Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 9:09 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
As Sabella has written, my intent was simply to separate the act of participating in the action of the duel from issuing the challenge. The duel is the necessary result of an accepted challenge, however I would not say I fought the duel, as that seems like it would take something away from the person who swung the sword, sweated and bled for the challenger and challenged. I challenged Duchess Grazia, Sir Jeffeth and Grandmaster Caspian fought the duel. I recognize that the two are intimately connected, and if it is wrong to separate them even this much, then I apologize and ask that you blame the fact that I have done this so rarely.
As for the rest, if you would like to speak in person about it, I would be happy to do so. This scholar probably took up white writing for the day to escape another shift of copying dusty old tomes, and while I am only too happy to have him write down every silly thought that passes through my head, I wouldn't wish to push things.
As for the rest, if you would like to speak in person about it, I would be happy to do so. This scholar probably took up white writing for the day to escape another shift of copying dusty old tomes, and while I am only too happy to have him write down every silly thought that passes through my head, I wouldn't wish to push things.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 6:50 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
I just noticed that at points in my previous entry I write 'duel' where I mean 'challenge'. This is my error and I do apologize to anyone who honestly thought that I've participated in two duels.
I have only participated in one duel, it was not challenge-oriented, and I'd call the results a draw between myself and Princess Tikva, but a huge win for everyone listening.
I have only participated in one duel, it was not challenge-oriented, and I'd call the results a draw between myself and Princess Tikva, but a huge win for everyone listening.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 2:26 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
It appears that it comes down to me to defend the duel in which I set the terms.
First I will note that this is my third duel. My first two were issued by myself and were fought for what, at the time and now, seemed like important matters. So if one is of the opinion that duels should not be fought over trivial matters, then please know that whether or not you are wrong, I have earned one. So get over yourself.
Second, the nature of this duel. It seems that some believe a sing-off is a problematic method of determining the result of a challenge. This quote from a famous book in everyone's library was brought up earlier.
"The population of Arx would be extremely unforgiving of someone trying to appear to honor it on the surface while trying set terms or conditions that would make it impossible. In other words, trying to arrange on a date that would be impossible would make someone look extremely bad, and so would trying to insist on conditions that would be humiliating for the participants involved. 'We shall fight without armor to first blood' is appropriate, saying, 'We will fight naked in an insult contest declaring how much we suck with each swing' would not be, and even proposing the latter would cause opprobrium. In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
I suppose I fail to see how this applies. The paints a situation where the duelists cannot actually participate without insulting themselves. Perhaps it is the last sentence that should be the focus, then.
"In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
Lady Zoey and myself have both chosen Champions noted for their ability to sing. Perhaps if Lady Zoey had kept on Champion Aleksei and asked him to sing then the result could have been farcical (I do not know, I have never heard the Champion sing) but Champion Aleksei wisely suggested Lady Zoey seek out another champion, even, I believe, putting forth Princess Sorrel himself. To suggest that Bliss Whisper or Princess Sorrel will take to this challenge with any less seriousness than any other challenge deserves, that they will be something less than as dignified as they conduct themselves during any duel, seems like the sort of slight that they may wish to take up with any who would suggest so.
As for the nature of the duel, duels in the past have been fought using poetry and song and games of wit. Perhaps when those duels happened the whites exploded with dismay then as well, but as it turns out Gloria was not impugned and the Compact did not fall apart. Mind that Gloria is glorified not just by fighting, but by honor and chivalry. If anyone reading this believes that Bliss Whisper and Princess Sorrel will not embody these concepts in their singing, then I strongly, and I do mean strongly, encourage those with doubts to let the Whisper and the her highness know your concerns. But please, let me know beforehand so I can be there to bear witness to their response.
Finally, is every challenge meant to honor Gloria at all? One hopes that every challenge is settled with honor and dignity in a that would show respect to all of the gods, as we should seek to glorify the gods in most things we do, but if you want to actively honor Gloria, perform a Rite of Gloria, which has been called a prayer in combat form. The pantheon will favor the righteous, but the primary purpose of the challenge over a slight is to resolve that slight.
