Written By Fecundo
July 19, 2018, 5:56 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Stopping into Works Obscura to have a look at the Blades Garden, who should I run into, but Miriari, herself. When I explained to her that I was simply seeking a high quality steel weapon for the strict purpose of using in duels, she was more than happy to oblige. I provided the steel and she provided the creativity. What was delivered to me was nothing short of a work of art. At first glimpse, I nearly wanted to hang it on a wall and look at it. Then I went through practice motions with the weapon. All I can say is that I cannot wait to use it in a duel.
Written By Lumen
July 19, 2018, 5:52 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
The indication of a truly sophisticated individual lies in their ability to engage with a wide array of culture while withholding judgment. You'll have to pry the color yellow, coronets, and fur-lined ankle-booties out of my cold dead fingertips. Deal with it.
Written By Reigna
July 19, 2018, 5:21 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
You are right, and you are not.
First, you are correct that how one feels about the act of killing is likely of little consequence to the person who is dying. But a person who delights in something is less likely to fight against having more of it, would you agree? They might be less inclined to go to the lengths to avoid a situation in which they might find themselves in a position to do that thing they enjoy.
I cannot speak for others, but I do not believe I have ever spent coin on mercenary forces. I cannot begrudge their use, especially when fighting foes that out number us as extensively as the Pirate King's forces.
And I *should* acknowledge Baron deLire's point that the things he faces these days are rarely human. That is a mercy indeed.
I merely pointed out that if someone feels a rush of pleasure so intensely at killing another being that it was worth mentioning. That it was worrisome. I am not calling him bad, or evil or wrong. I am simply pointing out that there may be something unbalanced within him. He might be sick. Or he could simply be the sort of person that happily kills other human beings. Either way, I was concerned.
First, you are correct that how one feels about the act of killing is likely of little consequence to the person who is dying. But a person who delights in something is less likely to fight against having more of it, would you agree? They might be less inclined to go to the lengths to avoid a situation in which they might find themselves in a position to do that thing they enjoy.
I cannot speak for others, but I do not believe I have ever spent coin on mercenary forces. I cannot begrudge their use, especially when fighting foes that out number us as extensively as the Pirate King's forces.
And I *should* acknowledge Baron deLire's point that the things he faces these days are rarely human. That is a mercy indeed.
I merely pointed out that if someone feels a rush of pleasure so intensely at killing another being that it was worth mentioning. That it was worrisome. I am not calling him bad, or evil or wrong. I am simply pointing out that there may be something unbalanced within him. He might be sick. Or he could simply be the sort of person that happily kills other human beings. Either way, I was concerned.
Written By Valdemar
July 19, 2018, 4:52 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Child,
Recent journal entries of others have me thinking about life. It is a precious thing, which will no doubt seem odd coming from a man who has spent most of his years learning to kill, training to take it. Admittedly, there is a rush unlike any other when you are in a fight for your life, when you will likely need to kill in order to walk away from the conflict yourself. And make no mistake, there are absolutely times when it must be done.
It is entirely possible, given our family's traditions, that you will have similar training as well. Hopefully, it will be at my own hand, in which case I can relay much of what I am about to write down to you in person. The world is not always a kind place, however, and so I am putting this to paper in the event that others have to carry out that duty in my place. The most important lesson a warrior can learn is that your sword, axe, or whatever other weapon you end up favoring will not always solve your problems, and even when it can, it is not always the best solution. Because even in an honorable contest that is meant to not be lethal, or one fought entirely with sparring weapons for that matter, death can come. This is not a lesson that weapon instructors often think to teach, but it is one that I struggle with often, myself. For the sake of the people who will one day rely on you for not just strength, but wisdom and justice as well, I hope you can learn this lesson long before I did, myself. Knowing when to take other approaches will make your own life longer and more valuable, and will let you tap into the potential of others you might send to the Queen of Endings too soon.
Recent journal entries of others have me thinking about life. It is a precious thing, which will no doubt seem odd coming from a man who has spent most of his years learning to kill, training to take it. Admittedly, there is a rush unlike any other when you are in a fight for your life, when you will likely need to kill in order to walk away from the conflict yourself. And make no mistake, there are absolutely times when it must be done.
