Written By Bianca
Feb. 23, 2020, 2:07 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
My most heartfelt congratulations to Prince Sebastian Pravus for his triumph in this year's Good Harvest wine competition. His Setarco Buttercream is a taste truly a marvel; it's my great hope everyone might have a chance to try it, some time.
The rest of our contestants deserve their own recognition as well for their efforts. Our runners up, Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik's orange wine and Lord Martino Malvici's black laurel wine, were both great victories in their sheer uniqueness in processing, to say nothing of their taste. The rest - yes, even Lady Catalana's bold submission of fortified wine - were all magnificent, with storied histories and fascinating methods of production. I list them here, in the hopes they might get the recognition they, too, deserve.
Lady Appolonia Seraceni's Ischian retsina
Lady Zorianna Blackshore's New Hope 'Pink Harvest' wine
Sir Merek Black's Lenosian Strawberry Wine
Lady Catalana Kennex's Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka ('fortified wine')
On a personal level, I have never been an exceptionally outgoing woman. It has taken me much time to get where I am today in engaging the world, and even now, sometimes I simply prefer the quiet and solitude I am afforded amongst my books. But it is worth it, I think, to reach out. This Good Harvest was a great success - and my most sincere gratitude to Archlector Roran for his much-needed assistance - and it was truly rewarding to see so many people from so many walks of life enjoy themselves, even if just for a time. Satisfying. I am gladdened that it seems to have been such a success. We all need reason to celebrate, sometimes, even in - especially in - times fraught with uncertainty.
... Though I fear perhaps some of the judges enjoyed Lady Catalana's self-proclaimed fortified wine a little too much.
The rest of our contestants deserve their own recognition as well for their efforts. Our runners up, Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik's orange wine and Lord Martino Malvici's black laurel wine, were both great victories in their sheer uniqueness in processing, to say nothing of their taste. The rest - yes, even Lady Catalana's bold submission of fortified wine - were all magnificent, with storied histories and fascinating methods of production. I list them here, in the hopes they might get the recognition they, too, deserve.
Lady Appolonia Seraceni's Ischian retsina
Lady Zorianna Blackshore's New Hope 'Pink Harvest' wine
Sir Merek Black's Lenosian Strawberry Wine
Lady Catalana Kennex's Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka ('fortified wine')
On a personal level, I have never been an exceptionally outgoing woman. It has taken me much time to get where I am today in engaging the world, and even now, sometimes I simply prefer the quiet and solitude I am afforded amongst my books. But it is worth it, I think, to reach out. This Good Harvest was a great success - and my most sincere gratitude to Archlector Roran for his much-needed assistance - and it was truly rewarding to see so many people from so many walks of life enjoy themselves, even if just for a time. Satisfying. I am gladdened that it seems to have been such a success. We all need reason to celebrate, sometimes, even in - especially in - times fraught with uncertainty.
... Though I fear perhaps some of the judges enjoyed Lady Catalana's self-proclaimed fortified wine a little too much.
Written By Calista
Feb. 23, 2020, 11:14 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
Duchess Vanora is someone I would consider to be something of a reflection of myself. As we are both Lycene and teachings of the Thirteenth are not taboo as they are in other parts of Arvum, this is truly a compliment. I love her ambition and her cunning ways. She is bold and determined and during times of strife, we could all use some of her fierceness.
I am so happy I was finally able to catch some time with the Duchess. We've been playing a game of tag for what feels like an eternity. Perhaps next time we meet will be sooner rather than later.
I am so happy I was finally able to catch some time with the Duchess. We've been playing a game of tag for what feels like an eternity. Perhaps next time we meet will be sooner rather than later.
Written By Calista
Feb. 23, 2020, 11:09 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
I have found Lord Martino's company to be quite satisfactory. Charming to a fault, he isn't exactly what I would consider a traditional Malvici nobleman to be, but someone has to lead the way outside of the martial cloth that is cut so precisely in Southport.
My husband's cousin, and so by proxy, family to me, Lord Martino is a delight and I have been so fortunate to run into him serendipitously while visiting The Black Fox. For those of you who've never visited, you absolutely must. It is more about the atmosphere and experience.
