Written By Sydney
March 12, 2021, 7:56 a.m.(2/6/1015 AR)
My lungs are full of dust, and my hands are covered in smudged ink and smears of soot. I swear, it all looked dry when I leafed through the many volumes, but the repetition of leafing through that many texts is, apparently, an experience that accumulates rather quickly.
I have a newfound respect for the work scholars do, I will say that, if nothing else.
I have a newfound respect for the work scholars do, I will say that, if nothing else.
Written By Ida
March 12, 2021, 6:31 a.m.(2/6/1015 AR)
The staffs, or walking sticks if one prefers, sold pretty well. I feel like I have a storeroom too full of materials not meeting their potential. What I might do next, though, I'm not sure. Maybe some silver or pewter brooches with seraphinite set in them, given the collection of the stone I have.
Written By Dariel
March 12, 2021, 5:05 a.m.(2/6/1015 AR)
I've put off writing this for a while since the loss of Astarrea burned quite so hard inside of me.
My sister, the Marquessa, is gone. Uncles gone. Cousins gone. Astarrea, a second home, is all gone. It was not so long ago that I was there on stage in Prince Niklas' play. My brother is away, my other sister also, so I'm left here alone with these thoughts. I have donated all I can to the Physicians for relief for it is all I have to give.
My sister, the Marquessa, is gone. Uncles gone. Cousins gone. Astarrea, a second home, is all gone. It was not so long ago that I was there on stage in Prince Niklas' play. My brother is away, my other sister also, so I'm left here alone with these thoughts. I have donated all I can to the Physicians for relief for it is all I have to give.
Written By Lailah
March 12, 2021, 2:49 a.m.(2/6/1015 AR)
Perhaps late to the journal, but better than never:
1. What is are you afraid of?
Failure and rejection. Perhaps that is common.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Acting the way one wishes to be treated but also in a way that may be considered universally good and in accordance with the Pantheon.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
The path before me is open and yet, seemingly preordained. Both exciting and nerve-racking.
4. You can give one piece of advice who really needs advice to live by...what do you tell them.
Live a life of honor and service to those who matter to you most.
1. What is are you afraid of?
Failure and rejection. Perhaps that is common.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Acting the way one wishes to be treated but also in a way that may be considered universally good and in accordance with the Pantheon.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
The path before me is open and yet, seemingly preordained. Both exciting and nerve-racking.
4. You can give one piece of advice who really needs advice to live by...what do you tell them.
Live a life of honor and service to those who matter to you most.
Written By Haakon
March 11, 2021, 9:19 p.m.(2/6/1015 AR)
The Battle of the Scythian Sea.
It were a fine clash: hundreds of ships in and among shallows, shoals, and the scattered wracks of uncounted vessels lost before, in which a fleet hundreds strong sought to use dangerous waters to make us timid.
Longships in advance, sounding out safe courses for the big fuckers to follow after, and the prizes of the first blow and the telling one to be had.
It may be many a season ere I see another battle fought with naught but wits and weapons, maneuver and massacre, valor and violence. There will be many great battles ahead of course, but I doubt many so large will feel so clean.
It were a fine clash: hundreds of ships in and among shallows, shoals, and the scattered wracks of uncounted vessels lost before, in which a fleet hundreds strong sought to use dangerous waters to make us timid.
Longships in advance, sounding out safe courses for the big fuckers to follow after, and the prizes of the first blow and the telling one to be had.
It may be many a season ere I see another battle fought with naught but wits and weapons, maneuver and massacre, valor and violence. There will be many great battles ahead of course, but I doubt many so large will feel so clean.
Written By Volya
March 11, 2021, 6:10 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
I've oddly made a friend since coming to Arx. Shocking, I know. What's interesting is that beyond the first meeting, it's all been by messages.
It's nice. Though I suspect they're only really writing because they haven't been in the same room as me for longer than two hours.
It's nice. Though I suspect they're only really writing because they haven't been in the same room as me for longer than two hours.
Written By Viviana
March 11, 2021, 3:53 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Viviana
Dear Me,
This new eyepatch makes me wonder to myself, so I shall pose to myself the question: what would you think a bejeweled eye? No patch, no linen, nothing even remotely life-like - oh, imagine a Dragonweep eye? Think about it, self.
