Written By Gwenna
Aug. 27, 2021, 8:42 p.m.(2/7/1016 AR)
After House Velenosa, House Redrain was slated to host the Assembly of Peers. I take no shame in admitting that I took notes when the Grand Duchess Regent of the Lyceum, Princess Jaenelle Velenosa, hosted the previous Assembly. Dame Eleanor Allenatore, who has hosted such herself, was also there for any guidance if I needed. One might think that those trained in the art of diplomacy might have nerves of ice - as cool as early spring in Farhaven. To stand before all the Houses of the Compact, however, is a different feeling than standing before the Houses of the Northlands.
I made mistakes, and allowed myself to get flustered on occasion, but it is an experience I will not forget. I learned a great deal, and am grateful for the counsel and patience of my fellow leaders of the Compact, as well as everyone who attended. We may not all always agree, or think one path is better than another. Yet we discuss the options, offer our opinions, and come to agreements despite that. It is, perhaps, what truly makes the Compact so great. And I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.
I made mistakes, and allowed myself to get flustered on occasion, but it is an experience I will not forget. I learned a great deal, and am grateful for the counsel and patience of my fellow leaders of the Compact, as well as everyone who attended. We may not all always agree, or think one path is better than another. Yet we discuss the options, offer our opinions, and come to agreements despite that. It is, perhaps, what truly makes the Compact so great. And I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 23, 2021, 7:42 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
It is difficult for me to put my thoughts to words in regard to my experiences in Bastion. If we have learned anything, it is that history needs recording so that those who come after us might have an understanding, and perhaps more knowledge, so they may start farther along the path than we have. I knew, I think, when I heard the howls and the chittering. That familiarity brings no advantage, no settling of nerves, though I truly wish it would. Perhaps I could have done more, helped more - but as mother often says, no use crying over a glass of spilled cider.
I remained in the Cathedral, where so many fought while others of us tried to get the people out safely. The now former Seraph showed us a passage, which I think saved many lives, and the Templars fought with honor despite the overwhelming nature of our enemies. I am honored to have been part of such a courageous group of people, especially Lady Mabelle, Count Drake, Dame Reese, Princess Gabriella, Princess Sorrel, Archduchess Jaenelle, Baroness Lucita, Lady Orelia, Prince Silvio, and Duchess Vanora. Each as valiant as the next, as brave and honorable as the knights described in the greatest of stories. It was not a battle we could have won, and too many were lost. Even one death is too many. Still, I believe more would have died if not for the efforts, and that is what I hold in my heart when my thoughts grow dark. I knew, too, as we ourselves took to the tunnels, that he had gotten what he came for. The look on that hated woman's face...it was, and still is, hard not to feel a bit defeated. It is only failure if one does not get back up to fight again, though, and I have no intention on staying down.
House Redrain will assist House Grayson in whatever way we can. Few in the Compact are strangers to rebuilding, to the heartache of seeing our holdings torn, and of our people lost or left without homes. It is those people, however, that we continue to fight for, rebuild and provide for, and this time will be no different.
I remained in the Cathedral, where so many fought while others of us tried to get the people out safely. The now former Seraph showed us a passage, which I think saved many lives, and the Templars fought with honor despite the overwhelming nature of our enemies. I am honored to have been part of such a courageous group of people, especially Lady Mabelle, Count Drake, Dame Reese, Princess Gabriella, Princess Sorrel, Archduchess Jaenelle, Baroness Lucita, Lady Orelia, Prince Silvio, and Duchess Vanora. Each as valiant as the next, as brave and honorable as the knights described in the greatest of stories. It was not a battle we could have won, and too many were lost. Even one death is too many. Still, I believe more would have died if not for the efforts, and that is what I hold in my heart when my thoughts grow dark. I knew, too, as we ourselves took to the tunnels, that he had gotten what he came for. The look on that hated woman's face...it was, and still is, hard not to feel a bit defeated. It is only failure if one does not get back up to fight again, though, and I have no intention on staying down.
House Redrain will assist House Grayson in whatever way we can. Few in the Compact are strangers to rebuilding, to the heartache of seeing our holdings torn, and of our people lost or left without homes. It is those people, however, that we continue to fight for, rebuild and provide for, and this time will be no different.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 19, 2021, 8:36 a.m.(1/18/1016 AR)
Minnow brew. I have drunk all manner of regional refreshments while growing up in the Northlands, but nothing quite as...bold as minnow brew. I can assure anyone who may be curious that it is about as delightful as the name implies.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 16, 2021, 5:40 a.m.(1/12/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
You have always been exceptionally clever, dear cousin, and I suspect you are right! If, of course, that particular set of starlight silk had rainbow seems along with a mask to match. Truly, that fabric you helped create is a wonder that I think I favor above all others. As well, I always seem to so easily give myself away at these events. Either my guards insist on following, or I forget to put my mask on before walking in...really, it's something different every time. Next event, we'll have to conspire beforehand so that I know what amazing outfit you are wearing before it's over.
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 Gwenna
Aug. 9, 2021, 8:32 a.m.(12/26/1015 AR)
The most recent Assembly of Peers was quite enjoyable. There was excellent company in the Redrain section, including my recently returned brother. There were many good tidings from around the realm, as well as reflection and honorable recognitions for our fallen Marquis Cirroch Sanna. Elevations as well, which often make me proud to be part of a peerage that works so hard to better their holdings and the lives of their people. I don't believe any Assembly could lack differentiating views, but such were discussed without too much turmoil. The economic inquiry put before the Crown of course intrigues me, and we shall see what comes of that. All in all, it was an excellent gathering and I am glad I was able to slip away from the ledgers to attend.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 2, 2021, 6:21 a.m.(12/12/1015 AR)
My mother has a plethora of sayings, I suppose you could say. Words of advice that are almost a lesson. One of my favorites, which I have come to learn the hard way more often than I like to admit, is: Someone's actions should - and generally will - speak far more about them than their words ever will.
Written By Gwenna
July 26, 2021, 11:24 a.m.(11/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cirroch
I both adored and greatly admired Marquis Cirroch. He was one of the best of us all, of the Northlands, and my heart aches at his loss. He was so very welcoming when I first came to the city, and I enjoyed many wonderful dinners with he and his truly amazing family. I learned a lot watching him in those early days of living here. An approachable leader with the love of his people, he was as much their friend and comrade as their Marquis. His events are the things of legends; affairs meant to get people to gather and enjoy something different and yet meaningful, as no few pushed people a bit out of their comfort zone. Mountains never yield. How very honored, blessed, and fortunate I am to have called him friend.
Written By Gwenna
July 24, 2021, 7:41 a.m.(11/22/1015 AR)
I need to rewrite my will. Time has a way of taking away those we cherish or trust or hope to leave an impression on, mocking the words we put down under the assumption that we will return to the wheel before they do. Standing before my armoire, picking through my small jewelry chest...each thing with a bit of a memory attached to it. The heart of the north ring that my brother Artur gave me shortly after we were both sent from Farhaven to Arx - a simple treasure that makes me think of home and family. Could it inspire the same sort of feeling if given to someone else? Tinged with a sadness of how it came to be theirs? But what else might become of all these things if they aren't given away? This exercise is a bit wistful, overall, but does also inspire some wonderful memories I suppose. It is less about the items and more about saying, somehow, that a person mattered in my life.
Written By Gwenna
July 12, 2021, 5:10 p.m.(10/27/1015 AR)
I managed to accomplish everything I had hoped to today, which is a good feeling. Sometimes it is nice to quietly gauge things, and be glad for the contributions of so many that allow us to do some surprise things. Tending the ledgers is not the most exciting of tasks, but when there is a brief period of prosperity after so much careful planning, it feels simply wonderful. I caught up on transcripts of a meeting or two I missed, too. Lastly, I managed to have an outfit made from starlight silk and I absolutely love the fabric. Some personal saving of my own resulted in a lovely new circlet to match the set.
These may seem small things, perhaps even silly but, on occasion, it is nice to allow oneself to relish the simpler things. Amazing family, good wine, and a bit of frippery often remind me that there is so much good in this life. Much to fight for.
These may seem small things, perhaps even silly but, on occasion, it is nice to allow oneself to relish the simpler things. Amazing family, good wine, and a bit of frippery often remind me that there is so much good in this life. Much to fight for.
Written By Gwenna
July 3, 2021, 10:03 a.m.(10/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
My cousin Mabelle has, once again, worked with a talented group to bring another exciting inspiration to the Compact: starlight silk. I have managed a few bolts of it already and can hardly wait to have an outfit made from the glorious stuff. The shimmer is truly like starlight, with the coolness of the tone so much like the metals I tend to favor. It had me at hello.
