Written By Cambria
June 27, 2020, 12:47 p.m.(7/20/1013 AR)
There has always been, and always will be, playacting in political life. (Or should I say political theater?) People will prefer to act out strong emotions and so forth for their own sake than aught else. At times, this mimicry is rather mild, while at others it is overpowering. Now that is not to say that every manifestation of feeling is false, rather it is that the temptation to act more passionately than one feels is common.
Written By Piccola
June 27, 2020, 12:21 p.m.(7/20/1013 AR)
I met a man who, by his personal drive and industry, seeks to make a comfortable life for himself, and I immediately admired him.
It occurred to me that the source of the misery of human life arises from over-rating the difference between one situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches; ambition, that between a private and a public station; vain-glory, that between obscurity and extensive reputation. Anyone under the influence of any of those extravagant passions is not only miserable in his actual situation, but is often disposed to disturb the peace of society in order to arrive at that which he so foolishly admires. However, the slightest observation might satisfy him, that, in all the ordinary situations of human life, a well-disposed mind may be equally calm, equally cheerful, and equally contented. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred to others; however, none can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardor which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice.
So it was that this man, who had neither title nor even patron to recommend him, came to me by invitation, and provided to me the theory above. He sought neither riches nor station nor reputation beyond his own skill. And while I await the quality of his work, scholar, it was his desire for self-determination that caught my eye and ear.
May Gild bless him.
It occurred to me that the source of the misery of human life arises from over-rating the difference between one situation and another. Avarice over-rates the difference between poverty and riches; ambition, that between a private and a public station; vain-glory, that between obscurity and extensive reputation. Anyone under the influence of any of those extravagant passions is not only miserable in his actual situation, but is often disposed to disturb the peace of society in order to arrive at that which he so foolishly admires. However, the slightest observation might satisfy him, that, in all the ordinary situations of human life, a well-disposed mind may be equally calm, equally cheerful, and equally contented. Some of those situations may, no doubt, deserve to be preferred to others; however, none can deserve to be pursued with that passionate ardor which drives us to violate the rules either of prudence or of justice.
So it was that this man, who had neither title nor even patron to recommend him, came to me by invitation, and provided to me the theory above. He sought neither riches nor station nor reputation beyond his own skill. And while I await the quality of his work, scholar, it was his desire for self-determination that caught my eye and ear.
May Gild bless him.
Written By Ravna
June 27, 2020, 10:55 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
When Two become One, does that mean Two is now undone? Or soon becomes an even greater number for that self-sacrifice?
Thirteen mirrors facing inward, each mirror can see each mirror, One sits in the center of Thirteen - how many Ones will One see?
Is One still One, or One times Thirteen?
Her skin painted like the night sky, and she is divine, so is there a riddle thought: Do stars disappear during the day? Are the stars always there? The moon? Is a thing still a thing if another thing covers that thing?
Is it the armory that has value, or the wielder and wearer?
One blade stuck in the table, three hands on top, two bodies present - who gets dropped?
Thirteen mirrors facing inward, each mirror can see each mirror, One sits in the center of Thirteen - how many Ones will One see?
Is One still One, or One times Thirteen?
Her skin painted like the night sky, and she is divine, so is there a riddle thought: Do stars disappear during the day? Are the stars always there? The moon? Is a thing still a thing if another thing covers that thing?
Is it the armory that has value, or the wielder and wearer?
One blade stuck in the table, three hands on top, two bodies present - who gets dropped?
Written By Rysen
June 27, 2020, 10:23 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Tescelina
When we first met, we did not get along. You embodied your ideals with a countenance as cold and majestic as the Everwinter. I was fire and warmth, clinging desperately to mine. You chided me once for my foolishness in addressing the stars, as those who imagine life in all things sometimes do, and yet we both could not look away from their brilliance. In parting, you smiled - rare, radiant and beautiful.
Your sword skill was alive with fluidity and grace. As we traveled, our differences became strengths. You became someone I respected and trusted: a comrade in arms and a friend.
In my nightmares of Sungreet, when the men and women of Stormwall, who trained with me since I was a boy, are dying, and my rage and hate begin to well up into a black despair - then do I glance to my right and see you locked in a mortal duel with the Reviled Master. Each time in my dream I fight desperately to reach you - but I can never change anything. You always become a brilliant light.
