Written By Zoey
Aug. 27, 2022, 9:57 p.m.(4/11/1018 AR)
It feels like it has been ages since last I wrote in the white journals, mostly because my thoughts did not seem the type that I would want to share with the world at large, but after the Feast of the Senses I felt different. Something about the sensuousness of the event and the lovely partner I was paired with gave me such a lovely reprieve from all of it, that I actually feel inspired to be creative again.
This seems as good a place as any to share what I am working on, as I may never know the name of the man with whom I shared that dinner. Obviously this is just the first stanza. I intend to write three more. Part of me hopes my new friend will see it and send a hello.
Ode to an Aster
O sun-warm aster, meadow star,
a bloom of faith, they say you are.
With you I found my own restored,
and so, by me you are adored.
This seems as good a place as any to share what I am working on, as I may never know the name of the man with whom I shared that dinner. Obviously this is just the first stanza. I intend to write three more. Part of me hopes my new friend will see it and send a hello.
Ode to an Aster
O sun-warm aster, meadow star,
a bloom of faith, they say you are.
With you I found my own restored,
and so, by me you are adored.
Written By Zoey
July 25, 2021, 6:52 p.m.(11/25/1015 AR)
It is the eve of my husband's thirtieth birthday today. There were many times I feared this blessed day would not come, but my heart is gladdened that he survived so many trials to reach this milestone. I may yet have the privilege of growing old with this man.
I am going to open a tab in the house's name at the Ebb and Flow and keep it open for thirty days for anyone who would care to raise a toast to him.
I am going to open a tab in the house's name at the Ebb and Flow and keep it open for thirty days for anyone who would care to raise a toast to him.
Written By Zoey
July 8, 2021, 12:08 a.m.(10/18/1015 AR)
On this day, the seventeenth day of the tenth month of the year 1015 After Reckoning, I leave the following instructions in the event of my sudden return to Death's embrace:
The intricately forged ancient steel recurve bow that I have held in trust for young Lief Kennex will continue to be held in trust by House Kennex until he reaches the age of majority.
Roar, the steel and Blackwood bow depicting a lion rampant, will be returned to House Bisland, to then be awarded to another worthy scion selected by Duke Michael or his successor.
The contents of my personal library are to be donated to the Great Archive of Vellichor. My Black Journals are to remain sealed.
My assets are to be transferred from my personal account to the account of House Kennex, to be put to good use by my successor as Minister of Coin and the Head of the House.
What remains of my personal items, barring anything interred with me or claimed by my husband, Lord Ian Kennex, will be locked in trunks and placed in storage until the day after my youngest sons, Lords Elowyn and Azrael, reach the age of majority. On that day, with all of my children present, they may distribute my belongings as they see fit.
The intricately forged ancient steel recurve bow that I have held in trust for young Lief Kennex will continue to be held in trust by House Kennex until he reaches the age of majority.
Roar, the steel and Blackwood bow depicting a lion rampant, will be returned to House Bisland, to then be awarded to another worthy scion selected by Duke Michael or his successor.
The contents of my personal library are to be donated to the Great Archive of Vellichor. My Black Journals are to remain sealed.
My assets are to be transferred from my personal account to the account of House Kennex, to be put to good use by my successor as Minister of Coin and the Head of the House.
What remains of my personal items, barring anything interred with me or claimed by my husband, Lord Ian Kennex, will be locked in trunks and placed in storage until the day after my youngest sons, Lords Elowyn and Azrael, reach the age of majority. On that day, with all of my children present, they may distribute my belongings as they see fit.
Written By Zoey
March 12, 2021, 9:11 p.m.(2/8/1015 AR)
My new sons came about a month ahead of when I expected them too, but I have been assured that this is not unusual for twins and that they are perfectly healthy. Ian had a name ready for the first, and so we call him Elowyn. Those who travelled with us to a certain valley some time back might remember that name. The other we call Azrael, another name I found in the Bisland historical records that holds special meaning to me.
I expect to resume normal activities again in a few weeks. For now I see to my own healing while I bond with my babies.
I expect to resume normal activities again in a few weeks. For now I see to my own healing while I bond with my babies.
Written By Zoey
March 10, 2021, 7:16 p.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
It has been some time since I last submitted anything to the Whites. Admittedly I have not kept up with them as much as I probably should, but in my current condition there is little else I can do in my waking hours but read. Skimming through them I found questions posed by Lord Orland Amadeo, and I suppose that answering them in as much detail as I care to is as good a way to pass the time as any.
