Written By Samantha
June 16, 2017, 6:21 p.m.(9/1/1006 AR)
So many things to do. So many things have been done.
With the passing of dear Juliet, leadership of the Salon is now in the hands of her protege, Joslyn. She still owes me a combat lesson, though I'll have to be a touch more careful given my situation.
I've accepted discipleship of Skald. At some point there will be a much longer entry on why this deity is important to me; at least those parts of my reasons that I can offer for public consumption.
I've also been accepted by the Crown's diplomatic corps, and submitted a list of my linguistic accomplishments. (To note: I speak Crownlands shav, and will be brushing up on the elven dialects in the very near future. Must talk to Aislin.)
My three Deputy Ministers are on place, though we must finalize our initial meeting to outline and prioritize projects on behalf of the Crown.
Costume for the Masquerade Ball acquired, though I did have to get the dress let out to accomodate my girth. I don't think there's enough rare roast in the world to satisfy my hunger. Also, the claws are a bit unwieldy. As Rymarr has duties to attend to, Prince Aiden has kindly offered me his arm for at least the early part of the evening, as we are co-hosts and will be working in concert to greet those who attend.
I continue to spend the first half of my day at the palace attending to ministry matters, with the afternoons reserved for the March and the evenings either for relaxation or any other matters that fall into my lap.
Oh, and the dinner parties. Rymarr and I have resolved that every few weeks, will invite a small group of people - no more than four at a time, and different people each time - to dine with us, talk, and enjoy some manner of activity. Commoners and nobles alike will be invited to our table. It is my hope that in the future, an invitation to one of our dinner parties will be regarded as a societal accomplishment within the court.
With that, I must make sure the manor is ready for future guests...
With the passing of dear Juliet, leadership of the Salon is now in the hands of her protege, Joslyn. She still owes me a combat lesson, though I'll have to be a touch more careful given my situation.
I've accepted discipleship of Skald. At some point there will be a much longer entry on why this deity is important to me; at least those parts of my reasons that I can offer for public consumption.
I've also been accepted by the Crown's diplomatic corps, and submitted a list of my linguistic accomplishments. (To note: I speak Crownlands shav, and will be brushing up on the elven dialects in the very near future. Must talk to Aislin.)
My three Deputy Ministers are on place, though we must finalize our initial meeting to outline and prioritize projects on behalf of the Crown.
Costume for the Masquerade Ball acquired, though I did have to get the dress let out to accomodate my girth. I don't think there's enough rare roast in the world to satisfy my hunger. Also, the claws are a bit unwieldy. As Rymarr has duties to attend to, Prince Aiden has kindly offered me his arm for at least the early part of the evening, as we are co-hosts and will be working in concert to greet those who attend.
I continue to spend the first half of my day at the palace attending to ministry matters, with the afternoons reserved for the March and the evenings either for relaxation or any other matters that fall into my lap.
Oh, and the dinner parties. Rymarr and I have resolved that every few weeks, will invite a small group of people - no more than four at a time, and different people each time - to dine with us, talk, and enjoy some manner of activity. Commoners and nobles alike will be invited to our table. It is my hope that in the future, an invitation to one of our dinner parties will be regarded as a societal accomplishment within the court.
With that, I must make sure the manor is ready for future guests...
Written By Samantha
June 9, 2017, 5:13 p.m.(8/15/1006 AR)
Given the choice between further condemning the actions of others after they have chosen to make a change to fundamental principles of how they live their lives, or offering them welcome after choosing reform that is compassionate and fair - however long it may take them to get there, I choose to open my arms and welcome them. Past cruelties should be a lesson never forgotten, but it should come along with the awareness that we cannot change the past, we can only shape the future.
If we do want to encourage further change, I suspect the way to do it won't be through condemnation of those who acknowledge it in a positive fashion, and continue to aid in further realization and share welcome as it occurs.
