Written By Lark
Sept. 24, 2021, 2:03 p.m.(4/6/1016 AR)
If only there were a way to express my ever-growing gratitude to brave and honorable strangers.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 24, 2021, 10:11 a.m.(4/6/1016 AR)
We live in a world of walls, my friend, and those walls are defended by people who have accepted that, at any time, they could be sent to their deaths. We generals have the responsibility to send them to their ends. Sometimes we have the responsibility of sending ourselves to the same. And we do this because we believe in something greater than ourselves.
Sometimes, our choices seem dangerous and reckless. But we are entrusted with that grave responsibility: to make the decisions which shall be questioned because such decisions purchase such luxury. And while we may seem grotesque or incomprehensible, this does not obviate our duties to our Houses, our soldiers, and our people.
The truth is that when a monster is needed, we are asked to be that monster. We train to cut out our hearts when we face our enemies for they are trained the same. We have been beaten and bloodied, but we accept this because of words like honor, code, and loyalty. These form the backbone of every company sent to keep those walls.
Marquessa Sabine restored my honor for one purpose. There was a price for it. I accepted that price. As I have written before, we but pay back debt for our lives in one way or another, and it is ill of us to question the reasons why, at times, that debt is called. As I have written before, I have accepted my death, and now truly live. Now is the time.
Sometimes, our choices seem dangerous and reckless. But we are entrusted with that grave responsibility: to make the decisions which shall be questioned because such decisions purchase such luxury. And while we may seem grotesque or incomprehensible, this does not obviate our duties to our Houses, our soldiers, and our people.
The truth is that when a monster is needed, we are asked to be that monster. We train to cut out our hearts when we face our enemies for they are trained the same. We have been beaten and bloodied, but we accept this because of words like honor, code, and loyalty. These form the backbone of every company sent to keep those walls.
Marquessa Sabine restored my honor for one purpose. There was a price for it. I accepted that price. As I have written before, we but pay back debt for our lives in one way or another, and it is ill of us to question the reasons why, at times, that debt is called. As I have written before, I have accepted my death, and now truly live. Now is the time.
Written By Isabeau
Sept. 24, 2021, 12:05 a.m.(4/5/1016 AR)
I heard a curious whisper of a name follow me about the city today as I was collecting up some new fabrics for playing with. I'm honored and a little bewildered at it. And a bit charmed. I've done a lot this past year between the fabrics, the Knight Games, and... well. I have devoted time to my people and my family and I don't intend to stop.
Written By Esme
Sept. 23, 2021, 1:55 p.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
Dearest Reader,
It is never my place to make a choice for another or to judge the choice that has been made or will be made. Our paths that we walk are our own. I feel to write in the whites today instead of the blacks. Life is not always an easy walk to have. There are many hurdles. There are many things that happen. They hurt us, they break us, but we are so loved. We are loved by the Gods around us. They hear our prayers and our desires. They know our hearts.
Even when we feel our most broken, we are not alone. We are are being built to something more. Metal does not become a sword unless it is put to the flames and fire to be redesigned. As people, we choose our paths with each breath. We must choose daily what we are to be and what we could become. I am always captivated by the choices that people make. I am captivated as well by the paths they don't take. I suppose people just captivate me. It's why I ask so many questions.
While I would not dare to think I know better or to alter a person's decision, I would ask for reflection upon the hearts of man. We are capable of so much greatness. We love. We aspire. We attain. We create. We build. We grow. We do so much in the concepts of the Gods images. We are blessed and touched by them in our lives. So, I offer a word of caution. You may go on your path as you choose and if you can read this, I will always be here for you if you need to unburden your heart. Or if you just need an ear to listen. However, caution, darlings. So much caution. For vengeance may seem like the answer. Perhaps the stories of like for like. Punishment for Crime. Life for Life. But I caution still.
It is a dark path to walk. It also offers those within the shadows and darkness a foothold to twist. For your shattered feelings to be used against you and your people if you are not cautious to how you act, think, and move on your path. We are amazing for all the good we can do, but we are also duality. We can destroy so much in our way, in our path, in our quest if we become too single-focused. If you, my most beloved readers, choose this path. The path of vengeance and the darker path, please make sure that you cloak yourself in light. Come to the shrines. Pray to the Gods. Let them put their hands upon your heart to protect it. The road will not be easy, Darlings, if you choose to walk it. Please know if nothing else. No matter what road you choose, you can always change your mind. You are never alone. The Gods are there. I am here.
