Written By Ryhalt
May 22, 2021, 11:22 p.m.(7/10/1015 AR)
The Aerie sounds so much better with the voices of Clover, Ivy, and Ryland bouncing off the walls. It sounds like home again.
I even caught Palamon puffing up in pleasure when he saw Clover.
I even caught Palamon puffing up in pleasure when he saw Clover.
Written By Caprice
May 22, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
The Celestial Ball at Domus Igniseri was beautiful, from the refreshments to the guests to every twinkling detail in the decor. Brava, Marquessa! And applause for everyone who helped to make the night shine so bright.
Written By Kace
May 22, 2021, 7:31 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
Of astounding intellect, yet there is a friendly warmth about him that makes you feel comfortable to be in his presence. Like we'd been friends for years. We had a lovely talk with Lord Jamie as well, I'd like to think the trio of us would make good friends. I'm excited to see where this new blossoming friendship goes.
Keep on dazzling the world with your affable nature Prince Raimon! I look forward to many stories together.
Keep on dazzling the world with your affable nature Prince Raimon! I look forward to many stories together.
Written By Kace
May 22, 2021, 6:35 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
*Some of the pages seemed to be slobbered on. As if a rebellious pooch wasn't ready to give them back!*
Here I'll recollect some of my thoughts, if Trig, my companion, will let me have a few moments to myself and not try to steal my journal as soon as the quill touches it. He finds himself restless some nights and I cannot help but to think the same of me. Which is clearly why I'm trying to write.
Now, that he is occupied with chewing an antler I can be left to my devices.
I once heard a quote from a man in passing, ~"There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on."~
Oft times I find myself dwelling on the past; with so many lost loved ones, my dear brothers and sister; Fergus, Anze, and Freja. Husband and child all passed on. I find coming back to Arx has a bit of loneliness that follows with it; A deep and dark shadow that looms over following my heart where ever I go. I've struggled with the losses as anyone would have, but they still plague me.
Yet, I feel as though despite that, I wish to spend my time on the present and not dwell on the past. Putting forth time to forge new relationships, bonds and friendships. So far I've met a few kindred spirits, that seem to feel as I do. Struggling with loss yet have a love of life still, either at the forefront or buried down inside.
I wish to get back to the woman I once was with many passions and interests. I've decided to look for a teacher in painting. I've scheduled for newly found friends to come over, to share drink and knowledge. And I hope somewhere in the future, I can find love again. I have much love to give, and with the many years of my husband's passing, I too, think he'd want me to move on and find someone whom can love me the same.
Here's to the present and what lies in the future!
Here I'll recollect some of my thoughts, if Trig, my companion, will let me have a few moments to myself and not try to steal my journal as soon as the quill touches it. He finds himself restless some nights and I cannot help but to think the same of me. Which is clearly why I'm trying to write.
Now, that he is occupied with chewing an antler I can be left to my devices.
I once heard a quote from a man in passing, ~"There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on."~
Oft times I find myself dwelling on the past; with so many lost loved ones, my dear brothers and sister; Fergus, Anze, and Freja. Husband and child all passed on. I find coming back to Arx has a bit of loneliness that follows with it; A deep and dark shadow that looms over following my heart where ever I go. I've struggled with the losses as anyone would have, but they still plague me.
Yet, I feel as though despite that, I wish to spend my time on the present and not dwell on the past. Putting forth time to forge new relationships, bonds and friendships. So far I've met a few kindred spirits, that seem to feel as I do. Struggling with loss yet have a love of life still, either at the forefront or buried down inside.
I wish to get back to the woman I once was with many passions and interests. I've decided to look for a teacher in painting. I've scheduled for newly found friends to come over, to share drink and knowledge. And I hope somewhere in the future, I can find love again. I have much love to give, and with the many years of my husband's passing, I too, think he'd want me to move on and find someone whom can love me the same.
Here's to the present and what lies in the future!
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:25 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Cesare
A talent for the ages and my newest protege, I want nothing but for the best for him... he does give such sound advice. I should probably start taking it...
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:21 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Egon
Proof that even the most unassuming of academics may contain multitudes, he reminds me of starlight trapped in flesh.. cold, dark and, yet, not without a certain beauty. Clever and reliable.
Written By Graziella
May 22, 2021, 1:16 p.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Zyxthylum
I never knew the true breadth of how rewarding it could be to help someone find balance-- until I met Zyx. He's come so very far and he possesses such talent... I hate to think where he might have ended up without a little guidance, he's living proof of that old adage about judging books by their cover.
Written By Cesare
May 22, 2021, 11:56 a.m.(7/9/1015 AR)
I admit I'm uncertain what I have to write about. I've tried to make a habit of writing these journals once a week, at least, but I'm used to mulling over my musings more internally than externally, and the act of putting them to paper feels like an additional, extraneous step in many ways. Not to mention, much of what I do in my daily life is simply not mine to record publicly. Or privately, for that matter.
I'm not a warrior, and if all goes to plan, I never shall be; so I haven't any profound tales of battle and sacrifice with which to regale you. Only the usual struggles against triteness and mediocrity, in my personal work, and efforts toward understanding, compassion, and satisfaction in my public work. Yes, I am being deliberately vague, out of necessity, I assure you. I should dearly love to have something life-changing to offer here, but if I did it would likely go into song in any case rather than a journal.
The Compact enters an uneasy interregnum between wars. The profusion of parties seems almost frantic, in a way, as though by means of sheer revelry we can forget the pain and loss. Progress, and time, march forward, carrying us all along with them. I'm doing my best to assuage the growing pains where I may.
Apprentice Whisper Aconite honored me this week by asking me to perform at a festival that she is organizing on behalf of Whisper House. I was only too glad to accept, and look forward to the event - Aconite has a refined palate in all aspects, and excellent taste. She's asked me to write something about my roots, which I've been mulling over, and find it's proving itself strangely difficult. I don't want to be too literal, for one. Nor am I interested in addressing the same events of my life which anyone who has spoken to me at length is doubtless familiar with. (I know, this is all rather ironic and possibly petty considering what I've written above. But that's what I mean about lacking anything profound to say.)
Something will come to me. I find oftentimes the best way to get around these problems is by not thinking about them at all.
I'm not a warrior, and if all goes to plan, I never shall be; so I haven't any profound tales of battle and sacrifice with which to regale you. Only the usual struggles against triteness and mediocrity, in my personal work, and efforts toward understanding, compassion, and satisfaction in my public work. Yes, I am being deliberately vague, out of necessity, I assure you. I should dearly love to have something life-changing to offer here, but if I did it would likely go into song in any case rather than a journal.
The Compact enters an uneasy interregnum between wars. The profusion of parties seems almost frantic, in a way, as though by means of sheer revelry we can forget the pain and loss. Progress, and time, march forward, carrying us all along with them. I'm doing my best to assuage the growing pains where I may.
Apprentice Whisper Aconite honored me this week by asking me to perform at a festival that she is organizing on behalf of Whisper House. I was only too glad to accept, and look forward to the event - Aconite has a refined palate in all aspects, and excellent taste. She's asked me to write something about my roots, which I've been mulling over, and find it's proving itself strangely difficult. I don't want to be too literal, for one. Nor am I interested in addressing the same events of my life which anyone who has spoken to me at length is doubtless familiar with. (I know, this is all rather ironic and possibly petty considering what I've written above. But that's what I mean about lacking anything profound to say.)
Something will come to me. I find oftentimes the best way to get around these problems is by not thinking about them at all.
Written By Ida
May 22, 2021, 7:02 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
I don't ask many questions. I've been told that this is a failing, for we should always be asking them - what if? Why this? Where? Why not that? It's not that I don't have them, I guess, but I think I've just been one of those people that simply throws in and rolls with the punches. Pun possibly intended. More truly, sometimes the why isn't something I feel a need to know in order to do something. Duty is duty, and being a knight is important to me. I am no scholar who uncovers the mysteries that, as a younger woman, I would have thought impossible or the stuff of storybooks. I try to face them like I did with new metals I hadn't worked with before, y'know? It's strange, and sometimes terrifying, but that doesn't change it being there, right in front of you. Which is all possibly way more poetic than I meant to write at all.
