Written By Gwenna
Nov. 21, 2020, 7:13 a.m.(6/6/1014 AR)
Our endeavors to help settle the Eurusi refugees around Farhaven, lead by Princess Marian, went well. Change rarely goes smoothly in the beginning, but I hope with some time and understanding, things will eventually blossom. This was a different experience for me, as matters of diplomacy were handled by others. It gave me a chance to focus, instead, on relations with the leaders and merchants around our home city. More manager than peacemaker, I suppose, but such skills are equally as important in situations like this. It was wonderful to see my mother, even if our stop at the castle was rather brief. We did bring Prince Jorah with us - who will be two in just a few months - and I think it delighted her to get some time with him while we were off doing our duties.
All told, it was a successful trip I suppose.
All told, it was a successful trip I suppose.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 12, 2020, 7:16 p.m.(5/16/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
When I was new to the city of Arx, and had been a Voice for the House only a few months, I had requested to speak with then-Father Orazio, Legate of Concepts, Shield of the Faith, about a marriage contract. He graciously invited me to brunch with him to review the matter. The contract was the first one I had ever helped oversee, and while the language is often rather predictable with such, I hoped for his wisdom, insight, and hopeful blessing. The betrothal was a love-match, and I suspect to this day that His Grace sent me into the mouth of the proverbial lion's den knowing full well how /that/ would go over. Which, as I half-expected, it did not.
What was wonderful was that we discussed it and while we both had different views, he didn't make me feel like the stance was patently wrong or misguided. He was someone that I believe often told people not what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. I left that meeting feeling like he felt I had promise, and if I kept growing and learning, I might have a bright future in Arx. I never told him how hopeful that made me feel that day, and how it eased my worries about being a good Voice for House Redrain a little bit. We never really crossed paths again after that, beyond Assemblies or other meetings of the sort, and I always meant to reach out again to speak - but time has a way of slipping through our fingers when we think we have all the time in the world.
I regret very much that I never thanked him for his kindness and conversation, or told him how it impacted me. I will hold fast to the memory of a quiet morning and lively discussion, and of tea and brunch with the man who surely changed no few lives during his own.
I mourn his loss, and I mourn for those who were lost fighting against these terrible attacks against Faith, House, and Compact. Though, too, I am grateful that many, my dear friends among them, escaped with their lives.
What was wonderful was that we discussed it and while we both had different views, he didn't make me feel like the stance was patently wrong or misguided. He was someone that I believe often told people not what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. I left that meeting feeling like he felt I had promise, and if I kept growing and learning, I might have a bright future in Arx. I never told him how hopeful that made me feel that day, and how it eased my worries about being a good Voice for House Redrain a little bit. We never really crossed paths again after that, beyond Assemblies or other meetings of the sort, and I always meant to reach out again to speak - but time has a way of slipping through our fingers when we think we have all the time in the world.
I regret very much that I never thanked him for his kindness and conversation, or told him how it impacted me. I will hold fast to the memory of a quiet morning and lively discussion, and of tea and brunch with the man who surely changed no few lives during his own.
I mourn his loss, and I mourn for those who were lost fighting against these terrible attacks against Faith, House, and Compact. Though, too, I am grateful that many, my dear friends among them, escaped with their lives.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 2, 2020, 7:32 p.m.(4/24/1014 AR)
I have attended, or been a part of, no few meetings since coming to Arx. It became expected, of course, and my mother ensured I had years of lessons to prepare me for such duties. Rarely have I held meetings that didn't involve a tallying of numbers, or comparison of ledgers and taxes.
Assisting His Grace in our recent meeting, having called our banners, was outside of my comfort zone a little. I am not well-versed in matters of military and war, so a meeting all about those exact things...well. Thankfully, our gracious allies - Sir Preston of the Templars, and Archduchess Belladonna and Princess Gabriella of House Pravus - were able to join us and share their experiences and insights. I'm so very grateful to each of them, as well as to those from our fealty who attended and offered their own valuable words and insights, too.
