Written By Gwenna
Sept. 14, 2019, 7:43 a.m.(11/1/1011 AR)
It felt like it had been a very long time since I had occasion to visit House Crovane's Black Hall. When Lorenzo noted he ran into Duke-Consort Kaldur a week or so ago and we would be invited to dinner, I was quite looking forward to seeing it again. It was good to hear how Stormwall grows, to have met the House's Minister of Medicine, Rukhnis Al-Katibi, as well as have some insight into a large variety of dog breeds. I certainly, if reluctantly, left the great hall feeling merry and the lingering warmth of fine hospitality. My only regret is not also leaving with their duck recipe. To say it was divine does not give it the credit it deserves.
Duties and responsibilities hinder social activities at times, leading to late arrivals or early departures, but it was a wonderful evening that I am exceptionally glad we all managed to have together.
Duties and responsibilities hinder social activities at times, leading to late arrivals or early departures, but it was a wonderful evening that I am exceptionally glad we all managed to have together.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 25, 2019, 7:25 a.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Artur
It is true, what my brother wrote. When we were children and he would head out or sneak out, to go on some adventure, there were no few times that I would follow. I always thought he didn't know, of course, and I stepped into the prints he left in the snow as much so he didn't know as anyone else. I suspect few big brothers like their little sisters tagging along. It wasn't easy - for several years I had to leap to get from one to the next. I would have to leave his prints and find a hiding place with some great tree, at some point, or I'd never get close enough to hear him fight the great beasts of his dreams, or see him wield his wooden sword. I loved to listen to the tales he told as he fought the monsters, but always had to hop back into his bootprints - on tippytoes - and get back to the castle before he noticed I was there. I guess he always knew I was there anyhow, and I hope to always be there for him now that we are grown.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 23, 2019, 8:19 p.m.(9/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyrus
I have been quite frustrated as of late, which is somewhat hard for me to admit. I try to be positive and hopeful even in the smallest of things, but I suppose we are all prone to moments when that is a challenge; I am certainly not immune. Perhaps it is even good to take a step back to let those feelings burn themselves out over a day or three. I am still frustrated, but upon reviewing some of the whites in an effort to catch up on things, these words somewhat struck me: "Some questions must be asked whose answers cannot be found in tomes. If there even are answers."
Maybe I need to seek answers outside of the archives. Maybe there aren't even any answers left to be found on parchment, or at all. Whatever the case, the words were like the sort of snap someone gives to another who appears too lost in thought. You blink yourself out of the self-centered darkness and regain hope that, perhaps, what you seek might be found down a different path.
Maybe I need to seek answers outside of the archives. Maybe there aren't even any answers left to be found on parchment, or at all. Whatever the case, the words were like the sort of snap someone gives to another who appears too lost in thought. You blink yourself out of the self-centered darkness and regain hope that, perhaps, what you seek might be found down a different path.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 18, 2019, 8:05 a.m.(9/3/1011 AR)
I actually have very little interest in unicorns, though I did have a most wonderful plushy of one when I was a girl in Farhaven. I named him Moonpie because at seven years old it seemed a fitting, if unoriginal, name. Sometimes those things that we think are full of wonder and joy as children change a little when we grow up. I still have Moonpie, but I do promise I'd not assist in negotiating a marriage contract that held an actual unicorn as part of the deal! Reading my brother's entry did make me laugh with the memory, though, for which I'm grateful.
I know having children is of great importance for a number of reasons even beyond duty and the joys of having our own family. I get the letters from mother and can hardly blame her for wanting grandchildren; I imagine no few mothers with grown children are not of such inclinations. It is sometimes a bit amusing how very, very, very, very often I am asked when there will be children, from people within the family and outside of it. There were some things Lorenzo and I hoped to do before following that path and I'm not sure we're quite done with them yet. Besides, it would hardly be like us if we did things in the expected or timely way.
I know having children is of great importance for a number of reasons even beyond duty and the joys of having our own family. I get the letters from mother and can hardly blame her for wanting grandchildren; I imagine no few mothers with grown children are not of such inclinations. It is sometimes a bit amusing how very, very, very, very often I am asked when there will be children, from people within the family and outside of it. There were some things Lorenzo and I hoped to do before following that path and I'm not sure we're quite done with them yet. Besides, it would hardly be like us if we did things in the expected or timely way.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 12, 2019, 8:55 a.m.(8/20/1011 AR)
I found myself at no few events for the Festival of Death with great enjoyment, so when a Harlequin's Picnic was announced, how could I not go? The evening seemed to perfectly compliment the event, with clouds dancing about to hide and reveal star and moonlight. The wine and cookies were beyond and I truly must thank Legate Aureth Grayhope for having arranged such an enjoyable affair.
