Written By Isolde
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:04 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Sometimes, all one needs is a little break.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 9, 2016, 8:15 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
It astonishes me how much my relationship with Prince Inquisitor Gareth has developed. He was one of my first friends in Arx and, despite the Saga of the Tea Set, I feel it continues to be a delight for both of us. I'll have to think of something as memorable as that gift for the next time.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 8, 2016, 5:08 p.m.(10/15/1004 AR)
I watch the Graysons play host to all of Arx and can't help but think how -exhausting- that must be. I truly hope they can take the time to relax and simply enjoy the Festival, without the burden of responsibility upon them. Everyone deserves a chance to be entertained, than simply to entertain. I shall have to make this event as epic as possible
Written By Isolde
Oct. 7, 2016, 8:08 p.m.(10/12/1004 AR)
I'm not sure which I'm more excited for... the festival, or the upcoming Mirror's Masquerade. I always get that fluttery, squishy feeling in my gut around this time of year. Perhaps I should put that admission in my Black Journal, to maintain my -obviously- cruel, heartless, evil monster reputation. That is still what people are saying, yes?
Written By Isolde
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:41 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Fergus' sister, Darren's cousin, and a fine, fine woman. I rather like her, and her passion for her own misunderstood faith endears her to me. And she denied me, and that endears her to me even more. I think I need a friend like her, who has utterly zero inclination to intrigue and fancy words.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:35 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I've started to decide the path of my life. All that means, however, is I let go the frustrations of the thousands upon thousands of questions I have, and focus on what is truly important to me. While these may change, from time to time, and I will evaluate every now and then, it's almost freeing.
If only I had some fucking answers. Just wait. I will solve the riddles and it will be glorious.
If only I had some fucking answers. Just wait. I will solve the riddles and it will be glorious.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 25, 2016, 7:18 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Occasionally, you have a crystalline moment where the world seems to take shape, and you feel satisfied with your understanding, with the natural order of things. You feel as if your every breath satisfies you.
And then, you have weeks like this.
The good. The bad. The mysterious. The understandable. I'll take it all, but never let me ever hear myself say my life is boring.
And then, you have weeks like this.
The good. The bad. The mysterious. The understandable. I'll take it all, but never let me ever hear myself say my life is boring.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 25, 2016, 2:16 p.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Prince Darren seems rather an all right individual.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:34 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I find it an important exercise to reexamine first impressions, after I have become acquainted with someone over the course of time. It's important to realize what masks people wear, what assumptions I make, and what, if anything I was wildly incorrect about. I may be vain, but if I cannot admit where I applied too much of personal bias upon a first impression, I'll never improve and navigate the waters of court.
That being said, I am not telling who I was vastly wrong about, nor who I had instantly correct. Some things are better left a mystery, and saved for the Black, don't you think?
That being said, I am not telling who I was vastly wrong about, nor who I had instantly correct. Some things are better left a mystery, and saved for the Black, don't you think?
Written By Isolde
Sept. 17, 2016, 10:09 p.m.(8/8/1004 AR)
Well, wasn't I the busy little be these past few days.
The Velenosa dinner was delightful, fantastic company, even if I was a bit of a flurry of introductions and didn't spend time with anyone as much as I should have. I should have something nice commissioned for Prince Darren. He was kind and kept me entertained at the least. So many new faces! And many new faces I will have to get to know better, I think. Definitely.
The Invocation was far more successful than I anticipated. I'm pleased so many asked for blessings, and seemed responsive to the rituals. The Pantheon is a beautiful thing. I always find a touch of drama lends itself well to keeping their greatness in the minds of the Faithful. I'll have to speak with the Dominus to discuss what our next move is.
And oh... the North. How delightful the North is. I don't understand them nearly as well as I should, but they -are- entertaining. And Prince Barric showed up! I still have his shirt. Don't tell anyone. I'm undecided if I shall keep it, hold it ransom, or submit it to the Art Gallery. It is a rather fine shirt. But the fighting was exciting, and that Prodigal sort that seems besotted with Lady Dawn won. He seemed shocked I'd actually make good on my bet, but, Prince Darren is a formidible man. The winnings were well deserved.
I feel fairly accomplished this week, though I am looking forward to peace, quiet, and smaller gatherings, private conversations, and all the situations I thrive in. If that shy girl I used to be lingered, I'd hide away for a month. Perhaps I am spoiled, but I do not take it for granted that I earn the invitations I do.
