Written By Cara
Nov. 14, 2016, 2:04 p.m.(2/13/1005 AR)
I am a student of history.
It feels a bit as though I've not had a conversation that didn't concern someone dead for hundreds of years in nigh ages. All of this investigating the distant past is giving me a terrible crick in the shoulder, not to mention a persistent headache from squinting. It was easier, when it was summer and there was no shortage of light.
I can say that I have learned this, though -- throughout our known history, no good has come from breaking a vow, or breaking a contract, or failing to fulfill the obligations of a marriage arrangement.
Would that we would all know better by now.
It feels a bit as though I've not had a conversation that didn't concern someone dead for hundreds of years in nigh ages. All of this investigating the distant past is giving me a terrible crick in the shoulder, not to mention a persistent headache from squinting. It was easier, when it was summer and there was no shortage of light.
I can say that I have learned this, though -- throughout our known history, no good has come from breaking a vow, or breaking a contract, or failing to fulfill the obligations of a marriage arrangement.
Would that we would all know better by now.
Written By Cara
Nov. 12, 2016, 8:08 p.m.(2/8/1005 AR)
Though I know Ashford keep is very near -- in fact, I think it may be the nearest of the ducal seats in the Crownlands -- I cannot help but begin to wish for a more permanent home in the city than the Badger Boardinghouse.
I would dearly love to have a place to keep my books, and perhaps a little garden -- surely Olivia would love a place to tend her plants, and if I did take Lady Dawn up on her offer of a dog, it would be nice to have somewhere for him or her to have a bit of a romp.
Perhaps Aislin has thoughts on the matter. She is rather rootless at heart, but even she must see the advantage in having a place in the city to call home.
I would dearly love to have a place to keep my books, and perhaps a little garden -- surely Olivia would love a place to tend her plants, and if I did take Lady Dawn up on her offer of a dog, it would be nice to have somewhere for him or her to have a bit of a romp.
Perhaps Aislin has thoughts on the matter. She is rather rootless at heart, but even she must see the advantage in having a place in the city to call home.
Written By Cara
Nov. 6, 2016, 10:33 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
Sometimes I feel as though we are at a crossroads, and in either direction, the road stretches out towards fire and ruin.
Perhaps it is time to follow the Ashford way, and to blaze a new path.
But I am afraid, for the shadows are deep and I know not what lies within them.
Perhaps it is time to follow the Ashford way, and to blaze a new path.
But I am afraid, for the shadows are deep and I know not what lies within them.
Written By Cara
Nov. 6, 2016, 10:31 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dafne
Lady Dafne is a charming and very interesting young lady, well-spoken and intelligent. She has a passion for pursuing knowledge which I share, and I hope to develop our acquaintance over time.
Written By Cara
Nov. 1, 2016, 2:10 a.m.(1/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
I'm so glad that Aislin is staying in the city for a while. Her wisdom and her courage is a bastion of strength for me, and I take comfort in the growth of our friendship.
Written By Cara
Oct. 30, 2016, 11:07 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
The Valardin's ball last night was terribly impressive -- the home was beautifully decorated and the guests were the pinnacle of proud nobility. The dancing and the music and the wine, everything, was perfection.
For a few brief moments, I forgot. That alone was worth it.
Lady Dafne danced with Prince Beaumont, Lady Sylphie danced with several gentlemen, and I had a chance to meet Duke Leo -- all in all, a rather successful evening, I think.
For a few brief moments, I forgot. That alone was worth it.
Lady Dafne danced with Prince Beaumont, Lady Sylphie danced with several gentlemen, and I had a chance to meet Duke Leo -- all in all, a rather successful evening, I think.
Written By Cara
Oct. 28, 2016, 3:13 p.m.(12/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Beaumont
This man's charm, weaponized, could defend all of Arx from every invader yet known to us as a people.
Dear heavens.
Dear heavens.
Written By Cara
Oct. 23, 2016, 11:01 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
My dear family must think I am a ghost -- I have been cloistered with my books and histories this week and have barely emerged to take tea, much less be properly social.
I shall have to put in a better effort soon, lest they worry too much and send a rescue party to drag me into something frivolous and lighthearted.
I shall have to put in a better effort soon, lest they worry too much and send a rescue party to drag me into something frivolous and lighthearted.
