Written By Bellamy
May 14, 2020, 4:58 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
It seems to me that much of Arvum is obsessed with love and courtship. Many are utterly fascinated by the feelings of infatuation and flirtations. I wish I could understand that obsession, but I do not. People are quite lovely and beautiful all, but rarely do I have an interest in more than a stimulating conversation these days. I feel no longing toward romance. I have no opinion on marriage-- though I am aware it has been a topic heatedly debated recently --for I am far too young to have to worry about marriage. I am just now stretching my wings as an adult. Just now finding my footing in the world and learning what I would like to do with this life I have been blessed with.
That being said, if one more person mistakes my friendliness for an invitation for more than anything but conversation I am going to lock myself up in the Great Achives and never speak to anyone again.
P.S.
I know it is accepted and considered a polite greeting but I truly find having my fingers kissed invasive. And I would invite others to consider if they find this greeting appealing or not. Do you want someone you have just met to take your hand (and please note that my hands are oft dirty for I am a gardener) and lay their mouth against your knuckles?
I don't.
That being said, if one more person mistakes my friendliness for an invitation for more than anything but conversation I am going to lock myself up in the Great Achives and never speak to anyone again.
P.S.
I know it is accepted and considered a polite greeting but I truly find having my fingers kissed invasive. And I would invite others to consider if they find this greeting appealing or not. Do you want someone you have just met to take your hand (and please note that my hands are oft dirty for I am a gardener) and lay their mouth against your knuckles?
I don't.
Written By Rosalind
May 14, 2020, 4:26 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
Babies are not ugly! Even when they're born. I don't get why you have to prepare someone for something that is so blessed. Yeesh!
Written By Ravna
May 14, 2020, 4:20 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
I-it is, you know, between sips of this fine, fine wine, this Woel - MY Woel - that I dream of warm curves, an-and you know, where...where we will go. You think, Scholar, that this is real? Not this. But, This, you know? Why can I not touch the moon? Why can I not just grab it from the sky, yeah? I bet, I know even, if I wanted, I probably could, I bet. Maybe.
It is then that, you know, I wonder - aloud - to you, like an old friend that stares a-at me with such contempt that I wonder: Do you know the peace of a true love? Of a bottle, of a fire, of a cold night but no clouds? I bet not, mhm, I bet not. No. I bet, you know, you, like many perhaps - maybe even - forget, get lost in the many, many things. The many-many-many things. The shiny things, the loud voices, mhm. So many voices...
...hey, do you ever wonder why Champions drink so much? I bet, you know, I'd wager even, possibly, it's from all those voices. Woof. Must be rough...
Me? Oh, no. No, no, no, nooooo. No thank you. No. Positively, not I, Ravna, no. Mhm. Nah. I could never. Too busy, yes? Me. Certainly. Life Is For Living. To drink, to lean on warm curves, barely awake and sore. Mhm. Yes. None of that sparkly nonsensical shit for me, no. Thanks, though.
Ohhhhh! Look at you! You sipped it, and didn't not once even cough a little! Proud of you, Scholar! Ahhhhhh! And that laugh! THAT. LAUGH.
Such is life, such is Woel.
It is then that, you know, I wonder - aloud - to you, like an old friend that stares a-at me with such contempt that I wonder: Do you know the peace of a true love? Of a bottle, of a fire, of a cold night but no clouds? I bet not, mhm, I bet not. No. I bet, you know, you, like many perhaps - maybe even - forget, get lost in the many, many things. The many-many-many things. The shiny things, the loud voices, mhm. So many voices...
...hey, do you ever wonder why Champions drink so much? I bet, you know, I'd wager even, possibly, it's from all those voices. Woof. Must be rough...
Me? Oh, no. No, no, no, nooooo. No thank you. No. Positively, not I, Ravna, no. Mhm. Nah. I could never. Too busy, yes? Me. Certainly. Life Is For Living. To drink, to lean on warm curves, barely awake and sore. Mhm. Yes. None of that sparkly nonsensical shit for me, no. Thanks, though.
Ohhhhh! Look at you! You sipped it, and didn't not once even cough a little! Proud of you, Scholar! Ahhhhhh! And that laugh! THAT. LAUGH.
