Written By Katarina
May 12, 2019, 9:14 p.m.(2/4/1011 AR)
I sincerely wonder if people actually consider what it is that they write in the whites, moreover, if they stop to think of the potential consequences that could be faced by other people when they do so. I think it wise to consider each thing a person puts in writing before doing so.
Written By Katarina
May 5, 2019, 10:12 p.m.(1/18/1011 AR)
I'm proud to see more and more people coming by the Salon, I look forward to what we will be able to do moving forward and thank everyone for the support they have given.
Written By Katarina
April 28, 2019, 10:32 p.m.(1/4/1011 AR)
A short note on the passing of Luca. His death brings an end to something I have wrestled with in my mind for far too long. The question that remains, is this...Must truth that causes pain be told after one has passed, or can such remain to hold fast the memory of the individual.
This is my debate.
This is my debate.
Written By Katarina
April 28, 2019, 10:15 p.m.(1/4/1011 AR)
Since my last short trip away everything feels so new, as if even the most brief time at sea has brought some fresh wave over the city once I returned.
I can say that it has been nice to get some work done on The Salon, the new construction has been wonderful, and I know that with the re-dedicated support of its wonderful members we shall make the Salon greater than it ever has been.
I cannot thank everyone enough for the assistance, especially with the interior decorating!
I can say that it has been nice to get some work done on The Salon, the new construction has been wonderful, and I know that with the re-dedicated support of its wonderful members we shall make the Salon greater than it ever has been.
I cannot thank everyone enough for the assistance, especially with the interior decorating!
Written By Katarina
Nov. 26, 2018, 4:35 a.m.(1/23/1010 AR)
It happened again. This time, I was bound to the helm by chains and the mists were as red as the blood that stained my raw hands. Figures came from the quarter deck to surround me; thirteen of them. Hooded, identities shrouded behind masks and veils. They chanted in unison, circling around me until it felt as though the world quivered and ... something had finally been stirred that shouldn't have been. When I looked up, I saw what I had been waiting for all that time: eyes like my own, but not. Gold, but full of so much vitriol and fury. Then there was the blade through my chest, and I awoke. Screaming. Again.
Written By Katarina
Nov. 25, 2018, 11:30 p.m.(1/22/1010 AR)
I had the most peculiar of dreams again. I stood at the helm of the Unsullied, surrounded by an endless shroud of mists so thick that I could barely discern where my own hands were upon the wheel. No matter where I looked - aftward, foreward, or portward - it was all the same; swirling fogs that hid all there as to see. I turned my head to look down upon the quarterdeck, hoping that I might be able to discern the movement of my men aboard. Nothing. I opened my mouth to call out for someone - anyone - and realized I could hear not hear my own voice. Nor the lapping of the waves against the ship; the wind in the furls.
I was alone, unable to move, for I knew a great tragedy would befall me should I abandon my post. So I stood there for what felt like an eternity, waiting. I didn't know what I was waiting for, only that it was the most important thing I would ever do.
I was alone, unable to move, for I knew a great tragedy would befall me should I abandon my post. So I stood there for what felt like an eternity, waiting. I didn't know what I was waiting for, only that it was the most important thing I would ever do.
Written By Katarina
Oct. 28, 2018, 5:07 p.m.(11/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Kenna
It has been several months since I initially took on Lady Kenna as a protege of mine. And in that time, I feel as though I've come to truly look upon her as one of dear friends. There is so much to be discovered beneath that exterior unyielding effervescence and warmth.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 19, 2018, 7:50 p.m.(6/5/1009 AR)
I have cried myself to sleep many nights since I first came to Arvum, convinced that if I let my guard down the shadows would come in the night and nothing would be left of me in the morning - or that if I closed my eyes, I would be awakening to the mortal terror I'd been running from for years.
