Written By Silas
Aug. 12, 2016, 8:44 p.m.(4/13/1004 AR)
Mistress Ida's skills in weapon smithing are superb. She has an artistic eye, and the weapons at her shop are very affordable. I may have to keep her in mind should I ever have the means to commission something spectacular.
I may end up fashioning my next suit of armor around the sword I just bought. There's no knights with a red-and-silver theme out there, is there? Maybe a Redrain but I haven't seen any.
Maybe add some winged pauldrons for a Griffony-esque touch? Or is that too ceremonial?
I am fond of Master Enzo's paintings, too. I think they may be better than the ones we currently have hung up in the manor; I will have to ask my father about replacing them with the ones I bought soon. They're too dated! I think a few of them must be nearly a century old and "a painting of a lonely prairie" is not particularly inspiring or lively.
I may end up fashioning my next suit of armor around the sword I just bought. There's no knights with a red-and-silver theme out there, is there? Maybe a Redrain but I haven't seen any.
Maybe add some winged pauldrons for a Griffony-esque touch? Or is that too ceremonial?
I am fond of Master Enzo's paintings, too. I think they may be better than the ones we currently have hung up in the manor; I will have to ask my father about replacing them with the ones I bought soon. They're too dated! I think a few of them must be nearly a century old and "a painting of a lonely prairie" is not particularly inspiring or lively.
Written By Freja
Aug. 12, 2016, 4:56 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kieran
Another Redrain cousin; brother to Darren and Deva. A self-assured Prince with the inclination to assume the role of 'prankster' as he sees fit. My interactions with him have been limited, but fall somewhere in the middle with what I take from them.
Written By Calista
Aug. 12, 2016, 4:33 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
The Grand Duchess and I co-hosted a little Seaside Soiree the other evening down by the beaches. I have to admit that while the whole affair was extravagant and spectacular, it made me long for the Southern Shores. The party was well received. Her Grace, Esera, was ethereal in her scantily clad gossamer gown of which I was totally envious but that is because her grace is just a beautiful and striking woman and could wear a potato sack and still appear flawless and sensual.
I could name all the people that were there in attendance because I've come to know many of them by now. I was touched to see the Whispers out and about though Isolde greedily stole them for her own nefarious purposes. Who could possibly deny the charming Mirrormask? Certainly not I! His Grace, Duke Niccolo was also in attendance with his protege Mistress Acacia. Master Talen Artiglio was ill prepared for sand but still made an appearance to support his liege lady and myself. Lady Kima Saik was also there and I've come to learn she was conversing for a while with a sellsword by the named of Audric. I do not know him well, yet. Lady Lydia, Princess Jaenelle, Lord Gustave, Prince Gareth, Prince Fergus and Prince Kieran were also present and while I know I did not get a chance to speak with each of them individually, I certain saw them frolicking about the dunes and in the waves. My sincerest hope is they enjoyed the evening and were not -too- scandalized over the Lycene affair.
I spent a little bit of the evening on the Southern Dunes speaking with Inquisitor Alistair. The man seems different for an inquisitor but then again, I've never truly had the pleasure of getting to know one other than knowing who they are and should they come looking for you, run the other way. He's a pleasant man, serious though. I filled his cup, twice, before stepping away.
All in all it was a great party. I have Grand Duchess Esera to thank for offering me the opportunity to join forces with her. I cannot even begin to express what an honor it is to be in her company. Next beach party will have more than just food and wine. There needs to be a bit more mischief.
I could name all the people that were there in attendance because I've come to know many of them by now. I was touched to see the Whispers out and about though Isolde greedily stole them for her own nefarious purposes. Who could possibly deny the charming Mirrormask? Certainly not I! His Grace, Duke Niccolo was also in attendance with his protege Mistress Acacia. Master Talen Artiglio was ill prepared for sand but still made an appearance to support his liege lady and myself. Lady Kima Saik was also there and I've come to learn she was conversing for a while with a sellsword by the named of Audric. I do not know him well, yet. Lady Lydia, Princess Jaenelle, Lord Gustave, Prince Gareth, Prince Fergus and Prince Kieran were also present and while I know I did not get a chance to speak with each of them individually, I certain saw them frolicking about the dunes and in the waves. My sincerest hope is they enjoyed the evening and were not -too- scandalized over the Lycene affair.