Some days, something like that can also be SO JOYFUL, that it's hard to describe. When you burst into tears and then laugh while they stream down your face... I relish the moment and wave of feelings - I don't need to ask 'how' or 'why' to be exceedingly grateful. And I totally would have noticed, so I guess I got a question I didn't know I was going to have, answered before I had it. Though, oaths and steel, now I also actually might have to ask questions. Crafty.
Some days, something like that can also be SO JOYFUL, that it's hard to describe. When you burst into tears and then laugh while they stream down your face... I relish the moment and wave of feelings - I don't need to ask 'how' or 'why' to be exceedingly grateful. And I totally would have noticed, so I guess I got a question I didn't know I was going to have, answered before I had it. Though, oaths and steel, now I also actually might have to ask questions. Crafty.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 2:07 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
The newly proclaimed Countess Thea Wyrvenheart (nee Malvici) has quickly made a good impression on me. It is no surprise that a noblewoman of House Malvici would flourish in the Oathlands lest we forget Princess Caelis Valardin, wife of the now former High Lord, Prince Edain. Though she seemed a bit out of sorts, unsteady like a new born fawn in a role she was not prepared to take, I have all the confidence in her that she will succeed with great aplomb in her role and duty to the people of HighHill. I very much look forward to seeing the Countess again soon.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 2:02 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Marius
Since our return to Arx, my beloved husband has thrust himself into the business of leading his March from afar. I can barely tempt him out of the study with my sweet buns and trust me, I do not get my hands dirty kneading dough for just anyone! However, after all this time, I still find myself very much in love with the man I noticed at first blush. Our political arrangement has grown into something deeper and far more affectionate over the years. Thank you for always dancing with me.
Written By Simone
May 22, 2021, 1:51 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Jamie
I am so pleased by Jamie's return to the city of Arx and it is most serendipitous that it coincides with mine. It has never been truer before that one can know family but not really -know- family. The humble trait runs deep among the Greenmarch men and Jamie is certainly not excused from this. Perhaps -too- humble, but it is an admirable quality, especially from a warrior of such great esteem. He need not worry about the spoons when wields his words as good as he wields his sword.
Written By Grazia
May 22, 2021, 12:58 a.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Dear Aiden,
Somehow, when you went to war, we both feared that you wouldn't be coming back. I didn't want to believe that. I told you to come home. I asked you to not leave me and your daughters, but I understand that you were needed for more. You saved the life of Lord Gawain Blanchard, and he will be honored by our House. He went on to distinguish himself at war. Your sacrifice was not in vain. You knew that, though, when you did it.
Yet here I am, finding that I miss you far more than I anticipated. Ours was a political match: a fine arrangement for an alliance. It seemed fitting that the Bird Prince should become the Falcon Duke. We became friends, but ours was never the fiery passion that makes for so many love matches these days. The flame between us was not a brief spark but a well-lit hearth that burns to warm an entire family. When I watched you with our girls, I felt incredibly lucky to have found an alliance with you.
I miss you. I find that my love for you is far more intense that I imagined. I see your eyes in our children. My life is better for having had you in it. You were magnificent, and I will remember you always.
With love always,
Grazia
Somehow, when you went to war, we both feared that you wouldn't be coming back. I didn't want to believe that. I told you to come home. I asked you to not leave me and your daughters, but I understand that you were needed for more. You saved the life of Lord Gawain Blanchard, and he will be honored by our House. He went on to distinguish himself at war. Your sacrifice was not in vain. You knew that, though, when you did it.
Yet here I am, finding that I miss you far more than I anticipated. Ours was a political match: a fine arrangement for an alliance. It seemed fitting that the Bird Prince should become the Falcon Duke. We became friends, but ours was never the fiery passion that makes for so many love matches these days. The flame between us was not a brief spark but a well-lit hearth that burns to warm an entire family. When I watched you with our girls, I felt incredibly lucky to have found an alliance with you.
