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Written By Tikva

July 18, 2018, 12:35 p.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Niklas

It won't go away.

Written By Gwenna

July 18, 2018, 11:05 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

The Gilded Page is, quite truly, one of my favorite places in the city and you've every right to be quite proud of it. While I am somewhat saddened at the lack of a blush, I am yet mollified that such words in the whites might inspire the author! I would very happily pay for Part II - supporting the artists and creative minds of the city is so important. As well, I would at least avoid the potential bruises that might result from the mad rush to purchase it when it might be released. I am both humbled and honored by the offer - thank you quite kindly!

Written By Niklas

July 18, 2018, 10:54 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

I've always been pretty interested in the idea of magic.

Not enough to do serious study into the old timey magery wizardry sorcery thing that used to exist, but enough to read some stories, get some ideas. You've got your person who has an idea of what they want to have happen, you've got your focus which changes the world around you and you have the will to make the change. 1 + 1 + 1 = fireball. Or expectation + singing + spellsinger ability = changing the tide of battle. But it seems to me that this is the second magic, the weaker magic. Sure, you can burn things up or cause an earthquake or whatever, but it doesn't change the world the way the first magic does.

When you're born you don't separate things from yourself, you don't understand quantities, you don't appreciate colors, and that changes only somewhat until you start to learn language. From the things I've read, language literally changes the way people think, the way they interact with the world. Not just 'communication', but knowing the names of things, being able to understand descriptions, me, they, it, round, one, two, many, lots, etc. Life is as two dimensional as a bad painting, and through language the world becomes the real place we know. And that's the first magic. The magic so plain and endemic that we don't consider it magic at all.

And unlike the second magic, which does something and then you have to live with the results, the first magic never stops changing the world. I've been learning a new language recently and seeing how another (very different) culture speaks is learning what they value. Initially my idea was to write poetry and plays in another language, and now I'm finding that it was a fool's errand, because I need to think differently, be different, to really appreciate the linguistic difference.

But even in Arvani there are words and sentences that can change the world. One day someone told me that my father had died. Until that point death was an abstract. Nothing I ever thought could stalk the halls at Stormward. My world changed.

Two weeks ago another sentence brought magic to my life and changed things. Sabella and I are going to have a child. My assumption was that we would wait for a time before doing it, as we are both so busy these days, but... is there a good time for kids? Will we ever get less busy? I doubt it. And just hearing the phrase, knowing it was true? Changed me. Changed my mind. Where I thought there would be trepidation there is only joy. Where I thought there would be uncertainty there is only excitement. Where I thought there would be doubt there is only love. Love that can get me through anything. Love that can make even the strangest of realities into the reality I have always needed.

Language changes everything.

It can even change a Niklas into a dad.

Written By Monique

July 18, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Gwenna

If it were possible for me to blush (I assure you it's not and anyone claiming to see such a thing is lying!) I would be blushing furiously at your praise for the Gilded Page. But let me take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the overwhelming support of those who enjoy the library. The spread of knowledge is a great example of what makes the Page so fulfilling for me. I am glad to hear you received the newest book and loved it as you did.

I know that will motivate the author to pen the second installment that much sooner and you shall receive the very first copy, on me.

Written By Delilah

July 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

The city under the snow brings a certain peaceful frame of mind I've come to miss. When everything stands still and holds its collective breath, I can almost imagine I stand alone. The air is pure enough to sharpen every sound. Shut my eyes and breathe in the woodsmoke, and I can taste the forest. It's hard to believe this kind of clarity exists in the heart of such a large city, but winter bestows a certain rare gift on those willing to hold still long enough to take advantage of the peace.

Written By Audric

July 18, 2018, 7:43 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Don't ever let anyone tell you differently: there's nothing like a good fight, where it comes down to you and another person, both striving your damndest to kill each other. And that moment where you've won - where both of you know it, as a sword sinks into that soft bit between neck and collarbone to go for that strike to the heart. Where the fighters can acknowledge how bloody fun it was right before one of them dies. It's EXQUISITE.

