Skip to main content.

Written By Sebastian

Aug. 13, 2022, 8:07 p.m.(3/11/1018 AR)

My soul aches for what has befallen Artshall. To see everything you love and built destroyed before your eyes is a heart-rending devastation for anyone to face.

Grieve. Mourn who was lost and what was lost.

And rebuild. We will be there to help you.

Written By Sebastian

Aug. 13, 2022, 8:03 p.m.(3/11/1018 AR)

Relationship Note on Felicia

Dame Felicia was kind enough to indulge my curiosity on a specific topic of which she had considerable knowledge. From that one conversation, I found her to be articulate, passionate and dedicated to a pursuit that extended beyond herself alone. Though I cannot say I knew her well, she held my admiration.

May the Queen welcome you home.

Written By Sebastian

July 3, 2022, 10:35 p.m.(12/11/1017 AR)

Relationship Note on Griffin

Unfinished

An artist wracked by indecision
The words stumbled and stalled
Whenever he touched quill to hide
Some other delight called

A massive feast
A brilliant ball
A poignant play
He did them all

He grew in fame, a socialite
His name was known by all
But not for his artistry, no:
His intolerance to alcohol!

But he never did finish that poem
Despite all the words he penned
The elusive twist of words
He would never write the...

Written By Sebastian

June 16, 2022, 8:37 p.m.(11/5/1017 AR)

"Consider this," she said, "That you keep building grander and grander works, pouring yourself into your art, pouring yourself in as if you would prefer there was nothing left of you and everything of you resided in your work."

"I would not be upset by that," I said.

"Then I will mourn for you," she replied.

What a strange dream.

Written By Sebastian

Oct. 1, 2021, 10:28 p.m.(4/21/1016 AR)

I can confess, now that I am back in the city, that I snuck out of Arx for the warm familiar shores of the Silken City, the gaze of the Great Titan and the dance of the waves in the Drowned Bay.

Yes, I snuck home.

I am not at all apologetic for that; I got to see my lovely wife and my rapidly growing son.

And all the little places, beautiful and dark; bright and vulnerable; complex and majestic; all welcoming me home.

But spring is here, and I had to return. It is the season of renewal -- and I started it by reaching out to old friends, and starting new ventures.

Written By Sebastian

Aug. 27, 2021, 8:19 p.m.(2/7/1016 AR)

It’s hard to believe Giacomo is already one year old. Seeing him with his cousins genuinely hurt my heart. I know few would probably understand that sentiment, but I know Jules will.

I hope they grow up close; that they rely on each other and become each other’s confidants. I hope, too, we can give Giacomo a sibling to rely on.

I have hope Giacomo will grow up knowing both parts of his heritage – that of Setarco as well as Sanctum. Adrienne and I chose his First Liars, one from each family, for that very reason. I do believe that unity between the Great Houses is needed to keep us strong, and I hope that in his time, he won’t face the petty struggles over old events that stop us coming together except when war forces it upon us.

And I hope, too, war will stop forcing itself upon us.

Written By Sebastian

May 23, 2021, 10:46 p.m.(7/11/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Ari

The ceremony honoring the Pravosi who fought at the Battle with the Skal'daja, the Siege of Sangris, and Siege of Tremorus is over. It was exhausting and yet worth it: worth it to recognize the very many, brilliant people we have that makes us the Great House we are today.

The work I am most proud of is that honoring Sir Ari, in whose honor we have renamed our memorial and war facilities.

I look forward to seeing him again when next we turn on the Wheel.

Written By Sebastian

May 2, 2021, 10:02 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Ari

I was not told, immediately, about Sir Ari Corsetina, Knight of Setarco, falling in battle.

When I found out, I'm not ashamed to admit I cried.

Sir Ari was fiercely loyal to Belladonna, and more importantly a good man facing a difficult struggle, and winning. His strength and determination gave me hope, and we are all lesser for his loss.

When I'm finally allowed out of bed, I'll arrange something to honor him, and all the other soldiers we lost at Pieros. I already have ideas; once my body cooperates I'll see it through.

Written By Sebastian

May 2, 2021, 6:53 p.m.(5/25/1015 AR)

I awoke, freshly full of nightmares filled with spine-chilling, dreadful screams, as if someone was protesting their very soul being torn from their body.

Needless to say my time unconscious was not, in my memory, restful.

Still, I am grateful to all the mercies and physicians whom I am told attended me while I was out. (And also frustrated at the same telling me I shouldn't leave my bed yet while the war continues. Jules is watching over me to make sure I comply.)

If you have written me, apparently I must wait to read it. My cousin Patrizio gifted one of my guard with a rubicund letter opener and "strict instructions about messengers", apparently. They also avoid my gaze when I ask what news, other than we were victorious at Pieros.

No word of Sangris, or Tremorus. I wished to be part of the spear of the Black Fleet, sailing to their aid, but instead I must rest, apparently.

Written By Sebastian

Jan. 17, 2021, 7:32 p.m.(10/9/1014 AR)

I feel an ache of want in my chest.

Soon we sail for Setarco, and I have never wanted it more in my life -- acknowledging that I say that every time, and that it's probably true every time, as well.

To drift, unfettered, into her embrace is all I long for. Being able to turn in nearly any part of the Silken City and see a new angle of the Great Titan, her gaze ever so sly, wherever I am. To hear and smell and see and taste, to be immersed in the city of my birth. To feel home.