That sort of fear is crippling. It is like you're a prisoner in your own mind, waiting with bated breath for the veil to be snatched back from the dream to find that you never escaped the nightmare - never truly living, just a shade of who you could be; should be. I wouldn't wish this state of being on anyone else.
Saying that much is freeing, Scholar Tomas. Like you said, I cannot move forward and grow if I cannot stand up to my own darkest fears. We know that he will come for me and go to the end of the world to fulfill his promise, but we'll stand ready for him and be that much stronger for it.
That sort of fear is crippling. It is like you're a prisoner in your own mind, waiting with bated breath for the veil to be snatched back from the dream to find that you never escaped the nightmare - never truly living, just a shade of who you could be; should be. I wouldn't wish this state of being on anyone else.
Saying that much is freeing, Scholar Tomas. Like you said, I cannot move forward and grow if I cannot stand up to my own darkest fears. We know that he will come for me and go to the end of the world to fulfill his promise, but we'll stand ready for him and be that much stronger for it.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 4:16 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Minor details, Lady Octavia.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 4:10 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Vague and undefined circumstances in which the question in particular is applied makes it harder for one to rationalize whether the question is worth delving deeper below the surface. But since you defined a circumstance I can explore, I'm more than happy to bite for the sake of seeing where this might go.
As a disciple of Sentinel and one who prides herself in attempting to always advocate for the truth and just, I comitted an unlawful act willfully with the intent of lessening the suffrage of one starving child at the expense of another. It does not make it any more or less fundamentally wrong, but it is an offense that can be tolerated because my heart was in a good place. I am not spared from the crime, but those who uphold the law may take that into consideration and adjust my punishment to fit the crime accordingly.
As a disciple of Sentinel and one who prides herself in attempting to always advocate for the truth and just, I comitted an unlawful act willfully with the intent of lessening the suffrage of one starving child at the expense of another. It does not make it any more or less fundamentally wrong, but it is an offense that can be tolerated because my heart was in a good place. I am not spared from the crime, but those who uphold the law may take that into consideration and adjust my punishment to fit the crime accordingly.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
So what you're saying is that it's okay to break the rules if it suits your purposes, Chief Madistrate of the Crown Court of Arx? Does this mean that, theoretically, I can break a few minor laws because it suits my purposes for the greater good? Generally speaking, of course.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 3:53 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Octavia
So you admit that you're some sort of rule-breaking scoundrel!
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 3:12 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
My apologies, Scholar Tomas.
As soon as I was on my way out the archive, I couldn't help but overhear several young ladies gossiping about the passionate debate between my protege, Lady Kenna Whitehawk, and Lord Ximun Redreef that sparked into something of another passionate exchange between more parties. The gossip itself is of no particular interest to me personally, but I wanted to say that I am proud of both Lord Ximun and Lady Kenna. They are both passinate and well-rounded thinkers who stuck to their beliefs and did not break when faced with scrutiny from other members of the Peerage.
The exact question that sparked the debate was, "Would it be wrong to steal in order to feed a starving child?" These sort of questions are moral quandaries that can't be so easily answered without questioning one's moral flexibility in face of defining what is right and wrong despite what the laws of the land may dictate. When one is engaging in such a debate, you have to be careful to not allow yourself to be stirred to a great personal offense. Be passionate about your stance, but never at the expense of exploring a mindset different from your own.
-- No, Scholar Tomas. I'm not going to explore both sides of the argument right now. And -- What, no. Lady Octavia is an abbhorent backseat philosopher who always skips her turn. But yes, she's more than welcome to share her view points whenever she likes. Preferably after a few glasses of wine, scotch, brandy, and RUM in that order.
As soon as I was on my way out the archive, I couldn't help but overhear several young ladies gossiping about the passionate debate between my protege, Lady Kenna Whitehawk, and Lord Ximun Redreef that sparked into something of another passionate exchange between more parties. The gossip itself is of no particular interest to me personally, but I wanted to say that I am proud of both Lord Ximun and Lady Kenna. They are both passinate and well-rounded thinkers who stuck to their beliefs and did not break when faced with scrutiny from other members of the Peerage.