I spent a little bit of the evening on the Southern Dunes speaking with Inquisitor Alistair. The man seems different for an inquisitor but then again, I've never truly had the pleasure of getting to know one other than knowing who they are and should they come looking for you, run the other way. He's a pleasant man, serious though. I filled his cup, twice, before stepping away.
All in all it was a great party. I have Grand Duchess Esera to thank for offering me the opportunity to join forces with her. I cannot even begin to express what an honor it is to be in her company. Next beach party will have more than just food and wine. There needs to be a bit more mischief.
Written By Niccolo
Aug. 12, 2016, 4 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
I still remember how Acacia and I met. How she created an opportunity for us to run into each other. I remember our first conversation. I always knew Acacia showed promise, but she has delivered on that promise tenfold.She's as active in her pursuit of her goals as I had hoped, and she's proved to be a valuable protege, worthy of the attention I've given her. She remains as bold and brazen as ever, but there is a perfect understanding between us of where the professional lines are. I appreciate her ability to distinguish between business and personal, and her willingness to make the first a priority.
I've grown fond of her, I admit. She is very special, and she will achieve great things if so she wishes and I intend to help her do such a thing.
I've grown fond of her, I admit. She is very special, and she will achieve great things if so she wishes and I intend to help her do such a thing.
Written By Jacinthe
Aug. 12, 2016, 3:58 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Malorie
Such is her highness' winning ways that I, who has never ridden a day in my life, and who has no great fondness of horses, still promised away what will no doubt be a great fortune for the honor of purchasing one of Valardin's latest foals. Really, it ought to be the Whisper who provokes a patron into paying dearly while also enjoying being allowed that privilege.
Having the tables turned is great novelty indeed.
Having the tables turned is great novelty indeed.
Written By Jacinthe
Aug. 12, 2016, 3:55 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Such depth and presence as the Archduchess possesses is rarely encountered. She is a study in contrasts: strength with sorrow, delicacy with a fierce intelligence, youth with ability. Her charisma is arresting and even I, who has been fortunate enough to decorate the arms of some of the finest, most impressive people in Arx, found myself grasping for composure. The right words, the right turn of phrase, the right glance that might keep and hold her attention, or soothe some of the strain that comes of what she must carry.
One grieves the loss of her mother Carlotta, of course, but it seems certain that Velenosa is in more than capable hands.
One grieves the loss of her mother Carlotta, of course, but it seems certain that Velenosa is in more than capable hands.
Written By Jacinthe
Aug. 12, 2016, 3:49 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
When I first met her highness, I'm not sure what I expected. One hears such tales of Mirrormasks and I hadn't had previous occasion to interact with one of their number. I had anticipated coldness and found warmth. I had thought to find single-minded purpose, a fixation on subjects that most of us would rather forget as we go through the day to day. Instead, I found the very opposite of that, what seemed an authentic desire to shine her grace and generosity on those around her.
I am most impressed and very much looking forward to future encounters.
I am most impressed and very much looking forward to future encounters.
Written By Jacinthe
Aug. 12, 2016, 3:44 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
I shouldn't tease her as I do with my lady this, my lady that, when no one is near enough to hear it, but it was Mistress Culler who proposed a friendship between us and so it is Mistress Culler who must accept responsibility for what it is to be a friend of mine.
Teasing aside, I find her energy and insight to be every bit a match for my own. Some might find that formidable, even intimidating, to be faced with a person as sensitive to nuance as one's self. I find it refreshing even while anticipating there will be very little I'll be able to get past her.
Teasing aside, I find her energy and insight to be every bit a match for my own. Some might find that formidable, even intimidating, to be faced with a person as sensitive to nuance as one's self. I find it refreshing even while anticipating there will be very little I'll be able to get past her.