It is no crime to acknowledge an effort to be better, which in and of itself will encourage further consideration of reform. We can choose to pursue the positive and increase it in scope, or dwell on what was never done, or what was done wrong, and never take a single further step toward enlightenment.
I choose to walk the path.
If we do want to encourage further change, I suspect the way to do it won't be through condemnation of those who acknowledge it in a positive fashion, and continue to aid in further realization and share welcome as it occurs.
It is no crime to acknowledge an effort to be better, which in and of itself will encourage further consideration of reform. We can choose to pursue the positive and increase it in scope, or dwell on what was never done, or what was done wrong, and never take a single further step toward enlightenment.
I choose to walk the path.
Written By Samantha
June 5, 2017, 12:39 p.m.(8/5/1006 AR)
In a very short space in time, I have lost two people who took up important spaces in my life.
Lady Juliet was a friend who stood by me in the most tentative of times, and reminded me of the phrase "steel under silk". She had a way of making those around her feel beautiful, and I'm not sure I will ever meet someone as incredible as her again in my life. She painted me once in miniature, and we'd talked about a larger painting for the future, which now shall never be made. I weep for her loss, and celebrate her life.
Count Max was in some ways my friend, and certainly my ally. I'm sure he had ulterior motives; rare is the noble of Thrax who doesn't, but his intentions regarding the abolishment of thralldom were sincere, and he supported me without question when I asked him to do so.
(I think now of a fond and amusing memory - I think he tried to seduce me once. It was our first informal meeting. He made a great show of taking off his shirt.)
Life will go on, but there will always be the shadows of those we've had to leave behind.
Lady Juliet was a friend who stood by me in the most tentative of times, and reminded me of the phrase "steel under silk". She had a way of making those around her feel beautiful, and I'm not sure I will ever meet someone as incredible as her again in my life. She painted me once in miniature, and we'd talked about a larger painting for the future, which now shall never be made. I weep for her loss, and celebrate her life.
Count Max was in some ways my friend, and certainly my ally. I'm sure he had ulterior motives; rare is the noble of Thrax who doesn't, but his intentions regarding the abolishment of thralldom were sincere, and he supported me without question when I asked him to do so.
(I think now of a fond and amusing memory - I think he tried to seduce me once. It was our first informal meeting. He made a great show of taking off his shirt.)
Life will go on, but there will always be the shadows of those we've had to leave behind.
Written By Samantha
May 30, 2017, 5:36 p.m.(7/22/1006 AR)
I've been longing for a parrot ever since I heard of them, which I must point out has been a significant time since coming to Arx.
And suddenly I hear that people have parrots! Actual parrots! Why don't I have a parrot?
I am really quite cross right now. Also, hungry.
And suddenly I hear that people have parrots! Actual parrots! Why don't I have a parrot?
I am really quite cross right now. Also, hungry.
Written By Samantha
May 22, 2017, 6:29 p.m.(7/6/1006 AR)
One would think that having lived so long a life in which my entire existence revolved around a lie, I would be better at spotting falseness of others.
To discover a smiling face hides a conniving spirit is cause for both anger and disappointment.
Presumption of weakness because I choose to think the best in those around me is a mistake.
Equating kindness or even softness for weakness...it is a mistake I see made almost every day.
To discover a smiling face hides a conniving spirit is cause for both anger and disappointment.
Presumption of weakness because I choose to think the best in those around me is a mistake.
Equating kindness or even softness for weakness...it is a mistake I see made almost every day.
Written By Samantha
May 18, 2017, 3 p.m.(6/25/1006 AR)
I feel a bit as if my body is betraying me. The nausea is minimal, unless I'm unexpectedly exposed to certain scents that I didn't mind, or even enjoyed, before. But if I get a whiff, I find myself needing a bucket. Or in one case, a window, which was quite humiliating. The servants are kind about it though, for which I'm quite thankful.
The tea Princess Cara sent me has been incredibly soothing, and I find the hair tonic Mistress Mirari gave me to also have a pleasant, comforting smell.
