Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 10:07 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
A courtesan I encountered in a tavern, drinking with Lady Dafne and Lord Salazar. We engaged in a bit of a drinking game until I had to depart, and her claims during the game suggest that she has led an adventurous—or at least, eventful—life in her own way.
While she seems to have quite the reputation, she also seems a pleasant and interesting sort to go drinking with. (Although given that reputation, perhaps someone else should pour the drinks.)
While she seems to have quite the reputation, she also seems a pleasant and interesting sort to go drinking with. (Although given that reputation, perhaps someone else should pour the drinks.)
Written By Calista
Oct. 2, 2016, 10 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I received word this week on a topic that has literally brought every one of my senses to pause. Marriage.
I should preface this to say I am not opposed to marriage. I so very happy to do my part as a lady of House Fidante, but it is far too soon to be having such serious conversations. Is there a man I fancy? Perhaps. Is there a man I fancy enough to pursue an agreement with his family and my own in order to solidify an alliance? Perhaps. But these things take time to cultivate and grow; Like a garden.
It's definitely not that I am afraid or feel that being married would ruin my 'game'. I am the perfect wife material.
I should preface this to say I am not opposed to marriage. I so very happy to do my part as a lady of House Fidante, but it is far too soon to be having such serious conversations. Is there a man I fancy? Perhaps. Is there a man I fancy enough to pursue an agreement with his family and my own in order to solidify an alliance? Perhaps. But these things take time to cultivate and grow; Like a garden.
It's definitely not that I am afraid or feel that being married would ruin my 'game'. I am the perfect wife material.
Written By Talen
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:52 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
What is it with the Arxian way of thinking that has most insisting that I am a knight? "Sir Talen" isn't something I've asked to be called, let alone want to be known as. Since when did cheating in sports reward me with a reputation of a gentleman?
I am /trying/ to do as etiquette dictates in this god forsaken city. This new /home/ of mine. I cannot, however, fathom what it is that goes through most minds when they look at me.
They see Giovanni Artiglio and not Talen Artiglio, I suppose. We are not one in the same. We are cut from the same cloth and yet fashioned in different styles of men. I am no paragon of virtue. I am a man that survives because I value results and victory.
I am /trying/ to do as etiquette dictates in this god forsaken city. This new /home/ of mine. I cannot, however, fathom what it is that goes through most minds when they look at me.
They see Giovanni Artiglio and not Talen Artiglio, I suppose. We are not one in the same. We are cut from the same cloth and yet fashioned in different styles of men. I am no paragon of virtue. I am a man that survives because I value results and victory.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:50 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
I've encountered this Thraxian prince a small number of times. He is both chivalrous and unnervingly honorific. I have no real opinion of him yet, as we've hardly spoken for any real great length of time. Should that change, however, I would most welcome it.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:45 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
She and I have much to speak on. Soon.
Written By Salazar
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:44 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Mirari Corsetina has me asking two -- /two/ -- of Arx's finest tailors and seamstresses to try to create a dress worthy of Mirari Corsetina. But the woman is no high-born lady or foreign ambassador, and I have the feeling that my emotions have, once again, led me astray. The Lycene courtesan of Pravus fame seems to have knotted her fingers in my heart or... well, something else. And it bothers me to a great extent. But let no man say that Salazar Argento does not finish what he starts.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:43 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
A rift has grown between myself and Prince Fergus. Neither of us are to blame for that. Life has a tendency to pull us in directions that we never wished to go, but I know ours is a friendship that will endure. It'll just take some time and a little hard work to get back there. It's worth it.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:41 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Fergus' sister, Darren's cousin, and a fine, fine woman. I rather like her, and her passion for her own misunderstood faith endears her to me. And she denied me, and that endears her to me even more. I think I need a friend like her, who has utterly zero inclination to intrigue and fancy words.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:41 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Anastasio
Anastasio has exceeded all my expectations of him as my protege in the short time since I've acquired him. He's intelligent and of a curious mind, almost alarmingly so, with an insight in which that is refreshing and most welcome.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:38 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I've been avoiding penning down my thoughts in these journals for some time now. The priests have nagged me long enough on my negligence to keep my journals up-to-date, but how can I when I struggle even now to translate the cacophony of thoughts that is my mind as it still reels from the events of the year thus far? Where would I begin? What is of the most importance?