We played a game in which every reply must be done in the form of a question. It was a touch challenging, but quite intriguing! I would not have thought a game could lead to such insightful and poignant inquiries.
The company was extraordinary and I had the great fortune to join family and friends - both old and hopefully new on the latter - for a wonderful evening.
We played a game in which every reply must be done in the form of a question. It was a touch challenging, but quite intriguing! I would not have thought a game could lead to such insightful and poignant inquiries.
The company was extraordinary and I had the great fortune to join family and friends - both old and hopefully new on the latter - for a wonderful evening.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 11, 2019, 9:34 a.m.(8/18/1011 AR)
I had such a wonderful time at the grand opening of Whitehold Brews, newly opened in the ward. Getting to spend time with family, old friends, and new acquaintances was great fun. I even joined the arm-wrestling contest! I did not last long, which is of little surprise to anyone I imagine, but rather enjoyed the thrill of it.
All told, it was a lovely evening and I am quite glad I managed to attend.
All told, it was a lovely evening and I am quite glad I managed to attend.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 10, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(8/16/1011 AR)
There are a number of house matters that need attending and, as such, I have rather cleared my schedule as best I could for the next couple of weeks. I take my duties as Minister of Income just as seriously as those of Voice and, hopefully, these recent years of rebuilding and planning will be of benefit to those who seek our assistance.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 2, 2019, 10:46 a.m.(7/28/1011 AR)
It seems Archscholar Py's "Treatise on Truth and Falsehoods" is a must-read lest one wishes to be rather publicly taken to task in the whites. Surely something of such suggested import is available in the archives for anyone to read? I will have to have send someone over to check straight away.
Written By Gwenna
July 22, 2019, 10:01 a.m.(7/6/1011 AR)
I had a most wonderful time in Artshall at the Spring Fete! Truly, I do not spend nearly enough time with my Laurent family as I should. Lady Jael, newly married, agreed to be my partner for a dancing contest. I don't often dance, and those who were there could attest to why; I really only know enough to do passingly well at parties. My cousin, though? By the Gods, she is as graceful on the dance floor as about anyone I know! We managed to win even! The prize is glorious and I'm so glad I made the trip.
Written By Gwenna
July 17, 2019, 1:49 p.m.(6/24/1011 AR)
The flower debate is perhaps ridiculously easy for me: snowflower, of course.
Written By Gwenna
July 16, 2019, 6 p.m.(6/22/1011 AR)
I am blessed with truly outstanding family. My cousin, Princess Helena Redrain, hosted a most wonderful fashion show in honor of the Queen of Endings and Beginnings, and I was honored to get to participate in it. The whole affair was wonderful! The gifts she had for everyone who attended are treasures I'll keep - and I could hardly keep myself from taking a second of the three different types of scarves offered. I did not envy the judges, for the competition was rather fierce. Every outfit - and not just those on the models! - were like candy for the eyes. I chose a stunning circlet for my prize, as I favor that type of hair ornament a great deal already, and it seemed almost made for my outfit.
I keep thinking that I can not manage more amazing memories from such things, and I am continuously proven wrong.
I keep thinking that I can not manage more amazing memories from such things, and I am continuously proven wrong.
Written By Gwenna
July 10, 2019, 7:22 a.m.(6/9/1011 AR)
The wrap party for The Wager of Hearts was an absolute delight! Having the opportunity to play Lady Amaryllis in the production is an experience I do not think I will ever forget. Lady Evonleigh is truly to be commended and I would nearly jump at the chance to work with her again. Her gifts to us all were so touching, and it was a thrill to see my name in the programs she made available to those who attended. Both will be proudly displayed in the Redrain Grand Library.
While I am a bit sad that the show has concluded, it was such a joy to gather at the Bard's College with everyone who made it come to life. I sincerely enjoyed the event, getting to chat with dear friends and new acquaintances throughout the night. Princess Zara Valardin and the Nightingale, Gianna Whisper, put on a fabulous affair, at which I enjoyed myself immensely. Much to my regret, I had to depart a bit early, but I took even more fond memories with me from the evening.
While I am a bit sad that the show has concluded, it was such a joy to gather at the Bard's College with everyone who made it come to life. I sincerely enjoyed the event, getting to chat with dear friends and new acquaintances throughout the night. Princess Zara Valardin and the Nightingale, Gianna Whisper, put on a fabulous affair, at which I enjoyed myself immensely. Much to my regret, I had to depart a bit early, but I took even more fond memories with me from the evening.
