Written By Donella
Aug. 23, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(5/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
My younger brother. He's everything a prince and heir should be-- if that prince were not born to the Thrax. He was indulged with fantastic tales of knights and quests, honor and chivalry, his head stuffed with fluff while I was learning everything that would have actually been USEFUL for him to know. Only I can't inherit. What were my parents thinking of? I have to help him, and protect him, until he can be the man we need him to be.
Written By Ida
Aug. 23, 2016, 9:51 a.m.(5/16/1004 AR)
I was really stuck on what to make for Market Day. I must have gone through a hundred pieces of parchment trying to scribble some designs or anything, really. It was during this frustrating process that Master Hammar happened by the shop to purchase a dagger I had up for sale. Chatting with him made me realize that commissions are easier because they have a soul - bear with me here because that probably sounds very crazy.
The piece will belong to someone and if you know just enough about that person, you can put that into the weapon or what have you. A piece of who they are, maybe. Still sounds crazy, but so be it. Sure, people wear their masks or hold things close to their heart, but I work with what I have. ANYhow, leave it to Master Hammar to make something that seemed so hard, so simple. I realized that I had to try to design for someone and ended up with a matching sword and hairpin set that I'm pretty proud of.
Also, I've half a mind to get Master Hammar a pet. It would have to stay at the shop, as it sounds like his landlord isn't an animal lover by any means.
The piece will belong to someone and if you know just enough about that person, you can put that into the weapon or what have you. A piece of who they are, maybe. Still sounds crazy, but so be it. Sure, people wear their masks or hold things close to their heart, but I work with what I have. ANYhow, leave it to Master Hammar to make something that seemed so hard, so simple. I realized that I had to try to design for someone and ended up with a matching sword and hairpin set that I'm pretty proud of.
Also, I've half a mind to get Master Hammar a pet. It would have to stay at the shop, as it sounds like his landlord isn't an animal lover by any means.
Written By Silas
Aug. 23, 2016, 1:07 a.m.(5/15/1004 AR)
Finished my pieces for Market Day. They're a little unconventional, save for the table; the latter of which can't fit within the booth and will have to be set-up elsewhere, I'm afraid. It might be my favorite piece, though.
Lady Dawn sent me a nice letter of thanks for having attended the hunt and held Game Night, which was a good way to start the day. Grayson royalty treat their commoners well, I must say. It may explain why they're so good at stewardship.
Lady Dawn sent me a nice letter of thanks for having attended the hunt and held Game Night, which was a good way to start the day. Grayson royalty treat their commoners well, I must say. It may explain why they're so good at stewardship.
Written By Max
Aug. 23, 2016, 12:18 a.m.(5/15/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Maximilian is unsure what to think about Nadia. There's a grudging respect for her (as much as Maximilian could respect a land-loving woman), and while her exuberance makes her an opposite to him, he's willing to drink at her table in a tavern and treats her more like an equal compared to the rest of the Ladies of Arvum, whom he's known to have to force himself to bow to. She shares with Valencia the humored nickname for Maximilian: the Dread Count Darkwater.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 22, 2016, 4:51 p.m.(5/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
There's something about the way the Grand Duchess enters an area that draws the eyes, as if when she moves, the focus of the room moves with her. She manifests with a flawless, unequaled grace, whether her expression is softened by the cut of her smile or burning, fierce and intense. In person, even in private conversation, she remains regal, composed, infinitely gracious and considerate. Yet, she was one of the few I never sought actively, content merely to watch and witness - but without measuring weight or applied judgment. You can't assess someone like that when you're someone like me. You can only hope you manage through their own assessment. She bestowed the kindest kiss upon my cheek and I remembered a feeling best never forgotten. I greatly respect her. I'm also perhaps terribly envious.
Written By Freja
Aug. 22, 2016, 4:30 p.m.(5/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valerius
At a whim between princesses, Jaenelle and Freja traded brothers for a week in jest. Freja's end of the deal was a toad in a box gifted by none other than this Prince. He is as much in love with his reflection as he is building something of worth from what she gleans. Valerius isn't all fluff after some whiskey and conversation. She may even get him to sully his too clean face with some dirt after a few spars soon.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 22, 2016, 2:19 p.m.(5/14/1004 AR)
Today I tried my mother's old dress. If not this drawing of a talented artist, I am not sure if I could remember her features now. She was a very beautiful woman.
My father used to repeat that I have her eyes. Maybe that is why this gown fitted me so well. This blueness of the fabric...
Though, I can't wear it for simple occasions. I am sure an event will be thrown where this gown will look just perfect.
