Written By Ailith
Nov. 12, 2017, 8:03 a.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Holy Services Sermon
Day 25 of Month 7 in 1007 AR
Palace Chapel
Why pray? What power can prayer -- words hold?
These are not uncommon questions people face especially when direct action is favored over prayer during times of crisis. And why wouldn't it when the results are immediately seen? Why pray some ask when the Gods may not hear, will not speak with me, or are not going to answer? It appears to be a futile effort.
I must have been six or seven. I didn't know much about the world and my parents would drag the whole family to services every week to this small crumbling chapel. That day, everything hurt. Blight had taken our harvest and most of the community was struggling. My brothers and sisters were crying and cranky, pinching and punching each other because they couldn't understand why their empty stomachs twisted and hurt. Mom and Dad were trying to hush them like many of the other families were with their children. And there was the Seraph talking about prayer and how the Gods listen. I wanted to punch him in the face.
I realize that's a bold statement especially coming from me. But it had been days since I last saw even a crumb, dirt wasn't filling my belly anymore, and all the endless whining was getting to me. I wanted to cry and scream like my brothers and sisters. Then this Seraph talks about words of make-believe. We had been praying for weeks and nothing was happening. We still were starving.
Just when I was about to get up and teach that Seraph a lesson with my fists, I saw one of the well-to-do kids near the front of the chapel munching on a blackberry tart. I lost it. I marched right to the aisle and could hear parents, mine included, gasp as the Seraph bright as the summer's sun smile kindly at me and set a hand to my shoulder.
As he guided me back to my family, he took a loaf of bread and broke it into pieces, sharing them with my brothers and sisters, my mother and father, and me. Then he broke another loaf and did the same for another family. He continued to do this while never once pausing his sermon. In between those bites as tears stained my cheeks, I felt relieved and renewed. Much of what he said wasn't listened to. I was a child and that loaf of bread was answer to my immediate prayer for food.
That tiny derelict chapel became a safe haven. When we'd leave services, the community was rejuvenated and strong enabling us to face another week of hardship. Our chapel became a place of solace and our prayers comfort. We could rely on the Faith and Gods being there for us.
Answers may not always be immediate or obviously from the Gods but if we are patient, we can endure.
Day 25 of Month 7 in 1007 AR
Palace Chapel
Why pray? What power can prayer -- words hold?
These are not uncommon questions people face especially when direct action is favored over prayer during times of crisis. And why wouldn't it when the results are immediately seen? Why pray some ask when the Gods may not hear, will not speak with me, or are not going to answer? It appears to be a futile effort.
I must have been six or seven. I didn't know much about the world and my parents would drag the whole family to services every week to this small crumbling chapel. That day, everything hurt. Blight had taken our harvest and most of the community was struggling. My brothers and sisters were crying and cranky, pinching and punching each other because they couldn't understand why their empty stomachs twisted and hurt. Mom and Dad were trying to hush them like many of the other families were with their children. And there was the Seraph talking about prayer and how the Gods listen. I wanted to punch him in the face.
I realize that's a bold statement especially coming from me. But it had been days since I last saw even a crumb, dirt wasn't filling my belly anymore, and all the endless whining was getting to me. I wanted to cry and scream like my brothers and sisters. Then this Seraph talks about words of make-believe. We had been praying for weeks and nothing was happening. We still were starving.
Just when I was about to get up and teach that Seraph a lesson with my fists, I saw one of the well-to-do kids near the front of the chapel munching on a blackberry tart. I lost it. I marched right to the aisle and could hear parents, mine included, gasp as the Seraph bright as the summer's sun smile kindly at me and set a hand to my shoulder.
As he guided me back to my family, he took a loaf of bread and broke it into pieces, sharing them with my brothers and sisters, my mother and father, and me. Then he broke another loaf and did the same for another family. He continued to do this while never once pausing his sermon. In between those bites as tears stained my cheeks, I felt relieved and renewed. Much of what he said wasn't listened to. I was a child and that loaf of bread was answer to my immediate prayer for food.
