Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 18, 2024, 6:21 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
I know there is a lot of fear out there. And there is a lot of bravery. I admire the courage of the people of the Compact, and all of those who would face the darkness to come. I admit, I do not know all of what is happening, beyond what I hear from rumors and word on the street. What I do know, however, is that there is yet hope. I have seen it.
Those of you seeking to defend your capitals, know that you are watched over. Your lives, and the lives of your people, matter. Your actions are not fruitless. There is meaning in them. Believe.
Those of you taking on other dangerous tasks, do not stray from your course. Hope will keep you steady.
Those staying to defend Arx... defend it with all your heart. Put your love, and your courage, and your life into it. But most of all, believe.
That is all I wanted to say. I do not write journals very often. But I wanted to share this one message.
Believe. Hope, and you may prevail. Nothing is certain, of course. I wish that I could say with certainty that everything will turn out. I cannot. People will die. Things will be lost, and have already been lost. Yet there is a light of hope in the darkness. Cling to it, a shining thread to see you through. Believe.
In the meantime, if anyone wishes to have symbols of hope sewn into their clothing, please reach out to me. I shall do my best, in the little time that is left.
Those of you seeking to defend your capitals, know that you are watched over. Your lives, and the lives of your people, matter. Your actions are not fruitless. There is meaning in them. Believe.
Those of you taking on other dangerous tasks, do not stray from your course. Hope will keep you steady.
Those staying to defend Arx... defend it with all your heart. Put your love, and your courage, and your life into it. But most of all, believe.
That is all I wanted to say. I do not write journals very often. But I wanted to share this one message.
Believe. Hope, and you may prevail. Nothing is certain, of course. I wish that I could say with certainty that everything will turn out. I cannot. People will die. Things will be lost, and have already been lost. Yet there is a light of hope in the darkness. Cling to it, a shining thread to see you through. Believe.
In the meantime, if anyone wishes to have symbols of hope sewn into their clothing, please reach out to me. I shall do my best, in the little time that is left.
Written By Vashtalyn
Nov. 18, 2023, 8:33 a.m.(3/18/1021 AR)
The rumors of the rodents of unusual size are indeed true! But, there is no cause for alarm. All has been handled by a group of brave adventurers. I did my part! I created a rather convincing costume of a large nut with some various supplies offered by the very clever Acacia Culler, and apparently it was convincing enough! We managed to lure one of the squirrels out of the barn with Caspian riding on its back, while others contrived to get them to chase themselves by sticking nuts to them with honey. One squirrel fell asleep, along with several members of our heroic group. Still not sure how all that happened. Then, the squirrels returned to their normal size.
In a nutshell, no squirrels were harmed in the course of this adventure, though I may have made one really mad with my fake nut costume. I cannot say the humans fared so well. But in the end, nobody died and the threat was neutralized, and that's what's important! Perhaps squirrel-herding is a skill we may all wish to invest in learning if this is what's in store for the future?
In a nutshell, no squirrels were harmed in the course of this adventure, though I may have made one really mad with my fake nut costume. I cannot say the humans fared so well. But in the end, nobody died and the threat was neutralized, and that's what's important! Perhaps squirrel-herding is a skill we may all wish to invest in learning if this is what's in store for the future?
Written By Vashtalyn
Nov. 14, 2023, 1:39 p.m.(3/10/1021 AR)
**This journal entry is simply a song, written in Arvani, Crownlands Shav'arvani, and Ravashari**
When chill and terror grip our hearts,
when all seems lost in darkness,
remember Hope, and sing her part,
a ray of Light, she harkens.
When moon rains red and stars go black,
when secrets unearthed do frighten,
with songs of Hope, win Freedom back,
and shackles shall be lightened.
Let the songs of Hope refrain
one Voice of Freedom's beacon,
What once was lost is now regained,
As Destiny's hold does weaken.
Let us not be ruled by fear,
Nor forbidden rites uncertain.
Remember Love and hold it dear,
This side of Life's bright curtain.
**At the bottom is the treble clef symbol of the Bard's College in gold leaf followed by the letters VA in a beautiful calligraphy**
When chill and terror grip our hearts,
when all seems lost in darkness,
remember Hope, and sing her part,
a ray of Light, she harkens.
When moon rains red and stars go black,
when secrets unearthed do frighten,
with songs of Hope, win Freedom back,
and shackles shall be lightened.
