Written By Leta
April 17, 2017, 12:02 a.m.(4/15/1006 AR)
I went out to see my folk, and they are safe and sound for the time being, not counting my brother, who keeps going to the Lowers for drink and such and maybe a sweetheart. But that's fine.
I've not been doing much, between helping some folk or another on their patrols, or doing a job or two for coin. Folk still need guards and such in these days, perhaps more than usual even. Some think a bit much of themselves, though. It would be bad for business if they were to read this, but I don't think any Bringer or demon lord's going to care enough to send killers after them. But if they've got the coin, I've got the steel. I ought to get back to practice more, though, it's been a while since I've had a good workout.
I've not been doing much, between helping some folk or another on their patrols, or doing a job or two for coin. Folk still need guards and such in these days, perhaps more than usual even. Some think a bit much of themselves, though. It would be bad for business if they were to read this, but I don't think any Bringer or demon lord's going to care enough to send killers after them. But if they've got the coin, I've got the steel. I ought to get back to practice more, though, it's been a while since I've had a good workout.
Written By Leta
April 16, 2017, 4:46 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
I'm no scholar and I'm no godsworn, so I don't know about such things. It just sounds to me like Brand needs to get himself laid. Some wine, or maybe some haze if that's his preference, and good company and good cheer, and dancing with such folk as he likes, and then someone oughta bang him like a war drum, right and proper.
Enemies who want to conquer the world to have an army of slaves and such, that makes some sense to me. Enemies who want to end everything cause the world's too noisy, as I'm told that's what a cacophony means, well they're just not right in the head.
Enemies who want to conquer the world to have an army of slaves and such, that makes some sense to me. Enemies who want to end everything cause the world's too noisy, as I'm told that's what a cacophony means, well they're just not right in the head.
Written By Leta
April 9, 2017, 9:41 p.m.(3/28/1006 AR)
I apologize to the Scholars and any folk reading my entries about that last song, if it causes offense.
I know the siege and everything is a serious matter. I thought I'd write the song down here anyway, as I was told Vellichor likes to keep a record of all kinds of things. And that way whoever is to come in the future may know about such songs as we sing during the siege. There are songs that are better and aren't rude. This is just mine and it's meant to make folk laugh and lift their spirits.
I know the siege and everything is a serious matter. I thought I'd write the song down here anyway, as I was told Vellichor likes to keep a record of all kinds of things. And that way whoever is to come in the future may know about such songs as we sing during the siege. There are songs that are better and aren't rude. This is just mine and it's meant to make folk laugh and lift their spirits.
Written By Leta
April 9, 2017, 8:57 p.m.(3/28/1006 AR)
A song for the Bringers.
So I hear an army's out there,
But they don't sound disciplined,
Or it could well be my tummy,
Or a rumor in the wind,
'Cause I was told that this foe,
Is as silent as a mouse.
But a soldier that don't curse
Is not welcome in my house.
So get the fuck out of our city
Slip away without a sound,
Get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll make you cry for mercy,
And then grab another round!
And I hear that they got powers,
But our gods stand here with us,
And to the Bringers' ugly faces,
Every sound I make's a cuss.
For our walls are high and mighty,
And our steel is strong and true,
And we have ale and we have bread,
To last us the whole year through.
So get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll beat you like you're drums,
And then call for one more round.
And in war as in pie eating,
It's the one who's fed that wins,
And our warehouses are packed,
With a thousand tons of beans.
So if it's Silence on their banner,
And they want us to be quiet,
They can cut my tongue or close my mouth.
'Cause the other end's a riot.
So you'll hear me yell out courage,
For I know this too shall pass,
And if Bringers follow Silence,
I shall break it with my ass!
So I hear an army's out there,
But they don't sound disciplined,
Or it could well be my tummy,
Or a rumor in the wind,
'Cause I was told that this foe,
Is as silent as a mouse.
But a soldier that don't curse
Is not welcome in my house.
So get the fuck out of our city
Slip away without a sound,
Get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll make you cry for mercy,
And then grab another round!
