Written By Gianna
March 12, 2019, 9:26 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
It pleases me to have named a second Mockingbird for the College, Captain Evaristo Arterius. His dedication to music is quite evident and his goals align nicely with the College's. Another set of hands just might be useful in the coming days.
Written By Skye
March 12, 2019, 5:54 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
When I began this journey as Baroness of Blackshore, I made a conscious choice to abolish the practice of thralldom. While its original intention was to give harden criminals a chance to pay back their debts to society, it twisted into a practice that spanned debt across generations. At its worst examples, became what many claimed as slavery.
Thralldom does not define who we are as a nation. Our legacy is not tied to indentured servitude. We should not diminish our independence by holding onto this flawed economic structure anymore. Our dependency weakens us. It holds us back. It sours our relations with other houses. We are better than that. By our high lord's declaration, he has freed us from the chains of this flawed tradition, and allowed us to return to our fierce naval roots. I am proud to stand by Thrax decision to abolish thralldom.
Thralldom does not define who we are as a nation. Our legacy is not tied to indentured servitude. We should not diminish our independence by holding onto this flawed economic structure anymore. Our dependency weakens us. It holds us back. It sours our relations with other houses. We are better than that. By our high lord's declaration, he has freed us from the chains of this flawed tradition, and allowed us to return to our fierce naval roots. I am proud to stand by Thrax decision to abolish thralldom.
Written By Beatrice
March 12, 2019, 5:51 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Venturo
In return, Nilanza thanks Kismet Carnivals for living up to its promise of audacious, exhilarating entertainment. We look forward to the next.
Perhaps next time the shows might include a duck. I find they never run afowl [sic] of fate.
Perhaps next time the shows might include a duck. I find they never run afowl [sic] of fate.
Written By Sparte
March 12, 2019, 5:16 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I stand with Highlord Victus.
I thought for a while about trying to same something more elaborate, but that is all that needed to be said.
I stand with Highlord Victus.
I thought for a while about trying to same something more elaborate, but that is all that needed to be said.
I stand with Highlord Victus.
Written By Joscelin
March 12, 2019, 4:58 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I can successfully negotiate any number of financial arrangements, read what a client wants with barely a handful of words, suss out a disagreement between old friends or competitors with minimal bloodshed.
So when I completely misread a social situation and make an ass of myself, I've no one to blame but me.
So when I completely misread a social situation and make an ass of myself, I've no one to blame but me.
Written By Amari
March 12, 2019, 4:43 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
I hope your knee is feeling better, big cousin. It was a lovely party, aside from that unfortunate accident.
Lady Gretchen may have considered it the result of a lack of imagination rather than a failure of wrist and shoulder, but Norwood was convinced it was solely a question of training. Personally, I think it was a curse, or somehow Venturo's fault.
I spent all morning swinging a wooden sword either way. It only got away from me once or maybe ten or twenty times in truth.
Lady Gretchen may have considered it the result of a lack of imagination rather than a failure of wrist and shoulder, but Norwood was convinced it was solely a question of training. Personally, I think it was a curse, or somehow Venturo's fault.
I spent all morning swinging a wooden sword either way. It only got away from me once or maybe ten or twenty times in truth.
Written By Martino
March 12, 2019, 4:15 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaia
The work you have done on the Great Hall of House Bisland is simply incredible and, truly my sweet Lady Kaia, one does hope that the tea we shared with friends - and my sister - will not be the last time.
I must make the point that, well, you must not deny such beauty in my life.
I must make the point that, well, you must not deny such beauty in my life.
Written By Rysen
March 12, 2019, 12:25 p.m.(9/22/1010 AR)
Having missed the grand opening of the observatory, I recently went to visit on a clear night. The view of myriad stars gleaming in the night sky was moving: it reminded me that though one star may glimmer faintly, a sky full of constellations illuminates brightly, and gives shape to such beautiful light. Such a reflection was not irrelevant to the announcement made by Prince Victus of House Thrax shortly after my visit. Though renowned as a warlord, and a sailor, the Prince's oratory was masterful, sincere, and well reasoned. I believe his courage will make the constellation of the Compact ever brighter.
While at the observatory I met an intriguing young woman. She had something of the Valardin style of dress, and a sort of ethereal beauty - somewhat cold and distant - though when I was leaving her presence, she smiled, and it was like the rising of Spring flowers after a stark Winter. I hope to see her again, though I suspect I will be reluctant to trouble her, on account of whatever it is that haunts her, and keeps her from engaging with the fire and zeal of life.
