Written By Zhayla
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:25 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Yesterday, Niamh and I sparred in cotton and linen, getting used to fighting in dresses. I spent an absolutely ridiculous number of hours yesterday just running around in scrap cloth, so that I would be ready for today. Niamh didn't quite embarrass me, but she DEFINITELY reminded me of the respect I have for her skill. She quite handily defeated me in the sparring ring. She such a tremendous fighter!! It's easy to see why she's risen so far in the Champions.
Today, I faced Niamh in the dueling ring on the Proving Grounds. I fought for Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, Whisper and co-ruler of Gemecitta. I fought for her honor against a slight paid to her by Count Maximilian Darkwater, that such slights might be judged.
Well, if they were judged, they were judged awfully quickly on our second exchange: I cleanly struck first blood.
I'd passed by Legate Orazio before the duel. I was going to stop in the shrines of Sentinel and Gloria before, although I didn't even know what I was supposed to pray for. I asked him: I know I don't pray for victory, I said, but what should I pray for?
He said: Pray to embody courage, honor, and justice, and be the instrument of their judgement, whether in victory or defeat.
I did. I prayed for that. I hope that I lived up to it.
Today, I faced Niamh in the dueling ring on the Proving Grounds. I fought for Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, Whisper and co-ruler of Gemecitta. I fought for her honor against a slight paid to her by Count Maximilian Darkwater, that such slights might be judged.
Well, if they were judged, they were judged awfully quickly on our second exchange: I cleanly struck first blood.
I'd passed by Legate Orazio before the duel. I was going to stop in the shrines of Sentinel and Gloria before, although I didn't even know what I was supposed to pray for. I asked him: I know I don't pray for victory, I said, but what should I pray for?
He said: Pray to embody courage, honor, and justice, and be the instrument of their judgement, whether in victory or defeat.
I did. I prayed for that. I hope that I lived up to it.
Written By Jaenelle
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:15 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
I have hired a bodyguard. He is rough around the edges, but he'll do. Unless I die, then he won't. Perhaps I am too trusting?
Written By Elrych
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:15 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
I was having a bad night. Drank a bit too much, stumbled into a bar when my flask ran out. Eirlys was there with Abigail and the Marquessa... I didn't want to bother them so I kept to myself. Eirlys seemed uncomfortable at the sight of me. I thought we were friends still? I was confused. Either way, after someone came in wanting to be her white knight, some other Marquesse... Ford? I don't remember his name. Sizing me up. That happens a lot around here, especially with the men. I lost my cool but thankfull Demura was able to talk thing through and I left with her. I'm staying close to the Chataeu from here on out. This City is far more insideous that one might think.
Written By Elrych
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:12 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Lady Abigail was kind enough to teach me some pointers with my rusty Archery skills. I'm pretty miserable that's for sure, but it was more of an Honor to talk with her and whitness her skills. I'm glad we have someone as strong and brilliant as her in our ranks. She seems to think she'll eventually piss me off... but I don't think so. She invited me on a hunt with her. I look forward to that day.
Written By Haati
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:12 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ariel
A sight to hold and the cousin to the great Count Maximilian Darkwater. Now that is a lot to hold ones self to or to even compare oneself to. Then there is an ease with which she sits and speaks, a total opposite to her cousin though both take compliments like they were born on the water of praise. In a very good way as it makes them sparkle and shine all the more. Though Ariel is afar site prettier than Max when doing so.
Written By Silas
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:05 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
I'm like a kid with a lollipop right now.
It's so ~pretty~! And sharp!
It's so ~pretty~! And sharp!
Written By Hadrian
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:02 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Things are confusing. I'm often finding myself suspicious of others, paranoid, and on guard -moreso than before. It isn't like it was when I wasn't sleeping, this is more organic and less sleep-deprived, but I certainly need to break the mindset. It is difficult to trust, but trust is required in these times. The scariest part is taking a chance on who to trust, and who not to. Because if you're wrong, it could end very badly, and people end up hurt. I guess that is what makes it easy to not trust anyone and guard one's self, because there is no risk to bearing that hurt. And, if you don't know who to trust, then just pretend you do.
Written By Ansel
Feb. 26, 2017, 8:01 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Tristram
The Prince earned a very well-deserved promotion to Commander within the Ministry, and hosted a fine event this week for the forces. I'm happy to see the Gauntlet continue to see such use by our allies and friends.
Written By Michael
Feb. 26, 2017, 8 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
I am imperfect. Some say reckless, rash, and impetuous. And perhaps some quests are foolish. But that doesn't stop them from being right. The ache in my chest, the dull lull within it, will not be quelled.
We will bring them home.
And I will aim not to make my Mother's hair go white.
We will bring them home.
And I will aim not to make my Mother's hair go white.
