Written By Augustus
Oct. 19, 2016, 8:30 p.m.(11/20/1004 AR)
I spent a brief time with the King this morning. Normally my mornings are devoted to an early breakfast with Dawn, discussing the previous day's events over coffee and eggs. The usual family affair that I quite enjoy, because I do not need to fuss over boots and silks - often we are found in our slippers and nightgowns as we discuss matters both serious and mundane. It must be quite a sight.
This morning, however, I sat with the King for the first time since arriving in Arx. His condition chills even me. I have seen galleys afire on the shores of the islands, I have seen large armies cut down by Shav and sword. I have seen the darkness of blood-clouded vision. And yet an insensible King strikes me far deeper than any war, or any intrigue.
I spoke with him at length, as expected he said nothing, about the family and other subjects. I doubt it makes much sense to bother, but one must *try* at the very least.
More to come later, I expect. I have a very busy day.
This morning, however, I sat with the King for the first time since arriving in Arx. His condition chills even me. I have seen galleys afire on the shores of the islands, I have seen large armies cut down by Shav and sword. I have seen the darkness of blood-clouded vision. And yet an insensible King strikes me far deeper than any war, or any intrigue.
I spoke with him at length, as expected he said nothing, about the family and other subjects. I doubt it makes much sense to bother, but one must *try* at the very least.
More to come later, I expect. I have a very busy day.
Written By Augustus
Oct. 19, 2016, 8:09 p.m.(11/20/1004 AR)
I often find myself staring at the ceiling of my room as I lay in bed, contemplating all those little lingering thoughts that remain at the end of the day. And the one that strikes out against my consciousness all of the time, usually in the moments before I finally succumb to the siren call of sleep, is this:
Should we continue to rule?
I don't mean that as an affront to the ambitions of my younger kin, simply... if we cannot keep the Compact together now, as we always have done, should we not stand aside and allow another to try? Are we being selfish by attempting to impose our will upon the people of this new generation, if we cannot succeed?
Naturally these notions are soon swept aside, but it's something that has been on my mind often. Perhaps it is a sign of my old age, my cynicism meshed with my hope. Who can say?
Should we continue to rule?
I don't mean that as an affront to the ambitions of my younger kin, simply... if we cannot keep the Compact together now, as we always have done, should we not stand aside and allow another to try? Are we being selfish by attempting to impose our will upon the people of this new generation, if we cannot succeed?
Naturally these notions are soon swept aside, but it's something that has been on my mind often. Perhaps it is a sign of my old age, my cynicism meshed with my hope. Who can say?
Written By Lazarus
Oct. 19, 2016, 5:03 p.m.(11/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
I met Lady Lydia at the city center after the market was closing and while I was finishing up with the books of a fellow merchants. It was hard to ignore the lady even in her huntress attire. At first I mistook her for an assistant of some northern lord but after spending some time talking to her, it was clear that the young lady was anything but a servant. It took her a while to introduce herself so initially I walked on egg shells until our conversation took a more casual tone. She was looking for advice with the Nightgold whiskey business. Her concern was that if she did not set up shop some where visible that she would not be able to establish a clientele. I explained to her the importance of running your business under the protection of your house especially inside their ward. The benefits of being able to trust that your business is in safe hands. Another concern of hers was that taverns were not stocking Nightgold whiskey but that could easily be manage by throwing parties and raising awareness of your product. I support her business venture even if it contradicts my own enterprise. The reason is that there is merit to traditional drinks, enough that having them as a competition would only help the market and also help establish Mercier drinks as the local variety for the nationalist in us.
Written By Pietro
Oct. 19, 2016, 3:29 p.m.(11/19/1004 AR)
I'm mostly writing this down to note that I owe the Blacktongue a drink! There, now I know I won't forget. It was an engaging conversation, if I'm left with the creeping suspicion that I'm not sure which of us at any given time was the foolish one. I suppose that's not the sort of thing I should write down in a white journal, is it?
Oh, well.
Lady Calypso and Lady Aislin should really meet! I think they'd enjoy each other, both women of action as they are. I wanted to tell Lady Calypso more of that before she was called away to deal with some business ... I hope we can arrange for that spar soon.
I'm getting itchy to fight someone, for one thing . . .
Oh, well.
Lady Calypso and Lady Aislin should really meet! I think they'd enjoy each other, both women of action as they are. I wanted to tell Lady Calypso more of that before she was called away to deal with some business ... I hope we can arrange for that spar soon.
I'm getting itchy to fight someone, for one thing . . .
