Written By Sudara
June 23, 2019, 3:58 p.m.(5/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
The former Radiant Whisper has proven herself to be an enthusiastic and capable fellow researcher of interesting odds and ends from our nation's history. For me, the fact that during our meetings we often spend more time poring over notes than engaged in conversation is a sign of her good sense. Still, I truly do need to let her carry out her threat/promise to introduce me to the latest fashions of Arx.
Written By Sudara
June 23, 2019, 3:13 p.m.(5/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Celeste
What can one say about the Iron Kraken of Setarco? Lovely, intelligent, and capable - if possessed of remarkably few limbs to merit renown as a tentacular horror. Another of my former students, whose present lustre might perhaps reflect a little second-hand glory onto one of her old tutors.
Written By Sudara
June 16, 2019, 6:16 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
While it is good to feel wanted, it is even better to feel that one can actually be helpful and fulfill the desired role. Though my researches have often yielded results quite different to the ones I had thought I was pursuing, they have pleasntly often proved to be fruitfully helpful in either the short or long term. And now that I am once again embarking on excursions into historical curiosity and obscure trivia, I find myself more than a little hopeful - optimistically excited, even.
Written By Sudara
June 2, 2019, 7:34 p.m.(3/18/1011 AR)
Amidst the seemingly never-ending troubles afflicting Arx - and all too many parts of the Compact - there is a lot to be said for taking the time every now and then to relish some of the simpler things in the world. Among those, I personally find snow to be something that merits appreciation. It can certainly be exceedingly uncomfortable, awkward, and unsteady underfoot... but as a privileged aristocrat, I have the chance to enjoy it from within well-heated rooms, while peeking out from beneath a fur-trimmed hood, or while following in the footsteps of kind assistants clearing a path for me. The pervasive quiet, the changed quality of the light, the softened shapes, and the sensations of stray flakes upon the skin... perhaps it is a sign of having lived among Northern prodigals for so long, but I am delighted to have the chance to revel in them all.
Written By Sudara
May 26, 2019, 5:31 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)
Are we through the worst of the present tangle of crises, or are we merely in the eye of a maelstrom? For the time being, it certainly seems that the number of active threats is receding, while some might even be truly resolved rather than merely temporarily abated. I very much hope that the worst is behind us: still, we have a decidedly lengthy list of still-active problems, as well as an intimidating array of potential threats. It seems only sensible to continue to work to resolve what issues we can, and bolster our defences where possible.
Written By Sudara
May 19, 2019, 12:45 p.m.(2/18/1011 AR)
It seems that the Black Fox is a truly terrible place to go if one desires a spell of quiet contemplation over a goblet of something pleasant. In contrast, it seems to sometimes serve as Arx's premiere venue for chance encounters with hitherto-unmet Lycenes and affiliates, and for the discovery of startling connections and friendships of which one - or this reclusive author, at the least - had previously been wholly unsuspecting. I am not sure that I have the capacity to cope more than occasionally with the social whirl that tends to erupt shortly after the first two patrons arrive in the establishment, but pushing myself to more frequently brave the Fox's maelstrom of arrivals and departures does seem as if it would be worthwhile. Certainly, each of my past few visits there has yielded some intriguing new contacts: whose life would not be enriched by the addition of scholarly princes or songstress knights?
Written By Sudara
May 12, 2019, 6:54 p.m.(2/4/1011 AR)
It feels as if it was merely a matter of weeks since I was barely half way through my 'thirties', and could safely consider myself somewhat on the young side to be a widow. I felt that I stood out, if only in contrast, among the glittering and seemingly-untroubled courtiers of Arx. But of late I have become increasingly aware that my thirties are behind me, and that widowhood becomes ever less surprising as a state of life - both as a result of my age, and of the remarkable death toll among the Compact's leaders in recent years. Though there is still glitter and glory for those who seek them, the number of lost loves and fallen leaders seems to grow by the month. Yet there are still people of power and influence doing their best to avert wars, uncover criminals, and help the Compact to live up to its ideals. That they not only continue to try, but manage to succeed, lifts one's soul.
Written By Sudara
May 12, 2019, 6:54 p.m.(2/4/1011 AR)
'Can you help me develop a trade port?' is not a question that my youthful self would have thought would lie in her future: spare daughters of spare sons rarely receive such fascinating opportunities, after all. But I am rather glad that it now has: the Count of Brighthold was kind enough to turn to Esterhold, among other places, in his efforts to build a prosperous future for his people. That our combined efforts succeeded is welcome on their account - and also more selfishly on my own. May my education continue through such unexpected and productive challenges.
Written By Sudara
May 5, 2019, 8:54 p.m.(1/18/1011 AR)
It would seem that I have of late been tardy in almost everything I attempt. Too late to provide teaching to at least one potential student (though she wrote me a lovely letter while turning down my offer of aid), too late to properly assist a research effort from the very start, and probably too late to notice other things I have forgotten. Is this the onset of 'elder' status, or merely a sign that I need to allow myself more naps, or write more notes with which to prompt myself to action?
Written By Sudara
April 28, 2019, 6:49 p.m.(1/4/1011 AR)
A couple of us who are associated with the Truesworn are, for the first time, acquiring some lastingly favourable reputations among the general populace. This is as unfamiliar a situation as it is strange and novel. But it seems that work on developing Esterhold - and Tenebrae's success in creating her renowned Towers - has earned us a name for promoting the prosperity of our domain: something of which I confess I am more than a little proud. There are certainly greater glories that might be won, but if I am to cause a momentary ripple in history, then let it be for managing to make lives at least a little better and safer.
