Written By Vanora
Dec. 6, 2017, 2:43 a.m.(9/19/1007 AR)
Ah. White Journals. It's been a minute or two since I've written last.
In flipping through these pages to remind myself of what I've commented on before I came across the entry where I explained the co-rulership that Ford Kennex established for our house and for me. It is almost comical to look on now with everything that has happened. I am sure that whatever audience this journal might reach will likely think of it as my comeuppance. My just desserts. Everything that has happened. The discovery of what 'co-ruler' meant in practice rather than as symbolic gesture. The nature of duty in all its complexities. The act of showing up, again and again and again, to bear the displeasure that so many needed to express, to provide that outlet for expression, to learn that 'co-rulership' did not mean leadership, but rather bearing the consequences of leadership around me. I did so, and do so, again and again. Because someone must. Because I was the only one willing. Because it was necessary, and that is the nature of service. Not power nor prestige, but suffering. I have ever and always been familiar with suffering, we shared a cradle once. We share existence always.
I have in recent days experienced the benefit of new displeasure. This at least coincided somewhat with my own words and my own decisions, rather than another's, which is a sort of empowerment that I hold new appreciation for. I have been described in many ways. As an outsider, which is an old song and one that troubles me very little. I have never been anything but an outsider, I do not know how to be a part of something the way that most not only know but expect as birthright. As such, I do not miss belonging, not anymore than a fish misses flying. I have also been named vain, prideful, selfish, and ambitious. All true in certain contexts, just not the one most commonly referred to. The world is changing so drastically, so thoroughly, how can any position of nobility or politics be called ambition? It means hardly anything at all. No title can imbue real power, no matter how lofty or high. We are all equally vulnerable in the world to come. Kings. Princes. High Ladies. Marquessas, Barons, Thieves, Maids. Barbarians. Thralls.
I will never have real power. I will never truly belong. What I hope and pray for, what I can truly be accused of seeking out forcefully, my genuine ambition, is to be positioned to serve. To be able to offer the only real gifts I have or ever will have to the people whom I care for, and the people I can barely tolerate.
It is all that there is. For any of us.
In flipping through these pages to remind myself of what I've commented on before I came across the entry where I explained the co-rulership that Ford Kennex established for our house and for me. It is almost comical to look on now with everything that has happened. I am sure that whatever audience this journal might reach will likely think of it as my comeuppance. My just desserts. Everything that has happened. The discovery of what 'co-ruler' meant in practice rather than as symbolic gesture. The nature of duty in all its complexities. The act of showing up, again and again and again, to bear the displeasure that so many needed to express, to provide that outlet for expression, to learn that 'co-rulership' did not mean leadership, but rather bearing the consequences of leadership around me. I did so, and do so, again and again. Because someone must. Because I was the only one willing. Because it was necessary, and that is the nature of service. Not power nor prestige, but suffering. I have ever and always been familiar with suffering, we shared a cradle once. We share existence always.
I have in recent days experienced the benefit of new displeasure. This at least coincided somewhat with my own words and my own decisions, rather than another's, which is a sort of empowerment that I hold new appreciation for. I have been described in many ways. As an outsider, which is an old song and one that troubles me very little. I have never been anything but an outsider, I do not know how to be a part of something the way that most not only know but expect as birthright. As such, I do not miss belonging, not anymore than a fish misses flying. I have also been named vain, prideful, selfish, and ambitious. All true in certain contexts, just not the one most commonly referred to. The world is changing so drastically, so thoroughly, how can any position of nobility or politics be called ambition? It means hardly anything at all. No title can imbue real power, no matter how lofty or high. We are all equally vulnerable in the world to come. Kings. Princes. High Ladies. Marquessas, Barons, Thieves, Maids. Barbarians. Thralls.
I will never have real power. I will never truly belong. What I hope and pray for, what I can truly be accused of seeking out forcefully, my genuine ambition, is to be positioned to serve. To be able to offer the only real gifts I have or ever will have to the people whom I care for, and the people I can barely tolerate.
It is all that there is. For any of us.
Written By Thena
Dec. 5, 2017, 10:08 p.m.(9/19/1007 AR)
When I make decisions regarding the Knights of Solace, I try to do what I think Grandmaster Armel would want. With him off on whatever business he's off on, it's rare that I even hear from him, let alone get a chance to actually consult with him. So far it hasn't been difficult, but for the first time I'm facing a decision where I a) really have no idea what the Grandmaster would do and b) am not sure that what I would do is what he would want me to do.
At least if I cock it up he won't hear about it for awhile, I guess.
At least if I cock it up he won't hear about it for awhile, I guess.
