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Written By Umbroise

Jan. 31, 2024, 1:13 a.m.(8/25/1021 AR)

In the depths of your greatest fear, you will find your greatest strength. Once you face that fear and come out the other side of it, you Become who you always were. You just had to accept it all along. Then the fear has no power over you.

These past few months, we have faced down the chaos of one existential crisis after another. Each choice made gives rise to consequences unforseen. Yet, we persevere. We remain.

I stand with the defenders of Arx. Should we prevail against our enemy, there may be a price to be paid. There always is.

When the balance is broken, and the pendulum swings too far, the backlash is equal in measure.

Let us not forget it, should we survive.

Written By Umbroise

Nov. 19, 2023, 9:42 p.m.(3/21/1021 AR)

I had the most marvelous time this evening at the Golden Hart. Princess Renata Pravus, Archduke Patrizio Pravus, and Prince Theo Velanosa hosted a lovely meet-and-greet for those seeking patronage relationships. Valencia, too, was such a kind and attentive hostess.

While I don't think anyone has jumped into a patron/protege relationship right away, it certainly has laid the foundation for meeting others with that potential goal in mind. Perhaps I have been too lax in my own search. Regardless, it was such a pleasure meeting so many new (to me) faces, and re-acquainting with others. The Golden Hart shall certainly see my return on many occasions.

Written By Umbroise

Oct. 25, 2023, 12:15 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Radhilde

My sweet, beautiful, charming little sister. I am so glad that you survived the fall of Cliffmore. I am equally glad that you have found a place with the Tydes. May you ever prosper.

Written By Umbroise

Oct. 25, 2023, 12:07 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Rhea

Marquessa Rhea Acheron. She rescued me and my sister from the ruins of Cliffmore. Moreso my sister. I was married off before the fall of the Barony, but she took me back in when I had nowhere else to go after my husband died. I owe her everything.

Written By Umbroise

April 17, 2022, 2:38 p.m.(6/24/1017 AR)

I have returned to Arx after time spent in Avarion's Peak tending to matters, and I am /ever/ so glad to be back! I can't /wait/ to learn what I have missed while I was away.

Written By Umbroise

Aug. 3, 2019, 9:46 a.m.(8/2/1011 AR)

It was such a delight to attend the Velenosan Faces of a Southern Flower masquerade! My duties have rarely allowed me such decadence of late, and it was truly one of the most special occasions of my life, to see all of the beautiful flowers of the Compact gathered together in one garden. Generally, when I attend such functions, I rarely find myself without something to do. I am not a wall flower, but one of those which makes itself noticed. In this case, I was Jasmine, which is often noticed first by its scent, and then by its beauty. The gown was created by Selene Whisper, and the mask as well.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed a man seated by himself, and so I went and sat with him. Some time later, his sister showed up, and we began to chat amiably. In time, the subject of dancing arose, and I asked the Sage of the Diviners to dance with me. He accepted, and we spent nearly the entire evening, dancing and talking together, while flowers bloomed and petals rained down gently all around us. It was a pleasure matching wits with someone, as we tried to figure out who it was the other was dancing with.

In the end, as it turns out, I was dancing with one of the Marquessa's cousins! How delighted I was to learn it, though he was the winner of our little battle of wits, which I graciously concede. After this, we sat down again as people began to filter out, until we were among only a few left. Eventually, we parted ways as well, but it was a night to remember. I must once again give my compliments to Archduchess Regent Jaenelle for this lovely notion of a party, and I shall look forward to seeing more Lycene balls in the future. I think, after this, I am developing a taste for them!

Written By Umbroise

May 20, 2019, 8:24 p.m.(2/20/1011 AR)

I am very pleased with the work that we have done in conjunction with the Faith and Whisper House, in bringing peace back to the lands of Threerivers and Bellerive. I especially thank Countess Tresa for her willingness to help ensure a lasting peace for years to come. We will continue to nurture our relations and strengthen our resolve, and strive to ensure the best for House Acheron, its vassals, and the Compact as a whole. Thank you as well to Mother Ailith, Sir Jeffeth, Sister Estelle, and Whisper House for making this possible and treating our people with dignity and respect. It will be remembered. The work is not done yet, however. We must remain vigilant, lest tragedy strike again.

Written By Umbroise

March 20, 2019, 7:53 p.m.(10/10/1010 AR)

It saddens me to say that our attempts to negotiate a peaceful withdrawal from Last Bridge have failed. Where diplomacy fails, bloodshed ensues, and only gives rise to further outrage among the aggrieved parties. We will continue to seek a dialogue with House Threerivers in an attempt to ensure this vicious cycle of blame comes to an end.

We mourn the loss of life that has ensued over this breakdown in diplomacy, and we will renew our efforts to find a solution that will ensure the safety of the people. We call upon House Blackram to consider the weight of this situation and set aside blame. There is enough blame to go around. Negotiation cannot happen if each side continues to blame the other. We must rise above this and see the larger picture to ensure stability of the Compact.

I am saddened to hear that the Knights of Solace see fit to withdraw from Blackram, Bellerive and Delcambre holdings. However, this situation has become dangerous, and it is advised to avoid travel through these lands until peace is restored.

We travel to Threerivers to speak with the new Countess and foster goodwill among Acheron's vassals that we might encourage a more amicable solution. We advise the other side to consider carefully before engaging in any further hostile acts. To slaughter those who have surrendered in cold blood requires that justice be served. But we will seek to avoid further escalation of violence in these regions, through hard work and diplomacy preferably.

