Written By Reigna
June 25, 2018, 5:43 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Is it any wonder at all that Father Orazio is the Legate of Concepts? So often when reading through the journals I will find myself composing a response, only to run across something he has said... something that so perfectly outlines each of my points and arguments and usually adds an extra layer that reveals even more truth to the subject.
Thank you, Father. I always take away a profound sense of understanding when I read your words.
Though that final sentence gave me a rather unfortunate mental image. Still. Well deserved.
Thank you, Father. I always take away a profound sense of understanding when I read your words.
Though that final sentence gave me a rather unfortunate mental image. Still. Well deserved.
Written By Reigna
June 25, 2018, 3:48 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
If you are terribly bored I can send Gigi over to begin working on your legs? You remember Gigi. My assistant with the eyes that bore into one's soul and a scowl that can curdle milk? Oh, if you rather, I can come and I can try my new lecture out on you. It is entitled, 'Boils, Pustules and Blisters, When Loving Too Much Hurts'.
Written By Reigna
June 25, 2018, 1:12 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
I believe Lagoma, Our Lady of Change would disagree. Everyone feels her touch. I cannot speak to what was, but the woman I know Natalia Whisper to be is a worthwhile and good one.
Written By Reigna
June 25, 2018, 12:40 p.m.(1/28/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Whisper Natalia is a hard working, charming, educated, gracious and wonderful woman.
Written By Reigna
June 24, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cleo
I suppose my words do not merit a response, since you chose not to respond to them?
Still, I am sorry for your hurt feelings. But that too, is your choice. You have been given the logic behind the proclamation. If you choose not to accept it, that is on you.
I am proud of the fact that my best friend is Lady Khanne Halfshav. Not for any other reason than because she is, singularly, a sister to me in spirit. From the moment we met, there was an instant feeling that... we were connected. She has taught me much about her beliefs. And I think I have helped her see the gods a little better. Despite the differences in our beliefs, we both respect and honor the other. I do not judge her, nor she me. We do not let our faith divide us.
Still, I am sorry for your hurt feelings. But that too, is your choice. You have been given the logic behind the proclamation. If you choose not to accept it, that is on you.
I am proud of the fact that my best friend is Lady Khanne Halfshav. Not for any other reason than because she is, singularly, a sister to me in spirit. From the moment we met, there was an instant feeling that... we were connected. She has taught me much about her beliefs. And I think I have helped her see the gods a little better. Despite the differences in our beliefs, we both respect and honor the other. I do not judge her, nor she me. We do not let our faith divide us.
Written By Reigna
June 24, 2018, 10:47 a.m.(1/26/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Cleo
With all respect, mistress Cleo, you seem to be mistaken about what, exactly, the Dominus' proclamation entailed.
His words did not separate us. We are separated by the fact of your choice to follow a philosophy outside of the Faith. That is your choice and your right. But in doing so, you choose to be different. Separate. If you perceive this to be negative, that is your choice. No where in his proclamation did he call for those who practice shamanism to be scorned or persecuted or disrespected.
As for never being a Scholar or Mercy, you can be, if you choose to embrace the Faith alone. These are positions within the hierarchy of the Faith. These are people who represent the worship of those who believe, wholly, in the gods of the Pantheon. This in no way prohibits anyone from learning, researching or teaching others. Sharing knowledge or being an educated, learned person. It simply means that they cannot hold a title of one who is dedicated to Vellichor. It does not mean you cannot heal. Or be known as a healer. To help and pursue a goal of mending bodies and fighting plague. It simply means you cannot hold the title of Mercy, one who embodies the healing flame of Lagoma.
That is the truth.
His words did not separate us. We are separated by the fact of your choice to follow a philosophy outside of the Faith. That is your choice and your right. But in doing so, you choose to be different. Separate. If you perceive this to be negative, that is your choice. No where in his proclamation did he call for those who practice shamanism to be scorned or persecuted or disrespected.
