Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:37 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
I cannot believe -- /cannot believe/ -- that Vincere is trying to claim he held no special affection for my sister when we were children. That he was not in fact pining into his books for want of her while she was swooning over his brother. That I did not have to forcibly /drag/ his attention from her with humiliating displays attempting to earn his favor. It is perhaps more acceptable to remember such indiscretions in one's youth, but to have them erased entirely!
Unacceptable. I can't believe Cara doesn't remember, either. Ridiculous.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Unacceptable. I can't believe Cara doesn't remember, either. Ridiculous.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
It is well known among the Faithful that in every man, woman, and even child, there exists a darkness. We give this darkness different names, based on how it manifests: pride, cruelty, wrath, lust, greed...the list goes on and on. Call it what you will, it is an inescapable part of who we are, an impulse that must be fought against at every turn. We lift our eyes to the gods as champions and models, but we cannot escape knowing of our own dark reflections - the selves we do not wish to be, but can never fully escape.
I fear that when we are frightened, when sorrow fills our lungs, and when we feel beset on all sides, those darknesses rise within us. They urge us to make decisions out of pride. To hoard power and influence, to value place over effectiveness. This is something we must resist. Sometimes, we must bow our heads, even when our necks fight to remain stiffly upright, and acknowledge a greater authority.
And, then, sometimes we must stand on our principles and what we know to be right as if the Sentinel itself stood at our backs, scales raised to judge our actions.
I think everyone knows the truth of both of those assertions. What we cannot agree on, and the question that I struggle with every day of my life, is how to distinguish between the two, for in the moment, they feel exactly the same.
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Sylphie and I continue to be positively impossible to each other. It is distinctly rare that we manage to find some overlapping understanding between the two of us, some moment that we are not at each other's throats. I find myself continually offended when I feel that I am putting forth a /real effort/ to be civil, only to have /her/ become the temperamental one.
The lingering desire to shove her against a wall or bend her over a desk while we're fighting is certainly not helping matters.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
The lingering desire to shove her against a wall or bend her over a desk while we're fighting is certainly not helping matters.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:29 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I remain distinctly uncertain of what Duchess Nightgold actually /wants/. I am hardly the person anyone should think of for random jaunts through the Hall of Heroes, particularly while I'm still feeling the effects of the gala that night before. I am not a companionable person, yet she still finds an excess of things to laugh at around me. It's rather aggravating. I find myself continually uncomfortable feeling that she has something else going on beneath the surface.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Darren
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:22 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Princess Donella Thrax defies expectations and stereotypes. She is a woman of good humour and decent riding skills. But that race was only tied out of sheer luck on her part.
Of course, she threw down the next gauntlet. The challenge? A race of Legate's Leap. I'm willing to put a good bit of silver that she doesn't follow through though. We shall see.
Of course, she threw down the next gauntlet. The challenge? A race of Legate's Leap. I'm willing to put a good bit of silver that she doesn't follow through though. We shall see.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:20 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
A fine illustration of both the virtues of a man of honest, forthright scholarship, and of the difficulties in mixing such a man with an inherently complex and pride-driven world. Much can be learned from the Archscholar's wisdom and compassion. I only pray that the Compact learns the lessons while we can benefit the most from them.
Written By Darren
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:11 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
Lady Signe is one of the Nightgold cousins. A bit out there, certainly, but the North is rich in personality and that's what makes us so interesting as a people.
She's promised me one of her pups once they are whelped. Perhaps it would be good to have a kennel built in the Ward, to aide her in her chosen vocation.
She's promised me one of her pups once they are whelped. Perhaps it would be good to have a kennel built in the Ward, to aide her in her chosen vocation.
Written By Margot
Oct. 16, 2016, 1:41 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
Prince Abbas' if Fatima's brother. There father and mother supported my family during the Tyde rebellion and for that their father from across the seas was executed and their mother was sent off to exile in the Lyceum states.
As a result Fatima, Abbas and I grew up close together. While there are many orphans of the war in the Thrax house, they were the ones who shared my circumstance as the seed of the traitors.
While Fatima and I learned other ways to cope, Abbas grew to be a fierce Reaver and as a result went off to hunt and haunt the Dark Water 5 years ago. In all honesty I never expected to see him again.
I didn't realize how deeply I missed him until he returned and for a brief time I remembered the relief it is to have someone who wouldn't ask the questions or need an explanation and instead simply understood.
As a result Fatima, Abbas and I grew up close together. While there are many orphans of the war in the Thrax house, they were the ones who shared my circumstance as the seed of the traitors.
While Fatima and I learned other ways to cope, Abbas grew to be a fierce Reaver and as a result went off to hunt and haunt the Dark Water 5 years ago. In all honesty I never expected to see him again.
I didn't realize how deeply I missed him until he returned and for a brief time I remembered the relief it is to have someone who wouldn't ask the questions or need an explanation and instead simply understood.
Written By Iona
Oct. 16, 2016, 1:02 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Dearest child -- you can thank me for the continual interruptions of food and drink you have experienced today. I have told the cook that she is to invoke my name should you try to turn away the food, or insist on something meant for the rabbit hutch. A balanced meal is what gives strength, and you can scoff to your heart's content, but you know that I am right and that you would insist the same to me.
While your natural slenderness is a mark of much jealousy, I will not allow you to become skeletal. Eat, child, and know that I am here to help -- whether you want it or not.
While your natural slenderness is a mark of much jealousy, I will not allow you to become skeletal. Eat, child, and know that I am here to help -- whether you want it or not.
