Written By Cerdensulathara
June 6, 2019, 9:16 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Future Readers, I imagine you in a massive gilded spire, one of many, filled with the accumulated white journals of centuries and centuries of Vellichor minded Scholars, Explorers, Peerage, and Royalty. Ages from now, as you look back on this world, you'll understand your pipes of singing water spraying colors and inspiring specific moods and mannerisms according to their placement and primary function as something we can scarce imagine. I predict such, but doubt I can do more than pray and hope our Compact is inclusive of all beings free of Will, and miracles of Artifice seem commonplace, though dedicated to good and well being of everyone, regardless of nation, kingdom, or race, as we have move beyond that. I hope. I pray.
Yet again, I have digressed. I was telling you about myself, wasn't I? Recalling my possum neighbors put in a somber mood, but I've returned, to finish explaining to who I am. F.R., the wilderness changed me. Solitude changed me. I did have less fits, but they still plague me. Without a society to fit into, or a role that was expected of and explained to me, I was free.
Many of you know the joy and power of being a free woman. Or man. Praise Skald eternally for giving me that power, it is not universal to all beings.
It was sacred, getting to chose then, what I wanted to do, and as a result of my actions, who I would be. I spoke as much as I could to the trees, animals, stones and sky. I was like a bird in my ceaseless chirping.
Time passed, and it was hard to say how long. I had crafted a small hut that blended in well to the hill, if I do say so myself. I had a collection of stones from all around the Grey, and a fire pit to cook my food in and blacken the tips of my javelins. It was the fire that attracted the notice of the people from the North.
They were not far away, about a days hike, maybe more. When raiders came through their village, they fled south, cutting through the forest on their way to some Compact shrine in search of refuge. They came across me and two of them managed to convince me staying would mean trouble, so I left with them.
The riders on horseback caught us anyway, and killed everyone with a weapon to fight, and took the rest of us as prisoners. Wr experienced cruelty unsurprising and commonplace to our situation, and it was a mercy when some days several Knights of Solace saved us. It was... Miraculous. Their gleaming armor and skilled swordsmanship, the surprising and novel kindness and respect we were given. I have heard some disparaging things here and there about some Knights, but this was not our case. I was saved, in so many ways.
That was when I was brought to Arx. I stayed a short time in the Unkindness until Sir Jayke Ferrier arranged for his cousin to adopt me. Apparently they were looking to tame a Savage, or had some sort of misguided charitable notion of adopting and adapting a Prodigal.
My initial arrival to the city was my first true understanding of Gild. I don't feel I've ever really experienced charity, fellowship, or the Majesty and Awe of being a part of a city. A real city. They say there are other real cities, this size or bigger than Arx, across the world. I will believe it when I see it.
My heart was inundated with well being from the charity of Sir Jayke. He convinced his cousin to 'finish' raising me, as he put it. The Ferriers, my Mother and Father in spirit if not blood, were kind and good people. I was a handful, I am sure. It had only been a day before the Grips had me rolling on their foyer floor, and an alchemist and healer was brought in. Apparently, my upbringing and diet led to I'm balanced humors. I do not pretend to understand the diagnosis. Abraham, my Father, got me doing chores early on. Feeding and exercising the horses, cleaning out stalls, brushing them and taking care of the tack. Mom had me taught all the 'proper ways of civilised folk', which did not include slicing open my palm and threatening to call dark agents or setting fire to my bed when I did not get my way.
God's, in retrospect, they were unreasonably patient. Twelve bless them.
Schooling and work gave stability to my life. I continued to visit the forest to merely run sometimes. I excelled in all things logical and rational. Some euphemisms and behaviors elude me, but I was so good at math and reading that I began tutoring others my age, more often than not, Prodigals. I was happy, I am happy. I am blessed to have the kind of origin story the hero of a novella would have. Stick that in your craw, completely average people who look down on me. I've eaten wolf....
