Written By Jael
Feb. 19, 2020, 2:03 p.m.(10.468242807539683/20.221597222222222/1012.7890202339617 AR)
There must have been twenty ducks waiting outside the Manse this morning.
Twenty!
Twenty!
Written By Jules
Feb. 19, 2020, 12:52 p.m.(10.46470486111111/20.02347222222222/1012.7887254050926 AR)
An eyepatch most certainly does not detract from ones natural attraction. While I can't imagine anyone wanting to lose an eye, the patch can be a delightful accessory as much as any necklace or ring.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 19, 2020, 8:05 a.m.(10.450516286375661/19.228912037037038/1012.7875430238646 AR)
Dry land. A peculiar sensation, after so long.
The Gambit's made port many a time in the past half year, of course - I've spent a fair number of nights ashore here and there, in varying places and varying company - but this is the first time since Spring that I've come ashore with any real intention to stay until the next morning.
Why I've come back feels as ambiguous and murky - and yet, as inevitable - as the reason I left in the first place. The open ocean called until I could ignore it no longer, and the solitude (to the extent that one's ever alone on a cramped vessel with two score of crew, anyway) was welcome, but it could only ever have been temporary.
I've got duties to attend to, for my family, for the Isles - and some personal affairs to dig into that can't really be explored leagues away from civilisation.
I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to some fairer company. The Gambit's a reliable old girl with whom I've been through a lot, and my crew have their charm, but I have missed spending time with individuals for whom personal hygiene isn't a novel concept.
So, here's to new beginnings. The tide goes out, the tide comes in.
The Gambit's made port many a time in the past half year, of course - I've spent a fair number of nights ashore here and there, in varying places and varying company - but this is the first time since Spring that I've come ashore with any real intention to stay until the next morning.
Why I've come back feels as ambiguous and murky - and yet, as inevitable - as the reason I left in the first place. The open ocean called until I could ignore it no longer, and the solitude (to the extent that one's ever alone on a cramped vessel with two score of crew, anyway) was welcome, but it could only ever have been temporary.
I've got duties to attend to, for my family, for the Isles - and some personal affairs to dig into that can't really be explored leagues away from civilisation.
I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to some fairer company. The Gambit's a reliable old girl with whom I've been through a lot, and my crew have their charm, but I have missed spending time with individuals for whom personal hygiene isn't a novel concept.
So, here's to new beginnings. The tide goes out, the tide comes in.
Written By Rysen
Feb. 19, 2020, 1:43 a.m.(10.431537698412699/18.16611111111111/1012.7859614748677 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
One of the many benefits of being married to an Islander, alongside dutifully producing heirs and sailing to exotic locals, is the opportunity of enjoying the hospitality of High Lord Victus and Princess Alarissa Thrax. Their conversation lacks no depth, nor does their table want excitement. The fare, also, is of the most interesting variety.
We eat a great deal of seafood in Stormwall. I was raised on cod and mackerel - even shark on occasion, but the cuisine of the Mourning Isles is something entirely different. Lady Catalana Kennex insisted, surely for the benefit of expanding my palate, that I try eel eye. I found it to be quite a delicacy - one that surely must not be overindulged in order to preserve its unique texture and flavor. Indeed, I believe it's taste so exquisite, that once in a lifetime will surely suffice.
Lady Catalana's great generosity was noticed by the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom, who showed me the greatest favor, by introducing me to an Island tradition. I was presented with a bucket of saltwater in which floated several small octopi. Princess Alarissa kindly offered me the following instruction: "bite them before they bite you," and "afterward drown them in rum." I remember little after finishing off the bucket, but the rum of House Thrax is second only to the company at its tables, and with a bit of Rukhnis's hangover tea, I can say that the next morning left me with happy, if partial, memories and only the slightest headache.
We eat a great deal of seafood in Stormwall. I was raised on cod and mackerel - even shark on occasion, but the cuisine of the Mourning Isles is something entirely different. Lady Catalana Kennex insisted, surely for the benefit of expanding my palate, that I try eel eye. I found it to be quite a delicacy - one that surely must not be overindulged in order to preserve its unique texture and flavor. Indeed, I believe it's taste so exquisite, that once in a lifetime will surely suffice.
Lady Catalana's great generosity was noticed by the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom, who showed me the greatest favor, by introducing me to an Island tradition. I was presented with a bucket of saltwater in which floated several small octopi. Princess Alarissa kindly offered me the following instruction: "bite them before they bite you," and "afterward drown them in rum." I remember little after finishing off the bucket, but the rum of House Thrax is second only to the company at its tables, and with a bit of Rukhnis's hangover tea, I can say that the next morning left me with happy, if partial, memories and only the slightest headache.