That tiny derelict chapel became a safe haven. When we'd leave services, the community was rejuvenated and strong enabling us to face another week of hardship. Our chapel became a place of solace and our prayers comfort. We could rely on the Faith and Gods being there for us.
Answers may not always be immediate or obviously from the Gods but if we are patient, we can endure.
Written By Talen
Nov. 12, 2017, 6:11 a.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Inigo
You're back? Swing by with your Duchess for dinner at the Velenosa estate sometime.
I promise the only thing you'll be poisoned by is alcohol and that it's not fatal, only fun.
I promise the only thing you'll be poisoned by is alcohol and that it's not fatal, only fun.
Written By Calista
Nov. 11, 2017, 11:45 p.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Inigo
It is so very good to have my Duke by my side once more. Welcome home from your visit to Tor.
Written By Corban
Nov. 11, 2017, 10:19 p.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
For generations, House Telmar's navy has escorted House Farshaw's merchant marines.
We do so again now, in support of stability in Stormward and across the Compact.
May Mangata grant us fair seas and good winds, and Limerance allow us to speak true to the freed thralls we hope to assist.
We do so again now, in support of stability in Stormward and across the Compact.
May Mangata grant us fair seas and good winds, and Limerance allow us to speak true to the freed thralls we hope to assist.
Written By Aiden
Nov. 11, 2017, 8:33 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
The worst part about having a sick partner... is that you're likely to also get sick.
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I saw my old friend, Joscelin, again today. It has been far too long! She is like my little sister from when I was a boy in Pridehall. It was just like old times. I can't wait to catch up with her again soon and to introduce her to Zoey.
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:29 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Samantha is like my niece and I'm very proud to see how well she is doing. I look forward to getting together with her and catching up. I have to meet her little baby, too, of course.
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:27 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
My daughter is coming to Arx and I'm very excited. She is coming from Pridehall and the Grey Forest is very dangerous right now, so, of course, I've spared no expense in making sure she arrives safely.
Written By Aleksei
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:25 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
I urge my fellow Arxians to make the correct choice in submitting their votes to Sister Thena for the naming of her new ship. The correct choice being, of course, Peanut.
No, I am not bitter that he didn't get chosen for that plushie contest! Honestly how dare you. I am telling the Archscholar on you. Yes, the Archscholar _does_ listen to what I say!
No, I am not bitter that he didn't get chosen for that plushie contest! Honestly how dare you. I am telling the Archscholar on you. Yes, the Archscholar _does_ listen to what I say!
Written By Sophie
Nov. 11, 2017, 2:18 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
I have donated some funds to aid in the restoration of Cedar Vale, which, in recent months, had been razed and near entirely destroyed by Abandoned raiders. I regret that I was unable to donate more. Nonetheless, I shall see what else can be done.
Perhaps dear Leola and the Lodge of Petrichor may be of assistance in the rejuvenation of the land and the restocking of its wildlife. I shall ask. For my part, at the very least, I will reach out to what remains of the Mercy chapterhouse there and see how I can best be of support and service in their time of need.
It seems so little, so I must remind myself that drops in a bucket add up. Alas, there are so many buckets in the world. I do what I can to fill them, but it never feels enough.
Should any reading this be so moved to aid in the county's restoration, I earnestly beseech that you speak with Lord Samael Bisland or Marquis Malesh Stonewood if you have not done so. Should my entreaty fail to inspire, then may Gild, Limerance, Petrichor, and Lagoma so move you.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Perhaps dear Leola and the Lodge of Petrichor may be of assistance in the rejuvenation of the land and the restocking of its wildlife. I shall ask. For my part, at the very least, I will reach out to what remains of the Mercy chapterhouse there and see how I can best be of support and service in their time of need.
It seems so little, so I must remind myself that drops in a bucket add up. Alas, there are so many buckets in the world. I do what I can to fill them, but it never feels enough.
Should any reading this be so moved to aid in the county's restoration, I earnestly beseech that you speak with Lord Samael Bisland or Marquis Malesh Stonewood if you have not done so. Should my entreaty fail to inspire, then may Gild, Limerance, Petrichor, and Lagoma so move you.
May the Gods bless and keep us all. May our inner light ever continue to shine.
