Written By Faye
Jan. 14, 2024, 11:17 p.m.(7/21/1021 AR)
I sent a note to the scholar staffing the traveling library dedicated to my mother. I am not sure if the note will reach him in time, but I told him he'd better get his ass to Sanctum. Leave the books, if necessary. If any of us survive, we will write more.
Written By Faye
March 7, 2023, 11:06 p.m.(5/26/1019 AR)
I was walking home from a gathering late the other night and stopped at a shrine. An old man sat down next to me and started talking. He told me a story about a black dog he once had that would only bark at night. It drove his neighbors crazy because they couldn't see the dog in the dark, and they didn't know which neighborhood dog it was. After a few nights of it, they started throwing shoes in the direction of the barking. Pretty soon everywhere around was piled up with shoes. The yards, the gangways to the alley, the gutters out by the street, everywhere. The man didn't want to be seen picking up all the shoes himself because the neighbors would know to blame him for the barking dog. So he paid a neighborhood kid to clean it up, a silver coin a shoe. The kid picked up 61 shoes, and the man paid him 61 silver coins. Then of course the man's house was full of shoes. He decided to hold a sale. All day the neighbors came by. He was able to sell every one of those shoes, even the ones without mates, and he made a couple hundred silver from it.
The old man fell silent then, so I asked him what was supposed to be the moral of that ridiculous story. He said if you couldn't tell, you shouldn't throw shoes.
The old man fell silent then, so I asked him what was supposed to be the moral of that ridiculous story. He said if you couldn't tell, you shouldn't throw shoes.
Written By Faye
Aug. 7, 2022, 9:17 p.m.(2/27/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Felicia
I miss my friend Felicia more than I can frame in words. Last night I poured two tumblers of whiskey, one for me and one for her. I just sat with her memory, her bravery and perseverance, her smile. As for the work she left unfinished, the rest of us will have to step into those traces, help pull the load.
Written By Faye
Aug. 15, 2021, 6:16 p.m.(1/11/1016 AR)
I've felt like I've been holding my breath for the last couple of months, waiting for reports to come in from my traveling library. Letters have trickled back from my librarian, though, and it appears that the little cart full of books has been trundling along quite happily among the little Oathlander villages, giving out books and trading for new ones. It means so much to have created this in my mother's memory, its books gathered from here and there, and the colorful wagon painted by my own hand. Perhaps there might be some few left there who remember Livia Ruger's name despite all the years she has been gone.
Written By Faye
July 11, 2021, 10:14 p.m.(10/25/1015 AR)
I've found myself with a patron again, after a considerable length of time without. Lord Martino Malvici, who is a longtime friend, seems like he will be a good partner in a few upcoming projects. Many thanks to him, and I hope his family will provide opportunities for discovery as well. I have often said that my Lyceum connections are fewer than I would like. It seems like a good opportunity to improve that.
Written By Faye
Nov. 21, 2019, 2:51 p.m.(3/26/1012 AR)
I found out a few days ago that my cousin died. If I have spoken to you about my mother's family, then perhaps you know who this is. She sacrificed her life to help another person, a man I don't believe she had previously met. Her death feels deeply unfair, but there is no one I can blame for it. My cousin was a kind, brave, and generous woman who wanted to do things in life that made a difference. I loved having her here, the year and a half she was in the city. I miss her.
Written By Faye
Nov. 8, 2019, 4:59 p.m.(3/1/1012 AR)
The other day, someone gave me the side-eye when they noticed the scarf of steelsilk I wear in my hair. I respect the choice of some not to wear Cardian or Eurusi materials, but I don't believe any Arvani's decision either way affects a single slave on the other side of the ocean. For my choice, I wear it as a reminder of someone lost to me. Not that that's anyone else's beeswax.
Written By Faye
May 23, 2019, 11:12 a.m.(2/25/1011 AR)
Captain Harlex is collecting weapons used in battle for an offering to the Queen of Endings. I sent him a couple of weapons I had used years ago, including the crossbow I used during the Pirate War. I suppose I could have reserved them to use in some way in the future. But it feels like my balance sheet with Lady Death is out of whack these days as it is. I'll offer these and hope it helps.
Written By Faye
April 23, 2019, 1:24 p.m.(12/22/1010 AR)
A strange sword has come into my possession. It feels both sad and dear, but having it also seems to ease my heartache. Apparently his will mentioned that this was his favorite sword to swing, but that I'd never know why until I mastered it.
