Skip to main content.

Written By Alarissa

July 31, 2018, 11:28 p.m.(4/19/1009 AR)

I would have liked some cherry pie.

I'm disappointed in him.

Written By Alarissa

July 31, 2018, 1:39 p.m.(4/18/1009 AR)

I miss him, dearly.

I say good morning to him every morning, just in case.

He lives on, I am sure.

Written By Alarissa

July 27, 2018, 7:58 p.m.(4/11/1009 AR)

Well now, Aeterna is divine but this Umbra? Transcendant. I am not often prone to dark shades but I must confess dear dragon that I have found something that will finally go with the coronet of the Princess of Maelstrom.

And there were slippers to match.

So delightful.

You'd laugh to have read Victus' letter when I asked him to send me an additional twenty thousand for the slippers - because really, you can't get the dress and just leave the slippers there on the shelves so lonely.

Take it you damned vampire.

Is that respect? Love? Adoration? He bought me pretty things none the less.

I think he's buttering me up so I won't say no when he makes noise about getting another alacrite axe. Something about how he needs a new one because the old one doesn't match his jacket.

he is using my own tricks against me Dragon.

Written By Alarissa

July 27, 2018, 11:59 a.m.(4/10/1009 AR)

There is nothing quite like ones husband striding through the maw and throwing down another trophy.

This one with far less blood and ichor, but no small amount of sand and dampness. Preening like a peacock. For he has brought home shiny things for which to please the mistress of the house.

It seems auspicious and I shall have to think long and hard on what these ingots should be turned into. For I'll be taking some of them and having them fashioned into items for auction.

Even the claw preened on his shoulder.

Written By Alarissa

July 25, 2018, 9:32 p.m.(4/7/1009 AR)

Didums.

Chickadee.

Elusive Sitck'd Inserticus Uprumpus.

I think Master Derovai has been usurped in the category of commoner I find extremely unpleasant.

Written By Alarissa

July 24, 2018, 12:36 a.m.(4/3/1009 AR)

My dearest friend has had a daughter.

My heart swells. As did the amount of gifts in the basket sent.

I'll have to send him some Aeterna to make a cover for his clothing, lest he show up at the next consortium meeting with spit up. Like Victus shows up to meetings after holding Danse.

Written By Alarissa

July 23, 2018, 11:31 p.m.(4/3/1009 AR)

I don't think we can see the bed. I may, perchance, have done a little excessive buying at mistress thornburns. Just a little excessive.

We can't see the bed.

There's Aeterna everywhere. Gauzy Aeterna, smooth Aeterna, brocaded Aeterna, see through aeterna, even Aeterna spun into the most -decadent- velvet that I have ever had the pleasure of touching. A nice day jacket to go with some of it and slippers. So many slippers.

Victus took one look and walked back out. I told him to take the claw of Arx with him. I'll not have her destroying costly dresses.

One is even the most delicious pin pleat dress. I need to have earrings made now to go with it. Big dawnstones I think. Maybe epiphanite. Set in Iridescite.

Daggers to match.

Yes.

Time to visit Dame Ida's...

Written By Alarissa

July 15, 2018, 12:38 a.m.(3/11/1009 AR)

I quite like the feel of silk. Though I think after reading the whites of Master Wild, Dear Dragon, that I may have to get some Aeterna sheets made for our bedchambers.

As for the cheapness of silk. I have plenty of it in my wardrobes, I wear nothing less, but you remember this dear dragon. You quite liked me in Aeterna. Victus I think prefers me in a nice crimson seasilk. So it would seem that Whispers - or it may just be the one - have deemd silk is not proper, not fit and not the trend.

I suppose then, that I shall have to turn to cotton? Spring is coming. I shall have to consult with the Lady Zoey as to how to plan for the coming season of cotton, cotton, cotton.

I haven't worn cotton velvet in some time. I suppose I will be much cooler on the ships as we journey to Maelstrom.

The accountants will be happier at least. Clothing budget will have at least four or five times less!

Dearest dragon, cotton it shall be. I wonder who will join me....

