Written By Violet
Sept. 30, 2019, 9:45 a.m.(12/6/1011 AR)
I have not been back long and much of my attention has been taken up with finalizing things at the new manor in the Westrock Commons. I really never thought I would ever write words such as those. It's a little strange, but there it is, and the place is slowly coming together. Next year the orange tree planted out front should begin to bear fruit as well. Third reminds me, I must speak with Felicity about another stained glass piece.
Last evening I managed to be social finally instead of taking care of business. I went to the Sip and Spar at the Golden Hart which I have not done in ages. I arrived just after Lady Zoey had won an archery contest. Which tickled me to no end. There is nothing more gratifying, to me as a teacher, than to see a student excelling. Everyone was amenable to another round of archery and I am even more happy that Lady Zoey beat me. Even if my social interaction was cut short by a messenger, I am glad I went. If only for that.
Last evening I managed to be social finally instead of taking care of business. I went to the Sip and Spar at the Golden Hart which I have not done in ages. I arrived just after Lady Zoey had won an archery contest. Which tickled me to no end. There is nothing more gratifying, to me as a teacher, than to see a student excelling. Everyone was amenable to another round of archery and I am even more happy that Lady Zoey beat me. Even if my social interaction was cut short by a messenger, I am glad I went. If only for that.
Written By Violet
Sept. 24, 2019, 6:34 p.m.(11/22/1011 AR)
It is sometimes hard to believe how quickly time can pass. Thorley and I have been in Sandreef Point these last several months. Getting our hands dirty with building and infrastructure and, of course, security. Of course as the place becomes more refined and complete, so does the need for one of us to be present in Arx. Of course my departure was delayed numerous times by the first autumn storms. I look forward to seeing old faces and meeting new ones. And of course catching up on all the news that hasn't made it out to the far west.
Written By Violet
May 18, 2019, 3:45 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
Two new chapter houses have gone up. Our ranks swell with dedicated and skilled individuals. And the lands they are on are seeing more peace than many others right now. I'm looking forward to meeting as many of the new recruits as I can. I may not be able to remember everyone's name, but this is one thing I learned from Tobias. To be a leader they have to know you and respect you. They can't do that if they've never even met you. Even though I'm not drinking I am contemplating places to host a welcoming party. It isn't just me they should meet, Harlex, Soren, Carmen, and all the rest. Our lives depend on each other. All right, enough midnight ramblings. More new faces to greet tomorrow and the sun may rise later in winter, but she still rises.
Written By Violet
May 6, 2019, 10:58 a.m.(1/19/1011 AR)
Winter in Arx just is NOT the same as Winter in the North. It doesn't get into your bones the same way or sit on your shoulders. There are even days when you can see blue sky! Still, for all that I miss the north, Arx is home now too. As much home as Sandreef Point or Whitehold. Thorley gave me a funny look when I said I missed real cold. I don't blame him. I would have too!
Written By Violet
May 1, 2019, 5:25 a.m.(1/9/1011 AR)
It has been some time since I have written a journal. Mostly what I write these days is letters. I rarely have time to put my thoughts and experiences down as I might sadly. There has been a lot of work going on lately. A new Chapter House in the works as well as recruitment efforts for the Crimson Blades. That is all seeming to go well. Contracts continue to come in as well. The Great Road has brought great profit, but I do not like the cost. Hopefully we can stem the tides of blood that seem to be coming.
Totally separate from the company Sandreef Point continues to grow. A manor in the Valardin ward is being worked on, though other things have had more priority. I admit to being adamant on having some hand in repair and decoration of my own home. Even if it makes things go slow. I know it makes Thorley roll his eyes some times, but I want a place that feels like a home. Especially since 'home' has changed so much over the years. The north is home, Sandreef Point is home, and Arx is home. Strange how that has happened.
I have to say the dawnstones that have come in from Sandreef Point are particularly stunning. I need to find a jeweler who would be willing to make a necklace for me and brooch for Thorley. There are so many talented people in Arx, many I have yet to meet. Maybe I can be social this week and go out? We will see. I have routes to look over and more orders to write after this. Plus a finance meeting.
Have I mentioned that I miss being a plain scout with no real responsibility sometimes?
