Written By Tanith
April 29, 2020, 3:07 p.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
Everyone fears the wrath of a caring, loving mother/mother-figure that suspects you're not eating properly or aren't wearing the right coat in winter. -Everyone-. And if you don't, you should. Wear your coat like we always do. Because we do. Always. Wear our winter coats. Our mother gave them to us and we wear them -every- day.
Written By Elrych
April 29, 2020, 2:56 p.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
I ran into a bit of oddness at the Tea Shop the oher day. A Lady Ashford was struck with some sort of shock. Ad if she'd seen a ghost. I'm not sure what it was but I do hope she feels better.
Written By Elrych
April 29, 2020, 2:55 p.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
It looks like I made it back to Arx just before this strange whirlpool showed up. Strange, I hope it ends soon and I hope I had more knowledge to help stop it. Either way, it's put a strain on the House and I must figure a way to help protect and strengthen our supply lines. I intend to take some of our forces within the next few weeks and patrol the roads in Tristfell and into the woods north of Lyon's Redoubt. Clean up the paths and make the merchants feel a bit safer about moving their goods. Perhaps my wife to be, Lady Anabelle, can help me with this task. It would be preferable to diswade any tribes who have yet to bend the knee from attacking our currently taxed trade routes than to have it out with tem in battle but the men are well trained/numbered/ and prepared for such.
Written By Sunaia
April 29, 2020, 2:11 p.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
Memories are sometimes not all that they seem to be -- and I don't mean that they're not accurate, because they bloody well can be accurate, in frightening detail, sometimes. Often, even.
However:
The past is that, exactly. And a VERY wise and wonderful woman who is meaningful to me beyond everything happened to tell me something that changed my life. Yes, just like that: It changed my life.
She said:
"Half the time people are traveling just to get somewhere." She said people are so focused on their destinations, deciding what they'll find, caught up in their ideas of what -might- be there, or what they -want- to be there that they don't see what's actually there.
I think that's pretty wise.
But then, she said something else to us that stuck with me, and I can hear it over and over in my mind, like an echo:
"Sometimes the past leaves a mark. And it's definitely worth learning from the past -- but we shouldn't ever let it define us. People are a little too prone to not just -learning- from the past, but letting it define them. Sometimes, the past is a little bit -much-, and it's freeing to just step away from it. To define -now-, rather than standing in the shadow of -then-."
And that's the best echo that I've heard in the longest time. Yes, I know, others have tried to say the same things to me in different ways -- but there's something about the right timing, about the right place -- about a sudden, unexpected meeting or discovery that you -NEVER- in your whole life would have expected. -EVER-.
And so, it sticks. And it stuck with me.
L.G.: I owe you my life in more ways that I can think. If you happen to ever read this:
You saved me. I feel alive, in a way I haven't felt in longer than I can remember.
And you didn't even use a sword, this time.
(Though, I -SAW- it! It's really, REALLY beautiful. And with the best person I could think of holding it for you.)
However:
The past is that, exactly. And a VERY wise and wonderful woman who is meaningful to me beyond everything happened to tell me something that changed my life. Yes, just like that: It changed my life.
She said:
"Half the time people are traveling just to get somewhere." She said people are so focused on their destinations, deciding what they'll find, caught up in their ideas of what -might- be there, or what they -want- to be there that they don't see what's actually there.
I think that's pretty wise.
But then, she said something else to us that stuck with me, and I can hear it over and over in my mind, like an echo:
"Sometimes the past leaves a mark. And it's definitely worth learning from the past -- but we shouldn't ever let it define us. People are a little too prone to not just -learning- from the past, but letting it define them. Sometimes, the past is a little bit -much-, and it's freeing to just step away from it. To define -now-, rather than standing in the shadow of -then-."
And that's the best echo that I've heard in the longest time. Yes, I know, others have tried to say the same things to me in different ways -- but there's something about the right timing, about the right place -- about a sudden, unexpected meeting or discovery that you -NEVER- in your whole life would have expected. -EVER-.
