Written By Isolde
April 26, 2017, 1:34 p.m.(5/7/1006 AR)
A Prayer to Tehom. (Transcribed without my knowledge.)
So hi, been a while. Things have been weird, to say the least. You're being discussed and debated more often these days. I count it a success, to be honest. After we beat the insects at the gates, and their slug that leads them, I look forward to seeing how the conversations turn. It's an exciting time.
Talk to you soon. Have to try and not get eaten by some bugs. Miss you.
:heart:
So hi, been a while. Things have been weird, to say the least. You're being discussed and debated more often these days. I count it a success, to be honest. After we beat the insects at the gates, and their slug that leads them, I look forward to seeing how the conversations turn. It's an exciting time.
Talk to you soon. Have to try and not get eaten by some bugs. Miss you.
:heart:
Written By Isolde
April 26, 2017, 1:29 p.m.(5/7/1006 AR)
Most tricks do not work more than once. Most people have an innate sense of "fool me once...." When a second attempt is clumsy and inelegant, it tends to fail miserably. The goal is to take great pleasure in watching the fall out, like a play on the stage.
I also now realize the very peculiar perspective I have on the theater.
I also now realize the very peculiar perspective I have on the theater.
Written By Isolde
April 26, 2017, 1:25 p.m.(5/7/1006 AR)
Two weddings attended. Two Bringer attacks.
Never getting married. Fuck that.
Never getting married. Fuck that.
Written By Isolde
April 18, 2017, 7:43 p.m.(4/18/1006 AR)
Last Will and Testament of Isolde, Princess of Velenosa
* As per request, the decorative mask goes to Darren.
* The Acolyte vestments and mask go to Vanora
* The rest of my things, both procured and inherited will be divided up by Talen and Eleyna, who shall fight to the death (of ego) to determine who will get final say. They will know those important to me, to allow for tokens of remembrance, if such things are desired.
So let it be written, and so it shall be.
* As per request, the decorative mask goes to Darren.
* The Acolyte vestments and mask go to Vanora
* The rest of my things, both procured and inherited will be divided up by Talen and Eleyna, who shall fight to the death (of ego) to determine who will get final say. They will know those important to me, to allow for tokens of remembrance, if such things are desired.
So let it be written, and so it shall be.
Written By Isolde
April 17, 2017, 10:02 a.m.(4/15/1006 AR)
The Knights of Solace address not the heroes we deserve. They are the heroes we need.
(Notation: Invite Sir Armel over for a drink. I've never felt the need to apologize to someone I've never met before.)
(Notation: Invite Sir Armel over for a drink. I've never felt the need to apologize to someone I've never met before.)
Written By Isolde
April 17, 2017, 8:34 a.m.(4/15/1006 AR)
My cousin Eleyna has a way with words. That is the ultimatum they gave us? Please. It wasn't even intimidating, to be honest, though I am terribly amused they came under a banner of truce. I'm curious if anyone got a look at it, and if they used bleached human skin to do it. It seems like the thing they'd do. Maybe I give them too much credit, though. It would have been better if they brought a table, setting, and wine to offer. Just right there, in the middle of nowhere, nightmares all around, offering wine to speak of ultimatums empty of motivation.
I mean, -I'd- do that. And might. Hm. Must make a note of this tableau. Minus the bleached skin flag of truce. That's just gauche.
I mean, -I'd- do that. And might. Hm. Must make a note of this tableau. Minus the bleached skin flag of truce. That's just gauche.
Written By Isolde
April 12, 2017, 11:49 a.m.(4/6/1006 AR)
I am not one prone to superstitious endeavors. I proudly assume victory. One must plan wherever possible.
Petition to the Crown and Faith (Rough draft, more brainstorming needed, details, logistics)
Cacophony of Victory (festival celebrating victory over the Silence, return to a full, known pantheon)
* Every third anniversary of the Victory (rl Year)
* Festival lasting three weeks (1 rl week)
* Games, competitions, balls, parties
* Renewal of marriage vows, wedding celebrations (since there are approximately 4788434698643896651580 quiet weddings happening, with plans to celebrate after the siege.)
* Special prizes?
* Each great house helps host, honoring heroes.
* Service of Remembrance, honoring the sacrifices made.
(OOC inspiration, shorter festival, once a rl year, like Firan Spring/Fall Festivals. A new Arx Holiday of sorts.)
Petition to the Crown and Faith (Rough draft, more brainstorming needed, details, logistics)
Cacophony of Victory (festival celebrating victory over the Silence, return to a full, known pantheon)
* Every third anniversary of the Victory (rl Year)
* Festival lasting three weeks (1 rl week)
* Games, competitions, balls, parties
* Renewal of marriage vows, wedding celebrations (since there are approximately 4788434698643896651580 quiet weddings happening, with plans to celebrate after the siege.)
