Written By Aurora
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:50 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
Prince Abbas Thrax, the Lion of the Dark Waters. He came into my shop seeking a very specific commission. While I never sew and tell, it was an interesting meeting, and one I shall have to repeat once the clothing is done. Perhaps I misjudged him when we first started speaking, but I did have respect for the man when he left.
Written By Sylvie
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:48 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
It is impossible not to see the things that Valkieri and his brother share; those habits and gestures and minutiae that make them both Rubino. It is hard to sit across a table from him and see it, while the pain in my heart digs a bit deeper with every sigh.
Much easier when he has fallen into a Valkieri mood, when he sneers at me and makes that perfect little scowl that can hide nothing of his anger. It is refreshingly different than Zaccheri's charm.
Much easier when he has fallen into a Valkieri mood, when he sneers at me and makes that perfect little scowl that can hide nothing of his anger. It is refreshingly different than Zaccheri's charm.
Written By Tobias
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:48 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
A weaponsmith patroned by the High Lord. Possible supplier once we can discuss details. Meanwhile, she'll help me to find someone to retain for for the Blades by contract, and not just commission.
Written By Lydia
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:46 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Signe
Signe is here! Signe is here!
My cousin arrived this week and I am ecstatic! I've missed my family so much and Signe has always been one of my favorite cousins! Exciting things always seem to happen when she's around. Already, the house seems to have more life in it. Couldn't be happier!
My cousin arrived this week and I am ecstatic! I've missed my family so much and Signe has always been one of my favorite cousins! Exciting things always seem to happen when she's around. Already, the house seems to have more life in it. Couldn't be happier!
Written By Fawkuhl
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:23 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
Any of the most pious knows that the gods work in mysterious ways, and often take the best of us at a very young age. His grace Prince Donrai Thrax is living proof that only the good die young and the opposite is often equally true, much to our continued misfortune. While it is without a doubt one of the most difficult callings of a priest to give comfort to a parent, we can all take great solace in that absolutely no one will need to be comforted when Prince Donrai goes to his eternal reward, or lack thereof.
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:17 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
"Artful," she calls me. "Refreshing."
Hah.
Her company was not...entirely unpleasant. It is intoxicating to let oneself think that others might simply be exactly as they appear. Like any intoxication, it is a drastically dangerous thought to hold.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Hah.
Her company was not...entirely unpleasant. It is intoxicating to let oneself think that others might simply be exactly as they appear. Like any intoxication, it is a drastically dangerous thought to hold.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Donrai
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:15 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fawkuhl
If one wishes to claim the crown, I should hope they don't obscure their motives behind a simpering smile and a questionable offer of aid. His Majesty King Alaric Grayson IV was never much use to us whole, and the Dominus offers to heal him. But why? A strong man with a pillow could set the realm to right in a few minutes, and we'd all be better for it. Does anyone believe that I would wish my grandchildren to keep my infirm, still-breathing corpse around if I was in precisely the same condition as his majesty? Nonsense, give the gift of mercy and go about your business.
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:09 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Ah, my dear sister-in-law. Let me count the ways I trust nothing that comes from your scheming, beautiful lips. Life would be so much simpler, wouldn't it, if I knew we were truly playing the same side of the Game.
Life would be simpler if I knew many more things for certain than I do.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Life would be simpler if I knew many more things for certain than I do.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Talen
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:08 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I have a penchant to draw from time to time. Today is one of those days. To demonstrate what exactly my room looks like at this moment in time, I will immortalise it forever. Please stash it with my last journal entry, Master Scholar.
