Written By Amari
Nov. 26, 2019, 8:31 a.m.(4/8/1012 AR)
The peoples calling themselves Carnifex's Own reminded me of the prodigals that reside where Duke Laurent built his amazing agricultural college (with their blessings and participation). It would seem there are many that went their own way over differing opinions with the Faith. Though it would seem those in the Oathlands are, for obvious reasons, quite prone to these schisms when they feel the Dominus of the time or the flock has strayed too far from the orthodox.
I hope these people who have kept to the faith of the pantheon despite their isolation, will rejoin the Compact now that Sundrin's malign influence has been ended. I also hope that Godrin will be returned to Valardin and the Templar, Sir Halrick be put to rest with honors. Should any assistance be needed to see any of those tasks completed, I would be happy to lend a hand.
Unless it involves the giant voles again.
Many thanks to the party I accompanied and the great bravery all exhibited. Princess Marian, Princess Reese, Lady Teagan, Lady Tesha, Lady Rosalind, Tatienne and Evaristo were paragons of courage in that cave, and Barf as well, though I'm not sure he's forgiven me yet for going ahead without him.
I hope these people who have kept to the faith of the pantheon despite their isolation, will rejoin the Compact now that Sundrin's malign influence has been ended. I also hope that Godrin will be returned to Valardin and the Templar, Sir Halrick be put to rest with honors. Should any assistance be needed to see any of those tasks completed, I would be happy to lend a hand.
Unless it involves the giant voles again.
Many thanks to the party I accompanied and the great bravery all exhibited. Princess Marian, Princess Reese, Lady Teagan, Lady Tesha, Lady Rosalind, Tatienne and Evaristo were paragons of courage in that cave, and Barf as well, though I'm not sure he's forgiven me yet for going ahead without him.
Written By Amari
Nov. 24, 2019, 3:17 p.m.(4/4/1012 AR)
Princess Alarissa's event to honor the former Archduchess was lovely, and I was glad to have helped her see it realized. The butterflies were wondrous, though I'm still not entirely sure where all the silver winged ones came from.
My only regret was not participating in the cutlery toss with Legate Cassandra. It looked fun!
My only regret was not participating in the cutlery toss with Legate Cassandra. It looked fun!
Written By Amari
Nov. 22, 2019, 3 p.m.(3/28/1012 AR)
I'm excited to be both a patron and a protege now. I'd mostly given up on the idea so it's a wonderful surprise. I hope these new associations will be fruitful ones.
Written By Amari
Nov. 9, 2019, 9:25 a.m.(3/2/1012 AR)
The sleigh race was incredibly good fun and I was happy I could make a showing of it. I was always eager to participate in Duke Cristoph's events, even when I hadn't the ability and could only hope to finish dead last. Thank you, Uncle Baron Norwood for everything you've done to impart those skills. You're an incredible instructor and I will forever be grateful.
This week has been a rather good one, the best in a while, despite the chill of some ominous news and the lingering on of this sleeplessness. I've had the opportunity to properly meet and speak with some very lovely people. It's made firm in my mind what should be pursued, and what should be discarded so as to not get bogged down and lose momentum.
I feel rather far behind now, but I will catch up.
This week has been a rather good one, the best in a while, despite the chill of some ominous news and the lingering on of this sleeplessness. I've had the opportunity to properly meet and speak with some very lovely people. It's made firm in my mind what should be pursued, and what should be discarded so as to not get bogged down and lose momentum.
I feel rather far behind now, but I will catch up.
Written By Amari
Nov. 2, 2019, 12:06 p.m.(2/16/1012 AR)
There are a few individuals who are given to nonsensically reductionist arguments to defend their beliefs which they shrilly and violently proclaim are the truth known with a clarity no one else could possibly match, or the only way to do one thing or another. The world is one of nuance and subtlety. Forcing everything and everyone to bend to one's hardened views and ossified opinions is akin to trying to play a harp with a rake.
You will make a loud racket while mangling the strings that way, but won't produce a tune anyone would care to dance to.
You will make a loud racket while mangling the strings that way, but won't produce a tune anyone would care to dance to.
Written By Amari
Nov. 2, 2019, 12:25 a.m.(2/15/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Thank you for the clarification. It really wasn't necessary, but I'll give it all due consideration.
Written By Amari
Oct. 31, 2019, 11:45 a.m.(2/12/1012 AR)
Yes, let's frown on people for not wishing to deal in or work with the products of slavery. If they can't sail with a vast army to Cardia and free all the slaves themselves, then what's the point? They should be ashamed of these paltry half measures and vain public claims to virtue. They aren't truly helping at all are they?
No, merchants and concerned peers of Arvum, you should use all the silver you've made directly or indirectly through the trade of these immoral goods to build an armada, and go on crusade! Worry not about the condemnation you'll receive from those who never do but always criticize, because you'll soon be dead; burnt alive before you've even set foot on Cardian soil.