Written By Khanne
Dec. 5, 2017, 6:19 p.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
The power of thoroughly honest words shared in a private conversation is remarkable, and quite healing. Would that everyone could be as open and honest with others... or even themselves (perhaps especially themselves). I believe far less misery would exist in the world were that to happen.
Written By Edward
Dec. 5, 2017, 12:51 p.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
It was a pleasure to see you again Princess. Welcome back to Arx.
Written By Victus
Dec. 5, 2017, 11:06 a.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Good and comprehensive. My thanks for putting together something with so much actual information, maybe this will answer some questions others look to Thrax with answers when they'd be better off just talking to the Prince and camaraderie themselves.
Sorry Venteri by the way, but o didn't sign up to do any gatekeeping.
Sorry Venteri by the way, but o didn't sign up to do any gatekeeping.
Written By Mae
Dec. 5, 2017, 10:37 a.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
Commoners' Council Primer: The MARIN'ALFAR
As many of my fellow Arxians have heard, a delegation of the "Marin'alfar" have arrived here in our beautiful city. These people, who live east of Arvum, in the ocean, are old allies of ours that we lost contact with long ago. They are presently doing battle with the same forces that we're doing battle with, so we are very gracious to have friends! Here's some information about the Marin'alfar.
Who are they?
The Marin'alfar are old allies of the Compact that live to the east. Like the Nox'alfar, they are what some people call "elves". Unlike some masks and drawings that have been floating around, the Marin'alfar are tall and beautiful, with fair skin, pointed ears, and the one I met had blue hair. Prince Venteri is the Marin'alfar delegate that has come to Arx to meet with His Majesty and discuss matters.
What are they doing here?
They are friends of the Compact, and we used to have a formal alliance with them. We are both presently fighting the Kraken's Kin and that ilk, the pirates and shavs that come from islands deep in the Darkwater. The Marin'alfar and Thrax have built an embassy out in Maelstrom, where they will have a semi-regular presence. I'm told Prince Venteri's stay here in Arx is temporary.
Where do they come from?
The Marin'alfar live in the seas to the east of Arvum. I've heard rumors that they live under the ocean waves, but I've also heard rumors that they look like goldfish. I can confirm they do not look like goldfish!
When will we know more about this?
I'm not sure right now, but I've been assured the Observers and the Crown are communicating with the Marin'alfar, and your Councilors will let you know as soon as we know more.
Why are we getting more information about them?
The Marin'alfar are friends and allies of the Compact, and we are to make a formal treaty with them, just as we have with the Nox'alfar. We (your councilors, your Crown, and everyone who doesn't like getting attacked by pirates) would very much like to see things go well with our rediscovered friends.
A (very) brief guide to dealing with the Marin'alfar:
Be nice. Be considerate. Be kind. Prince Venteri is here to help. Prince Venteri is also very nice, and seems to have a good sense of humor. The Marin'alfar like coffee! I've got a feeling they also would like any other treat the Compact has to offer, and if you want to send something, you certainly can.
Most importantly, the Marin'alfar and Prince Venteri are here as guests. No one is their keeper. But I will be very cross if Guest Right is not respected! If anyone needs a lesson in Guest Right, contact a Godsworn or a Knight of Solace.
If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me or any of your Councilors. We may not have answers, but we'll be able to help you find answers.
As many of my fellow Arxians have heard, a delegation of the "Marin'alfar" have arrived here in our beautiful city. These people, who live east of Arvum, in the ocean, are old allies of ours that we lost contact with long ago. They are presently doing battle with the same forces that we're doing battle with, so we are very gracious to have friends! Here's some information about the Marin'alfar.
Who are they?
The Marin'alfar are old allies of the Compact that live to the east. Like the Nox'alfar, they are what some people call "elves". Unlike some masks and drawings that have been floating around, the Marin'alfar are tall and beautiful, with fair skin, pointed ears, and the one I met had blue hair. Prince Venteri is the Marin'alfar delegate that has come to Arx to meet with His Majesty and discuss matters.
What are they doing here?
They are friends of the Compact, and we used to have a formal alliance with them. We are both presently fighting the Kraken's Kin and that ilk, the pirates and shavs that come from islands deep in the Darkwater. The Marin'alfar and Thrax have built an embassy out in Maelstrom, where they will have a semi-regular presence. I'm told Prince Venteri's stay here in Arx is temporary.
Where do they come from?
The Marin'alfar live in the seas to the east of Arvum. I've heard rumors that they live under the ocean waves, but I've also heard rumors that they look like goldfish. I can confirm they do not look like goldfish!
When will we know more about this?
I'm not sure right now, but I've been assured the Observers and the Crown are communicating with the Marin'alfar, and your Councilors will let you know as soon as we know more.