And I hear that they got powers,
But our gods stand here with us,
And to the Bringers' ugly faces,
Every sound I make's a cuss.
For our walls are high and mighty,
And our steel is strong and true,
And we have ale and we have bread,
To last us the whole year through.
So get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll beat you like you're drums,
And then call for one more round.
And in war as in pie eating,
It's the one who's fed that wins,
And our warehouses are packed,
With a thousand tons of beans.
So if it's Silence on their banner,
And they want us to be quiet,
They can cut my tongue or close my mouth.
'Cause the other end's a riot.
So you'll hear me yell out courage,
For I know this too shall pass,
And if Bringers follow Silence,
I shall break it with my ass!
Written By Leta
April 2, 2017, 8:36 p.m.(3/14/1006 AR)
I've a new pair of boots. They're made from the skin of some big southern river lizard, and they're the finest pair I've ever owned. I don't know if it's true that the lizard is poisonous or not, or that it can eat cows whole, but the beast's skin makes for good boots.
I like such well-made things, though sometimes I wonder if I ought to buy them. I've the coin for it, and the means to get my hands on fancy hides. These days with all the fighting, though, I've few things that don't need to be mended. The padding I can mend myself, the rest's harder.
It's still worth it. If I die, it won't be because some Shav with a knife stabbed me in the ankle. And also, if I die, I'll go wearing a pair of very fine boots, and that's a better death than some.
I like such well-made things, though sometimes I wonder if I ought to buy them. I've the coin for it, and the means to get my hands on fancy hides. These days with all the fighting, though, I've few things that don't need to be mended. The padding I can mend myself, the rest's harder.
It's still worth it. If I die, it won't be because some Shav with a knife stabbed me in the ankle. And also, if I die, I'll go wearing a pair of very fine boots, and that's a better death than some.
Written By Leta
March 26, 2017, 10:24 p.m.(2/28/1006 AR)
I've been trying to write songs again, seeing as I can't find any written that talk of the things I want to talk about. I've been reading too, or trying to, books of poems and such. I'm no good with words yet, there's plenty I don't know. But there's some words I like, I'm finding, and I aim to use them in a poem or another. When this is over, if I've hands to write or a tongue to say them to a scholar who'll write them for me.
It's a time for wonders, and maybe some day I'll be good enough and know the proper words to sing of it.
But I just need the one word for the song I'm trying to write now. But I fear it's not much of a poem if I just repeat it again and again.
Serafine,
Serafine,
Serafine.
It rhymes.
Put this in my journal please, hope the courier doesn't get killed.
I'm a bit drunk, but I hear I have to sober soon.
It's a time for wonders, and maybe some day I'll be good enough and know the proper words to sing of it.
But I just need the one word for the song I'm trying to write now. But I fear it's not much of a poem if I just repeat it again and again.
Serafine,
Serafine,
Serafine.
It rhymes.
Put this in my journal please, hope the courier doesn't get killed.
I'm a bit drunk, but I hear I have to sober soon.
Written By Leta
March 24, 2017, 12:32 p.m.(2/24/1006 AR)
(In the sloppiest of handwritings.)
In celebration of our victory.
There once was a giant so tall
That its ass was once bound to enthrall,
But the poor misbegotten
Creature was so rotten
When it died it had no ass at all.
In celebration of our victory.
There once was a giant so tall
That its ass was once bound to enthrall,
But the poor misbegotten
Creature was so rotten
When it died it had no ass at all.
Written By Leta
March 19, 2017, 9:13 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
Off to battle, then. Got all my things sorted, all my kit clean and mended, blades sharpened and so forth. I even had my lute tuned. I talked to my folk in case I don't come back, to see to it they're taken care of for a while. Still got enough silver for that. My woman doesn't need anyone to take care of her, and she'll be at the front, same as me. But I worry for her anyhow, whether she's hurt or I am.
But enough about that.
But enough about that.
