Written By Aislin
Nov. 7, 2016, 12:12 a.m.(1/19/1005 AR)
This seems like it has been the longest I've remained within the walls of Arx in the past few years. It's been long enough that I'm starting to feel the itch to get back out into the field. To wander off the edges of the map, just to see what I can find. To bring back records and relics, and maybe even a few strange new plants for Olivia's collection.
But with Harlan gone, I need to stay here to act as Voice.
Luckily, I have a few side projects to keep me occupied. I have the Adventurer's Society to finish organizing, my reference copies of the maps I've made to organize for my own records, and a particularly interesting translation project to work on.
But still, I wonder if my heart will ever be entirely content within the city walls.
But with Harlan gone, I need to stay here to act as Voice.
Luckily, I have a few side projects to keep me occupied. I have the Adventurer's Society to finish organizing, my reference copies of the maps I've made to organize for my own records, and a particularly interesting translation project to work on.
But still, I wonder if my heart will ever be entirely content within the city walls.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 16, 2016, 11:57 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Even though I've done very little yet towards formally creating the Adventurer's Society, I've been contacted by several people already.
Princess Lou has agreed to help, seeing it as a good way to encourage people in how to adventure responsibly. Gods know that half of the aggression you get from shav tribes that have set up in ruins is due to the explorer attacking first.
Lady Dawn has said she will back such an endeavor.
Lord Salazar has graciously offered to both host and cater meetings of the Society.
It has been suggested that the Archive would like to be involved in the Society, and Archscholar Aldwin has said he'd like to speak to me on the matter.
Lord Pietro seems... 'enthusiastic' seems somehow too mild a word, but his interest is undeniable.
I suspect we will have no trouble finding attendees for the first meeting, once it is scheduled.
Princess Lou has agreed to help, seeing it as a good way to encourage people in how to adventure responsibly. Gods know that half of the aggression you get from shav tribes that have set up in ruins is due to the explorer attacking first.
Lady Dawn has said she will back such an endeavor.
Lord Salazar has graciously offered to both host and cater meetings of the Society.
It has been suggested that the Archive would like to be involved in the Society, and Archscholar Aldwin has said he'd like to speak to me on the matter.
Lord Pietro seems... 'enthusiastic' seems somehow too mild a word, but his interest is undeniable.
I suspect we will have no trouble finding attendees for the first meeting, once it is scheduled.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 16, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
I seem to keep running into Lord Salazar almost everywhere I go. I go to the Ambassador, and there's Lord Salazar. I go to walk atop the walls, and there's Lord Salazar. I go to the market, and there's Lord Salazar in the crowds.
Perhaps it's merely that he ends up almost everywhere in the city?
Still, the sight of him always brightens the day. He seems to approach life as if it weren't actually all that serious a matter; any problem is surmountable, any obstacle is only a temporary one. And for a little while, I can convince myself the same thing is true.
It's refreshing, really.
Perhaps it's merely that he ends up almost everywhere in the city?
Still, the sight of him always brightens the day. He seems to approach life as if it weren't actually all that serious a matter; any problem is surmountable, any obstacle is only a temporary one. And for a little while, I can convince myself the same thing is true.
It's refreshing, really.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 16, 2016, 9:42 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Despite each of us having roots both in the Crownlands and the Northlands, I feel as though Princess Natalia and I could not be more diametrically opposed in terms of personality.
I am, I will admit, not the sort to smile readily; she seems to do little but. I have little patience for grand social events and keeping up with fashion, preferring to spend my time in the wilderness or the Archives; I feel like the wilds would not agree with her, and she seems most at home in those same environments where I find myself ill-at-ease.
Still, I met with her at her request, since she's new to the city. And the truth is, she made for a pleasant conversational companion, despite the vast differences in our temperaments and interests.
I am, I will admit, not the sort to smile readily; she seems to do little but. I have little patience for grand social events and keeping up with fashion, preferring to spend my time in the wilderness or the Archives; I feel like the wilds would not agree with her, and she seems most at home in those same environments where I find myself ill-at-ease.
Still, I met with her at her request, since she's new to the city. And the truth is, she made for a pleasant conversational companion, despite the vast differences in our temperaments and interests.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 16, 2016, 9:34 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
I seem to have ended up a cat-owner, which is odd considering the Grayson propensity for hunting dogs.