Such is life, such is Woel.
Written By Mikani
May 14, 2020, 2:08 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
I find it interesting all this talking on my behalf. A few things I found very interesting. Social Climber. Yes I was ennobled in a Barony and now am Lady in a Duchy. When I hear Social Climber, to me this sounds like something that is methodically planned and something I set out to do with charts and figures. That isn't the case. I wanted to find a home for my skills. Where I would be appreciated for what I could bring to the house. Be it still in Redreef or in Crovane ... or another Barony to /gasp/ a high house. Though being ennobled in a Barony, would make it very hard for me not to be a social climber by Princess Sorrel's definition. Most houses are higher than Redreef in status.
As for a love match. I assure everyone that while I do love my husband. I make no excuses that there was love before we married. That there would have been /no marriage/, I repeat, /no marriage/ if it was not logically and diplomatically desirable for Byrne /and/ Crovane for us to wed. Me stepping down for Graham was the right thing to do and the relationship for Byrne and Crovane is a beneficial one. Not one born from my lust. Which to me just seems ridiculous. I am able to reign in my passions for the sake of my house. I am just a woman that was blessed by the gods. I thought that is what the Pantheon preached. That if the gods find you worthy you are blessed and you succeed in life. Isn't that what we teach our children? If the gods deem you worthy for a gift you will have it?
I am not being prideful. I honor the gifts given to me and try my hardest to honor the gods with what I have been blessed with. I have bore children to Crovane and I have honored the marriage contract that was set before me. Just like every other noble that has been talking about me in the whites.
While this will not stop the duel and the outcome is in the hands of Gloria and Sentinel .... I know I will continue to honor the gods with my gifts, talents and service. It is all I can do as a noble of Arvum. As a citizen of Arvum. I hope you all do the same. I will not be responding to attacks against this white. I am quite done with reading about what people have decided happened in my life. Thank you.
As for a love match. I assure everyone that while I do love my husband. I make no excuses that there was love before we married. That there would have been /no marriage/, I repeat, /no marriage/ if it was not logically and diplomatically desirable for Byrne /and/ Crovane for us to wed. Me stepping down for Graham was the right thing to do and the relationship for Byrne and Crovane is a beneficial one. Not one born from my lust. Which to me just seems ridiculous. I am able to reign in my passions for the sake of my house. I am just a woman that was blessed by the gods. I thought that is what the Pantheon preached. That if the gods find you worthy you are blessed and you succeed in life. Isn't that what we teach our children? If the gods deem you worthy for a gift you will have it?
I am not being prideful. I honor the gifts given to me and try my hardest to honor the gods with what I have been blessed with. I have bore children to Crovane and I have honored the marriage contract that was set before me. Just like every other noble that has been talking about me in the whites.
While this will not stop the duel and the outcome is in the hands of Gloria and Sentinel .... I know I will continue to honor the gods with my gifts, talents and service. It is all I can do as a noble of Arvum. As a citizen of Arvum. I hope you all do the same. I will not be responding to attacks against this white. I am quite done with reading about what people have decided happened in my life. Thank you.
Written By Hamish
May 14, 2020, 11:56 a.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
Death makes all humans equal.
Whether one works the soil in the Oathlands or sits on a throne in the palace, whether one lives outside of the Compact's laws in the northern wilderness or has had their freedom taken from them by Eurusi slavers, that we were given souls by our Mother of Beginnings and that those souls will be welcomed home when we die by our Queen of Endings is what matters.
Our memories of people are important to us. All stories deserve to be so remembered. This is why we celebrate heroes, this is why we value family, and this is why we tell stories of friends. One day those who celebrate, those who value, those who tell stories, will pass from this world. Their souls will be welcomed home by our Queen of Endings, but their stories will carry on with those who loved them. But while children my tell the stories of their parents, the stories of their grandparents and great grandparents will become muddied as memories fade. This is why we memorialize the beloved dead.
