Written By Simone
March 15, 2017, midnight(2/5/1006 AR)
Dear Gentle Readers:
Everyone that you will meet will play a part in your story (or a role in your play, if you have a flair for the dramatic.) While some will take chapters, others will take paragraphs, most will only fit a sentence or two. You, my gentle readers, need to make sure that you are the notes in the margins - that you live so full that the excess of scribbling overflows into the lives (books, plays) of those you hold most dear.
But, my dears, you must come first.
Unless you meet someone so deeply important that you'll put their name in the title.
M. Simone Greenmarch
2/5/1006 AR.
Everyone that you will meet will play a part in your story (or a role in your play, if you have a flair for the dramatic.) While some will take chapters, others will take paragraphs, most will only fit a sentence or two. You, my gentle readers, need to make sure that you are the notes in the margins - that you live so full that the excess of scribbling overflows into the lives (books, plays) of those you hold most dear.
But, my dears, you must come first.
Unless you meet someone so deeply important that you'll put their name in the title.
M. Simone Greenmarch
2/5/1006 AR.
Written By Simone
March 12, 2017, 1:56 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
Once, once - once there was a lady's maid that I was speaking to at length about hopes, dreams, wants and ambitions. She told me all of the reasons why she felt she needed to wait to pursue them. I couldn't understand the need to wait, so, I asked her again. The same answers were given with in a less patient tone.
I paused. I laughed. This is why there are some people that think I am actively awful, but, it's not cruelty -
I said, "Listen to me. Hurl yourself headfirst into what life gives you with utter ruthlessness and disregard. Because, when you need to look back on everything that you've done ... it will be easier to accept everything that you did, or tried to do, against all of the other things that you did not.
Any damage that we sustain is proof to our resilience."
I paused. I laughed. This is why there are some people that think I am actively awful, but, it's not cruelty -
I said, "Listen to me. Hurl yourself headfirst into what life gives you with utter ruthlessness and disregard. Because, when you need to look back on everything that you've done ... it will be easier to accept everything that you did, or tried to do, against all of the other things that you did not.
Any damage that we sustain is proof to our resilience."
Written By Simone
March 11, 2017, 10:57 p.m.(1/27/1006 AR)
When I asked, I am glad that you answered me in truths rather than sweet nothings --
Excited. Terrified. Proud.
Excited. Terrified. Proud.
Written By Simone
March 11, 2017, 1:01 p.m.(1/26/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lyiana
The right occasion to test the friendship of a person is at the time of need. A true friend realizes your need and comes forward to help you voluntarily without any hope of getting back anything in return from you. Such friends are of course very rare, but they are there.
Lyiana is one such friend.
Lyiana is one such friend.
Written By Simone
March 9, 2017, 8:20 p.m.(1/22/1006 AR)
In my optimism, I like to think the words 'and then' preface the wonderful - like a ship coming in, like the return of a family member, like the messenger you weren't expecting. A fleet-footed transition that brings us from nowhere to everywhere, from nothing to everything.
Those two words hold the world in their hands, all promise.
And then the sun rose on another day ...
And then the siege ended ...
Those two words hold the world in their hands, all promise.
And then the sun rose on another day ...
And then the siege ended ...
Written By Simone
March 8, 2017, 1:26 p.m.(1/20/1006 AR)
When I was younger, a courtier once said to me: "there are two kinds of person that you will meet. The first will give you the life you want and the second will give you the love you desire. If you're one of the lucky, you will find both in one person. But, if you should ever find yourself having to choose between the two, then always choose --"
I held my hand up to her and asked her not to finish.
Needing to choose between the two always made the least amount of sense to me.
I held my hand up to her and asked her not to finish.
Needing to choose between the two always made the least amount of sense to me.
Written By Simone
March 6, 2017, 5:57 p.m.(1/16/1006 AR)
Dear Gentle Reader:
In the tradition of the great personal advice givers (being an elder sibling) I am offering to be an objective ear and a plainspoken straight-talker who will promise to relate to all kinds, all classes.
As a (mostly) solid social navigator (so long as you refrain from one or two hot-button topics) I will offer advice to any personal situation with empathy and gentle humor.