* Special prizes?
* Each great house helps host, honoring heroes.
* Service of Remembrance, honoring the sacrifices made.
(OOC inspiration, shorter festival, once a rl year, like Firan Spring/Fall Festivals. A new Arx Holiday of sorts.)
Written By Isolde
April 12, 2017, 11:11 a.m.(4/5/1006 AR)
It feels good to have a meeting of minds, civil, warm conversation, and bask in the happiness of loved ones. Princess Cara is a fine conversationalist, and I feel good about the results.
(Note: remember to guilt Luca into getting me something pretty.)
(Note Secundus: Probably should make this a Black Journal. I do have a reputation to maintain, after all.)
(Note: remember to guilt Luca into getting me something pretty.)
(Note Secundus: Probably should make this a Black Journal. I do have a reputation to maintain, after all.)
Written By Isolde
April 10, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(4/2/1006 AR)
It seems I have fallen behind on journals, keeping my own or reading others.
Write About Isolde Day is retroactively cancelled. Don't be weird.
A lot on my mind lately. Too much, perhaps. Maybe these coming days are the days I catch up on writing.
Write About Isolde Day is retroactively cancelled. Don't be weird.
A lot on my mind lately. Too much, perhaps. Maybe these coming days are the days I catch up on writing.
Written By Isolde
April 2, 2017, 8:15 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Driskell
He may not be the hero my tastebuds deserve, but he is the hero they need.
Of course he is also a man of great wisdon, faith, passion, and strength. But that zucchini bread.
Of course he is also a man of great wisdon, faith, passion, and strength. But that zucchini bread.
Written By Isolde
April 1, 2017, 8:42 p.m.(3/12/1006 AR)
A Ritual of Cleansing
After a moment, The Acolyte emerges from the private rooms, dressed in a thick black robe, plain and severe, with the cowl pulled up over her head. Her full face mask is on, and she carries herself with the quiet reverence of the single minded fanatic for the Thirteenth. She carries a silver ewer of water, and incense and herbs, moving to stand behind the altar itself. She set down both and spreads her hands out over the bowls. "Let us be in prayer and offering, sacrificing pride and self upon this holy altar, to bring glory to the Darkest Reflection, and cleansing to this place of worship. We renew our vows to His service, and cleanse our souls of doubt, fear, and weakness." Taking the herbs and incense, she lets them fall into the bowl of coals, letting the smoke being to filter up and fill the air around them.
Taking up one of the candles, The Acolyte motions for the others to do the same, dipping it into the bowl, lighting it off of the coals and fragrent additions, holding it in front of her. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light, and without our Passions, we are blinded, weakened. Today, we bring the Light into the darkness of the acts of desecration, cleansing body, mind, soul, stone, and spirit from the darkess that seeks to corrupt, no matter the intention. We speak these words of devotion, pledging ourselves anew to strength, completion, and our truest selves." She dips her head slightly. "And so, the Princess Isolde sacrifices vanity, to let not her glory shine forth, but reflect the strength within others. She cleanses this from her soul, offering it upon this altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." She looks to the others, allowing them the opportunity to say their own piece.
Vanora listens and watches with that continued quiet reverence. A black candle is grasped between slim fingers, dipped into the bowl, and held against the brazier until it flares up orange-red, making her face glow brighter and the rest of her a vessel for dancing shadows. Holding the candle before her she looks into the flame for a moment, reflective. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light. Without our Passions we are weakened." The words are repeated like something of an invocation, and then she goes on. "Lady Vanora Pravus sacrifices resentment and self-pity. She acknowledges the truth...that her suffering has not been great, but small and petty. That being recalled to Setarco and then to this city of Arx was not what she wished for her life, but is not the great burden she oft lets herself feel it is. She releases her clinging to what might have been but never was, and embraces what /is/. For the Thirteenth, she pledges to look forward and not back, not ever again. To offer her compassion for the suffering of others and release any of her own perceived suffering as meaningless. She cleanses this from her soul, offers it upon the altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." Her voice is smooth with conviction, and words offered up as if there are no witnesses to them, no concern for what she might reveal of herself.
Driskell takes his candle and he dips the wick to the bowl, lighting the small flame. "To the Thirteenth I give my pride. May my self-confidence not go awry and morph into a cancerous lesion that boils and bubbles into something greater than I can control. The arrogance, vanity and ego, these things which attach themselves to my past and current accomplishments, may they be shed off so that only truth remains. May the Reflection I seek give me truth no matter how terrible, and the strength to look deep into Him without shirking back. I, Driskell Stillwater, re-commit my service to the Shrine, to serve all others before myself as they seek the Reflection's truth."
