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Written By Silas

Oct. 13, 2016, 10:15 p.m.(11/2/1004 AR)

After much fretting and promising she was going to puke, Mistress Joscelin managed to host her first event with much praise. There was some commotion in the stands, but I assured her it wasn't anything to get sidetracked by. Master Viktarkim secured his victory with a flawless bullseye, and to him went the grandoise rubicund bow Mistress Joscelin somehow managed to procure; a wonderful finish, if I may say so.

Mistress Joscelin has expressed interest in holding an archery contest again in the future. I will be happy to help her if our schedules permit it.

I have also acquired the patronage of Prince Augustus Grayson. I had finished the furniture he ordered promptly and he was quite pleased with my work, so I approached him after word reached be that he was in the market for a crafter protege. It will be a fortuitous union for the both of us.

Now, I have several sculptures to carve. The versatility of carpentry ensures I will always have something to do - meaning my skill will never rust.

Written By Eos

Oct. 13, 2016, 10:12 a.m.(11/1/1004 AR)

My days routinely consist of training and riding. I am as fit as the next career fighter. I did not expect much out of this week of exercises to tax me, but after training on uneven terrain alongside many of the soldiers, my calves remind me that routine is the enemy of progress. My legs were not accustomed to the incline and shifting footing and complain for it today.

The exercises have carried on without any major scuffles. There have been a few cases of clashing heads, mostly among the older soldiers with years enough to hold deeply held grudges, but on the whole I am pleased to find those troops present working well together.

Of the exercises I have personally attended, there was the uneven terrain combat, having been undertaken on wooden slopes and rocky mounds set up for the day in the tournament grounds. The northern soldiers much accustomed to such terrain had much to teach the south. The slopes were repurposed from the previous day's cavalry exercises, focusing on maneuvering through narrow walled passes and making the most of a mount's training in tight confines. This was a challenge for most when an open field is the chief domain of the mounted combatant. I have arranged for the archers to have their accuracy tested with swift and flighted targets by means of painted pigeon. What they fall before they cross the Seawatch Walls will be put to use for stew to feed the men. This weekend will be dedicated to drills made by the darkness of night.

Between the exercises I have had the opportunity to view some of the smaller demonstrations. I took in a pikeman display at the training grounds that was significantly more practical and technical than the boastful and theatrical duels I caught in different wards held more for the entertainment of the citizens.

I have left this evening free of any demand on the soldiers, to take rest, drink, and to fill the stands at the archery competition.

Written By Eos

Oct. 13, 2016, 9:45 a.m.(11/1/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Saedrus

Luck finds me with Saedrus' return to Arx. He has always had the most unnaturally impeccable timing. I am not poet enough to know the appropriate words to describe the man, so I will say nothing more than he is singular in the world, a soul without like. I have taken him on in the official capacity as my protege, to play the more socially graced and learned extension of myself in the world. There has never been so simple and doubtless a call to make as extending the offer of patronage to one of Saikland's finest.

Written By Augustus

Oct. 13, 2016, 7:10 a.m.(10/28/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Lydia

It is not often that a man in my position has moments for quiet conversation and reflection. Those moments, though all too brief, are seldom better shared than with my granddaughter Lydia.

I am most proud of her, perhaps more proud of her than of the rest of my progeny. She has a shrewd head on her shoulders, though it is doubtful that she would allow others to think so.

She is more like me than anyone would care to admit. Especially when one considers what many think of *me*.

Written By Natalia

Oct. 13, 2016, 2:55 a.m.(10/28/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Gareth

My brother has picked a path I would not have thought, but it serves him well. I find that while we are not as we once were, we are still dueling sides of the same coin.

Written By Myrinda

Oct. 13, 2016, 2:05 a.m.(10/28/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Audric

It really was the most ridiculous commission. If the man hadn't overpaid me by so much, I wouldn't have even taken it. I still likely shouldn't.

The man may have more money than he knows what to do with, but he has no sense or fashion taste.

Written By Samantha

Oct. 12, 2016, 12:35 p.m.(10/26/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Iona

As Duke Gabriel served to be a surrogate father, Duchess Iona was my mother in much the same way. If one were to point at the most influential person in making me the person I am today, it is her. By her example, I found my voice to speak for the people. I hope she is proud of me, and I hope I never do anything to destroy that sense of pride.

Written By Calypso

Oct. 12, 2016, 12:26 p.m.(10/26/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Prospero

Clever Lawyer. I'm going to need to watch my mouth around this one. Less is more, I imagine. But all that aside I was grateful that Prospero had no reservations about inviting me in to his home. The first steps in letting bygones be bygones where Tor and Southport are concerned. He seemed to share my same thoughts about the strengths in our differences. I know Eos thinks very highly of him and that says a great deal to me. Prospero is someone I how to keep on my side. A man with skill in the law is one you should always keep in the good graces of. He mentioned something about taking in orphans towards the end of our conversation. As long as they are willing to pick up a sword and fight I see no reason why House Malvici couldn't spare some room and food for them.

Written By Calypso

Oct. 12, 2016, 12:21 p.m.(10/26/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Kima

It was so nice to see a familiar face here in Arx. Kima and I while in Southport never really spent much time together, she with her family and I with mine. But here in the city of Arx one must keep their friends close. I was delighted at how easy it was for her to step up and step in to help the Malvici name and even more so, to help me. She is bright and clever... though perhaps a little too clever for her own good. I wonder if in the long run she will be an aid to me or if she will be absolute trouble. Perhaps a bit of both I imagine. Either way, I am glad to have her at my side here.