The tea Princess Cara sent me has been incredibly soothing, and I find the hair tonic Mistress Mirari gave me to also have a pleasant, comforting smell.
Written By Samantha
May 16, 2017, 11:18 a.m.(6/21/1006 AR)
The siege is over, and Brand is defeated. We are rebuilding, and all of this is good.
But those newly Prodigal still have a fear; that they will be regarded as no different than those who marched with Brand, and that the resentments for the enemy will be focused on them. We have lost so many, and for some, the anger and fear brought on by Brand and his followers will never be purged, though they will believe it is their right and their need to try. For such people, the target of their ire will not matter, so long as those who suffer at their hands are 'different' from them.
We cannot allow this to happen.
Just as there are both newly Prodigal as well as those who followed Brand, there were also Shav'arvani who chose to refuse to engage on either side, whether out of fear, or a strident desire for peace. It would be easy to dismiss them and to say by not raising their hands, they are the enemy, but if the success of the 30,000 has taught me one thing, it is this: to force someone's hand is to prevent them from making a willing and wholehearted choice. What won these new Prodigals to our side was not force or military strength, but the recognition of their existence as fellow human beings, deserving of respect, kindness, and decency.
No doubt there are Abandoned tribes who engage in foul practices such as blood sacrifice of the unwilling and cannibalism. But in majority, the tribes of the Abandoned are simply people who fear the stripping away of their identity and the worry that the all-encompassing Compact will swallow them up and destroy their cohesiveness. This is a belief that must be proven wrong.
I urge my fellow nobles to make strident effort to insure that peaceable Prodigals and unsworn Abandoned who have caused no harm be protected from harassment and assault. Those who bent knee are owed our protection as our vassals, and those who have not must be shown the value of doing so. They will not find such value in the misdirected anger of the people, but in the display of welcome and recognition that they are worthy of respect.
But those newly Prodigal still have a fear; that they will be regarded as no different than those who marched with Brand, and that the resentments for the enemy will be focused on them. We have lost so many, and for some, the anger and fear brought on by Brand and his followers will never be purged, though they will believe it is their right and their need to try. For such people, the target of their ire will not matter, so long as those who suffer at their hands are 'different' from them.
We cannot allow this to happen.
Just as there are both newly Prodigal as well as those who followed Brand, there were also Shav'arvani who chose to refuse to engage on either side, whether out of fear, or a strident desire for peace. It would be easy to dismiss them and to say by not raising their hands, they are the enemy, but if the success of the 30,000 has taught me one thing, it is this: to force someone's hand is to prevent them from making a willing and wholehearted choice. What won these new Prodigals to our side was not force or military strength, but the recognition of their existence as fellow human beings, deserving of respect, kindness, and decency.
No doubt there are Abandoned tribes who engage in foul practices such as blood sacrifice of the unwilling and cannibalism. But in majority, the tribes of the Abandoned are simply people who fear the stripping away of their identity and the worry that the all-encompassing Compact will swallow them up and destroy their cohesiveness. This is a belief that must be proven wrong.
I urge my fellow nobles to make strident effort to insure that peaceable Prodigals and unsworn Abandoned who have caused no harm be protected from harassment and assault. Those who bent knee are owed our protection as our vassals, and those who have not must be shown the value of doing so. They will not find such value in the misdirected anger of the people, but in the display of welcome and recognition that they are worthy of respect.
Written By Samantha
May 8, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(6/5/1006 AR)
I wasn't on the front lines. I did not hold a sword in my hand. I stayed at the manor and kept my household and the refugees calm, and then asked them to assist in aiding the wards that have taken damage. I did not put my life on the line as so many did, and so I feel rather guilty for feeling so tired. Like I could sleep for a week.
