a question, she invited me into her home to present me the answer before she- before we would not have that chance. I served us tea, and I thought she might die of embarrassment to see her guest playing at hostess. We had tea while her cat Sebastian, no relation, slept and we talked about the politics of the world.
Her mind was an archive. In any other person she might have been a recluse or an outcast, happy with her books. But Sina Godsworn was a leader, so brave and so true. And so I conclude, that this was her choice. She knew the evils of this world and she did not cower from them. May we all remember her example.
I had to travel to Pieros to meet her. She came there despite the Skal'dajans, despite the distance, despite its strangeness. She came to learn and to help and she will always have the love of a war-weary people for whom the pagentry of Sanctum and Arx are as foreign as snow.
Make no mistake: this was no happenstance attack. Sina knew what was to come. And yet still when she learned I had a question, she invited me into her home to present me the answer before she- before we would not have that chance. I served us tea, and I thought she might die of embarrassment to see her guest playing at hostess. We had tea while her cat Sebastian, no relation, slept and we talked about the politics of the world.
Her mind was an archive. In any other person she might have been a recluse or an outcast, happy with her books. But Sina Godsworn was a leader, so brave and so true. And so I conclude, that this was her choice. She knew the evils of this world and she did not cower from them. May we all remember her example.
Written By Adrienne
Feb. 6, 2021, 1:19 a.m.(11/19/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Brigid
*appended to this journal entry is a verse penned in a feminine hand*
Vellichor, in your enlightened name I pray:
Enlarge my understanding of this world;
Let me see it;
Steady me when I stand before the unknown;
Let me know it.
Edify my mind, my heart, my wits;
Let me remember it.
---
Brigid Moore, the Lady Dragoon of Acorn Hill, is my protege. Her exploits in the Oathlands are the stuff of books to be read at the fireside to your children and children's children. Soon she will become Lady Brigid Inverno and travel to Caina, an island as foreign to us as Lenosia would be in the Bonespire. I will admit that I took significant and selfish pleasure in first hearing the news, merely to know that we would be gaining her drive and intelligence. But make no mistake, she is doing something so very hard, leaving her home for another so strange if welcoming for the good of the Compact. I know House Inverno will thrive from having her perspective, and I look forward to seeing how the Lady Dragoon grows to meet this newest challenge.
Vellichor, in your enlightened name I pray:
Enlarge my understanding of this world;
Let me see it;
Steady me when I stand before the unknown;
Let me know it.
Edify my mind, my heart, my wits;
Let me remember it.
---
Brigid Moore, the Lady Dragoon of Acorn Hill, is my protege. Her exploits in the Oathlands are the stuff of books to be read at the fireside to your children and children's children. Soon she will become Lady Brigid Inverno and travel to Caina, an island as foreign to us as Lenosia would be in the Bonespire. I will admit that I took significant and selfish pleasure in first hearing the news, merely to know that we would be gaining her drive and intelligence. But make no mistake, she is doing something so very hard, leaving her home for another so strange if welcoming for the good of the Compact. I know House Inverno will thrive from having her perspective, and I look forward to seeing how the Lady Dragoon grows to meet this newest challenge.
Written By Adrienne
Jan. 15, 2021, 9:01 a.m.(10/4/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Sebastian
It is a fearsome task to govern a vast territory in the midst of war. There is no doubt as to why the Archduchess entrusted House Pravus's affairs in Arx to Prince Sebastian's care. The ways of the south are foreign to me; but the goals - family, freedom, glory - these are as at home in Setarco as Sanctum. Sebastian is their champion. Tireless, peerless. Wherever we sail, we sail with him.
(My husband does not read the white journals except at point of sword. This means, barring intervention, I can praise him untroubled, my duty to Vellichor done.)
(My husband does not read the white journals except at point of sword. This means, barring intervention, I can praise him untroubled, my duty to Vellichor done.)