The Velenosa dinner was delightful, fantastic company, even if I was a bit of a flurry of introductions and didn't spend time with anyone as much as I should have. I should have something nice commissioned for Prince Darren. He was kind and kept me entertained at the least. So many new faces! And many new faces I will have to get to know better, I think. Definitely.
The Invocation was far more successful than I anticipated. I'm pleased so many asked for blessings, and seemed responsive to the rituals. The Pantheon is a beautiful thing. I always find a touch of drama lends itself well to keeping their greatness in the minds of the Faithful. I'll have to speak with the Dominus to discuss what our next move is.
And oh... the North. How delightful the North is. I don't understand them nearly as well as I should, but they -are- entertaining. And Prince Barric showed up! I still have his shirt. Don't tell anyone. I'm undecided if I shall keep it, hold it ransom, or submit it to the Art Gallery. It is a rather fine shirt. But the fighting was exciting, and that Prodigal sort that seems besotted with Lady Dawn won. He seemed shocked I'd actually make good on my bet, but, Prince Darren is a formidible man. The winnings were well deserved.
I feel fairly accomplished this week, though I am looking forward to peace, quiet, and smaller gatherings, private conversations, and all the situations I thrive in. If that shy girl I used to be lingered, I'd hide away for a month. Perhaps I am spoiled, but I do not take it for granted that I earn the invitations I do.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 17, 2016, 1:25 a.m.(8/6/1004 AR)
I write this as the Acolyte, Favored of the Thirteenth.
Glory unto the Completed Pantheon, revered by all Faithful. May the Divine Thirteen bless our people, and may we restore the Compact to Faith.
The Invocation humbled even I, and opened my eyes to just how blind I had been. The people are hungry, from High Lords to low born, hungry for hope and Faith, and I am to reflect the Light into the Darkness to guide their way. The Thirteenth has been invoked, and no longer shall he remain outside his place amongst the Pantheon. Blessed be his Name, which we are not worthy to speak.
Through the Strength given to me, by the Triads and the Reflection, I offered blessing, in the sight of the Most Holy, Voice of the Pantheon, illuminated in divine light, amplified by reflections in mirrors. I weep in the memory, for never before have I seen anything so beautiful. Most came forth, proud and reluctant, bold and shy, and all received a blessing, guided from divine inspiriation. May the Invoked lend strength.
It is through Faith, and the Inspiration of the Completed Pantheon that our King may be healed. May Glory be to thee, oh Pantheon of Thirteen, and may the Compact and its people know greatness through you.
I am humbled to serve in such a capacity, and may I be a shepherd to the flock of the lost, that they may know Faith.
And so it is.
Glory unto the Completed Pantheon, revered by all Faithful. May the Divine Thirteen bless our people, and may we restore the Compact to Faith.
The Invocation humbled even I, and opened my eyes to just how blind I had been. The people are hungry, from High Lords to low born, hungry for hope and Faith, and I am to reflect the Light into the Darkness to guide their way. The Thirteenth has been invoked, and no longer shall he remain outside his place amongst the Pantheon. Blessed be his Name, which we are not worthy to speak.
Through the Strength given to me, by the Triads and the Reflection, I offered blessing, in the sight of the Most Holy, Voice of the Pantheon, illuminated in divine light, amplified by reflections in mirrors. I weep in the memory, for never before have I seen anything so beautiful. Most came forth, proud and reluctant, bold and shy, and all received a blessing, guided from divine inspiriation. May the Invoked lend strength.
It is through Faith, and the Inspiration of the Completed Pantheon that our King may be healed. May Glory be to thee, oh Pantheon of Thirteen, and may the Compact and its people know greatness through you.
I am humbled to serve in such a capacity, and may I be a shepherd to the flock of the lost, that they may know Faith.
And so it is.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 14, 2016, 8:58 a.m.(7/26/1004 AR)
I had the loveliest visit with Lady Dawn and Prince Inquisitor Laric at the Grayson estate. We definitely do not always see the world the same way, but frankly, I find that endearing. The world would be dreadfully boring if we all did, and no one would ever learn anything. I think we both suffer from a lack of outside experience, having lived most of our lives in Arx or Lenosia, respectively.
All in all, I do not envy my sister's place in having to navigate the waters of the Assembly. I take comfort, however, that even if two people disagree, friendship can overcome anything. I have the luxury of being able to afford friendships, rather than simply political allies. It is not something I shall take for granted.