Written By Haati
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:54 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Julea
And there with everything a Thraxian noble in the guise of a smith. Seems I have yet to witness everything in life from servitude to skillful man, but then there is that and though I know there is much to gain and fun to be had with this one around more often. I almost too miss the thought of the friendly rivalry we could have had as competing smiths. She is trully of Thrax, but also a friend and now too perhaps one can never know what would have happened the other path if not her becoming Thraxian nobility.
Written By Haati
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:50 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
The first month ashore,
What can one say that can define the difference between this and the life at sea? Well there is only that which perception can provide and only for the one that perceives it through experience. Many years I spent on land before the sea and yet all I remember is the forge and my father and I only knew the man as my father for five years and yet that seems as if it is my whole life before the sea. And though I appear as my age, the life I have had, has been less the half that of a life to even remember. I suppose some might say I haven't lived it, but many have not had my origins and gotten to where I am now too.
The time I had with the man I came to call my father was a sorted one, since I had been nothing but property before that. No more than the swords he sold to others and yet he saw something in me to train me to become the smith I am. And I would honor him with the five years as his son by becoming the smith he was and maybe more, to repay him for all that he has given me with his love. Perhaps it would have been different if his sister had come to understand and accept me into the Wavehowler family, even though she could not renounce my father's claim of adoption and now the name being mine as well, she did all she could to take what little that had remained after. Selling the smith shop and forge near Maelstrom for a pretty penny and by manipulation awarding me the position as a ship's smith aboard the Wavebreaker.
Though she meant to get rid of me and I ma sure see the end of me on that ship at sea. It wasn't so, and the time I found there was experiences and a feeling of home that I still can not explain now. It was if I had returned to the sea an found that in it, it was part of me. I learned its ways, how it rolled and roiled when the winds whipped, boards creaked and the flashes of light streaked across the sky. It all felt the same some might feel in front of a coizy fireplace on some bearskin rugs in a lodge int he cold of night. The salt and the life of a Dark water sailor was what I was and always will be form now on as much as I am a smith or more. Then we docked at Arx one year before, though I only stayed for few days it was memorable and left on me an impression that lasted for that whole year till the Wavebreaker returned and I gave up my position as the ship's smith to stay in Arx and ply my trade in the Thraxian district.
And I do miss the sea and those times I can leave for a short while to travel them do me well, does my mind and soul good. Then there is the shop, it is a good place and from it I have met many good Thraxians and others. Even one that has become more than an other to becoming a Thraxian and a fellow smith as well. If not for those that are here and who I have met I do not think I would have stayed at all or even considered setting in roots like a tree. My old friends on the Wavebreaker would have ribbed me well for even considering such and yet here I am still. The business thrives and is growing and I also am becoming a better smith as well with weapons to create, armor to forge and not making standard fair to keep a ship running. So here I sit, drinking rum, eating fresh salted pork and knowing all that still I am torn between the seas and newly found interests and friends.
What can one say that can define the difference between this and the life at sea? Well there is only that which perception can provide and only for the one that perceives it through experience. Many years I spent on land before the sea and yet all I remember is the forge and my father and I only knew the man as my father for five years and yet that seems as if it is my whole life before the sea. And though I appear as my age, the life I have had, has been less the half that of a life to even remember. I suppose some might say I haven't lived it, but many have not had my origins and gotten to where I am now too.
The time I had with the man I came to call my father was a sorted one, since I had been nothing but property before that. No more than the swords he sold to others and yet he saw something in me to train me to become the smith I am. And I would honor him with the five years as his son by becoming the smith he was and maybe more, to repay him for all that he has given me with his love. Perhaps it would have been different if his sister had come to understand and accept me into the Wavehowler family, even though she could not renounce my father's claim of adoption and now the name being mine as well, she did all she could to take what little that had remained after. Selling the smith shop and forge near Maelstrom for a pretty penny and by manipulation awarding me the position as a ship's smith aboard the Wavebreaker.
Though she meant to get rid of me and I ma sure see the end of me on that ship at sea. It wasn't so, and the time I found there was experiences and a feeling of home that I still can not explain now. It was if I had returned to the sea an found that in it, it was part of me. I learned its ways, how it rolled and roiled when the winds whipped, boards creaked and the flashes of light streaked across the sky. It all felt the same some might feel in front of a coizy fireplace on some bearskin rugs in a lodge int he cold of night. The salt and the life of a Dark water sailor was what I was and always will be form now on as much as I am a smith or more. Then we docked at Arx one year before, though I only stayed for few days it was memorable and left on me an impression that lasted for that whole year till the Wavebreaker returned and I gave up my position as the ship's smith to stay in Arx and ply my trade in the Thraxian district.
