Written By Valencia
Sept. 17, 2023, 4:27 p.m.(7/21/1020 AR)
Life can be frustrating and difficult. We often find ourselves on unexpected paths, or even off the beaten track altogether, when we least expect it. There are twists and turns. Things to know and learn. Worries and challenges both within and without of our control.
However, despite it all, through it all, we find our way and if we are very lucky we realize that even in the darkest of times there are treasures to be discovered along the way.
And, if we are very, /very/ lucky, sometimes we realize how happy and blessed we truly are. How things can change for the better in a blink of an eye or a beat of a heart with one small step or even the simple act of not giving up.
~~~~~~~~~~~<~<~<@
However, despite it all, through it all, we find our way and if we are very lucky we realize that even in the darkest of times there are treasures to be discovered along the way.
And, if we are very, /very/ lucky, sometimes we realize how happy and blessed we truly are. How things can change for the better in a blink of an eye or a beat of a heart with one small step or even the simple act of not giving up.
~~~~~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Written By Lucita
Sept. 15, 2023, 4:34 p.m.(7/17/1020 AR)
My heart goes out to Medeia and Neilda as they cope with their sister's things.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 14, 2023, 9:53 a.m.(7/14/1020 AR)
I was recently entrusted with two paintings done by my sister, Arcelia. From a purely artistic view, they are fine pieces. She excelled at bringing her vision to the canvas, and the color choices alone are enough to evoke some emotion from the viewer.
I have tucked them into the closet of my bedroom. They are properly packaged - I am no monster - to keep from getting damaged. The problem is, I do not know what to do with them.
It is difficult for me to look at them and separate the art from the artist. In my eye, they are reminders of a sister turned stranger turned enemy. Would I grow numb to that over time if I put them on display? And where would I display them? Here in the city, in Saik Tower? Or the Sanctuary? Would our guests question if our display of her art was support of her actions?
I will likely never know why she did what she did. There have been rumors, and people have shared speculation, but none of that feels real. Eventually, I will need to make peace with never knowing. And I already accept that people are allowed to be complex, layered beings that contain contradictions. My sister can be both an inspiring artist that brought great beauty into this world and a heretical traitor that fanned the flames of a horrific war that will leave the Mourning Isles changed for at least the next several generations (it is not lost on me that there are some people who would attribute that second thing to me, instead).
Perhaps I should send them along to Mother in Saikland. Or bring them with me the next time I return home. I know someone might suggest destroying them, but I am not especially interested in destroying anything.
I have tucked them into the closet of my bedroom. They are properly packaged - I am no monster - to keep from getting damaged. The problem is, I do not know what to do with them.
It is difficult for me to look at them and separate the art from the artist. In my eye, they are reminders of a sister turned stranger turned enemy. Would I grow numb to that over time if I put them on display? And where would I display them? Here in the city, in Saik Tower? Or the Sanctuary? Would our guests question if our display of her art was support of her actions?
I will likely never know why she did what she did. There have been rumors, and people have shared speculation, but none of that feels real. Eventually, I will need to make peace with never knowing. And I already accept that people are allowed to be complex, layered beings that contain contradictions. My sister can be both an inspiring artist that brought great beauty into this world and a heretical traitor that fanned the flames of a horrific war that will leave the Mourning Isles changed for at least the next several generations (it is not lost on me that there are some people who would attribute that second thing to me, instead).
Perhaps I should send them along to Mother in Saikland. Or bring them with me the next time I return home. I know someone might suggest destroying them, but I am not especially interested in destroying anything.
Written By Marina
Sept. 13, 2023, 8:37 a.m.(7/12/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Desma
A breath of fresh air in the city, I've found Desma's company quite reinvigorating. There may have been a moment of thoughtlessness when I promised her a round in the sparring grounds, but perhaps it's time to get some proper training in. The bruises will heal eventually.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 12, 2023, 1:02 p.m.(7/10/1020 AR)
There is something to be said about maintaining your honor, about living up to the virtues of Gloria and Gild in particular, when not doing so could be reasonably accepted by your peers or the masses given the circumstances. The people who do this are the kind of people you can learn valuable things from - even if you are one such person's captive. I realize how absurd that must sound to anyone who has never had to engage in taking or keeping prisoners.
I have spoken on this before, but I think it bears repeating: Lord Anders Nightcove was an absolute gentleman when I was taken in the wake of the siege of Redreef Shores. I had a clean, appropriate bedroom to sleep in. I had the ability to move about the keep - with a guard escort - to stretch my legs or read in the library. I was fed, able to bathe, and given clean clothes. This may surprise some and anger others. In particular, I imagine that some of his compatriots will gnash their teeth at what I write next: I likely would not be alive today if not for Lord Anders.
