Written By Neviah
July 6, 2019, 4:28 a.m.(6/1/1011 AR)
Once, there was a maiden...
made from a lump of iron, shaped by wind, sea, and fire.
Fearing how wood might shape her, she ran, and did not look back.
One day, she forgot what she ran from.
So, she pulled out her hear to ask it.
"Why don't you look back and see?" it said.
So, she sighed and threw her heart away.
"I have no use for beginnings," she said.
made from a lump of iron, shaped by wind, sea, and fire.
Fearing how wood might shape her, she ran, and did not look back.
One day, she forgot what she ran from.
So, she pulled out her hear to ask it.
"Why don't you look back and see?" it said.
So, she sighed and threw her heart away.
"I have no use for beginnings," she said.
Written By Shard
July 6, 2019, 4:13 a.m.(6/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
As someone with personal experience, I want to point out that Abandoned don't get to walk in the gates. They don't get to walk anywhere. They get to die if they show their faces anywhere near city walls. And while I don't think a real comparison is worth anything given the endless rivers of blood shed on both sides, I'm fairly confident more Abandoned have been butchered in their homes than Arvani since the Great Road came about. Beaucage alone is responsible for thousands of dead, children included, in response to one dead noble. Grayreeve decided to decorate Riven's borders with the tortured and crucified members of an entire tribe in order to show that he was put out. Other noble houses from the Oathlands have been calling not just for Abandoned blood, but Prodigals as well. Refugees were hunted down and murdered in a place of sanctuary.
I don't like seeing any undeserving family or House fall. I don't like child killers. I don't like murderous butchers in general, regardless of where their allegiances lie. There are monsters on either side of the line, but right now ours are being very fucking loud, so it seems strange to pretend like we can't hear them calling for more blood. More, and more, always.
As for Cardia and Jadairal, I really doubt the Nox'alfar would appreciate having them as embassy neighbors, but I'm even more certain there'd be blood in the streets if you tried to stick their embassies in the same city, let alone the same road.
I don't like seeing any undeserving family or House fall. I don't like child killers. I don't like murderous butchers in general, regardless of where their allegiances lie. There are monsters on either side of the line, but right now ours are being very fucking loud, so it seems strange to pretend like we can't hear them calling for more blood. More, and more, always.
As for Cardia and Jadairal, I really doubt the Nox'alfar would appreciate having them as embassy neighbors, but I'm even more certain there'd be blood in the streets if you tried to stick their embassies in the same city, let alone the same road.
Written By Neviah
July 6, 2019, 2:57 a.m.(6/1/1011 AR)
To find but one, just one other --- another which
recognizes, grasps your uniqueness... another
which makes less painful the questions which surround
your rarity, another which respects it and exalts it
then still, to kiss their mouth, to embrace the open mouth
that is so capable of multiplying your darkness
your completeness... O I say now
that is love, true love
- The Embrace
recognizes, grasps your uniqueness... another
which makes less painful the questions which surround
your rarity, another which respects it and exalts it
then still, to kiss their mouth, to embrace the open mouth
that is so capable of multiplying your darkness
your completeness... O I say now
that is love, true love
- The Embrace
Written By Harlex
July 5, 2019, 9:46 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
The hardest thing in this world is choosing what matters.
Some get born with it, from a name or a bloodline and they settle for that and they make due.
Some get an idea stuck in their head early and can't shake it, usually once you think something there's really no shaking it -- just lingers in your mind forever.
Then others, well they wonder around a good while. Taking up this or that, passing through lives the way a breeze goes over the tall grass.
I was that way for a time. Strange to think it wasn't that long ago, in fact.
For those still out there who haven't I guess the only advice I can give is: Live through it. That's all you can really do.
Some get born with it, from a name or a bloodline and they settle for that and they make due.
Some get an idea stuck in their head early and can't shake it, usually once you think something there's really no shaking it -- just lingers in your mind forever.
Then others, well they wonder around a good while. Taking up this or that, passing through lives the way a breeze goes over the tall grass.
I was that way for a time. Strange to think it wasn't that long ago, in fact.
For those still out there who haven't I guess the only advice I can give is: Live through it. That's all you can really do.
Written By Martino
July 5, 2019, 3:07 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
Word recently came back to me from Johannes that my dear Lady Kaia would be returning soon from Pridehall and the family estate. Partings being given to the mother and father, the sister perhaps also.
Truly, the next step of our journey will begin on your return.
At least, if I remember to visit Lottie's Place and have a befitting gift ready.
Truly, the next step of our journey will begin on your return.
At least, if I remember to visit Lottie's Place and have a befitting gift ready.
