Written By Lailah
April 29, 2017, 5:55 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
"We win glory"
These three simple words are the words of my house. Of Bisland. On the face it is a simple declaration of martial prowess, but it is so much more than that. Our sigil is a roaring yellow lion, and our home is called Pridehall. My life was spent traveling between my two homes in Pridehall and Arx both. We spent much of our lives in Arx, in service to the crown. Never in all of our history, have we strayed from our sworn duty, to our service to Grayson and the compact.
Pridehall, so named for a family of lions, as is our sigil, is more than about pride, or power. It is a symbol of devotion, of loyalty to our allies and family. It represents all that we hold dear. More than the glory of battle, more than our might, we hold ourselves loyal to the crown, to Grayson, and to each other. My family is the most important thing to me, and I would throw that away for nothing, not for money, power, or love.
I've had to do some reflection on love in these last few days. Some say that they would do anything for their love, and I believe most mean it to a degree, but there is always the line that one has, that they must choose to betray themselves, or their heart. Hearts are foolish and care nothing for fealty, of loyalty or oaths taken over centuries. If there is one thing about me that is unwavering, and non negotiable it is my devotion to my family, the crown, and the compact. I will not let any insult to the integrity of my honor stand. I will not listen to my family belittled and disrespected, and I will not stand behind any that would even suggest that the enemies of Grayson are not their own enemies.
Bisland is a proud house. We win glory, and we stand behind the crown, and all the sons and daughters stand united, as loyal and unbreaking as any. If there are any left that would take my hand, know this: I am a Bisland by blood and virtue until the day of my death, no matter my name. An insult to my family, is an insult to me. I am loyal to Grayson and the crown. Their wars are my wars, period. They should also be yours. My loyalty is not for sale, and there is nothing you can offer that will change this. Not for money, not for power rank or title, and certainly not for something as ephemeral as romantic love.
These three simple words are the words of my house. Of Bisland. On the face it is a simple declaration of martial prowess, but it is so much more than that. Our sigil is a roaring yellow lion, and our home is called Pridehall. My life was spent traveling between my two homes in Pridehall and Arx both. We spent much of our lives in Arx, in service to the crown. Never in all of our history, have we strayed from our sworn duty, to our service to Grayson and the compact.
Pridehall, so named for a family of lions, as is our sigil, is more than about pride, or power. It is a symbol of devotion, of loyalty to our allies and family. It represents all that we hold dear. More than the glory of battle, more than our might, we hold ourselves loyal to the crown, to Grayson, and to each other. My family is the most important thing to me, and I would throw that away for nothing, not for money, power, or love.
I've had to do some reflection on love in these last few days. Some say that they would do anything for their love, and I believe most mean it to a degree, but there is always the line that one has, that they must choose to betray themselves, or their heart. Hearts are foolish and care nothing for fealty, of loyalty or oaths taken over centuries. If there is one thing about me that is unwavering, and non negotiable it is my devotion to my family, the crown, and the compact. I will not let any insult to the integrity of my honor stand. I will not listen to my family belittled and disrespected, and I will not stand behind any that would even suggest that the enemies of Grayson are not their own enemies.
Bisland is a proud house. We win glory, and we stand behind the crown, and all the sons and daughters stand united, as loyal and unbreaking as any. If there are any left that would take my hand, know this: I am a Bisland by blood and virtue until the day of my death, no matter my name. An insult to my family, is an insult to me. I am loyal to Grayson and the crown. Their wars are my wars, period. They should also be yours. My loyalty is not for sale, and there is nothing you can offer that will change this. Not for money, not for power rank or title, and certainly not for something as ephemeral as romantic love.
Written By Calypso
April 29, 2017, 5:16 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Antonio
When I find a mind who shows the capability of thinking three or four steps ahead of the current situation, I do my best to keep them close. Prince Antonio is one to watch. I'm glad it only took our second meeting to find common ground. I look forward to being able to lean on his intelligence in the future.
Written By Aislin
April 29, 2017, 5:08 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Niamh
How do I even begin to describe this woman? The little things she does to show how she feels?
Someone who strives so hard to make my life an adventure, even when I'm trapped within the walls.
