Written By Rinel
Sept. 12, 2021, 12:12 a.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
All of my movable possessions are to go to Raja Culler for the maintenance of the Sina Library. My home I leave to Sirius Valardin. May he find respite from his duties there. I will carry his loyalty in my heart forever. My shop, Decus Votorum, I leave in the hands of Blessed Felix Meadson, who I trust to dispose of it as best befits the Church.
Written By Ryhalt
Sept. 11, 2021, 10:18 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Armand
Were you alive I'd ask if it ever gets better. Is it something you get used to?
It seems I will find out in coming days.
It seems I will find out in coming days.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 11, 2021, 9:11 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
The selfishness of using a proclamation that is meant to be celebratory and using it to push a personal agenda that hurts the very people meant to be celebrated is inexcusable. Whether noble or common born, one should be able to recognize when it is their turn to sit back and uplift others.
I am no fool. I listen when others speak. I have heard the arguments others have made against neo-nobles when I have been in support of them. Even I cannot find a way to spin Count Amadeo's recent actions. His choice, which I respect as his Skald-given right, was inarguably terrible. It is upsetting that the man who was entrusted with the stewardship of the people of Bravura - in the wake of the pain and destruction they endured because of the Argento war - has failed to understand the duties he was elevated to perform. If he truly has no interest in performing them, he should set aside his given nobility. It isn't as if he doesn't have plenty to fall back on.
"Loyalty knows no bounds." Those are the words of House Amadeo. The count's loyalty to his people has found its bounds. However, I wouldn't implicate Lord Orland in the same breath. Appointing the young man as Voice has been a good decision on the count's part. When the Tydelands were dealt the tragic loss of Astarrea and House Melaeris, Lord Orland was the one who stepped forward to join Amadeo's ships to Eswynd's in remapping the affected coasts. His genuine care for aiding the Compact in that moment made it so that the Physicians Guild fleet could safely navigate and deploy assistance to those who needed food and medical care. Lord Orland has been essential to having Bravura's ports aid in trade arrangements and projects with Proscipi, Eswynd, and Shepherd. He has sought out training as a knight, and an archlector of the Faith serves as his patron.
The situation is more complicated than just that, however. Stability is vital. The Lycene isles have been subjected to upheavals, seemingly ceaselessly, for over a decade now. What should be a strengthening union has highlighted the divisions we face throughout the Compact. It would be imprudent to paint all neo-nobles with the brush Count Amadeo holds, but he has certainly done them no favors.
I am no fool. I listen when others speak. I have heard the arguments others have made against neo-nobles when I have been in support of them. Even I cannot find a way to spin Count Amadeo's recent actions. His choice, which I respect as his Skald-given right, was inarguably terrible. It is upsetting that the man who was entrusted with the stewardship of the people of Bravura - in the wake of the pain and destruction they endured because of the Argento war - has failed to understand the duties he was elevated to perform. If he truly has no interest in performing them, he should set aside his given nobility. It isn't as if he doesn't have plenty to fall back on.
"Loyalty knows no bounds." Those are the words of House Amadeo. The count's loyalty to his people has found its bounds. However, I wouldn't implicate Lord Orland in the same breath. Appointing the young man as Voice has been a good decision on the count's part. When the Tydelands were dealt the tragic loss of Astarrea and House Melaeris, Lord Orland was the one who stepped forward to join Amadeo's ships to Eswynd's in remapping the affected coasts. His genuine care for aiding the Compact in that moment made it so that the Physicians Guild fleet could safely navigate and deploy assistance to those who needed food and medical care. Lord Orland has been essential to having Bravura's ports aid in trade arrangements and projects with Proscipi, Eswynd, and Shepherd. He has sought out training as a knight, and an archlector of the Faith serves as his patron.
