Written By Monique
Jan. 21, 2018, 1:21 p.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
I have many journals to write today, Scholar, so I ask for your patience.
I'll start with this one:
Thank you.
I am in a world of gratitude. The Gala was only a success because of the people who contributed to it.
Mistress Petal, whose skill with Pyreweave is unmatched.
Mistress Joscelin, whose eye for creating beauty is undeniable.
House Igniseri, whose skill at crafting wine makes me weep with joy (and I promise, that's not because I'm drunk from having imbibed too much...)
Dame Ida, whose generosity of spirit blazes equally as bright as her forge fires.
Mistress Zalika, who made me a gown I have yet to take off (no, really; I may never!)
Each and every single person who came to the Gala to celebrate with us. We celebrated the New Year. We celebrated Gild. We celebrated our marriage. We celebrated all the souls who couldn't be there with us. We stood as a shining beacon of glittering light in the face of darkness.
Thank you for standing with us.
I'll start with this one:
Thank you.
I am in a world of gratitude. The Gala was only a success because of the people who contributed to it.
Mistress Petal, whose skill with Pyreweave is unmatched.
Mistress Joscelin, whose eye for creating beauty is undeniable.
House Igniseri, whose skill at crafting wine makes me weep with joy (and I promise, that's not because I'm drunk from having imbibed too much...)
Dame Ida, whose generosity of spirit blazes equally as bright as her forge fires.
Mistress Zalika, who made me a gown I have yet to take off (no, really; I may never!)
Each and every single person who came to the Gala to celebrate with us. We celebrated the New Year. We celebrated Gild. We celebrated our marriage. We celebrated all the souls who couldn't be there with us. We stood as a shining beacon of glittering light in the face of darkness.
Thank you for standing with us.
Written By Enyo
Jan. 21, 2018, 12:34 p.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
I participated in this Donkey Knight thing. I have just a few takeaways to this entire thing, the first being that if your donkey misbehaves if you threaten to eat them they usually will behave, the second is that I really must get better at riding blindfolded and backwards, and the third is that you can never have too much rope.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 21, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Traditionally, the day after the gala may unfold in one of two ways.
The day of eating: This is the day of wearing very comfortable clothing and glowering at anyone that might want you to be more formal. And upon this day of comfortable waistlines, one replenishes body and spirit.
The day of thinking food is the worst idea ever: This is more frequent in those who could have followed the little food before and high drink content during mode of attack.
Be kind to your loved ones that might have indulged in the latter.
Be mischievous but not too cruel to your foes.
And wish Lord and the new Lady Telmar your congratulations!
The day of eating: This is the day of wearing very comfortable clothing and glowering at anyone that might want you to be more formal. And upon this day of comfortable waistlines, one replenishes body and spirit.
The day of thinking food is the worst idea ever: This is more frequent in those who could have followed the little food before and high drink content during mode of attack.
Be kind to your loved ones that might have indulged in the latter.
Be mischievous but not too cruel to your foes.
And wish Lord and the new Lady Telmar your congratulations!
Written By Lucita
Jan. 21, 2018, 9:48 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
Luis, Luis, Luis!
There is a mixture of pride in your becoming our house's new Minister of War and dismay that Marquessa Quenia did not wait till after the Gala to announce that. When did you turn so adult that you forego such an event to work on your new duties? And all that time we spent reading the Compendium books about all the court dances that were in the Archives and trying to learn the steps we did not know so we could join in the dances! We'll just have to dance another time so all the studies are not wasted. Reminder--Don't forget to thank Lord Marcos for providing escort for Quenia and me.
There is a mixture of pride in your becoming our house's new Minister of War and dismay that Marquessa Quenia did not wait till after the Gala to announce that. When did you turn so adult that you forego such an event to work on your new duties? And all that time we spent reading the Compendium books about all the court dances that were in the Archives and trying to learn the steps we did not know so we could join in the dances! We'll just have to dance another time so all the studies are not wasted. Reminder--Don't forget to thank Lord Marcos for providing escort for Quenia and me.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 21, 2018, 9:31 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcos
Such a good-natured young man, my cousin-to-be! When muggers are attacking people in the streets and family and betrothed are too occupied, (Estaban on Iron Guard Patrol, Luis needing to delve into new duties.), Marcos was kind enough to provide escort to the Gala, and he even danced!
Written By Gwenna
Jan. 21, 2018, 9:15 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
The last week or so has brought great heartache as well as enchanting joy; duties balanced with a quiet respite over shark soup. It is hard to know where to begin, this recap for posterity that I may someday look back on when, Gods and Spirits willing, I am old and gray. A glimpse to remember being here, in this day, when so many will have passed by.