Written By Sameera
Nov. 11, 2017, 10:23 a.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
Heroics in tents just sounds like a lot of difficulties. They are not very big.
Written By Magpie
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:51 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
Friends! Enemies! Acquaintances! Strangers!! Royalty, Nobility, and Commoners! Abandoned! Prodigals! Refugees! People of unknown status otherwise not mentioned!
Let us all come together and see this ship named 'Dame Thena Grayhope Lounge'!
If the name wins, I will give out FREE miniature carvings* of the ship at my shop AND I will make a model to scale for figurines to fit upon and sell it at a reasonable price.
Search your hearts for this charitable cause, it's only 10 writs per entry. Surely we all have a few of those kicking around. Send them to Thena with the message 'Dame Thena Grayhope Lounge' and you will have done us all a great service.
Also, if the name wins? I will be certain to break a bottle of the fabulous Prince Creston's Black Rum across the hull.
Thank you.
* While supplies last
Let us all come together and see this ship named 'Dame Thena Grayhope Lounge'!
If the name wins, I will give out FREE miniature carvings* of the ship at my shop AND I will make a model to scale for figurines to fit upon and sell it at a reasonable price.
Search your hearts for this charitable cause, it's only 10 writs per entry. Surely we all have a few of those kicking around. Send them to Thena with the message 'Dame Thena Grayhope Lounge' and you will have done us all a great service.
Also, if the name wins? I will be certain to break a bottle of the fabulous Prince Creston's Black Rum across the hull.
Thank you.
* While supplies last
Written By Quenia
Nov. 11, 2017, 5:46 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
The Igniseri family dinner is a grand time as always. I enjoyed meeting Princess Jaenelle Velenosa and Lord Aethan Kennex. And, in spite of all the suggestive banter and how it must have seemed, I also enjoyed learning a bit about the various ships from the Kennex boys; Lord Wash, Lord Ian and Lord Aethan.
I regret that I did not get to stay longer, and hope that Luis and Lucita were the perfect hosts after my departure and made sure to see our guests out when they were ready to depart.
I look forward to future dinners with each and all who came. I do hope, however, that I did not scare Baron Estaban Saik away from my cousin Lucita with my questions. I would be remiss, as a potential cousin-in-law, not to try to get to know the man a bit better.
I regret that I did not get to stay longer, and hope that Luis and Lucita were the perfect hosts after my departure and made sure to see our guests out when they were ready to depart.
I look forward to future dinners with each and all who came. I do hope, however, that I did not scare Baron Estaban Saik away from my cousin Lucita with my questions. I would be remiss, as a potential cousin-in-law, not to try to get to know the man a bit better.
Written By Quenia
Nov. 11, 2017, 5:41 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
I had a grand time during the concert and picnic. I managed to get around to all of the guests, and there was indeed wine to be had.
We debuted a Summer Blush wine, with the with the essence of pears, peaches, and a light strawberry flavor. And a wine we've dubbed the Zephyr's of Spring, with tastes of delicate dew drops, sweet white grapes, tart apples and hints of grapefruit. And, of course, we served the wine we debuted at the Spring Soiree, held by Lady Monique and Lord Corban, labeled Violet Delight, which is a powerful wine with its forward flavor that hides an unexpected punch, the alcohol content higher than is usual.
Today is the last day that these wines will be on sale in the atrium of House Igniseri, and then they'll be pulled out of circulation once more - as with our last batch of sales.
I certainly hope people have enjoyed it thus far. It will may not be until autumn until we introduce any newer wines, unless of course Princess Valencia manages to convince us to do something new for one of her events; we promised we'd pair something with a future event of hers.
We debuted a Summer Blush wine, with the with the essence of pears, peaches, and a light strawberry flavor. And a wine we've dubbed the Zephyr's of Spring, with tastes of delicate dew drops, sweet white grapes, tart apples and hints of grapefruit. And, of course, we served the wine we debuted at the Spring Soiree, held by Lady Monique and Lord Corban, labeled Violet Delight, which is a powerful wine with its forward flavor that hides an unexpected punch, the alcohol content higher than is usual.
