Written By Reyna
July 2, 2017, 11:53 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
Ran the Gauntlet again, with mixed results, just as all the times before. Proving that the parts that are agility based I breeze past, but those that are strength and endurance based, I struggle with. Lord Gaston and I discussed this some last night, ideas for how I can better improve myself and capabilities. And then we sparred, it was honorable of him to not use his weapon, considering it is of a far better quality than my own. And the fact that he was in his new armor and not his leathers. He himself could use some more work on his footwork, while he has the endurance to spare and is a giant of a man, he needs to move a tad bit quicker. It was an enjoyable evening.
Why does he care about my hair being untamed? It's always been like that, no matter what I do with it since I was a child.
He also compared me to a cat.
Why does he care about my hair being untamed? It's always been like that, no matter what I do with it since I was a child.
He also compared me to a cat.
Written By Nicia
July 2, 2017, 11:39 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Caelis
It was pure happenstance that we met, but it seems like it was meant to be. I look forward to more of our walks and talks.
Written By Nicia
July 2, 2017, 11:34 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
The Festival went well, the Fashion show seemed to go well, everything is going very well it seems. I'm so very pleased that everyone's events have seemed to go off without a hitch. It makes me feel like I should do more, sometimes. But I doubt that anyone wants to come listen to me read dusty tomes involving disputes of grazing rights. Maybe I'll appeal to someone better suited to these things.
On a less introspective note, I know what cornholing is.
On a less introspective note, I know what cornholing is.
Written By Halsim
July 2, 2017, 11:21 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
If anyone has information on the current status of Ianthe, or Julea, I would much appreciate being informed.
Written By Cristoph
July 2, 2017, 10:33 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
The festival went well, better than expected. Not that I thought it would go /badly/. But in the days and moments leading up to starting an event like that it's so easy to begin to focus on all the things could possibly go wrong. I feel relieved and exhausted now that it's over. It was fantastic seeing everyone that was able to attend and I look forward to our next social event. ...Which is not going to be for months and months and months. It might be time to go into hibernation for the winter!
Written By Reigna
July 2, 2017, 9:05 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
The Laurent Festival was truly amazing. I had such a marvelous time! I saw my cousin Desiree for the first time in years, High Lord Edain stopped to say hello to Kael and I! We had a chance to speak with Duke Christoph and Lady Jael and we saw so much cornholing! I admit I was not sure about it to begin with, but after watching them go at it for a while I began to see the appeal.
There were all manner of treats and things to look at. I acquired a jar of Laurent Honey, and there was even a book being shown around. It was fascinating in its own gruesome way. It told the tale of three cocks embattled over doing their duty. I had mentioned to Lady Jael that I felt the parable was lost in the glorification of all that cock on cock violence. But then the good lady made the valid point that perhaps it is in the graphic and precise language of said violence that the lesson resides. Is it a treatise on how our culture has grown numb to ever escalating and grandiose displays of violence? Have we as a culture embraced battle and hardship to such a degree that it takes it being perpetrated by three cocks to shake us from our complacency and say, "Here... let the rending of our cocks cease?"
Thoughts to think on, certainly.
There were all manner of treats and things to look at. I acquired a jar of Laurent Honey, and there was even a book being shown around. It was fascinating in its own gruesome way. It told the tale of three cocks embattled over doing their duty. I had mentioned to Lady Jael that I felt the parable was lost in the glorification of all that cock on cock violence. But then the good lady made the valid point that perhaps it is in the graphic and precise language of said violence that the lesson resides. Is it a treatise on how our culture has grown numb to ever escalating and grandiose displays of violence? Have we as a culture embraced battle and hardship to such a degree that it takes it being perpetrated by three cocks to shake us from our complacency and say, "Here... let the rending of our cocks cease?"
Thoughts to think on, certainly.
Written By Reigna
July 2, 2017, 8:57 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lorien
My husband's cousin has joined us in Arx! While construction of our home is still underway and it is not yet suitable for habitation, I am so glad that he has come to stay with us. He is such a different creature than my lord. He smiles so easily and there is so much humor on the surface. It has been so long since I've had family that smiles at me. I am certainly looking forward to getting to know him better. I believe he is a lucky charm, or at least that his arrival was a gift from Limerance.
