Written By Reigna
July 29, 2021, 5:01 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
There is a difference between holding something in esteem and anthropomorphizing it to an unhealthy and offensive extreme.
No one is denying that dogs are good creatures and deserving of love and respect. But treating them as human, elevating them to that degree is not right. As Lady Esme said, they cannot understand the oaths of service required to be knights. They are good animals, but they are animals.
It is one thing to praise and love one's dog, even among friends it might be tolerable to share an inside joke. But to publicly and formally proclaim to the Compact as a whole that you are knighting every Graypeak Mountain Dog from now until your heir takes over -- gods above -- that is a horrendous insult to so many people. You truly owe the Compact an apology and I sincerely hope whatever ailment has stricken you is cured soon. Should you come to the Saving Grace I would see you get the best of care.
No one is denying that dogs are good creatures and deserving of love and respect. But treating them as human, elevating them to that degree is not right. As Lady Esme said, they cannot understand the oaths of service required to be knights. They are good animals, but they are animals.
It is one thing to praise and love one's dog, even among friends it might be tolerable to share an inside joke. But to publicly and formally proclaim to the Compact as a whole that you are knighting every Graypeak Mountain Dog from now until your heir takes over -- gods above -- that is a horrendous insult to so many people. You truly owe the Compact an apology and I sincerely hope whatever ailment has stricken you is cured soon. Should you come to the Saving Grace I would see you get the best of care.
Written By Reigna
July 29, 2021, 4:53 p.m.(12/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Esme
It is the height of unkindness to coddle those in obvious err.
The kinder thing to do is to correct them.
Now I certainly regret not assigning my last White entry to the Blacks as I ought to have. It was an ill-tempered response and should have been better delivered. I was angry, though that is not a proper justification for such a disrespectful tone.
It is a false equivalency to say that you cannot correct bad behavior if you yourself have behaved badly in the past. We are none of us flawless, that does not give us license to act however we wish.
You are correct about one thing. The Duke made a mistake and a grossly public one. One hopes that he returns to his senses soon and apologizes to the society he so freely mocked.
The kinder thing to do is to correct them.
Now I certainly regret not assigning my last White entry to the Blacks as I ought to have. It was an ill-tempered response and should have been better delivered. I was angry, though that is not a proper justification for such a disrespectful tone.
It is a false equivalency to say that you cannot correct bad behavior if you yourself have behaved badly in the past. We are none of us flawless, that does not give us license to act however we wish.
You are correct about one thing. The Duke made a mistake and a grossly public one. One hopes that he returns to his senses soon and apologizes to the society he so freely mocked.
Written By Reigna
July 28, 2021, 12:55 p.m.(12/3/1015 AR)
Cheapening the title hard-won by upstanding men and women of the Compact should be an obvious faux pas to any reared within the Nobility. ... Oh. Right. See, this is what happens when the unprepared are elevated above their station
Written By Reigna
Jan. 18, 2021, 11:31 p.m.(10/11/1014 AR)
What possesses people to do things that defy any hint of logic or sense? I cannot comprehend the arrogance it takes to believe that one can defy the logical order of things and expect to ... what? Simply smile past the condemnation of their peers? Do they honestly think that by completely abandoning the traditions and standards of our society they will face no backlash? Do they not see how gravely, deeply insulting that is for the rest of us?
I have begun to wonder what can be done. I am so deeply disappointed.
I have begun to wonder what can be done. I am so deeply disappointed.
Written By Reigna
Aug. 11, 2020, 10:48 a.m.(10/25/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Baldessare
Of course you would. It is always the easy route, skimming the surface of things with a light quip.
Xavier is well pleased with the match and Keaton could not be happier, no matter if he prefers milk over wine. But I would head Baroness Ysabel's warning, do not mix the two.
Xavier is well pleased with the match and Keaton could not be happier, no matter if he prefers milk over wine. But I would head Baroness Ysabel's warning, do not mix the two.
Written By Reigna
May 22, 2020, 1:03 p.m.(5/4/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Drusila
Between yourself and the marquis that declares himself a criminal proudly, I can see that some scholar failed to impart the skill of reading comprehension, and that is very sad. I, myself am a skilled instructor and would be more than happy to tutor you in such.