I have digressed again. To summarize, I was given a loving family. I am their daughter. They are my real parents, the ones Aion dreamed of me having. My difficulties do not compare to my gifts, and that is as much as anyone can ask.
But, yes, F.R., if you are reading this, you already know that something is missing. Magic. I am a true Prodigal. I am the daughter of the butcher, the forest, and the husband, and one day, I will be seen as integral to this fight we face in my time, today. I feel it.
I know I am to play a powerful, important part, even if, presently, I am not sure what it is. Though I am researching Artifice, this may not be where my skill lies. Will I be a spellsinger? A blood Magician? A speaker for the woods and manipulater of plants? I feel my calling lies in Vellichor. In Understanding. In teaching, maybe. You know better than I, F.R. Hopefully, I have helped make your world better. That is what I earnestly pray for.
Continued soon. If you find this parchment in fragments, as happens, refer to my autobiography. Surely, I will eventually write one.
Yet again, I have digressed. I was telling you about myself, wasn't I? Recalling my possum neighbors put in a somber mood, but I've returned, to finish explaining to who I am. F.R., the wilderness changed me. Solitude changed me. I did have less fits, but they still plague me. Without a society to fit into, or a role that was expected of and explained to me, I was free.
Many of you know the joy and power of being a free woman. Or man. Praise Skald eternally for giving me that power, it is not universal to all beings.
It was sacred, getting to chose then, what I wanted to do, and as a result of my actions, who I would be. I spoke as much as I could to the trees, animals, stones and sky. I was like a bird in my ceaseless chirping.
Time passed, and it was hard to say how long. I had crafted a small hut that blended in well to the hill, if I do say so myself. I had a collection of stones from all around the Grey, and a fire pit to cook my food in and blacken the tips of my javelins. It was the fire that attracted the notice of the people from the North.
They were not far away, about a days hike, maybe more. When raiders came through their village, they fled south, cutting through the forest on their way to some Compact shrine in search of refuge. They came across me and two of them managed to convince me staying would mean trouble, so I left with them.
The riders on horseback caught us anyway, and killed everyone with a weapon to fight, and took the rest of us as prisoners. Wr experienced cruelty unsurprising and commonplace to our situation, and it was a mercy when some days several Knights of Solace saved us. It was... Miraculous. Their gleaming armor and skilled swordsmanship, the surprising and novel kindness and respect we were given. I have heard some disparaging things here and there about some Knights, but this was not our case. I was saved, in so many ways.
That was when I was brought to Arx. I stayed a short time in the Unkindness until Sir Jayke Ferrier arranged for his cousin to adopt me. Apparently they were looking to tame a Savage, or had some sort of misguided charitable notion of adopting and adapting a Prodigal.
My initial arrival to the city was my first true understanding of Gild. I don't feel I've ever really experienced charity, fellowship, or the Majesty and Awe of being a part of a city. A real city. They say there are other real cities, this size or bigger than Arx, across the world. I will believe it when I see it.
My heart was inundated with well being from the charity of Sir Jayke. He convinced his cousin to 'finish' raising me, as he put it. The Ferriers, my Mother and Father in spirit if not blood, were kind and good people. I was a handful, I am sure. It had only been a day before the Grips had me rolling on their foyer floor, and an alchemist and healer was brought in. Apparently, my upbringing and diet led to I'm balanced humors. I do not pretend to understand the diagnosis. Abraham, my Father, got me doing chores early on. Feeding and exercising the horses, cleaning out stalls, brushing them and taking care of the tack. Mom had me taught all the 'proper ways of civilised folk', which did not include slicing open my palm and threatening to call dark agents or setting fire to my bed when I did not get my way.
God's, in retrospect, they were unreasonably patient. Twelve bless them.
Schooling and work gave stability to my life. I continued to visit the forest to merely run sometimes. I excelled in all things logical and rational. Some euphemisms and behaviors elude me, but I was so good at math and reading that I began tutoring others my age, more often than not, Prodigals. I was happy, I am happy. I am blessed to have the kind of origin story the hero of a novella would have. Stick that in your craw, completely average people who look down on me. I've eaten wolf....
I have digressed again. To summarize, I was given a loving family. I am their daughter. They are my real parents, the ones Aion dreamed of me having. My difficulties do not compare to my gifts, and that is as much as anyone can ask.
But, yes, F.R., if you are reading this, you already know that something is missing. Magic. I am a true Prodigal. I am the daughter of the butcher, the forest, and the husband, and one day, I will be seen as integral to this fight we face in my time, today. I feel it.
I know I am to play a powerful, important part, even if, presently, I am not sure what it is. Though I am researching Artifice, this may not be where my skill lies. Will I be a spellsinger? A blood Magician? A speaker for the woods and manipulater of plants? I feel my calling lies in Vellichor. In Understanding. In teaching, maybe. You know better than I, F.R. Hopefully, I have helped make your world better. That is what I earnestly pray for.
Continued soon. If you find this parchment in fragments, as happens, refer to my autobiography. Surely, I will eventually write one.
Written By Thena
June 6, 2019, 9:06 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
One grows accustomed. Mostly.
Written By Wren
June 6, 2019, 8:03 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
A glazier has been commissioned for the refitting of the skylight in the auction house along with an illustrator to bring my vision to life. Both have demonstrated to be quite proficient and a pleasure to work with thus far, guaranteeing me that they can accomplish the work according to plan. A stonemason has also been procured to oversee a couple of things for me as well. The flooring will be taken out and restored as stone, I think, along with the stage. I'll have to speak with them further about design, stone selection, and the weather. This snow makes a great many things doubtful, but I am firm about staying on the timeline and having the auction house ready by springtime.
This leaves me with the need for a carpenter to oversee the new seating that I want to have installed. I haven't made up my mind if I desire well-padded bench seating or chairs. Both exhibits to me issue in some way as chairs tend to be straightforward to move around, or even repair if the need arises, whereas a bench can be somewhat more complicated when it comes to repairs or moving around.
Of course, there are my other obligations as well. Time is undoubtedly the most valuable of resources and so finite.
This leaves me with the need for a carpenter to oversee the new seating that I want to have installed. I haven't made up my mind if I desire well-padded bench seating or chairs. Both exhibits to me issue in some way as chairs tend to be straightforward to move around, or even repair if the need arises, whereas a bench can be somewhat more complicated when it comes to repairs or moving around.
Of course, there are my other obligations as well. Time is undoubtedly the most valuable of resources and so finite.
Written By Mikani
June 6, 2019, 8 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Ode to Love
Tender kisses.
Secret meetings.
Passion in the dark.
Make me want more.
Tender kisses.
Secret meetings.
Passion in the dark.
Make me want more.
Written By Jaenelle
June 6, 2019, 6:34 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
"Roses are red, violets are blue, Alaric's the best, it's unquestionably true."
No, of course his Majesty did not write this, and of course I am not saving this for posterity to showcase that he is not as good of a writer as he believes he is.
I would never.
No, of course his Majesty did not write this, and of course I am not saving this for posterity to showcase that he is not as good of a writer as he believes he is.
I would never.
Written By Rymarr
June 6, 2019, 5:08 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
I sit here in my study, writing out this journal. I find myself pondering the notion of writing a book or a series of books. It would be something new and different, which my friend is persistently telling me that I should consistently pursue. Find new things and do them.
The fashionable thing seems to be writing under an alias. That alone I could have a great deal of fun with.
The fashionable thing seems to be writing under an alias. That alone I could have a great deal of fun with.
Written By Rymarr
June 6, 2019, 4:46 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
When yesterday was a bad day, start the following day off with a piece of pie. That day has already started in an improved state. The philosophy of pie.
There has been a dire lack of pie eating competitions hosted. I hope someone remedies that soon.
