Written By Donella
March 6, 2022, 3:06 a.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
I have been in the Isles, in the midst of Margot's holdings on a mission of 'put them out of my misery' because I . In the Barony of Darant. This island a complete midden fire. Years of alleged mismanagement culminated in financial irregularities, the murder of the baron Yuri Darant, and claimants crawling out of the woodwork with the ticks. Oh, and a looming financial collapse of their port, and let's toss in the ever-present uncivil unrest.
In this corner, contender #1: Lada, the alleged natural daughter of Baron Yuri, as far as I know not acknowledged. As a young woman and an underdog, I should back her, right? Right? Not so much, actually, but I'm coming to that. In this corner, contender #2: Dareth, the son of the late baron Yuri's sister that married to a Dredcall. You may recall that Ivan Helianthus sheltered with the Marquis before his demise? Yes. That Dredcall. My cup runneth over.
The son is a young man very much like Harald Grimhall in demeanor, actually. For all I dislike his rhetoric about the corrosion of our culture with Victus's apparent soft, city-loving ways (HA! HAHAHAHA! Weak, apparently, because he hasn't lined the coasts with stone crosses and flayed corpses! Believe me, it can be arranged!) he appears to be a man of convictions. He is not for the false king in Eurus, and would to kneel to Margot (however unhappily) divested of thralls and forgiven his oaths to his kin to take up the holding, which, by the way, he doesn't give any evidence of wanting. He'll even make a proper marriage. There are so many problems with this. It is so risky, not just because of his discontent and apparent willingness to kill for an economic problem... but I digress. I think he is in earnest though. I don't believe he had anything to do with murdering the baron as our other contender is alleging.
As for the woman? Something about Lada's claim bothers me. I want to sympathize with her, but cannot. True, she hasn't had the education or training in estate management that gently born woman have, but that only extends so much latitude. At best, she doesn't know the first thing about managing an estate and is being manipulated by her brain-trust of oily merchants. At worst, she may have offed her father as part of an elaborate plot to collapse the barony so the Ivanites can take it over. She cropped up just as the man dies, which no one knew about as she was keeping it quiet, throwing weight and attitude around with her shoeless peasants, demanding to be called a lady. We found nothing being done to address the holding's many, MANY expensive issues, or to locate her father's murderer. Her dicing, unliveried guardsman did not even have the gates closed. We literally walked right in on her drinking and laughing with her ... henchmen (merchants, bookkeeper). So is she incompetent, or malicious?
Either way, we are going to have to shake that tree a little harder until something more falls out. Personally? I want to dangle the accountant over a pool of hungry lampreys until he squeals like a suckling pig, as of old. O, it's great to be home! Actually... it is kindof exactly how I remember it.
In this corner, contender #1: Lada, the alleged natural daughter of Baron Yuri, as far as I know not acknowledged. As a young woman and an underdog, I should back her, right? Right? Not so much, actually, but I'm coming to that. In this corner, contender #2: Dareth, the son of the late baron Yuri's sister that married to a Dredcall. You may recall that Ivan Helianthus sheltered with the Marquis before his demise? Yes. That Dredcall. My cup runneth over.
The son is a young man very much like Harald Grimhall in demeanor, actually. For all I dislike his rhetoric about the corrosion of our culture with Victus's apparent soft, city-loving ways (HA! HAHAHAHA! Weak, apparently, because he hasn't lined the coasts with stone crosses and flayed corpses! Believe me, it can be arranged!) he appears to be a man of convictions. He is not for the false king in Eurus, and would to kneel to Margot (however unhappily) divested of thralls and forgiven his oaths to his kin to take up the holding, which, by the way, he doesn't give any evidence of wanting. He'll even make a proper marriage. There are so many problems with this. It is so risky, not just because of his discontent and apparent willingness to kill for an economic problem... but I digress. I think he is in earnest though. I don't believe he had anything to do with murdering the baron as our other contender is alleging.