You asked if people are not free to make their own choice. My exact words were:
"There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind."
You then stated: If offering the people of Arx a choice is theft, are they then property? Has the Marquessa of Keaton become a proponent of Slavery? It pains me to have to dignify these ridiculous assertions at all, but I will not abide such fallacy to go unanswered. So: No. People are *not* property, obviously. And if you look to my words and read them you will see clearly that I was saying it was a theft of *taxes* not *people*.
"By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold."
Now, I have no idea who you are, and none that I asked had any clue either, so I will assume that you are a member of the Seraceni commonfolk who is taking up for their liege. I applaud the loyalty, though I wish it came with a better grasp of the written word. It would seem that Seraceni needs to spend more time on hiring legitimate scholars of Vellichor instead of engaging in the crime of piracy.
You asked if people are not free to make their own choice. My exact words were:
"There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind."
You then stated: If offering the people of Arx a choice is theft, are they then property? Has the Marquessa of Keaton become a proponent of Slavery? It pains me to have to dignify these ridiculous assertions at all, but I will not abide such fallacy to go unanswered. So: No. People are *not* property, obviously. And if you look to my words and read them you will see clearly that I was saying it was a theft of *taxes* not *people*.
"By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold."
Now, I have no idea who you are, and none that I asked had any clue either, so I will assume that you are a member of the Seraceni commonfolk who is taking up for their liege. I applaud the loyalty, though I wish it came with a better grasp of the written word. It would seem that Seraceni needs to spend more time on hiring legitimate scholars of Vellichor instead of engaging in the crime of piracy.
Written By Reigna
May 21, 2020, 12:50 p.m.(5/2/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Dio
I do not understand how one can profess to be both a Noble and a Pirate. You do realize that pirates are by definition, criminals, yes? I believe the word you are looking for is 'Privateer' if it is, of course, that you are in possession of a letter of Marque. Elsewise I believe that the Crown would likely take issue with your plundering and such.
You persist with putting forth this "offer" to accept those of the Lowers who wish to relocate to Ischia, as if this were some sort of charity on your part, but it only underlines your lack of understanding of the pertinent points of the issue. These are people who live in Arx. They are Crownsworn. Their lives are here. Their people and families are here. There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind.
Shard has pointed out, repeatedly, that from an outside perspective, this looks like an attempt to gain tax payers rather than legitimately help people. By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold.
Instead of repeating that utterly baffling turn of phrase regarding sharks, hunting and minnows, perhaps instead you might consider encouraging your local fishermen to teach those of the Lowers who wish to learn that profession? Or cutting some of Ischia's profits and donating several of your catches to the Lowers soup kitchens?
You persist with putting forth this "offer" to accept those of the Lowers who wish to relocate to Ischia, as if this were some sort of charity on your part, but it only underlines your lack of understanding of the pertinent points of the issue. These are people who live in Arx. They are Crownsworn. Their lives are here. Their people and families are here. There is nothing chaining them to this place and if they had the desire or means to move, nothing stops them from doing so. That you think they are unaware of their options and are simply staying put out of ignorance to their options is a little insulting. Or rather, it is very insulting, but I was trying to be kind.
Shard has pointed out, repeatedly, that from an outside perspective, this looks like an attempt to gain tax payers rather than legitimately help people. By encouraging the Crownsworn to leave Arx and move to Ischia, you do realize that you are publicly encouraging people to cease making payments to the Crown, and begin paying you? I know you have declared yourself a pirate and all, but that sort of brazen attempt at theft is rather bold.
Instead of repeating that utterly baffling turn of phrase regarding sharks, hunting and minnows, perhaps instead you might consider encouraging your local fishermen to teach those of the Lowers who wish to learn that profession? Or cutting some of Ischia's profits and donating several of your catches to the Lowers soup kitchens?
Written By Reigna
May 17, 2020, 1:02 p.m.(4/22/1013 AR)
I am beyond tired. I spent fourteen hours in the Saving Grace, patching up broken bones, trample injuries, burns, scrapes and -- my favorite -- centipede bites. Given the severity of them, I can only imagine the size of those creatures. Actually... given the three legs I have found so far on my person I do not have much to imagine. Five hundred and eighty-three patients, with more still waiting to be seen by the time Kael bodily dragged me out of there. To be fair to him I had fainted for the second time.
