Written By Reigna
June 17, 2018, 4:46 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I can do nothing but appreciate that you embody all that is the worship of Skald. I will be bringing you water each day.
Written By Reigna
June 17, 2018, 12:33 p.m.(1/12/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I have purposely waiting to speak about the issue that has been tearing through the Whites these last few days until I could organize my thoughts into something cogent and cohesive. And then the Legate Orazio went and said everything I possibly could have in his eloquent way, with far more effectiveness and authority than I could muster. Still, as my devotion to Vellichor, I will add my thoughts to this topic.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
No where in the statement made by the Dominus did he call for the cessation of belief by shamans across the board. No where did he imply there would be condemnation or persecution for those that hold to their beliefs. What he did call for, was for those whose chosen duty it is, to speak for the Faith, to teach others about it, under the employ of the Faith, that their hearts be devout to the gods alone. I fail to understand why this concept is so very difficult to accept. If you choose to work for the Faith, you must embrace it completely, utterly.
That is what it means to have *Faith*. It is beyond belief. It does not require proof. If you are of the Faith you believe completely in its teachings and its principles.
Now, some have taken the Dominus' words to an extreme that requires clear correction. Specifically I speak to the words of Belladonna Pravus, who wrote:
"What is worrisome is that the Faith is now dictating who can and cannot help those in need based upon that idea of right and wrong. The Scholars, the Mercies, these organizations will suffer with the loss of those who -rightly- refuse to step away from the ideological path that is right -for them- and thus are made to step away. I, for one, cannot understand why it matters so much if the person I look to for help in finding an obscure reference to a fabric blend from 300 years ago believes wholly in Vellichor or if they feel that the spirits of the world are also entities to be acknowledged."
Because a person cannot be a disciple does not mean they are barred from helping their fellows. No one is denied entry to the Archives to read journals or seek knowledge. No one is being denied the ability to take lessons or learn, or offer their knowledge to others, to participate in the spread of information that Vellichor grants us all. They just cannot hold the title of Scholar of Vellichor if they are not fully dedicated to the Faith. That is all that it is. A title. Because, and this is a very firm point, upon which I have stood, and will continue to stand upon: Titles are supposed to *mean* something. They are earned and must be worked for. They cannot simply be given with no thought or sacrifice unless they are to be meaningless. To be a Disciple is to be, as the Legate of Concepts so eloquently put it, a guidepost and light of the Faith. To be of the Faith is to believe, fully and completely. Whole heartedly.
A healer who feels that unique call to mend the bodies of their fellows, to ease suffering and combat the spread of plague and malady is not barred from treating whoever they seek to aid. They just cannot hold the title of Mercy. The Physicians Guild of Arx is a place to come if you want to share your skills and have a system of support that is secular in nature. Come and speak to me, I am always searching for more physicians to see to the health of our people. ALL our people.
Yes, Skald sacrificed to ensure we all have a choice. But he also told us to embrace the consequences of those choices. That is the part that people seem to ignore, and that tends to make me tut and shake my head. You can choose any path before you, but the results of that choice cannot be dismissed because you do not like them. You cannot fly in the face of tradition and then bemoan and wail the censure you receive. Actions will always have consequences and if you try to shrug out of them, it makes your choice meaningless. Choice is sacrifice.
Written By Reigna
June 13, 2018, 4:02 p.m.(12/23/1008 AR)
I think I am coming around to my husband's view on people.
Written By Reigna
June 12, 2018, 12:37 p.m.(12/21/1008 AR)
I recently uncovered something that has set my heart to racing. I am filled with such excitement and joy, and yet a part of me knows I should guard it well. There is that push and pull, excitement and fear. I will simply enjoy this, even as Kael and I prepare to ride for Oakhaven. It is time for those of Oakhaven and Keaton Keep to meet the next generation of Keatons. Talis, despite his early arrival is strong and putting on weight. He's not as chubby as his brother was, though I think he may be taller, and that is why. My sons will be as big as their father someday, that much is plain. I am really hoping that next time we have a daughter. And Kael and I have come across the perfect name.