Inevitably, this puts me in a strange position of being grateful for this man who, by all rights, I should hate. However, I can not bring myself to view him or his memory with the same righteous fury I felt toward others on his side of the Isles civil war. He had dignity and integrity, and he afforded me both in all our dealings.
I find, now, that I hold people to the most unexpected of standards - do they treat me at least as well as the man who abducted me and kept me from my children? What an odd bar to have to make it over; an odd bar that some people still fail to step over. Even I could not always clear that bar, both in how I treated myself and others.
We can always take a lesson from those who oppose us.
I have spoken on this before, but I think it bears repeating: Lord Anders Nightcove was an absolute gentleman when I was taken in the wake of the siege of Redreef Shores. I had a clean, appropriate bedroom to sleep in. I had the ability to move about the keep - with a guard escort - to stretch my legs or read in the library. I was fed, able to bathe, and given clean clothes. This may surprise some and anger others. In particular, I imagine that some of his compatriots will gnash their teeth at what I write next: I likely would not be alive today if not for Lord Anders.
Inevitably, this puts me in a strange position of being grateful for this man who, by all rights, I should hate. However, I can not bring myself to view him or his memory with the same righteous fury I felt toward others on his side of the Isles civil war. He had dignity and integrity, and he afforded me both in all our dealings.
I find, now, that I hold people to the most unexpected of standards - do they treat me at least as well as the man who abducted me and kept me from my children? What an odd bar to have to make it over; an odd bar that some people still fail to step over. Even I could not always clear that bar, both in how I treated myself and others.
We can always take a lesson from those who oppose us.
Written By Jan
Sept. 11, 2023, 7:20 p.m.(7/9/1020 AR)
I got to catch up with Catalana and Wash, it's been far too long. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed her.
Written By Sen'azala
Sept. 11, 2023, 2:45 a.m.(7/8/1020 AR)
In the forest, in the wilds, there's nothing worse than silence. Silence is when every living thing around you holds its breath, hoping that whatever deadly threat has drawn their collective attention will pass by without noticing them. Silence is when you don't know what's there, or which direction to run. Worst of all, silence is always temporary, like the space between a lightning flash and thunder.
Written By Kenjay
Sept. 10, 2023, 8:16 p.m.(7/7/1020 AR)
I visited the armoursmiths this week, and Master Emele had finished my helm. It is a lovely piece, kin to the helm I trained with and fought in for so long - and yet it is the helm of a free man rather than one in chains. The smith excelled herself, in truth, and I thank Jayus for the inspiration she surely received in its making.
Written By Jan
Sept. 10, 2023, 7:34 p.m.(7/7/1020 AR)
I have met a fellow kindred spirit. Shared with her what little I know about some of the woes that menace the compact.
Written By Jan
Sept. 10, 2023, 7:31 p.m.(7/7/1020 AR)
Had a discussion today about the merits of painting on clothes. I am intrigued with this prospect.
Written By Marina
Sept. 10, 2023, 2 p.m.(7/6/1020 AR)
Ah. Back on firm land again, returned to Arx. There are so many people to meet, so many things to set in motion, so much to learn, to see, to feel, to do. I am excited!
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 10, 2023, 1:01 p.m.(7/6/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Zakhar
News of your death caught me completely off guard. A man of such talent and passion for all aspects of life.
You will be missed, however your spirit will live on in your creations. I am just lucky our mansion possesses so many of them.
You will be missed, however your spirit will live on in your creations. I am just lucky our mansion possesses so many of them.
Written By Ann
Sept. 9, 2023, 7:15 p.m.(7/5/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Zakhar
I was looking up some things in the Stacks as I am wont to do from time to time. I cam across Lady Medeia's journal where she spoke of Master Zakhar's death.
I had wondered why I was being gifted these items all of a sudden only with a simple note of it being a raffle and my name had been pulled out in the drawing. This man was a creative soul. I remember the first time I met him. Lord Pasquale encouraged me to go see him after I couldn't solve one of the puzzles that Pasquale had fun showing me. I found the man charming with his chickens and his kittens. But frightening at the same time. I remember being cautious and on the fence when he pulled out his Blood of Thy Enemies necklace in Golden Hart. Now? I own it.
It is strange in how people impact you and you don't realize it until they are gone. The few conversations we did have he always challenged me. He had a rich history. I realize a lot of people probably thought he was off his rocker or a true warrior or both. I mean who is going to have a tea party in the middle of a skirmish? Why Master Zakhar of course. I will miss him but I will also remember him and the impact he had on me and my life here on this side of the wheel.
I had wondered why I was being gifted these items all of a sudden only with a simple note of it being a raffle and my name had been pulled out in the drawing. This man was a creative soul. I remember the first time I met him. Lord Pasquale encouraged me to go see him after I couldn't solve one of the puzzles that Pasquale had fun showing me. I found the man charming with his chickens and his kittens. But frightening at the same time. I remember being cautious and on the fence when he pulled out his Blood of Thy Enemies necklace in Golden Hart. Now? I own it.