The exact question that sparked the debate was, "Would it be wrong to steal in order to feed a starving child?" These sort of questions are moral quandaries that can't be so easily answered without questioning one's moral flexibility in face of defining what is right and wrong despite what the laws of the land may dictate. When one is engaging in such a debate, you have to be careful to not allow yourself to be stirred to a great personal offense. Be passionate about your stance, but never at the expense of exploring a mindset different from your own.
-- No, Scholar Tomas. I'm not going to explore both sides of the argument right now. And -- What, no. Lady Octavia is an abbhorent backseat philosopher who always skips her turn. But yes, she's more than welcome to share her view points whenever she likes. Preferably after a few glasses of wine, scotch, brandy, and RUM in that order.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(5/19/1009 AR)
These past few weeks have been something of a blur. If I'm to be honest with you, Scholar Tomas, my mind is still reeling from all the meetings and letters I've sat through. The amount of notes that we've gone through in search of hidden gems to draw out and prepare to be deconstructed, discussed, and expanded upon in the Salon has left me a touch brain dead. Still, it is a worthy endeavor that I was happy to do for the sake of seeing the curious minds of the Salon properly challenged.
I am passionate about seeing the Salon not only revitalized, but achieving greater heights than ever before. I'm a firm believer that the art of debate can be an exhilarating intellectual pursuit that spills over into all aspects of life. The process of exchanging ideas has the capacity to better ourselves as both thinkers and citizen of the Compact. It teaches us how to be receptive to the thoughts and opinions of others - to not just hear, but truly listen to the ideas behind the language and learn to recognize fallacies in our own reasoning.
Of course, structured debate and discussion is but one aspect of the Salon. We have our researchers who are dedicated to uncovering new information and exploring old discoveries for missed connections, then our adventurers that I ---
Oh, I'm rambling aren't I? The tea is coming anyhow. Until next time, Scholar Tomas. Thank you for your time.
I am passionate about seeing the Salon not only revitalized, but achieving greater heights than ever before. I'm a firm believer that the art of debate can be an exhilarating intellectual pursuit that spills over into all aspects of life. The process of exchanging ideas has the capacity to better ourselves as both thinkers and citizen of the Compact. It teaches us how to be receptive to the thoughts and opinions of others - to not just hear, but truly listen to the ideas behind the language and learn to recognize fallacies in our own reasoning.
Of course, structured debate and discussion is but one aspect of the Salon. We have our researchers who are dedicated to uncovering new information and exploring old discoveries for missed connections, then our adventurers that I ---
Oh, I'm rambling aren't I? The tea is coming anyhow. Until next time, Scholar Tomas. Thank you for your time.
Written By Katarina
Aug. 12, 2018, 4:12 a.m.(5/18/1009 AR)
Twice now, I've had my heart broken. I will not suffer a third.
Written By Katarina
July 22, 2018, 9:36 p.m.(4/1/1009 AR)
I wait with bated breath for the first signs of spring to be truly upon us. It is then that I'll return. Not towards their echanting song, but the other way -- or so I'll try.
Written By Katarina
July 11, 2018, 1:38 p.m.(3/5/1009 AR)
Their enchanting voices and melodic song still haunts my dreams and plagues my thoughts through out the day. I yearn for nothing more than to return to that place and find them, to look upon those who promised me a world so perfect and free of pain and sorrow... Gods, what has become of me these days? I can hardly sleep, let alone eat... I should return to them. I want to return to them...
Written By Katarina
June 19, 2018, 8:35 p.m.(1/16/1009 AR)
Example One: One does not have to say they are, "Fine and well." There are a number of responses to be given to achieve the desired effect of not brokering any discussions on her current emotional duress. It is one's choice whether they lie or not, and to what degree, Countess Keaton.