Plus, afterwards, if you -really- enjoy it, and can lose yourself happily in it, the sleep afterwards is juuuuust the best. Bonus points if you're getting paid to do it, too!

Written By Cristoph

July 18, 2018, 6:25 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Oliver

I recently commissioned an outfit from Master Oliver Arterius. His work was phenomenal and I'm extremely pleased with what I received. He was also professional and much speedier than I anticipated. As promised, there was no overt bedazzling to my pants! I would surely recommend his work to anyone.

Written By Margret

July 18, 2018, 1:27 a.m.(3/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Alis

You should have him tell you about the time Uncle Muiryn took all of the cousins out on a hunting trip, and bears got into all of the food supplies and the only thing they had left was whiskey.

But maybe don't tell him it was my idea.

Written By Riagnon

July 18, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

It's more nerve-wracking than I'd previously anticipated. Suddenly being Sword of a place is pressure enough without having never even been there. I hope they'll take to me ..erm, to us. Should just put it out of mind until it's done. Stop all the fidgeting.

I really, really do hope they like us.

Written By Gwenna

July 17, 2018, 11:46 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

I have managed a copy of The Baron's Muse Part I by Storm Knight. While I don't often get time to just sit and get lost in a book, I will need to do so much more often. Already? I am hooked and will probably find myself pining for a Part II far too soon.

The highlight of my day, however, came in the form of the most thoughtful gift from someone I hardly deserve. A stunning silver birch leaf necklace with the darkest sapphire I think I have ever seen. It is like having a little piece of the night sky for my very own and I will probably never take it off.

Written By Ember

July 17, 2018, 10:08 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Fredrik

Met Lord Redtyde today. It was a rather enjoyable and educational experience.

I look forward to knowing him better.

Written By Harper

July 17, 2018, 9:52 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Calaudrin

Were you trying to document that Aunt Esoka thought you were boring?

And she has a point. We're both lucky you got her! She gives better hugs.

Written By Esoka

July 17, 2018, 9:41 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Calaudrin

Well you aren't boring NOW. You have hobbies. And also me.

Written By Calaudrin

July 17, 2018, 8:24 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Esoka

My gods woman, I am not boring!

Written By Cullen

July 17, 2018, 8:16 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Margret

We're not? Oh. I meant...we're not. Of course.

Just don't tell the treehouse.

Written By Esoka

July 17, 2018, 7:49 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Preston

Now that you mention it, you could use hobbies. I have advice.

Have you tried sketching? That was the hobby Calaudrin picked when he realized he was boring and needed them, and it's worked out well. Or you could take up the banjo. That's usually funny, even if someone is very bad at it.

You could also get a pet. Cats are popular now. And people say they're lucky, though I've always liked dogs better.

Don't worry, Sir Preston, I'm sure if the Templars put our minds to it, we can find you many hobbies.

Written By Ailith

July 17, 2018, 7:32 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Preston

Or you have an abundance of hobbies that mainly deal with trebuchets and models.

Written By Preston

July 17, 2018, 7:24 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Thena

There are some perks to not being grandmaster - no-one tries to make me have hobbies.

Written By Thena

July 17, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Thank you all for the suggestions of hobbies. While some involve far too many animals and while the Legate of Concepts tends to object to any hobby that might end up with me 'accidentally' wounding someone, there were several possibilities worth considering.

Written By Valdemar

July 17, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(3/17/1009 AR)

Child,

As you grow up, you are going to hear a lot of things about love. There are different kinds of it, each with its own quirks and various ways it should be approached. Familial love, love for friends, love for your home, romantic love, love of self...and I may be missing some. There will be people who try to tell you which of these is the most important, without consensus. Ask ten different people, and you might well get ten different answers. So I am not going to try to push my own opinion of that on you here. There is something much more important about love that you should know, and it is one thing they all have in common. Love is difficult. It will hurt you sometimes, and I can assure you that pain is unlike any other. However, the other thing that I can tell you for certain is that it is worth the pain, the difficulty, the frustration. All of it.

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