Written By Grady
Dec. 15, 2021, 12:57 p.m.(10/2/1016 AR)
I have been quite the scholar this week! Well. That's rather a bit presumptuous to write, I suppose, in this place, surrounded by real scholars. But I'm going to give myself leave to be quite proud of myself, this time. Halcyon is a terribly difficult language to learn, and I've been beavering away at it so earnestly that the waitresses at the teahouse only laugh a little bit when I try to order there. So I feel I've made significant progress!
All thanks must go to Cai Jian - there, you see, I even know what order to put the personal and familial names, although I did have to be reminded rather a lot of times before it stuck - who is an exceedingly patient teacher. She would have to be, to put up with me. Either that, or the comic relief was welcomed. It may be a bit of both.
All thanks must go to Cai Jian - there, you see, I even know what order to put the personal and familial names, although I did have to be reminded rather a lot of times before it stuck - who is an exceedingly patient teacher. She would have to be, to put up with me. Either that, or the comic relief was welcomed. It may be a bit of both.
Written By Grady
Dec. 12, 2021, 12:40 a.m.(9/23/1016 AR)
I had a wonderful time at Princess Keely's forest dance this evening. I find myself quite exhausted as I dash these words off between my return and falling in my bed, to sleep the sleep of the righteous. Or the tired, at any rate, and really, tired people must sleep better than righteous ones, what with all the injustice in the world. It's a wonder that righteous people sleep at all!
I rather think I may have a future, if the diplomacy thing doesn't work out, as an interpretive dancer, just so long as I am interpreting trees. Or maybe it was my charming dance partner who brought all of that out. Let nobody say that Thea Wyvernheart is not a very graceful dancer, especially if the person trying to say it is her!
I rather think I may have a future, if the diplomacy thing doesn't work out, as an interpretive dancer, just so long as I am interpreting trees. Or maybe it was my charming dance partner who brought all of that out. Let nobody say that Thea Wyvernheart is not a very graceful dancer, especially if the person trying to say it is her!
Written By Grady
Nov. 28, 2021, 7:04 p.m.(8/25/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Jian
I've had an absolutely delightful, conversation, though I found it rather shorter than I would have wished, with Priestess Jian this afternoon that has left me once again craving those wonderful little buns they serve at the tea house filled with that red paste inside. Which I have learned, by the by, is made from beans. Beans! I never would have thought. I never do seem to walk away from a conversation with one of Jadairal's delegation without learning something new. I suppose one must put that down to there being so very much to learn.
I have also learned that their language is called 'Halcyon', but unfortunately, she was called away before I was able to ask about the origin of the word, and so I'm left wondering whether they chose an Arvani word as the Arvani translation for the name of their language in a bid to quite mercifully save us from making fools of ourselves trying to pronounce whatever word is used in their language, or whether the Arvani word comes originally from there and has taken on a different definition over time.
I'm afraid I'm not making much sense. Well! I'm sure I'm not the first person she's left with their head spinning a bit in her wake.
I have also learned that their language is called 'Halcyon', but unfortunately, she was called away before I was able to ask about the origin of the word, and so I'm left wondering whether they chose an Arvani word as the Arvani translation for the name of their language in a bid to quite mercifully save us from making fools of ourselves trying to pronounce whatever word is used in their language, or whether the Arvani word comes originally from there and has taken on a different definition over time.
I'm afraid I'm not making much sense. Well! I'm sure I'm not the first person she's left with their head spinning a bit in her wake.
Written By Grady
Nov. 14, 2021, 1:18 p.m.(7/24/1016 AR)
I had such a lovely time at the Greenmarch garden party last night! Marquis Marius and Marquessa Simone are peerless hosts, and Lady Monique made sure that everything went smoothly. Such a pleasant way to spend an evening, catching up with old friends and making new ones in such lovely surroundings. I'm grateful to have been invited, and quite happy that I was able to arrange the time to attend!
