Written By Mabelle
Jan. 21, 2024, 1:43 p.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
My name is Mabelle Laurent, daughter of Tina Laurent and Martin Longwood.
Whatever I accomplished in my life, it is written and shall be remembered and will not be repeated here by myself.
Whatever I chose to keep private in my life, shall remain so after I've finished living them.
The things that are not written are so: my soul did not always belong to me. It used to belong to Lady Cressida Umbrage, otherwise known by her chosen name, Jet. Before the reckoning, she attempted to stop it, rallied an army, marched against her king for the sake of humanity. She was betrayed and has failed. I tried for many years to follow her footsteps, to finish her job. Perhaps in another turn of the wheel.
I am not her.
Whatever I thought I have done in her name, with her magic, I have done with my own magic, including hiding the moon with shadows during the battle against Orichalcum, making his army falter.
My name is Mabelle Laurent.
The love I bore and bear still for my family, friends and lovers is a private love. Whether steady or brief, it is none of your concern.
The only love that never faltered was the one I bear for my name, my House and our City.
Though it was never mine to rule, only to serve, Artshall has forever been my most treasured love. My priority. My greatest achievement.
It should come as no surprise at all that I refuse to see it burn again.
Should I not return, my will is simple:
My black journals will remain sealed.
All my earthly possessions and assets are to be taken back to Artshall to be sold and used for the reconstruction of the city, if need be, and support of the people. This will be facilitated by Baroness Amari Redire. Those who have a claim on anything, should write to her.
Exempt:
To my betrothed, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, I leave my apology and the dowry stated in the agreement between us.
All the art I've curated is to be passed to the Art District, under the guiding hand of Princess Denica Thrax.
The family heirlooms, the gown of the Duchess of the Honeybees and the Apiarian Queen Crown, are to pass to Lady Annalise Laurent when she comes of age.
The Dire Bee Lounge, The Fire Bee Cider House, The Honey Glow Salon and The Buzz Art Gallery are to remain in possession of House Laurent.
Upon release from my duties, Adelina, my aide, will be appointed Mayor of the Art District until the time she finds herself a suitable replacement, if she wished to. All profits from distribution of fabrics will serve as income to the district.
Maurice, my baker, will be released from his duties should he like and receive his own bakery in Artshall, compensation for tolerating my sweet tooth demands for many years.
My personal pets are to be given to the Honey Havens to keep company of the children until they come to a peaceful end.
To my Duke, I leave my family ring and my gratitude for saving me from an awful situation and trusting me with his city and by so, directing the path to my happy life.
To my friends and loved ones, failure to mention you in writing, does not mean you are not carved upon my heart.
To you and to all else, I will life, happiness and purpose.
Lady Mabelle of House Laurent
Whatever I accomplished in my life, it is written and shall be remembered and will not be repeated here by myself.
Whatever I chose to keep private in my life, shall remain so after I've finished living them.
The things that are not written are so: my soul did not always belong to me. It used to belong to Lady Cressida Umbrage, otherwise known by her chosen name, Jet. Before the reckoning, she attempted to stop it, rallied an army, marched against her king for the sake of humanity. She was betrayed and has failed. I tried for many years to follow her footsteps, to finish her job. Perhaps in another turn of the wheel.
I am not her.
Whatever I thought I have done in her name, with her magic, I have done with my own magic, including hiding the moon with shadows during the battle against Orichalcum, making his army falter.
My name is Mabelle Laurent.
The love I bore and bear still for my family, friends and lovers is a private love. Whether steady or brief, it is none of your concern.
The only love that never faltered was the one I bear for my name, my House and our City.
Though it was never mine to rule, only to serve, Artshall has forever been my most treasured love. My priority. My greatest achievement.
It should come as no surprise at all that I refuse to see it burn again.
Should I not return, my will is simple:
My black journals will remain sealed.
All my earthly possessions and assets are to be taken back to Artshall to be sold and used for the reconstruction of the city, if need be, and support of the people. This will be facilitated by Baroness Amari Redire. Those who have a claim on anything, should write to her.
Exempt:
To my betrothed, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, I leave my apology and the dowry stated in the agreement between us.
All the art I've curated is to be passed to the Art District, under the guiding hand of Princess Denica Thrax.
The family heirlooms, the gown of the Duchess of the Honeybees and the Apiarian Queen Crown, are to pass to Lady Annalise Laurent when she comes of age.
The Dire Bee Lounge, The Fire Bee Cider House, The Honey Glow Salon and The Buzz Art Gallery are to remain in possession of House Laurent.
Upon release from my duties, Adelina, my aide, will be appointed Mayor of the Art District until the time she finds herself a suitable replacement, if she wished to. All profits from distribution of fabrics will serve as income to the district.
Maurice, my baker, will be released from his duties should he like and receive his own bakery in Artshall, compensation for tolerating my sweet tooth demands for many years.
My personal pets are to be given to the Honey Havens to keep company of the children until they come to a peaceful end.
To my Duke, I leave my family ring and my gratitude for saving me from an awful situation and trusting me with his city and by so, directing the path to my happy life.