If you need advice better than your mother would give - seek me out.
M. Simone Greenmarch
1/16/1006 AR.
In the tradition of the great personal advice givers (being an elder sibling) I am offering to be an objective ear and a plainspoken straight-talker who will promise to relate to all kinds, all classes.
As a (mostly) solid social navigator (so long as you refrain from one or two hot-button topics) I will offer advice to any personal situation with empathy and gentle humor.
If you need advice better than your mother would give - seek me out.
M. Simone Greenmarch
1/16/1006 AR.
Written By Simone
March 5, 2017, 1:43 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
To the Gentle Reader:
There are still so many of you that I have not met. There is one, the most important one, that I have not met yet. There will be months before I meet them, and yet I have been busy writing these letters to the Journals for them. Trying to let them see that while the days have grown dire, while the world has become an unknown and quite frightening place, that there is - and will always be - so much hope and promise.
This letter is for you, my sweet secret. My as yet to be met visitor that shares the same space as I do. Unseen, but each night I can perfectly envision the color of your eyes - the shells of your ears - the perfectly sweet curl of your fingers around mine. I am not often sentimental. But, in these Journals you will be reminded that there was a time where I once was. That you will know how much there was to share with you. There are other letters, apart from these, lengthy and private that I will give to you once you are older. My history and yours. About how you came to be. About others. Once you read those I hope that you will have a better understanding of me, and in doing so, better understand yourself.
There is so much that I cannot plan for, so much that I cannot promise for fear of making myself a liar. But, there are also promises that I can make, vows i can keep...
I promise that you will always be adored. I will remind you as often as I can. Each day, every night.
I will tell you to take chances, as many as you can handle. I will remind you to trust yourself. I will promise to trust you.
I know that you will make many mistakes. So will I. I will let you make mistakes, and feel the weight of them. I promise to challenge you to push through them, and not allow your fear of failure to stop you.
I promise to be active, and be the inspiration that you need that will move you in whichever direction you need, or want, to go in.
If you are ever angry or frustrated, I will promise to listen. If you need space, I will promise patience and give you the room to breathe.
I promise honesty and will expect this from you in return, even on days when the trust might hurt.
I will promise to protect you to the best of my ability - and this might be the only promise that will strain, because there are so many unknowns associated with it.
Mostly, my sweet secret, I will promise that you will know love in all of its forms.
M. Simone Greenmarch
1/14/1006 AR.
There are still so many of you that I have not met. There is one, the most important one, that I have not met yet. There will be months before I meet them, and yet I have been busy writing these letters to the Journals for them. Trying to let them see that while the days have grown dire, while the world has become an unknown and quite frightening place, that there is - and will always be - so much hope and promise.
This letter is for you, my sweet secret. My as yet to be met visitor that shares the same space as I do. Unseen, but each night I can perfectly envision the color of your eyes - the shells of your ears - the perfectly sweet curl of your fingers around mine. I am not often sentimental. But, in these Journals you will be reminded that there was a time where I once was. That you will know how much there was to share with you. There are other letters, apart from these, lengthy and private that I will give to you once you are older. My history and yours. About how you came to be. About others. Once you read those I hope that you will have a better understanding of me, and in doing so, better understand yourself.
There is so much that I cannot plan for, so much that I cannot promise for fear of making myself a liar. But, there are also promises that I can make, vows i can keep...
I promise that you will always be adored. I will remind you as often as I can. Each day, every night.
I will tell you to take chances, as many as you can handle. I will remind you to trust yourself. I will promise to trust you.
I know that you will make many mistakes. So will I. I will let you make mistakes, and feel the weight of them. I promise to challenge you to push through them, and not allow your fear of failure to stop you.
I promise to be active, and be the inspiration that you need that will move you in whichever direction you need, or want, to go in.
If you are ever angry or frustrated, I will promise to listen. If you need space, I will promise patience and give you the room to breathe.
I promise honesty and will expect this from you in return, even on days when the trust might hurt.
I will promise to protect you to the best of my ability - and this might be the only promise that will strain, because there are so many unknowns associated with it.
Mostly, my sweet secret, I will promise that you will know love in all of its forms.
