Written By Sabine
Sept. 15, 2019, 3 a.m.(11/3/1011 AR)
This is why preemptive measures are not unwarranted when foreign powers claim territory in our very heart. First a flag is raised in the Oathlands and then a Lycene Marquis lies murdered and slandered. If we answer as we should answer, some will claim we escalate the situation, or step upon the sovereign rights of Shav'arvani in their wilderness. If we do not, then we invite more to be done to us.
Whatever shall we do.
Whatever shall we do.
Written By Sabine
Sept. 11, 2019, 12:02 a.m.(10/23/1011 AR)
It seems to me that what has kept us safe from overt external influences at this time is balance. The Platinum Emperor dare not act against Arvum for fear of Cardia. Cardia dare not act against Arvum for fear of the Undying.
Yet now, a Platinum flag has been raised over the continent. A small patch of it, unclaimed by the Compact, but there it flies all the same. Knees touched earth that a distant tyrant may now claim, through them. Claim and hold through the might of arms granted by an Abandoned tribe joined to the strange forces wielded by the Emperor's Children.
My borders are distant from that small patch of earth circled by the Oathlands, this small patch hovering near the Northland border. But I feel the threat all the same.
Where is the outcry against this provocation? Where is the concern? Cardia has stayed its hand, thank the gods, they did not answer this claiming in kind... or they have not, yet. But surely they will feel justified now. The balance has tipped. The Emperor and his Child have made the first move.
Before the Assembly, when these foreign powers made their proposals to us, the Compact was filled with a great many raised voices. Everyone had an opinion. Now, one of those powers has made sovereign claim on Arvani soil and perhaps a deeper claim, on the minds and hearts of those who bent the knee.
Where are the voices?
Here, I raise my own and I extend my hand to you in the Oathlands, to you in the North. I cannot be the only one.
Yet now, a Platinum flag has been raised over the continent. A small patch of it, unclaimed by the Compact, but there it flies all the same. Knees touched earth that a distant tyrant may now claim, through them. Claim and hold through the might of arms granted by an Abandoned tribe joined to the strange forces wielded by the Emperor's Children.
My borders are distant from that small patch of earth circled by the Oathlands, this small patch hovering near the Northland border. But I feel the threat all the same.
Where is the outcry against this provocation? Where is the concern? Cardia has stayed its hand, thank the gods, they did not answer this claiming in kind... or they have not, yet. But surely they will feel justified now. The balance has tipped. The Emperor and his Child have made the first move.
Before the Assembly, when these foreign powers made their proposals to us, the Compact was filled with a great many raised voices. Everyone had an opinion. Now, one of those powers has made sovereign claim on Arvani soil and perhaps a deeper claim, on the minds and hearts of those who bent the knee.
Where are the voices?
Here, I raise my own and I extend my hand to you in the Oathlands, to you in the North. I cannot be the only one.
Written By Sabine
Aug. 13, 2019, 5:15 a.m.(8/21/1011 AR)
Justice will always find a way. Sometimes the Sentinel's touch is subtle. Sometimes, it seems, he speaks in fire.
We celebrate both those who found a righteous, virtuous death and those who suffered the same in just and righteous fashion. Such events make one look forward to the promise of the future.
We celebrate both those who found a righteous, virtuous death and those who suffered the same in just and righteous fashion. Such events make one look forward to the promise of the future.
Written By Sabine
Aug. 1, 2019, 5:51 p.m.(7/26/1011 AR)
Who knew that the truth could come in so many varieties, all spread by the same mouth, and such waves these many stories create. Such talent-- or inspiration-- in manipulation surely hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated by those who inclined to watch for such things.
Written By Sabine
July 21, 2019, 4:45 p.m.(7/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
I did not love you.
I tolerated your inclination towards lounging, your use of haze and other things. I respected your tenacity (always a surprise, given your laziness), and admired your eye for quality. Your ability to rub silver together and breed more was a thing to marvel at. We shared a common vision of the future, you never failed to kindle when I would describe what I meant to build-- our passion for each other was fueled with visions of fertile fields, new villages, the thump and rattle of my cloth mills, the looms they carry inside.
