Written By Luca
Sept. 24, 2017, 8:04 a.m.(4/10/1007 AR)
Hurray for suicide missions that don't end in our suicides! Home safe and Ribbons intact. Mission success as far as I'm concerned.
Written By Malesh
Sept. 24, 2017, 7:01 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Gailin
Returned to Arx after the victorious liberation of Cedar Vale. There is much rebuilding to be done, but soon I will make his new position official. Until then, celebrations for his triumphant return.
Written By Logan
Sept. 24, 2017, 7 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
Sons and daughters,
Let me tell you a little about the work I am doing here in Arx. It is kind of a big deal. Coming to Arx following defeat, I felt I had a lot to prove and father always said that when you have a Halfshav with something to prove, you put them at the front. That is what my duke did and made me minister of coin for the house. With all eyes on me, now if I fail I will not only fail you but the confidence the duke put in our family. If I succeed, I will have the opportunity to really leave a imprint on this world and someday raise above my station.
Love sincerely,
Your father.
Let me tell you a little about the work I am doing here in Arx. It is kind of a big deal. Coming to Arx following defeat, I felt I had a lot to prove and father always said that when you have a Halfshav with something to prove, you put them at the front. That is what my duke did and made me minister of coin for the house. With all eyes on me, now if I fail I will not only fail you but the confidence the duke put in our family. If I succeed, I will have the opportunity to really leave a imprint on this world and someday raise above my station.
Love sincerely,
Your father.
Written By Malesh
Sept. 24, 2017, 6:57 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Made time to attend another one of Princess Valencia's events. Her patience and diplomacy is an inspiration. I would, and do, recommend her establishment with great vigor.
Written By Sebastian
Sept. 24, 2017, 5:30 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
Each night is a walk along the same precipice. The heavens are alight with a spray of stars, and beneath, the endless waves of the deepest ocean. Or perhaps a sea of grasping hands that reach up, ever upward, reaching to pull one under. There's no advancing, no retreating, only the constant feeling of that momentary rush before one either catches one's self, or lets one's self slip.
Written By Gideon
Sept. 24, 2017, 5:17 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
I feel it pulling on me lately, again I wake at night, the same dream. Those twisted words roll around in my head, how many times had I heard them? How much pain did it cause? I feel I must write, these scars prove my mortality as well as my resilience. Every moment fills me with fear that it could be my last. My friend was attacked, sweet Titania, why would anyone hurt that poor child? I got so angry that it took me again, in front of her, I seen the fear it caused. Harald and Margot gave me new pieces of armor, and though they will better my survivability, it scares me. It is the embodiment of the monster that lies beneath. A creature with one eye, soaked in blood. Never have they asked for details on what happened to me in the first place, perhaps it's better that way. I had my reasons, but some would never forgive those sins, the gods will not. Perhaps my wife, or unborn child. I do not want him to see it, that twisted part, the one buried far below. When I put on that one eyed helmet, it slips away, ever so slightly, as if putting a mask on the part of me I don't want. I'll need it in battle, the coming days need warriors more than sad men. Harald, Tiana, I think I even slipped a little in a soar some time ago, the looks that the others there had, they seen it. Gods, surely you hate me, but I need your strength. Victoria needs a sane uncle, Merida a husband, and few a friend. My child needs a father, but you know I cannot escape mine. We are all bound to our blood. Forgive me Margot for who I've become, and what I will do. A doting uncle will not win the wars to come. A crimson son of Donrai will.
Written By Esoka
Sept. 24, 2017, 2:32 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
The paintings I saw at the Freedom Art Show have stayed with me all week. They made me feel many things. Anger and dread at the Archfiend of Slavery, but a resolve to fight it as well. The images of Eurus and the chains so many of its people live in were awful, and I think Prince Mason showed great courage in having those images depicted. Even if we cannot change it from where we are, perhaps understanding it may help in the long.
As for the thralls. All I have to say is this. I would not want to be a thrall. If someone can honestly say it's a life they'd choose for someone they cared for, I don't understand that person very well at all. I gave a little to go toward paying off their debts. Not much, my means are not great, but I hope it will help.
