Written By Cesare
May 23, 2021, 7:03 a.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
I haven't slept. I need to know who the women with the golden eyes are. Woman? Is she one woman, wearing two guises? How does she bring so much to a room with her presence, and then disappear so thoroughly? And why do I see her in my dreams?
Written By Malcolm
May 23, 2021, 6:40 a.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
Saw to the new bunch of pups that came to the manor from Graypeak Aerie. They're just grand and I hope that they'll do just fine in their new homes and with their new families. I think they'll be fine. Mostly. I had a worry that they may not really understand how big they get -- it's fine. It's fine.
I'm feeling a lot better about going out and about in the city. Meeting more people. Having connections now to other Houses (especially those of my proteges) has been -- good. Good experiences. Good learning.
Then, right, I attended the Celestial Ball as Marquessa Quenia's escort.
I tried.
I wasn't terribly charming.
Sorry, Marquessa.
( The Graypeak Mountain mastiff ...?
Highpeak? Grayhill? Shepherd's Heart?
I'm no good at this naming of things. )
I'm feeling a lot better about going out and about in the city. Meeting more people. Having connections now to other Houses (especially those of my proteges) has been -- good. Good experiences. Good learning.
Then, right, I attended the Celestial Ball as Marquessa Quenia's escort.
I tried.
I wasn't terribly charming.
Sorry, Marquessa.
( The Graypeak Mountain mastiff ...?
Highpeak? Grayhill? Shepherd's Heart?
I'm no good at this naming of things. )
Written By Isabeau
May 23, 2021, 12:18 a.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
Duke Shepherd became my patron recently. I find his personality thoroughly enjoyable and he is just the sort of person one always wants to be friends with. Indeed, his Lordship gifted me one of his dogs, my little (but also very big) jewel, Bijou. She is well trained already, for she doesn't even nip at Sophia when the little girl decides to try to pull ears or tails or even ride her. But now, what to do for Duke Shepherd as an answering gift. Hmmm....
Written By Jamie
May 22, 2021, 11:54 p.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
A wonderful Celestial Ball thrown by Marquessa Quenia Igniseri - I find I am still terribly out of place among my noble peers. You can take a soldier out of the Greenwood, but he's still a soldier. Still, if it hadn't been for the lovely conversation between Princess Kace and Princess Graziella, I might have stuck out like a sore thumb. Thank all the Gods for the company of those two esteemed ladies this evening.
Written By Medeia
May 22, 2021, 11:42 p.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
Duke Malcolm sent a dog. A puppy, actually. Her name is Butterpup. The cat is very displeased with this development; however, she seems to have a grudging truce as Butterpup is already fiercely loyal and protective of me and the twins. My children have a nanny cat and a guard dog. There is a cow in the courtyard.
How's that saying go? You can take the lady out of the pastoral farming barony, but you can't take the pastoral farming barony out of the lady? Surely that's how the saying goes.
No. My husband hasn't met the dog yet. I've been busy with several expectant mothers all expecting. Imminently. Klavdiya and Loryk have been minding her and the twins and the cat so we can do our duty to House and Compact. I certainly haven't been hiding a gift from his patron from him. That would be ridiculous.
How's that saying go? You can take the lady out of the pastoral farming barony, but you can't take the pastoral farming barony out of the lady? Surely that's how the saying goes.
No. My husband hasn't met the dog yet. I've been busy with several expectant mothers all expecting. Imminently. Klavdiya and Loryk have been minding her and the twins and the cat so we can do our duty to House and Compact. I certainly haven't been hiding a gift from his patron from him. That would be ridiculous.
Written By Ryhalt
May 22, 2021, 11:22 p.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
The Aerie sounds so much better with the voices of Clover, Ivy, and Ryland bouncing off the walls. It sounds like home again.
I even caught Palamon puffing up in pleasure when he saw Clover.
I even caught Palamon puffing up in pleasure when he saw Clover.
Written By Caprice
May 22, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
The Celestial Ball at Domus Igniseri was beautiful, from the refreshments to the guests to every twinkling detail in the decor. Brava, Marquessa! And applause for everyone who helped to make the night shine so bright.
Written By Kace
May 22, 2021, 7:31 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
Of astounding intellect, yet there is a friendly warmth about him that makes you feel comfortable to be in his presence. Like we'd been friends for years. We had a lovely talk with Lord Jamie as well, I'd like to think the trio of us would make good friends. I'm excited to see where this new blossoming friendship goes.
