Written By Lucita
Aug. 15, 2021, 11:17 a.m.(1/10/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Pasquale
Your friends worry about you and I number myself amid them. It is to be hoped you achieve the good health you deserve.
Written By Mabelle
Aug. 15, 2021, 6:31 a.m.(1/10/1016 AR)
The Masquerade on the Valardin grounds was exceptionally impressive! I felt underdressed for the first time in my life! Everyone was so festive. One of them was wearing so many items made of starlight silk that I think the market has run out! Reading the whites before I am writing this, I'm beginning to suspect it was my cousin, Princess Gwenna.
It was a lovely affair and the food was magnificent and there was something mischievous in being unknown. I enjoyed myself.
Thank you to High Princess Alis, Duke Cristoph and Marquis Kael for hosting!
It was a lovely affair and the food was magnificent and there was something mischievous in being unknown. I enjoyed myself.
Thank you to High Princess Alis, Duke Cristoph and Marquis Kael for hosting!
Written By Zakhar
Aug. 15, 2021, 2:54 a.m.(1/10/1016 AR)
I am still amused by the number that will refuse to have tea with me. Is it that I am renowned for using the same teacup for another means? Or is it that there's still some of the last that had tea with me upon the rim of the saucer?
Written By Piccola
Aug. 15, 2021, 12:12 a.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
There is a dish in Iriscal that everyone agrees is a delicacy of the realm. It is made with chunks of beef and potatoes in a thickened broth that is made from red wine and seasoned with a strong pepper. But after the Gyre War, it was difficult to obtain the particular spice, so the peasantry began to use a different one. The result was not quite as strong, but nonetheless pleasant when balanced with sea salt.
Naturally, there were many who thought that this new dish was not the same as the old one. There are still nobles who steadfastly will argue that the dish must be made with the particular spice, and that anything else is sullied, sub-par, or simply not acceptable. But the nobles who have enjoyed this new dish will tell you as I do that it is nonetheless of Iriscal, and no less worthy of praise.
I think of this when I hear others debate whether those who bend knee to the Compact should be accepted as equals. Tradition and homage are important to remember our ancestors and our past, but not more important than embracing the present or readying for the future. A general who adheres to tradition instead of reading the field will return with fewer soldiers, if not without their head.
Naturally, there were many who thought that this new dish was not the same as the old one. There are still nobles who steadfastly will argue that the dish must be made with the particular spice, and that anything else is sullied, sub-par, or simply not acceptable. But the nobles who have enjoyed this new dish will tell you as I do that it is nonetheless of Iriscal, and no less worthy of praise.
I think of this when I hear others debate whether those who bend knee to the Compact should be accepted as equals. Tradition and homage are important to remember our ancestors and our past, but not more important than embracing the present or readying for the future. A general who adheres to tradition instead of reading the field will return with fewer soldiers, if not without their head.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 14, 2021, 10:21 p.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
I miss you.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 14, 2021, 10:03 p.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
I read about the building of snowballs and such. I feel that we should build snow forts and have a large snowball fight! Aella, are you listening?! A true northern snowball fight! Lets work on that!
Written By Bhandn
Aug. 14, 2021, 6:26 p.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
I went to the Valardin masquerade held this recent evening, and I must say it was quite the eye opener. I'll have to spend much more time on an appropriate costume should I choose to attend one again. I certainly did not get to dance as I wanted to that night, which was unfortunate. I had harbored hopes of enticing at least one or two ladies onto the floor.
The food and wine was absolutely delightful. That alone is tempting enough to make me want to attend more of these events, and I am not one for much drinking of wine.
The food and wine was absolutely delightful. That alone is tempting enough to make me want to attend more of these events, and I am not one for much drinking of wine.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 14, 2021, 5:39 p.m.(1/9/1016 AR)
The Oathlands Masquerade was an extraordinary affair that I did not spend nearly as much time at as I had hoped to. The costumes were beyond imaging, each one truly a delight to behold. It was good to be out and about, as well as have a reason to have a mask fashioned to match a new starlight silk outfit that's come to be my favorite. The company, as well, was divine, and I regret not getting to steal more of it.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 14, 2021, 12:22 p.m.(1/8/1016 AR)
I have rejoined the Apothecary College, stepping back into the role of professor. It feels like the right choice to have made - insomuch as any choice is "right" or "wrong" as opposed to simply "yours." I was able to teach a class on chamomile and meadowsweet, despite the snow. And the conservatory is nearly ready to host events! All of the transplanting was done just at the turn of season, creating a gorgeous space full of greenery and blooms just in time for the outside to become blanketed in white. A few more cushioned chairs are needed, I think, to make everything nice and cozy.