I miss you. I find that my love for you is far more intense that I imagined. I see your eyes in our children. My life is better for having had you in it. You were magnificent, and I will remember you always.
With love always,
Grazia
Written By Drake
May 21, 2021, 11:31 p.m.(7/8/1015 AR)
Seeing messages that address me as Count is still a little bit shocking. Will I ever get used to that?
Written By Valencia
May 21, 2021, 10:48 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
I must admit that I am glad that The Golden Hart has been able to help so many over the years. It is one of the ways we seek to support the people of our realm.
Of late, I have been considering how the Hart might help those adversely affected by the Eurasi war. I do not wish over tax the generosity of the good people of Arx, but so many need to be helped.
But our duty and desire is to offer aid is clear, and I have faith that we will find way to assist.
I have always said so much can be done if we come together as one. That many hands make lighter work and so many more may benefit. And so, it particularly made me smile to hear that others are seeking to help as well. How heartening it is to know that there is so much charity in our city.
I'm excited to see that our compact is coming together again in an entirely different way. How wonderful this could be?!
There can never be enough hearts and heartfelt actions to help when it comes to helping others and making the world a better place.
~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Of late, I have been considering how the Hart might help those adversely affected by the Eurasi war. I do not wish over tax the generosity of the good people of Arx, but so many need to be helped.
But our duty and desire is to offer aid is clear, and I have faith that we will find way to assist.
I have always said so much can be done if we come together as one. That many hands make lighter work and so many more may benefit. And so, it particularly made me smile to hear that others are seeking to help as well. How heartening it is to know that there is so much charity in our city.
I'm excited to see that our compact is coming together again in an entirely different way. How wonderful this could be?!
There can never be enough hearts and heartfelt actions to help when it comes to helping others and making the world a better place.
~~~~~~~<~<~<@
Written By Thea
May 21, 2021, 6:46 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
I was getting set up in my office, getting comfortable. Ok. Not office. My conservatory, when Rocco comes in look a bit--well his face looked funny. He had a smirk on his lips. And then he looked amused. Before I knew it, he pulls something out from his robes producing a---fucking PUPPY! With a note. My patron, well it seems one of Graypeak's Moutain dog's had a litter and has promised---or to make up for the all the awful jokes he's made me suffer through--sent me one. It's a large adorable ball of ivory fluff and drool...Named Strawberry Pupcake. He will be large. And be quite the guard dog.
Finn, no! Don't teach him that!
Finn, no! Don't teach him that!
Written By Natasha
May 21, 2021, 2:38 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Years of uncertain estrangement, born from the same libertine father, raised separately by the machinations of a bloodthirsty tyrant, and yet here we are, somehow.
People will claim differently, but from my perspective, you have always been the very core and foundation of my story - the bedrock upon which my hopes for our world are founded.
You are the most astounding person I have ever known, and I trust that you will keep surprising me until the day we are dust.
People will claim differently, but from my perspective, you have always been the very core and foundation of my story - the bedrock upon which my hopes for our world are founded.
You are the most astounding person I have ever known, and I trust that you will keep surprising me until the day we are dust.
Written By Jamie
May 21, 2021, 12:01 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Simone
An intriguing woman with a spine of steel. Though I've known her for years, I've come to understand that I don't -really- know her. Her grace and charm carry me out of dark places and bring a little of the old Jamie back. My cousin by marriage, yes, but someone I may one day call a true friend. Somehow, I'll have to persuade her to forget this idea of political marriage, though. I can't imagine the woman who'd take the seat beside me, good man or no. Too many sleepless nights, too many dreams.
Written By Ludovic
May 21, 2021, 11:49 a.m.(7/7/1015 AR)
An account of the Silent War, given from the perspective of a recently returned Prodigal, recounted in the style of his people's oral history:
We have stalked the swirling snow,
Felt the shiver of heavy wind blow,
We have seen the churning of the storm,
White and wing'd, death given form.
We were young and number'd twenty-four,
Our little band, a distraction nothing more,
The tales we told were wide and tall,
To bolster the courage of one and all.