Keep on dazzling the world with your affable nature Prince Raimon! I look forward to many stories together.
Keep on dazzling the world with your affable nature Prince Raimon! I look forward to many stories together.
Written By Kace
May 22, 2021, 6:35 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
*Some of the pages seemed to be slobbered on. As if a rebellious pooch wasn't ready to give them back!*
Here I'll recollect some of my thoughts, if Trig, my companion, will let me have a few moments to myself and not try to steal my journal as soon as the quill touches it. He finds himself restless some nights and I cannot help but to think the same of me. Which is clearly why I'm trying to write.
Now, that he is occupied with chewing an antler I can be left to my devices.
I once heard a quote from a man in passing, ~"There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on."~
Oft times I find myself dwelling on the past; with so many lost loved ones, my dear brothers and sister; Fergus, Anze, and Freja. Husband and child all passed on. I find coming back to Arx has a bit of loneliness that follows with it; A deep and dark shadow that looms over following my heart where ever I go. I've struggled with the losses as anyone would have, but they still plague me.
Yet, I feel as though despite that, I wish to spend my time on the present and not dwell on the past. Putting forth time to forge new relationships, bonds and friendships. So far I've met a few kindred spirits, that seem to feel as I do. Struggling with loss yet have a love of life still, either at the forefront or buried down inside.
I wish to get back to the woman I once was with many passions and interests. I've decided to look for a teacher in painting. I've scheduled for newly found friends to come over, to share drink and knowledge. And I hope somewhere in the future, I can find love again. I have much love to give, and with the many years of my husband's passing, I too, think he'd want me to move on and find someone whom can love me the same.
Here's to the present and what lies in the future!
Here I'll recollect some of my thoughts, if Trig, my companion, will let me have a few moments to myself and not try to steal my journal as soon as the quill touches it. He finds himself restless some nights and I cannot help but to think the same of me. Which is clearly why I'm trying to write.
Now, that he is occupied with chewing an antler I can be left to my devices.
I once heard a quote from a man in passing, ~"There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on."~
Oft times I find myself dwelling on the past; with so many lost loved ones, my dear brothers and sister; Fergus, Anze, and Freja. Husband and child all passed on. I find coming back to Arx has a bit of loneliness that follows with it; A deep and dark shadow that looms over following my heart where ever I go. I've struggled with the losses as anyone would have, but they still plague me.
Yet, I feel as though despite that, I wish to spend my time on the present and not dwell on the past. Putting forth time to forge new relationships, bonds and friendships. So far I've met a few kindred spirits, that seem to feel as I do. Struggling with loss yet have a love of life still, either at the forefront or buried down inside.
I wish to get back to the woman I once was with many passions and interests. I've decided to look for a teacher in painting. I've scheduled for newly found friends to come over, to share drink and knowledge. And I hope somewhere in the future, I can find love again. I have much love to give, and with the many years of my husband's passing, I too, think he'd want me to move on and find someone whom can love me the same.
Here's to the present and what lies in the future!
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:25 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cesare
A talent for the ages and my newest protege, I want nothing but for the best for him... he does give such sound advice. I should probably start taking it...
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:21 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Egon
Proof that even the most unassuming of academics may contain multitudes, he reminds me of starlight trapped in flesh.. cold, dark and, yet, not without a certain beauty. Clever and reliable.
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:16 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Zyxthylum
I never knew the true breadth of how rewarding it could be to help someone find balance-- until I met Zyx. He's come so very far and he possesses such talent... I hate to think where he might have ended up without a little guidance, he's living proof of that old adage about judging books by their cover.
Written By Cesare
May 22, 2021, 11:56 a.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
I admit I'm uncertain what I have to write about. I've tried to make a habit of writing these journals once a week, at least, but I'm used to mulling over my musings more internally than externally, and the act of putting them to paper feels like an additional, extraneous step in many ways. Not to mention, much of what I do in my daily life is simply not mine to record publicly. Or privately, for that matter.
I'm not a warrior, and if all goes to plan, I never shall be; so I haven't any profound tales of battle and sacrifice with which to regale you. Only the usual struggles against triteness and mediocrity, in my personal work, and efforts toward understanding, compassion, and satisfaction in my public work. Yes, I am being deliberately vague, out of necessity, I assure you. I should dearly love to have something life-changing to offer here, but if I did it would likely go into song in any case rather than a journal.
