Written By Lazarus
Oct. 15, 2016, 11:55 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
What a great party my brother Silas threw. He always had a knack for that sort of thing. I did not play cards as I was not feeling the gambling spirit but luckily enough Silas gave me a space to sell a bit of tea along with the wine. I met a princess there called Sophie who is from House Valardin and she appears to be a conisseur of tea. She even has a small garden. Sophie complimented the tea leaves I collected before leaving home giving me more confidence in the business we are settling here in Arx. Mercier wine will never stop pouring but it would not be Mercier if we could not give you options.
Written By Gabriel
Oct. 15, 2016, 9:43 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
It is reassuring to be reminded of how well much of the next generation has grown up. Prince Edain seems to have weathered the storm of fire and blood that was the Tragedy at Sanctum better than any father could have hoped. Oh, he burns for revenge, but that is to be expected -- and desired. But he has not let his grief and anger cripple him. With men such as him and women such as Lady Dawn guiding two of the great houses, hope for the Compact may be brighter than anyone thinks.
Written By Lazarus
Oct. 15, 2016, 7:59 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
I met princess Donella at the market the other day. Admist the usual bickering of old merchants her voice stood out to me with an issue of her own. There was not enough trade happening in the Thrax Ward because all the merchants preferred the city center. In the Thrax ward nothing moves in or out with the Voice of Thrax knowing about it. She invited me to visit the Crimson Square after I mentioned that I was looking for a site to base a Mercier warehouse out of. The Thrax ward offers security.
Written By Lazarus
Oct. 15, 2016, 7:17 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
My beloved brother and pride of Mercier, the Iron Guard Silas Mercier. Only two years my junior he has proven time after time as the voice of our household by serving as a knight in the Iron Guard. To my observation, his time there has made him sharper, realistic, and a little impatient and paranoid. My arrival to the manor was of course a great ordeal by the staff. I can be pretty harsh to them. So they were quick to make sure everything was to my specification. I could tell that moving into the manor disrupted Silas' stay there but I was quick to disarm him with the mention of a home cooked meal and the conversation quickly took a lighter tone. A trick that always works with him. I'm glad to be back alongside Silas. His company makes me feel safe, safe enough to take the risk required to propel House Mercier towards success.
Written By Iona
Oct. 15, 2016, 7:04 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Thumbing through these pages, I see that it has been almost three months since I have penned an entry into this journal. Unacceptable, my father would say. "What is the point of history if no one writes it down," so if I am responsible for writing down my own history so that others can learn, may it be so.
My return to Arx has been one of mixed joy, sadness, and apprehension. So long Gabriel and I have discussed journeying from Pride Hall to look in on our charges. Michael has been here, seeing to what I hope will be the tutelage he requires to grow into the man I know his soul longs to become. Then there is Samantha, and Barric, and Dawn, and the young Alaric -- children that are not of my bone and blood, but still mine nonetheless. Had our discussions turned into actions, it is my belief we could have been here when Alaric fell into his long sleep. I can hear Dawn already argue that there was nothing that we could have done to stop it, but perhaps the fallout would have been lessened if Gabriel had been there to offer his support immediately to our goddaughter. Surely as the former Regent, it would have soothed the fires before they burned too hot.
I believe that is why Gabriel insisted on riding ahead once he knew we were within a day's hard ride from the city. I allowed it -- begrudgingly. A wise decision, but sometimes wisdom tastes bitter despite its benefits. Now that we are both in Arx, I imagine that House Bisland will once again prove themselves to be the strong right hand of Greyson, providing strength and guidance to ensure that the throne is protected until the King can be revived and returned to the throne.
My return to Arx has been one of mixed joy, sadness, and apprehension. So long Gabriel and I have discussed journeying from Pride Hall to look in on our charges. Michael has been here, seeing to what I hope will be the tutelage he requires to grow into the man I know his soul longs to become. Then there is Samantha, and Barric, and Dawn, and the young Alaric -- children that are not of my bone and blood, but still mine nonetheless. Had our discussions turned into actions, it is my belief we could have been here when Alaric fell into his long sleep. I can hear Dawn already argue that there was nothing that we could have done to stop it, but perhaps the fallout would have been lessened if Gabriel had been there to offer his support immediately to our goddaughter. Surely as the former Regent, it would have soothed the fires before they burned too hot.
I believe that is why Gabriel insisted on riding ahead once he knew we were within a day's hard ride from the city. I allowed it -- begrudgingly. A wise decision, but sometimes wisdom tastes bitter despite its benefits. Now that we are both in Arx, I imagine that House Bisland will once again prove themselves to be the strong right hand of Greyson, providing strength and guidance to ensure that the throne is protected until the King can be revived and returned to the throne.
Written By Ida
Oct. 15, 2016, 7:01 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
One thing I must say about the Graysons is that they keep fine and worldly company. Prince Mason (don't even ask me to try to write his real name, never mind pronounce it), came to the shop to place an order. He is the husband of Princess Lou, who I think is somewhat amazing, and was directed to me by Lady Dawn, who I have expounded on my adoration of already, I think (I hope, certainly!). But I digress.
