Written By Victus
Sept. 10, 2016, 8:03 a.m.(7/14/1004 AR)
Maelstrom is not a small island. It stretches from horizon to horizon. It contains its own mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. It is large enough that there are countless men and women who spend their entire lives on that island living far enough from the sea that they never even see it.
Not that I don't, on some level, consider that to be a fucking blasphemy against Mangata. A man who hasn't seen the ocean has a piece of his soul left unawakened.
My point is this; most things you can do on the mainland you can do on Maelstrom. You can ride, you can find peasant lasses to tumble in the haystacks who don't smell like fish, and you can even spend long days and nights in the woods hunting.
I always liked to hunt. There's something beautiful in that moment where you see your prey, but your prey hasn't yet seen you. When you feel the feather against your cheek, and have to make a decision. Are you going to kill it, or not? There have been times when I haven't.
Not that I don't, on some level, consider that to be a fucking blasphemy against Mangata. A man who hasn't seen the ocean has a piece of his soul left unawakened.
My point is this; most things you can do on the mainland you can do on Maelstrom. You can ride, you can find peasant lasses to tumble in the haystacks who don't smell like fish, and you can even spend long days and nights in the woods hunting.
I always liked to hunt. There's something beautiful in that moment where you see your prey, but your prey hasn't yet seen you. When you feel the feather against your cheek, and have to make a decision. Are you going to kill it, or not? There have been times when I haven't.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 10, 2016, 4:27 a.m.(7/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Well, my first meeting with Prince Darren certainly went well. He's a hard man, but he's had to be, and his mind is sharp and quick. I'm hopeful we can be good friends, and I feel confident he'd make a good ally for Esera.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 9, 2016, 10:56 p.m.(7/13/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
It is rare to meet anyone in the Shrine of the Lost.
So rare, in fact, that one is not sure what to do when someone else arrives. In any case, I was quite fortunate to have met Mistress Culler. We had a thought-provoking conversation on the topic of the Shrine and what it might mean. No conclusions were drawn, but I think interesting questions were asked.
Best of all, she owes me a brandy. These are the sort of friends one needs when far from home.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 9, 2016, 10:50 p.m.(7/13/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
Now here is a man who looks the part!
The Sword of Bastion would be immediately recongizable at a hundred yards. I was fortunate enough to make conversation at much shorter range. Although we did not have much time, it is plain to me that he is canny and talented.
More importantly, we share interests in the well-being of the citizenry. I am glad to have made his acquaintance.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 9, 2016, 8:29 p.m.(7/13/1004 AR)
Today brought a brief respite from the demands of desk and parchment, the opportunity to step outside of Arx's walls provided by Lord Victus Thrax. It is risky business venturing forth these days but I felt quite safe in Lord Thrax's company. Our bows brought down a small buck (though if Macdon could speak, he would probably want me to record that it was he who flushed it from the brush, and he who landed the first blow).
It is a special sort of satisfaction to sit at table and know that the coming feast is something you provided, yourself. A rare satisfaction for me of late and doubly appreciated as a result. The company was surprisingly pleasant too, though I suspect it is not me that Lord Thrax cares for so much as it is my hound. I talk too much and Macdon talks not at all.
I won't tell him that Macdon makes those lovey eyes at anyone with fresh liver in hand.
It is a special sort of satisfaction to sit at table and know that the coming feast is something you provided, yourself. A rare satisfaction for me of late and doubly appreciated as a result. The company was surprisingly pleasant too, though I suspect it is not me that Lord Thrax cares for so much as it is my hound. I talk too much and Macdon talks not at all.
I won't tell him that Macdon makes those lovey eyes at anyone with fresh liver in hand.
Written By Anastasio
Sept. 9, 2016, 7:43 p.m.(7/13/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Benjamin
I don't know if Master Carver is the best or worst name that Benjamin could have. As a surgeon it would not initially instill comfort in me. Yet I found him affable when he sent for me. I could do worse for business partners.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 9, 2016, 5:10 p.m.(7/12/1004 AR)
A thought occurs to me.
It is amusing that often when one tries to do honor or to bestow praise, their actions instead have the opposite effect as they do not consider what effect that might have on another.
I am not innocent of this, but it is merely something I have observed about the world recently.
It is amusing that often when one tries to do honor or to bestow praise, their actions instead have the opposite effect as they do not consider what effect that might have on another.
I am not innocent of this, but it is merely something I have observed about the world recently.
