Written By Ailith
Nov. 12, 2017, 8:03 a.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
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
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
Written By Corban
Nov. 11, 2017, 10:19 p.m.(7/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ryhalt
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)
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:29 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Written By Samael
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:27 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Zoey
Written By Aleksei
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:25 p.m.(7/24/1007 AR)
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)
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
Written By Magpie
Nov. 11, 2017, 7:51 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
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)
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)
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)
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
Written By Aureth
Nov. 11, 2017, 12:29 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Written By Esoka
Nov. 11, 2017, 12:15 a.m.(7/23/1007 AR)
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)
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)
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.
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