And so, it sticks. And it stuck with me.
L.G.: I owe you my life in more ways that I can think. If you happen to ever read this:
You saved me. I feel alive, in a way I haven't felt in longer than I can remember.
And you didn't even use a sword, this time.
(Though, I -SAW- it! It's really, REALLY beautiful. And with the best person I could think of holding it for you.)
Written By Meara
April 29, 2020, 1 p.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rorik
The next time you call my ship a "little boat" I'm putting a bucket of live octopuses in your bed.
Written By Azova
April 29, 2020, 10:54 a.m.(3/14/1013 AR)
Returning to the city has certainly been an... adventure, already. With events to celebrate the best of each region, discussion of several outings where medical skills might be of use (aside from mending hard-headed fighters), and a whirlpool (Did you see that Rorik? A WHIRLPOOL) appearing that makes travel by water rather troublesome.
On the bright side I have met several new people, and marveled at the ability of some to eat food that merely looking at makes me shudder. Perhaps my next alchemical experiments should focus on improved anti-emetics.
P.S. Whirlpoolyness is still not a word.
On the bright side I have met several new people, and marveled at the ability of some to eat food that merely looking at makes me shudder. Perhaps my next alchemical experiments should focus on improved anti-emetics.
P.S. Whirlpoolyness is still not a word.
Written By Sirius
April 29, 2020, 5:04 a.m.(3/13/1013 AR)
I commend myself to you once more, grand scholar,
Take these etchings and make of them what you would,
It's been a strange couple of weeks, grandmaster of truth. All my years, I've preferred the examined life -- thinking, reflecting, observing. Watch the world develop and from the experience there found by those who carefully measure then take action, act. Hesitate on past mistakes, learn from them, and yet I find that with every passing day here on Arx I teeter and threaten towards the strangest of brinks.
To action unmeasured.
I am a leader, a hunter, a warrior, but feel more as of late like a traveler. Life is transient, meaning hard to come by, it is why I act brashly at times here in Arx, where if one's to delay the next step there's chance to miss out on what tomorrow holds. Even here, as I write, the words flow out in a brash freehand; the wording comes easily, it's almost mechanically simple; a language developed for mental rigour and simplicity which I've oft used, but kept from the journals. Picturesque prose always felt more form-fitting for you, learned one.
I've tried to loosen, as my family suggested. I tried the many distractions the city has to offer- the Theater, the Empyrean, the local arenas. Every inn, every drink. Ashes on wool. Perhaps it is winter, and I am simply not in control.
I don't know. I apologize if this feels as if I'm nagging you, you most likely have hundreds of haranguing letters as it is.
Take these etchings and make of them what you would,
It's been a strange couple of weeks, grandmaster of truth. All my years, I've preferred the examined life -- thinking, reflecting, observing. Watch the world develop and from the experience there found by those who carefully measure then take action, act. Hesitate on past mistakes, learn from them, and yet I find that with every passing day here on Arx I teeter and threaten towards the strangest of brinks.
To action unmeasured.
I am a leader, a hunter, a warrior, but feel more as of late like a traveler. Life is transient, meaning hard to come by, it is why I act brashly at times here in Arx, where if one's to delay the next step there's chance to miss out on what tomorrow holds. Even here, as I write, the words flow out in a brash freehand; the wording comes easily, it's almost mechanically simple; a language developed for mental rigour and simplicity which I've oft used, but kept from the journals. Picturesque prose always felt more form-fitting for you, learned one.
I've tried to loosen, as my family suggested. I tried the many distractions the city has to offer- the Theater, the Empyrean, the local arenas. Every inn, every drink. Ashes on wool. Perhaps it is winter, and I am simply not in control.
I don't know. I apologize if this feels as if I'm nagging you, you most likely have hundreds of haranguing letters as it is.
