Written By Alarie
July 14, 2016, 11:36 p.m.(1/10/1004 AR)
I have obtained some lovely bits of coral from Thraxian sailors on the piers. These little gems will help me in my endeavors to help the Thraxian merchants. The Merchants seem to have been encountering some bits of prejudice from the rest of the city since the King has fallen into his coma. I am hoping these bits of coral will go far in allowing people the chance to not only see, but touch and be reminded of the rare treasures Thraxian merhcants have to offer.
Written By Fiora
July 14, 2016, 7:49 a.m.(1/8/1004 AR)
I was invited by cousin to attend an event he set up to showcase the artists of the city and their works. It was... interesting. Meeting new people made it difficult to sit back and enjoy the performances, but it was interesting to see I was hardly alone in being a socially-awkward wallflower.
Sometimes I think I should take up a hobby like dancing or painting, then I remember it requires creativity to do not often practice.
Sometimes I think I should take up a hobby like dancing or painting, then I remember it requires creativity to do not often practice.
Written By Acacia
July 14, 2016, 4:33 a.m.(1/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyrene
Miss Macally strikes me as a hard-headed kind of woman; the type that would smack the biggest man around if he gave her any lip and then try to lecture him about the ways of the world. She's years beyond how she looks, which means when she truly gets old, everyone should probably steer clear. But she's also gotten herself a place to nest down in and claim, has genuine goals, and while perhaps we don't see eye to eye on everything - we likely do on some of the important things. I imagine she'll have my support more often than not, so long neither of us ends up shoving the other into the Grey River before we finish talking about it. What can I say? I like her a fair bit.
Written By Acacia
July 14, 2016, 4:21 a.m.(1/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Admiral Alrec appeared in Arx with the combination of seafaring command, acquired power and plenty of experience. And as none of the descriptions of him had been prefaced by 'one-legged', 'one-eyed' or 'gimpy', I'd cultivated some pretty high expectations. The start might've been a touch rocky between the two of us, breathing the memory of the sea alongside him was refreshing. Although the reflections we each have from those tumultuous waves are remarkably different, there's an unspoken accord there I'd like to foster. He might not end up the person I'd run away with, but had he been Borough-Born, I can imagine chasing him through his ambitions. Those leathers though? They're exceptionally well made, but--
Written By Kima
July 14, 2016, 12:14 a.m.(1/7/1004 AR)
The Duke put on a gala for art appreciation. If I'm honest the majority of the people to populate it were fellow Lycenes, which I can't say is surprising. I mean, we're a people of wealth and taste, after all. It went over well, even if the ribbon dancer had a meltdown and fled the stage before wrapping Bliss Whisper up in her silk. Calypso seemed a bit disappointed no one was eager to tear out the throat of another.
I ask myself: what has she been getting up to down in Southport while free of her brother's shadow?
Anyway, good food, good wine, good art and artists. One may think I'm just saying that due to the obvious reasons, but it's the truth. After all, a Whisper was there to perform. And not just any Whisper, the Champion Whisper.
I ask myself: what has she been getting up to down in Southport while free of her brother's shadow?
Anyway, good food, good wine, good art and artists. One may think I'm just saying that due to the obvious reasons, but it's the truth. After all, a Whisper was there to perform. And not just any Whisper, the Champion Whisper.
Written By Kima
July 13, 2016, 7:48 p.m.(1/7/1004 AR)
Here's a question I want to pose: why care about women in their capacity as mothers if you don't care about children? Why does it matter if some northern maid takes up the bear wrestling call rather than push out cubs if, as soon as they're born, you forget about them? I'm not mother material, and may never be, but at least I won't harden my heart against some little kid just because their parents had the indecency to abandon them by dying or something.
Written By Donella
July 12, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(1/4/1004 AR)
I have come to enjoy Victus's company. I know well he doesn't approve of me; and that's alright, because I don't need his approval. But I do appreciate the way he thinks. We talked for a time about Darkwater, the bejeweled war axe made of "elf-steel" that he took from battle with the Tyde. At least we both agree that such a thing must be a "she," we two hounds of the same master's kennel.
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 11:28 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Viviana's Minimum Courting Requirements:
1) Pure noble blood dating back to at least the reckoning.
2) Dangerous(And a little bit scary.)
3) Witty.
4) Handsome.
5) Wealthy.
6) Owns at least once nice suit.
7) A bicep I can't fit my hand all the way around.
8)At least six feet tall.
Is that really so much to ask?
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 10:46 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Champion Bliss Whisper may well be the first person I've met who actually understands the value of showmanship in a sword fight. When you duel in the tournament grounds before a crowd you are not fighting to win a battle, or to murder an enemy, you are fighting to win hearts and minds. She understands this, as I suppose something of an expert in winning hearts as a courtesan. I'm sure we're to get along famously, the fact that I can pay her to agree with me and do as I please will not doubt help also.
