Written By Isolde
July 16, 2016, 12:13 a.m.(1/13/1004 AR)
I will need to remember to do something nice for Kima, Calista, and Hadrian. They kept me sane during the Gala. It was a kindness I can't even express, to be honest. I'm sure eventually I'll have time to grieve properly. Perhaps. But as it is, it was a lovely evening, even if I could sleep for days afterward.
Written By Isolde
July 16, 2016, 12:12 a.m.(1/13/1004 AR)
We had Mama's memorial. I tried my best to make sure that it went smoothly, and for the most part it did. Papa announced his intention to have a Tournament for Esera's hand. I'll have to work with him to make sure we can... weed out the undesirables. I want Esera to be happy, not chained to someone stupid, but good with a blade. She needs someone to match her skill and intelligence. It's a tall order. I may just have unreasonable expectations. She's far too good for anyone but perfection.
Written By Isolde
July 8, 2016, 9:06 p.m.(12/20/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
The Voice of Thrax, and an intelligent, lovely woman. She's something of a surprise to me, though, I suppose she should not be. She will be an interesting challenge I think, and I look forward to seeing if we will be friends or rivals.
Written By Isolde
July 8, 2016, 8:56 p.m.(12/20/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Cousin Valencia is sorely missed. She is utterly vivacious, and the North is richer for her there. I still have designs to steal her back, but she actually seems happy amongst the savages. Hopefully we won't find ourselves at too many odds, and can help each other with political endeavors.
Written By Isolde
July 8, 2016, 8:49 p.m.(12/20/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
The Delightful Champion of the Whisper House, Bliss impressed me instantly, with her ability to adapt to changing situations during events. I find her absolutely delightful, and definitely intend to keep her close. We're of like minds, she and I, and I think we'll be famous friends and companions.
Written By Isolde
July 8, 2016, 8:45 p.m.(12/20/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Kieran
A crass, but amusing Northern Prince, Kieran responds well to lowbrow humor. He, however, has the extremely bad manners to be utterly gauche and go for the obvious 'bump and grab." I'm not sure what's more offensive, that he actually put his hand on my rear without permission, or that he was so... lowbrow in his manner of doing so.
Written By Isolde
July 1, 2016, 6:17 p.m.(11/28/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
A flamboyant man of morals relative to the size of his coin purse, he seems to be the lowest of the low, but particularly charming about himself and his sellswords.
Written By Isolde
June 26, 2016, 12:46 p.m.(11/13/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
I'm a little surprised by this man. I expected something of a... contentious relationship, if I'm going to be polite, yet, he humored my tendancy to be the center of the universe, and our conversation was quite enjoyable. He's so terribly, almost painfully Grayson, but he actually seems to care about the truth of things, rather than blind bias. He's actually rather charming, if one can see to the soul of him. He is a hard man, do not mistake my interest for thinking his is kind underneath the hardness, but his charm is not one of sweetness and light. No, it is more... something I understand, I think.
Written By Isolde
June 26, 2016, 7:21 a.m.(11/12/1003 AR)
"So we have Three Great Houses of Five with sudden destablization, and a transition of power that is jarring. I think it a testament to the strength of my sister and Prince Edain that things have not fallen farther into chaos, and all our people remain comparatively stable. We have House Grayson, whose King is not responsive, but also not dead, so the succession is muddy and confusing. We have House Thrax who seem to be primed to be the villians in this tale, but also victims of a key piece. Every single tragedy that has occurred seems to have one common thread - to weaken and destablize us. One could even theorize it is mean to set us at each other's throats, to accuse and begin conflict between us. In a state of chaos and transition, war could easily break out. Grayson would have to fight to keep the Crown, as well as trying to keep the peace while they held it. Enemies would run rampant on all of Arvum. We would all lose, in the end. The chaos would consume us. And no one would be the wiser, if we looked at each tragedy separately. But when looked at the whole... it seems... well, if I might be so blunt. Utterly and thoroughly obvious. I have no proof, no certainty. I have no theory on a definitive enemy orchestrating this. But we are meant to devour ourselves, darling, and do the work of our enemies for them."
Written By Isolde
June 26, 2016, 7:20 a.m.(11/12/1003 AR)
"I am not quite precise on the timing, but the King took Prince Sherrod and my mother with him on a hunting expedition, either just as Donrai was arriving in Arx, presumably to confront the Crown on his daughter's death, or just before. The timing of the King leaving and the arrival of the Prince is enough political chaos to be it's own issue, but then... the entire hunting party was wiped out, and the only survivor unable to communicate. Two more Great Houses suddenly thrown into upheaval, and rapid succession of those unprepared for the mantle of leadership. I know little of the Northern situation and theirs, but my sister carries her burden heavily. Many think that the Lyceum could be expected to transition this way, but those people would not have any knowledge of my family. My sister would first cut out her heart, than plot harm to come to our parents. The Velenosa are strong in our familial ties. Stronger than many families even in the other Great Houses. I can only assume that Prince Sherrod was not hated by his family and successors either, though I will need to have more conversations to make that determination.
