Written By Rook
Nov. 28, 2021, 2:31 p.m.(8/24/1016 AR)
A story that I recently shared, that I think may hold value to others.
One day I was walking in the market and I found a girl, little more than a child, selling glass bottles that she had collected. Discards, of course, but she had carefully taken them, washed them, and was selling them on the street to passers by, at a significantly lower cost than the ones the merchants were offering.
I offered to the girl to purchase the entirety of the lot, at a small discount, and with the requirement that she assist me with transporting them, as she had a small wagon. She gladly accepted, thrilled to be done for the day but for the small task.
She and I set out to a tavern in a slightly more upscale part of town. After a brief negotiation with the tavern owner, I sold half of the lot, at nearly twice the price I had paid her. She began to protest as we left, and I reminded her of our deal. To her credit, she continued on.
We visited three other taverns that day before selling out of all of them, collecting on average twice what I had paid her. Some more, some less, but in total I had more than doubled my silver. Her mood soured as she watched her bottles gain me more silver than they had her.
After the last tavern, she looked up at me and asked if she was now free to go with her wagon. She wanted to set about collecting bottles again, for she was now without any inventory, and to be frank likely wanted to be away from me after seeing how much I had profited. I told her that we were nearly done, but that I had one last transaction. I offered to pay her for some information - where she went to gather the bottles that she sold, that she found them in perfect condition. She balked at this, and again, to her credit, refused.
I asked her if she had learned anything, and she said yes, that she should not trust people in fancy clothes. I laughed, and told her that may be true, but not necessarily in this case. I told her that the reason why I could profit off her labor was that she had priced her bottles too cheaply. She said she sold them at that price because she paid nothing to acquire them, and so anything she got was good. I asked her if the tavern owners cared how much it cost them to acquire the same from their typical source, or simply that my price was lower than they were accustomed to. I could see it start to dawn on her, and I explained that you should never undersell yourself based around what it took you to get where you were, but ask instead for what your customer is willing to pay. And of course that sometimes a little bit of a journey can find customers willing to pay far more.
As she absorbed the lesson, I could see the wheels turning within her mind. I made her one last offer - my pouch of silver, in exchange for hers. She looked at me in confusion. I told her that the pouch that now held my silver was one given to me, long ago, by someone who had shown me the ways of the market. And that it was my duty to pass it along with the lesson. She went home that night not with the tidy sum I had initially paid her, but instead with the sum that I had collected from the merchants. And I came home with an old, patched up pouch of silver, a reminder of the struggle that many go through when they allow others to profit from their work and sweat.
That pouch sits in my vault at the Silver Consortium, and I bring it out from time to time when I am asked to explain the details of the market. I know not if she has kept the pouch I gave her, but I will say that I saw her, from a distance, some months later. Pulling a larger wagon, filled to the brim with bottles. I had not even needed to tell her the value of re-investing her silver in herself.
One day I was walking in the market and I found a girl, little more than a child, selling glass bottles that she had collected. Discards, of course, but she had carefully taken them, washed them, and was selling them on the street to passers by, at a significantly lower cost than the ones the merchants were offering.
I offered to the girl to purchase the entirety of the lot, at a small discount, and with the requirement that she assist me with transporting them, as she had a small wagon. She gladly accepted, thrilled to be done for the day but for the small task.
She and I set out to a tavern in a slightly more upscale part of town. After a brief negotiation with the tavern owner, I sold half of the lot, at nearly twice the price I had paid her. She began to protest as we left, and I reminded her of our deal. To her credit, she continued on.
We visited three other taverns that day before selling out of all of them, collecting on average twice what I had paid her. Some more, some less, but in total I had more than doubled my silver. Her mood soured as she watched her bottles gain me more silver than they had her.
After the last tavern, she looked up at me and asked if she was now free to go with her wagon. She wanted to set about collecting bottles again, for she was now without any inventory, and to be frank likely wanted to be away from me after seeing how much I had profited. I told her that we were nearly done, but that I had one last transaction. I offered to pay her for some information - where she went to gather the bottles that she sold, that she found them in perfect condition. She balked at this, and again, to her credit, refused.
I asked her if she had learned anything, and she said yes, that she should not trust people in fancy clothes. I laughed, and told her that may be true, but not necessarily in this case. I told her that the reason why I could profit off her labor was that she had priced her bottles too cheaply. She said she sold them at that price because she paid nothing to acquire them, and so anything she got was good. I asked her if the tavern owners cared how much it cost them to acquire the same from their typical source, or simply that my price was lower than they were accustomed to. I could see it start to dawn on her, and I explained that you should never undersell yourself based around what it took you to get where you were, but ask instead for what your customer is willing to pay. And of course that sometimes a little bit of a journey can find customers willing to pay far more.
