Written By Simone
April 28, 2018, 1:24 p.m.(8/20/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Dearest Sister-in-Law,
I do not long for that day that Marius longs for... because I know that you two would never be happy that way. Though remember, paybacks can be a bear! I wonder what tales Marian has on you...
M. Simone Greenmarch
I do not long for that day that Marius longs for... because I know that you two would never be happy that way. Though remember, paybacks can be a bear! I wonder what tales Marian has on you...
M. Simone Greenmarch
Written By Simone
April 23, 2018, 10:29 p.m.(8/10/1008 AR)
Gentle Readers,
I decided perhaps I should take a break and spend a bit of time writing in the whites. Plus it is so nice and cool in here on such a warm day.
Today was a lovely day of many gifts. It was nice to see so many smiles as I went about town. Then, I received lovely gifts from Monique and Dominique that made me smile as well. Despite my father's grumpiness regarding the occasion, I even heard from some of the servants that he received a gift. It would have been amusing to see his face when he received it!
I also had a very helpful lesson in Diplomacy from Margerie. I haven't seen her in so long, but it was nice to catch up once more. And it was nice to meet her nieces as well. I look forward to getting to know all of them better.
On a sour note, Tobias has apparently gone missing, or maybe he left again who knows, and now father is putting out a bounty... I worry about where all of that will lead. I can't help but miss the little brother I knew as a child though. Yet I know only a little about the man he is now.
Anyway, that is enough for one day and I should be getting back to my errands.
Farewell for now!
M. Simone Greenmarch
I decided perhaps I should take a break and spend a bit of time writing in the whites. Plus it is so nice and cool in here on such a warm day.
Today was a lovely day of many gifts. It was nice to see so many smiles as I went about town. Then, I received lovely gifts from Monique and Dominique that made me smile as well. Despite my father's grumpiness regarding the occasion, I even heard from some of the servants that he received a gift. It would have been amusing to see his face when he received it!
I also had a very helpful lesson in Diplomacy from Margerie. I haven't seen her in so long, but it was nice to catch up once more. And it was nice to meet her nieces as well. I look forward to getting to know all of them better.
On a sour note, Tobias has apparently gone missing, or maybe he left again who knows, and now father is putting out a bounty... I worry about where all of that will lead. I can't help but miss the little brother I knew as a child though. Yet I know only a little about the man he is now.
Anyway, that is enough for one day and I should be getting back to my errands.
Farewell for now!
M. Simone Greenmarch
Written By Simone
April 21, 2018, 6:48 p.m.(8/6/1008 AR)
Gentle Readers,
One certainly should not need an excuse to visit friends, but in the hectic shuffle of day to day life sometimes it helps to justify the allocation of time to the endeavor. Given that my husband has requested my assistance (though honestly he didn't have to ask) and given that researching is certainly not my forte, I believe I shall turn this into an opportunity instead of a chore and use it as wonderful excuse to meet up with some friends that I have lost touch with.
If I should miss any of you as I go about this pursuit, please take no offense and instead send me a missive and I shall be overjoyed to see you all once more!
M. Simone Greenmarch
One certainly should not need an excuse to visit friends, but in the hectic shuffle of day to day life sometimes it helps to justify the allocation of time to the endeavor. Given that my husband has requested my assistance (though honestly he didn't have to ask) and given that researching is certainly not my forte, I believe I shall turn this into an opportunity instead of a chore and use it as wonderful excuse to meet up with some friends that I have lost touch with.
If I should miss any of you as I go about this pursuit, please take no offense and instead send me a missive and I shall be overjoyed to see you all once more!
M. Simone Greenmarch
Written By Simone
April 19, 2018, 10:09 p.m.(8/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
I sincerely worry about the health of anyone that might hold their breath waiting for my father to be anything except what he is. Fortunately, I have grown desensitized to it over time and the simple truth is that I like him just the way he is. He's done wonders for the sharpening of my wit as I grew up for certain!
Written By Simone
April 17, 2018, 11:12 p.m.(7/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margret
My dear Margret, I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! First the clinic, and now our voice. I know you will speak well for House Greenmarch.
Written By Simone
April 11, 2018, 8:59 p.m.(7/14/1008 AR)
I must say it is wonderful to be back among family and friends here in Arx. Getting back into the swirl of activity that composes each day has been a little challenging, but I'm more than up to the challenge.
And yes, it was even good to see Father. I suppose it is to be expected that I'd have a thick skin growing up under his (rough, crude, crass, okay I'll stop) tutelage. But oddly, it felt like coming home. Am I warped for life? Maybe so, but I am what I am – like me or don't.