Written By Samantha
May 2, 2017, 3:34 p.m.(5/21/1006 AR)
It pleases me to see so many White Journals indicating others take pleasure in visiting the Menagerie. It is one of my favorite places in the city. Animals have always fascinated me, from the things that crawl and climb to the things that slither and fly. I wonder if life had not led me on the road I walk now, if I might have been some kind of naturalist, learning about all the animals of the world.
I wonder if some kind of society could be formed who are interested in such matters; not explorers per se, but rather naturalists who find flora and fauna fascinating, whether they are mere dilettantes such as myself, or those with greater expertise.
I wonder if some kind of society could be formed who are interested in such matters; not explorers per se, but rather naturalists who find flora and fauna fascinating, whether they are mere dilettantes such as myself, or those with greater expertise.
Written By Samantha
April 29, 2017, 2:39 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Once more consideration of thralls is a topic at the forefront of consideration; and it would seem that Dame Sameera intends to use the island she was deeded by her brother to develop a halfway house and intentional community for those who are recently freed to integrate into law abiding society. It is a good idea, and I encourage it, though there is still a need for support of those who manage to cross borders in order to reach freedom. I think the main thing I question is how many legally freed thralls will wish to remain in Thrax lands. The prospect of a fresh start someplace else would seem, at initial consideration, the most ideal circumstance, but then again, leaving what you know to be familiar is a great challenge, and possibly more than someone who has just been given their liberty can bear. I imagine the sensation is overwhelming.
I still sincerely believe that the abolition of thralldom is an inevitable evolution, though its progress must by necessity be slow and gradual and cause as minimal an economic impact as possible.
I still sincerely believe that the abolition of thralldom is an inevitable evolution, though its progress must by necessity be slow and gradual and cause as minimal an economic impact as possible.
Written By Samantha
April 27, 2017, 6:03 p.m.(5/9/1006 AR)
If you want your place on the board respected, learn how to play the game.
Written By Samantha
April 20, 2017, 12:54 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
I confess to being confused by this entire business.
Has House Mercier been feeling marginalized by House Grayson for some time? Because I've not heard hide nor hair of it. House Deepwood's business ties with them have been significant, and my personal friendship with at least two of them are dear to my heart. I would have been happy to help mediate if there were issues.
So this is either the straw breaking the camel's back (have you never heard of camels? Well, they're known of in other kingdoms, I believe there are a few in the menagerie), or a sudden and now irrevocable decision made off the cuff.
I am as disturbed by the choice as I am the fact that Velenosa were apparently so quick to accept the transition.
I choose at this time not to choose a side, so to speak. No irrevocable business decisions will be made at this time. Not without more information as to what exactly has happened, with accounts from all involved.
Has House Mercier been feeling marginalized by House Grayson for some time? Because I've not heard hide nor hair of it. House Deepwood's business ties with them have been significant, and my personal friendship with at least two of them are dear to my heart. I would have been happy to help mediate if there were issues.
So this is either the straw breaking the camel's back (have you never heard of camels? Well, they're known of in other kingdoms, I believe there are a few in the menagerie), or a sudden and now irrevocable decision made off the cuff.
I am as disturbed by the choice as I am the fact that Velenosa were apparently so quick to accept the transition.
I choose at this time not to choose a side, so to speak. No irrevocable business decisions will be made at this time. Not without more information as to what exactly has happened, with accounts from all involved.
Written By Samantha
April 19, 2017, 1:44 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Today I woke up with my husband to be at my side, and was promptly whisked away by the lady servants who seem to be taking this as their opportunity to make me their personal dress up dolly, bless them. Bathed and brushed and plucked and painted and all manner of things. I can see the decorations going up from outside the window - banners of Deepwood and Lyonesse hanging down, ribbons streaming from the spot where we will take our vows. The raptors will be on display, and I only hope Judge doesn't eat his flower garland before the actual ceremony.
My dress is beautiful. Aurora Thornburn is a magical woman, making such creations seasilk and able to accomodate my desire to honor both Deepwood and Lyonesse in the embroidery. It's the last thing I'll put on today, before I step out onto the veranda and take my first steps toward the rest of my life.