Written By Sudara
April 21, 2019, 5:36 p.m.(12/18/1010 AR)
"Tenebrae's Towers"! Though I readily confess that it had never occurred to me that our people might choose to rename Esterhold's primary defensive structures in her honour, I am as delighted as I am proud of my wonderful Shield and Voice. The accolade is deserved, since the project was a resounding success... not least because we managed to pair the construction efforts with development of the necessary crafts and resources. Esterhold's still an impoverished backwater by the standards of most longer-established domains, but there's a great deal to be said for seeing one's plans take tangible form, as one's people build new lives for themselves.
Written By Sudara
April 14, 2019, 7:50 p.m.(12/4/1010 AR)
My education continues. Once upon a time, I had thought that I was tolerably accomplished in all the necessary arts of a courtier: life in Arx has taught me otherwise, and over my years here I have been blessed to find a succession of tutors willing to help me to develop my expertise. In some cases, wholly new fields have been opened to me. And still, the process continues, with much more yet to learn. It is both intimidating and, to an aging bookworm, rather exhilharating. Even without touching upon all the assorted horrors with which we are threatened, there is still so *much* waiting to be discovered even within a single field of endeavour.
Written By Sudara
April 7, 2019, 5 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
I had the fascinating experience of being begged to attend a royal audience, by a key figure within it - my cousin Arianna, newly minted Champion at the Tournament of Roses. She made a very public request of her boon... which, in typically Setarcan fashion, she attempted to double up into two favours, and then haggle over. The most intriguing element of this was that she was inspired by a dream: hopefully, something that will be taken as a mitigating factor for her at-times intemperate approach to pursuing it.
Written By Sudara
March 31, 2019, 5:53 a.m.(11/3/1010 AR)
The Tournament of Roses is once again underway - and once again, I find myself able neither to attend nor to sponsor a participant. There had been hopes of managing the latter, this year, but timing is once again against us: the winds are unfavourable, and our responsibilities ensure that we are kept busy on Esterhold. Maybe one day our champions will have the chance to stand alongside friends and allies before a cheering crowd in the capitol of the Compact. I very much hope so.
Written By Sudara
March 3, 2019, 6:01 p.m.(9/4/1010 AR)
Friendship is a curious thing. Sometimes appearing out of nowhere, sometimes developing slowly over a great deal of time, sometimes becoming what antagonism or even enmity turns into. Of late I have found myself with some new amicable contacts, which are all the more welcome for being wholly unexpected. From an earnestly eager newcomer to the Compact to someone who inherited a domain before I could talk, it would seem that I have a great deal to learn from those who were recently strangers. I very much look forward to doing so.
Written By Sudara
Feb. 17, 2019, 4:29 p.m.(8/4/1010 AR)
It would seem that life still has the capacity to provide an unexpected (but profoundly welcome) surprise or two in these troubled times. Greater-than-anticipated success attended my - frankly experimental - efforts to develop the resources of Esterhold and to provide gainful employment for more of the Truesworn. Indeed, we found ourselves achieving so much that we actually drew in newcomers from across the water. For this unexpectedly delightful outcome, I am truly grateful. I hope that our fortune holds, and that I can build upon this in the next stage of our work.
Written By Sudara
Feb. 10, 2019, 7:41 p.m.(7/18/1010 AR)
One of the more delightful surprises in my recent past came in the form of Cerdensulathara: a prodigal of quite remarkable erudition, who is possessed of an enthusiasm for teaching. And who has hitherto had nothing whatsoever to do with the Truesworn, so I think I am safe from accusations of self-promotion in my praise of her. I have hopes of conducting continuing exchanges of lore and learning, but have already benefited appreciably from her insight into matters of larger-scale economics. Acquiring something more dependable than my pre-existing knack for numbers and degree of optimism seemed long-overdue, so that I might better protect my followers' fortunes.
Written By Sudara
Feb. 3, 2019, 6:50 p.m.(7/4/1010 AR)
It is strange, but decidedly pleasant, to once again be part of exchanges of knowledge. Having been a tutor to the ducal heir, and having taught my own children, I knew very well that I enjoyed such a role - but to be part of a series of exchanges of lore and technique with multiple adults is new to me, and is proving as fascinating as it is rewarding. The chance to learn as well as teach is a source of solace as well as joy. I hope that what I learn will prove of some small assistance in one or another of the crises looming over us at present.
Written By Sudara
Jan. 20, 2019, 5:44 p.m.(6/4/1010 AR)
It is reputed to be a significant mark of personal growth, when one finds oneself able to learn from one's former pupils. Hopefully that is indeed the case: certainly, this past week provided me with confirmation of a pleasant fact - namely that my ducal cousin is by now quite accomplished enough to be able to educate at least one of her old tutors in a few of the arts of rulership. With luck, I shall be able to return the favour in future: I believe that I still have a couple of tricks left to pass on to my younger friends.
Written By Sudara
Jan. 13, 2019, 8:21 p.m.(5/9/1010 AR)
The rush to apportion blame cannot be allowed to overwhelm the core fact of a recent tragedy: pilgrims seeking to commit themselves to the betterment of the Compact were slaughtered, along with their protectors. Whoever is truly responsible must be held to account - but vengeance will not repair the harm, or restore what all those future Mercies might have brought to the world. We need to find a way to dream as brightly as they dared to, and not succumb to the kind of darkness that curt short their lives. That will be all the more difficult, and all the more important, for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and caring for some of the fallen.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.