I could not help but be reminded of a someone from my past while in his presence and I assured him it was a good comparison.
My husband's cousin, and so by proxy, family to me, Lord Martino is a delight and I have been so fortunate to run into him serendipitously while visiting The Black Fox. For those of you who've never visited, you absolutely must. It is more about the atmosphere and experience.
I could not help but be reminded of a someone from my past while in his presence and I assured him it was a good comparison.
Written By Porter
Feb. 23, 2020, 11:01 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
And while I'm highly disappointed that House Kennex's fortified wine didn't win the competition last time, the other entries were truly outstanding. I'll need to pick up a few bottles of each for my own personal collection.
Written By Revell
Feb. 23, 2020, 10:45 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dycard
SUBJECT: LORD DYCARD BLACKSHORE
At first, I dismissed him as nothing but a sleazy flirt with entirely too much silver to his name and time on his hands. But, the longer I spent with him the more I realised that he does seem picky about the people who chases, and that overall, he just really likes to flatter.
He's a flatterer.
Harmless, guilible. I do hope that he is aware that he is being taken advantage of. He is the perfect target if you want to squeeze a free drink out of somebody. (You didn't hear that from me. I mean, you did-- but you didn't, you'know?)
He was the only one that I met that day that didn't try to hand me sacks of silver and take me shopping for footwear though, and for that, I thank him. I find that I don't know what to do whenever I am being treated like a chairty case and people wax lyrical about Gild. How do you politely tell someone to take their God elsewhere?
He even brought 50 silver worth of flowers from me to give to a woman he wished to bed! It took him forever to hand them over to her though, and I was so close to snatching them out of his hands so I could do it myself.
Maybe, when my shop opens, I'll offer a delivery service.
Overall good company. Made me laugh once or twice. Not as stuffy as I expected a Noble in Arx to be. Social standings aside, I hope to get to know him better - and when I do, I'll add an addendum to this journal!
At first, I dismissed him as nothing but a sleazy flirt with entirely too much silver to his name and time on his hands. But, the longer I spent with him the more I realised that he does seem picky about the people who chases, and that overall, he just really likes to flatter.
He's a flatterer.
Harmless, guilible. I do hope that he is aware that he is being taken advantage of. He is the perfect target if you want to squeeze a free drink out of somebody. (You didn't hear that from me. I mean, you did-- but you didn't, you'know?)
He was the only one that I met that day that didn't try to hand me sacks of silver and take me shopping for footwear though, and for that, I thank him. I find that I don't know what to do whenever I am being treated like a chairty case and people wax lyrical about Gild. How do you politely tell someone to take their God elsewhere?
He even brought 50 silver worth of flowers from me to give to a woman he wished to bed! It took him forever to hand them over to her though, and I was so close to snatching them out of his hands so I could do it myself.
Maybe, when my shop opens, I'll offer a delivery service.
Overall good company. Made me laugh once or twice. Not as stuffy as I expected a Noble in Arx to be. Social standings aside, I hope to get to know him better - and when I do, I'll add an addendum to this journal!
Written By Martino
Feb. 23, 2020, 9:49 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
The young Lord Alexander of yours does truly so well learning from your fine rule. To have heard your views, to challenge my own and explain what you see 'traditionalism' to be was eye opening.
Dinner in Tyde Hall is certainly not a soft affair.
Dinner in Tyde Hall is certainly not a soft affair.
Written By Brigid
Feb. 23, 2020, 1:30 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Brigida
I want to be you when I grow up.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 23, 2020, 12:56 a.m.(10/21/1012 AR)
One of the most insidious excuses and impediments to Change is the trap of thinking that the way things are is inherently correct, because it's the way that things have always been.
'Not all change is positive', comes the eternal refrain.
'There are no better solutions?'
Wrong. There are no comfortable solutions, and Gods forbid we should experience discomfort.
'Not all change is positive', comes the eternal refrain.
'There are no better solutions?'
Wrong. There are no comfortable solutions, and Gods forbid we should experience discomfort.
