Written By Ford
Feb. 28, 2017, 2:11 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
**As reported by Ford's assistant and secretary Barbara**
Another fucking duel? Do these children know what's encroaching on our doors? I should hope so, there's more important shit to worry about than...what.. what does this say? 'I AM OFFENDED THAT YOU SAID A THING OFFHANDEDLY IN A WHIT--' This is madness. Utter. Fucking. Madness. But hey, they were slighted weren't they? Stop everything Barbara, a Prince or whatever the fuck was slighted. I shouldn't say that too loud, someone might hear and challenge me to a fucking duel.
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As Documented by the Archivist;
Lords. Ladies. Surely, you all can appreciate that there are far more pressing matters to attend than another duel set for a week from now? Surely. Why waste your energy and anger on one another when that can be turned towards the enemy?
Please.
Marquis Ford Kennex
Another fucking duel? Do these children know what's encroaching on our doors? I should hope so, there's more important shit to worry about than...what.. what does this say? 'I AM OFFENDED THAT YOU SAID A THING OFFHANDEDLY IN A WHIT--' This is madness. Utter. Fucking. Madness. But hey, they were slighted weren't they? Stop everything Barbara, a Prince or whatever the fuck was slighted. I shouldn't say that too loud, someone might hear and challenge me to a fucking duel.
--------
As Documented by the Archivist;
Lords. Ladies. Surely, you all can appreciate that there are far more pressing matters to attend than another duel set for a week from now? Surely. Why waste your energy and anger on one another when that can be turned towards the enemy?
Please.
Marquis Ford Kennex
Written By Valerius
Feb. 28, 2017, 12:59 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
There are few in this city that know Jaenelle like I do. I can’t really blame them, though, they didn’t have to share an Estate with her growing up. Not that I’m complaining. If it wasn’t for her and Leona I think those bullies might have done me in. The trials and tribulations of being an easy-going Thrax.
But she’s more than the older sister I had growing up. She’s a woman who has seen things she never should have. Her marriage to Velenosa was a gift, I think, but her husband’s death was a cruel joke. I feel as bad for her as I do Archduke Niccolo.
But the one thing I’d urge anyone who knows her to remember: She may be the sweetest woman in the compact, but if any expect it to be me who inherited a Redrain temper, they’re sorely mistaken. She doesn’t need the protection of any man. Not by me, not by Leona, not even that bodyguard she’s hired.
Even if she can be mean sometimes, but she’s my sister, and I love her more than the world.
But she’s more than the older sister I had growing up. She’s a woman who has seen things she never should have. Her marriage to Velenosa was a gift, I think, but her husband’s death was a cruel joke. I feel as bad for her as I do Archduke Niccolo.
But the one thing I’d urge anyone who knows her to remember: She may be the sweetest woman in the compact, but if any expect it to be me who inherited a Redrain temper, they’re sorely mistaken. She doesn’t need the protection of any man. Not by me, not by Leona, not even that bodyguard she’s hired.
Even if she can be mean sometimes, but she’s my sister, and I love her more than the world.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 28, 2017, 12:01 a.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds;
The leaden thunders crashed.
A worshipper raised his arm.
"Hearken! Hearken! The voice of the gods!"
"Not so," said a man.
"The voices of the gods whisper in the heart
So softly
That the soul pauses,
Making no noise,
And strives for these melodies,
Distant, sighing, like faintest breath,
And all the being is still to hear."
Not my own work, alas, but found in a poet's white journal from three generations ago. One of my favorite poets, as it happens; his is the journal of a man who has struggled with faith, and with the Faith, and I honor those struggles whenever I re-read his work, even when it can be a touch too bitter for my taste. But then, the greatest struggles, the gravest contemplations, often ARE bitter, at least in part. Because they challenge us in a way that no honorable blade can ever reach. The trick is to respect the bitterness, but never give into it. It is the scar that reflects a hard battle, not the blow that cripples a limb past any Mercy's art.
The leaden thunders crashed.
A worshipper raised his arm.
"Hearken! Hearken! The voice of the gods!"
"Not so," said a man.
