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Written By Emmelline

Oct. 28, 2023, 10:43 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)

I had such a lovely time at the celebration ball tonight. I got to meet so many other people, and got to know others so much better. For once in this large city, I did not feel so alone. The queen is so gracious and such a lovely host. Things could not have been anymore perfect. though I cannot lie. My dance with the Archduke Patrizio was most certainly the highlight of my evening. I had thought I might not attend, after all I do not know so many people with whom to mingle with. And then when I did arrive, I must admit I felt quite overwhelmed, and as if I had walked into the wrong place. But the queen Symonesse was so welcoming and charming, I found myself soon relaxing, and had a marvelous time. I hope there will be another such ball soon. Though I do realize these things take an age to plan.

Written By Miraya

Oct. 28, 2023, 5:20 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)

I have found myself with a new patron! Our meeting must have been the alignment of the stars for I have never met another who could be so much like myself in terms of the way we think and view the world. Granted, our goals serve different causes; his on a larger scale, mine on one that is but a smidge smaller. Still, I have great expectations this will be a fantastic patronage and I am truly looking forward to all that this patronage/protege relationship will bring.

Written By Mirari

Oct. 28, 2023, 4:16 p.m.(2/5/1021 AR)

Metal glints. Jewels glisten. Since returning to Arx, I've felt inspired and so the forge is hot. Fire and smoke.

I enjoy the process, because there's always a risk. The metal can burn and the blades are sharp. One wrong move, ...but life isn't much different.

The first piece I created was one that I've spent a long time considering, an alacirite sword that is aptly named. A cutlass sword, I'm rather fond of the jagged blade. It has an eerie quality to it, I used some rather unique materials, not for the faint of heart. Luckily, mine is doing just well.

Then, there's a few pieces I made to stock-up at the boutique at Of Works Obscura. This and that, though it's hard to sell a sword, I have this urge to use them all. And for those that don't want to carry one, well, I've made miniature ones to hang around the neck.

Written By Mirari

Oct. 28, 2023, 3:14 p.m.(2/4/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Miraya

We are all coming home. That whisper on the waves, it beckons us together. I am glad that my sister is back, I look forward to catching up. I have just the right bottle for it, too.

Written By Gwenna

Oct. 27, 2023, 11:17 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)

I spent nearly three months traveling through the Northlands before the real brunt of winter was upon us. It was cold, don't get me wrong, but the kind of cold that feels refreshing and clean when you're away from the city. But wrong, lately, in a way that is hard to describe. Still, duty called and there were many villages to visit as well as review the recent construction projects that were completed. Sometimes being away and distracted with tasks outside of Arx remind me how much there is to love in the city as well. It's good to be back, though I wonder if I could have done more while away. I suppose such things haunt us all these days.

Written By Ida

Oct. 27, 2023, 11:09 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)

I want to create something epic. The sketch I'm working on for an alaricite sword...isn't quite that. Yet? Maybe it won't ever be, but I like the idea of an emerald green dragon as part of its inspiration. I guess we'll see. It may end up as a very expensive dustable on the shop shelves.

Written By Lucita

Oct. 27, 2023, 6:20 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)

For the first time I felt the potential of a song without winding up feeling like I was going to die.

Written By Sydney

Oct. 27, 2023, 3:27 p.m.(2/2/1021 AR)

I pen a new chapter entire, looking fondly upon the last, and knowing it has ended.

I am not yet grown, for is my belief that no one ever is. We simply continue to grow, to blossom.

Nourished by warm conversations, by evening strolls, by warm blankets and delicious pies.

By sudden rainstorms, beating against the rooftops, by the silence of snow that piles up in blankets, and the rink-a-tink of each snowflake as each one finds its place.

By the sound of the ocean, beating against the shore in rhythmic tumbles and scrapes. The sound of the leaves rustling in the trees on an autumn afternoon, the crunch of dried maples underfoot. The wind in our hair, a lover's touch and comfort.

Through adversity, through pain. Through deception, through absence, and through loss.

We all grow, just a little bit better, just a little bit more broken, just a little bit stronger, just a little weaker, and there's beauty in that.

Grow until you can grow no more. It is only upon Death's embrace that we can truly say we were an adult.

For there is so room for us yet, child, time for us yet.

And we must grow.

Written By Sydney

Oct. 27, 2023, 3:20 p.m.(2/2/1021 AR)

I find solace in the snow, in these burned out lands.

I find solace in the company of friends, marveling that I can still enjoy life.

I find solace in my newfound resolve, a purpose that I hope my enemies will come to regret planting inside of me.

Written By Miraya

Oct. 25, 2023, 10:24 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Mirari

Sister! I have returned home. I cannot say for how long as the sea, it calls to me. But for now, rejoice and celebrate. I know you've missed me!