As for never being a Scholar or Mercy, you can be, if you choose to embrace the Faith alone. These are positions within the hierarchy of the Faith. These are people who represent the worship of those who believe, wholly, in the gods of the Pantheon. This in no way prohibits anyone from learning, researching or teaching others. Sharing knowledge or being an educated, learned person. It simply means that they cannot hold a title of one who is dedicated to Vellichor. It does not mean you cannot heal. Or be known as a healer. To help and pursue a goal of mending bodies and fighting plague. It simply means you cannot hold the title of Mercy, one who embodies the healing flame of Lagoma.
That is the truth.
Written By Reigna
June 22, 2018, 3:16 p.m.(1/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I fully understand. I cannot tell you how many times I have discovered a bit of spit up on my sleeve or shoulder, and that is after changing twice. The times I've felt hairs ripped from my scalp, or 'accidents' during changing. Despite it all, I treasure my time with them.
Written By Reigna
June 21, 2018, 4:21 p.m.(1/20/1009 AR)
These last few days have been difficult. I have been working on a project that has been as heartbreaking in its lows as it has been fulfilling in its greater good. I feel closer to my patron, his Highness Ainsley Grayson after working on this together and I am reaffirmed that ours is a relationship defined by our mutual respect for duty and working for the betterment of those who cannot defend or help themselves.
I do not think I could ever offer an amount of praise great enough to really express my pride in Prince Ainsley, in the work he does and most importantly, the motivations he has to do that work. Never during this project, have I seen him be stirred by the thought of the glory or renown it would net him. Instead his motivation has always been, to the safety and well being of his charges. It is an honor to be his protege, and an honor to be a part of this.
I think, perhaps, the weight of it has worn on me. And that wear has perhaps been expressed in less than positive behavior on my part. Regardless as to the result of the duel, I think, having taken time for some truly deep introspection, I need to find other ways to express my anxieties. This is not, I must be clear, any sort of acceptance of the charges laid on me by Marquis Leary. I found the whole of his challenge to be insulting, rude and inaccurate in the extreme. Had it not been an issuance of Challenge, his statement would have had me challenging *him*. So no. I do not acknowledge any truth to his words, but that does not mean I did not disappoint myself by allowing a snide remark to elicit one from me in turn. I am better than that. Well, clearly I am not currently, but I am trying to be. That is more accurate.
So, here is to another goal to strive towards, another chance to better myself, to more faithfully follow the path of the gods.
I do not think I could ever offer an amount of praise great enough to really express my pride in Prince Ainsley, in the work he does and most importantly, the motivations he has to do that work. Never during this project, have I seen him be stirred by the thought of the glory or renown it would net him. Instead his motivation has always been, to the safety and well being of his charges. It is an honor to be his protege, and an honor to be a part of this.
I think, perhaps, the weight of it has worn on me. And that wear has perhaps been expressed in less than positive behavior on my part. Regardless as to the result of the duel, I think, having taken time for some truly deep introspection, I need to find other ways to express my anxieties. This is not, I must be clear, any sort of acceptance of the charges laid on me by Marquis Leary. I found the whole of his challenge to be insulting, rude and inaccurate in the extreme. Had it not been an issuance of Challenge, his statement would have had me challenging *him*. So no. I do not acknowledge any truth to his words, but that does not mean I did not disappoint myself by allowing a snide remark to elicit one from me in turn. I am better than that. Well, clearly I am not currently, but I am trying to be. That is more accurate.