And I do miss the sea and those times I can leave for a short while to travel them do me well, does my mind and soul good. Then there is the shop, it is a good place and from it I have met many good Thraxians and others. Even one that has become more than an other to becoming a Thraxian and a fellow smith as well. If not for those that are here and who I have met I do not think I would have stayed at all or even considered setting in roots like a tree. My old friends on the Wavebreaker would have ribbed me well for even considering such and yet here I am still. The business thrives and is growing and I also am becoming a better smith as well with weapons to create, armor to forge and not making standard fair to keep a ship running. So here I sit, drinking rum, eating fresh salted pork and knowing all that still I am torn between the seas and newly found interests and friends.
Written By Jaenelle
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:49 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Just as any celebration within the Velenosa estate, it was met with light, laughter, and lovely conversation. I am sure Esera would have spent the night dancing with friends and strangers alike before retiring to her throne to gaze out at those she loves and protects. The Gala was truly a celebration of life, of hope and the future, and of sending off someone with appropriate Lyceum tradition.
Written By Sylvie
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:37 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
The gods have spoken that I was right. That much, anyone witnessed, as well as the true skills of the Champions Guild.
But I only wish I had known that I was losing from the start, it feels.
So be it.
But I only wish I had known that I was losing from the start, it feels.
So be it.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:32 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Many of my duties over the last year have been sad ones, or hard ones, and ones which have caused anger and sorrow more than joy. I am not entirely unaccustomed to this - the appearance of a priest sworn to the Sentinel does not often engender happiness, and our judgements are rarely pleasing to all parties involved, however rooted in justice or the law they might be. It is what my duty is, and I accept and embrace that.
Still, there is a great joy in - for once - delivering only good news and seeing happiness bloom in the souls you speak to. It is enough to make one wish to take up crafting and swear oneself to Jayus. I urge any of the readers of this journal to look at the people in their lives, and choose for at least one of them a heartfelt gift. There is little to compare to it.
Many of my duties over the last year have been sad ones, or hard ones, and ones which have caused anger and sorrow more than joy. I am not entirely unaccustomed to this - the appearance of a priest sworn to the Sentinel does not often engender happiness, and our judgements are rarely pleasing to all parties involved, however rooted in justice or the law they might be. It is what my duty is, and I accept and embrace that.
Still, there is a great joy in - for once - delivering only good news and seeing happiness bloom in the souls you speak to. It is enough to make one wish to take up crafting and swear oneself to Jayus. I urge any of the readers of this journal to look at the people in their lives, and choose for at least one of them a heartfelt gift. There is little to compare to it.
Written By Teagan
Feb. 26, 2017, 7:19 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
My little brother has come to the city, and I am glad for it. He is devoted to helping the family - and it doubles the number of us here in Arx. Can't say yet how long he will want to remain within civilization.
Written By Sudara
Feb. 26, 2017, 6:37 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
It seems that the Lady Sudara Pravus has been spreading tales in the city regarding "Prince Torgen" (sic) and his progeny: these have found their way to me by more than one route. As someone who thought that she was in fact Sudara Pravus, and furthermore believed that she was the mother of Trogen's children, this has come as a shock to me on more than one level. Indeed, it has even been intimated to me by one individual that I do not have a right to learn the source of these tales, since it is "a family matter" for her - yet somehow not for me! I am sure that there are worse ways to offend a widow; this is, however, the most direct insult on the matter of my husband and my marriage that I have received since his death. As it is, I am decidedly keen to discover quite who has been letting it be known that "Sudara Pravus" is behind such stories.
Written By Edain
Feb. 26, 2017, 6:36 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
The Gala of Grief's Reflection was beautiful. There was wine, and dancing, and laughter, and god memories, and flowers.
Oh gods the flowers. Every color you could ever think of and I am sure you would have been able to name every last one.
I don't know if these words will reach you, but I will say a pray to Vellichor that he keeps them safe for you. Thank you. You were a gift to us all.
Oh gods the flowers. Every color you could ever think of and I am sure you would have been able to name every last one.
I don't know if these words will reach you, but I will say a pray to Vellichor that he keeps them safe for you. Thank you. You were a gift to us all.
Written By Asha
Feb. 26, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
A lot of duels lately, good for business (although so far not my business). It seems all that's happening gets the silks blood flowing. Here's hoping I can get one of them to remember my name.
Written By Asha
Feb. 26, 2017, 6:18 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Prince Velenosa, although he does not like to hear of it. Afraid I did not manage to impress in that first melee, perhaps I will another time. I'll have to ask about those Mirrormask secrets, because my leg is killing me right now.
Written By Asha
Feb. 26, 2017, 6:16 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Asger
Brazen and flattering words, with a confidence in his skills that have lost him three wolf pelts so far. I will expect them to be delivered to me soon. Trophies can only be worn if won in battle afterall, it'll warm me through the winter.
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