1. What are you afraid of?
The possibility that the world I leave behind for my children will not be a better one than the one I was raised in or that they were born into. There are storm clouds on the horizon, and every day they seem to get darker.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Honor is first and foremost keeping to the spirit of one's word. If you make a promise, swear an oath, or enter into any other such good faith agreement, you keep it. And I do not mean finding a loophole that means you technically kept it while betraying the trust of someone who depends on you. If anything the opposite might be true. The letter of it is less important than the spirit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Paths are not laid out before us. We lay them stone by stone, every day, with every choice we make. I have goals in mind, like distant landmarks that I come closer to with each step, but what turns I will take to get there will not be known to me until I reach them. And as I create this path, I too shall change, perhaps even choosing a new landmark as I round each hill or pass through each wood. One day when I am hopefully old and I look back on my life I will say, "That was my path." For now though it remains a goal, a dream, and a mystery.
4. You can give one piece of advice to one who really needs advice to live by. What do you tell them?
Do not bemoan the wind when you can trim the sails.
1. What are you afraid of?
The possibility that the world I leave behind for my children will not be a better one than the one I was raised in or that they were born into. There are storm clouds on the horizon, and every day they seem to get darker.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Honor is first and foremost keeping to the spirit of one's word. If you make a promise, swear an oath, or enter into any other such good faith agreement, you keep it. And I do not mean finding a loophole that means you technically kept it while betraying the trust of someone who depends on you. If anything the opposite might be true. The letter of it is less important than the spirit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Paths are not laid out before us. We lay them stone by stone, every day, with every choice we make. I have goals in mind, like distant landmarks that I come closer to with each step, but what turns I will take to get there will not be known to me until I reach them. And as I create this path, I too shall change, perhaps even choosing a new landmark as I round each hill or pass through each wood. One day when I am hopefully old and I look back on my life I will say, "That was my path." For now though it remains a goal, a dream, and a mystery.
4. You can give one piece of advice to one who really needs advice to live by. What do you tell them?
Do not bemoan the wind when you can trim the sails.
Written By Zoey
Nov. 20, 2020, 9:01 p.m.(6/5/1014 AR)
My husband says that I am not allowed to complain the next time he is hurt and is too stubborn to stay in bed and rest. Personally I think I did just fine as a patient. I took my medicine without fuss, I stayed in bed until a physician told me I should walk around to keep my legs strong, and I have gotten more sleep since my injury than I did in probably the whole of the month prior.
Though I firmly believe this is no time to lay around. There is work to be done, and much to prepare for.
Though I firmly believe this is no time to lay around. There is work to be done, and much to prepare for.
Written By Zoey
Nov. 12, 2020, 1:02 p.m.(5/16/1014 AR)
I have had a number of people ask what happened last night at Kennex Kay during the riot in Crimson Square and while the Cathedral burned. I write this for them, as well as those in the future who may study accounts of that day. Hopefully as I dictate this my head will stay clear enough to accurately describe how events unfolded.
My home was attacked.
They came with hammers, smashing a hole in the wall, pouring in by the dozens chanting "Death to Kennex!" They came with fire, and they came with steel, threatening to kill every soul they encountered here and burn everything to the ground.
I took up my bow and stationed myself on the landing overlooking our great hall while Lord Ian joined the fray below. Once Lord Wash had seen to it that the children and their nannies were safely barricaded away he joined me on the stairs. The battle raged on, furnishings catching fire as blades clashed and arrows rained down. Count Dominico Magnotta, one of my proteges, followed the invaders in and joined my husband in cutting them down and driving them back.
As you might have guessed we were successful, but the price was high. Among the bodies of the traitors were many of our own soldiers and members of our household staff, many of them ex-thralls freed by House Kennex. They will be mourned, and we will seek justice for them as well.
I also took an arrow to the chest that by some miracle did not pierce my lung or my heart, though I suspect I will be laid up in bed for some time. For a moment I thought the Queen of Endings would receive me then, but Lord Wash and Count Domonico saw to me until Lady Juliana arrived, and another of my proteges, Mitress Raja Culler, comforted me while the arrows were removed and my wounds tended.
What matters most is House Kennex still stands. Our family and our duchy will endure.
My home was attacked.
They came with hammers, smashing a hole in the wall, pouring in by the dozens chanting "Death to Kennex!" They came with fire, and they came with steel, threatening to kill every soul they encountered here and burn everything to the ground.
I took up my bow and stationed myself on the landing overlooking our great hall while Lord Ian joined the fray below. Once Lord Wash had seen to it that the children and their nannies were safely barricaded away he joined me on the stairs. The battle raged on, furnishings catching fire as blades clashed and arrows rained down. Count Dominico Magnotta, one of my proteges, followed the invaders in and joined my husband in cutting them down and driving them back.
As you might have guessed we were successful, but the price was high. Among the bodies of the traitors were many of our own soldiers and members of our household staff, many of them ex-thralls freed by House Kennex. They will be mourned, and we will seek justice for them as well.
