Written By Stygia
July 12, 2019, 3:39 a.m.(6/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
Now that's the cut throat typea politics I like to see from the Silks!
Don't worry, ye fit right in.
Don't worry, ye fit right in.
Written By Bhandn
July 12, 2019, 2:58 a.m.(6/13/1011 AR)
It was good to see many people willing to give substantial amounts of silver towards the auction that occurred tonight. I wonder how many people there suspected I was raising the bidding on purpose, to force the contributions higher from the start. I do not have particularly vast sums at my disposal as some there did, yet even with that in mind I thought I was having a fever dream when Mistress Arcuri and His Majesty begin to war with each other over who would outbid the other.
Over three million silver was given towards that project. The amount boggles the mind to hear it, think it, and see it written here. It will be a spectacular commission, when it is done, and I am very much looking forward to seeing Dayne Valardin's likeness placed in the Hall. I confess, I have no small amount of envy for those that knew him well and served under him. Had I chosen a different path, would his and mine have crossed? The thought has crossed my mind - many a knight of my years has thought on it, I am sure - but I have no regrets about the roads I have traveled.
Still, I do wonder.
Over three million silver was given towards that project. The amount boggles the mind to hear it, think it, and see it written here. It will be a spectacular commission, when it is done, and I am very much looking forward to seeing Dayne Valardin's likeness placed in the Hall. I confess, I have no small amount of envy for those that knew him well and served under him. Had I chosen a different path, would his and mine have crossed? The thought has crossed my mind - many a knight of my years has thought on it, I am sure - but I have no regrets about the roads I have traveled.
Still, I do wonder.
Written By Victus
July 12, 2019, 1:24 a.m.(6/13/1011 AR)
Spend too much time letting the past toss and turn in your mind, you'll forget to live in the present.
Written By Wren
July 12, 2019, 12:20 a.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
A wild success. I'm quite satisfied with myself and think I'll take a little of this silver I earned and buy myself something sparkly.
A total of 3,595,000 silver knights is what we raised for the King's Own in the name of honoring the Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. I'm so appreciative that her grace, Archduchess-Regent Jaenelle, and his royal majesty, had the faith to allow me to supervise the auction.
The generosity of this city also astounds me. So many willing to throw vast amounts of silver in the name of charity. Such a delight to see.
Now, on to the next.
A total of 3,595,000 silver knights is what we raised for the King's Own in the name of honoring the Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. I'm so appreciative that her grace, Archduchess-Regent Jaenelle, and his royal majesty, had the faith to allow me to supervise the auction.
The generosity of this city also astounds me. So many willing to throw vast amounts of silver in the name of charity. Such a delight to see.
Now, on to the next.
Written By Domonico
July 11, 2019, 11:23 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Julian
Lord Julian Saik has finally made his way to Arx and it is good to see the knight again.
It's been far too long since our last meeting in Southport. Hopefully we will be able to meet up again soon for a proper debrief on what he has been up to... and to have a spar.
It's been far too long since our last meeting in Southport. Hopefully we will be able to meet up again soon for a proper debrief on what he has been up to... and to have a spar.
Written By Miranda
July 11, 2019, 10:38 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Wren
That was the most exciting auction I've ever been to!
Ok, the only one I've been to!
I had so much fun, though and I get to be part of the building of the great statue!!
Exciting times!
Ok, the only one I've been to!
I had so much fun, though and I get to be part of the building of the great statue!!
Exciting times!
Written By Josephine
July 11, 2019, 10:18 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Well, now I'm broke. I suppose I'll need to finish off all these commissions. Once Demetria finds the list.
Written By Alecstazi
July 11, 2019, 9:09 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
I have to agree with the growing chorus of voices speaking out about this apparent betrothal of a Crovane Lord and the Lady Byrne. See, the problem with neonobility, is that they lack the depth of training and dedication to one's House that is drilled into a Peer from the day they are old enough to understand words. When that is the case, you see examples like this, a woman elevated to a Lady, who marries a man on his deathbed, becoming a Countess. I was actually pleasantly surprised to hear her abdicate her position to Count Graham, a man born to the Peerage, if never previously in line to inherit. That base training was there, in place. I thought the move a good one, a smart one. Except that it was not out of devotion to her new House, a House she herself renamed, a symbol of her pledge to the people of Cedar Vale to shepherd them into excellence, to give them pride again. No, the decision was made because she sought to climb up another tier of the social hierarchy, marrying into a ducal family.