Written By Isolde
June 26, 2016, 7:19 a.m.(11/12/1003 AR)
"Then, take the obviously not an accident of the tragedy of the Queen. I realize that, officially, it has been ruled an accident. It is just as obvious to me that it was not. I can think of a thousand reasons for why the queen might have been murdered. Jealousy, revenge, a woman spurrned. Or, when looked at in the light of everything else, the perfect starting place for someone to further degrade the relationship between the Crown, the Grayson House, and Thrax. I was at that wedding. I saw how the King's actions upset Prince Donrai. Many people did, and so, by a tragedy falling the new Queen, it would force -some- sort of response. Now, there's no obvious connection between that and Sanctum, but let us look further into this.
Written By Isolde
June 26, 2016, 7:18 a.m.(11/12/1003 AR)
"I have no doubt, darling, that you would use the knowledge for your own purposes. Be that personal gain, glory, simply wanting the truth and to bring perpetrators to justice... that makes no difference. By assisting you in your investigation brings me closer to seeing my mother's murderers found." Isolde nods and reaches over to pat Gareth's arm a single time, before drawing her hands back to her mug. She thinks for a moment, organizing her thoughts.
"I do not have specific knowledge, or any proof. I just have... the knowledge of the people who are dealing with the fallout. Take Sanctum for a moment. When you meet Prince Edain, you will know him, rather quickly, to be a man who holds power reluctantly. It makes him a good ruler, but this would not be the choice he would make for himself. While another man or woman could conceivably orchestrate something to make the fourth child of a High Lord ascend to that throne, Prince Edain is... not that man. Sanctum, then, was not about him seizing power. It was, then, likely about destablizing the Oathlands, either by another House, or this outside force. They wanted chaos to make them weaker.
"I do not have specific knowledge, or any proof. I just have... the knowledge of the people who are dealing with the fallout. Take Sanctum for a moment. When you meet Prince Edain, you will know him, rather quickly, to be a man who holds power reluctantly. It makes him a good ruler, but this would not be the choice he would make for himself. While another man or woman could conceivably orchestrate something to make the fourth child of a High Lord ascend to that throne, Prince Edain is... not that man. Sanctum, then, was not about him seizing power. It was, then, likely about destablizing the Oathlands, either by another House, or this outside force. They wanted chaos to make them weaker.
Written By Isolde
June 25, 2016, 4:03 p.m.(11/10/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Oh, cousing Valencia, sent away to the North and managing to flourish despite the... north. She actually seems fond of it, so it might actually be worth exploring a bit more, instead of writing off. I'm glad we have reconnected. She will be a good confidant in my dealings with others, and a gateway into connections there.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:19 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
A darling man, and probably the one person I can absolutely trust to be around Esera. I would even trust him to stand against me, if I ever lost my wits. That makes me feel better. She needs someone like him.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:15 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Oh, bless his heart, Prince Edain just has no concept of how to handle Velenosa women. He's noble, handsome, virtuous... stuffy, slightly pompous, and daft. He will be a long term project, so hopefully he can stop making Esera livid with him by breathing. A very, very long term project.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:13 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
The lovely Lady Fidante, she is a good friend, a confidant, and someone who loves the game, without the cruelty. She is exciting and sweet and I have every intention of seeing her flourish and succeed.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianwen
This delightful commoner is trying to be a courtesan, or so she says. She's obviously trying to climb the social ladder and it's adorable. Hopefully she takes my advice and doesn't -actually- fall in love with a nobleman, especially a Prince. It would only end badly for the poor dear, and she has so much -potential-.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:04 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
A wild northman who beat up Victus quite nicely. I intend on getting to know her better, as long as she doesn't get -too- dirty. You can never tell with those northern types.
Written By Isolde
June 24, 2016, 11:01 p.m.(11/8/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Eira
A delightfully blunt and crude commoner, she comes highly recommended as a bodyguard. There may be some growing pains, but she has the potential to be good for me. She has delusions of being a landed noble of some sort, and it's charming, even if practically impossible.
Written By Isolde
June 18, 2016, 11:14 a.m.(10/16/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Papa has come out of his self imposed exile and now wanders the streets of Arx. He is still protective of me, and his rage over Mama's death is potent. While I should not worry, I shall have to be careful it does not consume him before his vengeance is slaked. I know he does not particularly approve of my path, I think he still respects it.
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