I think we all came away knowing more than we arrived with, and with hope in our hearts as we prepare for the upcoming battles.
Assisting His Grace in our recent meeting, having called our banners, was outside of my comfort zone a little. I am not well-versed in matters of military and war, so a meeting all about those exact things...well. Thankfully, our gracious allies - Sir Preston of the Templars, and Archduchess Belladonna and Princess Gabriella of House Pravus - were able to join us and share their experiences and insights. I'm so very grateful to each of them, as well as to those from our fealty who attended and offered their own valuable words and insights, too.
I think we all came away knowing more than we arrived with, and with hope in our hearts as we prepare for the upcoming battles.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 1, 2020, 7:21 a.m.(4/21/1014 AR)
I attended my first Mirror Masquerade since coming to Arx and it certainly did not disappoint. A huge affair, unsurprisingly, the outfits and masks on display were as much a feast for the eyes as the drinks were to the palate. To the person in the silver scaled lady's mask, thank you for plucking me from the crowds to make conversation. It helped make it a truly delightful evening. I did not brave more than a few passing glances at the mirrors, and am yet undecided if I regret that or not. Still, it was a lovely evening and I am grateful duties allowed me to finally attend one. I am already considering what sort of theme to have next year's ensemble be inspired by.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 30, 2020, 10:57 a.m.(4/17/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I tend to use 'snowballs' or 'son of a motherless bear,' but I suppose those are more expletives than things I say specifically for nonsense. My father used 'bearshit' often, and would laugh or roll his eyes after saying it - sometimes both!
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 25, 2020, 7:21 a.m.(4/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I would follow my High Lord into the jaws of the Abyss itself, to borrow his words, if he asked. I have been incredibly fortunate to meet no few leaders in the Compact, and each has their own way of leading. Some of them, I might also follow, but with Darren? I suppose I must admit some bias. We've had our disagreements over the years, of course, as family is prone to do. Leading the North is no easy task and he balances the will of his people with the will of the world so well. I sincerely admire him for that ability.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 14, 2020, 7:31 p.m.(3/14/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
What about fishing, in regard to a hobby? In a lake or something not as vehement as the sea? Calm waters, simple instruments, quiet, and something that can be done fairly easily across most of Arvum. As well, it can be done alone or along with a friend or two - depends on your mood, really. I mean, you could do some official business as well, rather than holing up in a library, but it'll probably be more enjoyable if you don't.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 12, 2020, 8:10 a.m.(3/9/1014 AR)
The wedding reception for Princess Adrienne and Prince Sebastian certainly did not disappoint! It was a true feast, for the eyes as well as the spirit and, of course, the stomach. Duties delayed my arrival, but I'm quite glad that I wasn't dreadfully late. Both the bride and groom looked beyond stunning, and I have no doubt their partnership will be a strong and storied one. It was nice to see so many familiar faces gathered together to celebrate this exceptional event.
I think I may even be getting a taste for Setarco Fire! In small doses, for it has an intriguing kick to it that sneaks up on a person.
I think I may even be getting a taste for Setarco Fire! In small doses, for it has an intriguing kick to it that sneaks up on a person.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 5, 2020, 7:37 p.m.(2/24/1014 AR)
The Southern Style Musical Celebration at the Amphitheater in the Pravus Ward was a truly inspiring event! I wondered aloud if there was anything that Nina Autumndale can /not/ do. Her performance was extraordinary, as was the wonderful company that I had the great fortune to watch the event with. I can hardly wait to see what the next event may bring - each just seems to delight more than the last.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 1, 2020, 7:09 p.m.(2/16/1014 AR)
Quite often, duties and politics bring people across your path that you might not otherwise have gotten to know - at least beyond polite nods and greetings at social events and Assemblies. Sometimes, those people are so much more than you expected (though perhaps should have) and become friends. Warm and intelligent individuals that you look forward to seeing again, regardless of occasion. I feel like I've been quite fortunate the past couple of months in that regard and couldn't be more grateful.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 29, 2020, 5:52 p.m.(2/12/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Bahiya
Should anyone be of an inclination to suggest as much to you, please do send them my way. Not, of course, that I think you need such from me. I just want to have the pleasure of discussing the matter with someone of that sort.
