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Written By Daemon

Jan. 25, 2018, 7:04 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Something I've dearly missed in my time spent here in Arx has finally come back! Falling from the sky in such lush and white flakes, drifting slowly to the ground and staying there. A hundred, hundred more of them slowly piling up to create hills upon hills of simplistic art. Nature in it's true form.

SNOW!

Yes, snow. Where I grew up in the Oathlands was quite close to the border of the North, up on the mountain ranges. It wasn't often warm but it was always just a little bit chilly. Snow came down and piled up after months and months. It's incredible, honestly. Some people despise it but really, I think they need to look at it from a different perspective. Sure, you shovel it by the pound, if you get stuck in it you might freeze... But if you know how to work around it, it's truly delightful.

Imagine the lands of your home as they are now. Beautiful. If it rains, the sky gets cloudy and things get a bit foggy. Sometimes the dirt rushes away. But really everything just gets kind of damp doesn't it? It's got charm of its own certainly - but while the rain washes away, the snow adds. Piling up slowly and creating something new from all the ground that exists. Bulbs of flowers freeze, the grass hardens, the trees become rife with piles of ivory. Lakes become rock solid, drawing roads where once there were none. Don't even get me started on Ice, that's an entirely different love of mine that I could speak of for hours!

When it melts, it washes the grime away. It's just water after all.

Nothing brings me more joy than stepping through snow as it falls and trudging along through what it leaves behind. Though it won't stay long, it should be enjoyed by the fullest. Living in these climates you only have a few months a year! Go out, roll in it, wings in the ground!

Written By Bastien

Jan. 25, 2018, 7:04 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Tristan

It seems terribly rude to insult innocent horses by comparing them to the nobility.

Written By Tristan

Jan. 25, 2018, 7:01 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Time and time again, I've had to explain this to people:

One does not put a fine war horse into harness, nor send a carriage horse into battle. A horse bred to run is different yet from either of these, as is a horse bred to the hunt.

There are some very fine horses bred to be suitable to a variety of purposes, but in each purpose they will never reach the level a specialist will.

And this carries no shame for any of these animals. There is nothing wrong with having a purpose, knowing your purpose, and sticking to it.

Written By Malesh

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:52 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

The reading of Stonewood journals again appears to be in fashion.

For our avid fans let me make clear:

The Crownlands have, as all fealties have, some debates as how best to guide their peoples.

I would like to assure those who have the time and luxury of following our writings that any negligence we may identify is dutifully reported to our Duke via his Voices, and the Inquisition is advised if the situation warrants it.

These grievances are not always expressed publicly, but there are times when a wound unhealed festers and people let their emotions get the better of them. Sometimes it becomes very easy to follow the examples set by those above us, even when they do not reflect what we strive for.

Written By Brogan

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:40 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Felicia

First day back in Arx, and I'm reminded why it isn't so bad. Found my way to the Golden Hart, and their amazing playground called the Arena. Some decent amount of mead and whiskey found me going for a tussle, and had a bit of fun.

Ended up meeting one of the King's Own that goes by the name Felicia. Not too rowdy, full of spirit though, and damn good at handling her whiskey. Damn retainer pulled me away before we could go a few rounds, but she's on the short list next time I find her.

Before leaving I also met Caspian Wild. Seems like a good lad, might have to let him cut me up a bit after I learn him a bit of dirty fighting.

Written By Eirene

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:29 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Don't you love it when someone opens their mouth (or scribes in their journal) and confirms themselves an idiot instead of your simply suspecting they are one?

Post-Script to the people who read my journal: If you think it's you, it might just be.

Written By Eleyna

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:28 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

Oleander eats scorpions. I do not recommend them as pets.

Written By Reese

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:26 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

No Scorpions in our room, Luca!

Written By Luca

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:24 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Fine, not a canary. ... El, what about a scorpion?

Written By Derovai

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

This is all very interesting, isn't it?

No, wait, it's meaningless chatter -- and I certainly know something about that. Would you believe that my journal entries discussing wine, terrible music, and my lack of skill at throwing darts are vastly more fascinating than the various internecine spats of nobility? I know, I'm surprised too, but there we are.

Written By Orazio

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:22 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

A Prayer on a Fragile Vessel of Paper

From the font eternal,
from the sky and the sea,
you are there, O, Mangata,
our breath, our hope, our feast.

May our love for you
be as deep as the ocean,
as quenching as aged wine,
as strong as the swiftest currents.

May we feed those who hunger,
as you feed us in abundance,
with bright air and clean water.
By doing so, we sustain what sustains us.

O, Mangata, forgive us our needs,
forgive us when we call out to you for more,
but do not recognize all that you have given.
Envy turns our hearts empty with hunger.

Let our voices rise in your praise,
and let this simple vessel,
filled with hope and love in abundance,
find its way to you on the currents of the sea.

Written By Thena

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:20 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

So much for inspiring confidence in the commoners.

Written By Arianna

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:18 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Talen

You're correct. Forgive me for my words Archduchess, my thoughts were poorly organized...

Written By Talen

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:16 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Arianna

You may not find your title of consequence, yet my wife's has meaning. That's Grand Duchess Eleyna Velenosa to you.

I also advise you pick your fights with great care, Lady Arianna. Some words are best swallowed down without retort.

Written By Hadrian

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:14 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Theron

I'll work you out in private.

Written By Samantha

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:14 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Arianna

My ground is firm. I know what it is to be someone carries multiple duties for various positions and I know a struggle it can be. I see how hard Princess Reese works, and I also see how sincere Prince Ainsley is. The responsibility of being General is considerable, and even if someone other than Ainsley is called to duty, it should not be shouldered on someone with already considerable obligations.

However, I think Mistress Shard has a point about what the Princess might want, though screech protest at Princess Seraphine's remark as to harpies.

And then of course, there is the formidable Lady Sabella's very sound advice.

I commend you on your restraint in listing the alleged abuses by the House of the royal family.

Written By Theron

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:10 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Went to the Training Center to practice with someone. Saw nobody there. In this month and spare I've been Arx, I've always seen it packed with people, all chomping at the bit to have their turn in the fighting pit.

Instead, we get people outraged with this or that party in a family squabble.

Just leave those people alone to work it out amongst themselves. In private.

Written By Arianna

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:08 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Eleyna

See the difference is Eleyna, your opinion comes right after you suggested not getting involved. Which is the definition of hypocritical but since we're on the topic. My position as Voice of Stonehearth is what enables me to voice the opinions and feelings of the people in my lands and domains. Which is exactly what I am doing. No more. No less.

You could send a missive, if you were truly concerned. If I were asked to step down by the Gods I'd be pleased to. I've quit several organizations as is and believe me the freedom. Oh I could live with that. Being without a title doesn't intimidate me in the slightest because it's not what makes me exceptional.

Written By Isolde

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:05 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Aiden

Well said.

Written By Arianna

Jan. 25, 2018, 6:03 p.m.(1/14/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Samantha

The Inquisition? Really now. I'm pretty sure they investigate crimes of the magical type. Not the stances and opinions of a noblewoman. Since we're on that note, it's so easy to see the corruption in the institutions of the Crown were they to stoop to "leg-breaking" in order to enforce their will on the populace.

Oh wait....would you like a shovel?

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