Written By Sparte
Dec. 24, 2018, 10 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
So many divorces in so little time.
I see people defiantly reaffirming their love, others insisting on the sanctity of vows.
Yet what is a marriage to begin with, if not a partnership? A vow to work together as the people you were when the marriage was made.
So what then becomes of a partnership, if two people are no longer as they once were? What is an agreement to support one another when paths diverge?
The answer is not hard to see.
There is change in the air.
While I am sad to see so many people discover they are not in love I am relieved to see people not trapping themselves despite it. I hope that this time of separation is followed by a tide of new unions. Better unions, as people with a clearer vision of who they are and what they want in life join hand in hand. Perhaps not forever, as change may come again, but long enough to do something beautiful together.
I say this as someone who himself has never been married, who perhaps never will be married, but who sees beauty in the vow of marriage. Sometimes beautiful things are broken for the sake of building something better.
I see people defiantly reaffirming their love, others insisting on the sanctity of vows.
Yet what is a marriage to begin with, if not a partnership? A vow to work together as the people you were when the marriage was made.
So what then becomes of a partnership, if two people are no longer as they once were? What is an agreement to support one another when paths diverge?
The answer is not hard to see.
There is change in the air.
While I am sad to see so many people discover they are not in love I am relieved to see people not trapping themselves despite it. I hope that this time of separation is followed by a tide of new unions. Better unions, as people with a clearer vision of who they are and what they want in life join hand in hand. Perhaps not forever, as change may come again, but long enough to do something beautiful together.
I say this as someone who himself has never been married, who perhaps never will be married, but who sees beauty in the vow of marriage. Sometimes beautiful things are broken for the sake of building something better.
Written By Malcolm
Dec. 24, 2018, 8:53 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
This hat - makes some kind of statement, it does. It says that the fellow wearing ain't afraid of a thing.
Or maybe that he's too happy-go-lucky to care.
It's the hat of an adventurer, it is. A cunning hat that's good friends with this canny blade of mine.
Or maybe that he's too happy-go-lucky to care.
It's the hat of an adventurer, it is. A cunning hat that's good friends with this canny blade of mine.
Written By Evaristo
Dec. 24, 2018, 4:56 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
Some advice.
If someone says they're in a tavern drinking because their wife left them, don't congratulate them cheerfully and sing a song in celebration.
Apparently they weren't drinking cause this was a cause of joy.
If someone says they're in a tavern drinking because their wife left them, don't congratulate them cheerfully and sing a song in celebration.
Apparently they weren't drinking cause this was a cause of joy.
Written By Sparte
Dec. 24, 2018, 4:40 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
I have flaws. I don't know all of them, nor have they always been the same. I expect I'll develop new ones as I age.
I accept this about myself, but I try to improve myself. To understand why I am flawed, to accept the choices and actions which made me this way. To start from a position of acceptance of myself as I try to forge myself into something better.
At times, trying to fix a flaw has made it worse or left me with new ones. At times my attempts to improve myself have hurt others, something contrary to why I strive to be better. I don't know what the cost of failure will be when I set my feet on the path to change. I don't know what the cost would have been if I hadn't. Yet in moving, I learn my measure more and more each day.
I can think back to times when I asked others to change me. When I tried to help others change. I understand why there are hesitations to offering guidance, why so many feel real change comes from within. There is a truth there, but there is complexity too. Sometimes what a person needs to change doesn't come from within. It is something that comes from friends, family, bonds.
I write this as I take time to reflect on my path and my choices. One of my choices means that I no longer have a goal, there is no stationary destination. No point at which I will sit back and rest and say I have accomplished enough for myself or enough for others. I wonder at what flaws lie in my reflection that my eyes are still blind to and what it will take to overcome them. I do not fear those flaws, I do not hate them, I do not reject them. They are still a part of me as I am now.
Yet I will change.
