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.
Written By Freja
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:20 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
There is something about her and I that works in tandem, whether it be similar views of the world or our walks of faith. We skirt on the edge of what is suspicious, representing the faiths that we do. While I would never convert and neither would she, I still think we could learn from one another. Besides, she does have very good taste in wine.
Written By Freja
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:17 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
A Prince of House Thrax, and a curious one at that. I wasn't expecting to see at my ritual, but there he was and even posed a few questions if I call (though the event and following night were a blur). I do remember the man stepping close as it came to a culmination, perhaps too closely to make the Redrain guards and my cousins comfortable. I hear there was a close eye kept on him. Others stayed where they sat, but he dared to come closer. That alone merits at least one audience to see -what- exactly he is curious about.
Written By Cara
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:15 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
It's not insane to run headlong toward danger in the pursuit of knowledge; Lady Aislin knows full well what she faces in her adventuring. She simply weighs the knowledge that exploration brings against the possibility of harm, and finds that knowledge worthy. I rather like her. Addison was terribly fond of her, I know, and it is easy to see why. She brings me interesting books, too, from time to time -- or rather, she brings them home and I poach them (usually with permission).
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:13 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I haven't really met Prince Edain personally, but his name keeps coming up in things. And I did see him run a command tournament, which is an unusual enough event to be worthy of note. He had people command small sets of guards through an obstacle course, timing them on how quickly they overcame the obstacles.
That's certainly a change from the usual sort of challenges out there, and suggests a mind that I'd like to get to know better.
That's certainly a change from the usual sort of challenges out there, and suggests a mind that I'd like to get to know better.
Written By Vincere
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:08 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
Pietro's enthusiasm for Arx already exhausts me and yet I can't imagine being without him. I trust him as I would my right hand.
We're newly arrived here -- and thanks to him, nearly everyone knows it. I'm not sure there was a single person on our way to the Lyceum Ward that he did not stop to ask for directions.
As I said: enthusiasm.
We're newly arrived here -- and thanks to him, nearly everyone knows it. I'm not sure there was a single person on our way to the Lyceum Ward that he did not stop to ask for directions.
As I said: enthusiasm.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:01 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
Princess Lou is something of a kindred spirit, though I suspect one with a little more focus on politics than I wish to have. I've had very few interactions with her, but I'd certainly like to get to know her better.
Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of her in one sense. Not the title—gods, no!—but the fact that she seems to have a partner in her adventuring, in the form of her husband.
When I was younger, I used to dream of having a partner, someone who I'd undertake my grand explorations with. Someone who held the torch to keep the room alight, while I fought off the dread creatures in the ruin we'd just found. Someone to stand at my back with a sword when we were surrounded with brigands.
Instead, my expeditions are generally undertaken alone, or with companions of convenience hired for the specific expedition. But Lou and Mason seem to have that sort of partnership I once dreamed about, and that seems something to be treasured.
Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of her in one sense. Not the title—gods, no!—but the fact that she seems to have a partner in her adventuring, in the form of her husband.
When I was younger, I used to dream of having a partner, someone who I'd undertake my grand explorations with. Someone who held the torch to keep the room alight, while I fought off the dread creatures in the ruin we'd just found. Someone to stand at my back with a sword when we were surrounded with brigands.
Instead, my expeditions are generally undertaken alone, or with companions of convenience hired for the specific expedition. But Lou and Mason seem to have that sort of partnership I once dreamed about, and that seems something to be treasured.
Written By Dagon
Oct. 2, 2016, 8:33 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dafne
There is something about Lady Dafne that I find to be somewhat interesting. I have been thinking as to what it might be that I find so interesting, but perhaps the best way to find out would be to spend more time with her. Perhaps I shall seek her out at the gathering that the Archduchess is putting together.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
Prince Mason is actually from the Dune Kingdom of Ahj'on, over in Eurus. I've heard of the Dune Kingdoms before, of course, from the Eurusi sailors I drank with down in the Saffron Chain, but never in so much detail as he was willing to share. He seems a good-hearted sort, friendly and eager to share tales of the things he's seen and the places he's been. In that sense, I suspect he's a kindred spirit; I hope to get to know him better.
He offered to help several of us—myself included—practice the Eurusi language, and I believe I'll take him up on it.
He offered to help several of us—myself included—practice the Eurusi language, and I believe I'll take him up on it.