While it was a first meeting, Prince Mason Grayson has this way about him that makes you feel like you have known him a long time. The conversation was easy and pleasant, both about business as well as his homelands and other somewhat everyday topics. I sometimes forget that there is a much larger and diverse world beyond our little section of it, and it was truly enjoyable learning a bit about one corner of that vast out-there-ness from Prince Mason.
While it was a first meeting, Prince Mason Grayson has this way about him that makes you feel like you have known him a long time. The conversation was easy and pleasant, both about business as well as his homelands and other somewhat everyday topics. I sometimes forget that there is a much larger and diverse world beyond our little section of it, and it was truly enjoyable learning a bit about one corner of that vast out-there-ness from Prince Mason.
Written By Myrinda
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:47 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
I am in my new space and my shop is set up. Now, I have more time and space to take on new clients.
And more time to start experimenting, one hopes.
But for now, I can remain a little in love with my space in the city. A pristine shop, the height of glamour.
And more time to start experimenting, one hopes.
But for now, I can remain a little in love with my space in the city. A pristine shop, the height of glamour.
Written By Myrinda
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:44 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
It is wonderful that she is back in the city, and thinking of setting up a shop of her own! And she has promised to find me some steelsilk and fireweave at cost, so that I might start trying my hand at stitching with the material.
If only she would stop trying to put me into an early grave with worry, now. Settle down, child.
If only she would stop trying to put me into an early grave with worry, now. Settle down, child.
Written By Silas
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:40 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
It appears my father has taken to bed with his illness and my brother has been given official reign of the family business. He has arrived in Arx, with his small army of servants and tons of furniture.
He means to "modernize" the business by moving away from the vineyards and instead producing wheat and herbs so we may enter the whiskey and tea markets as well. It is not an unsound idea - wheat is far cheaper and more reliable to produce - but I suspect our uncles will protest the change as old men stuck in their ways are wont to do. I had just started to freely distribute our wines, too!
I am glad to see him, though. It has been a few good years since we've had the opportunity to sit and chat, let alone live in the same dwelling. Being a good merchant requires constant travel but he may get some rest yet.
He means to "modernize" the business by moving away from the vineyards and instead producing wheat and herbs so we may enter the whiskey and tea markets as well. It is not an unsound idea - wheat is far cheaper and more reliable to produce - but I suspect our uncles will protest the change as old men stuck in their ways are wont to do. I had just started to freely distribute our wines, too!
I am glad to see him, though. It has been a few good years since we've had the opportunity to sit and chat, let alone live in the same dwelling. Being a good merchant requires constant travel but he may get some rest yet.
Written By Mason
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:30 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
You know, you don't have to buy my sword. I'm not destitute.
Unless this is another angle at getting our child named after you. At least we know which aunt to hand our child over to.
You do realize that a boy named Dawn would be a bit strange, yes?
Unless this is another angle at getting our child named after you. At least we know which aunt to hand our child over to.
You do realize that a boy named Dawn would be a bit strange, yes?
Written By Mason
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:22 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Dawn was right about the smith. Ida knows her craft and very happy to talk about it at length. Granted, she is the chatty sort, which actually I did not expect. Very considerate to what I was looking for, granted I had no idea what kind of colors are proper for a sword. Green? We decided on green.
She is a good woman with a good heart, I'm glad to of met her. And the reality is, I would visit again simply to talk. There are few in Arx that I would really consider an honest friend, but she makes no attempts at being anything more than kind and understanding. Not what I expected from a smith.
And really, I'm kinda curious to know what kind of fights she's been into.
She is a good woman with a good heart, I'm glad to of met her. And the reality is, I would visit again simply to talk. There are few in Arx that I would really consider an honest friend, but she makes no attempts at being anything more than kind and understanding. Not what I expected from a smith.
And really, I'm kinda curious to know what kind of fights she's been into.
Written By Mason
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:19 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
In my time with Graysons, I have considered them to be not much like the nobility I have associated with in the past. Very goal-orientated and very generous.
My thoughts on Natalia go against that. Well, that's not fair, she is a lovely girl, but I have never seen a woman who is so caught up in fashion and presentation.
Again, she is lovely and I enjoy talking with her, and perhaps there is a bit of that Grayson wanderlust that I see in so many of them. I should tell her more stories of Erusus at some point.
Still, she's enjoyable to speak with. I told her if she wants to get on Lou's good side, do not ask to tea. Rather, bring a bottle of whiskey and sit down for a talk. Lou may be more willing to oblige.
I wish her luck in that. Oh, and never call her by her real name. Lou. It is always Lou. I speak from experience.
My thoughts on Natalia go against that. Well, that's not fair, she is a lovely girl, but I have never seen a woman who is so caught up in fashion and presentation.
Again, she is lovely and I enjoy talking with her, and perhaps there is a bit of that Grayson wanderlust that I see in so many of them. I should tell her more stories of Erusus at some point.
Still, she's enjoyable to speak with. I told her if she wants to get on Lou's good side, do not ask to tea. Rather, bring a bottle of whiskey and sit down for a talk. Lou may be more willing to oblige.