Totally separate from the company Sandreef Point continues to grow. A manor in the Valardin ward is being worked on, though other things have had more priority. I admit to being adamant on having some hand in repair and decoration of my own home. Even if it makes things go slow. I know it makes Thorley roll his eyes some times, but I want a place that feels like a home. Especially since 'home' has changed so much over the years. The north is home, Sandreef Point is home, and Arx is home. Strange how that has happened.
I have to say the dawnstones that have come in from Sandreef Point are particularly stunning. I need to find a jeweler who would be willing to make a necklace for me and brooch for Thorley. There are so many talented people in Arx, many I have yet to meet. Maybe I can be social this week and go out? We will see. I have routes to look over and more orders to write after this. Plus a finance meeting.
Have I mentioned that I miss being a plain scout with no real responsibility sometimes?
Written By Violet
April 1, 2019, 9:58 p.m.(11/6/1010 AR)
(There is a date on this preceeding the actual logged date of entry by a little bit and a note: Written on ship from Sandreef Point to Arx)
The world is a rough and rugged place. I've been on the road with Preston and the Templars. The Malardin are not something to mess around with. It felt good to fix some problems. Even if it left us with more questions. Puzzle pieces are not matching up...
After that I went visiting Cascade Springs and checking in on the Chapter House there. Preparing them for recruitment and training. Then on to the Greenmarch Chapter for the same thing. After that it was on to Sandreef Point. I may have just missed the firebombing. I must say it makes me furious and I may have to fast track some things. This hate towards others trying to become a part of our community, and add to it positively, should not be. It frustrates me. We'll see what can be done.
But mostly? Mostly I cannot wait to hold Thorley and Sorcha and Talia again. My heart is bursting. It has been months. Too long.
The world is a rough and rugged place. I've been on the road with Preston and the Templars. The Malardin are not something to mess around with. It felt good to fix some problems. Even if it left us with more questions. Puzzle pieces are not matching up...
After that I went visiting Cascade Springs and checking in on the Chapter House there. Preparing them for recruitment and training. Then on to the Greenmarch Chapter for the same thing. After that it was on to Sandreef Point. I may have just missed the firebombing. I must say it makes me furious and I may have to fast track some things. This hate towards others trying to become a part of our community, and add to it positively, should not be. It frustrates me. We'll see what can be done.
But mostly? Mostly I cannot wait to hold Thorley and Sorcha and Talia again. My heart is bursting. It has been months. Too long.
Written By Violet
Jan. 31, 2019, 1:25 a.m.(6/25/1010 AR)
Life takes strange turns. I certainly at ten years old would never have guessed my life would be as it is now. Commandant Baroness-Consort Violet Farwatch. I almost cringe writing that out, it sounds so...snooty? Yet I worked hard in the Blades to get where I am. The Baroness bit? I don't think anyone could have predicted that one. It still is a shock. Perhaps that's why I've become known as something of an eccentric. I'm still used to just speaking mind and most would chalk it up to, 'That Commoner Mercenary Leader'. I need to get better at it.
Written By Violet
Jan. 14, 2019, 10:06 a.m.(5/10/1010 AR)
A military leader often makes calls that others will deem too much. Until you sit through hours and hours listening to tens of thousands of children being listed off and the way they were brutally murdered for ‘conspiracy’ then perhaps one can understand decisions. Even then my heart aches for the lives I ordered ended. I take responsibility fully. And I wish I could have done it another way. Of course only those involved will understand the lengths and efforts we went too to serve the Compact and see one of its most deadly threats put to rest.
For they had magic. Blood magic. Two soldiers burst apart like bloody popped balloons. Had we not been swift, decise, many more would have died. We would not have succeeded. Would I do it again? Yes. For I know what I did has given us more time. Time to learn without fear of our story ending too soon.
For they had magic. Blood magic. Two soldiers burst apart like bloody popped balloons. Had we not been swift, decise, many more would have died. We would not have succeeded. Would I do it again? Yes. For I know what I did has given us more time. Time to learn without fear of our story ending too soon.
Written By Violet
Jan. 10, 2019, 6:02 a.m.(5/2/1010 AR)
What I hear these last few days weighs heavily with me. Not only because it means that we may be sharpening our blades and counting our arrows soon. It is likely that the companies will be brought into these scuffles before too long. I dislike these kind of contracts, yet they are a part of the work. I dislike them mainly because in them I see the hate that lies beneath things. Sometimes I am in a position, as a commander of troops, to offer guidance that might lead to peaceful resolution. For I believe it is my duty to see a thing done with as little blood shed as possible. And if that means no swords drawn at all, then I'm all the more thankful for it. Yet I do not think what comes will be so easy as that, though I can hope such solutions will come.
