Written By Alis
March 2, 2017, 4:04 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Obviously my brother has been replaced by... I don't even know.
Written By Eirene
March 2, 2017, 3:30 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Ever since the truth of the Tor-Southport war became apparent to me (And if I had known then what I know now I would have seen it sooner) I've been devoted to making sure our houses work as one to defeat our enemies. Now through some weird twist we'll be joined in marriage in a match that goes beyond political. Ain't that a fucking wonder? I'm actually going to -enjoy- this wedding.
The only thing marring it is the lack of Leo Fidante. You magnificent bastard, you better not be dead. I will be pissed if you are.
The only thing marring it is the lack of Leo Fidante. You magnificent bastard, you better not be dead. I will be pissed if you are.
Written By Tristan
March 2, 2017, 3:30 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Of course the Palace Stables have cats. Stables in general tend to be rife with vermin if you don't take measures. All that grain, calling a sirensong to every mouse and rat within a mile. And there was an unfortunate incident with a bottle of rat poison I don't care to repeat.
So we've had a whole herd? pack? flock? of cats keeping the King's stables diligently vermin-free. I feed them, of course. Better to keep them in the stables and in fine condition for battling ratkind. I certainly don't scritch their bellies and name them all.
But now Dandelion and Buttercup (shut up), two of my best ratters, disappeared. It happens with feral cats. Sometimes they wander and find a better patch (hence the logical reason for regular meals). Sometimes something happens to them. All sorts of hazards out there for a wandering cat...poison, sickness, fast-moving carts, the Lord Commander's pets policy...
Maybe someone scooped them up and took them up. They're friendly, for barn cats.
But they're sisters, and they used to help look after each other's kittens. And they each left behind a large litter, too young to fend for themselves.
The old stablemaster back at Bastion used to drown orphaned kittens. Said it was the kindest thing to do for them, with no one to look after them and teach them how to be a cat.
Instead, I currently have an entire basket full of kittens.
So we've had a whole herd? pack? flock? of cats keeping the King's stables diligently vermin-free. I feed them, of course. Better to keep them in the stables and in fine condition for battling ratkind. I certainly don't scritch their bellies and name them all.
But now Dandelion and Buttercup (shut up), two of my best ratters, disappeared. It happens with feral cats. Sometimes they wander and find a better patch (hence the logical reason for regular meals). Sometimes something happens to them. All sorts of hazards out there for a wandering cat...poison, sickness, fast-moving carts, the Lord Commander's pets policy...
Maybe someone scooped them up and took them up. They're friendly, for barn cats.
But they're sisters, and they used to help look after each other's kittens. And they each left behind a large litter, too young to fend for themselves.
The old stablemaster back at Bastion used to drown orphaned kittens. Said it was the kindest thing to do for them, with no one to look after them and teach them how to be a cat.
Instead, I currently have an entire basket full of kittens.
Written By Alistair
March 2, 2017, 3:14 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
I had the chance to eat a slice of cake yesterday at Prince Laric's wedding.
It was acceptable.
It was acceptable.
Written By Hadrian
March 2, 2017, 2:53 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
A wedding! I love weddings; from the rum to the wine, the people to the celebration -everyone is happy, and these festivals last for days on end in Southport. I suppose I have a little something to do with that, my people know me as rather fond of parties. Why, one birthday party I threw lasted an entire week. Mother was not too thrilled about that, heh.
That's not the most interesting and dramatic detail, however, because what sets my love for theatrics in a flurry of excitement is the simple fact that the bride and groom are a Fidante and Malvici, respectively. This is something that I would not have expected to happen in my lifetime, since Lucien's... Well, nevermind that. My cousin, Inigo, and Calista -who I have always known to be a dangerously smart, strong woman- are to be wed. I could not be more thrilled.
That's not the most interesting and dramatic detail, however, because what sets my love for theatrics in a flurry of excitement is the simple fact that the bride and groom are a Fidante and Malvici, respectively. This is something that I would not have expected to happen in my lifetime, since Lucien's... Well, nevermind that. My cousin, Inigo, and Calista -who I have always known to be a dangerously smart, strong woman- are to be wed. I could not be more thrilled.
