Written By Sudara
Dec. 11, 2016, 6:36 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Benjamin
An associate of Master Belardi. Seemingly a trusted one, which speaks highly for both his character and his competence. My own dealings have thus far been decidedly limited, though I think that it is already safe to say that this barber-surgeon is less polished as a courtier than his colleague. Whether that is a point for or against him is likely to vary depending upon the individuals with whom he deals.
Written By Sudara
Nov. 27, 2016, 7:20 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)
I have recently been introduced to the notion of a duel of gifts, as manifested in paintings of unusual character and aspect. It seems to be a rather erudite and delightfully polite alternative to the fashion of champions, and would seem to combine a greater degree of personal involvement with an opportunity to demonstrate skill, wit, taste, and every kind of humour from the most salacious to the most refined. Whether it will ever become widespread, I cannot say. But I do confess that I am glad it exists at all.
Written By Sudara
Nov. 20, 2016, 6:30 p.m.(3/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
At times it can be hard to believe that the little girl to whom I used to tell stories is now my liege. And one reputed to have steel in her spine, to boot. We were never the closest of kin in age or blood: first cousins once removed, with me as the spare daughter of a spare brother of a deceased duke. But the bookish grand-daughter of a duke was of just the right rank to assist with a bit of occasional mentoring and entertainment of the present duke's heir, and that remained true once I was a notionally-respectable married woman. In spite of my husband's origins. Still, the older she got, the less story-time was deemed a suitable part of her day, and the more my duties to my own offspring intervened. Now, it will be interesting to see how we relate, as Duchess and Voice in a foreign land.
Written By Sudara
Nov. 13, 2016, 6:16 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cicero
Silken prince. Seemingly focused upon the Lycene silk trade, he is willing to be publicly seen to be of unusually open mind: not merely dealing with someone such as myself who is 'tainted' by association with Prodigals, but willing to directly employ them himself. I have to say that I approve, and hope that we can indeed work to ensure that Velenosa's vassals are as strong as possible.
Written By Sudara
Nov. 6, 2016, 7:09 p.m.(1/18/1005 AR)
Ill in Arx. In some ways, being under the weather in Arx is particularly frustrating. True, I can count upon the staff of the Hundred Cities to cater to virtually any whim communicated to them. True also that the medical care available here is of the highest standard. But it is not home. The servants are not my own. My children remain far out of reach. And the work and worries continue to pile up. Still, I can hope that this will serve me well in fostering patience, at the very least. And I could assuredly be much worse off: too ill to receive visitors still falls a long way short of the maladies suffered by many others in the sprawling mass of humanity who call the city home.
Written By Sudara
Oct. 23, 2016, 7:28 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
The Archscholar of Vellichor has paid me the immense compiment of specifically requesting to converse with me - and thereafter added another by inviting me to join a scholastic venture he has started. I am quite embarrassingly flattered by this, and fervently hope that I can make meangingful contributions.
Written By Sudara
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:18 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Umbra: an intriguing (though perhaps somewhat odd) thing to have found myself contemplating. The mystical material of shadow and beauty provides obvious sartorial temptations for one who finds herself attending the grandest court of the land (of the world?) while clad in mourning garb. But how much more is there to it, when one finds oneself peering into shadows, mixing awe and wonderment with surprise at how much more there seems to be beyond the surface? Throw in expense, difficulty of acquisition, and an incomprehension of how it came to be - and one has all the more to muse upon in relation to the times in which we now live.
Written By Sudara
Oct. 9, 2016, 7:19 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
A foundling, rescued by my husband long before we met. But having plucked her from the sea, he maintained an active interest in her. Back then, he was formally Abandoned - but she was a child of the Compact. I wonder quite what her legal status was, during that time? In any case, he maintained an interest in her, and she developed into an intriguing young woman.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 25, 2016, 9:23 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Anastasio
An intelligent, competent, and thoughtful scholar who is both of use to the Compact in this time of need, and to the people for whom I care. A thoroughly admirable practitioner of his craft.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:54 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calain
We have only met the once, and that amidst a hubub of noisy opinions and demands. But he seemed level-headed, even-handed, and thoughtful and even managed to remain unfailingly polite amidst the chaos. In my (severely limited) experience of Arx, I cannot think of a better man to have led the effort to ensure that all was being done for the King in his time of need.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:53 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
It is a challenge, attempting to come up with a suitable description for the princess. 'A cross-bred rose brought to bloom in a new garden' might perhaps make for a good explanation to those who have not met her, though I fear that is more horticultural than flattering. Still: fragrant beauty, flourishing here after being nutured in two very different environments. Certainly, a lovely result that is both natural and also the result of artful efforts by others.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 11, 2016, 7:47 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
It is safe to say that I had not anticipated finding myself in this particular situation, but word has arrived from home: I have been chosen as the Truespeaker for my late husband's people. Trogen's Truesworn want me to speak for and guide them, and have furthermore chosen Tenebrae as my deputy. I suspect that more than a few waves might follow from this, but it is an immense honour for us both.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 4, 2016, 8:04 p.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
Where to start? Here in Arx, at last... and I find myself more than a little overwhelmed. I have a retinue, of course, most ably led by Tenebrae but I must chart my own course through these particular waters. Thus far, I have been met with considerable warmth, and have been truly gratified by some of the kindnesses shown to me. But I must seek to find one or more roles for a widowed amateur scholar of little influence. At the least, it should be an intriguing challenge.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 4, 2016, 7:50 p.m.(6/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Prospero
An acquaintance from embarrassingly many years ago, who was flatteringly pleased to see me and gratifyingly gracious in his dismissal of my long-overdue apologies for past clumsiness. Of course, as Lycenes of different houses, we might be expected to dissemble and wear masks - but I find myself hopeful of future cooperation. After all, it is not as if we bookworms and 'spare' cousins do not have a certain amount in common.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.