The Compact enters an uneasy interregnum between wars. The profusion of parties seems almost frantic, in a way, as though by means of sheer revelry we can forget the pain and loss. Progress, and time, march forward, carrying us all along with them. I'm doing my best to assuage the growing pains where I may.
Apprentice Whisper Aconite honored me this week by asking me to perform at a festival that she is organizing on behalf of Whisper House. I was only too glad to accept, and look forward to the event - Aconite has a refined palate in all aspects, and excellent taste. She's asked me to write something about my roots, which I've been mulling over, and find it's proving itself strangely difficult. I don't want to be too literal, for one. Nor am I interested in addressing the same events of my life which anyone who has spoken to me at length is doubtless familiar with. (I know, this is all rather ironic and possibly petty considering what I've written above. But that's what I mean about lacking anything profound to say.)
Something will come to me. I find oftentimes the best way to get around these problems is by not thinking about them at all.
I'm not a warrior, and if all goes to plan, I never shall be; so I haven't any profound tales of battle and sacrifice with which to regale you. Only the usual struggles against triteness and mediocrity, in my personal work, and efforts toward understanding, compassion, and satisfaction in my public work. Yes, I am being deliberately vague, out of necessity, I assure you. I should dearly love to have something life-changing to offer here, but if I did it would likely go into song in any case rather than a journal.
The Compact enters an uneasy interregnum between wars. The profusion of parties seems almost frantic, in a way, as though by means of sheer revelry we can forget the pain and loss. Progress, and time, march forward, carrying us all along with them. I'm doing my best to assuage the growing pains where I may.
Apprentice Whisper Aconite honored me this week by asking me to perform at a festival that she is organizing on behalf of Whisper House. I was only too glad to accept, and look forward to the event - Aconite has a refined palate in all aspects, and excellent taste. She's asked me to write something about my roots, which I've been mulling over, and find it's proving itself strangely difficult. I don't want to be too literal, for one. Nor am I interested in addressing the same events of my life which anyone who has spoken to me at length is doubtless familiar with. (I know, this is all rather ironic and possibly petty considering what I've written above. But that's what I mean about lacking anything profound to say.)
Something will come to me. I find oftentimes the best way to get around these problems is by not thinking about them at all.
Written By Ida
May 22, 2021, 7:02 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
I don't ask many questions. I've been told that this is a failing, for we should always be asking them - what if? Why this? Where? Why not that? It's not that I don't have them, I guess, but I think I've just been one of those people that simply throws in and rolls with the punches. Pun possibly intended. More truly, sometimes the why isn't something I feel a need to know in order to do something. Duty is duty, and being a knight is important to me. I am no scholar who uncovers the mysteries that, as a younger woman, I would have thought impossible or the stuff of storybooks. I try to face them like I did with new metals I hadn't worked with before, y'know? It's strange, and sometimes terrifying, but that doesn't change it being there, right in front of you. Which is all possibly way more poetic than I meant to write at all.
Some days, something like that can also be SO JOYFUL, that it's hard to describe. When you burst into tears and then laugh while they stream down your face... I relish the moment and wave of feelings - I don't need to ask 'how' or 'why' to be exceedingly grateful. And I totally would have noticed, so I guess I got a question I didn't know I was going to have, answered before I had it. Though, oaths and steel, now I also actually might have to ask questions. Crafty.
Some days, something like that can also be SO JOYFUL, that it's hard to describe. When you burst into tears and then laugh while they stream down your face... I relish the moment and wave of feelings - I don't need to ask 'how' or 'why' to be exceedingly grateful. And I totally would have noticed, so I guess I got a question I didn't know I was going to have, answered before I had it. Though, oaths and steel, now I also actually might have to ask questions. Crafty.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 2:07 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
The newly proclaimed Countess Thea Wyrvenheart (nee Malvici) has quickly made a good impression on me. It is no surprise that a noblewoman of House Malvici would flourish in the Oathlands lest we forget Princess Caelis Valardin, wife of the now former High Lord, Prince Edain. Though she seemed a bit out of sorts, unsteady like a new born fawn in a role she was not prepared to take, I have all the confidence in her that she will succeed with great aplomb in her role and duty to the people of HighHill. I very much look forward to seeing the Countess again soon.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 2:02 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Marius
Since our return to Arx, my beloved husband has thrust himself into the business of leading his March from afar. I can barely tempt him out of the study with my sweet buns and trust me, I do not get my hands dirty kneading dough for just anyone! However, after all this time, I still find myself very much in love with the man I noticed at first blush. Our political arrangement has grown into something deeper and far more affectionate over the years. Thank you for always dancing with me.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 1:51 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jamie
I am so pleased by Jamie's return to the city of Arx and it is most serendipitous that it coincides with mine. It has never been truer before that one can know family but not really -know- family. The humble trait runs deep among the Greenmarch men and Jamie is certainly not excused from this. Perhaps -too- humble, but it is an admirable quality, especially from a warrior of such great esteem. He need not worry about the spoons when wields his words as good as he wields his sword.