Written By Freja
Aug. 12, 2016, 1:22 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
Younger sister of Nadia. She says she enjoys all things Northern, but her girlish squeals and tavern talk grate on my ears. If the conversation could be tweaked in subject matter, I could find myself staying for another ale.
Written By Freja
Aug. 12, 2016, 1:20 p.m.(4/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
Honey and vinegar. He offers me lessons in 'Southern social warfare', and I give him a few in return from my own line of work, scouting. He arrived for a lesson in stealth...in steel. A source of amusement, though I do not think he realizes it, while also a good counter for banter. I like him. He is what he presents, unapologetically so. Tit fot tat, I will have to glean more. The prize requested in the form of -that- information surprised even me...
Written By Calain
Aug. 12, 2016, 6:16 a.m.(4/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
There are two kinds of animal who hibernate. Some do so seasonally no matter the circumstance, the other kind only hibernates when they need to. When a predator forces them underground and they have insufficient food to otherwise survive or other similar hardships. Is this your state cousin? Is the malady that affects you one that your enemies chose? Or one you did to escape their will?
In either case, wherever you are cousin, stay strong, take heart, we are coming for you.
In either case, wherever you are cousin, stay strong, take heart, we are coming for you.
Written By Calain
Aug. 12, 2016, 6:15 a.m.(4/11/1004 AR)
I wonder is the ragged and dirty man who sleeps under the stars the same as the clean and groomed one in the latest fashions who sleeps upon a feather stuffed bed? It is strange how one’s clothes, trappings and environment can shape the way we feel, or even the way we act without even realizing it. This of course begs the question, which of the two men is the real one? Is there a man beneath who is the real man? But how can that be so when you cannot bereft a man of environment entirely to see this real figure beneath? How can something which is no more than a weighted average of a person’s masks be a real person?
Or are we all indeed not a man, but rather a legion. Each version of ourselves no less real than any other, all strangers to each other and the world. Every time you meet an old friend are you meeting that same person you met the week previous, or a new person who merely shares their face and much of their memory and attitude but with no ability to predict from one day to the next which parts of your friend will be in the make up of this new person?
Our effect on the world is much like the effect of pushing your hand against the rear of a painting, the depicted scene does indeed change, but what matters more, the way the hand pushes or the picture against which it pushes. And when all the world sees is but the shifting of the picture how are they to know that it is really a hand and not a claw that made that change?
Or are we all indeed not a man, but rather a legion. Each version of ourselves no less real than any other, all strangers to each other and the world. Every time you meet an old friend are you meeting that same person you met the week previous, or a new person who merely shares their face and much of their memory and attitude but with no ability to predict from one day to the next which parts of your friend will be in the make up of this new person?
Our effect on the world is much like the effect of pushing your hand against the rear of a painting, the depicted scene does indeed change, but what matters more, the way the hand pushes or the picture against which it pushes. And when all the world sees is but the shifting of the picture how are they to know that it is really a hand and not a claw that made that change?
Written By Margot
Aug. 11, 2016, 7:18 p.m.(4/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I don't believe that I have ever met such a genuinely good and honorable person in my life.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 11, 2016, 8:16 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
I had a very deliberate purpose when Duke Niccolo Velenosa first granted me his audience, but I was still surprised when he did. I'm very aware of my status. I'm comfortable with it, really. Yet, my resolve and boldness was met with his reflective answers and a remarkable attention to detail despite it. He received me with grace, questioning where it was due, but never exceeding what was necessary for the mere sake of curiosity or prying. He understands that guarded side of me, which I can only assume was one of the many things he picked up when training among his soldiers. Business was, and is, first and foremost, and those lines have never blurred. With our differing priorities and the leagues between us, I really can't emphasize enough how important that is to me.