What was that scholar? Oh! No! Nooooo! No, I am most definitely *not* pregnant again! Despite evidence to the contrary I am a Countess-Consort, not a brood mare!
What was that scholar? Oh! No! Nooooo! No, I am most definitely *not* pregnant again! Despite evidence to the contrary I am a Countess-Consort, not a brood mare!
Written By Reigna
June 8, 2018, 1:10 p.m.(12/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Barik
My assistant Gigi brought your last entry to my attention and she suggested I read it.
It seems to be a common theme, one comes to Arx and their eyes are opened, ready or not, to things that stun, delight or terrorize. Most, like you have, simply reject because that is what we've been trained to do. That is what comes naturally to an orderly mind raised to handle what is before us, visible, tangible, real. It defies the mind and imagination at times, trying to hold the image of something so great and terrible or awe inspiring. It hurts in a way, when that veil is pulled and it feels at first, as if the whole world were a lie. And you begin to wonder what other veils are there, what else is it you cannot see. What dangers lurk in the shadows, what beauty or wondrous thing might be around the next corner? It is so difficult to place ourselves in a world like that. From the tangible to the ephemeral, it is easy to feel like you do not belong. It is easier to deny, to shake your head and reject all of it.
On the topic of faith... it is difficult for me to conceive of a world without that backbone of faith. It is something I was raised into. Being from the Western reaches of the Oathlands, I was surrounded by the Orthodoxy from birth, and that faith came easily to me. At one point I wished to become godsworn. I see their hands in the beauty of the sea, the majesty of an ancient grove of trees, in the words on a page that create worlds within my mind, in the feeling in my chest when I swear an oath and *mean* it. Faith is not all joy, and the faithful do not lead painless lives. We are touched with tragedy and heartache, neglect and loneliness the same as any one else. But when I have been in those places, it has always been my faith that kept me from being alone. I knew that if I kept my word, no matter how difficult or costly to myself it would be... Limerance would smile on me. When I made a hard,but just choice, the Sentinel would be pleased. When I wrote my pains into my black reflections, Vellichor granted me the ease of that pain as I poured it from my heart to the page. I do not think my faith makes me haughty, nor, as I have said, is the life of a faithful untouched by pain or hardship. It is instead that through our faith, there is a belief that if we endure and keep pushing to emulate the gods through their virtues, that it *will* get better, that we will be stronger for the hard times, better able to embody the virtues to which we aspire. But as I said... Faith has been a part of me my whole life. And it is hard for me to understand where you are coming from. Though I would like to try. I have not abandoned my Orthodox upbringing, I believe I am closer to the path of the gods than I ever was. But I cannot in truth call myself a follower of the Orthodoxy as it stands. I have seen too many things and met too many people to adhere to the strictest interpretations of our Faith. Since coming to Arx, I have visited the Shrines of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings. I have felt the pull of her story, embraced her existence and role in our lives. I have come to hear the words and stories of Skald, and have taken the lesson and gift of choice to my heart and have had the deepest honor to meet Prism, one of the greatest moments of my life. I have embraced the idea of Aion, meditated on the meaning and story of how this all fits together. And I have given even more thought to the nature of the Thirteenth, what it means, the lessons that are offered in his worship.
What really struck me about your journal entry, what inspired me to reach out was your talk of balance. This is, I believe, is the crux of how to keep sane in a world determined to be anything but. There is darkness within us all. The Thirteenth encourages us to face this darkness, accept it, embrace it and with that acceptance use the darkness within us to push us to be better. Hiding from one's darkness, denying that it is there gives it power over us. If we turn away, if we do not look into that darkness, we prove we are afraid of it. And by avoiding what we fear... we give it power over us. If we search that darkness and explore each and every cranny of it, if we face it, we will no longer fear it. And it loses its power over us. We are free to choose how to act, we are not controlled by our emotions, or impulses and instincts. We become the master of ourselves. Of course these words are easy to say. Actually accomplishing this? This is the task of a lifetime.