I accept this about myself, but I try to improve myself. To understand why I am flawed, to accept the choices and actions which made me this way. To start from a position of acceptance of myself as I try to forge myself into something better.
At times, trying to fix a flaw has made it worse or left me with new ones. At times my attempts to improve myself have hurt others, something contrary to why I strive to be better. I don't know what the cost of failure will be when I set my feet on the path to change. I don't know what the cost would have been if I hadn't. Yet in moving, I learn my measure more and more each day.
I can think back to times when I asked others to change me. When I tried to help others change. I understand why there are hesitations to offering guidance, why so many feel real change comes from within. There is a truth there, but there is complexity too. Sometimes what a person needs to change doesn't come from within. It is something that comes from friends, family, bonds.
I write this as I take time to reflect on my path and my choices. One of my choices means that I no longer have a goal, there is no stationary destination. No point at which I will sit back and rest and say I have accomplished enough for myself or enough for others. I wonder at what flaws lie in my reflection that my eyes are still blind to and what it will take to overcome them. I do not fear those flaws, I do not hate them, I do not reject them. They are still a part of me as I am now.
Yet I will change.
Written By Sparte
Dec. 24, 2018, 4:25 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Your increase in fame is deserved. I hear new mentions of the metallics every day, and I know you are to praise for it. I hope people with a new found curiosity for the metallics don't crowd you as your pregnancy grows near.
Thank you for everything you did to revive the memory of the metallics. May we see more people rise to their examples.
Thank you for everything you did to revive the memory of the metallics. May we see more people rise to their examples.
Written By Sabine
Dec. 24, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(3/25/1010 AR)
I am still married. In the event that my peers were wondering whether the newer marriages would be quicker to fall.
He remains a satisfactory husband.
He remains a satisfactory husband.
Written By Saoirse
Dec. 24, 2018, 2:30 p.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
Suppose it's time for one of us to marry royalty. A bit can only last so long.
Written By Monique
Dec. 24, 2018, 1:08 p.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
Limerance smiles upon me. A surprise library is the very best kind of library. I have heard tales of sorrow and yet, perhaps I have no room left for it, have exhausted such burden, because there is only love in my heart.
Written By Ouida
Dec. 24, 2018, 12:55 p.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
My dreams are vivid of late, and filled with wonders--both dreadful and exhilarating. I wake both still exhausted from them, glad to be free of them sometimes, and sometimes with a lingering grief that I am no longer there. Is this madness of some sort? I am used to my dreams, when I dream, being full of the field, those who met their end on it by my hand, and those who my sword could not save. Those are unpleasant, and steal my sleep frequently, I must admit. But these...are a different matter entirely.
Written By Sina
Dec. 24, 2018, 12:22 p.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
Vows. They are so important to the Compact, to Limerance, to the holding together of everything.
Vows of marriage are meant to last a lifetime, and I hear now of people seeking divorce in record numbers. We must remember our vows, whatever our vows, because they hold the fabric of the Compact together. Your vows are your ties to one another, and they are what hold the Compact secure. Everyone swears a vow of fealty to someone, from the commoner who swears fealty to his liege, to the Godsworn who take vows to serve the Gods. As Scholars, we take extra vows, to guard knowledge, and keep it safe. Our vows are all important. We must remember our commitment to one another, and to the gods, if we are to continue to move forward. Do not let despair overwhelm you.
I know that it is difficult. I have been struggling, as well. As a priestess, I have sworn vows to the Gods, and as a Scholar, I have sworn vows to Vellichor. As Archscholar, I swore to protect knowledge, and the Great Archive. I feel a sense of failure so profound that I can hardly stand the weight of it at times. Surely there must have been something I could have done, but I failed to see it. But still I will persevere, because of the vows that I have sworn, which I will not break. My eyes are open now, and there is only one thing to do - move forward. We will find a way through this. We must always remember to keep dreaming and creating, and hoping.