Written By Alarissa

July 9, 2018, 11:06 a.m.(2/28/1009 AR)

Dear Dragon,

I wonder what he did.

Written By Alarissa

July 8, 2018, 11:37 p.m.(2/27/1009 AR)

I watched Coraline stand in the water, the same water that I did when I bound my hands and future to Thrax and to Victus. Watched him bind her hand to oaths of knighthood. Something that he has been in his heart of hearts, trying to do. I had thought perhaps that it might be who took the first oath, but it was Coraline. I wore my armor, stood to the side and watched as she spoke the words.

I wonder how many more will step forward to take the steps that she does? How many more will take their seasilk and what colours will they choose, what designs. Will Astrid do this? Or instead of her, will Danse take this step after he has done squiring with Valardin? Will Fatchforth take them and if so, what design will he place upon his sash. I am proud.

So terribly proud. Dear Dragon, so much changes and yet so much remains the same. Would that you could see. Some day at least, you will be a part of it all again. Maybe you'll stand knee deep in the water and speak those words.

Written By Alarissa

July 2, 2018, 12:12 a.m.(2/13/1009 AR)

And so a Caraval is built. The order placed and in a months time, New Hope worked and from it's dock was birthed the latest vessel in Thrax's grand navy. She has yet to be named, the honour going to the Baroness and her people as a thanks for their hard work and dedication.So much saved to bring this to fruition. A way to more swiftly move the people of our Isles when it is needed. To bring supplies and other necessities as we strive to help improve them. We will build another soon, and then another.

And we saw another mark in the history of it's people. Coraline. Made a Knight of Thrax. Knee deep in water she stood and dipped beneath the frigid waves by her High Lord. From the water she rose with a stronger purpose. One that I can do nothing but help to foster and kindle. She is the first of what I hope will be many. So many.

Perhaps one day my son will bear that title as well. To serve Thrax and the Isles, as his sister will.

Written By Alarissa

June 26, 2018, 6:52 p.m.(2/2/1009 AR)

I take comfort in knowing that if a northern wolf should find it's way into our home, that a certain claw of Arx would likely find her demise. And my arms and ankles would be safe once more.

How does one serve Claw of Arx? With mint, or parlsey?

Written By Alarissa

June 16, 2018, 9:54 p.m.(1/11/1009 AR)

Nearly a day. Nearly a day to bring him into this world. But gods, he is here and he is... so blonde. Victus was angry that I ordered he be kept away, not even in the same wing as me. He underestimates his rage when it comes to his women hurting, especially when there is little that can be done about it. This is our war, our battle. He asked Ailith what it was like. She described in best an analogy as she could. His uttered words in response were that he was glad that he was born with a cock.

But he cradles his son, as he cradled his daughter and temper at being occupied elsewhere and only summoned in the faint hours of morning have disappeared as we tiredly decided what to name our son. Whether Astrid would rage or be endeared to this child. Or if the Claw of arx will guard him or hate him. I have given him a boy. A blonde haired, little boy that has far too much of me in him and not enough of him. We could not choose a name, so we have blended two. An honourarium to two men who gave much for either of us.

And so I am tired. This was more arduous I think, than even Astrid's. There was no god calling him forth, no sea creatures, no kraken, no storm tossed waves. No, like he said, he is born to storms to come. Like his fathering banging down the door. For now, both rest beside me and a nursemaid will take him soon to feed him. I am content. I have done, what I can, within what little time I have to give him children. Perchance I can give him another if the gods see fit to. Perhaps not. But at least she will not be alone anymore. She will have another at her back when the wolves bay and howl and others move to try and unseat her for being a girl. She will have him. I know this.

I could die tomorrow and I will have done my duty to Thrax and to my husband. I pray to the gods I do not, because there is so much more left to do. So much left I want to do and so little time to do it in.

Would that Brother Driskell were here to bless him as well. I wonder what he would call him.

Written By Alarissa

June 16, 2018, 4:37 p.m.(1/10/1009 AR)

Grihem's point.

In my time with Thrax, I have come to know the Duke of Grihem's point. A man who is complex in heart as he is in mind. Whose actions at time run from expected, to ones that bring puzzlement. His land, his home is no different. No different than he. The sweet softness behind the sterness of his land and his people were in full show.