The nightmares are real, yes. But as you said... as there is no light without the dark, so too are there wonders. Unspeakable, glorious things awaiting the opening of your eyes. There are monsters and danger and terror... but there is always, always hope. Faith is a seed within you, it must be nurtured to grow, bathed in the light of hope. I would speak with you further, if you have interest.
It seems to be a common theme, one comes to Arx and their eyes are opened, ready or not, to things that stun, delight or terrorize. Most, like you have, simply reject because that is what we've been trained to do. That is what comes naturally to an orderly mind raised to handle what is before us, visible, tangible, real. It defies the mind and imagination at times, trying to hold the image of something so great and terrible or awe inspiring. It hurts in a way, when that veil is pulled and it feels at first, as if the whole world were a lie. And you begin to wonder what other veils are there, what else is it you cannot see. What dangers lurk in the shadows, what beauty or wondrous thing might be around the next corner? It is so difficult to place ourselves in a world like that. From the tangible to the ephemeral, it is easy to feel like you do not belong. It is easier to deny, to shake your head and reject all of it.
On the topic of faith... it is difficult for me to conceive of a world without that backbone of faith. It is something I was raised into. Being from the Western reaches of the Oathlands, I was surrounded by the Orthodoxy from birth, and that faith came easily to me. At one point I wished to become godsworn. I see their hands in the beauty of the sea, the majesty of an ancient grove of trees, in the words on a page that create worlds within my mind, in the feeling in my chest when I swear an oath and *mean* it. Faith is not all joy, and the faithful do not lead painless lives. We are touched with tragedy and heartache, neglect and loneliness the same as any one else. But when I have been in those places, it has always been my faith that kept me from being alone. I knew that if I kept my word, no matter how difficult or costly to myself it would be... Limerance would smile on me. When I made a hard,but just choice, the Sentinel would be pleased. When I wrote my pains into my black reflections, Vellichor granted me the ease of that pain as I poured it from my heart to the page. I do not think my faith makes me haughty, nor, as I have said, is the life of a faithful untouched by pain or hardship. It is instead that through our faith, there is a belief that if we endure and keep pushing to emulate the gods through their virtues, that it *will* get better, that we will be stronger for the hard times, better able to embody the virtues to which we aspire. But as I said... Faith has been a part of me my whole life. And it is hard for me to understand where you are coming from. Though I would like to try. I have not abandoned my Orthodox upbringing, I believe I am closer to the path of the gods than I ever was. But I cannot in truth call myself a follower of the Orthodoxy as it stands. I have seen too many things and met too many people to adhere to the strictest interpretations of our Faith. Since coming to Arx, I have visited the Shrines of the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings. I have felt the pull of her story, embraced her existence and role in our lives. I have come to hear the words and stories of Skald, and have taken the lesson and gift of choice to my heart and have had the deepest honor to meet Prism, one of the greatest moments of my life. I have embraced the idea of Aion, meditated on the meaning and story of how this all fits together. And I have given even more thought to the nature of the Thirteenth, what it means, the lessons that are offered in his worship.
What really struck me about your journal entry, what inspired me to reach out was your talk of balance. This is, I believe, is the crux of how to keep sane in a world determined to be anything but. There is darkness within us all. The Thirteenth encourages us to face this darkness, accept it, embrace it and with that acceptance use the darkness within us to push us to be better. Hiding from one's darkness, denying that it is there gives it power over us. If we turn away, if we do not look into that darkness, we prove we are afraid of it. And by avoiding what we fear... we give it power over us. If we search that darkness and explore each and every cranny of it, if we face it, we will no longer fear it. And it loses its power over us. We are free to choose how to act, we are not controlled by our emotions, or impulses and instincts. We become the master of ourselves. Of course these words are easy to say. Actually accomplishing this? This is the task of a lifetime.
