Written By Gwenna
June 19, 2022, 8:02 a.m.(11/10/1017 AR)
Warfare is not my forte. The intricacies of troop movements and strategy are never going to be things I might excel at. I don't think they are things anyone expected me to excel at, however. The details that go behind those - the funding, the gearing of, and the like, have always been more in my wheelhouse, so to speak. Diplomacy as well, which on a rare occasion can cut as keenly as a blade. The gods and spirits know I've found myself on the deck of a ship or in the midst of a castle under siege despite my lack of martial prowess. We all contribute in our own ways, I believe, and that's what makes our alliances so great - it's not just a swordsman or brilliant tactician that steps up when our freedoms are threatened. It is all of us filling in the places that need filling to face these threats. I hope to be one of those pieces once again; a small part of the gathering of diverse warriors who band together against these menaces. All of them.
Written By Gwenna
June 12, 2022, 5:30 p.m.(10/24/1017 AR)
It has felt like a very long time since I have been out and about in the city. I can't blame it all on duties, though those always tend to keep me hidden away in a library or even granary now and then. I left the ledgers and attended the event held by Lord Teague for Lords Orland and Savio. Lord Orland I have come to know recently, so it was wonderful to see him alongside his spouse. Lord Savio seems the perfect compliment and I hope to get to know him better in the near future. It was also wonderful to see Lord Teague up and celebrating.
How different all of their lives may have felt a year or more ago. To see so many gathered to make merry and enjoy each others company was truly a joy, and I think I even made a couple of new friends along the way. An intimate affair that felt larger than life.
How different all of their lives may have felt a year or more ago. To see so many gathered to make merry and enjoy each others company was truly a joy, and I think I even made a couple of new friends along the way. An intimate affair that felt larger than life.
Written By Gwenna
April 2, 2022, 3:35 p.m.(5/22/1017 AR)
Curious events sometimes lead to the most intriguing of relationships. To be trusted to be along a personal and important endeavor makes me feel quite honored, as well as grateful. Sometimes a situation deems that you simply rely on the people you are with and hope you can contribute even half of what they have, or will. It's that feeling of trust, I think, that amazes me. How easy it is - how inspiring someone's story may be that you don't even pause for a second thought before throwing in, as they say. It is humbling to feel so completely trusted in return, too, and among such inspiring comrades.
Written By Gwenna
Feb. 26, 2022, 4:42 p.m.(3/9/1017 AR)
When the grasp of winter loosens, I hope to travel to Farhaven again, should that be deemed safe enough to do. It's not that I don't like winter in Farhaven, by any means, but traveling this time of year can be more trouble than it may be worth. It has been too long since I've spoken with my mother in person just to do so. She is a tough woman, and I do see her when there are events and things to be done in the holding, but it's different when I go just to see her. Sometimes, I just need her fortitude as a reminder of who I am and where I come from. "Pick your battles," she will sometimes say. "And of those, put two more away."
Written By Gwenna
Feb. 20, 2022, 6:55 p.m.(2/25/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Orland
I had the most enjoyable conversation over coffee with Lord Orland Amadeo. He brought ledgers and we talked about finances, along with other vaguely related things. It is not often that I get to speak to someone as passionate about balancing House books as I am, and it was quite enjoyable. I remember being in his shoes not all that long ago - taking on a position because it was necessary, and trying to learn everything as quickly as possible. From what little I learned about him during our conversation, I have no doubt he will be quite successful at the endeavor.