It is entirely possible, given our family's traditions, that you will have similar training as well. Hopefully, it will be at my own hand, in which case I can relay much of what I am about to write down to you in person. The world is not always a kind place, however, and so I am putting this to paper in the event that others have to carry out that duty in my place. The most important lesson a warrior can learn is that your sword, axe, or whatever other weapon you end up favoring will not always solve your problems, and even when it can, it is not always the best solution. Because even in an honorable contest that is meant to not be lethal, or one fought entirely with sparring weapons for that matter, death can come. This is not a lesson that weapon instructors often think to teach, but it is one that I struggle with often, myself. For the sake of the people who will one day rely on you for not just strength, but wisdom and justice as well, I hope you can learn this lesson long before I did, myself. Knowing when to take other approaches will make your own life longer and more valuable, and will let you tap into the potential of others you might send to the Queen of Endings too soon.
Written By Shard
July 19, 2018, 4:50 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Killing is killing. What difference does it make to the dead person what you feel when you do it? Whether you're gleeful or sorry or grim and filled with duty? They're still dead. Their families still mourn. It only makes a difference to you. It only matters to you. It's an entirely selfish concern.
If you're going to bother about the dead, be sure the person you're killing deserves to die first. The people who hire sellswords rarely give a shit about that kind of thing. You put a literal price on life every single day, and it's usually a fucking bargain, both in the people you're putting gold down to kill, and the people you're paying to do it. Mercenaries are expendable, that's why we get put on the front lines in battle. You know that. That's why you pay us to stand there. At the very least, the man you're all wagging your fingers at manages to get you to pay a lot more for the lives you've decided money can replace. You made him rich with it.
If you're going to bother about the dead, be sure the person you're killing deserves to die first. The people who hire sellswords rarely give a shit about that kind of thing. You put a literal price on life every single day, and it's usually a fucking bargain, both in the people you're putting gold down to kill, and the people you're paying to do it. Mercenaries are expendable, that's why we get put on the front lines in battle. You know that. That's why you pay us to stand there. At the very least, the man you're all wagging your fingers at manages to get you to pay a lot more for the lives you've decided money can replace. You made him rich with it.
Written By Morrighan
July 19, 2018, 4:44 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
You're most welcome for the tea and chocolate, had I known it was your first time having the latter, I'd have given you Dero's share. ALL OF IT.
Written By Morrighan
July 19, 2018, 4:17 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Derovai
YOU DIRTY SNEAK THIEF.
Written By Bliss
July 19, 2018, 3:56 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
With a Commoners Ball approaching and Spring just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to further describe current fashion trends so that no one is left feeling awkward and out of date at the ball.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Yellow is OUT, magenta is IN (unless it is a very lovely thing in yellow)
Tiaras and Coronets are both OUT, Tiaronets are IN
(official gear showing rank is, of course, always IN)
Herring is OUT, salmon is IN (strangely enough, though, herringbone is IN)
Ankle boots are OUT, thigh boots are IN
Square tables are OUT, kidney-shaped tables are IN
Gambling with dice is OUT, gambling with cards is IN
And, of course,
The satisfaction of a job well-done is OUT, whereas existential dread and paranoia are both, most certainly, IN
Any questions or complaints regarding this list may be directed to Saedrus or Lumen Whisper. I do not need thanks for my work - writing letters is IN, but receiving letters is very much OUT.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:42 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
You remind me why I am grateful for such acquaintances as I have been blessed to know upon my arrival to Arx.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
The king gains much by such a loyal knight with a good head on his shoulders. That you continued to pursue something to aid me, despite all that happens in your life, leaves me quietly humbled and glad for your help. Every stone on the path leads eventually to my destination. It's the small steps that count, too.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 2:26 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
I wish it were easier to trust the world. The funny part of knowledge, the more you get, the better you understand those barriers created by our parents to establish a civil society aren't entirely real. The artificial boundaries do a fine job allowing a maturing mind to test ideas, and to learn about the world, within relative safety. I suppose that's not an insignificant purpose for a parent: making an environment in which a child can make increasing forays into the greater world at large without being utterly maimed in the process. I can only imagine how much a burden I put on my dear papa and mumsy, forever trying to leap over the wall and run free into the vastness beyond Whitehawk. But as an adult, you learn some doors opened cannot close. Some sights cannot be barred from the mind. You learn that you can poison those barriers and bring them down simply by asking a question, or holding a corrosive key of sorts.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
I know something and I have a question. If I ask another, I may erode their peace of mind. The fences and walls that hold us fast are just that, illusions, and the cold light of reason acts as well as any sword to undermine what shelter we knew. This is a lonely place to stand. But so your walls stand and your foundation holds, I must lift my lamp and carry on.