The nightmares are real, yes. But as you said... as there is no light without the dark, so too are there wonders. Unspeakable, glorious things awaiting the opening of your eyes. There are monsters and danger and terror... but there is always, always hope. Faith is a seed within you, it must be nurtured to grow, bathed in the light of hope. I would speak with you further, if you have interest.
Written By Reigna
June 7, 2018, 7:38 p.m.(12/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
Is the rum for you, or for Ivy? I've had a number of healers tell me rubbing liquor on the gums of a teething child soothes them. Personally I've found that slicing the ginger and rubbing it along the gums works very well and the crying usually stops quickly. Spring onions also work to deaden the pain, but I warn you that the breath of your child after might fell an ox.
If you need any additional tips, do let me know.
If you need any additional tips, do let me know.
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 7:40 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Iseulet
I do not think anyone ever cast any doubts to the hard work you have put into your business, Lady Blackshore. No aspersions were cast towards your gathering of resources, or the depth of your passion for your project.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
I will however, respectfully, put forth the following points:
No where in any of the publicly available information on your establishment, has there been any mention of charitable donations. Not until Lord RedTyde spoke of rejecting a salary here in the whites did it come up -- and I will further add, that I myself said it was entirely possible that it was a charitable organization, I just had not heard such. So, some forgiveness should be offered for those of us unaware of its status as a charity, not unlike the Golden Hart or Heart in Hands. But with your passionate declaration, we can all be assured that you intend not to make profit for yourself.
That being said, it must be pointed out that, by your own word you have been giving funds made from sales to House Blackshore. As you are a member of that House... that is not, precisely, charity. It is a loyal thing to do to your Family, but I, personally, do not view that as charity. I view that as receiving income and using that income to further the rebuilding of New Hope.
As to the nature of business and competition, yes that is a foundational principle of economics. But you can understand, given the nature of the historical relationship between the Peerage and Whisper House, how it might appear for an enterprise run by a Lord and Lady to appear to enter the same arena as a commoner House? Perhaps it is simply a hang up of my own. Whisper Lumen and Archlector Aureth did not seem to find anything wrong with it. Still, it makes something within me unquiet. That, however, very well be my own issue and not yours.
As for the clearance received, that is, most definitely the only bar that needs to be met. If you were authorized to set up your business, then peace be to you, you have nothing else at all to prove.
As to the misconstruing of the 'threat to Whisper House'. That, I believe was taken, not from Whisper Natalia's words, but rather from my own inarticulate reference to the Empyrean being in 'direct competition' with the Whisper House. That was all me, Whisper Natalia had nothing at all to do with that.
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 4:57 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Fredrik
Thank you, Lord RedTyde for your time and explanations, the clarifications are certainly appreciated, as is your acceptance that I meant no offense, but was genuine in my questioning. I could, instead of asking, make assumptions (I do try to avoid those when I can) and operate out of continued ignorance, but truly that sort of thing is not something I am comfortable with -- which is why I tend to include notations about being uncertain of details when I am in fact, uncertain.
I do look forward to Lady Iseulet's additions to the conversation, but I feel that perhaps my queries might have been received by some as attacking, when no such malice exists. Confusion, certainly. I am well enough versed in Economics to understand the concepts of competition, but there were questions of social etiquette I was unclear on. Certainly Master Bastien's wisdom offers forth a need I had not considered, though I am positive the employees that work for the Empyrean will be well worth the coin charged.
I do look forward to Lady Iseulet's additions to the conversation, but I feel that perhaps my queries might have been received by some as attacking, when no such malice exists. Confusion, certainly. I am well enough versed in Economics to understand the concepts of competition, but there were questions of social etiquette I was unclear on. Certainly Master Bastien's wisdom offers forth a need I had not considered, though I am positive the employees that work for the Empyrean will be well worth the coin charged.
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 4:12 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
I did not mean to imply that I thought this enterprise was a threat to Whisper House, not at all, in fact. I was simply questioning the need for such a similarly modeled enterprise when the Whisper House exists for just those purposes. Just as I might question someone seeking to establish another secular guild of Physicians.