I see many calling for unity in the face of some of these horrors. Yet what I found helpful to me, useful, is acting. Always acting. The Crimson Blades always are recruiting, but we're initiating another drive. I've always believed that mercenary companies were a good place for those others considered 'outsiders'. Prodigals, those from rough backgrounds, and so on. While I admit that we are picky, I also can see the potential. And even if a person may not fit here, I can usuall see a place where they can fit and make a difference. If not in the Blades, then certainly Sandreef Point. Thorley and I are working to make it a place in the Oathlands where there is acceptance. And a chance to learn about the Compact, our ways, our beliefs, and how they can be a part of that. It is obvious this week that many houses do not have this openess of mind. This ability to see beyond the immediate past to the potential future.
Instead they see hate and blood. I hope through the Blades and through Farwatch I can be an example of how to rise about that. An example of working together. We'll see how well it goes over in the weeks to come. I may be kicking over a fire ant nest, but I may also be laying a foundation for something better. Something I hope my children can continue to build upon when I inevitably return to the Wheel.
I see many calling for unity in the face of some of these horrors. Yet what I found helpful to me, useful, is acting. Always acting. The Crimson Blades always are recruiting, but we're initiating another drive. I've always believed that mercenary companies were a good place for those others considered 'outsiders'. Prodigals, those from rough backgrounds, and so on. While I admit that we are picky, I also can see the potential. And even if a person may not fit here, I can usuall see a place where they can fit and make a difference. If not in the Blades, then certainly Sandreef Point. Thorley and I are working to make it a place in the Oathlands where there is acceptance. And a chance to learn about the Compact, our ways, our beliefs, and how they can be a part of that. It is obvious this week that many houses do not have this openess of mind. This ability to see beyond the immediate past to the potential future.
Instead they see hate and blood. I hope through the Blades and through Farwatch I can be an example of how to rise about that. An example of working together. We'll see how well it goes over in the weeks to come. I may be kicking over a fire ant nest, but I may also be laying a foundation for something better. Something I hope my children can continue to build upon when I inevitably return to the Wheel.
Written By Violet
Jan. 6, 2019, 4:54 p.m.(4/23/1010 AR)
I’ve been busy of late. There is much happening in the world at large. And that seems to be focused in on Arx at the moment. Foreign lands who we barely hear whispers from in trade now seem to imply we are weak. Or need protection in some way.
As I write this I hold and nurse my daughter. I am and Thorley are the ones supposed to protect her, guide her, love her in the world. I think on what I don’t know of these forgeign people, what I do, and am left deeply troubled. There is too much we don’t know, too many warnings of caution, for me to feel anything but trepidation. I wonder at the life and world Sorcha will be raised in. Hopefully these ambassadors will see our strength and realize we are our own protectors. I for one have no interest in becoming part of any other place.
As I write this I hold and nurse my daughter. I am and Thorley are the ones supposed to protect her, guide her, love her in the world. I think on what I don’t know of these forgeign people, what I do, and am left deeply troubled. There is too much we don’t know, too many warnings of caution, for me to feel anything but trepidation. I wonder at the life and world Sorcha will be raised in. Hopefully these ambassadors will see our strength and realize we are our own protectors. I for one have no interest in becoming part of any other place.
Written By Violet
Dec. 30, 2018, 1:51 p.m.(4/9/1010 AR)
In these times I find myself reading again and again the Canticle of the Long Vigil. Written centuries back by Father Alessandro Rubino. I read it searching for more hints and clues. Especially now.
My mind rings with one line again and again. ‘Beware the coming war between a Platinum Empire, the Triarchs, and the lords of the sky.’ I think that time has come. And I am uneasy.
As an commander of soldiers is the night before an unknown engagement. My skin prickles and my stomach gnaws more than usual. But we will stand strong and together. Reading the response to the proclamations tells me that much. So at least I can sleep.
My mind rings with one line again and again. ‘Beware the coming war between a Platinum Empire, the Triarchs, and the lords of the sky.’ I think that time has come. And I am uneasy.
As an commander of soldiers is the night before an unknown engagement. My skin prickles and my stomach gnaws more than usual. But we will stand strong and together. Reading the response to the proclamations tells me that much. So at least I can sleep.