Written By Grady
Nov. 3, 2021, 10:42 a.m.(7/2/1016 AR)
The weather seems to have rather turned with the Blood Moon. Summer is here! I rather recall summers in Arx being fairly miserable to someone like myself who is used to colder weather, and decided it might be time to put away the warm travelling clothes and have something made that's more appropriate to the weather.
It's an interesting feeling, looking in a mirror while wearing all new clothes. I hardly feel like myself, and yet I feel like myself more than ever.
It's an interesting feeling, looking in a mirror while wearing all new clothes. I hardly feel like myself, and yet I feel like myself more than ever.
Written By Grady
Oct. 29, 2021, 11:17 a.m.(6/20/1016 AR)
The surprise party last night was exciting! A surprise rather for everyone, I think. The birthday girl did not expect to be having house guests that day, which I think might put me out a bit if it were me, but of course not everyone is the same, are they? I do hope that she had a good time. I never did get the chance to circle around and get through the gauntlet of well wishers to say hello. I've become a bit dull in my middle age, leaving parties early to tuck my children into bed at night, but I can't find it in my heart to complain. They're wonderful children. Every parent says that, of course. Well, most parents. But in my case, I'm sure that it's more true than it would otherwise be!
Of course, the guests were surprised as well, owing to whatever was put in the drinks. I'm rather glad I noticed something was off before I went off and had one, myself. It wouldn't have done, I don't think, for me to have come home and complained that I couldn't read Livia and Zelde their bedtime story because the words were disagreeably marching off the page.
I DO wish Zelde would stop choosing that rainbow princess book to read every time it's her turn to choose. I may have to see that it's accidentally lost somewhere.
Of course, the guests were surprised as well, owing to whatever was put in the drinks. I'm rather glad I noticed something was off before I went off and had one, myself. It wouldn't have done, I don't think, for me to have come home and complained that I couldn't read Livia and Zelde their bedtime story because the words were disagreeably marching off the page.
I DO wish Zelde would stop choosing that rainbow princess book to read every time it's her turn to choose. I may have to see that it's accidentally lost somewhere.
Written By Grady
Oct. 21, 2021, 9:47 p.m.(6/5/1016 AR)
Such a wonderful, stirring sermon today by Blessed Roran! I do hope someone thought to write it down so that its text can be posted here to the whites. I do wish I had done so, but of course I don't expect that I'd have been able to write fast enough. I saw a young scholar with a pen and paper. Perhaps he will favor us.
Just among those who were there, I can't think but that the Archlector's sermon will spark untold discussion. If it were to be more widely distributed, I should think that it would get a great many more people talking, and more importantly thinking about the ways which their behavior changes the world.
Just among those who were there, I can't think but that the Archlector's sermon will spark untold discussion. If it were to be more widely distributed, I should think that it would get a great many more people talking, and more importantly thinking about the ways which their behavior changes the world.
Written By Grady
Oct. 16, 2021, 2:57 p.m.(5/23/1016 AR)
Such a wonderful day yesterday! Although I admit I am only just recovering. The Spring Faire was well-attended, and Softest Cesare was kind enough to save me from myself when I set to worrying too much about Duchess Telmar. Of the dancing afterward I shall say that I lost track of the time and was late reading my daughter her bedtime story, and I'm still finding sand in odd places.
Written By Grady
Sept. 29, 2021, 11:01 p.m.(4/17/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Savio
It would be an odd world, wouldn't it be, if we were not all of us at least a little bit human. Fallible, weak in all the ways we don't want to be, sometimes even broken. A little bit prone to anger, to judgement, a little bit frightened, a little bit selfish, vain.
Do you think we so recoil from these traits when we see them in others because they embody so much of what we hate about ourselves? I hadn't thought of the question in that light until just now.
I do apologize for setting none of this in verse. While I know we all of us need a good laugh every now and again, you will forgive me, I hope, if I save the particular joke that is my attempts at poetry so that it remains between my wife and myself. You are a gifted musician, but her laughter, I think, must be the more beautiful music.
And there it is. There we see MY particular bit of vanity. This is a white journal, after all. There are traditions which much be upheld.