Written By Vincenzo
July 5, 2019, 2:57 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Talk in the taverns is about another house gone while those skeletons in the closet are rattling their bones. That's I think three houses wiped out. Are noble houses growing like apples on the white dragon tree? They sure seem to be dropping off like apples, and that has me worried. How can I show art, establish trade routes and increase my business if houses aren't going to be around?
"Oh but you don't need nobles, Vincenzo!" I hear from beyond the journal which makes me want to shout "Yes I do! Yes we do!" except you can't shout in a journal, although maybe a reader hears a shout in their mind reading about shouting. I bet scholars get a kick at things like that.
The relationship between noble and commoner allows nobility to lead and make tough decisions, one person representing thousands, and on their shoulders a very heavy yoke of responsibility. I say yoke instead of crown, because the noble is in front of the wagon pulling and leading via their strength and focused determination so that the cart reaches the destination and prosperity is distributed. That cart isn't going to be moving anywhere when the ox aren't yoked, so the goods will spoil and the driver will eventually starve.
The vast majority of people in the Compact are those who tend fields and do the myriad of hard labor tasks which need to be done so the whole fealty can work. It isn't glamorous, it isn't easy but it's honorable work which supports their noble house that they're attached to. While some might feel helpless, a commoner has the highest opportunity and chance to change their lot through their efforts.
Maybe the Templars will be marching on a crusade? An increase in recruitment for them? Or more recruitment for the knights of Solace to protect the Great Road? I sure would be happier with more of those knights. The west is a beautiful stretch of country with all sorts of lovely villages and towns pocketed through forest, hills and valleys. Hard working and devout people. People who are getting massacred while Abandoned are able to just walk into the open gates of cities while spies of the enemy move unhindered. Goodness, there's foreign representatives given opportunities to push their propaganda to people who aren't even sure what they believe right here in the capital, and I don't recall ever hearing about invitations for the Compact to be doing the same in those strange lands. Can't we send them back home as our good king already said no thank you? Maybe that's too strong.
Why don't we have two embassies built then, one for the Cardians, one for the Undying Empire. Right next to the Nox'alfar one. Maybe then something better can come out of having them stick around. Build an embassy, and allow the Compact to have one in their capitals.
I worry and wonder which house will fall next, and what we can do to prevent it. I know it bothers me seeing noble houses fall. It should bother everyone.
"Oh but you don't need nobles, Vincenzo!" I hear from beyond the journal which makes me want to shout "Yes I do! Yes we do!" except you can't shout in a journal, although maybe a reader hears a shout in their mind reading about shouting. I bet scholars get a kick at things like that.
The relationship between noble and commoner allows nobility to lead and make tough decisions, one person representing thousands, and on their shoulders a very heavy yoke of responsibility. I say yoke instead of crown, because the noble is in front of the wagon pulling and leading via their strength and focused determination so that the cart reaches the destination and prosperity is distributed. That cart isn't going to be moving anywhere when the ox aren't yoked, so the goods will spoil and the driver will eventually starve.
The vast majority of people in the Compact are those who tend fields and do the myriad of hard labor tasks which need to be done so the whole fealty can work. It isn't glamorous, it isn't easy but it's honorable work which supports their noble house that they're attached to. While some might feel helpless, a commoner has the highest opportunity and chance to change their lot through their efforts.
Maybe the Templars will be marching on a crusade? An increase in recruitment for them? Or more recruitment for the knights of Solace to protect the Great Road? I sure would be happier with more of those knights. The west is a beautiful stretch of country with all sorts of lovely villages and towns pocketed through forest, hills and valleys. Hard working and devout people. People who are getting massacred while Abandoned are able to just walk into the open gates of cities while spies of the enemy move unhindered. Goodness, there's foreign representatives given opportunities to push their propaganda to people who aren't even sure what they believe right here in the capital, and I don't recall ever hearing about invitations for the Compact to be doing the same in those strange lands. Can't we send them back home as our good king already said no thank you? Maybe that's too strong.
Why don't we have two embassies built then, one for the Cardians, one for the Undying Empire. Right next to the Nox'alfar one. Maybe then something better can come out of having them stick around. Build an embassy, and allow the Compact to have one in their capitals.
I worry and wonder which house will fall next, and what we can do to prevent it. I know it bothers me seeing noble houses fall. It should bother everyone.
Written By Willow
July 5, 2019, 2:46 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
If I had known, I might have stopped by. Most of my communing with and prayers to Mangata happens at the beach shrine. The fish and Atrium are lovely at the place inside the city, but the sea breeze breath and heartbeat tides feel such a stronger and more primal place to make that connection.