If you need someone, please send a missive, please say your prayers.
As always, My Brave Travelers, be mindful of your steps on the path. Be mindful of the line between morality and Godhood and where you are choosing to step. Be mindful your choices have ripples even if they are invisible to the moment. And remember always, you are not alone and you are so very loved.
It is never my place to make a choice for another or to judge the choice that has been made or will be made. Our paths that we walk are our own. I feel to write in the whites today instead of the blacks. Life is not always an easy walk to have. There are many hurdles. There are many things that happen. They hurt us, they break us, but we are so loved. We are loved by the Gods around us. They hear our prayers and our desires. They know our hearts.
Even when we feel our most broken, we are not alone. We are are being built to something more. Metal does not become a sword unless it is put to the flames and fire to be redesigned. As people, we choose our paths with each breath. We must choose daily what we are to be and what we could become. I am always captivated by the choices that people make. I am captivated as well by the paths they don't take. I suppose people just captivate me. It's why I ask so many questions.
While I would not dare to think I know better or to alter a person's decision, I would ask for reflection upon the hearts of man. We are capable of so much greatness. We love. We aspire. We attain. We create. We build. We grow. We do so much in the concepts of the Gods images. We are blessed and touched by them in our lives. So, I offer a word of caution. You may go on your path as you choose and if you can read this, I will always be here for you if you need to unburden your heart. Or if you just need an ear to listen. However, caution, darlings. So much caution. For vengeance may seem like the answer. Perhaps the stories of like for like. Punishment for Crime. Life for Life. But I caution still.
It is a dark path to walk. It also offers those within the shadows and darkness a foothold to twist. For your shattered feelings to be used against you and your people if you are not cautious to how you act, think, and move on your path. We are amazing for all the good we can do, but we are also duality. We can destroy so much in our way, in our path, in our quest if we become too single-focused. If you, my most beloved readers, choose this path. The path of vengeance and the darker path, please make sure that you cloak yourself in light. Come to the shrines. Pray to the Gods. Let them put their hands upon your heart to protect it. The road will not be easy, Darlings, if you choose to walk it. Please know if nothing else. No matter what road you choose, you can always change your mind. You are never alone. The Gods are there. I am here.
If you need someone, please send a missive, please say your prayers.
As always, My Brave Travelers, be mindful of your steps on the path. Be mindful of the line between morality and Godhood and where you are choosing to step. Be mindful your choices have ripples even if they are invisible to the moment. And remember always, you are not alone and you are so very loved.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 23, 2021, 12:38 p.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
It's spring! Scholar, I'm so very happy that I will be able to hold lessons out in the garden again. It is so much nicer being able to discuss plants with them flourishing all around you. The garden at the sanctuary is coming along into Its spring colors beautifully, too. Soon, I'll have fresh herbs instead of dried. And bright, sweet berries! I've been thinking of some new tea blends - both to offer my patients and for simply enjoying.
Perhaps I will expand my lessons. I've been keeping them fairly simple, so that beginning students could understand. But it may be time to bring the public lessons along in expertise, offer more in depth information about making medicines and treating certain things. Yes. I will begin to draft lesson plans.
Perhaps I will expand my lessons. I've been keeping them fairly simple, so that beginning students could understand. But it may be time to bring the public lessons along in expertise, offer more in depth information about making medicines and treating certain things. Yes. I will begin to draft lesson plans.
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 23, 2021, 12:36 p.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabine
I never got to tell you: you were my inspiration.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 23, 2021, 11:04 a.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
There are things Lady Medeia and I should discuss with Lord Gaspar and perhaps alos Lady Piccola. I just don't know how to approach the topics yet. It is so ... complex.
Written By Mattheu
Sept. 23, 2021, 9:35 a.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
The weather has changed and warmth is coming back. If I was back in Riva, I would have been thinking about packing up the slip and heading back along the coast in a slow fashion of odd deliveries and adventures until the snows were in a full melt, after a long winter's worth of adventure in the Southern seas - far away from the cold weather.