"The voices of the gods whisper in the heart
So softly
That the soul pauses,
Making no noise,
And strives for these melodies,
Distant, sighing, like faintest breath,
And all the being is still to hear."
Not my own work, alas, but found in a poet's white journal from three generations ago. One of my favorite poets, as it happens; his is the journal of a man who has struggled with faith, and with the Faith, and I honor those struggles whenever I re-read his work, even when it can be a touch too bitter for my taste. But then, the greatest struggles, the gravest contemplations, often ARE bitter, at least in part. Because they challenge us in a way that no honorable blade can ever reach. The trick is to respect the bitterness, but never give into it. It is the scar that reflects a hard battle, not the blow that cripples a limb past any Mercy's art.
Written By Merek
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:54 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
It is but the first part of our journey, and I wonder what will come on it next. However, what we saw... The refugees who ran, and the people which starve. It is difficult to look at, and they have so few defenses. Unlike Great Cities or Duchies, it seems that the villages, especially those on the war path, must flee from their homes. I'll do what it takes to assist them, and bring them a little more hope, however I also will fight to protect the people.
Written By Dafne
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:52 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
Pietro was my friend. He was kind and vivid and oh so alive.
He is not some name for people who barely knew him to invoke, to try to validate things he never would have.
He is not some name for people who barely knew him to invoke, to try to validate things he never would have.
Written By Merek
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:52 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Demura
I met my Patron as a Guest in the Lyonesse Estate. She was quite friendly, and i believe that we will get along well enough. I also hope that our mutually beneficial agreements will continue.
Written By Merek
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:50 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Elrych
The First Knight for Demura is a man of few words, but respectful. And I like that he holds well to his beliefs.
Written By Ainsley
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:46 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
You know. My female lovers may be upset when they find out that I only sleep with men. I'm not sure why I didn't know this. I'm so glad someone finally told me!
Written By Cara
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:30 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
If the Valardin ever decide to pursue sailing as a major interest, I know just where to find plenty of wind.
Written By Tristram
Feb. 27, 2017, 10:20 p.m.(1/3/1006 AR)
Insofar as Prince Ainsley sees fit to bring up my White Journals, which I write as a religious obligation, perhaps here is the best place to mount a defense. He refers to my earlier musings on the different forms of love that I have encountered in my travels, and a wistful longing that I could love all of the three women who at the time interested me, honestly, fairly, and openly. It also states that I doubt I will ever see such a thing in my lifetime.
I am a member of the royal House Valardin. My responsibility as a noble is to marry in order to strengthen my family, and to father children to increase its numbers; made even more important due to the events of the Tragedy. There are many forms of love out there--and many which are not something a noble can ever sanctify with marriage, given the demands places on us by our role. For example, while Prince Ainsley's style of love is possible for him because the Graysons are so numerous and as such procreation need not be his concern, even if it were my *preference*, I do not have that same luxury.
Lest in some way this seem a slight to Prince Ainsley, let it be known: I cared very greatly for Lord Pietro and highly approved of their match. I proved that *directly* to Prince Ainsley on at least one occasion, when I helped Pietro with a delicate matter, for no gain of my own but the care I had for him.
*Because* I do not have that same luxury, *because* I must either father children for my family, or be a match for another family in a way that strengthens the Valardin line, any musings or wistful desires I might have and express here before Vellichor are just that--musings. I believe most people in the world have met more than one person they *could* love, and would if they could. Some of them do so--with a spouse, but an arrangement that the partners might see others. How many bastards, fathered? How many affairs, destroying lives and lines and causing wars? Not for me this dishonor, this besmirching, this cause for chaos.
So: being unable to love more than one person openly, and being unwilling to lie or dishonor a spouse that I *do* wish to have, I will always remain true to the one who marries me. It should *also* be noted, because I am certain that Prince Ainsley imagines otherwise, that I have taken no lover, made no promises, had no relations beyond kissing, with anyone--noble, commoner, or otherwise--since I arrived in Arx roughly six months ago. Nor do I intend to, until I marry. I wish nothing to cause my future spouse, or their family, to have any doubt whatsoever about my love and commitment to them.
