Written By Ida
April 16, 2021, 6:23 a.m.(4/20/1015 AR)
The shop is empty again and I've done a couple of drawings for some new brooches, but haven't quite managed to get to them yet. I hate when the cases are empty. Also, I'm trying to clear out my stores - I'm a sucker for a good price and thoughts of 'this will be useful if...' But I haven't really gotten to all those 'ifs' that discounts at the marketplace seemed to inspire at the time. Maybe it's kind of like spring cleaning. I want to do another special diamondplate weapon of some sort, but what sort and what theme continues to escape me. Not doing commissions has allowed me to catch up on other stuff, too, which I have enjoyed. Even if it is often just catching up on naps.
Written By Wagner
April 16, 2021, 2:01 a.m.(4/20/1015 AR)
Some people starve, die in the streets, while others moan and wail over who has had their feelings hurt and who needs lessons from who.
Grow the fuck up already.
Grow the fuck up already.
Written By Mia
April 15, 2021, 10:51 p.m.(4/20/1015 AR)
I am reminded of something I often heard my mother say as I grew older and was allowed to accompany her to social events, packed full of some of the most recognizable lords and ladies of the realm.
"If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit right here by me."
"If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit right here by me."
Written By Noah
April 15, 2021, 10:44 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
I would like it noted, Scholar. That I was not the cause of the latest discussion upon the challenges proclamation.
This is important to note and thus I am noting it forever in my whites.
Prince Noah Grayson was not to blame (this time)
This is important to note and thus I am noting it forever in my whites.
Prince Noah Grayson was not to blame (this time)
Written By Piccola
April 15, 2021, 10:19 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
A wise general once advised me to only measure the height of a mountain when one has reached the top; then one will see how low it was.
Written By Zakhar
April 15, 2021, 9:43 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
Have you seen my pots?
Clive. ... Clive. stop running! Clive...
Where is my pot? You know the black one? It um. disappeared in that weird storm.
CLIVE get back here.
Clive. ... Clive. stop running! Clive...
Where is my pot? You know the black one? It um. disappeared in that weird storm.
CLIVE get back here.
Written By Thea
April 15, 2021, 9:40 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
I attended a dinner held at my aunt's home. It was well attended and scholar, the food was delicious! I'm certain I had to be rolled out, by Rocco. I managed to bring back some to Drake as well. The dessert? I have no words. My aunt should be so proud of the life she's carved out for herself. Honest.
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 Anisha
April 15, 2021, 7:40 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
If ever I desire to shame someone, I shall hope I get the opportunity to do so to their face. And whether I do it with my tongue or with my writing, rest assured that they - and anyone who sees or hears what is going down - will not have the slightest sliver of a doubt as to my intention.
House Whisper holds diplomats and courtiers, we serve as a hub for the courtier's guild, which includes people from all ranks of Arvum society - including no small number of nobles passionate about the arts of grace and diplomacy. As the Radiant of Whisper House, I am also the Guildmaster of the Courtier's Guild - and while the two are not quite synonymous, it is rare that the two are a different person.
Thus, it is ever our position - my position - to try to rise above arguments and squabbles. To take the higher road and to encourage peaceful resolutions. Where there is disharmony and disquiet, it is our job and our calling to try to find common ground.
As I've noted elsewhere, there's a marked difference of being of the opinion that someone is in need of lessons from Whisper House - that is far from uncommon, and while it may lead to the occasional honour duel, it's hardly controversial.
But this last year or two has seen a rise in people calling for Whispers in the streets and from Criers, offering to pay for lessons to this or that person.
This is uncouth. And our silence on the matter has been considered acceptance, I guess?
Put plain - if you wish to call upon us for lessons, then yes, you can do so privately or using criers and classifieds, even if doing so on behalf of another. However, if you are not in a position of authority over them - as their master of order or guild, or their head of house - then you are overstepping. Unless, of course, you are doing it as a favour for a friend, with their knowledge and consent. And if you ARE overstepping, then you are brooking insult to the person's head of house, etcetera, and they would be within their rights to challenge you to a duel.
Which of course, may be the point.
But please, unless you genuinely want our involvement - keep Whisper House out of your squabbles.
House Whisper holds diplomats and courtiers, we serve as a hub for the courtier's guild, which includes people from all ranks of Arvum society - including no small number of nobles passionate about the arts of grace and diplomacy. As the Radiant of Whisper House, I am also the Guildmaster of the Courtier's Guild - and while the two are not quite synonymous, it is rare that the two are a different person.