A few days back, Lady Dawn sent me a kitten by messenger. A little white ball of feisty fluff missing one of her forelegs, whose name is apparently Faustus according to the tag she had on. Lady Dawn said that the kitten had nearly been eaten by her deerhound, and that I was thus tasked to take care of her.
(The kitten, not Lady Dawn.)
In the handful of days I have owned her, Faustus has escaped from my room no less than three times to go exploring, managed to get up into the rafters of the Badger and forced me to climb up and get her, snuck into Lady Cara's room and nested beneath the bed, found a way inside the walls of the Badger, stalked and 'killed' most of my writing implements, and startled at least two of the staff.
I'm beginning to think Faus is actually an Ashford in feline form.
A few days back, Lady Dawn sent me a kitten by messenger. A little white ball of feisty fluff missing one of her forelegs, whose name is apparently Faustus according to the tag she had on. Lady Dawn said that the kitten had nearly been eaten by her deerhound, and that I was thus tasked to take care of her.
(The kitten, not Lady Dawn.)
In the handful of days I have owned her, Faustus has escaped from my room no less than three times to go exploring, managed to get up into the rafters of the Badger and forced me to climb up and get her, snuck into Lady Cara's room and nested beneath the bed, found a way inside the walls of the Badger, stalked and 'killed' most of my writing implements, and startled at least two of the staff.
I'm beginning to think Faus is actually an Ashford in feline form.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Myrinda
A superb crafter. Her work on my gala outfit was of very high quality; should I need any more outfits for social engagements—as opposed to adventuring—I'll certainly seek her out again.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:30 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
Pietro and Vincere Igniseri are a pair of twins who are related to Lady Cara's family in some manner. Fostered with her house, but I'm not certain if they're blood relatives. I met them in the stacks of the Archive.
Vincere—at least, I'm fairly certain that one is Vincere—seems a bit of a scholar, interested more in the artifacts or scrolls I have brought back to the Archives than in tales of how they were retrieved. Still, a scholar who has an interest in history is an adventurer in a sense, even if they only journey through the bits of information we can salvage.
He might still be interested in the Adventurer's Society, even if perhaps not as intensely as his brother.
Vincere—at least, I'm fairly certain that one is Vincere—seems a bit of a scholar, interested more in the artifacts or scrolls I have brought back to the Archives than in tales of how they were retrieved. Still, a scholar who has an interest in history is an adventurer in a sense, even if they only journey through the bits of information we can salvage.
He might still be interested in the Adventurer's Society, even if perhaps not as intensely as his brother.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:27 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
Pietro and Vincere Igniseri are a pair of twins who are related to Lady Cara's family in some manner. Fostered with her house, but I'm not certain if they're blood relatives. I met them in the stacks of the Archive.
Pietro—at least, I think it was Pietro—seems a kindred spirit, someone who yearns for adventure and exploration. Though he's my own age, he has a level of enthusiasm that makes him seem younger than he is.
Perhaps someone who'd join the Adventurer's Society, or even a prospective plucky sidekick.
Pietro—at least, I think it was Pietro—seems a kindred spirit, someone who yearns for adventure and exploration. Though he's my own age, he has a level of enthusiasm that makes him seem younger than he is.
Perhaps someone who'd join the Adventurer's Society, or even a prospective plucky sidekick.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:26 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
I've decided I should create an adventurer's society.
It would be a group dedicated to exploring, to discovering the forgotten past, to meeting new peoples... just generally to expanding our knowledge of our world, whether culturally, historically, or cartographically. A place for adventurers to meet, and share their stories and plans for expeditions. For those who are eager to learn more—or to join an expedition—to visit. And for those who are interested in providing financial backing (or some other form of resources) to an expedition to meet those whose efforts they are backing.
If nothing else, it would provide a social environment where I know everyone else shares my interests. And perhaps an excellent place to find someone to journey with me.
It would be a group dedicated to exploring, to discovering the forgotten past, to meeting new peoples... just generally to expanding our knowledge of our world, whether culturally, historically, or cartographically. A place for adventurers to meet, and share their stories and plans for expeditions. For those who are eager to learn more—or to join an expedition—to visit. And for those who are interested in providing financial backing (or some other form of resources) to an expedition to meet those whose efforts they are backing.