So, here is to another goal to strive towards, another chance to better myself, to more faithfully follow the path of the gods.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 5:38 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
The concept of the First Liar was so fascinating the first time I heard of it. Naturally that role is filled in the Oathlands by the 'Name Witness', and its purpose is to provide a child with someone who is responsible for their moral comprehension and religious knowledge. The first time I heard of a First Liar I was genuinely appalled. But the more I thought about it and the more I read about Lycene culture, the more loving I understood the role to be. It is hard for a woman of my nature to be able to see a lie as a loving thing, or truly understand the machinations that must be a part of life for Lycene nobility. This is not aided by the fact that many of the Lycenes I socialize with, yourself included, tend to be of a forthright mentality. I wonder if all physicians have a tendency towards forthright discourse, given our unique perspective of just how frequently people tell lies to their healers. The illogic of it still baffles me, but human nature is a curious thing.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 2:36 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
Am I, though? Really?
Are you saying that I am cynical? Or mocking? I admit, I can at times be wry, but I do not perceive myself as being cynical. In fact I wrote at length about my penchant for trusting everyone around me. True, I've come to question that, but I do not think that points to cynicism, but rather learned behavior.
Or are you implying that I am incongruous in some fashion? Please, do clarify. I am fascinated, as most people likely are, in seeing how others view me. So far I have: I am not funny. Being ironic might make that better, do you not think?
Are you saying that I am cynical? Or mocking? I admit, I can at times be wry, but I do not perceive myself as being cynical. In fact I wrote at length about my penchant for trusting everyone around me. True, I've come to question that, but I do not think that points to cynicism, but rather learned behavior.
Or are you implying that I am incongruous in some fashion? Please, do clarify. I am fascinated, as most people likely are, in seeing how others view me. So far I have: I am not funny. Being ironic might make that better, do you not think?
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 2:20 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
It is, is it not?
The only problem with it is that one can rarely invoke the charge of being supercilious without in turn being it yourself. So it is very much a 'hand with care' adjective. I, for instance, fall prey to it often. Just ask those in the Whites. I am *wretched* about it.
The only problem with it is that one can rarely invoke the charge of being supercilious without in turn being it yourself. So it is very much a 'hand with care' adjective. I, for instance, fall prey to it often. Just ask those in the Whites. I am *wretched* about it.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 2:12 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Fairen
And yet, instead of doing so yourself in a meaningful fashion, you instead erroneously claim that other gods were invoked within the topic and Limerance had been left out, as if those participating lacked a fundamental pillar of the conversation or understanding of the topic. When in fact none of the gods, or even the Faith had been broached at all.
But please, do continue to be supercilious.
But please, do continue to be supercilious.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 1:27 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
Because lying is bad. It means your word cannot be trusted.
Oh... is this satire?
Am I being unfunny again?
Oh... is this satire?
Am I being unfunny again?
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 1:26 p.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Which other gods were called out? I have asked for a review of the journals concerning the topic of lying that I started but I am now wondering if I missed one.
I am always fascinated with the conversations and opinions that come from these sorts of questions and I think we serve our future generations well by recording these conversations in our Whites.
That being said, the impetus for this particular conversation was rooted in my disillusionment and despite the sated curiosity and mental distraction provided by these journals... I find I am still baffled at the ability some have to be so disingenuous. To present oneself as something, not once but repeatedly. To loudly proclaim something in a way that evokes an almost obligatory response from someone else and then turn around and within mere *days* display one's true motives? So blame a fissure on someone else's "failing" and then show the cause to be something entirely different, self-aggrandizing and beneficial? Something that would, in fact have taken weeks of planning and negotiation that flies in the face of other conversations and proclamations... it shows the true depths of dishonesty within someone.
I did not realize there were people so capable of frank and abject duplicity. Be this a lesson to me.
Trust is a gift I have given to each person I meet. I trust that they are not a villain. That their goals are aligned with the greater good. That when they speak, they do so from the heart and with honesty.
Sadly, I have to rethink this nature of mine.
I am always fascinated with the conversations and opinions that come from these sorts of questions and I think we serve our future generations well by recording these conversations in our Whites.