"And so, we who commit our lives to the truth of the Thirteenth do so cleanse our souls of the burdens that shackle us to lies and blind us to the Reflection. We, who come with pure intention and souls of service do so to wash from this altar that which corrupts the purpose of this place, and the need for the Darkest Reflection for all of humanity." The Acolyte pours water from the ewer into the second bowl, before positioning it in the center of the altar, in between the three gathered. She holds her hand over the bowl, nodding for the others to join her. "In reverence, strength, and service, I ask the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices of self, and let this altar, this shrine be renewed in purity of purpose. To reflect the darkness within us, that all may embrace their whole selves. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."
Driskell says "As agreed and said, so be it." as he puts his hand over the bowl adding his spiritual focus.
Vanora's hand is held over the bowl as well. "I too, beckon the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices and renew this altar with purity and purpose. That this Shrine remains the place where the Darkness within us all can be reflected and gazed upon without flinching. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."
"And so, with this blessed water, we wash away the physical and spiritual desecration upon this altar, renewed souls, renewed purpose. Let those that worship at this altar do so with purpose and strength, and may the Darkest Reflection strengthen us all. And so it is." With that last, she pours the water over the surface of the altar, and into the bowl of coals, dousing them and sending up a final gust of steam and scent, the temple filled with the lingering haze of the cleansing ritual.
After a moment, The Acolyte emerges from the private rooms, dressed in a thick black robe, plain and severe, with the cowl pulled up over her head. Her full face mask is on, and she carries herself with the quiet reverence of the single minded fanatic for the Thirteenth. She carries a silver ewer of water, and incense and herbs, moving to stand behind the altar itself. She set down both and spreads her hands out over the bowls. "Let us be in prayer and offering, sacrificing pride and self upon this holy altar, to bring glory to the Darkest Reflection, and cleansing to this place of worship. We renew our vows to His service, and cleanse our souls of doubt, fear, and weakness." Taking the herbs and incense, she lets them fall into the bowl of coals, letting the smoke being to filter up and fill the air around them.
Taking up one of the candles, The Acolyte motions for the others to do the same, dipping it into the bowl, lighting it off of the coals and fragrent additions, holding it in front of her. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light, and without our Passions, we are blinded, weakened. Today, we bring the Light into the darkness of the acts of desecration, cleansing body, mind, soul, stone, and spirit from the darkess that seeks to corrupt, no matter the intention. We speak these words of devotion, pledging ourselves anew to strength, completion, and our truest selves." She dips her head slightly. "And so, the Princess Isolde sacrifices vanity, to let not her glory shine forth, but reflect the strength within others. She cleanses this from her soul, offering it upon this altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." She looks to the others, allowing them the opportunity to say their own piece.
Vanora listens and watches with that continued quiet reverence. A black candle is grasped between slim fingers, dipped into the bowl, and held against the brazier until it flares up orange-red, making her face glow brighter and the rest of her a vessel for dancing shadows. Holding the candle before her she looks into the flame for a moment, reflective. "Without the Darkness, there is no Light. Without our Passions we are weakened." The words are repeated like something of an invocation, and then she goes on. "Lady Vanora Pravus sacrifices resentment and self-pity. She acknowledges the truth...that her suffering has not been great, but small and petty. That being recalled to Setarco and then to this city of Arx was not what she wished for her life, but is not the great burden she oft lets herself feel it is. She releases her clinging to what might have been but never was, and embraces what /is/. For the Thirteenth, she pledges to look forward and not back, not ever again. To offer her compassion for the suffering of others and release any of her own perceived suffering as meaningless. She cleanses this from her soul, offers it upon the altar, in reverent service and renewed devotion." Her voice is smooth with conviction, and words offered up as if there are no witnesses to them, no concern for what she might reveal of herself.
Driskell takes his candle and he dips the wick to the bowl, lighting the small flame. "To the Thirteenth I give my pride. May my self-confidence not go awry and morph into a cancerous lesion that boils and bubbles into something greater than I can control. The arrogance, vanity and ego, these things which attach themselves to my past and current accomplishments, may they be shed off so that only truth remains. May the Reflection I seek give me truth no matter how terrible, and the strength to look deep into Him without shirking back. I, Driskell Stillwater, re-commit my service to the Shrine, to serve all others before myself as they seek the Reflection's truth."