M. Simone Greenmarch
1/14/1006 AR.
Written By Simone
Feb. 26, 2017, 1:01 p.m.(12/28/1005 AR)
Dear Gentle Readers,
How wonderful - isn't it - to find one's self waking early and leaving to the Archive to write an entry in the White Journals only to find out that times are changing. Advancements made during the course of a day. One sun sets, another rises. We move forward at our paces, steadily on - following the course.
The Thrax Warlord, the head of the Leviathan, Prince Abbas works in a coherent, supportive way by activating more Thrax women into leadership positions, to be more active in their fleets - change will continue from this. I compliment you and your efforts. I hope that your actions shine like a lighthouse and that it will inspire more of your House to follow suit.
To those, any others, that may feel lost or afraid or hopeless: you do have a voice, my gentle friends. That you have a voice to speak against incivility and hatred. With your voice you should refuse to be intimidated. That are those of the nobility that hear you and see you and that we will fight alongside you with whatever power we have to ensure your rights are protected.
Always stand up for your beliefs. Take action. Care for others - the young, the unheard, the marginalized, the forgotten, the unseen.
Let hope and change spread like the holy fire of Lagoma.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/28/1005
How wonderful - isn't it - to find one's self waking early and leaving to the Archive to write an entry in the White Journals only to find out that times are changing. Advancements made during the course of a day. One sun sets, another rises. We move forward at our paces, steadily on - following the course.
The Thrax Warlord, the head of the Leviathan, Prince Abbas works in a coherent, supportive way by activating more Thrax women into leadership positions, to be more active in their fleets - change will continue from this. I compliment you and your efforts. I hope that your actions shine like a lighthouse and that it will inspire more of your House to follow suit.
To those, any others, that may feel lost or afraid or hopeless: you do have a voice, my gentle friends. That you have a voice to speak against incivility and hatred. With your voice you should refuse to be intimidated. That are those of the nobility that hear you and see you and that we will fight alongside you with whatever power we have to ensure your rights are protected.
Always stand up for your beliefs. Take action. Care for others - the young, the unheard, the marginalized, the forgotten, the unseen.
Let hope and change spread like the holy fire of Lagoma.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/28/1005
Written By Simone
Feb. 24, 2017, 1:36 p.m.(12/24/1005 AR)
I ... attempted the Gauntlet.
Which simply means that I walked up to the first obstacle, considered it very somberly for several long moments, before walking away.
It was terribly taxing.
Which simply means that I walked up to the first obstacle, considered it very somberly for several long moments, before walking away.
It was terribly taxing.
Written By Simone
Feb. 23, 2017, 8:37 a.m.(12/21/1005 AR)
The world owes us nothing. It promises less.
I say, quietly: seize it. The way hands seize into your loved one's hair, caught up. Entangled.
Midnight knows me.
By dawn, it's gone - I'm gone.
In this way I control my heart: each withheld thought and word strung like beads, one after another, on a chain to wear around my neck.
I wear my actions and the answers I am waiting to give.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12.21.1005 AR
I say, quietly: seize it. The way hands seize into your loved one's hair, caught up. Entangled.
Midnight knows me.
By dawn, it's gone - I'm gone.
In this way I control my heart: each withheld thought and word strung like beads, one after another, on a chain to wear around my neck.
I wear my actions and the answers I am waiting to give.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12.21.1005 AR
Written By Simone
Feb. 19, 2017, 8:40 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
To the gentle reader,
Most of us can remember a time when a stressful situation was made better simply by talking about it.
Now, if you reflect on that time, you may find it was not the talking, but how the other person listened that made the difference. Listening is a powerful tool and is the instrument that allows us to create connections, allows healing to take place. It's a wonderful gift to have someone who really hears what you say, and who does this without interruption, advice or any form of judgment.
So, if someone starts to open up or if they are clearly distressed - close the door to safe guard their privacy and to ensure they will not be interrupted. Listening requires undivided attention. Be prepared to listen. Be present. Treat them kindly.
You - if you are reading this - you are the greatest gift to someone else.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/14/1005 AR.
Most of us can remember a time when a stressful situation was made better simply by talking about it.