That being said, the impetus for this particular conversation was rooted in my disillusionment and despite the sated curiosity and mental distraction provided by these journals... I find I am still baffled at the ability some have to be so disingenuous. To present oneself as something, not once but repeatedly. To loudly proclaim something in a way that evokes an almost obligatory response from someone else and then turn around and within mere *days* display one's true motives? So blame a fissure on someone else's "failing" and then show the cause to be something entirely different, self-aggrandizing and beneficial? Something that would, in fact have taken weeks of planning and negotiation that flies in the face of other conversations and proclamations... it shows the true depths of dishonesty within someone.
I did not realize there were people so capable of frank and abject duplicity. Be this a lesson to me.
Trust is a gift I have given to each person I meet. I trust that they are not a villain. That their goals are aligned with the greater good. That when they speak, they do so from the heart and with honesty.
Sadly, I have to rethink this nature of mine.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 10:38 a.m.(1/18/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
I find it boorish that even after you have been told not to speak to me that you insist on pushing the bounds by specifically referring to my whites and then attempt to imply that I am the one who initiated contact. Please stop.
Written By Reigna
June 20, 2018, 1:35 a.m.(1/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
I was not aware that I said that they were?
Asking the same question in multiple ways is really only an acceptable tactic if the person you are asking is not understanding. Otherwise one might think that you are trying to influence the answers you receive.
Asking the same question in multiple ways is really only an acceptable tactic if the person you are asking is not understanding. Otherwise one might think that you are trying to influence the answers you receive.
Written By Reigna
June 19, 2018, 11:45 p.m.(1/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
I know only too well your anxieties, your Highness. I feel them as well. Wanting to protect them, each and every one. But the best thing we can give them is a place to be loved. We have heard them. Listened, taken down the lists. Hopefully their burdens are fewer, even if our shoulders are more bowed.
Know you have my deepest respect and admiration.
Know you have my deepest respect and admiration.
Written By Reigna
June 19, 2018, 9:16 p.m.(1/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Coraline
The application of a belt in a contrasting color would secure the seasilk drape in place to ensure proper modesty, your highness.
Written By Reigna
June 19, 2018, 8:06 p.m.(1/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
I tend to be in agreement with you on this, Princess Katarina. The person with the moral fortitude to give a painful but honest answer rather than the easier lie is the person who is more trustworthy. However, in this particular scenario, I was thinking something a bit less... dire.
When there is no real stake to the words, is it better to conform to socially expected falsehoods or instead maintain that brutal honesty. An example:
Our subject, let us call her... Lana. She is having a horrendous day. She has argued with her lover and feels wronged. She was dressed down by someone over something that she did in fact do incorrectly, though from Lana's perspective there was no other alternative. She runs into her High Lord in the market and when she is asked how she is... does she risk admitting that she is having a bad day and opening the conversation to additional questioning that leads to embarrassing topics, or does she simply say that she is fine and well?
Or, in another example, someone offers a suggestion that is both improbable and unhelpful, not from a desire to help, but because they simply feel that they know more than you do. Do you thank them, though you do not feel gratitude, or do you generate a conflict because they have irritated you?
I agree with your assessment that lies are most often based from self-interest. Avoiding trouble, shifting blame etc. But is the social contract of politeness an acceptable reason to force a smile, nod your head and avoid conflict if there is no real reason to start one?
I grapple with this at times. I do not like upsetting people. But I also do not like to lie. This often gets me in trouble, here within the whites.
When there is no real stake to the words, is it better to conform to socially expected falsehoods or instead maintain that brutal honesty. An example:
Our subject, let us call her... Lana. She is having a horrendous day. She has argued with her lover and feels wronged. She was dressed down by someone over something that she did in fact do incorrectly, though from Lana's perspective there was no other alternative. She runs into her High Lord in the market and when she is asked how she is... does she risk admitting that she is having a bad day and opening the conversation to additional questioning that leads to embarrassing topics, or does she simply say that she is fine and well?