I wish her luck in that. Oh, and never call her by her real name. Lou. It is always Lou. I speak from experience.
Written By Jaenelle
Oct. 15, 2016, 5:31 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
Another distant cousin of Esera and Isolde. He is a strange man, though someone I have instantly taken a liking to. You can't help but be happy when you're around him, even if you are left scratching your head after any encounter had. He is someone I could consider a friend, he does not want for anything, there is no hidden meaning behind his words, no secrecy or desires. He is around you just for company, and who am I to deny him that?
Written By Dawn
Oct. 15, 2016, 5:18 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
It is good to have someone who is as enthusiastic as Natalia for entertaining. I will confess that I have little time or inclination for the parties and balls that the more social nobility in Arx require. But Princess Natalia thrives in those circumstances and I am happy to leave the planning for such to her. In this, she is another of House Grayson's many assets.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 15, 2016, 5:12 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Iona
Duchess Iona will say she is only a woman who has done whatever needed to be done for her family and her liege House. But I know very few women who would open both their homes and their hearts to so many children who weren't her own. Some would offer shelter, yes, but I believe she loved all of us who came into her care. For a girl who never knew a mother, the warmth, affection and wisdom that she gave to my teenaged self was invaluable and she never held it against me, my early moods as I struggled to come to terms with the circumstances of my life. In many ways, I model myself on her as I move through my duties.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 15, 2016, 5:06 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
After my father died, it was Duke Gabriel Bisland who took over the task of raising Alaric and I. Taking in two children still reeling with grief, one of them a future King, was no easy thing to do but I believe he did so without hesitation. It was Duke Gabriel who provided stability and guidance through my teenage years and it is to him, in part, that I owe my present ability to navigate these difficult waters.
Written By Calista
Oct. 15, 2016, 4:13 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
The gardens of Tor were among one of my favorite places to visit. The flowers that grow there are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen in my entire life. I might be biased.
My intention for the Fidante Villa is to recreate a piece of home here in Arx because I am and have been just a touch homesick. Shh, don't tell anyone for fear of bringing ruin to my reputation.
Little by little it is coming together. We have imported some of my favorite rose bushes to replant in the new garden and have incorporated some flowers, plants and even succulents that are indigenous to this region where they will thrive in Arxian climate. Prospero has even gifted me with a gorgeous orchid that is growing so fast and furiously, I've had to prune it a few times now and have quite a few sprigs that are in the midst of rerooting. Come next Spring the Fidante Villa garden will be buzzing with activity.
The little birds have begun to flitter about, too. Their songs are so sweet and I just adore listening to every little thing they have to say.
My intention for the Fidante Villa is to recreate a piece of home here in Arx because I am and have been just a touch homesick. Shh, don't tell anyone for fear of bringing ruin to my reputation.
Little by little it is coming together. We have imported some of my favorite rose bushes to replant in the new garden and have incorporated some flowers, plants and even succulents that are indigenous to this region where they will thrive in Arxian climate. Prospero has even gifted me with a gorgeous orchid that is growing so fast and furiously, I've had to prune it a few times now and have quite a few sprigs that are in the midst of rerooting. Come next Spring the Fidante Villa garden will be buzzing with activity.
The little birds have begun to flitter about, too. Their songs are so sweet and I just adore listening to every little thing they have to say.
Written By Calista
Oct. 15, 2016, 4:04 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
The Smoke and Shadows Gala is where Prince Jarek Velenosa and I got to know one another a little better. He is a disciple of Lagoma which I find rather interesting as Princess Isolde is a Mirrormask disciple. There must be plenty of heated religious conversations at the Velenosa home during dinner.
He surprised me though with his wit and charm and of course his philosophy on life. We exited the gala only to stroll through Reflection Square and gaze a the stars for a good while. He seems like a good man and certainly someone I enjoyed my time with.
He surprised me though with his wit and charm and of course his philosophy on life. We exited the gala only to stroll through Reflection Square and gaze a the stars for a good while. He seems like a good man and certainly someone I enjoyed my time with.
Written By Calista
Oct. 15, 2016, 3:45 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Mistress Arterius is going to make me look fabulous. Of this I am sure. We met at her shop and she seemed to just get me. Not only is she a vibrant personality but she also keeps her shop well stocked with Fidante wines. How could I not want to give her my business! I might have to persuade Leo or Prospero (or both) into an early birthday present.
Written By Calista
Oct. 15, 2016, 3:43 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
I have had the pleasure of meeting with Lady Sylphie Zaffria a couple of times now and each time we meet I find myself enjoying her company more and more. Appearances are often deceptive; She seems delicate and reserved but knowing of her recent loss I can only imagine she is focusing on family and business.
So young and so beautiful to be a widower. The same misfortune fell upon my beloved brother Leo. Oh, is that a potential match I smell?
All kidding aside, I do believe Lady Sylphie and I have much in common. I look forward to getting to know her better.
So young and so beautiful to be a widower. The same misfortune fell upon my beloved brother Leo. Oh, is that a potential match I smell?
All kidding aside, I do believe Lady Sylphie and I have much in common. I look forward to getting to know her better.
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