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 Gwenna
Sept. 16, 2020, 4:22 p.m.(1/14/1014 AR)
Despite it being winter, which makes travel difficult, I find myself longing to be in Farhaven. I feel a need to walk through the forests, with nothing but the sounds of snow falling or the occasional scurrying animal to disturb my thoughts. I want to spend an evening working on tapestries with my mother and listening to stories told around the fire. She is a formidable woman, but also warm and full of good advice when I need it most. I suppose I'm just a bit homesick, with winter having come to Arx.
Or maybe it's something deeper that I just can't quite put my finger on yet.
Or maybe it's something deeper that I just can't quite put my finger on yet.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 14, 2020, 8:57 a.m.(1/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
None of my expensive slippers seem safe from Stompy. You, indeed, trained him well.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 6, 2020, 9:51 p.m.(12/22/1013 AR)
The Grand Opening of the Pravus Ward was an affair I will not soon forget. The wine, the company, and the ward itself (I admit to getting a little lost so was able to explore more than I had intended to, at first) were truly a feast for the eyes and spirit. Conversations with extended family, old friends and new, were diverse and quite enjoyable. Nina Autumndale's fan favors were all so stunning, it was hard to choose just one. I'm going to place mine in the Redrain Grand Library as a reminder of the event. I even danced competitively! Except not really, but sort of. All told, it was a grand time and I am grateful for such generous hospitality and fun.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 6, 2020, 2:49 p.m.(12/22/1013 AR)
I am now on the path to become the best cloak-thrower this city has ever seen! Well, maybe that the villa has ever seen. Or Lorenzo has ever seen. Baby steps.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 29, 2020, 6:54 a.m.(12/5/1013 AR)
Honeysilk! It is absolutely gorgeous and I can hardly wait to turn this gloriously-hued fabric into something to wear. The question, of course, is what and if I have any jewelry appropriate enough to wear with it. I've also mused lately on seeking out an artisan or two in the city in regard to doing some modeling. I generally just patronize my favorite shops and request a thing or two crafted there, but maybe assisting someone - should they want that sort of thing - would also be helpful.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 24, 2020, 8:50 a.m.(11/23/1013 AR)
The Valardin Rite to Gloria Jousting event was a stunning display of skill! The matches were exquisite to watch and I was unaware how very skilled so many people are at such. The matches were almost always quite close, to the point that I wasn't sure who the winner was until it was announced. Truly, I am still rather awed by the memories.
As well, I managed to get a pouch with my cousin, Lady Jael, as the featured riding pair! Rather than hide away this memory and darling figurine, I've put it on display in the Redrain Great Library off the Northlands Arena in the ward. This way, the event might always be remembered and the workmanship of the piece admired by more than just myself.
As well, I managed to get a pouch with my cousin, Lady Jael, as the featured riding pair! Rather than hide away this memory and darling figurine, I've put it on display in the Redrain Great Library off the Northlands Arena in the ward. This way, the event might always be remembered and the workmanship of the piece admired by more than just myself.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 18, 2020, 7:33 p.m.(11/12/1013 AR)
I am no great artist, nor do I often even paint much, but one project I like to do is painting the map of Arvum on tables and sending them as gifts. The world is changing, though, and new lands are being discovered - if not explicitly mapped out - and it's my hope to update my own template for these things. Maybe notes about the rivers and seas...details that will be difficult given my skills, but an endeavor I am hopeful to complete.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 10, 2020, 9:59 a.m.(10/23/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Katryn
First, I am honored that anyone might have equated my actions with the quill as something akin to defeating evil. Truly, it was a group effort, with nearly all of the credit and praise due to Sir Austen and the men of the King's Own he lead in Sungreet. Second, I now feel like my quill needs a proper name.
That all said, I'd be happy to share the story over tea sometime!
That all said, I'd be happy to share the story over tea sometime!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.