Written By Adrienne
Jan. 14, 2021, 6:34 p.m.(10/3/1014 AR)
I predicted last year how different this birthday would be. I was not wrong. As I prepare to sail for Pieros, I can thank only the gods that I am where I need to be. Admiral Lucrezia and Prince Patrizio bring intelligence and fire to the military prepartions. Allegra governs Pieros tirelessly in these last weeks and her work is only going to grow. I do not have the voice to acknowledge everyone who deserves it; what you do is seen, each part invaluable.
The Skal'dajan fleet is vast. Its forces are adept. And yet. We are not so small. This will mark the fourth time we will have driven back the Skal'dajans. This chapter will end with a period. It is time for another.
Gloria, we are your sword and your banner. We shall not fear.
The Skal'dajan fleet is vast. Its forces are adept. And yet. We are not so small. This will mark the fourth time we will have driven back the Skal'dajans. This chapter will end with a period. It is time for another.
Gloria, we are your sword and your banner. We shall not fear.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 30, 2020, 9:28 a.m.(8/28/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Graziella
Princess Graziella has become a beacon for the most faithful among us. On these difficult days before the fleets sail, her devotions to the Pantheon give House Pravus strength and focus. Today I needed that reminder, and her prayers were there at the ready.
May the gods sail with us, and may Graziella be remembered by them for her faith.
May the gods sail with us, and may Graziella be remembered by them for her faith.
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 Adrienne
Dec. 26, 2020, 6:12 p.m.(8/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ezmeralda
When Marquessa Ezmeralda Leporidae, Lady of Tremorus, speaks she calls to mind a world that should only exist in storybooks - sensational, alien, dangerous, and beautiful. In better days perhaps I will see Tremorus for myself. Until then, I know only that I am grateful that the Marquessa has chosen to a be a friend rather than enemy. I do not envy those for whom she is the latter.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 26, 2020, 6:04 p.m.(8/21/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Dio
When House Seraceni sails against the Skal'dajan fleet, it will be with the same skill, intellect, and judiciousness that we have come to expect from its Marquis. His work on behalf of House Pravus, the Liberators of Skald, and the Compact at large is an example for us all.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 20, 2020, 1:21 p.m.(8/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Calla
Baroness Calla Vaevici is a question mark within a fealty from whom I expect more questions than answers. The picture she paints through words of Sangris and the Caldera is stark, exotic, powerful. She is as graceful as a Torean rose and sharp as tempered steel. I do not know what her tale will be. It is one which is and will be worth reading.
May Lagoma's flame burn bright for you, Baroness, and for Sangris as we sail into nights unknown.
May Lagoma's flame burn bright for you, Baroness, and for Sangris as we sail into nights unknown.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 20, 2020, 11:58 a.m.(8/8/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyche
Marquessa Tyche Inverno, Countess of the March of Caina, leads her people with a canniness and charm exemplary even among the Lycene. She is generous - with her time, with her praise, and with her talents. With war on the horizon, she is an indispensable ally.
As Inverno's words promise that they will be prey to none, may Marquessa Tyche's leadership and Gloria's example make keen victors of us all.
As Inverno's words promise that they will be prey to none, may Marquessa Tyche's leadership and Gloria's example make keen victors of us all.
Written By Adrienne
Dec. 13, 2020, 8:28 p.m.(7/23/1014 AR)
The summer skies make me homesick for the fields of Chevalle. The breeze off the Redrun racing to the sea. The ageless forests that stretch to the world's end. Every conversation now is a variation on a theme: power, both its acquisition and its application. What cost? What limit? What do we ask of those who exercise it?
I would drift away like a leaf on the river. But these days are ours so that they need not be left to another. May Vellichor make us wise, and may Lagoma's fire light the path to tomorrow.
I would drift away like a leaf on the river. But these days are ours so that they need not be left to another. May Vellichor make us wise, and may Lagoma's fire light the path to tomorrow.
Written By Adrienne
Nov. 12, 2020, 7:26 a.m.(5/15/1014 AR)
I was at the docks. My husband and I were near when the fires started. Our enemy sought to destroy ships, burn warehouses, and assassinate the Archduchess. They struck from the shadows. They killed indiscriminately. They failed. Belladonna Pravus lives. The scions of House Pravus and their valiant allies were quicksilver against those who would harm their own. Those without swords took up the bucket and the bandage.