Now, if you reflect on that time, you may find it was not the talking, but how the other person listened that made the difference. Listening is a powerful tool and is the instrument that allows us to create connections, allows healing to take place. It's a wonderful gift to have someone who really hears what you say, and who does this without interruption, advice or any form of judgment.
So, if someone starts to open up or if they are clearly distressed - close the door to safe guard their privacy and to ensure they will not be interrupted. Listening requires undivided attention. Be prepared to listen. Be present. Treat them kindly.
You - if you are reading this - you are the greatest gift to someone else.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/14/1005 AR.
Written By Simone
Feb. 19, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(12/14/1005 AR)
From what I have always heard in my lessons on the Faith:
The stewardship of knowledge is sacred. It shouldn't be lorded over anyone that has the desire to learn.
Teaching without expectation is a way to honor Vellichor.
The stewardship of knowledge is sacred. It shouldn't be lorded over anyone that has the desire to learn.
Teaching without expectation is a way to honor Vellichor.
Written By Simone
Feb. 17, 2017, 2:03 p.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
Gentle readers:
Forgive me my opinions. I usually prefer to keep these to myself. But, this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
The Abandoned refugees are a recognizable result of the breakdown of the Bringers in the area of the Gray Forest. If those tribes were recognizable members of the Compact or members of our Council - they would have already been seen to safely - wouldn't they? Do we see them as a threatening mass rather than individuals? Do we judge them unjustly based on the brutal actions of others?
These refugees flee violence, hardship, and conflict. It highlights economic and political disparities between the Shav'arvani and the Compact, thus proving that many changes need to occur. In seeking to aid them, we are affirming that we are above these atrocities and great suffering. We should be willing to provide basic safety for themselves - and us.
Although, we do not need to create political pawns of these refugees, either. They need to be given opportunities to live and work in Arx, to become citizens and have a secure place among us. To have them willing to go out into the field with ours and fight our common enemies.
Otherwise, we will forever be at odds. Fighting internally, when the focus needs to be turned outward.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/10/1005 AR.
Forgive me my opinions. I usually prefer to keep these to myself. But, this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
The Abandoned refugees are a recognizable result of the breakdown of the Bringers in the area of the Gray Forest. If those tribes were recognizable members of the Compact or members of our Council - they would have already been seen to safely - wouldn't they? Do we see them as a threatening mass rather than individuals? Do we judge them unjustly based on the brutal actions of others?
These refugees flee violence, hardship, and conflict. It highlights economic and political disparities between the Shav'arvani and the Compact, thus proving that many changes need to occur. In seeking to aid them, we are affirming that we are above these atrocities and great suffering. We should be willing to provide basic safety for themselves - and us.
Although, we do not need to create political pawns of these refugees, either. They need to be given opportunities to live and work in Arx, to become citizens and have a secure place among us. To have them willing to go out into the field with ours and fight our common enemies.
Otherwise, we will forever be at odds. Fighting internally, when the focus needs to be turned outward.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/10/1005 AR.
Written By Simone
Feb. 9, 2017, 8:51 p.m.(11/22/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Marius
He is my North, my South, my East and West,
My morning star and my evening rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song...
My morning star and my evening rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song...
Written By Simone
Feb. 9, 2017, 7:24 p.m.(11/22/1005 AR)
Dear gentle readers:
Forgive me this self-indulgent analogy. A song is a participatory, unrepeatable process. And so is love.
Love and songs hide in the cracks of the world --not only between, but between the betweens, in the realm of quality, not quantity--in the unmanifested hope and the realized promise.
If no one were looking for love, our world would be in sad shape, some might say. But our world already is in sad shape precisely because so many people are on this quest which seems so laudable and reasonable until you examine the results of it.
The problem with looking for love is that it is the me that wants it. The me wants love in the form of pleasure, money, status, fame, and any number of other forms. And if the me wants these things badly enough, the me will get them. So selfish, so narrow-minded, so small.
Unfortunately, all the me gets is the forms and not the love. The me grabs for the beautiful flame and gets only hot ashes. I need to seek meaning in other avenues. Home, hearth, charity, giving - I will find the meaning, I hope.