I know it won't last for long: we sail for the Saffron Chain shortly thereafter.

But I know with certainty I will feel better for it.

Written By Sebastian

Dec. 13, 2020, 9:38 p.m.(7/23/1014 AR)

How often I am prone to forgetting that my extended family and friends can bring me back, restore my sense of purpose, my drive, my contentment?

Only they can pull me from this funk I've been in with such ease, their dreams and hopes and ambitions warm me. And for that, they have always, and will always have my love.

Written By Sebastian

June 9, 2020, 9:47 p.m.(6/12/1013 AR)

"How does one join the Compact?" the Prince asked.

It helps to make the right decision when what you believe is challenged, to show up where you are needed, not where you are expected.

Thank you.

Written By Sebastian

June 9, 2020, 9:43 p.m.(6/12/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Swift

A battle, even a battle won, rarely ends with satisfaction. That only comes much later, after you've accounted for the dead, and once the fog of exhaustion has lifted.

After it was all done, I sat beside you, covered in the blood of our enemies, the blood of the one who took your life; exhausted beyond measure, but with a vigil to maintain. I thought about how we met, all those moments we had. Future moments that will never be.

I'm not ashamed to admit I wept.

I told you a story that only belongs to you, now. I hope on some level you heard it. That it will give you comfort until you return on the wheel, to know that a thing never made is not a thing that is lost, but in progress.

Written By Sebastian

April 12, 2020, 7:57 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Arianna

Princess Arianna Pravus was a childhood friend of mine. After she was summoned permanently back to help her Stonewood relatives, we grew distant. When she returned to our embrace, there were times we quarreled; we didn't see eye to eye on what was best for Pravus, until we both realized the thing we had in common was that.

Our love for our family.

Many regarded Princess Arianna with disdain, for they did not comprehend the way she approached life, the things she did for our family, for the Compact as a whole, as well as those beyond the shelter of its protection. As the First Knight of Setarco, she broke many chains, and saved many lives without seeking the praise and glory that many would have. She understood the danger of what she did and never for a second shied away from anything necessary.

Whomever is responsible for her death should comprehend how grave a mistake they have made. House Pravus protects their own. It is a lesson those freed of the Saffron Chain, and the Skal'daja alike have learned. It is a thing that makes our enemies fear us.

As well they should.

Written By Sebastian

April 3, 2020, 12:08 a.m.(1/16/1013 AR)

I have never enjoyed Arx in winter, and I doubt I ever will.

The silken song of Setarco calls to me, and I am grateful as ever to answer her summons.

Written By Sebastian

March 22, 2020, 6 p.m.(12/22/1012 AR)

If someone had told me a year ago that my cousin, Admiral Lucrezia Pravus would not only compete in the Tournament of Thorns, but win, I would've laughed them.

But she did.

Congratulations to Queen of Thorns, Lucrezia Pravus. I guess I'll stop calling you Your Highness now so I don't risk losing my head.

Congratulations also to Archduchess-Regent Jaenelle and to my twin Juliana for coming in second and third respectively. All the competitors were impressive and it was pleasing to watch. Another outstanding event, thanks to Lady Monique Greenmarch and the other members of the committee.

Written By Sebastian

March 1, 2020, 10:04 p.m.(11/8/1012 AR)

The Thorn pre-games have gone well -- with about half as many people as tried failing to decipher my riddle and painting. Still, it's proven less difficult than Swift's challenge, and truly, the amount of people coming away from her test with stained hands is exceptionally entertaining.

With some excellent talent on offer, the Tournament of Thorns is going to be a very interesting affair this year, I have no doubt.

I'm still keeping a bottle of wine handy for when Marquis Athaur tries his hand again this year.

Written By Sebastian

Feb. 28, 2020, 8:31 p.m.(11/4/1012 AR)

I'm beyond pleased that Setarco's newest white, Buttercream won this year's Harvest Festival award. Truly, the thanks lie in great proportion with the diligent, talented winemakers in Setara who have spent years blending, growing and harvesting in the vineyards there.

To those who have asked for a bottle, or a taste: sadly, as I announced, there is a limited supply this season. I have sent some bottles out family members and others, but the larger stock will come in next season. If you are interested though, do let me know and I'll endeavor to provision what I can.

One thing I'm definitely looking forward to is seeing what sort of wines the Saffron Chain's soil might produce, though this is a process that will no doubt take some years to perfect to our very high standards.

Written By Sebastian

Feb. 15, 2020, 1:04 p.m.(10.179873098544974/11.07289351851852/1012.7649894248788 AR)

Relationship Note on Athaur

I have never more looked forward to a match than for you to face my Thorns challenge again, my lord.

I'll bring an extra bottle of wine to either toast you... or for you to drown your sorrows in.

Written By Sebastian

Sept. 27, 2019, 9:33 p.m.(12/1/1011 AR)

With the help of the talented lady Monique, I was able to secure a prize from the recent Keaton Festival: one of their bloodhounds. I confess, I've missed Argent greatly since I sent him to watch over my niece: I look forward to having another pup around the place. She's already proven herself curious, fearless and energetic. Of course she will need to learn her place, namely underneath my cat Nia in the hierarchy.

It's just the way of things.

As a prize reward of her own, Monique was allowed to name her. Intruder, or Trudy for short.

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry