Written By Cara
Jan. 23, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
It is always unfortunate and difficult when a cynical man takes advantage of the faith of others to lift himself up without regard for true piety or holiness. That good men and women of the Faith, who invest their believe and trust in the clergy, may find themselves believing in a man who chose to use his office for personal largesse and gain, seeking earthly power over righteousness.
I personally hope for guidance from the Lectors and Archlectors who have the most insight as to the rightness and justification of the Dominus' actions, as only the Faith may truly guide the faithful -- including the Dominus himself.
I personally hope for guidance from the Lectors and Archlectors who have the most insight as to the rightness and justification of the Dominus' actions, as only the Faith may truly guide the faithful -- including the Dominus himself.
Written By Cara
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:03 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
It has been something of a busy time of late, despite my resignation from Voice of Grayson having freed up a great deal of my time. In between the particular madness of marriage negotiations, I have been continuing my inquiries into members of the group which I am currently researching. It’s entailed a fair amount of tromping around the city, and I’m very grateful for the company of my Champion, Buchanan. I think he expected a much more sedate post when he accepted my offer of employment, as I’m not sure many nobles walk around quite as much as I, but surely it must be improving to his constitution.
I am terribly grateful that those I care about are returned to the city, whole and healthy, despite the dangers that wait beyond the city walls. I pray that they will remain safe - but I also pray for the defeat of our enemies, and I know that such wishes are often opposed to one another. Victory and safety so rarely go hand-in-hand.
I am terribly grateful that those I care about are returned to the city, whole and healthy, despite the dangers that wait beyond the city walls. I pray that they will remain safe - but I also pray for the defeat of our enemies, and I know that such wishes are often opposed to one another. Victory and safety so rarely go hand-in-hand.
Written By Cara
Jan. 8, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(8/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Dawn -- and I'll not call her anything less than that, no matter who might say otherwise -- is a woman of surpassing bravery, kindness, and compassion. She has without fail sacrificed for the people Arvum, daily, though I am certain that those who have never born responsibility for the lives of others would only imagine privilege. I, who have some small inkling of what her calendar entailed, understand otherwise.
She slept but little, staying awake until the deep hours of the night reading missives for the Crown, writing message after message. She rose early, having meeting after meeting regarding concerns from not only High Lords but lesser nobility and commoners, too. She took barely a breath for her own delight or comfort, instead working herself near to exhaustion that the rest of the Compact might have what peace and prosperity was possible.
And she did so while grieving deeply for her brother, trapped in his twilight state.
She is a wonderful woman, and I am proud beyond belief to call her my friend.
She slept but little, staying awake until the deep hours of the night reading missives for the Crown, writing message after message. She rose early, having meeting after meeting regarding concerns from not only High Lords but lesser nobility and commoners, too. She took barely a breath for her own delight or comfort, instead working herself near to exhaustion that the rest of the Compact might have what peace and prosperity was possible.
And she did so while grieving deeply for her brother, trapped in his twilight state.
She is a wonderful woman, and I am proud beyond belief to call her my friend.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 9:21 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Receipt for: one pair of excrement brown oilskin waterproof pantaloons
These pants are basic, ordinary pants, save for the fact that they are made from thick brown oilskin. The oil rubbing makes them effectively waterproof, and their color -- a muddy hue most commonly observed in animal droppings -- is excellent for camouflaging accidental eruptions of the bowels.
A tag upon the waist reads, 'For the weak of conviction in their hour of need.'
Signature, delivered to: Prince Aurelian Valardin
These pants are basic, ordinary pants, save for the fact that they are made from thick brown oilskin. The oil rubbing makes them effectively waterproof, and their color -- a muddy hue most commonly observed in animal droppings -- is excellent for camouflaging accidental eruptions of the bowels.
A tag upon the waist reads, 'For the weak of conviction in their hour of need.'
Signature, delivered to: Prince Aurelian Valardin
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:15 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Why, brother, you have stolen the hearts of so many, of course.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:12 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
It is excellent to know clearly and cleanly when someone is an unmitigated ass.
Written By Cara
Jan. 1, 2017, 2:15 p.m.(7/17/1005 AR)
I am not comfortable sitting in a chair that once held Queen Alarice's bottom. I am certain the cushions are new, but nevertheless, it is a weighty thing to imagine; even in my capacity as a 'fill-in' Voice, I have a great responsibility to assist the House and to offer what guidance I can -- when the requests and tasks I deal with are simple and small, things like allocation of funds for the family or purchasing of goods for the households, it is no great trial. I've stood as chatelaine before, of course. But in larger things, such as managing and choosing when to ready armed response to potential threats, I am much less experienced. I can only pray to the Gods and seek the counsel of wiser and more experienced leaders, that I may make the right decisions and in so doing, protect the lives of those whose charge has been given to me.
Gods, I hope I do not foul it all up.
Gods, I hope I do not foul it all up.
Written By Cara
Jan. 1, 2017, 2:10 p.m.(7/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Killian
I wasn't sure what to think when Killian arrived in the city; his brother, my late husband, was a very different sort of man and not at all in a good way. But Lord Killian has surprised me by being thoughtful, kind, and devoted to his family. He is good company and I am glad to have his help and friendship in these challenging of days. I often wish things were different, but I am glad that I can call him family.