This is the sort of self-serving arrogance that has been allowed to blossom here within Arx. Marrying for love is an act that should be condemned as the thoughtless and selfish act that it is. Marriage is not about love. It is about bettering the standing of two Houses, strengthening them both. It is placing your own whims and needs above those of your family. Selfish.
Now, this Lady Byrne at least has the excuse of her neonobility. What I am curious about is how this match benefits Crovane at all? I suppose that there must be *something* else I imagine the Faith would have said no. But this train of inappropriate alliances, matches made for sentiment over logic... it is appalling and makes me question just what is going on in this city for this to be such a rampant trend.
By all means, marry someone you can abide. Do not make yourself miserable. But the needs of your House should *always* come first.
Always.
This is the sort of self-serving arrogance that has been allowed to blossom here within Arx. Marrying for love is an act that should be condemned as the thoughtless and selfish act that it is. Marriage is not about love. It is about bettering the standing of two Houses, strengthening them both. It is placing your own whims and needs above those of your family. Selfish.
Now, this Lady Byrne at least has the excuse of her neonobility. What I am curious about is how this match benefits Crovane at all? I suppose that there must be *something* else I imagine the Faith would have said no. But this train of inappropriate alliances, matches made for sentiment over logic... it is appalling and makes me question just what is going on in this city for this to be such a rampant trend.
By all means, marry someone you can abide. Do not make yourself miserable. But the needs of your House should *always* come first.
Always.
Written By Saoirse
July 11, 2019, 7:50 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
Oh dear me, I agree with Arik Halfshav.
Written By Volcica
July 11, 2019, 5:39 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Returning to Arx is always interesting, even if I didn't truely settle in the first time I came. Now I have a new Sister-in-law, and the Stone Grove is withered.. So much to do, but I'm used to being busy. Idle hands die in the Everwinter.
Written By Willow
July 11, 2019, 5:24 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Grazia
As regards the Crovane-Byrne announcement, I think you yourself proved he would do no better, your Ladyship. Given stereotypes about the Lyceum it is easy to forget all its many lands are not vineyards. Such tart words as spoken today however only prove that were the lands of your Duchy suitable for farmland, they would still prove an inferior vintage, as sour grapes can ruin the flavor of a truly sweet concoction.
I might add that your 'upjumped commoner' not only became a Lady in her own right, but went on to not just become a Countess in her own right but set a new line of succession after rescuing the remnants of a House ruined by its /born heir/ before now moving on with that same dignity, poise, and skill, to add her discerning nature and wisdom beyond her birth to our Northlands' peoples.
I love rarefied and flawless stone as much as the next person but can a man be blamed if he'd rather not take it to bed?
I might add that your 'upjumped commoner' not only became a Lady in her own right, but went on to not just become a Countess in her own right but set a new line of succession after rescuing the remnants of a House ruined by its /born heir/ before now moving on with that same dignity, poise, and skill, to add her discerning nature and wisdom beyond her birth to our Northlands' peoples.
I love rarefied and flawless stone as much as the next person but can a man be blamed if he'd rather not take it to bed?
Written By Aiden
July 11, 2019, 5:06 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcelia
Not you too...
My heart cannot take this loss ... not you too.
My heart cannot take this loss ... not you too.
Written By Elloise
July 11, 2019, 2:18 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Why did I write Saik? I meant Sanna! Oh my gosh I hope he doesn't READ THIS.
Written By Elloise
July 11, 2019, 2:07 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Log:
As my projects for House Leary continue, I've also been contacted by my Saik friend of old! I had forgotten how much I missed him, talking to him and finding experiments together. Even though we are only chatting via letter, I hope he comes to Arx so we can SCIENCE together. I can't wait to show him my lab! We're conspiring to build a few pieces but I can't decide: mechanical or chemical? Maybe we'll do both!
Cady also asked me about twinkling lights, which sounds ...wow! that sounds like both! That's it, that's just what he and I will work on together. A wedding gift for Cady.