As she absorbed the lesson, I could see the wheels turning within her mind. I made her one last offer - my pouch of silver, in exchange for hers. She looked at me in confusion. I told her that the pouch that now held my silver was one given to me, long ago, by someone who had shown me the ways of the market. And that it was my duty to pass it along with the lesson. She went home that night not with the tidy sum I had initially paid her, but instead with the sum that I had collected from the merchants. And I came home with an old, patched up pouch of silver, a reminder of the struggle that many go through when they allow others to profit from their work and sweat.
That pouch sits in my vault at the Silver Consortium, and I bring it out from time to time when I am asked to explain the details of the market. I know not if she has kept the pouch I gave her, but I will say that I saw her, from a distance, some months later. Pulling a larger wagon, filled to the brim with bottles. I had not even needed to tell her the value of re-investing her silver in herself.
Written By Valencia
Nov. 28, 2021, 1:29 p.m.(8/24/1016 AR)
It brings me no joy to write this, but I am told I must be pragmatic. To be honest, I did not think one statement of respectful disagreement on the principals of regency and duty would bring such a harsh and vindictive reaction.
However, it seems this is so, and therefore I feel it is important for me to offer an account of what has transpired since my declaration of concern just on the off chance that I should I meet an unexpected and untimely demise or go mysteriously missing.
Since my speaking of my concerns of the Velenosan regency and the setting aside of the Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa wishes and the rights of its heir, Prince Donato Marik Velenosa, I have received a bevy of correspondence dealing out various punishments for my speaking of my concerns when no other viable path seemed available.
Thus far, I have been summarily thanked and dismissed from my position as Minister of Civic Welfare once bestowed upon me by the Archduchess Eleyna, stripped of my stipend and banned entry to my family’s villa with wishes for good luck.
I was once forced to marry when I was very young and have thus done my duty to house and home. After the tragic death of my husband at our good King’s side, I returned to my family Velenosa. It was there that the Archduke-Regent, my uncle Niccolo, promised me that I should never be forced into a marriage against my will again. That any decisions of my marital status would be supported and would be mine and mine alone. This pledge was affirmed again by my good cousin, the Archduchess Eleyna during her reign.
I realize that this might seem like a convenient way to remove me from my home and family in an attempt to threaten or silence me. However, this does nothing at all to change the facts before us. Nor does this demand frighten me into submission nor change my position. If anything, it galvanizes my concerns.
My cousin-in-law for all intent and purpose wishes me to marry away from my family and I wanted an honourable regent who would do her best to protect and guide Lycene and our heir to a stronger future. I suppose we shall both have to learn to live with disappointment.
~~~~~~~~~~~<~<~@
However, it seems this is so, and therefore I feel it is important for me to offer an account of what has transpired since my declaration of concern just on the off chance that I should I meet an unexpected and untimely demise or go mysteriously missing.
Since my speaking of my concerns of the Velenosan regency and the setting aside of the Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa wishes and the rights of its heir, Prince Donato Marik Velenosa, I have received a bevy of correspondence dealing out various punishments for my speaking of my concerns when no other viable path seemed available.
Thus far, I have been summarily thanked and dismissed from my position as Minister of Civic Welfare once bestowed upon me by the Archduchess Eleyna, stripped of my stipend and banned entry to my family’s villa with wishes for good luck.
I was once forced to marry when I was very young and have thus done my duty to house and home. After the tragic death of my husband at our good King’s side, I returned to my family Velenosa. It was there that the Archduke-Regent, my uncle Niccolo, promised me that I should never be forced into a marriage against my will again. That any decisions of my marital status would be supported and would be mine and mine alone. This pledge was affirmed again by my good cousin, the Archduchess Eleyna during her reign.
I realize that this might seem like a convenient way to remove me from my home and family in an attempt to threaten or silence me. However, this does nothing at all to change the facts before us. Nor does this demand frighten me into submission nor change my position. If anything, it galvanizes my concerns.
My cousin-in-law for all intent and purpose wishes me to marry away from my family and I wanted an honourable regent who would do her best to protect and guide Lycene and our heir to a stronger future. I suppose we shall both have to learn to live with disappointment.