Written By Willow
July 5, 2019, 2:42 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
Today, I miss my neice terribly. The sound of her singing echoing through the gardens. It is only my own voice that breaks through the distant pounding of waves, the birdsong resonating through these beautifully cultivated empty chambers, the sound reverberating into a silence as distant as Everwinter.
What was cloying heat last year reads as a warm embrace, this year. I wrote something finally, but not the poetry I said I would. On its face it is fiction. In its essence, it is more like projection. Fictionalized admittedly, but it bites closer to the heart than I would like to admit.
Days like today, I am reminded of something a shav I once knew would lament. "Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain." Warchief Mandragor, you are righter than you knew.
What was cloying heat last year reads as a warm embrace, this year. I wrote something finally, but not the poetry I said I would. On its face it is fiction. In its essence, it is more like projection. Fictionalized admittedly, but it bites closer to the heart than I would like to admit.
Days like today, I am reminded of something a shav I once knew would lament. "Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain." Warchief Mandragor, you are righter than you knew.
Written By Evangeline
July 5, 2019, 2:42 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
I have come across a box of long forgotten letters I feared were lost forever. My fingers dance over their broken seals, carefully unfurl the old, worn parchment and it is as if I am transported back in time to when I first received such correspondence.
It began as a project for an advanced etiquette course at the Courtier Academy in Setarco and quickly became something else; A passion. There were so many letters after a while, and I knew I could not possibly answer them all. When I gave notice of my hiatus, I heard hearts breaking all over. Perhaps once I have settled myself in Arx, I can take up the quill once more. For the sake of sharing, here is one of the first letters of beseeching advice I received;
***
Dear Evangeline,
I find myself silly for writing to you, but, I cannot help the feeling in my heart. There is someone I fancy and I fear my feelings are not reciprocated. This person is so near and dear to me, they might think of me as a sibling. My love for them began in childhood and has suddenly blossomed. I cannot eat, I cannot sleep. I am racked with worry that if I share my feelings, I will lose this person from my life completely. Please help me with this dilemma.
Signed,
Not-a-Sibling in Setarco
***
It began as a project for an advanced etiquette course at the Courtier Academy in Setarco and quickly became something else; A passion. There were so many letters after a while, and I knew I could not possibly answer them all. When I gave notice of my hiatus, I heard hearts breaking all over. Perhaps once I have settled myself in Arx, I can take up the quill once more. For the sake of sharing, here is one of the first letters of beseeching advice I received;
***
Dear Evangeline,
I find myself silly for writing to you, but, I cannot help the feeling in my heart. There is someone I fancy and I fear my feelings are not reciprocated. This person is so near and dear to me, they might think of me as a sibling. My love for them began in childhood and has suddenly blossomed. I cannot eat, I cannot sleep. I am racked with worry that if I share my feelings, I will lose this person from my life completely. Please help me with this dilemma.
Signed,
Not-a-Sibling in Setarco
***
Written By Sanya
July 5, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
The passing of Prince Niccolo Velenosa is a tragedy, yet I pray that his soul is finally at peace and his kin can find some comfort in that.
Written By Willow
July 5, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(5/28/1011 AR)
If I stop and look back, all is lost.
Written By Ras
July 5, 2019, 12:34 p.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
It was nice to see Maja and Jeffeth again, even if I wish... well, it's not worth saying anything about. I'm happy to know them.
…
Nothing else could ever be more valuable! A fancy coat is a pile of rat's feet next to the worth of a real friend, you get that? What a jerk.
At least you can make soup out of the feet.
Damn.
…
Nothing else could ever be more valuable! A fancy coat is a pile of rat's feet next to the worth of a real friend, you get that? What a jerk.
At least you can make soup out of the feet.
Damn.
Written By Thea
July 5, 2019, 11:57 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
It's about time I learn how to officially sail a boat and properly shoot a bow. My cousin has offered the latter. After I asked her nicely. Kinda. Over---tea. That sounds funny to say. Now to find someone to teach me the first.
Written By Thea
July 5, 2019, 11:50 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
Sometimes it takes a talk with someone who you least expect to put things in perspective....
Written By Evonleigh
July 5, 2019, 11:29 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
The play has been a somewhat resounding success... I say somewhat for some personal reasons and of course the conflicting themes the differing audiences attribute to it. However, literature that doesn't spark debate or discussion is hardly worth the attention, so I feel pleased that mine has fostered conversation.
We have a few more days of performances, and then closing night -- which will feel so long in coming and also too quickly. Time is such a paradox.
I want to thank my cast and crew for all of their hard work in putting on such amazing performances and my family and friends for putting up with me during this time. Of course, my gratitude goes to the Bard's College and Nightingale Gianna Whisper for her support, and my patrons, formerly Prince Lorenzo, and currently Princess Zara, for theirs.