Written By Gwenna
July 8, 2019, 6:15 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Helena
My impressive cousin, Princess Helena, sister to the princesses Agatha and Elgana, is such an inspiration to me. Between her poetry events and assisting with the upcoming Festival of Death, I envy how easy she makes it all look. I think all of those sisters all have that talent, really, and it makes me so proud that I get to call them family. Not only is Helena an exceptionally talented artist, but she has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. She has helped me with some projects despite her busy schedule, and I could not be happier to have her as both cousin and dear friend.
Written By Gwenna
July 8, 2019, 6:12 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
I had such a lovely time at the Laurent pool event! Lady Mabelle is to be commended for such delightful games. Next time maybe I will be more bold and race in a duck with my cousin, Duke Cristoph! It looked like great fun, but I had /just/ gotten some of the famed Laurent cider and don't get to sit and enjoy the wonderful brew often enough. Really, I do not spend nearly as much time with my mother's side of family as I might like, which is something I've every plan to correct.
Written By Gwenna
July 1, 2019, 9:55 a.m.(5/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
What can possibly be said about my cousin, Princess Elgana, that will do her any credible justice? She is one of the cleverest people I know and makes hosting and social gatherings look like child's play. A formidable mind, too, she is someone that I think I might always be able to go to when I've grander questions or just need an objective mind to help me with something. Beyond being family, her contributions to House Redrain are ones I am so very, very grateful for; truly, I am blessed to have her as both family and a fellow leader in our House. What I am most fortunate for, though, is that I get to call her one of my dearest friends atop all of that.
Written By Gwenna
June 29, 2019, 5:22 p.m.(5/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Aethan
My protege, Lord Aethan Kennex, has invited me on no few endeavors for his House, even when I was still just starting out on my journey to become a diplomat. He does not dance around a topic that needs to be discussed, his words often plain and to the point. His honesty has always been something I've been glad for and I often admire him for his ability to present it without any fuss. How fortunate it was that our paths crossed over a few trading negotiations and I am quite happy for his trust in me.
Written By Gwenna
June 28, 2019, 4:19 p.m.(5/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Radiant Bliss Whisper is someone I have known for a few years now, if at first mostly in passing, but I hope she considers us friends, as I certainly think of her as one of mine. When I was just getting to know her, I thought saying that she was every bit as enchanting and lovely in person as one might have been lead to believe by her reputation, was to give her little credit. Bold and passionate, certainly, I've come to know her as warm, charitable, and compassionate as well. We seem to be able to agree to disagree on things and not have that change our personal feelings. At least thus far.
The things I have seen her achieve are ones that will surely become tales told for many lifetimes after we are all gone. The reception she arranged for Lorenzo and I remains one of the most wonderful times I have had in my life. That she invited me to assist in the Northlands Whisper House endeavor is an honor and experience that I won't ever forget, either.
I am grateful for her trust and honesty, for I suspect they are things one may need to earn with her.
The things I have seen her achieve are ones that will surely become tales told for many lifetimes after we are all gone. The reception she arranged for Lorenzo and I remains one of the most wonderful times I have had in my life. That she invited me to assist in the Northlands Whisper House endeavor is an honor and experience that I won't ever forget, either.
I am grateful for her trust and honesty, for I suspect they are things one may need to earn with her.
Written By Gwenna
June 22, 2019, 7:58 p.m.(5/2/1011 AR)
There are many chains in this world that need to be broken. To bind someone against their will, to capture them in bonds they did not choose, is a travesty I refuse to find acceptable in any form.
Written By Gwenna
May 18, 2019, 7:22 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Winter has always been a season of quiet for me. The world seems so soft, encased in white, and even sounds seems buffered by the snow that covers everything. Is there any storm so silent as a blizzard? While the winters in Arx don't really compare to those in Farhaven, there is still that feeling to them. Duties and responsibilities do not cease, of course, but more might be done by messenger than by trekking off to a meeting someplace in one of the wards. I try to spend the extra time at the villa going over the stores and what we might need brought in from Farhaven when the spring allows, sharing some mulled wine with the head of the kitchens and staff, and generally catching up on those things that get put off 'until winter' during the rest of the year. While not a break, really, it is pleasant to focus on hearth and home a couple of months out of the year.
Written By Gwenna
May 1, 2019, 7 a.m.(1/9/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Lorenzo
Somehow, even in the midst of winter, my amazing husband manages to find beautiful, dried flowers to decorate our room. The scent and colors are like a promise of the spring to come, even as I watch snowflakes fall outside the window.
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