May 21, 2023, 6:53 a.m.(11/7/1019 AR)
It is often difficult to balance duties and social events, the latter of which are perhaps nearly as important as the former. Sometimes things weigh on a person to the point that it feels like it would be hard to indulge in something enjoyable. Of course, I knew the Under the Stars Ball was upcoming and even mused over an outfit I have that fit the theme perfectly. Still, I wondered if time would allow, or my mood would dissuade me once again from some merriment. The stars must have aligned (pun intended) and I did end up going. How glad I am that I did. Marquessa Quenia turned the Botanical Gardens into a delightful wonderland! I still marvel at the elegance she achieved when I think upon it. The wine, unsurprisingly, was excellent and the food as well. It was nice to see familiar faces and notice a few new ones as well. Overall, it was a stunning affair and I'm of a mind to make time in the future to attend such things more often.
May 21, 2023, 6:21 a.m.(11/7/1019 AR)
How quickly does responsibility stoop the shoulders of those who take on its burden? The children gain a new mother, my cousin a new bride, Keaton a new Marquessa and what do I get? Gray hair and the beginnings of a right proper scowl from the work I've been doing. Orin and the Riverdogs are laughing because I missed the ball, and inside I can feel my guts knotting at the thought of not having been there, and the taste is worse because damn it, I had been looking forward to it. I'll sort the joking rats out, if I don't get to smile, they won't either after I've drilled them until it hurts to even think.
Written By
Agric
May 21, 2023, 2 a.m.(11/6/1019 AR)
Tonight I was reminded of the grandeur one can find in this city. Marquessa Quenia transformed the botanical gardens into a starry spectacle that delighted the crowd, myself included, and there were plenty of drinks to make even the risk of ballroom dancing bearable. Still, I think I've had my fill of glamour for a time. It's back to the books for me, as the stack to read is ever-growing.
Written By
Ann
May 20, 2023, 6:03 p.m.(11/6/1019 AR)
Relationship Note on
Filshiar
Scholar, it is always a joy to see this knight in his element. Whether it is talking about things in the Stacks. Enjoying a horseback ride in the woods or a fine dinner with quiet conversation. The last seeing him play as hunter, harvester at the Lodge and telling us all about the apples and other things that can be used for food.
The children were delighted to have their own share of fruit. It was thoughtful of him to make sure there were small enough baskets for them to carry with them home.
I am glad to call this knight, friend. I look forward to seeing Filshiar and I's friendship blossom more in the future.
May 20, 2023, 3:46 p.m.(11/5/1019 AR)
The greatest compliment ever paid me was when someone asked me what I thought, then listened to my answer.
May 20, 2023, 1:07 p.m.(11/5/1019 AR)
Between a thousand other things, I've been working on sketching a bit of something that will eventually be a gift. I'm actually quite happy with it thus far and hope one of the amazing artisans in the city might turn it into something tangible. It's an incredibly important thing and I'm not alone in thinking so.
May 20, 2023, 7:33 a.m.(11/5/1019 AR)
The children were running around with colorful baskets and offering apples to all. It was fun to watch them take of both our values. I'm also pretty sure Amelia is playing a joke as the first 'cobbler' had fish and apples within a pie.
May 19, 2023, 3:32 a.m.(11/2/1019 AR)
The Lodge saw a number of hands helping with this year's autumn harvest. Though the weather is still a bit warm for my tastes, I find the season to be a sentimental one. Certainly, it seemed like people enjoyed themselves, and there will be plenty of jams and pickled produce to last through the winter. I hope that's something I can say for years to come.
Written By
Artur
May 18, 2023, 5:51 p.m.(11/2/1019 AR)
When everything feels like an uphill struggle just think of the view you'll have from the top!
Written By
Savio
May 17, 2023, 2:59 p.m.(10/27/1019 AR)
It seemed to matter so much once
But now I find myself without
That desperate motivation
To learn what it's all about
I wanted to know everything
Every scrap and tome
And I thought that if I didn't
I would never feel at home
I'll leave the quest for secrets
To better minds than mine
If I don't have all the answers
Then for now that's fine
I understood things better
Once I began to look inside
And learned that what I wanted
Was something I provide.