The enemy sacrificed many, meaningless kindling to their pyre of ambition and evil. Do you, villains, celebrate tonight? I think you must. Afterall, you sought to start a fire in the heart of the Compact. This you assuredly have done.
One final note: Captain Seina Perros saved my life. May Gloria smile on you again.
The enemy sacrificed many, meaningless kindling to their pyre of ambition and evil. Do you, villains, celebrate tonight? I think you must. Afterall, you sought to start a fire in the heart of the Compact. This you assuredly have done.
One final note: Captain Seina Perros saved my life. May Gloria smile on you again.
Written By Adrienne
Nov. 8, 2020, 1:20 p.m.(5/8/1014 AR)
Vellichor, God of Histories
You who assured our story continues
Grant us the will to learn
So that knowledge becomes understanding;
That understanding becomes clarity;
That clarity becomes wisdom.
So that as we look to the past to guide our future
The future may one day look to us.
Let our hearts be encouraged, open, and enterprising in our service to you.
You who assured our story continues
Grant us the will to learn
So that knowledge becomes understanding;
That understanding becomes clarity;
That clarity becomes wisdom.
So that as we look to the past to guide our future
The future may one day look to us.
Let our hearts be encouraged, open, and enterprising in our service to you.
Written By Adrienne
Oct. 22, 2020, 11:41 p.m.(4/2/1014 AR)
Is spring Lagoma's season? It feels to be so.
Our Lady of Change,
You invite us to transform for the better
Clear away the hardness of winter
The frost clinging bitter to our hearts
That we may grow
Together, healed
In service to you.
Our Lady of Change,
You invite us to transform for the better
Clear away the hardness of winter
The frost clinging bitter to our hearts
That we may grow
Together, healed
In service to you.
Written By Adrienne
Oct. 9, 2020, 10:09 a.m.(3/3/1014 AR)
To what I am certain is House Pravus's regret, I bring no particular aptitude for galas and revelry. Yet what I have seen (and tasted) of the bustling preparations for the wedding promises it will be an extraordinary day - and for many a recovery-filled morning after.
To you many working so tirelessly today, from flowers to bakers, tailors to bards: you are seen, and you will be remembered. You have my word.
Tomorrow, I marry. The First Choice made possible what Limerance will sanctify. And yet: I could no more do this alone than I could plan this banquet. If you have intentions for prayers, Reader, I'd be honored to include them in my own at this time. Send word.
To you many working so tirelessly today, from flowers to bakers, tailors to bards: you are seen, and you will be remembered. You have my word.
Tomorrow, I marry. The First Choice made possible what Limerance will sanctify. And yet: I could no more do this alone than I could plan this banquet. If you have intentions for prayers, Reader, I'd be honored to include them in my own at this time. Send word.
Written By Adrienne
Oct. 5, 2020, 8:18 a.m.(2/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Philippe
To you who comes across this white journal: I would have it publicly known that my uncle, Count Philippe Blanchard of Chevalle, wields his wisdom as deftly - and as devastatingly - as he does his sword.
Written By Adrienne
Oct. 5, 2020, 8:14 a.m.(2/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Nina
Nina Autumndale's concert last night was the finest I've attended in Arx. No mean feat. Bravo, bardess. Arx's reputation as a beacon of culture is well deserved.
Now to persuade her to sing at my wedding. Reader, do you think she would?
Now to persuade her to sing at my wedding. Reader, do you think she would?
Written By Adrienne
Sept. 18, 2020, 9:21 p.m.(1/18/1014 AR)
I'm approaching an anniversary. It was around this time last year that I left Sanctum for Arx. I don't recommend it; snow made for difficult travel. The worst, however, were the days leading up to our arrival. While Arx saw the whirlpool form, we were caught in the rains.
I, to my discredit, neglect my devotions to Mangata as the sea has often felt far. Today is a good day to pray for calm waters and peace.
I, to my discredit, neglect my devotions to Mangata as the sea has often felt far. Today is a good day to pray for calm waters and peace.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.