There is also the issue that the owners and operators appear, from the available signage and information, to be of the Peerage. Typically when those of the Peerage set up shops it is with the understanding that these are not for-profit ventures. Lady Monique, for example, runs the Gilded Page but all proceeds are donated to charity, something she is very open about. I had not heard of such charity from the Empyrean, but I concede that does not mean they are not doing the same.
There is also the issue that the owners and operators appear, from the available signage and information, to be of the Peerage. Typically when those of the Peerage set up shops it is with the understanding that these are not for-profit ventures. Lady Monique, for example, runs the Gilded Page but all proceeds are donated to charity, something she is very open about. I had not heard of such charity from the Empyrean, but I concede that does not mean they are not doing the same.
Written By Reigna
June 6, 2018, 3:04 p.m.(12/5/1008 AR)
I am a bit confused by the services offered by this Empyrean place. They seem to be offering services traditionally offered by the Whisper House, and thus I am forced to be somewhat curious as to the reasons two nobles would feel the need to establish a secondary source of such services. And in truth the fact that this establishment is owned and operated by two members of the Peerage, in direct competition with the Whisper House seems... odd?
Perhaps there is something I am missing. I hope that I am.
Perhaps there is something I am missing. I hope that I am.
Written By Reigna
June 4, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(12/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I had a chance to speak with Duchess Belladonna Pravus recently, and all in all it was a very eye-opening experience. I saw that there was more to the woman than the legend that precedes her. We also had the beginnings of a very intriguing conversation. It is not one I haven't had before, the topic being the ennoblement of commoners and how that functions in society, specifically as how it relates to nobles marrying commoners and thereby ennobling them.
I am sure anyone that follows my whites knows exactly where I stand on this issue. So the surprising part was not that we disagreed, but rather that we were both able to disagree without the conversation turning into a tense argument. We both expressed that for the first time in a long time we were able to have a difference of opinion and discuss that without the conversation dissolving into a tense, defensive sort of conflict. This is precisely the sort of discourse that I, as a scholar, appreciate and what I think we need more of.
I am sure anyone that follows my whites knows exactly where I stand on this issue. So the surprising part was not that we disagreed, but rather that we were both able to disagree without the conversation turning into a tense argument. We both expressed that for the first time in a long time we were able to have a difference of opinion and discuss that without the conversation dissolving into a tense, defensive sort of conflict. This is precisely the sort of discourse that I, as a scholar, appreciate and what I think we need more of.
Written By Reigna
June 1, 2018, 4:37 p.m.(11/23/1008 AR)
I will have to have a talk with Gigi about letting me send off journal entries to the Archives when inebriated. I had hoped that I only dreamed of writing to my Whites last evening. Apparently it was no dream.
Ah well. I am human and I have not indulged in quite a while. It is good to unwind and have a little fun now and again.
Ah well. I am human and I have not indulged in quite a while. It is good to unwind and have a little fun now and again.
Written By Reigna
June 1, 2018, 4:11 p.m.(11/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Of course we will, and happily so. We have a few pups left over from the last litter that are about ten months old and already have basic training. We should be having a pair of new litters in the next three weeks, though they would not be ready for new homes for about two months.
Written By Reigna
June 1, 2018, 12:29 p.m.(11/23/1008 AR)
*While the penmanship is clearly in Reigna's elegant hand, there is a distinctly languorous scrawl to it, the loops wide and embellished with a tendency to trail off at random.*
Kael makes the most delicious drinks in all of Arx! They are fruity and they taste of the color... mmm... they taste... pink? No. Purple! They taste of purple. It makes me happy. I have not had one in moooonths. Thanks be to the gods for wet nurses, am I not right other women who have recently birthed children? My word! I had two drinks of Kael's magical purple fruit drinks and I am feeling... well I am feeling a lot of things and so things have gotten loud for the first time in quite some time, so that is well and good I suppose, even if it shall make sleeping impossible, but then I closed my eyes and the room was spinning so perhaps sleep is not the best idea quite yet, though is surely sounds nice. In any case, the purple was delicious and I am thinking that Aeryn should get a present to perhaps ease him into brotherhood. He never had issue with Kata, though in truth, she was here before him, my sweet and darling little girl. But he's taken to saying 'NO!' every time I pick up Talis, poor thing. Though amusingly that is not unlike me when I see... you know, I think I need to put the quill down.
Yes.
Kael makes the most delicious drinks in all of Arx! They are fruity and they taste of the color... mmm... they taste... pink? No. Purple! They taste of purple. It makes me happy. I have not had one in moooonths. Thanks be to the gods for wet nurses, am I not right other women who have recently birthed children? My word! I had two drinks of Kael's magical purple fruit drinks and I am feeling... well I am feeling a lot of things and so things have gotten loud for the first time in quite some time, so that is well and good I suppose, even if it shall make sleeping impossible, but then I closed my eyes and the room was spinning so perhaps sleep is not the best idea quite yet, though is surely sounds nice. In any case, the purple was delicious and I am thinking that Aeryn should get a present to perhaps ease him into brotherhood. He never had issue with Kata, though in truth, she was here before him, my sweet and darling little girl. But he's taken to saying 'NO!' every time I pick up Talis, poor thing. Though amusingly that is not unlike me when I see... you know, I think I need to put the quill down.
Yes.
Written By Reigna
May 28, 2018, 1:23 p.m.(11/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
I think that the ideals you put forth are admirable ones. The goal of open debate and exposure to opposing thought is a necessity in a free society. The issue I think, is that, as it stands, the Salon had a reputation of being... somewhat... Mean and indolent. There have been multiple requests or interest shown in seeing the results of the debates archived and the response had been dismissive at best, and rude when pressed. They are often spoken of in association with excessive drinking and loudness. They are not always done much in advance and have had spurious or vindictive topics seemingly to publicly shame someone. I found myself the target of one such event held. So, if these issues were addressed I think we could move into a place where they might become more inviting and thus, more popular.
Written By Reigna
May 27, 2018, 7:03 p.m.(11/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
You wish to put my second son into a pretty dress for your birthday? I am sure we can find something appropriate for the boy. He does favor me far more (I think so anyway) than his father, but the dress might be a bit much.
We shall see what the little Lord wishes for his birthday, mmm?
We shall see what the little Lord wishes for his birthday, mmm?
Written By Reigna
May 25, 2018, 3:39 p.m.(11/4/1008 AR)
My little boy is here. Lord Talis Storm Keaton, such a strong name, picked by Kael. I adore the name and the boy himself is perfect. He's a big boy, about ten or eleven pounds, long, he's going to be tall, like his father and brother. Speaking of Aeryn, he had not yet come to accept the presence of his little brother. Everyone he sees him, he scrunches up his little face and says, "No!". It's enough to make me giggle, but I try not to. I want to respect his feelings while he gets used to the change.
Written By Reigna
May 21, 2018, 2:41 p.m.(10/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I cannot claim credit for this marvel, however:
A bacon wrapped pickle. I was given this at a meeting held by my cousin, Princess Sophie, Mother Mercy. I do not know where she came up with this culinary delight, but I can tell you. It was salted heaven. Anchovies and blueberries on crackers. Fried potatoes and goats cheese with plum preserves.
Normally I have quite the sweet tooth, but when I am pregnant all I want is salt.
Once, I was in my garden working in the flower beds and the smell of the dirt, that rich, loamy scent of fertile soil made my mouth water. I did not eat it. I thought about it. But I certainly considered it.
I once had a pregnant patient tell me she ate a whole block of clay. She had some impaction issues that she needed treatment for. Figs. Lots and lots of figs.