Written By Leta
March 19, 2017, 8:05 p.m.(2/14/1006 AR)
There was a nice celebration of sorts, for the opening of Princess Valencia's Golden Hart. I'm not much of a gambler, other than to pass the time sometimes, on the road and such. There's other ways to pass the time, and I like those better, but a little bit of dice or cards can be good fun, and I wager I've won more silver than I've lost, over the years.
No gambling, this time, though there was a tournament and I could have bet on that. I think I'd have lost, though, so it's a good thing I didn't bet at all. It was a good show.
I liked the drinks too. I liked them all, to tell the truth, but the wine called Hot Blush was quite fancy, and I did enjoy Mistress Valery's tea quite a bit. Maybe I drank a bit too much of the whole lot, but I was feeling pretty warm on my way home, and that was a comfort..
No gambling, this time, though there was a tournament and I could have bet on that. I think I'd have lost, though, so it's a good thing I didn't bet at all. It was a good show.
I liked the drinks too. I liked them all, to tell the truth, but the wine called Hot Blush was quite fancy, and I did enjoy Mistress Valery's tea quite a bit. Maybe I drank a bit too much of the whole lot, but I was feeling pretty warm on my way home, and that was a comfort..
Written By Leta
March 12, 2017, 5:43 p.m.(1/28/1006 AR)
There's strange and important things going on, but I'm sure people of the Faith and scholarly minds will write about these matters. No one wants to read my thoughts about it.
I'm now sworn to House Velenosa, oath and all. Never thought I'd do that, but there's reasons higher than silver, and so I did. I thought it would feel different, and maybe it does, but just a little. I am trying to learn some Lycene songs and dances. It's not much, but I don't rightly know where else to start. I like silks and I like wine already. Maybe I ought to look into etiquette lessons.
I haven't told my folk. Not that my parents got anything against House Velenosa. It's just they'll worry. Folk have ideas about the different Houses, and sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong.
I'm now sworn to House Velenosa, oath and all. Never thought I'd do that, but there's reasons higher than silver, and so I did. I thought it would feel different, and maybe it does, but just a little. I am trying to learn some Lycene songs and dances. It's not much, but I don't rightly know where else to start. I like silks and I like wine already. Maybe I ought to look into etiquette lessons.
I haven't told my folk. Not that my parents got anything against House Velenosa. It's just they'll worry. Folk have ideas about the different Houses, and sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong.
Written By Leta
March 5, 2017, 10:37 p.m.(1/15/1006 AR)
The King is awake. I've heard some folk wonder at this. Why now? And I'm no scholar to answer, not on matters of unnatural sorceries and elf curses and such. Some folk are suspicious, and these days that's no wonder. But if some stories are coming true, elves and all, why not others? Doesn't take a scholar.
Kings and queens wake up from long sleeps in their subjects' time of need, so it just makes sense if you ask me. For good or ill, we're living in a story of sorts, and folk had best get used to it.
Kings and queens wake up from long sleeps in their subjects' time of need, so it just makes sense if you ask me. For good or ill, we're living in a story of sorts, and folk had best get used to it.
Written By Leta
March 5, 2017, 4:20 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
I've been taking lessons in playing and singing properly from Whisper Calandra. Some folk might say it's an odd time for it, and maybe they're right and I should be minding my bladework instead.
But those things coming to Arx are called the Bringers of Silence, so I think we ought to receive them with some merry Arxian noise. Take your silence and shove it, if you pardon, that's what I say.
We'll have dances and dirges by the time it's over and I aim to be around to play them.
But those things coming to Arx are called the Bringers of Silence, so I think we ought to receive them with some merry Arxian noise. Take your silence and shove it, if you pardon, that's what I say.
We'll have dances and dirges by the time it's over and I aim to be around to play them.
Written By Leta
March 5, 2017, 2:40 a.m.(1/13/1006 AR)
There was a contest sponsored by Princess Jaenelle, a test of physical skill and brawn and cleverness. And I think style counted for something too. I won it.
It was good fun, and the arena was a thing to behold. A whole ship and a pool full of water, built right for it. Maybe I ought to be a pirate, but I don't know a thing about sailing.