She caught my heart the first time by turning my treehouse into the wider world, setting up a campsite, and inviting me off on a journey to ride a griffin to faraway lands -- across the sea to Eurus, or past the wastes to Cardia. To see the far realms that only a handful of Arvani have ever glimpsed. The same sort of adventures I used to have as a child, riding my griffin Cloudstriker to distant lands.
And now... now a book. Most of the pages missing, telling a story of a necklace she gave me. Setting an adventure through a forgotten myth, a trail of puzzles and riddles to follow to assemble the tale.
Someday, I need to find what will fill her heart with hope -- with life -- the same way she fills mine with these gestures. To show her how much she truly means to me.
Someone who strives so hard to make my life an adventure, even when I'm trapped within the walls.
She caught my heart the first time by turning my treehouse into the wider world, setting up a campsite, and inviting me off on a journey to ride a griffin to faraway lands -- across the sea to Eurus, or past the wastes to Cardia. To see the far realms that only a handful of Arvani have ever glimpsed. The same sort of adventures I used to have as a child, riding my griffin Cloudstriker to distant lands.
And now... now a book. Most of the pages missing, telling a story of a necklace she gave me. Setting an adventure through a forgotten myth, a trail of puzzles and riddles to follow to assemble the tale.
Someday, I need to find what will fill her heart with hope -- with life -- the same way she fills mine with these gestures. To show her how much she truly means to me.
Written By Cara
April 29, 2017, 5:03 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
My assistant is reminding me that I said I would write a journal about this, because I promised my mother in my last letter that I would -- I am expecting a child in the late summer, everything is going well, and I feel fine.
I have a new appreciation for what my own mother went through, which I am sure is the point of her reminder to write it down, and so:
Yes, Mother, you were right.
I have a new appreciation for what my own mother went through, which I am sure is the point of her reminder to write it down, and so:
Yes, Mother, you were right.
Written By Cara
April 29, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
One of the things that I study most keenly is diplomacy, and the art of finding common ground; and yet it is likely one of the most challenging skills to master, as far as I'm concerned, because the gods know there are times when my temper is most thoroughly tried.
It is ever important to remember to respond with grace and calm demeanor, for certainly to do otherwise is to invite scorn and malice. On the other hand, grace and decorum in the face of provocation can be spun as inaction or lack of will -- and will certainly be painted that way by one's detractors.
I muse on this subject often: to be politic, or to be honest. My brother never shied away from brutal honesty, something which I confess I often envied in him, even as I put pen to paper writing apologies and soothing hurt feelings.
Perhaps my tolerance for those who lie to me, who attempt to bully me, or to otherwise coerce and control me without the proper bounds of fealty between us has grown tattered of late. There's a limit to what any person might endure without comment. I pray I do not meet that limit somewhere public, and do something disgraceful like hurl a teapot at the head of a High Lord, or dump wine onto an idiot's lap.
It would not do for it to be revealed that I am only human, too, after all.
It is ever important to remember to respond with grace and calm demeanor, for certainly to do otherwise is to invite scorn and malice. On the other hand, grace and decorum in the face of provocation can be spun as inaction or lack of will -- and will certainly be painted that way by one's detractors.
I muse on this subject often: to be politic, or to be honest. My brother never shied away from brutal honesty, something which I confess I often envied in him, even as I put pen to paper writing apologies and soothing hurt feelings.
Perhaps my tolerance for those who lie to me, who attempt to bully me, or to otherwise coerce and control me without the proper bounds of fealty between us has grown tattered of late. There's a limit to what any person might endure without comment. I pray I do not meet that limit somewhere public, and do something disgraceful like hurl a teapot at the head of a High Lord, or dump wine onto an idiot's lap.