Please note: Talen needs more riding lessons. Let us find him a tutor, hm?
All in all, I do not envy my sister's place in having to navigate the waters of the Assembly. I take comfort, however, that even if two people disagree, friendship can overcome anything. I have the luxury of being able to afford friendships, rather than simply political allies. It is not something I shall take for granted.
Please note: Talen needs more riding lessons. Let us find him a tutor, hm?
Written By Isolde
Sept. 11, 2016, 10:39 p.m.(7/19/1004 AR)
Esera, my sweet, how do I love thee?
Let me count the ways...
With fury, and rage, and exasperation,
I do sing with the joyous tone of my love.
When confounded, frustrated, and ready to scream,
I only dance with elation.
No matter the cost of loving her,
I pay willingly, often, and with great peril
To those around me.
When bardic songs write of the bonds
Of Sister to Sister,
The world will tremble, weep, and rejoice.
- "To Esera, Love Isolde" by Princess Isolde Velenosa
Let me count the ways...
With fury, and rage, and exasperation,
I do sing with the joyous tone of my love.
When confounded, frustrated, and ready to scream,
I only dance with elation.
No matter the cost of loving her,
I pay willingly, often, and with great peril
To those around me.
When bardic songs write of the bonds
Of Sister to Sister,
The world will tremble, weep, and rejoice.
- "To Esera, Love Isolde" by Princess Isolde Velenosa
Written By Isolde
Sept. 11, 2016, 6:59 p.m.(7/18/1004 AR)
On Faith.
One may wonder, or even assume that the bias toward the gods means taking faith blindly, and closing one's mind to facts, truths, and the discovery of the natural order of the world. I feel this is to misunderstand the very nature of faith, and religion as a whole. You see, if one starts from a place where the natural order is dictated by divine mandate, then that assumption becomes a real concern.
Consider this, instead. The divine forces we place our faith in, and right revere as superior beings, lending their power and strength to the very world around us are not discrete beings, with minds and wills. Instead they are embodiments of the truths that become evident through observation and experimentation. Limerance, for example, is not a hormonal teenager that watches over us and plays at making hearts flutter at the sight of a pretty face. More, he is the ideal, the embodiment of what to strive for in courtly love, and the ideals of fidelity. We give face and name to this entity, and in so doing, actually limit his power to a singular will, instead of accepting his purpose as a guide, a teacher in the ways we live our day to day lives. He is, and yet, he is not, transcending our ability to understand divinity. He is a god, how could we even begin to fathom him.
If we accept this theory as true, then, it is our divine imperative, our very life's purpose, to live in this world, created by beings beyond understanding, and then use the tools they gave us to try and understand them better -- the very world itself, their archives, their musings on the higher ideals and truth. A farmer knows one must plant a seed, water it, and it will grow, and has learned, as he travels his life's path, when to plant, how much water, and all the necessary details to produce a flush crop. In doing so, Petrichor's very essence is revered. That farmer comes closer to that aspect of divinity than I ever could, even if I were to take my place as godsworn. That Farmer is greater to Petrichor's heart than any priest with fancy words and faithful soul.
There are mysteries in the world, and divine nature is but one. Perhaps the greatest one, and all others lead to that end. When the unexplained happens, we take on Faith that the divine understanding has shown us a hint, but also another path to explore, to make the world open it's trove of secrets to us. Faith is not to be feared or dismissed, but lauded, for only the Faithful truly understand that the world is meant to be ours. Those that turn from the faith, I pity, and do not despise, for they are simply blinded to the nature of the world. Their path is hard, wrought with peril, and perhaps they cannot even see the way. The guide and light of truth is there for them, but they reject it. I would walk with these people, to give them comfort, if I could.
Pantheon of the Thirteen Gods, I offer these words in understanding of your greatness, and pledge myself, once more, to learn the truths you have written in the world around me. I pray that I can guide others, to open their eyes, and bring them the peace that they are not lost, without recourse, but only a student in a never-ending lesson, meant to better and Strengthen.
One may wonder, or even assume that the bias toward the gods means taking faith blindly, and closing one's mind to facts, truths, and the discovery of the natural order of the world. I feel this is to misunderstand the very nature of faith, and religion as a whole. You see, if one starts from a place where the natural order is dictated by divine mandate, then that assumption becomes a real concern.
