Written By Skye
April 4, 2020, 11:52 a.m.(1/19/1013 AR)
The chill reaches into my bones and I find myself adding an extra blanket at night to keep the warmth between the sheets. My mother's Southern blood does not help during these times. At least, I can add extra layers to protect myself. Hopefully this year I will avoid any fevers or colds.
Written By Skye
March 28, 2020, 3:43 p.m.(1/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
I worried greatly when I heard of his disappearance. His safe return warrants a visit to Gild to give thanks.
Written By Skye
Jan. 18, 2020, 12:40 p.m.(8/3/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
My heart weeps at the news of your passing. Your innate gifts allowed you to bring my visions to life in jewelry. Your ongoing support, that you took after stepping into the shoes of Guildmaster allowed Blackshore Isle to thrive. Your sound consul on matters of charity will be missed.
I shall light a candle in your name and pray for your loved ones who now know loss.
I shall light a candle in your name and pray for your loved ones who now know loss.
Written By Skye
Dec. 17, 2019, 2:30 a.m.(5/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
Guildmaster Josephine Arcuri made charms for my soiree that were absolutely lovely. The fine craftsmanship with etchings of waves on the bottles complimented the bioluminescent algae contained within.
Written By Skye
Nov. 21, 2019, 4:35 p.m.(3/27/1012 AR)
Will this winter never cease? I feel like this chill is reaching me all the way down to the bones. Spring can't come soon enough.
Written By Skye
Nov. 14, 2019, 2:32 a.m.(3/11/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Jyri
It warms my heart to see others offering assistance to those former thralls. I am committed to rebuilding my lands without the onus of Thralldom hanging over my people, using High Lord Victus Thrax and Marquis Ford Kennex as my inspiration. Developed programs with the Crafter's Guild for journeymen who have passed on their skills to these new citizens. Defended myself when traditionalists hired sellswords to kill me at my Harvest Festival for supporting those reforms.
The right way is not always welcomed by others. I would not be where I am without the dedicated support of family and friends. It's my hope that recently freed thralls consider staying in the Mourning Isles to strengthen those houses who have embraced change.
At the same time, I shall never forget my origins. History have taught us lessons. Hopefully those that embrace change make better choices. Certainly I shall be making efforts to stay grounded.
The right way is not always welcomed by others. I would not be where I am without the dedicated support of family and friends. It's my hope that recently freed thralls consider staying in the Mourning Isles to strengthen those houses who have embraced change.
At the same time, I shall never forget my origins. History have taught us lessons. Hopefully those that embrace change make better choices. Certainly I shall be making efforts to stay grounded.
Written By Skye
Sept. 24, 2019, 2:54 a.m.(11/21/1011 AR)
Darkness is terrifying enough between sunset and sunrise. I could not imagine if it became my constant companion.
Written By Skye
Sept. 22, 2019, 8:36 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Knowing when to let go...
It's always been a struggle for me. After all that I lost a few years ago, my arms ache to hold tightly those who have become near and dear to me. To keep them close and protected from harm. Pushing duty to keep them by my side.
I cannot stand in the path of another who wishes to find an adventure. I cannot selfishly horde their company and block their journey. So I smile when inside I weep. I lay out my ink and quill for the future letters we will exchange. I try so hard not to darken the doorstep with anything less than joy.
It's always been a struggle for me. After all that I lost a few years ago, my arms ache to hold tightly those who have become near and dear to me. To keep them close and protected from harm. Pushing duty to keep them by my side.
I cannot stand in the path of another who wishes to find an adventure. I cannot selfishly horde their company and block their journey. So I smile when inside I weep. I lay out my ink and quill for the future letters we will exchange. I try so hard not to darken the doorstep with anything less than joy.
Written By Skye
Sept. 15, 2019, 3:42 p.m.(11/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
My breath simply left my body when I spied the new pair of sandals that were delivered from Mistress Josephine. What true beauty that she creates in her shop.