I came to the city in the fall, and have stayed put throughout the cold. Those in my family might have been waiting for me to snap, or get into some altercation and up and leave... Nothing wrong with this, and I myself am amused that for one that has been nearly always on the move that I've found reasons to stay here in the city and am seeking more interest to pursue within it.
With a change of season a change of color might be needed.
While the rest prepare for war, possibly more devastation and a celebration of treaties, life will continue on with the wind finding its way to connect those that are in need of finding something more.
Hopefully we as a people are able to do so by coming together to be stronger together, instead of the severe wedge of differing viewpoints within life that we're facing now.
I came to the city in the fall, and have stayed put throughout the cold. Those in my family might have been waiting for me to snap, or get into some altercation and up and leave... Nothing wrong with this, and I myself am amused that for one that has been nearly always on the move that I've found reasons to stay here in the city and am seeking more interest to pursue within it.
With a change of season a change of color might be needed.
While the rest prepare for war, possibly more devastation and a celebration of treaties, life will continue on with the wind finding its way to connect those that are in need of finding something more.
Hopefully we as a people are able to do so by coming together to be stronger together, instead of the severe wedge of differing viewpoints within life that we're facing now.
Written By Iseulet
Sept. 23, 2021, 7:58 a.m.(4/4/1016 AR)
Some of my very best friends are the ladies I play bingo with every Thursday night at the Empyrean. They may be well into their 70's but they haven't lost their keen wits or senses of humor.
Last night I asked them all for marriage or relationship advice, as I hope to one day be married.
Honestly, they were gems. I will share some of them here.
"Beauty fades, and so will his eyesight. There’s no sense of worrying." -Fern
"The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it." -Alberta
"Before you marry him, listen to him chew. If you can stand that noise for the rest of your life, then go ahead with the wedding." -Bernadette
Last night I asked them all for marriage or relationship advice, as I hope to one day be married.
Honestly, they were gems. I will share some of them here.
"Beauty fades, and so will his eyesight. There’s no sense of worrying." -Fern
"The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it." -Alberta
"Before you marry him, listen to him chew. If you can stand that noise for the rest of your life, then go ahead with the wedding." -Bernadette
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 22, 2021, 11:31 p.m.(4/3/1016 AR)
It seems the constant traveling brings fatigue that finds me without my graces. The group of artists we were escorting to Artshall were.. special.
I am grateful for the company of my peers from Arx that managed to keep the journey pleasant and without further trouble.
I am grateful for the company of my peers from Arx that managed to keep the journey pleasant and without further trouble.
Written By Gaspar
Sept. 22, 2021, 10:59 p.m.(4/3/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabine
Once more I am a ship at full-sail without a rudder.
The marquessa provided purpose for me. We were united as show of good faith to the blood of Velenosa, to strengthen the bonds within the Lyceum. Most knew our marriage was duty-bound but few knew how deeply devoted we were to ensuring the other succeeded.
And this will forever be my greatest failure.
Once Lord Constantin comes of age, he will assume his rightful place as Count of the March of Iriscal. It is now the responsibility of everyone in our House, especially my own, to see he is given what he needs to succeed in the way of tutelage, experience and encouragement. He will make his House, his Sister, his Aunt and his Mother very proud. I swear this.
While the words of our dear cousin, General Piccola, are not to be taken without proper warning, I will offer no warning of my own. There will be no precursor of wrath, no herald of doom. Just the silence of finality, in whatever form is deemed most appropriate for those found responsible.
The marquessa provided purpose for me. We were united as show of good faith to the blood of Velenosa, to strengthen the bonds within the Lyceum. Most knew our marriage was duty-bound but few knew how deeply devoted we were to ensuring the other succeeded.
And this will forever be my greatest failure.
Once Lord Constantin comes of age, he will assume his rightful place as Count of the March of Iriscal. It is now the responsibility of everyone in our House, especially my own, to see he is given what he needs to succeed in the way of tutelage, experience and encouragement. He will make his House, his Sister, his Aunt and his Mother very proud. I swear this.
While the words of our dear cousin, General Piccola, are not to be taken without proper warning, I will offer no warning of my own. There will be no precursor of wrath, no herald of doom. Just the silence of finality, in whatever form is deemed most appropriate for those found responsible.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 22, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(4/3/1016 AR)
Thoughts of vengeance are born of the pain of helplessness.