Do you think we so recoil from these traits when we see them in others because they embody so much of what we hate about ourselves? I hadn't thought of the question in that light until just now.
I do apologize for setting none of this in verse. While I know we all of us need a good laugh every now and again, you will forgive me, I hope, if I save the particular joke that is my attempts at poetry so that it remains between my wife and myself. You are a gifted musician, but her laughter, I think, must be the more beautiful music.
And there it is. There we see MY particular bit of vanity. This is a white journal, after all. There are traditions which much be upheld.
Written By Grady
Sept. 21, 2021, 8:06 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
Artshall is quite lovely at the doorway to spring, and the new arts district is even lovelier. I'm glad to have gone, even if the travel might have taken something out of me, from which it will take me, I think unfortunately, some time to recover. Well, nothing for it, I suppose. If there was any sacrifice on my part, it was worth it for the experience of seeing the new district before it has officially opened. I met all sorts of wonderful people whose acquaintance I shouldn't be sorry to make again in the future.
All in all, a most excellent trip.
All in all, a most excellent trip.
Written By Grady
Sept. 14, 2021, 3:40 p.m.(3/15/1016 AR)
I spent the most wonderful evening with the Eswynds, even if the cider they served was on the strong side, at least for me. The display of martial prowess among the people competing in the tournament was breathtaking. There weren't just swords, but also wrestling in the snow, and one man even competed with a spoon as his weapon! I found many details of the proceedings different from what I am used to, of course, but at their core, everyone present were people, just as any of us are. Sometimes it's our differences that make us stronger. Or more interesting, at the very least, and one should avoid being dull if one possibly can.
I'm looking forward to a chance to go back.
I'm looking forward to a chance to go back.
Written By Grady
Sept. 10, 2021, 5:05 a.m.(3/6/1016 AR)
With all that the poor Graysons and their people have lately suffered, Jessa and I have decided that my duty as a diplomat must be here in Arx, and her duty as a warrior must be at home, at Old Oak.
That sounds dreadfully heroic, doesn't it? Rest assured, all heroism lies with my wife. I have come to Arx to hide behind thick stone walls and talk piffle. But for all that, it may be that piffle is exactly what is needed, right now, behind these thick walls.
I suppose we'll see. I'll try not to annoy anyone too terribly.
That sounds dreadfully heroic, doesn't it? Rest assured, all heroism lies with my wife. I have come to Arx to hide behind thick stone walls and talk piffle. But for all that, it may be that piffle is exactly what is needed, right now, behind these thick walls.
I suppose we'll see. I'll try not to annoy anyone too terribly.
Written By Grady
Jan. 9, 2019, 1:19 p.m.(5/1/1010 AR)
The forward course of progress is rarely smooth. There have been too many lives lost because any innocent life lost is one too many. But we cannot turn back time, so here we are now with a Great Road and a great many diplomatic issues to settle and deal with. The perpetrators of evil must be caught and brought to justice. Concerns must be alleviated. Sure, the Abandoned tribes sometimes choose to raid Compact travelers, but this road was never meant as an aggressive action. So now it is hopefully time for diplomacy. At least it's never dull.
Written By Grady
Aug. 27, 2018, 5:51 p.m.(6/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
The Prince has been fostering out children, finding homes for these wayward souls with no one to look out for them. We've adopted two - fostered, to be specific and use the legal term. I'm not sure my heart knows the difference.
Liam is a terror. I had to make him promise not to ride horses into the house. He loves the outdoors. I'm constantly worried that he's going to get under the feet of the Marquis' warhorse and be trampled, but Liam seems to know just what to do. He and Jessa are kindred spirits. I'm sure Emily and Joxur will join the fun of raising him, training him to be very much like the bright and adventurous side of the Deepwood-Grayridge family.
Livia though? Livia is mine, through and through. She is quiet where I am garrulous. Anxious where I am easygoing. But she likes to listen to me talk, and when she asks questions they're considerate, polite. I think she may always be that girl who listens more than she speaks and then says something profound. Or maybe she'll grow out of it, as others have. But she's a thinker, and she has a bright mind working in there. She has a love for animals that makes me think we'll need to go to the Lodge of Petrichor at some point and see if we can spy some of the creatures there.