Why are we getting more information about them?
The Marin'alfar are friends and allies of the Compact, and we are to make a formal treaty with them, just as we have with the Nox'alfar. We (your councilors, your Crown, and everyone who doesn't like getting attacked by pirates) would very much like to see things go well with our rediscovered friends.
A (very) brief guide to dealing with the Marin'alfar:
Be nice. Be considerate. Be kind. Prince Venteri is here to help. Prince Venteri is also very nice, and seems to have a good sense of humor. The Marin'alfar like coffee! I've got a feeling they also would like any other treat the Compact has to offer, and if you want to send something, you certainly can.
Most importantly, the Marin'alfar and Prince Venteri are here as guests. No one is their keeper. But I will be very cross if Guest Right is not respected! If anyone needs a lesson in Guest Right, contact a Godsworn or a Knight of Solace.
If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me or any of your Councilors. We may not have answers, but we'll be able to help you find answers.
Written By Isabetta
Dec. 5, 2017, 10:24 a.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
On Choices...
I've been frivolous during my time in Arx, but that is fine. Getting ones barrings can be very important. I know there are things Stefano wishes I would do. I know my dear friends Talen and Eleyna are happy to see my happy in what ever I pursue. I know there are questions left unanswered regarding my own family.
During that ridiculous party where fortunes were told everyone was so uptight over their own, but mine was well, I ignored it. Someone tried to help me understand it, but how could they possibly know what is meaningful to me or not. A valiant effort, but only now do I have a true grasp on what choices lay before me. Most of it is not distinct, I can be happy and maybe even give some to what Stefano hopes of me while pursing other things. However of the fortune, I do not recall precisely what it said, only that what I hunt I would fine, be it a person or godly. Some nonsense of the like.
I think I have an understanding what that may mean. There are questions of the faith I have, but there are also questions regarding people, or more specifically person I have. This is the choice, either could be all consuming and I must pick one.
I hate to be vague for the future generations who have to copy this to new parchment and wonder what was going through the minds of those past, but I promise I will update this pursuit as I have more information. If fortunes are to be believed, and I do not think that they are more than non-sense, then I will find what I seek, I just have to decide what, or whom that is.
I have decided.
I've been frivolous during my time in Arx, but that is fine. Getting ones barrings can be very important. I know there are things Stefano wishes I would do. I know my dear friends Talen and Eleyna are happy to see my happy in what ever I pursue. I know there are questions left unanswered regarding my own family.
During that ridiculous party where fortunes were told everyone was so uptight over their own, but mine was well, I ignored it. Someone tried to help me understand it, but how could they possibly know what is meaningful to me or not. A valiant effort, but only now do I have a true grasp on what choices lay before me. Most of it is not distinct, I can be happy and maybe even give some to what Stefano hopes of me while pursing other things. However of the fortune, I do not recall precisely what it said, only that what I hunt I would fine, be it a person or godly. Some nonsense of the like.
I think I have an understanding what that may mean. There are questions of the faith I have, but there are also questions regarding people, or more specifically person I have. This is the choice, either could be all consuming and I must pick one.
I hate to be vague for the future generations who have to copy this to new parchment and wonder what was going through the minds of those past, but I promise I will update this pursuit as I have more information. If fortunes are to be believed, and I do not think that they are more than non-sense, then I will find what I seek, I just have to decide what, or whom that is.
I have decided.
Written By Maeve
Dec. 5, 2017, 10:06 a.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
After months of preparation and planning, I finally got the chance to head back home to gather some suncatchers! I was rather excited to go. My village welcomed all of us with wide arms, curiously asking about events happening outside the village. We were fed and given warm beds to rest in while we remained. Though, it was rather sad. I found that the suncatchers that once grew plentiful around the village are now whithering and dying. It took us four days before we found a thriving batch! I do not know what had happened to the flowers, but I have to admit that I am exceedingly disheartened to find out this beautiful plant is dying off. It was a nerve-wracking trip back home as once the plants were taken from their precious grove, they did not fare well. However, once home, we discovered this plant is something rather special. It does not grow in regular soil like most plants. It needs something special. We found that with great care, the plant would thrive within the Lodge of Petrichor.
Written By Edward
Dec. 5, 2017, 9:03 a.m.(9/18/1007 AR)
There is a storm on the horizon. I can feel it. Something about to break.
Written By Bliss
Dec. 5, 2017, 6:09 a.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
We have expressions about Duty that warn us of it's perils. Duty is heavier than a mountain. We say this to prepare ourselves for the monumental decisions that we have to make to fulfill our duties. Yet we have few warnings for the most significant danger that duty can bring us.