You did whatever I ever asked of you, without failing or hesitation, and most importantly, you have given me the child I wanted. The only thing I ever wanted, the only gift I asked you for, finer than the gowns and jewelry you showered me with. The greatest jewel you've ever granted me, it sleeps beneath my heart.
I did not love you but I was proud to be your wife, and knew you as my equal. I pray our child has your wicked mind and provoking smile. Your legacy will be one of cleverness, of growth, of passion.
They will know their father, and I will not know a better husband.
I tolerated your inclination towards lounging, your use of haze and other things. I respected your tenacity (always a surprise, given your laziness), and admired your eye for quality. Your ability to rub silver together and breed more was a thing to marvel at. We shared a common vision of the future, you never failed to kindle when I would describe what I meant to build-- our passion for each other was fueled with visions of fertile fields, new villages, the thump and rattle of my cloth mills, the looms they carry inside.
You did whatever I ever asked of you, without failing or hesitation, and most importantly, you have given me the child I wanted. The only thing I ever wanted, the only gift I asked you for, finer than the gowns and jewelry you showered me with. The greatest jewel you've ever granted me, it sleeps beneath my heart.
I did not love you but I was proud to be your wife, and knew you as my equal. I pray our child has your wicked mind and provoking smile. Your legacy will be one of cleverness, of growth, of passion.
They will know their father, and I will not know a better husband.
Written By Sabine
July 19, 2019, 4:26 p.m.(6/28/1011 AR)
Before I slept last night, I read my bulletins from Iriscal. The county flourishes, my cloth mills spin pure silver from their looms, fattening our coffers. The land we've reclaimed from the wilderness is green and abundant, perfect for the stables and farms whose plans I've had drawn up. I fell asleep smiling, my husband's head tilted against my shoulder, his hand on my hip. Then, this morning, while I lay in bed before the servants drew the curtains open, I was certain I felt the child stir within me. A small touch, like fingertips pressed to a mirror.
The physicians say it is surely too early, this being my first. But I knew. I knew. I have claimed, before, that I prefer satisfaction to happiness but I suspect the glow I felt at that moment held more of the latter... and a great deal of the former. We dare, we prosper.
The world is mine, little Count. And I will make it yours too, while you sleep safe, and grow.
It is time Arvum produced a cloth which compares with fireweave, with steelsilk. In my contentment-- my happiness-- I declare it publicly: Tessere will accomplish this. We have the mills, we have the artisans. No other House can do what we've done, with the fabric arts. We shall do this. I begin planning now, and those who wish to contribute to its creation may reach out, with their offers of support. It's a labour that might take years but all great legacies take time to build.
The physicians say it is surely too early, this being my first. But I knew. I knew. I have claimed, before, that I prefer satisfaction to happiness but I suspect the glow I felt at that moment held more of the latter... and a great deal of the former. We dare, we prosper.
The world is mine, little Count. And I will make it yours too, while you sleep safe, and grow.
It is time Arvum produced a cloth which compares with fireweave, with steelsilk. In my contentment-- my happiness-- I declare it publicly: Tessere will accomplish this. We have the mills, we have the artisans. No other House can do what we've done, with the fabric arts. We shall do this. I begin planning now, and those who wish to contribute to its creation may reach out, with their offers of support. It's a labour that might take years but all great legacies take time to build.
Written By Sabine
July 7, 2019, 8:26 p.m.(6/4/1011 AR)
Iriscal expands again. The reports which arrive at my desk speak of a county swollen with good fortune, the coffers full and morale high. We have carved more land from the wilderness, and seeded it with safe, comfortable villages for my artisans, and increased the number of cloth mills. The docks on the river have been refurbished. This year's trade receipts will show we have established a new measure for prosperity.
We are known and we are respected. The work of generations is bearing fruit. Finally, finally.
Do you see, Mother? It was not so difficult, after all.
We are known and we are respected. The work of generations is bearing fruit. Finally, finally.
Do you see, Mother? It was not so difficult, after all.
Written By Sabine
July 7, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(6/4/1011 AR)
The mothers among my servants have told me many times of the warm and contented glow of motherhood, the way their minds turned to simple domestic pleasures. How they basked in the joys of knowing they nurtured a life within. I find each passing week leaves me feeling more fierce. I bristle, where I didn't before. I have less patience for fools, and less tolerance for the inconsequential. I would feather my nest in steel. I will make this child's birthing gift a renewed cavalry, the mounted knights of Iriscal restored to what they were in centuries past, so they can be welcomed into the world to the thunder of hooves, and lances dipped in respectful salute.
