Written By Adrienne
Aug. 2, 2020, 8:41 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
"What makes you think I'm not exhausted?"
Something said, in so many words, by two women I respect. Women gallant and intelligent, loyal and generous. Women who do not show their tiredness, bone deep, as they shoulder their burdens - carry them joyfully, unquestioningly because it is right to do so.
If they feel this, how many others do? Are you among them, Reader? If you are, I hope you know that you are never alone. Have faith. Keep friends close. You do what is right not because it is easy, but because honor demands it of you. So it is also that the desire to spare others your troubles is a noble one - but noble only to a point. You deserve help if for no other reason than to ensure you have the strength to continue.
In strength and fidelity.
Something said, in so many words, by two women I respect. Women gallant and intelligent, loyal and generous. Women who do not show their tiredness, bone deep, as they shoulder their burdens - carry them joyfully, unquestioningly because it is right to do so.
If they feel this, how many others do? Are you among them, Reader? If you are, I hope you know that you are never alone. Have faith. Keep friends close. You do what is right not because it is easy, but because honor demands it of you. So it is also that the desire to spare others your troubles is a noble one - but noble only to a point. You deserve help if for no other reason than to ensure you have the strength to continue.
In strength and fidelity.
Written By Orvyn
Aug. 2, 2020, 8:02 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
Oft times, it takes but the smallest thing to recall what we are supposed to do, especially when we are floundering. I am grateful for all that the pantheon has provided and influenced within our family. I do hope that what we offer in return will one day count for something.
Written By Sunniva
Aug. 2, 2020, 7:28 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
A fascination with fire and explosions...just /what/ have we gotten ourselves into with our new ward? I dare say the next few months will be interesting, if nothing else!
Written By Delilah
Aug. 2, 2020, 4:48 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
Sometimes the scars of war give rise to the seeds of hope and growth.
Written By Porter
Aug. 2, 2020, 3:23 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Bhandn
I had the opportunity to ride with the Knights of Solace this week. I rode myself straight into a tree branch, broke my nose and ended up on my back on the forest floor. I guess that it could have ended a lot worse, like in me breaking my neck.
Many thanks to Sir Bhandn, who not only is my educator in drinking tea but also the person who set my nose. Everything is still pretty swollen and painful but I swear I'm breathing better than I have in years.
Many thanks to Sir Bhandn, who not only is my educator in drinking tea but also the person who set my nose. Everything is still pretty swollen and painful but I swear I'm breathing better than I have in years.
Written By Porter
Aug. 2, 2020, 3:01 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
I heard that your body is decaying.
Written By Monique
Aug. 2, 2020, 1:26 p.m.(10/8/1013 AR)
The dangerous moments in life are the ones you'll always remember.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 2, 2020, 10:57 a.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
A ruler ought to have no other aim or thought than war and its rules and discipline.
This is the sole art that belongs to she who rules. It is of such force that it not only upholds those who are born rulers but it often enables those who rise from a private station to such rank. When rulers have thought more of ease than of arms they have lost their states; and the first cause of losing it is to neglect this art, whereas what enables one to acquire a state is to be master of the art.
At her zenith, a ruler should keep good faith and live with integrity, not with astuteness; however, there are rulers who have done great things with little regard for good faith, have been able by astuteness to confuse men's brains, and have ultimately overcome those who have made loyalty their foundation. Therefore, there are two methods of fighting: the one by force; the other by law. Although the first is of beasts, the second, which is of man, is often insufficient unless there is one must have recourse to the first. And often, between nations, there are few laws which govern sovereigns which are not accompanied by the threat of war. Therefore the mastery of war is of primary importance.
In that mastery, it is necessary to know how to use both the beast and the man. A ruler must know well how to act as a beast, but must also learn to imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from snares, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize snares, and a lion to frighten wolves. Those that wish to be only lions do not understand this. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.
Thus, those who have been best able to imitate the fox have succeeded best, but it is necessary to be able to disguise this character well.
This is the sole art that belongs to she who rules. It is of such force that it not only upholds those who are born rulers but it often enables those who rise from a private station to such rank. When rulers have thought more of ease than of arms they have lost their states; and the first cause of losing it is to neglect this art, whereas what enables one to acquire a state is to be master of the art.
At her zenith, a ruler should keep good faith and live with integrity, not with astuteness; however, there are rulers who have done great things with little regard for good faith, have been able by astuteness to confuse men's brains, and have ultimately overcome those who have made loyalty their foundation. Therefore, there are two methods of fighting: the one by force; the other by law. Although the first is of beasts, the second, which is of man, is often insufficient unless there is one must have recourse to the first. And often, between nations, there are few laws which govern sovereigns which are not accompanied by the threat of war. Therefore the mastery of war is of primary importance.