I have projects enough to keep me busy through the winter, and exciting things coming for spring. I spent some time catching up with Haakon's cousin, Lady Temira, recently! It is good to have her in the city. She has agreed to let me take her out one evening to meet people. Hopefully soon. And I taught Marquessa Cassiopeia how to make a snowball. Have you ever seen someone experience the excitement of something new? I highly recommend that. It was a fun (and cold) afternoon spent with her and Lord Titus. There may have been talk of a north-south snowball fight. Admittedly, my loyalties are torn in such a case. Am I the southerner I was born as and spent more than 20 years being? Or am I a northerner, having married and adapted to the chilling lands of Eswynd? Whichever I am, it turns out I enjoy a snowball fight. The marquessa is a worthy opponent.
I have projects enough to keep me busy through the winter, and exciting things coming for spring. I spent some time catching up with Haakon's cousin, Lady Temira, recently! It is good to have her in the city. She has agreed to let me take her out one evening to meet people. Hopefully soon. And I taught Marquessa Cassiopeia how to make a snowball. Have you ever seen someone experience the excitement of something new? I highly recommend that. It was a fun (and cold) afternoon spent with her and Lord Titus. There may have been talk of a north-south snowball fight. Admittedly, my loyalties are torn in such a case. Am I the southerner I was born as and spent more than 20 years being? Or am I a northerner, having married and adapted to the chilling lands of Eswynd? Whichever I am, it turns out I enjoy a snowball fight. The marquessa is a worthy opponent.
Written By Titus
Aug. 13, 2021, 8:51 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
We’ve said farewell to my cousin Cassiopeia as she returns to the Proscipi to be their new Marquessa. It will create a strengthened bond between the two houses and I look forward to helping them strengthen and enlarge their holdings across the southern Chains. The Proscipi have been working extremely hard in repairing Tremorus, the rabbits are very active and busy.
There’s been two ascensions announced at the Assembly of Peers. House Malespero rises to become a duchy and the Redreefs climb to the level of a march. I feel both have significantly worked hard publicly and that doesn’t bring to light all the work they’ve done behind the scenes. I wish them both well as they build a stronger future for all.
There’s been appointments of voices for houses. Lady Scythia for the Redreef. I’m looking forward to the Gorgon coming to the aid of the Redreef and battling forces that threaten them.
Cousin Calla announced I will not just be voice for house Vaevici, but her appointed heir. While we are both children of Sangris, I hope to fulfill the honour given to me to the best of my abilities and not let her or Sangris down.
Otherwise, the drums of war can be heard and so I’ll leave Arx to meet the Gorgon which will fight the Eswynds against Ivanites. Helping the houses of others strengthens the alliances made between the greater and great houses and keeps those in lower houses in the best shape to fight. By fighting together, we foster great bonds between houses. I look forward to bringing tribute to Gloria when I return.
There’s been two ascensions announced at the Assembly of Peers. House Malespero rises to become a duchy and the Redreefs climb to the level of a march. I feel both have significantly worked hard publicly and that doesn’t bring to light all the work they’ve done behind the scenes. I wish them both well as they build a stronger future for all.
There’s been appointments of voices for houses. Lady Scythia for the Redreef. I’m looking forward to the Gorgon coming to the aid of the Redreef and battling forces that threaten them.
Cousin Calla announced I will not just be voice for house Vaevici, but her appointed heir. While we are both children of Sangris, I hope to fulfill the honour given to me to the best of my abilities and not let her or Sangris down.
Otherwise, the drums of war can be heard and so I’ll leave Arx to meet the Gorgon which will fight the Eswynds against Ivanites. Helping the houses of others strengthens the alliances made between the greater and great houses and keeps those in lower houses in the best shape to fight. By fighting together, we foster great bonds between houses. I look forward to bringing tribute to Gloria when I return.
Written By Auda
Aug. 13, 2021, 6:36 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
It feels so strange not to be worried about someone else's books. I've worked for House de Lire for.. years, now.
Still, every chapter has an end. Some get revisited. For now, I'm excited to be able to focus my attention a little more.
Still, every chapter has an end. Some get revisited. For now, I'm excited to be able to focus my attention a little more.
Written By Jian
Aug. 13, 2021, 4:42 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
The snows fall in Arvum and they mark the passing of time. It is the start of another season in Arx and away from the Empire. At least I have a handful of Jadairali around to keep me company, and a tantalizing closeness to the Faith of the Pantheon to feel almost at home during their services.
Written By Medeia
Aug. 13, 2021, 2:04 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
At some point in this life, I was granted the opportunity to become friends with Thea. And I am fairly certain that between her and Neilda, I have aged some 20 years beyond my youth due to trying to keep them alive. Caring for someone as if they are family when they are as stubborn and as apt to sacrifice their own safety for another as yourself is a special kind of torment. You want to be proud of them for doing what is right, while also being angry that they would enter dangerous situations; the feeling of relief when you know they will be okay mingling with the gut-churning horror of realizing you could have lost them forever is so terribly human. But that feeling reminds you of what love is. In this case, love for a friend so close they may as well be your sister.