Written By Fairen
July 19, 2018, 1:35 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
Judging from the commentary you have received from two close associates, I think it would be best for me to take the time to meet with you. My understanding is that you are quite the positive character. Though I wonder if I should bring chocolate as a gesture of good faith, or if I should inquire about your own chocolate.
Written By Derovai
July 19, 2018, 1:21 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
If you want more chocolate, just let me know. I'm sure Dame Morrighan won't mind, judging from experience of my own and now yours as well.
Written By Sina
July 19, 2018, 1:18 p.m.(3/21/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
For me, going out and about and meeting people is hard to do. I'm shy, and I'll admit it. But last night was a most rewarding experience. I was pleasantly surprised to make a new friend, engaged in stimulating discourse over a variety of topics, and tasted the most delicious blood orange tea. And chocolate! I've never had chocolate before. It was an experience I'll not soon forget.
Written By Aureth
July 19, 2018, 12:06 p.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Losing wagers is an important life lesson, Audric. Don't teach Aleksei's son wrong lessons about indefatigable funds along with your terrible bloodthirst.
Written By Alis
July 19, 2018, 11:29 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
Sounds like some people need a mace to the face.
Written By Edward
July 19, 2018, 11 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Who was that? They could not say. But what they could was that they had a name that sounds even now like the call of a horn.
Written By Eleyna
July 19, 2018, 10:05 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Vanora
Vanora and I kind of knew each other as children. Many of the children linked to the Velenosa end up spending a part of their childhood in Lenosia, so that there would be many children wandering the palace and grounds, playing in groups, attending lessons together. We knew each other, but she was close with Isolde while I was only close with myself.
When we first met again after growing up, it was over a negotiation table during the Kennex disaster. I was frustrated and angry, but Lady Vanora met me with honesty and a willingness to answer my questions, no matter how tense they were. It created a good impression. She was determined to clean up the mess that her then-husband made when it seemed like so many in House Kennex were hiding from the consequences of their nobly aimed action.
As time has gone on, I've found something of a kindred spirit in Vanora. We look at the world in similar ways. I think we both also epitomize a certain type of Lycene that often gets lost behind the more popular image of the hedonistic, fiery Southerner. It is refreshing to speak with someone that I don't have to explain the reasoning of my thinking. She seems to get it already.
Vanora was there in a moment where I needed help most. She never asked questions or waited for permission. She swooped in to do what needed to be done. I will be forever grateful for that.
When we first met again after growing up, it was over a negotiation table during the Kennex disaster. I was frustrated and angry, but Lady Vanora met me with honesty and a willingness to answer my questions, no matter how tense they were. It created a good impression. She was determined to clean up the mess that her then-husband made when it seemed like so many in House Kennex were hiding from the consequences of their nobly aimed action.
As time has gone on, I've found something of a kindred spirit in Vanora. We look at the world in similar ways. I think we both also epitomize a certain type of Lycene that often gets lost behind the more popular image of the hedonistic, fiery Southerner. It is refreshing to speak with someone that I don't have to explain the reasoning of my thinking. She seems to get it already.
Vanora was there in a moment where I needed help most. She never asked questions or waited for permission. She swooped in to do what needed to be done. I will be forever grateful for that.
Written By Cristoph
July 19, 2018, 9:31 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sabella
I'm sorry to hear you experience such troubles.
Under similar circumstances, I would redirect the person to contact my wife and them never reply to them on the subject again.
Under similar circumstances, I would redirect the person to contact my wife and them never reply to them on the subject again.
Written By Delilah
July 19, 2018, 8:52 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Is there anything so perfect as curling up with a book on a frosty morning and discovering the bottom of a subject you thought you knew fell out? That sensation of hitting a foundational precept that cracks into pieces, shattering lines of thought and pre-established notions, is one I don't fear so much as accept is my lot in life. There is so much to learn, so terribly little time to grasp it all. But I feel like a woman starving before a banquet, and without the slightest idea of where to begin.
Written By Sabella
July 19, 2018, 8:26 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
In the span of two days I have had someone look to my husband for confirmation that an idea I voiced was a good one, had someone claim that I would break my oaths to the gods and my husband and imply that he might not be the father of my child, and had several people reach out to my husband to apologize for such things.
I'd like to assure everyone that I do indeed have a mind of my own and that I am quite capable of making my own decisions and being my own person.
Maybe I should have Prince Niklas post this so that it might be deemed true.
I'd like to assure everyone that I do indeed have a mind of my own and that I am quite capable of making my own decisions and being my own person.
Maybe I should have Prince Niklas post this so that it might be deemed true.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.