Love Me.
This new eyepatch makes me wonder to myself, so I shall pose to myself the question: what would you think a bejeweled eye? No patch, no linen, nothing even remotely life-like - oh, imagine a Dragonweep eye? Think about it, self.
Love Me.
Written By Piccola
March 11, 2021, 2:16 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
Beyond this truth of a true warrior, there is nothing to be said.
A woman who has been born into a warrior's house, but has no loyalty in her heart and thinks only of the fortune of her position, will be flattering on the surface and scheming in her heart. She will forsake righteousness and not reflect on her shame; she will stain the warrior's name to later generations. But if she is sincere in throwing away her life for her house, she will know no fear.
Such a woman will be measured by the valor of her acts.
A woman who has been born into a warrior's house, but has no loyalty in her heart and thinks only of the fortune of her position, will be flattering on the surface and scheming in her heart. She will forsake righteousness and not reflect on her shame; she will stain the warrior's name to later generations. But if she is sincere in throwing away her life for her house, she will know no fear.
Such a woman will be measured by the valor of her acts.
Written By Sylvana
March 11, 2021, 1:55 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
My protege's new assistant is a delight. It's not that she's a particularly vivacious or enthusiastic woman, it is that she carries herself with a confident grace and elegance that it has become a game of mine to try to throw her off balance when I meet her. Little compliments or commentaries as we make small talk or the like as she delivers Amanita's missives. She has yet to show any sign of a crack, which has only encouraged me to try harder.
I'm absolutely certain she's playing the same game with me and I refuse to be the first one to crack. She's a great worker, I can only hope to find such good help in the future. Amanita certainly has an eye for talent, I can't help but wonder what else she might be up to!
I'm absolutely certain she's playing the same game with me and I refuse to be the first one to crack. She's a great worker, I can only hope to find such good help in the future. Amanita certainly has an eye for talent, I can't help but wonder what else she might be up to!
Written By Zyxthylum
March 11, 2021, 12:39 p.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
I never thought seeing a peacock in the Garden of Silken Delights would be the second strangest thing I'd see this morning. Seems he has assembled his own little bannermen from the misfit animals that live over in the Lowers. People had better watch out- If they see a one eyed cat, a three legged dog, and a proud peacock they better run the other way! (Those ducks aren't usually far behind, they almost shit RIGHT on me!) I collected a few of the pretty feathers after I snuck back, maybe I'll put a few out for the next few customers that wander in.
Written By Mabelle
March 11, 2021, 11:03 a.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
I think our family needs a merry occasion. Perhaps a wedding. Perhaps it is time.
Written By Lyra
March 11, 2021, 10:38 a.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
Why is it that when I am presented with a choice in my personal life, I unfailingly swerve from what is so very obviously the better one, and choose the other instead. When a person of my acquaintance laid just such a choice before me today that should have seen me overjoyed and agreeable, I immediately denied that pleasure to myself and put forth instead a well-structured argument as to why that could not be.
Regret. Surely it must be the saddest word in Arvum.
Regret. Surely it must be the saddest word in Arvum.
Written By Sunaia
March 11, 2021, 10:33 a.m.(2/5/1015 AR)
Lagoma bless. I don't understand the nature of flame. ... What did you say, Scholar Einar?
Maybe I do understand what it is to burn.
I'll think about that some more.
Maybe I do understand what it is to burn.
I'll think about that some more.
Written By Valarian
March 11, 2021, 5:26 a.m.(2/4/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
Taken Under a Beautiful Wing
I found myself meeting with the Lady Kaia MAlvinci about rumors and to discuss the history of House Harrow. The sorted, dark past of it and why I have come to be called the Black Sheep Harrow. It turned out that she then offered me to be her Protege and I could not see a reason why it should not be. Both I and Lady Malvinci will find great gains in this alliance of goals and for me to learn more than skills with the sword. Skills I will need very quickly in the events that are becoming more clear will impact all in the kingdom.
