Written By Belladonna
Jan. 10, 2018, 1:59 p.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
I am pleased that my husband has returned to Arx; as helpful as it has been to have him in Setarco, having him here will be better.
Written By Leona
Jan. 10, 2018, 12:17 p.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
On shades of gray:
There are many who look at shades of gray. Some bad isn't all bad, is it? There are excellent people who serve dark masters, and by excellent we mean they do good things themselves, more often than not. And just as there are bad people who do good things, there are good people who do bad things, terrible things even.
There is always hope. There must always be hope.
And yet sometimes there are bad people who have done so many bad things that their best hope for doing better by the world is to be in it no longer. To return to the Wheel, and to try again with another round. And oh, perhaps you will point to this particular bad person who did these horrible things and then reformed. And you can say - we should show mercy, so that we do not become the monster we fight.
To those people I say this: How many innocent lives will be sacrificed to give one person another chance? How many innocent lives should be sacrificed to give one person another chance? Sometimes given what we know, and what we face, and our strength in that moment the best chance and hope we give someone is to commit them to the Queen of Endings and let them take their chances in the next life with forgiveness in our hearts and the implacable determination to protect our people from this particular evil's predations.
There are many who look at shades of gray. Some bad isn't all bad, is it? There are excellent people who serve dark masters, and by excellent we mean they do good things themselves, more often than not. And just as there are bad people who do good things, there are good people who do bad things, terrible things even.
There is always hope. There must always be hope.
And yet sometimes there are bad people who have done so many bad things that their best hope for doing better by the world is to be in it no longer. To return to the Wheel, and to try again with another round. And oh, perhaps you will point to this particular bad person who did these horrible things and then reformed. And you can say - we should show mercy, so that we do not become the monster we fight.
To those people I say this: How many innocent lives will be sacrificed to give one person another chance? How many innocent lives should be sacrificed to give one person another chance? Sometimes given what we know, and what we face, and our strength in that moment the best chance and hope we give someone is to commit them to the Queen of Endings and let them take their chances in the next life with forgiveness in our hearts and the implacable determination to protect our people from this particular evil's predations.
Written By Madeleine
Jan. 10, 2018, 12:02 p.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Lady of Wind and Wave - let these words on page be granted to you even as I speak them, my words a prayer, my thoughts benediction, my love an offering.
You whose love is as boundless as the seas and as ceaseless as the tides, as broad as the skies and as gentle as a summer's breeze. You whose wrath is the storm, the tidal wave, the riptide.
Grant us your blessings so we may in return magnify you. Grant us strength against your foes so we may in return strengthen you. Grant us your wisdom so we may in return work your will.
So we ask, so may it be.
You whose love is as boundless as the seas and as ceaseless as the tides, as broad as the skies and as gentle as a summer's breeze. You whose wrath is the storm, the tidal wave, the riptide.
Grant us your blessings so we may in return magnify you. Grant us strength against your foes so we may in return strengthen you. Grant us your wisdom so we may in return work your will.
So we ask, so may it be.
Written By Kael
Jan. 10, 2018, 11:30 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Really, Reigna?
I think you and I might have a date at the gauntlet soon.
I think you and I might have a date at the gauntlet soon.
Written By Calypso
Jan. 10, 2018, 11:15 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
A reflection on decision making:
If the answer to any given decision needing to be made were a simple yes or no, making them would be much easier. As it stands, when faced with a difficult decision, especially a decision that you must make that will impact in ripples around you, one must consider all options. Know that between black and white there is gray. Judge based on your past experience, your current understanding, and listening to the input of others just where your decision sits between the balance of black and white. And when listening and gathering is over, and a call is made, do it knowing you weighed your options and chose the best one.
Nothing about choice is easy. But I would rather have choice than be bound to have my decisions made for me. Difficult as they may be, making them keeps us stepping forward.
If the answer to any given decision needing to be made were a simple yes or no, making them would be much easier. As it stands, when faced with a difficult decision, especially a decision that you must make that will impact in ripples around you, one must consider all options. Know that between black and white there is gray. Judge based on your past experience, your current understanding, and listening to the input of others just where your decision sits between the balance of black and white. And when listening and gathering is over, and a call is made, do it knowing you weighed your options and chose the best one.
Nothing about choice is easy. But I would rather have choice than be bound to have my decisions made for me. Difficult as they may be, making them keeps us stepping forward.
Written By Artur
Jan. 10, 2018, 11:12 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
*A sketch in charcoal showing Artur (or at least someone who looks a lot like Artur) on horseback. He’s silhouetted against the setting sun and the horse is rearing up a little, while Artur himself is holding his sword aloft in the most heroic of poses! The picture is actually very good, a great deal of time and effort appearing to have been put into getting the shading and perspective just right. Overall, it gives the impression of something from a storybook.*
Beneath the picture, in elaborately swirled and lavishly embellished lettering, the piece is titled “Artur rides again!”