I could start with how I feel most days since my arrival into Arx: lost in the snows of The Lady's Peak. At least, that is the name we Mountain Men have adopted for the summit where Stonedeep was built. Around this time of the year, the snowstorms are usually at a standstill and we're left with this wondrous view of the mountain peaks beyond that slope away into the treacherous passes where one should never dare to go. It's where my father was rumored to have gone before his disappearance, before all of this madness that took from me what was most precious: a father and a brother. Perhaps it has taken Lydia and Cassius away from me as well. None of us have ever been the same since, and it's as though we are all strangers to one another. Cassius has thrown himself into his life as a Knight Aspirant to the Knights of Solace. Lydia serves under the Redrain Household as the lady-in-waiting to Princess Drea and the others, while I have thrown myself headfirst into treacherous waters. Gods watch over me, for I pray I won't drown.
I could start with how I feel most days since my arrival into Arx: lost in the snows of The Lady's Peak. At least, that is the name we Mountain Men have adopted for the summit where Stonedeep was built. Around this time of the year, the snowstorms are usually at a standstill and we're left with this wondrous view of the mountain peaks beyond that slope away into the treacherous passes where one should never dare to go. It's where my father was rumored to have gone before his disappearance, before all of this madness that took from me what was most precious: a father and a brother. Perhaps it has taken Lydia and Cassius away from me as well. None of us have ever been the same since, and it's as though we are all strangers to one another. Cassius has thrown himself into his life as a Knight Aspirant to the Knights of Solace. Lydia serves under the Redrain Household as the lady-in-waiting to Princess Drea and the others, while I have thrown myself headfirst into treacherous waters. Gods watch over me, for I pray I won't drown.
Written By Acacia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:38 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I was rather curious about the ritual when I heard it was going to be open to the public. Not to mention that I'm kind of a fan of Princess Freja - she's remarkably interesting, even if at times she can be horribly evasive with answering questions. I'm fond of the Princess, if I'm allowed to say such, and I'd be likely to attend just about anything she held.
But I don't really know what I saw. I don't know if she was communing with the bear, or what it was that led her to that glassy-eyed kind of stare that more people should probably be talking about. Or what she saw.
I do know, however, that those flowers are protected from people randomly going to pick them and start chewing on them. Just in case people start getting ideas.
But I don't really know what I saw. I don't know if she was communing with the bear, or what it was that led her to that glassy-eyed kind of stare that more people should probably be talking about. Or what she saw.
I do know, however, that those flowers are protected from people randomly going to pick them and start chewing on them. Just in case people start getting ideas.
Written By Salazar
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:38 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aria
Arianna Gilden was never meant for the waters she navigates today. Just four years ago, I would have likened her to a guppy among sharks, given that her health had taken a turn for the worse by the time she was ten. I was fourteen when she'd come across the straits to dine with us, her parents with mine. It was something about the price of jadeite or something equally boring, at least to a fourteen year old. Storage, escrow, collectors, the like. But Aria - we'd taken to calling her that, to differentiate from my mother who was named the same - was a charming, wan, little girl, more suited for the indoor parlors than the rigors of the sea. My sister, boisterous enough, had grilled her incessantly about what she liked to do for fun. We talked often over the next four years, when she would come across the straits (or, as time went on, I would cross over to Caith, seeing the journey was easier for me) but Aria was seemingly destined to some political marriage to a family far off. It's only recently, now that I'm in Arx, that I've learned that she's become Voice of her house and serving in much the same capacity as myself. We used to write each other all the time, but it seemed we were fading apart. Now that we're both in Ark together, perhaps our friendship can be rekindled.
Written By Salazar
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:36 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
She is downright maddening. I first met her at the Hundred Cities Inn and accidentally spilled a bit of Nilanzan red on her dress, which led to me a wild goose chase trying to recreate Setarco's finest fashions. An enrapturing creature, Mirari Corsetina seems to be stringing me along with, believe it or not, promises that she'll hate me more. And yet I still open my coffers to fix a minute mistake before. What has gotten into me?
Written By Isolde
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:35 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I've started to decide the path of my life. All that means, however, is I let go the frustrations of the thousands upon thousands of questions I have, and focus on what is truly important to me. While these may change, from time to time, and I will evaluate every now and then, it's almost freeing.