I encourage those who have lost anyone they wish to remember, that they wish others to remember, to bring a skull to the memorial wall in the shrine of our Queen of Endings. Few may know the name of a lost parent, a lost sibling, a lost child, but if you place a skull someone will. Her Harlequins will. Share their stories with us.
It is possible that our names, our memories, our cities and houses may fade, and our souls remain the only part of us that is eternal, but those lost to us deserve the honor of our memory.
Whether one works the soil in the Oathlands or sits on a throne in the palace, whether one lives outside of the Compact's laws in the northern wilderness or has had their freedom taken from them by Eurusi slavers, that we were given souls by our Mother of Beginnings and that those souls will be welcomed home when we die by our Queen of Endings is what matters.
Our memories of people are important to us. All stories deserve to be so remembered. This is why we celebrate heroes, this is why we value family, and this is why we tell stories of friends. One day those who celebrate, those who value, those who tell stories, will pass from this world. Their souls will be welcomed home by our Queen of Endings, but their stories will carry on with those who loved them. But while children my tell the stories of their parents, the stories of their grandparents and great grandparents will become muddied as memories fade. This is why we memorialize the beloved dead.
I encourage those who have lost anyone they wish to remember, that they wish others to remember, to bring a skull to the memorial wall in the shrine of our Queen of Endings. Few may know the name of a lost parent, a lost sibling, a lost child, but if you place a skull someone will. Her Harlequins will. Share their stories with us.
It is possible that our names, our memories, our cities and houses may fade, and our souls remain the only part of us that is eternal, but those lost to us deserve the honor of our memory.
Written By Mabelle
May 14, 2020, 11:32 a.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
I was sitting in the garden with my Mistward Labrador, when a mini horse walked in and claimed the floor,
It was wearing a sweater, what do you know? It's already spring, there is no more snow.
My goat fainted instantly upon that sight, even the regular horses considered a flight,
The duck did not buy it, he was no fool and if we're being honest, neither did the mule,
But the pig did not mind from the mud where he dozed, I guess its not uncommon to see a pony with clothes.
While my rhyme is not the best, those heroes are blessed,
For all can be purchased at the Laurent livestock sale, it's no jest.
It was wearing a sweater, what do you know? It's already spring, there is no more snow.
My goat fainted instantly upon that sight, even the regular horses considered a flight,
The duck did not buy it, he was no fool and if we're being honest, neither did the mule,
But the pig did not mind from the mud where he dozed, I guess its not uncommon to see a pony with clothes.
While my rhyme is not the best, those heroes are blessed,
For all can be purchased at the Laurent livestock sale, it's no jest.
Written By Mirella
May 14, 2020, 10:38 a.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
The sound of lifting lids.
Written By Svana
May 14, 2020, 10:11 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Jules
Jules says that he wants to emotionally prepare me for the fact that our babies will be ugly coming out of the womb, as seeing their smooshed faces and triangle-shaped heads may be too much for me to bear after going through horrible pain. He didn't seem convinced when I told him that no matter what, I shall think they're beautiful because I'm their mother. I can still acknowledge that the babies have smooshed faces and triangle-shaped heads and think they're beautiful. I'm hoping that the shape of the heads shall be round and without incident. We've got nearly four or five months coming on now though, so I won't bother myself with speculating too much.
There is one thing that I am sure of; I've been knitting baby booties to pass the time when I'm not working, and our children shall never have cold feet no matter how ugly they are.
There is one thing that I am sure of; I've been knitting baby booties to pass the time when I'm not working, and our children shall never have cold feet no matter how ugly they are.
Written By Eirene
May 14, 2020, 9:34 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
All of it happened. All of it was real. Every dream was a memory bubbled to the surface. I was there for much of it. I remember.
So why are all these memories flooding back at the same time? What does it mean, and what happened to the one who was responsible for our forgetting.
This is either very good or very very bad.
So why are all these memories flooding back at the same time? What does it mean, and what happened to the one who was responsible for our forgetting.
This is either very good or very very bad.
Written By Juneau
May 14, 2020, 7:10 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Hi Mom! I finally made it to Arx. It took me longer than I expected to reach the city because of all the snow on the roads through the winter, but I did ok! The wagon is sturdy and was warm the whole way thanks to the old wooden stove you let me take along. I hope you got my letters along the way and in case you don't I'll be putting copies in the great archive as my white journals. Including this one.
