Written By Ouida
May 19, 2019, 12:17 p.m.(2/18/1011 AR)
<Note: Despite the time of the writing being in winter, there is an impression of a pressed and wilted flower, brushed with ink and then pressed to the page.>
Hope is born of sorrow and suffering, more often than not. For who can cherish the brightness greater than one who has stared into the dark. I wonder sometimes if the spotless amongst us can appreciate a washing clean as much as someone whose hands have been covered in blood or worse, and if those eyes who have never stung with tears of pain can hold as precious those stings of joy.
Sometimes hope is grand, hearing thousands of voices lifted in song or cheers or defiant shouts. Sometimes it is seeing the next sunrise, so beautiful, though all around you is ash and blood, and to know that you still live and can perhaps dare to hope to live just one day more.
Other times it is more humble. Humbling. A child's giggle as you braid her hair into an Oathlands knot for the first time. A tankard of ale shared as you describe your favorite place to be in your domain, and watch the wonder and pride in another's face as they tell you of theirs. People who are content and trusting enough to simply and quietly walk beside you, as travelers and new friends. So much hope to be found, bound up in trust and love and a wiliness to give both.
Planting seeds.
A crown of grass.
Hope is born of sorrow and suffering, more often than not. For who can cherish the brightness greater than one who has stared into the dark. I wonder sometimes if the spotless amongst us can appreciate a washing clean as much as someone whose hands have been covered in blood or worse, and if those eyes who have never stung with tears of pain can hold as precious those stings of joy.
Sometimes hope is grand, hearing thousands of voices lifted in song or cheers or defiant shouts. Sometimes it is seeing the next sunrise, so beautiful, though all around you is ash and blood, and to know that you still live and can perhaps dare to hope to live just one day more.
Other times it is more humble. Humbling. A child's giggle as you braid her hair into an Oathlands knot for the first time. A tankard of ale shared as you describe your favorite place to be in your domain, and watch the wonder and pride in another's face as they tell you of theirs. People who are content and trusting enough to simply and quietly walk beside you, as travelers and new friends. So much hope to be found, bound up in trust and love and a wiliness to give both.
Planting seeds.
A crown of grass.
Written By Cambria
May 19, 2019, 11:54 a.m.(2/18/1011 AR)
A recent discovery has me wondering...
Have you ever been afraid of someone who is only there to help you?
Have you ever been afraid of someone who is only there to help you?
Written By Monique
May 19, 2019, 11:45 a.m.(2/18/1011 AR)
It is a testament to the skill of the Committee and the generosity and vision of others that this Tournament is coming together exactly as fast as it is. Mistress Rosemary and Mistress Lore are the reason all this steelsilk burns so bright a hole in my pocket (figuratively!) Their skill has been essential!
I wept, before the Gala, when I had to give away those splendid cloaks. I can feel the tears well up when I stare at the dragonweep and star iron for the Tournament of Thorns. So much beauty. It's terrible to think about being parted with it.
I'm getting maudlin in my old age.
I wept, before the Gala, when I had to give away those splendid cloaks. I can feel the tears well up when I stare at the dragonweep and star iron for the Tournament of Thorns. So much beauty. It's terrible to think about being parted with it.
I'm getting maudlin in my old age.
Written By Evonleigh
May 19, 2019, 10:42 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
I have recently returned from a journey of exploration and it's already time to pack for another. To think I spent most of my adult life on the road until two years ago (I know a couple people may be chuckling, as that isn't all that long in their eyes and experience, but to me it's a long time!). I find now that I'm traveling again, I missed it. Speaking with new people, seeing new places every day -- there really is no more exciting life, even if at times it's tiring and arduous, and other times, even dangerous.
I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead, though for at least a few more weeks, I'll enjoy sleeping in my own warm bed.
I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead, though for at least a few more weeks, I'll enjoy sleeping in my own warm bed.
Written By Evaristo
May 19, 2019, 8:18 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
New exciting projects in the works. Lady Peri Seliki has some things brewing. I'll be sailing a lot in the near future.
And there's a plan for a Festival of Death.
And there's a plan for a Festival of Death.