I also took an arrow to the chest that by some miracle did not pierce my lung or my heart, though I suspect I will be laid up in bed for some time. For a moment I thought the Queen of Endings would receive me then, but Lord Wash and Count Domonico saw to me until Lady Juliana arrived, and another of my proteges, Mitress Raja Culler, comforted me while the arrows were removed and my wounds tended.
What matters most is House Kennex still stands. Our family and our duchy will endure.
Written By Zoey
Aug. 30, 2020, 8:49 p.m.(12/8/1013 AR)
So much of the family is either out on missions or has returned to Stormward now. It is too quiet in the house now. this makes it easy to get work done, but I kind of want to host a party just to bring some life back to Kennex Kay.
Written By Zoey
July 29, 2020, 1:04 a.m.(9/27/1013 AR)
I expect that the Black Fox might be closed for a while.
Written By Zoey
July 9, 2020, 1 a.m.(8/15/1013 AR)
I must say, I like Miss Nina Autumndale's work. The gowns she made for the auction today were all lovely pieces, and the event itself was enjoyable to attend. I will definitely seek her own for other gowns in the future.
It is also worth noting that Mistress Svana surprising me with a gift of the beautiful gown with which I left me nearly speechless. Such generosity inspires me to be better every day.
It is also worth noting that Mistress Svana surprising me with a gift of the beautiful gown with which I left me nearly speechless. Such generosity inspires me to be better every day.
Written By Zoey
June 24, 2020, 12:09 p.m.(7/14/1013 AR)
Some friendly advice to those who may or may not have read recent journal entries by His Grace Prince Victus and Princess Sorrel:
Do not go chasing after fallen stars. They bring nothing but trouble.
Do not go chasing after fallen stars. They bring nothing but trouble.
Written By Zoey
May 24, 2020, 8:51 p.m.(5/8/1013 AR)
Final plans for my harbor project have been submitted. I only wish I could have gone to witness the groundbreaking myself. Alas! But this is not about me. I look forward to seeing the good that comes of the place.
Written By Zoey
April 8, 2020, 6:45 p.m.(1/28/1013 AR)
Quite by accident I stumbled upon the wedding of Raymesin Ulbran and Tanith Grayhope when visiting the Shrine of the Queen of Endings today. It was a short, simple ceremony, but the love I saw between them was as grand as any ceremony I've been witness to. I wish many years of joy and prosperity to the happy couple.
Written By Zoey
March 28, 2020, 6:47 a.m.(1/5/1013 AR)
Thank the gods and the rescue party, my husband has been returned to me at last!
Written By Zoey
March 22, 2020, 1:27 p.m.(12/21/1012 AR)
Words cannot express my gratitude for the outpouring of support I have experienced since the news began to spread of Lord Ian's capture.
If you wish to help, please direct your offers to Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex.
If you wish to help, please direct your offers to Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex.
Written By Zoey
March 21, 2020, 11:44 p.m.(12/20/1012 AR)
We had to come home without them. Lady Brianna, Lord Rysen, and my husband. I pray that the rescue efforts are not in vain. We cannot lose hope.
Written By Zoey
Feb. 28, 2020, 12:15 p.m.(11/3/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
My dear Lord Rysen, I appreciate that you believe I have such influence over that husband of mine, but let me make this clear:
Had I the ability to convince him to cleanse, burn, or otherwise purge that horrid scarf of his, I would have done so by now. Instead, I choose to accept its existence and focus my energy on more fruitful endeavors.
Besides, he only takes it out when he is on a mission, and it lives in a cedar box when he is at home. For the use he gets out of it, the thing's occasional appearance is tolerable.
Had I the ability to convince him to cleanse, burn, or otherwise purge that horrid scarf of his, I would have done so by now. Instead, I choose to accept its existence and focus my energy on more fruitful endeavors.
Besides, he only takes it out when he is on a mission, and it lives in a cedar box when he is at home. For the use he gets out of it, the thing's occasional appearance is tolerable.
Written By Zoey
Jan. 17, 2020, 12:50 a.m.(7/28/1012 AR)
In the last two weeks the Queen has sent four souls to be born in Arx, and called one home. It's been a busy month for her, I suppose.
Rest well, Mistress Josephine. I hope the Mother enjoys your story.
Rest well, Mistress Josephine. I hope the Mother enjoys your story.
Written By Zoey
Jan. 3, 2020, 12:34 a.m.(6/27/1012 AR)
I feel as though something in the air has changed, but whether it is simply the coming of summer or something more, I do not know.
Thank the gods this babe is coming soon.
Thank the gods this babe is coming soon.
Written By Zoey
Dec. 12, 2019, 4:56 p.m.(5/13/1012 AR)
When the Dragonweep jumped in price by 500%, I lamented that I would likely never own one.
Now, I think that might be for the best.
I will never look at those stones the same way again.
Now, I think that might be for the best.
I will never look at those stones the same way again.
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