These were not beautiful images, but they were striking and important, and not all things in this world are beautiful. They were true, and Fortunato Grayhope depicted them with a master's talent and courage.
The painting that most haunts my thoughts, though, is the one by the anonymous artist. Perhaps because it hits closer to myself than the others. The one of the figures in alaricite and diamondplate treading on the smaller figures in simpler garb as they fight things they consider larger. I wish I knew who painted this. I'd like to thank them, for the image will live in my mind and heart, even if I'm not sure exactly what I take from it yet. Perhaps just that I need to be better, too, at seeing the muck around me.
As for the thralls. All I have to say is this. I would not want to be a thrall. If someone can honestly say it's a life they'd choose for someone they cared for, I don't understand that person very well at all. I gave a little to go toward paying off their debts. Not much, my means are not great, but I hope it will help.
These were not beautiful images, but they were striking and important, and not all things in this world are beautiful. They were true, and Fortunato Grayhope depicted them with a master's talent and courage.
The painting that most haunts my thoughts, though, is the one by the anonymous artist. Perhaps because it hits closer to myself than the others. The one of the figures in alaricite and diamondplate treading on the smaller figures in simpler garb as they fight things they consider larger. I wish I knew who painted this. I'd like to thank them, for the image will live in my mind and heart, even if I'm not sure exactly what I take from it yet. Perhaps just that I need to be better, too, at seeing the muck around me.
Written By Reigna
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:52 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
The tidings of late have been so dire. And I admit I feel more than a little trepidation about what lays ahead. It seems, almost, as if there are two worlds. My day to day in which my back often aches and Kael and I talk about what we need in a nursemaid. And then there is the other world in which reality seems on a hinge and things are happening that I can barely comprehend.
We live in interesting times. I hope I did not make a mistake in bringing our Squall into the world as it is. Will it be safe for them?
We live in interesting times. I hope I did not make a mistake in bringing our Squall into the world as it is. Will it be safe for them?
Written By Valencia
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:32 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
New season. New opportunities.
With life, luck and love wonderful things will come along with the spring blossoms, I think.
I am hopeful, perhaps a little frightened, too. But so very resolved to see my way bravely forward. I must admit there is an eager anticipation that makes me smile perhaps far too much. Gods, it seems foolish to hope so much for such things. Like a call for fate to take bad turn, but I cannot help it.
And, if these things than make heart sing so beautifully do not come to bear, so be it. If all else fails, at least there will at least be beautiful blossoms and a promise of new and wonderful things to come for so many others. The sultry nights of summer will come soon enough.
~~~~~<~@
With life, luck and love wonderful things will come along with the spring blossoms, I think.
I am hopeful, perhaps a little frightened, too. But so very resolved to see my way bravely forward. I must admit there is an eager anticipation that makes me smile perhaps far too much. Gods, it seems foolish to hope so much for such things. Like a call for fate to take bad turn, but I cannot help it.
And, if these things than make heart sing so beautifully do not come to bear, so be it. If all else fails, at least there will at least be beautiful blossoms and a promise of new and wonderful things to come for so many others. The sultry nights of summer will come soon enough.
~~~~~<~@
Written By Sophie
Sept. 24, 2017, 12:03 a.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
I swear, Mother Magrithe's disappointment at my lackluster ability to raise funds is so acute that it can be felt all the way from the Shining Lands.
The Harrowed Heart program continues to slowly trod along. So slowly that it behooves me to seek further help to acquire the necessary resources, although I am grateful for all that dearest Saedrus and Whisper House have done, and I am grateful for all who have already lent their support. I am certain we will have need for these therapeutic services in the years to come, and I fear it will be so much sooner than later.
The Harrowed Heart program continues to slowly trod along. So slowly that it behooves me to seek further help to acquire the necessary resources, although I am grateful for all that dearest Saedrus and Whisper House have done, and I am grateful for all who have already lent their support. I am certain we will have need for these therapeutic services in the years to come, and I fear it will be so much sooner than later.