Written By Tobias
Oct. 19, 2016, 12:36 p.m.(11/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Of all the things to be accused of when I returned to the Compact... being a model of Fashion for the Telmar family was the absolute last on my list.
I can officially say I've found someone capable of sending me to wine faster than the idea of father coming to talk to me.
I can officially say I've found someone capable of sending me to wine faster than the idea of father coming to talk to me.
Written By Calypso
Oct. 19, 2016, 12:33 p.m.(11/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I had my doubts about Prince Fergus when we met in the Training Center. Tall as a tree and just as thick. A Champion brute if I've ever seen one though. Her went through both myself and Viktarkim in duels and walked out with out a scratch. And while I'm not sure he is the kind of strategist I'd like to plot a battle with, I would be damned sure to call on him in a fight. Men like Prince Fergus are a rarity and I hope to stay in his good graces.
Written By Calypso
Oct. 19, 2016, 12:29 p.m.(11/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
I've run in to this Shav a few times though out the city. Tattooed, large muscular arms, whisky-drinking, and oddly charming and interesting to talk to! I believe he is something of a Grayson Bodyguard. Working for Lady Dawn if memory serves correctly. Which means either he is more trustworthy than he seems or she is a fool. Either way, one thing that can be said about Viktarkim is that he knows how to take a beating. I watched Prince Fergus Redrain beat the ever living hell out of him and he took it in stride. I'm sure in a more evenly matched fight he would hold his own. Quite respectable.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 19, 2016, 11:22 a.m.(11/19/1004 AR)
I'm giving up whiskey for good. It gives me too many problems.
Written By Juliet
Oct. 19, 2016, 8:12 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Prospero
It's complicated. He cares for me, I think? I hope? I certainly care for him. He's been a wonderful support, he's never asked anything of me that I wouldn't give him. Our minds are alike in more ways than they differ, I think, which is interesting. Easily one of my favourite cousins, all things considered.
Written By Morrighan
Oct. 19, 2016, 6:28 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
There will be a day, sometime in the future, where I'll properly educate Joscelin on the importance of fine whiskey. (And work on her tolerance, girl needs it.) I should probably mention to her that if she needs to get rid of some fabulous spirits, I'll gladly take them. All of it. Don't let it go to waste spilled or dumped out - that will drive a woman to do things. Unspeakable things. Just give me the whiskey, lady.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 19, 2016, 3:43 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
I'm of a mind to agree with the illustrious Prince Fergus.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 19, 2016, 3:29 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
What is it with men and their whiskey? -Honestly-. They'll brush off kindness and love and tender care but a spilled bottle of whiskey will drive them to their knees, weeping, faster than anything else.
It's almost enough to make a person do something desperate. Like dump the bottle down the drain.
Not that I would. Morrighan would -kill- me.
It's almost enough to make a person do something desperate. Like dump the bottle down the drain.
Not that I would. Morrighan would -kill- me.
Written By Calista
Oct. 19, 2016, 2:54 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Affable, charming, gracious; refined savagery. I would be remiss if I did not liken Prince Darren to the other wild and feral men of Farhaven, but there is nothing uncivilized about him.
The Prince joined Lady Margot and myself at the Menagerie for an evening stroll and brought along his companion; A great big muzzled bear. Admittedly, I felt a touch of fear slink down my spine but trusted Darren to be able to keep the beast contained. Rumor has it all Redrains can wrestle bears. I felt as though I was in good hands.
The Prince joined Lady Margot and myself at the Menagerie for an evening stroll and brought along his companion; A great big muzzled bear. Admittedly, I felt a touch of fear slink down my spine but trusted Darren to be able to keep the beast contained. Rumor has it all Redrains can wrestle bears. I felt as though I was in good hands.
Written By Calista
Oct. 19, 2016, 2:47 a.m.(11/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Words do not do Lady Dawn justice. I can see why His Majesty is so fond of his half-sister. She is not only brilliant but witty and a delight. I would implore everyone to take afternoon tea with Lady Dawn.
Though we have only met once, the potential for friendship has been written through letters for some time now. I am thankful we were both able to carve out time from our very hectic social schedules in order to meet. I look forward to more afternoon tea time and perhaps next time bring a bottle or two of wine from Tor.
Though we have only met once, the potential for friendship has been written through letters for some time now. I am thankful we were both able to carve out time from our very hectic social schedules in order to meet. I look forward to more afternoon tea time and perhaps next time bring a bottle or two of wine from Tor.
