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Written By Verity

Feb. 9, 2020, 9:49 p.m.(9.674012896825397/24.744722222222222/1012.7228344080688 AR)

I have been keeping a terrible secret: I am trying to get back into shape! I mean physically.

Once upon a time I was nowhere near as soft as I seem now. It's true! After all, I did work on a farm.

Maybe it's a sign of troubled times, but I cannot help seeing Lord Richard jogging around with his hefty rubicund mace and think that perhaps I could use more strenuous activity than merely walking about the city on my daily errands.

Then there was also everyone commenting on how I looked when I went to visit Chevalle... no, no, they were only teasing. Surely. A courtier's life has not changed me that much. I think.

Written By Verity

Feb. 2, 2020, 10:13 p.m.(9.17547123015873/10.82638888888889/1012.6812892691798 AR)

It plays terrible tricks on my mood to see everyone preparing for conflict. I know of the necessity, but my imagination runs away to grim places and drags me with it.

I take strength in the resilience of people like Count Philippe. He has weathered much, and will weather more. I know he's taught Dame Katryn well. She will be alright.

Hopefully the women and men of Chevalle's armies will fare just as well. I feel a little responsible for them. Though, as minister tasked to morale, I am mostly like their doting aunt.

Written By Verity

Dec. 29, 2019, 10:20 p.m.(6/19/1012 AR)

Relationship Note on Bianca

With Lord Richard helping you, your garden will be covered in carrot patches in no time! Finally, a noble goal consummated.

Written By Verity

Dec. 29, 2019, 10 p.m.(6/19/1012 AR)

What a pleasure it is to have my lord Count Blanchard back in Arx! I've been hustling about making things ready for him, and now he is here to inspect my work with military precision and deliver an unflinching grade.

Personally, I hope to receive a curt nod, but in my wildest dreams I imagine that the skin around his eyes tightens slightly, suggesting that somewhere in his soul he is smiling even the slightest. It is extravagant goals like this that power my unerring dedication to the perfect execution of my assignments.

Written By Verity

Dec. 22, 2019, 10:58 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)

Work in the city is so different from work in the country. I feel as if I'm being pulled in a million directions at once. Sure, there's plenty to do in the country, but it's never so much that you have a poor idea of what order in which to approach your tasks.

Arx, though! Endless possibilities. I do appreciate being given leeway in carrying out my duties, but it opens up such vast room for second guessing.

If this is the consequence of being regularly confronted with the world's complexities, I'll survive. Better than too dull, anyway.

Written By Verity

Dec. 22, 2019, 8:14 p.m.(6/5/1012 AR)

After being induced to think about the origin of steelsilk all day by one of Carmen's journals, I have developed no useful theories. Instead, I filled several bits of paper with drawings of knightly silkworms. A part of me feels accomplished by this even if society was not enriched by the breakthrough.

Written By Verity

Dec. 15, 2019, 10:49 p.m.(5/19/1012 AR)

I wasn't sure how I would feel returning home to visit Chevalle. Family is family, but it somehow seems like my early years in the country were another life entirely. Arx certainly leaves its marks on a person.

Fortunately it all worked toward a wonderful end. I caught up with old friends, soaked in the atmosphere, and months later I now return to Arx with a renewed appreciation for the city. I'm not sure anyone can ever fall in love again, not like the first time at least, but some things are close enough.

Now to try remembering everything I was doing. I really should keep better notes.

Written By Verity

Jan. 21, 2019, 9:27 a.m.(6/6/1010 AR)

Everyone is debating the merits of the offers on the table by our foreign allies; as they should! But as any of our diplomats should be able to advice: the ifrst offer is rarely the one that's cemented in the treaty. You can look at the broad strokes, and then begin negotiation to get the more favorable deal.

Written By Verity

Nov. 21, 2018, 7:58 a.m.(1/13/1010 AR)

I do not often pen my thoughts into the Whites, so take note on this rare exception. Blame my introspective thoughts on the snow that has fallen so frequently of late, and the winter chill that inspires time spent quietly beside the fire.