Written By Reigna
July 2, 2017, 8:53 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
I have been in Arx nearly two weeks now and the days begin to get a sense of rhythm and the steps taken in each day begin to morph into an almost liturgical rote. I wake, I look to my husband and I say my prayers. I arise from my bed and I go to the bank to review our paperwork and documents. By mid morning I am heading to the Great Archive and there I lose myself in all manner of knowledge gathering.
I dare not broach the topic of my husband in these pages. I think I might possibly use every page I see in trying to express my admiration for the man, composing poetry on the topic of his eyes or lips (likely both), or a dissertation on the ways in which I've gotten him to almost - almost! - laugh.
It is amazing how one's perspective can change so drastically in a week and a half's time. When first I came to Arx I was dragging my feel, loathe to even think about my upcoming nuptials, filled with dread and unease wondering who my husband would be. What kind of man he would be. To say it has been a pleasant surprise is quite the understatement. Limerance is looking out for me. I shall say extra prayers to him this week.
I dare not broach the topic of my husband in these pages. I think I might possibly use every page I see in trying to express my admiration for the man, composing poetry on the topic of his eyes or lips (likely both), or a dissertation on the ways in which I've gotten him to almost - almost! - laugh.
It is amazing how one's perspective can change so drastically in a week and a half's time. When first I came to Arx I was dragging my feel, loathe to even think about my upcoming nuptials, filled with dread and unease wondering who my husband would be. What kind of man he would be. To say it has been a pleasant surprise is quite the understatement. Limerance is looking out for me. I shall say extra prayers to him this week.
Written By Fatima
July 2, 2017, 6 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
As long as my Lord is willing I am at his disposal, as ever and always. Victus is a source of inspiration and I owe him a great debt for the kindnesses he has shown me. Not in typical fashion of course as Thraxian men such as himself are callous and distant at best, but he is good man who wants the best for his people. I work to honor my family and better our House. Donnie is my mentor in all this and I am blessed to have some of the greatest teachers there are. Thank you Margot for having patience for a spoiled thing like me. In all this flurry of change, nothing is different. I live to serve the long-standing traditions and to preserve the ways our people.
Written By Dominic
July 2, 2017, 3:59 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
Not that, that will be for long - Petrichor's blessing on my family will ensure that when my highlord is ready, a child will be provided to the Isles but in the meantime I strive to serve my highlord and the voice of Thrax to the best of my capability and to be our warlord's best commander.
Written By Shard
July 2, 2017, 1:16 a.m.(10/6/1006 AR)
It's been a long, long time since I've played children's games like the one I saw being played today, and I wasn't in the strange sort of mood I'd need to be to break that streak.
Maybe next time (but probably not).
Maybe next time (but probably not).
Written By Marian
July 1, 2017, 6:09 p.m.(10/5/1006 AR)
A scribe recorded this outlandish tale from a storytelling game played in Greenmarch Lodge after the Rivenshari Oath Ceremony. Count Rivenshari introduced a game where people would tell a line of a story and then pass it on:
Athaur: There once was a man who lived on a boat who lost his sail at sea, but fortune's grace did ever see that he'd instead...
Monique: ...come across a mermaid in the briny blue. But a sailor's luck can never hold, and his fishmaid turned out to be instead...
Edain: Twas a a really stout goodwoman who had gone noodling and gotten her legs swallowed by a very large catfish. Strong as she was though she managed to swim her way to the shore and looked up at the sailor and said......
Fergus: 'I'll give you one of these pearls I found in the fish's stomach.' she said. With an offer like that, how could he refuse. So what he did was..."
Marian: Pull his sword and gutted the catfish so he could save the stout woman inside. She opens her mouth to pull out the pearl but there was more than just riches there..."
Alarissa: There was a very tiny fish with very brilliant scales with the pearl. The catfish had swallowed it whole and when it was exposed to the air with the pearl....