The situation is more complicated than just that, however. Stability is vital. The Lycene isles have been subjected to upheavals, seemingly ceaselessly, for over a decade now. What should be a strengthening union has highlighted the divisions we face throughout the Compact. It would be imprudent to paint all neo-nobles with the brush Count Amadeo holds, but he has certainly done them no favors.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 11, 2021, 5:37 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Talwyn
There is so much to tell my husband that I don't want to commit to letters. May we see each other again, soon.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 11, 2021, 5:32 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Jasher
It took Jasher and I a long time to form a friendship. We were, I think, introduced by Lord Domonico a few years ago and the three of us and a few others spent so very many hours at the Southport Training ring observing techniques, teaching, sparring talking, sharing histories. He was one of my small weapon students, I even gave him a dagger with his name engraved on it on completion of one of the lessons. Despite the time gone from Arx, when Jasher came by for a visit, it was like old friends falling into the same habits with comfortable conversational patterns, and mutual support over life's bumps. He was kind enough to escort me to a winter event while my husband was out of the city.
Written By Temira
Sept. 11, 2021, 4:27 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
My second battle since I returned home. Following such powerful people, not just in title but in strength on the battle field. Despite my forgetfulness of tying the rope, (which My near-brother so perfectly timed amidst the battle to call me out on) I recovered and went into fighting with an intent to kill. I am not one who takes killing someone lightly. Whenever the choice is between killing or finding compromise to resolution through talking, i would choose the latter.
But when we have done the diplomatic thing, (which thankful Lady Medeia being there and saving the conversation from my momentary lapse of refinement with so much natural grace) and are still refusing to compromise. The only answer left is death by Eswynd sword.
Must be the influence of my near-brother, whenever I am around him, I act as I always have. Titles mean little to him, And I only care about them when I am representing Eswynds capability of adapting to our place in the compact. In honestly I much rather enjoy being the casualness between my near-brother but after awhile, i'm reminded that he has no desire to pursue the unknown and he can only be poked fun at for so long, He can become quite a bore after that. Ah I got a bit more off my chest writing then I had intended. I think my heart feels so happy to be home that I just want to express it. I am blessed to fight along such strong folk.
But when we have done the diplomatic thing, (which thankful Lady Medeia being there and saving the conversation from my momentary lapse of refinement with so much natural grace) and are still refusing to compromise. The only answer left is death by Eswynd sword.
Must be the influence of my near-brother, whenever I am around him, I act as I always have. Titles mean little to him, And I only care about them when I am representing Eswynds capability of adapting to our place in the compact. In honestly I much rather enjoy being the casualness between my near-brother but after awhile, i'm reminded that he has no desire to pursue the unknown and he can only be poked fun at for so long, He can become quite a bore after that. Ah I got a bit more off my chest writing then I had intended. I think my heart feels so happy to be home that I just want to express it. I am blessed to fight along such strong folk.
Written By Caprice
Sept. 11, 2021, 3:23 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
I have waxed poetic in the past (NOT ranted, thank you very much) about the tragedy of beautiful artwork displayed behind locked doors, never to be appreciated as widely as it should. As satisfying as it can be to indulge in these laments, it is equally if not more fulfilling to take action.
I am pleased to be working with the Jayus Gallery of Art this Patronsday to showcase existing art, brought out of great halls and boudoirs to share their brilliance with a wider audience if only for a limited time.
I am pleased to be working with the Jayus Gallery of Art this Patronsday to showcase existing art, brought out of great halls and boudoirs to share their brilliance with a wider audience if only for a limited time.
Written By Rosalind
Sept. 11, 2021, 2:08 p.m.(3/9/1016 AR)
What I learned while being home...I am not a smith. Of any kind. Not even a little.
Written By Tanith
Sept. 11, 2021, 12:36 p.m.(3/8/1016 AR)
There's the kind of busy where you choose to stay that way, where idle hands lead to idle thoughts and idle thoughts lead to worries made manifest. So I stay busy, I work, I bake, sometimes I write or draw the dog. That kind of busy keeps me from losing my mind wishing I knew how to knit or embroider, or has me carve little marks into the wall to count the hours. Waiting. Worrying.
The choices I make effect the ones I love, the choices they make can effect me. This is nothing new, certainly, but it's been driven home these last few weeks enough that I've had to meditate on it. It is humbling to know my thoughts and emotions, my mind, my heart, are all weighed and measured and valued by these people I love, and that there can be grief when their choices hurt me, choices that were necessary. It can be hard, too, to accept the vulnerability of loving so completely. I still struggle with it. I shouldn't, but I do all the same. It's a selfish demand though, isn't it? To beg those that carry your heart to be careful with their lives? I suppose it's my right to beg, as much as it's their right to follow their paths. They might be more cautious, perhaps more conscious of their decisions, but in the end I don't think I'd want them be anything else.
