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.
Written By Grady
Sept. 10, 2021, 5:05 a.m.(3/6/1016 AR)
With all that the poor Graysons and their people have lately suffered, Jessa and I have decided that my duty as a diplomat must be here in Arx, and her duty as a warrior must be at home, at Old Oak.
That sounds dreadfully heroic, doesn't it? Rest assured, all heroism lies with my wife. I have come to Arx to hide behind thick stone walls and talk piffle. But for all that, it may be that piffle is exactly what is needed, right now, behind these thick walls.
I suppose we'll see. I'll try not to annoy anyone too terribly.
That sounds dreadfully heroic, doesn't it? Rest assured, all heroism lies with my wife. I have come to Arx to hide behind thick stone walls and talk piffle. But for all that, it may be that piffle is exactly what is needed, right now, behind these thick walls.
I suppose we'll see. I'll try not to annoy anyone too terribly.
Written By Temira
Sept. 10, 2021, 4:23 a.m.(3/6/1016 AR)
Ah what a battle this was. Started off on the wrong foot. Literally! tripped over some dumb rope. But made up for it by killing the first traitor to go up against me. Despite how it may seems, I cam quite agile and am no waif. I pack quite the punch. also.
I dont know much since its been a long time since i am back now I had to jump right now. but getting to fight by my near-brother Haakon is always something ive enjoyed my whole life.
I dont know much since its been a long time since i am back now I had to jump right now. but getting to fight by my near-brother Haakon is always something ive enjoyed my whole life.
Written By Isabeau
Sept. 10, 2021, 2:19 a.m.(3/6/1016 AR)
The Grand Melee was quite exciting to watch. As ever, Count Drake gives his all when he joins into the fun. Princess Alis's participation was a pleasant surprise and I am rather excited to see what happens at the Joust in a few days. Then we will be wrapping up the events with a ball, which I hope goes off well. It's been a fun few weeks.
Written By Titus
Sept. 9, 2021, 10:15 p.m.(3/5/1016 AR)
Ivanite strongholds in the Lang Drager are being abandoned, the survivors there refused to accept a peaceful and honourable evacuation and chose instead to try and break out through the Eswynd blockade in a desperate last bid to avoid final defeat.
While the battle was fierce on the sea with multiple ships boarded, they refused quarter. Glory was gripped and earned by the Eswynds and their allies that day, peace paid in blood. I enjoyed having lord Savio and the elder warrior Zakhar as guests with the Gorgon.
Lord Ambrose Garon was an excellent opponent and highly capable swordsman. When I slew Lord Amrose Garon, I prayed that his next life will be one of honourable service. May he think on that during his time with the Queen and the dishonour he stains his family now.
I also found a hole in my money pouch.
(@cal 6064)
While the battle was fierce on the sea with multiple ships boarded, they refused quarter. Glory was gripped and earned by the Eswynds and their allies that day, peace paid in blood. I enjoyed having lord Savio and the elder warrior Zakhar as guests with the Gorgon.
Lord Ambrose Garon was an excellent opponent and highly capable swordsman. When I slew Lord Amrose Garon, I prayed that his next life will be one of honourable service. May he think on that during his time with the Queen and the dishonour he stains his family now.
I also found a hole in my money pouch.
(@cal 6064)
Written By Temira
Sept. 9, 2021, 6:19 p.m.(3/5/1016 AR)
How I do wish this snow would let up. I've gone out to explore the city, but its way to cold and snowy to see left from right. The few taverns I managed to find at least welcomed me with warmth and interesting people. I especially enjoyed spending time with Lord Kastelon. His eye patch gives me a comforting feeling. To also learn we share the same views on life, I look forward to meeting up more in the future.
Written By Brigid
Sept. 9, 2021, 2:16 p.m.(3/5/1016 AR)
I set aside my incessant training yesterday and went to seek out the company of those I hold dear - I was reminded that the bonds are as strong as ever. After a tumultuous year it was the beacon of hope that I needed and it left me feeling lightened enough to step into the Telmar Melee which resulted in me gaining bruises a-plenty from well aimed blows by Count Drake and Prince Alantir. But even as I sat on the benches and watched the skilled combatants battle on, this feeling did not fade.
