Written By Aislin
April 5, 2017, 9:43 p.m.(3/20/1006 AR)
Someone asked me a while ago -- someone who knew me when I was little -- why I don't wear dresses or gowns anymore, not like I used to do when I wasn't in the field. I used to come home, take off the armor, and put on a dress, or a tunic and leggings if I planned to climb trees or something similar. But now I'm always dressed in leather armor, and they wondered why.
And I gave them my usual answer: that nowadays we should always be ready, when you never know when you might wish you were armored. But the thing is, that's not the truth.
Or not the whole truth, anyway.
The truth is, I stopped when my face was scarred. I think it started as a shield. A woman with a scarred face wearing armor looks like someone who's ready to meet and challenge the world, someone prepared. But a woman with a scarred face in silks? In a dress? An object of pity. And there are few things worse to see in someone's eyes than pity.
After a certain point, though, it just started to feel like me. The leather armor and sword have become as much a part of me as my arm, my eyes. In some ways, I feel naked and defenseless without the armor now.
But sometimes... sometimes I do miss it. Just a bit.
And I gave them my usual answer: that nowadays we should always be ready, when you never know when you might wish you were armored. But the thing is, that's not the truth.
Or not the whole truth, anyway.
The truth is, I stopped when my face was scarred. I think it started as a shield. A woman with a scarred face wearing armor looks like someone who's ready to meet and challenge the world, someone prepared. But a woman with a scarred face in silks? In a dress? An object of pity. And there are few things worse to see in someone's eyes than pity.
After a certain point, though, it just started to feel like me. The leather armor and sword have become as much a part of me as my arm, my eyes. In some ways, I feel naked and defenseless without the armor now.
But sometimes... sometimes I do miss it. Just a bit.
Written By Serafine
April 5, 2017, 5:47 p.m.(3/20/1006 AR)
Today is the day my baby sister, the Princess of Darkness herself, was born. They ought to put a sign up in the Velenosa estate in the room she was birthed in. I can see it now, it reads, "And thus a blizzard in human form was born, she didn't cry when she came out, she simply glared at the midwife and the attendants, and waited patiently for them to bathe her, dress her, and when she was given her mother's breast to feed, she scowled before finally relenting, as if such nourishment was -beneath her-.."
That's my gift to you, Elly. I'm writing a whole fictitious backstory, when you fade into mythology, they'll have proof of your existence with clear, precise descriptions but the legend's own sister: me.
I love you, you terrible, icy bitch. I hope it's a good day for you.
That's my gift to you, Elly. I'm writing a whole fictitious backstory, when you fade into mythology, they'll have proof of your existence with clear, precise descriptions but the legend's own sister: me.
I love you, you terrible, icy bitch. I hope it's a good day for you.
Written By Aiden
April 5, 2017, 1:40 p.m.(3/20/1006 AR)
Laughter from my peers makes me reluctant to journal.
I was told to tell them to mind their own business and stop reading my journals.
I am easy to tease, only I wish I wasn't.
Good things happened to me:
- Ainsley saved my parents at the gates from Bringers. They are all safe.
- Silas gave me a gift, a perch for my birds.
- Cousin Barric asked me to help with his dog, Synder. He says he'll find me an archery teacher in return.
- My sweet sister gave me a cologne. It's very thoughtful.
- Brother Branan agreed to help me with a surprise gift for someone very important to me.
- I have a bookshelf and crammed it full of Brother Branan's books.
- I was invited to the Whisper House Songbird night.
- I was brave enough to send my Cousin a messenger about becoming a student of law. It should make my father happy.
- I had a nice talk with Silas.
- I have a guard. He is handy for carrying things.
Bad things:
- I tried moonshine and rum. I was teased about it.
- Knowing my sister is braver than me and that I will have to worry about her too, in the siege.
- I still haven't found a tailor.
- I was too embarrassed in Coldrain Crafts to ask for anything.
- My raptor poo'ed in my hair.
- I didn't talk long enough with Silas.
- I feel useless and struggle how to overcome that.
I was told to tell them to mind their own business and stop reading my journals.
I am easy to tease, only I wish I wasn't.
Good things happened to me:
- Ainsley saved my parents at the gates from Bringers. They are all safe.
- Silas gave me a gift, a perch for my birds.