On the subject of life and its passing, I more recently went to Keaton Hall to celebrate Lady Tessa Moore. Though I never met her, I hoped to offer some support to her friends and family, and perhaps learn a little about the one whose passing has moved so many. Marquessa Reigna and Marquess Kael Keaton were superb hosts, and it was good to see Lady Gretchen, Venturo and Gilroy - the latter of which surprised me a great deal, as his demeanor was far different from that which I have observed on other occasions. He is clearly a man of more depth than I had first supposed, and seems a true and worthy friend to Lady Gretchen. The highlight of the celebration was a paper mache garantuan, which a number of us managed to destroy with wooden clubs, revealing its contents to be absurdly expensive gifts. The experience taught me two things: the expansive generosity and largesse of Marquessa Reigna, and to guard one's face whenever Lady Amari holds any sort of dangerous object.
The celebration at Keaton Hall has inspired me. When my time comes, I hereby ask Cousin Fianna and Princess Helena to hold a celebration of my life at The Black Hall of Axes, and invite every poet, and every person who has ever felt the slightest pleasure from the arts of language, or true felt emotion, to perform those works which move them most. Let my twin swords be placed next to the axes in the hall, and let me fall to the Abyss with a smile on my face, winged with soaring verse, and the laughter of friends and family.
While at the observatory I met an intriguing young woman. She had something of the Valardin style of dress, and a sort of ethereal beauty - somewhat cold and distant - though when I was leaving her presence, she smiled, and it was like the rising of Spring flowers after a stark Winter. I hope to see her again, though I suspect I will be reluctant to trouble her, on account of whatever it is that haunts her, and keeps her from engaging with the fire and zeal of life.
On the subject of life and its passing, I more recently went to Keaton Hall to celebrate Lady Tessa Moore. Though I never met her, I hoped to offer some support to her friends and family, and perhaps learn a little about the one whose passing has moved so many. Marquessa Reigna and Marquess Kael Keaton were superb hosts, and it was good to see Lady Gretchen, Venturo and Gilroy - the latter of which surprised me a great deal, as his demeanor was far different from that which I have observed on other occasions. He is clearly a man of more depth than I had first supposed, and seems a true and worthy friend to Lady Gretchen. The highlight of the celebration was a paper mache garantuan, which a number of us managed to destroy with wooden clubs, revealing its contents to be absurdly expensive gifts. The experience taught me two things: the expansive generosity and largesse of Marquessa Reigna, and to guard one's face whenever Lady Amari holds any sort of dangerous object.
The celebration at Keaton Hall has inspired me. When my time comes, I hereby ask Cousin Fianna and Princess Helena to hold a celebration of my life at The Black Hall of Axes, and invite every poet, and every person who has ever felt the slightest pleasure from the arts of language, or true felt emotion, to perform those works which move them most. Let my twin swords be placed next to the axes in the hall, and let me fall to the Abyss with a smile on my face, winged with soaring verse, and the laughter of friends and family.
Written By Gilroy
March 12, 2019, 10:44 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
If you've decided that your only options are letting criminals go or killing them, then you might as well do it yourself.
I can't imagine you have much experience at 'hiring' people to do things anyway.
I can't imagine you have much experience at 'hiring' people to do things anyway.
Written By Venturo
March 12, 2019, 10:03 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
As the Marquessa Lianne has stated as well, I owe a debt of gratitude towards the Princess Ophelia and Sellsword Amund. It was indeed a lucky series of events that favored me at the Carnival in Nilanza, a story that I will share with any whom wish to hear it. But the undeniable fact is the means luck favored me the most was in having the good fortune to not just have met and know these two fine individuals, but be blessed they are as skilled as they are in the bow and sword respectively.
My appreciation as well to the Lady Beatrice. The gift of that particular banner the Marquessa mentioned will make a fine showing in the Raconteur, the hole in it a testament to a story that borders on this side of fantastical.
My appreciation as well to the Lady Beatrice. The gift of that particular banner the Marquessa mentioned will make a fine showing in the Raconteur, the hole in it a testament to a story that borders on this side of fantastical.
Written By Archeron
March 12, 2019, 6:12 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
It is a hard thing isn't it? That it means freedom for so many, but for a minority it means death.
As I've said, traditions are important - but they can also change for good reason over time. But, I hope that though Thralldom dies the death it deserves we salvage some small good from it. I hope that we understand the importance of restitution as well as punishment. I hope we understand slaughter is not the only way, that each man has a worth.
But for now, if you need it Cousin, I have an axe as well as a bow. And if there is to be more death at Tyde Hall, better the hand is a Tyde one. Enough other hands have spilled the blood of our people. At least to start.