If nothing else, it would provide a social environment where I know everyone else shares my interests. And perhaps an excellent place to find someone to journey with me.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 7:37 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Dawn, the current Voice of House Grayson, is an interesting woman. Every impression I have of her is one of someone who is very controlled and politically adept, yet who it seems is not as accepted as she could be due to a circumstance of birth.
Any achievement of hers will likely be justified by others as the work of her advisors and comrades. Yet any stumble, any perceived fault, will be taken as a personal failing and proof that her birth makes her unsuitable for the role.
Which strikes me as ridiculous, but I suppose it's not my field; I'd much rather spend my time uncovering the past, preferably as far away from politics as I can manage.
Any achievement of hers will likely be justified by others as the work of her advisors and comrades. Yet any stumble, any perceived fault, will be taken as a personal failing and proof that her birth makes her unsuitable for the role.
Which strikes me as ridiculous, but I suppose it's not my field; I'd much rather spend my time uncovering the past, preferably as far away from politics as I can manage.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 5, 2016, 12:52 a.m.(10/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Lady Sylphie is Lady Cara's sister-in-law, another of that entwined pair of Lycene families from Gemecitta. I've only really met her in passing thus far, but she seems a pleasant enough conversationalist.
I'm also fairly certain she's unlikely to either poison my drink or stab me in the back! At least, for the moment. And I have friends in the Lyceum that I'm not entirely certain I can say that of.
I'm also fairly certain she's unlikely to either poison my drink or stab me in the back! At least, for the moment. And I have friends in the Lyceum that I'm not entirely certain I can say that of.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 4, 2016, 12:36 a.m.(10/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
I came across Prince Gareth carrying a basket of /kittens/, of all things, back to the Grayson estate. I ended up offering to help him, and carried the basket back part of the way. Unfortunately, at one point, a light-hearted joke was taken rather poorly, and he took the kittens stormed off. I suppose I've been away from the city too long; my sense of humor doesn't always align with everyone else's anymore.
(A shame that he got so angered, really, because I wouldn't have minded a kitten. They do make rather nice pets, and he seemed to have a surplus.)
(A shame that he got so angered, really, because I wouldn't have minded a kitten. They do make rather nice pets, and he seemed to have a surplus.)
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 10:07 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
A courtesan I encountered in a tavern, drinking with Lady Dafne and Lord Salazar. We engaged in a bit of a drinking game until I had to depart, and her claims during the game suggest that she has led an adventurous—or at least, eventful—life in her own way.
While she seems to have quite the reputation, she also seems a pleasant and interesting sort to go drinking with. (Although given that reputation, perhaps someone else should pour the drinks.)
While she seems to have quite the reputation, she also seems a pleasant and interesting sort to go drinking with. (Although given that reputation, perhaps someone else should pour the drinks.)
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:34 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
House Grayson held a rather pleasant, if unusual, dinner tonight. It was to introduce many of us to the cuisine, history, and culture of Prince Mason's homeland of Ahj'on.
The primary meal was rice, chicken, and a spicy sauce all mixed together; the 'curry' that the Eurusi sailors I befriended in the Saffron Chain used to speak of. The spices seemed a bit much for some, but to me, I just found myself thinking of meals I've had on my travels. The Saffron Chain may spice things differently, but no less intensely. I found it quite delicious, though I doubt I'll be able to convince the cooks at the Badger to prepare it. (Perhaps back home? I could just frame it as a suitably adventurous meal...)
No matter. Along with the food, we discussed more of the twelve Dune Kingdoms, specifically Ahj'on. There was talk of climate, and how settlements cling to the edges of oases—and how there have been wars fought over them. There was also discussion of some lore and beliefs in the area.
In all, a very pleasant meal. I look forward to spending more time with those who were in attendance.
The primary meal was rice, chicken, and a spicy sauce all mixed together; the 'curry' that the Eurusi sailors I befriended in the Saffron Chain used to speak of. The spices seemed a bit much for some, but to me, I just found myself thinking of meals I've had on my travels. The Saffron Chain may spice things differently, but no less intensely. I found it quite delicious, though I doubt I'll be able to convince the cooks at the Badger to prepare it. (Perhaps back home? I could just frame it as a suitably adventurous meal...)
No matter. Along with the food, we discussed more of the twelve Dune Kingdoms, specifically Ahj'on. There was talk of climate, and how settlements cling to the edges of oases—and how there have been wars fought over them. There was also discussion of some lore and beliefs in the area.