I nearly froze my rear off in the water, as I didn't think to bring a spare set of clothes or take off my boots. I won some writs that ought to come in handy. Then I also won another thing, and that's some time with Prince Cicero Velenosa, who gifted me with a piece of steelsilk for my win.
It's a wonderful thing. I'd never seen any before, much less touch it, and now it's mine. It's hardly enough for anything other than looking pretty. But I've got a right to dream of things.
It was good fun, and the arena was a thing to behold. A whole ship and a pool full of water, built right for it. Maybe I ought to be a pirate, but I don't know a thing about sailing.
I nearly froze my rear off in the water, as I didn't think to bring a spare set of clothes or take off my boots. I won some writs that ought to come in handy. Then I also won another thing, and that's some time with Prince Cicero Velenosa, who gifted me with a piece of steelsilk for my win.
It's a wonderful thing. I'd never seen any before, much less touch it, and now it's mine. It's hardly enough for anything other than looking pretty. But I've got a right to dream of things.
Written By Leta
Feb. 27, 2017, 12:08 a.m.(1/1/1006 AR)
I've been thinking about dueling. The truth is I don't always get the point of it, but I know nobles have to worry about their honor and how they're looked at, so they can't very well bear slights and such. That's not too different from some parts of the Boroughs, mind you, but a duel's probably better than a brawl, knives out or not. It makes for a better show, and there's rules to it. Not just unspoken rules, because there's plenty of those everywhere, but it's harder to know where those end.
I've been told a good duel takes care of small things before they grow big, and that's something. And I suppose it's good practice, too. I guess that in a duel, like in a proper fight, you feel like there's more on that line than if you're just knocking steel about, and that puts a little heat in the belly. Not like in a real fight, but close enough that maybe it's something. I have to say I've had the same rush fighting over toy prizes at a festival, but that hardly counts.
But thinking about the role of the gods in it makes my head ache. I think maybe the gods don't care so much about the small things some of these duels are about, but maybe they do. I don't expect I'll ever have to fight in one, but you never know. Life sometimes leads folk down strange roads they never thought they'd walk down.
I've been told a good duel takes care of small things before they grow big, and that's something. And I suppose it's good practice, too. I guess that in a duel, like in a proper fight, you feel like there's more on that line than if you're just knocking steel about, and that puts a little heat in the belly. Not like in a real fight, but close enough that maybe it's something. I have to say I've had the same rush fighting over toy prizes at a festival, but that hardly counts.
But thinking about the role of the gods in it makes my head ache. I think maybe the gods don't care so much about the small things some of these duels are about, but maybe they do. I don't expect I'll ever have to fight in one, but you never know. Life sometimes leads folk down strange roads they never thought they'd walk down.
Written By Leta
Feb. 26, 2017, 10:17 p.m.(1/1/1006 AR)
I've been to a gala, which is a sort of party, in this case to celebrate Archduchess Esera as the Lyceum's mourning's at an end at least for this.
I never did meet the Archduchess. But the gala was properly beautiful and I imagine it was fitting, from what the people there said.
I danced, and in front of a lot of folk, and didn't step on any toes that I know of. I ought to take lessons in dancing, not just the common sort of dancing I'm used to. This kind has got all those steps and tricks to it. I'm not sure there's meant to be caltrops at a dance, but I don't know what's in fashion at the courts of Arvum. I think it was a prank of sorts.
It was a truly interesting party, and that's the truth. And it was very Lycene from what I've heard, but I wouldn't know. I left earlier than I ought to if I wanted to know more, I suppose. I'm not used to some things, but maybe I ought to be now.
I never did meet the Archduchess. But the gala was properly beautiful and I imagine it was fitting, from what the people there said.
I danced, and in front of a lot of folk, and didn't step on any toes that I know of. I ought to take lessons in dancing, not just the common sort of dancing I'm used to. This kind has got all those steps and tricks to it. I'm not sure there's meant to be caltrops at a dance, but I don't know what's in fashion at the courts of Arvum. I think it was a prank of sorts.