I have been blessed with many a change over the past year. A change of outlook. A change of friends. A change of fortunes, if you will. Not the least of which is the blessing of having Mother Bianca as my patron. Many who now reside in Arx can say the same for themselves, if these journals are any indication. The city may be dedicated to the Queen of Endings, buts the Lady of Flame has certainly found a way to touch us all in these walls.

Likewise, I have watched many call for and receive the blessings of Mercies. With the constant trials of combat with which we make our stand against the forces that assail us, the healers of Lagoma's Discipleship have been in great demand.

So, for the blessings She has given me personally, and for those she's given to the rest of Arx, I have decided to sponsor a pilgrimage to one of Lagoma's most active centers of worship. For those in Arx, any Mercy, or any man or woman who has received the aid of those mercies, that wishes to take pilgrimage to show their appreciation for Lagoma, should know that I am offering to cover the cost of travel and protection along the way. I've already begun working out details with those who can aid in this endeavor. We will set out in two months.

Written By Verity

Oct. 17, 2018, 2:25 p.m.(10/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Josephine

There may be many negative things said in the white journals we keep, but I pen today a positive.

For weeks now I have been debating whether or not I should have armor made. The city at times has been dangerous (for those here during the Siege) and there are new foes marching in our direction. While no slight is meant against the Iron Guard, it is simple fact that there are times when our city's defenders cannot be everywhere at every time. Moreover, I find myself itching for chances to get out of the city, and for that something to keep me safe during travel would be wanted.

After hearing some of Mother Bianca's adventures and the dangers involved while serving the Compact, I decided I could not wait. If I want to take advantage of what my patron can offer, I need to be willing to put myself out there and take a risk.

This week, Mistress Josephine was kind enough to help with that decision, and I will be sure to put the armor she has helped me assemble to good use. She has my thanks, and as does House Bisland and all those that helped fund her efforts, and I wish them penned here for prosperity.

And if this entry is a bit wordy and long? Well, I'm certain you will all read this and understand that the weight of the new armor is considerably, and my apartment has quite a view from its high floor... and I do not at all look forward to those stairs with this weight.

Written By Verity

June 9, 2018, 1:08 a.m.(12/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Ainsley

Lord Pancake has come under my care, or am I under his care? It's difficult to see who is the master or mistress and behind those adorable eyes I'm pretty sure lurks a highly manipulative soul. Cuteness is most definitely a weapon.

Thank you, Prince Ainsley!

Written By Verity

March 12, 2017, 2:29 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)

I much prefer my nightmares sleeping. Then at least you can be sure of the chance to breathe a sigh of relief after bolting upright in bed. Caught unawares, awake and in the cold, there's no respite from the chill of sweat drying on skin while you look ahead at what might be.

Suddenly my worries of having food on my table in the coming weeks seem very short-sighted.

Written By Verity

March 11, 2017, 10:25 a.m.(1/26/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Michael

He is full of kind compliments for subpar whistling. You know dark days have come when the sounds I am capable of while trying to whistle are named as the reason for someone feeling hopeful and bright. He seems a diligent guardsman, someone committed to the welfare of those beneath his station.

Written By Verity

Jan. 29, 2017, 9:19 a.m.(10/16/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Holt

Always thought I was hard to lay a finger on, come fighting, but he's two of me and I didn't smack him once. Next time the rule of the ring will be the taller one downs a full flask of spirits before we get to swinging... then I might have a chance.

Written By Verity

Jan. 11, 2017, 4:12 p.m.(8/19/1005 AR)

All these words and not one about the sweetness of oranges shared between strangers. The flash of diamondplate in sunlight or the hum of rubicund striking true. A crowd all holding its breath as one. The release, after. Much needed, that release. The city's gone sideways and the Crownlands gone the other. May there always be oranges.

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