Written By Belladonna
Nov. 12, 2020, 4:24 p.m.(5/16/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
A great individual leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered for as long as the Compact stands, with none capable of appropriately filling the void left by his grace. Maybe that is what greatness means: to punch a hole in the world you leave, one that makes successors feel lacking by comparison and days seem just a little darker with your absence. The Dominus succeeded in both.
Written By Belladonna
Nov. 8, 2020, 8:46 p.m.(5/8/1014 AR)
Unfulfilled vocation pales the color in a woman's eyes. I have seen it in many places, and I would not wish that upon my worst enemies. Some, however, seem bound to curse themselves to this dreadful fate. There is a reason why history remembers winners, and not those who watched them claim and conquer, sniveling in impotent jealousy.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 24, 2020, 5:44 a.m.(2/1/1014 AR)
Ambition is a dangerous thing to keep.
Harness it and you might grow beyond the wildest measures.
Feed it recklessly and it will still be yearning, taking until you have nothing left to give.
Hunger is a mark of greatness, but in using it to achieve lofty and unthinkable heights, it invariably becomes one's downfall.
Ambition and Hunger are like fire: sublime in its power and voracity. Some are too afraid to touch it, for the flame hurts and warns them of what will be. Others embrace it fully, unable to choose any other life, willing to die for their heart's desire.
In the end, we cannot change our stripes and she who is hungry burns brighter, and harder.
Harness it and you might grow beyond the wildest measures.
Feed it recklessly and it will still be yearning, taking until you have nothing left to give.
Hunger is a mark of greatness, but in using it to achieve lofty and unthinkable heights, it invariably becomes one's downfall.
Ambition and Hunger are like fire: sublime in its power and voracity. Some are too afraid to touch it, for the flame hurts and warns them of what will be. Others embrace it fully, unable to choose any other life, willing to die for their heart's desire.
In the end, we cannot change our stripes and she who is hungry burns brighter, and harder.
Written By Belladonna
Sept. 12, 2020, 6:35 a.m.(1/5/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriella
A great ruler must love, do so until it hurts and further, until it bleeds. A great ruler's love knows no bounds and defies definition and expectation, it is rabid and intoxicating. She must wake up at night shivering in fear at the thought of disappointing her people. She should wish for death rather than wasting the lives of her followers. She must be steel wrapped in silk. Anything short of it is not good enough.
The tyrant's flaw is that she is short-sighted. Tyranny only ever produces one thing: righteous rebellion. It cannot stand on its own legs. Wherever people suffer, heroes are born and there is nothing stronger than those whose cries yearn for freedom and justice. There is nothing more inevitable.
I hope this suffices, my warrior-poet.
The tyrant's flaw is that she is short-sighted. Tyranny only ever produces one thing: righteous rebellion. It cannot stand on its own legs. Wherever people suffer, heroes are born and there is nothing stronger than those whose cries yearn for freedom and justice. There is nothing more inevitable.
I hope this suffices, my warrior-poet.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 23, 2020, 6:50 p.m.(11/22/1013 AR)
I have never signed off on a war I was eager to take part in, but alas, blood is the currency of greatness. It is one of the fundamental laws of this world, and ready is she who braves the path early, and often.
Written By Belladonna
May 3, 2020, 3:50 a.m.(3/21/1013 AR)
To observe one's people happy and pleased, even in these dark times, is the true reward of leadership. There will certainly come a day, generations down the line, when darkness will encroach upon our shores once more, when centuries will have eroded the mighty Black Fleet and dulled our fires, but for now they enjoy prosperity they have earned no matter their origin, and that is good enough.
When we wane once more, more like us will rise to turn the tide. For as long as there is Pravus, the Setarcan people will never be conquered, they will never be prey.
When we wane once more, more like us will rise to turn the tide. For as long as there is Pravus, the Setarcan people will never be conquered, they will never be prey.
Written By Belladonna
May 3, 2020, 3:40 a.m.(3/21/1013 AR)
Family is everything. I pray that if nothing else, then that maybe this I have engraved in the hearts of my people.
Written By Belladonna
May 3, 2020, 3:31 a.m.(3/21/1013 AR)
I was once told the opposite of freedom is death, to cease and end, but that doesn't ring true any more. The journey of a soul is long and unafraid, it cannot end until it is over. There are many mysteries in this world, far too many for one lifetime.
Written By Belladonna
April 18, 2020, 7:16 a.m.(2/19/1013 AR)
Some stars burn brighter than others.
Whenever I meet with Lady Alessia, however briefly, I am reminded of the meaning of the word Peer. If only we could all be as precious.
Whenever I meet with Lady Alessia, however briefly, I am reminded of the meaning of the word Peer. If only we could all be as precious.