To my friends and loved ones, failure to mention you in writing, does not mean you are not carved upon my heart.
To you and to all else, I will life, happiness and purpose.
Lady Mabelle of House Laurent
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 21, 2024, 11:45 a.m.(8/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Claude
I've never met Claude in person, I do not think, but I have met him through his art.
I know of his meticulous work.
His appreciation to detail.
His talented fingers and his love of creating toys.
The Map of the Oathlands was a project I started as he began making the Oathlands Houses' toys. He helped me complete it with a few small houses he did not yet reach back then. I've placed it at the Dire Bee Lounge to honor his memory.
Rest in Peace.
I know of his meticulous work.
His appreciation to detail.
His talented fingers and his love of creating toys.
The Map of the Oathlands was a project I started as he began making the Oathlands Houses' toys. He helped me complete it with a few small houses he did not yet reach back then. I've placed it at the Dire Bee Lounge to honor his memory.
Rest in Peace.
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 15, 2024, 1:48 a.m.(7/21/1021 AR)
I did not want to leave the first time it burned.
I will not leave now that it is threatened again.
Our people will be safe.
House Laurent will live on.
I am none without Artshall.
I will not leave now that it is threatened again.
Our people will be safe.
House Laurent will live on.
I am none without Artshall.
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 14, 2024, 1:18 a.m.(7/19/1021 AR)
Everything feels rushed.
A lot to accomplish, things to hide, to preserve, to protect.
Leave a mark. Make sure you are remembered.
I regret nothing.
A lot to accomplish, things to hide, to preserve, to protect.
Leave a mark. Make sure you are remembered.
I regret nothing.
Written By Mabelle
Jan. 12, 2024, 5:37 p.m.(7/17/1021 AR)
Marriage again.
The last time I found myself engaged I was a completely different person, sent by the late Duke Edmund to marry an older man for the sake of duty. I was shy and meek, quiet and disposable. I wonder if he knew what would happen. I wonder if he knew that defining moment in my life would commit me to a life of even bigger duty.
For that was all my life has ever been, duty for the people of Artshall. Through construction, innovation, wealth. From the first project of the way station - the Domestique Belle, through the hospital, the orphanages, and the Art District, which has been to highlight of my noble career, to the moment when it all burned down and the city had to be built anew.
It's true, I did do some things for myself, that in a way benefited them too. The fashion was for me. From that hot day at the beach when I wished there was a luxurious fabric to wear in the summer which brought the inspiration to all my creations, even when people laughed at the idea of naming a fabric honeysilk. Who's laughing now?
My hands and funds were in the creations of others as well, I still remember having to walk for weeks with long gloves in the summer to hide the spider bites or assisting with herding sheep. While wearing silks.
Traveling for my marriage to the Lyceum has also awoken my shadows which I've come to rely on nowadays. They are also what brought smokeweave into the world, for the curious minds who were wondering. They also helped me hide the moon during the battle outside Harrow Hall the night the Traitor died.
Reading back on all I've just written it all feels shallow to me. My life was deeper than that. I have fought and killed, defended and lost, learned and taught, loved and hated, made peace and war, sold and bought, negotiated and threatened, ruined and built, was struck and healed, grew, planted, plucked, burned, faced demons, monsters, and false gods. And all of it was for the sake of my people.
And out of all those hardships I've experienced in my life, nothing will ever be harder for me than changing my name from Laurent.
The first time was easy.
Lady Mabelle Hawkmour.
But that was when I was just Mabelle.
Once I was back, I was Laurent.
It was always Laurent.
I will always be, at the core, Mabelle of Artshall.
The last time I found myself engaged I was a completely different person, sent by the late Duke Edmund to marry an older man for the sake of duty. I was shy and meek, quiet and disposable. I wonder if he knew what would happen. I wonder if he knew that defining moment in my life would commit me to a life of even bigger duty.
For that was all my life has ever been, duty for the people of Artshall. Through construction, innovation, wealth. From the first project of the way station - the Domestique Belle, through the hospital, the orphanages, and the Art District, which has been to highlight of my noble career, to the moment when it all burned down and the city had to be built anew.
It's true, I did do some things for myself, that in a way benefited them too. The fashion was for me. From that hot day at the beach when I wished there was a luxurious fabric to wear in the summer which brought the inspiration to all my creations, even when people laughed at the idea of naming a fabric honeysilk. Who's laughing now?
My hands and funds were in the creations of others as well, I still remember having to walk for weeks with long gloves in the summer to hide the spider bites or assisting with herding sheep. While wearing silks.
Traveling for my marriage to the Lyceum has also awoken my shadows which I've come to rely on nowadays. They are also what brought smokeweave into the world, for the curious minds who were wondering. They also helped me hide the moon during the battle outside Harrow Hall the night the Traitor died.
Reading back on all I've just written it all feels shallow to me. My life was deeper than that. I have fought and killed, defended and lost, learned and taught, loved and hated, made peace and war, sold and bought, negotiated and threatened, ruined and built, was struck and healed, grew, planted, plucked, burned, faced demons, monsters, and false gods. And all of it was for the sake of my people.