Written By Gwenna
Feb. 10, 2022, 5:42 a.m.(2/4/1017 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
Well, Prince Swelvio was always a rather exceptional dancer, from what I recall.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 16, 2022, 1:27 p.m.(12/10/1016 AR)
Our son, Jorah, turned four this autumn. It seems like the world was an entirely different place when he came into the world, and I marvel at how it feels incredibly long ago and yet went far too quickly. It made me glance out the window and consider all that has been done in that time. The wars, the triumphs, the losses, and the gains - both for myself and House Redrain. I would not have thought I would be a markedly different person after just four years, and I wonder if four-years-from-now me will feel the same.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 8, 2022, 6:28 a.m.(11/22/1016 AR)
What a true honor it was to share the stage at the Bard's College with so many insightful and talented people for the The Thirteen Sorrows premiere here in Arx. Baroness Amari was simply brilliant as the storytelling scholar who filled in the tale and made the play a reasonable four hours instead of three days. I still may commission sleeping bags just for fun. Nightingale Gianna and Lord Mattheu combined their musical talents in such powerful and moving performances that I sometimes got lost in the beauty of it all. Auda Florin's turn as Duke Uthyr and Lady Adalyn's Champion were equally marvelous, and Lord Savio and Lord Orland were just beyond in their roles. Lady Zoey did an incredible job as Queen Alarice, and I hope I was half as good as Lady Mabelle, who played Anthony Laurent to my Gwen Laurent. Baroness Amari said that my fall in the battle scene was quite believable, and I had to admit that it was so because I tripped a bit on my costume and really /did/ topple over! The bruises will surely fade quicker than my ego might. I am humbled and grateful to have gotten to be part of such an inspiring tale that also happens to have a tie to my Laurent side of the family.
The reception was so well attended and I got to cross paths with dear friends old and new, as well as do a bit of potential business. There were a couple of...intriguing happenings, but what good event doesn't have at least a bit of that? All told, it was an extraordinary evening and one I will have no few cherished memories from. I can hardly wait to do it again!
The reception was so well attended and I got to cross paths with dear friends old and new, as well as do a bit of potential business. There were a couple of...intriguing happenings, but what good event doesn't have at least a bit of that? All told, it was an extraordinary evening and one I will have no few cherished memories from. I can hardly wait to do it again!
Written By Gwenna
Dec. 19, 2021, 12:45 p.m.(10/10/1016 AR)
There is a certain sense of serenity that comes while in the midst of planning things, for me. Crossing t's and dotting i's, if you will, and making sure plans are in place, and contingencies as well just in case something unexpected might happen. There are no few times when one can not truly prepare for all the unexpected - hence why they are called such - but we do the best we can. It is almost like putting together a puzzle, really. Not all of the pieces are in place, and others will need to help complete it, but the outline is there and ready to be built upon. It is a good feeling that I enjoy.
Written By Gwenna
Dec. 11, 2021, 4:29 p.m.(9/23/1016 AR)
Darkness ever looms, and with it many sharpen their blades and have their armor buffed up or upgraded. Others also sharpen their words, their relations, and their knowledge of tactics. While diplomacy is a great love of mine, so too are economics and the endeavors that few may see behind the armies and walls of a holding. Of course I can not take credit for all that Redrain has built these last several years. So many have contributed and it is my hope that we, in turn, have contributed back. Armies need to be fed, holdings possibly rebuilt, and the families of those who may fall given stipends (which could never make up for such loss, but are still helpful, I hope). Preparing for these things have been a focus of mine since I first came to Arx shortly before the Pirate War struck. It shaped me, that war, or changed me. I never again wanted to feel helpless to assist those we are sworn to protect, or those outside of the Northlands who might need help. I suspect you can never been fully prepared for anything, but it's my hope that we will be capable should the time come. I feel like that might be far sooner than any of us hoped.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 27, 2021, 4:43 p.m.(8/23/1016 AR)
I suspect my tutors in Farhaven had no real idea just how handy the skills in economics they taught me might end up being.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 22, 2021, 12:51 p.m.(8/12/1016 AR)
Some laundry you simply don't hang on the clothesline.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 17, 2021, 2:20 p.m.(8/2/1016 AR)
Like no few nobles of the city, I have a fairly decent collection of jewelry. Many pieces are part of a set meant to compliment clothing outfits, which surely surprises few. I have other pieces, however, that are stand-alone -- generally special items that were gifts, or have some other special meaning to them. I don't wear those often, but I do try to wear them for special occasions or the like. It's always a bit of a mental balance I have to strike -- the risk of losing something special verses it just collecting dust in a jewelry box. The latter of those two always seems a bit more insulting to the piece, and thus they are worn.
The irony, of course, is that I did not lose a special piece or let it collect dust - it apparently was flat-out stolen and I was none the wiser! Events have a way of being distracting, and I can't for the life of me remember when it might have been plucked away. I didn't even notice until I was back at the villa, where there was little to no chance of even trying to catch someone with it at that point. It seems I am not alone, at least, which makes the sting of embarrassment a bit easier to contend with.
