Written By Willow
Oct. 12, 2019, 1:21 p.m.(1/2/1012 AR)
Lay before the gardener
Your saddest blooms
The hungry
The weak
The withered
And the suffering
Such flowers as require
Extra love and tender care
The gardener loves
No blossom less than the other
Their great value
Lies in numbers
For sweet smelling beauty
Is fleeting
Your saddest blooms
The hungry
The weak
The withered
And the suffering
Such flowers as require
Extra love and tender care
The gardener loves
No blossom less than the other
Their great value
Lies in numbers
For sweet smelling beauty
Is fleeting
Written By Willow
Oct. 12, 2019, 12:02 p.m.(1/2/1012 AR)
As Spring, So Fall.
Once Summer, Now Winter.
There is only what a man can stand to do.
What luxury, to feel liberated
to condemn those walking with the downtrodden
More strongly than those who deny your gods.
Is weakness worth such contempt,
Or is that strength so feared?
Insulated in the down of sleeping geese
I weep
Once Summer, Now Winter.
There is only what a man can stand to do.
What luxury, to feel liberated
to condemn those walking with the downtrodden
More strongly than those who deny your gods.
Is weakness worth such contempt,
Or is that strength so feared?
Insulated in the down of sleeping geese
I weep
Written By Willow
Oct. 8, 2019, 4:36 a.m.(12/22/1011 AR)
**An entire page of her journals has been dedicated to a hauntingly detailed image of a wolf with black eyes and a raven perched on the overturned stone of a desecrated Shrine with triskelion etchings, the back of a head with long hair obscuring any profile of facial features as hair mingles with grass, the illustration set opposite text on the other page which reads:**
I will never forget what I saw at Twilight Dale, and can only imagine the wolf referred to by Arcadia and Rysen in the whites is the same one she saved me from. I would go a thousand times into danger to help someone in need, but I hope never to see that beast again.
I will never forget what I saw at Twilight Dale, and can only imagine the wolf referred to by Arcadia and Rysen in the whites is the same one she saved me from. I would go a thousand times into danger to help someone in need, but I hope never to see that beast again.
Written By Willow
Oct. 7, 2019, 11:15 a.m.(12/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
Poetry like that is the reason why despite my love of and admitted admiration for the works of Lord Rysen who I consider a dear friend, I must honestly say you are my favorite poet in the Compact. Because powerful art forces you to examine things you /know/ you know, and look at them with new eyes.
As controversial as the subject matter may be considered, it is true that Freedom means both the freedom to do good and ill. And it is worth examining that some people's freedom has a different worth and scope and cost than that of others. That it is a Choice that mankind makes when one oppresses another or forces another to suffer.
You have a level of insight that I don't rightly know you are often enough credited for. And a rare level of bravery to continue questioning, examining all aspects of that which we hold dear. While I don't believe anyone would consider that freedom and ability to Choose any less sacred or holy, it may well lead others to think more about the choices that they do in fact make.
Perhaps you should speak to Archlector Vayne if you have not yet, because I understand the Mirrormasks are a perfect place for that sort of examination. If you come to a point where you are no longer excommunicated, that is.
As controversial as the subject matter may be considered, it is true that Freedom means both the freedom to do good and ill. And it is worth examining that some people's freedom has a different worth and scope and cost than that of others. That it is a Choice that mankind makes when one oppresses another or forces another to suffer.
You have a level of insight that I don't rightly know you are often enough credited for. And a rare level of bravery to continue questioning, examining all aspects of that which we hold dear. While I don't believe anyone would consider that freedom and ability to Choose any less sacred or holy, it may well lead others to think more about the choices that they do in fact make.
Perhaps you should speak to Archlector Vayne if you have not yet, because I understand the Mirrormasks are a perfect place for that sort of examination. If you come to a point where you are no longer excommunicated, that is.