Written By Belladonna
April 18, 2020, 7:12 a.m.(2/19/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Allegra
My dear sister Allegra is a reminder of the ideals of our House. She has rebuilt herself from the ashes of the war claimed our father, Duke Piero Pravus, something I could never claim to have done. Allegra honed her tools and willed herself forward to become one of the sharpest women I know.
I wish to anyone that does not have a blood sibling bold enough to speak to them frankly that they find the second best thing and cling to them. Being around one's betters lights a fire within, and only family can truly bring happiness. Riches and power are never the aim in the face of blood, and that perspective is invaluable.
I wish to anyone that does not have a blood sibling bold enough to speak to them frankly that they find the second best thing and cling to them. Being around one's betters lights a fire within, and only family can truly bring happiness. Riches and power are never the aim in the face of blood, and that perspective is invaluable.
Written By Belladonna
April 16, 2020, 8:03 a.m.(2/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Drusila
Life is truly full of wonder.
I am glad that even in the darkest hours I have those to help me through the shroud. May your flame never dim, and may I be so lucky and blessed to have it by my side for as long as I am around.
I am glad that even in the darkest hours I have those to help me through the shroud. May your flame never dim, and may I be so lucky and blessed to have it by my side for as long as I am around.
Written By Belladonna
April 16, 2020, 7:59 a.m.(2/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
You have shown me that Faith is not about fear, but about hope, and you have taught me that hope is not a fool's endeavor, but a worthwhile pursuit of the strong.
The Mother Mercy is the best the Faith has to offer, and of course she would refuse these compliments, because that is just how she was raised, thanks to the romantic Oathlands, but that does not make me any less right.
If you find yourself wondering what to do with a few minutes of your day, please do find a pen, and write her something nice.
She deserves it.
The Mother Mercy is the best the Faith has to offer, and of course she would refuse these compliments, because that is just how she was raised, thanks to the romantic Oathlands, but that does not make me any less right.
If you find yourself wondering what to do with a few minutes of your day, please do find a pen, and write her something nice.
She deserves it.
Written By Belladonna
April 16, 2020, 7:53 a.m.(2/15/1013 AR)
We change to remain the same.
This is the inescapable truth of the Compact. We are all obsesses with the past, with that we have lost, collecting secrets and learning new arts. We are happier when we dust off this thick mist that is everywhere around us and we see what was more clearly.
It is obvious that we have lost much. Something was stolen from us, and we miss whatever is missing. This is the ghost of a touch that makes us ache in longing. Condemned to lay down asleep and dream of the days with spend awake and blissful nights of pleasure. We must cling to these scraps because the alternative would be terrifying.
For all it is worth, I agree. It is frightening indeed and, to be fair, who wouldn't want to live in a Dream?
This is the inescapable truth of the Compact. We are all obsesses with the past, with that we have lost, collecting secrets and learning new arts. We are happier when we dust off this thick mist that is everywhere around us and we see what was more clearly.
It is obvious that we have lost much. Something was stolen from us, and we miss whatever is missing. This is the ghost of a touch that makes us ache in longing. Condemned to lay down asleep and dream of the days with spend awake and blissful nights of pleasure. We must cling to these scraps because the alternative would be terrifying.
For all it is worth, I agree. It is frightening indeed and, to be fair, who wouldn't want to live in a Dream?
Written By Belladonna
April 12, 2020, 6:41 a.m.(2/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Princess Arianna Pravus died fighting against agents of the Slaver-Kingdom of Skal'daja, agents she assisted in routing and crippling in the Saffron Chain. The silence of many of those who profess a love for freedom is deafening.
Arianna sacrificed more for the Peers of the Compact, and our beloved people of the Summer Seas, than most will ever know and only a handful could ever hope to match. She inspired her many detractors to cower behind few, whispering voices, while ushering a new age for our Compact.
For many centuries yet to come her fable will be celebrated under the shadow of our ageless Titan in Setarco City. In the end that is all that ever mattered to her: to be home with her family. Today that will be good enough for me as well.
Tomorrow, I may have a desire for blood.
Arianna sacrificed more for the Peers of the Compact, and our beloved people of the Summer Seas, than most will ever know and only a handful could ever hope to match. She inspired her many detractors to cower behind few, whispering voices, while ushering a new age for our Compact.
For many centuries yet to come her fable will be celebrated under the shadow of our ageless Titan in Setarco City. In the end that is all that ever mattered to her: to be home with her family. Today that will be good enough for me as well.
Tomorrow, I may have a desire for blood.
Written By Belladonna
March 31, 2020, 3:48 a.m.(1/11/1013 AR)
It is true that familiarity breeds contempt, certainly more in some cases than others, but more dangerous than contempt is complacency. Complacency is the poison that has ran its course in the veins of so many great falls in history.