So to wrap up:
1) I've only ever been serious in my challenges, so I get a silly one now and again. (But also there's no problem with silly challenges.)
2) Lady Zoey and I are approaching this with dignity, even if you dislike the nature of the duel.
3) While the nature of the duel is not the standard, it is not unheard of and does not impugn the tradition of challenges.
4) Gloria will not be dishonored by the contestants, who will also take it seriously.
I love all of you and hope we can enjoy ourselves hearing two of the greatest singers the Champions have to offer going head to head in a battle to the finish.
First I will note that this is my third duel. My first two were issued by myself and were fought for what, at the time and now, seemed like important matters. So if one is of the opinion that duels should not be fought over trivial matters, then please know that whether or not you are wrong, I have earned one. So get over yourself.
Second, the nature of this duel. It seems that some believe a sing-off is a problematic method of determining the result of a challenge. This quote from a famous book in everyone's library was brought up earlier.
"The population of Arx would be extremely unforgiving of someone trying to appear to honor it on the surface while trying set terms or conditions that would make it impossible. In other words, trying to arrange on a date that would be impossible would make someone look extremely bad, and so would trying to insist on conditions that would be humiliating for the participants involved. 'We shall fight without armor to first blood' is appropriate, saying, 'We will fight naked in an insult contest declaring how much we suck with each swing' would not be, and even proposing the latter would cause opprobrium. In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
I suppose I fail to see how this applies. The paints a situation where the duelists cannot actually participate without insulting themselves. Perhaps it is the last sentence that should be the focus, then.
"In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
Lady Zoey and myself have both chosen Champions noted for their ability to sing. Perhaps if Lady Zoey had kept on Champion Aleksei and asked him to sing then the result could have been farcical (I do not know, I have never heard the Champion sing) but Champion Aleksei wisely suggested Lady Zoey seek out another champion, even, I believe, putting forth Princess Sorrel himself. To suggest that Bliss Whisper or Princess Sorrel will take to this challenge with any less seriousness than any other challenge deserves, that they will be something less than as dignified as they conduct themselves during any duel, seems like the sort of slight that they may wish to take up with any who would suggest so.
As for the nature of the duel, duels in the past have been fought using poetry and song and games of wit. Perhaps when those duels happened the whites exploded with dismay then as well, but as it turns out Gloria was not impugned and the Compact did not fall apart. Mind that Gloria is glorified not just by fighting, but by honor and chivalry. If anyone reading this believes that Bliss Whisper and Princess Sorrel will not embody these concepts in their singing, then I strongly, and I do mean strongly, encourage those with doubts to let the Whisper and the her highness know your concerns. But please, let me know beforehand so I can be there to bear witness to their response.
Finally, is every challenge meant to honor Gloria at all? One hopes that every challenge is settled with honor and dignity in a that would show respect to all of the gods, as we should seek to glorify the gods in most things we do, but if you want to actively honor Gloria, perform a Rite of Gloria, which has been called a prayer in combat form. The pantheon will favor the righteous, but the primary purpose of the challenge over a slight is to resolve that slight.
So to wrap up:
1) I've only ever been serious in my challenges, so I get a silly one now and again. (But also there's no problem with silly challenges.)
2) Lady Zoey and I are approaching this with dignity, even if you dislike the nature of the duel.
3) While the nature of the duel is not the standard, it is not unheard of and does not impugn the tradition of challenges.
4) Gloria will not be dishonored by the contestants, who will also take it seriously.
I love all of you and hope we can enjoy ourselves hearing two of the greatest singers the Champions have to offer going head to head in a battle to the finish.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 6, 2018, 10:02 a.m.(5/2/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
No one in my family ever says nice things like this about me.
Then again, I'm always stopping by to borrow their stuff.