Thus, it is ever our position - my position - to try to rise above arguments and squabbles. To take the higher road and to encourage peaceful resolutions. Where there is disharmony and disquiet, it is our job and our calling to try to find common ground.
As I've noted elsewhere, there's a marked difference of being of the opinion that someone is in need of lessons from Whisper House - that is far from uncommon, and while it may lead to the occasional honour duel, it's hardly controversial.
But this last year or two has seen a rise in people calling for Whispers in the streets and from Criers, offering to pay for lessons to this or that person.
This is uncouth. And our silence on the matter has been considered acceptance, I guess?
Put plain - if you wish to call upon us for lessons, then yes, you can do so privately or using criers and classifieds, even if doing so on behalf of another. However, if you are not in a position of authority over them - as their master of order or guild, or their head of house - then you are overstepping. Unless, of course, you are doing it as a favour for a friend, with their knowledge and consent. And if you ARE overstepping, then you are brooking insult to the person's head of house, etcetera, and they would be within their rights to challenge you to a duel.
Which of course, may be the point.
But please, unless you genuinely want our involvement - keep Whisper House out of your squabbles.
Written By Graziella
April 15, 2021, 7:21 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
The recent Proclamation? If you ask me, Scholar? Whisper House once again redirecting the tide of manners in Arx with aplomb and intelligence; one does love to see it... and from a /Most/ Radiant Whisper.
Written By Tanith
April 15, 2021, 5:11 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
The tall slice of terror that's lurking through the Lowers looking smug as all fuck is my husband, Scholar. He's beautiful and I won't lie, I keep tabs on him sometimes, wanting to know where he is, if our paths might intersect so I can steal a kiss. There are days I manage to snatch a pinch and maybe a little more on my way through the alleys and streets that weave through and about our home. In the beginning it was accidental, but as time went on, I noticed how much better my day can be with that little bit to keep me sane before finding him at home.
As a smartass kid, the kind of kid growing into an adult, the ones who think they know everything (but as it turns out, they know a quarter of what they think they do), it was easier to pretend to ignore him. You don't want to be tied down at that age, it felt weird to me that I wanted to know where he was, how he was doing, and my sister warned me then that he was the alley cat I teased him to be. The alley cat might miss you, but in the mean time, they're just going from moment to moment existing until they need food and a place to sleep.
We're both older now. I've known this bastard my whole life and I've watched him change and grow and I won't deny it; I've loved every second of it. Never boring, always shifting somewhere unexpected. Even if the core of him was always the same, it's beautiful to watch him unfold, to watch him settle on paths unexpected, wise and cautious but always brave.
As a smartass kid, the kind of kid growing into an adult, the ones who think they know everything (but as it turns out, they know a quarter of what they think they do), it was easier to pretend to ignore him. You don't want to be tied down at that age, it felt weird to me that I wanted to know where he was, how he was doing, and my sister warned me then that he was the alley cat I teased him to be. The alley cat might miss you, but in the mean time, they're just going from moment to moment existing until they need food and a place to sleep.
We're both older now. I've known this bastard my whole life and I've watched him change and grow and I won't deny it; I've loved every second of it. Never boring, always shifting somewhere unexpected. Even if the core of him was always the same, it's beautiful to watch him unfold, to watch him settle on paths unexpected, wise and cautious but always brave.
Written By Ophira
April 15, 2021, 4:58 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Yuri
Scholar,
I’ve never been one to care too much about what others think of my person. Growing up in Setarco, Ischia, and even belonging to the family that I do, gossiped intrigues are a lifeblood - many a hilarious disaster has been fueled, enjoyed even.
But, I find that I care, far more than I should, about what Lord Yuri Tessere thinks of me. It leaves me restless and wakeful, not even the ocean seems to console me for when I look out all I can think about are his damnable eyes. If he’d just dim the hue of those blues then I might be able to get a restful night’s sleep.
I’ve never been one to care too much about what others think of my person. Growing up in Setarco, Ischia, and even belonging to the family that I do, gossiped intrigues are a lifeblood - many a hilarious disaster has been fueled, enjoyed even.
But, I find that I care, far more than I should, about what Lord Yuri Tessere thinks of me. It leaves me restless and wakeful, not even the ocean seems to console me for when I look out all I can think about are his damnable eyes. If he’d just dim the hue of those blues then I might be able to get a restful night’s sleep.