It's hard. It's so hard.
Mmm? Oh. Right. Forgive my ramble, scholar. Here, have a muffin.
The choices I make effect the ones I love, the choices they make can effect me. This is nothing new, certainly, but it's been driven home these last few weeks enough that I've had to meditate on it. It is humbling to know my thoughts and emotions, my mind, my heart, are all weighed and measured and valued by these people I love, and that there can be grief when their choices hurt me, choices that were necessary. It can be hard, too, to accept the vulnerability of loving so completely. I still struggle with it. I shouldn't, but I do all the same. It's a selfish demand though, isn't it? To beg those that carry your heart to be careful with their lives? I suppose it's my right to beg, as much as it's their right to follow their paths. They might be more cautious, perhaps more conscious of their decisions, but in the end I don't think I'd want them be anything else.
It's hard. It's so hard.
Mmm? Oh. Right. Forgive my ramble, scholar. Here, have a muffin.
Written By Ezra
Sept. 11, 2021, 10:12 a.m.(3/8/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Noah
Please pray for Prince Noah, who struggles to discern the subtle differences between a personal missive sent to one's lover, and a public journal the scholars were obliged to transcribe for public awareness.
Written By Viviana
Sept. 11, 2021, 6:59 a.m.(3/8/1016 AR)
Too much whiskey, Scholar, so let's try this again --
If there should stand a Champion for all matters of the heart, I'll stand for it. I'll stand for love. Which is easy, isn't it, from where I am standing. I adore a story fraught with unwavering love and realized dreams. Love is hardly scandal. It's an ideal, a romantic musing that's ever so slightly out of reach of many members of the peerage. So, of course, I am seething with jealousy for them.
What rankles, dearest, is -- what?
Ah, yes. What rankles is this: for Count Duarte Amadeo for making a -- a -- socially inept, poorly constructed political statement while in the middle of a proclamation that should be properly celebrating love and a union to join hearts and ally Houses. You disrespect your people, and your House -- especially when you know, you knew -- the consequences of your actions. You're the ruling party of an entire city. As though you wanted to start a conflict of ascension on purpose. In your poor judgement, you also push Lord Orland and Lord Savio (who are simply in love -- which, gods -- I am super jealous of and I honestly think that if there's a reception it's going to be dazzling) beneath the judgmental eye of the people of your County that have seen one -- now, likely, two collapses of ruling Houses that are supposedly Bravura functioning in a time where it's all tenuous.
(In clear terms: you're a pompous windbag, Count Duarte Do Little, and you should not have made your heir and his betrothed a spectacle.)
First House Malgentilega. Now House Amadeo.
There's such a delicate balance between social scandal and social ruin -- summed in a word.
Subtlety.
If there should stand a Champion for all matters of the heart, I'll stand for it. I'll stand for love. Which is easy, isn't it, from where I am standing. I adore a story fraught with unwavering love and realized dreams. Love is hardly scandal. It's an ideal, a romantic musing that's ever so slightly out of reach of many members of the peerage. So, of course, I am seething with jealousy for them.
What rankles, dearest, is -- what?
Ah, yes. What rankles is this: for Count Duarte Amadeo for making a -- a -- socially inept, poorly constructed political statement while in the middle of a proclamation that should be properly celebrating love and a union to join hearts and ally Houses. You disrespect your people, and your House -- especially when you know, you knew -- the consequences of your actions. You're the ruling party of an entire city. As though you wanted to start a conflict of ascension on purpose. In your poor judgement, you also push Lord Orland and Lord Savio (who are simply in love -- which, gods -- I am super jealous of and I honestly think that if there's a reception it's going to be dazzling) beneath the judgmental eye of the people of your County that have seen one -- now, likely, two collapses of ruling Houses that are supposedly Bravura functioning in a time where it's all tenuous.
(In clear terms: you're a pompous windbag, Count Duarte Do Little, and you should not have made your heir and his betrothed a spectacle.)