Today is the last day that these wines will be on sale in the atrium of House Igniseri, and then they'll be pulled out of circulation once more - as with our last batch of sales.
I certainly hope people have enjoyed it thus far. It will may not be until autumn until we introduce any newer wines, unless of course Princess Valencia manages to convince us to do something new for one of her events; we promised we'd pair something with a future event of hers.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 11, 2017, 3:39 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
I get back from visiting to answer a few messages accumulated while I was gone, and my assistant is in a state of panic; I've been cleaned out! That has to be a record, and I've never heard my poor assistant ramble about stampeding, glaring princesses before.
He's new.
Anyway, I've a few more aquamarines in my personal supply, I'll have to work on a few other pieces into my stock on the morrow. I've some older designs to dust off and recast that these beauties will look lovely in.
He's new.
Anyway, I've a few more aquamarines in my personal supply, I'll have to work on a few other pieces into my stock on the morrow. I've some older designs to dust off and recast that these beauties will look lovely in.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 11, 2017, 3:30 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I save my creative curses in a journal and look for things to rhyme them to, just for you.
Written By Aureth
Nov. 11, 2017, 12:29 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
I, for one, am very relieved that you've returned. It's a drearier city without you, with fewer curse words.
Written By Esoka
Nov. 11, 2017, 12:15 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
I have seen many duels, but this was...something else. The dancing was very spirited, though! My congratulations to Dame Thena on her victory and Calaudrin Estardes for trying very hard. Mistress Mae's banjo playing provided a fine accompaniment.
I would have to do some theological research to determine how Gloria may look on such contests, but it was fun, which I have needed sorely of late.
I would have to do some theological research to determine how Gloria may look on such contests, but it was fun, which I have needed sorely of late.
Written By Alarissa
Nov. 10, 2017, 10:59 p.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
There is a lesson to be learned when you are supposed to be off your feet, resting, and instead are going through trunks, stands and wardrobes in your room and disobeying midwives.
One should not look in other peoples trunks. Really truly, he makes me wonder sometimes. He really does.
I think resting on the bed and wooing the white demon is the better thing to do.
One should not look in other peoples trunks. Really truly, he makes me wonder sometimes. He really does.
I think resting on the bed and wooing the white demon is the better thing to do.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 10, 2017, 9:44 p.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
Jayus' turgid paintbrush. I am tired.
Travel is fine and all and I did love meeting other Crafters in other cities, learning new techniques, styles...
But I prefer home. Arx may be strange and full of .... unusual things, but it's home.
Oliver accompanied me for all of it. Well. I tried to run off ahead of him and he caught up with me by evening, and I received a scolding that scorched the walls of the inn. I'm stunned the proprietor didn't tuck a bill into my saddlebags.
Apparently, I'm not allowed to leave the city without a guard of at least two people, and after some negotiation I brought that down to one because I'm not about to waste Guild resources on a tour of major cities.
He called me stubborn.
I called him a jackass.
He stayed with me for the duration of the journey and actually played tour guide for some of it.
My head is full. I've much to consider.
Oh, also, if you tell someone beyond our borders that you're from Arx, you get strange looks and sometimes, outright laughter. I'm still trying to process all of this.
I will say again:
It's good to be home.
Travel is fine and all and I did love meeting other Crafters in other cities, learning new techniques, styles...
But I prefer home. Arx may be strange and full of .... unusual things, but it's home.
Oliver accompanied me for all of it. Well. I tried to run off ahead of him and he caught up with me by evening, and I received a scolding that scorched the walls of the inn. I'm stunned the proprietor didn't tuck a bill into my saddlebags.
Apparently, I'm not allowed to leave the city without a guard of at least two people, and after some negotiation I brought that down to one because I'm not about to waste Guild resources on a tour of major cities.
He called me stubborn.
I called him a jackass.
He stayed with me for the duration of the journey and actually played tour guide for some of it.
My head is full. I've much to consider.
Oh, also, if you tell someone beyond our borders that you're from Arx, you get strange looks and sometimes, outright laughter. I'm still trying to process all of this.
I will say again:
It's good to be home.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.