A bacon wrapped pickle. I was given this at a meeting held by my cousin, Princess Sophie, Mother Mercy. I do not know where she came up with this culinary delight, but I can tell you. It was salted heaven. Anchovies and blueberries on crackers. Fried potatoes and goats cheese with plum preserves.
Normally I have quite the sweet tooth, but when I am pregnant all I want is salt.
Once, I was in my garden working in the flower beds and the smell of the dirt, that rich, loamy scent of fertile soil made my mouth water. I did not eat it. I thought about it. But I certainly considered it.
I once had a pregnant patient tell me she ate a whole block of clay. She had some impaction issues that she needed treatment for. Figs. Lots and lots of figs.
Written By Reigna
May 20, 2018, 1:31 a.m.(10/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kael
You deserve to bask in the glow of a job well done.
Written By Reigna
May 19, 2018, 3:22 a.m.(10/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kael
Every day. Every day I count my blessings. Every day I say thank you to Limerance.
I am a noble and the course of my life was not mine to pick. I thought that perhaps I would be able to find that freedom. To lay down my responsibility, surrender my name and embrace a future full of my own choices. To take command of my decisions. To be Reigna Godsworn.
And yet that future, that path was veered from. And in its place a new path was taken. Perhaps not one I would have picked, but one that I did choose. I chose to honor my family. I chose to embrace my duty, my responsibility instead of picking what I *wanted*. I chose to serve.
And in so doing, I made the single best choice of my life. By following my duty, by fulfilling the honor of my House, by denying the selfish impulse to follow my desires over duty, I was wed to Kael Keaton, Count of Oakhaven.
It was difficult. For both of us, at first. We met at the Shrine of Limerance where we signed our contacts. I walked back with him to the Valardin Ward and into a room at the Sleepless Knight, strangers. Unspeaking. The adjustment from being a singular I and turning into a We was not something that happened right away. Communication takes time. But from the first, we found in one another, a mutual appreciation of the importance of duty, a responsibility to work for the success of the people of Oakhaven. An acknowledgement that success built at the foundation might take longer, but yields a more stable and sustainable future. As we spoke, as we recognized the dreams we had in common, as we became united in our goals we became united as a couple. Responsibility and duty became... the greatest love I have ever known.
He is my greatest friend. My most trusted ally. He is the foundation upon which I stand. With him I am secure. I am proud. I am fierce. With him I look forward and into the future.
He is my husband. He is the greatest treasure in my life. These two years as his wife have been the most remarkable of my life.
We are Keaton.
I am a noble and the course of my life was not mine to pick. I thought that perhaps I would be able to find that freedom. To lay down my responsibility, surrender my name and embrace a future full of my own choices. To take command of my decisions. To be Reigna Godsworn.
And yet that future, that path was veered from. And in its place a new path was taken. Perhaps not one I would have picked, but one that I did choose. I chose to honor my family. I chose to embrace my duty, my responsibility instead of picking what I *wanted*. I chose to serve.
And in so doing, I made the single best choice of my life. By following my duty, by fulfilling the honor of my House, by denying the selfish impulse to follow my desires over duty, I was wed to Kael Keaton, Count of Oakhaven.
It was difficult. For both of us, at first. We met at the Shrine of Limerance where we signed our contacts. I walked back with him to the Valardin Ward and into a room at the Sleepless Knight, strangers. Unspeaking. The adjustment from being a singular I and turning into a We was not something that happened right away. Communication takes time. But from the first, we found in one another, a mutual appreciation of the importance of duty, a responsibility to work for the success of the people of Oakhaven. An acknowledgement that success built at the foundation might take longer, but yields a more stable and sustainable future. As we spoke, as we recognized the dreams we had in common, as we became united in our goals we became united as a couple. Responsibility and duty became... the greatest love I have ever known.
He is my greatest friend. My most trusted ally. He is the foundation upon which I stand. With him I am secure. I am proud. I am fierce. With him I look forward and into the future.
He is my husband. He is the greatest treasure in my life. These two years as his wife have been the most remarkable of my life.
We are Keaton.
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