Written By Umbroise

Feb. 13, 2019, 3:59 a.m.(7/23/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Preston

Your statements are kindly worded during this difficult time, Sir Preston. Of course, if it is in my power to do so, and with the grace of the gods, I will do my best to ensure that the Seraph of Highrock is duly honored, his remains returned into the embrace of his family, the Faith.

As to duels, what if one is a House Sword, and the other neither House Sword nor Champion? This is our dilemma. This is why we seek the path of diplomacy, rather than a duel. While I am certain Gloria's rites would be perfectly acceptable in some instances, in this instance, the proposal is not in accordance with the honored traditions of the Compact.

I shall take your wise and gentle words into consideration as we move forward in negotiations.

Written By Umbroise

Feb. 11, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(7/20/1010 AR)

Can a siege be resolved with a duel? Let us discuss.

Recently, there was a project to create a Great Road. The road has been very beneficial in many ways. However, it has also been the cause of certain terrible things. Among those things, House Bellerive, a vassal of House Blackram, chased after some Abandoned and then ended up in disputed territory claimed by both House Bellerive and House Threerivers. House Bellerive kills a patrol of House Threerivers soldiers, and House Threerivers decides to retaliate.

House Threerivers, being a vassal of House Acheron, pushed House Bellerive all the way back to their ancestral home. Incensed by the killing of their patrol, now they hold Last Bridge under siege, no doubt demanding justice for this incursion into lands that they claim to be rightfully theirs, and as their liege house, we must support them in their claim to justice for these grievances.

These matters most certainly need to be addressed. However, House Blackram seems to think that this matter can be resolved with a duel. And so I ask you, dear Scholars, is a duel sufficient for resolving this matter? Or is something more required? I do not believe that a duel will convince Count Trevor of House Threerivers to withdraw his forces from Bellerive's ancestral home. Only diplomacy and a proper addressing of his grievances should suffice.

House Blackram wonders why we do not accept their 'perfectly reasonable' offer of a duel. This is why. A duel, in our opinion, is insufficient. It solves nothing. It doesn't bring back the dead. It doesn't address the unfortunate demise of a Seraph of the Faith of the Pantheon. It doesn't put this age-old border conflict to rest in the slightest. In light of this, I myself will be traveling soon, along with a few others, to the lands of House Threerivers on behalf of the Marquessa, to seek to speak with Count Trevor that we might reach a more reasonable solution. If there are any involved who might wish to accompany me in this endeavor, I encourage you to reach out to me, and I shall make you a part of this delegation. I also welcome any advice from the Faith on the matter of how we might best address the matter of the Seraph who was killed in Threerivers lands.

I have reached out to Lady Teagan, in an effort to resume a dialogue over this issue. I have reached out to House Sanna previously due to the involvement of their vassal House Fireside. I wait on their reply, that we might call upon Juniper Whisper to help us mediate a solution. I have yet to hear from either, but I have faith that we can, together, resolve this matter peaceably to ensure that relations do not further deteriorate. But please let it not be said that the Marquessa is ignoring this matter. She most certainly is not. She simply believes, and I agree with her, that a duel will not resolve this issue. We have been quietly behind the scenes seeking a better solution, which we hope will bring an end to the conflict.

Written By Umbroise

Dec. 15, 2018, 3 a.m.(3/5/1010 AR)

I had the most lovely conversation today with Mistress Sorina Bianchi - tailor, Steward and Lady-in-Waiting to the Countess Consort of House Corvini, she is a delight to speak with. She created the most beautiful gown for me of seasilk, black velvet and lily embroidery. I cannot wait to wear it for our upcoming party at the Acheron Domain. I look forward to finally coming out of mourning, and into the light of Arx society. Marquessa Rhea has also appointed me Acheron's Master of Trade, and I look forward to all of the exciting prospects ahead for the success of Aviaron's Peak.

I am excited to see what other beautiful creations Mistress Bianchi has in store. Gowns in violet, green and red. Vibrant colors, which suit me much better than tragic black. I shall always feel a glimmer of sorrow in the depths of my heart for those things which have been lost, but I feel that it is perhaps time for me now to move forward.

Written By Umbroise

Nov. 29, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(2/2/1010 AR)

My husband has died, and his family didn't want me, so here I am in Arx, living in this dreary place with my cousins. I shall have to endeavor to spend as much time as possible outside of the Domain. The gloom, shadows and the lack of windows are absolutely, appallingly depressing. Nevermind that there is beautiful crystal everywhere - one can hardly see it for the lack of natural light. Perhaps I shall have to try to do something about this, if I must live in this stifling place. This is nothing against my cousins, of course, whom I adore absolutely for their generosity in allowing me to stay with them. Still, I would have preferred a brighter, more cheerful place, to soothe my broken heart.

I've been rather sequestered since I arrived some few weeks ago. I visited Bold Espressions practically as soon as I stepped off the ship, and met a number of lovely people, including Princess Sabella who looked like she was about to burst with baby, and Prince Niklas, and many others! The people here are quite nice, and I hope that my state of drab mourning did not put anyone off too much. I simply cannot seem to bring myself to put aside the black just yet. It still seems too soon, too painful.

I have no idea what I am to do with myself while I am here. I feel a bit lost, but hopefully I will find my footing soon.

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