Written By Ariel
May 21, 2017, 12:15 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Ever so excited since he came
Feel as if everything is blooming again
Ever so eager for the bells
To exchange the vows and be wed
New family
New Adventures
Thing to try
Tastes to explore
Who could truly ask for more
Feel as if everything is blooming again
Ever so eager for the bells
To exchange the vows and be wed
New family
New Adventures
Thing to try
Tastes to explore
Who could truly ask for more
Written By Tikva
May 21, 2017, 12:13 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Ainsley Grayson appears to have forgotten that the white journals are meant to be a chronicle, a historical record!
This is probably because he is TERRIBLE.
But since this is meant to be a chronicle, I should probably be accurate.
Mostly, what is terrible about Ainsley is that I like him so much.
Hi.
This is probably because he is TERRIBLE.
But since this is meant to be a chronicle, I should probably be accurate.
Mostly, what is terrible about Ainsley is that I like him so much.
Hi.
Written By Tikva
May 21, 2017, 12:05 p.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
A few thoughts:
Nobility is important. Both the weight of blood, the power that inheres in blood and connection, and of course, the power of money. It is a responsibility. I spoke at drunken length about this last night at our table at the auction -- sorry -- that is firing up the Archive today: about the duty of a liege to protect his vassal, about how it is a duty undertaken in love and oath, about the love that drives and defines it.
It is easy to forget, to lose our awareness of that. Perhaps not for me, because my nobility was a gift, and I do not and cannot forget that.
Yet we have another privilege that, until last night, had not occurred to me in the same way that fish must not think about water -- in that we were born Arvani. We were born free.
Thank the gods for that. I do with my whole heart.
Nobility is important. Both the weight of blood, the power that inheres in blood and connection, and of course, the power of money. It is a responsibility. I spoke at drunken length about this last night at our table at the auction -- sorry -- that is firing up the Archive today: about the duty of a liege to protect his vassal, about how it is a duty undertaken in love and oath, about the love that drives and defines it.
It is easy to forget, to lose our awareness of that. Perhaps not for me, because my nobility was a gift, and I do not and cannot forget that.
Yet we have another privilege that, until last night, had not occurred to me in the same way that fish must not think about water -- in that we were born Arvani. We were born free.
Thank the gods for that. I do with my whole heart.
Written By Gisele
May 21, 2017, 11:51 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
It was an eye-opening event for me in many ways. To see the opulence of the Whisper House, to see how the nobility behave when assembled for a large event unconnected to religious observations. Most of them acquitted themselves well, but not all. It must be difficult, when one is a person who has always gotten what they wanted, to feel even the risk of not.
There is a fine line between being accustomed and feeling entitled. Gild counsels us to increase our wealth that we might do more for those around us, not so that we might deny the inclusion of others, or that we may indulge in greed over charity.
With the help of Lady Tikva Riven, I was able to contribute to the charity effort. I had hoped to bid on Fortunato, and so I did, but I was also happy to see him go to Lady Tikva as well. In the end, I came away having won time with the Duke Laurent, as well as having met the Lady Jael Laurent whose company is both thoughtful and pleasant. In light of Prince Mason's reaction to the spectacle of an auction of people turned to charity, I did feel some guilt for participating and so, to make right my pang of conscience-- which is mine and mine alone-- I will match my bid for Duke Cristoph with a donation to the formation of the discipleship of the First Choice, and make certain that when the Duke and I meet, our time will be spent doing as he chooses.
There is a fine line between being accustomed and feeling entitled. Gild counsels us to increase our wealth that we might do more for those around us, not so that we might deny the inclusion of others, or that we may indulge in greed over charity.
With the help of Lady Tikva Riven, I was able to contribute to the charity effort. I had hoped to bid on Fortunato, and so I did, but I was also happy to see him go to Lady Tikva as well. In the end, I came away having won time with the Duke Laurent, as well as having met the Lady Jael Laurent whose company is both thoughtful and pleasant. In light of Prince Mason's reaction to the spectacle of an auction of people turned to charity, I did feel some guilt for participating and so, to make right my pang of conscience-- which is mine and mine alone-- I will match my bid for Duke Cristoph with a donation to the formation of the discipleship of the First Choice, and make certain that when the Duke and I meet, our time will be spent doing as he chooses.
Written By Eleyna
May 21, 2017, 11:45 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
From the outside, this marriage looks like madness. I'm perfectly aware of that. I'm also aware of at least two betting pools with odds on who kills who first and how long the marriage actually makes it. I've even heard rumors that some think I was forced into this for some reason.
Maybe it doesn't make sense from the outside, but from my perspective, it's as if I found my match. His jagged edges match mine.