You see: a handsome royal purple silk doublet with billowing sleeves secured by black and gold ties, a loosely fit set of rich heliotrope silk breeches secured by jaunty leather belts, a stylishly slanted obsidian kid leather hat complete with a gilded feather, a darkest inky duo of leather gloves wrapped possessively about the wrists, a soft doeskin pair of stark black knee-high boots with criss-crossed golden laces, a sash of cream coloured linen embroidered in shades of red and orange, book, an ebon wood chest inlaid with deadly nightshade in silver and garnet, a gleaming, polished steel helmet with a visor reminiscent of a mirrormask, a sharp, taloned pair of steel gauntlets constructed by overlapping plates, a shining, knee-high set of steel sollerets that taper into hooked points, charcoal simple shoes made of tightly woven layered cloth, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight and tucked into boots, close fitting blood red tunic with the sleeves raggedly torn off, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight at the ankle, House Velenosa Mirror Blade, a wicked, sanguine schiavona-style rubicund broadsword with an elaborately wrought basket-hilt, a villainous, blood-crimson rubicund stiletto with a warped and twisted leather-bound handgrip, a long, taut duo of shadowy leather sleeves sporting tarnished metal elbow-guards, a close-cut pair of stark, padded leather pants complete with shineless knee plates, a flared, knee-high set of dark leather boots with broad, dull steel toe caps, a snug set of rich, obsidian leather gloves punctuated with sharp knuckle dusters, a somber, dim leather cloak that shrouds the figure and posesses a deep hood, a martial, inky black leather vest belted by wide straps and gunmetal buckles, a narrow, high quality steel longsword with a grooved tang and silver fox pommel, a complicated, cube-shaped puzzle box with interlocking parts, a shadowed metal ring with a center cut ruby, A purple ribbon with a fox sigil stitched into the bottom, a chain of amethyst and black gold, a grungy, patchwork cloak of fabric scraps
You see: a handsome royal purple silk doublet with billowing sleeves secured by black and gold ties, a loosely fit set of rich heliotrope silk breeches secured by jaunty leather belts, a stylishly slanted obsidian kid leather hat complete with a gilded feather, a darkest inky duo of leather gloves wrapped possessively about the wrists, a soft doeskin pair of stark black knee-high boots with criss-crossed golden laces, a sash of cream coloured linen embroidered in shades of red and orange, book, an ebon wood chest inlaid with deadly nightshade in silver and garnet, a gleaming, polished steel helmet with a visor reminiscent of a mirrormask, a sharp, taloned pair of steel gauntlets constructed by overlapping plates, a shining, knee-high set of steel sollerets that taper into hooked points, charcoal simple shoes made of tightly woven layered cloth, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight and tucked into boots, close fitting blood red tunic with the sleeves raggedly torn off, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight at the ankle, House Velenosa Mirror Blade, a wicked, sanguine schiavona-style rubicund broadsword with an elaborately wrought basket-hilt, a villainous, blood-crimson rubicund stiletto with a warped and twisted leather-bound handgrip, a long, taut duo of shadowy leather sleeves sporting tarnished metal elbow-guards, a close-cut pair of stark, padded leather pants complete with shineless knee plates, a flared, knee-high set of dark leather boots with broad, dull steel toe caps, a snug set of rich, obsidian leather gloves punctuated with sharp knuckle dusters, a somber, dim leather cloak that shrouds the figure and posesses a deep hood, a martial, inky black leather vest belted by wide straps and gunmetal buckles, a narrow, high quality steel longsword with a grooved tang and silver fox pommel, a complicated, cube-shaped puzzle box with interlocking parts, a shadowed metal ring with a center cut ruby, A purple ribbon with a fox sigil stitched into the bottom, a chain of amethyst and black gold, a grungy, patchwork cloak of fabric scraps
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:07 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Arx is -- different.
Some of the nobles I've encountered actually seem to not be playing games at all. Then again, many Lycenes can put up such appearances; in fact, all of the best do. But I have to imagine that some of the other Houses that don't, in fact, worry about being poisoned on a daily basis do actually have other ways of comporting themselves. We wouldn't be on the receiving end of such disdain if that weren't the case.
I have to imagine even the most honorable of the other Great Houses have hands far dirtier than they'd like anyone else to know, however.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Some of the nobles I've encountered actually seem to not be playing games at all. Then again, many Lycenes can put up such appearances; in fact, all of the best do. But I have to imagine that some of the other Houses that don't, in fact, worry about being poisoned on a daily basis do actually have other ways of comporting themselves. We wouldn't be on the receiving end of such disdain if that weren't the case.
I have to imagine even the most honorable of the other Great Houses have hands far dirtier than they'd like anyone else to know, however.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Talen
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:59 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I hear endless complaints from family, friends and colleagues about the state of my room within the Velenosa Estate. Apparently the countless outfits, numerous trinkets and collection of armour strewn about the place are all an abhorrence to see. The swords and other similar sharp, pointy weapons haphazardly poking out of these small mountains go further and are supposedly not just messy but a danger to life and limb.
Honestly, I like order and tidiness as much as any other person but my room is my domain and the last thing I wish to worry about is spending time cleaning it. I've had others offer to do it for me but truly, it's my junk, my responsibility and everyone else can get their nose out of my business. I don't want anyone else touching it, you see.
Evidently the Grand Duchess has heard of this issue and sent me a rather handsome chest to store many of my belongings in. I'm not sure her grace thought this through, however-- it's just become yet another item in the room, to occupy more space. I've yet to put a single thing within it.
Really, the Archduchess'll thank me someday. When the assassins begin to realise they can't kill her with me around, they'll try to get rid of me. What they'll find, however, is that you can't sneak up on a man surrounded by a cleverly laid system of anti-murderation and an assassin-detection system.
Who knows, they might even trip, fall and impale themselves on Mirror Blade while I'm dreaming about shadowmeld.