Written By Violet
Dec. 28, 2018, 7:07 p.m.(4/5/1010 AR)
Thorley came home this evening. I had decided to take an evening with the girls and we were all on the bed, I was tickling Tala. These are the times that I treasure. And make me all the more thankful for Copper's sacrifice and final gift. Even more so for tonight my little Sorcha crawled for the first time. Intent on helping to attack her sister or save her from the tickling, I am not sure. But it was a wonderful sight. The simple things are what make it all worthwhile. The squeel and belly laughs of a baby. The cheerful giggling of your daughter as she asks for belly farts. The warmth of strong arms wrapped around you in love.
Written By Violet
Dec. 24, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
I feel in the face of all the upheaval I have heard and seen recently in people's relationships I should write it down that my own bond and word remains strong. As a point of note I've even reached out to the Dominus and archlector of Limerance to seek guidance. For we wish to reaffirm our marriage if it needs be, now that our lives have become infinitely more complicated. Elevated. I still find it weird though.
Hopefully our reaffirmation will help some who are struggling. Do not let despair win. Do not let the darkness in. Look to the Hall of Heroes for inspiration on lasting love, lasting connections, let it strengthen you. It does myself. I hope that my strengthening of my vows with Thorley will do something similar.
Hopefully our reaffirmation will help some who are struggling. Do not let despair win. Do not let the darkness in. Look to the Hall of Heroes for inspiration on lasting love, lasting connections, let it strengthen you. It does myself. I hope that my strengthening of my vows with Thorley will do something similar.
Written By Violet
Dec. 22, 2018, 3:25 a.m.(3/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ysbail
There is a shaman whose looks I could not get out of my head. I tried my hand, again, at painting...I really should just stick to masks and archery. Those are my skills. Leading too if all the evidence is to be believed. But painting? No...the colors escaped me and I fear it looks...well...wrong. I am sorry Ysbail, I could not do you justice. I highly recommend Jyri or Mae. They both have done some amazing things. What does one do with art they are not proud of and do not wish to give away either? I don't wish to insult Jayus! I guess I will have to go and inquire because this is...my worst. But I needed something to take my mind off things for awhile. And it was enjoyable. Till I added color. Why did I add color?
Written By Violet
Dec. 18, 2018, 2:34 a.m.(3/11/1010 AR)
I have not slept in two days and some I think now. I've lost count of the hours. I come from a meeting about what has transpired and my heart is heavy. Heavy with frustration. Heavy with anger. Heavy with loss. But it will not weigh me down. It will not stop me. Tonight someone many may never have known of sacrificed themselves for us all. To stop the snow, to prevent the world being devoured, she changed the dream. I will not let your sacrifice be in vain, Copper. I know what to do.
Written By Violet
Dec. 17, 2018, 8:07 p.m.(3/10/1010 AR)
Since the snow started falling across the city I have been at the Shrine of the Sentinel. I write this now as I take a break from kneeling and seeking guidance. Shooting arrows at the sky yields only arrows in the eye, after all. Despite the feeling like my stomach wishes to flee Arx, and thus is violently refusing anything, I am going to sit down at dinner. I may not eat, but I will sit with my family. Everyone can feel the dread by now, so I am not surprised if there will be others unable to eat.
I have a sense and a worry of what is to come. But I do not give my permission. So there.
I have a sense and a worry of what is to come. But I do not give my permission. So there.
Written By Violet
Dec. 15, 2018, 1 a.m.(3/5/1010 AR)
The Clearlake Festival was just what my spirit needed. It was good to see so many warm faces. And I don't think I made too much a full of myself. I was able to wear the dress I asked Petal to make for me. And Melody's tips on presentation I think helped. The food was delicious, the cocoa just right, and the entertainment and company grand.
I took part in the archery competition, of course. It was wonderful. Lieutenant Carmen Harol won and I couldn't be happier. She actually split my arrow in two with one of her shots. A well deserved win if ever I saw one. I'm rather proud of her. We've been working hard on her skills with a bow and boy has her dedication shown.
We had to leave a little earlier because Tala stuffed herself full of sweets and drank three cups of cocoa in quick succession. I warned her about this before. But I told her if she really wanted to eat only sweets, just this once. I don't think she'll do that again.