May 17, 2023, 1:34 p.m.(10/27/1019 AR)
Considering the bee related items in my wardrobe, which likely can only be rivaled by those of Duke Cristoph and Baron Norwood, I find it baffling how hard it is for me to design a bee costume for the Honey Festival.
Written By
Amari
May 16, 2023, 11:47 a.m.(10/25/1019 AR)
I address this entry to an unnamed party. If you happen to read this:
A sorry won't suffice.
Written By
Amari
May 16, 2023, 11:21 a.m.(10/25/1019 AR)
I find myself retiring more and more often to the Shadowood. Each stay stretches longer. First it was a few days to attend to pressing matters, then weeks to oversee certain reconstruction efforts, now months and months for no more reason save to be there and engaged with the daily goings on and travails of my people. A busy baroness rarely has nought to do, I've discovered to my great pleasure. This is, for example, one of the first opportunities I've had to write in... well, a very long time.
That's not to suggest that I loathe Arx or the majority of her inhabitants. It remains a singularly fantastical city and worthy to visit from time to time to conduct business and meet with others (of whom there are a few that I miss quite dearly), but it's not home - not really. Reveillon is that now. Even though it lacks in many ways in comparison, the charm of that little refuge can't be denied. I've learned that I can survive without the latest fashions, and the most current news from the capitol. Still, I do enjoy the occasional whisper of gossip that flits back across the continent to me, even if it lacks all the urgency that it once had. I'll admit that much.
So if there was any wonder as to what happened to me, this entry ought to dispel all strange rumors and speculations. No, I wasn't carried away by a swarm of bees, nor murdered by Abandoned cultists. I haven't yet married a Cardian or worse yet, a shav warlord, nor has a secret courtship with a prince been pursued. I'll leave that sort of embarrassingly crass striving to others, thank you very much. Why bother? Whatever the gods intend will be so, and I don't mind relative obscurity.
Besides, as a lawyer and amateur scholar, I can attest: the best notes are found in the margins.
Written By
Titus
May 15, 2023, 4:20 p.m.(10/24/1019 AR)
I’m reminded: Be careful. They don’t always come with nightmares, fire and destruction. Sometimes they come wearing or gifting everything you’ve ever wanted or desired or needed.
May 15, 2023, 1:37 p.m.(10/23/1019 AR)
I finally did it. I started to clean out my closets. I had no idea I was such a sentimental fool nor a pack rat. It was good to get things out and to know that people will be wearing the items taken. Much better than being shoved into a place where no one will see them.
May 15, 2023, 11:18 a.m.(10/23/1019 AR)
Seeing a queen and a high lord frolicking (yes, I used that word) in a chocolate fountain is a memory I will carry for a while. Brain bleach for all the horrors I've lived through.
Kael and Keels are an adorable couple too. I wish them many health babies I won't be delivering.
May 14, 2023, 9:18 p.m.(10/22/1019 AR)
It has been a long time since I got a new dress. It was a pleasure to pick out a style and shoes to go with it but could not make up my mind about color! I finally just asked the tailor to look at me and pick out a color would be good on me. I can't wait to see what combination they pick for me.
Written By
Tesha
May 14, 2023, 7:51 p.m.(10/22/1019 AR)
I have noticed that I need to get out more and probably NOT in situations where I can lose my only eye.
May 14, 2023, 5:34 p.m.(10/22/1019 AR)
I have been asked to speak with knights of many traditions; the first I found was a Knight of the Oathlands. To her, knighthood and honour are a thing that resides within the self, and how we conduct ourselves is important. Integrity is what she holds close to her heart, and honour goes before tradition. It is a matter of dedication to morality and personal conduct, and of action in the face of fear. And to never act with malice in the heart.
Knighthood in the Oathlands, it seems, is the willingness to die with personal honour rather than succumb to doing something unjust.
May 14, 2023, 3:03 p.m.(10/21/1019 AR)
Everything can change in a moment, but some things never do. The world is a beautiful place, even when it's not. We can make our own beauty.