Written By Octavia
Dec. 7, 2017, 9:21 p.m.(9/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
*Scholar's Note: At Lady Octavia's request, this black journal entry of 8/21/1007 has been edited and reproduced in her white journal*
Mark this one, Scholar. I intend to make it public in due time. I need to get my thoughts down on paper.
I've felt many emotions in my life, but a betrayal this profound has never been one of them. I could feel which way the wind was shifting, towards Harald removing Ford from rule and installing someone else. I can't say I blame him, given the response to the assembly. The peerage had no confidence in him anymore. I wanted to speak with the Duke several days ago about it, to get ahead of the issue, but unfortunately there was no time. By the time I spoke to him two nights later, he'd already moved.
When we spoke, he openly questioned my loyalty to him. That question made sense, because as his vassal's vassal, my loyalty to Grimhall has always been indirect. He told me he'd selected Titania. I responded that her claim to the seat of Kennex is tenuous at best, that she's young and inexperienced, and that I fear she could be easily influenced. When the Duke agreed, I asked him if he was confusing loyalty with blind obedience, and whether he was looking for a vassal or a puppet.
The answer did not comfort me.
Of course, my reading has since confirmed that there is no precedent for a duke to replace a marquis without open warfare, but the seeds were there, the threat of violence to remove the ruler of Stormward March and replace him with one of the duke's preference. It was not something that could be ignored.
When I returned to the Kay, the Titania I met was not the young woman I thought she was. She was cold, callous, and she knew that Harald was making this move. When I confronted her... I'm unsure if she was just doing as she was told, or if she had planned this, asked for this. I thought I could read her before, but there was something so odd to the way she was behaving. I'm not sure what happened to the sweet, eager diplomat-to-be who originally came to Arx.
When the succession crisis happened after Denholm's death, it was not unexpected. My father's waning health had caused many in the fleet to think that they could seize control, and they were completely wrong. Titania's actions, however, came as a complete surprise. A voice conspiring with a duke to overthrow her liege, using her position of power to attempt to turn the opinion of the house against its ruler... it's not unheard of, but it's not the Titania I saw in public, or thought I knew.
Ultimately, Lady Titania violated the trust that was placed in her as Voice, and thus the title was stripped from her. No matter how lovely and charming and persuasive she may be to other houses, a Voice who conspires to overthrow her liege is not a Voice who can be trusted.
Mark this one, Scholar. I intend to make it public in due time. I need to get my thoughts down on paper.
I've felt many emotions in my life, but a betrayal this profound has never been one of them. I could feel which way the wind was shifting, towards Harald removing Ford from rule and installing someone else. I can't say I blame him, given the response to the assembly. The peerage had no confidence in him anymore. I wanted to speak with the Duke several days ago about it, to get ahead of the issue, but unfortunately there was no time. By the time I spoke to him two nights later, he'd already moved.
When we spoke, he openly questioned my loyalty to him. That question made sense, because as his vassal's vassal, my loyalty to Grimhall has always been indirect. He told me he'd selected Titania. I responded that her claim to the seat of Kennex is tenuous at best, that she's young and inexperienced, and that I fear she could be easily influenced. When the Duke agreed, I asked him if he was confusing loyalty with blind obedience, and whether he was looking for a vassal or a puppet.
The answer did not comfort me.
Of course, my reading has since confirmed that there is no precedent for a duke to replace a marquis without open warfare, but the seeds were there, the threat of violence to remove the ruler of Stormward March and replace him with one of the duke's preference. It was not something that could be ignored.
When I returned to the Kay, the Titania I met was not the young woman I thought she was. She was cold, callous, and she knew that Harald was making this move. When I confronted her... I'm unsure if she was just doing as she was told, or if she had planned this, asked for this. I thought I could read her before, but there was something so odd to the way she was behaving. I'm not sure what happened to the sweet, eager diplomat-to-be who originally came to Arx.
When the succession crisis happened after Denholm's death, it was not unexpected. My father's waning health had caused many in the fleet to think that they could seize control, and they were completely wrong. Titania's actions, however, came as a complete surprise. A voice conspiring with a duke to overthrow her liege, using her position of power to attempt to turn the opinion of the house against its ruler... it's not unheard of, but it's not the Titania I saw in public, or thought I knew.
