Written By Joscelin
Jan. 24, 2018, 5:26 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
I found the figurines of Ianthe and Zhayla. Along with my dear Kima, they sit on a shelf in my home, like an altar to loved ones gone. It's too crowded, this altar, but I know that wherever they are, passed on and in the care of the Queen, they are whole, hale, and hope one day I'll be with them again.
But not anytime soon.
But not anytime soon.
Written By Driskell
Jan. 24, 2018, 4:56 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
For the records lest I forget, a few verses of the Prelate's Psalm.
Great children flew above the skies,
true lords without peer or equal.
Rebelled did they against their fate,
twin banner created upheaval.
Where sun and moon joined together,
a third lay purposefully hidden.
A covenant broken for power was gained,
terrible truth to them was forbidden.
Sun and moon crashed and warred,
sun in revenge did smite the great children.
Moon eclipsed the sun and peace was won,
skulls danced as they were bidden.
A city of jet formed deep down,
as moon crashed to the west.
A bloody queen whose rage did burn,
a choice freed all the rest.
Sun and moon flew to the north,
where winter does not die.
And slowly stokes the fire of wrath,
as sun plots against former ally.
Metal moved across the lands,
scorching a world in dark.
Against them moved a great beast,
to open gates for its dark patriarch.
Badger, bat and spider did meet,
a treaty in night did they create.
Against the threat that consumed the east,
darkness to light gravitates.
A sacrifice of gold was made,
as midnight conquered the land.
A king who listened like a queen,
darkness could not withstand.
Five crowns upon a head did roll,
slain by a huntsman king.
Five crowns were marshaled by a queen,
and slay did she the fell king.
And so the cycle does repeat,
forever it may seem.
Until the day comes when it is done,
and through destruction comes a new dream.
Non Omnis Moriar, the words are said,
unseen ribbons weave through all things.
Of how opposites are all connected,
and what their choices will bring.
Great children flew above the skies,
true lords without peer or equal.
Rebelled did they against their fate,
twin banner created upheaval.
Where sun and moon joined together,
a third lay purposefully hidden.
A covenant broken for power was gained,
terrible truth to them was forbidden.
Sun and moon crashed and warred,
sun in revenge did smite the great children.
Moon eclipsed the sun and peace was won,
skulls danced as they were bidden.
A city of jet formed deep down,
as moon crashed to the west.
A bloody queen whose rage did burn,
a choice freed all the rest.
Sun and moon flew to the north,
where winter does not die.
And slowly stokes the fire of wrath,
as sun plots against former ally.
Metal moved across the lands,
scorching a world in dark.
Against them moved a great beast,
to open gates for its dark patriarch.
Badger, bat and spider did meet,
a treaty in night did they create.
Against the threat that consumed the east,
darkness to light gravitates.
A sacrifice of gold was made,
as midnight conquered the land.
A king who listened like a queen,
darkness could not withstand.
Five crowns upon a head did roll,
slain by a huntsman king.
Five crowns were marshaled by a queen,
and slay did she the fell king.
And so the cycle does repeat,
forever it may seem.
Until the day comes when it is done,
and through destruction comes a new dream.
Non Omnis Moriar, the words are said,
unseen ribbons weave through all things.
Of how opposites are all connected,
and what their choices will bring.
Written By Aeryn
Jan. 24, 2018, 4 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
Well met at the Menagerie! I hope you had fun at the free for all and I am very sad I couldn't be there to cheer you on! Feel free to visit any time!
Written By Aeryn
Jan. 24, 2018, 3:56 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Gawain
It was lovely to meet you today at the shrine. I'm so sorry I had to leave so suddenly! If you wanted to continue our chat I think I will be there again in the coming days.
On another note, Arx, I think he wears more horses than I do bees!
On another note, Arx, I think he wears more horses than I do bees!
Written By Shard
Jan. 24, 2018, 3:54 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
I understand the need to come to the defense of a friend, but.../least/ spoiled? You're kidding, right?