Let the songs of Hope refrain
one Voice of Freedom's beacon,
What once was lost is now regained,
As Destiny's hold does weaken.
Let us not be ruled by fear,
Nor forbidden rites uncertain.
Remember Love and hold it dear,
This side of Life's bright curtain.
**At the bottom is the treble clef symbol of the Bard's College in gold leaf followed by the letters VA in a beautiful calligraphy**
Written By Vashtalyn
July 9, 2022, 3:02 p.m.(12/22/1017 AR)
Things have been busy, busy, busy! Between my performance at the Rhythm of the World Festival, and the commissions that I have been working on, I have had little time to spare for tending to my garden. But I have planted the flowers, and they will hopefully be ready to bloom come spring. Then it will be ready for what I have planned. Come the spring, I hope to open it for guests to enjoy tea and treats, while enjoying performances from various entertainers. Are you an entertainer in search of a venue to perform? Please reach out to me! I will be happy to host you at the Wild Plains Bazaar.
I am so glad that I came to this city. There are endless opportunities, and endless sources of inspiration. My new patron, Ambassador Bahiya'al'Mathali, has been most generous and I must admit the outfit I made for her was one of my finest works. Even the Queen has asked me to make outfits for her, which I can hardly believe. I hear the spidersilk ensemble went over spectacularly. It feels like a dream. I keep pinching myself, to see if I am in fact dreaming. Luckily, I do not think that I will be running out of ideas anytime soon!
I am so glad that I came to this city. There are endless opportunities, and endless sources of inspiration. My new patron, Ambassador Bahiya'al'Mathali, has been most generous and I must admit the outfit I made for her was one of my finest works. Even the Queen has asked me to make outfits for her, which I can hardly believe. I hear the spidersilk ensemble went over spectacularly. It feels like a dream. I keep pinching myself, to see if I am in fact dreaming. Luckily, I do not think that I will be running out of ideas anytime soon!
Written By Vashtalyn
May 26, 2022, 11:58 p.m.(9/19/1017 AR)
It is an honor to have Ambassador Bahiya'al'Mathali as Patron, and a joy to craft for her. I look forward to seeing what we might learn from one another. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing and hearing of the joy my art brings to others.
I have been busy with many projects, so I do not often have time to write journals. I have been spending many hours in my craft, and rehearsing ahead of the Rhythm of the World festival as well. Perhaps this year, I will not fall off my horse! Astaari and I have learned much from that experience. We shall see.
I have been busy with many projects, so I do not often have time to write journals. I have been spending many hours in my craft, and rehearsing ahead of the Rhythm of the World festival as well. Perhaps this year, I will not fall off my horse! Astaari and I have learned much from that experience. We shall see.
Written By Vashtalyn
March 28, 2022, 1:04 a.m.(5/11/1017 AR)
I have finished a very important commission, and I am pleased with the results. I hope that my client will also be pleased! It is the first opportunity I have had to work with rarest spidersilk. The fabric is truly a joy to work with, and suited to whimsy and dreamy imagination. I thank Jayus for the inspiration.
Written By Vashtalyn
March 15, 2022, 2:09 a.m.(4/13/1017 AR)
Business is good! I have so many projects and they just keep coming. I find I don't even care about the profit. For me, the satisfaction is in seeing the delight in the eyes of my patrons.
Written By Vashtalyn
Dec. 8, 2021, 10:33 p.m.(9/17/1016 AR)
What a busy week this has been! I've only just recently returned to Arx, and already I find myself once again settled into the rhythm of the city. Not only did I make and sell two full ensembles, but I have also found myself invited to the Bard's College. I have also started a search for a new patron, and find myself with many meetings to arrange. I feel truly inspired and grateful for the honor of each letter, and I suspect it will be a very difficult decision.
I admit, I fled the city in shame after that horrible debacle with my equestrian performance, but I am glad to be back. I have found nothing but kindness and welcome, and it warms my heart. I shall try not to let my failures get the better of me in the future.
I admit, I fled the city in shame after that horrible debacle with my equestrian performance, but I am glad to be back. I have found nothing but kindness and welcome, and it warms my heart. I shall try not to let my failures get the better of me in the future.
Written By Vashtalyn
March 5, 2021, 8:41 p.m.(1/21/1015 AR)
Inspiration came to me in dreams and now my mind is filled with wonders. I must strive to bring these visions of imagination to reality, in my work, and in the dance of life.
Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 27, 2021, 8:08 p.m.(11/1/1014 AR)
I have found a most generous patron in Princess Sabella Grayson. I am excited to see where this newfound relationship will take us both. They call her the People's Princess, which seems a fitting mantle. She commissioned an entire outfit which both challenged me and stirred my creativity. Now I find myself with even more materials to work with and my mind is already forming ideas.
I have another commission I am working on as well, though it is slow. First, I must finish the project I have started, which consumes my days and nights. Never have I put so much effort into a single project. I hope that I will have it finished in time for the event.
Somewhere in all this, I will need to find time to make some things for myself. I should get back to work.
I have another commission I am working on as well, though it is slow. First, I must finish the project I have started, which consumes my days and nights. Never have I put so much effort into a single project. I hope that I will have it finished in time for the event.
Somewhere in all this, I will need to find time to make some things for myself. I should get back to work.
Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 25, 2021, 6:39 a.m.(10/24/1014 AR)
I am enjoying my time in the city so far. People seem to like my work and I can barely keep my shop stocked. This is by no means a complaint! I am loving every moment. To see the eyes light up with joy among my patrons is reward enough. But I have also made a tidy profit.
I continue to meet many interesting people. I never know who is going to walk through the door of my shop next. I think this is my favorite part of owning a shop. All the different people that I meet. I am thinking of setting up a place in the garden out back for socializing. It will take some work to make it presentable, however. Too many weeds, and it is overgrown. The little fountain no longer works. I have kept the doors to it closed for now. Perhaps once I finish this project, I will focus my attentiin there.
Currently I am working on a thing for Count Duarte Amadeo's event to honor someone named Joscelin, who I understand was Guild Master of the Crafter's Guild, of which I am now a part. My people have a tradition of honoring the deeds of those long passed as well. I did not know this Joscelin. But I will try to honor her memory as others do.
I hope to hear stories about her, and see some of her work. I look forward to it.
I really should be getting back to work. I have a splendid gown to make.
I continue to meet many interesting people. I never know who is going to walk through the door of my shop next. I think this is my favorite part of owning a shop. All the different people that I meet. I am thinking of setting up a place in the garden out back for socializing. It will take some work to make it presentable, however. Too many weeds, and it is overgrown. The little fountain no longer works. I have kept the doors to it closed for now. Perhaps once I finish this project, I will focus my attentiin there.
Currently I am working on a thing for Count Duarte Amadeo's event to honor someone named Joscelin, who I understand was Guild Master of the Crafter's Guild, of which I am now a part. My people have a tradition of honoring the deeds of those long passed as well. I did not know this Joscelin. But I will try to honor her memory as others do.
I hope to hear stories about her, and see some of her work. I look forward to it.
I really should be getting back to work. I have a splendid gown to make.
Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 10, 2021, 1:46 a.m.(9/21/1014 AR)
This week, I went to the Kismet Carnival. Even we Andalashari have heard of them, and it was quite the spectacular sight to see. I was rather surprised to find myself the winner of one of the trophy steins after playing a number of the games. I shall have to find a place to display these. Perhaps I will start a collection. I had my fortune told as well, but I think anyone could see that I was alone, and that I wasn't happy to be alone. It was, to be honest, somewhat of a disappointing fortune. It did not tell me anything I did not already know. I must try harder to find my way, and meet others. Still, the woman was kind, and had a gentle and serene way about her. I appreciated this.
I have established my shop, the Wild Plains Bazaar. So far, I have already sold some pieces, a matching set. I hope that the person who purchased it will find joy in it! I am still learning how best to manage my time and resources, to ensure that I have a productive week. It took quite a lot of my resources to get the shop up and running, and to buy the materials for just that one sale. Still, I think I am beginning to understand how things work, and I think that I will have a better time of it in the coming weeks.
I have established my shop, the Wild Plains Bazaar. So far, I have already sold some pieces, a matching set. I hope that the person who purchased it will find joy in it! I am still learning how best to manage my time and resources, to ensure that I have a productive week. It took quite a lot of my resources to get the shop up and running, and to buy the materials for just that one sale. Still, I think I am beginning to understand how things work, and I think that I will have a better time of it in the coming weeks.
Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 2, 2021, 1:22 a.m.(9/5/1014 AR)
I have arrived in the great city of Arx. I have heard that it is the thing to do, to submit journals to the Great Archive. It seems a strange custom to me, to write out all of my thoughts for everyone to see, but if this is the way things are done, then I suppose I shall give it a try.
So far, I am not certain what to think of the city. I admit, I find myself a little overwhelmed. There are so many people, and so much to see and do, and strange customs that I do not fully understand yet. I think so far my favorite part is the park in... what do you call it? Oh yes, the Lower Boroughs. There is a beautiful sculpture of a horse there, and I could sit there and admire it for hours. I must try to find who created it, and express my admiration. I don't know. Perhaps that person is long gone.
A strange-looking man named Maris treated me to dinner. He said my dancing could use work, but then, I suppose he was right. I did flub the last bit, and it was mortifying! He seemed nice enough, though, and he treated me to a meal. I appreciated the dinner. An odd name for a place though. The Murder of Crows.
In my explorations, I ran across a woman in a shop that seems to be all sorts of costumes. I think I forgot to get her name, but she had hair like fire, and was very friendly. She made me feel welcome, and I was very grateful to her. Perhaps one day, I will remember my way back to her shop. This city is so confusing! She did give me some good advice though, which I take to heart.
I am making some plans for my time here in the city. I do not know how long I will stay. My family wanted me to come here, to learn more about the Compact, because our clan has made some agreement with House Shepherd, because of some Great Road thing that I don't fully understand. All I know is, it put a lot of people out of place, including my people, and it caused our clan a great deal of trouble, and well... here we are, I suppose. The Andalashari have wandered freely for so long, it is strange to think of settling in anywhere. But I suppose while I am here, I will make the most of it.
I have found a shop that I think will do nicely to sell the goods produced by myself and my people, and I have decided to buy it with what little money I have to get started in this city. That's another reason they wanted me to come: to trade. I already have so many ideas for how that will go. Perhaps I can bring something to trade that the people of this city have never seen before. I hope so. There are so many merchants here, it seems it will be difficult to get a toehold into the market.
Now all I need to do is find some opportunities to perform, because while tending to duty is important, I have to make myself happy too. And performing makes me happiest of all. It does seem this city could do with a little more cheer. People seem so somber, and I can tell they are worried about something. I'm still trying to figure out what that is, exactly.
So far, I am not certain what to think of the city. I admit, I find myself a little overwhelmed. There are so many people, and so much to see and do, and strange customs that I do not fully understand yet. I think so far my favorite part is the park in... what do you call it? Oh yes, the Lower Boroughs. There is a beautiful sculpture of a horse there, and I could sit there and admire it for hours. I must try to find who created it, and express my admiration. I don't know. Perhaps that person is long gone.
A strange-looking man named Maris treated me to dinner. He said my dancing could use work, but then, I suppose he was right. I did flub the last bit, and it was mortifying! He seemed nice enough, though, and he treated me to a meal. I appreciated the dinner. An odd name for a place though. The Murder of Crows.
In my explorations, I ran across a woman in a shop that seems to be all sorts of costumes. I think I forgot to get her name, but she had hair like fire, and was very friendly. She made me feel welcome, and I was very grateful to her. Perhaps one day, I will remember my way back to her shop. This city is so confusing! She did give me some good advice though, which I take to heart.
I am making some plans for my time here in the city. I do not know how long I will stay. My family wanted me to come here, to learn more about the Compact, because our clan has made some agreement with House Shepherd, because of some Great Road thing that I don't fully understand. All I know is, it put a lot of people out of place, including my people, and it caused our clan a great deal of trouble, and well... here we are, I suppose. The Andalashari have wandered freely for so long, it is strange to think of settling in anywhere. But I suppose while I am here, I will make the most of it.
I have found a shop that I think will do nicely to sell the goods produced by myself and my people, and I have decided to buy it with what little money I have to get started in this city. That's another reason they wanted me to come: to trade. I already have so many ideas for how that will go. Perhaps I can bring something to trade that the people of this city have never seen before. I hope so. There are so many merchants here, it seems it will be difficult to get a toehold into the market.
Now all I need to do is find some opportunities to perform, because while tending to duty is important, I have to make myself happy too. And performing makes me happiest of all. It does seem this city could do with a little more cheer. People seem so somber, and I can tell they are worried about something. I'm still trying to figure out what that is, exactly.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.