Edain: Ok so when exposed to the air at the same time the small fish and pearl um... turned into a twelve foot tall knight in gleaming silver armor adorn with bright white pearls. He looked down at the sailor and the woman and said, "Thank you for freeing me as I reward I shall....."
Athaur: Officiate your wedding since you seem so well suited for each other...
Fergus: 'On the shore of this very beach, will be the seat of kingdom that will join land and sea together. One a year, and the anniversary of your marriage, drop a pearl into the ocean that will signify...
Athaur: Your eternal devotion to one another. If you don't wish to stay the course, you may drop the pearl in a...
Athaur: Fire and let the pearl burn out to signify this union is not for you. The knight binds the two together in matrimony and then...
Alarissa: The knight looks to the woman, the pearl held aloft in his hand and presented to her, "The years may pass and we will come here again each time but I will never place this pearl in the water."
Athaur: There once was a man who lived on a boat who lost his sail at sea, but fortune's grace did ever see that he'd instead...
Monique: ...come across a mermaid in the briny blue. But a sailor's luck can never hold, and his fishmaid turned out to be instead...
Edain: Twas a a really stout goodwoman who had gone noodling and gotten her legs swallowed by a very large catfish. Strong as she was though she managed to swim her way to the shore and looked up at the sailor and said......
Fergus: 'I'll give you one of these pearls I found in the fish's stomach.' she said. With an offer like that, how could he refuse. So what he did was..."
Marian: Pull his sword and gutted the catfish so he could save the stout woman inside. She opens her mouth to pull out the pearl but there was more than just riches there..."
Alarissa: There was a very tiny fish with very brilliant scales with the pearl. The catfish had swallowed it whole and when it was exposed to the air with the pearl....
Edain: Ok so when exposed to the air at the same time the small fish and pearl um... turned into a twelve foot tall knight in gleaming silver armor adorn with bright white pearls. He looked down at the sailor and the woman and said, "Thank you for freeing me as I reward I shall....."
Athaur: Officiate your wedding since you seem so well suited for each other...
Fergus: 'On the shore of this very beach, will be the seat of kingdom that will join land and sea together. One a year, and the anniversary of your marriage, drop a pearl into the ocean that will signify...
Athaur: Your eternal devotion to one another. If you don't wish to stay the course, you may drop the pearl in a...
Athaur: Fire and let the pearl burn out to signify this union is not for you. The knight binds the two together in matrimony and then...
Alarissa: The knight looks to the woman, the pearl held aloft in his hand and presented to her, "The years may pass and we will come here again each time but I will never place this pearl in the water."
Written By Calarian
July 1, 2017, 3:35 p.m.(10/5/1006 AR)
A RENEWED COVENANT BETWEEN THE COMPACT OF ARVUM AND THE TWILIGHT COURT
In recognition of five hundred years of peace between the Twilight Court and the Compact of Arvum, established by the original treaty signed by Queen Alarice the Great and King Calithex of the Twilight Court, it is the hope of the Compact and the Twilight to renew and strengthen those bonds and establish a new era of peace. The terms agreed upon by the Compact and the Twilight Court are as follows:
1. In the event of grave threat, aid may be provided to the Compact, as supplied by the Nox'alfar. King Calithex's own personal blade shall, as a symbol of this covenant, remain in the possession of King Alaric Grayson IV.
2. The Night Grove shall remain the sole possession of the Twilight Court, and no human may trespass save those given leave by the Nox'Alfar. The payment of the Teind cannot be in any way infringed.
3. The Keepers of the Teind shall be recognized as servants of the Twilight Court. These human vassals of the Nox'alfar remain sworn only to the Twilight Court, and will never be forced to bend the knee to the Compact, nor shall the Compact wage war upon them, and their independence in the Gray Forest shall be guaranteed.
4. The Nox'alfar shall use the full extent of their knowledge and abilities to draw King Alaric IV from the persistent illness caused by the Exsilium Noctis.
