Written By Bethany
Jan. 12, 2019, 2:03 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Not everyone in the Mercier family chose to join House Whitehawk. Some of us have been content to keep our place in society, "bickering" over grapes and grain. In times of peace and times of war, it always has been, and always will be, the Mercier family's pleasure and honor to make sure that the tables of the nobility never lack for bread, and that their wine glasses are always full.
We think that's something worth being proud of.
We have a summer claret releasing soon that we're pretty proud of, as well. It's perfect for sipping chilled, when the weather turns hot.
We think that's something worth being proud of.
We have a summer claret releasing soon that we're pretty proud of, as well. It's perfect for sipping chilled, when the weather turns hot.
Written By Bethany
Aug. 12, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
You have a lot of people here who are saying that there's nothing more important than keeping the hypothetical children of Arvum fed. Maybe this is a good chance for you to organize them into doing that in the real world.
If you manage to organize something, Seraph, Mercier will contribute.
If you manage to organize something, Seraph, Mercier will contribute.
Written By Bethany
Aug. 12, 2018, 5:08 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
This is ridiculous.
In what situation could you not just negotiate for the food? Everyone has a price, and even without money, labor has value. And this is assuming whoever owns the food wouldn't just give it free of charge because most people aren't monsters who can look a starving child in the eye and say no.
The question being asked here isn't whether it's moral to break the law to feed a starving child. The question that's being asked is whether it's moral to break the law because that's easier than getting food for the child lawfully.
I'd like to know what all of you who are arguing that life is more important than law and order are doing to feed actual starving children. There's a lot of money and collected influence represented in this debate. Seems like it could be put to better use. But that's just me.
In what situation could you not just negotiate for the food? Everyone has a price, and even without money, labor has value. And this is assuming whoever owns the food wouldn't just give it free of charge because most people aren't monsters who can look a starving child in the eye and say no.
The question being asked here isn't whether it's moral to break the law to feed a starving child. The question that's being asked is whether it's moral to break the law because that's easier than getting food for the child lawfully.
I'd like to know what all of you who are arguing that life is more important than law and order are doing to feed actual starving children. There's a lot of money and collected influence represented in this debate. Seems like it could be put to better use. But that's just me.
Written By Bethany
June 30, 2018, 8:05 p.m.(2/10/1009 AR)
I'm starting to think I'm somehow the only woman in Arx who grew up wearing pockets.
It's a garment that you wear around your waist, under your clothes, with big, quilted pockets. It's designed to distribute weight properly, so you can put some really heavy stuff in there. Then you access them through small openings in the seams of skirts.
I thought everyone wore them. How on earth do you ladies get by without pockets?
It's a garment that you wear around your waist, under your clothes, with big, quilted pockets. It's designed to distribute weight properly, so you can put some really heavy stuff in there. Then you access them through small openings in the seams of skirts.
I thought everyone wore them. How on earth do you ladies get by without pockets?
Written By Bethany
March 22, 2018, 10:20 p.m.(5/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I'll even haggle for your attention, Guildmistress. Although it will be sadly lacking in 'Shine. A travesty!
Written By Bethany
March 22, 2018, 10:11 p.m.(5/28/1008 AR)
[ From the unusually tidy desk of B. Mercier: ]
After a more-than-careful review of ledgers -- I realize that there are a rather lot of Mercier-handled properties that I need to consider revitalizing. It's all rather a lot to consider. Not an unpleasant challenge. It's just a lonely one.
After a more-than-careful review of ledgers -- I realize that there are a rather lot of Mercier-handled properties that I need to consider revitalizing. It's all rather a lot to consider. Not an unpleasant challenge. It's just a lonely one.
Written By Bethany
March 21, 2018, 6:04 p.m.(5/25/1008 AR)
[ From the maudlin desk of B. Mercier: ]
It's such a beautiful day outside.
I bought a lovely bottle of wine from Granato, a sweet and sparkling white. Then, a bottle of Lenosian red. And fruit. And bread. I intend on marvelously drunk after I leave the Archives. So, you'll need to forgive the fumes that flitter down from the staircase into the main room of the teashop. I thought about closing up the shop in order to mourn the losses. But, after losing so much -- you realize (at least, in my experience) that the best way to honor the loss of acquaintances and friends is to pause each and every day to honor them before you continue the business of living. Which, really, they would want for us to do. (I think.) So, this is that pause.
To Prince Cicero Velenosa (Lord Malvici) : For the haikus. For being gracious enough to allow a commoner to win that battle of words. For the beauty of a blush. For that gown of rather scandalous Lycene make. (I'll likely give it away - because I'll never favor another color other than black at this point. It looks very dramatic.) For allowing me to be a spoke in your Consortium.
To Princess Serafine Velenosa: For saving my life. For the gift of friendship that you and Mistress Broadbent gave to me and Jeremiah. For the excellent adventure. For allowing me to call you Princess-Knight-Princess without correcting me. For saving my life. (It's important to mention that twice.) For the letter - which, I am sorry that you will never be able to read the response to. It would have been a simple: yes! Yes, to adventure.
You'll be missed. Everyone will be missed.
I think I'm going to enjoy the sun now --
[ An abrupt end in a smear of ink. ]
It's such a beautiful day outside.
I bought a lovely bottle of wine from Granato, a sweet and sparkling white. Then, a bottle of Lenosian red. And fruit. And bread. I intend on marvelously drunk after I leave the Archives. So, you'll need to forgive the fumes that flitter down from the staircase into the main room of the teashop. I thought about closing up the shop in order to mourn the losses. But, after losing so much -- you realize (at least, in my experience) that the best way to honor the loss of acquaintances and friends is to pause each and every day to honor them before you continue the business of living. Which, really, they would want for us to do. (I think.) So, this is that pause.
To Prince Cicero Velenosa (Lord Malvici) : For the haikus. For being gracious enough to allow a commoner to win that battle of words. For the beauty of a blush. For that gown of rather scandalous Lycene make. (I'll likely give it away - because I'll never favor another color other than black at this point. It looks very dramatic.) For allowing me to be a spoke in your Consortium.
To Princess Serafine Velenosa: For saving my life. For the gift of friendship that you and Mistress Broadbent gave to me and Jeremiah. For the excellent adventure. For allowing me to call you Princess-Knight-Princess without correcting me. For saving my life. (It's important to mention that twice.) For the letter - which, I am sorry that you will never be able to read the response to. It would have been a simple: yes! Yes, to adventure.
You'll be missed. Everyone will be missed.
I think I'm going to enjoy the sun now --
[ An abrupt end in a smear of ink. ]
Written By Bethany
March 10, 2018, 12:44 p.m.(5/3/1008 AR)
[ From the messy desk, but tidy mind of B. Mercier, armchair philosopher: ]
How strange, how life manages to work itself out. I left -- after the loss of so many -- and gained so much in the absence. I return to the loss of one sibling -- but gain the addition of so many more members to the family. I wonder: how that can be? Why? The potentiality of creating a richer life with them, and with new friends. It's so strange that I question my blessings so. Instead, I will thank all the gods and goddesses that be for the new chance.
How strange, how life manages to work itself out. I left -- after the loss of so many -- and gained so much in the absence. I return to the loss of one sibling -- but gain the addition of so many more members to the family. I wonder: how that can be? Why? The potentiality of creating a richer life with them, and with new friends. It's so strange that I question my blessings so. Instead, I will thank all the gods and goddesses that be for the new chance.
Written By Bethany
March 7, 2018, 11:04 p.m.(4/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
You didn't know?! Well, Josie, if you had ever been to the tea shop prior to my return you might have seen my dearest Dorff. (The eagle owl.) He keeps me company in the Loft now. Please, anticipate a lovely gift one day soon. My work has certainly improved in the years since.
Written By Bethany
March 7, 2018, 10:47 p.m.(4/26/1008 AR)
[From the desk of B. Mercier, Teashop Proprietor -- ]
Honestly, Josie's work on her jewels are so inspiring. You might have seen me dash from the shop as though my feet were on fire. I suppose, in some fashion, they were. Now, I am proud to say that I own work from two of the Compact's finest. Mistress Coldrain AND Guildmistress Arterius. Soon, I will make a point to see and meet with even more of Arx's artisans. Mistress Corsetina for a signature scent and Master Meadson for a blade. In the meanwhile, I will be trying my own hand at art. Although ... I wouldn't anticipate it being as lovely as all of this. I am a better hand at mixing herbs and stuffing dead birds.
