Written By Lumen
Jan. 6, 2019, 2:33 p.m.(4/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Shared with somebody dear, even the least controversial of victories warms my heart. May the fondness that my cousin and I share for one another - and the familial stubbornness on which I could not be possibly made to comment - pour itself into what comes of this endeavor.
Written By Lumen
Dec. 12, 2018, 3:32 p.m.(2/28/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Gianna
Since her debut, Gianna has dazzled and inspired us with her musicality and canny adaptability. We, Arx, are better for having her. I've a deep admiration for the kind of strength she wields and frankly, am thrilled to see what she'll do next.
Softest.
Softest.
Written By Lumen
Dec. 6, 2018, 11:41 a.m.(2/15/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
I regret deeply having missed her highness's homage to Prince Gareth. It's no statue commemoration but I do not think it any less well thought out or worth remembering. I'll just have to live vicariously through those lucky enough to have caught such a touching and innovative tribute.
Written By Lumen
Dec. 1, 2018, 3:33 p.m.(2/5/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Modi
I heard he's a hundred feet tall.
Written By Lumen
Nov. 5, 2018, 9:53 a.m.(12/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Caith
There are as many remedies for that thing as there are people in this world and each one unique to them. For the most pervasive, rising each day with a positive intent and practicing a little gentle, patient self-forgiveness if ever falling short can be as comforting as any soft silk.
Written By Lumen
Oct. 15, 2018, 4:21 p.m.(10/14/1009 AR)
Memory calls to mind that vacant stare in my father's eye upon finding all four of his daughters fighting.
Written By Lumen
Oct. 14, 2018, 9:20 a.m.(10/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
While I do not condone the use of the Softest to push one's own personal agenda, it requires the keeping of a great many confidences - which Bliss has indeed upheld. This lends to a certain of quality of character that must be acknowledged and which, had title been left off, might have otherwise been overlooked.
In no way are Whispers required to forgo the defense of themselves or their own honor for the sake of impartiality. Such practice would be a recipe for victimization that I could not in good conscience uphold.
Bliss has most certainly cast this house of courtiers into an unflattering light, but she has previously done a great deal pulling it up out of stagnation and back into relevancy with that very same unorthodox approach. As the situation stands currently, I have no intention of calling for Bliss's resignation as Softest nor shall I invite her to leave our esteemed order.
In no way are Whispers required to forgo the defense of themselves or their own honor for the sake of impartiality. Such practice would be a recipe for victimization that I could not in good conscience uphold.
Bliss has most certainly cast this house of courtiers into an unflattering light, but she has previously done a great deal pulling it up out of stagnation and back into relevancy with that very same unorthodox approach. As the situation stands currently, I have no intention of calling for Bliss's resignation as Softest nor shall I invite her to leave our esteemed order.
Written By Lumen
Oct. 5, 2018, 12:15 p.m.(9/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jophiel
I've often basked in my cousin's reputation from afar but it's another thing entirely to see for oneself that unwavering patience and sense of compassion put to action.
Written By Lumen
Sept. 8, 2018, 12:19 p.m.(7/21/1009 AR)
Swiftly invalidate a critique or opinion contrary to one's own, honestly given or otherwise, and avoid responding to it in any substantive way by dubbing its owner irrelevant and implying a lack common decency.
Written By Lumen
Sept. 8, 2018, 9:54 a.m.(7/21/1009 AR)
Indirect jabs upward, particularly very public ones, are neither constructive nor flattering.
Written By Lumen
Sept. 4, 2018, 3:08 p.m.(7/14/1009 AR)
Upon reviewing recent works undertaken by our courtiers, a tentative observation -and possible opportunity to do more- has occurred me. I trust the reader to take this in its intended spirit, and not as a personal or abstract slight.
Our social conventions are unforgiving when breached, even for those of us brought up among them. For Prodigals and allies born far from our cultural hubs, education on these matters seems all too often left up to trial and error. Offenses are doled out, and our attention turns collectively inward to address symptoms rather the enemies outside our gates, or the larger ailment -- that ours is not always a welcoming climate.
Representatives of the Faith have done their part, sometimes with resistance from the most unlikely of sources, to establish what is to be expected. However, in courtly decorum and in Arx where many heads of house culminate, we allow our sisters and brothers to consistently smack up against barriers that can neither be seen nor heard. Often, with painful consequences for both participant and observer alike.
To that end, it is now my intention to encourage where welcome the development of finishing schools and associated houses of courtiers in areas of the Compact wanting for that resource.
Our social conventions are unforgiving when breached, even for those of us brought up among them. For Prodigals and allies born far from our cultural hubs, education on these matters seems all too often left up to trial and error. Offenses are doled out, and our attention turns collectively inward to address symptoms rather the enemies outside our gates, or the larger ailment -- that ours is not always a welcoming climate.