Perhaps tenderness is the norm for others, perhaps it's meant to balance the payment of pain and blood due in child bed.
Perhaps I'll feel differently, when they lay the child in my arms.
Perhaps tenderness is the norm for others, perhaps it's meant to balance the payment of pain and blood due in child bed.
Perhaps I'll feel differently, when they lay the child in my arms.
Written By Sabine
June 24, 2019, 4:30 a.m.(5/5/1011 AR)
One reads the names of those of nobility who have laid claim to shops within Arx and perhaps an eyebrow must be raised... until one reads on to see most are not even a generation away from their ennoblement. Ah, ah. It becomes clear, their weak grasp of what is fitting and what isn't. Perhaps a hundred years from now their descendants will have a better grasp of how to properly muster and direct charity, while shepherding their people to greater prosperity.
Written By Sabine
June 24, 2019, 4:26 a.m.(5/5/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
You have been an exemplary Count in every respect. I name you now an exemplary husband as well, my lord. The words I wrote when we were first wed no longer stand. You've proven yourself in every regard superior to your predecessor. An equal... as I knew would eventually be the case, when Tehom blessed our union.
Our child will be a force to be reckoned with.
Our child will be a force to be reckoned with.
Written By Sabine
Feb. 9, 2019, 4:02 p.m.(7/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Nurie
Stitch together my dreams, darling, and we'll make of the world what we want it to be.
Written By Sabine
Feb. 9, 2019, 4:01 p.m.(7/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
Credit where credit is due: all of Tessere put shoulder into the yoke to accomplish the next step of our goals but he who was not born to our name pulled as fiercely as any. We accomplish much because he understands and appreciates my vision.
He is a most exemplary husband in most regards.
He is a most exemplary husband in most regards.
Written By Sabine
Feb. 9, 2019, 3:39 p.m.(7/16/1010 AR)
There are few things as deeply satisfying as weaving visions of the future into the fabric of our present reality. My plans gleam. They always have. Now they exist for all to touch, and feel, and savour as I do.
One step taken, many more to go.
You're welcome, Arvum.
One step taken, many more to go.
You're welcome, Arvum.
Written By Sabine
Jan. 27, 2019, 3:36 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
Another month to be spent waiting in silent judgment. These days hone the steel of my patience far more effectively than any forge possibly could.
Written By Sabine
Jan. 11, 2019, 5:02 a.m.(5/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
A quarter of a year already spent and the moon turns its face, implacable. Inevitable. Every person's inspiration is different but I've the measure of my lord-husband now, every thread sorted, the tension exact.
There's satisfaction in knowing the weave and hues of someone's dreams.
There's satisfaction in knowing the weave and hues of someone's dreams.
Written By Sabine
Jan. 11, 2019, 4:49 a.m.(5/4/1010 AR)
Perhaps a little more of the steel fist, a little less of the velvet glove, is warranted in times such as these. At least in regards to those over whom we hold dominion. Not all steel need be delivered with the point of a blade, remember.
A first impression may never be made again and my darlings, you are doing their work for them.
A first impression may never be made again and my darlings, you are doing their work for them.
Written By Sabine
Dec. 24, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
I am still married. In the event that my peers were wondering whether the newer marriages would be quicker to fall.
He remains a satisfactory husband.
He remains a satisfactory husband.
Written By Sabine
Dec. 18, 2018, 7:29 p.m.(3/12/1010 AR)
I am unaccustomed to feeling moved to strong displays of emotion. I cannot say I like it, nor do I appreciate it appearing from nowhere. This feeling is not mine. I refuse ownership.
Written By Sabine
Dec. 13, 2018, 4:26 p.m.(3/2/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Karadoc
One month does not a legacy make but it has been an acceptable start. Perhaps when months become years, acceptable will become exceptional.
Written By Sabine
Dec. 1, 2018, 3:37 p.m.(2/5/1010 AR)
There ought to be a primer on appropriate wedding gifts to offer to newly married couples.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.