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Written By Ember

Sept. 23, 2020, 10:44 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

I had my ladies put out the word that I was interested in learning more about a topic that struck an idle fancy, solely based upon name.

I should know better than to indulge idle fancies. Such is Arx. Turning over a stone is only rarely perilous, but it is never once merely one stone turning over.

Written By Emberly

Sept. 23, 2020, 9:51 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

I have been writing in preparation for the poetry contest.
I wonder if these are any good.

The Dragons wings
spread open to fly
they wrap and unfurl
in the winter's sky.

The Dragons wings
mighty are they
drawn around me
it is here they will stay.

Safely protecting
Loving true
the Dragons wings hold
until dawn anew.

Kissing
Cuddling
Touching more
the fire within
starting to soar.

The Dragons wings
True, they Dream
Fiercely bold
to the Maiden he holds.

============================================>

Written By Zyanya

Sept. 23, 2020, 6:55 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

Winter is

the moon come down
to rest upon the pond
reminding us the red fish
sleeping beneath are safe
until the breath of spring
comes again.

the last note of the year
held so long, so high
the ear cannot hear it
but our bones can.

the frost cast from naked branches
on wind that also carries my hope
for you.

Written By Sapphira

Sept. 23, 2020, 1:33 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Oddmun

I can hardly believe how swiftly the months have flown since the beginning of courtship between Oddmun and myself. We are very excited for the day that marriage negotiations might finally begin in earnest. I hope and pray that this wonder and joy might follow us all through our lives together, till we are old and grey, and beyond.

He worries some, I think, that he might be asked to join Whitehawk, instead of the other way around. His faith in the spirits of his forbears is strong, but he does also acknowledge the Pantheon as I do. Still, it is a point of concern to him. I do my best to reassure him, but think perhaps it might not hurt to seek out those of the Faith who might be able to set his spirit at ease on this matter.

My beloved surprised me with two gifts, both very precious as they were from the heart. First, he vowed fidelity to me in Limerance's name, with his silver ring with sunset-hued Gemecittan quartz left upon my hand as a token. He did not have to do so, as I never once doubted his heart, nor do I wish him to ever have cause to doubt mine. Still, though, I look down at the ring upon my hand and smile, as it is a piece of him present with me at times we needs must be apart.

The other gift was a courser from his stables. We took a ride to his home, and I had a chance to see some of the horses he had been training. They were magnificent creatures, all of them, and I could see the pride, joy, and love he has put into breeding and training every single one of them. But one, a perlino mare of perhaps about four years old, took to me right away. It was rather surprising, but a pleasant surprise. Needless to say, she found a home with me. I've called her Zephyr, for her gentle temperament, like a balmy summer's breeze. Too, her light coloration reminds me of puffy white clouds kissed by a summer's dawn. The name suits. I look forward to many rides out and about, with as many of those in the company of my beloved as possible. It delights me to no end it is another thing we can both take joy in together.

Written By Samira

Sept. 23, 2020, 1:14 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Porter

We do! A particularly determined and fierce one, too. Who knew being a giant could be so invigorating?

(By 'fierce', I mean fiercely helpful, of course.)

Written By Talwyn

Sept. 23, 2020, 1:07 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

<<A half-torn page of parchment.

It's covered in musical notes.

Half-written compositions.

Each one starts off promising.

And just suddenly stops.>>

Written By Calista

Sept. 23, 2020, 1:04 a.m.(1/27/1014 AR)

The Tale of the Maiden's Blush Rose. (According to my nannies)

Once upon a time, in a land not too far away (Tor), there lived a beautiful Duchess named Giancinta Fidante. On the day the Duchess learned she was with child, she immediately proclaimed to her loved ones and family staff that she and her beloved husband, Duke Marcus, would be having a baby girl. They were already parents to a strong and handsome boy named Leo. Giancinta was convinced of this and nothing would change her mind. As a gift to their duchess, the Fidante gardeners and renown apothecaries created a rose in honor of the Duchess’ unborn child. The delicate pink rose which deepens in color as it blooms was called the “Calista Rose” - Most Beautiful Rose.

The Duchess was so moved by this gesture that every day when she would tend to the garden, she would cut a long stemmed Calista Rose from the bush and lightly trace over the swell of her belly while singing a song she composed, also called the “calista rose”. It has been said this is a song of protection for unborn and newborn babies. All over Tor, new mothers can be heard singing the song Giancinta wrote. The Duchess commented how spending time in the company of these roses gave her a sense of elation. She felt a delicate bliss and calm wash over her.

When the Duchess gave birth to her daughter, she was aptly named Calista Rose and the rose itself was nicknamed ‘Maiden’s Blush’ for the newborn’s rosy cheeks. They are a hearty bloom, withstanding different climates and environments and bear a tender, floral scent.

Written By Jaenelle

Sept. 22, 2020, 7:16 p.m.(1/26/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Khanne

My dearest and most favorite person named Duchess Khanne Halfshav (whom I have given the middle name of Gladys Herbert Pebble), the best part of winter in Arx is dragging a small boat to the highest peak of the capital above the boroughs, getting in the small boat, and sliding all the way down without plummeting to your death.