I wish my mother could be here.
My father used to repeat that I have her eyes. Maybe that is why this gown fitted me so well. This blueness of the fabric...
Though, I can't wear it for simple occasions. I am sure an event will be thrown where this gown will look just perfect.
I wish my mother could be here.
Written By Calain
Aug. 22, 2016, 7:35 a.m.(5/13/1004 AR)
The fable of Lisa and the one-eyed Inquisitor
(This story was collected from a town North of Caith.)
Lisa was a willful child, which worried her mother terribly.
"You mustn't play in the witchwood Lisa, the one-eyed Inquisitor will see you and lock you away for a thousand years!" She would warn her daughter, but Lisa would continue to play in the witchwood.
"You mustn't bring home herbs from the forest Lisa, the one-eyed Inquisitor will see them and lock you away for a thousand years!" She said but still Lisa kept bringing home herbs and plants she would find.
"You mustn't make fun of the Lord's fat son Lisa, the one-eyed Inqisitor will hear and lock you away for a thousand years!" She claimed but Lisa would still make fun of the lord's fat son.
The one day when in the market Lisa's mother's neighbours came to tell her that the Inquisitor had come and taken her daughter away. She ran all the way down to where the Inquisitor's kept their prisoners only to see Lisa skipping back up the path towards her. She crouched down to hug her child, weeping and asked her what had happened.
"Well mama," The girl explained, "The one-eyed Inquisitor came to the house to take me away, he said that he had heard that I played in the witchwood, that I brought home herbs and that I made fun of the lord's fat son. He said this proved that I was an evil sorceress and he was going to poke and prod me until I confessed and then lock me away for a thousand years!" The girl admitted. "But then on the way back to his home we passed the witchwood and I pointed to where his blind eye couldn't see. "But isn't that the girl people have heard about playing in the witchwood Inquisitor?" I asked and he turned to look but then I sighed and told him she'd vanished using her magic."
"The Inquisitor scowled and said even it if had been I'd still brought home herbs and made fun of the lord's fat son and I was still a sorceress. Then we passed the glade where all the best mushrooms grow and I pointed to his blind side again. 'But inquisitor look, there's the girl taking home all the herbs.' I said and he turned to look again but I told him the witch had vanished once more as everyone knows witches can do."
"Maybe so little girl." He admitted to me, "But everyone knows it was you who told the joke about the Lord's fat son, there were many people who saw, it was no disappearing witch who did this. Only evil girls are rude about the nobility, so you must be locked away for a thousand years!" And he dragged me off, but then we passed a great field mama, and I pointed and said. "Oh no Inquisitor, there's the witch from before, she's going to cast a terrible spell upon us!" I pointed to where he was blind and he had to turn his head to look, but then I pointed again. "Oh no Inquisitor she's over there now, she's going to cast a most dreadful spell!" And he turned again, and I pointed again, and then while he was chasing around and around in a circle to try to see what was in the spot he never could see, I came home."
Lisa's mother asked to see the place and Lisa took her hand and led her down to a field where they both watched the Inquisitor run around and around and around while cursing the evil witch that was trying to lay a terrible spell upon him. Then they went home and left the one-eyed Inquisitor to chase in circles for a thousand years.
(Author's note: Possibly originally an allegory about how to avoid being taken in by the Inquisition, avoid areas with mystical repuations, avoid medical practices, avoid insulting the nobility.)
(This story was collected from a town North of Caith.)
Lisa was a willful child, which worried her mother terribly.
"You mustn't play in the witchwood Lisa, the one-eyed Inquisitor will see you and lock you away for a thousand years!" She would warn her daughter, but Lisa would continue to play in the witchwood.
"You mustn't bring home herbs from the forest Lisa, the one-eyed Inquisitor will see them and lock you away for a thousand years!" She said but still Lisa kept bringing home herbs and plants she would find.
"You mustn't make fun of the Lord's fat son Lisa, the one-eyed Inqisitor will hear and lock you away for a thousand years!" She claimed but Lisa would still make fun of the lord's fat son.
The one day when in the market Lisa's mother's neighbours came to tell her that the Inquisitor had come and taken her daughter away. She ran all the way down to where the Inquisitor's kept their prisoners only to see Lisa skipping back up the path towards her. She crouched down to hug her child, weeping and asked her what had happened.
"Well mama," The girl explained, "The one-eyed Inquisitor came to the house to take me away, he said that he had heard that I played in the witchwood, that I brought home herbs and that I made fun of the lord's fat son. He said this proved that I was an evil sorceress and he was going to poke and prod me until I confessed and then lock me away for a thousand years!" The girl admitted. "But then on the way back to his home we passed the witchwood and I pointed to where his blind eye couldn't see. "But isn't that the girl people have heard about playing in the witchwood Inquisitor?" I asked and he turned to look but then I sighed and told him she'd vanished using her magic."
