Written By Dafne
March 5, 2017, 6:47 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
I had a good governess.
My mother, who was also Voice of Gemecitta once (and was, by what others said when they could bring themselves to speak of her, clever and charming and everything a Lycene noblewoman should be), died when I was born. My father remarried when I was still little more than a babe-in-arms and left me to Duke Marco and his duchess to raise. For all intents and purposes, I was raised as my cousin's much younger sister. I was given the same education as her--one suited to a future duchess.
I drove my governess to despair. She tried to teach me about duty and politics and law and all I wanted to do was read poetry and chase ghosts. She only looked more and more disappointed, and railed against me for never listening. Once she told me that filling my brain with cobwebs was a poor way to honour the gods who had given me such a fine one.
She was wrong, however. I did listen. I just didn't care.
This week it all came back to me. Years of tutorings, all the books I squinted at while trying to hide poetry and ghost stories behind them. All the things I must do, for Gemecitta, for my family, for my cousin.
I'm not sure I was meant for this either. Perhaps the gods who gave me a clever brain also gave me too soft a heart.
My mother, who was also Voice of Gemecitta once (and was, by what others said when they could bring themselves to speak of her, clever and charming and everything a Lycene noblewoman should be), died when I was born. My father remarried when I was still little more than a babe-in-arms and left me to Duke Marco and his duchess to raise. For all intents and purposes, I was raised as my cousin's much younger sister. I was given the same education as her--one suited to a future duchess.
I drove my governess to despair. She tried to teach me about duty and politics and law and all I wanted to do was read poetry and chase ghosts. She only looked more and more disappointed, and railed against me for never listening. Once she told me that filling my brain with cobwebs was a poor way to honour the gods who had given me such a fine one.
She was wrong, however. I did listen. I just didn't care.
This week it all came back to me. Years of tutorings, all the books I squinted at while trying to hide poetry and ghost stories behind them. All the things I must do, for Gemecitta, for my family, for my cousin.
I'm not sure I was meant for this either. Perhaps the gods who gave me a clever brain also gave me too soft a heart.
Written By Barric
March 5, 2017, 5:48 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
My cousin Reese is an energetic, enthusiastic, and devoted warrior. I've fought alongside her on a few occasions and look forward to doing it more frequently in the future.
Written By Barric
March 5, 2017, 5:45 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Lady Jael Laurent is an Oathlander, though she wishes she were a bear. I don't know what to make of that save to say I'd better not leave too much fish or honey lying around the Grayson estate when I invite her over.
Written By Catalina
March 5, 2017, 5:40 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Gian
What an odd way of meeting, sitting at table with people well above our station. But you seem steady, and brave, and sensible, and those are things that when seen in those who serve a house speak well to the house that shelters them.
Written By Catalina
March 5, 2017, 5:37 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
One of my oldest friends. Maybe something more? It's always hard to tell with Luis, so much is bluster and show. And yet, I think there is more beneath it all. Maybe we can't ever really be more than just friends, but I care enough about him to be glad that I can at least make his road smoother.
Written By Catalina
March 5, 2017, 5:36 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
The great city of Arx is great indeed. It's one thing to look at a city on paper, to imagine how many people must be there, how quickly the world must turn, and it's another entirely to be surrounded by it. It's thrilling, and exciting, and for a moment I feel like I'm drowning, only to find my feet just long enough to take a breath. It's a challenge of the best sort, and one I look forward to conquering.
Written By Jael
March 5, 2017, 5:33 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Perhaps it's early to call you a friend, but I think friend of a friend counts for something. Whether you truly wanted to get to know me, or just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to be bad for Michael, I appreciate that you were willing to do it.
Written By Jael
March 5, 2017, 5:31 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirlys
A brave warrior, and one who seems to have a good sense of what's coming and a good heart underneath it all. I'd be proud to fight next to you.
Written By Alis
March 5, 2017, 5:31 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
We came across Katarina at what I am sure was rather a low point for her, all things considered. Her story is hers to tell, of course, so I will not rehash it here. I will just say that she's been a delight to have with us, as a ward of Valardin. It seems that nothing will dampen her enthusiasm to forge ahead and learn a new way of life here in Arx. I only hope that I steer her in the right directions and am able to help her learn what she needs and wants to know, so she can make the kind of difference she'd like to.
Written By Jael
March 5, 2017, 5:30 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
The world may be terrifying, battle may be coming, but I for one refuse to bend to fear in advance of it. I hear the warnings people give, I hear rumors of terror, but if everything is going to be so bad, if these are our last days before the darkness, then I refuse to spend them in fear. Either we'll fight and we'll succeed in driving them back, we'll fight and lose and live to fight another day, or we'll fight and die. So either we live, which is a win, or we die, and we're not here to worry about what happened. What is there to fear, then? Better that we fight, and prepare to fight.
Written By Cristoph
March 5, 2017, 5:04 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
The king wakes? Tremendous news, but I have to wonder, how was his soul returned to his body? I was under the impression that this was a near impossible task. I only hope that his majesty was returned whole and will entirely recover.
Written By Cristoph
March 5, 2017, 5:02 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Prince, now Duke, Dagon's marriage to Duchess Margot was not something I expected to walk in on. Why was it held on such a small scale and without an announcement or invitations? Still, it was a lovely ceremony even if I only caught the end of it and they seem a remarkably happy couple considering the political nature of the union.
Written By Anze
March 5, 2017, 4:58 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Note to self:
Still need someone to look my messengers over for me. Apparently I'm still not any good at it.
Still need someone to look my messengers over for me. Apparently I'm still not any good at it.
Written By Ansel
March 5, 2017, 4:51 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
Receiving the Princess and welcoming her to the Valardin ward was very interesting. The city is a big enough mix of cultures already, and takes adjusting to by folks from the realm itself, let alone from foreign kingdoms. I remember being lost and out of place at first. I can only imagine how she feels.
Written By Leta
March 5, 2017, 4:20 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
I've been taking lessons in playing and singing properly from Whisper Calandra. Some folk might say it's an odd time for it, and maybe they're right and I should be minding my bladework instead.
But those things coming to Arx are called the Bringers of Silence, so I think we ought to receive them with some merry Arxian noise. Take your silence and shove it, if you pardon, that's what I say.
We'll have dances and dirges by the time it's over and I aim to be around to play them.
But those things coming to Arx are called the Bringers of Silence, so I think we ought to receive them with some merry Arxian noise. Take your silence and shove it, if you pardon, that's what I say.
We'll have dances and dirges by the time it's over and I aim to be around to play them.
Written By Khanne
March 5, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
There is an orchid that grows in a pot within my room. It rises tall, leaning on its friend, the stake, for support.
As I lean on my own stake.
It is not ashamed to rely on others to help it reach its heights and blossoms with pride.
Pride that reminds me of my shame.
It speaks poetry to me, silently...
(of a heart's lament)
...and smells like blue.
So utterly blue.
As I lean on my own stake.
It is not ashamed to rely on others to help it reach its heights and blossoms with pride.
Pride that reminds me of my shame.
It speaks poetry to me, silently...
(of a heart's lament)
...and smells like blue.
So utterly blue.
Written By Caelis
March 5, 2017, 4:15 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
He's a giant northern puppy. Thoughtful in a way I didn't expect, but then, isn't that always the case when you look past the selves we project? I think he makes a good balance for my fierce cousin, if only he would remember his shirt more often.
Written By Caelis
March 5, 2017, 4:14 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Word is the King is finally awake. I can only pray this is a good sign for all our fates and that the darkness truly is being pushed back. Meanwhile, I continue to be ill at ease surrounded by so many walls and crave more time on the waves like a physical ache. I am happy to slowly make more friends in the other houses and among those of other classes, but it would be a lie to say I don't miss Southport's warmth right now.
May your hopes find safe harbors.
May your hopes find safe harbors.
Written By Leola
March 5, 2017, 3:38 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Lady Juliet and her aide Joslyn talked to myself and Hana Greyhope in the Storied Blade. It was an interesting experience, with discussion of alaricite and our hope for the future.
Written By Isolde
March 5, 2017, 3:29 p.m.(1/14/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
I rather like this woman. She's got a way about her that inspires one to greatness. And to drink, but in the most delightful way. She's refreshing, and I do so hope this whole mess will see us become fast friends. Or at least good drinking buddies. A girl could use more of those.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.