5. The Crown of the Compact and the Twilight Court shall be made closer by blood. Lady Symonesse Marin'luna of the Twilight Court shall wed King Alaric Grayson IV, becoming Queen Symonesse Grayson in accordance with Arvum's customs. Once per generation, a Peer of the Compact shall marry a Nox'alfar of noble house of the Twilight Court to renew these bonds.
6. Both parties agree to mutual defense upon the gravest of threats. If the Teind is ever broken, and the Silence seeks to return to the world and strike at Our Lady of Twilight's Children, then the Compact shall send its most puissant knights not trained in the arts to fight against the Bringers of Silence. Likewise, if Legion shall return to the world, or any of the other Archfiends, and another Reckoning is imminent, the Twilight Court shall come to the aid of the Compact if such a request is made.
7. As communication is the best way to ensure lasting bonds do not wither, the Compact offers the Twilight Court a place within the Crown Ward of Arx on which to construct an enclave to house a permanent Nox'alfar diplomatic presence. This embassy is given over with the intent that the Nox'alfar may treat the space within the walls as their own, free from the laws and prohibitions of the Compact.
Signed, Duke Gabriel Bisland, Crown Regent of His Majesty King Alaric the Fourth, Sovereign of the Compact of Arx
Signed, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis, Crown Prince of the Twilight Court, Scion of the Nox'alfar, Second Best Blood Mage, Possessor of Exactly Half of Calithex's Titles Depending Upon How They Are Recited
In recognition of five hundred years of peace between the Twilight Court and the Compact of Arvum, established by the original treaty signed by Queen Alarice the Great and King Calithex of the Twilight Court, it is the hope of the Compact and the Twilight to renew and strengthen those bonds and establish a new era of peace. The terms agreed upon by the Compact and the Twilight Court are as follows:
1. In the event of grave threat, aid may be provided to the Compact, as supplied by the Nox'alfar. King Calithex's own personal blade shall, as a symbol of this covenant, remain in the possession of King Alaric Grayson IV.
2. The Night Grove shall remain the sole possession of the Twilight Court, and no human may trespass save those given leave by the Nox'Alfar. The payment of the Teind cannot be in any way infringed.
3. The Keepers of the Teind shall be recognized as servants of the Twilight Court. These human vassals of the Nox'alfar remain sworn only to the Twilight Court, and will never be forced to bend the knee to the Compact, nor shall the Compact wage war upon them, and their independence in the Gray Forest shall be guaranteed.
4. The Nox'alfar shall use the full extent of their knowledge and abilities to draw King Alaric IV from the persistent illness caused by the Exsilium Noctis.
5. The Crown of the Compact and the Twilight Court shall be made closer by blood. Lady Symonesse Marin'luna of the Twilight Court shall wed King Alaric Grayson IV, becoming Queen Symonesse Grayson in accordance with Arvum's customs. Once per generation, a Peer of the Compact shall marry a Nox'alfar of noble house of the Twilight Court to renew these bonds.
6. Both parties agree to mutual defense upon the gravest of threats. If the Teind is ever broken, and the Silence seeks to return to the world and strike at Our Lady of Twilight's Children, then the Compact shall send its most puissant knights not trained in the arts to fight against the Bringers of Silence. Likewise, if Legion shall return to the world, or any of the other Archfiends, and another Reckoning is imminent, the Twilight Court shall come to the aid of the Compact if such a request is made.
7. As communication is the best way to ensure lasting bonds do not wither, the Compact offers the Twilight Court a place within the Crown Ward of Arx on which to construct an enclave to house a permanent Nox'alfar diplomatic presence. This embassy is given over with the intent that the Nox'alfar may treat the space within the walls as their own, free from the laws and prohibitions of the Compact.
Signed, Duke Gabriel Bisland, Crown Regent of His Majesty King Alaric the Fourth, Sovereign of the Compact of Arx
Signed, Prince Tyrval Ael'Noctis, Crown Prince of the Twilight Court, Scion of the Nox'alfar, Second Best Blood Mage, Possessor of Exactly Half of Calithex's Titles Depending Upon How They Are Recited
Written By Antonio
July 1, 2017, 2:30 p.m.(10/5/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliana
If I'd known you wanted to see me in that skirt so badly, I might have bid on it!
Written By Kaldur
July 1, 2017, 2:30 p.m.(10/5/1006 AR)
I am finally starting to feel more settled here in Arx, and, despite the fact that I miss my family terribly, I think there is good work to be accomplished here.
Marquessa Deepwood would have me try my hand at diplomacy, something that frightens me, and so I welcome it. The rush of life that comes from jumping off a cliff into the sea, and the hammer-hard pulsing of my heart at the prospect of speaking to powerful figures withing House Thrax are remarkably similar. Both could easily kill me, I suppose. In both, however, I am reminded of the joy of being alive and of the rewards of freedom.
Speaking of freedom, I continue to explore my evolving interest in Skald, the god of First Choice. A recent visit to the temple yielded an excellent discussion with both a general and a Liberator. I do not know that my passion for what Skald shows us will lead to becoming godsworn, but I am interested in learning more of what a life devoted to him might mean.
For my family: when you finally arrive and have time to visit the archives to read my journal, I want you to know that I miss you and wish fervently for your arrival in Arx. Father, I miss the boom of your laugh. This city could use that sound. Peri, I miss your expansive and inquisitive nature. I think you would be thrilled for a time with all there is to discover here in Arx. Grandmother, I miss your lust for life. I need you here to keep reminding me that life is best lived on one's own terms.
Please come soon.
Marquessa Deepwood would have me try my hand at diplomacy, something that frightens me, and so I welcome it. The rush of life that comes from jumping off a cliff into the sea, and the hammer-hard pulsing of my heart at the prospect of speaking to powerful figures withing House Thrax are remarkably similar. Both could easily kill me, I suppose. In both, however, I am reminded of the joy of being alive and of the rewards of freedom.
Speaking of freedom, I continue to explore my evolving interest in Skald, the god of First Choice. A recent visit to the temple yielded an excellent discussion with both a general and a Liberator. I do not know that my passion for what Skald shows us will lead to becoming godsworn, but I am interested in learning more of what a life devoted to him might mean.
For my family: when you finally arrive and have time to visit the archives to read my journal, I want you to know that I miss you and wish fervently for your arrival in Arx. Father, I miss the boom of your laugh. This city could use that sound. Peri, I miss your expansive and inquisitive nature. I think you would be thrilled for a time with all there is to discover here in Arx. Grandmother, I miss your lust for life. I need you here to keep reminding me that life is best lived on one's own terms.
Please come soon.
Written By Kael
July 1, 2017, 2:05 p.m.(10/5/1006 AR)
My cousin arrived last evening.
As I spoke with the man and offered him information concerning what has occurred since my arrival I felt myself conflicted. I could not tell why then, but upon reflection I know. I feel on one hand that a great deal has occurred and I am still taking it in. I am attempting to adapt. On the other hand, I feel as though little has actually been accomplished.
Keaton House or Hall is nearing completion at a swift pace. The renovations and construction will need to continue well after we have moved in, but I look forward to feeling that the walls surrounding me are my own. Perhaps then things will be more grounded. It is also then that we can invite guests and set up for the hunt. Arrangements for that will begin next week, with my reaching out to local nobles to see who might enjoy participating.
As I spoke with the man and offered him information concerning what has occurred since my arrival I felt myself conflicted. I could not tell why then, but upon reflection I know. I feel on one hand that a great deal has occurred and I am still taking it in. I am attempting to adapt. On the other hand, I feel as though little has actually been accomplished.
Keaton House or Hall is nearing completion at a swift pace. The renovations and construction will need to continue well after we have moved in, but I look forward to feeling that the walls surrounding me are my own. Perhaps then things will be more grounded. It is also then that we can invite guests and set up for the hunt. Arrangements for that will begin next week, with my reaching out to local nobles to see who might enjoy participating.