Written By Rosemary
April 15, 2021, 4:11 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
Unless I'm losing it, the House we have fealty to just called its banners. Keeping after the twins keeps me out of the loop but I think it is time to do something before there is no Compact left for them to grow up in. Its Terrel's turn to watch them, they are old enough to learn 'dad stuff', I'm getting involved.
Written By Giorgio
April 15, 2021, 1:56 p.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
Giorgio Pontelaeus, Merchant Prince of Tremorus, is in search of a Whisper with experience in teaching uppity Princes the value of their own station within the world and Compact, and the image that pettiness imparts to one's image and reputation.
Prince Aindre Grayson does not seem to realize the truth of what luxury he was born into, and he does a disservice to the Grayson House as a whole by participating in such petty, shameful displays as his most recent classified.
Giorgio is willing to pay someone patient enough to teach him the most elementary of etiquette lessons and simple manners that one would think a noble of his station would have learned as a young boy. Price is negotiable.
.... These are the things one CONSIDERS posting a classified about, but then realizes is simply too petty to be worth one's time. Be better. Those displays don't contribute to the benefit of the Compact at all.
Prince Aindre Grayson does not seem to realize the truth of what luxury he was born into, and he does a disservice to the Grayson House as a whole by participating in such petty, shameful displays as his most recent classified.
Giorgio is willing to pay someone patient enough to teach him the most elementary of etiquette lessons and simple manners that one would think a noble of his station would have learned as a young boy. Price is negotiable.
.... These are the things one CONSIDERS posting a classified about, but then realizes is simply too petty to be worth one's time. Be better. Those displays don't contribute to the benefit of the Compact at all.
Written By Audgrim
April 15, 2021, 11:20 a.m.(4/19/1015 AR)
When I leased the house where I keep the shop, it had stood empty for awhile. I cleaned it up, put up shelving, painted - nothing fancy, it is what it is. I sell leather armor and clothing, not silk and gold.
After a week or so I realised I was not alone in the shop. My biscuits mysteriously disappeared. I found rat droppings under a shelf.
So, I laid out some food one night and sat waiting with just a candle giving enough light to see. I waited patiently, crossbow ready.
After about an hour, from a small hole in a corner, came a rat; he went straight for the bait I'd laid out, and I raised my crossbow, aimed slowly, and let the bolt fly.
The rat must have had a sixth sense cause it stopped moving, the bolt hit the wall, and the rat dodged away to safety.
For four nights in a row, this happened - the rat dodged my shots each time, and I am a good shot, crossbow or bow doesn't matter. All I got was some chips off the wall where the bolts buried themselves.
Fifth night the rat didn't come out... or so I thought.
Instead, I found out morning after he'd gone in another way and had eaten through my food bag in the backroom, and made a proper mess. He got plenty of food though, the cheeky bugger.
So, I set up for a few more nights in the back room, and every time, the rat just bloody well knew it was about to get shot, and avoided it.
I didn't see any other rats during that whole time, which is strange - rats are rarely alone. So, I started thinking, maybe I had to approach this differently.
So, I deliberately put some food out in the backroom, in a bowl. Morning after, the food was always gone, but nothing else was touched. After a few more weeks, this rat was so comfortable, he started coming out while I was there, and I could feed him from my hand in another week or so.
So, now Dodgy the Rat lives in the shop.
After a week or so I realised I was not alone in the shop. My biscuits mysteriously disappeared. I found rat droppings under a shelf.
So, I laid out some food one night and sat waiting with just a candle giving enough light to see. I waited patiently, crossbow ready.
After about an hour, from a small hole in a corner, came a rat; he went straight for the bait I'd laid out, and I raised my crossbow, aimed slowly, and let the bolt fly.
The rat must have had a sixth sense cause it stopped moving, the bolt hit the wall, and the rat dodged away to safety.
For four nights in a row, this happened - the rat dodged my shots each time, and I am a good shot, crossbow or bow doesn't matter. All I got was some chips off the wall where the bolts buried themselves.
Fifth night the rat didn't come out... or so I thought.
Instead, I found out morning after he'd gone in another way and had eaten through my food bag in the backroom, and made a proper mess. He got plenty of food though, the cheeky bugger.
So, I set up for a few more nights in the back room, and every time, the rat just bloody well knew it was about to get shot, and avoided it.