Soon.
Forgive me this self-indulgent analogy. A song is a participatory, unrepeatable process. And so is love.
Love and songs hide in the cracks of the world --not only between, but between the betweens, in the realm of quality, not quantity--in the unmanifested hope and the realized promise.
If no one were looking for love, our world would be in sad shape, some might say. But our world already is in sad shape precisely because so many people are on this quest which seems so laudable and reasonable until you examine the results of it.
The problem with looking for love is that it is the me that wants it. The me wants love in the form of pleasure, money, status, fame, and any number of other forms. And if the me wants these things badly enough, the me will get them. So selfish, so narrow-minded, so small.
Unfortunately, all the me gets is the forms and not the love. The me grabs for the beautiful flame and gets only hot ashes. I need to seek meaning in other avenues. Home, hearth, charity, giving - I will find the meaning, I hope.
Soon.
Written By Simone
Feb. 5, 2017, 12:08 a.m.(11/8/1005 AR)
To the gentle reader:
It was such a pleasant day.
I sourced a bit of leather from a vendor in addition to a bit more rabbit pelt to have a pair of gloves made before the proper start of winter. Cold hands, warm heart. So I'm told. Although it's may be more correct to say: cold hands, frozen fingers. I spoke to a lovely assortment of people: including my cousin and a very talented seamstress. I also began collecting some liquors in earnest, as I need to begin planning a -- ah-ha. No telling you, gentles.
Although, I am wishing to expand my knowledge of what the Compact must offer as far as refreshments. Are concerned. We have a selection of whiskey at the Lodge. A couple different rums, vodka, and now a brandy. It would be nice to have a wider selection on offer. Suggest to me your favorites, gentles. Or tell me about a drinking game, a bawdy song - or, a funny story.
M. Simone Greenmarch
11/9/1005 AR
It was such a pleasant day.
I sourced a bit of leather from a vendor in addition to a bit more rabbit pelt to have a pair of gloves made before the proper start of winter. Cold hands, warm heart. So I'm told. Although it's may be more correct to say: cold hands, frozen fingers. I spoke to a lovely assortment of people: including my cousin and a very talented seamstress. I also began collecting some liquors in earnest, as I need to begin planning a -- ah-ha. No telling you, gentles.
Although, I am wishing to expand my knowledge of what the Compact must offer as far as refreshments. Are concerned. We have a selection of whiskey at the Lodge. A couple different rums, vodka, and now a brandy. It would be nice to have a wider selection on offer. Suggest to me your favorites, gentles. Or tell me about a drinking game, a bawdy song - or, a funny story.
M. Simone Greenmarch
11/9/1005 AR
Written By Simone
Jan. 31, 2017, 1:32 p.m.(10/22/1005 AR)
To the gentle reader of these, please, forgive the unusual request.
While in my convalescence it occurs to me how the tedium of remaining abed can be. Which is why I reach out to write to seek you - gentle reader. I wish only to learn more about the city around me, and the only way to do so to any success will be to learn about its people. In these times of fear and doubt - we must reach out to one another. Learn of each other outside of the insular Houses and Families of Arx.
If the gentle reader could write, tell me a bit or two about yourself. Tell me of your wonder, your happiness, your sadness or your anger if you seek the sympathetic of a stranger that promises never to share. If you are alone, gentle reader, you need not be. We could start a correspondence, and become friends. It would be wonderful to hear from you.
M. Simone Greenmarch
10/22/1005 AR
While in my convalescence it occurs to me how the tedium of remaining abed can be. Which is why I reach out to write to seek you - gentle reader. I wish only to learn more about the city around me, and the only way to do so to any success will be to learn about its people. In these times of fear and doubt - we must reach out to one another. Learn of each other outside of the insular Houses and Families of Arx.
If the gentle reader could write, tell me a bit or two about yourself. Tell me of your wonder, your happiness, your sadness or your anger if you seek the sympathetic of a stranger that promises never to share. If you are alone, gentle reader, you need not be. We could start a correspondence, and become friends. It would be wonderful to hear from you.
M. Simone Greenmarch
10/22/1005 AR
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.