Valarian
2/4/1015 AR
I found myself meeting with the Lady Kaia MAlvinci about rumors and to discuss the history of House Harrow. The sorted, dark past of it and why I have come to be called the Black Sheep Harrow. It turned out that she then offered me to be her Protege and I could not see a reason why it should not be. Both I and Lady Malvinci will find great gains in this alliance of goals and for me to learn more than skills with the sword. Skills I will need very quickly in the events that are becoming more clear will impact all in the kingdom.
Valarian
2/4/1015 AR
Written By Cirroch
March 10, 2021, 10:26 p.m.(2/4/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Tila
Scholar. When I write publicly to the whites we know that it is a special occasion. You see, my sister Lady Tila Sanna has returned to the city after a long absence. I can't see anything but good to come from this. Family together again makes a difference, does it not?
Written By Zakhar
March 10, 2021, 10:17 p.m.(2/4/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lasha
I may have found another direction to run within. Only time will tell. Know that you're coming with me in this direction, and if we prosper. Then I can shower you in all of the jewelry of my carvings.
Written By Zoey
March 10, 2021, 7:16 p.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
It has been some time since I last submitted anything to the Whites. Admittedly I have not kept up with them as much as I probably should, but in my current condition there is little else I can do in my waking hours but read. Skimming through them I found questions posed by Lord Orland Amadeo, and I suppose that answering them in as much detail as I care to is as good a way to pass the time as any.
1. What are you afraid of?
The possibility that the world I leave behind for my children will not be a better one than the one I was raised in or that they were born into. There are storm clouds on the horizon, and every day they seem to get darker.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Honor is first and foremost keeping to the spirit of one's word. If you make a promise, swear an oath, or enter into any other such good faith agreement, you keep it. And I do not mean finding a loophole that means you technically kept it while betraying the trust of someone who depends on you. If anything the opposite might be true. The letter of it is less important than the spirit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Paths are not laid out before us. We lay them stone by stone, every day, with every choice we make. I have goals in mind, like distant landmarks that I come closer to with each step, but what turns I will take to get there will not be known to me until I reach them. And as I create this path, I too shall change, perhaps even choosing a new landmark as I round each hill or pass through each wood. One day when I am hopefully old and I look back on my life I will say, "That was my path." For now though it remains a goal, a dream, and a mystery.
4. You can give one piece of advice to one who really needs advice to live by. What do you tell them?
Do not bemoan the wind when you can trim the sails.
1. What are you afraid of?
The possibility that the world I leave behind for my children will not be a better one than the one I was raised in or that they were born into. There are storm clouds on the horizon, and every day they seem to get darker.
2. What are your opinions on honor?
Honor is first and foremost keeping to the spirit of one's word. If you make a promise, swear an oath, or enter into any other such good faith agreement, you keep it. And I do not mean finding a loophole that means you technically kept it while betraying the trust of someone who depends on you. If anything the opposite might be true. The letter of it is less important than the spirit.
3. What path do you see for yourself?
Paths are not laid out before us. We lay them stone by stone, every day, with every choice we make. I have goals in mind, like distant landmarks that I come closer to with each step, but what turns I will take to get there will not be known to me until I reach them. And as I create this path, I too shall change, perhaps even choosing a new landmark as I round each hill or pass through each wood. One day when I am hopefully old and I look back on my life I will say, "That was my path." For now though it remains a goal, a dream, and a mystery.
4. You can give one piece of advice to one who really needs advice to live by. What do you tell them?
Do not bemoan the wind when you can trim the sails.
Written By Klaus
March 10, 2021, 7:03 p.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Secure my daggers she says, stop letting Astrid have them, she says. The Princess Consort does not understand how her heir knows how to pick locks, find hidey holes, and can lift a purse or dagger better than any dock urchin I have ever seen, and over this last year I have come to know a lot of dock urchins! I am dead...
Written By Klaus
March 10, 2021, 7 p.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
I have a new title now. I am the terrible teakeeper. Also, my wife tells me it is all my fault.
Written By Khanne
March 10, 2021, 11:10 a.m.(2/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
I struggle with the words to describe how I feel in this moment. I struggled with them when making the announcement of the news. I am not one who is usually at a loss for words. Too often, I am the one with an overabundance of them. Yet, here I am.