What fine and heroic ashes you'll be though, and finally worthy of praise. Ashes that made a true difference and struck a resounding blow against slavery. Burning embers of hope that will sparkle proud and bright while being scattered to the far horizons on wind and wave.
No, merchants and concerned peers of Arvum, you should use all the silver you've made directly or indirectly through the trade of these immoral goods to build an armada, and go on crusade! Worry not about the condemnation you'll receive from those who never do but always criticize, because you'll soon be dead; burnt alive before you've even set foot on Cardian soil.
What fine and heroic ashes you'll be though, and finally worthy of praise. Ashes that made a true difference and struck a resounding blow against slavery. Burning embers of hope that will sparkle proud and bright while being scattered to the far horizons on wind and wave.
Written By Amari
Oct. 17, 2019, 11:45 a.m.(1/12/1012 AR)
On the way to Leaholdt on my continuing pilgrimage from Arx to Duskshire, a wagon came careening down the hill towards me out of control. I saw a man hanging on, and decided I would do as Norwood would do. No thought! No plan! Just do. So Bandit and I wheeled around and raced after, my intent was to have him jump off onto the horse with me.
It wouldn't be that easy. He'd caught himself up in the reins AND he had an infant on his back. I had just enough time to underhand my dagger to him and scoop the baby into my arms before the wagon flew off the road and into the river, the man with it.
He couldn't swim.
So I'm off my horse in a flash, with a wailing, squirmy baby cradled in my arm and soon wading waist deep in freezing water trying to reach the poor man with a long branch I'd found on the bank. Luckily he got a hold of it and pulled himself to the shallow water, only to end up hugging me like he was afraid he was still going to be swept away. Before long the rest of the family appeared so I could hand off the baby and the man could be peeled off by his wife.
I'd wanted a bath, true, but that wasn't what I had in mind. Still, I think Baron Norwood would be pleased and I was very glad to have rescued them both.
It wouldn't be that easy. He'd caught himself up in the reins AND he had an infant on his back. I had just enough time to underhand my dagger to him and scoop the baby into my arms before the wagon flew off the road and into the river, the man with it.
He couldn't swim.
So I'm off my horse in a flash, with a wailing, squirmy baby cradled in my arm and soon wading waist deep in freezing water trying to reach the poor man with a long branch I'd found on the bank. Luckily he got a hold of it and pulled himself to the shallow water, only to end up hugging me like he was afraid he was still going to be swept away. Before long the rest of the family appeared so I could hand off the baby and the man could be peeled off by his wife.
I'd wanted a bath, true, but that wasn't what I had in mind. Still, I think Baron Norwood would be pleased and I was very glad to have rescued them both.
Written By Amari
Oct. 14, 2019, 11:31 a.m.(1/6/1012 AR)
My choices of late have been taking me so far from the expected and comfortable, it's like watching a safe and familiar shore recede swiftly into the distance. I'm not sure I can go back now, even if I feel a small twinge of nostalgia for what's being left behind.
A sapling has to grow taller to reach the sunlight, else it will be shaded out and die.
A sapling has to grow taller to reach the sunlight, else it will be shaded out and die.
Written By Amari
Oct. 11, 2019, 8:49 a.m.(12/28/1011 AR)
Why is there so much talk of offering something that wasn't requested, to parties that don't even require said thing, and even if it were given would accomplish very little? Why fret and cluck like it's even an idea with serious merit to begin with?
No, let's just not.
Let's straighten our necks, steel our spines and carry on with a bit of courage and dignity. The ones who knuckle under and capitulate so readily will not be remembered fondly, not by friend and not by foe. There are no statues honoring a Princess Craven the Appeaser or a Lord Meek the Surrenderer in the Hall of Heroes.
Be brave.
No, let's just not.
Let's straighten our necks, steel our spines and carry on with a bit of courage and dignity. The ones who knuckle under and capitulate so readily will not be remembered fondly, not by friend and not by foe. There are no statues honoring a Princess Craven the Appeaser or a Lord Meek the Surrenderer in the Hall of Heroes.
Be brave.
Written By Amari
Oct. 9, 2019, 10:42 p.m.(12/25/1011 AR)
The nettle soup was actually quite pleasant. I should have taken the spoiled lamprey stew as a sign though. It was furious.
I won't be attempting that again any time soon.
I won't be attempting that again any time soon.
Written By Amari
Sept. 27, 2019, 3:23 p.m.(11/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shae
Soon, when you close your eyes you'll see nothing but script floating by as though a scholar has been writing on the inside of your eyelids. It's a peril of too much time spent in the Archives. I'm so happy to have someone to share with and so grateful for your help, cousin.