Written By Fergus
Sept. 9, 2016, 4:29 p.m.(7/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calista
She's still a Witty Butterfly, but that's only said through messengers. On top of this, she still dresses like a harlot, which of course makes me appreciate her all the more. She's a big flirt, as am I. A person really could not ask for a better companion through all of those beneficial traits. I have known her more or less since first coming to the city, and though they only see each other on rare occassions, there's always a happy ending to their meetings, even when she manages to piss me off.
Written By Alrec
Sept. 9, 2016, 3:41 p.m.(7/12/1004 AR)
I have many business in the works and like the sea they come and go requiring me to always be on the alert and take advantage of the right time and place to see them come to fruitition. Both of my plans have been met with positive feedback, one more than the other but I feel pretty content with the response.
Written By Prospero
Sept. 9, 2016, 2:51 p.m.(7/12/1004 AR)
Do not give me that impertinent look, scholar! Some of us have more pressing matters in life than recording our every meal for posterity to waste time combing through.
Why are you writing? This is not me dictating an entry. Oh for all the milk and honey in Elysia, man! I will write my own white journals from now on.
Sigh.
It has been a quietly eventful week. A time of exploration and expanding relationships. Lord Eos has been a surprisingly refreshing and steadfast sort. Insightful, if rough at the edges. I was able to pay off the bet by giving him a thorn, thanks to Mistress Ida. Lady Dawn has her flower, so now it is just Acacia that is still owed.
Princess Janelle remains a pleasant, confusing surprise.
Princess Reese acquitted herself well in a discussion of borrowed power. I have given her a copy of the Magistrates Rulings volume One and will take her to the next lower court I attend.
And between Juliet and Calista I fear I will be busy with legal matters soon enough. At least the summer was enjoyable.
Why are you writing? This is not me dictating an entry. Oh for all the milk and honey in Elysia, man! I will write my own white journals from now on.
Sigh.
It has been a quietly eventful week. A time of exploration and expanding relationships. Lord Eos has been a surprisingly refreshing and steadfast sort. Insightful, if rough at the edges. I was able to pay off the bet by giving him a thorn, thanks to Mistress Ida. Lady Dawn has her flower, so now it is just Acacia that is still owed.
Princess Janelle remains a pleasant, confusing surprise.
Princess Reese acquitted herself well in a discussion of borrowed power. I have given her a copy of the Magistrates Rulings volume One and will take her to the next lower court I attend.
And between Juliet and Calista I fear I will be busy with legal matters soon enough. At least the summer was enjoyable.
Written By Rook
Sept. 9, 2016, 12:31 p.m.(7/12/1004 AR)
The Grayward estate in Bastion is a splendid example of fine architectural accomplishments and proof of my family's wealth. It is large, many-roomed and absolutely stalwart in its solid stone construction. I would expect it to hold its own even in a siege-- if only for a short while. All that and yet... I don't miss it one iota.
Be it mother, father, sister or brother there's only so much I can take before I wish to escape their drama. I feel as though I'll vomit a little in my mouth when they practice their pomp and circumstance among their betters, trying to ingratiate themselves. It works, but oh gods, do they even have anything left of a soul to sell? There's just no shame.
I'm so terribly proud in contrast; perhaps that's the reason they irk me so very much. As much as I complain about my common birth and how it is such a waste of my talents, I'll acknowledge that I'm truly fortunate. The gods gifted me a place amongst a fine, rich patrician family in the heart of the Compact. I have wanted for very little in life, got to train as a Whisper and can pretty much go where I please with the full respect of the realm.
If only I can somehow evade these missives that arrive from carrier pigeons, merchant caravans and and cargo trireme then maybe I'll finally have some divine sanctuary from home.
Be it mother, father, sister or brother there's only so much I can take before I wish to escape their drama. I feel as though I'll vomit a little in my mouth when they practice their pomp and circumstance among their betters, trying to ingratiate themselves. It works, but oh gods, do they even have anything left of a soul to sell? There's just no shame.
I'm so terribly proud in contrast; perhaps that's the reason they irk me so very much. As much as I complain about my common birth and how it is such a waste of my talents, I'll acknowledge that I'm truly fortunate. The gods gifted me a place amongst a fine, rich patrician family in the heart of the Compact. I have wanted for very little in life, got to train as a Whisper and can pretty much go where I please with the full respect of the realm.
If only I can somehow evade these missives that arrive from carrier pigeons, merchant caravans and and cargo trireme then maybe I'll finally have some divine sanctuary from home.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 8, 2016, 11:54 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
I had the opportunity to meet this lovely young Grayson princess only recently.
