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Written By Lisebet

May 14, 2019, 8:26 a.m.(2/7/1011 AR)

There is that duel over with. It seems that all concerned comported themselves with honour and dignity.

The Champions fought well, honouring Gloria and those they fought for.

It seems perhaps strange to say, but I cannot imagine any less.

Written By Lisebet

May 11, 2019, 11:30 a.m.(2/2/1011 AR)

You sit on the bench, in solitude. There are others there, but still you are alone.

There is no sound but that of your breathing, the scratch of your quill on the paper.

The only being looking at you is yourself, a mirror reflection that seems to grow, to become more than you are or can possibly be. And you wonder. Can I live up to my own expectations? Am I making too much of myself? Should I even bother to try?

It grows heavy, the weight of all the misgivings, worries, fears. So heavy.

Almost too heavy.

But there is light. The rising dawn brings with it hope, and the thought that trying is half the battle. That giving up is no way to live.

I want more for these people - my family, my friends, my children to be. And if that means I must fight for it, so be it.

Written By Lisebet

May 10, 2019, 4:46 p.m.(1/28/1011 AR)

Oh! I also learned not to put a lot of things in writing! Not even in journals.

I knew that, but the reminder doesn't hurt.

Written By Lisebet

May 10, 2019, 10:59 a.m.(1/27/1011 AR)

It is strange to think that a week has passed so quickly.

I spent a week in the Shrine of the Thirteenth, reflecting. It's very difficult to not reflect there, as there are so many mirrors. The benches are in general not very soft, but they are very polished. Archlector Vayne's consulting office is quite lovely and the lemon-ginger tea is delicious.

I learned quite a bit in this week. I learned that I missed my family, both new and old, even when they came to visit several times. I am glad they did, that they turned to me when a small bit of assistance was needed. I hope that I was able to help.

I learned about the Thirteenth and Vellichor, about some of the similarities and thought-provoking ideas from discussion with the Archlector, as well as several others, some Mirrormasks and some not. I gained and shared knowledge, which I believe is always something to be glad of.

About myself? I discovered that I am a very social creature which is perhaps no surprise, not even to me. I missed the random interactions that did not happen as much as I am used to, the casual conversations and flirtations that go on, almost always during a regular day. I missed some of my favourite clothing and places. By the end of the week, I was very glad to have Harlan arrive to walk me back home. The snow was not so deep as I had feared it might be, so at least it was not over my head.

I am not certain yet if I am meant to swear to Vellichor as a Disciple. There is still thought to be had around that - I am certain that I am not meant to be godsworn, at least not while I still have family and youth. Children - most definitely - are in my future. Sooner rather than later.

I know it is possible to become a disciple, and still be married and have children, at least for disciples of Vellichor. I know, because I know some who have done so. One of the main questions I was reflecting on - is this the path for me? This question is still unanswered, but I have gained an appreciation of why that is, and some of my own personal concerns.

I am looking forward to future conversations on this and many other topics.

Written By Lisebet

May 5, 2019, 10:40 a.m.(1/17/1011 AR)

I had occasion to have tea and ginger cake with a friend yesterday. It was lovely to catch up with Mistress Hana and learn about her adventures and activities. I suspect I seem rather boring in comparison.

Written By Lisebet

May 1, 2019, 1:36 p.m.(1/10/1011 AR)

I have been talking with ArchScholar Sina and Duchess Delilah about knotty topics related to Vellichor, history, the future and our own knowledge of ourselves. It's both interesting and intriguing to discover that I am not the only one with these questions.

Written By Lisebet

April 28, 2019, 10:23 a.m.(1/3/1011 AR)

I ran into Baron and Baroness Thorley and Violet at the Shrine of Lagoma the other day. And then we were joined by Duchess Delilah, and Scout Rowenova, though I had to dash just as Rowenova was arriving. Alas, it seems I am always going when she is coming these days, so we have not yet had a chance to catch up properly.

But! Aside from that, I got some good advice about my next steps in the Scholars. I shall enjoy speaking with Blessed Sina, as I have not really had opportunity to do so recently. And I certainly have not said much to Archlector Vayne.

Now if only I could recall the topic of discussion to be. This is why I write notes, in case anyone is wondering.

Written By Lisebet

April 22, 2019, 11 a.m.(12/19/1010 AR)

Congratulations to Duke Malcolm and Duchess-Consort Delilah! May their marriage be long, fruitful, prosperous and happy.

Not necessarily in that order.

Written By Lisebet

April 20, 2019, 9:32 p.m.(12/16/1010 AR)

I spent a little time watching part of the Muddy City Run that the People of Arx held. It was nice to venture out and see the fun that they were all having. I enjoyed a really good pastry and a drink, while I cheered on the competitors.

I do hope they all had as much fun as it seemed they were having. I know I enjoyed my little bit of time spent cheering.