Reminders of home are never too far away and I am grateful to those that unknowingly provided them.
Reminders of home are never too far away and I am grateful to those that unknowingly provided them.
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 9, 2021, 11:37 a.m.(3/4/1016 AR)
Our Winter Wonderland Festival is coming up tomorrow and I am pleased the report the sleigh intended snow mountain is higher than usual this year! I'm also excited for the new whiskey brew Master Venturo worked out with that mysterious sap we found in the outskirts of Artshall - it is supposed to have a real kick!
Written By Drusila
Sept. 9, 2021, 8:26 a.m.(3/4/1016 AR)
Boss has finally shed completely and he looks absolutely gorgeous. He'll probably eat well tonight and then not again for a month or two.
This is the most interesting thing he ever does.
This is the most interesting thing he ever does.
Written By Cesare
Sept. 8, 2021, 11:22 p.m.(3/3/1016 AR)
My deepest gratitude cannot be overstated for those who attended the Disciples of Jayus' Midwinter Celebration; particularly to the artists and artisans who donated, as well as Nightingale Gianna Delvecchio who performed the Freedom Song of the Lianhan in a truly breathtaking and moving rendition alongside my original composition. For those who witnessed the unfortunate incident with the harp: Yes, I am fine. The welt has faded entirely. I am very pleased to relay that we raised in excess of 500,000 silver for the Disciples, with the generosity of our donors, and that there is now more art gracing the homes of the Compact. I hope that Jayus was pleased. I hope that Inspiration was pleased. I see her face often, when I close my eyes.
I'm preparing to assist in diplomatic efforts to aid the survivors from Bastion. As Softest, I feel now a greater responsibility for the people of Arvum as a whole than I have ever before. It is not as though I've had some revelatory experience - on the contrary, if anything, it has come to me by the smallest and most delicate of steps. But when I spoke to Radiant Anisha upon my promotion, and when I have spoken to others before and since, what I said remains true: Whisper House has been a family to me, in many ways, and in other ways so is the entire Compact. It is a grave and glorious responsibility to be trusted with the hurts that the citizenry shares with no others, small and large, the secrets we keep safe in our locked hearts.
Lady Medeia and I continue to plan our party; the Conservatory is a delight, and anyone who does not come will truly be missing out on the experience of a lifetime. I am never much for birthday celebrations, but this year feels as though I have something - someone! - to celebrate. Myself. Gods, how I have grown. Yes, you may imagine me tossing my hair in the dim, gleaming light of the fire as I write that. Perhaps imagine me luxuriantly stretching a leg, too. What am I going to wear? This is a matter of dire importance.
Anyway, I am going to pray. If you all knew how often I pray - I am ridiculous.
I'm preparing to assist in diplomatic efforts to aid the survivors from Bastion. As Softest, I feel now a greater responsibility for the people of Arvum as a whole than I have ever before. It is not as though I've had some revelatory experience - on the contrary, if anything, it has come to me by the smallest and most delicate of steps. But when I spoke to Radiant Anisha upon my promotion, and when I have spoken to others before and since, what I said remains true: Whisper House has been a family to me, in many ways, and in other ways so is the entire Compact. It is a grave and glorious responsibility to be trusted with the hurts that the citizenry shares with no others, small and large, the secrets we keep safe in our locked hearts.
Lady Medeia and I continue to plan our party; the Conservatory is a delight, and anyone who does not come will truly be missing out on the experience of a lifetime. I am never much for birthday celebrations, but this year feels as though I have something - someone! - to celebrate. Myself. Gods, how I have grown. Yes, you may imagine me tossing my hair in the dim, gleaming light of the fire as I write that. Perhaps imagine me luxuriantly stretching a leg, too. What am I going to wear? This is a matter of dire importance.