Today we do not exchange rings, but the stones that will be fitted into them. This is so we can both have one designed to our taste. It's not quite the Oathlands tradition, but close enough to it that Rymarr feels it reflects his homeland. I hold the emerald in my hand, fingers rubbing it slightly now and again, like a sort of worry stone. I have nothing to fear, though. No reason to worry.
Today I build my family.
My dress is beautiful. Aurora Thornburn is a magical woman, making such creations seasilk and able to accomodate my desire to honor both Deepwood and Lyonesse in the embroidery. It's the last thing I'll put on today, before I step out onto the veranda and take my first steps toward the rest of my life.
Today we do not exchange rings, but the stones that will be fitted into them. This is so we can both have one designed to our taste. It's not quite the Oathlands tradition, but close enough to it that Rymarr feels it reflects his homeland. I hold the emerald in my hand, fingers rubbing it slightly now and again, like a sort of worry stone. I have nothing to fear, though. No reason to worry.
Today I build my family.
Written By Samantha
April 18, 2017, 1:07 p.m.(4/18/1006 AR)
While I hate to take advantage of another's foolishness, in the event that a ban on grain sales for alcohol is actually worth bothering over, I am happy to remind the public that alcoholic beverages in the form of delicious Deepwood Cider are available for purchase from Mercier merchants.
I shall have to remember to send dear Tristan a case of it.
I shall have to remember to send dear Tristan a case of it.
Written By Samantha
April 16, 2017, 6:40 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Peregrine
I like her. She reminds me of dealing with her namesake. When dealing with a bird of prey, you desire to make a connection, perhaps even gain their friendship and affection, but you must always remember that these creatures are admirably dangerous and deserve your respect for being so.
Written By Samantha
April 16, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(4/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
I am going to marry him, and I am going to marry him soon.
I have the good fortune to be the mistress of my own destiny when it comes to marriage. In the nobility is an arrangement of advantage for each side, and while loving the person you are going to marry is fortunate, or falling in love with someone who has the type of advantages that suit, is exceedingly fortunate, simply marrying for love is virtually unheard of. I am very fortunate to have fallen in love with a man who brings honor and expertise in areas that I have less experience in, and ties to another House of excellent repute. This marriage satisfies the obligations and expectations of being part of the nobility.
Really though, the fact that I love him is first and foremost to me, and if that makes me silly, so be it. I do not believe that marriage will be easy, but I believe that if it is true and lasting, there will be a commitment to each other and at the very center of that commitment is compromise. There will be moments where we will make each other grit our teeth, and there will be moments where all we can see is each other, and there will be times that neither of us will be entirely happy with the conclusion or compromise that is made, but the point of it is we are in it together.
i think if I continue, this entry will devolve into a plethora of girlish sentiment of overly romantic notions.
Have I mentioned his eyes are dreamy?
I have the good fortune to be the mistress of my own destiny when it comes to marriage. In the nobility is an arrangement of advantage for each side, and while loving the person you are going to marry is fortunate, or falling in love with someone who has the type of advantages that suit, is exceedingly fortunate, simply marrying for love is virtually unheard of. I am very fortunate to have fallen in love with a man who brings honor and expertise in areas that I have less experience in, and ties to another House of excellent repute. This marriage satisfies the obligations and expectations of being part of the nobility.
Really though, the fact that I love him is first and foremost to me, and if that makes me silly, so be it. I do not believe that marriage will be easy, but I believe that if it is true and lasting, there will be a commitment to each other and at the very center of that commitment is compromise. There will be moments where we will make each other grit our teeth, and there will be moments where all we can see is each other, and there will be times that neither of us will be entirely happy with the conclusion or compromise that is made, but the point of it is we are in it together.
i think if I continue, this entry will devolve into a plethora of girlish sentiment of overly romantic notions.