So it seems like the sword and I have been in a weird conversation (not literally... let me specify that), whether I want to learn its fit in my hand or if I'll just hang the beautiful blade over my mantle and think of him when I look at its graceful curve. I wore it out last night to see if I liked the weight of it at my hip. In my younger days I practiced with a sword, but in the intervening years I've forgotten every bit of skill I had with one. I mean, other than the obvious "stick them with the pointy end," or, should I say, whack them with the sharp side? I'm sure I'll need a very skilled teacher if I'm going to relearn it.
So it seems like the sword and I have been in a weird conversation (not literally... let me specify that), whether I want to learn its fit in my hand or if I'll just hang the beautiful blade over my mantle and think of him when I look at its graceful curve. I wore it out last night to see if I liked the weight of it at my hip. In my younger days I practiced with a sword, but in the intervening years I've forgotten every bit of skill I had with one. I mean, other than the obvious "stick them with the pointy end," or, should I say, whack them with the sharp side? I'm sure I'll need a very skilled teacher if I'm going to relearn it.
Written By Faye
April 7, 2019, 5:32 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Recently there was a little mishap at the Shrine of Lagoma. Rather than feeling bad about it, I decided to dedicate some of my time and silver towards seeing it repaired. Physical labor can be a prayerful meditation on its own. It makes me think of my mother and her devotion to Lagoma, and I think if she were here, she would be working alongside us to see the place renewed. Change can be shocking and terrifying, but it can also bring about something better.
Written By Faye
March 17, 2019, 9:08 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
Another year has passed, and I find very little has happened as I thought it would, for both good and ill.
Written By Faye
Dec. 23, 2018, 10:28 a.m.(3/22/1010 AR)
Every day is a new day. How exhausting. Every day is a new day.
Written By Faye
Nov. 17, 2018, 12:17 a.m.(1/4/1010 AR)
I've heard the advice that you should always try to be the dumbest person in the room. That way you always have the chance to be learning something.
There are some days when I feel I have no problem doing that.
There are some days when I feel I have no problem doing that.
Written By Faye
Nov. 14, 2018, 8:48 a.m.(12/27/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
I can't pretend that Inquisitor Gareth and I were the best of friends. Or very good friends at all. But I will not revisit disagreements. I will say I always respected his loyalty and his work with the Inquisition. One of my favorite memories of him was when he, Princess Caith, and I were in his office (had we been talking about bunnies?), drinking wine and chatting. He was a good man, loved by his family and valued within the Inquisition.
This fucking poison. It's serious business, I tell you that. I'm no expert myself, but if there's any lesson to be learned from messing around with it, it's that you take your life in your hands every fucking time. Don't just say to yourself, "This sounds cool," or "I just want to try this out." This isn't an aspirational hobby. The poison fucking sucks, and your family and friends will miss you when you're gone.
This fucking poison. It's serious business, I tell you that. I'm no expert myself, but if there's any lesson to be learned from messing around with it, it's that you take your life in your hands every fucking time. Don't just say to yourself, "This sounds cool," or "I just want to try this out." This isn't an aspirational hobby. The poison fucking sucks, and your family and friends will miss you when you're gone.
Written By Faye
Nov. 13, 2018, 6:49 a.m.(12/24/1009 AR)
Although I have never been more sad to say it, I survived.
Written By Faye
Nov. 11, 2018, 2:47 p.m.(12/21/1009 AR)
Last night I accepted an anonymous invitation to the Grotto to enjoy the sociable company of some of the finest princesses of the Compact. It isn't the sort of invitation I usually get, so curiosity made me attend. I won't spoil the surprise if others end up getting similar invitations, though I will say that I did not regret going.
Written By Faye
Nov. 4, 2018, 5:21 p.m.(12/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I rather like the idea of the shop being renamed to Ferron Arms and Animal Rescue. It's certainly more accurate, though you may end up with a good deal more animals being dropped on your doorstep.
Written By Faye
Oct. 20, 2018, 11:48 a.m.(11/2/1009 AR)
Updated my will in my blacks, which seems to be a thing I do every November.
I ask that upon my death, the Scholars release that entry to the Master of Questions.
I ask that upon my death, the Scholars release that entry to the Master of Questions.
Written By Faye
Oct. 9, 2018, 7:51 p.m.(10/2/1009 AR)
Another year? As they say, there is an alternative to getting older, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet.
Written By Faye
Sept. 17, 2018, 6:57 p.m.(8/14/1009 AR)
I want to get it embroidered on a pillow, with bows and roses and everything:
"Well, Faye, it looks like your suspicions were accurate."
Because I don't think it has happened before, and I won't count on it happening again.
"Well, Faye, it looks like your suspicions were accurate."
Because I don't think it has happened before, and I won't count on it happening again.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.