Written By Aedric
April 2, 2020, 8:58 a.m.(1/15/1013 AR)
Today, one of our newly recruited marines inquired why the men on my ship wear chain and platemail to sea. His question drew a quick retort from a more experienced peer, something along the lines of, "To protect ourselves, you dolt!" -- which, of course, was followed by laughter. He took the jab better than I expected, indicative of generally good spirits and morale, and then repeated his question -- pointing out the real risks of stumbling overboard. Here the sailors deferred to me, for this was a policy I long ago effectuated as a condition of employment and service.
We Blackshore men are born of the sea. It is as much our home as the Mourning Isles. No matter the enemy, be they pirate or Eurusi, it is better to sink gently into her cold, dispassionate embrace than succumb to injury from axe or arrow. We welcome fate, and as such we will demonstrate to our adversaries that we are a manifestation of the very thing they seek to exploit and conquer.
He appeared satisfied with this explanation and donned a spare breastplate.
The war will be won. Of this I have no doubt.
We Blackshore men are born of the sea. It is as much our home as the Mourning Isles. No matter the enemy, be they pirate or Eurusi, it is better to sink gently into her cold, dispassionate embrace than succumb to injury from axe or arrow. We welcome fate, and as such we will demonstrate to our adversaries that we are a manifestation of the very thing they seek to exploit and conquer.
He appeared satisfied with this explanation and donned a spare breastplate.
The war will be won. Of this I have no doubt.
Written By Charis
April 2, 2020, 5:15 a.m.(1/15/1013 AR)
I am long out of practice for the sort of talk which comes here in this city. Or maybe it's the setting. Talk, easy talk, the sort that flows like a spring, it doesn't come to the rattle of cart-wheels on the cobbles outside, or dogs barking, or coins sighing out metal whispers in a purse thrown on a counter. Maybe it's where I am.
They'd say that no, no Charis, you weren't ever good for talk, but I know they'd say it laughing. I was good for laughing then too.
The work comes in though. It's quiet, it's heavy like the blanket of snow outside. A comfortable weight. A comfortable silence, close to the sound a rich bolt makes when passed over on the shelf for the one next to it; it'll have its turn eventually. There's no firelight in the shop, no pine to breathe in... no roots at the small of my back either, or pebbles in my boot, chapped nose, chapped lips. Red's not a colour to flinch from, any longer. It suits those I serve very well. Brings out the gold in them, skin or eyes or hair or just the way they turn their head to say the quick, clever things folks here are prone to voice.
Jayus favours me here and has been good to my needle. I'm fortunate in that. Maybe he'll help inspire my tongue next as I settle in, so I'm not left the fool empty-handed, unarmed, in the sorties that come about within these walls.
They'd say that no, no Charis, you weren't ever good for talk, but I know they'd say it laughing. I was good for laughing then too.
The work comes in though. It's quiet, it's heavy like the blanket of snow outside. A comfortable weight. A comfortable silence, close to the sound a rich bolt makes when passed over on the shelf for the one next to it; it'll have its turn eventually. There's no firelight in the shop, no pine to breathe in... no roots at the small of my back either, or pebbles in my boot, chapped nose, chapped lips. Red's not a colour to flinch from, any longer. It suits those I serve very well. Brings out the gold in them, skin or eyes or hair or just the way they turn their head to say the quick, clever things folks here are prone to voice.
Jayus favours me here and has been good to my needle. I'm fortunate in that. Maybe he'll help inspire my tongue next as I settle in, so I'm not left the fool empty-handed, unarmed, in the sorties that come about within these walls.
Written By Rowenova
April 2, 2020, 3:50 a.m.(1/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tarik
For posterity, let it be known that -- on this fine, snowy day -- you told me that I can write about you, even when we start doing research in the library.
Written By Dianna
April 2, 2020, 2:27 a.m.(1/15/1013 AR)
Trini says I was so drunk, I could barely speak.
Hilja knows better, though; she knows exactly how little I had to drink - and exactly how much brandy was left!
Anyway, I don't know what they're going on about.
I could speak. I could swear I was speaking in full sentences.
Wash was there, and Lord Iroh, too.
And everyone knows I can hold my brandy. Why, I once drank two bottles before I felt dizzy. And almost three before I needed to sleep.
Hilja knows better, though; she knows exactly how little I had to drink - and exactly how much brandy was left!
Anyway, I don't know what they're going on about.
I could speak. I could swear I was speaking in full sentences.
Wash was there, and Lord Iroh, too.
And everyone knows I can hold my brandy. Why, I once drank two bottles before I felt dizzy. And almost three before I needed to sleep.
Written By Sydney
April 1, 2020, 11:58 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
Winter at the Murder is the same as it ever was.
The snow blends in with the dirt outside and creates a hell of a mudpit that you can't help but track slush and mud in when you step in, and allegedly there's somewhere to clean off your feet, but this sounds made up to me.
The company was eerily similar tonight. It's been about a year since that day, and what a year. It hardly seem real, not by half.