Maybe I'll talk to Luca about stopping by the Velenosa Estate and borrowing some of your stuff.
Then again, I'm always stopping by to borrow their stuff.
Maybe I'll talk to Luca about stopping by the Velenosa Estate and borrowing some of your stuff.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 4, 2018, 11:26 p.m.(4/27/1009 AR)
This should be fun.
Written By Niklas
July 25, 2018, 6:18 a.m.(4/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
It has occurred to me that though I wished her a thorough happy birthday on the morning of the day, and wished her a few more happy birthdays as the day went on and, prior to falling to sleep with her in my arms, wished her another happy birthday or two as the day came to an end, I never did write anything in my journal about Sabella's birthday, which is a tragedy as it is her first as my wife and I would be setting a very poor tone for the rest of our marriage should I forget such a thing.
Sabella, I hope this past year has, for you, been filled with as many wonders as has mine. It has truly been the best year of my life, though while I have an anecdote from my childhood for nearly every occasion, I'm not convinced my life truly began until this year. Until the masq at the Procella Pravus opera, where the two of us met. Bastien may curse me until the end of time, but I will always consider him a friend for it was his event that lead me to you. One drunken twirl, one elbow to the ear, to set off a chain of events that seemed inexorable and perfect from the moment they began. Your slipper in the park. The night in the Kay. The first day you brought me back to Grayson Mansion, which I couldn't realize at that time would one day be my home.
I have never been a particularly godly person. My relationship with them is fairly tepid. But I thank each and every one of them every day for the fact that the two of us were brought together. I thank Limerance for bringing me the boundless love I never knew I needed until she was right in front of me. I thank Jayus for the profound inspiration he sent in the form of a muse who leaves me breathless daily. I thank Lagoma for the changes she has brought to my life, each better than the last. I thank Mangata and Petrichor for the calm waters and swift winds that have always brought me home to you, even that first time I came to Arx, before I even knew you were here waiting for me. I thank the Queen for ending my old life, and shepherding me into this one. I thank Aion for dreaming this world into existence. And more and more.
This past year has been a year that gave me something I did not know I needed, and which I did not realize I had been waiting my entire life to find. You are the love of my life, you hold the key to my heart, you are very much a completion of something I always feared would be incomplete without ever knowing what it was.
I love you.
Happy birthday.
Sabella, I hope this past year has, for you, been filled with as many wonders as has mine. It has truly been the best year of my life, though while I have an anecdote from my childhood for nearly every occasion, I'm not convinced my life truly began until this year. Until the masq at the Procella Pravus opera, where the two of us met. Bastien may curse me until the end of time, but I will always consider him a friend for it was his event that lead me to you. One drunken twirl, one elbow to the ear, to set off a chain of events that seemed inexorable and perfect from the moment they began. Your slipper in the park. The night in the Kay. The first day you brought me back to Grayson Mansion, which I couldn't realize at that time would one day be my home.
I have never been a particularly godly person. My relationship with them is fairly tepid. But I thank each and every one of them every day for the fact that the two of us were brought together. I thank Limerance for bringing me the boundless love I never knew I needed until she was right in front of me. I thank Jayus for the profound inspiration he sent in the form of a muse who leaves me breathless daily. I thank Lagoma for the changes she has brought to my life, each better than the last. I thank Mangata and Petrichor for the calm waters and swift winds that have always brought me home to you, even that first time I came to Arx, before I even knew you were here waiting for me. I thank the Queen for ending my old life, and shepherding me into this one. I thank Aion for dreaming this world into existence. And more and more.
This past year has been a year that gave me something I did not know I needed, and which I did not realize I had been waiting my entire life to find. You are the love of my life, you hold the key to my heart, you are very much a completion of something I always feared would be incomplete without ever knowing what it was.
I love you.
Happy birthday.
Written By Niklas
July 23, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Finished a week of regular meditation at the Shrine of the Thirteenth.
Lemme say, wouldn't recommend it.