Song has never been hear that is so sweet as what was played within the amphitheater. No doubt, there were sorrow that the Duchess Consort was not well enough to show us that. Nor that the Duke was busy tending to her. His son is a suitable stand in, though is not the same.

it is one of the portions of the tour that I remember well, and I close my eyes and can hear the singing. I shall have to return when the Duke is at hand. Or at least, the Duchess Consort is well enough to receive us.

Written By Alarissa

June 14, 2018, 11:29 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

There's claw marks in my seasilk, though Mirari made quick work and I know what she did, but she did something and soon enough it was smoothed and fixed again. I know why Victus did what he did, but gods above, did he need to knock her in? He's paying for that. She raked him and raked him very good before settling on my shoulder. That beast must be near 20 pounds and never did I walk so slowly and carefully, for fear that she might turn her ill humors on me. It is not something that I would have needed. Not now. Likely would have sent me into labour.

But her flesh was much better after that dip, and Ailith murmured something to the effect that Lilybelle will likely grow fur back. I am skeptical. But maybe she will. Time will tell. But this was Darkshore. This was... I'll not finish my words in here because I know this at least is looked at and poured over by others and taken apart and put back together and scrutinized to find meaning where perhaps there is none.

Darkshore will rise none the less. Already they move. Lady Carita and Countess Venta will see to it and I look forward to it's rebirth and renewal.

Written By Alarissa

June 14, 2018, 11:20 p.m.(12/26/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Turo

Navegant was a blur almost, a thriving community that subsists on so much, and so far north. Though I am sure that Tyde hall is more north, and Stormward even more so.

It was here though, that we had another spell of relaxation even as we enjoyed all the hospitality that there was to offer. I declined to view the turtle processing plants, and instead went with Astrid to visit some of the children that live here. Their education is exemplary. But it was their academy of arts that took my breath away. Seeing the work, temporal in it's own way and different from what the shrine in Arx offers up with it's yearly destruction. t brought about a desire to incorporate them and their work in Thrax with the renovations. Of pieces carefully packed and brought to Thrax. I am of a mind to do this not only with Escuma's but across the isles, a new work each month within the great room when it is done.

I was saddened to leave, but we eventually did and we shall have to return again. His grace was gifted with a carved turtle shell and Astrid and I both, with strands of pearls, each one so carefully matched.

Written By Alarissa

June 13, 2018, 12:30 a.m.(12/22/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Edward

The lighthouse that stands on the lands of the Baron Stormbreak, are a sight to behold. Twice now I have had a chance to ascend to lofty heights and regard the spread of Magnata's domain. This was breathtaking in as much as the other was. To speak with the disciple of Mangata who maintains it was a privilege, and even more so was my thought before leaving Arx, to have brought the lantern from the rite of the thirteen lanterns with us. That flame from the eternal flame that the house keeps kindled.

We brought it to the pinnacle of that lighthouse and in a small impromptu ceremony, lit a reed and joined the offshoot of that eternal flame to the lighthouses. In each port that we have stopped, we have tried to leave some lick of the flame behind, and to spread Lagoma's lights as we sail, spread the light meant for the Mourning Isles.

The Barons hospitality was more geared to giving respite from the heavy and hectic schedule and it was well received. While I may not always see eye to eye with the man, he has shown a hospitality equal to what we have enjoyed on this journey.

Written By Alarissa

June 11, 2018, 10:44 a.m.(12/19/1008 AR)

Jests were made about not birthing the babes on the floor of Tyde Hall.

At least till dessert was over. I was not amused. Very little in truth amused me. Because it's this time before, while carrying Astrid that I was aboard a ship. She came a few weeks early, with abyssal creatures hurling themselves forth from the water to try and drag people under or chew them.

The mention of a sighting of bloodwater left me uncomfortable. A reminder that the Kraken still slides beneath the waves. We lost a ship, one that set sail from Maelstrom to run goods. Besieged by the tentacle that reached up and out from the water where it appeared. News that was brought at dinner. It cast a pall and as it should across the meal. Breaking tension and tempering it with sorrow. More swords to add to the fields outside Maelstrom.