Example Two: The reason behind someone offering you unsolicited advice matters not. Although you do not feel grateful for the advice, there are also responses one can give that acknowledges the receipt of it without falling into the trap of false platitudes.
Managing such responses are not an easy feat, mind you. I often find myself acknowledging what is said to me and saying nothing more on it out of fear of causing offense or a desire to be spared of having to deal with a source of aggravation more than I have to.
I do not know that the term of social contract is necessarily the appropriate application for the situation, so much as unspoken social habits & cues we've taken from previous generations simply because we've witnessed it. If that makes sense?
Example Two: The reason behind someone offering you unsolicited advice matters not. Although you do not feel grateful for the advice, there are also responses one can give that acknowledges the receipt of it without falling into the trap of false platitudes.
Managing such responses are not an easy feat, mind you. I often find myself acknowledging what is said to me and saying nothing more on it out of fear of causing offense or a desire to be spared of having to deal with a source of aggravation more than I have to.
I do not know that the term of social contract is necessarily the appropriate application for the situation, so much as unspoken social habits & cues we've taken from previous generations simply because we've witnessed it. If that makes sense?
Written By Katarina
June 19, 2018, 7:19 p.m.(1/16/1009 AR)
One could say that most lies are borne out of self-centered desires, rather than true consideration for the feelings of the other party. As children, we often lie out of self-preservation or selfishness; either to get out of trouble or try and manipulate those around them to get what they want. We carry those same base desires into adulthood, only we rationalize those desires away behind any number of reasons we've learned to tell ourselves to be rid of the shackles of guilt and the responsibility we have to ourselves and others to be honest.
I would be disinclined to believe someone who told me they omitted the truth, no matter how inconsequential it might have seen, because they respected me or cared about my feelings. It is the highest insult. I would have greater respect for someone who had the courage to brave the risk of telling me the naked truth, no matter how painful it might be, than to do otherwise out of desire to avoid the minor inconvenience of being the proverbial bearer of bad news or however they wish to explain it away.
It is never acceptable to lie. It is always best to express what you truly think of the actions and beliefs of another. I regard those who strive to do so far more highly, knowing I can rely upon them to be sincere despite the discomfort it may bring.
I would be disinclined to believe someone who told me they omitted the truth, no matter how inconsequential it might have seen, because they respected me or cared about my feelings. It is the highest insult. I would have greater respect for someone who had the courage to brave the risk of telling me the naked truth, no matter how painful it might be, than to do otherwise out of desire to avoid the minor inconvenience of being the proverbial bearer of bad news or however they wish to explain it away.
It is never acceptable to lie. It is always best to express what you truly think of the actions and beliefs of another. I regard those who strive to do so far more highly, knowing I can rely upon them to be sincere despite the discomfort it may bring.
Written By Katarina
June 19, 2018, 2:12 a.m.(1/15/1009 AR)
I'm pleased to hear that so many people seem to have enjoyed the Warsnow Games. The event was such a fun and exciting thing to plan that I'm genuinely considering doing it again next year. If I don't, I fear Terese will REALLY try to brag about being Champion of the Snows until the end of time at every opportunity. I can't have that. She'd drive me crazy.
Speaking of, I am nothing if not a honorable woman of my word. I will not retaliate against Princess Terese Valardin for the next forty-eight hours no matter what sort of pranks she comes up with to annoy me. I will not have all her furniture replaced with garishly bright pink furniture for forty-eight hours...
... Gods, help me. How am I going to make it that long? She's going to do something terrible. I just know it.
Speaking of, I am nothing if not a honorable woman of my word. I will not retaliate against Princess Terese Valardin for the next forty-eight hours no matter what sort of pranks she comes up with to annoy me. I will not have all her furniture replaced with garishly bright pink furniture for forty-eight hours...
... Gods, help me. How am I going to make it that long? She's going to do something terrible. I just know it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.