Written By Miraya

Oct. 25, 2023, 10:10 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Caspian

We share an appreciation for the cider at the Trader's Tavern and interesting conversation by the hearth. The man is well acquainted with my cousins, Mailys and Beatrix and he told tall tales of how young girls of the Lowers chase away would be assailants with sticks like the Swashbuckler of Corsetina. Even if it -isnt'- true, I lavished in the story for a moment. It was all around a good time well spent.

Written By Triton

Oct. 25, 2023, 9:52 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)

Nothing much new since the seige axcept I have been working out with the dogs lately. Animals require a different approach than human warriors! Elora has trained this to a fault, too, making them extremely effective even against armored men.

Written By Medeia

Oct. 25, 2023, 8:41 a.m.(1/26/1021 AR)

Trust is not just providing someone a key to your home, it is providing them enough flint and tinder to burn it down around you. May the people you trust always love you more than they love their pyromania.

Written By Umbroise

Oct. 25, 2023, 12:15 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Radhilde

My sweet, beautiful, charming little sister. I am so glad that you survived the fall of Cliffmore. I am equally glad that you have found a place with the Tydes. May you ever prosper.

Written By Umbroise

Oct. 25, 2023, 12:07 a.m.(1/25/1021 AR)

Relationship Note on Rhea

Marquessa Rhea Acheron. She rescued me and my sister from the ruins of Cliffmore. Moreso my sister. I was married off before the fall of the Barony, but she took me back in when I had nowhere else to go after my husband died. I owe her everything.

Written By Eirene

Oct. 24, 2023, 1:06 p.m.(1/24/1021 AR)

For those of you who were wondering why I call a memorial a Vulture's Feast, here's a little cultural lesson for you.

In times of war, in the Malvici tradition, a deceased soldier's arms, armor, and kit are divided up among their mates and friends, with the most personal of mementos going to the family. These folk rarely have elaborate wills like us silks do. Maybe a piece of jewelry is instructed to go to a loved one, or a lock of hair. But the rest? No plans.

A soldier's boots, or dice, or cards, or even armor help keep their memory alive when given to their friends and kinfolk. Much as an ancestral sword is passed down, simple things like a pipe or a belt buckle may help keep them in our thoughts and find good use for something made to be used. More importantly a sword, bow, or armor may keep someone alive - and what better tribute to a deceased soldier than saving a life of someone they fought with or loved or died for?

Much as a vulture makes life from death, so do we find life and love in the distribution of the fallen's things.

Until we see our loved ones again beyond this life - may that day be a long fucking way off.

Written By Miraya

Oct. 24, 2023, 9:24 a.m.(1/24/1021 AR)

A brief sojourn on the seas is required every few months or so, I think. Nothing like setting your eyes on the horizon and seeing nothing but crystal blue waters in the distance. There is nothing quite like watching the sun rise from the prow. Same can be said about watching sunsets. Generally, I enjoy those from high above. My sisters will be happy to see me, I hope! I've been kept up to date with all that has been happening in the city and I'm disappointed I did not return in time to be a part of the battle that ended Helena Thornweave. Alas. There will be other battles, I am sure.

Now I know what most are thinking when they see me on the Hope of Miraya. Who can be this vain to name a boat after herself? Well, it was not I who named the the caravel, but even if I had, there is no greater honor to our mother, THE Miraya Corsetina. I just happen to be named after her.

Written By Medeia

Oct. 24, 2023, 7:34 a.m.(1/24/1021 AR)

It is always wonderful to have guests at the tower. Recently, I decided to open the snow-covered gardens to the public for ice skating upon our frozen pond. I know, some might be surprised that a southern house hosted a wintry event, but as much as I dislike the winter - I do, I believe that the seasons are a vital part of our world. And so, I do try to embrace what joy I can in the icy months. This usually comes from having wonderful company. The guests for the evening represented, in various ways, all the parts of the Compact - from north to south and from sea to mountain. These are the moments I treasure.

Also? I still cannot ice skate without falling.

Written By Ilmia

Oct. 23, 2023, 10:54 p.m.(1/23/1021 AR)

I hosted my first dinner since returning from the Leaholdt. Princess Sabella and Lord Jasper were kind enough to attend and I think that it was good to just have a moment to...be. Not to talk on monsters or anything like that. Just to share food and drink and company.

Written By Ida

Oct. 23, 2023, 6:21 p.m.(1/23/1021 AR)

I'm in the process of cleaning out my stores. Some of these materials were bought at the market 'for a rainy day' or 'just in case' and have been gathering dust ever since. Others were impulse buys when I happened to save enough coin to splurge a bit. So instead of waiting for a rainy day, I'm putting them all into one thing or another. I have plans for a diamondplate bow with ephiphanite. The seraphinite...maybe some meadow themed somethings-or-other. I have enough alaricite for a sword and am thinking of doing something really creative, except I have no idea what that might be. You'd think after all the traveling I've done the last few of months, I might have returned inspired. No such luck.

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