I see the same faces, beloved and reviled, I hear the same voices, and watching the morning tide from the Deviant's deck, I am struck with overwhelming wanderlust. The trips to the Saffron Chain have gotten shorter, so to speak, and although a mysterious land of violence and dark legends, it is new and lush, beautiful in its unknowable depth. When I hear the battle cries of the White Rats or the Sons of the Centipede, I know I am far from home, and as painful as it may be, that is where I belong, now.
I am ready for the scars that await me. In fact, I feel my body ache for them. That is the only path forward. No Setarcan soul has ever developed in the comfort of wine and silk, and there are many boundaries left to break before I meet my journey's end.
I see the same faces, beloved and reviled, I hear the same voices, and watching the morning tide from the Deviant's deck, I am struck with overwhelming wanderlust. The trips to the Saffron Chain have gotten shorter, so to speak, and although a mysterious land of violence and dark legends, it is new and lush, beautiful in its unknowable depth. When I hear the battle cries of the White Rats or the Sons of the Centipede, I know I am far from home, and as painful as it may be, that is where I belong, now.
I am ready for the scars that await me. In fact, I feel my body ache for them. That is the only path forward. No Setarcan soul has ever developed in the comfort of wine and silk, and there are many boundaries left to break before I meet my journey's end.
Written By Belladonna
March 29, 2020, 9:47 p.m.(1/8/1013 AR)
The building of the Ward of the Great House of Pravus has been going better than expected, even in the shortage of some materials and a few accidents along the way. It has been inspiring to work closely with so many workers from the Lower Boroughs to make something that is fitting to Arx, our Houses and our people. Soon the entirety of the city will be able to see what we have wrought.
This would not be possible without the peoples' faith in us, and our mission against tyranny. We will continue to perform admirably and bring the enemies of the Compact and the Faith to their knees.
This would not be possible without the peoples' faith in us, and our mission against tyranny. We will continue to perform admirably and bring the enemies of the Compact and the Faith to their knees.
Written By Belladonna
March 24, 2020, 3:53 p.m.(12/26/1012 AR)
It is good to see that while House Pravus liberates slaves in the Saffron Chain and fights against those who hold their chains that the City of Arx busies itself with subjects of actual, real importance. Since these are so fundamental, I suppose I must entertain them.
Princess Arianna Pravus is not in the Choir of Pravus. She speaks for herself. Anyone trying to peddle anything else is trying to sell a disingenuous angle.
That being done with, I do reprimand the choice of Sir Jeffeth Bayweather's champion, for the reasons mentioned by others. I understand grief makes us blind, and that feeling as if our beloved are being mocked can make the blood boil, but that decision is absolutely beyond the pale, and a disrespect to the Oathlands.
As it is, I believe we are admist a real crisis against a powerful foreign nation, and although we all love a good duel, this has grown beyond a mere slight that Champions might be able to mend. This sort of deep toxicity is unbecoming to Peers of our Compact.
I suggest we write this off as a gauche comment, an overblown reaction, and go back to war.
Princess Arianna Pravus is not in the Choir of Pravus. She speaks for herself. Anyone trying to peddle anything else is trying to sell a disingenuous angle.
That being done with, I do reprimand the choice of Sir Jeffeth Bayweather's champion, for the reasons mentioned by others. I understand grief makes us blind, and that feeling as if our beloved are being mocked can make the blood boil, but that decision is absolutely beyond the pale, and a disrespect to the Oathlands.
As it is, I believe we are admist a real crisis against a powerful foreign nation, and although we all love a good duel, this has grown beyond a mere slight that Champions might be able to mend. This sort of deep toxicity is unbecoming to Peers of our Compact.
I suggest we write this off as a gauche comment, an overblown reaction, and go back to war.
Written By Belladonna
March 9, 2020, 8:20 a.m.(11/23/1012 AR)
Friendships in the Lyceum are defined by expediency. Unfortunate. As jaded as life among politicians has made me, the hardest lessons have always been the ones from the heart. It always hurt to shed and leave dry husks of one's beloved behind, but as jealousy and viciousness turn vibrancy into poison, there is no other option. We must change to remain the same.
Written By Belladonna
March 9, 2020, 8:12 a.m.(11/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
I have known a few impressive women in the Lyceum, chief among them the Duchess of Ostria. I have found she embodies the Lycene values in ways that are painfully elegant, and I count myself among her admirers. Brilliant leaders do not come around often, and the Compact does not do a good enough job at recognizing once in a generation talent.
I have not met the Duke yet, but I am sure he is a match worthy of the Duchess.
I have not met the Duke yet, but I am sure he is a match worthy of the Duchess.
Written By Belladonna
Feb. 26, 2020, 7:58 a.m.(10/27/1012 AR)
The people of the Saffron Chain are quite interesting. The land is unlike anything I have ever seen and there are goods there that the Compact has never seen. Our horizons have never been so broad. The Compact is showing it can be more than a timid infant on the greater stage, as our first dance partners in Skal'daja learned quite fast. May the gods bless our King.
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