You have embodied all of the highest ideals of knighthood, Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard. It is an honor to have known you. The last message I have in your hand reads: "I have not smiled in a long time." Let it be otherwise in your next turn, Knight of Sorrows.
Your sword skill was alive with fluidity and grace. As we traveled, our differences became strengths. You became someone I respected and trusted: a comrade in arms and a friend.
In my nightmares of Sungreet, when the men and women of Stormwall, who trained with me since I was a boy, are dying, and my rage and hate begin to well up into a black despair - then do I glance to my right and see you locked in a mortal duel with the Reviled Master. Each time in my dream I fight desperately to reach you - but I can never change anything. You always become a brilliant light.
You have embodied all of the highest ideals of knighthood, Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard. It is an honor to have known you. The last message I have in your hand reads: "I have not smiled in a long time." Let it be otherwise in your next turn, Knight of Sorrows.
Written By Ilira
June 27, 2020, 10:09 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Martino
How smoothly silver tongues twine.
Written By Mabelle
June 27, 2020, 6:31 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
I was always told to be careful what I wish for.
No one ever warned me to be mindful what I complained about.
Different action, same result.
No one ever warned me to be mindful what I complained about.
Different action, same result.
Written By Charis
June 27, 2020, 3:24 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
What's "perspicacious"? I asked the butcher two shops down. He said it sounded sweaty.
Written By Sydney
June 27, 2020, 1:12 a.m.(7/19/1013 AR)
There is no greater solace than the words one needs to hear, written by whom one needs to hear it from, delivered by letter.
They do not cure all, but they're a welcome start.
They do not cure all, but they're a welcome start.
Written By Sunaia
June 26, 2020, 9:46 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
So, I was very sure I was going to find the right horse today - and I have Scholar. Would you like to see him?
(No, not here. I am fully aware that a horse cannot invade the sanctity of the Archives. I'm not that impulsive --)
Scholar has just disagreed with me. He shook his head. Please, note that Scholar Einar has endured me long enough to make this judgement call. I can't say that I blame him, not really. So, at the market. There I am. I visited the usual purveyors of fine horses. They were, obviously, out of my purchase range and I moved on.
I saw a dun - a chestnut. I saw a beautiful bay. Gelding, with a little white snip at the end of his nose. The stable-hand helped me. Blanket - saddle - girth. While I was tightening the girth there was a bridle brought. I sent them back, once or twice and I was terribly insistent that I wanted a bit-less bridle. I wanted him to have his head. After the usual bartering and settling of the trade, I had him.
He's mostly calm, but fresh and overly eager to be out of the stables and in the open air. He didn't spook when a cart passed by. All good omens, I think, for a smooth ride. I simply walked him through the city center (with only a minor stop for a day's worth of provisions for horse and rider) and we were off and into the forest. It takes so very little to spur him on. Which is, both a good thing - and bad. Because I needed a visit to the Mercies and a soak at the Grotto after I took a tumble.
We trotted out into the woods, took a path, and -- we flew. Not literally.
But a gallop through a wild wood is the closest that I think I will ever be to that weightless feeling.
Spending a full day out in such a way won''t cure my restless heart.
At least for a few hours, I could forget about it.
(No, not here. I am fully aware that a horse cannot invade the sanctity of the Archives. I'm not that impulsive --)
Scholar has just disagreed with me. He shook his head. Please, note that Scholar Einar has endured me long enough to make this judgement call. I can't say that I blame him, not really. So, at the market. There I am. I visited the usual purveyors of fine horses. They were, obviously, out of my purchase range and I moved on.
I saw a dun - a chestnut. I saw a beautiful bay. Gelding, with a little white snip at the end of his nose. The stable-hand helped me. Blanket - saddle - girth. While I was tightening the girth there was a bridle brought. I sent them back, once or twice and I was terribly insistent that I wanted a bit-less bridle. I wanted him to have his head. After the usual bartering and settling of the trade, I had him.
He's mostly calm, but fresh and overly eager to be out of the stables and in the open air. He didn't spook when a cart passed by. All good omens, I think, for a smooth ride. I simply walked him through the city center (with only a minor stop for a day's worth of provisions for horse and rider) and we were off and into the forest. It takes so very little to spur him on. Which is, both a good thing - and bad. Because I needed a visit to the Mercies and a soak at the Grotto after I took a tumble.