And yes, it was even good to see Father. I suppose it is to be expected that I'd have a thick skin growing up under his (rough, crude, crass, okay I'll stop) tutelage. But oddly, it felt like coming home. Am I warped for life? Maybe so, but I am what I am – like me or don't.
Written By Simone
April 4, 2018, 11:01 p.m.(6/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
Aurora has such lovely designs. I can hardly wait to see the gown she is creating for me, much less to wear it!
Written By Simone
April 4, 2018, 10:59 p.m.(6/28/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Oh little brother... how I've missed you. It was good to talk to you once more!
Written By Simone
April 1, 2018, 6:32 p.m.(6/22/1008 AR)
Dearest Readers,
Marius and I have returned from Greenhaven. While I truly enjoyed the quiet time with Myrddin and shall forever treasure the precious moments of his childhood, I have missed my family and friends in Arx. My heart was uplifted as we approached the city once more. I do feel so out of touch though.
So much to do and so many people to see!
M. Simone Greenmarch
Marius and I have returned from Greenhaven. While I truly enjoyed the quiet time with Myrddin and shall forever treasure the precious moments of his childhood, I have missed my family and friends in Arx. My heart was uplifted as we approached the city once more. I do feel so out of touch though.
So much to do and so many people to see!
M. Simone Greenmarch
Written By Simone
April 27, 2017, 10:34 a.m.(5/8/1006 AR)
Your mother would be a falcon.
Even now, years after this, when the wounds I leave heal.
Even after sleep with fierce eyes closed
and if her heart
is broken, it is as least still.
You would also be falcon and go free.
You would tread her wrist and wear the hood,
set high, no limits, strike and draw blood.
Even now, years after this, when the wounds I leave heal.
Even after sleep with fierce eyes closed
and if her heart
is broken, it is as least still.
You would also be falcon and go free.
You would tread her wrist and wear the hood,
set high, no limits, strike and draw blood.
Written By Simone
April 23, 2017, 12:55 a.m.(4/27/1006 AR)
( Georgette is far too quick to take away one of my entries to the Scholar. )
Dear Me,
Stop being maudlin. Immediately. It isn't like you. You're only one year older. There are only four months yet to go. Nevermind that there is a pile of dresses that no longer fit and a pile of paper with far too many names to consider and sift through. You will keep Georgie preoccupied with this journal entry because you've just mentioned her and she will have to read it. Once she starts, you will have your opening to slip out of the Archives for a breath of fresh air.
Always,
Me.
Postscript: Dulcie, that style is incredibly cathartic!
4/27/1006 AR
Dear Me,
Stop being maudlin. Immediately. It isn't like you. You're only one year older. There are only four months yet to go. Nevermind that there is a pile of dresses that no longer fit and a pile of paper with far too many names to consider and sift through. You will keep Georgie preoccupied with this journal entry because you've just mentioned her and she will have to read it. Once she starts, you will have your opening to slip out of the Archives for a breath of fresh air.
Always,
Me.
Postscript: Dulcie, that style is incredibly cathartic!
4/27/1006 AR
Written By Simone
April 21, 2017, 2:18 p.m.(4/24/1006 AR)
My Stowaway,
Times passes, doesn't it? It feels as though you are moving more, and I less. I am nothing but the one that bends to your will and whims. I am merely the container. You are the water. As some point you will no longer be contained. You will go your own way. Untamed, like a stream. Like the sea.
It feels as though you are the most strange, and the most familiar to me - I don't know how it feels like that. It feels less that I am getting to know you, and more as though I am beginning to remember who you are. How you'll smile, how you'll cry, how everything brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I am hoping for. Perhaps I loved you - another time, a different place - some other lifetime. Although I know it more than knowing ...
When the time comes, I will not be restrained.
M. Simone Greenmarch
4/24/1006 AR.
Times passes, doesn't it? It feels as though you are moving more, and I less. I am nothing but the one that bends to your will and whims. I am merely the container. You are the water. As some point you will no longer be contained. You will go your own way. Untamed, like a stream. Like the sea.
It feels as though you are the most strange, and the most familiar to me - I don't know how it feels like that. It feels less that I am getting to know you, and more as though I am beginning to remember who you are. How you'll smile, how you'll cry, how everything brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I am hoping for. Perhaps I loved you - another time, a different place - some other lifetime. Although I know it more than knowing ...
When the time comes, I will not be restrained.
M. Simone Greenmarch
4/24/1006 AR.
Written By Simone
April 16, 2017, 10:02 a.m.(4/13/1006 AR)
Dear Gentle Readers:
There is no doubt that war is terrible. It is the greatest catastrophe that can befall human beings. It brings death and destruction, merciless slaughter and butchery, disease and starvation, poverty and ruin in its wake. I only have only to think of the havoc that was wrought to each individual near and abroad and I pray to the Gods - the old and the new - for peace.
But, somehow, we must recognize and come to terms with the fact that it is a necessary, inescapable terror. A glance at the past of the world will show war has been a recurrent phenomenon in our history. No period has been free from the devastating effects of war.
In view of it seems futile to talk of permanent, everlasting peace. It's this worry that has caused an unpredictable shift of my being. Concerns that I assumed were a result of my exhaustion. Lingering worry. Deep dread. I thought that this was the time that I was supposed to realize the wonders of impending motherhood.
Instead, things are less wonderful. If there is one thing you can expect when you are having a child, it's that everyone will have will have some witty remark or sympathies given in earnest. Someone reassured me that I will never have decent sleep again. Which, by the way, I've decided that anyone who is amused by my impending sleep deprivation, reveal themselves to be rather sadistic. Don't you think?
The thing is, I don't really know what I should expect.
I do have the strength of will to find out.
M. Simone Greenmarch
4/13/1006 AR
There is no doubt that war is terrible. It is the greatest catastrophe that can befall human beings. It brings death and destruction, merciless slaughter and butchery, disease and starvation, poverty and ruin in its wake. I only have only to think of the havoc that was wrought to each individual near and abroad and I pray to the Gods - the old and the new - for peace.
But, somehow, we must recognize and come to terms with the fact that it is a necessary, inescapable terror. A glance at the past of the world will show war has been a recurrent phenomenon in our history. No period has been free from the devastating effects of war.
In view of it seems futile to talk of permanent, everlasting peace. It's this worry that has caused an unpredictable shift of my being. Concerns that I assumed were a result of my exhaustion. Lingering worry. Deep dread. I thought that this was the time that I was supposed to realize the wonders of impending motherhood.
Instead, things are less wonderful. If there is one thing you can expect when you are having a child, it's that everyone will have will have some witty remark or sympathies given in earnest. Someone reassured me that I will never have decent sleep again. Which, by the way, I've decided that anyone who is amused by my impending sleep deprivation, reveal themselves to be rather sadistic. Don't you think?
The thing is, I don't really know what I should expect.
I do have the strength of will to find out.
M. Simone Greenmarch
4/13/1006 AR
Written By Simone
April 6, 2017, 11:18 a.m.(3/22/1006 AR)
Dearest Gentle Reader:
Another month. The weeks have been a slow blur of tedious routine. I am told that this will last into the middle of summer. I hope - sincerely - that the siege will be over by then because I could not stand the idea of bringing life into wartime. A silly and short-sighted concern. As it is, this entry was brought to the Scholars by my maid, Georgette. I remain isolated. Not from fear, no, but from simple common sense and more than enough selfishness for my (or, rather, our combined) safety.
They do not tell you of the strange array of issues that arise from this ... condition. (To put it mildly.) It seems like a unusual topic for an entry into the White Journals, but, I have no other experiences to share other than this. I was not expecting to literally glow from this, and the thought alone has me quirking a smirk from the idea. The idea of a glow seems like a farce, and that's enough to piss a lady off.
They do not tell you that you will feel strange and detached, that bending will become tiresome, and that even the thought of certain things will make you violently ill. In fact, I have barred Marius from even mentioning whiskey in my company --
They do not warn of experiencing dramatic emotional outbursts, the fits of crying and anger. I feel as if I could blame it on one main culprit.
But, I would never be that unkind.
M. Simone Greenmarch
3.22.1006 AR
Another month. The weeks have been a slow blur of tedious routine. I am told that this will last into the middle of summer. I hope - sincerely - that the siege will be over by then because I could not stand the idea of bringing life into wartime. A silly and short-sighted concern. As it is, this entry was brought to the Scholars by my maid, Georgette. I remain isolated. Not from fear, no, but from simple common sense and more than enough selfishness for my (or, rather, our combined) safety.
They do not tell you of the strange array of issues that arise from this ... condition. (To put it mildly.) It seems like a unusual topic for an entry into the White Journals, but, I have no other experiences to share other than this. I was not expecting to literally glow from this, and the thought alone has me quirking a smirk from the idea. The idea of a glow seems like a farce, and that's enough to piss a lady off.