I want pie.
There has been a dire lack of pie eating competitions hosted. I hope someone remedies that soon.
I want pie.
Written By Martino
June 6, 2019, 4:28 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
Chocolate cake, soggy chocolate cake... three tier cake. Lady Kaia Shaped Cake and... a cake made of cheese.
Is that everything on the cake side of the list for the ceremony my sweet?
Is that everything on the cake side of the list for the ceremony my sweet?
Written By Sophie
June 6, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
The ignorance of some people astounds me.
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to be neutral, aren't I?
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to be neutral, aren't I?
Written By Ouida
June 6, 2019, 2:19 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
My tutors would always make rather pained faces whenever the subject of spontaneous verse came up. I always thought that I did not much care for verse at all truth be told, except perhaps when particularly inspired by wooing.
I must say however that perhaps I have changed my mind! It was pleasant to hear the cheers at the poetry joust, though I thought I saw a rather dismayed look in Lord Andreas' eyes, he seems to have recovered quite admirably!
I must say however that perhaps I have changed my mind! It was pleasant to hear the cheers at the poetry joust, though I thought I saw a rather dismayed look in Lord Andreas' eyes, he seems to have recovered quite admirably!
Written By Rymarr
June 6, 2019, 1:47 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
I met Josephine Arcuri through Lord Grady. At the time he was her patron and they had a most noteworthy business relationship. All good things tend to dwindle to a close though and as time went on, their business relationship was set aside. Whether temporarily or otherwise, who is to know.
Yet despite the change in their relationship, Mistress Arcuri has remained a steadfast friend of House Deepwood. Whether in matters of business, trade, or other needs that the Woods have had? She has been there to helpfully provide her aid. She has shown that she understands that business and friendship can have a place at the same table, but they can also be separate from one another. When I came calling at her door and sought her assistance with a matter, she rose to the occasion. She didn't simply fulfill the request that I had, she went above and beyond. Any expectations that I may have had weren't simply met or exceeded, they were altogether shattered with the power of her effort.
That is why I and we of House Deepwood hope that when the time arrives that the Crafter's Guild selects their new leader, that Josephine Arcuri will be given the opportunity to show her strength and values to the Compact as a whole and to those who will come to rely upon her as the new Guildmistress of the Crafter's Guild. She will undoubtedly have deep shoes to fill following after Guildmistress Joscelin Arterius, but I believe that she has set a fine example for many after her to emulate in one way or another that will usher them toward a path of prominent success.
Yet despite the change in their relationship, Mistress Arcuri has remained a steadfast friend of House Deepwood. Whether in matters of business, trade, or other needs that the Woods have had? She has been there to helpfully provide her aid. She has shown that she understands that business and friendship can have a place at the same table, but they can also be separate from one another. When I came calling at her door and sought her assistance with a matter, she rose to the occasion. She didn't simply fulfill the request that I had, she went above and beyond. Any expectations that I may have had weren't simply met or exceeded, they were altogether shattered with the power of her effort.
That is why I and we of House Deepwood hope that when the time arrives that the Crafter's Guild selects their new leader, that Josephine Arcuri will be given the opportunity to show her strength and values to the Compact as a whole and to those who will come to rely upon her as the new Guildmistress of the Crafter's Guild. She will undoubtedly have deep shoes to fill following after Guildmistress Joscelin Arterius, but I believe that she has set a fine example for many after her to emulate in one way or another that will usher them toward a path of prominent success.
Written By Rook
June 6, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Giuliano
Would you like to borrow 200 silver to pay the full price for a semiprecious stone?
I could not believe the report from the marketplace when I arrive this morning.
I could not believe the report from the marketplace when I arrive this morning.
Written By Edward
June 6, 2019, 10:21 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
More money, more problems. More problems, more rum. More rum, less money. Less money, fewer problems! Now off to the tavern!