It is strange in how people impact you and you don't realize it until they are gone. The few conversations we did have he always challenged me. He had a rich history. I realize a lot of people probably thought he was off his rocker or a true warrior or both. I mean who is going to have a tea party in the middle of a skirmish? Why Master Zakhar of course. I will miss him but I will also remember him and the impact he had on me and my life here on this side of the wheel.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 9, 2023, 6:59 p.m.(7/5/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Zakhar
Medeia said Zakhar is dead!!! He was such a ... personality, Improvising things, making do with what he had, enjoying food, protective of friends. An interesting person.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 8, 2023, 1:44 p.m.(7/2/1020 AR)
This has been a quiet thing over the last many weeks, but I believe the time has come to write about it. Messere Zakhar is dead. My intention is to hold a remembrance service for him, but I know the old man would have thought the whole thing silly. He was a polarizing man - people either seemed to be fiercely loyal to him or intensely displeased that he was present. I admit, his methods and madness were troubling at times. However? I suppose I fall into the camp of those who were loyal. He, at least, was to me - in that strange way he showed his loyalty.
There are several instances in which I can say I remain alive today because he was there to protect me. Many houses across the Compact, particularly in the Isles, have him to thank in part for their victories in battle. Beyond his fearsome martial ability, his creativity and knowledge helped make windspun wool and peachskin a reality. His mind was truly a unique and precious thing, dreaming up trinkets and furnishings unlike any other.
May the Queen grant him rest and peace at last.
There are several instances in which I can say I remain alive today because he was there to protect me. Many houses across the Compact, particularly in the Isles, have him to thank in part for their victories in battle. Beyond his fearsome martial ability, his creativity and knowledge helped make windspun wool and peachskin a reality. His mind was truly a unique and precious thing, dreaming up trinkets and furnishings unlike any other.
May the Queen grant him rest and peace at last.
Written By Mikani
Sept. 6, 2023, 3:20 p.m.(6/27/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Artorius
When I joined Magnotta as Countess, I was excited for a new adventure. Don't mistake my words, I am still excited for the new adventure that awaits me, I was just talking about my feelings on the wedding day. If I had known what would be available to me since joining this amazing house, I don't think I could have waited to visit Caer Morien or join the house.
My amazing husband has encouraged me to redecorate the house!
I love the transformation. The house was beautiful before, but now it's starting to become stunning. I have looked over reports and histories and am bringing in things that have meaning to the house. It is starting to feel more and more like a home. So much of the family is here in Arx and I am growing in fondness to each and every one of them.
My amazing husband has encouraged me to redecorate the house!
I love the transformation. The house was beautiful before, but now it's starting to become stunning. I have looked over reports and histories and am bringing in things that have meaning to the house. It is starting to feel more and more like a home. So much of the family is here in Arx and I am growing in fondness to each and every one of them.
Written By Medeia
Sept. 4, 2023, 3:21 p.m.(6/23/1020 AR)
I love that there are times in this life when I get to spend a beautiful evening sharing a story with so many familiar and friendly faces. My sincerest thanks to them for joining me at Lovers' Park, and my greatest thanks to the Jadairali Embassy - Cai Jian in particular - for supporting the event.
The story of the love Platinum and Silver shared - whether one believes it to be a historical record or a fantastical one - is inspiring and heartbreaking. To open yourself up to love, to loving another or being loved, is to be vulnerable. It will change you in unexpected ways. At some point after, you will find yourself doing things a certain way because that is the way the one you love likes it or does it. Perhaps something you never cared about before is suddenly a thing you know everything about. It is good to be able to trust and learn and grow. I can only imagine the grief one would feel losing their love, especially when that love made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.
It is a risk to pursue such as they had. May you be a risk taker.
The story of the love Platinum and Silver shared - whether one believes it to be a historical record or a fantastical one - is inspiring and heartbreaking. To open yourself up to love, to loving another or being loved, is to be vulnerable. It will change you in unexpected ways. At some point after, you will find yourself doing things a certain way because that is the way the one you love likes it or does it. Perhaps something you never cared about before is suddenly a thing you know everything about. It is good to be able to trust and learn and grow. I can only imagine the grief one would feel losing their love, especially when that love made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.
It is a risk to pursue such as they had. May you be a risk taker.
Written By Jan
Sept. 4, 2023, 12:15 a.m.(6/21/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
Cousin but more like a sister. Blessed that she's safely returned to us.
Written By Jan
Sept. 3, 2023, 9:11 p.m.(6/21/1020 AR)
I think we are making good progress in the project to map movements and now we are expanding the area we are monitoring so fingers are crossed!
Written By Jan
Sept. 3, 2023, 8:58 p.m.(6/21/1020 AR)
One of these days I will wash that damn scarf. I'll give it right back but some day...it will be clean.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.