And out of all those hardships I've experienced in my life, nothing will ever be harder for me than changing my name from Laurent.
The first time was easy.
Lady Mabelle Hawkmour.
But that was when I was just Mabelle.
Once I was back, I was Laurent.
It was always Laurent.
I will always be, at the core, Mabelle of Artshall.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 26, 2023, 2:58 p.m.(6/10/1021 AR)
If someone abruptly broke a tradition holding a thousand years, I'd might get suspicious too.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 24, 2023, 11:43 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)
Curious how seeing an entire castle fall on his head did not seem like sufficient punishment.
Even merely for burning Artshall.
Not to mention all the torment he offered me and mine and many others.
I hope his death was excruciating. And long.
And excruciatingly long.
I hope he crawled for hours trying to find his way out, like those who could not find the way out of his controlling darkness.
I hope he died alone, without anyone he cares for around him, no one to hear his pain or try saving him.
Just like those he captured inside their own mind, isolated from all they cared about.
I hope they are free now, his captives, to live the life they truly deserve.
Whatever the cost was.
I hope no one ever dares attempting to follow his path.
No in this life time or the next ten.
Whatever may come for us,
As always,
We Shall Endure.
Even merely for burning Artshall.
Not to mention all the torment he offered me and mine and many others.
I hope his death was excruciating. And long.
And excruciatingly long.
I hope he crawled for hours trying to find his way out, like those who could not find the way out of his controlling darkness.
I hope he died alone, without anyone he cares for around him, no one to hear his pain or try saving him.
Just like those he captured inside their own mind, isolated from all they cared about.
I hope they are free now, his captives, to live the life they truly deserve.
Whatever the cost was.
I hope no one ever dares attempting to follow his path.
No in this life time or the next ten.
Whatever may come for us,
As always,
We Shall Endure.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 19, 2023, 1:29 a.m.(5/23/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
I personally know a few people who will be less than thrilled by what you've wrought.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 18, 2023, 8:19 a.m.(5/22/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
There is such a thing as too many 'OOPSes', it seems...
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 17, 2023, 9:35 a.m.(5/20/1021 AR)
I've recently learned a piece of information that made me feel betrayed and wronged. I was about to scream to the world of the injustice of things, but as I gathered more information, a story came to my ears of how things came to be that was nothing short of a miracle. Actually, that's what it was probably, a miracle.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 13, 2023, 7:20 a.m.(5/12/1021 AR)
Stepping into the Shadowoods.
We lost so many to those woods, but what can one do when they need a space they do not mind breaking?
I've taken precaution, but just in case, perhaps I should start thinking who will inherit all my.. all.
We lost so many to those woods, but what can one do when they need a space they do not mind breaking?
I've taken precaution, but just in case, perhaps I should start thinking who will inherit all my.. all.
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 8, 2023, 2:56 a.m.(5/1/1021 AR)
Nothing is never enough...
Written By Mabelle
Dec. 3, 2023, 2:14 a.m.(4/19/1021 AR)
Considering the blessings bestowed upon Artshall recently, perhaps I should be more attentive to Petrichor. Perhaps a new shrine in the city.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 29, 2023, 8:08 a.m.(4/12/1021 AR)
Bee swarms leave very large shadows.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 26, 2023, 11:03 a.m.(4/6/1021 AR)
I'm uncertain why people think I designate my events to get them hurt.
Noble people always have to use kitchen utensils when intoxicated. Do they not?
Noble people always have to use kitchen utensils when intoxicated. Do they not?
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 25, 2023, 2:43 p.m.(4/4/1021 AR)
Spring is upon us.
Fashion tip: If you are scared of bees, do not wear blue and purple. Or red. Or pink.
Or stop being afraid of bees, they are harmless.
Fashion tip: If you are scared of bees, do not wear blue and purple. Or red. Or pink.
Or stop being afraid of bees, they are harmless.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 18, 2023, 10:55 a.m.(3/18/1021 AR)
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Bees prefer blue flowers,
Stop sending me roses.
Violets are blue.
Bees prefer blue flowers,
Stop sending me roses.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 18, 2023, 10:54 a.m.(3/18/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say: Be careful what you wish for.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 12, 2023, 2:28 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
First rule of alchemy - one cannot gain anything without first giving something in return.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 12, 2023, 2:27 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
Whenever we get on a diplomatic missions, my highest hopes are that my cousins Duchess Calista and Princess Gwenna join me. It turns every venture into an adventure, every mission into the easiest of steps. My cousin Gwenna posses powers that can make one follow their true desires, their true nature, which makes things much more easier in the negotiation table.
But it is the nights I find most enjoyable, the conversation into the wee hours, sharing experiences and talking of fashion, shedding our duties and drowning in cake. I hope we get to do that soon.
But it is the nights I find most enjoyable, the conversation into the wee hours, sharing experiences and talking of fashion, shedding our duties and drowning in cake. I hope we get to do that soon.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.