Written By Aureth
Feb. 18, 2020, 11:03 p.m.(10.42366691468254/17.725347222222222/1012.7853055762235 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Peanut is very charming, but you are way less likely to leave hair all over the floor.
Written By Thea
Feb. 18, 2020, 9:21 p.m.(10.418597470238096/17.441458333333333/1012.7848831225199 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
I can assure you Marquessa Arcadia, that is a terrible idea.
Written By Teagan
Feb. 18, 2020, 8:47 p.m.(10.416888227513228/17.34574074074074/1012.784740685626 AR)
Relationship Note on Baelor
It could be any number of things in the Cloudspine. I might like to meet your page one of these days and speak with her.
Written By Dianna
Feb. 18, 2020, 8:25 p.m.(10.41580646494709/17.285162037037036/1012.7846505387456 AR)
Ever my best friend.
Written By Shard
Feb. 18, 2020, 2:58 p.m.(10.399592427248677/16.377175925925926/1012.7832993689374 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
Those Abandoned bent the knee because the Undying Empire not only offered them protection, not only offered them training, but proved they were both capable of and willing to provide it. Protection from the Compact, but also protection from the Horned Butcher. As much as I hate the sacrifice they took, it's important for people to understand /why/ these Abandoned would make that choice, or else this is just going to keep happening. Those people are safer now than they've been in a long, long, long time. And while I doubt the Undying Empire thinks of them as anything more than most people in the Compact do--resources to be put to use, at best--I also doubt they're being treated like scum stuck to someone's shoe either. I doubt they're in danger of being killed or driven away because the person they've sworn to changed their mind about whether they should actually be allowed to live, a thing which I will remind anyone reading this journal was happening in the Compact, in the Oathlands where these people were living, not long before they made the decision to bow to the Undying Empire.
The Undying Empire has a foothold on Arvum in part because of the danger presented by the Horned Butcher and his followers, but it also has one precisely because of the Compact's old and also extremely recent history with both the Abandoned and Prodigals. This is not the sort of thing that gets solved by even more killing, and nobody in their right mind thinks we can go to war with the Undying Empire and ultimately come out on top.
The Undying Empire has a foothold on Arvum in part because of the danger presented by the Horned Butcher and his followers, but it also has one precisely because of the Compact's old and also extremely recent history with both the Abandoned and Prodigals. This is not the sort of thing that gets solved by even more killing, and nobody in their right mind thinks we can go to war with the Undying Empire and ultimately come out on top.
Written By Aleksei
Feb. 18, 2020, 2:02 p.m.(10.396842757936508/16.223194444444445/1012.783070229828 AR)
Honestly, at this point I think most people like my kid more than me.
Also my dog.
I absolutely don't blame them.
Also my dog.
I absolutely don't blame them.
Written By Tanith
Feb. 18, 2020, 1:38 p.m.(10.395697751322752/16.159074074074073/1012.7829748126102 AR)
It's bad business to discriminate against any specific 'group' of people. Luck can change with the moon or the tides, the social pariah can be the queen tomorrow, better to just treat those that seek service equally. Who's it hurt? Bad manners just cause more trouble.
Written By Mabelle
Feb. 18, 2020, 1:25 p.m.(10.395039682539682/16.12222222222222/1012.782919973545 AR)
Relationship Note on Lottie
Lottie is back in the city! I could smell the cookies baking in her shop all the way up to the mansion.
I bought half the stock but if you hurry there might be some left.
I bought half the stock but if you hurry there might be some left.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 18, 2020, 12:41 p.m.(10.392859209656084/16.000115740740743/1012.7827382674714 AR)
Thinking and preparing on many sides, about so many issues is not easy. As for me, just because they are not spoken of as much does not mean they are forgotten or neglected. A perpherial awareness of so many complex problems facing us makes me aware of my limitations and have growing respect for those who have the capability to handle them.
Sometimes it seems like a puzzle, many parts to handle, to figure out, twist and turn. Some pieces rely on other parts to be set into place first before they can be set where they belong. It does not mean they are forgotten but set to the side to be as the place they are to be set is prepared. Still other pieces are for use even later, but eventually they all fit together.
I only hope someone is not hiding or hoarding or lost pieces of the puzzles we need to figure them out.
Sometimes it seems like a puzzle, many parts to handle, to figure out, twist and turn. Some pieces rely on other parts to be set into place first before they can be set where they belong. It does not mean they are forgotten but set to the side to be as the place they are to be set is prepared. Still other pieces are for use even later, but eventually they all fit together.
