Written By Duarte
Jan. 19, 2018, 9:47 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
The men who watch the ports. The trading sailors who return. Where do they go? Who do they see? Watch them. What's unusual? Listen to them. Foreign agents.
Written By Mydas
Jan. 19, 2018, 8:54 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
A world without war is a world where each and everyone of us would have everything they could ever want, with no desire to take from their neighbor what they lack, having all. Short of Elysia, we will never see such a world. There will always be greed, always envy of the neighbor, of what one lacks and others have. For a world without war, one would need to be without the dual natures the First Choice gave us all.
A world without war is a world without humanity. Something to contemplate when one next visits the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
A world without war is a world without humanity. Something to contemplate when one next visits the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
Written By Alarissa
Jan. 19, 2018, 8:29 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
I heartily advise remaining where you are. Birthing your child on a ship is... well. I suggest remaining safe and sound on dry land. I clearly speak from experience. Though you can speak with the Dame Eleanor of the Kings Own. She was -born- on a ship. She might have insight from the other perspective.
Written By Ida
Jan. 19, 2018, 8:11 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
I have not been taking commissions, though have had some inspirations that stock Ferron Arms & Armor now and then. I am inspired once again, I think, to make swords in the theme of roses. Moved even, perhaps. What a world that indeed would be. For now, we should enjoy the quiet between the storms and while I can hope for a world where I make steel roses, maybe this will be close enough until such a day might come.
Written By Mae
Jan. 19, 2018, 7:23 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thesarin
Without war, what would the fighters and sword-smiths do?
I believe, were there no war in this world, all those fighters would have to dance, and all the sword-smiths would have to turn their hammers to making roses of steel.
We'd live in a world where matters were settled by foot races and decided by the most clever poem. Where the most beautiful and moving painting would win the day. Where those that dealt death would instead turn their talents to climbing and jumping and swimming.
What a world that would be.
I believe, were there no war in this world, all those fighters would have to dance, and all the sword-smiths would have to turn their hammers to making roses of steel.
We'd live in a world where matters were settled by foot races and decided by the most clever poem. Where the most beautiful and moving painting would win the day. Where those that dealt death would instead turn their talents to climbing and jumping and swimming.
What a world that would be.
Written By Calista
Jan. 19, 2018, 5:44 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
There is still so much to do in Arx. So many meetings, so many things scheduled, I fear I won't make it back in time. Plans change and perhaps it is safer to stay here until our child is born lest I give birth on a ship and well, that's not really for me. I'm not the one with sea legs.
Written By Thesarin
Jan. 19, 2018, 4:52 p.m.(1/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
War is a constant, it's so. Houses of the Compact and peoples outide it make war on each other, and them who make peace with each other, just make bigger and grander war on someone else together.
Might be a better world would have it otherwise, but what would fighters and sword-smiths do with a world like that?
Might be a better world would have it otherwise, but what would fighters and sword-smiths do with a world like that?
Written By Sebastian
Jan. 19, 2018, 1:54 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
A winter's composition of nightmare is in the works. Preparations for conflict in Setarco are being made. Lady Lucita has claimed her prize from my last event and I wait for the Archscholar to choose her own. The spider still scratches at my brain and under my skin. I have more projects begun than finished at the moment. And I've been accused of being a disgusting romantic. No metaphors, no poetry. It doesn't feel the day for it.
Written By Ann
Jan. 19, 2018, 1:26 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Hey, I do what I want.
No, but really - it would look lovely on the book I'm writing. And did you know human hair stands the test of time? It's strange, isn't it. Also a personal touch.
But really I was thinking of going blond. That's what that was about. I've decided against it.
No, but really - it would look lovely on the book I'm writing. And did you know human hair stands the test of time? It's strange, isn't it. Also a personal touch.
But really I was thinking of going blond. That's what that was about. I've decided against it.
Written By Corban
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:53 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
In between my work on speaking to the Blackram and their vassals, I must ...
Pick up prizes for the Glittering Gala.
It may not be the most glamorous assignment, but parties bring the Compact together. And that is what we need right now.
Pick up prizes for the Glittering Gala.
It may not be the most glamorous assignment, but parties bring the Compact together. And that is what we need right now.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:34 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
She's survived our dinners, our ships, and birthing our heir. We've sailed some rough seas with rougher to come, but one thing's clear. She's family.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:27 p.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jacque
A random visit leads to a better friendship.
