Written By Lottie
May 17, 2019, 6:25 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
I'm not sure the context of the comment that spurned the conversation on the topic of warriors and what makes one. If it was a slight on Harlex Valtyr, I can bet you don't know him very well. I admit I'm pretty biased as he's my friend and I do know him. I'd rather make the assumption it's not, though. Maybe it was just a conversation you two were having.
It did start me thinking however and the Scholars have been real nice in helping me find other journals that reference your words that have been submitted more recently. Lady Peri's reply on the topic of "only the gods truly can know a man" or something along those lines, for instance. I agree with that, but I think that there's a perspective missing from the open dialogue that's being overlooked.
My Taylor was an Iron Guardsman. He didn't enlist for any great purpose aside from being hungry and wanting to be able to someday support a family. He learned to wield a blade and hold a shield. He got quite good too. I understand that may be a hard concept for some to wrap their head around, learning to fight so that they can afford to eat. That's not a knock at the Peerage, but it just is what it is. Some of us in this world aren't granted the freedom of a reliably full belly and warm place to sleep. I'm getting off topic, though. Anyway, my Taylor learned to fight and he became something more than he was before.
Sometimes our journeys start in different places, but to diminish someone trying to enhance themselves simply because they don't fit a definition you've decided (or were taught)... well, it's wrong. Sometimes we /have/ to become something we are not prone to. My Taylor was not a warrior, but he died as one. Perhaps he only fought because it was his job and wouldn't have if the choices he made and circumstances he overcame were different, but he still fought and the Compact needed him. It needed his and every other sacrifice that has been made in its name so the rest of us could/can continue forward and hold such conversations.
Instead of discouraging those who are trying to improve themselves martially because you may not think it's where their strength may lie, perhaps guide them? Teach them to be better because it is a very brave thing to pick up a sword simply because you think you should. The world we live in is full of both wonder and darkness and I think the Compact can use every sword arm it can get.
It did start me thinking however and the Scholars have been real nice in helping me find other journals that reference your words that have been submitted more recently. Lady Peri's reply on the topic of "only the gods truly can know a man" or something along those lines, for instance. I agree with that, but I think that there's a perspective missing from the open dialogue that's being overlooked.
My Taylor was an Iron Guardsman. He didn't enlist for any great purpose aside from being hungry and wanting to be able to someday support a family. He learned to wield a blade and hold a shield. He got quite good too. I understand that may be a hard concept for some to wrap their head around, learning to fight so that they can afford to eat. That's not a knock at the Peerage, but it just is what it is. Some of us in this world aren't granted the freedom of a reliably full belly and warm place to sleep. I'm getting off topic, though. Anyway, my Taylor learned to fight and he became something more than he was before.
Sometimes our journeys start in different places, but to diminish someone trying to enhance themselves simply because they don't fit a definition you've decided (or were taught)... well, it's wrong. Sometimes we /have/ to become something we are not prone to. My Taylor was not a warrior, but he died as one. Perhaps he only fought because it was his job and wouldn't have if the choices he made and circumstances he overcame were different, but he still fought and the Compact needed him. It needed his and every other sacrifice that has been made in its name so the rest of us could/can continue forward and hold such conversations.
Instead of discouraging those who are trying to improve themselves martially because you may not think it's where their strength may lie, perhaps guide them? Teach them to be better because it is a very brave thing to pick up a sword simply because you think you should. The world we live in is full of both wonder and darkness and I think the Compact can use every sword arm it can get.
Written By Lottie
May 15, 2019, 6:18 p.m.(2/10/1011 AR)
I /am/ back! Just like Mayir says!
My trip was really nice. The completion of the Great Road made it way easier and allotted me the ability to travel to many of the territories within the Crownlands. I found a lot of interesting ingredients and amazing recipes and I even have my own take on a more traditional Crownland treat that I've brought back with me. I call them Love Knots (as Mayir was so kind to mention too!). I also learned about forty new ways to cook a rabbit.
I'm sad I didn't get to continue North like I had originally planned, but the small group of merchants I traveled with didn't feel comfortable going on with all the crazy skirmishes happening as of late. So it was time to turn tail and head home. It was a good trip and I hope to make another. Our world is a breathtaking cacophony of different smells and flavors and I plan to try every one and hopefully bring some of them back with me to Arx. Even those stinky Oathland cheeses.
