Written By Gwenna
May 18, 2020, 7:06 p.m.(4/24/1013 AR)
Ledgers can never be replaced. I refuse to believe they could fall out of fashion.
Written By Gwenna
May 14, 2020, 9:09 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
Silence may often be misinterpreted, but at least it can never be misquoted.
Written By Gwenna
April 30, 2020, 9:25 a.m.(3/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
My amazing cousin, Princess Elgana, had a dream about building a caravel. Not an actual dream, but the sort of ambitious hope that opens up the world to a person. At no few dinners with close family and friends, she spoke of the wonderful adventures that could be had and the good it might do for House Redrain. That dream formed into a passion that she not only achieved, but surpassed. One caravel turned into three, in no small part because of her efforts, and I was even allowed the great honor of helping to name one. His Grace allowed an investment from the House to help fund the endeavor, and Princess Helena and Prince Lorenzo contributed greatly as well, both in word and deed.
I am so proud to have been a part of this project along with my cousins and husband, and especially proud of Princess Elgana who can create great deeds from the seeds of hope.
I am so proud to have been a part of this project along with my cousins and husband, and especially proud of Princess Elgana who can create great deeds from the seeds of hope.
Written By Gwenna
April 1, 2020, 8:53 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
My dearest cousin, you now have an open invitation to all future Redrain brunch events at the villa where the donning of lounge-wear is not only encouraged, but strongly preferred. Plus, we'd never turn down someone bringing honey for the toast.
Written By Gwenna
March 3, 2020, 8:26 p.m.(11/12/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Bellamy
I am surprised but utterly delighted that our baby sister has been allowed to come join Artur and I in Arx. Honestly, I doubted mother would ever agree to it, considering, but the world is full of wonders these days. Speaking of wonders, I can't even imagine what Bellamy might think of all the places the city has to offer! The timing is perfect as well, with winter far enough away that travel wouldn't be bad, but close enough that Arx isn't stifling with heat.
Written By Gwenna
Feb. 8, 2020, 5:15 p.m.(9.588958746693121/19.981689814814814/1012.7157465622245 AR)
And so, just like that, I am a mother. Well, not /just like that/. I was pregnant during summer in Arx, which my blood has only just barely thinned enough to not find insufferable. As well, he was but hours shy of being born at the Laurent estates! I feel a fierceness in my soul that I don't think I really knew was there, when I look on our little Jorah while he sleeps. A greater desire to make the world safer for him, to fight harder against the shadows so that he may not know the fear we seem, too often, to feel. Before I start to sound too noble, however, when he is not sleeping? He can be quite the handful already. It is perhaps too early to really know who he looks like, between Lorenzo and I, but I imagine that will come with time. He is ours, at the end of the day, and I feel quite fortunate to have both of them as part of my life.
Written By Gwenna
Feb. 2, 2020, 6:46 p.m.(9.165198412698413/10.251111111111111/1012.6804332010582 AR)
Relationship Note on Porter
That purple hat is near legendary.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 25, 2020, 7:39 p.m.(8.596977099867726/20.430717592592593/1012.633081424989 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
As usual, my cousin Princess Elgana threw the most wonderful dinner event! The food, drinks, and decor were beyond elegant, and perfectly Northlands. The company? I could go on for paragraphs about the wonderful conversations. Between catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances, the seeds of various endeavors were planted and discussed, which I am greatly looking forward to. There were those who were missing, due to duties or other necessary commitments, and all were quite missed. Thankfully, the success of this dinner surely means there will be more to come.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 19, 2020, 6:49 a.m.(8.130505952380952/8.308333333333334/1012.5942088293651 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
The Velvet Box was one of my favorites places in the city of Arx to visit, as often to look over the items in the cases as to have something of my own design created. The most precious piece of Josephine's artistry that I have, however, is a stunning necklace Lorenzo had made for me not terribly long after we met. The jewelry is, of course, breathtaking to behold; all dark night and deep sapphire along a delicate silver chain. That the visionary behind such beauty has left the world came as such a shock to me, I'm still not quite sure how to feel. It is surely an even greater loss to those who knew her much better than I, as well as the Crafters Guild, and the city feels a little dimmer today with her in it.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 11, 2020, 4:37 p.m.(7/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Michael
I sent word to my distant cousin inquiring about two of the three kittens that he had advertised having available for adoption. Lorenzo and I are still deciding what to name the handsome puppy he brought home, and we have mostly decided on names for the baby we have on the way. I thought, how much crazier could it be, adding a kitten to the mix? Maybe the three of them will grow up together and be the fastest of friends! And, of course, the kittens were already named, which would save Lorenzo and I trying to figure /that/ out ourselves.