Isolation.
Duty is an insidious insulator. It takes us away from friends and loved ones, whispering ever that what it needs is more important. It sends us to hold conference with strangers, opponents, and worse in order to accomplish it. Duty, even while putting us around others, isolates us from ourselves and our beloveds if we let it.
In it's extreme, focusing only on duty sickens the soul, then the body, and makes it harder to accomplish our goals as our very motivation wears away.
This is why I am glad that Seraph Ailith knows how to balance her duties with her loves. She has been my longest friend in Are, and even when we cannot find time to share a drink, she finds time to make me smile. I look forward to her Messengers nearly as much as I look forward to her company.
Let Ailith be a model for any that need to balance the drudgeries of their duties with their personal lives. She has found a way and continues to refine it.
Isolation.
Duty is an insidious insulator. It takes us away from friends and loved ones, whispering ever that what it needs is more important. It sends us to hold conference with strangers, opponents, and worse in order to accomplish it. Duty, even while putting us around others, isolates us from ourselves and our beloveds if we let it.
In it's extreme, focusing only on duty sickens the soul, then the body, and makes it harder to accomplish our goals as our very motivation wears away.
This is why I am glad that Seraph Ailith knows how to balance her duties with her loves. She has been my longest friend in Are, and even when we cannot find time to share a drink, she finds time to make me smile. I look forward to her Messengers nearly as much as I look forward to her company.
Let Ailith be a model for any that need to balance the drudgeries of their duties with their personal lives. She has found a way and continues to refine it.
Written By Driskell
Dec. 5, 2017, 3:33 a.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Not everyone that smiles is happy, not everyone that frowns is sad. No matter what you might hear from others, I'm doing fine.
Just fine.
Just fine.
Written By Hana
Dec. 5, 2017, 1:45 a.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
I've known Lady Joslyn Stonewood since before she was noble -- since she first walked into my shop what seems like /forever/ ago. She's ordered weapons from me, teased me about my feelings for Leola, and generally been there for me. So I'm glad she was able to come by and talk again.
I've been so locked away in my shop working on my own projects, I sometimes feel like I barely know anyone outside of my family or the Faith any longer. So it's good to remember the friends I have.
I've been so locked away in my shop working on my own projects, I sometimes feel like I barely know anyone outside of my family or the Faith any longer. So it's good to remember the friends I have.
Written By Thesarin
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:49 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
It always strikes me odd when I look for the Arvani word for them born to the tongue.
There's a word that means everyone else. A thousand peoples that speak a thousand tongues, pray to a million gods a thousand ways. There's a word means the oaths and the Faith and the laws and the King (long may he reign). But there's not a word means the people.
Always strikes me odd.
There's a word that means everyone else. A thousand peoples that speak a thousand tongues, pray to a million gods a thousand ways. There's a word means the oaths and the Faith and the laws and the King (long may he reign). But there's not a word means the people.
Always strikes me odd.
Written By Leona
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:48 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
I am a woman of action. And soon I will not be sitting still, patiently waiting to act but actually taking the next steps on a bold, potentially suicidal plan. For King and Compact, In Service and Fidelity, and in hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Soon.
In the meantime, my Armory is in chaos and the servants of Crownguard Tower are in despair. I remain resolute.
Soon.
In the meantime, my Armory is in chaos and the servants of Crownguard Tower are in despair. I remain resolute.
Written By Marius
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:41 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Takes a whole army indeed. Glad to have her as part of it.
Written By Mae
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:29 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Almost done with my latest project, just waiting on HRM to approve before I put it before the whole of the Compact.
Nervous!
But right now I'm desperately in need of a distraction, and this is a good one.
Is my vagueness building excitement and curiosity as it is meant to? I hope so.
Nervous!
But right now I'm desperately in need of a distraction, and this is a good one.
Is my vagueness building excitement and curiosity as it is meant to? I hope so.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 4, 2017, 11:13 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
You motherfucker, I -sneezed- when I got home.
Written By Nicia
Dec. 4, 2017, 10:18 p.m.(9/17/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
With the BEEara comes great responsibility...I shall forever shoulder this burden.
Written By Alarissa
Dec. 4, 2017, 1:23 p.m.(9/16/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Oh but I wish I had seen that.
You and he shall have to re-enact that for me.
You and he shall have to re-enact that for me.
Written By Sparte
Dec. 4, 2017, 12:41 p.m.(9/16/1007 AR)
No sooner had I put out the bounties than I was in fact offered some bath water in a bottle and told it was from a fountain in the far north. You'd think that someone who takes baths would smell better, but no. By all the pantheon, no. His hair was even still wet.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.