As my projects for House Leary continue, I've also been contacted by my Saik friend of old! I had forgotten how much I missed him, talking to him and finding experiments together. Even though we are only chatting via letter, I hope he comes to Arx so we can SCIENCE together. I can't wait to show him my lab! We're conspiring to build a few pieces but I can't decide: mechanical or chemical? Maybe we'll do both!
Cady also asked me about twinkling lights, which sounds ...wow! that sounds like both! That's it, that's just what he and I will work on together. A wedding gift for Cady.
Written By Arik
July 11, 2019, 1:23 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
It is somewhat concerning to see a newly ennobled Peer from the Mourning Isles play a game of leapfrog with the faith and goodwill of not only noble houses but the people which rely on those Houses for leadership. To leave Redreef for Fireviper as it is newly minted as Byrne made perfect sense. The recently formed County needed leadership and the political benefit to Redreef to have not a Consort but a full Countess is undeniable. A true sign of a Peer doing their duty and shouldering burden for their house and people.
Then to abdicate, remain as voice, and once again marry up... It shows a troubling line of thought by the Peer and what of the benefits that Redreef should have duly received from her sacrifice honoring a deathbed marriage to the former Count Gailin. One can only hope that her soul searching for a place to settle will indeed be ended with House Crovane. It is hard enough to serve one house, but to owe some form of the marriage contract value to two houses and the fealty to your new home is even harder.
Then to abdicate, remain as voice, and once again marry up... It shows a troubling line of thought by the Peer and what of the benefits that Redreef should have duly received from her sacrifice honoring a deathbed marriage to the former Count Gailin. One can only hope that her soul searching for a place to settle will indeed be ended with House Crovane. It is hard enough to serve one house, but to owe some form of the marriage contract value to two houses and the fealty to your new home is even harder.
Written By Llewella
July 11, 2019, 1:16 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
I woke earlier this week with an image in my head that I could not be rid of.
A knight sits beneath a willow, the sunset warming the pond at his side and remaining the only testament to the time of day. He's old, his beard long and gray and his wrinkles and scars many. Across his lap rests his sword, his head bows. In slumber? Prayer? Having already drawn his final breath?
I can't quite make out the sigil on his surcoat, but that will come.
This is to be the final panel of a triptych. I just have to see the first two before it comes together.
A knight sits beneath a willow, the sunset warming the pond at his side and remaining the only testament to the time of day. He's old, his beard long and gray and his wrinkles and scars many. Across his lap rests his sword, his head bows. In slumber? Prayer? Having already drawn his final breath?
I can't quite make out the sigil on his surcoat, but that will come.
This is to be the final panel of a triptych. I just have to see the first two before it comes together.
Written By Llewella
July 11, 2019, 1:13 p.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
Lady Sudara Pravus is the second of that house that I have played hostess to this week. Her company was enjoyable and it was easy to become lost in her instruction on the finer points of influencing the masses. No one who spends time with her will know her for anything but what she is: a deeply devoted scholar with the polish of nobility.
Written By Llewella
July 11, 2019, 1:12 p.m.(6/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
I met with Princess Cassima Thrax today to discuss matters of mutual interest: coins and how to use them. It was inevitable that our conversation regarding economic interest should turn to the freeing of Thralls across the isles. Melaeris holds a rather unique honor in history as never having had thralls and I am not surprised that some would look at how we have done things to see if it holds a key for the future. I will say that speaking with Her Highness was a pleasurable experience. I find her insightful, and the conversation we had regarding the future of thralls was one that showed the depth of her wisdom.
Written By Mikani
July 11, 2019, 12:51 p.m.(6/11/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
As the Sage Scott Galloway says - "Most important decision you can make in your life will be who is your partner in life." I am so blessed that you and I will be partners. To our upcoming adventure.
Written By Lucita
July 11, 2019, 10:28 a.m.(6/11/1011 AR)
I've spent time this week overseeing that the old storeroom on the third tower level is cleaned out and converted into a rather comfortable bedroom, It looks like it was a bedroom before, just unused and had chests and trunks, discarded furniture stuffed into it. The fireplace chimney is cleaned, windows polished, the little balcony swept free of last fall's leaves, and the room aired out and now ready for whenever Lord Julian Saik arrives in Arx. It could be any day now.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.