Written By Cambria
Feb. 22, 2020, 11:19 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
When reading journals from centuries ago, it can be helpful - indeed, beneficial - to stop and wonder what someone eight hundred years from now will think when reading one's own journals. What things beneath my nose will they see that I do not?
Written By Cambria
Feb. 22, 2020, 11:13 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
It is not necessary for leadership to be thoroughly despotic for people to live in oppressive conditions in which they are afraid to say some things, and, what's worse, feel required to say others.
There is no better way to destroy human personality than this.
There is no better way to destroy human personality than this.
Written By Jourdain
Feb. 22, 2020, 10:41 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
Bianca's harvest festival went off without a hitch. Not that I would expect any less. She has always prepared quite thoroughly for any endeavor she chooses to undertake.
...I'm still onto your efforts with regards to me, though, cousin. I will have you know that I shall in my own good time.
...I'm still onto your efforts with regards to me, though, cousin. I will have you know that I shall in my own good time.
Written By Sanya
Feb. 22, 2020, 10:27 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
So that it's on record. I believe in you and your capabilities.
Written By Raja
Feb. 22, 2020, 8:44 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
Liberation. It is such a wonderful word, no? It is a word that speaks to me. I have been contemplating this word so much that I joined the Liberators. It feels right. It feels as if this is the path I am supposed to be set on. I look forward to Liberating!
Written By Saoirse
Feb. 22, 2020, 5:41 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
I'm told that the joining of two Great Houses requires a party, which I understand. I do wish, however, there was something a little more creative about the whole thing. Neither Beaumont nor I seem like ...party people.
Written By Dianna
Feb. 22, 2020, 2:44 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
I seem to be inadvertently disturbing the repose of loved ones with my open revelations of thoughts and concerns.
It is always, to me, more disconcerting not to know the truths that surround me - unpleasant though they may be, truth is naught but revelatory. One cannot act properly if wandering at night through the forest without light and one runs into a tree - or worse, does not know of a predator watching, plotting and planning while one ambles ignorantly.
I would rather know a painful truth - that one I love does not feel the same for me, for instance; that a belief I hold to is held improperly; that a supposed friend is a foe, or oppositely - than not to know at all, to remain in the ignorance of my beliefs.
It seems not to be the same for most. To say it is disappointing to learn is quite an understatement, though it is, in itself, but another truth, unpleasant though it is.
I worry for the Compact, in this way, for the darkness is not afraid - not of themselves, nor of its opposite. And, with so many afraid to look into the darkness, to learn that we may have weaknesses, that we are not as strong as we might wish to be is to deny a reality that might be overcome, but cannot be by faith, alone.
The gods, for all their strengths, cannot do everything for us. We must respect The Great Balance. We must respect the ineffability, the unknown - and yet, seek to know. For, we are not gods. We are humans.
It is always, to me, more disconcerting not to know the truths that surround me - unpleasant though they may be, truth is naught but revelatory. One cannot act properly if wandering at night through the forest without light and one runs into a tree - or worse, does not know of a predator watching, plotting and planning while one ambles ignorantly.
I would rather know a painful truth - that one I love does not feel the same for me, for instance; that a belief I hold to is held improperly; that a supposed friend is a foe, or oppositely - than not to know at all, to remain in the ignorance of my beliefs.
It seems not to be the same for most. To say it is disappointing to learn is quite an understatement, though it is, in itself, but another truth, unpleasant though it is.
I worry for the Compact, in this way, for the darkness is not afraid - not of themselves, nor of its opposite. And, with so many afraid to look into the darkness, to learn that we may have weaknesses, that we are not as strong as we might wish to be is to deny a reality that might be overcome, but cannot be by faith, alone.
The gods, for all their strengths, cannot do everything for us. We must respect The Great Balance. We must respect the ineffability, the unknown - and yet, seek to know. For, we are not gods. We are humans.
Written By Sydney
Feb. 22, 2020, 12:49 p.m.(10/20/1012 AR)
I have my share of faults, and I don't pretend otherwise, but I think therein lies the difference between myself and many others that I encounter. Know that you have weaknesses, and faults, and work to better them - or failing that, at least accept your faults, and find ways to make up for them.