- Cousin Barric asked me to help with his dog, Synder. He says he'll find me an archery teacher in return.
- My sweet sister gave me a cologne. It's very thoughtful.
- Brother Branan agreed to help me with a surprise gift for someone very important to me.
- I have a bookshelf and crammed it full of Brother Branan's books.
- I was invited to the Whisper House Songbird night.
- I was brave enough to send my Cousin a messenger about becoming a student of law. It should make my father happy.
- I had a nice talk with Silas.
- I have a guard. He is handy for carrying things.
Bad things:
- I tried moonshine and rum. I was teased about it.
- Knowing my sister is braver than me and that I will have to worry about her too, in the siege.
- I still haven't found a tailor.
- I was too embarrassed in Coldrain Crafts to ask for anything.
- My raptor poo'ed in my hair.
- I didn't talk long enough with Silas.
- I feel useless and struggle how to overcome that.
Written By Lianne
April 5, 2017, 11:45 a.m.(3/20/1006 AR)
A strange dissatisfaction is starting to settle in now that I've gotten what I wanted. Pursuit provides purpose. Now, I must sate myself with my prize or pick a new path. Best to be patient when the possibilities are so vast.
Written By Merek
April 5, 2017, 3:55 a.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
I meet her every so often when I visit the Shrine of Gloria. She has a lot on her mind, but I can honestly say that she means well, and is a faithful woman to the Gods.
Written By Merek
April 5, 2017, 3:54 a.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Umay
We make a nice team, when it comes to social etiquette, and helping to quell riots. I consider her a friend now, and I'm definitely happy to have friends that are part of the Faith!
Written By Deva
April 5, 2017, 12:15 a.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
I know my father was not literally perfect, no one is, but his memory will always remain so in my eyes. He was also incredibly personable, and frighteningly clever about deterring the young men he'd see me hanging around with. He never threatened them, never used his station or - let's face it - physical brawn to shoo them off. No, no, instead? He made sure they were terrified of -me- and just what I might be capable of, with stories about how the last boy I kissed ended up with a broken arm, and if you listened closely how his wailing could still be heard in the lower floors of the castle. Or the (admittedly true) tale of how I gave one a black eye for being gross, and he nearly fled off one of our balconies.
I miss him every day, but some days are more unbearable than others.
I miss him every day, but some days are more unbearable than others.
Written By Percephon
April 4, 2017, 11:52 p.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
I would be remiss if I did not update my thoughts upon the Lady Pravus in my reflections of this past year. She was one of the first souls in this city I connected with after the debacle of my initial arrival. We may not meet as much as we'd prefer with our different paths keeping us busy. Yet, I believe that it only goes to show how much of kindred souls we really are, for when we do get a chance? We pick up as if it were but yesterday we had last talked, and her wit and intellect always sate my thirst for knowledge. Far too often I keep in the safety of the Valardin ward, but she is proof that the bond of friendship can extend between the great houses.
Written By Percephon
April 4, 2017, 11:43 p.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
It's a time of reflection. The siege makes us face the realities of our future. For me, it has now been just over a year since I arrived in Arx, and in but a few days, I'll be another year older. There have been such peaks and valleys during my time here, with scars that will never be seen that I shall keep with me always. Experiences I never thought I'd have. But the one universal truth that has emerged is the loyalty of friendship, as true as any hardened steel the best blacksmith might make. I will forever be thankful for the tried and true friends such as Alis, Fiachra, Eirlys and Ansel, and I look forward to the experiments in relationships with new people to see if they shall emerge from the flames into friendship.
And it is in this that I am resolute we have not seen the last of our days with the enemies at our gates. They might be things out of nightmares we thought never existed, wield magic we thought was nothing but imagination... but we posses an inner strength that will have our own heroes rise as if they were from the pages of our storybooks. Without doubt, we will lose those close to us, and it will be as somber victory, but from this we will emerge stronger for it.
And it is in this that I am resolute we have not seen the last of our days with the enemies at our gates. They might be things out of nightmares we thought never existed, wield magic we thought was nothing but imagination... but we posses an inner strength that will have our own heroes rise as if they were from the pages of our storybooks. Without doubt, we will lose those close to us, and it will be as somber victory, but from this we will emerge stronger for it.
Written By Ann
April 4, 2017, 11:32 p.m.(3/19/1006 AR)
Document the seventh:
1 Drunk
2 Getting Drunk
3 But 2 are not Drunk
1 Alone
These hours are hours where I am alive. There are others who cannot say the same. Some of them, still living.
1 Drunk
2 Getting Drunk
3 But 2 are not Drunk
1 Alone
These hours are hours where I am alive. There are others who cannot say the same. Some of them, still living.
Written By Joscelin
April 4, 2017, 9:47 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
Mark my words, if any one is over-charging or price-gouging the supplies we as a city helped put together, I don't have to threaten you with dire consequences.
Your reputation and your actions during this siege will be remembered by the people you live with, the people you need to buy your wares during peace-time just as much as during a war, the same people who might call you kin, or neighbor, or ally. Your business will not survive if everyone remembers how you raised your prices and sold your goods to businesses that would turn it into something -other- than foodstuffs. For example: selling your grain to a distillery instead of a miller.
In the end, your money will amount to shit and it will run out in the aftermath as you spend it on body guards, security, and bribes to keep yourself safe.
It won't work, though. Silver is finite, you will run out without a source of income and you will not find it here in Arx if you let greed win out over compassion.
We need to work together. That's the only way any of us will get through this whole and hale.
Your reputation and your actions during this siege will be remembered by the people you live with, the people you need to buy your wares during peace-time just as much as during a war, the same people who might call you kin, or neighbor, or ally. Your business will not survive if everyone remembers how you raised your prices and sold your goods to businesses that would turn it into something -other- than foodstuffs. For example: selling your grain to a distillery instead of a miller.
In the end, your money will amount to shit and it will run out in the aftermath as you spend it on body guards, security, and bribes to keep yourself safe.
It won't work, though. Silver is finite, you will run out without a source of income and you will not find it here in Arx if you let greed win out over compassion.
We need to work together. That's the only way any of us will get through this whole and hale.
Written By Merek
April 4, 2017, 9:20 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
Account of 1005.
Traveled and traded, making weapons as well as armour for people. Even went to Arx for a month to assist with some Mercantile needs, but I wasn't there to remain. Went to the Oathlands, Blancbier, Lenosia, Gemecitta, and Tor, even taking wagons to the east. Met many people on these travels, but mainly kept with the Merchants I was assigned, and Knights of Solace that protected them. Learned a bit about culture and flora as well as fauna. My interest in the apothecary combined with metalsmithing to work my blades with different fashions came from that. It also has me interested in different things that could be made with what most people call alchemy, which is work with chemicals as well as perfumes. Very interesting subject!
Traveled and traded, making weapons as well as armour for people. Even went to Arx for a month to assist with some Mercantile needs, but I wasn't there to remain. Went to the Oathlands, Blancbier, Lenosia, Gemecitta, and Tor, even taking wagons to the east. Met many people on these travels, but mainly kept with the Merchants I was assigned, and Knights of Solace that protected them. Learned a bit about culture and flora as well as fauna. My interest in the apothecary combined with metalsmithing to work my blades with different fashions came from that. It also has me interested in different things that could be made with what most people call alchemy, which is work with chemicals as well as perfumes. Very interesting subject!
Written By Calaudrin
April 4, 2017, 8:56 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
I miss the days when murder was just murder and when dead people stayed dead. I'm a simple man. Is that really too much to ask for?
Written By Merek
April 4, 2017, 8:07 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
I have promised to assist many citizens, ever since that small riot. And I intend to keep my promises, as such I have decided to open a small fund in the name of all Thirteen of the Pantheon, and have placed more than a few prayers to Gild. I will likely be collecting assistance into this fund, whether it's silver or food, in the hopes that these people will not go hungry. Since the incident I heard about at the Cathedral, it's definitely important that we calm the trade within. People need to ration, and share amongst themselves. If we can manage to come together, then even with the siege, we shall want for nothing, with the Pantheon on our side.
Written By Agnarr
April 4, 2017, 7:44 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
Don't think I've seen a good drawing-and-quartering in a while.
Written By Armel
April 4, 2017, 4:23 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
to whomever has forced us to these actions and mailed me this insult:
You will be found.
You will be dragged before me.
I will make you wish for death and beg the God's forgiveness.
And then you will die, and I shall cast your corpse from the walls toward Brand, to tell him /exactly/ what I think of him and his tactics.
Make you burn for all eternity for this.
You will be found.
You will be dragged before me.
I will make you wish for death and beg the God's forgiveness.
And then you will die, and I shall cast your corpse from the walls toward Brand, to tell him /exactly/ what I think of him and his tactics.
Make you burn for all eternity for this.
Written By Eirene
April 4, 2017, 1:44 p.m.(3/18/1006 AR)
I had to write today about posting guards over our recent dead to prevent them bring brought back to life and attacking us.
Fuck. You. Whomever you are.
We will find you. And we will see you hang for this. It's one thing to attack the living and wound them, it's another to profane the dead by setting them on the living. That pisses me off. As in I can't even comprehend how angry that makes me. They gave their lives to defend us and then some shit goes and raises them with unholy magic?
So much rage. Don't let me get to them; I'll do more than hang the bastard...
Fuck. You. Whomever you are.
We will find you. And we will see you hang for this. It's one thing to attack the living and wound them, it's another to profane the dead by setting them on the living. That pisses me off. As in I can't even comprehend how angry that makes me. They gave their lives to defend us and then some shit goes and raises them with unholy magic?
So much rage. Don't let me get to them; I'll do more than hang the bastard...
Written By Luna
April 4, 2017, 10:06 a.m.(3/17/1006 AR)
we lay down in the riverbed
rest in the silhouettes our fathers and mothers laid before
restless souls in the desert sand
dream of another land that heroes and villians claimed before
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we came up with the fire light
raised in the black of night
falling like angels to the floor
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are.
so hold me down
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
rest in the silhouettes our fathers and mothers laid before
restless souls in the desert sand
dream of another land that heroes and villians claimed before
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we came up with the fire light
raised in the black of night
falling like angels to the floor
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are.
so hold me down
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
we are kings and queens and vagabonds
Written By Serafine
April 3, 2017, 8:17 p.m.(3/16/1006 AR)
Panicked young men who are equal parts excited and anxious and terrified are one of life's great joys to watch.
I know, laughing isn't a nice thing to do but I can't help it.
Alright, now I'm just giggling.
I know, laughing isn't a nice thing to do but I can't help it.
Alright, now I'm just giggling.
Written By Aureth
April 3, 2017, 4:06 p.m.(3/16/1006 AR)
So like I said before, I'm a city boy. But I've ridden a boat before. I'm not a sailor and I never will have Magpie's hand at it, for example, but I can stand on the deck of a ship without falling over. The river and the sea are both a part of our lives in this city, and a part of our trade. The rotted sea life stink of the tide pools, the sweeter tang of salt, the fresh smell of rain, the sweetness of cold water on the tongue -- it matters.
There's something about wind on your skin, in your face, that feels and tastes like freedom. Not the freedom that Skald offers, the freedom to choose and the freedom to be, but a different kind: a freedom to go, a freedom to _escape_. It's that same wildness that, I think, we try to harness when we drink the wine. I asked around, why Mangata gets all the booze, and sure ... sure, it's all liquid, like the water, like the waves, but I don't think it's only that.
Water and sun. That's life.
And lately, when I look into the sky, I think about what it would be like without it. Without the heat and life of the sun. A thousand years without sunlight. What would that be like?
Mangata, Lady of the Sea and Sky, this is my prayer to you: may I never take your gifts for granted. Let me live on under the sky, and taste the freedom in your air, and never let it go.
There's something about wind on your skin, in your face, that feels and tastes like freedom. Not the freedom that Skald offers, the freedom to choose and the freedom to be, but a different kind: a freedom to go, a freedom to _escape_. It's that same wildness that, I think, we try to harness when we drink the wine. I asked around, why Mangata gets all the booze, and sure ... sure, it's all liquid, like the water, like the waves, but I don't think it's only that.
Water and sun. That's life.
And lately, when I look into the sky, I think about what it would be like without it. Without the heat and life of the sun. A thousand years without sunlight. What would that be like?
Mangata, Lady of the Sea and Sky, this is my prayer to you: may I never take your gifts for granted. Let me live on under the sky, and taste the freedom in your air, and never let it go.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.