Or, in another example, someone offers a suggestion that is both improbable and unhelpful, not from a desire to help, but because they simply feel that they know more than you do. Do you thank them, though you do not feel gratitude, or do you generate a conflict because they have irritated you?
I agree with your assessment that lies are most often based from self-interest. Avoiding trouble, shifting blame etc. But is the social contract of politeness an acceptable reason to force a smile, nod your head and avoid conflict if there is no real reason to start one?
I grapple with this at times. I do not like upsetting people. But I also do not like to lie. This often gets me in trouble, here within the whites.
Written By Reigna
June 19, 2018, 6:35 p.m.(1/16/1009 AR)
People are liars. This is a truth that I have come, painfully, to accept.
Personally, I cannot abide dishonesty which makes it difficult, because I tend to like people.
This is not to say a lie has never passed my lips. I have lied. I was a child, and children are among the most prolific liars there are. Youthful lies tend to be lacking in malice, like those often found in those of an older age. Now that I think about it, seeing those words written, I would hazard that a vast majority of lies told by adults are also lacking in malice. It is an interesting consideration... the motivations of lies. As an adult I have caught myself lying to others and the guilt is there when I realize it. I try to tell myself it is a harmless thing. 'I was just trying to be polite'. That is my most often excuse. Someone suggests something I find offensive or ridiculous, and I thank them for their input. Am I truly grateful? No. Likely I am irritated with their contribution because I consider it silly or obtuse. But I would never, ever, dream of saying that. Of cutting them down in such a way.
Is this a harmless lie? There is a certain social contract that we maintain in society. Pleasantries to be observed, respect shown to our fellows. These are, in most cases, considered obligatory and from a young age, because of the ubiquity of this behavior, we absorb and internalize these rules from a young age. These lies are seemingly, an integral part of the fabric of social interaction. But should they be?
I consider one person that I know well, whose name will not be mentioned, that flies in the face of such conventions. Some of my interactions with this person drive me absolutely insane because of the things that they say, opinions that they voice that rend that fabric to shreds. Because they do not ascribe to the idea of maintaining that obligatory politeness. Sometimes this person makes me want to scream. Other times I find them joyously refreshing in their utter acceptance of who they are, and adherence to their own principles.
Is it ever acceptable to lie? Is it better to be polite or to express what you really think of the actions and beliefs of someone else?
Personally, I cannot abide dishonesty which makes it difficult, because I tend to like people.
This is not to say a lie has never passed my lips. I have lied. I was a child, and children are among the most prolific liars there are. Youthful lies tend to be lacking in malice, like those often found in those of an older age. Now that I think about it, seeing those words written, I would hazard that a vast majority of lies told by adults are also lacking in malice. It is an interesting consideration... the motivations of lies. As an adult I have caught myself lying to others and the guilt is there when I realize it. I try to tell myself it is a harmless thing. 'I was just trying to be polite'. That is my most often excuse. Someone suggests something I find offensive or ridiculous, and I thank them for their input. Am I truly grateful? No. Likely I am irritated with their contribution because I consider it silly or obtuse. But I would never, ever, dream of saying that. Of cutting them down in such a way.
Is this a harmless lie? There is a certain social contract that we maintain in society. Pleasantries to be observed, respect shown to our fellows. These are, in most cases, considered obligatory and from a young age, because of the ubiquity of this behavior, we absorb and internalize these rules from a young age. These lies are seemingly, an integral part of the fabric of social interaction. But should they be?
I consider one person that I know well, whose name will not be mentioned, that flies in the face of such conventions. Some of my interactions with this person drive me absolutely insane because of the things that they say, opinions that they voice that rend that fabric to shreds. Because they do not ascribe to the idea of maintaining that obligatory politeness. Sometimes this person makes me want to scream. Other times I find them joyously refreshing in their utter acceptance of who they are, and adherence to their own principles.
Is it ever acceptable to lie? Is it better to be polite or to express what you really think of the actions and beliefs of someone else?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.