While she carries herself with all the presence and bearing of a noblewomen, one cannot help but notice there is something more to her. I almost suspect her gaggle of ladies-in-waiting is a bit of a ruse. She is clever and witty, and I was fortunate to have spent the time with her.
Unfortunately I had to correct a tall tale she had heard of my hunting exploits. Added two bears and a blindfold to her telling. An entirely believable embellishment, if I do say so myself.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 8, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
I met the Archduchess only briefly, as our meeting was unfortunately cut short.
She lives up to her formidable reputation, there can be no doubt. We discussed some harmless topics, but even I could see that she has the sharpest sort of mind.
Who is the hunter, and who the Fox?
Written By Darren
Sept. 8, 2016, 10:31 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Mistress Ida is an extraordinarily talented weaponsmith. It's only too bad that Prince Edain took her as a protege .. I would've liked to patron her myself.
Written By Darren
Sept. 8, 2016, 10:29 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
Aptly nicknamed the Lioness, Lady Kima Saik certainly has claws, as I so readily learned at the Grand Melee. After we kicked one another's asses on the battlefield, I invited the lady for drinks at the Spirits, where I also learned that she had quite an interesting tale to tell. Certainly some mystery to her, but what else would you expect from a vassal of House Velenosa?
Written By Acacia
Sept. 8, 2016, 6:55 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Benjamin
Sitting across from Master Carver was like drinking with some alter ego of myself -- which is to say entertaining in a slightly disconcerting way. He's observant, Borough careful, and claims experience with the seas and that corresponding knowledge of coming back home. But the steadiness of his hands and eyes, the cut of his wit and how easily he presented it, and maybe just the savoring of the whiskey stood out more for me. I don't know that I'll be showing him my back any time soon, but if he's as good as he claims, he's one to try to keep close.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 8, 2016, 6:45 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
I don't often run into people at the Shrine of the Lost. It's known too frequently for its silence which makes it one of those few oddly perfect places for thinking. So I hadn't expected to chance upon Lord Harlan, who portrayed himself as exceptionally polite and refined, but found it easy to live in both laughter and deeper, more poignant thoughts. And if chance presents itself, I hope to send him worthy alcohol in appreciation. Some mysteries are best left as mysteries, he essentially mentioned somewhere in the conversation. While there's truth in that sentiment and I'm a firm believer that some questions are best never asked, I wonder if one has to tell themselves things like that when they can't always chase after the answers themselves. Freedom has a certain taste that's hard to forget.
Written By Calista
Sept. 8, 2016, 4:11 p.m.(7/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Beast. There is a reason I call him this though I'm not particularly sure when it started. Perhaps it was the day we ran into each other in the park and he was running around the placid reflection pond in his tight leathers as a way to exercise. Or when he asked me to meet him at the Shrine of the Thirteenth where we engaged in a soul gripping conversation about life. Or the frenzied manner in which he fights.
Most likely it is the gift he gave me, bound in leather. A gift from one friend to another. He seems to understand me and I him, but it is said those who think similarly often collide. Communication isn't always our strong suit. I may resort to sketching stick figures next time we find ourself at odds.
Most likely it is the gift he gave me, bound in leather. A gift from one friend to another. He seems to understand me and I him, but it is said those who think similarly often collide. Communication isn't always our strong suit. I may resort to sketching stick figures next time we find ourself at odds.
Written By Calista
Sept. 8, 2016, 4:04 p.m.(7/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
I quite like it when he refers to me as his Witty Butterfly through messengers. It is an adorable pet name from a man I did not suspect would give such. Since meeting this Prince of Redrain, we have grown closer. I would consider him a friend rather than just an acquaintance. Friends bring you whiskey when you are feeling badly for yourself. Fergus brought whiskey and then some.
Written By Calista
Sept. 8, 2016, 3:59 p.m.(7/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
As a young girl growing up in Tor, I did not have many close relationships with women I could consider 'motherly'. My cousin Juliet is the closest thing I have to a mother/sister mold and even then that line is a little vague. While only a couple of years older than me, Juliet was always out causing some sort of mischief. It delighted me in ways I did not understand. I looked up to her and when she came to visit I would follow her around like a shadow.
Now we are older, we are 'closer' in age and I am overjoyed with her arrival to Arx. I feel as though my passions can finally coalesce with hers and together we can make House Fidante a cornerstone of sensational soirees that run the spectrum of propriety.
Poor, poor Leo.
Now we are older, we are 'closer' in age and I am overjoyed with her arrival to Arx. I feel as though my passions can finally coalesce with hers and together we can make House Fidante a cornerstone of sensational soirees that run the spectrum of propriety.
Poor, poor Leo.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.