As for the woman? Something about Lada's claim bothers me. I want to sympathize with her, but cannot. True, she hasn't had the education or training in estate management that gently born woman have, but that only extends so much latitude. At best, she doesn't know the first thing about managing an estate and is being manipulated by her brain-trust of oily merchants. At worst, she may have offed her father as part of an elaborate plot to collapse the barony so the Ivanites can take it over. She cropped up just as the man dies, which no one knew about as she was keeping it quiet, throwing weight and attitude around with her shoeless peasants, demanding to be called a lady. We found nothing being done to address the holding's many, MANY expensive issues, or to locate her father's murderer. Her dicing, unliveried guardsman did not even have the gates closed. We literally walked right in on her drinking and laughing with her ... henchmen (merchants, bookkeeper). So is she incompetent, or malicious?
Either way, we are going to have to shake that tree a little harder until something more falls out. Personally? I want to dangle the accountant over a pool of hungry lampreys until he squeals like a suckling pig, as of old. O, it's great to be home! Actually... it is kindof exactly how I remember it.
Written By Mabelle
March 6, 2022, 2:29 a.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
Twice today I was robbed of the opportunity to be the tough person in charge.
Written By Ryhalt
March 6, 2022, 2 a.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
Traveling in the snow as every bit as detestable as I expected it to be. I will be most pleased when the weather breaks. Ryland is starting to take a shine to the snow, it's past time to show him what a reasonable climate is like.
Written By Savio
March 5, 2022, 9:54 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
People are often surprised I can fight, but in truth, maybe it comes to me more easily than anything else. There are problems in my mind, and I struggle to make any sense of myself even on the good days.
But a fight is real. You know exactly who you are, where you are, or else you're not going to be in said fight for long. I need this, or I will go insane.
Well, more insane.
But a fight is real. You know exactly who you are, where you are, or else you're not going to be in said fight for long. I need this, or I will go insane.
Well, more insane.
Written By Thea
March 5, 2022, 9:31 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
A new trip is in the works, scholar. One right up my ally, one that I'm quite excited about. One that includes muck and---I'm not really sure of details. I'm a bit weary to ask.
Written By Thea
March 5, 2022, 9:26 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
The masquerade was beautiful. I'm not sure I have words for that right now. Give me a moment though, after I sleep off all these feelings.
Written By Lisebet
March 5, 2022, 9:24 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
I hope the Queen smiled at my costume at the Moonlight Masquerade. I don't know if she did, but I hope so.
It was intended to be entertaining.
It was intended to be entertaining.
Written By Thea
March 5, 2022, 9:22 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
Another feast of senses has come and gone. It was as always---a good time. It's one of the few times I'm able to just relax. And enjoy myself. And the food and company is good too.
Written By Thea
March 5, 2022, 9:22 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
Another feast of senses has come and gone. It was as always---a good time. It's one of the few times I'm able to just relax. And enjoy myself. And the food and company is good too.
Written By Rosalind
March 5, 2022, 9:16 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
I went hiking the other day. Just me. The woods. The quiet. Well---sorta me. I had my animal companions with me. Someone has to keep an eye on me you know. It was the perfect day, scholar. It was--serene. Why are you looking at me like that? Because there was snow?! So what. Can still hike in the snow. Sheesh! Anyway, the hike was peaceful. You can't beat the view you know. If you ever want to come with me one day, just let me know! I'll happily take you with me. Just dress really warm!
Written By Rosalind
March 5, 2022, 9:04 p.m.(3/23/1017 AR)
Time to prepare for a wedding! Not mine. That sounds funny....to think of MY wedding. Anyway, no. I'll be traveling. To the best weather ever! More details later! For now, see you later!
Written By Lisebet
March 5, 2022, 3:31 p.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
At last! I have figured out a mask for the masquerade! I am so looking forward to it.
Written By Mailys
March 5, 2022, 2:46 p.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Savio
Thank you, Study Buddy. Every time I wake to snow, I think of warm, orchid-lush gardens. Sand and jungle humidity- that I will never complain about again. Everything that isn't another layer of wool and freezing. I cannot wait to see it.