Three of four of us. I wonder what it would be like, now, with the missing quarter?
I think we'd be laughing more.
The snow blends in with the dirt outside and creates a hell of a mudpit that you can't help but track slush and mud in when you step in, and allegedly there's somewhere to clean off your feet, but this sounds made up to me.
The company was eerily similar tonight. It's been about a year since that day, and what a year. It hardly seem real, not by half.
Three of four of us. I wonder what it would be like, now, with the missing quarter?
I think we'd be laughing more.
Written By Ilvin
April 1, 2020, 11:50 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rosalie
I have Sister Rosalie to thank for keeping my mind active. That gift of shared knowledge and conversation is a blessing I hope never to take for granted.
Written By Veronica
April 1, 2020, 8:28 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
Always good to see a duel fought by well-honed warriors. I saw some interesting tricks of footwork I'll have to keep in mind for later.
Written By Adalyn
April 1, 2020, 7:25 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
Final day of watching little Lord Eadric Laurent: Earlier during his visit, I took Lord Eadric outside for target practice with blunted objects. Harmless. He thought it was great fun. How was I to know the idea would remain in his head and inspire him to throw silverware during dinner? I'm also in need of tips for getting paint out of things. (And by things, I do mean everything.)
The prospect of having children now seems a bit more daunting. Gods bless the Laurent nannies.
The prospect of having children now seems a bit more daunting. Gods bless the Laurent nannies.
Written By Cambria
April 1, 2020, 6:37 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
What you may want to do for your friends may not always be what they want, despite your best intentions. Sometimes, it is the modest gestures, the humble acts, that have the most meaning - and not the expensive parties or grandiose gifts.
Written By Amari
April 1, 2020, 5:35 p.m.(1/14/1013 AR)
Well, someone's a very grumpy boy. Restitution is not theft.
Written By Rymarr
April 1, 2020, 2:15 p.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
A suitable summary of my words. Another suitable summary of my previous writings would be that you're prepared to offer assurances to the other individual or group.
That no matter what, you're prepared to never give them up.
That no matter what, you're prepared to never give them up.
Written By Sydney
April 1, 2020, 12:45 p.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
The bruises upon my bruises have gradually begun to ease. It's nice to move without feeling the protest of pain for the first time in a few weeks.
Pushed myself a touch too hard, but such is the nature of these things.
Pushed myself a touch too hard, but such is the nature of these things.
Written By Rukhnis
April 1, 2020, 12:38 p.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
New life emerges even from the depths of winter. I am glad beyond telling that Lady Emma and Lady Arcadia Crovane arrived in the world with a father to greet them, and grateful to all those who helped ensure this was so. May these two grow up happy and secure in the love of both their parents as well as the many others who already care for them, and may their lives always know the warmth and kindness of spring even when the world is in wintertime.
Written By Sabella
April 1, 2020, 11:04 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
I am getting so excited for A Taste of Arx! I've seen some of the things our vassals are putting together and they are delightful! I've got the prizes all set for the events for the Grayson part and just need to order some pins to give away for the final big party at the palace and then everything will be set! I absolutely cannot wait! It will be so wonderful seeing the city come together for this event for the second time! It's always so amazing to go to the parties in the other wards to see what they have to offer and learn a little bit more about them--and the food is always phenomenal!
I really cannot wait!
I really cannot wait!
Written By Strozza
April 1, 2020, 9:50 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
What curiosities must we seem to be at times, like falling leaves caught in a wind twisting between the boles and branches. Whipping about in orbit of one another. To cling to one another until the ground is met, or torn apart to seek out other dance partners in our slow descent from budding to end in the loam.
Written By Gwenna
April 1, 2020, 8:53 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
My dearest cousin, you now have an open invitation to all future Redrain brunch events at the villa where the donning of lounge-wear is not only encouraged, but strongly preferred. Plus, we'd never turn down someone bringing honey for the toast.
Written By Dariel
April 1, 2020, 8:29 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Today I got a message. The sort of message you should never get. The sort of message which means there can never be more messages.
I remember being in the Grotto not all that long after I arrived in the city when I first met Cady. Lady Arcadia Leary as she then was at the time. I want to say she bombed the pool I was in at the time, but I suspect that may be the embellishment of memory. Somehow, we became friends despite the glitter bombs and the stealing of my tea every time she appeared in the Bold after me. A fact that still surprises me.
Lady Cady became Countess Cady when she married into a house in the far north. She embraced the northerness and loved it in a way that Cady would do. Utterly. I remember when she got married receiving messages saying she had to grow up and become a countess. That she had to be serious about things now and not be that old Cady. Sadly she soon realised that wasn't true. She could be both the serious, responsible one for her new home and still enjoy the same things. She helped her new home and saw it elevated to become a Marquessa. She had two lovely children. She always remained the same Cady at heart to me though.
I know some people saw Cady's playful side as childish, but those people are wrong. You had a thirst for adventure. While I did not share it, I always always had admired how it was so much a part of you. I don't know I've ever met someone more true to themselves than you.