Written By Dagon
Oct. 2, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
The ritual hosted by House Redrain was quite fascinating. I would like to see another, but it also opens up so many questions. What do the spirits represent exactly? Are there spirits of the sea? Of the wind? If the northerners were sailors would they have shamans on ships to ensure a good wind and calm seas? If the spirits talk... would they inform the shaman of a coming storm?
So many questions, and yet I hestitate to ask, preferring instead to bide my time. Soon I will try to meet with Princess Freja and I will ask one or two questions then. For now I hope she recovers fully and thank House Redrain for permitting others to see this ritual take place.
So many questions, and yet I hestitate to ask, preferring instead to bide my time. Soon I will try to meet with Princess Freja and I will ask one or two questions then. For now I hope she recovers fully and thank House Redrain for permitting others to see this ritual take place.
Written By Freja
Oct. 2, 2016, 7:11 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I am awake, though feel like I have been beaten on the head three times over and then once more for good luck. Nothing a hearty meal and long sleep won't cure though.
The messengers were fewer than I expected it, but I will take that as a good sign. If people are talking it is all the better for it. The North has traditions that will never die, and I will see to it personally that while they may not be held with reverence to those that practice other 'faiths', but it will be respected.
I do look forward to seeing what kind of stir it makes, if any.
The messengers were fewer than I expected it, but I will take that as a good sign. If people are talking it is all the better for it. The North has traditions that will never die, and I will see to it personally that while they may not be held with reverence to those that practice other 'faiths', but it will be respected.
I do look forward to seeing what kind of stir it makes, if any.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 7:06 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
Lady Cara is the widow of my cousin Addison, and I'm finding myself rather fond of her. Lycene by birth, but she's proven herself an Ashford in spirit. Not in terms of seeking knowledge physically in the world, mind you; I cannot imagine Cara climbing an ice cliff or scrambling down into a collapsed tomb in search of some bit of lost knowledge. But intellectually? She's as adventurous as any of us. She pours through historical records with as much determination and stubbornness as would do any blooded Ashford proud.
Written By Vincere
Oct. 2, 2016, 7 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
This move to Arx feels like far more of a change than assuming the mantle of Count of the March from our mother: it's a departure from known lands, from known friends -- and known enemies.
But it is a change that has the feel of a challenge, and one I'm eager to meet. I have Pietro at my back, after all, and welcome in the form of Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie. They have offered us lodging at their estate while we find our feet in the city, and it's hard not to feel a bit like it's a return to when we were wards of the Rubino family.
I feel half my age and as though the world is just beginning to share new secrets all over again. I am eager to see the Great Archive, and working on plans to trick Pietro into coming with me.
So. New lands, maybe, but not entirely friendless. The rest will no doubt come in time.
But it is a change that has the feel of a challenge, and one I'm eager to meet. I have Pietro at my back, after all, and welcome in the form of Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie. They have offered us lodging at their estate while we find our feet in the city, and it's hard not to feel a bit like it's a return to when we were wards of the Rubino family.
I feel half my age and as though the world is just beginning to share new secrets all over again. I am eager to see the Great Archive, and working on plans to trick Pietro into coming with me.
So. New lands, maybe, but not entirely friendless. The rest will no doubt come in time.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:56 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I so rarely get the opportunity to compete and sad to say, I didn't perform to the best of my ability at Prince Edain's command competition. But even having the chance to do so was a joy. The opportunity to command the finest soldiers in Arvum (save, of course, for Grayson soldiers) is a rare treat not often enjoyed by those outside of the Oathlands. And to see the others who competed, and how they tackled the problem of getting across the finish line...
If and when it comes time for Arvum to face its enemies, our armies are in capable hands.
The winner has no doubt been recorded elsewhere but I'll add a note of congratulations to Lord Eos Saik for his victory. And to Duchess Nadia Nightgold as well, for her fine performance, and near win.
If and when it comes time for Arvum to face its enemies, our armies are in capable hands.
The winner has no doubt been recorded elsewhere but I'll add a note of congratulations to Lord Eos Saik for his victory. And to Duchess Nadia Nightgold as well, for her fine performance, and near win.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:51 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I've now had a chance to speak with the prince a number of times, some more private than others. So far, I find him to be a good man, honest man. I find his insights to carry weight, and be deserving of listening to. We're not very familiar, that seems to be more the case with my daughters, but it makes sense. Still, perhaps he and I will get a chance to get to know each other better.
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