I didn't see any other rats during that whole time, which is strange - rats are rarely alone. So, I started thinking, maybe I had to approach this differently.
So, I deliberately put some food out in the backroom, in a bowl. Morning after, the food was always gone, but nothing else was touched. After a few more weeks, this rat was so comfortable, he started coming out while I was there, and I could feed him from my hand in another week or so.
So, now Dodgy the Rat lives in the shop.
Written By Eirene
April 15, 2021, 9:55 a.m.(4/18/1015 AR)
I'm going to be playing hostess to the Grayson fealty in Heron Hall for supper.
Times like this I'm fucking glad my mother was a Duchess and had manners instilled in me. I may hate the game, doesn't mean I don't know the rules and how to play it. I may even dress like a Crownlander instead of a Lycene swordswoman. Now to make sure the silverware is all set on the right side of the plates...
Times like this I'm fucking glad my mother was a Duchess and had manners instilled in me. I may hate the game, doesn't mean I don't know the rules and how to play it. I may even dress like a Crownlander instead of a Lycene swordswoman. Now to make sure the silverware is all set on the right side of the plates...
Written By Medeia
April 15, 2021, 9:39 a.m.(4/18/1015 AR)
Hello, Scholar Clive! This is a beautiful day, no? Splendid. Oh, I'm not so naive to believe that Ivan's death solves anything, but it soothes part of the deep ache I've felt the past eleven months. It is grotesque, isn't it, to rejoice in a death? Yet, I think it is something we all are likely to do at least once. We can wish that everyone lead long and healthy lives and still be relieved when someone who has committed violence against us is gone. The beauty is that the Queen of Endings will still welcome his soul back to her - whether or not he accepted her and her disciples.
People are complicated at the best of times. Even the bad ones have people who loved or respected them. Parents, spouses, children, friends, allies. It is easy to dismiss those people in your grief - whether that manifests as anger or despair. And few are ever wholly bad, or wholly good, instead existing in some liminal space where they have been both hero and villain. Am I the villain in someone else's story? Most assuredly.
I'm complicated, just like anyone else. Scholar Clive, I'm sure even you hold some conflicting desires and values, no? Of course you do. Complicated, but not without heart. The loss of life in Hopeshallow, amidst a series of strange events, is sad to hear about. And while I may be questioning certain circumstances, those people are people of the Isles - as I am, now. As my children will be. House Dredcall will have difficult questions to answer, choices to make, in the coming days. Perhaps one such choice will be to accept the aid of those who offer it. I may be in no position to travel and offer my aid as a physician to care for any injured or ill survivors of the fire and storm, but I can offer medical supplies, silver for rebuilding, and perhaps even the calling in of a favor.
As Dominus Aureth said, it isn't too late to make better choices.
People are complicated at the best of times. Even the bad ones have people who loved or respected them. Parents, spouses, children, friends, allies. It is easy to dismiss those people in your grief - whether that manifests as anger or despair. And few are ever wholly bad, or wholly good, instead existing in some liminal space where they have been both hero and villain. Am I the villain in someone else's story? Most assuredly.
I'm complicated, just like anyone else. Scholar Clive, I'm sure even you hold some conflicting desires and values, no? Of course you do. Complicated, but not without heart. The loss of life in Hopeshallow, amidst a series of strange events, is sad to hear about. And while I may be questioning certain circumstances, those people are people of the Isles - as I am, now. As my children will be. House Dredcall will have difficult questions to answer, choices to make, in the coming days. Perhaps one such choice will be to accept the aid of those who offer it. I may be in no position to travel and offer my aid as a physician to care for any injured or ill survivors of the fire and storm, but I can offer medical supplies, silver for rebuilding, and perhaps even the calling in of a favor.
As Dominus Aureth said, it isn't too late to make better choices.
Written By Ember
April 15, 2021, 7:47 a.m.(4/18/1015 AR)
In the Redreef Estate's main hall hangs a portrait of myself, swinging the severed head of Ivan Helianthus by its hair. When His Highness Prince Tyrus Thrax painted the image, I found it a suitable summation of my feelings.
Now, I regret the painting deeply. I do not regret it because Ivan Helianthus is dead. I regret it because that is the only detail of Prince Tyrus's painting that turned out to be prophetic. I look at the image of myself and think of what might have been.
Now, I regret the painting deeply. I do not regret it because Ivan Helianthus is dead. I regret it because that is the only detail of Prince Tyrus's painting that turned out to be prophetic. I look at the image of myself and think of what might have been.