Written By Skye
Sept. 6, 2019, 12:35 a.m.(10/13/1011 AR)
Faith. It is the cornerstone that has seen me through many dark days. When lives of everyone that I had seen day for day for a decade were wiped from this earth in one devastating event, I kneeled on the deck of the ship and prayed for guidance. A sea turtle at that moment swam past my ship, sparking a remembrance of a distant cousin in Arx.
It was Faith in my cousin's reputation that allowed that captain to bring me to Arx on promise of payment when I had no obvious means of paying for an additional passage. He offered charity to this heartbroken child-women and gave me shelter, delivering me to House Navegant. Yes, in the end, he was paid beyond the cost of my fare. However, in that moment, he had choices and I am fortunate to have booked passage with a good man.
My cousin paid that sea captain and took me into his home on Faith that I was Lady Skye Blackshore. Of course he verified my origins like any sane head of house would do. However, those first couple of days were filled with generosity and kindness with only Faith to guide his charity. So please understand that I know full well the value of charity. I spend time with those in the Lowers, giving charity at the clinic as a way to pass this generosity on.
I cannot in Faith give succour to a heretic. I refuse to trade or promote commerce with those who twist scripture or promote a break from the gods. I trust those Godsworn to carry the mantle, and uphold the gods in principle to the best to my ability. I shall not offer charity to those who live outside the Church, because I do not want to fall from the path or be deceived into taking false words as truth. I shall include these lost men in my prayers and hope in time they seek repentance for their actions. I have Faith that the Godsworn will do everything in their power help those who repent. Far better than I could hope to do on my own. No judgement is given against those that offer charity to a heretic. This is not meant to condemn those that do. I have no wish to take such risks when my Faith has seen me through so much.
It was Faith in my cousin's reputation that allowed that captain to bring me to Arx on promise of payment when I had no obvious means of paying for an additional passage. He offered charity to this heartbroken child-women and gave me shelter, delivering me to House Navegant. Yes, in the end, he was paid beyond the cost of my fare. However, in that moment, he had choices and I am fortunate to have booked passage with a good man.
My cousin paid that sea captain and took me into his home on Faith that I was Lady Skye Blackshore. Of course he verified my origins like any sane head of house would do. However, those first couple of days were filled with generosity and kindness with only Faith to guide his charity. So please understand that I know full well the value of charity. I spend time with those in the Lowers, giving charity at the clinic as a way to pass this generosity on.
I cannot in Faith give succour to a heretic. I refuse to trade or promote commerce with those who twist scripture or promote a break from the gods. I trust those Godsworn to carry the mantle, and uphold the gods in principle to the best to my ability. I shall not offer charity to those who live outside the Church, because I do not want to fall from the path or be deceived into taking false words as truth. I shall include these lost men in my prayers and hope in time they seek repentance for their actions. I have Faith that the Godsworn will do everything in their power help those who repent. Far better than I could hope to do on my own. No judgement is given against those that offer charity to a heretic. This is not meant to condemn those that do. I have no wish to take such risks when my Faith has seen me through so much.
Written By Skye
Aug. 29, 2019, 1:54 a.m.(9/25/1011 AR)
Preparations for the Harvest Festival have begun on Blackshore Isle. This year we're also going to celebrate the crafters by having each one decorate the booth for the farmer that they've been paired with. Visitors will be able to purchase both so it's beneficial for everyone involved.
I'm also pleased that several of our families on the Isle have new additions. We've started a program to assist these families after the birth so they can spend time with their family before going back to work. At the Festival, additional accommodations will be given to make sure these families have adequate facilities.
Another year...I still marvel at how many changes can occur in that period of time. I am grateful to the Gods for the bounty we are given. The opening ceremony of the Festival will include a prayer, so we can give thanks. Even at my darkest moments, it's been the kind dedication of the Faith that has gotten me through. I try to honor that every day.
I'm also pleased that several of our families on the Isle have new additions. We've started a program to assist these families after the birth so they can spend time with their family before going back to work. At the Festival, additional accommodations will be given to make sure these families have adequate facilities.