Honestly, Josie's work on her jewels are so inspiring. You might have seen me dash from the shop as though my feet were on fire. I suppose, in some fashion, they were. Now, I am proud to say that I own work from two of the Compact's finest. Mistress Coldrain AND Guildmistress Arterius. Soon, I will make a point to see and meet with even more of Arx's artisans. Mistress Corsetina for a signature scent and Master Meadson for a blade. In the meanwhile, I will be trying my own hand at art. Although ... I wouldn't anticipate it being as lovely as all of this. I am a better hand at mixing herbs and stuffing dead birds.
Written By Bethany
March 4, 2018, 11:28 p.m.(4/20/1008 AR)
[ From the desk of B. Mercier, scatterbrain: ]
How peculiar, to be present to for the second time in my journal since my exit of the city. Although, it's not really an oddity any longer, is it? I'm here. Really and truly here. The twins are at home, in the Vale, which is really the safest place I can think of. Oh -- yes! Hannah and Isaiah. (I feel so old!) I'm arriving while others are leaving with their various formations and fleets. Off to war. War's difficult on the soldiers and sailors and warriors and knights and mercenaries and nobles fighting. Very difficult. It's difficult for us, at home, as well. We worry about the safety of anyone that we have kissed, hugged, given favors to, and demanded they not die --
Please, none of you, don't die.
If you have to, take some of the bad guys with you.
How peculiar, to be present to for the second time in my journal since my exit of the city. Although, it's not really an oddity any longer, is it? I'm here. Really and truly here. The twins are at home, in the Vale, which is really the safest place I can think of. Oh -- yes! Hannah and Isaiah. (I feel so old!) I'm arriving while others are leaving with their various formations and fleets. Off to war. War's difficult on the soldiers and sailors and warriors and knights and mercenaries and nobles fighting. Very difficult. It's difficult for us, at home, as well. We worry about the safety of anyone that we have kissed, hugged, given favors to, and demanded they not die --
Please, none of you, don't die.
If you have to, take some of the bad guys with you.
Written By Bethany
March 3, 2018, 9:09 p.m.(4/18/1008 AR)
[ From the desk of B. Mercier, Teashop Proprietor: ]
Spring's sprung -- and it's likely to be summer by the time I manage to properly clean all of the dust and cobwebs from every corner of the Loft above the shop. I discovered an old house sparrow nest tucked into the eaves of the roof when I flung open the windows to air out the room. There, the breeze picked up the corner of the curtain -- and it reminded me of a wave, somehow, something bidding me a farewell. Or a greeting. I waved back, because I always know that politeness pays. After that, I shouted (sorry, Silas, your sister will always stomp and yell - it's a terrible habit) to Mistress Lisette to put the kettle on because I need to review our ledgers and start planning!
It's good to be home.
Spring's sprung -- and it's likely to be summer by the time I manage to properly clean all of the dust and cobwebs from every corner of the Loft above the shop. I discovered an old house sparrow nest tucked into the eaves of the roof when I flung open the windows to air out the room. There, the breeze picked up the corner of the curtain -- and it reminded me of a wave, somehow, something bidding me a farewell. Or a greeting. I waved back, because I always know that politeness pays. After that, I shouted (sorry, Silas, your sister will always stomp and yell - it's a terrible habit) to Mistress Lisette to put the kettle on because I need to review our ledgers and start planning!
It's good to be home.
Written By Bethany
March 2, 2017, 12:13 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
I think we write to remove ourselves from our day to day emotions. We make our stories vague in the Journals, because we're afraid of our common enemy - reading our deeper thoughts, our weaknesses, our sadness - and twisting them to their agenda. Even poetry is an escape from our own emotions, our own personalities. That's why I write. I know raw emotion forced into verse is not truth.
It's all the difference between a wild rose and one cultivated in the greenhouse. It retains the beauty, but lacks the perfume.