Written By Viktarkim
Oct. 18, 2016, 8:36 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Lady General Malvici - another veteran fighter though I saw Prince Fergus hand her ass to her as soundly as he thrashed me, in the Training Center. She took her licks with grace, fought hard, didn't whine when she'd been beaten as bloody as myself. I respect that and I think I like her.
Written By Viktarkim
Oct. 18, 2016, 8:28 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
Duke Gabriel Bisland is veteran fighter, Lady Dawn's foster father, and Duchess Iona's husband. He seems no-non sense. A man whom I know to respect for what he's done for House Grayson.
Written By Viktarkim
Oct. 18, 2016, 8:24 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Grayson Princess, very -correct- and prim. Talks a lot, likes to get her way. Didn't like it at all when I wouldn't answer all of her prying questions.
Written By Viktarkim
Oct. 18, 2016, 8:22 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
-Prince- Fergus Redrain is a hard man, a seasoned soldier and a damned good fighter. I learned that anew today when he challenged me in the Training Center and proceeded to completely kick my ass until I could not get up. But then he was more civil to me then he's yet been and even handed my scabbarded sword back to me. He may strongly dislike me, but he's nonetheless a crusty son of a bitch I respect. Not thankfully the enemy I was wary he'd be, for he could have easily killed me if he'd been of a mind to do so.
Written By Fergus
Oct. 18, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Lady General Calypso Malvici. She's much like myself, doesn't beat around the bush, says or asks exactly what she wants to have said or asked. We first met in the training center and she asked if I led the Redrain armies, I informed her I was the Sword, and a warrior more than a leader of armies. She then wanted to test just how good of a warrior I was. She lost, but took a fair deal of damage. Probably someone I should look up in the future for an interesting conversation.
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 18, 2016, 6:09 p.m.(11/17/1004 AR)
I spent the morning and much of the afternoon tending to those who required it at the House of Solace. It's a good reminder that no matter what titles we might give ourselves, we are still godsworn, and still in service to the people of this realm.
That, however, isn't the lesson I want to capture today.
While walking through the back room I heard an older man cry out, "Mercy! Mercy!" Thinking he had just seen the white of my robes and wanted a healer, I went to kneel beside his bed.
"Mercy! Mercy!" he cried, but I could see now his eyes were closed, his skin flushed with fever. I took his hand to hold to provide what comfort I could. I could feel the strength still there, the calluses from decades holding a blade.
For an hour I knelt there, saying prayers, mopping his brow with a cool cloth. He never woke. His voice went hoarse from his cries for mercy.
Finally he wheezed out his last breath, a whispered, "Thank you," before his last rattle. His face relaxed, his body went limp. I heard a clatter on the floor. A small medallion of Tehom had fallen to the floor when his hand had finally unclenched.
This was a sobering reminder that Lagoma is not the only of our gods that can grant mercy. As much as healing might be a mercy, it is not the only one. Sometimes it is death we pray for.
I found out that the old man was Sir Jenry. He had served for forty years, defended the helpless, the weak. He had fought Shavs to reclaim territory for his liege. Sir Jenry had given a tithe to the church and a fed the poor in the Lower Boroughs. He was a man worth remembering. A man who had started life as a pig farmer and ended it as an inspiration to over a dozen squires-turned-knight in his lifetime.
That, however, isn't the lesson I want to capture today.
While walking through the back room I heard an older man cry out, "Mercy! Mercy!" Thinking he had just seen the white of my robes and wanted a healer, I went to kneel beside his bed.
"Mercy! Mercy!" he cried, but I could see now his eyes were closed, his skin flushed with fever. I took his hand to hold to provide what comfort I could. I could feel the strength still there, the calluses from decades holding a blade.
For an hour I knelt there, saying prayers, mopping his brow with a cool cloth. He never woke. His voice went hoarse from his cries for mercy.
Finally he wheezed out his last breath, a whispered, "Thank you," before his last rattle. His face relaxed, his body went limp. I heard a clatter on the floor. A small medallion of Tehom had fallen to the floor when his hand had finally unclenched.
This was a sobering reminder that Lagoma is not the only of our gods that can grant mercy. As much as healing might be a mercy, it is not the only one. Sometimes it is death we pray for.
I found out that the old man was Sir Jenry. He had served for forty years, defended the helpless, the weak. He had fought Shavs to reclaim territory for his liege. Sir Jenry had given a tithe to the church and a fed the poor in the Lower Boroughs. He was a man worth remembering. A man who had started life as a pig farmer and ended it as an inspiration to over a dozen squires-turned-knight in his lifetime.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.