We trotted out into the woods, took a path, and -- we flew. Not literally.
But a gallop through a wild wood is the closest that I think I will ever be to that weightless feeling.
Spending a full day out in such a way won''t cure my restless heart.
At least for a few hours, I could forget about it.
Written By Oili
June 26, 2020, 8:47 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
To whomever needs to know this:
Contrary to whatever popular stereotypes exist of Northmen, we're quite educated. I know that might upset some that can only live in a world where the Northmen fail to grasp basic concepts, but we didn't build houses into mountainsides by yelling at them.
That this needs to be said at all is both greatly disappointing and largely confusing to me.
Contrary to whatever popular stereotypes exist of Northmen, we're quite educated. I know that might upset some that can only live in a world where the Northmen fail to grasp basic concepts, but we didn't build houses into mountainsides by yelling at them.
That this needs to be said at all is both greatly disappointing and largely confusing to me.
Written By Rosalind
June 26, 2020, 6:46 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
It.Is.HOT! So hot scholar! But I'm more than ready for the next adventure, much to the dismay of my family...
Written By Thea
June 26, 2020, 6:43 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
I borrowed aunt Eirene's twins today. I needed them for a project really, but we went on an adventure. I took them on a small sailing adventure, one tried to ride Finn. Like he was a horse. I mean, Finn took it like a champ and I may have suggested to them that they should ask their mother for a Finn of their own. OOPS! We did quite a bit but Gods, they were exhausting. But you know what scholar? By the end of the day, they were exhausted and filthy and SAFELY delivered home. Hear that? SAFELY! I took the scalpel away just in time....
Written By Sydney
June 26, 2020, 6:08 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
The rumors say there was a falling star. Did anyone find it?
Why do I sleep through every ephemeral occurrence of note in this city but the damned painful snow?
Why do I sleep through every ephemeral occurrence of note in this city but the damned painful snow?
Written By Gwenna
June 26, 2020, 6:01 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
Diplomacy is often the art of pleasing one's fellow peers, while also not pissing off the person or persons with sharp objects who are not opposed to using them. Especially if they might not be opposed to using them on you.
Written By Sirius
June 26, 2020, 5:04 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Lys
The din of the living, brokered into the silence of the hereafter all in a singular dream. If only it were so easy, Baroness.
Ding, ding, ding-a-ling.
Ding, ding, ding-a-ling.
Written By Saoirse
June 26, 2020, 3:59 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
I'm confused. Are we getting our knickers in knots over titles now? Seems gauche.
Written By Anisha
June 26, 2020, 12:46 p.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
It is an honour to be appointed Best Liar to Lord Idris and Lady Iris Malvici, and I do so solemnly swear to teach them the exact value of truth and the virtues of Lycene living, as I understand them. I will strive to be worthy of the trust Lady Eirene has placed in me.
Now to figure out a good set of truths and lies to present at their birthday.
Preparation is everything.
Now to figure out a good set of truths and lies to present at their birthday.
Preparation is everything.
Written By Selene
June 26, 2020, 11:08 a.m.(7/18/1013 AR)
What makes you happy? What truly inspires you? There are themes and motifs that end up buried under the welter of life, and every so often, mine for them like a treasured heirloom.
Written By Victus
June 26, 2020, 9:05 a.m.(7/17/1013 AR)
When contracting Prima Shard and the Valorous Few to assist in our common problem with those ornery to thralldom’s end, I was quite pleased with the service provided.
Some of them even got on boats to get to Sungreet. Which is a /long/ journey for someone who doesn’t like boats in the least.
Some of them even got on boats to get to Sungreet. Which is a /long/ journey for someone who doesn’t like boats in the least.
Written By Raziel
June 26, 2020, 8:45 a.m.(7/17/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Note to self: Find out what a Prima is and why people seem to have such difficulty holding to one definition.
Oh I'm quite aware it does not make one a Peer, Scholar. I've just not heard or read the term before, and it pays to check when someone encounters something unknown, yes?
Oh I'm quite aware it does not make one a Peer, Scholar. I've just not heard or read the term before, and it pays to check when someone encounters something unknown, yes?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.