Rather than one of the two I had asked about, Lord Michael sent me Stompy, an aptly named whirlwind of fur and sight that seems keen enough to see things no one else can see. He attacks those things, and pretty much everything that moves. Thankfully his bite is a playful one and it's our hope that he may grow of out this. Or be trained out of it. Or sleep. I suppose I should have expected this; the wounds of Sir Bunnibus are deep, indeed. Yet we will love Stompy and give him a good home. I will hope that someday, perhaps, this will help mend the rift, if even just a little bit.
Rather than one of the two I had asked about, Lord Michael sent me Stompy, an aptly named whirlwind of fur and sight that seems keen enough to see things no one else can see. He attacks those things, and pretty much everything that moves. Thankfully his bite is a playful one and it's our hope that he may grow of out this. Or be trained out of it. Or sleep. I suppose I should have expected this; the wounds of Sir Bunnibus are deep, indeed. Yet we will love Stompy and give him a good home. I will hope that someday, perhaps, this will help mend the rift, if even just a little bit.
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 8, 2020, 4:09 p.m.(7/11/1012 AR)
Children can often be less than diplomatic and we perhaps learn at young ages that sometimes it's better to keep some things to ourselves lest we be picked on or made fun of for them. As a vaguely harmless example, I used to love apple sauce and rice mixed together when I was a kid. If I'm wholly honest, I used to like applesauce with a lot of things, like on meat, but that's beyond this example. I preferred the sweet and tart taste to butter or gravy and, really, thought nothing much of it. Nor, it seemed, did anyone else, as I had it like that whenever we had rice. Some of my cousins might wrinkle their noses, but that was about it.
When I was maybe eight or nine, we had a huge banquet and there were enough children at this one that they shuffled us all off to a large table all to ourselves. The staff, of course, served my rice the way I liked it, along with the main meal. Some of our visitors, all around our own ages, not only wrinkled their noses, but made all sorts of remarks about my apple-rice. They started calling me Apple Face, among other stupid names, and while I can looks back now and roll my eyes, at the time? It was awful. I wanted to run to my room and not come out until the whole lot of them were long gone. I didn't, of course; my mother would have surely had my head, but that feeling was the worst. I made the staff promise never to serve my rice 'my way' at a banquet again, and they never did.
We guard those little oddities about ourselves, based on experiences like that, and surely carry some of those fears into adulthood. Of being mocked, of being called different. Not all, of course, but no few either. I promise, I have a point! Sometimes we end up crossing paths with people who have a little oddity to them, and I think it makes our own ones seems less...odd, I guess. When you learn you aren't the only one who likes applesauce and rice or, even, discover someone who likes applesauce and rice /and/ ketchup? Your weird feels less weird, because there are others kind of like you, and that sometimes even brings with it a sort of solidarity that you hadn't expected, but are very grateful for. Like you can sit at the table again and no one is going to make fun of you.
When I was maybe eight or nine, we had a huge banquet and there were enough children at this one that they shuffled us all off to a large table all to ourselves. The staff, of course, served my rice the way I liked it, along with the main meal. Some of our visitors, all around our own ages, not only wrinkled their noses, but made all sorts of remarks about my apple-rice. They started calling me Apple Face, among other stupid names, and while I can looks back now and roll my eyes, at the time? It was awful. I wanted to run to my room and not come out until the whole lot of them were long gone. I didn't, of course; my mother would have surely had my head, but that feeling was the worst. I made the staff promise never to serve my rice 'my way' at a banquet again, and they never did.
We guard those little oddities about ourselves, based on experiences like that, and surely carry some of those fears into adulthood. Of being mocked, of being called different. Not all, of course, but no few either. I promise, I have a point! Sometimes we end up crossing paths with people who have a little oddity to them, and I think it makes our own ones seems less...odd, I guess. When you learn you aren't the only one who likes applesauce and rice or, even, discover someone who likes applesauce and rice /and/ ketchup? Your weird feels less weird, because there are others kind of like you, and that sometimes even brings with it a sort of solidarity that you hadn't expected, but are very grateful for. Like you can sit at the table again and no one is going to make fun of you.