Written By Gwenna
June 28, 2021, 7:03 a.m.(9/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
It has been far too long since we have caught up over tea. I will happily wear the hat, regardless if you marvel or laugh, but we will have to find a big table to share our drinks over. It's that impressive.
Written By Gwenna
June 27, 2021, 6:53 a.m.(9/24/1015 AR)
I have been gifted with the most amazing hat! It is truly a wonder, though not quite something that those in the city might consider fashionable.
Written By Gwenna
May 17, 2021, 6:52 p.m.(6/27/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Proper words fail me right now - there is so much to say and yet can't be said directly. It was such a joy to catch up with my mother's side of the family when I came to Arx! How we all just Know How Our Mothers Are. I'm glad I was lucky enough to get your jousting figurine, and it holds a proud place in the Redrain Great Library. I still smile thinking about the dancing contest we won and I wear the dragon necklace almost always as a truly fond reminder. The laughs we've had, and the serious talks as well - I'm so grateful for them all and the time sharing them. I sincerely hope you find the answers you seek and I will miss you dreadfully while you take up the journey to do so.
Written By Gwenna
May 1, 2021, 7:42 a.m.(5/22/1015 AR)
It is hard to properly put to words my feelings, and all that occurred, in the Bay of Pieros. I thought I was prepared, which tends to be something I excel at in ordinary things. This was not ordinary. Nothing about the battle was, to be quite frank, and I was naive in so many of my thoughts while we sailed to engage the Eurusi fleet.
There were so many moments of sheer dread and fear, when I thought my heart might beat right out of my chest. Yet those were almost as often tempered with brief allowances of elation when things would turn in our favor, due to one unexpected thing or another. The losses were great and heartrending, which we may all think we are prepared for, perhaps, but can never truly be.
We sail for home on a battered Elira's Stand, now seemingly so aptly named, and I am both humbled by and grateful for the rallying of the Compact to face this threat. Together.
There were so many moments of sheer dread and fear, when I thought my heart might beat right out of my chest. Yet those were almost as often tempered with brief allowances of elation when things would turn in our favor, due to one unexpected thing or another. The losses were great and heartrending, which we may all think we are prepared for, perhaps, but can never truly be.
We sail for home on a battered Elira's Stand, now seemingly so aptly named, and I am both humbled by and grateful for the rallying of the Compact to face this threat. Together.
Written By Gwenna
April 19, 2021, 7:23 p.m.(4/27/1015 AR)
The family dinner my cousin Deva held was just wonderful! The food was divine and the company extraordinary. Ambassador Bahiya wore the most gorgeous outfit that I have no doubt the city will be talking about for an age. Honestly, I wish I could pull off red as well as she can. Princess Tikva's ensemble was like having Spring arrive in our very dining room, and I really have to ask after her tailor. To be surrounded by such dear family and friends is something we do not do often enough, and Deva was truly the hostess with the mostess - much as she might try to tell people otherwise. I enjoyed the story game a great deal, and feel like it is something we will have to always do at such dinners. We all seemed agreed on the matter of punching in the name of diplomacy, but surely some of us will be better at that than others. All told, it was a welcome gathering done in the intimate and joyous tradition of the Northlands, and a memory I will treasure.
Written By Gwenna
April 15, 2021, 9:18 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
Perhaps it is time to reevaluate some of our contracts.
Written By Gwenna
April 14, 2021, 6:58 p.m.(4/17/1015 AR)
Was there an axe involved in the death of Ivan Helianthus? If so, perhaps it was us, though we are rarely so subtle about the demise of those who threaten the Compact.
Written By Gwenna
April 9, 2021, 11:36 a.m.(4/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
I have been grateful every day, for every day I get to spend with my cousin since her return. To hear Deva's laughter echoing in the halls of the villa, or to see the smirks on the lips of the staff as they make her favorite treats, and the way she infects us all with her mischievous joy...these things are gifts. A reminder, too, for we so very rarely (if ever) get a second chance like the one we've all been given. I'm also excited that she has been named a Voice and very much look forward to working beside her for House Redrain!
Written By Gwenna
April 9, 2021, 10:43 a.m.(4/6/1015 AR)
With spring comes thawing landscapes and, thus, a revival of plans and projects that we put down for winter. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things that need doing and allow a bit of free time, these days, but that's really nothing new. I don't mind terribly much, as keeping busy with my duties is quite rewarding, but hopefully soon I'll find a balance that allows me to pursue more personal endeavors again as well.
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