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Written By Cai

Dec. 24, 2016, 4:03 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

06/21/1005

Beware the deadly and elusive Beaver-snap. Make sure not to anger one, it'll be the end of you.

Written By Bethany

Dec. 24, 2016, 2:33 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

(From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward:)

My latest attempts at blending teas and wines have dramatically improved.

Modesty would dictate that I not compare my most recent creation to my elder brother's.

However, my confidence demands otherwise.

Written By Sinhoc

Dec. 24, 2016, 2:02 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

I took a soothing walk through the woods a while ago. Truly, walking without borders is a most calming pasttime. To know there is only sea blocking you from walking the length of the world is a peace the safe walls of the Compact cannot oblige. But, the walls are called safe for a reason. The dangers outside those gates are almost infinite, the amount being due not to the types of dangers, but the different ways they can catch you off-guard. I may be desensitized to the true protection of the walls, but in the end, when the slavering teeth and gnarled claws of the Wild's darkness tear at your flesh, you'll wish you had stalwart slabs of stone to shield you from the hunt.

Written By Kima

Dec. 24, 2016, 1:49 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

It is all rather frustrating when things don't go as you plan. Yet what else is there to do but pick yourself up (and perhaps several pieces as well) and move on?

Written By Percephon

Dec. 24, 2016, 1:35 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Lianne

Fellow Scholar

Written By Kima

Dec. 24, 2016, 1:21 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

I had worried that I would be ill-suited to raising Vomas. I needn't have. It's not simply that he's old enough that I don't have to fear he'll die without my constant attention. Rather, it is that I've realized that if I think more like a teacher than aught else, then things between us go swimmingly. Together we have read one of the books of law the Legate has so kindly sent me; we've sat in on the court for a day; wandered the perimeter of Arx and talked architecture as well as flora and fauna.

He gets a green look when I talk about horse riding lessons with Leola or further sparring with myself and Athas, but if my mother had cared a whit for green looks when I was a lass, then I'd not have the wonderful background of poetry, philosophy, or religion to broaden my soul. I might not be anything more than a laymen in such subjects, but I'm still richer for what I do know.

I am richer, too, for the time shared with my nephew.

Written By Bethany

Dec. 24, 2016, 12:01 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

( From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )

Curious yet --

What are the most important lessons you, (dear citizen or visitor of Arx) have learned in life?

Written By Lucio

Dec. 24, 2016, 11:45 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Felix

A Thrax weaponsmith, Felix has done work for House Pravus in the past. He is curious man who thinks of his weapons as stories, and that has an obvious appeal to me. Thanks to Duchess Belladonna, he has agreed to craft me a new dagger.

Written By Lucio

Dec. 24, 2016, 11:34 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Cybele

I met the Shaman at the Shrine of the Lost. The 'Walker Between' is unusual, but kind, and sang me one of the old songs of the north. Cybele seems a good source of knowledge for old stories and creation myths, one who might be very useful in my quest to craft new songs to sing.

Written By Pietro

Dec. 24, 2016, 11:32 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

It is with a gladder heart that I thank Duke Marco for his years of service. I know that my mother has been highly enjoying her retirement and I will join her in wishing Lord Marco the joy of it.

It is an honor to publicly congratulate Duchess Sylvie Zaffria. I know that in these difficult times, Gemecitta will go forward under her guidance with prosperity and strength. As well, of course, as the best of taste. House Igniseri is proud to serve you, my liege.

Written By Khanne

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:48 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Valencia

An interesting talk was had at The Spirits recently. I have come to know her a bit better, feel a bit closer to her as a friend, and yet, she frustratingly tells me absolutely nothing. I warned her I am stubborn and do not give up easily.

Written By Khanne

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:45 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Agnarr

One day, warns someone to be careful after something said. Another, I want to throttle him for not taking his own advice.

Written By Branan

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:28 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Bethany

Likeminded Royal Servant

Written By Branan

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:23 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Esera

Grand Patroness

Written By Ailith

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:14 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Isolde

I may have been wrong, in some ways, about the Princess.

Oh, of course, I disagree with her strongly on religious matters. That won't change. However, I think if I can look past that--if I can let myself, rather than use old prejudices against Isolde--I can see the woman rather than what she represents.

I need to be a touch wary, of course, but I think I should work on being kinder, especially since times are looking so bleak.

Written By Max

Dec. 24, 2016, 10:03 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

At this rate we are going to run out of nobility.

Count Darkwater.
Count Darkwater Part II.
Baroness Caith.
Baron Saik.
Duke Gemecitta.
All the kings horses and all the kings men.

I don't make light. i don't insult. It's actually not at all a joke.

We are being picked off.

Written By Orazio

Dec. 24, 2016, 9:53 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

I have written less than I should, a fact of which a few Scholars of my acquaintance have gently but firmly reminded me. In Vellichor's name, then, I should address this deficiency.

I have been appointed to the position of Legate of Concepts. Most outside the Faith are not familiar with this position. Unsurprisingly, as it is largely a bureaucratic one - few of those who interact with the Faith only as laity realize just how much work and organization goes into the things that they Faith provides to the men and women of the Compact. The Knights of Solace require food, housing, training, salaries, and supplies. They must be tracked on their routes so that we might know if they or the pilgrims they escort have been lost, as well as how we might best support them. The Houses of Solace and the many charitable works of Gild require the knowledge of logistics to execute correctly. And so on, and so forth.

So, ultimately, the position of Legate is to handle the paperwork and organization so that the Faith can continue to do what the Faithful require.

I am honored to have the opportunity, although I will miss some of the more hands-on opportunities I have had in my position of Archscholar.

Written By Khanne

Dec. 24, 2016, 9:41 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

It was asked recently, what is beauty? I am not sure I could put it any better than Mydas, truly, but I am feeling a bit introspective and thought I would put ink to paper.

So many think of the visual aspect of beauty only, the symmetry of a person's face, the silken fabrics they may wear and how they cling to a body, or how someone's hair catches in the light, just so, making them seem radiant. All beautiful things perhaps, but there is much more in life that is purely, simply, beautiful.

I believe it is also in the way the wind caresses your cheek and rustles the leaves of a tree, in how the sun warms you right to the bone as if wrapping its embrace around your very souls, or in the sound of near silence when you are in the mountains alone during a snow fall, the fresh layer of white crunching beneath your feet.

Ah, that last one gets me. It is so hot here... I miss the mountains, the cold, snow, freedom, and sometimes, I miss the solitude. At no time in my life have I felt more at peace, more balanced with myself and the entire world around me, than in those moments where I was dressed in furs and leathers sitting on a boulder to watch the snow fall. I can close my eyes now and see it, feel it. Crystalline snowflakes catching the light of the sun or moon as they fall, blanketing the ground in a pillowy layer of pristine white, collecting on the branches of trees, sticking to my eyelashes as I blink in awe of the beauty around me. There is a sublime serenity in this moment, the hush that sweeps the area, as if every little creature is just as captivated by it as I am.

On the converse, my mind floats to flame and heat, naked bodies enraptured in passion by one another as a fire crackles nearby. Skin glistening from the light sweat that lovemaking creates. The scent of one another's musk in the air, the sounds of gasping breaths and thrilled little moans culminating in a crashing of bodies and voices lifting in songs of primal pleasure...

I digress. Apparently being introspective is a bit dangerous for me... Beauty is everywhere we wish to seek it. It is in quiet moments of solitude, in passions ignited and shared, in the crowded gatherings of people with laughter ringing through the air, and even in the darkened shadows many fear to look in. All you have to do is open your mind and your souls to it, and you will find it.

Written By Ida

Dec. 24, 2016, 8:28 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

Ah, the look on poor Teldra's face when I visited the Valardin kitchens and asked if she would make a basket full of cinnamon struesel cakes with caramel and sweet cream, and little pieces of apple cooked in honey. The tart ones, not the sweet ones, she should mind.

Written By Mirari

Dec. 24, 2016, 3:10 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)

Relationship Note on Orazio

What a thoughtful man.

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