Honestly, I like order and tidiness as much as any other person but my room is my domain and the last thing I wish to worry about is spending time cleaning it. I've had others offer to do it for me but truly, it's my junk, my responsibility and everyone else can get their nose out of my business. I don't want anyone else touching it, you see.
Evidently the Grand Duchess has heard of this issue and sent me a rather handsome chest to store many of my belongings in. I'm not sure her grace thought this through, however-- it's just become yet another item in the room, to occupy more space. I've yet to put a single thing within it.
Really, the Archduchess'll thank me someday. When the assassins begin to realise they can't kill her with me around, they'll try to get rid of me. What they'll find, however, is that you can't sneak up on a man surrounded by a cleverly laid system of anti-murderation and an assassin-detection system.
Who knows, they might even trip, fall and impale themselves on Mirror Blade while I'm dreaming about shadowmeld.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:54 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calain
We have only met the once, and that amidst a hubub of noisy opinions and demands. But he seemed level-headed, even-handed, and thoughtful and even managed to remain unfailingly polite amidst the chaos. In my (severely limited) experience of Arx, I cannot think of a better man to have led the effort to ensure that all was being done for the King in his time of need.
Written By Sudara
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:53 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
It is a challenge, attempting to come up with a suitable description for the princess. 'A cross-bred rose brought to bloom in a new garden' might perhaps make for a good explanation to those who have not met her, though I fear that is more horticultural than flattering. Still: fragrant beauty, flourishing here after being nutured in two very different environments. Certainly, a lovely result that is both natural and also the result of artful efforts by others.
Written By Ophelia
Sept. 18, 2016, 5:22 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Someone once informed me that it was not polite to stare, but there was a man - whose appearance I can't describe aside from him looking like a person - that lured stares like honey lures bears. Is staring okay if everyone else is doing it? He had the kind of mouth which made my fingers twitch. Perhaps its due to a lack of hunting?
... I don't think that rhyme was supposed to be in there, but honey doesn't lure birds. I tried.
... I don't think that rhyme was supposed to be in there, but honey doesn't lure birds. I tried.
Written By Ophelia
Sept. 18, 2016, 5:14 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Dear Diary,
I cannot, in good faith, ever recommend dining on raw boar hearts, even if drizzled in the most fantastic chocolate sauce that one can find. I thought the sauce would've made a difference also, but I am not above admitting when I may be wrong. I can, however, heartily endorse how far a well-timed splatter can reach, if the vessels have been tied just so, and should one have the right amount of cunning to angle it towards someone deserving, the results should logically prove entertaining. Logically.
On another note (or the same note really), Princess Deva proved herself worthy of being so very-very fierce and it was a good reminder of all the reasons her and Luca brilliantly match together. Which reminds me that Prince Darren probably deserves a belated half dozen curtseys, but I may just pay a messenger to begin making up the deficit. That works, I hope?
Yours Truly,
Princess Ophelia Velenosa
P.S. Gifts are good for every occasion.
P.P.S. Napkins are saviors in silken disguise.
I cannot, in good faith, ever recommend dining on raw boar hearts, even if drizzled in the most fantastic chocolate sauce that one can find. I thought the sauce would've made a difference also, but I am not above admitting when I may be wrong. I can, however, heartily endorse how far a well-timed splatter can reach, if the vessels have been tied just so, and should one have the right amount of cunning to angle it towards someone deserving, the results should logically prove entertaining. Logically.
On another note (or the same note really), Princess Deva proved herself worthy of being so very-very fierce and it was a good reminder of all the reasons her and Luca brilliantly match together. Which reminds me that Prince Darren probably deserves a belated half dozen curtseys, but I may just pay a messenger to begin making up the deficit. That works, I hope?
Yours Truly,
Princess Ophelia Velenosa
P.S. Gifts are good for every occasion.
P.P.S. Napkins are saviors in silken disguise.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 18, 2016, 5:14 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
The Invocation was quite memorable. Your ability to perform the ceremony as well as the blessings should be something all hold in their minds for a long, long time. I have been thinking about what we all prayed for, agreeing with it though I think there are other things to pray for, such as truth as to what happened to the Queen and to all those who were killed, stability is a noble goal.
There are more things that I would like to learn, but you, my dear Princess, know that already.
There are more things that I would like to learn, but you, my dear Princess, know that already.