First of all, the whole presentation? Very dramatic. I love it. Just don't go in with wet shoes. That floor is kept to a shine and shine means no traction and no traction means I slipped every damn day. By the end I just started dropping down and shuffling around to get wherever I was going.
Secondly, I sat on one of the benches at one point but spent the entire time feeling like I wasn't supposed to be sitting on the bench. I eventually went back to just standing, but whenever anyone came in I couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to look at me and say 'hey, did you sit on that bench?' and that would be it for me. Goodbye tongue.
Speaking of the silent people? Grim. I mean, it makes the point and makes it well. And sure, you'd think that a group of people who can't talk would be happy to have someone talking to them, but by the second day I started to suspect that I was beginning to annoy them.
I brought my banjo in one day. A person wearing a mirror on their face gave me a look. They didn't /say/ anything, but I didn't try playing it.
As far as the meditative part of it goes, when you sit there for a few hours and stare at your reflection in a black surface, it's not hard to imagine that one is seeing something inherently sinister after a while. But then I'd think of something funny for my next play, The Dinner, or maybe a hook for my musical adaption of The Good Duke of Gemecitta, and it would go away. Perhaps I'm too distractable for silent meditation. (Master Voss, you may shut up before speaking.)
Anyway, of all the shrines I've ever spent eight hours a day for a week meditating in, this was certainly the only one.
Lemme say, wouldn't recommend it.
First of all, the whole presentation? Very dramatic. I love it. Just don't go in with wet shoes. That floor is kept to a shine and shine means no traction and no traction means I slipped every damn day. By the end I just started dropping down and shuffling around to get wherever I was going.
Secondly, I sat on one of the benches at one point but spent the entire time feeling like I wasn't supposed to be sitting on the bench. I eventually went back to just standing, but whenever anyone came in I couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to look at me and say 'hey, did you sit on that bench?' and that would be it for me. Goodbye tongue.
Speaking of the silent people? Grim. I mean, it makes the point and makes it well. And sure, you'd think that a group of people who can't talk would be happy to have someone talking to them, but by the second day I started to suspect that I was beginning to annoy them.
I brought my banjo in one day. A person wearing a mirror on their face gave me a look. They didn't /say/ anything, but I didn't try playing it.
As far as the meditative part of it goes, when you sit there for a few hours and stare at your reflection in a black surface, it's not hard to imagine that one is seeing something inherently sinister after a while. But then I'd think of something funny for my next play, The Dinner, or maybe a hook for my musical adaption of The Good Duke of Gemecitta, and it would go away. Perhaps I'm too distractable for silent meditation. (Master Voss, you may shut up before speaking.)
Anyway, of all the shrines I've ever spent eight hours a day for a week meditating in, this was certainly the only one.
Written By Niklas
July 23, 2018, 9:52 a.m.(4/2/1009 AR)
Finished my first genuine portrait and couldn't have asked for a better model. No, Master Voss, it isn't of you. I'm still busy at work making certain there is enough glitter for your smile. No, this was of my beautiful and radiant Sabella. I'm still a rather mediocre painter, so I didn't capture half of her comeliness, the joy for life in her eyes or that little touch of slyness so many others miss in her smile, but even my poor skill couldn't mar her immaculate grace and charm. As a burgeoning artist who has known what he wanted to paint for far longer than he has been able to paint, I already have ideas for my follow up, but with such a truly inspiring model I cannot imagine that I will not return to Sabella again and again.
Written By Niklas
July 21, 2018, 3:26 p.m.(3/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
Know your worth. Neither boast of it nor tolerate those who doubt it.
Written By Niklas
July 20, 2018, 12:07 p.m.(3/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Coronets are out?
That sounds like the sort of thing a person without a coronet would say.
That sounds like the sort of thing a person without a coronet would say.
Written By Niklas
July 18, 2018, 9:31 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Hi! Responses to my recent news have been overwhelming! Unfortunately, I cannot reply to every journal or message offering well wishes, but do know that Sabella and I appreciate your kind words and will keep you in our thoughts as we head toward the exciting day!