It would not do for it to be revealed that I am only human, too, after all.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 3:10 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Sameera
She's so quiet until she has something to say. I'm not saying that to be overly mysterious, just stating the truth. If you've met her - you know.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 3:06 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ariel
An amazing closet. A sister by choice. Bubbly and vibrant. I sincerely hope she realizes that she's a catch. I also hope that she realizes that I'm aimed in the direction of her position within the ranks the moment she finds someone that will make us a decent ally, and her a happy-go-lucky noble in pretty things.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mailys
A petite bundle of joy and vibrant energy. Open-hearted and welcoming. She has an amazing closet (most certainly on par with Ariel's) and she has the most infectious smile. Seriously, walk up to Mailys and just try to be in a bad mood. You'll fail. Except for Lord Darrow. He would remain unmoved because we all know that his heart is basalt. However, I digress. Mailys is perfectly lovely and I look forward to being better friends with her.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 2:56 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
Fixture at the Ebb and Flow. Although, I hope if he is planning on his experiment to travel to the other taverns and inns around the city that he keeps me in mind for the escapade. Friendly face. Good conversation. Lover of cheese. Sometimes good mannered, sometimes not. Which, I think, is good because if there's any place you're allowed to act like yourself - it's an inn.
Written By Gisele
April 29, 2017, 2:54 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
An illuminated page.
The tail of a comet winds (in unrealistic parabolas) through a misty darkness spangled with constellations of spun-glass hearts (shattered) and green gaping maws (hungry) and obsidian-clasped mirrors (blessedly empty). It streaks towards the lower right of the page and there its head becomes a starburst limned in gold-leaf.
The tail of a comet winds (in unrealistic parabolas) through a misty darkness spangled with constellations of spun-glass hearts (shattered) and green gaping maws (hungry) and obsidian-clasped mirrors (blessedly empty). It streaks towards the lower right of the page and there its head becomes a starburst limned in gold-leaf.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 2:51 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Charlaine
Soft-spoken, kind-hearted. She likes books. She didn't mind that I tugged her around town from shop to shop, and she has the makings of being a good friend. Although there's an aspect of her personality in there, I think, somewhere ... that lets us know that she's most certainly Count Blanchard's daughter.
Written By Carita
April 29, 2017, 2:43 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
I wouldn't be surprised that my first entry into the Journals upon returning to the City would be a poorly written drinking song. We had a good laugh about that when I went to visit. Some of my older brothers that are still in Arx and my sister - yes, the baker's wife. If you need to ask which baker, you're better off staying out of the Lowers. We met in the Traders as a decent compromise. Of course they didn't turn down the invite because they knew I was going to pay.
Of course they were nosy. Of course we drank. I answered ... some of their questions and kept their glasses full. Overall, it was a good night. Cora promised to do more baby-sitting for me. Kai wanted to know if I had an in with any good ships headed out. It stings a little to now that we're so different now. It's a feeling that reminds me of how far it took to get here.
How far there's left to go.
Let me tell you, that sting fades fast when you're wearing silk.
Of course they were nosy. Of course we drank. I answered ... some of their questions and kept their glasses full. Overall, it was a good night. Cora promised to do more baby-sitting for me. Kai wanted to know if I had an in with any good ships headed out. It stings a little to now that we're so different now. It's a feeling that reminds me of how far it took to get here.
How far there's left to go.
Let me tell you, that sting fades fast when you're wearing silk.
Written By Samantha
April 29, 2017, 2:39 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Once more consideration of thralls is a topic at the forefront of consideration; and it would seem that Dame Sameera intends to use the island she was deeded by her brother to develop a halfway house and intentional community for those who are recently freed to integrate into law abiding society. It is a good idea, and I encourage it, though there is still a need for support of those who manage to cross borders in order to reach freedom. I think the main thing I question is how many legally freed thralls will wish to remain in Thrax lands. The prospect of a fresh start someplace else would seem, at initial consideration, the most ideal circumstance, but then again, leaving what you know to be familiar is a great challenge, and possibly more than someone who has just been given their liberty can bear. I imagine the sensation is overwhelming.
I still sincerely believe that the abolition of thralldom is an inevitable evolution, though its progress must by necessity be slow and gradual and cause as minimal an economic impact as possible.
I still sincerely believe that the abolition of thralldom is an inevitable evolution, though its progress must by necessity be slow and gradual and cause as minimal an economic impact as possible.