Another year...I still marvel at how many changes can occur in that period of time. I am grateful to the Gods for the bounty we are given. The opening ceremony of the Festival will include a prayer, so we can give thanks. Even at my darkest moments, it's been the kind dedication of the Faith that has gotten me through. I try to honor that every day.
Written By Skye
Aug. 24, 2019, 7:47 a.m.(9/15/1011 AR)
When I hear of others seeking to divorce and part ways, it reaffirms my decision to wait for the right alliance. To find a partner who will see my vision for Blackshore Isle and wish to join my side. It's been five years since I've come to Arx, and I've seen many bans read. None of them bore my name because whatever flirtations that have been brief on my part, there were always circumstances that prevented me from seeking vows to Limerance.
I do hold out hope, even in the midst of such uncertainty these days. I pray for those who's dreams did not turn out as they intended. They have my compassion. I trust Dominus Orazio's wisdom, and the Faith to see to such matters of penance. There is no need to add any judgement to their troubles.
I do hold out hope, even in the midst of such uncertainty these days. I pray for those who's dreams did not turn out as they intended. They have my compassion. I trust Dominus Orazio's wisdom, and the Faith to see to such matters of penance. There is no need to add any judgement to their troubles.
Written By Skye
Aug. 11, 2019, 10:27 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
"We ain't be choosin who we be born as, as it is, jist who we die as." - Master Orathy
I met an interesting fellow at the Shrine of the Thirteenth who gave me these words to ponder on. I don't believe I ever caught his surname but he gave me quite a lot to think about. We talked about origins and how they shape us as people. However, it's our own choices that ultimately allows us to come into ourselves. While many burdens can be placed on our childhoods, as adults, we talk responsibility at some point for our own actions.
No, we don't choose if our family. We can choose to support their ideals or forge new ones. Our journeys are driven by crossroads. It's important to remember that. To stand up when you see injustice. To strike a new path when the current one doesn't make any sense. Traditions only become chains when we refuse to question and evolve as our leaders do.
I met an interesting fellow at the Shrine of the Thirteenth who gave me these words to ponder on. I don't believe I ever caught his surname but he gave me quite a lot to think about. We talked about origins and how they shape us as people. However, it's our own choices that ultimately allows us to come into ourselves. While many burdens can be placed on our childhoods, as adults, we talk responsibility at some point for our own actions.
No, we don't choose if our family. We can choose to support their ideals or forge new ones. Our journeys are driven by crossroads. It's important to remember that. To stand up when you see injustice. To strike a new path when the current one doesn't make any sense. Traditions only become chains when we refuse to question and evolve as our leaders do.
Written By Skye
Aug. 1, 2019, 5:52 a.m.(7/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ethan
I have prayed to the Sentinel that justice shall come down towards the Undrowned Sons for their repeated acts of violence against citizens of Arx. Their charter should be revoked. Their property and accounts should be seized. Their members should be investigated and prosecuted for any criminal activities they have participated in. Anyone enacting in business with this mercenary group should be put under scrutiny. Because the Undrowned Sons' actions are being funded, perhaps even by those we call ally.
I shall be working with my own lawyer to file a civil suit against the Undrowned Sons for damages in their most recent attack against House Blackshore during the Harvest Festival. I hope others join me in my efforts to petition the courts to take action against the Undrowned Sons.
I shall be working with my own lawyer to file a civil suit against the Undrowned Sons for damages in their most recent attack against House Blackshore during the Harvest Festival. I hope others join me in my efforts to petition the courts to take action against the Undrowned Sons.
Written By Skye
July 21, 2019, 3:14 p.m.(7/4/1011 AR)
Marigold symbolize pain and grief to those that study the meanings of flowers.
However, I think the delightful flower is wrongly maligned. For in times of hardship, it can provide sustenance. For the injured with shallow cuts, a poultice made from this flower can protect against infection. The beautiful golden color is often used in dyes that are looking to transfer it's bright countenance. Oil extracted from it's petals can be later used as a base in cosmetics. There are so many uses. None of them bring pain or grief upon the subject.