And this happy state, domestic and warm, we owe in large part to Prince Ainsley.
I won't forget.
Liam is a terror. I had to make him promise not to ride horses into the house. He loves the outdoors. I'm constantly worried that he's going to get under the feet of the Marquis' warhorse and be trampled, but Liam seems to know just what to do. He and Jessa are kindred spirits. I'm sure Emily and Joxur will join the fun of raising him, training him to be very much like the bright and adventurous side of the Deepwood-Grayridge family.
Livia though? Livia is mine, through and through. She is quiet where I am garrulous. Anxious where I am easygoing. But she likes to listen to me talk, and when she asks questions they're considerate, polite. I think she may always be that girl who listens more than she speaks and then says something profound. Or maybe she'll grow out of it, as others have. But she's a thinker, and she has a bright mind working in there. She has a love for animals that makes me think we'll need to go to the Lodge of Petrichor at some point and see if we can spy some of the creatures there.
And this happy state, domestic and warm, we owe in large part to Prince Ainsley.
I won't forget.
Written By Grady
July 7, 2018, 9:27 p.m.(2/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
Mistress Petal is going to make the new outfits the Marquis "suggested" Jessa and I get. She's a talented artist, and so I'm excited - something different and new! And Jessa wandered out with me around Arx, and we made a day of it, and ended in Petal's comfortable, /warm/ shop. She is, I think, a woman who has seen too much sorrow. She is acclimating to Arx and I hope that she continues to do so. And that one day what sorrows can be abated are.
Written By Grady
July 7, 2018, 9:18 p.m.(2/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
A pleasant woman, and an absolute artist when it comes to needle and thread. I found her shop interesting and inviting, and her conversation quite enjoyable. I think she's a little shy, but she really is an excellent conversationalist. I whiled away an afternoon talking to her about artists and art and the upcoming trip to Stormwall, and that afternoon was not wasted.
Written By Grady
July 7, 2018, 9:05 p.m.(2/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
More important than beauty - though there was plenty of that today too - is that you looked happy. And so I wish you happiness, love, and long life with your beloved by your side. May every day continue to be better.
I should mention your days will get better with that delicious Deepwood cider I gifted you.
Congratulations!
I should mention your days will get better with that delicious Deepwood cider I gifted you.
Congratulations!
Written By Grady
June 21, 2018, 2:57 p.m.(1/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
My first protege! I'm excited, not to have a protege but because it signifies a future where Mistress Josephine and I work together regularly. An excellent woman with a good mind, and she has a phenomenal eye for jewelry. More than that she's a friend, and her company is most welcome whether we sit in companionable silence or steal abandoned feathers together.
What's a little larceny among friends, after all?
What's a little larceny among friends, after all?
Written By Grady
June 10, 2018, 10:34 p.m.(12/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
My new friend!
We met over a barrel of apples, and neither of us is very good at this game so when we accidentally chose the same apple our heads collided and we both got dunked. I'd be sorry, but it was funny and it made me a new friend who's able to laugh at himself and not take life too seriously. I don't think I lost the game at all.
We met over a barrel of apples, and neither of us is very good at this game so when we accidentally chose the same apple our heads collided and we both got dunked. I'd be sorry, but it was funny and it made me a new friend who's able to laugh at himself and not take life too seriously. I don't think I lost the game at all.
Written By Grady
June 10, 2018, 10:15 p.m.(12/18/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
A cheerful man of excellent mood and a competitive spirit. So it was no surprise when he almost won the apple bobbing. It was, however, slightly surprising to watch him demolish a pie in the time it took me to blink.
No, scholar, that is not hyperbole.
I'm fairly certain the man literally stuffed the whole thing in his mouth so quickly I never saw it happen. Quite incredible, really.
No, scholar, that is not hyperbole.
I'm fairly certain the man literally stuffed the whole thing in his mouth so quickly I never saw it happen. Quite incredible, really.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.