Written By Caspian
Jan. 19, 2018, 9:48 a.m.(1/1/1008 AR)
I feel like I'm making progress. Which is good. I felt like I was at a standstill for a while, but now I'm moving forward again. People are seeking me out for my aid, and I am happy to give it. I am in the Society of Explorers now, which is great, but we won't be able to have any fun until after the war. Hopefully we are able to repel this attack.
In other news, I learned a few weird things from Archlector Aleksei. Shit's weird.
In other news, I learned a few weird things from Archlector Aleksei. Shit's weird.
Written By Bastien
Jan. 19, 2018, 2:36 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
The Lovers and the Mirror
Once upon a time, there were two lovers of the Lyceum, both dark-haired and warm of complexion. Their love was unkind and unsafe, reckless and obsessive; they felt each other in their very heartbeats, in each waking breath, saw each other in every dream. Their love was an itch under their skin that was only sated by contact. When they were forced apart, they wrote incessantly and felt each other in their very blood.
However, the lovers were unable to marry, and the day finally came that their families called on them to do their duty by marrying elsewhere and give up their affair. But the lovers could not conceive of a life without each other. It would be a life without blood, without breath, without heartbeat, for they lived in all of those things in each other.
And so they sought a way to stay together forever. When they couldn't convince their families, they turned to darker methods. They uncovered a rite to bind themselves to each other, and they ignored the warnings that there would be consequences. They cared only for burning that connection permanently into their souls.
The rite required a mirror of remarkable size to focus it, and they searched far and wide for a crafter who could create such a splendor. Even the crafter warned them that such an object could attract unwanted attention, but they persisted. When it was completed, it was beautiful to behold. And so the lovers spilled their blood upon it, speaking the words of the rite and empowering each syllable with their hearts' desire.
The lovers awoke full of hope, sure that it would be the first day of their new lives together. They both approached the mirror to see their beloved waiting there for them. They reached for each other, only to feel glass between them. The mirror between them.
For both lovers, the world was otherwise unchanged, but for the absence of the other in their world. Their lives continued, but on each side of the mirror, no one else had any memory of the lover who had disappeared. Each was convinced that theirs was the true world, and their lover caught in some reflected version of it. They fought viciously with each other, each arguing the truth of their world, insisting that they must free the other. Both were terrified that the other would take action that would somehow destroy them.
And so they decided to both act, together and as one. They pressed their hands to the mirror, aligned with each other, and then kissed the cold glass.
And then, as one, they both smashed their mirrors to dust.
Once upon a time, there were two lovers of the Lyceum, both dark-haired and warm of complexion. Their love was unkind and unsafe, reckless and obsessive; they felt each other in their very heartbeats, in each waking breath, saw each other in every dream. Their love was an itch under their skin that was only sated by contact. When they were forced apart, they wrote incessantly and felt each other in their very blood.
However, the lovers were unable to marry, and the day finally came that their families called on them to do their duty by marrying elsewhere and give up their affair. But the lovers could not conceive of a life without each other. It would be a life without blood, without breath, without heartbeat, for they lived in all of those things in each other.
And so they sought a way to stay together forever. When they couldn't convince their families, they turned to darker methods. They uncovered a rite to bind themselves to each other, and they ignored the warnings that there would be consequences. They cared only for burning that connection permanently into their souls.
The rite required a mirror of remarkable size to focus it, and they searched far and wide for a crafter who could create such a splendor. Even the crafter warned them that such an object could attract unwanted attention, but they persisted. When it was completed, it was beautiful to behold. And so the lovers spilled their blood upon it, speaking the words of the rite and empowering each syllable with their hearts' desire.
The lovers awoke full of hope, sure that it would be the first day of their new lives together. They both approached the mirror to see their beloved waiting there for them. They reached for each other, only to feel glass between them. The mirror between them.
For both lovers, the world was otherwise unchanged, but for the absence of the other in their world. Their lives continued, but on each side of the mirror, no one else had any memory of the lover who had disappeared. Each was convinced that theirs was the true world, and their lover caught in some reflected version of it. They fought viciously with each other, each arguing the truth of their world, insisting that they must free the other. Both were terrified that the other would take action that would somehow destroy them.