Written By Cicero

Oct. 12, 2016, 9:16 a.m.(10/26/1004 AR)

Neutral she is not
Master of the silk worm's gift
Bright orange was a no

Written By Silas

Oct. 12, 2016, 1:56 a.m.(10/25/1004 AR)

I enjoyed myself at the gala with the company of Samantha, Mistress Joscelin, Mistress Ianthe, and later Lady Kima. Completing the task I was given proved to be a difficult undertaking for me: I'm not naturally verbose and I found myself enjoying the conversation too much to knowingly use the less logical word choices, but I managed to pull it off right before I left. The boutonniere I received as a prize was beautiful, though not quite my usual style!

I had to leave before the event officially concluded, but I hope Lord Valkieri and Lady Isabeau get good use of the mirrored chests I crafted.

All in all, a great night.

Written By Silas

Oct. 12, 2016, 1:50 a.m.(10/25/1004 AR)

Two bedroom sets. One done, one to go! I think Callum and Jon should get some sleep tonight, though.

I think I saw one of Prince Gareth's kittens when I was busy delivering the pieces. That is an adorably evil feline.

Written By Natalia

Oct. 11, 2016, 9:42 p.m.(10/24/1004 AR)

I have arrived!

I must admit that I am most put out by the state of my arrival. For surely, they knew that I was arriving. However, much to my dismay there was not a fawning of adoration. I had expected a grand feast or a ball. Surely, with the arrival of all the fashion in this town, they would do something to see to me. It pains me to think that my great family could error in such a tragic way. I will, of course, have to not speak of this plainly in front of others. It is just such a burden on me to have to be so delightful when my family is so wanting already. I suppose we must do what we must do for our family. I will simply tell them that I wished no fanfare. Surely, that will explain it to the masses why there was not a celebration in my honor. My family may thank and praise my goodwill and fast thinking later.

Now, this room. Oh this will never in eon of ages do. Sweet Gods. They have me sharing a room. This is just no. I think tomorrow I will have the servants relocate the others from this stateroom. It is to be understood. I mean I deserve such a suite to myself. It is hard to be me and in that moment, I find that I must have moments to myself. Also, my gowns need room to breathe and be seen. Could you imagine if one of the other children got something on my dress? Oh, this is just another oversight.

I do not blame my family though. It is just so hard to trust messengers sometimes. I know they must earn their wages and I'm sure that they were just beyond themselves with my selecting of them. This too will pass. Soon, I shall offer my vision to the city and it will bring the very touch that is needed.

Written By Valkieri

Oct. 11, 2016, 8:27 p.m.(10/24/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Dawn

I am a fucking idiot.

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

Written By Gabriel

Oct. 11, 2016, 5:04 p.m.(10/24/1004 AR)

Returning to Arx is a mixed blessing for me. Certainly, I get to see all of the young Lords and Ladies that I helped raise, but it means wading out into the midst of politics again. Some people would call it a fair trade-off. I see it as a problem with a solution. As people realize the incredible merit of the men and women leading them, who they have become, stability will reign, and politics will recede to its usual annoying buzz rather than a dull roar. My family hardly needs my assistance in this, but if I failed to lend it, I would hardly be worthy of being family.

Written By Joscelin

Oct. 11, 2016, 2:15 p.m.(10/23/1004 AR)

Just so it is clear:

You need have little to no experience in archery to compete in the tournament! While it would help, it isn't certainly not necessary.

I hope to see everyone there! The prize is most definitely worth the risk of failure.


(OOC: Seriously, you don't need an archery stat)

Written By Aldwin

Oct. 11, 2016, 1:56 p.m.(10/23/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Nadia

It has been quite some time since I received a gift basket. Yet this morning I returned from my sunrise devotional at the Shrine of Vellichor to find a messenger standing outside the Academy with just such a thing. Duchess Nightgold has seen fit to send her regards with a fine journal, interesting quills and...admittedly, closer to my heart, a veritable panoply of teas. I have no idea where she found this red variety. I have not tasted it in a decade and none of the merchants in Arx have been able to find it for me.

Written By Cicero

Oct. 11, 2016, 12:15 p.m.(10/23/1004 AR)

Quiet morning walk
A lady with faithful hound
News most surprising

Written By Salazar

Oct. 11, 2016, 3:59 a.m.(10/22/1004 AR)

I talked with that sweet, morose-looking cousin of Sylphie Zaffria -- Dafne. And as usual, we talked stars, moon, poetry, death -- whichever and wherever, though, she mentioned the Lodestar that pointed north always. For some, the Northstar meant safety and security, but as I explained to Dafne, for a Lycene pirate, it meant death and disaster. Following the Northstar would take you to the Mourning Isles. And an old poem we recited about the Mourning Isles comes to mind:

"Men returned with shrouds of darkest night
Or not at all, for Thraxian ships reaved by right
Those men gone to the Mourning Isles will see
T'is not morning light that greets you and me."

Kind of terrible and powerful at the same time. Islander blood runs through my veins. Fancying some ancestral urge to reave and pillage neighboring isles -- sometimes I find it amusing that people assume I am the like of those of House Thrax. And then again, perhaps I am. The Stormborn have always been men and women of salt spray and sea sand. What do people see when they see me? What do they think? ... The Argento lord pondered to himself.

Written By Acacia

Oct. 11, 2016, 2:38 a.m.(10/22/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Blacktongue

There's not too many people who can successfully unnerve me by not doing anything unnerving at all. Blacktongue is one of them. Master Blacktongue? I can aggravate a lot of people, but he's one of the rare few that I'd prefer not to get on the bad side of. It's kind of a funny thing, considering he's exceptionally witty and skilled at what he does. His wordplay is phenomenal. Maybe there's just something about a mind like that that's intimidating in a way which puts him in a completely different realm than scholars or the like.

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