Once again, do know that even though I cannot offer an individual response, each and every message of support received gladdens our heart.
With all my love,
Prince Niklas Grayson
Once again, do know that even though I cannot offer an individual response, each and every message of support received gladdens our heart.
With all my love,
Prince Niklas Grayson
Written By Niklas
July 18, 2018, 10:54 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)
I've always been pretty interested in the idea of magic.
Not enough to do serious study into the old timey magery wizardry sorcery thing that used to exist, but enough to read some stories, get some ideas. You've got your person who has an idea of what they want to have happen, you've got your focus which changes the world around you and you have the will to make the change. 1 + 1 + 1 = fireball. Or expectation + singing + spellsinger ability = changing the tide of battle. But it seems to me that this is the second magic, the weaker magic. Sure, you can burn things up or cause an earthquake or whatever, but it doesn't change the world the way the first magic does.
When you're born you don't separate things from yourself, you don't understand quantities, you don't appreciate colors, and that changes only somewhat until you start to learn language. From the things I've read, language literally changes the way people think, the way they interact with the world. Not just 'communication', but knowing the names of things, being able to understand descriptions, me, they, it, round, one, two, many, lots, etc. Life is as two dimensional as a bad painting, and through language the world becomes the real place we know. And that's the first magic. The magic so plain and endemic that we don't consider it magic at all.
And unlike the second magic, which does something and then you have to live with the results, the first magic never stops changing the world. I've been learning a new language recently and seeing how another (very different) culture speaks is learning what they value. Initially my idea was to write poetry and plays in another language, and now I'm finding that it was a fool's errand, because I need to think differently, be different, to really appreciate the linguistic difference.
But even in Arvani there are words and sentences that can change the world. One day someone told me that my father had died. Until that point death was an abstract. Nothing I ever thought could stalk the halls at Stormward. My world changed.
Two weeks ago another sentence brought magic to my life and changed things. Sabella and I are going to have a child. My assumption was that we would wait for a time before doing it, as we are both so busy these days, but... is there a good time for kids? Will we ever get less busy? I doubt it. And just hearing the phrase, knowing it was true? Changed me. Changed my mind. Where I thought there would be trepidation there is only joy. Where I thought there would be uncertainty there is only excitement. Where I thought there would be doubt there is only love. Love that can get me through anything. Love that can make even the strangest of realities into the reality I have always needed.
Language changes everything.
It can even change a Niklas into a dad.
Not enough to do serious study into the old timey magery wizardry sorcery thing that used to exist, but enough to read some stories, get some ideas. You've got your person who has an idea of what they want to have happen, you've got your focus which changes the world around you and you have the will to make the change. 1 + 1 + 1 = fireball. Or expectation + singing + spellsinger ability = changing the tide of battle. But it seems to me that this is the second magic, the weaker magic. Sure, you can burn things up or cause an earthquake or whatever, but it doesn't change the world the way the first magic does.
When you're born you don't separate things from yourself, you don't understand quantities, you don't appreciate colors, and that changes only somewhat until you start to learn language. From the things I've read, language literally changes the way people think, the way they interact with the world. Not just 'communication', but knowing the names of things, being able to understand descriptions, me, they, it, round, one, two, many, lots, etc. Life is as two dimensional as a bad painting, and through language the world becomes the real place we know. And that's the first magic. The magic so plain and endemic that we don't consider it magic at all.
And unlike the second magic, which does something and then you have to live with the results, the first magic never stops changing the world. I've been learning a new language recently and seeing how another (very different) culture speaks is learning what they value. Initially my idea was to write poetry and plays in another language, and now I'm finding that it was a fool's errand, because I need to think differently, be different, to really appreciate the linguistic difference.
But even in Arvani there are words and sentences that can change the world. One day someone told me that my father had died. Until that point death was an abstract. Nothing I ever thought could stalk the halls at Stormward. My world changed.