Written By Amantha
June 6, 2019, 10:10 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Considering every life to be equal leaves me with many conundrums, for example is it ever acceptable for someone to have their life lost if it could be prevented? What then of a murderer who will murder if let free, should we rob him of his freedom or life or accept what his actions will be? Should we disregard who a person is when we can safe either one of good heart, good mind and good intentions or two off ill hearth, twisted mind and full of bad intentions?
Similarly if our lives are to be of equal value then should we even strive to have a good heart, mind and intent or should we ignore and do as we will.
Most of you, whose time I may have wasted by writing this, may have better answers than me.
Similarly if our lives are to be of equal value then should we even strive to have a good heart, mind and intent or should we ignore and do as we will.
Most of you, whose time I may have wasted by writing this, may have better answers than me.
Written By Sparte
June 6, 2019, 10:07 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaldur
Lord Kaldur took what had been a child-like idea, more dream than reality, and turned it into something beautiful and real. Something meaningful for how it brought people together, no matter what Spring brings. I am humbled to be mentioned amongst those who helped, but as he gives me credit i do not deserve he also downplays his own efforts.
Lord Kaldur is a man who sought to help the Compact with a grand vision, one akin in challenge to climbing a mountain with bare hands. When the consequences became known of reaching so high, as with a rock pulled loose that falls to cause harm in a climber's wake, he did not despair. He dedicated himself to smoothing the path so it would be safer, he went back down in humility and gave his time to meeting with and helping others, to making it so we could better climb together the path he had forged. He is one of the best of us, may his dedication to the Compact's future always be remembered.
Lord Kaldur is a man who sought to help the Compact with a grand vision, one akin in challenge to climbing a mountain with bare hands. When the consequences became known of reaching so high, as with a rock pulled loose that falls to cause harm in a climber's wake, he did not despair. He dedicated himself to smoothing the path so it would be safer, he went back down in humility and gave his time to meeting with and helping others, to making it so we could better climb together the path he had forged. He is one of the best of us, may his dedication to the Compact's future always be remembered.
Written By Amari
June 6, 2019, 10:06 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
I won the Laurent poetry joust, and I'm probably just as surprised as you are by that. It wasn't on the strength of my poetry or riding either. Clopsy just barely kept to the line.
There were much more experienced and skilled competitors in attendance, and far more amusing poems recited than my staid one about keeping oaths to honor Limerance and maintaining proper decorum. Lady Jael's was about underwear armor, and Duke Cristoph's was an ode to a certain Queensblade armed Baron who thinks of kittens as he rises gently from bed each morning. Lady Ouida's was surely inspired too with its very surprise ending. Everyone took to the challenge with aplomb, even Kedehern, who I hadn't expected so many verses from.
I know in the end it was mostly Norwood's excellent instruction and a full measure of luck that guided my lance. Still, when these wild improbabilities occur, I can't help but imagine a bored Gloria reaching down to sprinkle some glamour over me before nudging the god next to her and saying with a smirk, "Watch this."
The gods must need a good laugh sometimes.
There were much more experienced and skilled competitors in attendance, and far more amusing poems recited than my staid one about keeping oaths to honor Limerance and maintaining proper decorum. Lady Jael's was about underwear armor, and Duke Cristoph's was an ode to a certain Queensblade armed Baron who thinks of kittens as he rises gently from bed each morning. Lady Ouida's was surely inspired too with its very surprise ending. Everyone took to the challenge with aplomb, even Kedehern, who I hadn't expected so many verses from.
I know in the end it was mostly Norwood's excellent instruction and a full measure of luck that guided my lance. Still, when these wild improbabilities occur, I can't help but imagine a bored Gloria reaching down to sprinkle some glamour over me before nudging the god next to her and saying with a smirk, "Watch this."
The gods must need a good laugh sometimes.
Written By Preston
June 6, 2019, 8:06 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Choice is not something to be taken lightly or discarded simply. Choice is a command of the Gods, it is demanded by Skald. More than that, it is present in the other commands of the Gods and impacts upon the nature of innocence, of justice, of oaths and swearing.