- Speaking with so many of our houses about the threat that comes to Arx has not always been easy, but I treasure the time spent with them. It is a shame that I do not do so more often and for less dire reasons. Something I plan to amend on the other side of this.
- Moved the first dinner event I planned here in Arx. While I suspect it might have brought some of us comfort to be together and even tell stories of Fergus and Freja, their losses are such tragic ones on our house. Later, when it is not so raw and heavy on our hearts, will we gather to honor them with our memories.
- I should never underestimate the power of a quiet night - the relieving silence - spent under the stars doing little more than enjoying a meal and company. Even if there's duty to discuss, it still renews the soul somehow.
- How can I put to word the joy of friendship? How doing normal things and laughing over our own silliness can be its own renewal? My cousins, Princess Echo, Princess Cassima, Princess Caith, and I went shopping to find Cassima a dress for the gala. Simple, but truly lightened my heart for awhile. Pockets. Everything should have pockets!
- The Glittering Gala. By the Gods and Spirits, what a glorious and genuinely well-named event! So many new faces and even a bit of tooling around with Lady Monique Greenmarch - Telmar now, as was announced later - herself. What a treat! The wine, the dancing, the favors... A reminder, perhaps, of why we fight, why we face the monsters that come to our shores and homelands. How important being together, so many assorted people, to learn about and live with each other.
I do not know what the next weeks will bring, but I hope I do not take the wonderful for granted, nor let the terrible break me just yet.
- Speaking with so many of our houses about the threat that comes to Arx has not always been easy, but I treasure the time spent with them. It is a shame that I do not do so more often and for less dire reasons. Something I plan to amend on the other side of this.
- Moved the first dinner event I planned here in Arx. While I suspect it might have brought some of us comfort to be together and even tell stories of Fergus and Freja, their losses are such tragic ones on our house. Later, when it is not so raw and heavy on our hearts, will we gather to honor them with our memories.
- I should never underestimate the power of a quiet night - the relieving silence - spent under the stars doing little more than enjoying a meal and company. Even if there's duty to discuss, it still renews the soul somehow.
- How can I put to word the joy of friendship? How doing normal things and laughing over our own silliness can be its own renewal? My cousins, Princess Echo, Princess Cassima, Princess Caith, and I went shopping to find Cassima a dress for the gala. Simple, but truly lightened my heart for awhile. Pockets. Everything should have pockets!
- The Glittering Gala. By the Gods and Spirits, what a glorious and genuinely well-named event! So many new faces and even a bit of tooling around with Lady Monique Greenmarch - Telmar now, as was announced later - herself. What a treat! The wine, the dancing, the favors... A reminder, perhaps, of why we fight, why we face the monsters that come to our shores and homelands. How important being together, so many assorted people, to learn about and live with each other.
I do not know what the next weeks will bring, but I hope I do not take the wonderful for granted, nor let the terrible break me just yet.
Written By Isabetta
Jan. 21, 2018, 8:55 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
I do not see why people are congratulating Talen, he's the victim in this story. Yes the news is happy, but do you not all realize Talen's role in this? It is not protector. We should give Talen our condolences and congratulate Eleyna, whom, now that I think of it, can drink wine again.
Written By Thena
Jan. 21, 2018, 8:42 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Donaldo
I choose to believe that every word of it is the gods' own truth.
Written By Quenia
Jan. 21, 2018, 7:07 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
In spite of a bit of drama at the end, I feel like the Glittering Gala went off without a hitch. I do hope that many people enjoyed the Citrus Delight provided by House Igniseri's vintners. The sparkling white wine was something they've been working on for quite awhile, and there were moments we were certain they weren't going to be able to deliver it in time for the event; but they did, in the end. After some crazy shenanigans with the shippers, and making sure they stayed out of the radar of the fleet that's in the Lyceum.
I want to wish Lord Corban and Lady Monique once more congratulations on their nuptials, as the Gala turned out to be a surprise wedding reception. I hope they are both very happy for many years to come.
I want to wish Lord Corban and Lady Monique once more congratulations on their nuptials, as the Gala turned out to be a surprise wedding reception. I hope they are both very happy for many years to come.
Written By Marian
Jan. 21, 2018, 6:03 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Congratulations on your twin daughters. I hope you understand that while you won the battle by having a son on the first round. She won the war because now there are three against two.
