Written By Lianne
Nov. 23, 2020, 10:43 a.m.(6/10/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
In the way that the moon follows the sun, so have Khanne and I tread the same ground and cared for the same people over the past nine years. We were not fast friends. Instead, we skirted the periphery of each other's lives for a long while, our paths intermittently crossing. With time, we were able to look back and see how our paths had woven together, what friendship had grown without our noticing.
When I have hidden from the world for too long, it is so often Khanne who draws me back out, accompanying me to a party or a poetry reading or simply a walk through the gardens. When I am afraid of getting too excited over things which might not work out, she reminds me to celebrate that moment of hope and possibility, whatever will come. She is my anchor, my complement and my dearest friend.
I am so exceedingly pleased with how well our utterly indulgent night went. Such a selfish thing, in truth, all to meet interesting people. You did not disappoint, Arx. Thank you.
When I have hidden from the world for too long, it is so often Khanne who draws me back out, accompanying me to a party or a poetry reading or simply a walk through the gardens. When I am afraid of getting too excited over things which might not work out, she reminds me to celebrate that moment of hope and possibility, whatever will come. She is my anchor, my complement and my dearest friend.
I am so exceedingly pleased with how well our utterly indulgent night went. Such a selfish thing, in truth, all to meet interesting people. You did not disappoint, Arx. Thank you.
Written By Lianne
Nov. 6, 2020, 9:38 a.m.(5/3/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
I can't help but feel some small touch of pride to have taken in such an interesting story at a place so significant to my own, to know this is the legacy I helped build.
Written By Lianne
Nov. 3, 2020, 3:24 a.m.(4/25/1014 AR)
I have been accused of sentimentality on more than one occasion.
Hearing echo after echo in the songs and city around me, I might find myself inclined to agree.
Hearing echo after echo in the songs and city around me, I might find myself inclined to agree.
Written By Lianne
June 17, 2019, 10:53 a.m.(4/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Valerius
I had nearly forgotten how it feels to bask in sunlight, to have an unburdened heart.
This spring feels more like spring than all those which preceded it simply because my husband has returned to me just as the snows melted, just as the world turned green and bright again.
This spring feels more like spring than all those which preceded it simply because my husband has returned to me just as the snows melted, just as the world turned green and bright again.
Written By Lianne
March 12, 2019, 2:01 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
I owe my gratitude to Princess Ophelia Velenosa and the sellsword Amund, both of whom acted swiftly when a carnival in Nilanza erupted in violence, an assassination attempt made on my magnificent protege Venturo Thayne. We are fortunate that they were present and struck so swiftly when the assassins made their move.
It would be remiss of me to ignore the rumors of Venturo's ridiculous luck: the first shot stopped by a house banner thrust up at precisely the right moment; the swordsmen buried in an unexpected collapse of the structure above them; and two swift and capable saviors so near at hand.
A point for Luck. You may have this one, brewer. I certainly count myself lucky that you're still alive.
It would be remiss of me to ignore the rumors of Venturo's ridiculous luck: the first shot stopped by a house banner thrust up at precisely the right moment; the swordsmen buried in an unexpected collapse of the structure above them; and two swift and capable saviors so near at hand.
A point for Luck. You may have this one, brewer. I certainly count myself lucky that you're still alive.
Written By Lianne
Jan. 5, 2019, 3:22 p.m.(4/21/1010 AR)
Never has any answer to any question given me so much hope.
This will be our most worthwhile experiment.
This will be our most worthwhile experiment.
Written By Lianne
Dec. 16, 2018, 11:44 p.m.(3/9/1010 AR)
I am married.
It hadn't been so very long ago that I was certain that might never be the case, so well had I done devising a life for myself where marriage might never be necessary. When Valerius first spoke to me of marriage, it had been in consideration of other prospects, advice offered from one friend to another. Neither of us had even considered our pairing at the time.
Lagoma teaches that change comes to all things, even our long-held views of ourselves.
I could say that it was a political marriage. Strengthening ties with House Thrax--and with my husband's renowned sisters--is undeniably beneficial for my house. It's true enough. And yet it would be disingenuous. I am unfathomably in love with this man. It took years of friendship and respect, of conversations about family and philosophy...