Two weeks ago another sentence brought magic to my life and changed things. Sabella and I are going to have a child. My assumption was that we would wait for a time before doing it, as we are both so busy these days, but... is there a good time for kids? Will we ever get less busy? I doubt it. And just hearing the phrase, knowing it was true? Changed me. Changed my mind. Where I thought there would be trepidation there is only joy. Where I thought there would be uncertainty there is only excitement. Where I thought there would be doubt there is only love. Love that can get me through anything. Love that can make even the strangest of realities into the reality I have always needed.
Language changes everything.
It can even change a Niklas into a dad.
Written By Niklas
July 13, 2018, 3:19 p.m.(3/9/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
I am still owed a banjo-off with Princess Tikva.
Perhaps we can duel and really ruin everyone's evening!
Perhaps we can duel and really ruin everyone's evening!
Written By Niklas
July 10, 2018, 8:30 a.m.(3/1/1009 AR)
Last night went better than I could have ever hoped.
I think it's time to take a few weeks off.
I think it's time to take a few weeks off.
Written By Niklas
July 9, 2018, 8:25 a.m.(2/27/1009 AR)
This past few weeks have made up the single greatest month of my life.
Starting with my marriage to the most wonderful woman this world has ever produced, followed by my being able to give my first family a gift like no other and now, tonight, my debut at the Blackrose.
I can't believe I'm finally here. With all that I've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this one of the best nights ever.
What a month of superlatives.
And the best part? My marriage, my family and my career as a writer? Each will only get better from here.
Starting with my marriage to the most wonderful woman this world has ever produced, followed by my being able to give my first family a gift like no other and now, tonight, my debut at the Blackrose.
I can't believe I'm finally here. With all that I've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this one of the best nights ever.
What a month of superlatives.
And the best part? My marriage, my family and my career as a writer? Each will only get better from here.
Written By Niklas
July 6, 2018, 8:41 a.m.(2/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
Spoken like someone who has never heard Princess Sabella Grayson sing. The stars turn because they dance to the music she creates while merely humming to herself brushing her hair. When she actually sings horses become unicorns, lizards become dragons, people smile across Arvum and know not why, while others weep for the beauty they may never get to hear.
Her singular peer, of course, is the Nightingale, so called because the songbirds of the day grew jealous of the perfection of her voice and cast her into the night.
To be true, I have never been so envious of the people of Arvum as I am of those who will get to hear the two sing together. Surely myths will be born that night. Though are they myths when those putting on the show truly are legends?
Her singular peer, of course, is the Nightingale, so called because the songbirds of the day grew jealous of the perfection of her voice and cast her into the night.
To be true, I have never been so envious of the people of Arvum as I am of those who will get to hear the two sing together. Surely myths will be born that night. Though are they myths when those putting on the show truly are legends?
Written By Niklas
July 5, 2018, 8:44 a.m.(2/19/1009 AR)
Lot of people posting they were bored yesterday. Lot of people posting they were interested.
So is it more likely that the bored people sat with the interested people?
Or is it more likely that the bored people all sat together?
So is it more likely that the bored people sat with the interested people?
Or is it more likely that the bored people all sat together?
Written By Niklas
July 3, 2018, 9:18 a.m.(2/15/1009 AR)
Good ol' Derovius Vox.
Written By Niklas
July 2, 2018, 4:37 p.m.(2/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
You could always ask an elf to tell you a joke.
The punchline's a killer.
The punchline's a killer.
Written By Niklas
July 2, 2018, 1:56 p.m.(2/14/1009 AR)
Two weeks in and I still wake up every morning expecting to find out that it's all a dream. I honestly can't imagine being happier in my life than I am every morning when I find out that it was not. That this is real and this is my life and it is everything I could have hoped for and more. Each day Sabella does something to make me realize how very lucky I am not only to have her as my wife, but to have her in my life at all. I truly do love her.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.