Written By Insaya
April 29, 2020, 4:27 a.m.(3/13/1013 AR)
Well, that errand was a bust. It is, I suspect, what happens naturally as the road of possibilities begins to narrows... and becomes pitted, and gouged. Maybe just the actual road. Anyway, it's done, and I'm back in the city... and I will be crossing that sort of inquiry right off the list of things that I will do without extensive bribery. I mean serious personal benefit. And definitely not if it requires that sort of mileage in a cart, with not even a friendly cushion for my bum. Underline that, please, brother. Thank you. After I have a nice long soak, and can feel my feet (and my ass) again, this weary questioner will set to work again. Perhaps with direction from above.
Fun Fact: If you suggest someone has a spider in their hair, they will almost always immediately set to slapping themselves? And will continue to paw at themselves for some time? It works almost as well if you suggest nits, bees, or fleas instead. Either way, no innocent bugs were squashed in the commission of this experiment, and I am fairly sure that the Queen would have enjoyed the spectacle. I know I did.
Fun Fact: If you suggest someone has a spider in their hair, they will almost always immediately set to slapping themselves? And will continue to paw at themselves for some time? It works almost as well if you suggest nits, bees, or fleas instead. Either way, no innocent bugs were squashed in the commission of this experiment, and I am fairly sure that the Queen would have enjoyed the spectacle. I know I did.
Written By Cambria
April 29, 2020, 3:26 a.m.(3/13/1013 AR)
To the Thief of all my Thoughts,
Will you ever release me?
Will you ever release me?
Written By Jaenelle
April 29, 2020, 12:17 a.m.(3/13/1013 AR)
I have grown to hate Thursdays. I despise them even. They have become a reminder of everything I have lost, and they occur without fail each week. I should consider this problem logically... How do I make Thursdays a day I look forward to and not a day I loath? How do I replace what Thursdays once meant with something equally as important without those who made Thursdays enjoyable in the first place?
Written By Thea
April 29, 2020, 12:09 a.m.(3/13/1013 AR)
Today I spent a good portion of my time at the Shrine of Lagoma with Duchess Delilah. Digging up frozen dirt. Doing someone I have little knowledge of, but still keeping busy while simply talking. It was a simple thing, but felt goid. Something I didn't know I needed until all was said and done. Anazing how sometimes there is a pull that knows what you need before you do.
Written By Poppy
April 28, 2020, 9:35 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
I fear Lady Volcica is going to be so frustrated with me scholar. But I swear, it's not my fault! See. I just can't stand by was watch animals not thrive.
What started as a mouse saved from the jaws of a terrible beastly cat, has grown. I found an egg in the street and been diligently keeping it warm and am ready to raise the little dear, even if it involves crushing worms every twenty minutes.
I also stumbled across a cat giving birth to kittens at the spirits and the runt has needed a gentle touch. I fear it too will be rejected by it's mother and need caring for.
I also have been offered a puppy by a dear friend. Scholar? Do you think Lady Volcica will mind? Oh. you think it's safer to hide them all in my room? Me too scholar. Me too.
What started as a mouse saved from the jaws of a terrible beastly cat, has grown. I found an egg in the street and been diligently keeping it warm and am ready to raise the little dear, even if it involves crushing worms every twenty minutes.
I also stumbled across a cat giving birth to kittens at the spirits and the runt has needed a gentle touch. I fear it too will be rejected by it's mother and need caring for.
I also have been offered a puppy by a dear friend. Scholar? Do you think Lady Volcica will mind? Oh. you think it's safer to hide them all in my room? Me too scholar. Me too.
Written By Valdemar
April 28, 2020, 8:16 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Esme
Sparring does help. So does arguing with someone, though you might want to be careful who you choose to do that one with. Sailing helps me as well, though it is admittedly difficult with current circumstances.
Written By Rosalind
April 28, 2020, 6:49 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Triton
Brother! It is our birthday! I miss you so so much! We are another year older, I'll let you be that extra minute today!
Written By Rorik
April 28, 2020, 5:40 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Azova
If swirliness was the right word, it would be a swirlpool not a whirlpool.
