Written By Joslyn
Nov. 12, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Just when I think I've seen everything, the patrols show me that I am horribly mistaken and that there is still so much more for me to see. In the Gray Forest, I had a chance to encounter these minions of the slaver that I had never seen before. Bigger than a human, though not as big as a giant. I'm not quite sure what to make of them, but I do know that I managed to kill two of them, and with the assistance of Master Sergei, took down a third. They die like anything else, but it makes me wonder just what other sorts of creatures there are that I have yet to face off against. I'll just have to keep my hairpins sharpened for the occasion.
Written By Thena
Nov. 12, 2017, 2:56 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
He's not that bad.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 12, 2017, 2:32 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
Nothing makes a woman panic like a meeting with the King.
Written By Mae
Nov. 12, 2017, 1:51 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Could anyone recommend a good vase that shatters easily against a husband's head without causing serious damage? I love my Magpie with all my heart. But sometimes I would like to throw things at him...
Not lately. He's been a very good Magpie.
Not lately. He's been a very good Magpie.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 12, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
There seems to be a lot of vase-throwing threats going around in white journals right now. I cannot help but wonder how long this particular tradition has been around; I've found records from five hundred years past of Queen Alarice trying to find the perfect vase to throw at her husband's head, and I suspect vases were used as weapons in marital warfare even earlier. Does this go all the way back to the Reckoning? Could make an interesting Scholarly study for someone.
Either way, it's nice to see that ancient historical traditions are still kept alive.
Either way, it's nice to see that ancient historical traditions are still kept alive.
Written By Talen
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:57 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Do you want me to go to to Lenosia? I could stay there away from your side.
Written By Kael
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:43 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
It has been far too long since I have come to my white journal (or black journal for that matter) and found my pen. A great deal has occurred and a great deal is worth mentioning. First and foremost amongst them however is the birth of my son, Lord Aeryn Squall Keaton, the heir to Oakhaven. The child came out as I teased he might, with a loud set of lungs. Thus, of course, Squall the Squaller. Was he purple? I remember glancing as he was lifting, but most of my attention was on my wife. She gave me... to say that it was a fright, that is an understatement. I have never felt as this before in my life and I hope never to feel like this again. All is well, however, and Reigna assures me she is healing swiftly. She certainly appears to be in fine spirits. As to the matter of Aeryn, however, those lungs of his have not diminished in capacity at all. In fact, he may have gotten louder with time. When the boy is hungry (and that is constantly), he makes it known. At all hours, of course. However, his lungs seem to be particularly strong at night. Frequently, at night. Yet I find I would not change him for all of the world.
Written By Khanne
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:37 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
It is not often that I receive a simple note that stops me in the tracks of my day and erases every smile that I had from the time of waking until that point.
And now, I wish that it were less often.
And now, I wish that it were less often.
Written By Mia
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:29 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
It seems I've once again managed to get myself into a situation that I'm in no way prepared for by asking too many questions that have no easy answers.
My fellow citizens of the Compact, be forewarned: Any time you ask that sort of thing, there's a high probability that the reply you receive will be "We've no idea, but now that you've mentioned it, we'll send you to find it."
My fellow citizens of the Compact, be forewarned: Any time you ask that sort of thing, there's a high probability that the reply you receive will be "We've no idea, but now that you've mentioned it, we'll send you to find it."
Written By Eleyna
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:23 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Why do you do this?
Written By Marian
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:23 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Since when have you been looking at Princess Alarissa's and my stockings?
Written By Talen
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:22 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
She looks better in stockings. Wait, no. That'll be another vase. Fuck.
Written By Marian
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:21 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Why is Prince Talen inviting Princess Consort Alarissa to dinner and not me. I am deeply hurt. Throw a vase at him for me.
Written By Marian
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:19 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
She sails in beauty and gives grace to all that meet her in their path. I love you sister of my heart. I do hope the wind is at your back when we sail. Till then, love your dear husband and dance at as many parties as you can.
Written By Talen
Nov. 12, 2017, 12:18 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
It's just constant disappointment with you, isn't it?
None greater than Grayson gone too far.
Just come for dinner, I promise you our wine is better.
None greater than Grayson gone too far.
Just come for dinner, I promise you our wine is better.
Written By Marian
Nov. 12, 2017, 11:57 a.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
You do not have to give birth to a child to be their parent. They don't need to share your blood to be family. I think nature is by far the smallest part in the equation that makes a parent. It is the nurture. The love one gives. The moments in their lives where you are there to see they take their first steps, hold their first sword and dance at their wedding. None of these moments are given less weigh simply because you don't share the same blood. So, if you wish to be a guardian, not a mother, there is nothing wrong with that. But don't allow a simple day, the day she was born, take away from anything. Raise her, love her and if you want her to share your name, adopt her within your family. Then no one will stand and say that she is not your daughter.
Written By Marian
Nov. 12, 2017, 11:46 a.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
I think people pray for many reasons. Every single one of us has a unique relationship to the Gods. Mine started when I bended knee to the Compact and found myself a stranger in a strange land, lost amongst the customs of those who found my manners, my dress, my speech to be lacking. I struggled to fit in. I found myself at a loss most days. So I talked. In those days, I wouldn't call exactly what I did was prayer. I talked to the Gods because they were there to listen. I didn't need any validation or great miracle to find faith. I just needed a friend.
Of course, my life has changed greatly since those early days and my circle has grown greatly. I have forged deep bonds that still carry me in my darker days. Regardless of those ties, I still find comfort sometimes in the quiet support of a chapel and the open ear of a priest who can listen. Sometimes one just needs an outlet to go to. So, my advise is don't look for answers, look for understanding. And listen. I fear that many of us do more talking than listening these days. We need to be better about that.