My brain tells me I should write a tribute to you, that I should tell the world about the wonderful man that you were. But when I attempt to begin writing about your accomplishments, my mind simply gets lost in memory after memory of you. I remember the first time we sat together to talk. You brought a picnic to the Stone Grove, wanting to ask questions of me. I think it was about balance, but honestly, the foremost memory of that moment was how you looked at me with such excitement for learning, and how you adjusted your glasses every time they slipped.
I remember when I learned why you never really drank. I do not think I have seen such a magnificent bump on the noggin since then. I remember the birthday present you gave me that first year and how completely surprised I was, and how thrilled I was by it. I remember your rules, and how I dared to break them. And your art... oh, how I loved your art. It brings a smile instantly to my face to see one of your works. I remember how you wrote "The Book of You", which was, as it were, all about me. I treasure each and every entry still. I remember how you worried that I was so involved with my work that I would forget to eat. Lourche would come by with a basket full of tasty foods. Mrr. I remember how you said I smelled like 'blue'.
I remember, of course, the dark times too. Like, the mistake I made that still causes me pain to think about. How I felt incomplete for so long. I recall when we began speaking again and how difficult it was, for both of us. And I remember never giving up hope, no matter how dark it got.
I remember when we began to reconcile. How you brought me gifts; lovely dresses, a beautiful ornamental sprig of lavender for my hair. I remember how you called me your Light. I remember stolen moments that grew longer and longer. I remember waiting for spring. Oh, how I loved winter... until that year when it felt like Spring was painfully far away and could not arrive quick enough. I remember how welcomed into Halfshav you were, and how everyone was so excited to have a scholar of your like in our family. I remember how much fun we had torturing my brother.
I remember how the curls lay across your forehead and how my fingers seemed magnetized to them, twirling and winding that spring of hair around them playfully.
Let others extoll tales of your brilliant mind, your gifts as an alchemist, and all that. I will tell the world about the man behind all that. The man who moved me emotionally more than anyone else I have ever known. If they can not tell how amazing you were by my words, they will never truly understand. The Queen of Endings is richer today for having you with her, and the rest of us will have to carry the wealth of the memory of you instead.
I remember.
Always.
My brain tells me I should write a tribute to you, that I should tell the world about the wonderful man that you were. But when I attempt to begin writing about your accomplishments, my mind simply gets lost in memory after memory of you. I remember the first time we sat together to talk. You brought a picnic to the Stone Grove, wanting to ask questions of me. I think it was about balance, but honestly, the foremost memory of that moment was how you looked at me with such excitement for learning, and how you adjusted your glasses every time they slipped.
I remember when I learned why you never really drank. I do not think I have seen such a magnificent bump on the noggin since then. I remember the birthday present you gave me that first year and how completely surprised I was, and how thrilled I was by it. I remember your rules, and how I dared to break them. And your art... oh, how I loved your art. It brings a smile instantly to my face to see one of your works. I remember how you wrote "The Book of You", which was, as it were, all about me. I treasure each and every entry still. I remember how you worried that I was so involved with my work that I would forget to eat. Lourche would come by with a basket full of tasty foods. Mrr. I remember how you said I smelled like 'blue'.
I remember, of course, the dark times too. Like, the mistake I made that still causes me pain to think about. How I felt incomplete for so long. I recall when we began speaking again and how difficult it was, for both of us. And I remember never giving up hope, no matter how dark it got.
I remember when we began to reconcile. How you brought me gifts; lovely dresses, a beautiful ornamental sprig of lavender for my hair. I remember how you called me your Light. I remember stolen moments that grew longer and longer. I remember waiting for spring. Oh, how I loved winter... until that year when it felt like Spring was painfully far away and could not arrive quick enough. I remember how welcomed into Halfshav you were, and how everyone was so excited to have a scholar of your like in our family. I remember how much fun we had torturing my brother.
I remember how the curls lay across your forehead and how my fingers seemed magnetized to them, twirling and winding that spring of hair around them playfully.
Let others extoll tales of your brilliant mind, your gifts as an alchemist, and all that. I will tell the world about the man behind all that. The man who moved me emotionally more than anyone else I have ever known. If they can not tell how amazing you were by my words, they will never truly understand. The Queen of Endings is richer today for having you with her, and the rest of us will have to carry the wealth of the memory of you instead.
I remember.
Always.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.