I do not feel as though I have a right to complain, however. The vast majority of those I saw to were so thin. Too thin. Gaunt with dull, limp hair and glassy eyed. I know the signs of starvation. We gave the ones we could a bed, and distributed all the bone broth we could. They were down to making a quick gruel last I heard, and even then the hospitals stores were nearing empty.
But it simply is not enough and I am consumed with this feeling of overwhelming despair. I do not know what else I can do. If I sold off all my wardrobe, I could feed how many? For how long? I have contributed to and run fundraisers on behalf of those in the Lowers and still... it is not enough.
I am so tired, and this baby is not letting me sleep. Every time I lay down it is constant somersaults and kicking. I am already nearly the size I was when I had Brianne, and I still have three months to go. Yet. Yet. What are my complaints worth? I have a warm house, a soft bed and more food than I could ever eat. What right do I have to bellyache?
I do not feel as though I have a right to complain, however. The vast majority of those I saw to were so thin. Too thin. Gaunt with dull, limp hair and glassy eyed. I know the signs of starvation. We gave the ones we could a bed, and distributed all the bone broth we could. They were down to making a quick gruel last I heard, and even then the hospitals stores were nearing empty.
But it simply is not enough and I am consumed with this feeling of overwhelming despair. I do not know what else I can do. If I sold off all my wardrobe, I could feed how many? For how long? I have contributed to and run fundraisers on behalf of those in the Lowers and still... it is not enough.
I am so tired, and this baby is not letting me sleep. Every time I lay down it is constant somersaults and kicking. I am already nearly the size I was when I had Brianne, and I still have three months to go. Yet. Yet. What are my complaints worth? I have a warm house, a soft bed and more food than I could ever eat. What right do I have to bellyache?
Written By Reigna
March 20, 2020, 3:40 p.m.(12/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Juniper
This feels like a goodbye.
My heart is beating so hard, and I am afraid of what this means. You are my sister in all ways but blood. I pray to all the gods that you will come back safely. I will hold onto this treasure and keep you in my prayers. I love you too. You will always been remembered, loved, honored. I am going to believe I can tell you these things to your face.
I will keep an ear out for you, I pray my eyes see you first.
My heart is beating so hard, and I am afraid of what this means. You are my sister in all ways but blood. I pray to all the gods that you will come back safely. I will hold onto this treasure and keep you in my prayers. I love you too. You will always been remembered, loved, honored. I am going to believe I can tell you these things to your face.
I will keep an ear out for you, I pray my eyes see you first.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 26, 2020, 4:37 p.m.(8.659372933201059/23.924884259259258/1012.6382810777668 AR)
I did a terrible thing. I am still struggling with the shame of it. I broke my word, and for that I must make public my penance. This is not something I will hide, despite the selfish desire to keep face. I admit that I failed in my obligation to maintain my honor. I say this openly, and accepting the consequences of my sin.
I will work to reclaim my good name, to be worthy of any trust placed in me.
But an apology is meaningless without confession.
I *am* sorry. I will be better.
I will work to reclaim my good name, to be worthy of any trust placed in me.
But an apology is meaningless without confession.
I *am* sorry. I will be better.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 19, 2020, 12:20 p.m.(8.146873759920634/9.224930555555556/1012.5955728133267 AR)
To be human is to be fallible. That does not mean I like it. It is extremely vexing. I would like to be perfect, please. I wish that my choices did not always seem to lead me to a very specific set of consequences.
Also, it has been three days and I still taste sap and smell of pine.
Also, it has been three days and I still taste sap and smell of pine.
Written By Reigna
Dec. 18, 2019, 1:15 p.m.(5/24/1012 AR)
I have been filled with malaise of late. Perhaps it is this fatigue that seems as though it will never go away, or maybe it is just the fact that though I have made several great strides in some areas, I have failed at the most basic things at the same time.
Life is a funny thing. I devote myself to the path of Lagoma, in being light and change. Healing. And yet the pull of Limerance in many ways is a call to resist change. To stay in place, as promised.
I am perpetually torn between what I want, what I need, what is needed from me and... no matter which way I turn or twist I fear something will break.
What was once shall never be again. But is that a sign of failure?
Life is a funny thing. I devote myself to the path of Lagoma, in being light and change. Healing. And yet the pull of Limerance in many ways is a call to resist change. To stay in place, as promised.
I am perpetually torn between what I want, what I need, what is needed from me and... no matter which way I turn or twist I fear something will break.
What was once shall never be again. But is that a sign of failure?
Written By Reigna
Dec. 2, 2019, 4:42 p.m.(4/21/1012 AR)
I am beyond honored at being asked to become the Assistant Minister of Civil Development in the Department of Health! I very much look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Arx and beyond in this capacity.
I could never have achieved such without the faith and support of my husband, my fantastic assistant guildmasters, Rukhnis al Katibi and Lady Margret Greenmarch, my phenomenal patron, Her Highness Princess Elgana Redrain and my bestfriend, Lady Khanne Halfshav.
It is a humbling thing to see the faith placed in me and my work, and I promise to do my very best with these responsibilities.
May the light of the gods ever shine upon us, and may hope never stray far from our hearts.
I could never have achieved such without the faith and support of my husband, my fantastic assistant guildmasters, Rukhnis al Katibi and Lady Margret Greenmarch, my phenomenal patron, Her Highness Princess Elgana Redrain and my bestfriend, Lady Khanne Halfshav.
It is a humbling thing to see the faith placed in me and my work, and I promise to do my very best with these responsibilities.
May the light of the gods ever shine upon us, and may hope never stray far from our hearts.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 24, 2019, 11:21 a.m.(4/4/1012 AR)
With springs gentle entry, my flagging hope is renewed. The constant cold, the weight of it was miserable this year. Usually I enjoy the crisp bite of winter's kiss, but this year it was hard. The children fell ill frequently, as did I, no matter how I tried to banish any trace of miasma with pine boughs and herbs. Kael, thankfully, maintained his peculiar immunity to illness, the man should be a healer, truly. His hands are steady and strong, nearly as irresistible as his legs or ankles (That was for you, Amari Keaton!)
I feel as though I am standing upon a precipice now. As the season changes, as blood flows more easily through my veins, I can feel the change coming. Several things I have been active in are on the edge of some great shift. I can feel it. I can sense it coming as surely as the snows have stopped and the crocuses are blooming in my garden.
I pray that Lagoma's blessing is not a fatal one, that her touch mends.
I feel as though I am standing upon a precipice now. As the season changes, as blood flows more easily through my veins, I can feel the change coming. Several things I have been active in are on the edge of some great shift. I can feel it. I can sense it coming as surely as the snows have stopped and the crocuses are blooming in my garden.
I pray that Lagoma's blessing is not a fatal one, that her touch mends.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 19, 2019, 6:53 p.m.(3/23/1012 AR)
I saw a thing I could not explain. I have no name for it. But the horror of it has not left me.
I saw a thing, and I could only think it evil.
I saw a thing and I cannot unsee it.
A life was lost to this, a life of a woman beloved.
I could not do anything to help her. I could not save her.
In my guilt, I seek a path to make a gesture to those who loved her. I recognize there is nothing I can do. That no matter what I do, I can never undo the failure that resulted in this soul passing from this life.
There is no destiny. There is no fate. Skald saw to that when he made it so that our lives are our own. When he broke the chains that tied us to our destiny.
But that also means there is no time to die. I cannot say 'It was her time.' For that is a concept that is as hollow and empty as I feel. I can only try to think about the fact that she is returning to the Wheel. She gets to sit in the arms of the Queen and tell her story.
But that is a better solace to those who miss her. Miss the touch of her hand, the light of her smile, the sound of her laugh. Grief, as always, is the province of the living. Ours is the sorrowed remembrance, the ache of that hole that is now in the lives of those who loved her.
Though I know nothing I do can take or ease that pain, I can try to honor the woman I failed. I have spoken to Kael, and we are in agreement.
House Keaton is establishing a fund, an apprenticeship program, to any and all youths in Oakhaven that feel the call to make beautiful things from metal and stone. The Demetria Arcuri program will be there to provide supplies, room, board and smiths to train those of Oakhaven who wish to make jewelry.
In her name, may a generation shine.