Written By Orazio
Sept. 18, 2016, 4:54 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Although I am anointed as the Voice of the Sentinel, let it not be said that I neglect the rest of the Pantheon. All gods should be venerated in their correct place and time, with no one set above the rest, except perhaps in the hearts of mortals, which do not have the perfect justice of the gods. I say this to provide context to my day's actions. In the morning, I met with a strong-hearted woman, and we walked through the shrines together, speaking of the nature of faith and the gods. This is my duty, although also a pleasure. Before that, I answered messages and judged petitions of disciples and priests, on matters that touched every god's domain. This is also my duty, although I must confess the volumes of paperwork are less of a pleasure. This evening, I agreed to speak to a petitioner who seeks the service of Lagoma, that eternal force of growth, change, and healing. This is also my pleasure, when the work of the Archlector of Lagoma does not permit them to answer such petitions themselves.
My purpose in this recitation is to remind myself that while focus is a virtue, failing to account for the larger context is foolishness. The Sentinel does not stand alone, but rather among the Pantheon. No god rises above the others, and none should be venerated beyond its assigned place in the Pantheon. As it is with the deities, so too it is with events. Do not become overly focused on an individual moment, a singular occurrence. Instead, look wider. Find the truth that lies at the conjunction of events, that which can only be found by examining every available piece of evidence. There, true Justice lies.
Although I am anointed as the Voice of the Sentinel, let it not be said that I neglect the rest of the Pantheon. All gods should be venerated in their correct place and time, with no one set above the rest, except perhaps in the hearts of mortals, which do not have the perfect justice of the gods. I say this to provide context to my day's actions. In the morning, I met with a strong-hearted woman, and we walked through the shrines together, speaking of the nature of faith and the gods. This is my duty, although also a pleasure. Before that, I answered messages and judged petitions of disciples and priests, on matters that touched every god's domain. This is also my duty, although I must confess the volumes of paperwork are less of a pleasure. This evening, I agreed to speak to a petitioner who seeks the service of Lagoma, that eternal force of growth, change, and healing. This is also my pleasure, when the work of the Archlector of Lagoma does not permit them to answer such petitions themselves.
My purpose in this recitation is to remind myself that while focus is a virtue, failing to account for the larger context is foolishness. The Sentinel does not stand alone, but rather among the Pantheon. No god rises above the others, and none should be venerated beyond its assigned place in the Pantheon. As it is with the deities, so too it is with events. Do not become overly focused on an individual moment, a singular occurrence. Instead, look wider. Find the truth that lies at the conjunction of events, that which can only be found by examining every available piece of evidence. There, true Justice lies.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:34 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I find it an important exercise to reexamine first impressions, after I have become acquainted with someone over the course of time. It's important to realize what masks people wear, what assumptions I make, and what, if anything I was wildly incorrect about. I may be vain, but if I cannot admit where I applied too much of personal bias upon a first impression, I'll never improve and navigate the waters of court.
That being said, I am not telling who I was vastly wrong about, nor who I had instantly correct. Some things are better left a mystery, and saved for the Black, don't you think?
That being said, I am not telling who I was vastly wrong about, nor who I had instantly correct. Some things are better left a mystery, and saved for the Black, don't you think?
Written By Edain
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:28 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
People hear me talk about my brother's all the time, to the point where I am certain there are some that would wish me to shut up. It occurs to me, that I don't share about my sister Tabitha often, and I would hate for anyone to think that was because she was not an exceptional woman.
While Vance and Valen taught me much about being a knight, it was Tabitha that taught me what it means to be noble. That our birthright is a duty not a blessing. That we have to protect those we rule, and that means caring for them, not just drawing steel, stabbing things and then disappearing into our fortress again.
She was the one who father always entrusted to represent him in court, because she waded into those hostile waters with grace and resolve in both overwhelming measure. I remember once asking her how she did it, because it seemed so much more intimidating than a battlefield. She laughed at me and said, "In court everyone is going to lie, manipulate and betray in order to get what they want. Once you realize, that, you realize there is never any reason to do anything other than what you know to be right."
Gods, I miss her.
While Vance and Valen taught me much about being a knight, it was Tabitha that taught me what it means to be noble. That our birthright is a duty not a blessing. That we have to protect those we rule, and that means caring for them, not just drawing steel, stabbing things and then disappearing into our fortress again.
She was the one who father always entrusted to represent him in court, because she waded into those hostile waters with grace and resolve in both overwhelming measure. I remember once asking her how she did it, because it seemed so much more intimidating than a battlefield. She laughed at me and said, "In court everyone is going to lie, manipulate and betray in order to get what they want. Once you realize, that, you realize there is never any reason to do anything other than what you know to be right."
Gods, I miss her.
Written By Edain
Sept. 18, 2016, 3:15 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
I expected to have very little in common with Princess Deva when we first met. But we quickly bonded over a love of horses. And since then, I have learned she is an excellent archer, skilled and wielding heavy slabs of metal attached to a long pole. She lives her life with a passion and zeal that it is very hard not to envy. That free spirit, does not come at the cost of her devotion and duty to her family. I hope that we can see better relations between our peoples in the future.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.