It is wandering around the maze on the Velenosa grounds, completely lost in frosted covered hedges, having only foot prints of previously wrong turns as your guide.

The stillness of my favorite pool, iced over and trapped in a moment of perfection.

Arx is quite beautiful, even covered in snow.

Written By Sydney

Sept. 22, 2020, 2:04 p.m.(1/26/1014 AR)

I'm hardly a tactician - especially when it comes to the heat of the moment. Dangle an objective in front of my nose, and I'll clamber over anything and everything to twist and wrench the solution in to the one that requires the least friction. Those that know even the first thing of who I am can guess what my initial gut reaction is when faced with adversity, and I'll not even bother to deny it. In my own defense:

Sometimes, there is no correct solution. Sometimes, the correct path forward is plowing straight ahead, leaping into the fray, and preventing the situation from getting worse. There is much to be said about catching an opponent off of their guard with something they weren't anticipating.

Too many times have I seen people lunge headlong into awful circumstances, so I can see the knee-jerk reaction that carefully considering an outcome is always the best approach - but I've also seen fights won before they could even start because one party acted so out of the ordinary that it defied everything that their opponent had prepared for.

Sometimes the surest way to win a high-stakes game of cards against a master player is a well-placed kick to the teeth.

Written By Porter

Sept. 22, 2020, 12:58 p.m.(1/26/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Samira

We make an excellent giant! FOR HELPING.

Written By Cassimir

Sept. 22, 2020, 12:57 p.m.(1/26/1014 AR)

For all the times I've ghosted these halls, scholar, you have never once taken a statement from me. Perhaps that makes me selfish, hoarding away all information in my head, sharing with only the few people I believe deserve to know it. I don't know what has possessed me to sit here with you now, on this nonspecific morning. We'll call it a spark of inspiration.

I discovered yesterday eve that two people I care for very much are alive and well after thinking them deceased for nigh upon six years. We grew up together in similarly adverse situations, and by extension were very close. I am sharing this personal news in the hopes that it may inspire others who may be looking for someone or something to learn from the errors in judgement I have made. I had every reason to believe the circumstances of their disappearance were suspicious and false, but never took the opportunity to seek them out of my own volition.

Never give up hope that what you're missing is out there, just waiting for you to summon the courage to venture forth and find it.

Written By Aine

Sept. 22, 2020, 12:57 p.m.(1/26/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Khanne

I don't usually participate in these sort of opinion-sharing journal posts as I would much rather mindlessly copy others while pretending I'm being original, but as it is my sister who asks...

The smells. The snow tends to dampen the bad ones, and the good ones are woodsmoke and hot beverages and crisp, clean air. If I absolutely must go outside, that's what I like best.

Written By Eirene

Sept. 22, 2020, 10:24 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

Relationship Note on Fidel

I don't know who he is but based on his 'I've arrived in Arx' announcement, I already want to punch him.

Written By Selene

Sept. 22, 2020, 10:18 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

I praise Mistress Mirella oft, but I need to praise her anon for the tireless commitment she makes to all things good.

A fast friend, a bright mind, a keen and dark wit. A woman could not ask for better in her life, and I am humbly enriched by her.

Written By Gerrick

Sept. 22, 2020, 9:50 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

Many fail to see the beauty that is directly in front of them. Complaining about the cold, missing out on the wildness and enjoyment that is a lovely night time stroll through the winter wonderland that is before us. A peaceful stillness that envelopes the world. Allowing our eyes to see new beauty.

Written By Gwenna

Sept. 22, 2020, 9:45 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

Sometimes smacking my forehead isn't quite enough in response to some things. Yet, it seems a habit I have trouble breaking and even managed to bruise myself this week doing as much.

Written By Zyanya

Sept. 22, 2020, 5:11 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

On Grieving

These stones,
which never touched your feet
now touch mine;
the shape traced beneath my toe
you will never feel, or see.
Moss-smell, rock-smell, salt-smell,
lungs full as yours cannot be,
I am carried.

Between sand and surf and sea
I abide on this line, palms lifted,
and pray this wind in my hands
once touched yours.

Written By Ophne

Sept. 22, 2020, 3:03 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

Winter reminds me of the north, where the snow loved the mountains and forests so much that it would kiss them gently and wrap them safe and warm beneath an imperfect quilt of white. Home -- a magical snow-globe world that I have missed to the core of my being. I am glad that winter has come now to Arx.

Written By Medeia

Sept. 22, 2020, 2:22 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

Sometimes an answer you've been seeking for years is sitting on the couch in front of the hearth at the bar just across the way from your home.

Sometimes.

Written By Iseulet

Sept. 22, 2020, 2:02 a.m.(1/25/1014 AR)

I know he's out there reading - and I guess this is my fondest of goodbyes. I will always hold a candle for you, even until it burns my hand. And when the light has long since gone... I will be there in the darkness holding what remains, quite simply because I cannot let go.

Know that I didn’t love you to seek revenge. I didn’t love you out of loneliness or unhappiness. I didn’t love you for any of the misguided reasons that time might convince you I did. I just loved you because you’re you.

I suppose this really is the end of our story together.

Almost.

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