Written By Mayir
Sept. 23, 2017, 9:38 p.m.(4/9/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Magpie and I have been on the same sailings for years. Sail with someone that long and you get close. You learn each other's ways. He suggested I be adopted into the Grayhopes and there was no way I was going to say no to a respectable middle-class family like that.
We had a good sailing these last days with a lot of success. We're a good team, Magpie and me. I may not be as fond as the sea as he, but we're unstoppable on his cutter.
We had a good sailing these last days with a lot of success. We're a good team, Magpie and me. I may not be as fond as the sea as he, but we're unstoppable on his cutter.
Written By Katarina
Sept. 23, 2017, 1:46 p.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
I just realized that I'm the only of my sisters to not have a child, or pregnant. Maybe I should take some shore leave....
Written By Victus
Sept. 23, 2017, 1:18 p.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
It's been a long time since I set foot on the Maelstrom's cold, unforgiving surface. Many I know were horrified by what they saw, but the people of the Isles have a certain... taste in art that is often more slated toward the horror. Though what's horrifying for some is home to me. Never have I felt more liberated then when I stand in the halls of the Fortress or sit upon its throne. It was a breath of fresh air and one that's left me returning to Arx more invigorated than fuckin' ever.
I wanna address something I brought up in my parting speech to the Maelstrom before I set off for Arx again. I specifically wanted to address all the women that had participated in driving back the Deeps, for there were many and they proved invaluable. Often times it is considered bad luck for a woman to even pray on board a vessel of the Thrax. As time goes on, I'm seeing how much more ridiculous it can be to ostracize based on someone's fucking privates.
When you think of when the Maelstrom was defended from the living dead, never forget Princess Reese and her shield wall. When you walk the Pilgrim's Path to pay your respects to the Gods, remember that it was Countess Arcelia that brought this to you. When you visit the soon to be Embassy of the Waves to learn from the Marin'alfar, remember that Prince Victus took a crew of female seers to broach those alliances in the first place (and that Duke Asger bit a shark. He really did.) Ladies came to the Isles bearing arms and prayer and they were answered by the Goddess herself to steer us true. I've seen it with my own eyes and I don't dare even think of denying it.
Remember who our allies are now, Thrax. We stood united together to drive back the threat of Mangata's Reflection from breaching the Compact and we did it fucking spectacularly. Now we are only stronger and we will use that strength to continue to defend our brothers and sisters, as we only should.
As a personal side note, it looks like I'll be stuck on the mainland for awhile longer with my wife's new cavalcade of perfume. The rest of you may as well make your stay tolerable as well.
I wanna address something I brought up in my parting speech to the Maelstrom before I set off for Arx again. I specifically wanted to address all the women that had participated in driving back the Deeps, for there were many and they proved invaluable. Often times it is considered bad luck for a woman to even pray on board a vessel of the Thrax. As time goes on, I'm seeing how much more ridiculous it can be to ostracize based on someone's fucking privates.
When you think of when the Maelstrom was defended from the living dead, never forget Princess Reese and her shield wall. When you walk the Pilgrim's Path to pay your respects to the Gods, remember that it was Countess Arcelia that brought this to you. When you visit the soon to be Embassy of the Waves to learn from the Marin'alfar, remember that Prince Victus took a crew of female seers to broach those alliances in the first place (and that Duke Asger bit a shark. He really did.) Ladies came to the Isles bearing arms and prayer and they were answered by the Goddess herself to steer us true. I've seen it with my own eyes and I don't dare even think of denying it.
Remember who our allies are now, Thrax. We stood united together to drive back the threat of Mangata's Reflection from breaching the Compact and we did it fucking spectacularly. Now we are only stronger and we will use that strength to continue to defend our brothers and sisters, as we only should.
As a personal side note, it looks like I'll be stuck on the mainland for awhile longer with my wife's new cavalcade of perfume. The rest of you may as well make your stay tolerable as well.
Written By Denica
Sept. 23, 2017, 11:42 a.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
I woke up, dragged myself from bed still dressed in my nightclothes, still so muddled and leaded from the evening before. Roses and honey, hidden thorns, softened with rum. I stood in front of the easel with the intent to paint what I saw.