Written By Cara
Dec. 26, 2016, 1:47 a.m.(6/25/1005 AR)
The sight of Arx's walls rising above the harbor is one of the most glorious that I've ever seen. Even in mourning, it raises my spirits.
It's so good to be home.
It's so good to be home.
Written By Cara
Dec. 22, 2016, 4:08 p.m.(6/15/1005 AR)
Notes on an investigation:
The bodies I have found bear similar wounds to those inflicted on the scholar and the servant, all with their throats cut, their guts slashed, and cuts on each palm. Scorches were found with at least two of the deceased.
It killed my father the same way.
Gods. I can only hope that there are not more of us to die this way, before we can stop it.
The bodies I have found bear similar wounds to those inflicted on the scholar and the servant, all with their throats cut, their guts slashed, and cuts on each palm. Scorches were found with at least two of the deceased.
It killed my father the same way.
Gods. I can only hope that there are not more of us to die this way, before we can stop it.
Written By Cara
Dec. 19, 2016, 3:57 p.m.(6/6/1005 AR)
And so I am away to Gemecitta once more, all packed up and shipped away like a crate of oranges. It is a strange feeling, to know that I am leaving Arx, which has in its way become more my home than the south.
For all of the pull of the olive groves and the heat of a Lycene summer, I shall look forward to returning, should the gods bless our travel and permit us to do so. It shall hopefully not be a long trip, and I look forward to recounting my journey home once I am returned.
(Please, city, do not burn down while I am away. I did not pack enough of my books with me.)
For all of the pull of the olive groves and the heat of a Lycene summer, I shall look forward to returning, should the gods bless our travel and permit us to do so. It shall hopefully not be a long trip, and I look forward to recounting my journey home once I am returned.
(Please, city, do not burn down while I am away. I did not pack enough of my books with me.)
Written By Cara
Dec. 16, 2016, 1:12 a.m.(5/23/1005 AR)
There should be a word for a friend whom you've only just met, yet recognized at once as a kindred spirit. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Baron Eos only very recently, and yet when I heard the news of his death, it was a powerful sorrow.
He was remarkably kind, and in a dark moment of my own grief, offered a hand in friendship and comfort.
Let that be remembered -- Baron Eos Saik was a kind man and a wise one, and the Compact is lessened by his loss.
He was remarkably kind, and in a dark moment of my own grief, offered a hand in friendship and comfort.
Let that be remembered -- Baron Eos Saik was a kind man and a wise one, and the Compact is lessened by his loss.
Written By Cara
Dec. 10, 2016, 3:27 p.m.(5/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
I cannot judge my brother too harshly for his protectiveness, even though at times it is INFURIATING (if you read this, Valkieri, you know what you did) -- it comes from love, and from knowing how fragile our loved ones are. He can be so insufferable, but I love him dearly, and I hope that somehow through all of this he can find some moments of happiness.
Written By Cara
Dec. 10, 2016, 3:26 p.m.(5/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
Baron Eos Saik is a kind man, and learned, though I think perhaps wiser in the ways of war than the depths of books as I am myself. But to know him is to understand that he, too, knows grief. I find my conversations with him to be both stimulating and comforting both. (And his lion is charming.) I hope we'll continue to have opportunities to visit with one another, though the gods know we are both beset by full days.
Written By Cara
Dec. 4, 2016, 2:45 a.m.(4/16/1005 AR)
I rode out of the city today in the mid-morning on that sweet little mare I've had the pleasure of riding a few times now; she is a good-tempered one and very gentle. Once we came to the woods I let her choose the path and -- I confess -- I did get a bit turned around.
By the time I made it home we were both all over in mud, soaked through and covered in brambles.
I'll have to make sure she gets an extra treat for putting up with me, poor dear.
By the time I made it home we were both all over in mud, soaked through and covered in brambles.
I'll have to make sure she gets an extra treat for putting up with me, poor dear.
Written By Cara
Dec. 2, 2016, 2:55 a.m.(4/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
Perhaps I should not be so reassured by Lord Harlan's return to the city, but I must say that it is something of a relief to share some of the concerns of the day with him. He will be a good Duke some day, though if the gods are kind, it will not be for some time.
Written By Cara
Nov. 29, 2016, 2:56 p.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
According to my research, the average length of human male genetalia is an utterly useless fact to know.
Written By Cara
Nov. 26, 2016, 2:09 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I rather enjoy making him laugh. Perhaps it's foolish to socialize with someone in his position, but it is nice to not feel bad about discussing the weighty things on my mind.
His kitten is ferociously adorable.
His kitten is ferociously adorable.
Written By Cara
Nov. 20, 2016, 11:18 p.m.(3/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nebulosa
Lady Nebulosa has been a companion to me of late, escorting me as Sword of Gemecitta on my research.
I find myself grateful for the company, to be honest, and for the protection of the swordswoman.
I find myself grateful for the company, to be honest, and for the protection of the swordswoman.
Written By Cara
Nov. 18, 2016, 3:47 p.m.(2/25/1005 AR)
Why does no one ever ask me to research something nice?
I could write a lovely paper on tea varietals.
I could write a lovely paper on tea varietals.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.