If you can't work inside the lines, draw new lines.
If you can't work inside the lines, draw new lines.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 22, 2020, 11:47 a.m.(10/19/1012 AR)
A song of hope. I spend time in the various shrines and pick up a little inspiration for a line of lyrics here and there and slowly put them together. Composing does not flow easily to me but it is done with joy.
Written By Otho
Feb. 22, 2020, 11:46 a.m.(10/19/1012 AR)
Well, Piss. Once again, that swill-belly used my lucky whalebones to roll himself a 3-pair, right after he huffed his hot ginny breath all over them - for luck's sake, he says, and then rolls a 3-pair of sixes, all in a prim little row, nails in my coffin. So goes straight away into a fit about it, whooping, throwing his hands up -- for a quarter-hour this goes, red-faced and chirping merry, big roaring guffaws at my expense. This fellow's a real cut of cloth -- set a record, far and away, for the longest bit of gloating I've seen in my 65 years - I do not exaggerate, journal; I mulled it over, and that's the hard fact of it. I've never welched, not once, and wasn't starting now - so I placed a full day's wages right in his sweaty mitt. Well, good on him - all I can say is: enjoy that haul, jolly jumble-guts - you'll not swindle another day's wages out of me, least not over a game of lucky tumbles.
If he's keen, we can have ourselves a game of savvy next time, something with a spot of cunning, something with some sport to it -- a pig could roll 3-pair if you perched some dice on its snout and gave it's ass a whack. Let's see how ye fair in a match of wits, jumble-guts - I'd burn a hole through your purse so fast you'll have to poke yourself a new belt-loop. Mark my words, journal - my name is Otho Felpspur and that's the last time I'll make an arse-smart wager like that. I'm marking the date, putting a circle 'round it. Tossing these lucky dice in with the dirty socks: they're shite.
Piss!
Goodnight.
If he's keen, we can have ourselves a game of savvy next time, something with a spot of cunning, something with some sport to it -- a pig could roll 3-pair if you perched some dice on its snout and gave it's ass a whack. Let's see how ye fair in a match of wits, jumble-guts - I'd burn a hole through your purse so fast you'll have to poke yourself a new belt-loop. Mark my words, journal - my name is Otho Felpspur and that's the last time I'll make an arse-smart wager like that. I'm marking the date, putting a circle 'round it. Tossing these lucky dice in with the dirty socks: they're shite.
Piss!
Goodnight.
Written By Martino
Feb. 22, 2020, 10:46 a.m.(10/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
Well others seem to have written on it so, I to, will join those dear ranks.
To catch up with the Duchess of Roses was quite the delight. Fine glasses of red wine, chitter and gossip of course for dinner, made for quite the late night. Also to have seen the glow of Marquessa Lora, with Marquis Dante, brought dear cheer in.
Let us not have it be so long again, yes Duchess? I do beseech you to please share the dear story of this Prince as well. I am touched with an air of curiosity.
To catch up with the Duchess of Roses was quite the delight. Fine glasses of red wine, chitter and gossip of course for dinner, made for quite the late night. Also to have seen the glow of Marquessa Lora, with Marquis Dante, brought dear cheer in.
Let us not have it be so long again, yes Duchess? I do beseech you to please share the dear story of this Prince as well. I am touched with an air of curiosity.
Written By Gunnar
Feb. 22, 2020, 9:04 a.m.(10/19/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Llewella
A month, or as near that as anyone might judge, after stepping on to the same path as that of my wife. A woman that has strength to match my own, though it is not that of sinew and bone like mine, but that of mind and spirit - a compliment to me.
Though it would seem daily that the task I've set my hand to, the role I have taken up, grows - it is surmountable, it can be brought to heel. We, my wife and I, shall make of Melaeris a home like none other for us and ours.
Though it would seem daily that the task I've set my hand to, the role I have taken up, grows - it is surmountable, it can be brought to heel. We, my wife and I, shall make of Melaeris a home like none other for us and ours.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.