My trip was really nice. The completion of the Great Road made it way easier and allotted me the ability to travel to many of the territories within the Crownlands. I found a lot of interesting ingredients and amazing recipes and I even have my own take on a more traditional Crownland treat that I've brought back with me. I call them Love Knots (as Mayir was so kind to mention too!). I also learned about forty new ways to cook a rabbit.
I'm sad I didn't get to continue North like I had originally planned, but the small group of merchants I traveled with didn't feel comfortable going on with all the crazy skirmishes happening as of late. So it was time to turn tail and head home. It was a good trip and I hope to make another. Our world is a breathtaking cacophony of different smells and flavors and I plan to try every one and hopefully bring some of them back with me to Arx. Even those stinky Oathland cheeses.
Written By Lottie
Nov. 12, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(12/23/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I am POSITIVE I could change the view against mushrooms. There are so many dishes where this hearty addition proves to be both flavorful and holds a resilient texture. A beef stew, for instance, intermixed with onions and beef in a rich gravy? Delicious. Granted, there's a fine line for cooking that can change a mushroom's consistency from absorbent sponge of flavor goodness to straight mush with a tang to it instead of maintaining the dish's heart note flavors.
Not to mention grilled or broiled mushrooms with cheese and bacon (and onion if you really want to go wild), garlic butter mushrooms, you can couple them with other dominant flavors as well for a variety of tasty side dishes. I personally feel they go best in beef dishes, but that's just my own preference.
Clearly I feel passionate about this topic! This anti-mushroom propaganda must be stopped!
Not to mention grilled or broiled mushrooms with cheese and bacon (and onion if you really want to go wild), garlic butter mushrooms, you can couple them with other dominant flavors as well for a variety of tasty side dishes. I personally feel they go best in beef dishes, but that's just my own preference.
Clearly I feel passionate about this topic! This anti-mushroom propaganda must be stopped!
Written By Lottie
June 28, 2018, 12:43 p.m.(2/6/1009 AR)
I took a little adventure today over a newly opened establishment called Bold Espressions!
First off, I want to comment on the atmosphere. Entering the building, one is immediately struck by the ethereal scent of coffee brewing intermixed with a wide variety of fresh pastries (and everyone knows how much I love a good pastry). The scent palette does not disappoint, nor does the atmosphere of the seating area as a whole. Warm and inviting, especially for the chill of Arx winter. It also houses a beautiful array of artwork as well as a few shelving areas full of books for customers to utilize as they enjoy their drinks and snacks.
The wait staff is attentive and polite and I was surprised how quickly my order was delivered.
Speaking of that order... oh, my! I ordered a blanched peppermint coffee and it was just delicious. I wasn't certain how the flavor notes would interact with one another as both peppermint and coffee are so bold, but with the steamed milk cutting the bitterness of the coffee the flavors intermix in a delightful combination that remind me quite a bit of memories of Year's End. Delightful. I plan to return to try a bit of everything on their extensive menu (which will most definitely take me quite a few visits)!
So, if you're in the mood for a relaxing escape from your day to day and enjoy a calm atmosphere and either a traditional or more unique flavor of coffee... stop by Bold Espressions!
Also, while I haven't had a chance to try it myself, I have on good authority their ginger spice cake is just to die for!
First off, I want to comment on the atmosphere. Entering the building, one is immediately struck by the ethereal scent of coffee brewing intermixed with a wide variety of fresh pastries (and everyone knows how much I love a good pastry). The scent palette does not disappoint, nor does the atmosphere of the seating area as a whole. Warm and inviting, especially for the chill of Arx winter. It also houses a beautiful array of artwork as well as a few shelving areas full of books for customers to utilize as they enjoy their drinks and snacks.
The wait staff is attentive and polite and I was surprised how quickly my order was delivered.
Speaking of that order... oh, my! I ordered a blanched peppermint coffee and it was just delicious. I wasn't certain how the flavor notes would interact with one another as both peppermint and coffee are so bold, but with the steamed milk cutting the bitterness of the coffee the flavors intermix in a delightful combination that remind me quite a bit of memories of Year's End. Delightful. I plan to return to try a bit of everything on their extensive menu (which will most definitely take me quite a few visits)!
So, if you're in the mood for a relaxing escape from your day to day and enjoy a calm atmosphere and either a traditional or more unique flavor of coffee... stop by Bold Espressions!
Also, while I haven't had a chance to try it myself, I have on good authority their ginger spice cake is just to die for!
Written By Lottie
March 11, 2018, 2:59 p.m.(5/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
I look forward to your hugs of gratitude!
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