It's funny, isn't it? How we can be so frustrated with someone that we want to shake them until they fall apart, but if anyone else dares to speak against them, we would stop the shaking to take up sword in their defense?
And now I get to be "auntie Deia" again. I can remind little Lord Calo Wyvernheart how I welcomed him to the world when he is caught trying to put a newt in my cloak hood (look at his parents and tell me that won't happen). For every obnoxious gift Thea gives my children, I can now return the favor. Oh, this friendship may be the death of us both. But I know that Eswynd and Wyvernheart will be friends after we are gone as we raise our children together.
It's funny, isn't it? How we can be so frustrated with someone that we want to shake them until they fall apart, but if anyone else dares to speak against them, we would stop the shaking to take up sword in their defense?
And now I get to be "auntie Deia" again. I can remind little Lord Calo Wyvernheart how I welcomed him to the world when he is caught trying to put a newt in my cloak hood (look at his parents and tell me that won't happen). For every obnoxious gift Thea gives my children, I can now return the favor. Oh, this friendship may be the death of us both. But I know that Eswynd and Wyvernheart will be friends after we are gone as we raise our children together.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 13, 2021, 2:03 p.m.(1/7/1016 AR)
Once more I return from Iriscal, this time from the Fortezza proper.
It has changed so much under Sabine's eye, but the shadows remain the same, where I felt safe and secure from the quiet things that no one ever knows. The most skilled of drudges cannot clean out the blood and tears from the crevices I used to hide in. But at least I know that those who live there need not fear from the enemies without, even if I once cowered there from my enemies within.
I have tried to forgiveness, but it does not come easily to me.
It has changed so much under Sabine's eye, but the shadows remain the same, where I felt safe and secure from the quiet things that no one ever knows. The most skilled of drudges cannot clean out the blood and tears from the crevices I used to hide in. But at least I know that those who live there need not fear from the enemies without, even if I once cowered there from my enemies within.
I have tried to forgiveness, but it does not come easily to me.
Written By Haakon
Aug. 13, 2021, 11:17 a.m.(1/6/1016 AR)
A voyage under arms into the Lang Drager to cast our nets wide and see what the Goddess has placed before us.
A piece of fishing ought be good for the temper.
A piece of fishing ought be good for the temper.
Written By Amari
Aug. 13, 2021, 8:53 a.m.(1/6/1016 AR)
Sometimes I feel like no matter how hard I struggle, someone's going to just walk by and pull the rug out from under my feet. Not because they particularly care about anything I'm doing, they'd just have the power to do so and the thought occurs that it might be fun. There's the ones who do care to also worry about, and they probably already have their hands on the corners ready to yank.
What I'm saying is, I'm going to have to nail the rug down for a little peace of mind.
What I'm saying is, I'm going to have to nail the rug down for a little peace of mind.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 13, 2021, 8:37 a.m.(1/6/1016 AR)
Stars above, it felt like forever since I stepped foot in the Fortezza. But I did. And I hated every moment of it.
It is different now. My cousin's hand is on everything. But she cannot erase the corners and the shadows, or the other places where I felt safe and secure.
Some pigs cannot be concealed by all of the mud in the world.
It is different now. My cousin's hand is on everything. But she cannot erase the corners and the shadows, or the other places where I felt safe and secure.
Some pigs cannot be concealed by all of the mud in the world.
Written By Venturo
Aug. 13, 2021, 8:03 a.m.(1/6/1016 AR)
In normal years, I find my mood adapts and follows the changing of the seasons. Old memories appropriate for the time recalled and reminisced over, new ones forged that are fitting. Quite the opposite this year. Spring and summer saw me sunk into melancholy, bitter for the loss of long forged relationships that moved on. Understandably so, in their case - to things that, had I the opportunity, I would have pursued as well. But emotions do not follow rhyme and reason, now do they? Fall brought with it a kindling of hope. A desire to create new things, new ideas, even if they were unformed as if lost beneath the spring snows that were melting, rather than perishing upon the limb like the leaves of autumn. And now, as winter comes, new friends have been made, in large part thanks to the dealings of the Duchess Malespero. I am indeed very lucky that amongst her many skills is a subtle understanding of knowing when two people will have mutual interests to pursue, complimentary abilities to get those interests done, and are like minded enough to know it is better to work together.
Written By Narcissa
Aug. 12, 2021, 11:44 p.m.(1/5/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
They will never be the wiser, once the path is secured. Naturally.
Written By Mattheu
Aug. 12, 2021, 10:47 p.m.(1/5/1016 AR)
What started as a good exercise of climbing has led to an amusing friendship. Perhaps there is merit to this city after all.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.