Written By Jaenelle
Aug. 8, 2016, 9:48 a.m.(3/27/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
While drinking and lamenting with Princess Freja, the topic of brothers came to be. We both have one, you see, and both are maddening to certain degrees though both are quite different people. I suggested we trade brothers, and upon informing Fergus that he was mine for the week, we met in the Redrain study. He is much different than the closed, hardened, and serious man that I was told to expect. In fact, I am certain I saw he smile at least three times.
Written By Gustave
Aug. 7, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Sigrun tried to be a vegetarian this week. It lasted all of three days. I give credit to the childs stubbornness, but we both know at her growing age she cannot be picky about foodstuffs. Should probably send her to Princess Alarissa soon. Even if she must eat the portions of a Blackram, perhaps a bit of daintiness would do her well. I see a bit of Teagan in her, in between her flights of heroic fancy. That iron will and that clever mind. The question is: do I dare cultivate it? Or try to turn it to more....mellow ends?
Written By Gustave
Aug. 7, 2016, 11:46 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
We Blackrams have seldom dealt in horseflesh. Our men are too large for all but the most titanic of breeds, and what forage we do possess is more suited for sheep and goats than warhorses. Our women are occasionally scouts and runners, but seldom has the charge of horse been as efficient or as cohesive as a wall of infantry cascading down a hill. In the loweer lands there is of course the risk, but then that is why we came down the hills and chose the Valardins as our lords. Why gamble on your weaknesses when you can have someone else reinforce them for you?
Written By Gustave
Aug. 7, 2016, 11:44 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Malorie
I never really knew the princess Malorie. One of the advantages of being a Marcher I suppose is that you only need to know who pays for any troops in excess of what you can support on your own, who wants you to either reinforce or pull away from the border, who you have to point a pike at. She seems like a nice enough woman, well versed in horseflesh, inspiring in her own manner. If I am suspicious of her it is only due to family mores which tend to be wary of assigning competence the farther it is from the farm or the front line. A big "we shall see", one supposes...even if she weren't the missing princess, would it be so bad? She's competent, not hard to look at, and knows her trade.
Written By Fergus
Aug. 7, 2016, 10:01 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jacinthe
Jacinthe, met this Whisper when I was 2 1/2 sheets to the wind after having drank with Ida in the Traders Tavern. I stole a half-glass of whiskey from the Traders and wandered over to the Ambassador, where Jacinthe had been playing a harp. We talked and drank a little, she seems to be putting on a face, with her fine drinks, fine talk and nice clothing, I think there is more to her and would like to find out what is behind that 'thick skin' she says that she possesses.
Written By Calista
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:56 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Princess Deva Redrain is wild! But I love that about her. She is every bit as carefree as Prince Kieran said she would be and he did not disappoint. It was refreshing to meet her, to attend her party and not have to worry about stuffy propriety. She did give Prince Luca quite a mouthful.. of kisses after our dance. It's good to know second place is rewarded so generously!
Written By Fergus
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:39 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Malorie
Didn't so much as 'meet' Malorie as I had a short and much interrupted conversation with her at the Valardin stable showing. I look forward to seeing more of her, not that I really know the woman, but she had made offer of helping or finding help for me to learn to ride, when the time comes that Blackjack, the foal I bought, is ready to be rode.
Written By Fergus
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:31 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
I went to the Valardin stable showing, I had no real intentions of buying a horse, as I am not much of a horseman. Despite this, however, I ended up putting my claim to a stocky built male paint foal. I have decided to call him Blackjack, unless something else comes to me that makes a bit more sense after he has grown more into himself. I look forward to my riding instructions in the near future.
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:21 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
Trying to describe The Sword of Sanctum is like trying to find the the right words to describe the skies when it is about to storm. My sister-in-law Princess Marian is a force of nature, beautiful to behold but deadly if you get to close. Thankfully she is bonding well with my sister Alis, which I think is good for both of them. There are some that disapprove of a prodigal turned princess carrying Oathbinder, but I know the depths of her honor, and I have seen her fury. There is no one I trust more than to carry my brother Velen's former mantle and to honor his memory in doing so.
Written By Lydia
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:17 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
My cousin has come to the city too! I got to sit with her at the Northern Feast that Princess Deva held. She was full of stories of all the places she has been. Most of them dangerous and far away. I'm sure she's had all sorts of adventures and have fought dragons and all sorts of things.
Written By Lydia
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:15 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
As I said, my sister has preceded me here. We've spent so much time apart since father disappeared, that it's been a relief to see her.
She's happy to see me, too. I know because every time I turn around, she is giving me things. She tries to make it seem like I'm aiming for them, but I swear I've been good and haven't done any begging! Most recently, I've heard rumors of a horse of my own.