Written By Cara
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:09 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
It is indulgent of me to put ink to paper on the subject of how a party makes me lonely, but I pray the Scholars will indulge me. I'm sure they've read much worse.
This was the first grand entertainment that I've intended as a widow. I found myself turning to remark to him as if he were still there, or drifting my hand to my side to have it taken the way he used to --
But there was nothing. Just an empty place where my husband once was. The gala itself was elaborate and well-executed, as one would expect of the Archduchesses' household, of course; the game of tasks was an entertaining diversion, and a pleasing way to break through the ice of an awkward beginning.
And yet-- and yet.
I have research yet to do, and honorable work on behalf of my liege house. Work is my refuge, not frivolity, not when I hear a man laugh and half-turn looking for someone who is not there.
This was the first grand entertainment that I've intended as a widow. I found myself turning to remark to him as if he were still there, or drifting my hand to my side to have it taken the way he used to --
But there was nothing. Just an empty place where my husband once was. The gala itself was elaborate and well-executed, as one would expect of the Archduchesses' household, of course; the game of tasks was an entertaining diversion, and a pleasing way to break through the ice of an awkward beginning.
And yet-- and yet.
I have research yet to do, and honorable work on behalf of my liege house. Work is my refuge, not frivolity, not when I hear a man laugh and half-turn looking for someone who is not there.
Written By Cara
Oct. 7, 2016, 2:57 a.m.(10/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
I would never tell Pietro that he is my favorite of the twins, but only because I think he would argue with me that Vincere is clearly better. I'm very glad to see him, though, and he cheers me up just by being nearby.
Written By Cara
Oct. 7, 2016, 2:56 a.m.(10/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
Dear Vincere. I've missed having him to talk to -- Aislin shares my affection for historical research, but she is often off on adventure, and it is not quite the same as someone you've grown up with. I'm so pleased that the Igniseri twins are in Arx; it is a comfort, to have good friends near these days.
Written By Cara
Oct. 2, 2016, 11:07 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I had not thought to travel -- adventure being something I find more between the pages of a book than far afield -- but I must admit, the stories of Prince Mason's homeland are most intriguing. Perhaps someday I will travel beyond the borders of the Compact and see the wide world for myself.
Written By Cara
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:15 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
It's not insane to run headlong toward danger in the pursuit of knowledge; Lady Aislin knows full well what she faces in her adventuring. She simply weighs the knowledge that exploration brings against the possibility of harm, and finds that knowledge worthy. I rather like her. Addison was terribly fond of her, I know, and it is easy to see why. She brings me interesting books, too, from time to time -- or rather, she brings them home and I poach them (usually with permission).
Written By Cara
Sept. 30, 2016, 8:21 p.m.(9/19/1004 AR)
It is strange, to be tasked with such a position as I've been given so soon after --
Well. It's strange. I only hope that I will prove up to the task, such as it is. It will be good to put my diplomatic knowledge to work, I suppose, and better to have some useful occupation to keep busy with. Lord Prospero seems an even-tempered sort, which should make negotiations straightforward.
The gods know, I have plenty of time. Sleep is a fleeting respite these days.
Well. It's strange. I only hope that I will prove up to the task, such as it is. It will be good to put my diplomatic knowledge to work, I suppose, and better to have some useful occupation to keep busy with. Lord Prospero seems an even-tempered sort, which should make negotiations straightforward.
The gods know, I have plenty of time. Sleep is a fleeting respite these days.
Written By Cara
Sept. 28, 2016, 2:40 a.m.(9/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
What a bafflingly exhausting man. I am not certain, but he may be part peacock. He is pleasant, though, and Aislin likes him, which is a mark in his favor.
Written By Cara
Sept. 27, 2016, 1:30 a.m.(9/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Lady Sylphie is the soul of composure in a difficult time, which is always a boon to those who are struggling. She has a great deal on her plate these days; hopefully, it shall all come right with time.
Written By Cara
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:29 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
My dear brother! After Zaccheri's death, I worry for him so. I hope I can be of some help to him; perhaps it will aid in taking my mind away from my own troubles.
Written By Cara
Sept. 25, 2016, 7:37 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Prospero
What a charming man. Very intellectual and seemingly concerned with the greater good -- or at least, that is the particular tactic he has chosen to advance. Perhaps something useful will come of the acquaintance.
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