Written By Gwenna
Dec. 5, 2019, 8:31 p.m.(4/27/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
"People like to be asked."
A profound statement, both given its simplicity as well as recent tidings.
Being asked, I suspect, makes people feel a though they have a say, or that their opinion might matter, or at the very least that they have a voice. I can't say with certainly that I have always asked, in my duties to House Redrain; I'd like to think that I have, but I'm not certain. It is something I will most assuredly try to do from this day forward, however.
A profound statement, both given its simplicity as well as recent tidings.
Being asked, I suspect, makes people feel a though they have a say, or that their opinion might matter, or at the very least that they have a voice. I can't say with certainly that I have always asked, in my duties to House Redrain; I'd like to think that I have, but I'm not certain. It is something I will most assuredly try to do from this day forward, however.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 25, 2019, 7:15 p.m.(4/7/1012 AR)
I am so proud and full of gratitude to those who recently assisted in a recruitment endeavor for House Redrain. Assisted isn't a strong enough word, really, as everyone involved so selflessly lent their skills and passions to our War Chief's project as though it were their own. I am humbled by the generosity of House Thrax and many an ale will be raised to cheer High Lord Victus Thrax, Prince of Maelstrom. Duchess Fianna Crovane, Lord Rysen Crovane, and Countess Aella Ravenseye were instrumental from the Northlands and, without doubt, inspired no few with their talents and fierce spirits. Getting to work alongside House Kennex once again was something I was personally glad for and, as always, Lord Wash and Duke Aethan make such difficult doings look easy. How wonderful it was to get to work again with Duke Aethan, especially, on our first collaboration since his elevation.
None of this would have been possible without Princess Marian. I thank the Gods and Spirits each day that she is a leader in House Redrain. Her grasp of military matters and her willingness to work with those who will help us achieve what we need is a comfort and relief I can't truly explain. I sleep better at night knowing she is at the helm (no pun intended). It is because of people such as those listed here that I continue to feel hope, no matter the shadows that might darken our doorstep.
None of this would have been possible without Princess Marian. I thank the Gods and Spirits each day that she is a leader in House Redrain. Her grasp of military matters and her willingness to work with those who will help us achieve what we need is a comfort and relief I can't truly explain. I sleep better at night knowing she is at the helm (no pun intended). It is because of people such as those listed here that I continue to feel hope, no matter the shadows that might darken our doorstep.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 23, 2019, 6:57 p.m.(4/3/1012 AR)
Words surely can not do this extraordinary event justice, nor properly convey what an absolutely /wonderful/ time I had. Princess Berenice is truly a legend and I can hardly keep a smile from my face when I get to see the Second First Harlequin, Evaristo. I managed to win one of the games even! And surely am the envy of no few for being awarded a voucher for a cloak from Elegant Impression. The King and Queen attended, which is just another delight and fond memory I will have of the event. It was also fantastic to catch up with dear friends, some who I have not seen in entirely too long.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 21, 2019, 1:41 p.m.(1/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Sadly you can not be my protege, cousin, though that may be a good thing - you can ask Lord Aethan about the rainbow basket and other cheerful gifts I would send him.
I have every plan on taking you up on kicking my ass! I will not pose much of a challenge but I suspect it will still be a great deal of fun. At the very least, it'll be an excuse to go out afterward for a drink.
I have every plan on taking you up on kicking my ass! I will not pose much of a challenge but I suspect it will still be a great deal of fun. At the very least, it'll be an excuse to go out afterward for a drink.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 20, 2019, 3:58 p.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
For the first time in a few years I find myself without any proteges. I remember noting to Lord Aethan when I made my offer to him that I was not a meddlesome sort, and that has always rather been my style I suppose. I'm there when needed (I hope I was, at least!) but otherwise let my proteges go about whatever it is they care to go about doing. I very much enjoyed watching Kennex grow and being a small part of that, thanks to Lord Aethan's invitations, though I wonder if such opportunities are still out there. I find myself also wondering now what sort of patron I have been, as well as what sort of patron I should be in the coming years. Surely it will depend on the protege, should I find a new one, and what hopes they have for their future.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 20, 2019, 8:12 a.m.(1/18/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
In my first few months of living in Arx, I would sometimes go to the training center to keep what little I recalled of my spear lessons fresh in mind. I had trouble finding partners willing to, for lack of better phrasing, fully attempt to kick my ass. It was frustrating, to say the least, as I am not opposed to being knocked down; it is not an embarrassment but and opportunity to improve.