If only I had some fucking answers. Just wait. I will solve the riddles and it will be glorious.
If only I had some fucking answers. Just wait. I will solve the riddles and it will be glorious.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:34 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
House Grayson held a rather pleasant, if unusual, dinner tonight. It was to introduce many of us to the cuisine, history, and culture of Prince Mason's homeland of Ahj'on.
The primary meal was rice, chicken, and a spicy sauce all mixed together; the 'curry' that the Eurusi sailors I befriended in the Saffron Chain used to speak of. The spices seemed a bit much for some, but to me, I just found myself thinking of meals I've had on my travels. The Saffron Chain may spice things differently, but no less intensely. I found it quite delicious, though I doubt I'll be able to convince the cooks at the Badger to prepare it. (Perhaps back home? I could just frame it as a suitably adventurous meal...)
No matter. Along with the food, we discussed more of the twelve Dune Kingdoms, specifically Ahj'on. There was talk of climate, and how settlements cling to the edges of oases—and how there have been wars fought over them. There was also discussion of some lore and beliefs in the area.
In all, a very pleasant meal. I look forward to spending more time with those who were in attendance.
The primary meal was rice, chicken, and a spicy sauce all mixed together; the 'curry' that the Eurusi sailors I befriended in the Saffron Chain used to speak of. The spices seemed a bit much for some, but to me, I just found myself thinking of meals I've had on my travels. The Saffron Chain may spice things differently, but no less intensely. I found it quite delicious, though I doubt I'll be able to convince the cooks at the Badger to prepare it. (Perhaps back home? I could just frame it as a suitably adventurous meal...)
No matter. Along with the food, we discussed more of the twelve Dune Kingdoms, specifically Ahj'on. There was talk of climate, and how settlements cling to the edges of oases—and how there have been wars fought over them. There was also discussion of some lore and beliefs in the area.
In all, a very pleasant meal. I look forward to spending more time with those who were in attendance.
Written By Fergus
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:26 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
We really more or less have had a bit of a falling out over the past few months. I think we got along so well when I first came to the city, that when she got busy, and had her other things going on, I ended up feeling put off. It didn't help that I was left a bit confused by some of her messengers, stating how she missed me, but then either messengers got drunk before delivering responses, or I never heard back from her on my responding messages. Either way, it will likely take a bit of doing for the two of us to be close friends as we had been before, this city has brought me friends, and the Politics of it can apparently cause a drift as well.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:26 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
When I initially agreed to participate in the Prince Edain's event, I didn't imagine myself being faced against some of the most interesting of contestants in all of Arvum; from Princess Jaenelle and her cousin, Princess Donella, to a Whisper whom I'm unacquainted with and the Lady Dawn Grayson herself. Everyone tackled the obstacle course with their 5 soldiers in a myriad of styles. Some I cringed at, and others left me marveling at the tenacity and ingenuity in which was displayed. I managed to complete it at a decent time, matched only by Lord Eos of House Saik. He won in the end, and I'm quite pleased with how gracefully he accepted his victory and ensured we who lost to him did not feel like losers. Instead, he made us feel as though we'd walked away as victorious as he did.
Written By Fergus
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:23 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Freja had her shaman ritual. I think people came to see this more out of the same curiosity people come to watch a man wrestle a bear. They probably wanted to see the blood. She fulfilled their desires, and then I think she ended up giving them more questions than answers when she passed out. Darren and I half anticipated a reation like that, she hadn't really done anything of that sort before.
Written By Fergus
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:21 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
So, I forgot to write down that I won this Fencing competition. Probably one of the least impressive things I have done with a sword, but i can also say that it was a deal of fun. It really tested a person's actual sword ability. No better weapons, no better armor, no teaming up on one opponent or the other, was just straight out testing if you were the better swordsman. That Thraxian, Dagon, put in a good showing and I must say I was a bit nervous to see how our second meeting for the championship would end up. I won, but it could have gone either way.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:20 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I deeply regret that I was unable to attend the ritual hosted by Princess Freja Redrain. I hear tale that it was a spectacular moment with a richly varied audience to witness the beauty of Northern tradition at its finest. I have no doubts that it's left them with more questions about it than anything else. It's a shame Signe was unable to make it as well. She does aspire to be a shaman like that of Princess Drea herself.
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