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 10:46 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Alrec came to our service in a rather... unorthodox way. Still we are called the libertines for a reason and do not hold the past of any many against him. Since then he's proved to be a solid asset and our short time together in Arx has demonstrated that he's highly motivated to make something of himself and do our house proud, which is what matters most.
Written By Hadrian
July 12, 2016, 3:07 a.m.(1/2/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Fiora
Cousin Fiora arrived in town. I admit to being surprised she came, but family is never unwelcome. I can think of a few reluctantly political and politically reluctant lords and ladies she would likely enjoy.
With her arrival and Calypso's, 'family dinner' might become a thing. By family, I mean whoever gathers in my suite. And by dinner, I mean wine.
With her arrival and Calypso's, 'family dinner' might become a thing. By family, I mean whoever gathers in my suite. And by dinner, I mean wine.
Written By Victus
July 11, 2016, 9:26 a.m.(12/27/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Northern women.
Its as if every one of them wants to pick a fight. I might be big and hairy, but I'm not a fucking bear. You don't have try to wrestle me. I'll admit I didn't take this one for a fighter at all when I saw her at Calista's tournament, throwing around thousands in bets as if it would never run out. I guess it doesn't when you're a Duchess. Sitting there all pretty like, surrounded by her people, flashing jewels. No, I didn't take her for a fighter.
I was just done with Jon, having drink and a breather when she comes into the Training Center. Even her armor is fancy, like she's some kind of storybook knight. She made it clear she expected a fight, occupying the sparring grounds as if she owned it. Is the fact that I allowed it a sign that I've been too long in Arx, that my perspective is getting skewed? I didn't even consider telling her to find some other woman to battle against.
I no longer consider taking it easy on these women, either. Fuck it. They want to do battle, they want to be soldiers, they want to risk their pretty faces getting broken? So be it.
She only really got me once. Guess Shavs don't wear a lot of heavy armor, eh? Still. I can't deny she had some skill. Moved better than Jon, if we're honest. Managed to take her beat down with a smile, too.
Its as if every one of them wants to pick a fight. I might be big and hairy, but I'm not a fucking bear. You don't have try to wrestle me. I'll admit I didn't take this one for a fighter at all when I saw her at Calista's tournament, throwing around thousands in bets as if it would never run out. I guess it doesn't when you're a Duchess. Sitting there all pretty like, surrounded by her people, flashing jewels. No, I didn't take her for a fighter.
I was just done with Jon, having drink and a breather when she comes into the Training Center. Even her armor is fancy, like she's some kind of storybook knight. She made it clear she expected a fight, occupying the sparring grounds as if she owned it. Is the fact that I allowed it a sign that I've been too long in Arx, that my perspective is getting skewed? I didn't even consider telling her to find some other woman to battle against.
I no longer consider taking it easy on these women, either. Fuck it. They want to do battle, they want to be soldiers, they want to risk their pretty faces getting broken? So be it.
She only really got me once. Guess Shavs don't wear a lot of heavy armor, eh? Still. I can't deny she had some skill. Moved better than Jon, if we're honest. Managed to take her beat down with a smile, too.
Written By Calista
July 11, 2016, 5:05 a.m.(12/27/1003 AR)
I held my first tournament since arriving to Arx and it was not without scandal. Shocking, I know. There were entertainers; Minstrels, dancers, scantily clad vixens handing out imported red roses from Tor. There were even some fire walkers and fire dancers around. I thought I would have been more invested in the entertainers, but as hostess, I had to make sure my participants in the sporting events were taken care of. It was certainly a rousing event. First we had jousting; Sir Silas Mercier versus Talen Artiglio with the Sword of Lenosia besting the Iron Guard. Then Prince Edain Valardin and Lady Kima Saik. The lovely lady took the price on the second event but Edain proved to be a true equestrian when it came to riding his prized horse, Sir Arugula.
Things were certainly going to be interesting at this point since both Talen and Lady Kima are from the Southern Lycene City-States. It wasn't until their tie breaker that things became complicated for me. Talen openly threw caltrops onto the field causing Lady Kima's horse, Grey Death to become injured. It was a blessing that neither Lady Kima nor her horse were critically injured. I saw what Talen did with my own eyes and had to disqualify him. He did however join in the melee and it was interesting to see how his previous actions laid the foundation for the battle royale. Princess Alis Valardin, Prince Fergus Redrain, Whisper Bliss, Sir Silas, and Talen Artiglio all competed. One by one they all started to fall either from fatigue or laid out unconscious from the crushing blows. The victor was none other than Princess Alis.
I'd say all in all, it was a great success. I cannot wait to host another spectacular event.