We have a few more days of performances, and then closing night -- which will feel so long in coming and also too quickly. Time is such a paradox.
I want to thank my cast and crew for all of their hard work in putting on such amazing performances and my family and friends for putting up with me during this time. Of course, my gratitude goes to the Bard's College and Nightingale Gianna Whisper for her support, and my patrons, formerly Prince Lorenzo, and currently Princess Zara, for theirs.
Written By Cambria
July 5, 2019, 10:58 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
One cannot be loyal to two masters, or two of anything, for that matter. Inevitably, you will have to make a choice as to which, or whom, is primary.
Written By Norwood
July 5, 2019, 10:54 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
I received word from my father this morning that I have been expecting for several years, but nevertheless hoped would never come.
My grandfather has passed back to the Wheel.
My words will mark me as what I am, new to the nobility, with the callouses of my more common heritage clinging to me. That said, I feel it nonetheless honorable to speak for a moment of this man who I respected and loved.
Jethro, for whom my youngest brother Jethro was named, was a man without peer. He worked the lands which Clement was given oversight over for years. He never sought for his own promotion, but instead had a steadfast vision that saw us through lean years and on to prosperity. He was a man who saw the simple honor in a good days work, and worked to instill this in each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
My grandfather was a man who spoke his mind. When Duke Edmund knighted me he was upset. In his eyes I was abandoning the family. Moreover I was forsaking what I had learned as a beekeeper and woodsman to give myself over to a life of violence. He never trusted the progressive nature of Arx itself, though there is no one who could doubt his loyalty to the compact.
Despite his displeasure at my choices, I never felt divorced from my family. I knew that I could return at any point to open arms - and a shovel pressed into my hands. After the death of my first wife it was my grandfather who told the family to give me time, and also made sure I had time to be alone to morn. In all of his letters he asked about Adalyn's health though I do fear I never did tell him that when she came to Arx she chose to join a mercenary group. His heart was already weak.
May he rest well, and never be forgotten.
My grandfather has passed back to the Wheel.
My words will mark me as what I am, new to the nobility, with the callouses of my more common heritage clinging to me. That said, I feel it nonetheless honorable to speak for a moment of this man who I respected and loved.
Jethro, for whom my youngest brother Jethro was named, was a man without peer. He worked the lands which Clement was given oversight over for years. He never sought for his own promotion, but instead had a steadfast vision that saw us through lean years and on to prosperity. He was a man who saw the simple honor in a good days work, and worked to instill this in each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
My grandfather was a man who spoke his mind. When Duke Edmund knighted me he was upset. In his eyes I was abandoning the family. Moreover I was forsaking what I had learned as a beekeeper and woodsman to give myself over to a life of violence. He never trusted the progressive nature of Arx itself, though there is no one who could doubt his loyalty to the compact.
Despite his displeasure at my choices, I never felt divorced from my family. I knew that I could return at any point to open arms - and a shovel pressed into my hands. After the death of my first wife it was my grandfather who told the family to give me time, and also made sure I had time to be alone to morn. In all of his letters he asked about Adalyn's health though I do fear I never did tell him that when she came to Arx she chose to join a mercenary group. His heart was already weak.
May he rest well, and never be forgotten.
Written By Iseulet
July 5, 2019, 10:33 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
A beautiful spring day. A good day to catch up with old friends.
Too bad most of them have gone. Either moved on or taken another turn on the wheel.
At least we still have our whiskey.
Too bad most of them have gone. Either moved on or taken another turn on the wheel.
At least we still have our whiskey.
Written By Lisebet
July 5, 2019, 8:50 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
I did not hunt in the recent well attended hunt but I did attend the feast after. It was lovely to catch up with friends new and old. While this may be a usual thing, I feel I ought note for expectant mothers in the future who may read this, that being with child can be somewhat difficult to deal with at times. As I am being told, we all feel this way and it will pass.
Written By Duarte
July 5, 2019, 4:14 a.m.(5/27/1011 AR)
I've spent a day and a night at Mangata's shrine. Admittedly she is the God with whom I am the least familiar. The truth of it struck me suddenly whilst holding vigil and thereafter dominated my considerations.
How much is taken for granted? The blessed breath of life itself. How many are drawn by the hour? The day? A decade?
How humbling it should be to remember that at our greatest achievement, and at our darkest hour alike, Her substance sustains us.
How much is taken for granted? The blessed breath of life itself. How many are drawn by the hour? The day? A decade?
How humbling it should be to remember that at our greatest achievement, and at our darkest hour alike, Her substance sustains us.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.