It was a truly interesting party, and that's the truth. And it was very Lycene from what I've heard, but I wouldn't know. I left earlier than I ought to if I wanted to know more, I suppose. I'm not used to some things, but maybe I ought to be now.
Written By Leta
Feb. 20, 2017, 12:02 a.m.(12/15/1005 AR)
(Today's handwriting is particularly poor. There are wine-colored stains.)
I've decided I'm to be a warrior bard, such as in the stories with the elves and dragons and such things.
But I only know the one song about the knight and the shepherdess, what with the stick and the sheep, and I don't think that's proper knightly of me, if I'm to try to be a knight. Not that I am. But if I was. There's the one I heard with the cabin boy and that's a good one, but I don't know all the words to that one. I know some wooing songs and that's knightly enough I think. I don't think I'm allowed to practice them on other women, though, just the one. But folk like to hear songs of love even when you're not wooing them, I think.
I'll write my own songs but I'm not much for writing or for thinking of good words when I need them. I'll try.
(Crossed out:
I wish 'twas not my weapons
That my hand was laid upon
And if I had you in our bed
I'd not go out till dawn
Not even if them Bringers
Hammer down the wall right through
Cause if I'm going to be dead
I might as well go down
The crossed out poem mercifully ends in a fat ink blot.)
Written By Leta
Feb. 19, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(12/13/1005 AR)
Took me some time to write this. Finding it harder to, sometimes, knowing some folk might read it, as I've said.
Anyhow, lost some folk I knew. Some were with the Few, and they died to those Bringer things. Some were other folk I knew, though not well. I didn't really lose anyone I'd cry for. But I know some who have. For them I cried a little. Folk die, and that's the plain truth, but it doesn't mean it's any less sad. I'll harden my heart for the killing if I got to. Not for what comes after. I've done my prayers for them too.
I did some other prayers a while back before the battle. Think I'll settle for the prayers I did. Some were hard. I visited the Thirteenth and all, like I said I might. But I didn't see any fighting, so I figure the prayers are still good for it. No reason to bother the gods all over again.
I'm glad we got a regent. If we haven't got a king, we need someone to speak for the king. Make things normal again that way. It's bad enough we got a war going on without folk arguing about this and that and the price of apples.
Anyhow, lost some folk I knew. Some were with the Few, and they died to those Bringer things. Some were other folk I knew, though not well. I didn't really lose anyone I'd cry for. But I know some who have. For them I cried a little. Folk die, and that's the plain truth, but it doesn't mean it's any less sad. I'll harden my heart for the killing if I got to. Not for what comes after. I've done my prayers for them too.
I did some other prayers a while back before the battle. Think I'll settle for the prayers I did. Some were hard. I visited the Thirteenth and all, like I said I might. But I didn't see any fighting, so I figure the prayers are still good for it. No reason to bother the gods all over again.
I'm glad we got a regent. If we haven't got a king, we need someone to speak for the king. Make things normal again that way. It's bad enough we got a war going on without folk arguing about this and that and the price of apples.
Written By Leta
Feb. 12, 2017, 8:50 p.m.(11/28/1005 AR)
I got all my steel cleaned up and ready, and my armor mended. I'm just waiting on the Captain-General's orders or else for things to turn sour, and I'll be ready as ready can be.
Done all my prayers to all the gods, though some were harder than others to think what to ask for or how to honor them. I'm just missing the Thirteenth, but I think I'll go to the shrine and see. Maybe I'll watch other folk, though I'm still not fond of mirrors. I've my own mirror and that's enough.
There's the lost ones too, but I don't know anything about those, so I wouldn't know how to start. I could give some coin to the godsworn that's cleaning the place, but I don't know if I ought to.
I also have to ask what's with things that come in threes, anyway? I've seen a lot of those and it makes a woman think and not in a good way.
Done all my prayers to all the gods, though some were harder than others to think what to ask for or how to honor them. I'm just missing the Thirteenth, but I think I'll go to the shrine and see. Maybe I'll watch other folk, though I'm still not fond of mirrors. I've my own mirror and that's enough.