Written By Valerius
March 2, 2017, 2:46 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
He’s not quite the Inquisitor I had in mind, though I think that’s a pleasant surprise. I suppose he’s exactly the kind of Inquisitor I’d hoped to meet and build a relationship with, as I’ve no problem stating the obvious in their reputation being something a little less than pleasant.
But beyond that, he seems a legitimately good man, if our conversations, the work he does, and the wedding I attended are anything to go by. How a man that handsome could become an Inquisitor is beyond me. Maybe it’s a tool, they don’t expect him to be as capable because he’s so pretty.
I figure I’ll be spending a good deal more time with him in the future, in both official and casual settings. I’m happy about that.
But beyond that, he seems a legitimately good man, if our conversations, the work he does, and the wedding I attended are anything to go by. How a man that handsome could become an Inquisitor is beyond me. Maybe it’s a tool, they don’t expect him to be as capable because he’s so pretty.
I figure I’ll be spending a good deal more time with him in the future, in both official and casual settings. I’m happy about that.
Written By Edain
March 2, 2017, 2:44 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
So today I heard one person call another a 'Twat Biscuit.' It was said in such an aggressive and hateful manner that I could only conclude this is meant to be disparaging to the target.
I am confused by this because when I think of a biscuit I think of something that is warm, soft and delicious, all of which would be quality of quite an amazing twat.
Sometimes the complexities of offering a proper insult are lost on me.
I am confused by this because when I think of a biscuit I think of something that is warm, soft and delicious, all of which would be quality of quite an amazing twat.
Sometimes the complexities of offering a proper insult are lost on me.
Written By Valerius
March 2, 2017, 1:26 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
She doesn’t smile as much as I’d like her to, and I think that’s a shame. Not that it’s my place to tell her how much or how often she should. When she does, though, I feel like a dog given a treat. It’s immensely satisfying, and the first thing on my mind is seeing it again.
I’m no trained jester, nor bard, but damn if I’m not willing to learn to be if it means I can catch another glimpse.
I’m no trained jester, nor bard, but damn if I’m not willing to learn to be if it means I can catch another glimpse.
Written By Bethany
March 2, 2017, 12:13 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
I think we write to remove ourselves from our day to day emotions. We make our stories vague in the Journals, because we're afraid of our common enemy - reading our deeper thoughts, our weaknesses, our sadness - and twisting them to their agenda. Even poetry is an escape from our own emotions, our own personalities. That's why I write. I know raw emotion forced into verse is not truth.
It's all the difference between a wild rose and one cultivated in the greenhouse. It retains the beauty, but lacks the perfume.
(I apologize, Scholar, I didn't mean to smear the ink on the page.)
It's all the difference between a wild rose and one cultivated in the greenhouse. It retains the beauty, but lacks the perfume.
(I apologize, Scholar, I didn't mean to smear the ink on the page.)
Written By Joscelin
March 2, 2017, 12:09 p.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
[the ink has blots, like water droplets speckled across the page, but it's quite legible]
I fear I will never get closure, little sister. That I will pull my hair and wail as my mother did when father didn't come back with his regiment, that I will soak in the grief of unknowing until my curls go white with unrelenting uncertainty.
I love you, Ianthe. I loved you when you were a snot-nosed, red-kneed little urchin that stuck her fingers in my crafting supplies and beads, when you stole my sketchbook and I screamed about it- ...only to find a little (terrible) drawing of you and me, holding hands and smiling, stuck in the pages halfway through. My heart was stolen.
I loved you when you got me into trouble the first, second, third, and fifth time. The fourth time I still refuse to think about. The look on mother's face-
I pray you're safe. I pray you're unafraid and content, satisfied in your work or where you are.
But I feel I know the truth. I grieve, though, that I will never know or understand the things that led you to your fate, our fate, the ties between us. That I will look and wonder if there was something I could have done to salvage all of this. To save you. I suspect now that was never my job, but it burns in me, the duty of loving as an older sister; I was meant to protect you and I failed.
I fear I will never get closure, little sister. That I will pull my hair and wail as my mother did when father didn't come back with his regiment, that I will soak in the grief of unknowing until my curls go white with unrelenting uncertainty.