Continue to dream, to love one another, and to remain true. If you find yourself feeling sad, find your way perhaps to the Shrine of Jayus, and create something beautiful with your hands. Write a song and sing it to the world, as Princess Sorrel the Bladesong has done. Create a painting which encompasses your vision of the world as you would have it be. Write poetry, or write books... write stories of hope and love and fidelity. Remember that we are all the writers of our own destiny, and no one is an island. It is our shared telling of the tale that ties us together, so we must not let those ties dissolve.
Go to the Shrine of Limerance and renew your vows. Reaffirm them. Dedicate yourself wholly to them. Remain true, even if it is the most difficult thing you ever do.
Vows of marriage are meant to last a lifetime, and I hear now of people seeking divorce in record numbers. We must remember our vows, whatever our vows, because they hold the fabric of the Compact together. Your vows are your ties to one another, and they are what hold the Compact secure. Everyone swears a vow of fealty to someone, from the commoner who swears fealty to his liege, to the Godsworn who take vows to serve the Gods. As Scholars, we take extra vows, to guard knowledge, and keep it safe. Our vows are all important. We must remember our commitment to one another, and to the gods, if we are to continue to move forward. Do not let despair overwhelm you.
I know that it is difficult. I have been struggling, as well. As a priestess, I have sworn vows to the Gods, and as a Scholar, I have sworn vows to Vellichor. As Archscholar, I swore to protect knowledge, and the Great Archive. I feel a sense of failure so profound that I can hardly stand the weight of it at times. Surely there must have been something I could have done, but I failed to see it. But still I will persevere, because of the vows that I have sworn, which I will not break. My eyes are open now, and there is only one thing to do - move forward. We will find a way through this. We must always remember to keep dreaming and creating, and hoping.
Continue to dream, to love one another, and to remain true. If you find yourself feeling sad, find your way perhaps to the Shrine of Jayus, and create something beautiful with your hands. Write a song and sing it to the world, as Princess Sorrel the Bladesong has done. Create a painting which encompasses your vision of the world as you would have it be. Write poetry, or write books... write stories of hope and love and fidelity. Remember that we are all the writers of our own destiny, and no one is an island. It is our shared telling of the tale that ties us together, so we must not let those ties dissolve.
Go to the Shrine of Limerance and renew your vows. Reaffirm them. Dedicate yourself wholly to them. Remain true, even if it is the most difficult thing you ever do.
Written By Tikva
Dec. 24, 2018, 11:08 a.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
It was tremendous fun to get the opportunity to hit the stage with our own Niklas's lovely work, and I'm sure that whatever professional performers take on my role in future iterations of the show, they'll have every bit as much fun as I did with it. I'm struck again by how much effort and energy can go into a work of pure entertainment for others, and I have made a large donation to the Bard's College in commemoration of that reminder.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 24, 2018, 11:07 a.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
I am shit and everything is shit. I have to write that down, otherwise the thoughts echo in the hollows of my mind and I weep and it doesn't stop.
I try to stay busy. Work work work. Talk and social connections. My focus and good intentions are not a facade, but if you see me smile know it took effort to call that up.
I still feel happiness. I still feel contentment. With my daughter in my arms, like an anchor.
How funny my sister would find it; in life I was her anchor. On her travels she would always comeback to me, to the city and my doorstep. My little Ianthe, now, keeps me here in the present, focused, weighted, so I don't fly off crying into a thousand pieces.
I carry them both with me. It helps.
I try to stay busy. Work work work. Talk and social connections. My focus and good intentions are not a facade, but if you see me smile know it took effort to call that up.
I still feel happiness. I still feel contentment. With my daughter in my arms, like an anchor.
How funny my sister would find it; in life I was her anchor. On her travels she would always comeback to me, to the city and my doorstep. My little Ianthe, now, keeps me here in the present, focused, weighted, so I don't fly off crying into a thousand pieces.
I carry them both with me. It helps.