She also seems to be happily settled in among the southerners. I've found her more often sitting and talking with nobles from other lands than I have with our own, it seems!
She's happy to see me, too. I know because every time I turn around, she is giving me things. She tries to make it seem like I'm aiming for them, but I swear I've been good and haven't done any begging! Most recently, I've heard rumors of a horse of my own.
She also seems to be happily settled in among the southerners. I've found her more often sitting and talking with nobles from other lands than I have with our own, it seems!
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:08 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Princess Alarissa had wedded bliss ripped from her a very short time. For quite sometime we never believed Prince Vance would settle down, but then the Princess in White stole his heart. She is smart, and she is an excellent hostess, and I lean on her, probably more than I should to navigate the waters of social events where I'd mostly like to hide under a table and snack on roast boar. Most importantly though, she made my brother very happy, even if only for a short while, and for that she will always have a home among the Valardin as long as she wishes to.
Written By Lydia
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:05 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
I've been in the city about a week now, and while I'm not exactly sure what it is that I was expecting, I can tell you that it is far different.
Of course, there are the sights and the sounds that exist in any city, but here everything seems so much louder and brighter and happier and warmer! The people, too, have been exceedingly friendly and among them is my sister, but more about her later.
Let it be said that while I miss home, that I am happy to be here, and I hope that my presence may bring a little of the North with me.
Of course, there are the sights and the sounds that exist in any city, but here everything seems so much louder and brighter and happier and warmer! The people, too, have been exceedingly friendly and among them is my sister, but more about her later.
Let it be said that while I miss home, that I am happy to be here, and I hope that my presence may bring a little of the North with me.
Written By Dagon
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:47 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
We've quarreled, and I'll admit I can hardly recall what it was about now, except I know that I am still irritable. I've been advised to make up with her by a mutual friend, and while I know they're both right, I'm still not willing to say so. I think I'll go sharpen my blade instead, and think on this matter again later on.
Written By Esera
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:44 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Skald
He came to me, and he gave me a gift. Though he asked for nothing, I gave him my breath, in return. And then I gave him my name, too. I wonder if he will take good care of both? Or -- no. I am sure he has forgotten already. But I have not, and I will cherish what he gave me.
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:42 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
Poor Aurelian, he was kidnapped as a young child, and it still haunts him even now, close to twenty years later. He's chosen the quill rather than the sword, and he is quite smart and I rely on him a great deal especially when it comes to finding knowledge of our past that we have lost. I just wish he believed me when I tell him, that I consider his contributions to the family as important as those who serve House Valardin with blade in hand.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:42 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
The Iron Guard, the King's Own, The Inquisition, as it stands.. with the current crisis.. there are those who serve within such institutions who have been forgotten about. I have taken it upon myself to insure that at the very least.. those of lesser means will be well equipped so that they may better perform their duties. All in furthering the goals of House Grayson, and our Kingdom. I can only hope that in time these contributions will be later recognized, or at the very least, these assets will come to benefit House Grayson more directly.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:34 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
House Grayson serves the compact, humbly, as with all things. Yet there are those who question the intentions of the house. Some who are uncultured, certainly, such as that woman of noble birth, Freja. The worst part of it all is that she has intervened in a game that she does not yet understand. Though it must be said.. Miss Acacia did not understand the point of the game either.. Hm. Perhaps I should rephrase in the future.
Written By Isolde
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:33 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
The rites for Strengthening are some of the most intense I know for the Thirteenth. I find them personally fulfilling, even when I guide them, but I can only wonder... will everyone be strong enough to undergo them? So many balk at the very notion of the Thirteenth as an abstract concept, how can I possibly expect them to have the fortitude to delve deep into the Rites. It is that weakness that is my true enemy, I think, the souls of men and women, unable to embrace the Completion. They'll fracture when the darkness comes, and I won't have any tears to weep for them. Brave men who are cowards with an incomplete soul are reprehensible to Him, and to me. Women who crumble at the first sign of conflict are but dust on the wind. I feel sad for the whole of our people, but I do not pity their cowardice. They choose the blindness. What I offer is there to see, for all.
Written By Esera
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:25 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Tonight, the ball room glittered. More than glittered. There were flowers on the floor and in the air, scattered by each step and turn, swept up in the skirts and the silks of so many dancers. My mother loved flowers, as I do. I wish she could have seen it. I wish a lot of things -- but there is no point wishing. At the end of the night, my father pulled me into a dance, and whispered in my ear. You asked me a question, Father. I couldn't answer. Couldn't find the words. But, Father ... you asked me, and you made me wish more than I'd allowed myself to wish in a long time.
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