Written By Willow
Oct. 6, 2019, 3:07 p.m.(12/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I would imagine it's because not everyone is as inclined to throw a million silver directly at a charitable cause as a few of us are, and a lot of people can be enticed by the promise of getting something out of what could ostensibly deemed good works, more than might be inclined to just do those good things without the promise of reward. I mean, if I had to hazard a guess.
Written By Willow
Oct. 4, 2019, 1:05 p.m.(12/14/1011 AR)
On date auctions:
I do find it a bit concerning that some people are so quick to conflate people willing to donate their time to charity to free people with someone who has actually lived their lives in shackles.
On thralldom:
Sure, voice your concerns, and they even make sense in some contexts. But to act as though people volunteering for charity are inherently wrong headed for pursuing the same goal as you but with a different methodology is confusing - and assumes you know what they are actually doing. It is entirely possible to be part of diplomatic efforts and helping shore up and expand infrastructure to cope with the freeing of thralls while /also/ spending money to help free them more quickly with a minimal loss to the ones whose way of life has until now relied on their presence.
On petty outrage:
It would be funny that some are so concerned with the WAY thralls are freed that they would prefer their freedom not come as soon as humanly possible if we were not even now being dogged by people who facilitate actual slavery and have the resources to turn an entire continent to glass /a thousand years ago/. Maybe we work on that problem and put our very well founded concerns about human auctions on the ones who still have actual slaves?
I do find it a bit concerning that some people are so quick to conflate people willing to donate their time to charity to free people with someone who has actually lived their lives in shackles.
On thralldom:
Sure, voice your concerns, and they even make sense in some contexts. But to act as though people volunteering for charity are inherently wrong headed for pursuing the same goal as you but with a different methodology is confusing - and assumes you know what they are actually doing. It is entirely possible to be part of diplomatic efforts and helping shore up and expand infrastructure to cope with the freeing of thralls while /also/ spending money to help free them more quickly with a minimal loss to the ones whose way of life has until now relied on their presence.
On petty outrage:
It would be funny that some are so concerned with the WAY thralls are freed that they would prefer their freedom not come as soon as humanly possible if we were not even now being dogged by people who facilitate actual slavery and have the resources to turn an entire continent to glass /a thousand years ago/. Maybe we work on that problem and put our very well founded concerns about human auctions on the ones who still have actual slaves?
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:28 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
The Dream is beautiful madness, little given to unfold her deeper mysteries to those without a touch of madness themselves. The trick, then, is to balance the line one walks between Dream and Waking.
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:27 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Helle
Do you remember,
Wintry withe,
The way the Crystal Lanterns
Once lit the path
To the Sacred Grove
Before the Dragonlords
Stole the life from the land
And the light from the way?
Wintry withe,
The way the Crystal Lanterns
Once lit the path
To the Sacred Grove
Before the Dragonlords
Stole the life from the land
And the light from the way?
Written By Willow
Oct. 3, 2019, 3:25 p.m.(12/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
From Dreamer to Dreamer,
Inside the Dream we weave.
No steelsilk, no pyreweave,
But instead: stories
A song for the displaced
An ode to the downtrodden
A minuet for the forgotten
Effervescent songbird
You give wings to dreams
Inside the Dream we weave.
No steelsilk, no pyreweave,
But instead: stories
A song for the displaced
An ode to the downtrodden
A minuet for the forgotten
Effervescent songbird
You give wings to dreams
Written By Willow
Sept. 29, 2019, 1:12 p.m.(12/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Celeste
Good to hear as regards those who murdered Alrec. I do miss his swagger and watching him fight.
Written By Willow
Sept. 22, 2019, 3:13 p.m.(11/18/1011 AR)
Wish I could have made the Ball Martino and Catalana hosted. I hope the drinks were well received at least. Alas, paperwork. As obligations go up, free time goes down. One does as they may and delegates, but with so many irons in the fire, things spring up last minute more often than I would like and duty must come before pleasure when one is attempting to be responsible.