Written By Leona
Dec. 24, 2018, 9:27 a.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
You don't get to have it both ways. You have to choose. But choose wisely.
Written By Fianna
Dec. 24, 2018, 9:24 a.m.(3/24/1010 AR)
My work has saved me from making regrettable decisions this week and I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for my livelihood. No matter what chaos may erupt around me, my animals will always be there with unconditional love. I was reminded of this when I was mucking out a stall this morning and my two dogs burst into the stable playing an excited game of what I considered 'tag.' They raced up and down the center aisle, growling and nipping at each other playfully, and then bolted back outside into the snow. I stood there staring. They weren't gone for long and soon they bounded back inside straight for me. Ever look at a dog and know just what they're thinking? Mack and Chet were wagging their tails and huddling around my legs while looking up at me with their big, dark eyes saying, 'Come outside and play!?'
Despite all the sadness around me, they bring such joy to my life. The horses, too. So I took a break from my chores and joined them outside to play in the snow. I let Phantom loose out of his paddock and he joined us. Now /that/ was a sight to see. A looming ebony war horse kicking up his heels like a colt while running with the dogs and I.
It was the best kind of therapy. I'm so very grateful for all that I have and I encourage others to find their bliss in this world.
Despite all the sadness around me, they bring such joy to my life. The horses, too. So I took a break from my chores and joined them outside to play in the snow. I let Phantom loose out of his paddock and he joined us. Now /that/ was a sight to see. A looming ebony war horse kicking up his heels like a colt while running with the dogs and I.
It was the best kind of therapy. I'm so very grateful for all that I have and I encourage others to find their bliss in this world.
Written By Thorley
Dec. 24, 2018, 8:51 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
For one so tiny, you forget how much room a baby takes up until it's in bed with you. I awoke this morning to realizing I was on the edge of the bed after Violet and Sorcha had decided to migrate during the night. I can only assume that the fire had gone out and that I was the best source of warmth in the room. When I went into the kitchen, I could have sworn I saw a cat on the ledge of the apartment, but by the time I went to set it out some of the stew from the night before, it was gone.
I spent the morning in the Crimson Blades training yard, going over what happened the last few days. From worrying about Violet to the new statue in the Hall of Heroes - it has been a journey for one not of faint heart. Each swing of my sword reminded me of the changes that I have gone through as well. I had grown accustomed to the feel of Eventide in my hands - we had worked together in unison for long enough that it felt like a natural extension of myself. Wavedancer does not feel the same. It's lighter than Eventide was. It takes a little bit more to get used to it's center of balance. There was a couple of times I took a hard swing just to realize that I had nearly thrown my blade.
Which brings me to thoughts of my own new House and it's blade. I have considered petitioning the court for a House blade - but perhaps not one of the usual sword. Can a truncheon be a House weapon? I guess that's just me not wanting to be a traditionalist. Nothing about me has been traditional so far - why would I want to change now?
Development of Farwatch goes slowly. I look forward to seeing the lime and orange trees in bloom in the spring - I have already considered the idea of transporting a few saplings to the forest to put next to the oak that Violet and I planted what seems like so very long ago. Petal is looking for those to assist her - I plan to put in my own work as well. Speaking of blooms - I should speak with Petal and Norwood about having an apiary set up in Farwatch - the first steps to setting up a trade negotiation. And with Princess Alarissa about extending our invitation to those thralls that wish for a new location to be welcomed in Sandreef Point.
..I still think Sandreef Shoals sounded better.
I spent the morning in the Crimson Blades training yard, going over what happened the last few days. From worrying about Violet to the new statue in the Hall of Heroes - it has been a journey for one not of faint heart. Each swing of my sword reminded me of the changes that I have gone through as well. I had grown accustomed to the feel of Eventide in my hands - we had worked together in unison for long enough that it felt like a natural extension of myself. Wavedancer does not feel the same. It's lighter than Eventide was. It takes a little bit more to get used to it's center of balance. There was a couple of times I took a hard swing just to realize that I had nearly thrown my blade.