Written By Merek
April 29, 2017, 2:14 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ariel
A Thrax Lady. She is quite kind, and admires art. I have been working on a couple things she has asked me to, and I'm glad she is satisfied with it. Hopefully as I advance my craft, I'll find more people wishing to commission or gather work from me.
Written By Shadow
April 29, 2017, 1:35 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
~written in Northlands Shav~
I do not know if this is madness or not anymore, The line of the path becomes blurred.
Is this truly the way of the city? Have i become so lost?
Or maybe it is what I have taken in within the last year..
But I still do not hear their whispered words, Do not feel their touch.
I feel as if they are there, But without hearing.. without feeling..
How can I be sure? Are they truly there just out of reach whispering and waiting..
Or have they left me, Have they left this place truly.
My belief remains strong as ever, It is my hope that begins to wane.
I do not know if this is madness or not anymore, The line of the path becomes blurred.
Is this truly the way of the city? Have i become so lost?
Or maybe it is what I have taken in within the last year..
But I still do not hear their whispered words, Do not feel their touch.
I feel as if they are there, But without hearing.. without feeling..
How can I be sure? Are they truly there just out of reach whispering and waiting..
Or have they left me, Have they left this place truly.
My belief remains strong as ever, It is my hope that begins to wane.
Written By Sameera
April 29, 2017, 12:21 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
My types when it comes to people.
How Princess Donella Thrax is would be my type were I into females. Though, I have no real interest in women that way.
Of the male variety, I think, it would be similar to how Duke Harald Grimhall is.
I lack the desire to do the touching of people thing, however. Such musings is rather useless but it has come up.
How Princess Donella Thrax is would be my type were I into females. Though, I have no real interest in women that way.
Of the male variety, I think, it would be similar to how Duke Harald Grimhall is.
I lack the desire to do the touching of people thing, however. Such musings is rather useless but it has come up.
Written By Sameera
April 29, 2017, 12:16 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Carita
Lady Carita has also offered her aid to my village.
Written By Sameera
April 29, 2017, 12:12 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ariel
Lady Ariel has offered to help with my village plans. Unsurprising. Expected her to help.
Written By Sameera
April 29, 2017, 12:11 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Lady Juliet has offered to help with my village plan as best she can, when she can.
Written By Sameera
April 29, 2017, 12:10 p.m.(5/13/1006 AR)
I have decided to have a goal on helping former thralls. It is a less difficult thing than dealing with those that are not. Recently I was reminded how difficult people are. Being a thrall was easier, though, less than pleasant. Quite often I want to go back to being a thrall.
Anyways, I intend to create a 'half way house' or safe haven for former thralls. I've no interest in trying to get involved with the current thralls, as that is not within my power to deal with and I am not against thralldom. I am not looking to save those in thralldom just to help those who have been released.
My plan is to create a self sufficient village that acts as a haven and a place to assimilate to the world of being free. To arm those freed with proper skills and knowledge to what to do when out of thralldom. Not everyone was 'free' before becoming a thrall. Children are not thralls but their parents are so, life for them is not any grander than being a thrall. Right now, I understand what it is that is needed for the land my brother has set for my uses. Easing thralls into the new life of not being one. To make them more than a drain on society, really. The end goal is they will give back what is put into them.
I am hoping to gain more support for this and aid from people who wish to give a hand to former thralls and aid in helping those who need to understand the meaning of being free.
Anyways, I intend to create a 'half way house' or safe haven for former thralls. I've no interest in trying to get involved with the current thralls, as that is not within my power to deal with and I am not against thralldom. I am not looking to save those in thralldom just to help those who have been released.
My plan is to create a self sufficient village that acts as a haven and a place to assimilate to the world of being free. To arm those freed with proper skills and knowledge to what to do when out of thralldom. Not everyone was 'free' before becoming a thrall. Children are not thralls but their parents are so, life for them is not any grander than being a thrall. Right now, I understand what it is that is needed for the land my brother has set for my uses. Easing thralls into the new life of not being one. To make them more than a drain on society, really. The end goal is they will give back what is put into them.
I am hoping to gain more support for this and aid from people who wish to give a hand to former thralls and aid in helping those who need to understand the meaning of being free.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.