Written By Marian
Jan. 21, 2018, 5:48 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Congratulations on your twin daughters. Now Talen has three lovely ladies to protect and love.
Written By Silas
Jan. 21, 2018, 5:36 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Delilah
Nice shoes.
Written By Marian
Jan. 21, 2018, 5:12 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
I am in awe of the sheer logistics and time management that it took baby sister for you to pull off this Glittering Gala. While you have complained in the past that you are in the shadows. Love, if you ever make that claim again, I will beat you because you shined last night as the hostess of the event. I wouldn't be surprised if social mavens are claiming this was the event of the season. I can see all the hard work you put into it.
And you got secretly married? Damn you baby sister. I invited you to both my weddings. I wanted to see you walk down that isle. I wanted to see you speak those vows. Cause watching you bloom since you met Corban has been a guilty pleasure of mine.
Yes, we will agree to disagree on many things in the past, the now and probably in the future. Baby sister, know I will always love you. I can not wait for you and Corban to have your first child. I hope the child is exactly like you.
And you got secretly married? Damn you baby sister. I invited you to both my weddings. I wanted to see you walk down that isle. I wanted to see you speak those vows. Cause watching you bloom since you met Corban has been a guilty pleasure of mine.
Yes, we will agree to disagree on many things in the past, the now and probably in the future. Baby sister, know I will always love you. I can not wait for you and Corban to have your first child. I hope the child is exactly like you.
Written By Skye
Jan. 21, 2018, 4:59 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
And I don't have any children. I have dogs. They're less troublesome. Really, this is why I don't dictate my white journals.
Written By Skye
Jan. 21, 2018, 4:58 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Please accept a correction on my earlier note. I'm the youngest of three children. Romulius and Dycard would not be pleased if they heard me claiming to be the oldest.
Written By Skye
Jan. 21, 2018, 4:51 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Congratulations on the birth of your twins. I am sure in the coming years, you will appreciate the joy and wonder of being a parent to three children. This journey is not for the faint of heart. While I only have one child, I can tell you as the oldest of three children, some of the potential pitfalls you might want to avoid when dealing with your expanded brood:
First, understand that one of them always gets away with it because it's two against three. While you might think their chaotic warring means that they hate each other. They do but they hate parental authority more, which means temporary treaties will be made when it is a goal that all three can agree on. When they are all quiet and there is no fighting, they are plotting against you or executing one of their diabolical plans. Silence is not your friend.
Second, the 'good' one always gets the least attention, because they're in trouble less. Don't let that child slip through the cracks for the more disobedient children. The 'good' one is the master manipulator who is plotting your defeat. The obvious ones are the cannon fodder of your master general. This is the child you want to make your heir. This is the child you have to stop at all costs.
Third, get a big dog, yes you can talk to Count or Countess Keaton on this, and train them to help you herd. Cause when they run in three different directions, you need an body or in this case maw to capture the remaining troublemaker.
First, understand that one of them always gets away with it because it's two against three. While you might think their chaotic warring means that they hate each other. They do but they hate parental authority more, which means temporary treaties will be made when it is a goal that all three can agree on. When they are all quiet and there is no fighting, they are plotting against you or executing one of their diabolical plans. Silence is not your friend.
Second, the 'good' one always gets the least attention, because they're in trouble less. Don't let that child slip through the cracks for the more disobedient children. The 'good' one is the master manipulator who is plotting your defeat. The obvious ones are the cannon fodder of your master general. This is the child you want to make your heir. This is the child you have to stop at all costs.
Third, get a big dog, yes you can talk to Count or Countess Keaton on this, and train them to help you herd. Cause when they run in three different directions, you need an body or in this case maw to capture the remaining troublemaker.
Written By Aeryn
Jan. 21, 2018, 4:40 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
I know my family might give me weird looks for this, but today... I have decided to dye my hair pink. The process took several hours, but I can say was entirely successful.
Written By Donaldo
Jan. 21, 2018, 4:16 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Always glad to get word I have put a smile on someone's face.
I hope it does not ruin the story for me to admit that I only heard it on a ship once, and that I have some reason to believe it may not be entirely true.
I hope it does not ruin the story for me to admit that I only heard it on a ship once, and that I have some reason to believe it may not be entirely true.
Written By Cirroch
Jan. 21, 2018, 2:06 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Sasha
Every time I speak of you, it is always with a joy over our love and a pride that I am lucky enough to have you.
Written By Thena
Jan. 21, 2018, 1:04 a.m.(1/4/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Donaldo
Your story has been the highlight of my evening, sir.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.