I saw Reese give away more things in an hour than I've owned in my entire life. Things she no longer had room to keep in a house so large my entire tribe could have lived inside of it, probably with horses included. That day she had a song sung about her, to her, while surrounded by enough food to feed a crowd of people twice as large as the one it took to take all the things she was giving away, things that were brought out to the grounds by servants in large chests, that, when emptied, the servants carried away again at a single order from her.
And I'm sure all of that is a normal thing to you, because that's the way you live too. But some perspective, please.
I saw Reese give away more things in an hour than I've owned in my entire life. Things she no longer had room to keep in a house so large my entire tribe could have lived inside of it, probably with horses included. That day she had a song sung about her, to her, while surrounded by enough food to feed a crowd of people twice as large as the one it took to take all the things she was giving away, things that were brought out to the grounds by servants in large chests, that, when emptied, the servants carried away again at a single order from her.
And I'm sure all of that is a normal thing to you, because that's the way you live too. But some perspective, please.
Written By Aeryn
Jan. 24, 2018, 3:30 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
((Normally elegant writing is a mess of excited scribbles and could evoke the notion that if spoken it would all be in the language known as 'squee')).
The Duke Laurent and Count Keaton conspired against me!
Together they arranged the Best Gift Ever!!!
I cant wait to introduce you all to him! Her?!
It needs a name!
Oh its a beet dyed silkie chicken!!! Absolutely fabulous little fluffball!! Im going to train it to deliver my messages!
The Duke Laurent and Count Keaton conspired against me!
Together they arranged the Best Gift Ever!!!
I cant wait to introduce you all to him! Her?!
It needs a name!
Oh its a beet dyed silkie chicken!!! Absolutely fabulous little fluffball!! Im going to train it to deliver my messages!
Written By Arianna
Jan. 24, 2018, 1:57 a.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
"Princess Reese Grayson is the least spoiled Princess I have ever met. She is kind, and she is an incredible leader. I have complete faith in the Grayson general's ability to lead their forces to triumph in the days to come. Again and again, she has proven herself against the enemies of the Compact. Successfully. These enemies will be no different."
Cousin, your candor is appreciated always. Especially when it strikes so true. I try to be a woman of few words now, so I will only say this. I, Lady Arianna Stonewood, couldn't agree more.
Cousin, your candor is appreciated always. Especially when it strikes so true. I try to be a woman of few words now, so I will only say this. I, Lady Arianna Stonewood, couldn't agree more.
Written By Clover
Jan. 24, 2018, 1:47 a.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
"Cry, my darlings,
cry for the broken hearts,
for star-crossed lovers torn forever apart,
for the emptiness of lost love and
grief born through endless years in solitude.
Weep, for that is the way of the world,
and that is the truth of it, that all that is beautiful comes to an end,
and not all that is good turns to sorrow, but half.
For time has a way of unraveling life and all its works,
and to grieve for it is only right, for if there is no grief,
and if there is no loss, then there can be no hope at all."
This are Her words, not mine. But I hold them dear. Now as I did then. It is alright to cry.
cry for the broken hearts,
for star-crossed lovers torn forever apart,
for the emptiness of lost love and
grief born through endless years in solitude.
Weep, for that is the way of the world,
and that is the truth of it, that all that is beautiful comes to an end,
and not all that is good turns to sorrow, but half.
For time has a way of unraveling life and all its works,
and to grieve for it is only right, for if there is no grief,
and if there is no loss, then there can be no hope at all."
This are Her words, not mine. But I hold them dear. Now as I did then. It is alright to cry.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 24, 2018, 12:56 a.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Princess Reese Grayson is the least spoiled Princess I have ever met. She is kind, and she is an incredible leader. I have complete faith in the Grayson general's ability to lead their forces to triumph in the days to come. Again and again, she has proven herself against the enemies of the Compact. Successfully. These enemies will be no different.
Written By Brogan
Jan. 24, 2018, 12:36 a.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Only a couple bloody months and I feel like a new man again. The brisk air, filled with the scent of Pine and Fir, with enough chill to get the blood pumping. The Sun rising over the land, the promise of a new day with new challenges, and shining off the lakes in a way that you don't see in the choked streets of the City. The creatures sharing, living, killing in the cycle of life that few can appreciate until they are a part of it. By the Spirits, I Love this Land.