Written By Iona
Oct. 16, 2016, 12:53 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
Returning to Arx has stirred up many memories for us. There was a time where this was our home, taking care of old Alaric's throne while his younger needed our guidance and nurturing. We moved our entire family -- young Michael, and younger still Lailah and Samantha -- and set up a life in Arx, a life we knew was temporary.
Now, back to preserve the throne again for Alaric, I am left looking on those days where you reluctantly held the crown and sat in the throne, and turned everything aside to make sure that all our children -- all of them, of blood and bone or not -- were given the tutelage they required.
Will we succeed again this time, or -- like a shore weathered with age -- will we be washed back into the sea, with all the secrets we hold?
Regardless the answer, know that I am beside you all the way -- the equal you have always seen me as, and a Voice of immeasurable volume.
Now, back to preserve the throne again for Alaric, I am left looking on those days where you reluctantly held the crown and sat in the throne, and turned everything aside to make sure that all our children -- all of them, of blood and bone or not -- were given the tutelage they required.
Will we succeed again this time, or -- like a shore weathered with age -- will we be washed back into the sea, with all the secrets we hold?
Regardless the answer, know that I am beside you all the way -- the equal you have always seen me as, and a Voice of immeasurable volume.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 16, 2016, 12:31 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Myrinda
I suspect that I’ve been responsible for at least a quarter of the silver that threads through Myrinda Greyhope’s hair. I fear that I’m going to be responsible for a few strands more. One doesn’t warn a cat away from a mystery without explaining why.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 16, 2016, 12:24 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
A priest, two princesses, a guard, a giant, and a fool walk into a bar… It sounds like the beginning of a riddle, doesn’t it? Instead, it was the start of a card game. The priest won, but I think I made him work for his prize. I did not win money, but at least I didn’t lose any either, thanks to our gracious host, Silas Mercier. Seems I see him everywhere these days. Hosting archery contests, card games, at galas. I was not surprised to see him playing escort to the lovely Grayson princess. I’ve rarely seen a man so motivated to rise.
Written By Jarek
Oct. 16, 2016, 12:06 p.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
A man can know his heart, but he doesn't want to. The man who doesn't know the secrets of their heart lives in fear of himself. To live is to know the heart to know passion and to know flames. The beating of a thousand drumbeats only he can understand. Breathe in deeply of the world around you. Change.
Written By Victus
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:59 a.m.(11/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
Can't claim to be much of a godly man. But there's a stretch between that, and pure fucking paganism.
This one's a proper pagan. Singing prayers to spirits, painting her kills in blood with heathen symbols.
Between you and me, priest, that doesn't seem quite right. Then again, she doesn't seem quite right. Something off in her head, I think. Perhaps her parents dropped her as a baby inbetween their bloody pagan orgies.
Still, as long as she's paying, I'm not going to tell her to stop buying me drinks.
This one's a proper pagan. Singing prayers to spirits, painting her kills in blood with heathen symbols.
Between you and me, priest, that doesn't seem quite right. Then again, she doesn't seem quite right. Something off in her head, I think. Perhaps her parents dropped her as a baby inbetween their bloody pagan orgies.
Still, as long as she's paying, I'm not going to tell her to stop buying me drinks.
Written By Silas
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:08 a.m.(11/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
The High Lord holds an appreciation of my work which extends beyond what I usually find, and I confess it is the sort of appreciation which makes all my work worthwhile. I think he is prone to hidden bouts of depression, so I sent him something to help when the metaphorical storm clouds gather. It is troubling to see a genuinely good man feeling down.
Written By Silas
Oct. 16, 2016, 4:03 a.m.(11/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Princess Natalia has been bestowed all the kindness and loveliness her brother utterly lacks, but I find them both great company in very different ways. It's strange how siblings work sometimes, isn't it? I wonder who pulled all the pranks.
Written By Sophie
Oct. 16, 2016, 2:25 a.m.(11/9/1004 AR)
This eve, I had the pleasure of making acquaintance with both Goodman Lazarus Mercier and his delightfully earthy green tea. My dearest Isabeau also enjoyed herself, playing cards, and if there were anyone there to whom my sister must lose, I am glad that it was my brother in Faith, Prince Jerek.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 16, 2016, 1:25 a.m.(11/9/1004 AR)
As Sir Silas as an escort, this was a wonderful event. I must admire his game more than a little for it shows so much information to those that play. The Wandering Prince decided to forgo his purse, an odd decision; but one of merit.
Written By Lazarus
Oct. 15, 2016, 11:55 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
What a great party my brother Silas threw. He always had a knack for that sort of thing. I did not play cards as I was not feeling the gambling spirit but luckily enough Silas gave me a space to sell a bit of tea along with the wine. I met a princess there called Sophie who is from House Valardin and she appears to be a conisseur of tea. She even has a small garden. Sophie complimented the tea leaves I collected before leaving home giving me more confidence in the business we are settling here in Arx. Mercier wine will never stop pouring but it would not be Mercier if we could not give you options.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 15, 2016, 9:43 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
It is reassuring to be reminded of how well much of the next generation has grown up. Prince Edain seems to have weathered the storm of fire and blood that was the Tragedy at Sanctum better than any father could have hoped. Oh, he burns for revenge, but that is to be expected -- and desired. But he has not let his grief and anger cripple him. With men such as him and women such as Lady Dawn guiding two of the great houses, hope for the Compact may be brighter than anyone thinks.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.