On my first day here, I went to the Sleepless Knights Inn and met a sweet woman named Korka! I like that name. She's from the Telmarch, isn't that cool? Anyway she had really dark eyes that reminded me of yours.
On my third or fourth day here I met someone named Aldwulf. At first I thought he said BALD wolf and there was some confusion there but he turned out to be very nice. He's the protege of Lady Sunaia Ashford and says he's going to be meeting the Duke soon which is really amazing considering he's only been here a couple weeks longer than I have! Just wow!
I should work on finding my own patron, I think. I was looking through the older classifieds ads and saw a Duke Malcolm Shepherd was looking. And! I responded to an advertisement seeking investigators. I can do that! I would love to do that. I'll write again to let you know how it all goes. I hope you and dad and the boys are doing well. Please write soon.
Love, Juneau
On my first day here, I went to the Sleepless Knights Inn and met a sweet woman named Korka! I like that name. She's from the Telmarch, isn't that cool? Anyway she had really dark eyes that reminded me of yours.
On my third or fourth day here I met someone named Aldwulf. At first I thought he said BALD wolf and there was some confusion there but he turned out to be very nice. He's the protege of Lady Sunaia Ashford and says he's going to be meeting the Duke soon which is really amazing considering he's only been here a couple weeks longer than I have! Just wow!
I should work on finding my own patron, I think. I was looking through the older classifieds ads and saw a Duke Malcolm Shepherd was looking. And! I responded to an advertisement seeking investigators. I can do that! I would love to do that. I'll write again to let you know how it all goes. I hope you and dad and the boys are doing well. Please write soon.
Love, Juneau
Written By Caelis
May 14, 2020, 3:58 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
My youngest is three already, and brave Samuel is five. It is astounding how quickly that time has past and how frighteningly clever small children are. I feel the next time I look again Samuel will be in his road to knighthood and our sweet, curious Sugan will be off to her fostering. I wonder what I shall do with myself then? Perhaps spend more time at sea. I miss the spray of salt water and wind crisp enough to take the breath away. The sky at night when the seas are calm and the stars sparkle on the water...
May your hopes find safe harbors.
May your hopes find safe harbors.
Written By Asher
May 14, 2020, 12:24 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Made a deal with Lady Eirene for assistance with my grand project; I make her wedding rings - hers and Lord Mihaly's, of course - and they help with the project. Some other additions beyond that of course. But it seems I'm racking up a backlog of things to make of Star Iron. Lady Mikani just got her order of hair beads; never thought I'd be done with those. I've still got to get the corset done. I'll get help from Svana for the non-metal bits, but the Star Iron bracings... Clever, that. Hidden behind the cloth, harder to see. But just as functional. I hope all this doesn't blow up in my face. Messing with magic tends to make horrible things happen, I hear.
Written By Jules
May 14, 2020, 12:17 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
I will stand by my opinion that there's something magical about babies. They aren't cute when they first pop out but I've never even met someone else who doesn't think they're adorable. I'm glad there's something magical about them, if that is the case.
Written By Sina
May 14, 2020, 12:08 a.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
A question has come up about black journals, and so I feel that I must make a more public record of my reply to that person, though I shall respect their anonymity. It seems there is some confusion about how black journals work. Black journals are recorded typically in the Confessional in the Great Archive, by Godsworn Scholars who are trained in the care and handling of those journals. They are then re-sealed after every update. After the updates are made, they are taken away and stored for safekeeping by those same Godsworn, accompanied by Templars to ensure that they are safeguarded.
You may not take your own black journal out of the Archives for any reason. Destroying any part of a black journal would be heresy, for these are our sacred bond with the Gods. They are our private testimonials. They are intended for things that we generally would not care to share with the general populace, but things which we feel must still be recorded, in order to do honor to Vellichor as we have been charged. To seek to destroy them, or any part of a black journal, is something that should never be considered. They are inviolate.