And so they decided to both act, together and as one. They pressed their hands to the mirror, aligned with each other, and then kissed the cold glass.
And then, as one, they both smashed their mirrors to dust.
Written By Harlan
Jan. 19, 2018, 1:07 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
A gala. Technically, it's duty. Much business can be done at these events. That, and there are other duties that ... well, I should have handled before now, but haven't. This is a good a time as any to start that duty.
Luckily, I've a tailor, and have new clothes for this. Reminder to self: Princesses are dangerous. Unmarried ones doubly so.
Luckily, I've a tailor, and have new clothes for this. Reminder to self: Princesses are dangerous. Unmarried ones doubly so.
Written By Mae
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:54 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
First Brand. Then the slaughters in the Mourning Isles. Then the Thirteen Hammers Campaign. Then Brand again. Then the slaughters out in the Gray Forest. Then the attack on Maelstrom. Then the Slaver in the North. Now the Pirate King sails.
It seems war is a constant in this world.
We suffer great losses. We have great victories. But through it all, I have learned not to question the horrors of war. Whatever it is that has happened, it seems it can always get worse.
It seems war is a constant in this world.
We suffer great losses. We have great victories. But through it all, I have learned not to question the horrors of war. Whatever it is that has happened, it seems it can always get worse.
Written By Caith
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:37 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
Cassima took me to an estate event today. It was glorious and oh so much fun! There were so many things to pick through -- I found several books, a crown of flowers, a dagger, and a block of cheese! Sure, it was a little bit moldy but other than that: perfectly good cheese. Plus, it was worth the look on Cassima's face when I showed it to her; anything that shakes her out of her reserve is a worthy prize. I dub it:
'The Cheese That Will Get Cassima to Love Life'
I also found a bit of soap on a rope. What a silly thing! It made me laugh so I snatched it up and sent it to Tomwell. He's been so busy helping Fairen with Leary business that he's had hardly any time to devote to singing, dancing and poetry; I figured he would appreciate a good chuckle. Plus, who couldn't use some soap? It's a gift that is funny AND useful!
'The Cheese That Will Get Cassima to Love Life'
I also found a bit of soap on a rope. What a silly thing! It made me laugh so I snatched it up and sent it to Tomwell. He's been so busy helping Fairen with Leary business that he's had hardly any time to devote to singing, dancing and poetry; I figured he would appreciate a good chuckle. Plus, who couldn't use some soap? It's a gift that is funny AND useful!
Written By Silas
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:22 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
I got myself some Granato wine and a dapper top hat.
Look out, world.
Look out, world.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 19, 2018, 12:06 a.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
Today was hard. For a number of reasons I do not feel comfortable making about me. So instead I want to think about one of the best parts of my day.
The table was laden with food as it so often is, and sitting at that table was my family. Familiar faces, beloved, some new, some old. But mine. My family. My friends. We spoke of things both serious and silly. And as we all sat there, I was struck. Lady Jael holding Aeryn, Lady Margerie teasing Sir Norwood. Kael and Duke Cristoph bantering, Lady Veronica brandishing her fork... Family. It struck me so intensely, this feeling of camaraderie. Of purpose. I love these people.
I give thanks to the gods for moments like these. Moments of clarity and gratitude for the life I have.
The table was laden with food as it so often is, and sitting at that table was my family. Familiar faces, beloved, some new, some old. But mine. My family. My friends. We spoke of things both serious and silly. And as we all sat there, I was struck. Lady Jael holding Aeryn, Lady Margerie teasing Sir Norwood. Kael and Duke Cristoph bantering, Lady Veronica brandishing her fork... Family. It struck me so intensely, this feeling of camaraderie. Of purpose. I love these people.
I give thanks to the gods for moments like these. Moments of clarity and gratitude for the life I have.
Written By Valdemar
Jan. 19, 2018, midnight(12/28/1007 AR)
It is interesting to see alliances once thought unlikely at best made reality by conflicts such as that which the Pretender King brings to our doorstep. What I find myself wondering is whether this collaboration will lead to greater understanding between those involved, or if it will fall apart utterly once the storm has passed? I have managed to meet a handful of people while in Arx who give me some small hope for the former, in spite of our powerful tendency toward the latter.
Fear is the guardian of hate.
Fear is the guardian of hate.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.