Written By Rorik
April 28, 2020, 3:38 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
The Taste of Arx was a great way to introduce myself to the city. I helped solve a murder in the Velenosa Ward (it was the invisible horse, of course), cheered the Queen on in an arm-wrestling championship in the Redrain Ward, and beat out Porter in an eating competition of our favorite foods in the Thrax Ward. I met a lot of new people, made a few new friends, and got really drunk which is always a bonus. I won't say which one was my favorite, they were all really fun, but there is one party that stood out in particular.
Written By Thea
April 28, 2020, 2:32 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
One never stops learning, whether you realize it or not. There is always a new light being broadened.
Written By Rorik
April 28, 2020, 1:13 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Meara
My baby sister's come to Arx! After so long away, traveling from here to there, it's nice to settle down for awhile and be among family. Bonus, she hasn't really grown much since the last time I saw her so it's like no time at all has passed.
Sad to say she wasn't able to bring her little boat here. But I promise you, sister, once the whirlpool has stopped it's whirlpoolyness, we'll get here to the City.
Sad to say she wasn't able to bring her little boat here. But I promise you, sister, once the whirlpool has stopped it's whirlpoolyness, we'll get here to the City.
Written By Esme
April 28, 2020, 12:31 p.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
I am not normally angry. Yet, here I am for the second time this week.
How does one combat anger? To anyone reading, what do you do when you are angry to burn the energy?
Perhaps I should spar. Maybe that is my answer.
How does one combat anger? To anyone reading, what do you do when you are angry to burn the energy?
Perhaps I should spar. Maybe that is my answer.
Written By Carita
April 28, 2020, 10:47 a.m.(3/12/1013 AR)
I have to say that I genuinely enjoyed myself, planning, and making sure the Taste of Arx: Thrax Ward was something special for everyone. I was grateful that Princess Sabella asked me to host again this year; it was a great honor. The bonus of showing off the wonders of Thrax certainly didn't hurt either.
I thought someone would have thrown up during the eating contest! Not that it was a goal. Not even a little. Followed by drunken sledding on the large turtle shells from Escuma (thanks again Marquise Turo) was so hilarious I hope we try something like this next year. Watching the Queen push Sister Rosalie down the hill, only to find herself being pulled down on her backside, was worth remembering, especially because Prince Niklas bowled into her to cause it. The group watching collectively held their breath until the Queen was laughing, and then no one could think of anything more hilarious.
Of course, watching Prince Niklas wave his arms around like a windmill to 'limber up' beforehand and that causing Princess Sabella to laugh hard enough, I thought she might start hiccflisjafuping. Then, of course, the Queen's revenge in nearly plowing right into the Prince at the bottom of the hill and watching the famous playwright get a face full of snow? I swear, I couldn't paint a picture worthy of remembering that part of the night. Don't worry, patron mine; I would certainly not depict that sort of image accurately. You'd be wearing pants in my painting for sure.
I thought someone would have thrown up during the eating contest! Not that it was a goal. Not even a little. Followed by drunken sledding on the large turtle shells from Escuma (thanks again Marquise Turo) was so hilarious I hope we try something like this next year. Watching the Queen push Sister Rosalie down the hill, only to find herself being pulled down on her backside, was worth remembering, especially because Prince Niklas bowled into her to cause it. The group watching collectively held their breath until the Queen was laughing, and then no one could think of anything more hilarious.
Of course, watching Prince Niklas wave his arms around like a windmill to 'limber up' beforehand and that causing Princess Sabella to laugh hard enough, I thought she might start hiccflisjafuping. Then, of course, the Queen's revenge in nearly plowing right into the Prince at the bottom of the hill and watching the famous playwright get a face full of snow? I swear, I couldn't paint a picture worthy of remembering that part of the night. Don't worry, patron mine; I would certainly not depict that sort of image accurately. You'd be wearing pants in my painting for sure.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.