And the truth is that vengeance is invigorating. It focuses and enlivens us. It quashes grief because it turns the emotion outward. In grief we go to pieces; but in revenge we come together as a single pointed weapon aimed at a target. However destructive in the long run, it serves a useful purpose for a time.
So, to my enemies, I ask you to think carefully about what you say and do next.
And the truth is that vengeance is invigorating. It focuses and enlivens us. It quashes grief because it turns the emotion outward. In grief we go to pieces; but in revenge we come together as a single pointed weapon aimed at a target. However destructive in the long run, it serves a useful purpose for a time.
So, to my enemies, I ask you to think carefully about what you say and do next.
Written By Tanith
Sept. 22, 2021, 9:17 p.m.(4/3/1016 AR)
I do enjoy making wedding cakes, especially ones that are brightly decorated and fruity.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 21, 2021, 11:55 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
To whom had the temerity to harm my family:
Take a good look at everyone you know and care about. Give them an embrace, and tell them you love them. They need to know this before I find them, and before I find you.
When I find you, I will hurt you in ways you cannot possibly imagine. I will make sure to bring the finest and most gifted of apothecaries, so that they will keep you alive even when you beg to see the Queen. Because I will then hurt you again, only to have you tended once more.
And when your body gives out, I will do everything in my power to ensure that your eyes are open, and your mouth is open. And when you scream for your death, I will tell you in a whisper: "no."
I will find you.
Take a good look at everyone you know and care about. Give them an embrace, and tell them you love them. They need to know this before I find them, and before I find you.
When I find you, I will hurt you in ways you cannot possibly imagine. I will make sure to bring the finest and most gifted of apothecaries, so that they will keep you alive even when you beg to see the Queen. Because I will then hurt you again, only to have you tended once more.
And when your body gives out, I will do everything in my power to ensure that your eyes are open, and your mouth is open. And when you scream for your death, I will tell you in a whisper: "no."
I will find you.
Written By Grady
Sept. 21, 2021, 8:06 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
Artshall is quite lovely at the doorway to spring, and the new arts district is even lovelier. I'm glad to have gone, even if the travel might have taken something out of me, from which it will take me, I think unfortunately, some time to recover. Well, nothing for it, I suppose. If there was any sacrifice on my part, it was worth it for the experience of seeing the new district before it has officially opened. I met all sorts of wonderful people whose acquaintance I shouldn't be sorry to make again in the future.
All in all, a most excellent trip.
All in all, a most excellent trip.
Written By Ilira
Sept. 21, 2021, 6:24 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
I am so happy it is spring.
I am so, so, so so wondrously delighted it is spring!
I am so, so, so so wondrously delighted it is spring!
Written By Viviana
Sept. 21, 2021, 6:10 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
Strawberries make me blush.
Written By Sydney
Sept. 21, 2021, 4:50 p.m.(4/1/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I, too, see little merit in it.
A life of self-and-societal-imposed shackles would hardly be a benefit just for the cheaply won benefit of having people cease to stare down their nose at Sydney the Commoner, and instead stare down their nose at Sydney the Neonoble.
I wonder if the walls of the birdcages are as smothering from inside of them as it looks from outside of them.
I'd say it fills me with pity, but for the fact that a birdcage is still placed above us, and there is only one direction that leavings fall.
A life of self-and-societal-imposed shackles would hardly be a benefit just for the cheaply won benefit of having people cease to stare down their nose at Sydney the Commoner, and instead stare down their nose at Sydney the Neonoble.
I wonder if the walls of the birdcages are as smothering from inside of them as it looks from outside of them.
I'd say it fills me with pity, but for the fact that a birdcage is still placed above us, and there is only one direction that leavings fall.
Written By Lydia
Sept. 20, 2021, 11:27 p.m.(3/27/1016 AR)
Macda, I agree. Brewers have been bottling bravery and foolishness, often together, since the dawn of time.
Written By Piccola
Sept. 20, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(3/27/1016 AR)
We are but captives in a cage who imagine that death will bring us liberty.
We cannot believe that such a dream makes us prisoners all the same.
We cannot believe that such a dream makes us prisoners all the same.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.