Anyway, I am going to pray. If you all knew how often I pray - I am ridiculous.
Written By Lou
Sept. 8, 2021, 8:14 p.m.(3/3/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
I distinctly disagree. When you're royal and have had your home city sacked and overrun with demons, I think you might have a different perspective on that as well.
It's hard to have hope when you do not know if you'll get your home back.
It's hard to have hope when you're not sure if your sister, your mother, your aunts, uncles, and cousins are still alive.
It's hard to have hope that you'll ever be able to go back home to visit your favorite child haunts.
It's hard to have hope when it is all being defiled and desecrated by those who who just want to see all of humanity gone.
I try. I do.
I found myself sitting in the Hall of Heroes before the Grayson fealty dinner last night, trying to discern how Copper was able to do it for over a thousand years, and also safeguard us all at the same time.
I didn't come up with any good answers to my ponderings.
It's hard to have hope when you do not know if you'll get your home back.
It's hard to have hope when you're not sure if your sister, your mother, your aunts, uncles, and cousins are still alive.
It's hard to have hope that you'll ever be able to go back home to visit your favorite child haunts.
It's hard to have hope when it is all being defiled and desecrated by those who who just want to see all of humanity gone.
I try. I do.
I found myself sitting in the Hall of Heroes before the Grayson fealty dinner last night, trying to discern how Copper was able to do it for over a thousand years, and also safeguard us all at the same time.
I didn't come up with any good answers to my ponderings.
Written By Carissa
Sept. 8, 2021, 10:49 a.m.(3/2/1016 AR)
So many exciting things afoot!
Written By Viviana
Sept. 8, 2021, 10:34 a.m.(3/2/1016 AR)
Hope's an easy thing to keep a hold on when you're royal, rich, and you've never been the subject of ire due to circumstance or birth.
Privilege. Simple.
It's important never to forget this.
Privilege. Simple.
It's important never to forget this.
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 8, 2021, 4:51 a.m.(3/2/1016 AR)
The silent auction by the Disciples of Jayus offered quite an interesting selection of paintings and sculptures and I was glad to be able to procure a few of them for the Gallery in Artshall. I've collected enough by now to build a lovely gallery along the inner wall of the Dire Bee Lounge, pieces of art and heirloom, artifacts and paintings honoring the gods as well of replicas of the pieces sent back home.
I hope to find more artists soon to nurture and perhaps take charge of things in the district. Either way, I plan to have that collection grow.
I hope to find more artists soon to nurture and perhaps take charge of things in the district. Either way, I plan to have that collection grow.
Written By Ida
Sept. 7, 2021, 3:02 p.m.(3/1/1016 AR)
Daggers seem to be selling out faster than hairpins these days. I suppose that must be some sort of sign of the times. Also means I need to design some more daggers.
Written By Zakhar
Sept. 6, 2021, 11:01 p.m.(2/27/1016 AR)
I hope that not too many saw that muck up. Though I also hope that the picnic was what was sought. I can only share that which I vaguely remember, not even sure if I got the right wine.
Written By Carissa
Sept. 6, 2021, 8:44 p.m.(2/27/1016 AR)
Stumbled my way into an interesting bit of research.
We'll see if I'm more help than hindrance. I'm hoping so, anyway.
Keeping this vague as I'm not sure the person who so patiently let me fumble about wants this public knowledge, but I am very excited.
We'll see if I'm more help than hindrance. I'm hoping so, anyway.
Keeping this vague as I'm not sure the person who so patiently let me fumble about wants this public knowledge, but I am very excited.
Written By Caprice
Sept. 6, 2021, 2:52 a.m.(2/26/1016 AR)
Heartfelt congratulations to Softest Whisper Cesare, fellow Disciple of Jayus, for an outstanding Midwinter Celebration event hosted at the shrine. The results of the auction aren't in yet but I wanted my praise for him to stand separate from what I'm sure will be many generous winning bids. (But, sincerely, many thanks to contributors and bidders alike.)
Bravo!
Bravo!
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