First House Malgentilega. Now House Amadeo.
There's such a delicate balance between social scandal and social ruin -- summed in a word.
Subtlety.
Written By Noah
Sept. 10, 2021, 11:31 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
I feel like you found the event to be a mockery.
I also feel like I have learned so much about you.
You sometimes forget what end in the pointy end of the dagger.
Now, I've learned you can't count. I'm not your fifth husband, you know.
I also feel like I have learned so much about you.
You sometimes forget what end in the pointy end of the dagger.
Now, I've learned you can't count. I'm not your fifth husband, you know.
Written By Noah
Sept. 10, 2021, 11:28 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Oh look at that. Proclamations.
These are always fun.
Look a neo-noble who has such respect for tradition that he mocks the nobility he was elevated to.
I'll just be over here drinking my wine as he proves the point of my argument at the last salon.
These are always fun.
Look a neo-noble who has such respect for tradition that he mocks the nobility he was elevated to.
I'll just be over here drinking my wine as he proves the point of my argument at the last salon.
Written By Mattheu
Sept. 10, 2021, 10:54 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
I was unable to find my land legs and make it to the party where people were to speak of love. I had hoped to hear something enchanting, or a story of woe turned to the marvelous night they could ever hope to live within.
A shared dance, or that one lucky sigh to have been caught by eyes unknown.
To find someone when they weren't even looking, that moment of shared look and caught within the trailing net that we never remembered tossing upon a deck which was cutting waves as if their lives depended upon slicing waters faster than a setting sun or chasing moon.
To allow winds to guide them upon their feet...
To find another sullen and to share a stolen cookie with.
To learn of their loves outside of others, and wish to share more than the music from one's bells.
Alas. I missed the event. And did not get to hear of any such tales.
A shared dance, or that one lucky sigh to have been caught by eyes unknown.
To find someone when they weren't even looking, that moment of shared look and caught within the trailing net that we never remembered tossing upon a deck which was cutting waves as if their lives depended upon slicing waters faster than a setting sun or chasing moon.
To allow winds to guide them upon their feet...
To find another sullen and to share a stolen cookie with.
To learn of their loves outside of others, and wish to share more than the music from one's bells.
Alas. I missed the event. And did not get to hear of any such tales.
Written By Aelgar
Sept. 10, 2021, 10:44 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
I passed the Society of Explorers entry exam today. Lord Vitalis and I spent two days and one night on the road, or the trail, rather. I managed to make a decent showing of myself, even bringing down a doe with my bow. I will not be mistaken for the Ranger Princess anytime soon, but I did get through the trip without bungling badly. Vitaliy
Written By Zakhar
Sept. 10, 2021, 10:29 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
There's a moment in battle where everything becomes calm. A silence is around you, even though many are making a commotion around those you and yours are with. I found this moment when upon a ship that was seeking to escape their doom. It was their choice to stand against, to attempt to claim themselves free to do as they wished without belief of a consequence.
The waters lashed upon hull of sinking ship, divers taking to the waters as the sun reached out in a lasting kiss upon our decks. The way the colors mingled with each other and floated upon waves.
I can only hope to someday capture this beauty in a painting or story. For now, I only have you Scholar Clive. My one truest friend.
The waters lashed upon hull of sinking ship, divers taking to the waters as the sun reached out in a lasting kiss upon our decks. The way the colors mingled with each other and floated upon waves.
I can only hope to someday capture this beauty in a painting or story. For now, I only have you Scholar Clive. My one truest friend.
Written By Preston
Sept. 10, 2021, 7:30 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Tradition. It is a term spat by some of late. The name lifted up and soiled by those who would support the dead Helianthus, who would listen to Waldo.
Yet I wonder if people truly know it?
Tradition. It is like the keep at Sanctum. It can at times feel cold, it can feel isolating, lonely. It can feel like a cage. And yet. It is the mortar between the stones that keep us safe. It is in every bite of food that is prepared. It is in the canticles you hear on the wind.
Tradition is what binds us. It is what connects us. Tradition is our faith, it is our people, it is our Compact, it is our lives. Without it? Well. Who are you to me? Who are we to anyone? So the darkness shall have us, one by one, man and woman, away into that darkest night that shall become eternal.