Goodbye my friend.
I remember being in the Grotto not all that long after I arrived in the city when I first met Cady. Lady Arcadia Leary as she then was at the time. I want to say she bombed the pool I was in at the time, but I suspect that may be the embellishment of memory. Somehow, we became friends despite the glitter bombs and the stealing of my tea every time she appeared in the Bold after me. A fact that still surprises me.
Lady Cady became Countess Cady when she married into a house in the far north. She embraced the northerness and loved it in a way that Cady would do. Utterly. I remember when she got married receiving messages saying she had to grow up and become a countess. That she had to be serious about things now and not be that old Cady. Sadly she soon realised that wasn't true. She could be both the serious, responsible one for her new home and still enjoy the same things. She helped her new home and saw it elevated to become a Marquessa. She had two lovely children. She always remained the same Cady at heart to me though.
I know some people saw Cady's playful side as childish, but those people are wrong. You had a thirst for adventure. While I did not share it, I always always had admired how it was so much a part of you. I don't know I've ever met someone more true to themselves than you.
Goodbye my friend.
Written By Revell
April 1, 2020, 8:02 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
"If you don't expect anything from anyone, you won't be disappointed - only pleasantly surprised."
I never thought I'd have someone summarize - and agree with - my world view.
I am often warned to be cautious, I'm often told that I am naive and daft. People seem to think that I expect something to come of my kind gestures and attempts to shower others in affection, but that's not it at all.. I just like being nice.
It's a warm, wholesome feeling and a great shield against feelings of regret, anger and bitterness.
I never thought I'd have someone summarize - and agree with - my world view.
I am often warned to be cautious, I'm often told that I am naive and daft. People seem to think that I expect something to come of my kind gestures and attempts to shower others in affection, but that's not it at all.. I just like being nice.
It's a warm, wholesome feeling and a great shield against feelings of regret, anger and bitterness.
Written By Revell
April 1, 2020, 7:52 a.m.(1/13/1013 AR)
RE: Love
Dycard,
It sounds like you've never felt it, Lord-Captain. I was so sure you had.
Iseulet,
From asking people face to face, and from reading the responses in the Whites - I think you are on to something, my Lady. It may very well be a type of madness, and a kind that most wish for and would happily embrace if it came their way.
Lucene,
Asking questions is my way of finding answers, or is that not what you mean?
Corrigan,
There is a reason I didn't ask /you/, -my darling-. Ugh.
Vitalis,
Is it a different kind of resonance, a different kind of sacrifice from the kind friendship requires?
Rymarr,
I think I agree with you. It's no different to my view on friendships - I always strive to be understanding, loyalty is incredibly important to me, and I try to always be boldly honest about my feelings but never to the point of disregarding someone elses. And if you are correct, that love takes time to build, it is no wonder I have not experienced it yet.
Miranda,
Your answer is a very poetic one, and I adore poetry so in that sense, I was wow'd by your response. However, my question still remains.. 'how is that different from friendship?' This is not a question out of malice or anything, I think it's just pure ignorance on my part. From the other answers I've received, I am sure that's the case. I hope you don't mind if I make a transcript of your journal to look back on once I've had the pleasure of feeling.. love?
Mirari,
Thank you for sharing that tidbit - truly - it is nice knowing that there was once someone as ignorant as me out there in the world, and that this somebody has grown. Maybe there's still hope for me?
Dycard,
It sounds like you've never felt it, Lord-Captain. I was so sure you had.
Iseulet,
From asking people face to face, and from reading the responses in the Whites - I think you are on to something, my Lady. It may very well be a type of madness, and a kind that most wish for and would happily embrace if it came their way.
Lucene,
Asking questions is my way of finding answers, or is that not what you mean?
Corrigan,
There is a reason I didn't ask /you/, -my darling-. Ugh.
Vitalis,
Is it a different kind of resonance, a different kind of sacrifice from the kind friendship requires?
Rymarr,
I think I agree with you. It's no different to my view on friendships - I always strive to be understanding, loyalty is incredibly important to me, and I try to always be boldly honest about my feelings but never to the point of disregarding someone elses. And if you are correct, that love takes time to build, it is no wonder I have not experienced it yet.
Miranda,
Your answer is a very poetic one, and I adore poetry so in that sense, I was wow'd by your response. However, my question still remains.. 'how is that different from friendship?' This is not a question out of malice or anything, I think it's just pure ignorance on my part. From the other answers I've received, I am sure that's the case. I hope you don't mind if I make a transcript of your journal to look back on once I've had the pleasure of feeling.. love?
Mirari,
Thank you for sharing that tidbit - truly - it is nice knowing that there was once someone as ignorant as me out there in the world, and that this somebody has grown. Maybe there's still hope for me?
Written By Tanith
April 1, 2020, 2:03 a.m.(1/12/1013 AR)
Bad dreams brought on by bad cheese. Still bad. A leering face, mocking me in the dark like a memory that sticks to the insides of my eyelids, crawling like ants. This would be easier if I was a drunkard.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.