Written By Titus
April 15, 2021, 4:52 a.m.(4/18/1015 AR)
Another week filled with interesting reports and commentary posted on the banns. But one is chief as I enjoy this glass of wine and looking at the blue claw vine blooming tonight with that rare glow.
Ivan of house Helianthus, former duke, has apparently died in bizarre circumstances. An unmarked ship arriving in the port of Hopeshallow brought with it a conflagration of fire that swept across the harbour consuming ships, cargo and the harbour master’s dwelling. That there was a breach in the castle with bells is telling that a group made their way in but failed in killing Ivan and his family. But just at their failure, a great wind moved across the isle and brought with it torrential waters that flooded the area. And that little ship, unmarked and not harried, left the opposite direction. That little ship is interesting, and I’m sure there are spirits within the oceans or air that witnessed what happened, and perhaps their whispers at night can be heard in the warm spring evening breeze itself as rain falls and mixes with loamy earth. Whispers that can reveal that little ship. The events that led to Ivan's death though only are going to cause more problems, as the root issue hasn't been decided. Like a stone in a boot, it'll limit Thrax which makes me wonder who did it.
Ivan Helianthus was a man who wouldn’t be shaken from his beliefs that he felt were right, even when the entire world was against him. That stubbornness is both a blessing and a curse, and it caused him to lose his life. Him waging his life against his beliefs is commendable, but perhaps his next life he’ll learn that sometimes one needs to accept change and to reflect that they aren’t in the right. We all can be wrong. Stubbornness is a fault when it makes you unable to learn or change for the greater good.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Would I have killed him, it wouldn’t be a mystery. His headless body would be on a pike for the birds to feast on, while his skull picked clean and placed on a pyramid with his soldiers so others might learn from his mistakes and know that the Compact is strong.
It’s a beautiful thing with the songs of woe the vanquished sing, with the thunderous clash of steel. The drums beat ever forward, the crows and ravens are coming to a large feast. The fire of the pyros burns bright and hot as the spirit of war grips the world. Perhaps enough blood will be shed to pay the price for a little peace.
Ivan of house Helianthus, former duke, has apparently died in bizarre circumstances. An unmarked ship arriving in the port of Hopeshallow brought with it a conflagration of fire that swept across the harbour consuming ships, cargo and the harbour master’s dwelling. That there was a breach in the castle with bells is telling that a group made their way in but failed in killing Ivan and his family. But just at their failure, a great wind moved across the isle and brought with it torrential waters that flooded the area. And that little ship, unmarked and not harried, left the opposite direction. That little ship is interesting, and I’m sure there are spirits within the oceans or air that witnessed what happened, and perhaps their whispers at night can be heard in the warm spring evening breeze itself as rain falls and mixes with loamy earth. Whispers that can reveal that little ship. The events that led to Ivan's death though only are going to cause more problems, as the root issue hasn't been decided. Like a stone in a boot, it'll limit Thrax which makes me wonder who did it.
Ivan Helianthus was a man who wouldn’t be shaken from his beliefs that he felt were right, even when the entire world was against him. That stubbornness is both a blessing and a curse, and it caused him to lose his life. Him waging his life against his beliefs is commendable, but perhaps his next life he’ll learn that sometimes one needs to accept change and to reflect that they aren’t in the right. We all can be wrong. Stubbornness is a fault when it makes you unable to learn or change for the greater good.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Would I have killed him, it wouldn’t be a mystery. His headless body would be on a pike for the birds to feast on, while his skull picked clean and placed on a pyramid with his soldiers so others might learn from his mistakes and know that the Compact is strong.
It’s a beautiful thing with the songs of woe the vanquished sing, with the thunderous clash of steel. The drums beat ever forward, the crows and ravens are coming to a large feast. The fire of the pyros burns bright and hot as the spirit of war grips the world. Perhaps enough blood will be shed to pay the price for a little peace.
Written By Piccola
April 14, 2021, 10:59 p.m.(4/18/1015 AR)
The feeling of commiseration is the beginning of humanity.
The feeling of shame is the beginning of righteousness.
The feeling of deference is the beginning of propriety.
The feeling of right or wrong is the beginning of wisdom.
The feeling of shame is the beginning of righteousness.
The feeling of deference is the beginning of propriety.
The feeling of right or wrong is the beginning of wisdom.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.