Tradition must, like a castle, grow to encompass new ground as our people grow, as they change. Tradition though is wary. Never to expand too rapidly, to leave itself exposed. To leave us exposed. There must always be balance. Caution.
The Orthodoxy have often prided ourselves as being guardians of tradition. Caution is a term we know well. It is a method to our acts. But have we always communicated what we see as this simple truth effectively? It has been some time since our last open dinner for the Orthodoxy. Perhaps, like some older traditions, its time has come once more.
Yet I wonder if people truly know it?
Tradition. It is like the keep at Sanctum. It can at times feel cold, it can feel isolating, lonely. It can feel like a cage. And yet. It is the mortar between the stones that keep us safe. It is in every bite of food that is prepared. It is in the canticles you hear on the wind.
Tradition is what binds us. It is what connects us. Tradition is our faith, it is our people, it is our Compact, it is our lives. Without it? Well. Who are you to me? Who are we to anyone? So the darkness shall have us, one by one, man and woman, away into that darkest night that shall become eternal.
Tradition must, like a castle, grow to encompass new ground as our people grow, as they change. Tradition though is wary. Never to expand too rapidly, to leave itself exposed. To leave us exposed. There must always be balance. Caution.
The Orthodoxy have often prided ourselves as being guardians of tradition. Caution is a term we know well. It is a method to our acts. But have we always communicated what we see as this simple truth effectively? It has been some time since our last open dinner for the Orthodoxy. Perhaps, like some older traditions, its time has come once more.
Written By Preston
Sept. 10, 2021, 7:21 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Hope seems to be a subject of Journals of late - the ease of it to hold when you are comforted by privilege.
I have found those who have most clung to it are those for whom it is the only thing that remains. The hope of a tomorrow, the hope that this is indeed the lowest point and things will rise. The hope that the arrow darkening the sun is not to land on you.
The largest advantage those with privilege have, and I will include my common self in this, is that we do not need to hope. We can do. We can act. We can make change occur. The man cowering with his family from some abandoned raiders? He only has hope. So I suppose it comes down to, will the privilege we have be used to answer the hopes - and prayers - of those who need it?
I have found those who have most clung to it are those for whom it is the only thing that remains. The hope of a tomorrow, the hope that this is indeed the lowest point and things will rise. The hope that the arrow darkening the sun is not to land on you.
The largest advantage those with privilege have, and I will include my common self in this, is that we do not need to hope. We can do. We can act. We can make change occur. The man cowering with his family from some abandoned raiders? He only has hope. So I suppose it comes down to, will the privilege we have be used to answer the hopes - and prayers - of those who need it?
Written By Piccola
Sept. 10, 2021, 6 p.m.(3/7/1016 AR)
Wise general, remember these four truths.
1. All warfare is deception.
2. Victory and defeat are matters of circumstance.
3. The noblest struggle is justice before a tyrant.
4. True wisdom is freedom from one's own ideas.
1. All warfare is deception.
2. Victory and defeat are matters of circumstance.
3. The noblest struggle is justice before a tyrant.
4. True wisdom is freedom from one's own ideas.
Written By Haakon
Sept. 10, 2021, 10:24 a.m.(3/6/1016 AR)
A fine battle at sea does much to lighten a black mood. Bringing traitors to heel does the heart good, and feeding their bodies to the sea is a worthy service. I won a worthy scar from the skilled hand of a cornered foe to remember the day, which only makes the totality of our victory sweeter.
High deeds were done by his Black Highness, Romulius, Lord Savio the Headless, Lord Titus the Twice-dead, and Zakhar Whiteboard.
I'd be remiss not to name my near-sister Lady Temira. Few folk step through a battle with such art. Just don't bid her tie off a line.
My offering to the Gods for this victory will follow, soon.
High deeds were done by his Black Highness, Romulius, Lord Savio the Headless, Lord Titus the Twice-dead, and Zakhar Whiteboard.
I'd be remiss not to name my near-sister Lady Temira. Few folk step through a battle with such art. Just don't bid her tie off a line.
My offering to the Gods for this victory will follow, soon.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.