I collected my new sword from Felix today. He really did an excellent job with it AND I got a little bit of my silver back too – so bonus! I feel like I need some more princely regalia to really round out the look though. Armor of wyvern scales? cloak of manticore fur? Choices choices…
Beneath the picture, in elaborately swirled and lavishly embellished lettering, the piece is titled “Artur rides again!”
I collected my new sword from Felix today. He really did an excellent job with it AND I got a little bit of my silver back too – so bonus! I feel like I need some more princely regalia to really round out the look though. Armor of wyvern scales? cloak of manticore fur? Choices choices…
Written By Cirroch
Jan. 10, 2018, 11:04 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
A woman who's confidence is boundless. I respect her as a fellow practitioner of axes and wish her all the glory she desires.
Written By Eirene
Jan. 10, 2018, 10:58 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Let me clarify my last journal because SOME dumb fuck will interpret it wrong.
Southport will answer the call to arms and assist. Make no mistake of that.
Southport will answer the call to arms and assist. Make no mistake of that.
Written By Eirene
Jan. 10, 2018, 10:45 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Normally I would welcome the opportunity to show off Southport's navy and marines, but we're a LITTLE busy right now. If the Gyre would kindly wait until we have our affairs in order, that'd be great.
Written By Derovai
Jan. 10, 2018, 8:08 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
As you well know, I'm more concerned with avoiding such a fate, but provided you find a suitable volunteer, I will make every effort to supply appropriate motivation.
Written By Thena
Jan. 10, 2018, 7:41 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
I saw a lizard during the Siege. Stuck a knife in it before it pulled a wall down on me, even.
It would have made A LOT of stew.
It would have made A LOT of stew.
Written By Edain
Jan. 10, 2018, 7:23 a.m.(12/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
This is entirely accurate. Prince Darren did, in fact, say 'philosophical grab-ass.'
Written By Victus
Jan. 10, 2018, 2:59 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
I feel I can make a single piece of advice ring out every which way I could...
Don't panic. Just don't.
Don't panic. Just don't.
Written By Marian
Jan. 10, 2018, 2:27 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Prayer to the Goddess of Air and Water
Bring your winds, your biting air
There is no time for gentle breezes
Crash your waves, drown your enemies
Calm waters are not what's needed
Carry your devote, show them the way
To sail a clear path through dark waters
Mangata, bring the waves, the biting wind, and I will bring my sword to defend your Faithful.
Bring your winds, your biting air
There is no time for gentle breezes
Crash your waves, drown your enemies
Calm waters are not what's needed
Carry your devote, show them the way
To sail a clear path through dark waters
Mangata, bring the waves, the biting wind, and I will bring my sword to defend your Faithful.
Written By Marian
Jan. 10, 2018, 2:27 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Prayer to the Goddess of Air and Water
Bring your winds, your biting air
There is no time for gentle breezes
Crash your waves, drown your enemies
Calm waters are not what's needed
Carry your devote, show them the way
To sail a clear path through dark waters
Mangata, bring the waves, the biting wind, and I will bring my sword to defend your Faithful.
Bring your winds, your biting air
There is no time for gentle breezes
Crash your waves, drown your enemies
Calm waters are not what's needed
Carry your devote, show them the way
To sail a clear path through dark waters
Mangata, bring the waves, the biting wind, and I will bring my sword to defend your Faithful.
Written By Reigna
Jan. 10, 2018, 1:11 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
I need a sparring partner. I keep meaning to train with Kael, but the thought of attacking him, or even trying to distresses me. It is not that I have any belief that I would actually be able to hurt him. It is just... what if I accidentally did? And if he hurt me I think he'd be cross for days. So. With that, I need a sparring partner.
Who wants me to hit them with a stick?
Who wants me to hit them with a stick?
Written By Talen
Jan. 10, 2018, 1:08 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cambria
Oh, so, Eleyna and I have a completely normal marriage? Awesome.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 10, 2018, 1:02 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
I am delighted to share that some of my things have arrived from Oakhaven at last. Most happily, the blanket is here! Now to find out where it should go next.
Written By Mae
Jan. 10, 2018, 12:54 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
You really want to know why everyone's so put off by lizard meat?
You ever seen a lizard around Arx?
You ever seen a lizard around Arx?
Written By Aureth
Jan. 10, 2018, 12:43 a.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Rat stew is terrible, especially on the third night. Binky dropped half a bloody rat carcass on the front hall floor just to remind me it isn't less nauseating when it's fresh.
I assume he had a deal with Magpie.
I assume he had a deal with Magpie.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.