Written By Ishmael
May 19, 2019, 5:43 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ysabel
Baroness Ysabel has provided me with ample tasks to keep me busy in the city. It seems I am going to need a larger bag.
Written By Morgan
May 19, 2019, 5:19 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
I dream of a future when all are free to bellow as they wish, no longer shackled by the oppression of silence. My cousin is helping make this happen, I couldn't be more proud!
Written By Ajax
May 19, 2019, 5:14 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Meesha
Welcome back, lass.
We'll get you sorted eventually here.
We'll get you sorted eventually here.
Written By Talwyn
May 19, 2019, 5:12 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
I have never much cared for the winter. Not the cold nor the snow, nor the bare trees nor the songbirds leaving for warmer climes. I recall, quite fondly, wintering in Gemecitta when I was younger and escaping the bitter chill.
Perhaps I only had to discover winter's joys to see it in a different perspective - the delight of a warm drink and roaring fire when coming in from outdoors, the tingling of nose and cheeks from the kiss of an icy wind thawing out with lyre and the best company.
Yes, I think I have come to appreciate winter.
Perhaps I only had to discover winter's joys to see it in a different perspective - the delight of a warm drink and roaring fire when coming in from outdoors, the tingling of nose and cheeks from the kiss of an icy wind thawing out with lyre and the best company.
Yes, I think I have come to appreciate winter.
Written By Ajax
May 19, 2019, 3:49 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Emmerly
You're doing fine, just stop being so humble when I want to spoil you with new weapons. You'll have to do my job quite a bit when I am out of town when spring comes.
Written By Ajax
May 19, 2019, 3:48 a.m.(2/17/1011 AR)
You know, I hate being cooped up. The winter when it really starts in earnest is usually that quiet period, contracts slow. Your body aches which is good as the fighting stops for a lot of areas, and always that uncertain feeling when you're waiting. Like you know once the ice breaks, you can go out and make some more coin.
I hate this season.
I hate this season.
Written By Iseulet
May 18, 2019, 8:11 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Now that was too close for comfort.
Written By Gwenna
May 18, 2019, 7:22 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Winter has always been a season of quiet for me. The world seems so soft, encased in white, and even sounds seems buffered by the snow that covers everything. Is there any storm so silent as a blizzard? While the winters in Arx don't really compare to those in Farhaven, there is still that feeling to them. Duties and responsibilities do not cease, of course, but more might be done by messenger than by trekking off to a meeting someplace in one of the wards. I try to spend the extra time at the villa going over the stores and what we might need brought in from Farhaven when the spring allows, sharing some mulled wine with the head of the kitchens and staff, and generally catching up on those things that get put off 'until winter' during the rest of the year. While not a break, really, it is pleasant to focus on hearth and home a couple of months out of the year.
Written By Rysen
May 18, 2019, 5:37 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Thank you for your advice and confidence, Grandmaster. Such wisdom is strong armor against the bloody claws of Vengeance.
Written By Mirella
May 18, 2019, 4:34 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Some people write the weirdest things in their white journals.
Written By Brigida
May 18, 2019, 4:01 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
Not all miracles are big ones.
Thank you
Thank you
Written By Willow
May 18, 2019, 3:31 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Go figure an elf visits the Spirits and I am not there to see it. i hope next time I am there. I have always wanted to meet an elf.
Written By Sophie
May 18, 2019, 2:27 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
I find myself so often cloistered in my office at the House of Solace in meetings. I really should go outside more often. You meet the most fascinating people when you simply give them a chance.
I've made a new friend recently and we bonded over obscure scraps of information and tea. I have a feeling there will be many more pots of tea, and many more scraps of paper exchanged before it is all said and done, and I feel smarter already, just for having met her.
I've made a new friend recently and we bonded over obscure scraps of information and tea. I have a feeling there will be many more pots of tea, and many more scraps of paper exchanged before it is all said and done, and I feel smarter already, just for having met her.
Written By Joscelin
May 18, 2019, 1:38 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Stygia
You aren't wrong. Three are named after him.
Written By Radhilde
May 18, 2019, 12:59 p.m.(2/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Marisol
My Patron, you are simply amazing!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.