Written By Gwenna
Aug. 4, 2020, 6:51 p.m.(10/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Words nearly fail me. I am struck with utter disbelief mixed with a gratefulness. Disbelief that you could be gone. Gratefulness because I got to know you a little and you trusted me with something - someone, really. I felt truly honored by that. I'm so glad that the day I was updating my will, I thought not to save that brooch until I was gone. I never thought in a thousand years you might be lost from our sights before I would be. I write lost only from our sights, because I refuse to believe your story is complete.
Written By Gwenna
July 28, 2020, 6:45 a.m.(9/25/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Amari
I find myself thinking back on the quiet discussions we've had over tea in the Keaton gardens and feel like a whole lifetime has passed between then and now. I never doubted that there was more to it all, and to you as well. Thank you for trusting me to come along on your endeavors! I feel like I will need to soak my aching muscles in a hot bath for a few days, though, but I'm not even regretful about it.
Written By Gwenna
July 27, 2020, 12:27 p.m.(9/24/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
To quote part of a recent journal of yours: "it’s not a sacrifice if it’s easy"
I had occasion to discuss this somewhat in-depth with someone the other night. I find myself wondering if I've done enough so far, or am even doing enough. If there may be a sacrifice too great to ask along this path, or if I don't fully realize what's being sacrificed by others. I'm not sure I know what price is too much to pay. Maybe that's why we are so often advised on the importance of balance, but the gods and spirits know I have no true fathoming of where the scales really tip too far one way or the other.
I had occasion to discuss this somewhat in-depth with someone the other night. I find myself wondering if I've done enough so far, or am even doing enough. If there may be a sacrifice too great to ask along this path, or if I don't fully realize what's being sacrificed by others. I'm not sure I know what price is too much to pay. Maybe that's why we are so often advised on the importance of balance, but the gods and spirits know I have no true fathoming of where the scales really tip too far one way or the other.
Written By Gwenna
July 25, 2020, 7:07 p.m.(9/20/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassandra
I had the distinct pleasure of running into my cousin, Legate Cassandra Laurent, while having tea at the Mercier's with Sir Austen. Duties seem to keep she and I from catching up much, but it's such a joy when our paths do cross. Not only that, I was given the great honor of having my diamondplate quill blessed. The prayer she offered was truly moving, and reminded me why so many look to her as the Sword of the Faith. How fortunate I am to claim her as a relative and friend.
Written By Gwenna
July 20, 2020, 11:06 a.m.(9/9/1013 AR)
It was both an honor and great pleasure to see my husband knighted at the Ceremony of Thanksgiving held by the Carnifex of the Faith, Sir Preston. It is scary to consider how close it came to Lorenzo not returning from the events at Sungreet. I am so proud of his accomplishments not only there, but also for House Redrain these past few years. To see one of his deeds recognized before a gathering in the Grand Cathedral is something I will never forget. How fortunate I am to get to call this amazing man my husband.
The words of those after the knighting about their experiences at Sungreet, and what they are grateful for, were humbling to hear - and yet they were also quite inspiring. I remain dedicated to fighting those who threaten us in whatever ways I might manage. As Sir Filshiar wrote in his own remembrance of the event, the blades of the North shall ever rise.
The words of those after the knighting about their experiences at Sungreet, and what they are grateful for, were humbling to hear - and yet they were also quite inspiring. I remain dedicated to fighting those who threaten us in whatever ways I might manage. As Sir Filshiar wrote in his own remembrance of the event, the blades of the North shall ever rise.
Written By Gwenna
July 14, 2020, 4:59 p.m.(8/26/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Piccola
"The victor always gets to write history."
The poignancy of this statement really struck me.
The poignancy of this statement really struck me.
Written By Gwenna
July 13, 2020, 7:36 a.m.(8/23/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Duchess Khanne's impromptu belated birthday celebration was incredible fun! Too often I let duties keep me from parties and I am glad I put down the ledgers for a change to attend this one. Such a warm gathering of people who clearly adore our beloved Vala, which I count myself among. From song to drink to one of the most cheerful cakes I have ever seen, I enjoyed myself a great deal. I even won twenty silver in a bet with Lord Kritr! I do believe Lady Rosalind has a new nickname now as well. All told, I am very glad I went and must try to do so more often for such things going forward.
Written By Gwenna
July 11, 2020, 4:54 p.m.(8/20/1013 AR)
I had a lovely small dinner with Lorenzo and Kenjay this evening in the villa. We caught up on a bit of history, talked about the things we're doing, and our hopeful plans for the future. So much we can't truly plan for, as there is surely as much mystery to the future as not. Still, sitting together over a meal is one of those small joys that doesn't happen often enough these days. I'm of a mind to try to plan a true family dinner sometime soon actually. It's nice to reconnect and catch-up when time allows. The trouble is always finding that time, I suppose.
Written By Gwenna
June 29, 2020, 8:31 a.m.(7/23/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Katryn
I'm not wholly convinced - I had a bit of luck fighting a shadow with a quill recently, truth be told.
Written By Gwenna
June 26, 2020, 6:01 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
Diplomacy is often the art of pleasing one's fellow peers, while also not pissing off the person or persons with sharp objects who are not opposed to using them. Especially if they might not be opposed to using them on you.
Written By Gwenna
June 22, 2020, 2:43 p.m.(7/10/1013 AR)
I went by the Jayus Gallery earlier today. I did a lot of wandering around the city, truth be told, for no real reason that I can think of. I don't particularly care for summer, but the smell of the flowers at the various gardens was delightful. I ended up at the gallery eventually, which was a reminder that I keep meaning to get back to painting and maybe take a lesson or two to improve my skills. There just always seem to be other things that need doing first - going to Sungreet, to Farhaven, the ledgers, researching this or that... And wandering the city I guess. Ah well. One of these days, I suppose. I'm at least grateful for the freedom to wander the city for a day.