In that mastery, it is necessary to know how to use both the beast and the man. A ruler must know well how to act as a beast, but must also learn to imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from snares, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize snares, and a lion to frighten wolves. Those that wish to be only lions do not understand this. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.
Thus, those who have been best able to imitate the fox have succeeded best, but it is necessary to be able to disguise this character well.
Written By Svana
Aug. 2, 2020, 10:40 a.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
I had a fight with someone dear to me. I remember the sort of fights that Jules and I used to have, if you can even call them that. This was different. No one stormed out of the room, no one told me things were my fault, no one tried to make me feel absurdly guilty. We talked over our concerns and differences like rational people. The hugs afterward were the best.
Strangely, I have not fought yet with my husband. Probably because we're too busy and tired to fight most of the time. What is it that they say? Knock on wood.
Strangely, I have not fought yet with my husband. Probably because we're too busy and tired to fight most of the time. What is it that they say? Knock on wood.
Written By Hamish
Aug. 2, 2020, 10:34 a.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Avary
Some of us have had enough birthdays of our own, but are always happy to help others celebrate theirs.
Written By Lisebet
Aug. 2, 2020, 8:26 a.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
Someone has suggested that I might become their protege. I've not been an official protege before. I am not sure if I ought be honoured or disturbed at the thought. However, that said, I am quite curious and definitely entertaining the idea.
Written By Lexir
Aug. 2, 2020, 1:43 a.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
As I was shopping around for a new blade earlier in the day, I was drawn into a lengthy conversation with a smith on the nature and purpose of swords - and weaponry, by extension. It arose from a request as to what other specifications or recommendations I had for a sword I was commissioning, to which I replied only that it be good for its intended task of injuring, maiming, and killing. We disagreed quite a great deal on that point, specifically, whether or not a sword was more than just those things, and now, hours later, I reflect back on it and wonder. I will not reiterate his argument, for I would not be able to do it proper justice - instead, I will present mine, and I will leave it to the readers of whites to ruminate on, as I have.
My argument is this: the essence of a sword is violence.
We must be clear first, that by sword I do not mean literally /only/ a sword, but I mean any purpose-built weapon. Not all things used as weapons were intended for such purposes - a woodman's axe for felling trees and splitting wood may be used to decapitate a man in a pinch, but it will not be properly balanced or weighted for such deeds when logs were its intended victim. Likewise for a cook's knives, which may shatter as soon as their edges bites anything tougher than bone (like, say, a diamondplate cuirass, or a coat of mail).
As for violence, I have found that there are differences in how violence is defined. Hopefully, so that this doesn't devolve into quibbling over semantics, I shall describe violence as I shall use it subsequently: the exercise of force to harm, no matter the intent behind such application. I care not whether the fight is necessary self-defense and survival or a massacre of surrendered foes - it is all violence for the purpose of the white.
In a sword, however, we find something whose need is predicated on the existance of violence. Nearly every aspect of it supports that singular goal: the hilt, the pommel, the guard, the blade, the edge - it all comes together to maximize the bearer's chances of enacting their own killing intent, or striking in a manner to injure or disable another fellow human being (it is no surprise that hunters rarely use swords, and have their own specialized equipment - the boar spear and the bow and arrow coming to mind). When one speaks of forging a better sword, one rarely imagines something that is less efficient at murder than its predecessor - and even if it were, it usually sacrifices such capability only in part, being worse at striking in a certain manner in exchange for being better at another.
A rebuttal may be made that a sword does not necessarily need to be applied to violent ends, and that thus, its essence is not that of violence. I did not agree with this argument. I can divide these other uses into two categories: uses which are ultimately derived from its ability to kill, uses which are ultimately derived not because it is a sword, but either because of some quality, physical or otherwise, that is not unique to swords. In neither category do I find a compelling enough argument that the sword is anything but a tool of violence.
Of the first sort, I cite the following: a sword can defend - but such defense is predicated on the threat of the harm it can inflict. It can inspire hope - but oft this hope derives from the promise of deliverance, which in turn from the promise of its ability to deliver, which itself in turn derives from its ability to hurt and kill those from whom we must be delivered. It should be self-evident, then, that many of the nobler uses to which a sword may be put are still either violent or threaten the promise of it - the fear of being minced can be as good as the mincing.