Which brings me to thoughts of my own new House and it's blade. I have considered petitioning the court for a House blade - but perhaps not one of the usual sword. Can a truncheon be a House weapon? I guess that's just me not wanting to be a traditionalist. Nothing about me has been traditional so far - why would I want to change now?
Development of Farwatch goes slowly. I look forward to seeing the lime and orange trees in bloom in the spring - I have already considered the idea of transporting a few saplings to the forest to put next to the oak that Violet and I planted what seems like so very long ago. Petal is looking for those to assist her - I plan to put in my own work as well. Speaking of blooms - I should speak with Petal and Norwood about having an apiary set up in Farwatch - the first steps to setting up a trade negotiation. And with Princess Alarissa about extending our invitation to those thralls that wish for a new location to be welcomed in Sandreef Point.
..I still think Sandreef Shoals sounded better.
Written By Evaristo
Dec. 24, 2018, 6:23 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
I bought some new shinies. Then checked my bank and went woops.
Well, I still got the shinies and they're worth just as much now as when I bought them.
I felt bored and what better to do when bored than to buy new fancy things, if nothing else comes up? Besides, people were being so grumpy and kept yelling at me to stop playing cheerful love songs at the taverns, something about divorces and not loving their spouses anymore. You'd think they'd appreciate upbeat love songs at that moment, but apparently they find it to be mocking and I had to make a hasty retreat from two of the taverns, under the threat of violence.
Well, I still got the shinies and they're worth just as much now as when I bought them.
I felt bored and what better to do when bored than to buy new fancy things, if nothing else comes up? Besides, people were being so grumpy and kept yelling at me to stop playing cheerful love songs at the taverns, something about divorces and not loving their spouses anymore. You'd think they'd appreciate upbeat love songs at that moment, but apparently they find it to be mocking and I had to make a hasty retreat from two of the taverns, under the threat of violence.
Written By Violet
Dec. 24, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thorley
I feel in the face of all the upheaval I have heard and seen recently in people's relationships I should write it down that my own bond and word remains strong. As a point of note I've even reached out to the Dominus and archlector of Limerance to seek guidance. For we wish to reaffirm our marriage if it needs be, now that our lives have become infinitely more complicated. Elevated. I still find it weird though.
Hopefully our reaffirmation will help some who are struggling. Do not let despair win. Do not let the darkness in. Look to the Hall of Heroes for inspiration on lasting love, lasting connections, let it strengthen you. It does myself. I hope that my strengthening of my vows with Thorley will do something similar.
Hopefully our reaffirmation will help some who are struggling. Do not let despair win. Do not let the darkness in. Look to the Hall of Heroes for inspiration on lasting love, lasting connections, let it strengthen you. It does myself. I hope that my strengthening of my vows with Thorley will do something similar.
Written By Draven
Dec. 24, 2018, 1:59 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
My Nova! So much love for her! Last morning we were at the window! We watch a couple part! No more love! She was sad! My poor Nova! And I'm sad too! So many bad dreams lately! But she's always there! With all of the love! So much love, even if there is lots of sadness!
Written By Sebastian
Dec. 24, 2018, 1:57 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
I feel at home.
Is that strange? The world weeps, feeling a melancholy and loneliness they don't know the cause of. Relationships end and divorces abound.
Welcome to the life and mood of an artist, in perpetuity.
Is that strange? The world weeps, feeling a melancholy and loneliness they don't know the cause of. Relationships end and divorces abound.
Welcome to the life and mood of an artist, in perpetuity.
Written By Thesarin
Dec. 24, 2018, 12:51 a.m.(3/23/1010 AR)
No stranger to grief. Mostly, however a body feels the world should act, most folk ain't care a shit. A body weeps while the world goes about around.
Now the world weeps as well. A strange thing.
Now the world weeps as well. A strange thing.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.