However, I think the delightful flower is wrongly maligned. For in times of hardship, it can provide sustenance. For the injured with shallow cuts, a poultice made from this flower can protect against infection. The beautiful golden color is often used in dyes that are looking to transfer it's bright countenance. Oil extracted from it's petals can be later used as a base in cosmetics. There are so many uses. None of them bring pain or grief upon the subject.
Written By Skye
June 27, 2019, 11:45 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I would not be where I am today without the generous contributions you provided. You rallied your crafters, found tradesmen willing to help me rebuild and provided me a different perspective that influenced my interactions. There are so many ways you help me grow into the leader I am today.
I shall make sure that House Blackshore will remember for future generations.
I shall make sure that House Blackshore will remember for future generations.
Written By Skye
June 25, 2019, 3:20 a.m.(5/7/1011 AR)
When I was a girl not yet a woman, I would look outside my tower and daydream that my frail arms were wings. I would soar in my namesake, unburdened by life that I left upon the ground.
I would lay out bread for my muses, enjoying their happy tweets as they collected their fare. There was this one robin with speckled white in his red breast who would let me run my fingers trail upon his feathers after much coaxing on my part.
After the explosion, I wondered what happened to my feathered friend. I hoped that he did not meet the same fate as others. This spring when a certain robin with a white speckled chest sang to me upon the morn, I could not help but cry happy tears.
Because something beside myself survived, grew and thrived out of tragedy. I knew that life finds a way through the destruction.
I would lay out bread for my muses, enjoying their happy tweets as they collected their fare. There was this one robin with speckled white in his red breast who would let me run my fingers trail upon his feathers after much coaxing on my part.
After the explosion, I wondered what happened to my feathered friend. I hoped that he did not meet the same fate as others. This spring when a certain robin with a white speckled chest sang to me upon the morn, I could not help but cry happy tears.
Because something beside myself survived, grew and thrived out of tragedy. I knew that life finds a way through the destruction.
Written By Skye
June 19, 2019, 11:23 p.m.(4/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
I would rather have a lonely heart, because the dull ache of solitude is far less damaging than the firebrand, scorching devastation of heartbreak that happens when the person who you loved the most, trusted above all others betrays you with foul intentions that forces you to look at others with a new lense. Shield yourself by building a fortress around your heart. Don scars that hide in plain sight.
Written By Skye
June 16, 2019, 11:02 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
Spring planning is busier this year. We've expanded the fishery, opened a few more plots of land and ship yard is gearing up to be a fine season. It's so easy to get consumed with the planning.
I find myself less inclined to go to social events, since it feels like more a chore. Smiling behind my fan as my steward breaks down each man by his lands and ventures. Measuring their blood lines like prized thoroughbreds. Discussing their social standing and penchant for scandal. Smiling and laughing, trying to stay engaged when really all I can think about is my pinching slippers.
Maybe I'll just let my brothers find happy matrimony. Let one of their heirs take my seat. Then I can focus on my work. It's far more satisfying than matters of the heart.
I find myself less inclined to go to social events, since it feels like more a chore. Smiling behind my fan as my steward breaks down each man by his lands and ventures. Measuring their blood lines like prized thoroughbreds. Discussing their social standing and penchant for scandal. Smiling and laughing, trying to stay engaged when really all I can think about is my pinching slippers.
Maybe I'll just let my brothers find happy matrimony. Let one of their heirs take my seat. Then I can focus on my work. It's far more satisfying than matters of the heart.
Written By Skye
April 19, 2019, 4:59 p.m.(12/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
May you wake sweet prince upon the shrine
Of the Queen of Endings, greeted warmly
And be sorted swiftly by the Wheel turns.
May you rise with the soft chirps of birds
Hearkening your return. Giving life, love
Another chance.
Of the Queen of Endings, greeted warmly
And be sorted swiftly by the Wheel turns.
May you rise with the soft chirps of birds
Hearkening your return. Giving life, love
Another chance.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.