As I've said, traditions are important - but they can also change for good reason over time. But, I hope that though Thralldom dies the death it deserves we salvage some small good from it. I hope that we understand the importance of restitution as well as punishment. I hope we understand slaughter is not the only way, that each man has a worth.
But for now, if you need it Cousin, I have an axe as well as a bow. And if there is to be more death at Tyde Hall, better the hand is a Tyde one. Enough other hands have spilled the blood of our people. At least to start.
Written By Ajax
March 12, 2019, 3:30 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
I have an idea or two, Duchess.
Written By Lianne
March 12, 2019, 2:01 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
I owe my gratitude to Princess Ophelia Velenosa and the sellsword Amund, both of whom acted swiftly when a carnival in Nilanza erupted in violence, an assassination attempt made on my magnificent protege Venturo Thayne. We are fortunate that they were present and struck so swiftly when the assassins made their move.
It would be remiss of me to ignore the rumors of Venturo's ridiculous luck: the first shot stopped by a house banner thrust up at precisely the right moment; the swordsmen buried in an unexpected collapse of the structure above them; and two swift and capable saviors so near at hand.
A point for Luck. You may have this one, brewer. I certainly count myself lucky that you're still alive.
It would be remiss of me to ignore the rumors of Venturo's ridiculous luck: the first shot stopped by a house banner thrust up at precisely the right moment; the swordsmen buried in an unexpected collapse of the structure above them; and two swift and capable saviors so near at hand.
A point for Luck. You may have this one, brewer. I certainly count myself lucky that you're still alive.
Written By Joscelin
March 12, 2019, 1:17 a.m.(9/21/1010 AR)
Have you ever met a person that's a conversationalist beyond compare in person, but when they write it's like pulling turnips out of the frozen ground?
No?
No?
Written By Joscelin
March 11, 2019, 7:32 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
I've been told seventen times today that 'octopus' is actually pronounced 'apple-bus'. Four year old boys can be very serious about their pronunciations. This one is no exception.
Written By Joscelin
March 11, 2019, 7:12 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
Standing in the Assembly, on my feet in support of Prince Victus, the past flashed through my mind. My history with the Prince, our amends, meeting Oliver, hearing his life of slavery as a thrall, his freedom won, our love, our wedding, his death, our child ... So much passing through my head and heart in that moment, overwhelmed.
What would you make of this? Would you weep with relief? Would you cheer? Roar? Would you be angry that it took so long, or that it'll be seven years and not one? We would disagree on things, we would butt heads about what's better and what's right, I would caution patience, you would insist immediacy. Or would you? Would have our daughter temper your need for instant gratification? Would it ignite mine?
Whatever it is, in the future that comes, I hope when you come 'round the wheel again, it'll be to a world empty of thralldom, and you'll never know that past save as a distant sorrow in the memory of history.
What would you make of this? Would you weep with relief? Would you cheer? Roar? Would you be angry that it took so long, or that it'll be seven years and not one? We would disagree on things, we would butt heads about what's better and what's right, I would caution patience, you would insist immediacy. Or would you? Would have our daughter temper your need for instant gratification? Would it ignite mine?
Whatever it is, in the future that comes, I hope when you come 'round the wheel again, it'll be to a world empty of thralldom, and you'll never know that past save as a distant sorrow in the memory of history.
Written By Margot
March 11, 2019, 5:47 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
The new question is, what will I now do with criminals?
Murderers, violent criminals, major thieves.
I suppose I shall have to hire an executioner.
Murderers, violent criminals, major thieves.
I suppose I shall have to hire an executioner.
Written By Vanora
March 11, 2019, 4:17 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I was glad to see what you wrote in the whites, and how well you understand how hard this will hit parts of the Isles.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Written By Selene
March 11, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
To have one of the great statesmen of the Compact speak favorably of my diplomatic endeavors heartens me like an apprentice receiving accolades from the most demanding of dance instructors or a knight-commander impossible to please. It means something, high praise indeed.
Written By Tabitha
March 11, 2019, 2:12 p.m.(9/20/1010 AR)
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. But always, always hope.
I feel like there's so much good being done right now. People are working to bring their dreams into reality. They're giving themselves to their causes to bring about positive change and do fantastic things. I find that heartening and beautiful. It's the artistry of the heart and soul, and it's wonderful.
I feel like there's so much good being done right now. People are working to bring their dreams into reality. They're giving themselves to their causes to bring about positive change and do fantastic things. I find that heartening and beautiful. It's the artistry of the heart and soul, and it's wonderful.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.