Ultimately, Lady Titania violated the trust that was placed in her as Voice, and thus the title was stripped from her. No matter how lovely and charming and persuasive she may be to other houses, a Voice who conspires to overthrow her liege is not a Voice who can be trusted.
Written By Sameera
Dec. 7, 2017, 9:04 p.m.(9/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ford
I am still pretty pissed at you. and here I was thinking of forgiving the things you've done.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 7, 2017, 8:33 p.m.(9/23/1007 AR)
Having been shown the kind words of Princess Valencia Velenosa in regard to the elevation of Mercy Cybele to the position of Voice of Mercy, I wish to publicly thank her for her public showing of support.
I realize that more conservative members of the Faith, including my fellow Orthodox Oathlanders, will be shocked and dismayed by such a choice from a Valardin Princess. To them, I ask that you reserve your judgment and have faith in my judgment. It was not a decision made lightly. Mercy Cybele may be syncretic but they also are a true and devoted disciple of Lagoma who has honored Our Lady of Change with consistent, skilled, and compassionate service.
I also gently remind that syncretism is not denounced in our scripture as incompatible with the tenets of the Faith. The Gods remain honored, so let us honor that. However, should any wish to directly address their concerns to me, I make myself available to assuage those concerns.
May the Gods bless and keep us.
I realize that more conservative members of the Faith, including my fellow Orthodox Oathlanders, will be shocked and dismayed by such a choice from a Valardin Princess. To them, I ask that you reserve your judgment and have faith in my judgment. It was not a decision made lightly. Mercy Cybele may be syncretic but they also are a true and devoted disciple of Lagoma who has honored Our Lady of Change with consistent, skilled, and compassionate service.
I also gently remind that syncretism is not denounced in our scripture as incompatible with the tenets of the Faith. The Gods remain honored, so let us honor that. However, should any wish to directly address their concerns to me, I make myself available to assuage those concerns.
May the Gods bless and keep us.
Written By Calaudrin
Dec. 7, 2017, 7:48 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
I'm not sure how stupid (and morally corrupt) you have to be to hassle a woman in this city, but I feel like it must be really, really, really, really, stupid.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 7, 2017, 7:31 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Now there is an idea! I like it.
Written By Eleyna
Dec. 7, 2017, 7:18 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
Syrup of ipecac in a cup of very sweet tea works better than a beating. A man's skin and bones heal far more quickly than his pride. After a cup of this special tea, he won't have any of that left nor will he possess the contents of his stomach for days afterward.
Written By Isolde
Dec. 7, 2017, 7:06 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
You make an excellent point, though a sad one.
I'd offer to pay someone to simply beat the man outside of a duel. With perhaps multiple hired hands to help ensure a victory.
But that'd be terribly illegal and something I as an upstanding, moral citizen of Arx would never do.
I'd offer to pay someone to simply beat the man outside of a duel. With perhaps multiple hired hands to help ensure a victory.
But that'd be terribly illegal and something I as an upstanding, moral citizen of Arx would never do.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 7, 2017, 7 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
Many a person has suggested that, but my question and concern is - what if the insulted party loses the duel? Must we then hand over our bodies for use or admit to some fault on our part because they do not possess tact or manners? In this situation I think I would rather scoop my eyeballs out with a spoon.
Written By Victus
Dec. 7, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Smooches? -Smooches-? By the gods woman, we're a bunch of married codgers with responsibilities. We can't just be fucking about in the open. Are you trying to get your ass thrown? Because I got several witnesses that know damn well, I can throw people far.
Written By Cassandra
Dec. 7, 2017, 6:36 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
When I made my decision to leave behind a ducal coronet and all that went with it and instead say my vows as Godsworn, I forced a separation between myself and my family. I took deeper to heart my oaths than they may have wished, or even than any may have intended for such words to take. I separated myself from the Laurents so that I could uphold the ideals I had sworn myself to and ensure that none ever accused me of favoring them unfairly, or they of benefiting unfairly from my placement. No, I was only a simple godsworn then and not an Archlector, but I knew one day I would be.