Have I mentioned his eyes are dreamy?
Written By Samantha
April 11, 2017, 10:14 a.m.(4/3/1006 AR)
Do not show us what is in the right hand when there has been a demand to answer for what the left hand has done.
Written By Samantha
March 29, 2017, 12:08 p.m.(3/6/1006 AR)
I have been offered the position of seeing to the morale of the city during the course of the siege, and I have accepted the duty. It is important to keep the confidence of the people forthright and show our support for those who guard our gates. Some kind of daily reminder of our confidence in victory, as well as events for commoner and noble alike to keep up our spirits and remember why we fight. Too many times I have seen those who engage in war distance themselves from those who do not, believing that this distance enables them to fight. I do not agree, for it is people who make up a city, a kingdom, a Compact. Love of one's dear ones, happiness, and freedom must be held close to the heart to spur the fight. And our warriors will serve us best looking outward toward the siege rather than having to be concerned with chaos within the walls.
We must keep calm, and carry on.
We must keep calm, and carry on.
Written By Samantha
March 27, 2017, 2 p.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
I have not forgotten that I owe you silver.
Written By Samantha
March 27, 2017, 12:20 p.m.(3/2/1006 AR)
I spent a few hours last night at the Nightgold Estate, as the Duchess had invited nobles to come sit in vigil during the siege. There was food and drink a-plenty, and some talked, some prayed, and some did simple but useful work in the way of making and cleansing bandages to be used for the war effort.
The whole time I was there, I was wracked with guilt. Nevermore have I felt like what I am - the daughter of a servant. It felt like luxury I wasn't entitled to, and more to the point, what was I even doing there when there were people at the manor who needed me? Everyone was very kind, but soon enough, I couldn't bear it - a problem with me, and not my hostess, to be clear - and made my farewells to return home.
We could hear the drums, which seemed to make the very ground beneath our feet vibrate. We could hear the chanting as a dull but dangerous roar. Many of the younger refugee children were quite frightened, so I ordered that any of them who wished to sleep indoors might do so. The ballroom was filled with children, asleep in their camping bedding, those that could sleep. For those that could not, there was cocoa and stories and quiet games. I walked amongst them for a bit, receiving sticky kisses and too-tight hugs, and I knew then that I had done right thing by coming home.
And then deeper into the night, after the retreat, he came home, without a scratch on him. I know he fought, but I only saw he was unscathed after he walked into the parlor, and the first thing I thought was to thank the Thirteen. I held him tight. He is precious to me beyond imagining. And yet, I would never, ever demand he abjure his duty. It is part of who he is. All the same, during this siege, any time he leaves for the walls, I shall say a prayer, and any time he returns, I shall do likewise.
The whole time I was there, I was wracked with guilt. Nevermore have I felt like what I am - the daughter of a servant. It felt like luxury I wasn't entitled to, and more to the point, what was I even doing there when there were people at the manor who needed me? Everyone was very kind, but soon enough, I couldn't bear it - a problem with me, and not my hostess, to be clear - and made my farewells to return home.
We could hear the drums, which seemed to make the very ground beneath our feet vibrate. We could hear the chanting as a dull but dangerous roar. Many of the younger refugee children were quite frightened, so I ordered that any of them who wished to sleep indoors might do so. The ballroom was filled with children, asleep in their camping bedding, those that could sleep. For those that could not, there was cocoa and stories and quiet games. I walked amongst them for a bit, receiving sticky kisses and too-tight hugs, and I knew then that I had done right thing by coming home.
And then deeper into the night, after the retreat, he came home, without a scratch on him. I know he fought, but I only saw he was unscathed after he walked into the parlor, and the first thing I thought was to thank the Thirteen. I held him tight. He is precious to me beyond imagining. And yet, I would never, ever demand he abjure his duty. It is part of who he is. All the same, during this siege, any time he leaves for the walls, I shall say a prayer, and any time he returns, I shall do likewise.
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