Representatives of the Faith have done their part, sometimes with resistance from the most unlikely of sources, to establish what is to be expected. However, in courtly decorum and in Arx where many heads of house culminate, we allow our sisters and brothers to consistently smack up against barriers that can neither be seen nor heard. Often, with painful consequences for both participant and observer alike.
To that end, it is now my intention to encourage where welcome the development of finishing schools and associated houses of courtiers in areas of the Compact wanting for that resource.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 29, 2018, 12:48 a.m.(6/24/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
Much credit to the Duke and Duchess for extending their hands, open-palmed, and to our Juniper Whisper for placing hers compassionately atop. Today, we trusted in this woman to lead by example -and to take the reins on a heartful matter with no easy resolution in sight. She did not buckle under the weight nor lash out, finger pointed. Though there's still plenty more to do, I think we can all breathe a great sigh of relief knowing that there is someone here to guide us.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 28, 2018, 12:34 a.m.(6/22/1009 AR)
Wonder at and mock we Whispers, who would choose of our free will to be led by a bonded pair. Fantasize how we will come to embody the petty flaws that are actually yours, venturing far from the sentiments concomitant with friendship and allegiance. Prideful harbingers of their own downfall, infighting in such a way that does not even befit children.
If a person, regardless of rank, does not choose words representative of their oaths, how then can it be expected that they will not choose their actions so? Biting one's own tongue is not so hard, albeit contrary to instinct. Yes, you will experience a pang of discomfort. Yes. You may briefly miss and mourn for the sound of your own voice. This will pass with shocking expediency, I promise you, and the recovery period to follow will be much shorter than that of any mutually assured destruction.
If a person, regardless of rank, does not choose words representative of their oaths, how then can it be expected that they will not choose their actions so? Biting one's own tongue is not so hard, albeit contrary to instinct. Yes, you will experience a pang of discomfort. Yes. You may briefly miss and mourn for the sound of your own voice. This will pass with shocking expediency, I promise you, and the recovery period to follow will be much shorter than that of any mutually assured destruction.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 26, 2018, 2:51 a.m.(6/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
I have only ever known this man to lift up those around him so that they might thrive. It's a kind of sustenance unlike any food I've ever tasted, and it gives me such a swell of relief and pride to see him lifted to those same heights. Predictions of our coming rivalry followed early on, but none have ever come to pass. I always suspected a deeper connection, but nobody is more shocked and delighted than I to call him 'twin.' To think it took us so long to discover such an obvious truth!
You are my Radiant, and may we leave the Compact in a more beauteous state than the one we have found it in.
You are my Radiant, and may we leave the Compact in a more beauteous state than the one we have found it in.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 22, 2018, 9:51 p.m.(6/11/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Tomwell
This evening I watch a man I care for so deeply take his Godsworn vows. Though I think him worthy of a great many things beyond what his capacity for humility allows him to see, I have the greatest admiration for him, this choice, and all the sacrifices that come with a life offering succour to the many, and the Gods.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 20, 2018, 11:08 a.m.(6/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Like my cousin Samantha, Sir Barric, then Prince Barric, was one of my very first flirtations. Can I be blamed? He was terribly dashing almost all the time. I imagine that was the case for a lot of girls, at Bastian and Pridehall. He was not without his imperfections, but who among us is? Errors have a way of piling up while accomplishments diminish. I was deeply moved by news of Sir Barric's pilgrimage and what came of it, and am comforted by the knowledge that his passing came whilst in a state of self-improvement, and honor. My heart and deepest condolences go out to his kin and his brethren in the Faith.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 7, 2018, 9:31 p.m.(5/10/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
I feel personally attacked.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 6, 2018, 7:01 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Too soon, our locum will return to his place and one of the three names on this list will shine bright. To imagine and see my own among them can only be described as… my wilderness. I do not think myself at risk and self-assure that its presence, my name's, exists there for the sake of appearances. My inner thoughts on the subject and all efforts to self-soothe have had little success so, by all logic I must admit defeat. I remain our Softest's greatest supporter, but nevertheless, take this compliment for myself. It belongs to me.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:56 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
If a person is not set right, their mind's contents will be allowed to unravel and they will become deranged. When I disagree with a course of action being taken by one of my superiors, whom I have the greatest respect for or I would not name them such, I engage with them privately on the matter. To do so publicly or not at all would be to potentially rob them of their ability to adjust themselves with dignity and would not only lower them, but me by virtue of being their follower.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 6, 2018, 4:24 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
If that's your stance, I certainly won't disagree!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.