~~~~~~~~~~~<~<~@
Written By Haakon
Nov. 28, 2021, 10:41 a.m.(8/24/1016 AR)
I've need of a body with an eye for riddles.
Not the daft sort of riddle, like "why are folk so fucking stupid", but a false language with a true hidden meaning. Any folk with an eye for such things may send word to Eswyndol.
Not the daft sort of riddle, like "why are folk so fucking stupid", but a false language with a true hidden meaning. Any folk with an eye for such things may send word to Eswyndol.
Written By Mirari
Nov. 28, 2021, 12:43 a.m.(8/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Haakon
I think foolish white journals are my favorites.
We all have our off days but it takes a certain sort of character to consistently sound like they stumbled into the hallowed halls of Vellichor more than a little plastered.
Warriors of the Isles like to talk big, but it has always been funny to me how the greatest opposition they have sought over the centuries were helpless men, women and children to turn into slaves. It makes me doubt Lord Haakon's assessment of Lycene prowess.
He is, of course, welcome to prove me wrong anytime by publicly defeating any of our perfumed, quick to run, easy to kill duelists. I will brew the perfume myself.
We all have our off days but it takes a certain sort of character to consistently sound like they stumbled into the hallowed halls of Vellichor more than a little plastered.
Warriors of the Isles like to talk big, but it has always been funny to me how the greatest opposition they have sought over the centuries were helpless men, women and children to turn into slaves. It makes me doubt Lord Haakon's assessment of Lycene prowess.
He is, of course, welcome to prove me wrong anytime by publicly defeating any of our perfumed, quick to run, easy to kill duelists. I will brew the perfume myself.
Written By Denica
Nov. 28, 2021, 12:41 a.m.(8/23/1016 AR)
We all bring something to the table. Whether it is our ability to coin a phrase, slit a throat or light up the room with a smile. It is our combined strengths that matter, for they reduce our weaknesses to nothing. Our victory is in our ability to work together, to be our best and be ourselves.
You are beautiful, just as you are.
I am ready to fight and I've got something worth fighting for.
You are beautiful, just as you are.
I am ready to fight and I've got something worth fighting for.
Written By Zakhar
Nov. 27, 2021, 6:36 p.m.(8/23/1016 AR)
The question has come up. What now?
Sure, I could make a new pan. It's not hard. Just get the metal nice and hot then shape it to what is needed, add some bone, clay, shape it some more. Add leather and a mark. Good as new.
Only.
It's not the frame and build of the pan that is the loss. It belonged to Darya first, and she's long gone now. To remake something of hers... It's not a matter that I wish to discuss, the flower needed is even no more to these lands.
I don't know what it means at this time. Though my enemies should be on watch.
Sure, I could make a new pan. It's not hard. Just get the metal nice and hot then shape it to what is needed, add some bone, clay, shape it some more. Add leather and a mark. Good as new.
Only.
It's not the frame and build of the pan that is the loss. It belonged to Darya first, and she's long gone now. To remake something of hers... It's not a matter that I wish to discuss, the flower needed is even no more to these lands.
I don't know what it means at this time. Though my enemies should be on watch.
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 Viviana
Nov. 27, 2021, 3:55 p.m.(8/23/1016 AR)
It's a metaphor, Scholar Einar. Maybe a sharp metaphor. Maybe it's really just a knife. Or a knighthood --
You're not laughing.
That was funny, I promise.
You're not laughing.
That was funny, I promise.
Written By Corban
Nov. 27, 2021, 1:53 p.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
It is a tremendous honor to be asked to Convene the next Assembly of Peers. It is a role that my hero Sir Dayne Valardin sometimes played and that the Lord Commander has done in her role as Voice of the Crown.
To follow in their footsteps is a distinct privilege.
To follow in their footsteps is a distinct privilege.
Written By Mayir
Nov. 27, 2021, 1:41 p.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Asher
You were a Grayhope, Asher.
No one kills a Grayhope and gets away with it.
I swear as its Boss and as your cousin.
No one kills a Grayhope and gets away with it.
I swear as its Boss and as your cousin.
Written By Raja
Nov. 27, 2021, 1:16 p.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
I heard the best story at the bar. It was the story of an oyster in the sea. Here is my take of the oyster.
There was a wise oyster in the sea. It lived with a great many other oysters. All these oysters had beautiful pearls that each of them held tightly onto. One by one, the oysters were taken from the sea and the pearls claimed by the great fisherman in the boat above. The pearls were forever lost to the sea. The wise oyster desired to keep his pearl, but decided to give it up to the sea. The oyster knew his days were numbered and wished to grant his gift before hand. It did not know what would happen to the pearl. However, after the oyster was gone and others saw the beautiful pearl within the sea, the oyster was remembered and the beauty of his pearl could be enjoyed through the generations.