I'm a person who's protective of my own freedom, my home, my family. He knows exactly where my loyalties lie and what boundaries I will never cross. But he's supported my endeavors with the Boroughs when others snubbed them, provided me with more opportunities than someone like me should ever really have, and offers me a guiding hand when needed. We've crossed sharpened blades and bare fists in training nearly as often as we've shared words; a persisting reminder of just how many arenas he excels in. Friendship isn't a word that I'd use to describe it. It doesn't fit. But I couldn't have fathomed a more compatible patron.
I'm a person who's protective of my own freedom, my home, my family. He knows exactly where my loyalties lie and what boundaries I will never cross. But he's supported my endeavors with the Boroughs when others snubbed them, provided me with more opportunities than someone like me should ever really have, and offers me a guiding hand when needed. We've crossed sharpened blades and bare fists in training nearly as often as we've shared words; a persisting reminder of just how many arenas he excels in. Friendship isn't a word that I'd use to describe it. It doesn't fit. But I couldn't have fathomed a more compatible patron.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 11, 2016, 7:33 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jacinthe
Courtesan Jacinthe Whisper embodies everything which the Whisper House is known for; a testament of both perception and grace, being a fluent wordsmith, a provider of visual and, of course, granting entertainment which caters remarkably well to those who she's in the company of. It makes her a delight to be around (that is part of the point, after all) and she's certainly amusing to merely watch at times. I've written plenty of good words about her since I've met her, but I don't think it's necessary. She's more than capable of carving a path herself and I'm curious to where it'll take her.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 11, 2016, 7:28 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Denon
I'd like to say that I chanced upon Courtier Denon through random circumstance, but that isn't true. His reputation as an artist, in many facets, precedes him and I was rather intent on getting to know the man. He was professional on all levels, able to provide both charm and joke amid even talks of business and coin, yet establish clear boundaries to make it certain what to expect. I admit that I'm curious to see how he engages others and if he'll pick up the hints they drop for him. There's a lot to learn from those of his abilities, after all.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 11, 2016, 7:25 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
I did not expected to marry Prince Vance Valardin. I must be honest, that I considered him disturbingly pious and strict. However, I found out that he was a perfect man. It was so easy to fall in love with him. He was my brightest sun. He was my moon in the darkness. He was my river. He was my wings. He was my color and he had to be my anchor. Though, the Gods decided that he is too good to this world and just turned him into my chains. I know that he would like me to break those chains to live a life and not waste it looking at the past. I shall not disappoint him and gracefully face the future.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 11, 2016, 6:48 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Malorie
The beauty who was teared out of the hands of her family. One could only suspect that such a terrible event would make such a delicate flower to wither down and drop its blooms. However, she comes home strong and flowering, ready to adorn Valardin's name.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 11, 2016, 6:39 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
Sometimes this cousin of mine strikes me as a very easy puzzle which I solved long time ago. However, sometimes I am worried that I do not know the man at all. What if he is a very hard puzzle which I've yet to solve?
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 11, 2016, 6:37 a.m.(4/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Edain is everything what Oathlanders could expect their leader to be. He is a paragon of knightly virtues such as:
* Courage: a true leader must have the courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved.
* Justice: a true leader holds himself to the highest standard of behavior, and knows that “fudging” on the little rules is a weakness.
* Mercy: a true leader knows that words and attitude can be painful weapons. He tries to create a sense of peace rather than engendering hostility.
* Generosity: a true leader is sharing his wisdom, energy, attention, silver with the ones who approach them for his help.
* Hope: a true leader inspires people all around.
* Faith: a true leader is always faithful to his promises, no matter how big or small they may be.
* Courage: a true leader must have the courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved.
* Justice: a true leader holds himself to the highest standard of behavior, and knows that “fudging” on the little rules is a weakness.
* Mercy: a true leader knows that words and attitude can be painful weapons. He tries to create a sense of peace rather than engendering hostility.
* Generosity: a true leader is sharing his wisdom, energy, attention, silver with the ones who approach them for his help.
* Hope: a true leader inspires people all around.
* Faith: a true leader is always faithful to his promises, no matter how big or small they may be.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.