More, perhaps, it took watching darkness build on the horizon and finding that I had a steady light near at hand, a bright spot which never dims.
I am blessed, and I am grateful, and I expect this will all take quite a bit of getting used to.
It hadn't been so very long ago that I was certain that might never be the case, so well had I done devising a life for myself where marriage might never be necessary. When Valerius first spoke to me of marriage, it had been in consideration of other prospects, advice offered from one friend to another. Neither of us had even considered our pairing at the time.
Lagoma teaches that change comes to all things, even our long-held views of ourselves.
I could say that it was a political marriage. Strengthening ties with House Thrax--and with my husband's renowned sisters--is undeniably beneficial for my house. It's true enough. And yet it would be disingenuous. I am unfathomably in love with this man. It took years of friendship and respect, of conversations about family and philosophy...
More, perhaps, it took watching darkness build on the horizon and finding that I had a steady light near at hand, a bright spot which never dims.
I am blessed, and I am grateful, and I expect this will all take quite a bit of getting used to.
Written By Lianne
Nov. 26, 2018, 11:41 p.m.(1/24/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
Sometimes, on the days when I find your brother surrounded by books, I expect he might declare the trajectory his life has taken since our friendship deepened to be mistreatment, the weight of the responsibilities he's taken on drawing his shoulders low. He never does. Even when he is visibly tired or frustrated, he never issues complaint, never shows the least glimmer of regret, never so much as hints that there's anything he'd do differently.
Valerius is incomparable, indomitable, and I would never seek to dim his brilliance. Should I falter, I would certainly be deserving of whatever misery you might deliver.
Valerius is incomparable, indomitable, and I would never seek to dim his brilliance. Should I falter, I would certainly be deserving of whatever misery you might deliver.
Written By Lianne
Nov. 26, 2018, 11:24 p.m.(1/24/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Reading your laughter, I can hear it still, nearly maniacal. Perhaps simply giddy, matching my own excitement. I'm fairly certain I ought to be more afraid than I am, but I rather find myself looking forward to this.
I blame the snow. When one looks out at all that endless white for so long, it's easy to lose sense of time, place, self. I may be momentarily mad.
I blame the snow. When one looks out at all that endless white for so long, it's easy to lose sense of time, place, self. I may be momentarily mad.
Written By Lianne
Nov. 9, 2018, 9:53 a.m.(12/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I don't know that I've ever been prone to frolicking, but I will credit my inner child with the sense of wonder, curiosity and shameless bravery which are required to be a good and proper scientist. Were I to leave those qualities unchecked by rationality, patience and a due touch of caution, I'm not certain I could consider that child inner at all, but were I all logic and reason, neither could I properly call myself scientist.
Should I ever find some desire to frolic bubbling up unbidden, I will send word along to assure your data is complete and correct.
Should I ever find some desire to frolic bubbling up unbidden, I will send word along to assure your data is complete and correct.
Written By Lianne
Oct. 30, 2018, 2:06 p.m.(11/25/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Such a strange gift, what found its way to me today with your words.
I am reminded of how you loved to provoke and challenge, how naturally those habits paired with your brilliance and warmth.
You are missed and fondly remembered today, though I make no promises about rising to this particular challenge.
I am reminded of how you loved to provoke and challenge, how naturally those habits paired with your brilliance and warmth.
You are missed and fondly remembered today, though I make no promises about rising to this particular challenge.
Written By Lianne
Oct. 22, 2018, 7:34 p.m.(11/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Vayne
A poor premise upon which to discuss the point I believe you desire to explore.
You lead with a very tricky word. Required. Am I required by oath sworn to my duchess, my archduchess, the crown? If so, this is a discussion of oathbreaking. Will we break our oaths to do what we believe is right even knowing that oathbreaking is wrong in and of itself?
Even leaving that particular point aside, the problem you present is not entirely unfamiliar to some of us. There are solutions beyond acquiescence and dismissal.
To your actual question, then. Yes, of course. One lesser grievous act to spare others the consequences of another. We do this all the time to varying degrees of terribleness, choosing between two awful things in the hopes that whatever we choose might do more good than harm. Life presents very few straightforward solutions. We make the best of our difficulties and grow from them.
