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Written By Calista

Jan. 23, 2024, 11:30 a.m.(8/10/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

I'm just going pretend that you did not leave us. I will continue to write to you as if you will write back to me. I know why you did what you did and cannot say I wouldn't do the same if we had not decided to fight with Lenosia. My beautiful cousin, this is not an easy journal to write, but I will do my best. You believed in me when no one else did. You shared with me when no one else would. You wrote to me when others were silent. Throughout it all, you were there and I will indeed miss all of our chats, all of our gossip, all of the talk of fashion even if I could not be bothered with fashion at all while you always glittered. I am sorry I could not be there for you. You will forever and always be Lady Mabelle Laurent of Artshall.

Written By Calista

Jan. 13, 2024, 10:15 a.m.(7/18/1021 AR)

Preparations have been carefully planned and with the assistance of our staff, guards, and beloved family in Tor, the message has reached our City of Roses. We are ready to fight, to protect, to die for our people. We do not go into this lightly but we understand that for humanity to persevere, sacrifices need to be made. No one wants to make them, however, I know in the moment, when we are facing the most heinous of enemies we have ever faced, we will have heroes rise to the occasion. It will be their names forever memorialized in the Hall of Heroes, in song, and in poetry. Great stories will be told, both written and told. We will not forget this time.

It has been my truest and most absolute pleasure being Duchess of Tor these last seventeen years. I did not enter this position with glee, but I was young and naive then. My brother saw something in me I could not yet see. He did not think twice to consider abdicating his position as Duke to marry then Archduchess Esera Velenosa. They both saw something in me that took me years to see. I will forever be grateful for both of them. I can no longer imagine what it would be like to be anyone other than Calista Fidante, for my family and our people are my life's blood.

I am ever so blessed to have been a part of the reason Tor has flourished into the beautiful and dazzling rose, a diamond rose, it has become. Whatever evils may come to threaten, we will fight them back with our thorns, for roses may be beautiful, but one must always grasp roses with care.

Written By Calista

Nov. 4, 2023, 7:29 p.m.(2/19/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

Just when I thought I could not love my cousin any more than I already do, I spend an incredible afternoon with her, drinking wine, sharing tales as old as time. We must do this again soon. Sooner rather than later, of course.

Written By Calista

Oct. 29, 2023, 6:28 p.m.(2/7/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

It is always wonderful to spend time with my cousin. She is effortlessly beautiful and incredibly intelligent. Any one would be so lucky to be in her presence and now I am taking it upon myself to keep my eyes and ears open to find her something of a political arrangement. Perhaps I will host a gathering at the Fidante Villa. A Honey and Roses themed soiree. I am sure Mabelle will love it!

Written By Calista

Oct. 29, 2023, 5:30 p.m.(2/7/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Amund

News of your heroic bravery to the death against our insidious enemy, Helena Thornweave, has reached the ears of the people of Tor and I can assure you, Sir Amund, that your heroism will not be forgotten. You were one of many who put your life at risk to save us, but there was only one of you; a staunch and fierce warrior who wielded a blade like no other. Legendary in fact. I am grateful you offered training to our men and women in Tor and I know you spend time offering training to those in Arx while you were living in the capital. That you were struck through the throat with a thorn, the irony is not lost on me.

We thank you, we honor you, you will be missed.

Written By Calista

March 4, 2023, 1:13 p.m.(5/19/1019 AR)

Relationship Note on Atria

The lady sought information on a topic I felt I had enough knowledge to get her started. I come to discover I actually know a lot more I assumed. We had an enlightening afternoon and I was delighted to host Lady Atria at the Villa and spend time in one of my favorite spaces. I look forward to the next time our paths cross and perhaps I can persuade her to visit the shops with me for some inspiration on the designs of new gowns.

Written By Calista

March 4, 2023, 1:14 a.m.(5/18/1019 AR)

My return to the city of Arx has been with very little fanfare. I have found myself somewhat changed after spending so much time in the city of my birth, my beloved city of Tor. My intentions to settle the children in preparation for formal schooling took a bit of a turn. I cannot say I consider myself very maternal, but I found it difficult to leave them behind. They have become little people with their own personalities and for the first time I felt a deep bond with each of them. I could not allow the opportunity to spend this priceless time pass me by. Especially since I was robbed of such a time with my own mother.

Not even a full day back to the capitol and I found myself in excellent company at the Black Fox. The messengers have been working double time, and meetings have been scheduled for at least the next couple of days. The endless work of ensuring the upkeep and success of Tor will keep me busy.

But for now, I am off to the markets and shops where I will no doubt purchase more presents to spoil the children. It is a foreign feeling. I believe they call it guilt.

Written By Calista

June 18, 2022, 9:25 p.m.(11/9/1017 AR)

Relationship Note on Margot

I do not want to believe the news today. I do not want to think about you in the past tense. I want to think about how we met all those years ago at the Ambassador Salon and you spoke so passionately to me about fashion. We could not have stylistically been more different. You held and maintained the traditional Thraxian fashion for women while I was experimenting with pushing the envelope on Lycene wear. Yet, you mentioned coral. You mentioned how you thought coral was so beautiful and would make for jewelry that could appeal to any and all. You were also inspired by the pinkish-orange hue and wished to push for this color to become popularized throughout the city.

We were both new to the capital. We were both young. We both had our eye on the same prize. Yet, I always admired you and always respected you. My gods, Margot, not another friend lost to chaos. "We Fall. We Rise."

Keep rising, Margot. Keep Rising.