I love you, Ianthe. I loved you when you were a snot-nosed, red-kneed little urchin that stuck her fingers in my crafting supplies and beads, when you stole my sketchbook and I screamed about it- ...only to find a little (terrible) drawing of you and me, holding hands and smiling, stuck in the pages halfway through. My heart was stolen.
I loved you when you got me into trouble the first, second, third, and fifth time. The fourth time I still refuse to think about. The look on mother's face-
I pray you're safe. I pray you're unafraid and content, satisfied in your work or where you are.
But I feel I know the truth. I grieve, though, that I will never know or understand the things that led you to your fate, our fate, the ties between us. That I will look and wonder if there was something I could have done to salvage all of this. To save you. I suspect now that was never my job, but it burns in me, the duty of loving as an older sister; I was meant to protect you and I failed.
Written By Samantha
March 2, 2017, 10:20 a.m.(1/8/1006 AR)
I was prevented departure to the royal wedding due to a need for conflict resolution amongst some of the refugees I am hosting. Fortunately, it all worked out, but it took several hours to make the people involved see reason. Still, Lady Cara - no, Princess Cara - has been a marvelous friend to me and I wish her all the best. I've never really gotten to know Larric, but she has deemed him worthy, which means he's worth getting to know. I shall have to have them both over for dinner to celebrate them.
I am a bit wistful, I think, of all the people who have found partners they have formed a lasting bond with. Maybe it's something in the air? Or perhaps a need for something permanent and strong, in the face of the uncertainty of our lives in recent days. I find myself longing for this. It's a girlish fantasy, I imagine.
I must be patient.
I am a bit wistful, I think, of all the people who have found partners they have formed a lasting bond with. Maybe it's something in the air? Or perhaps a need for something permanent and strong, in the face of the uncertainty of our lives in recent days. I find myself longing for this. It's a girlish fantasy, I imagine.
I must be patient.
Written By Rymarr
March 2, 2017, 10:07 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Uncertain of your marriage arrangements? Fearful of being married off to some lord or lady you can't stand? The King's Own can help! Give up family ties and vows of loyalty to all but the Crown and have the burden of choice lifted from your shoulders in order to pursue a life of service to a cause and purpose far greater than any lone soul.
The King's Own: making your marriage decisions for you since...we can't rightly remember, honestly. It's been a long time.
The King's Own: making your marriage decisions for you since...we can't rightly remember, honestly. It's been a long time.
Written By Rymarr
March 2, 2017, 10:05 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
I imagine in two hundred years when the scholars look back to our journals to read of our thoughts during these dark times, they're going to be utterly confused. Understandably so during our oblations to Vellichor, so many entries are vague and disjointed. It's going to cause a lot of confusion for those who read in the future. Likely it will paint an adequate picture of the time we live for them and the fact that confusion runs rampant.
What isn't confusing? Service to His Imperial Majesty, King Alaric Grayson IV. It is a simple and straightforward duty, all things considered.
What isn't confusing? Service to His Imperial Majesty, King Alaric Grayson IV. It is a simple and straightforward duty, all things considered.
Written By Julea
March 2, 2017, 9:44 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
I hope he liked it. I don't know anything about men's fashion. But the shop attendant steered me towards a few things and she seemed to know what she was talking about. Either that, or she was just wanting me to part with my silver.
Written By Joslyn
March 2, 2017, 8:29 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
I was ten, and she was twelve. I looked into her eyes when she made the suggestion, she was always the one making the suggestions, how could I say no? She was so beautiful. I remember it so clearly, as if it were only yesterday. I was just a girl, and she was already blossoming into such a beauty.
I looked into her eyes, and my heart raced. I didn't make sense of it at the time, the affection that I felt for her going far beyond that of simple friendship. At the time I simply regarded her suggestion as she called it. "Practice." My heart pounded, I could feel it fluttering in my chest, a lump rise in my throat, and my stomach danced. Our lips met and I felt every part of my body feel as though it were going to burst. Our inexperienced attempts had felt like the most wonderful thing to me at the time. If only I had come to understand my own feelings sooner. The years wasted dancing around the issue.