Lord Aethan Kennex happened to be in the training center one of those time and did not hold back whatsoever when we sparred. I learned everything I grew to like and respect about him in that moment: a man of conviction, of honestly, and someone who doesn't dance around things when they need to be done. His reputation as a skilled naval leader coupled with that first impression are what lead me to offer my patronage. I was extremely pleased, and even a little surprised, that he accepted.
An odd pairing, some might have thought, but I think we complimented each other well and actually had a bit in common. We are both fiercely loyal to our families, and spend much of our time trying to better the lives of our people. It was an honor to be invited to assist in the endeavors to grow House Kennex. To be trusted with something of such importance as a bit of an outsider and, at the time, rather green diplomat, is something I will always be humbled by. House Redrain is fortunate for his invaluable insights and assistance as well, as he has always been quick to throw in on my own endeavors.
More than that, I found a true friend and confidant in Lord Aethan beyond our formal relationship. His advice is like our turn in the training center: quick, honest, and to the point. I never worry that he will try to soften his opinion on matters to please me, because that is simply not who he is. It is why I admire him as much as I do.
While we may no longer be patron and protege, I am so proud and thrilled for the elevation he and his family worked so hard to achieve. I very much look forward to our future years as friends and allies and only hope he will still humor me with the occasional invitations to tea.
Lord Aethan Kennex happened to be in the training center one of those time and did not hold back whatsoever when we sparred. I learned everything I grew to like and respect about him in that moment: a man of conviction, of honestly, and someone who doesn't dance around things when they need to be done. His reputation as a skilled naval leader coupled with that first impression are what lead me to offer my patronage. I was extremely pleased, and even a little surprised, that he accepted.
An odd pairing, some might have thought, but I think we complimented each other well and actually had a bit in common. We are both fiercely loyal to our families, and spend much of our time trying to better the lives of our people. It was an honor to be invited to assist in the endeavors to grow House Kennex. To be trusted with something of such importance as a bit of an outsider and, at the time, rather green diplomat, is something I will always be humbled by. House Redrain is fortunate for his invaluable insights and assistance as well, as he has always been quick to throw in on my own endeavors.
More than that, I found a true friend and confidant in Lord Aethan beyond our formal relationship. His advice is like our turn in the training center: quick, honest, and to the point. I never worry that he will try to soften his opinion on matters to please me, because that is simply not who he is. It is why I admire him as much as I do.
While we may no longer be patron and protege, I am so proud and thrilled for the elevation he and his family worked so hard to achieve. I very much look forward to our future years as friends and allies and only hope he will still humor me with the occasional invitations to tea.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 6, 2019, 7:08 p.m.(12/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
Elder Mirk Halfshav has been exceptionally generous with his time as well as with offering insightful advice on some matters I've been unsure about lately. While our paths crossed here and there at events or the like for a year or more now, only recently have I gotten to appreciate his kindness as well as dry humor. I'm quite grateful for his assistance and willingness to help.
Written By Gwenna
Oct. 2, 2019, 7:27 p.m.(12/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
While some might think it a silly idea, perhaps, I think a mock office would be both adorable as well as educational. Lord Darion has so many fine examples to learn from as well, between the Voices of your House, all of whom I have greatly enjoyed working alongside for some years now, to Lord Ian and, of course, the Marquessa Regent Octavia. While I was not raised to lead a House, as Lord Darion will be, I often accompanied my mother along on her more formal duties, as well as my father while he was still alive. I didn't always understand exactly what was going on, but I think it made the going-through-the-motions a little easier as I grew up; desks and offices and meetings weren't wholly unfamiliar. Maybe it is never too early to start.
Written By Gwenna
Sept. 21, 2019, 11:49 a.m.(11/16/1011 AR)
I truly have the most wonderful family and friends! My cousin, Princess Elgana, gifted me with a bit of star iron that I have yet to have made into anything. With winter coming soon, I thought perhaps I'd have a new outfit made and then have a piece of jewelry done to match. Then? My former protege and the rose of the north, Lady Volcica, sent me a piece of this glorious seraphinite that everyone is raving about. It is an absolutely stunning stone (even without my bias toward my favorite color green!) that will be the perfect compliment to star iron. With Baroness Acantha's furs also in such great demand, I'm of a mind to have a brooch made that I can use to pin a lovely marmot stole around my shoulders with. I can hardly wait for winter!
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