To the west we turned our heels,
In valleys green with easy meals,
We raided them in verdant lands,
And there spilled blood, with our hands.
We grew to men, strong and fierce,
Forged in battle, our spears did pierce,
We walked in the shadow of our tribe,
But from Tolmar Brand, we could not hide.
To the east perchance we went,
Through thorn and peak, were sent,
Tigris, Gemma, Guld, Kamon, Ulyips,
We buried them beneath the rosehips.
In that valley distant we left yet more,
Riven, Vind, Shea, and Lahore,
Time had given us its own scars,
Shaped like those fallen 'neath the stars.
We heard the call of the mammoth tribe sound,
And steeled ourselves to hold our ground,
On Spire's slopes we met their host,
Until, of us, only six remained, six at most.
Home at last I came to see,
Was it here, or was it there, I came to be?
Clasps on my shoulders, children on my knees,
Still I see their shades and memories.
We have stalked the swirling snow,
Felt the shiver of heavy wind blow,
We have seen the churning of the storm,
White and wing'd, death given form.
We were young and number'd twenty-four,
Our little band, a distraction nothing more,
The tales we told were wide and tall,
To bolster the courage of one and all.
To the west we turned our heels,
In valleys green with easy meals,
We raided them in verdant lands,
And there spilled blood, with our hands.
We grew to men, strong and fierce,
Forged in battle, our spears did pierce,
We walked in the shadow of our tribe,
But from Tolmar Brand, we could not hide.
To the east perchance we went,
Through thorn and peak, were sent,
Tigris, Gemma, Guld, Kamon, Ulyips,
We buried them beneath the rosehips.
In that valley distant we left yet more,
Riven, Vind, Shea, and Lahore,
Time had given us its own scars,
Shaped like those fallen 'neath the stars.
We heard the call of the mammoth tribe sound,
And steeled ourselves to hold our ground,
On Spire's slopes we met their host,
Until, of us, only six remained, six at most.
Home at last I came to see,
Was it here, or was it there, I came to be?
Clasps on my shoulders, children on my knees,
Still I see their shades and memories.
Written By Gael
May 21, 2021, 4:25 a.m.(7/6/1015 AR)
Scholar,
I've finally shed the last of the bandages from all the lessons learned at Pieros. I had them taken by a helping physician at the Saving Grace out of pure convenience. It's on the way from home to the House of Questions, of course. I stayed there three weeks when I first arrived back from the fight, and have been revisiting it to have the bindings changed and the old poultices scraped off for newer swatches. Saw plenty of people come then go all that time, and I noticed that...
Sometimes, a gravely sick patient feels better for a day, right before his final end. The pain fades away, his mind grows clearer, and those who care for them and had stayed by their hospital bed for weeks, finally sigh with relief. They believe that their recovery was the work of a divine agency, and their hearts shine with hope. This temporary rise is the greatest sign; it says that death is near and true peace comes at last. Or so some believe.
Even a failing body hopes to spend its last day with dignity, I realized. To yield what little vitality it has left to this horrid world with its head held high. This appreciation of the human condition has truly hurt my spirit. I think I need another drink.
Curse the night.
I've finally shed the last of the bandages from all the lessons learned at Pieros. I had them taken by a helping physician at the Saving Grace out of pure convenience. It's on the way from home to the House of Questions, of course. I stayed there three weeks when I first arrived back from the fight, and have been revisiting it to have the bindings changed and the old poultices scraped off for newer swatches. Saw plenty of people come then go all that time, and I noticed that...
Sometimes, a gravely sick patient feels better for a day, right before his final end. The pain fades away, his mind grows clearer, and those who care for them and had stayed by their hospital bed for weeks, finally sigh with relief. They believe that their recovery was the work of a divine agency, and their hearts shine with hope. This temporary rise is the greatest sign; it says that death is near and true peace comes at last. Or so some believe.
Even a failing body hopes to spend its last day with dignity, I realized. To yield what little vitality it has left to this horrid world with its head held high. This appreciation of the human condition has truly hurt my spirit. I think I need another drink.
Curse the night.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.