"The Inquisitor scowled and said even it if had been I'd still brought home herbs and made fun of the lord's fat son and I was still a sorceress. Then we passed the glade where all the best mushrooms grow and I pointed to his blind side again. 'But inquisitor look, there's the girl taking home all the herbs.' I said and he turned to look again but I told him the witch had vanished once more as everyone knows witches can do."
"Maybe so little girl." He admitted to me, "But everyone knows it was you who told the joke about the Lord's fat son, there were many people who saw, it was no disappearing witch who did this. Only evil girls are rude about the nobility, so you must be locked away for a thousand years!" And he dragged me off, but then we passed a great field mama, and I pointed and said. "Oh no Inquisitor, there's the witch from before, she's going to cast a terrible spell upon us!" I pointed to where he was blind and he had to turn his head to look, but then I pointed again. "Oh no Inquisitor she's over there now, she's going to cast a most dreadful spell!" And he turned again, and I pointed again, and then while he was chasing around and around in a circle to try to see what was in the spot he never could see, I came home."
Lisa's mother asked to see the place and Lisa took her hand and led her down to a field where they both watched the Inquisitor run around and around and around while cursing the evil witch that was trying to lay a terrible spell upon him. Then they went home and left the one-eyed Inquisitor to chase in circles for a thousand years.
(Author's note: Possibly originally an allegory about how to avoid being taken in by the Inquisition, avoid areas with mystical repuations, avoid medical practices, avoid insulting the nobility.)
Written By Isolde
Aug. 22, 2016, 12:21 a.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Dawn is, frankly a delight, though I appreciate her more for her insightful conversation than any superficial disposition. She's more than worthy of title, and I mean to see her legitimized, somehow. Beyond that, she challenges my perceptions, when I take for granted that I challenge others, and it was refreshing to say the least. I look forward to more conversation, and hope a strong friendship is the result, even if she wears her diplomatic tendancies like a suit of steelsilk.
Written By Morrighan
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:43 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Ah, the Admiral. What a very curious and intriguing man. He reminds me of my past, of the times before I was a Redrain Servant. It's kind of bittersweet, that. He was an unexpected surprise when I met him, and when I learned of the things we had in common. I don't talk to him as much as I'd like, and it feels like ages since we last had a proper chat. He and his crew stayed in The Spirits for a while, before going over to the Velenosan Ward. One of these days I'll have to get back in touch.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:40 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
I've never felt like this before...
I have new wonderful white steel hairpins with floral ornaments and delicate crushed blue gems. My new gown and my new cloak will be so beautiful! Buying new things used to cheer me up.
I visited some of those orphans my brother used to (is) take (taking) care of. Even if these children had horrible misfortunes in their past, they still know how to spread this innocent, so simple joy and make others smile. I love spending time with children and I wish I could give home and family to all of them. Their smiles didn't make me smile today, though.
I invited one of the servants to sing for me. He has an amazing voice. The songs were funny. My handmaiden was so amused and I could see how happiness sparkled all around her. Though, I just wanted that his performance would end up fast. I used to love music, but I just sent him away quite quickly.
I've never felt like this before...
I do not want to leave my room.
Written By Gustave
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:36 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
The woman wants to educate my child. I am not sure if this is a golden opportunity or the potential source of infinite gray hairs. Certainly if we are to spend more time in Arx a Whispers mentorship would be useful, but....do I dare place greater female weapons in my daughters hands? My hands are quite full as they are.
Something to ponder.
Something to ponder.
Written By Gustave
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:32 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
I've been asked about some of the mountain stories, and of the peoples who populate it. Hopefully I do not give too much a way and do not give too much away, as not all secrets are mine to give and not all stories are mine to tell. I do feel that perhaps our relative isolation save from the occasional request for aid in repelling raiders and our consistent role as defenders of the Valardin eastern frontier has perhaps made us caricatures. We are the iconic sentinel: tall, often terse, often warriors. Few know of our merits as builders, or that while we primarily subsist on sheep and goat products we have a vibrant experimental agriculture. Fewer still know that the Blackram are just one family amongst the Stoneburner hills or the Greater Cloudspine.
Perhaps some of my vassal families or our comrades will come to Arx. Certainly in this time of great change the perspective of the hill and mountain folk must not be drowned out by our absence or perceived lack of population or our remoteness.