"And so, we who commit our lives to the truth of the Thirteenth do so cleanse our souls of the burdens that shackle us to lies and blind us to the Reflection. We, who come with pure intention and souls of service do so to wash from this altar that which corrupts the purpose of this place, and the need for the Darkest Reflection for all of humanity." The Acolyte pours water from the ewer into the second bowl, before positioning it in the center of the altar, in between the three gathered. She holds her hand over the bowl, nodding for the others to join her. "In reverence, strength, and service, I ask the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices of self, and let this altar, this shrine be renewed in purity of purpose. To reflect the darkness within us, that all may embrace their whole selves. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."
Driskell says "As agreed and said, so be it." as he puts his hand over the bowl adding his spiritual focus.
Vanora's hand is held over the bowl as well. "I too, beckon the Thirteenth to bless these sacrifices and renew this altar with purity and purpose. That this Shrine remains the place where the Darkness within us all can be reflected and gazed upon without flinching. We invoke thee and cleanse this place anew."
"And so, with this blessed water, we wash away the physical and spiritual desecration upon this altar, renewed souls, renewed purpose. Let those that worship at this altar do so with purpose and strength, and may the Darkest Reflection strengthen us all. And so it is." With that last, she pours the water over the surface of the altar, and into the bowl of coals, dousing them and sending up a final gust of steam and scent, the temple filled with the lingering haze of the cleansing ritual.
Written By Isolde
March 26, 2017, 4:45 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
A bond forged, a hope renewed.
This is a strange world we live in right now.
Back to the medical center. I have more work to do.
This is a strange world we live in right now.
Back to the medical center. I have more work to do.
Written By Isolde
March 26, 2017, 4:44 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
Their end, our beginning.
I do so like that warcry.
May the Thirteen gods strengthen us in the days to come.
I do so like that warcry.
May the Thirteen gods strengthen us in the days to come.
Written By Isolde
March 26, 2017, 4:43 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
The how is as much as the what sometimes.
Trust, but verify.
We've lost too much to take things at face value in a random conversation.
I trust very little these days.
Trust, but verify.
We've lost too much to take things at face value in a random conversation.
I trust very little these days.
Written By Isolde
March 18, 2017, 7:24 p.m.(2/12/1006 AR)
In the Lyceum, the Thirteenth became the god associated with Last Rites, evidently when whatever shenanigans went on that took the Queen of Beginning and Ending from us. It is something I hold in somber regard, even with most of the compact turning to Lagoma, Mistress of Change. I think there is a place for each in our thoughts on Death. I would like to see the Faith embrace them all, for death is the greatest of changes we face in our lives, and the Thirteenth separates us from the lands Beyond, be he guardian, shepherd, or what we have yet to relearn. The Queen of Beginning and Endings seems obvious, and all seem to have a place in providing comfort, and ushering a soul into their next fate. It is a concept I hope to have the luxury to explore more, but for now, as I work with wounded soldiers, and they need comfort in the transition, if all else fails, I keep in my heart, my mind all three, that the soul knows peace.
Written By Isolde
March 18, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(2/12/1006 AR)
Beginnings and endings.
It seems an appropriate time for these things.
Difficulties, joyous things, it is an interesting thing, these beginnings and endings.
I find it utterly impossible not to embrace this return.
There is utter beauty and heartache in beginnings and endings.
I do love a good duality.
It seems an appropriate time for these things.
Difficulties, joyous things, it is an interesting thing, these beginnings and endings.
I find it utterly impossible not to embrace this return.
There is utter beauty and heartache in beginnings and endings.
I do love a good duality.
Written By Isolde
March 15, 2017, 4:46 p.m.(2/6/1006 AR)
Strength and Hope (A Service to the Thirteenth.)
We know there is Darkness on our doorstep. We know it is things of nightmares and legends, with scraps of memory and parchment to tell us how to stop it. We know this, and it seems terrifying, insurmountable.
But it is not.
We have overcome before. We overcome now. We will overcome again. Just look to the Hall of Heroes, if you wish proof of victory over Darkness past. I dare say it is almost a holy place in and of itself, the way it inspires us, shows us that we, too, are full of greatness. They overcame the Darkness, and so shall we.
In the current days, the Faith rediscovered old rites, designed to stem the tide of Darkness that comes. Our leaders, Duke Regent Gabriel, Lady General Calypso, Lady Surgeon Eirene… just to name a few… are stronger than any leaders we have seen in our lifetime. They lead us to victory, and Victory over the Darkness. And on the morrow, in all the days to come, we will -continue- to overcome the Darkness. We will persist. We will thrive. We will succeed.