Written By Amari
Sept. 23, 2019, 12:57 p.m.(11/20/1011 AR)
I've set out on a pilgrimage from Arx to Duskshire, and maybe even Sanctum if the weather holds. I've vowed to stop at every shrine, no matter how minor, and pray to Gloria.
It turns out there are a tremendous number of roadside shrines.
I've also been tasked by Baron Norwood to do good deeds and help those in need on the way. This morning (with the greatly appreciated help of Lord Quintin Ashford), I felled my first tree for a very frustrated woodsman and his friends. We definitely earned our breakfast, especially Quintin, who would have died if I hadn't saved him from being squashed.
On a disappointing note, I've yet to see any tree forts, but Ashford wood is indeed hard.
It turns out there are a tremendous number of roadside shrines.
I've also been tasked by Baron Norwood to do good deeds and help those in need on the way. This morning (with the greatly appreciated help of Lord Quintin Ashford), I felled my first tree for a very frustrated woodsman and his friends. We definitely earned our breakfast, especially Quintin, who would have died if I hadn't saved him from being squashed.
On a disappointing note, I've yet to see any tree forts, but Ashford wood is indeed hard.
Written By Amari
Sept. 22, 2019, 11:26 a.m.(11/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
Thank you for your kind words and patient tutelage, Baron Norwood. I hope to never make you regret the confidence you've placed in me. The wisdom and skills you've imparted I shall use well, with care, courage and honor.
Written By Amari
Sept. 8, 2019, 4:54 p.m.(10/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shae
If it starts to become too monotonous, let me know. I have a high tolerance, but I've seen people break when faced with the prospect of reading through a ten volume treatise written by Scholar Arden on cheese making because there may be a reference to the more relevant subject within, given the cheese was a specialty of a small barony that hasn't existed in six hundred years, but was mentioned in a mostly forgotten children's song about a long dead king and the whereabouts of his sword supposed lost at the Battle of Camembert Hill.
We may have to dedicate some afternoons to walking in the fresh air, just to clear our heads.
We may have to dedicate some afternoons to walking in the fresh air, just to clear our heads.
Written By Amari
Sept. 2, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(10/6/1011 AR)
I'm not sure I realized the character of Lady Vulpina very well at the Storybook Soiree (which was amazing), but I tried. If you happen to find any of the Aureate Fox series, they're fun stories. She is a thoroughly terrible person, but entertaining.
Although I had to act otherwise last night, I was truly impressed by all the costumes and the work done to bring the stories to life with all the decorations. It was wonderful. Thank you Lady Monique, and Archscholar Sina.
Although I had to act otherwise last night, I was truly impressed by all the costumes and the work done to bring the stories to life with all the decorations. It was wonderful. Thank you Lady Monique, and Archscholar Sina.
Written By Amari
Aug. 26, 2019, 11:19 a.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
As my riding has greatly improved thanks to Uncle Baron Norwood's excellent instruction, he found a horse among the ferals that had been menacing his gardens in Duskshire that he judged suitable for me. Though he's suspected to have been an outlaw's, I believe I can reform him as I did Barf, who had been raised and trained by very unpleasant shav. I've taken to calling this horse Bandit owing his shady origins, and because he's very quick and clever, not shy of bow, sword or lance and something of a show off.
It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Norwood.
I'm sure Clopsy will be very happy to no longer be pressed to participate in any sort of jousting, which she plainly does not care for. No more dangerous adventures or skirmishes either. Though I would never suggest she lacked courage, it's obvious that she'd much prefer lighter, safer duties at her age. I owe her a great debt for all she's safely seen me through. Hopefully she'll accept payment in carrots and apples, and the occasional sugar cube.
It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Norwood.
I'm sure Clopsy will be very happy to no longer be pressed to participate in any sort of jousting, which she plainly does not care for. No more dangerous adventures or skirmishes either. Though I would never suggest she lacked courage, it's obvious that she'd much prefer lighter, safer duties at her age. I owe her a great debt for all she's safely seen me through. Hopefully she'll accept payment in carrots and apples, and the occasional sugar cube.
Written By Amari
Aug. 26, 2019, 10:18 a.m.(9/20/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
That's even more disappointing than my own second place finish in the archery contest. Poor Chops. I hope he's not too upset. I should have stayed for the race and cheered him on with you, Mirk.
I hope someone consoled him with apples.
I hope someone consoled him with apples.
Written By Amari
Aug. 25, 2019, 8:51 a.m.(9/17/1011 AR)
Did Chops win?
Written By Amari
Aug. 18, 2019, 10:04 a.m.(9/4/1011 AR)
Duchess Fianna Crovane and Marquessa Eilonwy Blackwood, thank you both very kindly. I'll not forget the hospitality, nor the wailing wind and frozen pines of the North any time soon.
Also, Veronica, I promise you I will never sing that one particular song ever again in your presence (unless you deserve it).
Also, Veronica, I promise you I will never sing that one particular song ever again in your presence (unless you deserve it).
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