Perhaps some of my vassal families or our comrades will come to Arx. Certainly in this time of great change the perspective of the hill and mountain folk must not be drowned out by our absence or perceived lack of population or our remoteness.
Written By Victus
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:31 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Have some fucking decency and don't write so damn loud. My head hurts, and its a condition I'm more than willing to infect you with, too. I have no great revelations for you. No spiritual fucking insights. I don't even have a real story. So why am I even here, talking to you? Habit, I suppose.
I know, I know. I said I was scaling back on the drinking, and I have been. But I never said I'd stop drinking, did I? No. And sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. So fond you feel you have to empty every bottle of wine you come across until there's a drought in the tavern. If you don't mind, I'm just going to sit here for a while. Feel free to fuck off in the mean time. Let me gather my thoughts.
What, you're back? Has it been that long? Fuck it, then.
Not much for poetry, but a friend of mine loves to spell them out. So here is, for prosperity, something worth the fucking paper and ink you're currently wasting:
'There is nothing like a breath of air,
when you're choking on your own despair.
For a moment there you thought you were,
free of fear.
Fool.'
Between you and me, I figure the fucker aught to have just jumped off the Crown bridge instead of infecting the world with that maudlin crap. But that's poets for you.
I know, I know. I said I was scaling back on the drinking, and I have been. But I never said I'd stop drinking, did I? No. And sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. So fond you feel you have to empty every bottle of wine you come across until there's a drought in the tavern. If you don't mind, I'm just going to sit here for a while. Feel free to fuck off in the mean time. Let me gather my thoughts.
What, you're back? Has it been that long? Fuck it, then.
Not much for poetry, but a friend of mine loves to spell them out. So here is, for prosperity, something worth the fucking paper and ink you're currently wasting:
'There is nothing like a breath of air,
when you're choking on your own despair.
For a moment there you thought you were,
free of fear.
Fool.'
Between you and me, I figure the fucker aught to have just jumped off the Crown bridge instead of infecting the world with that maudlin crap. But that's poets for you.
Written By Calista
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:26 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Dark and mysterious, this man is sexy! Who doesn't love the idea of a handsome man with a scar down the side of his face promising safety aboard his ship? Where would we go? Where would he take me? It's a bad sign that I'm intrigued by the idea of being "smuggled" away.
Written By Calista
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:21 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
I have met a few Whispers before I was introduced to Larissa. Though my time with her and Master Denon was short, we did manage a game of Truth or Dare. I was 'dared' to stuff Master Talen's olives in my mouth...
Now that I think of it, that could have gone a completely different way. It took hours to get rid of that salty taste from my mouth. It'll be a while before I have olives again.
Now that I think of it, that could have gone a completely different way. It took hours to get rid of that salty taste from my mouth. It'll be a while before I have olives again.
Written By Gustave
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:19 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
The admiral asked for advice on how to fortify his summer wine. Made a few suggestions. Perhaps agricultural knowledge is in short supply amongst the nobility who live here? Makes one wonder how many have ever tended a field.
Admiral Magaldi knows what it is to be a father, though I cannot fathom being away from my Sigrun for longer than a campaign season if that, and even then more than once she has come along. Say what you will about it being no place for a child, but I am selfish with my offspring. I cleave to her and am loath to let her go. He is a good man I think beneath his audaciousness, or so I hope.
Admiral Magaldi knows what it is to be a father, though I cannot fathom being away from my Sigrun for longer than a campaign season if that, and even then more than once she has come along. Say what you will about it being no place for a child, but I am selfish with my offspring. I cleave to her and am loath to let her go. He is a good man I think beneath his audaciousness, or so I hope.
Written By Calista
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:18 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
This week has been absolutely boring! Business meetings, house planning meetings, meetings about meetings. Thank the gods for those saucy messengers.
Written By Esera
Aug. 21, 2016, 11:01 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Audric, leader of the Valorous Few, is a man despised by as many people as he is desired. In a world of knights and valor, who would hire a Sellsword? Who would trust one? I would never trust him -- but I would use him. A pity he's more likely to put his sword through my heart than swear it to me.
Written By Esera
Aug. 21, 2016, 10:54 p.m.(5/12/1004 AR)
The beach was overtaken with flowers and silk, with couches and fine wine and Whispers. Oh, the beach parties in Lenosia were more scandalous, by far -- but in Arx, all cultures meet, and not all cultures are as daring as the Lyceum. Still, it was beautiful, and Lady Calista, my co-host, was beautiful in kind -- she shone bright as the stars overhead. She will rise high in Arx, I'm sure of it.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.