Written By Gwenna
June 20, 2020, 5:31 p.m.(7/6/1013 AR)
It will be my birthday in a few days, which often leads to me finding a quiet place to sit and think on what has occurred over the past year. Sometimes I forget to write them down, or at least don't do so publicly, but I think the time reflecting is the most important. Have I done any good over the past twelve months? Is there anything I might change, if I could go back and do so? Have I been upholding my duties properly? What do I hope to accomplish in the coming year that I may not have managed before? I'm not sure I have the answers to all of these just yet, but they are important things I feel I need to ask each year and my birthday seems a pretty reliable remind to do as much.
Written By Gwenna
June 14, 2020, 3:21 p.m.(6/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Evangeline
I actually own such a diamondplate quill already! It came in rather handy at Sungreet when I and the other Crown Diplomats, as well as some of the King's Own, ran afoul of those who clearly did not understand the basics of diplomacy. In any case, I designed the piece and had it made at Dame Alexis' shop. That said, I am beyond curious to see your quill collection now! Hopefully I can tempt you to tea sometime soon. I'm considering a second and perhaps one of yours might serve as inspiration.
Written By Gwenna
June 13, 2020, 7:40 a.m.(6/19/1013 AR)
On a rare occasion, it seems, the pen just may be mightier than the sword - if that pen is a diamondplate quill, at least.
Written By Gwenna
June 8, 2020, 7:32 p.m.(6/10/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Lorenzo
Tragedy and triumph, heroes and heartbreak. I have so many thoughts, so much to write, but those words are ones I want to weigh a bit more. I am thankful to be home and unharmed, but so many others are not. My relief to see my chambers is edged with sorrow and anger in a jumble of feelings I've not yet sorted out.
That said, I am so very, very grateful that Lorenzo has also returned home. Hearing of his deeds upon the seas, and the honors bestowed upon him by Sir Preston, Grandmaster of the Templars and Carnifex of the Faith, and by Princess Marian, our Warchief, brought tears to my eyes. He has contributed so much to House Redrain, often quietly and without want of praise, and I have loved him deeply for how much he cares for the Northlands. That he took our banner along with so many others against the darkening shores of Sungreet...
Whenever I think I can not admire this amazing man any more, he proves me quite wrong.
That said, I am so very, very grateful that Lorenzo has also returned home. Hearing of his deeds upon the seas, and the honors bestowed upon him by Sir Preston, Grandmaster of the Templars and Carnifex of the Faith, and by Princess Marian, our Warchief, brought tears to my eyes. He has contributed so much to House Redrain, often quietly and without want of praise, and I have loved him deeply for how much he cares for the Northlands. That he took our banner along with so many others against the darkening shores of Sungreet...
Whenever I think I can not admire this amazing man any more, he proves me quite wrong.
Written By Gwenna
June 3, 2020, 6:08 p.m.(5/28/1013 AR)
We are a fealty that harbors few, if any, ills against the past. We fight fiercely, loudly, passionately, and then we are done. To quote Prince Sherrod Redrain, slain at the Night's Grove: "When the Northlands quarrel, it's a fire that burns white hot then is done. We don't roll around in the ashes and breathe deep poisonous fumes and see who dies first from a cancer. Grudges are madness."
Even so, when one picks at a deep and painful scar so recently just healed, it often will bleed again. To invite those feelings back, to remind those who lost through blatant deception and betrayal, is certainly a choice one might make. Such choices are to be respected, but that does not mean they will be without consequence.
Even so, when one picks at a deep and painful scar so recently just healed, it often will bleed again. To invite those feelings back, to remind those who lost through blatant deception and betrayal, is certainly a choice one might make. Such choices are to be respected, but that does not mean they will be without consequence.
Written By Gwenna
June 1, 2020, 1:46 p.m.(5/24/1013 AR)
I've been considering seeking out an art instructor lately. Painting has been a pastime of mine and one that allows me to shake off some of the weightier thoughts of the day. That has never required to be better, by any means, but sometimes doing something well, as opposed to just doing something, is a bit more rewarding. With so much going on, finding time to paint at has been a challenge, but I keep feeling that draw to return to it.
Written By Gwenna
May 27, 2020, 6:28 p.m.(5/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
To harness that power and take it to the battlefield... Can you even imagine? With single brow-arches they could wipe out whole battalions. Truly, such power should not be allowed to exist! Never mind the stern discussions we would all surely get once the battle was done.
Written By Gwenna
May 26, 2020, 7:42 p.m.(5/12/1013 AR)
I can not recommend contracting with the Whisper House enough, for a variety of reasons. Sister Juniper, while still a Whisper, was instrumental in calming quite a storm that erupted some years ago. Some time after that, Radiant Bliss noted that she and Princess Elgana had offered, on a few occasions, a contract for House Redrain, which had not yet been taken up. I readily reviewed and agreed to it so that every member of our family might have the insight, advice, and skilled tutelage that the Whisper House has to offer. Were that not all enough, the reception for the wedding between Lorenzo and I was held there; truly, it was a breathtaking affair, even if I might seemed inclined to bias. It is an investment and relationship that I am very glad for and sincerely endorse. As well, I am reminded that perhaps I need a few refreshers myself in some things - one can never stop learning.
Written By Gwenna
May 26, 2020, 7:55 a.m.(5/11/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
I can only imagine what thoughts my own mother might be having about certain peerage while in Farhaven right now. I swear I can hear that disapproving brow arch up on her forehead and almost see that barest hint of a frown at the corner of her lips. Can you picture what it'd be like if our mothers got together over tea?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.