Written By Calista

April 10, 2022, 10:32 p.m.(6/11/1017 AR)

The strangest thing happened to me when I arrived to the Assembly of Peers. It felt as if virtually all eyes were on me, trying to catch a glance at me. At first I wondered if there was something on my face or if my hair was out of place. When I realized they were looking upon me quite favorably, I felt the a rush of color warm my cheeks.

I quite liked the attention.

Written By Calista

April 10, 2022, 10:28 p.m.(6/11/1017 AR)

It has recently occurred to me my birthday is on the horizon. It has been literal years since I publicly celebrated the occasion. I will have to employ Mistress Aconite to assist me with the arrangements. I am leaning towards a beach themed party. Does anyone even remember the Seaside Soiree I co-hosted with former Archduchess Esera Velenosa? Seems like several lifetimes ago.

Written By Calista

April 10, 2022, 10:02 p.m.(6/11/1017 AR)

Relationship Note on Elora

Many congratulations to the new Lady Elora Ravenseye. May your new marriage be blessed with much happiness and a lifetime of adventures together.

Written By Calista

March 10, 2022, 8:06 p.m.(4/5/1017 AR)

Let the shedding of the thick, fur cloaks commence. There are many (wonderful) things awaiting for so many of us this Spring. I am beginning to smell the garden in bloom.

Written By Calista

Jan. 23, 2022, 10:14 p.m.(12/25/1016 AR)

Relationship Note on Mabelle

You are a force to be reckoned with, dear cousin. I am so proud of all of your achievements and accomplishments. I look forward to see what the future has in store.

Written By Calista

Jan. 23, 2022, 10:08 p.m.(12/25/1016 AR)

Relationship Note on Macario

There are those whose paths I happen to randomly cross and it is often nothing more than a single conversation where we exchange a tidbit here and there and proceed to go on with our lives. Our paths diverging once more. When our paths crossed, I assumed the same would be the case. I could tell from the tone of your formal letter (which did nothing to dissuade me from the fact that you are a lawyer), you wished to host our first meeting, but I somehow convinced you to be my guest instead. I expected a lawyer and from the facade, that is precisely what I received. However, as I learned of your past, of your family's story, I was presented with the most unexpected twist of fate.

Now that we have crossed paths, they have become so entangled and intertwined, I cannot fathom diverting.

Written By Calista

Jan. 23, 2022, 9:51 p.m.(12/25/1016 AR)

The last few events I've recently attended have been very interesting indeed. The Assembly of Peers for one has been entertaining. One never knows who might show up to air grievances or rabble rouse.

While I am sure that is not what our esteemed leaders and their Voices look forward to, I must say, they handle every situation with grace and wisdom.

I do not simply say this because the High Lord Victus Thrax is my patron. This does remind me to seek out a tutor to help him with his balance.

Written By Calista

Jan. 7, 2022, 9:19 p.m.(11/21/1016 AR)

The Thirteen Sorrows Premiere at the Bard's College was for a lack of better words, exciting! While I did miss the performance, the afterparty was all the rage. Lady Mabelle, Princess Gwenna, Baroness Amari, Lord Savio, Lord Orland, Nightingale Gianna, and Lord Mattheu out did themselves with performances, music, stage set and decorations, and costumes. I cannot wait for the production to go on tour and be able to experience this in Tor.

Despite the more unexpected and frighteningly entertaining aspects of the evening, I am thankful that I was able to attend and finally make the acquaintances of so many I've heard of but not had the opportunity to yet meet. It was also quite wonderful to reacquaint myself with those I'd not seen in some time.

An excellent evening, flying mask and all.

Written By Calista

Dec. 17, 2021, 1:13 p.m.(10/6/1016 AR)

Relationship Note on Elora

Lady Elora Whitehawk is an outstanding young woman. I have been so lucky to not only make her acquaintance, but to also be her patron. She has been so kind and humble, wondering if I had somehow threatened the guards near the Grayson district into bowing with respect at her presence. I've certainly done no such thing. I have only spoken highly of her and have done so with total and complete sincerity. I am very excited to work with her and learn from her. Lady Elora will be soon instructing me on how to better care for animals. This is absolutely out of my realm of comfort. May the gods be merciful and kind as I begin this journey.

Written By Calista

Dec. 17, 2021, 1:09 p.m.(10/6/1016 AR)

"How will you change? For the better, of course."

There are perhaps myriad answers to this, but, I am already changing. Whether or not that is for the better has yet to be seen. However, we have the choice to make the decision every day which path we will take. To have that choice is a blessing.

I recently heard an apology exchange between two seeming foes, where one said they were sorry to the other. They did not have a choice and often never do.

If I could, if I had such a power in me to give this blessing, I would give him the gift of choice.

Written By Calista

Dec. 4, 2021, 11:43 a.m.(9/8/1016 AR)

I have been spoiled. Not one but six parcels arrived for me this morning before I even opened my eyes. The most precious of these are the words that came attached to the gifts.

Vulnerability in the face of one whom you proclaim feelings for is perhaps the sexiest quality in a lover. Forgive me if I am feeling greedy for all that is offered. I've already accepted and submitted from the first moment.

Written By Calista

Sept. 12, 2021, 1:19 p.m.(3/10/1016 AR)

Perhaps I do not say this very often, but I am very thankful for all who work for me. I truly could not in the position I am in, as ruling Duchess of Tor without the support, love, and guidance of everyone who works so diligently at their jobs. From my family to our military and person guards, to the stewards and servants; my lady's maids who always keep me on schedule, the nannies, governess, tutors, instructors who all have a hand in the raising of Fidante's future.

I am humbled and could not possibly repay all of your kindness in one lifetime alone.

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