Consider this, instead. The divine forces we place our faith in, and right revere as superior beings, lending their power and strength to the very world around us are not discrete beings, with minds and wills. Instead they are embodiments of the truths that become evident through observation and experimentation. Limerance, for example, is not a hormonal teenager that watches over us and plays at making hearts flutter at the sight of a pretty face. More, he is the ideal, the embodiment of what to strive for in courtly love, and the ideals of fidelity. We give face and name to this entity, and in so doing, actually limit his power to a singular will, instead of accepting his purpose as a guide, a teacher in the ways we live our day to day lives. He is, and yet, he is not, transcending our ability to understand divinity. He is a god, how could we even begin to fathom him.
If we accept this theory as true, then, it is our divine imperative, our very life's purpose, to live in this world, created by beings beyond understanding, and then use the tools they gave us to try and understand them better -- the very world itself, their archives, their musings on the higher ideals and truth. A farmer knows one must plant a seed, water it, and it will grow, and has learned, as he travels his life's path, when to plant, how much water, and all the necessary details to produce a flush crop. In doing so, Petrichor's very essence is revered. That farmer comes closer to that aspect of divinity than I ever could, even if I were to take my place as godsworn. That Farmer is greater to Petrichor's heart than any priest with fancy words and faithful soul.
There are mysteries in the world, and divine nature is but one. Perhaps the greatest one, and all others lead to that end. When the unexplained happens, we take on Faith that the divine understanding has shown us a hint, but also another path to explore, to make the world open it's trove of secrets to us. Faith is not to be feared or dismissed, but lauded, for only the Faithful truly understand that the world is meant to be ours. Those that turn from the faith, I pity, and do not despise, for they are simply blinded to the nature of the world. Their path is hard, wrought with peril, and perhaps they cannot even see the way. The guide and light of truth is there for them, but they reject it. I would walk with these people, to give them comfort, if I could.
Pantheon of the Thirteen Gods, I offer these words in understanding of your greatness, and pledge myself, once more, to learn the truths you have written in the world around me. I pray that I can guide others, to open their eyes, and bring them the peace that they are not lost, without recourse, but only a student in a never-ending lesson, meant to better and Strengthen.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 10, 2016, 4:27 a.m.(7/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Well, my first meeting with Prince Darren certainly went well. He's a hard man, but he's had to be, and his mind is sharp and quick. I'm hopeful we can be good friends, and I feel confident he'd make a good ally for Esera.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 7, 2016, 1:53 a.m.(7/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
The second Prince Inquisitor in my life, and they could not be more different from one another. Prince Laric has an easy way about him, willing to indulge a silly girl and her games, and brought a delicious brandy to share. That, alone, can endear someone to me, but he also proved to be a fantastic conversationalist. I do so love my Prince Inquisitors, but Prince Laric seems far more similar to me. That can be good, or that can be atrocious. Only time will tell.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 5, 2016, 7:28 p.m.(7/1/1004 AR)
By the Thirteenth, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I am going to lay this city low one of these days in a fit of pique. I do -not understand how some people can be so damnably WONDERFUL.- Argh. Yes. I am chronicalling ARGH for all to see, for all time. Vellichor help me. ARGH.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
I fear I must make careful considerations of my favors. So far they seem to be more curses than blessings. Perhaps it is the Reflection. Or perhaps I am a wicked creature who likes to torment the field with them and should give them more reverence. In any case, I shall need to have more tokens made. It is terribly amusing.
Written By Isolde
Aug. 31, 2016, 9:04 a.m.(6/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
Lord Eos Saik, the older brother of Lady Kima, is an intriguing man. He carries a heavy burden, and it gives him a sense of drive and determination that few see. I find I'm rather charmed by him, and look forward to speaking with him at length. Besides, his son is a studious boy. They shy denizen of the library in me is amused by that, and I could use a little protege to share my storybooks with.
Written By Isolde
Aug. 28, 2016, 6:30 p.m.(6/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Prospero
Cousin (I think?) to Lady Calista, and a fine man with a sharp mind and quick wit. There is nothing more appealing in a man who humors my wicked sense of humor and brings me a present before I even have a chance to bat my eyelashes at him. You do not find a treasure like that very often. I may just convince Calista to give him to me as a present. In all seriousness, his conversational skills are not to be taken lightly, and I think I shall enjoy the challenge he presents.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.