I then wondered why I enjoyed our practice so much more than when I would kiss boys. It never felt the same, or right. The whole time I thought that I must be doing something wrong. Clearly. I must have been, right? When I realized it must have been girls I tried again. It was better, but still nothing compared to my first. Our practice became earnest, and soon I began to understand my love. I was afraid to call her mine, but I guess we always did have a piece of each other's heart. Whether our time together is far too short, or we grow into bitter old women together, I will treasure every instant I spend in her company. Whatever the future brings, I refuse to allow it to take away our past.
I looked into her eyes, and my heart raced. I didn't make sense of it at the time, the affection that I felt for her going far beyond that of simple friendship. At the time I simply regarded her suggestion as she called it. "Practice." My heart pounded, I could feel it fluttering in my chest, a lump rise in my throat, and my stomach danced. Our lips met and I felt every part of my body feel as though it were going to burst. Our inexperienced attempts had felt like the most wonderful thing to me at the time. If only I had come to understand my own feelings sooner. The years wasted dancing around the issue.
I then wondered why I enjoyed our practice so much more than when I would kiss boys. It never felt the same, or right. The whole time I thought that I must be doing something wrong. Clearly. I must have been, right? When I realized it must have been girls I tried again. It was better, but still nothing compared to my first. Our practice became earnest, and soon I began to understand my love. I was afraid to call her mine, but I guess we always did have a piece of each other's heart. Whether our time together is far too short, or we grow into bitter old women together, I will treasure every instant I spend in her company. Whatever the future brings, I refuse to allow it to take away our past.
Written By Silas
March 2, 2017, 5:49 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
I missed the sudden royal wedding because I was busy building furniture for the groom as a wedding gift, but it seems he has given me the leftovers of the feast. It appears the Mercier family will be dining on scrumptious wedding cake tonight! I gave Dash the roast fowl as a reward for all his hard work as of late.
Written By Aislin
March 2, 2017, 3:18 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
She came to Ashford through marriage to a cousin that I frankly despised, and yet became as close to me as a sister. One of the sharpest minds I know, a skilled researcher, an excellent diplomat, and an able administrator. She's been a Voice of Grayson -- and no doubt will be again -- as well as one of the head diplomats of the Crown, a Scholar, and so many other roles.
The Graysons could not ask for a better princess than Cara, and the Crownlands as a whole benefit by this match.
So I can't be unhappy, even if the solarium of Ashford House will seem a little emptier now.
The Graysons could not ask for a better princess than Cara, and the Crownlands as a whole benefit by this match.
So I can't be unhappy, even if the solarium of Ashford House will seem a little emptier now.
Written By Juliet
March 2, 2017, 3:03 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Today has been tumultous.
It started with tears and earnest confessions, and ended in them too.
That in itself isn't too unusual, I suppose, though I've been crying a lot lately, for good or bad.
I was invited to attend Duke Valkieri Rubino to his sister's wedding at rather short notice, but - how could I say no?
The ceremony was beautiful. The bride and groom very lovely and very handsome together.
She will make a wonderful princess, as Lady Dafne said.
And Grayson could scarcely do better - but then, I think they already knew that.
I was sorry to have to leave so quickly, but I had spiritual duties to attend to.
And then my night turned very strange indeed.
I look forward to writing on that, some time.
It started with tears and earnest confessions, and ended in them too.
That in itself isn't too unusual, I suppose, though I've been crying a lot lately, for good or bad.
I was invited to attend Duke Valkieri Rubino to his sister's wedding at rather short notice, but - how could I say no?
The ceremony was beautiful. The bride and groom very lovely and very handsome together.
She will make a wonderful princess, as Lady Dafne said.
And Grayson could scarcely do better - but then, I think they already knew that.
I was sorry to have to leave so quickly, but I had spiritual duties to attend to.
And then my night turned very strange indeed.
I look forward to writing on that, some time.
Written By Jasher
March 2, 2017, 1:34 a.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Tonight was my first meeting with the Scholars. It was a very intellectually stimulating experience. In fact, it was so intellectually stimulating that it almost came to blows. I blame the complete lack of rum being served in the lead up to the meeting. Give me a drunken brawl any day.
Written By Merek
March 1, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(1/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Jasher
I met the Prince at one of our Scholar meetings. He seems to be interested in a lot of curious subjects. I've debated if I should partner with him sometime on research.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.