I saw a thing, and I could only think it evil.
I saw a thing and I cannot unsee it.
A life was lost to this, a life of a woman beloved.
I could not do anything to help her. I could not save her.
In my guilt, I seek a path to make a gesture to those who loved her. I recognize there is nothing I can do. That no matter what I do, I can never undo the failure that resulted in this soul passing from this life.
There is no destiny. There is no fate. Skald saw to that when he made it so that our lives are our own. When he broke the chains that tied us to our destiny.
But that also means there is no time to die. I cannot say 'It was her time.' For that is a concept that is as hollow and empty as I feel. I can only try to think about the fact that she is returning to the Wheel. She gets to sit in the arms of the Queen and tell her story.
But that is a better solace to those who miss her. Miss the touch of her hand, the light of her smile, the sound of her laugh. Grief, as always, is the province of the living. Ours is the sorrowed remembrance, the ache of that hole that is now in the lives of those who loved her.
Though I know nothing I do can take or ease that pain, I can try to honor the woman I failed. I have spoken to Kael, and we are in agreement.
House Keaton is establishing a fund, an apprenticeship program, to any and all youths in Oakhaven that feel the call to make beautiful things from metal and stone. The Demetria Arcuri program will be there to provide supplies, room, board and smiths to train those of Oakhaven who wish to make jewelry.
In her name, may a generation shine.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 13, 2019, 10:10 p.m.(3/11/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Ingrid
It is a difficult thing, to set aside wounded pride and not rise the the baiting of those beneath you in station. A good lesson to remember is that words hurt you only as much as you allow them to. Our pride may be injured, as any word can be as a barb, but if we allow those words to rile us into inappropriate responses, then we have only ourselves to blame.
A common born trader's opinion is simply that. Her mind has never been exposed to the intricacies of managing a noble House, in understanding how things are run and how complex and daunting the weight of those lives can be when they are settled on your shoulders.
Your Peers understand. You do not hear voices of Valardin or Redrain calling Prince Victus a slaver. Because they understand the situation as they have been trained and raised to.
We do not rise to the bait of the ignorant. Let her have her flawed opinion. I have hopes that she will educate herself as to the error of her ways -- but in the end, it is her choice to do so, or to continue to dwell in ignorance. It is the freedom of being born common to eschew that sort of understanding. It truly is beneath the dignity of a Peer to challenge one of the Crownsworn.
A common born trader's opinion is simply that. Her mind has never been exposed to the intricacies of managing a noble House, in understanding how things are run and how complex and daunting the weight of those lives can be when they are settled on your shoulders.
Your Peers understand. You do not hear voices of Valardin or Redrain calling Prince Victus a slaver. Because they understand the situation as they have been trained and raised to.
We do not rise to the bait of the ignorant. Let her have her flawed opinion. I have hopes that she will educate herself as to the error of her ways -- but in the end, it is her choice to do so, or to continue to dwell in ignorance. It is the freedom of being born common to eschew that sort of understanding. It truly is beneath the dignity of a Peer to challenge one of the Crownsworn.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 13, 2019, 11:01 a.m.(3/10/1012 AR)
A child of Skald. That is what every human is. Skald, the First Choice, god of freedom, free will and the destroyer of fate. Humanity at its core is centered on the ability to choose. We are not gods, we do not possess lifespans that stretch hundreds of years, nor are we as the legends of dragons with their magical breath, or mages from time before the Reckoning. We are human, subject to the whims of weather, luck and whatever it is that life throws at us. The unknown can be a terrifying thing and humans, as a collective, tend not to like it. Why? Because survival dictates that we try to control as many variables as possible to ensure a positive outcome for ourselves and those we care for. Control is, in many ways, an illusion. Digging through the layers of thought and belief, the core understanding that I have come to recognize is this:
The only thing I have absolute control of is this alone: What I choose to do.
I cannot control the wind or the rain, or the actions of a man who seeks to harm me, or the emotions that boil within me in response to an insult. What I can do is choose how to act. How to respond. I choose. That is *mine*. That is the only thing I can absolutely control. It is my Skald-given power to choose how I act.