(I apologize, Scholar, I didn't mean to smear the ink on the page.)
It's all the difference between a wild rose and one cultivated in the greenhouse. It retains the beauty, but lacks the perfume.
(I apologize, Scholar, I didn't mean to smear the ink on the page.)
Written By Bethany
Feb. 28, 2017, 9:41 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
We know we are watched.
We hope - guarded well.
Do they know who they are?
If so, they never tell.
We hope - guarded well.
Do they know who they are?
If so, they never tell.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 27, 2017, 11:20 a.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
It's been too long since the lyricist's pen
touched upon paper.
(Autumn sparrow, winter wren
seen from the windows, only when -
The hiding away could not reshape her.)
That little black bird, still in her mourning
- until yesterday morning.
Given forewarning, she will fly from her
den, over field and into glen until her cloak
grows threadbare.
She will fly with her own wings
over and over
and over again.
touched upon paper.
(Autumn sparrow, winter wren
seen from the windows, only when -
The hiding away could not reshape her.)
That little black bird, still in her mourning
- until yesterday morning.
Given forewarning, she will fly from her
den, over field and into glen until her cloak
grows threadbare.
She will fly with her own wings
over and over
and over again.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 26, 2017, 1:47 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
I should not compare
With what I have attained
With what I have lost.
I'll find my hands empty.
With what I have attained
With what I have lost.
I'll find my hands empty.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 25, 2017, 2:14 p.m.(12/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Magden
It really is a nice armoire.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 9, 2017, 6:15 p.m.(11/22/1005 AR)
I feel as if I am offering up the very substance of myself to pursue this path, and yet like many things there is no fixed timetable or clear set of instructions of the stages to go through in reach of the conclusion. This field has roused my interest - more than I initally thought - and which I know that I may pursue it farther. Into comparative fields - either related, or less so. I enjoy this.
My notes have been meticulous. My moods since mercurial. To be expected, I think, as my patience frays. The research fruitless. The messengers return empty-handed because I do not send them out. All of my questions are not the right questions. I wish my research would step beyond the hypothetical to reveal answers. My plans are tentative, my results slow. I could focus on a dissertation on the subject.
If. If. If there was an advsior to ask, a mentor that would be beneficial --
( Enough. I need more sleep, more sustenance, more air and sun and wind and cold to remind me that I am alive. )
My notes have been meticulous. My moods since mercurial. To be expected, I think, as my patience frays. The research fruitless. The messengers return empty-handed because I do not send them out. All of my questions are not the right questions. I wish my research would step beyond the hypothetical to reveal answers. My plans are tentative, my results slow. I could focus on a dissertation on the subject.
If. If. If there was an advsior to ask, a mentor that would be beneficial --
( Enough. I need more sleep, more sustenance, more air and sun and wind and cold to remind me that I am alive. )
Written By Bethany
Feb. 5, 2017, noon(11/9/1005 AR)
[ From the desk of B. Mercier, Tea Shop Mistress: ]
The following is based on my own experiences and observations on the subject.
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. The person experiencing the loss feels like they have had something taken away. Grief may be experienced mentally, physically, socially, or emotionally depending on each individual.
Emotional reactions may include: anger, guilt, sadness, and utter despair. Physical reactions can include sleeplessness, appetite changes, physical problems, or possible illness. Social reactions can include feelings of responsibility for other family members, having to communicate with family or friends, feelings of being isolated... or difficulty going back to work.
Forming valuable relationships will help to make it easier to live in the present.
The following is based on my own experiences and observations on the subject.
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. The person experiencing the loss feels like they have had something taken away. Grief may be experienced mentally, physically, socially, or emotionally depending on each individual.
Emotional reactions may include: anger, guilt, sadness, and utter despair. Physical reactions can include sleeplessness, appetite changes, physical problems, or possible illness. Social reactions can include feelings of responsibility for other family members, having to communicate with family or friends, feelings of being isolated... or difficulty going back to work.
Forming valuable relationships will help to make it easier to live in the present.
Written By Bethany
Feb. 4, 2017, 4:04 p.m.(11/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lyiana
Oh ... it's gorgeous.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.