There's the lost ones too, but I don't know anything about those, so I wouldn't know how to start. I could give some coin to the godsworn that's cleaning the place, but I don't know if I ought to.
I also have to ask what's with things that come in threes, anyway? I've seen a lot of those and it makes a woman think and not in a good way.
Written By Leta
Feb. 7, 2017, 2:16 p.m.(11/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
Not sure who's to be the Archscholar now, but I think they have to pick a new one. I hope they're as wise as the last, though I'm not the person to speak of it. I'm not a scholar and I'm not too talented for scholarly matters. But I expect Archscholar Aldwin was a proper scholar besides being wise, which isn't always the same thing.
Archscholar Aldwin was always willing to listen to common folk. He read all the journals, or he had his scholars read the parts to him that had questions that mattered, and that's something. Folk are confused these days, and for good reason. I myself had plenty of questions, and he was patient with me. Even if some answers just made my head hurt, and I don't mind saying it, that's not rightly his fault. It's just the way things are these days.
Half of what's wrong in the city is that folk can't be sure of anything anymore, if you ask me. There's all the politics and such too, but that's just harder to swallow when the high-born are talking about things you've never seen. So it ought to be the Faith to explain things to everyone, but in a way folk can understand and makes sense. That's a job and a half. But seeing as the Dominus had some practice with it, I wager that's what they were thinking when they picked him.
I felt bad already for bothering the Archscholar about my problems and questions when he was the Archscholar, and I don't reckon he's got the time to be bothered now that he's the Dominus. But, the way I see it, if the Faith explains things to the commons then I won't have to bother anyone, will I?
Archscholar Aldwin was always willing to listen to common folk. He read all the journals, or he had his scholars read the parts to him that had questions that mattered, and that's something. Folk are confused these days, and for good reason. I myself had plenty of questions, and he was patient with me. Even if some answers just made my head hurt, and I don't mind saying it, that's not rightly his fault. It's just the way things are these days.
Half of what's wrong in the city is that folk can't be sure of anything anymore, if you ask me. There's all the politics and such too, but that's just harder to swallow when the high-born are talking about things you've never seen. So it ought to be the Faith to explain things to everyone, but in a way folk can understand and makes sense. That's a job and a half. But seeing as the Dominus had some practice with it, I wager that's what they were thinking when they picked him.
I felt bad already for bothering the Archscholar about my problems and questions when he was the Archscholar, and I don't reckon he's got the time to be bothered now that he's the Dominus. But, the way I see it, if the Faith explains things to the commons then I won't have to bother anyone, will I?
Written By Leta
Feb. 6, 2017, 12:04 a.m.(11/11/1005 AR)
I write this because it's a right pain, and if I don't write it I'll yell it, and that'll be worse.
I know some folk don't like titles and nobles and such, and that's fine by me. That's not my way of thinking, and I've my thoughts on how I'd rather not be high-born, but that's all I have to say.
But I'd rather folk would just make up their mind, as it leaves a woman not knowing what to call folk, when one fellow will frown for calling him Prince in the baths, and another will want you flogged for not calling them by their proper title on the street, and it gets so I feel like I ought to be taking notes so I remember who to call this and who to call that, and where and when, and whether that's my Lord or your Highness, or just hey there you bastard, if you pardon.
I'm sure noble sorts get this with their mother's milk, or nursemaid more like it, or they just don't proper care, but they ought to spare a thought for us common folk who haven't had the same learning.
I know some folk don't like titles and nobles and such, and that's fine by me. That's not my way of thinking, and I've my thoughts on how I'd rather not be high-born, but that's all I have to say.
But I'd rather folk would just make up their mind, as it leaves a woman not knowing what to call folk, when one fellow will frown for calling him Prince in the baths, and another will want you flogged for not calling them by their proper title on the street, and it gets so I feel like I ought to be taking notes so I remember who to call this and who to call that, and where and when, and whether that's my Lord or your Highness, or just hey there you bastard, if you pardon.
I'm sure noble sorts get this with their mother's milk, or nursemaid more like it, or they just don't proper care, but they ought to spare a thought for us common folk who haven't had the same learning.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.