The last night I watched the starry sky, the last bit of whiskey starting a fire in my belly to match the one in my camp, and I was paid a visit by the local pack. Golden eyes glared at me from the trees, my own returning a gaze of feral readiness, hoping both for the coming conflict and that they are smart enough to leave a meaner predator alone. The big dark alpha and I stared at each other for a moment, Blood and Pain in our past, but neither willing to roll over with our stomach's bared to the World. There was a low rumble, maybe from him or my own, but the eyes disappeared into the night without any trouble.
"Well, Lads, guess that's my sign to move on. World waits for no Man or Beast, and I've got Taverns to Toss and friends to see."
The last night I watched the starry sky, the last bit of whiskey starting a fire in my belly to match the one in my camp, and I was paid a visit by the local pack. Golden eyes glared at me from the trees, my own returning a gaze of feral readiness, hoping both for the coming conflict and that they are smart enough to leave a meaner predator alone. The big dark alpha and I stared at each other for a moment, Blood and Pain in our past, but neither willing to roll over with our stomach's bared to the World. There was a low rumble, maybe from him or my own, but the eyes disappeared into the night without any trouble.
"Well, Lads, guess that's my sign to move on. World waits for no Man or Beast, and I've got Taverns to Toss and friends to see."
Written By Cambria
Jan. 23, 2018, 11:21 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
Two thousand three hundred and ninety four marks for physical annoyances. These can include, but are not limited to: Looking at him funny, raising my voice too high, not talking loudly enough, or 'doing that thing that you do, you know what it is.'
Three thousand forty seven and a half for mental annoyances. These can include, but are not limited to: Asking what that thing is. (Because I do not know, even to this day). Mental exhaustion after having to 'deal with all of this,' and waking up and having no idea if it is day or night because he has to live in a 'literal cave now, what is wrong with you people.'
I've received marks for things I did exactly the same the day before but did not get a mark at the time. I have also received marks for things a relation has done, such as 'Every time I hear the term grand niblings,' as well as 'for any time I hear Theron talk about his hair.' Oh! I also received a thousand marks in one go after I took the chalk board and broke it, and another five hundred for smashing all of the chalk.
There are also 'talk back' marks, which is to say if I argue or contest a mark, I can receive another mark, though we have shuffled some off to the mark court, where I can contest them properly via the accepted legal forms, which master Luigi has expertly drafted.
At a rough estimate, however, it will be another thirty-seven years, at which point one or both of us will be dead, and I certainly will not have borne any children. However, there is hope! For our anniversary, the Marquis has generously cleared my entire record.
We have survived year one.
Three thousand forty seven and a half for mental annoyances. These can include, but are not limited to: Asking what that thing is. (Because I do not know, even to this day). Mental exhaustion after having to 'deal with all of this,' and waking up and having no idea if it is day or night because he has to live in a 'literal cave now, what is wrong with you people.'
I've received marks for things I did exactly the same the day before but did not get a mark at the time. I have also received marks for things a relation has done, such as 'Every time I hear the term grand niblings,' as well as 'for any time I hear Theron talk about his hair.' Oh! I also received a thousand marks in one go after I took the chalk board and broke it, and another five hundred for smashing all of the chalk.
There are also 'talk back' marks, which is to say if I argue or contest a mark, I can receive another mark, though we have shuffled some off to the mark court, where I can contest them properly via the accepted legal forms, which master Luigi has expertly drafted.
At a rough estimate, however, it will be another thirty-seven years, at which point one or both of us will be dead, and I certainly will not have borne any children. However, there is hope! For our anniversary, the Marquis has generously cleared my entire record.
We have survived year one.
Written By Sina
Jan. 23, 2018, 11:17 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Since my Lady Donella has married into House Redrain, I have been offered a position as handmaiden to Princess Consort Alarissa Thrax nee Grayson since she married Prince Victus, as she requires a servant with knowledge of the customs and practices of the Mourning Isles. I have just returned to Arx after she sent me to Maelstrom to recover a sentimental item, which she sorely missed.