I cannot. I likely will, when it's easier. But, I had to throw on my cloak and find my slippers - and run, run to record this into the Journal before it fades and I forget and it turns to nothing but the stuff of dreams and sketchbooks.
She's holding on, our brave and beautiful goddess of the water and the air - but. But not forever. Her hold is fragile, like a bubble. Like a bubble it will also pop. It's been slowed, but...
It, so beautiful and horrible. Is still coming.
I cannot. I likely will, when it's easier. But, I had to throw on my cloak and find my slippers - and run, run to record this into the Journal before it fades and I forget and it turns to nothing but the stuff of dreams and sketchbooks.
She's holding on, our brave and beautiful goddess of the water and the air - but. But not forever. Her hold is fragile, like a bubble. Like a bubble it will also pop. It's been slowed, but...
It, so beautiful and horrible. Is still coming.
Written By Merek
Sept. 23, 2017, 11:09 a.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
So, another note, this time while I'm on the ship back home. It seems by the time I'd arrived that most issues had been cleared up, but there is still much on the horizon. All the same, I'm glad to have visited Maelstorm, and I'm hopeful that the actions there and in Arx will help to hold back the darkness a bit longer, so that we can find more ways to fight.
Written By Merek
Sept. 23, 2017, 11:05 a.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Those that come to many at once are often much clearer.
Written By Rey
Sept. 23, 2017, 10:56 a.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
I walked into a ballroom in the castle of eternity. There were only two dancers there, on the great gray expanse of the floor, a woman and a beast, somehow not exhausted yet, either of them, even though they've been dancing for so very long. It's a dangerous dance, more dangerous for the woman, because the beast has such terribly sharp teeth...
But there is danger for the beast, as well.
As I watched them dance, a door opened on the other side of the room, and HE came inside. The man from the mirror. He looked at me from across the room, and his gaze pinned me to the floor. He smiled, and I was terrified. He offered me his hand...
That was when I woke up.
Before, a part of me hoped that he would find his daughter. Fathers and daughters should be together. But now... I suppose it doesn't matter much. He's going to find her.
But there is danger for the beast, as well.
As I watched them dance, a door opened on the other side of the room, and HE came inside. The man from the mirror. He looked at me from across the room, and his gaze pinned me to the floor. He smiled, and I was terrified. He offered me his hand...
That was when I woke up.
Before, a part of me hoped that he would find his daughter. Fathers and daughters should be together. But now... I suppose it doesn't matter much. He's going to find her.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 23, 2017, 10:16 a.m.(4/8/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
Marquessa Quenia and I have been getting along quite well. I like her, and we seem to trust each other. I'm acting as one of the voices of our house and together we're hosting events, making trade contacts, renewing contact with those of our fealty. It is not all just house business between us. We've been sharing a glass of wine and a few laughs, talked together for hours. I think we are growing to be a good team under her guidance.
Written By Lou
Sept. 23, 2017, 7:08 a.m.(4/7/1007 AR)
I attended Mason's art show this week, entitled Freedom. The paintings provoked quite a bit of thought and questioning on the matter of slavery. He's told me that they've raised a goodly sum of money, which will go toward paying down the debts of thralls in Thrax. I'm very proud of him for his work. I also got to meet the infamous Copper, who helped to rescue him. She is a lovely young woman. We've invited her to Safiyya's birthday party, which we'll be hosting in a few weeks time.
Written By Mirari
Sept. 23, 2017, 3:07 a.m.(4/7/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
In my mind Princess Alarissa and scents that make me think of the sea-- or of Maelstrom-- or of Mangata that are also subtle in their strength; flowers that are sweet and faint yet come through the strong notes of the sea --have become one. When I begin to mix scents that call to mind the spray of the sea-- salt water, kelp --but mix it with delicate but clear notes of florals-- carnations, lilies, and frangipangi-- it calls to mind the Princess of the Maelstrom.
That is not to say that no one else would wear these scents well, but when I think of Princess-Consort I think of scents that marry the beauty of the mainland with the sea.
That is not to say that no one else would wear these scents well, but when I think of Princess-Consort I think of scents that marry the beauty of the mainland with the sea.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.