Written By Willow
Sept. 21, 2019, 1 p.m.(11/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
Got a gorgeous necklace sent to me by Lady Volcica. Definitely going to be wearing it to the ball later, but debating what to pair with it. It is a shame a budding artisr of such talent already has a patron, it would be a lie to say I wasn't disappointed to hear it. Still, beautiful work, and I can't wait to show it off as the feather matches my tattoo in addition to the stone being so lovely.
Written By Willow
Sept. 17, 2019, 8:39 p.m.(11/8/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
I have to see it. In a way it would be perfect as she shot one down that was lunging at me and I am assuming it is the same one gifted. Still, if you think it looked wild with red eyes, imagine them black. I still shudder when thinking of the sight of that thing loping and leaping at me. Never have I been happier for Arcadia's bravery and irrepressible spirit than when she came swinging out of those trees shooting.
Written By Willow
Sept. 17, 2019, 2:35 p.m.(11/8/1011 AR)
I am looking forward to the next Assembly of Peers. The last one was just...a lot. You feel so much energy with that many people gathered together, too. It feels like anything could happen.
Written By Willow
Sept. 14, 2019, 9:05 p.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Geralt
Gods above, I forgot the man had greyish eyes. I remember him from occasional encounters when I was literally a child and he was around the age I am now, then one visit when I was around twelve. I remember him being larger than life, but even that didn't truly do justice to him in person when I saw him again today for the first time in over a decade.
Written By Willow
Sept. 14, 2019, 10:07 a.m.(11/2/1011 AR)
I can't for the life of me think of anything enduringly true that feels meaningful to write. I think in reading through old journals I have more than anything else taught myself how much my thoughts and focus change on most things. Even big things about which my feelings have not changed, have seen my perspective on them change due to new information and the like.
Written By Willow
Sept. 12, 2019, 10:50 a.m.(10/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Brady
Just when it had been too long and I was feeling I had lost myself, too, in the mix. It had been too long since last we saw one another.
Written By Willow
Sept. 8, 2019, 7:52 a.m.(10/17/1011 AR)
Since when are dreams bound to coherent thought or reason? True genius can often be missed for a lifetime because its insight would be too revolutionary for a listener to grasp.
If there is nothing in a dream that comes not from the dreamer's mind, then any dream, no matter how strange or perhaps even untrue, still spins from the same originating source.
Sometimes thoughts are too dangerous to entertain because their embrace would mean ripping down and rebuilding even our foundations like Jayus' temple each year.
My dreams are painted in starlight and scrollwork, haphazard pieces scattered and begging a critical eye with which to assemble them. Chaotic glimpses into eternities yet unsung splashed in disarray, entertaining the chance of true insight for those who look closely enough.
If there is nothing in a dream that comes not from the dreamer's mind, then any dream, no matter how strange or perhaps even untrue, still spins from the same originating source.
Sometimes thoughts are too dangerous to entertain because their embrace would mean ripping down and rebuilding even our foundations like Jayus' temple each year.
My dreams are painted in starlight and scrollwork, haphazard pieces scattered and begging a critical eye with which to assemble them. Chaotic glimpses into eternities yet unsung splashed in disarray, entertaining the chance of true insight for those who look closely enough.
Written By Willow
Sept. 7, 2019, 9:48 a.m.(10/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
All of my friends are married, pregnant, or both, except Reese. Thank you for being such good company and the nights spent laughing together. You really are my best friend, and I feel so lucky to be able yo say that of someone I love and admire so very much. Princess, you have the loveliest heart and the most beautiful manner.
Written By Willow
Aug. 30, 2019, 2:36 p.m.(9/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
I am incredibly interested in the stuff spoken about in our last letters and would love to meet in person to try and hear more and pick your brain. I don't suppose you have any time free this coming week? Now that I've had the chance to shake off the exhaustion my last expedition to our homeland left weighing at my heart, I would love to hear more.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.