Written By Lisebet

April 18, 2019, 10:17 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)

That was fun. Such good conversation about diplomacy and propaganda - I quite enjoyed it, and despite being billed the teacher, I learned a lot as well.

I look forward to doing that again in future. it's quite exciting to facilitate such discussions and promote learning.

Written By Lisebet

April 18, 2019, 7:53 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)

I can scarce believe it, but I am nervous about this lecture I am presenting.

Also, how is it my birthday again?

Written By Lisebet

April 13, 2019, 10:31 a.m.(12/1/1010 AR)

The Bisland Tea Party was splendid. Lady Kaia throws lovely parties.

Our plans to provide assistance to some of the refugees and freed thralls is moving well. I heard there are schools being built, in various places. I wonder if we should also increase the size of the Ashford school, or build a new one? I shall mention it to the wonderful people helping me on this particular item.

Also, I think this means a trip may be in order in the near future!

Written By Lisebet

April 9, 2019, 2:28 p.m.(11/22/1010 AR)

I went to the Lodge of Petrichor for their Harvest Festival. It was a relaxing and calming time, with an opportunity to get my hands dirty in such a way as would no doubt bewilder my poor mother.

But it was fun. I do hope the carrots I helped plant manage to survive my handling of them.

Written By Lisebet

April 5, 2019, 8:22 a.m.(11/13/1010 AR)

Yesterday I sang Princess Sorrel's Ode to Copper. I was asked if I could sing one of the songs of the Metallics that she wrote, and that one felt right. It was received well, which also pleased me. I fancy that I can sing, if not on the level of some of our very well respected bards and singers of Arx.

Oh, and also, our work on planning out the farms and infrastructure back in Ashford lands continues. I got some very good assistance on things military and how to get new people there as safely as might be. There are very good people here who really know what they are doing. I am thrilled to be working on good things like this.

Written By Lisebet

April 3, 2019, 8:15 a.m.(11/9/1010 AR)

I did not know Archduchess Eleyna very well at all. I did like her, for what little I knew of her. I cannot add to the good things being said about her, but there seem to be a lot of them.

This time, I did know her. I met her. That is more than I can say for many of the great people of Arx who have died in the relatively recent past. I do think that knowing her better would have been an honour. But it was not to be. I won't say I mourn her as those who love her well do, but I do mourn with them.

Rest well, White Lily of Lenosia.

Written By Lisebet

April 1, 2019, 8:59 a.m.(11/5/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Olivia

Olivia, my sister by marriage. You are a very brave Lady. Please don't take unnecessary risks.

The necessary ones? We all have to take those.

Written By Lisebet

March 30, 2019, 8:07 a.m.(11/1/1010 AR)

I have decided to take on my first sort of large activity for House Ashford. I'm trying to coordinate all that is required to offer homes to those who are refugees because of the fighting around The Compact, or those who are given freedom and choose to relocate elsewhere. I don't want to cause difficulties for other areas, only to help those who just need a new home and a worthwhile task to do there, for a reasonable compensation. Ashford has land that can be put to good use as farms.

It seems to me this will need many hands, to build farms, storage facilities, small roads, security, ways to get the crops to sale, and protection from bandits, as well as physicians to assist in day to day life. And yes, physicians also in case there are bandit attacks, which hopefully there won't be. I am quite positive i am missing many things in this journal entry, given I do not know a lot about all these areas.

But I know people who do.

I am going to get them to work together and it will all work out.

A thank you to Prince Niklas for believing in our activity at this early phase. We appreciate the confidence in Ashford, and will not let you down.

Written By Lisebet

March 28, 2019, 8:26 a.m.(10/25/1010 AR)

There was a fire at the Shrine of Lagoma the other day. It was such that the windows melted as did the gold altar. I stopped by to see what happened, feeling rather appalled, and discovered both Archlector Roran and Legate Bianca. As well as Mercy Estelle. These three made me and the other visitors there feel most welcome, and even gently encouraged us to pick up a rag and help remove some soot. It was a novel experience for me, and I suspect I am not the only one, but I ended up feeling peaceful and thoughtful at the end of it all.

Change takes many forms.

Of course I did rather amuse Harlan when I returned home, with soot on my face. And my maids were horrified at the soot on my clothing, whisking it away to clean it until it is spotless. I am not certain they will succeed, but if they do not it will be a fair sacrifice to our Lady Lagoma.

Written By Lisebet

March 27, 2019, 8:40 a.m.(10/23/1010 AR)

I am so happily welcomed into my new family, you would not believe. It continues to amaze me. And so I do think I would like to help build some thing that will help and last. Yes, I know - I can't build. Or craft. And I know nothing about infrastructure or agriculture.

But you see, I know people who can and do.

Written By Lisebet

March 23, 2019, 11:10 a.m.(10/16/1010 AR)

I went to the Queensrest for tea the other day. I had a good time with friends, but was somewhat startled to be recognized. Pleased, but startled.

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