Upon your death, however, you have options. You may request that your black journal be purged upon your death, which probably means they go into the care of the Censor Librorum. You may ask that your black journals be released, either to the public, or to specific individuals, but only upon your death, and only for your own black journals. Or, you may allow them to linger in the Great Archive, stored away and sealed for safekeeping, for all time.
Black journals should never be removed from the Great Archive. Nor is it permissible to divulge what is written within another person's black journal. Black journals are your most private thoughts, shared between you and the Gods. Think of them as sacred offerings, and you are laying them upon the altar of History. This is why only Godsworn Scholars may handle them. And those rare few who have in the past violated this sanctity were made into Silent Reflections, losing their writing hand and tongue that they might never speak again of what they have read.
I know this seems harsh, but our duty to Vellichor and the preservation and guardianship of knowledge is that great. Should there ever be a question as to whether something is permissible with regards to black journals, please do not hesitate to ask me, or any of the Legates.
You may not take your own black journal out of the Archives for any reason. Destroying any part of a black journal would be heresy, for these are our sacred bond with the Gods. They are our private testimonials. They are intended for things that we generally would not care to share with the general populace, but things which we feel must still be recorded, in order to do honor to Vellichor as we have been charged. To seek to destroy them, or any part of a black journal, is something that should never be considered. They are inviolate.
Upon your death, however, you have options. You may request that your black journal be purged upon your death, which probably means they go into the care of the Censor Librorum. You may ask that your black journals be released, either to the public, or to specific individuals, but only upon your death, and only for your own black journals. Or, you may allow them to linger in the Great Archive, stored away and sealed for safekeeping, for all time.
Black journals should never be removed from the Great Archive. Nor is it permissible to divulge what is written within another person's black journal. Black journals are your most private thoughts, shared between you and the Gods. Think of them as sacred offerings, and you are laying them upon the altar of History. This is why only Godsworn Scholars may handle them. And those rare few who have in the past violated this sanctity were made into Silent Reflections, losing their writing hand and tongue that they might never speak again of what they have read.
I know this seems harsh, but our duty to Vellichor and the preservation and guardianship of knowledge is that great. Should there ever be a question as to whether something is permissible with regards to black journals, please do not hesitate to ask me, or any of the Legates.
Written By Tikva
May 13, 2020, 11:59 p.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Let memory speak, to all who have not listened
By name or kind or kith and kin christened,
and madness it seems upon the tip of the tongue,
from the highest of society to its lowest rung,
but taste not the bitter draught of mockery
when clarity is what is poured out of the crockery.
I know not whose song I sing tonight,
but pour one out for them as shon this light.
Praise be to Vellichor, that none of our songs be forgotten.
Even those whose rhyming schemes at best are misbegotten.
By name or kind or kith and kin christened,
and madness it seems upon the tip of the tongue,
from the highest of society to its lowest rung,
but taste not the bitter draught of mockery
when clarity is what is poured out of the crockery.
I know not whose song I sing tonight,
but pour one out for them as shon this light.
Praise be to Vellichor, that none of our songs be forgotten.
Even those whose rhyming schemes at best are misbegotten.
Written By Shard
May 13, 2020, 11:57 p.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Yes, that's right, that was my entire entry. I let it take up a whole page. I'm going to let this one fill up a whole page too, before I stop being a smug jackass.
A wasteful, smug jackass.
Right, I'm done.
A wasteful, smug jackass.
Right, I'm done.
Written By Shard
May 13, 2020, 11:54 p.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
No.
Written By Tanith
May 13, 2020, 10:34 p.m.(4/15/1013 AR)
Spring at the Murder. About the same as winter at the Murder, except less firewood during the day, and more snogging in the booths, and I tend to find more kittens in the drafty cellar.
Written By Brianna
May 13, 2020, 6:16 p.m.(4/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
Lord Rysen, please shut up and let me pound Lord Drake into the dirt so we can be done with this.
(No offense, Lord Drake. I'm sure you will fight honorably.)
(No offense, Lord Drake. I'm sure you will fight honorably.)
Written By Sydney
May 13, 2020, 5:53 p.m.(4/14/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Drake
You've all the luck, haven't you? I'll look forward to watching your victory.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.