Share your pearl so you too will make a mark on the world and be remembered.
There was a wise oyster in the sea. It lived with a great many other oysters. All these oysters had beautiful pearls that each of them held tightly onto. One by one, the oysters were taken from the sea and the pearls claimed by the great fisherman in the boat above. The pearls were forever lost to the sea. The wise oyster desired to keep his pearl, but decided to give it up to the sea. The oyster knew his days were numbered and wished to grant his gift before hand. It did not know what would happen to the pearl. However, after the oyster was gone and others saw the beautiful pearl within the sea, the oyster was remembered and the beauty of his pearl could be enjoyed through the generations.
Share your pearl so you too will make a mark on the world and be remembered.
Written By Gio
Nov. 27, 2021, 12:58 p.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
The courtier wields power through discretion and through discreet avenues - soft lips, hard hearts. By flattering and yielding and knowing when to advance and when to withdraw - enforcing their power through charm - they accumulate an ever-increasing amount of quiet influence.
It's an avenue worth exploring.
I just might.
It's an avenue worth exploring.
I just might.
Written By Haakon
Nov. 27, 2021, 11:40 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
I think Lycene pirates are my favorites.
Sailors aren't a sweet smelling lot, by and large, but Lycenes still perfume themselves, men and women wear little, and what they do don tends to be silk and leather, rather than steel.
So while they still smell of sweat, salt, and tar, it's *perfumed* sweat, salt, and tar. They're quick to flee when outmatched, quick to die when cornered, look good doing it, and tend to leave more wealth, after the fight.
The perfect opponents, really.
Sailors aren't a sweet smelling lot, by and large, but Lycenes still perfume themselves, men and women wear little, and what they do don tends to be silk and leather, rather than steel.
So while they still smell of sweat, salt, and tar, it's *perfumed* sweat, salt, and tar. They're quick to flee when outmatched, quick to die when cornered, look good doing it, and tend to leave more wealth, after the fight.
The perfect opponents, really.
Written By Amari
Nov. 27, 2021, 11:24 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
I think I'll spend some time decorating, and reading. Thankfully you always have fresh bandages ready, for when I do leave my home. You have my deepest gratitude for helping to patch me back together... again.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 27, 2021, 11:04 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
If only my laboratory can stop going up in flames, that would be wonderful.
Renovation number 6, coming up.
Renovation number 6, coming up.
Written By Rook
Nov. 27, 2021, 4:16 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
I have the most delicious idea for a game that could entertain plenty. I cannot wait to share details.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 27, 2021, 3:55 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
Some people should be locked in their own home for their own safety!
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 27, 2021, 3:54 a.m.(8/22/1016 AR)
There is a tale of a Duke that went to visit a famous painter and asked him to paint him the perfect tree.
The painter told the Duke to return in 10 years. The Duke hiked his eyebrow but nodded and left.
Ten years later, the Duke returns to the painter and tells him, "I came for my painting of the perfect tree".
The painter than lifts the brush and paints the perfect tree in a matter of less than a chime.
The Duke gets outraged and asks, "Are you mocking me? You had me wait for 10 years for something you can do so quickly?"
The painter than takes the Duke to a back room storing hundreds of tree paintings, explaining, "It took me ten years to be able to do it that quickly".
The painter told the Duke to return in 10 years. The Duke hiked his eyebrow but nodded and left.
Ten years later, the Duke returns to the painter and tells him, "I came for my painting of the perfect tree".
The painter than lifts the brush and paints the perfect tree in a matter of less than a chime.
The Duke gets outraged and asks, "Are you mocking me? You had me wait for 10 years for something you can do so quickly?"
The painter than takes the Duke to a back room storing hundreds of tree paintings, explaining, "It took me ten years to be able to do it that quickly".
Written By Monique
Nov. 27, 2021, 3:46 a.m.(8/21/1016 AR)
When I touch you it is like all the time in the world has passed, and no time at all. When you warm against my skin I understand temptation. You pierced my heart and I knew then the feeling of wanting to die, as others have known when you plunge into them. There is nothing in this world to compare to you. Welcome back, my darling. Welcome back.
Written By Zakhar
Nov. 27, 2021, 1:43 a.m.(8/21/1016 AR)
They broke my frying pan....
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.