Written By Viviana
March 5, 2022, 2:17 p.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
Ten years ago, I read a love story in the Archive that moved me to tears -- recently, I read it over again. What's written of it, and public. It's beauty and loss. It reminds me of a sunrise. Sunrises are so transitory. Life is, really. It's so short. I want a story like that. I want beauty and loss. I want sunrises and sunsets. I want more of all of it. I want to hear more stories and fight more monsters and free those bound against their will. It reminds me of my own choices, made for myself -- made for new beginnings -- made for the delicious unknown of the future -- made for freedom.
Written By Viviana
March 5, 2022, 2:05 p.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
Leila's taking dictation, which I appreciate, as I am still a little too fucking drunk and high to hold a quill.
I relived it. Me told me to run. I froze. Because I thought about us. I thought about those few steps I took in Grayhold, at Bastion, before I left to help others evacuate. Those insects. Hate them. I was gone. Then, the voices cut through and the thick of the fight was suddenly -- loud, obtrusive, real, foul -- and I let it go. There's nothing of the coward in that. I realized that. I never thought to thank us for that. I took it personally. I took it to heart. I took it to my core, and I'm not lying if I say that I still think that it could be a coward's move. But -- that was the turning point, wasn't it.
No, it's not a question, Lei. Statement. It was the turning of the point. It's not cowardice. Perhaps it's selfishness.
I'll deal with that.
I relived it. Me told me to run. I froze. Because I thought about us. I thought about those few steps I took in Grayhold, at Bastion, before I left to help others evacuate. Those insects. Hate them. I was gone. Then, the voices cut through and the thick of the fight was suddenly -- loud, obtrusive, real, foul -- and I let it go. There's nothing of the coward in that. I realized that. I never thought to thank us for that. I took it personally. I took it to heart. I took it to my core, and I'm not lying if I say that I still think that it could be a coward's move. But -- that was the turning point, wasn't it.
No, it's not a question, Lei. Statement. It was the turning of the point. It's not cowardice. Perhaps it's selfishness.
I'll deal with that.
Written By Rosalind
March 5, 2022, 12:59 p.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
Our birthday was AMAZING! Thank you everyone that came! Or even those that didn't. It's ok, because lives get busy. Age is just a number right? I'll just take a page from Triton's book and forget it all together. Which...he made me extra happy as I haven't spent a birthday with him in a long time. And Aella is the best sister for putting everything together! I really do have the best family!
Written By Triton
March 5, 2022, 9:36 a.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
Birthday party this week, thanks to Aella. I did not tell anyone, but I totally forgot it was due or even how old I am (We are)! We did enjoy, though, and I am not as old as I feared even if Rosa seems to think we are ageless. Maybe she is right! ELora Whitehawk came as my friend and she seemed to enjoy, too. She has a fine touch with the animals that seems to work on me as well.
Written By Mabelle
March 5, 2022, 8:39 a.m.(3/22/1017 AR)
You know your fondness of cake is an issue when it is the first trait that exposes you in a blindfolded event!
Written By Renata
March 5, 2022, 2:14 a.m.(3/21/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
The Archduchess' feast of the senses was one of the most unique events I've ever had the pleasure of attending. Out of my comfort zone, but there's a certain amount of freedom in being cut off from sight, your own and others. It's liberating in a way I've never experienced before. And the chocolate cake made with wine? I've never had anything so sweet.
I even wore my new hair ornament, which was the most stunning gift from a new and dear friend. I seem to have misplaced it since but I'm sure it will turn up.
I even wore my new hair ornament, which was the most stunning gift from a new and dear friend. I seem to have misplaced it since but I'm sure it will turn up.
Written By Aelgar
March 4, 2022, 10:08 p.m.(3/21/1017 AR)
Some time talking with Archlector Giada this week. Was good to talk without a basketful of business weighing down the conversation. Been quite awhile, actually. Probably boring for the poor woman, but I found it refreshing!
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