You lead with a very tricky word. Required. Am I required by oath sworn to my duchess, my archduchess, the crown? If so, this is a discussion of oathbreaking. Will we break our oaths to do what we believe is right even knowing that oathbreaking is wrong in and of itself?
Even leaving that particular point aside, the problem you present is not entirely unfamiliar to some of us. There are solutions beyond acquiescence and dismissal.
To your actual question, then. Yes, of course. One lesser grievous act to spare others the consequences of another. We do this all the time to varying degrees of terribleness, choosing between two awful things in the hopes that whatever we choose might do more good than harm. Life presents very few straightforward solutions. We make the best of our difficulties and grow from them.
Written By Lianne
Aug. 6, 2018, 4:25 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Spring is when I breathe again, when I set aside all the memories which keep me warm and lonely through the winter and rejoin society. As much as I ever do.
Spring presents possibility.
Hope.
Spring presents possibility.
Hope.
Written By Lianne
July 23, 2018, 12:02 a.m.(4/1/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
When I was reluctant, you gave me courage. Permission, in a way. A gentle nudge which has led to so much good. I am immensely grateful.
Written By Lianne
July 22, 2018, 11:35 p.m.(4/1/1009 AR)
Winter in Arx always makes a recluse of me. I think, each year, that I will be stronger than the cold weather and long nights, that I will find some fire within myself to get through the cruel cold, yet every winter sees me shut in all the same.
With the world warming once more, I find my energy again and resume my place among the living.
With the world warming once more, I find my energy again and resume my place among the living.
Written By Lianne
June 1, 2018, 1:51 p.m.(11/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Oliver
You must know different dogs than I do.
Written By Lianne
May 29, 2018, 11:37 p.m.(11/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
Three years and five months, I've had this blade, this lovely dagger you gave me with the expectation that I would learn how to use it. Three years and five months, I have kept this blade without once bothering with lessons despite the numerous times I carried it with me as we ventured off somewhere awful.
Today, I made some honest effort to learn how to hold it, how to swing and stab and not be utterly useless should I ever have cause to draw the thing. I still mean to never find reason, but I do feel some odd sort of ease at finally making good. I think you would have been pleased, to some small degree, with both myself and my instructor, though he tells me I ought to find another if I mean to be at all proficient with its use.
Still, it's a start. Long overdue.
Today, I made some honest effort to learn how to hold it, how to swing and stab and not be utterly useless should I ever have cause to draw the thing. I still mean to never find reason, but I do feel some odd sort of ease at finally making good. I think you would have been pleased, to some small degree, with both myself and my instructor, though he tells me I ought to find another if I mean to be at all proficient with its use.
Still, it's a start. Long overdue.
Written By Lianne
May 21, 2018, 2:52 p.m.(10/13/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
The objective truth of any given answer is not necessarily relevant. We learn either way. Not simply of the other's trustworthiness, but more importantly what they choose to show, how they wish to present themselves. That is telling in and of itself. We don't always lie to deceive. Sometimes, a lie is a hope, a belief that we might, for a moment, be something other than we are. Let people be as they desire to be seen. There is always a truth in that.
Written By Lianne
May 20, 2018, 8:47 p.m.(10/12/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
What makes you smile?
What breaks your heart?
What breaks your heart?
Written By Lianne
May 16, 2018, 11:34 a.m.(10/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassius
Three years ago, Cassius addressed me in his whites by saying, "I would write 'thank you', but doing one's duty should be expected, not thanked."
All of you writing about my cousin-in-law, all of you sharing sentiments about how short life is and how tragic his loss is, I do hope you are well-aware of how empty the mourned man would find all that. If you wish to honor Duke Cassius Pravus, go out there and serve. Do what needs to be done. Give your time to Gild and the Gods. That's how he ought to be remembered.
All of you writing about my cousin-in-law, all of you sharing sentiments about how short life is and how tragic his loss is, I do hope you are well-aware of how empty the mourned man would find all that. If you wish to honor Duke Cassius Pravus, go out there and serve. Do what needs to be done. Give your time to Gild and the Gods. That's how he ought to be remembered.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.