Being bound by a Writ is the same as slavery. Some may claim this allows for a sense of security, the ability to relax into the safety and comfort of knowing that you will never make a wrong choice. But that is a lie. There is no choice there. It spits in the face of Skald's sacrifice to destroy Fate. It requires giving up the very thing that makes us Children of Skald. There is no virtue to be found in blind, unswerving obedience, that is the same fate held by the victims of the Metallic Traitor. Taking away Choice is taking away Choice. Dressing it up in robes of aeterna and calling it security does not change the fact that slavery is slavery and not security. Without the ability to choose, we lose the lessons and growth that come with making a decision. A person denied the ability to even consider becomes ignorant. Complacent and less inclined to question.
The human spirit will always rebel against that which seeks to yoke it. Just as Copper, born a slave and underestimated rose to be one of the most powerful beings in all of Aion, beloved by the world itself, others will rise. It may take millennia but it will come again. We are the Children of Skald and our ability to choose will not be taken from us. We all will die someday, be it as the result of our choices, or someone else's. There is no sense in fearing what will someday come. We cannot control the future. We can only control ourselves, our choices.
The Eternal Empire asked us to consider accepting their yoke. We chose not to. If some wish to accept, well. That is their choice. It is not mine. Nor shall it ever be.
The only thing I have absolute control of is this alone: What I choose to do.
I cannot control the wind or the rain, or the actions of a man who seeks to harm me, or the emotions that boil within me in response to an insult. What I can do is choose how to act. How to respond. I choose. That is *mine*. That is the only thing I can absolutely control. It is my Skald-given power to choose how I act.
Being bound by a Writ is the same as slavery. Some may claim this allows for a sense of security, the ability to relax into the safety and comfort of knowing that you will never make a wrong choice. But that is a lie. There is no choice there. It spits in the face of Skald's sacrifice to destroy Fate. It requires giving up the very thing that makes us Children of Skald. There is no virtue to be found in blind, unswerving obedience, that is the same fate held by the victims of the Metallic Traitor. Taking away Choice is taking away Choice. Dressing it up in robes of aeterna and calling it security does not change the fact that slavery is slavery and not security. Without the ability to choose, we lose the lessons and growth that come with making a decision. A person denied the ability to even consider becomes ignorant. Complacent and less inclined to question.
The human spirit will always rebel against that which seeks to yoke it. Just as Copper, born a slave and underestimated rose to be one of the most powerful beings in all of Aion, beloved by the world itself, others will rise. It may take millennia but it will come again. We are the Children of Skald and our ability to choose will not be taken from us. We all will die someday, be it as the result of our choices, or someone else's. There is no sense in fearing what will someday come. We cannot control the future. We can only control ourselves, our choices.
The Eternal Empire asked us to consider accepting their yoke. We chose not to. If some wish to accept, well. That is their choice. It is not mine. Nor shall it ever be.
Written By Reigna
Oct. 31, 2019, 10:51 a.m.(2/12/1012 AR)
When it comes to matters of morality, one must look inside to hear what the voice of your conscience speaks to you, look to the Faith for confirmation and then trust that if those ideals align, you are doing what is right and just, both to your heart and the greater good. I think the words of Radiant Bliss, while potentially a bit harsh, certainly do carry a potent warning. Competitive piety is compelling, but that way lays a special kind of madness. There is a feeling, warm and tempestuous, a surge of joy that comes with feeling righteous. It can be a trap, one I have fallen into more than once. More often than not it leads one into looking the fool rather than being bathed in the glow of being correct.
Moderation. Discretion. These are the watch-words that I have chosen to guide me (until the next time I find myself unable to contain my judgement, I am human and flawed that way.) in my efforts to avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness.
Zeal and joy in all things is good -- in moderation. When we begin excluding whole fealties from our businesses, that reflects less on them -- particularly when said fealty is already upon the path to change -- and more on a shop owner who seems far more interested in looking pious or righteous than in making coin. This is especially curious when said shop owner is, himself, a disowned former Prince and murderer. I suppose in that situation I might try to obfuscate my past by playing up my piety and righteousness as well. Can you imagine wearing clothes crafted by a murderer? That gives me shivers.
The point that I am getting at is... follow your conscience. And if it inspires you to cease to carry or work with products from Cardia or Eurus, so be it. That is good. But there is no need to attack your fellow Arvans in your pursuit of justice.