I am a member of the royal House Valardin. My responsibility as a noble is to marry in order to strengthen my family, and to father children to increase its numbers; made even more important due to the events of the Tragedy. There are many forms of love out there--and many which are not something a noble can ever sanctify with marriage, given the demands places on us by our role. For example, while Prince Ainsley's style of love is possible for him because the Graysons are so numerous and as such procreation need not be his concern, even if it were my *preference*, I do not have that same luxury.
Lest in some way this seem a slight to Prince Ainsley, let it be known: I cared very greatly for Lord Pietro and highly approved of their match. I proved that *directly* to Prince Ainsley on at least one occasion, when I helped Pietro with a delicate matter, for no gain of my own but the care I had for him.
*Because* I do not have that same luxury, *because* I must either father children for my family, or be a match for another family in a way that strengthens the Valardin line, any musings or wistful desires I might have and express here before Vellichor are just that--musings. I believe most people in the world have met more than one person they *could* love, and would if they could. Some of them do so--with a spouse, but an arrangement that the partners might see others. How many bastards, fathered? How many affairs, destroying lives and lines and causing wars? Not for me this dishonor, this besmirching, this cause for chaos.
So: being unable to love more than one person openly, and being unwilling to lie or dishonor a spouse that I *do* wish to have, I will always remain true to the one who marries me. It should *also* be noted, because I am certain that Prince Ainsley imagines otherwise, that I have taken no lover, made no promises, had no relations beyond kissing, with anyone--noble, commoner, or otherwise--since I arrived in Arx roughly six months ago. Nor do I intend to, until I marry. I wish nothing to cause my future spouse, or their family, to have any doubt whatsoever about my love and commitment to them.
Written By Waldemai
Feb. 27, 2017, 9:54 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Met a young fellow named Owain Llywelyn, a soldier by trade. He gave me some good coaching up in case I need to use one of my hammers in a fight. He pretty much convinced me that I'm never going to be a soldier, but, like he says, the trick is to not be the slowest fellow running away. Seems like a level-headed chap, and I wouldn't mind standing him an ale so long as we didn't get fighting drunk, cuz if we did I'd be looking for my guts on the floor in no time flat.
Written By Qaali
Feb. 27, 2017, 7:57 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
When is a feather not a feather? What is truth? Gods, my head. I hope it doesn't throw off my aim. Worse yet, maybe there's only so much I can make room in my head for, and something will have to be pushed out.
Written By Luis
Feb. 27, 2017, 5:08 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Magden
Rats terrify me.
I am not the only one, though.
Be magnanimous.
I am not the only one, though.
Be magnanimous.
Written By Ailys
Feb. 27, 2017, 4:50 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
Met with you to discuss our houses wishes, not certain what the future holds.
Written By Eirene
Feb. 27, 2017, 4:28 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
So apparently the Thraxians are letting women crew their own raiding ships now. Only makes sense. There's a goddess of the sea so why not let her own gender ride her? That sounded dirty... I wasn't trying to do that, honestly.
Written By Serafine
Feb. 27, 2017, 4:16 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Oh, I'm going to, your highnASS.
This is going to be fun!
This is going to be fun!
Written By Valery
Feb. 27, 2017, 4:10 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
No one is going to convince me that fighting for something so stupid is a good idea.
Written By Valerius
Feb. 27, 2017, 3:44 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
She called me tolerable. I think this is the beginning of a great friendship.
Written By Killian
Feb. 27, 2017, 3:20 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
As if in answer to my worry at my lack of direction or purpose, the new year has come, and with it, a new hope and new possibilities. I pray that it will be the turning point in this darkness that we so desperately need. I pray that I will be able to be of help to it. I fear that I may have to give up all that I hold dear, especially the one I most love, in order to serve them and protect them..but if that is the price demanded of me, it is one I will pay, and gladly, to see them safe even if I buy them but a moment longer for peace and happiness in the doing.
Written By Ailys
Feb. 27, 2017, 3:11 p.m.(1/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
A competent knight, I hope to watch you more often. Though you kicked my brothers arse, you did so without much insult, your grace and honor shone well in the arena.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.