I must admit, I am very impressed with Princess Alarissa's efforts with regards to improving the lot of the thralls of House Thrax. She is certainly ambitious, but change has to start somewhere, and I am honored to be able to stand witness to it.
On my return to Arx, I attended the Commoner's Council meeting, where we were all informed about some of the preparations being made for the impending arrival of the Gyre's fleet. This was quite informative, and I appreciated that the nobility are trying to be at least somewhat transparent in this regard. I believe it will help the commons to feel more reassured that their safety is being considered.
I must admit, I am very impressed with Princess Alarissa's efforts with regards to improving the lot of the thralls of House Thrax. She is certainly ambitious, but change has to start somewhere, and I am honored to be able to stand witness to it.
On my return to Arx, I attended the Commoner's Council meeting, where we were all informed about some of the preparations being made for the impending arrival of the Gyre's fleet. This was quite informative, and I appreciated that the nobility are trying to be at least somewhat transparent in this regard. I believe it will help the commons to feel more reassured that their safety is being considered.
Written By Sina
Jan. 23, 2018, 11:07 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
I have taken up service with the Princess Consort of House Thrax as her handmaiden, that I might continue to serve the House that took me in. The Princess Consort is a good woman, and I feel we will get along very well. I adore her infant daughter Astrid, and I consider it an honor to have been chosen to serve.
Written By Sina
Jan. 23, 2018, 11 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
I cannot help it, but I must do what my heart bids me. House Thrax took me in, and so it is to House Thrax I must remain in service. I must bid farewell to my Lady, and take service with another. I wish her the best in the coming years in her new life with House Redrain, and hope that we can remain friends.
Written By Sina
Jan. 23, 2018, 10:59 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Former Mistress=I cannot help it, but I must do what my heart bids me. House Thrax took me in, and so it is to House Thrax I must remain in service. I must bid farewell to my Lady, and take service with another. I wish her the best in the coming years in her new life with House Redrain, and hope that we can remain friends.
Written By Calaudrin
Jan. 23, 2018, 10:42 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Keep me out of your crazy musical atrocities!
Written By Derovai
Jan. 23, 2018, 10:20 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
And I know one who plays the piano. Would you like me to arrange the musical accompaniment? You know I will do so at your behest, Dame Thena, and as expeditiously as I possibly can. I'm sure your offering, so artfully arranged, would prove most pleasing to Jayus, and to myself as well.
Written By Giulio
Jan. 23, 2018, 10:15 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
The well-spoken lady of the house. Let the Hydra show its many heads under her leadership.
Written By Rey
Jan. 23, 2018, 8:58 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
I didn't know, at first, that I was dreaming. It was one those dreams that's almost like the normal world sharpened to a point. I was brushing my hair, and every detail of that act sprang into perfect focus, like looking at reality through a curved lense. The strokes of the brush, the way that I saw it pass over my hair and felt it tugging of its bristles, the smell of my hair, the sound like a whisper of silk on silk as I pulled the little tangles apart. The banality should have crushing, the sheer essence of something that I do every single day, but maybe that wasn't the point. Maybe the point was absolute clarity, stripped down and pure.
But maybe it wasn't, because I had this feeling, while I was brushing and brushing and brushing, like everything around me, everything that I saw and felt and sensed with such perfect clarity, wasn't real anymore. It was all drained of color, past its prime. I brushed and brushed, listened to the whisper of the brush through my hair, saw my hair gleam silver in the pale, weak winter sun, and I thought that maybe this wasn't the life I should be living. The thought built inside me until it became a need, but even as my heart screamed more and more to shed the world like a snake sheds its skin, I couldn't stop my hands from brushing and brushing. It was with a wrench of will that I looked up from my hair and realized that everything around me -- my bed, the dresser, even the walls and floor were made of cleverly crafted paper. They had always been that way. How had I never noticed? Then I looked down and saw that even my hairbrush was nothing but a papercraft toy.
That's when I heard the singing.