I only hope someone is not hiding or hoarding or lost pieces of the puzzles we need to figure them out.
Written By Nina
Feb. 18, 2020, 12:22 p.m.(10.391928323412698/15.94798611111111/1012.7826606936177 AR)
I promised myself I wouldn't be reckless with money. I really did. But after I got my first salary from Pravus I did need a few nice things to last me through fall... my favorite season!
When I saw the kind merchant Theophania wearing one of Selene's gowns I was so impressed by it. I knew that I had to own one of my own! And I was lucky enough to just barely afford it! But now I do need an occasion on which to wear it... is it too fancy for a harvest celebration? Oh, I must be patient!
When I saw the kind merchant Theophania wearing one of Selene's gowns I was so impressed by it. I knew that I had to own one of my own! And I was lucky enough to just barely afford it! But now I do need an occasion on which to wear it... is it too fancy for a harvest celebration? Oh, I must be patient!
Written By Arcadia
Feb. 18, 2020, 5:50 a.m.(10.372466104497354/14.858101851851853/1012.7810388420414 AR)
Relationship Note on Thea
After becoming ill yesterday morning, Lady Thea took Ginny for the day.
While I don't know if the nanny appreciated the muddy sugar filled toddler who was climbing the curtains, Ginny on the other hand has spent the day screaming for Thea and Finn.
All should send their children to her for the day.
While I don't know if the nanny appreciated the muddy sugar filled toddler who was climbing the curtains, Ginny on the other hand has spent the day screaming for Thea and Finn.
All should send their children to her for the day.
Written By Maeve
Feb. 18, 2020, 4:06 a.m.(10.367306134259259/14.569143518518517/1012.7806088445216 AR)
Relationship Note on Drea
She is so amazing! I only have the utmost respect for this kind woman. She is also a wonderful Shaman. I hope to learn so much from her.
Written By Maeve
Feb. 18, 2020, 3:45 a.m.(10.366262814153439/14.510717592592592/1012.7805219011794 AR)
I do love learning about new herbs and plants! The gods and spirits have brought forth such an abundance of beautiful things. I heard of a plant I have never seen! I heard it is bioluminescent and golden. It is called the Sundraw. I mean, how exciting is it to find something new, and it glows in the dark! I hope it is a real plant and not just a made up story, but I will help to find it.
Written By Dianna
Feb. 18, 2020, 3:44 a.m.(10.366203703703704/14.507407407407406/1012.7805169753086 AR)
Relationship Note on Gaston
We are going to be friends.
I'm sure of it - for, anyone who will lead our queen and her heifer to the palace (as well as all else I've learned of this giant man) has sealed his place in my heart.
Yes, dear scholar; I'm a simple woman. My thanks for writing for me, this time.
I'm sure of it - for, anyone who will lead our queen and her heifer to the palace (as well as all else I've learned of this giant man) has sealed his place in my heart.
Yes, dear scholar; I'm a simple woman. My thanks for writing for me, this time.
Written By Oili
Feb. 18, 2020, 12:58 a.m.(10.357954695767196/14.045462962962961/1012.7798295579806 AR)
The Crusade has been called. It was going to happen, of course, after the seraph of skald appeared at the assembly. It was only a question of when. That question has been answered. I'll go, of course, because I believe that all people deserve to be free. It is in the very fabric of our world that we must be able to make our own choices to arrive at our destinations, otherwise everything falls through. So we shall fight and win. Not just because there are people who need freedom, but because if we don't win, the Abyss will be there waiting.
Written By Harlex
Feb. 17, 2020, 11:59 p.m.(10.355028935185185/13.88162037037037/1012.7795857445988 AR)
I've known an empty stomach. It's an awful pain. Makes brigands of good soldiers. Makes loving families into hateful ones. It's been a couple years since I've had to worry about meals, scraping by like I use to on the road.
Yet still, at times, I remember. Mostly when I see food wasted. Mostly when I see a loaf of bread clutched in a child's hand like it was the difference between life and death.
What kind of world have we built?
I take enough lives in my trade. I think, this once, I gave back without paying that blood price.
Worse legacies one can leave behind. Maybe it will do some good.
Yet still, at times, I remember. Mostly when I see food wasted. Mostly when I see a loaf of bread clutched in a child's hand like it was the difference between life and death.
What kind of world have we built?
I take enough lives in my trade. I think, this once, I gave back without paying that blood price.
Worse legacies one can leave behind. Maybe it will do some good.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.