Written By Lyra
Oct. 20, 2023, 3:37 a.m.(1/15/1021 AR)
It's been a long year, much of which has been spent at home in Cedar Vale. I was fortunate enough to have the advice and support of one of my childhood friends whilst there, a friend whom I feel at times I'd have been utterly lost without. I recall my mother once telling me that strong people don't put others down -- they lift them up.
She could well have been speaking of Filip, it is him through and through.
She could well have been speaking of Filip, it is him through and through.
Written By Lyra
June 19, 2023, 3:22 a.m.(1/8/1020 AR)
A trip home to Cedar Vale is always refreshing, though as wonderful as it is to be back in Arx amongst my friends, I feel sorrow that I had to relinquish the companionship of my darling peahen Eugenie.
In her stead I have brought with me a cinder kitten, though with the breed being renowned for their independence and bloody-mindedness, training will be a trial I'm sure. Thick leather gloves are perhaps a wise purchase.
In her stead I have brought with me a cinder kitten, though with the breed being renowned for their independence and bloody-mindedness, training will be a trial I'm sure. Thick leather gloves are perhaps a wise purchase.
Written By Lyra
March 25, 2022, 8:34 a.m.(5/6/1017 AR)
Cedar Vale is in my blood, and my blood tells me that it's time to go home. I feel an excitement at the thought of returning after so long in the city, an uplifting of my soul that I haven't felt for quite the longest time. And it feels good.
I wonder if the bluebells will be as blue as I remember them.
I wonder if the bluebells will be as blue as I remember them.
Written By Lyra
Aug. 26, 2021, 5:18 p.m.(2/5/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
I am certain that whomever stated that you're an /edible/ batchelor, meant to say that you were an /eligible/ batchelor. An easy mistake, just a slip of the tongue.
Written By Lyra
Aug. 22, 2021, 7:20 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
When news reached me of what had happened at Bastion, the word 'impossible' was my very first thought. But really, there is no point in using the word 'impossible' to describe something that has very clearly happened.
I mourn the lives that were lost, and am thankful to those heroes that prevented the number being so much higher.
I mourn the lives that were lost, and am thankful to those heroes that prevented the number being so much higher.
Written By Lyra
Aug. 8, 2021, 8:19 a.m.(12/24/1015 AR)
The excursion to examine the area where Graham and his men were slain, could have gone better. Yes, it is plausible to say that it could have gone better. Of course, it could also have gone worse. Far worse. I have only heard second-hand accounts of creatures tainted by the Abyss until now, but today I have seen them for myself. Lady Eirene Riven's presence amongst those of our party was a blessing indeed, and her experience and knowledge once evidence came to light of what we might be facing was invaluable. Her bravery in putting herself between the bears and others of our party, myself included, was humbling, as was the courage shown by Lady Thea, Lady Scythia, Princess Denica and my lady cousin Kaia.
I saw things today that I had never seen before, nor would wish to again. I am certain that I will, however, since Cedar Vale will not heal itself.
I saw things today that I had never seen before, nor would wish to again. I am certain that I will, however, since Cedar Vale will not heal itself.
Written By Lyra
Aug. 7, 2021, 10:02 a.m.(12/22/1015 AR)
Despite the circumstances that have brought me north to Cedar Vale, it is good to be home.
Initial enquiries into Graham's death have yielded little beyond what was already known, but information has recently been received of a particularly aggressive tribe of Shav'arvani that are harrying one of the villages. Whilst the theft of sheep and murderous threats don't quite equate to the slaughter of a hundred strong patrol, it is the only lead we currently have.
We shall start there.
Initial enquiries into Graham's death have yielded little beyond what was already known, but information has recently been received of a particularly aggressive tribe of Shav'arvani that are harrying one of the villages. Whilst the theft of sheep and murderous threats don't quite equate to the slaughter of a hundred strong patrol, it is the only lead we currently have.
We shall start there.
Written By Lyra
July 18, 2021, 5:28 p.m.(11/11/1015 AR)
The delight to be found in having someone who knows how to pack for a prolonged absence, cannot be overstated.
Written By Lyra
July 3, 2021, 2:50 a.m.(10/8/1015 AR)
It has been a week of sadness and uncertainty, and as I record my thoughts in the whites for others to read either now or in the future, preparations are underway for me to return to Cedar Vale. The truth of what befell my cousin and his patrol will be known, and justice for those that committed such atrocities will be swift.
Written By Lyra
June 18, 2021, 4:43 p.m.(9/7/1015 AR)
I spent a little more than I ought to on completing my collection of the Toys for the Compact for the Grayson fealty. But with the proceeds going to the Knights of Solace the silver was happily spent. Naturally I find the firebird that represents House Byrne by far the most pleasing, though I'm sure others would take me to task on that.
Messire Claude and Messere Cufre should be much praised for all they have done.
One box I bought as I completed my collection /did/ contain a figurine from the next set which are to be released, and I have tucked it carefully away. Dragons are such rare creatures.
Messire Claude and Messere Cufre should be much praised for all they have done.
One box I bought as I completed my collection /did/ contain a figurine from the next set which are to be released, and I have tucked it carefully away. Dragons are such rare creatures.