Moderation. Discretion. These are the watch-words that I have chosen to guide me (until the next time I find myself unable to contain my judgement, I am human and flawed that way.) in my efforts to avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness.
Zeal and joy in all things is good -- in moderation. When we begin excluding whole fealties from our businesses, that reflects less on them -- particularly when said fealty is already upon the path to change -- and more on a shop owner who seems far more interested in looking pious or righteous than in making coin. This is especially curious when said shop owner is, himself, a disowned former Prince and murderer. I suppose in that situation I might try to obfuscate my past by playing up my piety and righteousness as well. Can you imagine wearing clothes crafted by a murderer? That gives me shivers.
The point that I am getting at is... follow your conscience. And if it inspires you to cease to carry or work with products from Cardia or Eurus, so be it. That is good. But there is no need to attack your fellow Arvans in your pursuit of justice.
Written By Reigna
Oct. 27, 2019, 10 a.m.(2/4/1012 AR)
Am I too young to declare a life's work? Likely. However, I cannot think of anything I have created that comes as close to defining one of the biggest parts of my life as the book I have written, The Principles of Healing. My studies in medicine began when I was still a child and they will continue until I pass from the world. So it is likely that this volume of knowledge will have other editions, but this is the first. This is the one that bears a forward written by Mother Ailith, a touching and far too kind thing that warms and humbles me each time I read it.
For someone like me, who flinches from violence (Ask Kael about the time he tried to teach me how to use a sword) it provides a path to contributing during battle, it affords me the opportunity to protect my people.
For someone like me, who flinches from violence (Ask Kael about the time he tried to teach me how to use a sword) it provides a path to contributing during battle, it affords me the opportunity to protect my people.
Written By Reigna
Oct. 24, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(1/26/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
That is a very compelling subject, and your question sent my mind immediately seeking an answer for such a quandary.
I think, were I charged with the task of eulogizing someone who embraced a way of life that I found personally abhorrent, I would look to find what good qualities they might have had and lift those up at first, praise the good done to soften the blow of what is to come next. When you say that to lie before the gods is an insult you are absolutely correct. While truth is often a subjective thing, it is imperative that we speak our truth to those around us, and ever to the gods, lest we sully our integrity. Lies are anathema to our society. If one cannot trust you to speak the truth, then how can they trust anything you say? No one wants to insult those that loved and lost someone dear to them, but the truth, painful as it may be, is in my opinion preferable to even a well-meaning obfuscation of fact. Instead of delivering a speech railing at the deceased's flaws, I would try to phrase it in such a way as to teach a lesson about what not to do. Gently, tactfully, of course. Speak on how the actions guided others in strengthening their faith in what paths not to take?
As I write this out, I see the forking paths and all the traps and dangers and how very easy offense can be given. Ugh. I have empathy for you, Father Aureth. Yours is no easy task. But I do believe that you, surely one of the most eloquent writers and speakers I have had the pleasure of being an audience to will find your way. Life, and the pain that comes with it, is the greatest teacher of all.
I think, were I charged with the task of eulogizing someone who embraced a way of life that I found personally abhorrent, I would look to find what good qualities they might have had and lift those up at first, praise the good done to soften the blow of what is to come next. When you say that to lie before the gods is an insult you are absolutely correct. While truth is often a subjective thing, it is imperative that we speak our truth to those around us, and ever to the gods, lest we sully our integrity. Lies are anathema to our society. If one cannot trust you to speak the truth, then how can they trust anything you say? No one wants to insult those that loved and lost someone dear to them, but the truth, painful as it may be, is in my opinion preferable to even a well-meaning obfuscation of fact. Instead of delivering a speech railing at the deceased's flaws, I would try to phrase it in such a way as to teach a lesson about what not to do. Gently, tactfully, of course. Speak on how the actions guided others in strengthening their faith in what paths not to take?
As I write this out, I see the forking paths and all the traps and dangers and how very easy offense can be given. Ugh. I have empathy for you, Father Aureth. Yours is no easy task. But I do believe that you, surely one of the most eloquent writers and speakers I have had the pleasure of being an audience to will find your way. Life, and the pain that comes with it, is the greatest teacher of all.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.