In all, a very pleasant meal. I look forward to spending more time with those who were in attendance.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:13 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I haven't really met Prince Edain personally, but his name keeps coming up in things. And I did see him run a command tournament, which is an unusual enough event to be worthy of note. He had people command small sets of guards through an obstacle course, timing them on how quickly they overcame the obstacles.
That's certainly a change from the usual sort of challenges out there, and suggests a mind that I'd like to get to know better.
That's certainly a change from the usual sort of challenges out there, and suggests a mind that I'd like to get to know better.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:01 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
Princess Lou is something of a kindred spirit, though I suspect one with a little more focus on politics than I wish to have. I've had very few interactions with her, but I'd certainly like to get to know her better.
Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of her in one sense. Not the title—gods, no!—but the fact that she seems to have a partner in her adventuring, in the form of her husband.
When I was younger, I used to dream of having a partner, someone who I'd undertake my grand explorations with. Someone who held the torch to keep the room alight, while I fought off the dread creatures in the ruin we'd just found. Someone to stand at my back with a sword when we were surrounded with brigands.
Instead, my expeditions are generally undertaken alone, or with companions of convenience hired for the specific expedition. But Lou and Mason seem to have that sort of partnership I once dreamed about, and that seems something to be treasured.
Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of her in one sense. Not the title—gods, no!—but the fact that she seems to have a partner in her adventuring, in the form of her husband.
When I was younger, I used to dream of having a partner, someone who I'd undertake my grand explorations with. Someone who held the torch to keep the room alight, while I fought off the dread creatures in the ruin we'd just found. Someone to stand at my back with a sword when we were surrounded with brigands.
Instead, my expeditions are generally undertaken alone, or with companions of convenience hired for the specific expedition. But Lou and Mason seem to have that sort of partnership I once dreamed about, and that seems something to be treasured.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
Prince Mason is actually from the Dune Kingdom of Ahj'on, over in Eurus. I've heard of the Dune Kingdoms before, of course, from the Eurusi sailors I drank with down in the Saffron Chain, but never in so much detail as he was willing to share. He seems a good-hearted sort, friendly and eager to share tales of the things he's seen and the places he's been. In that sense, I suspect he's a kindred spirit; I hope to get to know him better.
He offered to help several of us—myself included—practice the Eurusi language, and I believe I'll take him up on it.
He offered to help several of us—myself included—practice the Eurusi language, and I believe I'll take him up on it.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 7:06 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
Lady Cara is the widow of my cousin Addison, and I'm finding myself rather fond of her. Lycene by birth, but she's proven herself an Ashford in spirit. Not in terms of seeking knowledge physically in the world, mind you; I cannot imagine Cara climbing an ice cliff or scrambling down into a collapsed tomb in search of some bit of lost knowledge. But intellectually? She's as adventurous as any of us. She pours through historical records with as much determination and stubbornness as would do any blooded Ashford proud.
Written By Aislin
Sept. 25, 2016, 11:02 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
A tall, tattooed Prodigal in the service of House Grayson. I found him practicing his sword work in the middle of the Grayson estate gardens, which is not perhaps the practice ring I'd have chosen. I believe he hails from out west, beyond the Oathlands. Perhaps I'll take him drinking sometime soon, and try to learn a bit more of the culture and history from his homeland. You never know where you might find your next clue to lead into an interesting expedition.
Written By Aislin
Sept. 25, 2016, 10:59 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Truth be told, I almost pity Nadia in some ways. That may seem strange to say about a Duchess, but politics are their own form of shackle; if I were ever to inherit Ashford, Gods forbid, I'd have to give up my adventuring and focus on the hold. I'd lose much—if not all—of the freedom I currently enjoy.
And of course it's pleasant to spend time with one's family; I always enjoy visiting the Nightgolds, whether here in the city or on my journeys through the Northlands.
But I'd be lying if I said at least part of why I make a point of bringing them stories from my travels wasn't to allow my cousin a chance to travel the world, even if only vicariously.
And of course it's pleasant to spend time with one's family; I always enjoy visiting the Nightgolds, whether here in the city or on my journeys through the Northlands.
But I'd be lying if I said at least part of why I make a point of bringing them stories from my travels wasn't to allow my cousin a chance to travel the world, even if only vicariously.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.