The irony, of course, is that I did not lose a special piece or let it collect dust - it apparently was flat-out stolen and I was none the wiser! Events have a way of being distracting, and I can't for the life of me remember when it might have been plucked away. I didn't even notice until I was back at the villa, where there was little to no chance of even trying to catch someone with it at that point. It seems I am not alone, at least, which makes the sting of embarrassment a bit easier to contend with.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 30, 2021, 1:03 p.m.(6/22/1016 AR)
Spring and summer open up easier travel around the Northlands, which I have been taking advantage of. Duties, after all, aren't just required in the city of Arx. I enjoy visiting the families and people around the various holdings, both to discuss current business as well as catch up a bit socially. Of course I love returning to Farhaven when it's possible, and I suspect mother loves hearing about what's going on in the city when I'm able to visit. The trips aren't as long as I might like, and they are a touch cumbersome considering all that is going on around the Compact. Despite that, they are trips that need to be taken, I think, even if they may be harder to navigate than in years past.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 23, 2021, 7:21 a.m.(6/8/1016 AR)
I am quite excited about the play that Baroness Amari and Lady Mabelle are putting together. The first rehearsal went well, I think, as parts were decided upon and discussions about details were had. No few of us had a bit of fun remarking on the possible length of the play, but it was truly all in jest. I feel quite fortunate to be among such a gifted group of people and the story is an important one, as well as close to my heart personally. It was a long night, but the exhaustion I felt when I crawled into bed was a very good-feeling sort of tired.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 16, 2021, 7:18 p.m.(5/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
I had the opportunity to see the most delightful statue during a chat with Princess Lou. It is a reminder, as she said, that there are good things in this world. Good things worth fighting for, and to remember when the grief and darkness might otherwise overwhelm us. My walk back to the villa was filled with wonder and hope, for which I'm immeasurably grateful.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 1, 2021, 6:51 p.m.(4/21/1016 AR)
I am so grateful to work with such an incredible group of people for House Redrain. Some work more quietly than others, yet I hope they know how much I personally and sincerely appreciate their efforts. This goes beyond those who live in the villa, of course. Still, it has been the members of my family and household that have seen us all through the difficult and leaner times. Who have been there to assist when the House needed it, whether that be through efforts of their own or just listening when I needed an ear or advice about House matters. It makes me proud when we, as a House, can give back in some way or another.
I feel very fortunate that my mother thought to send my brother Artur and I to Arx when she did. I hope we have made her proud (not an easy feat, mind you), as well as our family and friends here in the city. There have been just as many joys as heartaches, and I very much look forward to continuing along this path with all of their support.
I feel very fortunate that my mother thought to send my brother Artur and I to Arx when she did. I hope we have made her proud (not an easy feat, mind you), as well as our family and friends here in the city. There have been just as many joys as heartaches, and I very much look forward to continuing along this path with all of their support.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 25, 2021, 6:40 p.m.(4/9/1016 AR)
I wish there was more I could do right now toward the efforts in Bastion. Sometimes the sword is, actually, mightier than the pen. Being able to discern trouble or scout are mightier than a well-timed suggestion. Much as I want to be there to try to do anything to help, I'd be more burden than anything else. I was in the Cathedral that night, and sometimes I still have dreams - or nightmares - about what occurred. For now, though, I will try to go about my usual duties and pray for those who bravely make their way to Bastion.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 12, 2021, 7:06 p.m.(3/11/1016 AR)
While it is not always the way to go, the beautiful thing about silence is that it can never be misquoted.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 5, 2021, 6:04 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
Baroness Amari Redire. I have worked alongside no few in my time here in Arx. Dedicated families hoping to expand their lands and influence, or to better the lives of the people within their holdings. To build, to grow, to take something and make it better. Friends and allies, all of them, but this time it was a little different. I've always known that there was a bit more to the Baroness - a fire of quiet conviction that always saw her taking steps, even if they might have sounded nearly impossible. It was an honor to be a small part of the group she gathered to achieve these recent goals and I marvel, even now, at how easy she made it all look. It was not easy, but she certainly made it appear that way. Minnow brew, losing oars, and the most unique seating chart I ever had to come up with... It was a challenge, just those things, so what she accomplished...well. It, and she, are marvels in truth. Congratulations again, if a bit late making it to my whites. I am so fortunate to call you friend.
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