Things were certainly going to be interesting at this point since both Talen and Lady Kima are from the Southern Lycene City-States. It wasn't until their tie breaker that things became complicated for me. Talen openly threw caltrops onto the field causing Lady Kima's horse, Grey Death to become injured. It was a blessing that neither Lady Kima nor her horse were critically injured. I saw what Talen did with my own eyes and had to disqualify him. He did however join in the melee and it was interesting to see how his previous actions laid the foundation for the battle royale. Princess Alis Valardin, Prince Fergus Redrain, Whisper Bliss, Sir Silas, and Talen Artiglio all competed. One by one they all started to fall either from fatigue or laid out unconscious from the crushing blows. The victor was none other than Princess Alis.
I'd say all in all, it was a great success. I cannot wait to host another spectacular event.
Written By Calypso
July 11, 2016, 4:08 a.m.(12/27/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
Duke Malvici, my younger brother. He's supposed to handle the politicking that I don't want to. He's supposed to shoulder the responsibilities that I don't want to. And what a good thing that is. I prefer leading from the military side, and I don't know if I'd have a delicate enough hand, nor the patience to deal with things in quite a Lycene enough way that we wouldn't be at war within a fortnight of my rule. If and when assassins take his life in the night I'll at least have some good excuse or another to begin my storied reign with much death and bloodshed, but hopefully it never comes to that. I jest, of course. At least mostly. I could handle being in charge of things, but I'm glad to leave it to him so long that he can handle it properly.
Written By Calypso
July 11, 2016, 1:36 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Having a publicly-available journal feels like quite an exercise in vanity, or perhaps in ass-kissing. None but fools or commoners of minimal relevance will ever lay their true feelings out for all to behold unless they're seeking scandal or currying favour, but then I guess that leaves other fools to take these entries seriously. I bathed today. I ate. I slept afterwards. Aren't all of you bloody readers now rivetted by the tales of my day to day? Or perhaps disappointed that you weren't mentioned by name. Scribe, draw a cat beneath the final line of this entry. At least something of value will be on it.
(a stick figure of a cat has been poorly penned here)
(a stick figure of a cat has been poorly penned here)
Written By Niccolo
July 11, 2016, 1:32 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
The Duchess of Stonedeep. She's certainly fascinating, beautiful and has a voice that would make any man throw themselves against a mountain in order to hear it. She's a great dancer, and a just as great conversationalist. Her story is also impressive, and I can feel a certain kinship in the fact that we both have experienced great loss and have had to move on. I find myself comfortable, when I speak to her, and that is something that doesn't happen too often at all.
Written By Calypso
July 11, 2016, 1:25 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
I do believe I make more japes about death than most are comfortable with. That's fine. I don't want anyone too comfortable around me.
Written By Nadia
July 11, 2016, 1:05 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Duke Niccolo Velenosa is an exceptional man, one who suffered a great loss from which he never truly recovered. I first encountered him during a tourney, I believe. We'd only exchanged polite pleasantries before the fights began, but even then he intrigued me. He holds a timeless sophistication, the perfect epitome of a traditional, gentlemanly lord. We were more properly introduced at Grand Duchess Esera's Moonlight Social, where he impressed me with his grace and style on the dance floor, and kept me engaged with delightful conversation until we had to make our leave.
Written By Nadia
July 11, 2016, 12:56 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Lord Victus Thrax embodies all one would envision of a Thraxian warrior. He's unapologetically brutal in both on and off the battle field, if the tales of his heroism and tenacity during past fights are to hold true. (I believe them.) Not the sort of man who prides himself on scholarly pursuits (He'd said it himself), but one would be idiotic to mistake him for a fool. He's a bastion of glorious, jaded, crude-humored wisdom, but I can't help but wonder why he's come to Arx. He didn't seem the sort to play the game of politics.
I sparred him the other afternoon at the Training Center, even got to watch him in action with the rest of his swooning, sighing, and giggling gaggle of fangirls. The fight went about how I imagined it; a lot of ducking and weaving on my end, and a lot of barreling through my blows to catch whatever part of me he could. In the end, it was good. He still thinks me far too pretty to be swinging a sword, let alone parading around in pretty armor.
I sparred him the other afternoon at the Training Center, even got to watch him in action with the rest of his swooning, sighing, and giggling gaggle of fangirls. The fight went about how I imagined it; a lot of ducking and weaving on my end, and a lot of barreling through my blows to catch whatever part of me he could. In the end, it was good. He still thinks me far too pretty to be swinging a sword, let alone parading around in pretty armor.
Written By Nadia
July 11, 2016, 12:40 a.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
Princess Freja Redrain recently arrived from the Northern forests, drawn to Arx by the need to be close to her family, particularly Fergus, her brother. I've only met her a few times while I was on official business in Farhaven and she was returning from scouting operations. She seemed polite enough, if not somewhat detached. I've since had a better opportunity of breaking past her glacial exterior, and found her to be surprisingly hilarious when you get a few rounds of ale in her.
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