It was stupid of me to think that this could happen in peace, all of this. A tour to show our people that while the goals have changed, while there is a slight but fundamental shift in dealing with some things, that he is still the ruler that the isles deserves, that warrior before he became high lord is not absent. A man not broken, but strengthened by his people. Our enemy does not want that. Not in the least. I have to remember that.

And so when we step foot back on the boats, I rest. I am worried. I have no desire to have this one born on a boat again. I know what he said that night. Born to storms yet to come, unlike his sister who was born to a storm.

Darrow.

We will name you for him. I hope that when you come, it is with all the stoicism that your namesake possessed. But at the same time, that you find more joy in this life than I sometimes fear that he did not.

Written By Alarissa

June 11, 2018, 9:59 a.m.(12/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Margot

Tyde Hall

Bittersweet I suppose. There was nervousness sliding into the docks. On all sides I would imagine. The last that a delegation of this size or large came, it was with intent that was not kind and to continue this peace that lays between us. But where the Duchess and Duke have no animosity, I cannot say the same for those that still remain from long ago and remember.

Ghosts haunt these halls.

Tension rules.

I forbade him to make any jokes or comments about axes, fathers or the like.

Margot as ever, was the consummate host and the bounty laid before us from the local waters left little for many to desire. Save that I can't abide seafood and the sight of raw seal sliced thin left me somewhat ill to the stomach. Her servants though, brought bread and cheese and when we eventually retired, there was tea to calm nerves. I have never been to Tyde Hall and these walls have only ever been a story to me. To walk it, to see the people who have such a mix of emotions that rise and fall beneath the surface. And yet, they served us, protected us and tended to us as if twenty years past they had not nearly all been slaughtered to man.

I am grateful for that. I hope that they can see the changed man as I do, but I understand if they cannot. I understand some of the things whispered, when they think we cannot hear.

Tyde Hall. A welcome stop in the northern lands of the isles, and a lovely home and people. Ever am I in awe and grateful for the hospitality shown there.

Written By Alarissa

June 11, 2018, 9:38 a.m.(12/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Skye

New Hope is it's name.

We have started out the tour, Victus and I, this entourage of other family and the melange of servants and even Mistress Mirari to ensure that everyone's garments are perfection at each stop.

The first stop was New Hope, and it seemed fitting. The Baroness was with us and we were greeted at the docks by her brother and the Seraph. Such a welcome it was. It sets the tone I think, for the journey as a whole, to make our way through the isles, to sit at each vassals table and break bread with them and renew bonds. To re-engage with others. To thank them. Above all, to thank them. For that which they offered and that which they lost. To see what it is that we can do to help our isles grow stronger.

There was a carver there. A man with... well, one eye and enough mobility that he had purpose. He carves the mastheads for the ships that come forth from the docks. And what work it is that he does. Jayus surely touches and to see what flowed forth from his hands, and what the wood spoke of him that it wished to be. I have offered wood and compensation, so that when somethings speaks, he will make something for the great room that will be, in the estate. Where the shackles are now, will be a room with the joining of the isles. Of all it's people high and low. I decided then and there that something from every place we stop, an Artisan will be asked to make something. Be it a painting, a tapestry, a piece of furniture. Thrax is the great house of the mourning isles and I would have all of that which is watches over, cherished.

The shrine was beautiful and the service held before it even more so. But it is the fortress that rises out from the woods that gleams a brilliant white. Bits of shell has been mixed in and much like the spire of the Marin'Alfar's, it stands out like a beacon. It has been breathtaking. To see what she and those she rules over, and who stand with her, have created From the ruins of dragon's breath there has been new life and while that one stretch of land can never be used again, it will stand as a reminder of what can happen when you let the darker parts of one rule. A lesson.

New Hope.

I am quite proud of my Baroness Blackshore. Long may she reign. Long may her people support her. Long may be her legacy of what can happen when you put your heart and mind together to accomplish something.

I hope she names that Caraval well, for it will be Thrax's first of many.

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry