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Written By Valkieri

Oct. 23, 2016, 8:35 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Bah. Whatever affections I may hold for Lady Dawn, the winners were poorly chosen. While I will defend her in very little, Lady Sylphie deserved some true recognition here.

*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*

Written By Aurora

Oct. 23, 2016, 7:38 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Nadia

Duchess Nadia has shown interest in my skills, as well as my wellbeing. I am not sure what she expects of me, or the things that will be required of me in the future, but I have accepted her offer as my patron. She leaves me alone to do my own thing, which is nice. She gets a discount (because I'm still a business woman and can't just do things for free), and that seems to have made her happy. In return, she sends me food so I don't die. Though, her feeding me means I remain alive, and she doesn't have to find someone else to take my place...so it might be a selfish gesture. I'm ok with this, I think.

Written By Leo

Oct. 23, 2016, 7:29 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Valkieri

The other half of Gemecitta, he strikes me as a man with a soldier's outlook on methods. Our initial meeting was terse, but the subject of trade appears to be an interest keenly felt by both of us. I believe we may find common ground through economic ties.

Written By Myrinda

Oct. 23, 2016, 7:29 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

The Graysons, it seems, aren't even interested in allowing the Velenosas to have their own representative at the little princess' thing! What an insult! What gall!

To treat one's own vassals so. If you invite them to choose someone to represent their styles, then you should allow them to! Or admit that you didn't care to.

Written By Sudara

Oct. 23, 2016, 7:28 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Aldwin

The Archscholar of Vellichor has paid me the immense compiment of specifically requesting to converse with me - and thereafter added another by inviting me to join a scholastic venture he has started. I am quite embarrassingly flattered by this, and fervently hope that I can make meangingful contributions.

Written By Victus

Oct. 23, 2016, 6:12 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Cordelia

What happens when you spoil a child? This is what happens.

A bloody disgrace of a girl who thinks she can do whatever the fuck she wants. Perhaps she could've, if she'd been born on the shore of landlubbers. On the Isles we do things differently, and I'll have no part in further enabling her behavior.

Bah.

Written By Victus

Oct. 23, 2016, 6:09 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Abbas

His father betrayed us, his mother was banished. Still, Abbas has always been dependable. He has embraced Thrax and its ways like few of the current generation of my family has. That makes him stand out as someone worthy.

I've sailed with him, I've fought with him and I've killed with him.

Those are the things that make men family, even if they don't have ties of blood. We have that, too.

Written By Jarek

Oct. 23, 2016, 5:44 p.m.(12/4/1004 AR)

A lone tree that the passing storm had left broken. The numbered hands left bent and wanting its solitary form cracked reaching into the sky. There out past mans knowing where the stars bleed into the earth we stop. It cries for help in its death and is set free. They watched the fire which contains something of themselves and consumes all living things bring change. Bodies come together passions of the flesh lit ablaze in the light of the torch whos brightness pushes back the night. Flame saw in the wind and the ash covers them as bodies writhe on the ground like snakes.

Written By Viktarkim

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:22 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Sophie

Solace Healer, she came to tend to my injuries after Prince Fergus beat me soundly in sparring. Despite some awkward moments, she seemed to know what she was doing. My appreciation for her services.

Written By Edain

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:19 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Damon

I was very glad to get the chance to speak with Lord Damon Wyrmgard recently. The Wyrmgard's have long been among our most competent and loyal vassals, and this is exemplified in the young Lord. The call of the scholar is his passion, and I am proud of him for following his heart. He has also has not neglected the skills of knighthood however, and he is a great swordsman. In fact it seems to come to him with an unfair natural ease. Some might even be a bit jealous of the ease with which he seems to pick up everything he does. I mean not me off course, that would just be silly for me to be jealous just because he's dedicated large sections of his life to study and is still a better swordsman than me. So in short I am not jealous, but some people might be.

Written By Edain

Oct. 23, 2016, 3 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

I had the opportunity to meet Calypso Malvici recently and it was an eye opening experience. She certainly affects the typical fashion of the Lyceum (though a bit more? functional I guess in the right word), but when I spoke with her I was surprised to find a woman of military discipline, with the gravitas of a veteran officer. She is someone that Princess Marian might actually like, which believe me is a rare thing. I think she will be a general to watch in the future. We could use more of those in these dark days.

Written By Edain

Oct. 23, 2016, 2:25 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Natalia

I love our Grayson allies, they have always been the kind of friends to the Valardin that might as well be family. But they are called badgers for a reason. They are often? dour, fierce and bold, and frequently brooding loners. Then there is Princess Natalia. Princess Natalia is nothing if not exuberant, and defies every expectation one might have about the Grayson, but she is also very refreshing because of this. And she carries that mirth on what are still the long suffering (metaphorically) broad Grayson shoulders. People will enjoy themselves and see the beauty in life if she has to drag them to fun kicking and screaming.

Written By Deva

Oct. 23, 2016, 1:40 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Barric

I first met the Sword of Bastion at a brawl my family hosted. He didn't hold back his punches, something I most appreciated! It's the only way you can get any better, after all. When it comes to politics, we seem to be of a similar mind: no thanks. So we serve our families in our own ways, and can manage a drink without insufferable formalities. He is a most excellent sparring partner, and I hope our friendship will strengthen the ties of our great houses.

Written By Orazio

Oct. 23, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

To the Faithful Reader:

I have been told that I am "too stern", and "too serious", nearly from the first moment that I entered the priesthood. I am not certain that I understand either of these accusations - although the fact that so many people have repeated them does suggest a certain truth behind them. Just this morning, a woman and her child came to beseech the shrine of the Sentinel, and I asked of their concerns. Although the woman spoke of the injustice she faced - and eloquently - the child hid behind his mother's skirt. When I inquired as to why, he said, voice muffled by the fabric of her dress, "Too scary." I am not certain what I did to provoke such a response.

Regardless, I will look into the matter of concern that was brought to me. If I must frighten people, at least I can use it to achieve good effects.

Written By Dawn

Oct. 23, 2016, 11:23 a.m.(12/3/1004 AR)

People have asked me, more than once, what my father was like. Not as a King but as a man. So many years have passed since his death that I imagine it's difficult to remember the smaller details, those things about a person that lay a foundation for the greater stories that linger when they're gone.

I also imagine that those who ask expect that I will tell them of the man being very different from the mask and title he wore when out in public. That, when the crown came off, and the robes of state, and the doors closed behind us, he was someone else entirely. But that was not the case.

King Alaric III was a stern man, someone who bore the weight of his responsibilities whether in the public eye or out of it. I cannot claim he was closer to me than anyone else, because there was always a sense of distance there. At table, at his desk, even in those moments when I caught him on the floor, playing with my brother and his toys, I had a sense that part of his mind was elsewhere. Now that I've taken up my own duties, I do understand. One needn't be draped in the trappings of office to still feel the tug and demand of responsibility; they're always there.

But as focused and separate as he could be, he had a quick and clever mind, and a sense of humour which made all of us hope for the flash of his smile, or the sound of his laughter. To win the simplest glance of approval from him was the prize of my childhood. To share his company, even in silence, Father at his desk with his work, me in a chair with my lessons, was enough to keep me glowing through a day, certain of his pride and love for me.

When we were alone, he spoke to me as if he knew the person I would become one day. He spoke as if he trusted the woman I would be could understand him, in that moment. I didn't, always, but it made me wish to work harder, to grow faster, and to develop the confidence he moved through his life with so I could help shoulder some of the burdens he carried.

I was not given that chance, nor was he given the opportunity to see his children become the people he hoped they would be. And I am not so sentimental as to think he would approve of all I've done or become. My father was not a man inclined to softness, or fits of sentimentality, at least where I could see.

But I do think he would temper his disapproval with understanding, just as I try to when viewing the decisions he made.

He was a good man. He was a better King. He was taken from us too soon, and perhaps one day I will know why that was.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:48 a.m.(12/2/1004 AR)

I do apologise for so few entries of late, in the last few days past I have been out of sorts and not felt up to much outside of my apartment. Something though did bring me to smile enough that I wished to make note of it. I was woken by a delivery boy early this morning, and not having expected anything was surprised to discover it was a present! The brooch is a stunning pearl set in silver, the craftsmanship in and of itself is noteworthy and I doubt it comes as a surprise that it is the work of the Jeweller, Mistress Joscelin Arterius. And the note she sent with the gift detailed it was commissioned by an admirer, which is remarkably sweet. If indeed the admirer chose the pearl themselves, they must have an exquisite taste for all things precious, or a remarkable eye for quality.

It reminds me that it is not always the great deeds that change the world, or make the greatest impact. Sometimes all that is needed is a little act of kindness, a gift, or encouraging word, to make another's day that little bit brighter.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:26 a.m.(12/2/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Eos

Lord Eos Saik is a diligent man, an honourable knight, and venerable commander of the men in his company. It was without hesitation that I agreed to be his protege, and I am humbled that he thought enough of me to ask. That is not to say I cannot comprehend the rationale behind his offer, but that is neither here nor there. I am without doubt he will expect of me the same he does of himself, or any of his soldiers, albeit in a very different capacity. I only hope I can live up to his expectations of me.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:25 a.m.(12/2/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Sophie

Princess Sophie Valardin makes for the most charming company when taking a garden stroll. Not only charming, but she has a very broad knowledge of the plants and flowers that make up the stunning gardens of Axr. I look forward to learning more about her over tea.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:25 a.m.(12/2/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Calypso

Lady General Calypso Malvici is a woman quite unique. I have enjoyed her company on more than one occasion now, and hope that there are many more opportunities yet to come. She has been kind enough to offer to teach me the how not to maim myself with a blade; I feel that is proof enough of the woman's patience and bravery. And even though I do not see myself being the next great sword fighter, I can foresee how I might integrate what she teaches me into dance.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 23, 2016, 3:23 a.m.(12/2/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Sylvie

From what I have seen of Lady Sylphie, she is a pragmatic woman with both refinement and grace to her credit. I look forward to future gown shopping and more evenings with fine wine, conversation, and sweet desserts.

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