Written By Grazia
May 22, 2021, 12:58 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Dear Aiden,
Somehow, when you went to war, we both feared that you wouldn't be coming back. I didn't want to believe that. I told you to come home. I asked you to not leave me and your daughters, but I understand that you were needed for more. You saved the life of Lord Gawain Blanchard, and he will be honored by our House. He went on to distinguish himself at war. Your sacrifice was not in vain. You knew that, though, when you did it.
Yet here I am, finding that I miss you far more than I anticipated. Ours was a political match: a fine arrangement for an alliance. It seemed fitting that the Bird Prince should become the Falcon Duke. We became friends, but ours was never the fiery passion that makes for so many love matches these days. The flame between us was not a brief spark but a well-lit hearth that burns to warm an entire family. When I watched you with our girls, I felt incredibly lucky to have found an alliance with you.
I miss you. I find that my love for you is far more intense that I imagined. I see your eyes in our children. My life is better for having had you in it. You were magnificent, and I will remember you always.
With love always,
Grazia
Somehow, when you went to war, we both feared that you wouldn't be coming back. I didn't want to believe that. I told you to come home. I asked you to not leave me and your daughters, but I understand that you were needed for more. You saved the life of Lord Gawain Blanchard, and he will be honored by our House. He went on to distinguish himself at war. Your sacrifice was not in vain. You knew that, though, when you did it.
Yet here I am, finding that I miss you far more than I anticipated. Ours was a political match: a fine arrangement for an alliance. It seemed fitting that the Bird Prince should become the Falcon Duke. We became friends, but ours was never the fiery passion that makes for so many love matches these days. The flame between us was not a brief spark but a well-lit hearth that burns to warm an entire family. When I watched you with our girls, I felt incredibly lucky to have found an alliance with you.
I miss you. I find that my love for you is far more intense that I imagined. I see your eyes in our children. My life is better for having had you in it. You were magnificent, and I will remember you always.
With love always,
Grazia
Written By Drake
May 21, 2021, 11:31 p.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Seeing messages that address me as Count is still a little bit shocking. Will I ever get used to that?
Written By Valencia
May 21, 2021, 10:48 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
I must admit that I am glad that The Golden Hart has been able to help so many over the years. It is one of the ways we seek to support the people of our realm.
Of late, I have been considering how the Hart might help those adversely affected by the Eurasi war. I do not wish over tax the generosity of the good people of Arx, but so many need to be helped.
But our duty and desire is to offer aid is clear, and I have faith that we will find way to assist.
I have always said so much can be done if we come together as one. That many hands make lighter work and so many more may benefit. And so, it particularly made me smile to hear that others are seeking to help as well. How heartening it is to know that there is so much charity in our city.
I'm excited to see that our compact is coming together again in an entirely different way. How wonderful this could be?!
There can never be enough hearts and heartfelt actions to help when it comes to helping others and making the world a better place.
~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Of late, I have been considering how the Hart might help those adversely affected by the Eurasi war. I do not wish over tax the generosity of the good people of Arx, but so many need to be helped.
But our duty and desire is to offer aid is clear, and I have faith that we will find way to assist.
I have always said so much can be done if we come together as one. That many hands make lighter work and so many more may benefit. And so, it particularly made me smile to hear that others are seeking to help as well. How heartening it is to know that there is so much charity in our city.
I'm excited to see that our compact is coming together again in an entirely different way. How wonderful this could be?!
There can never be enough hearts and heartfelt actions to help when it comes to helping others and making the world a better place.
~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.