Oaths are something again we form under the gods, we swear under Limerance, we hold to in order to obey Gloria.
Debate of these matters serves no purpose - it is to question the very nature of our society, the very ideals of our establishment. It is doubt of faith. Save your questions to improve yourselves, do not waste them fomenting discord.
Oaths are something again we form under the gods, we swear under Limerance, we hold to in order to obey Gloria.
Debate of these matters serves no purpose - it is to question the very nature of our society, the very ideals of our establishment. It is doubt of faith. Save your questions to improve yourselves, do not waste them fomenting discord.
Written By Imi
June 6, 2019, 7:22 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
It has been nearly a week since I my legs were broken, and I'm starting to long for even something as monotonous as the Lord Commander's famed Tower Stair Drills. I am honored to have the a patron such as I do, though. Her Highness has ensured I have no end of reading material available to me. The rather extraordinary tales help pass the time. To think that a soldier and sailor could have such lives!
Written By Silas
June 6, 2019, 1:56 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Sometimes I'm very glad I don't have a short temper.
Written By Elisha
June 6, 2019, 1:31 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
You traveled past heroic statues and through a metallic doorway to reach the City of Chains.
Skal'daja is a city of thirteen concentric canals, each canal divided by thirteen locks and united by water that simmers with one hundred and seventy unpronounceable names, the first of which prohibits explanation. So I will instead list the wares that are profitably sold in Skal'daja: agate, stygian, chrysoprase; I will praise the flesh of the pheasants cooked over ratleaf fires; I will sing of the slender youths who invite you to chase them in the tide.
In Skal'daja, we work as cutters of chrysoprase, we sear our flesh over ratleaf fires; we believe we are enjoying the freedoms of the city when we are only its slave. I walked among the hyacinth hedges, sure I would discover slender youths bathing, but at the bottom of the tide, crabs were biting the eyes of slaves, stones tied around their necks, their hair green with seaweed.
In Skal'daja you exchanged a seven-weight of agate for certainty; you return to Arx knowing what is crafted by the heroic statues in this metallic forge.
If shackles do not bite at your throat, you are one of the slave-masters.
(In a shakier hand: "Choice is a lie the powerful tell to justify power. Oaths and honor bind more unforgivingly than writs, because a false choice is another chain. I offer myself to you for a writ. To you, and you, and you. I would burn every white journal, beginning with my own, and leave only the black. Black words, black ash, black sands, black plague. Black eyes has my Mistress, and she gazes at me lovingly.")
Skal'daja is a city of thirteen concentric canals, each canal divided by thirteen locks and united by water that simmers with one hundred and seventy unpronounceable names, the first of which prohibits explanation. So I will instead list the wares that are profitably sold in Skal'daja: agate, stygian, chrysoprase; I will praise the flesh of the pheasants cooked over ratleaf fires; I will sing of the slender youths who invite you to chase them in the tide.
In Skal'daja, we work as cutters of chrysoprase, we sear our flesh over ratleaf fires; we believe we are enjoying the freedoms of the city when we are only its slave. I walked among the hyacinth hedges, sure I would discover slender youths bathing, but at the bottom of the tide, crabs were biting the eyes of slaves, stones tied around their necks, their hair green with seaweed.
In Skal'daja you exchanged a seven-weight of agate for certainty; you return to Arx knowing what is crafted by the heroic statues in this metallic forge.
If shackles do not bite at your throat, you are one of the slave-masters.
(In a shakier hand: "Choice is a lie the powerful tell to justify power. Oaths and honor bind more unforgivingly than writs, because a false choice is another chain. I offer myself to you for a writ. To you, and you, and you. I would burn every white journal, beginning with my own, and leave only the black. Black words, black ash, black sands, black plague. Black eyes has my Mistress, and she gazes at me lovingly.")
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.