Oct. 16, 2016, 11:09 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
I had the great pleasure of participating in the Golden Arrow Competition this week, hosted by the charming jeweller Mistress Joscelin, Lady Dawn and Master Silas who all served as the judges for the event. And I must say they did a fabulous job of putting the competition together, not a single fault throughout the entire affair.
It has been a while now since I last practiced, but I enjoy the sport greatly and could not help but join in. I will be the first to admit my performance was mediocre at best, but in the company I was in amongst I am not surprised. Master Aureth who tied with myself with four points did admirably, and the Redrain Princess set a high bar with her shots. Bravely followed by Princess Lou (that I think the Jeweller hostess made some faux pas of title, though I missed it myself.) that took to the further targets willing to take a risk, I for one, was not. Though the winner was clear when the last of the Master Viktarkim's shots landed as a bullseye! The first two shots I thought were impressive enough, and the man very much earnt his win.
The prize looked spectacular and I would call the whole event an utter success! I did not expect to win, and against other skilled archers I am not at all ashamed to be bested. I hope by the time the next rolls about I will have more practice in.
Oct. 16, 2016, 11:03 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
I love storytelling, even if I haven't the knack for it myself -- more like an endless spill of words with no clear beginning, middle or end, but lots of exclamation points -- so it was great to go to the Hero's Tales event. I love heroes! I love tales!
Lady Sylphie's retelling of the story of unified Gemecitta was the best of the lot, never mind the winners and I write without any bias whatsoever. It was good to see her and Lord Valkieri so companionable. The strength of Gemecitta is always in unity, just like the story tells, and if there are two houses with more fortitude in their blood than Rubino and Zaffria in all the Lyceum, well, I can't imagine it!
Written By
Dagon
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:52 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
I have realized that there are two ways of spreading light. Either one can be the flame or one can be the mirror that reflects it. I am inspired to continue my efforts to build and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
Written By
Nadia
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:50 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Man invented war.
Man discovered peace.
He invented war from without.
He discovered peace from within.
War, man throws.
Peace, man sows.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:42 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Lazarus
I do not know Goodman Mercier well but he is MOST generous with his wines and I must say, they are the best in the land I've had in my entire life. I have no doubt, before long they will become a staple within our Household.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:40 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Gareth
It is the fate of heroes to be sung of, to be celebrated in story and legends. Fate was not kind to Prince Gareth Grayson. Once I heard tales of his exploits but now I hear little. I find him curious but there is something dangerous about him. A man who has lost nearly everything and lived, is a man to be feared if not at least respected.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:35 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Edain
Uncle Radley was a paragon of our family and so is his son, Edain. As I trusted my Uncle, so I trust my cousin. My heart aches for him though, to be thrust into the role of High Lord after such great tragedy. It was not how any of us wanted to see his succession occur. The burden of command has been placed upon his shoulders, but despite his hesitation he is well suited to it. I have no doubt; he will go down in the annals of our family history as a hero. Until that day, I will do all I can to aid him, what strength I can offer to him, is given freely.
Written By
Freja
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:29 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Lydia
I once thought her daft, a fleeing and flighty fancy from the North that sought silks and Southern men. I was wrong. She is quickly becoming my favorite Nightgold and I find her moments of insight pivotal when she puts trust in her words and confidence in her tones. Loyalty goes a long way, and I believe Lady Lydia will travel miles.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:28 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Valkieri
Voice of the Rubino family, Lord Valkieri is one half of our hosting duo in Arx. He is still angry about the death of his brother, Lady Sylphie's husband Zaccheri. In fact, he is still angry, often. He is often very something -- whatever it should be at the time. He hasn't really changed over the years.
Written By
Freja
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Mason
The prince seems a little skiddish, but with good reason. He is a stranger in a strange land and it makes me feel for him. I too, am in foreign territory. My entire life has been spent in my beloved North up until a few months ago. I pray to the Spirits for guidance that we may help one another, friends when needed.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Sylvie
Voice of the Zaffria family, Lady Sylphie is one half of our hosting duo in Arx. She remains troubled by the death of her husband, Zaccheri, though you could scarcely guess. She is a good and gracious woman.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Lunara
Oh Lunara. You mad woman. I grew up with her and she was the bloody brother I never had, who teased me to no end and drove me half-mad whenever you came by. Thankfully, by the time she'd had your eighteenth birthday, she was long gone on the high seas. Then again, so was I. There's a reason why she'd been chosen to wield Halfmoon, and I'd been relegated to something as paltry as heir. Sure, order of birth, my father being born before hers, but I feel like she'd gotten the better end of the deal. I get a bunch of ships and an island castle - which, really, are not as fun to command - while she separate heads from men for duty, honor, glory. All those great, romantic ideals. Sometimes, I'm tempted to find excuses for bloodshed just to see her riled up again. I kid. Only sort of.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:23 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Beaumont
Beloved brother. Cherished companion. My greatest supporter. Beaumont has always been there for me. When I took my first steps, it was he who helped pick me up after I fell and he has continued to do so throughout my life. As he supports me and keeps me aloft, I must do the same for him. While following a different path than many of our kin, I feel it is a path best suited to him and it is one I support him in. Forever, Beaumont will be my Champion.
Written By
Nadia
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:19 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Margot
I've only had the pleasure of recently making her acquaintance at the behest of common acquaintances, and I am glad for it. She embodies all that one would expect of a lady of Thrax; ambitious with an innate grace and demure air about her, yet there is a fire that one would be foolish to ignore lest they be singed. I've heard her tale, and I cannot help but feel deeply for her - all while being grateful that hers is a tragedy I was spared from. But she doesn't need sympathy, she is survival personified. I look forward to seeing what comes of this new relation, and the dinner between our Great Houses we're to arrange.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:18 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Aurelian
My cousin Aurelian was once as exuberant and excited as Beaumont when he was a boy. The tragedy that befell him long before the massacre of our kin in Sanctum changed him though. That excitement and exuberance was tempered into a quiet wisdom and curiosity. I will always be there for him, but I believe in the coming days and years it will be the knowledge he reclaims for our family that we will come to rely on. Knowledge is power.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:18 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
A Song for My Beloved
Only you can see
Who I really am.
And now I can feel free
Even behind the mask.
Only now does my reflection show
Who I truly am.
Because of you, I now know,
Who I was meant to be.
(A work in progress. I should hire a Whisper to do this for me.)
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:09 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Nadia
The Duchess of Nightgold and I are planning a bonfire to bring together the Redrain and Thrax nobles.
I must remember she promised to show me some Redrain cuisine and I have promised to give her some beauty secrets from the isles.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:06 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
As the Mirror's Masquerade approaches, it seems to me that the word of the Thirteenth needs to be made clearer, simpler for the masses, and well, others, to understand. I have decided to go about my mission in a completely different way. The mystique of Arx blinded me, but my eyes have been opened. It is imperative the eyes of others be opened as well, so we can know the wheat from the chaff.
Oct. 16, 2016, 10:04 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Sometimes, all one needs is a little break.
Oct. 16, 2016, 9:55 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Nadia
I don't remember which event it was, but I now owe Nadia jewelry. I'm ok with this developement, of course. You shouldn't bet if you aren't willing to pay the price. I have grown quite fond of the Duchess in the time we've spent together. She is carefree and yet serious should the need call for it. I do hope she likes a tiara made of fruit? Squid earrings? She left the design to me.