Of the second sort, I cite the following: a sword can cauterize an injury - yes, but so can any other surface able to be heated to a sufficient degree. Metal just happens to be very good at that, and indeed, it would not be possible at all if one were possessed of a sword whose blade was comprised of something that did not hold heat well. A sword can also cut inanimate things, but it is hardly designed to cleave through anything but flesh and bone. Even then, ask a cook to replace all of their knives with swords and I would bet a large sum of silver that you would receive looks of incredulity. None of these are functions of swords - they are functions of very specific aspects of the weapon, like the cutting edge or the material from which it is made, and are not intrinsic to the weapon itself. One may say they are still possible uses, to which I say this: I could kill a man with my belt. Would one deem all belts weapons, or attribute to belts the anciliary use of murder?
Another example of both the first and second sort: a story was told to me of the rallying effect of a particular sword, during a particular battle (of which I was not part of, but was implied to be recent and/or mythical). It was told that the sword's presence on the field galvinated allied forces and spurred them to fight onwards, when all seemed lost. But I ask this - was it necessary that such a thing be a sword? It could have been a crown or ring, or war banner - it just so happened to be in the shape of a blade. A sword may serve as a symbol - and many are, I do not doubt that - but always, one must keep in mind that its place might be taken by another thing, and the effect would be the same.
A sword is meant to take lives, not to preserve them. Walls guard, ward, and protect. A sword kills. It's always been meant to kill. I try not to forget that when I consider drawing mine.
My argument is this: the essence of a sword is violence.
We must be clear first, that by sword I do not mean literally /only/ a sword, but I mean any purpose-built weapon. Not all things used as weapons were intended for such purposes - a woodman's axe for felling trees and splitting wood may be used to decapitate a man in a pinch, but it will not be properly balanced or weighted for such deeds when logs were its intended victim. Likewise for a cook's knives, which may shatter as soon as their edges bites anything tougher than bone (like, say, a diamondplate cuirass, or a coat of mail).
As for violence, I have found that there are differences in how violence is defined. Hopefully, so that this doesn't devolve into quibbling over semantics, I shall describe violence as I shall use it subsequently: the exercise of force to harm, no matter the intent behind such application. I care not whether the fight is necessary self-defense and survival or a massacre of surrendered foes - it is all violence for the purpose of the white.
In a sword, however, we find something whose need is predicated on the existance of violence. Nearly every aspect of it supports that singular goal: the hilt, the pommel, the guard, the blade, the edge - it all comes together to maximize the bearer's chances of enacting their own killing intent, or striking in a manner to injure or disable another fellow human being (it is no surprise that hunters rarely use swords, and have their own specialized equipment - the boar spear and the bow and arrow coming to mind). When one speaks of forging a better sword, one rarely imagines something that is less efficient at murder than its predecessor - and even if it were, it usually sacrifices such capability only in part, being worse at striking in a certain manner in exchange for being better at another.
A rebuttal may be made that a sword does not necessarily need to be applied to violent ends, and that thus, its essence is not that of violence. I did not agree with this argument. I can divide these other uses into two categories: uses which are ultimately derived from its ability to kill, uses which are ultimately derived not because it is a sword, but either because of some quality, physical or otherwise, that is not unique to swords. In neither category do I find a compelling enough argument that the sword is anything but a tool of violence.
Of the first sort, I cite the following: a sword can defend - but such defense is predicated on the threat of the harm it can inflict. It can inspire hope - but oft this hope derives from the promise of deliverance, which in turn from the promise of its ability to deliver, which itself in turn derives from its ability to hurt and kill those from whom we must be delivered. It should be self-evident, then, that many of the nobler uses to which a sword may be put are still either violent or threaten the promise of it - the fear of being minced can be as good as the mincing.
Of the second sort, I cite the following: a sword can cauterize an injury - yes, but so can any other surface able to be heated to a sufficient degree. Metal just happens to be very good at that, and indeed, it would not be possible at all if one were possessed of a sword whose blade was comprised of something that did not hold heat well. A sword can also cut inanimate things, but it is hardly designed to cleave through anything but flesh and bone. Even then, ask a cook to replace all of their knives with swords and I would bet a large sum of silver that you would receive looks of incredulity. None of these are functions of swords - they are functions of very specific aspects of the weapon, like the cutting edge or the material from which it is made, and are not intrinsic to the weapon itself. One may say they are still possible uses, to which I say this: I could kill a man with my belt. Would one deem all belts weapons, or attribute to belts the anciliary use of murder?
Another example of both the first and second sort: a story was told to me of the rallying effect of a particular sword, during a particular battle (of which I was not part of, but was implied to be recent and/or mythical). It was told that the sword's presence on the field galvinated allied forces and spurred them to fight onwards, when all seemed lost. But I ask this - was it necessary that such a thing be a sword? It could have been a crown or ring, or war banner - it just so happened to be in the shape of a blade. A sword may serve as a symbol - and many are, I do not doubt that - but always, one must keep in mind that its place might be taken by another thing, and the effect would be the same.