Written By Juliana
July 1, 2017, 10:51 a.m.(10/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
I am, at heart, a people person. I gravitate towards those with passion and presence and who can laugh easily. But never in my life have I felt the draw to someone quite the way I feel it for Larissa, the Softest Whisper. Her warmth, her presence is one of tangible delight. From her beauty to her grace, she is inviting, thoughtful, unbelievably sweet. From our first conversation I felt a connection, one I am so very glad she feels in kind. This woman was meant to be my dearest friend, I wholly believe. I am so glad I came to Arx and found her. We were able to pull off an amazing Fashion Show and charity auction, and despite my fatigue this morning, I would do it all again with her at my side.
Thank you Lagoma, for changing my life by adding her to it. For healing my heart of its loneliness.
Thank you Limerance, for a friend upon which I can depend.
Thank you Larissa, for being precisely who you are.
Thank you Lagoma, for changing my life by adding her to it. For healing my heart of its loneliness.
Thank you Limerance, for a friend upon which I can depend.
Thank you Larissa, for being precisely who you are.
Written By Juliana
July 1, 2017, 10:45 a.m.(10/4/1006 AR)
By the grace and glory of the gods, the Fashion Show was a success! It was a labor of love in so many ways, but I am grateful for those labors. Not simply because I was able to surround myself in the things that I love and share them with all of Arx -- and there was quite the turnout too! -- but because I felt, for the first time in a long time, that I was actually, tangibly, doing something good and useful. I felt it, in my heart and it moved me.
The outfits were stunning -- the feathered gold dress was enormously popular -- Feathers. Called it. -- and I even got to see Antonio in that bold wrap skirt. All in all, it was an amazing night and I am beyond happy with the results.
Thank you again, Arx, for participating, for coming, and for sharing in this experience with me.
The outfits were stunning -- the feathered gold dress was enormously popular -- Feathers. Called it. -- and I even got to see Antonio in that bold wrap skirt. All in all, it was an amazing night and I am beyond happy with the results.
Thank you again, Arx, for participating, for coming, and for sharing in this experience with me.
Written By Saedrus
July 1, 2017, 6:18 a.m.(10/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
That went quite well, if I do say so myself. There is a chance, perhaps, that my judgment of him had been sealed too soon. I am, for his generosity, willing to amend it. I will not go quite so far to say I look forward to it, but I am most grateful for everything he has done and for his offered time.
However, I wish he would learn to not use his teeth and rather an appropriately designed tool to remove corks; they do exist, you know.
However, I wish he would learn to not use his teeth and rather an appropriately designed tool to remove corks; they do exist, you know.
Written By Saedrus
July 1, 2017, 6:10 a.m.(10/4/1006 AR)
There is a great deal to be thankful for at present. This I remembered as I took the time to visit the tree Legate Orazio has had placed in the Sanctum of Dignity. I have set my letter amongst many others there but not before revelling in just how many were already present. The notes of love, hope and gratitude were enough to instil in myself how much people have worked hard for, bled for and suffered to give us everything that we have now.
My note, though, I have kept, like all the others, unnamed my thanks will remain known only to the Gods, and those intimately familiar with my handwriting.
I am willing to say how grateful I am for the King’s return and for the new Queen whom brings him such strength, and for my place they offered as favoured amongst the Court. As a Whisper, I am both proud and grateful of our most Radiant Selene Whisper and her effort, along with the great effort of others to see the Treaty signed and our Forest made safe.
I look to the future with hope again, and that we as people of Arx, and the Compact as a whole may work together for a stronger future. For those that will be the future.
My note, though, I have kept, like all the others, unnamed my thanks will remain known only to the Gods, and those intimately familiar with my handwriting.
I am willing to say how grateful I am for the King’s return and for the new Queen whom brings him such strength, and for my place they offered as favoured amongst the Court. As a Whisper, I am both proud and grateful of our most Radiant Selene Whisper and her effort, along with the great effort of others to see the Treaty signed and our Forest made safe.
I look to the future with hope again, and that we as people of Arx, and the Compact as a whole may work together for a stronger future. For those that will be the future.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.