They do not tell you that you will feel strange and detached, that bending will become tiresome, and that even the thought of certain things will make you violently ill. In fact, I have barred Marius from even mentioning whiskey in my company --
They do not warn of experiencing dramatic emotional outbursts, the fits of crying and anger. I feel as if I could blame it on one main culprit.
But, I would never be that unkind.
M. Simone Greenmarch
3.22.1006 AR
Written By Simone
March 26, 2017, 6:12 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Dear Gentle Readers,
There is no need to worry that your voice will fall on deaf ears.
It is the persistence of our people and our sheer determination that will drive us to succeed in this war we partake.
We will prove them wrong.
We will not be silenced.
M. Simone Greenmarch
2.28.1006 AR
There is no need to worry that your voice will fall on deaf ears.
It is the persistence of our people and our sheer determination that will drive us to succeed in this war we partake.
We will prove them wrong.
We will not be silenced.
M. Simone Greenmarch
2.28.1006 AR
Written By Simone
March 23, 2017, 11:30 p.m.(2/23/1006 AR)
Barely met, Duchess Zaffria. Neither allies nor friends, but the possibilities existed--
Still, I sincerely wish you well.
(To note: your heir has an excellent sense of propriety.
And humor.)
Still, I sincerely wish you well.
(To note: your heir has an excellent sense of propriety.
And humor.)
Written By Simone
March 20, 2017, 2:59 p.m.(2/16/1006 AR)
There is a stirring in my soul - (my nerves, my breakfast)
- a wild and restless anticipation.
Knowing that soon I will be facing a very new, very blue horizon.
I will stare out at it, as far as I can,
(not for the romanticism)
but because of the old sailor's advice. That looking out
will keep me steady despite every pitch and roll.
It's my first time. I'll get used to the motion.
Like knowing the secret (not that one) of distance.
Nearness has nothing to do with proximity.
- a wild and restless anticipation.
Knowing that soon I will be facing a very new, very blue horizon.
I will stare out at it, as far as I can,
(not for the romanticism)
but because of the old sailor's advice. That looking out
will keep me steady despite every pitch and roll.
It's my first time. I'll get used to the motion.
Like knowing the secret (not that one) of distance.
Nearness has nothing to do with proximity.
Written By Simone
March 20, 2017, 3:30 a.m.(2/15/1006 AR)
A dream.
Inside a still forest. The kind of stillness where the flutter of bird's wings sound like shattering glass. So, remain still. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. The sound carries so easily.
Glance up. The tall trees stand strong, holding the starry sky in their uppermost boughs. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Each leaf pauses when you do. The outcome will be out of your control. Tremble, shiver like the leaves if you must.
Do not -- do not slip. You will fall into the gully. Surrounded by so much green. You will have to be careful. Cover your mouth if you cry. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Reach toward the ever lightening sky, the last traces of night flee.
Feel the warmth of dawn chase away the sinking night. Explore the morning, aware but no longer afraid. Take a step. Another. Each step takes you farther into these woods, lovely and deep. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Listen closely. The maddening silence breaks like a wave. The trees sigh. The birds sing.
Exhale.
Breathe.
And wake.
Inside a still forest. The kind of stillness where the flutter of bird's wings sound like shattering glass. So, remain still. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. The sound carries so easily.
Glance up. The tall trees stand strong, holding the starry sky in their uppermost boughs. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Each leaf pauses when you do. The outcome will be out of your control. Tremble, shiver like the leaves if you must.
Do not -- do not slip. You will fall into the gully. Surrounded by so much green. You will have to be careful. Cover your mouth if you cry. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Reach toward the ever lightening sky, the last traces of night flee.
Feel the warmth of dawn chase away the sinking night. Explore the morning, aware but no longer afraid. Take a step. Another. Each step takes you farther into these woods, lovely and deep. Keep quiet. Hold your breath. Listen closely. The maddening silence breaks like a wave. The trees sigh. The birds sing.
Exhale.
Breathe.
And wake.
Written By Simone
March 16, 2017, 10:03 p.m.(2/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Dulcinea
The sweetest Telmar of them all has returned to the Tower. I am ever so pleased.
Written By Simone
March 16, 2017, 2:59 p.m.(2/8/1006 AR)
You always tell me that you are glad that I am on your side.
You say it like a thank you note. You say it like a prayer.
You say it like it was yesterday, and with more hope each and every time I hear it -
(As far as a memory, as near as dust on my skin)
I say, "It's okay." In truth I should say, "I don't know."
You say it like a thank you note. You say it like a prayer.
You say it like it was yesterday, and with more hope each and every time I hear it -
(As far as a memory, as near as dust on my skin)
I say, "It's okay." In truth I should say, "I don't know."
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.