A sword is meant to take lives, not to preserve them. Walls guard, ward, and protect. A sword kills. It's always been meant to kill. I try not to forget that when I consider drawing mine.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 1, 2020, 11:28 p.m.(10/7/1013 AR)
I agreed to teach a Pravus how to be a bit stealthier! This will be interesting. I wonder if I should bring him a cloak or something, to blend in with the shadows? This will be fun!
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 1, 2020, 11:26 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Apollo
You are the bestest gift giver of gift givers! Thank you!
Written By Thea
Aug. 1, 2020, 11:16 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Sleep comes hard these days. My thoughts keep me awake more often than I care to admit. I find myself drifting to many of the words I've said. The actions I've done. I've never been perfect, I've made many mistakes. But I've always owned up to them. I've tried to learn from them. We're always learning. These are the nights I find myself at the shrine of Lagoma. Change is hard. Facing it, admitting to it? That is what makes you that much stronger. My aim is to be better than I was yesterday. Than I was last year. Let's see how it goes.
Written By Esme
Aug. 1, 2020, 10:46 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Why do people forget that roses have thorns?
Written By Vanora
Aug. 1, 2020, 8:50 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Philippe
Uncle Philippe,
If you require help planning parties, I could be of service.
I know I'm a disappointment as an equestrienne, but I am decent at party planning.
Promise.
If you require help planning parties, I could be of service.
I know I'm a disappointment as an equestrienne, but I am decent at party planning.
Promise.
Written By Sabine
Aug. 1, 2020, 7:03 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
As is common to her type, my cat Berenice has decided that now, while I nurture the second child of Tessere's next generation, is the perfect time in which to find a willing tom and cultivate a litter of kittens. She aims to overshadow my own delivery as it approaches, I have no doubt. When they are whelped, those who wish to adopt the spawn of a ruthlessly ambitious and social-climbing feline may send word to be placed on the list of prospects.
Do please include why you believe you are a suitable match to budding young tyrants, and how you intend to put them in their place to keep them in line.
Do please include why you believe you are a suitable match to budding young tyrants, and how you intend to put them in their place to keep them in line.
Written By Avary
Aug. 1, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Courtkeep is coming up, and it’s true that it’s the holy day of the Sentinel and often simply celebrated by those within the legal professions. But there’s a there’s another holy day that I want to remind you of, your birthday.
Birthdays are of course celebrations, and how often do parents ask where in the Library of Vellichor is the book to raise a child! On the birth of every child, the parents should already be ready to name the Witnesses for their child. For a girl, two women and a man. For a boy, two men and a woman. These Witnesses form a very special bond with the child and family, and support the child through their lifetime. Throughout the child’s life and far into adulthood, these Witnesses honor their obligations to recognize someone’s birth, and to confirm that the person is who they say they are.
To be a Witness is a great honor and a great challenge. The three should take an active role, as much as they’d desire, in helping the parents raise the child, act as guides and a mentor. They should be members of the Faith, for the oaths and promises as a Witness shouldn’t ever be taken lightly. While they might be related in blood, there’s more I think to gain in having Witnesses beyond your family who can help bridge the weaknesses and the child (and family units) become stronger for it.
Celebrate birthdays with jovial happiness, but also remember that you are Witnesses to the person. You see their actions, their successes and failures. But as Witnesses, you aren’t called to judge.
I wish each of you a happy birthday, and to the Witnesses, may the gods help and strengthen you to become guides in the child’s walk of faith.
Birthdays are of course celebrations, and how often do parents ask where in the Library of Vellichor is the book to raise a child! On the birth of every child, the parents should already be ready to name the Witnesses for their child. For a girl, two women and a man. For a boy, two men and a woman. These Witnesses form a very special bond with the child and family, and support the child through their lifetime. Throughout the child’s life and far into adulthood, these Witnesses honor their obligations to recognize someone’s birth, and to confirm that the person is who they say they are.
To be a Witness is a great honor and a great challenge. The three should take an active role, as much as they’d desire, in helping the parents raise the child, act as guides and a mentor. They should be members of the Faith, for the oaths and promises as a Witness shouldn’t ever be taken lightly. While they might be related in blood, there’s more I think to gain in having Witnesses beyond your family who can help bridge the weaknesses and the child (and family units) become stronger for it.
Celebrate birthdays with jovial happiness, but also remember that you are Witnesses to the person. You see their actions, their successes and failures. But as Witnesses, you aren’t called to judge.
I wish each of you a happy birthday, and to the Witnesses, may the gods help and strengthen you to become guides in the child’s walk of faith.
Written By Sydney
Aug. 1, 2020, 5:15 p.m.(10/6/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
From the sound of it, I'm halfway to making a proper sailor, then.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.