Of course, my life has changed greatly since those early days and my circle has grown greatly. I have forged deep bonds that still carry me in my darker days. Regardless of those ties, I still find comfort sometimes in the quiet support of a chapel and the open ear of a priest who can listen. Sometimes one just needs an outlet to go to. So, my advise is don't look for answers, look for understanding. And listen. I fear that many of us do more talking than listening these days. We need to be better about that.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 12, 2017, 11:45 a.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I wanted to express how grateful I am to be within this man's fealty. His Grace, Prince Edain regularly inspires me. He is kind hearted and tireless in his service to his people. He has several times reached out to me to make sure that I am well and happy and untroubled, though I am a Countess and he a Prince and High Lord. He is not alone in that -- I count among my dearest friends a Duke, several Princesses and a Prince or three and I think... how is it that a child of an impoverished Lord and Lady from the backwaters of Wyrmguard has found herself in this position? It is because Prince Edain fosters a spirit of family within the fealty. His grace and kindness, his inclusiveness is something that begins at the top and shines down to others. I am so grateful to call him liege and I feel blessed to know him and his family.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 12, 2017, 11:39 a.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
Cousin, your pen brought a knot to my throat and mist to my eyes. Thank you. Thank you for sharing that story. It is so clear why you were chosen as Archscholar as you exemplify the wisdom of Vellichor. Knowledge shared, especially the hard truths that are carved into us by pain... it is a blessed thing to share. And I for one am grateful to have read it.
Written By Reigna
Nov. 12, 2017, 11:33 a.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
I have to say I genuinely prefer this whole having the baby in the world rather than within me. Not to say there was no magic in the carrying, but I am having many moments that remind me just how difficult those last few months were. The body and mind are remarkable in so many ways, not the least of which is in how quickly the not-normal can become normal. For instance, in the last month of carrying Squall those familiar with me might recall that my belly was rather large. I have caught myself attempting to hug someone as if it still were, with a pivot and lean in. And then I realize how silly I look. Or the distance from which I stand when filling my plate from the buffet. For all of the oddities and the habits I must relearn... everything, everything is worth it. Our little Lord of Storms is, to this mother's eyes, perfect from head to toe.
It is... *the word difficult has been crossed out and replaced with* challenging, some times. There are three infants in my house right now. Squall, of course, at less than two weeks, Kata who Eliza -- our nurse -- and I estimate to be eight months old and Eliza's son, Orrin who is eleven months old. It is, in a way, like looking into Squall's future. Seeing the milestones ahead. But the challenge is in managing my heart. How do I watch these precious children, Kata, especially, and not form a familial bond with them? When we found Kata she was so thin and ill I worried we might lose her. Before Princess Alis sent her nurse over until we could find Eliza I had to feed Kata myself. And there was a connection born in that act that I cannot shake. Kael and I have discussed things and while, logically I know his vision is right, that it is in no way appropriate for me to cling to a mother's role in Kata's life -- in truth the thought of her calling me mother is unsettling in a way. I feel it dishonors her actual mother who died -- I cannot help but have these occasional flickers of that sentiment. How can I not? She is a charming, sweet soul and I am responsible for her.
I think often of the difficulties that she faces. To be raised in a home and to be family, but not. To have these invisible divisions that keep her other. I fear deeply that I will harm her somehow. Will she resent us for the fact that when she is older she will not be ennobled? That she will be in all senses, a sister to Squall and yet he will be Lord and she not Lady? I struggle with this often, and I do not know what is best. Would it be kinder to send her to Oakhaven to grow away from Arx? But if I do that, how can I be certain she grows knowing that she is loved? A stupid question logically. There are ways, but the heart, I find is not often a logical organ.
If any eyes reading this has the desire to offer their opinion I shall ask my fellow scholars to point me to their whites.
It is... *the word difficult has been crossed out and replaced with* challenging, some times. There are three infants in my house right now. Squall, of course, at less than two weeks, Kata who Eliza -- our nurse -- and I estimate to be eight months old and Eliza's son, Orrin who is eleven months old. It is, in a way, like looking into Squall's future. Seeing the milestones ahead. But the challenge is in managing my heart. How do I watch these precious children, Kata, especially, and not form a familial bond with them? When we found Kata she was so thin and ill I worried we might lose her. Before Princess Alis sent her nurse over until we could find Eliza I had to feed Kata myself. And there was a connection born in that act that I cannot shake. Kael and I have discussed things and while, logically I know his vision is right, that it is in no way appropriate for me to cling to a mother's role in Kata's life -- in truth the thought of her calling me mother is unsettling in a way. I feel it dishonors her actual mother who died -- I cannot help but have these occasional flickers of that sentiment. How can I not? She is a charming, sweet soul and I am responsible for her.
I think often of the difficulties that she faces. To be raised in a home and to be family, but not. To have these invisible divisions that keep her other. I fear deeply that I will harm her somehow. Will she resent us for the fact that when she is older she will not be ennobled? That she will be in all senses, a sister to Squall and yet he will be Lord and she not Lady? I struggle with this often, and I do not know what is best. Would it be kinder to send her to Oakhaven to grow away from Arx? But if I do that, how can I be certain she grows knowing that she is loved? A stupid question logically. There are ways, but the heart, I find is not often a logical organ.
If any eyes reading this has the desire to offer their opinion I shall ask my fellow scholars to point me to their whites.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.