But it will take each and every one of us to do so.
Today, I beseech all of you to look within yourselves. We are one people, united and strong, but we are a people made up of individuals, each with our part to play, our duty to ourselves and each other. We have work ahead of us, make no mistake, and it must start from within.
We have the strength within us, to overcome our own Darkness, and burn bright for the whole. We are mandated by the Thirteenth, to overcome and use our Darkness, lest it consume us. But be not afraid. The Darkness within us is not a force of evil, nor is it anything to fear. It is simply the Passions, which, left uncontrolled, could consume us. Greed, when controlled, urges us to fight more fiercely for what is ours. When uncontrolled, it consumes us and leads us to ruin. Hate, when controlled, makes us see our enemies with utter clarity, allowing us to attack precisely. Rage, when controlled, gives our bodies, our minds stamina to endure long, arduous times. These are not things to fear, but to overcome, and put to our purpose.
<Insert Invocation of Strength and personal Blessings.>
Let it be known, that this gift is for all our people. Each one of us can be a beacon of hope into the darkness, offering advantage to wisdom and against the darkness. Each one can take those passions within us, and turn them into a force for our people. It is ever a personal journey, and one can always call upon one of this Shrine to help guide you to become your strongest self. Go forth, with Strength and Hope, and be whole and Complete. And so it is.
We know there is Darkness on our doorstep. We know it is things of nightmares and legends, with scraps of memory and parchment to tell us how to stop it. We know this, and it seems terrifying, insurmountable.
But it is not.
We have overcome before. We overcome now. We will overcome again. Just look to the Hall of Heroes, if you wish proof of victory over Darkness past. I dare say it is almost a holy place in and of itself, the way it inspires us, shows us that we, too, are full of greatness. They overcame the Darkness, and so shall we.
In the current days, the Faith rediscovered old rites, designed to stem the tide of Darkness that comes. Our leaders, Duke Regent Gabriel, Lady General Calypso, Lady Surgeon Eirene… just to name a few… are stronger than any leaders we have seen in our lifetime. They lead us to victory, and Victory over the Darkness. And on the morrow, in all the days to come, we will -continue- to overcome the Darkness. We will persist. We will thrive. We will succeed.
But it will take each and every one of us to do so.
Today, I beseech all of you to look within yourselves. We are one people, united and strong, but we are a people made up of individuals, each with our part to play, our duty to ourselves and each other. We have work ahead of us, make no mistake, and it must start from within.
We have the strength within us, to overcome our own Darkness, and burn bright for the whole. We are mandated by the Thirteenth, to overcome and use our Darkness, lest it consume us. But be not afraid. The Darkness within us is not a force of evil, nor is it anything to fear. It is simply the Passions, which, left uncontrolled, could consume us. Greed, when controlled, urges us to fight more fiercely for what is ours. When uncontrolled, it consumes us and leads us to ruin. Hate, when controlled, makes us see our enemies with utter clarity, allowing us to attack precisely. Rage, when controlled, gives our bodies, our minds stamina to endure long, arduous times. These are not things to fear, but to overcome, and put to our purpose.
<Insert Invocation of Strength and personal Blessings.>
Let it be known, that this gift is for all our people. Each one of us can be a beacon of hope into the darkness, offering advantage to wisdom and against the darkness. Each one can take those passions within us, and turn them into a force for our people. It is ever a personal journey, and one can always call upon one of this Shrine to help guide you to become your strongest self. Go forth, with Strength and Hope, and be whole and Complete. And so it is.
Written By Isolde
March 10, 2017, 8:46 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
Most Holy, Dominus of the Faith, Voice and Closest to the Gods.
He has been kind to me. It means more than one can ever know, and I treasure him. I hope I never disappoint again.
He has been kind to me. It means more than one can ever know, and I treasure him. I hope I never disappoint again.
Written By Isolde
March 10, 2017, 8:44 p.m.(1/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
My darling cousin, how much you've changed. You are dear to me, and your Issy will always be by your side. We'll kick the shit out of those that oppose us together.
Well, you'll do the kicking. I'll do the... um. Witty reparte? Looking pretty? We'll figure that out as we go along.
Well, you'll do the kicking. I'll do the... um. Witty reparte? Looking pretty? We'll figure that out as we go along.
Written By Isolde
March 9, 2017, 8:04 p.m.(1/22/1006 AR)
A toast to the groom,
To the bride.
From your sister,
Who's always by your side.
To your union,
And the hope that you provide.
May you always
Be satisfied.
To the bride.
From your sister,
Who's always by your side.
To your union,
And the hope that you provide.
May you always
Be satisfied.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.