Today, after too long, I went to visit my brother. I see him so seldom now and perhaps not said more than a handful of words to him since our father's death. He's grown into a fine man and I have no regrets in leaving the Duchy in his capable hands. He's become more than a lanky youth, more than a soldier. I wish him and his wife well and know that they have things well in hand.
Father would be proud.
Today, after too long, I went to visit my brother. I see him so seldom now and perhaps not said more than a handful of words to him since our father's death. He's grown into a fine man and I have no regrets in leaving the Duchy in his capable hands. He's become more than a lanky youth, more than a soldier. I wish him and his wife well and know that they have things well in hand.
Father would be proud.
Written By Isolde
Dec. 7, 2017, 6:24 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
If stabbing, glares, and carefully worded insults don't quite deter the offender!
I find challenging them to a duel to be perfectly enjoyable public humiliation. So much so, that I'd be happy to lend the silver to anyone wishing to hire a champion for such a cause.
I find challenging them to a duel to be perfectly enjoyable public humiliation. So much so, that I'd be happy to lend the silver to anyone wishing to hire a champion for such a cause.
Written By Eleyna
Dec. 7, 2017, 5:02 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
I've found that a particularly withering stare as well as an insult about their lack of breeding does the trick for me.
Written By Morrighan
Dec. 7, 2017, 4:51 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Can I still visit even without it being about business? Need help drinking that whiskey?
Written By Thena
Dec. 7, 2017, 4:38 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
I will teach anyone dealing with unwanted advances the fine art of stabbing for free. I'm a shit teacher, but not too bad with daggers.
Written By Joslyn
Dec. 7, 2017, 3:56 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
I've found that developing a reputation for stabbing the bearers of unwanted advances has done wonders for staving of their clumsy attempts. That said, I cannot educate all of Arx in such a manner, but if anybody is having any such problems as... oh, I don't know? Asking somebody else's beloved into a private room and demanding they strip before trying to kiss at their neck despite being clearly told there was no interest. Well, just let me know and I'll take them into private and have a few choice words about consent.
That was a very specific example, wasn't it? Curious thing, that.
You know who you are.
That was a very specific example, wasn't it? Curious thing, that.
You know who you are.
Written By Shard
Dec. 7, 2017, 3:51 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
I recommend knives. Match unwanted physical contact with unwanted physical contact.
Written By Larissa
Dec. 7, 2017, 3:31 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Since I guess it needs to be said: If a woman desires to be touched intimately, to be groped or manhandled, petted or pawed, invited to share someones bed, or even to just be kissed I think it ought to go without saying that 1. A reasonable amount of time between initially meeting and developing any amorous intent should be first established. 2. Extensive research and a firm understanding of the womans reciprocating feelings should be made and had. - And really that's it. One might think that these were fairly easy concepts to grasp but then One would be dissapointed after any small amount of time spent in Arx. While I could never claim to be prudish by any sense of the term, ever... by anyone ... I am nearly alarmed by the amount of intimate attention that I have been recieving and were it *just* me, I might frown at myself for being so crass as to publish this in a journal, but after speaking to a few women I realize it is not *just* me, but a spreading contagion affecting the populous as a whole. So I ask simply that a little bit of graciousness, patience and good manners are put into effect whenever someone has the urge to shove their tongue down another persons throat, or grab their breast in the baths. Thank you.
Written By Freja
Dec. 7, 2017, 3:13 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Silly? The High Lord dares to call me silly. I find it silly to brag about being able to toss about a Princess half your weight. Superstitions and our other business aside, I will still drink you under the table you ass. I mean, your ass-ness. Smooches.
Written By Merek
Dec. 7, 2017, 1:39 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
This Princess is a nice person, and seems to like collecting books as well as drinks like me. I am hopeful that we can be friends. Also she had a drink which I didn't have for my collection.
Written By Merek
Dec. 7, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(9/22/1007 AR)
It seems to be Autumn at this point. I like the weather change, and I will likely be wearing a new outfit for the winter perhaps. I think I will also take time to develop new kahve techniques for drinks to make.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.