Written By Lyra
April 29, 2021, 2:58 p.m.(5/19/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
I was more than pleasantly surprised when the Duke of Pridehall bestowed the gift of a peachick upon me.
A lovely afternoon was had in selecting which I should have, and seated on the grass we hid handfuls of seeds in the folds of my skirts. Whilst some would choose the prettiest peachick, or the peachick that was the boldest, showiest or loudest, I wished for the one that displayed the greatest intelligence, and Eugenia Bisland-Malespero, The First of her Name, was exactly that one.
I am forever grateful to the duke for devising such a clever game to whittle the field, and whilst my maid might frown at the state of my gown after such an afternoon's sport, I find that I am delighted with my choice.
A lovely afternoon was had in selecting which I should have, and seated on the grass we hid handfuls of seeds in the folds of my skirts. Whilst some would choose the prettiest peachick, or the peachick that was the boldest, showiest or loudest, I wished for the one that displayed the greatest intelligence, and Eugenia Bisland-Malespero, The First of her Name, was exactly that one.
I am forever grateful to the duke for devising such a clever game to whittle the field, and whilst my maid might frown at the state of my gown after such an afternoon's sport, I find that I am delighted with my choice.
Written By Lyra
April 24, 2021, 1:49 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
Lord Michael Bisland is holding a party tonight in expectation of the hatching of Lord Struttington's and Bibi's clutch of eggs. I find myself looking foward to it with a smile, as I've not seen a peachick hatching before. I hope the signs have been read right as I'd hate to miss it!
Written By Lyra
April 11, 2021, 5:51 a.m.(4/10/1015 AR)
I went to Lady Thea and Lord Drake Wyvenheart's marriage party to clebrate their union. They made a radiant couple, and the knife-throwing contest was surprisingly fun, even if I will now require a slipper to replace the one that I damaged. I left with confetti in my hair and clay dust on my silks, but also with a smile on my face.
Written By Lyra
April 8, 2021, 4:56 a.m.(4/4/1015 AR)
I have been converted to the delight of hammocks. Perhaps it was the spring sunshine that dappled through the trees where we lay in it that so seduced me, or perhaps it was merely the slow creak of the trees as it lulled us to sonambulance. I shall have to look into getting a similar one slung between the elms in the gardens of Byrne Manor, though I'm not entirely certain it'll be as conducive to dealing with the paperwork of Cedar Vale as sitting at my desk would be.
Written By Lyra
April 1, 2021, 9:41 a.m.(3/18/1015 AR)
For the first time since arriving in Arx, I have someone I can truly call friend. Someone to talk things over with, to seek advice from and to share a mug of chocolate with at the end of the day. Which of all my important nothings shall I tell him first today?
Written By Lyra
March 28, 2021, 3:03 a.m.(3/10/1015 AR)
Scholar. I took Steadfast out beyond the city walls today and rode some quiet paths in the forest. We stopped to rest for a while in a small grove amongst the trees and I saw seven black and white bird picking at the carcass of a rabbit. I counted them exactly.
Written By Lyra
March 24, 2021, 7:10 a.m.(3/2/1015 AR)
It's been my birthday today scholar, and despite it being the first one spent away from home since for as long as I can remember, it's been truly one of the best. My patron turned up in the courtyard of Byrne Manor on the back of a Duskshire mustang which was his gift to me to mark the day, and we took him out for a ride in the forest. It was quite wonderful of him to remember my telling of how much I had missed having a horse since arriving in Arx, and so much more thoughtful a gift than sending me a bolt of cloth which I would then have felt duty-bound to fret upon.
Written By Lyra
March 21, 2021, noon(2/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lailah
I invited Lady Lailah to take tea with me this week, and find her to have a keen mind and penchant for asking probing questions. Her directness and mode of speech did at one point leave me needing to pick my jaw up from the floor but I think I've found a friend in her.
We finished the last jar of summer fruit preserves that were so carefully prepared for the household last year. It's been such a favourite with everyone that I'll have to ask Claudette if she can make double quantities this coming year.
We finished the last jar of summer fruit preserves that were so carefully prepared for the household last year. It's been such a favourite with everyone that I'll have to ask Claudette if she can make double quantities this coming year.
Written By Lyra
March 19, 2021, 4:47 p.m.(2/21/1015 AR)
There is much to be said for the simple fare of bread, cheese and a bottle of cider, shared between friends in a barn. It levels people, and it's something that I should do more often.
Written By Lyra
March 14, 2021, 3:13 a.m.(2/10/1015 AR)
Last night I attended the formal unveiling and showing of the jewellery found by Lady Kaia and the Society of Explorers. It was a wonderful evening, not only because the pieces were beautiful and so wonderfully restored by Messere Evaristo Arterius, but because I had the opportunity to meet so many new people. Such a tale of excitement and adventure was told by our host in the finding of these gems that it quite left me in awe of their daring, and I'm sure that there will be many jewellers within the city whom will be using them as inspiration for pieces of their own.
It almost made me wish to be as adventurous myself. Almost.
It almost made me wish to be as adventurous myself. Almost.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.