Dozens of voices, maybe hundreds, all singing together, sweet, somehow in perfect harmony. They were just outside my window, and I knew they were singing to me. I wish I could remember the lyrics to the song. The lyrics seemed so important at the time.
'It's not the truth/It's just a dream...'
'Sometimes you need to be lost/Just to be found...'
I ran across the paper floor to my paper window, threw back shutters made of crepe, and looked out. They all stood on the square far below my window, looking up at me. Men. Women. Children. Holding hands and looking up at me as they sang. And all of them, all of them with faces of marble that glowed with a soft golden light. All of that light should have blinded me. All of those voices should have deafened me. But it was all so gentle, like being overwhelmed by velvet.
I wanted to go to them. Oh, I wanted to go to them. I yearned for it with everything in my being. I longed so deeply to put off my pretend paper life and go to what was real and what was beautiful. I reached out to them... And that's when I saw that my hand was made of paper, too.
One by one, the singers began to wink out like dying stars, the glow of their faces going, and the glow of their voices fading away one after another. Finally there was only one woman down there, looking up at me, singing with a delicate voice that I could barely hear. I begged her not to go, but she didn't belong there with me in my dying paper world. She stayed as long as she could, stayed for me, for her love of me, before she winked out, too. I didn't even dare cry, because my cheeks were made of paper.
With my soul sinking down through the floor, I turned away from the window, and found myself in the tall arched room again, its enormous pillars holding back all of the weight of the world, facing the chained man. I stepped towards him as he offered me his cup of sorrows.
But maybe it wasn't, because I had this feeling, while I was brushing and brushing and brushing, like everything around me, everything that I saw and felt and sensed with such perfect clarity, wasn't real anymore. It was all drained of color, past its prime. I brushed and brushed, listened to the whisper of the brush through my hair, saw my hair gleam silver in the pale, weak winter sun, and I thought that maybe this wasn't the life I should be living. The thought built inside me until it became a need, but even as my heart screamed more and more to shed the world like a snake sheds its skin, I couldn't stop my hands from brushing and brushing. It was with a wrench of will that I looked up from my hair and realized that everything around me -- my bed, the dresser, even the walls and floor were made of cleverly crafted paper. They had always been that way. How had I never noticed? Then I looked down and saw that even my hairbrush was nothing but a papercraft toy.
That's when I heard the singing.
Dozens of voices, maybe hundreds, all singing together, sweet, somehow in perfect harmony. They were just outside my window, and I knew they were singing to me. I wish I could remember the lyrics to the song. The lyrics seemed so important at the time.
'It's not the truth/It's just a dream...'
'Sometimes you need to be lost/Just to be found...'
I ran across the paper floor to my paper window, threw back shutters made of crepe, and looked out. They all stood on the square far below my window, looking up at me. Men. Women. Children. Holding hands and looking up at me as they sang. And all of them, all of them with faces of marble that glowed with a soft golden light. All of that light should have blinded me. All of those voices should have deafened me. But it was all so gentle, like being overwhelmed by velvet.
I wanted to go to them. Oh, I wanted to go to them. I yearned for it with everything in my being. I longed so deeply to put off my pretend paper life and go to what was real and what was beautiful. I reached out to them... And that's when I saw that my hand was made of paper, too.
One by one, the singers began to wink out like dying stars, the glow of their faces going, and the glow of their voices fading away one after another. Finally there was only one woman down there, looking up at me, singing with a delicate voice that I could barely hear. I begged her not to go, but she didn't belong there with me in my dying paper world. She stayed as long as she could, stayed for me, for her love of me, before she winked out, too. I didn't even dare cry, because my cheeks were made of paper.
With my soul sinking down through the floor, I turned away from the window, and found myself in the tall arched room again, its enormous pillars holding back all of the weight of the world, facing the chained man. I stepped towards him as he offered me his cup of sorrows.
Written By Aiden
Jan. 23, 2018, 6:02 p.m.(1/10/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Artur
I'm really happy that we met and hit it off. We've too much in common not to!
Though that Northern Whiskey still churns my stomach and Lightfoot is still as capable as ever.
Though that Northern Whiskey still churns my stomach and Lightfoot is still as capable as ever.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.