I took part in the archery competition, of course. It was wonderful. Lieutenant Carmen Harol won and I couldn't be happier. She actually split my arrow in two with one of her shots. A well deserved win if ever I saw one. I'm rather proud of her. We've been working hard on her skills with a bow and boy has her dedication shown.
We had to leave a little earlier because Tala stuffed herself full of sweets and drank three cups of cocoa in quick succession. I warned her about this before. But I told her if she really wanted to eat only sweets, just this once. I don't think she'll do that again.
Written By Violet
Dec. 14, 2018, 12:01 a.m.(3/3/1010 AR)
I have not been keeping up on my journals nearly enough. But I attribute that to being under the weather and consumed with my duties. Consumed. A funny word with so many potential meanings and inflections. Lately I have been dealing with a horrible hunger. I've sought the help of my medics, as well as other counsel. Nightmares have come with it. Unpleasant and leaving me waking in cold sweats as often as not. Sometimes I thrash, sometimes I scream, but I am thankful to have Thorley there to calm them.
I've sought the solace of prayer at the Shrines and meditation at the Stone Grove. I am lucky in that I have the means and ability to seak many answers to my problems. Through the years I have become something I never would have expected. Leading the Blades? A surprise, yes, but one of us would have been chosen when Lord Tobias retired or died. I feel like he made a good choice. The Blades may have been hit hard, like many, from the Lodge attacks. But we will persevere as we ever do.
The new Chapter House in Cascade Springs is amazing. There was a lot of silver and resources put into it. I hear that some of the people who have been there are calling it the Penthouse. I suppose having an attached bathing house is a luxury, but in the cold of the North should be teaching the current crew why it is not so much. Hah! My last inspection it was almost done. Harlex has given wonderful reviews and I look forward to visiting it once the Winter has abated and this taint is gone from me.
Once Winter is past I expect new contracts to be coming in. Thankfully right now is a good time for training. Even if there are complaints about the snow. We have to be ready to fight and deal with all kinds of weather. So of course I'm going to take advantage of it. Besides. This is mild. Wait till they get stationed at the 'Penthouse'.
I've sought the solace of prayer at the Shrines and meditation at the Stone Grove. I am lucky in that I have the means and ability to seak many answers to my problems. Through the years I have become something I never would have expected. Leading the Blades? A surprise, yes, but one of us would have been chosen when Lord Tobias retired or died. I feel like he made a good choice. The Blades may have been hit hard, like many, from the Lodge attacks. But we will persevere as we ever do.
The new Chapter House in Cascade Springs is amazing. There was a lot of silver and resources put into it. I hear that some of the people who have been there are calling it the Penthouse. I suppose having an attached bathing house is a luxury, but in the cold of the North should be teaching the current crew why it is not so much. Hah! My last inspection it was almost done. Harlex has given wonderful reviews and I look forward to visiting it once the Winter has abated and this taint is gone from me.
Once Winter is past I expect new contracts to be coming in. Thankfully right now is a good time for training. Even if there are complaints about the snow. We have to be ready to fight and deal with all kinds of weather. So of course I'm going to take advantage of it. Besides. This is mild. Wait till they get stationed at the 'Penthouse'.
Written By Violet
Nov. 29, 2018, 5:31 a.m.(2/1/1010 AR)
I was made aware in my bleary state recently of some whites in conflict. Worse yet the conflict originates within my own. I realize that the whites are our public thoughts and opinions. But that does not mean their writing will not have consequences. Sometimes they reach beyond our intentions. That may be good, but when it comes to opinions...it can even more easily be bad. So if we don’t have anything nice to say, that isn’t -useful-, we should keep it to ourselves unless our opinion is asked.
Otherwise you tend to not only make yourself look like an ass, but those associated with you too. I’m learning that lesson with care these days. Too bad I wasn’t able to pass it on sooner. As a result I will be posting a notice about bad-mouthing in the HQ. At least it’s only the first one?
Otherwise you tend to not only make yourself look like an ass, but those associated with you too. I’m learning that lesson with care these days. Too bad I wasn’t able to pass it on sooner. As a result I will be posting a notice about bad-mouthing in the HQ. At least it’s only the first one?
Written By Violet
Nov. 29, 2018, 5:20 a.m.(2/1/1010 AR)
I write this as a warning to future parents. Sleep. Sleep as much as you can before they arrive. At least we can get coffee pretty easily...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.