Maybe it doesn't make sense from the outside, but from my perspective, it's as if I found my match. His jagged edges match mine.
Written By Fortunato
May 21, 2017, 11:29 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Prince Mason's interpretation of the auction, which I did participate in, caused me to reflect on the event. Yes, I know it was all in fun and the kind of fun we do every so often. It was not an unusual event which is why folk leap to defend it as harmless. And it is harmless, no one could, would, should blame Charlaine or Larissa for hosting such a thing.
But isn't it also worthwhile to step back and wonder why we have an auction as a game? Can we step back and be sure that it was /intended/ to be mockery? Because I wasn't thinking of the horrors of slavery and laughing away the dark. That wasn't really what the event was about - it's just a thing we do to raise charitable funds. And I don't understand telling a man who grew up around an especially dire iteration of slavery that a friendly echo shouldn't upset him.
Think we can recognize no harm was meant and also recognize some of our games might have troubling roots. That's all.
But isn't it also worthwhile to step back and wonder why we have an auction as a game? Can we step back and be sure that it was /intended/ to be mockery? Because I wasn't thinking of the horrors of slavery and laughing away the dark. That wasn't really what the event was about - it's just a thing we do to raise charitable funds. And I don't understand telling a man who grew up around an especially dire iteration of slavery that a friendly echo shouldn't upset him.
Think we can recognize no harm was meant and also recognize some of our games might have troubling roots. That's all.
Written By Talen
May 21, 2017, 11:20 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Nobody died at your party, so it's probably success.
Written By Talen
May 21, 2017, 11:19 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Blacktongue
Whatever you gave me this time actually worked. You're learning to up the dosages, aren't you?
I have to be more careful.
I have to be more careful.
Written By Talen
May 21, 2017, 11:18 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Are you saying I'm a disappointment?
Also, I just wanted to play a game, we were going to bet to see who could ride the 'unicorn' first. If I got someone to do it, I'd have won silver, instead I had to pay the Rose of Tor.
Ugh.
Also, I just wanted to play a game, we were going to bet to see who could ride the 'unicorn' first. If I got someone to do it, I'd have won silver, instead I had to pay the Rose of Tor.
Ugh.
Written By Lark
May 21, 2017, 10:25 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Whoa, wait... Stop the cart.
I missed an opportunity to go to an auction where several of my favorite people were up for grabs?
SIGH.
Woe is me.
Next time, someone come save me from my paperwork to attend such things. I would have loved to see /someone's/ face as I laid down a chunk of writs and /dared/ them to escape my company for the evening.
Guess I'll have to continue to do it the old fashioned way. With threats of flogging.
What, that's not how /you/ conduct dates? Tsk.
I missed an opportunity to go to an auction where several of my favorite people were up for grabs?
SIGH.
Woe is me.
Next time, someone come save me from my paperwork to attend such things. I would have loved to see /someone's/ face as I laid down a chunk of writs and /dared/ them to escape my company for the evening.
Guess I'll have to continue to do it the old fashioned way. With threats of flogging.
What, that's not how /you/ conduct dates? Tsk.
Written By Ysbail
May 21, 2017, 10:04 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Armel
Best. Hat. EVER. I must find out who made it for him that I can claim one for myself. The more I speak to Grandmaster Armel, the more I enjoy his company. For all our differences, we never lack topics of conversation!
Written By Max
May 21, 2017, 9:35 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
I have an understanding, more than many, of what slavery is. I have undertaken a study of it, in both name and in practice. It is a vile thing, no matter what it is called or how civilly, legally it is phrased. It a hideous blot that robs men of hope and it takes away the most fundamental right I think man has - the right to determine ones own choices and master ones own fate.
With that in mind, I find there can be no slavery in a free man or woman freely choosing to donate to charity, an evening of companionship to a worthy bidder. To say otherwise is to suggest that any Whisper, Courtesan or even any person who accepts a wage, honorarium or stipend for their work is a slave. I am rather of the mind, that the freedom to choose, and the payment of sums, is the defining line between slavery and freedom. Recompense and respect are the foundations of society, economy and our civilization.
I am no slave, nor thrall, and yet, I allowed an evening of my time to be auctioned off - for the benefit of my adopted city, for the benefit of my people, for the benefit of all. To compare the auction of the time and company of willing men and women to slavery, or to suggest it is comparable to mocking the dead of thralls lament is... not accurate. It is inaccurate to a degree of scale as to be outside the bonds of common thought.
There is no joke here. No sidelong jab or insult. I will not demean the topic with flippancy, nor with insult or scorn. I know Prince Mason is not of our lands, and is still in many ways, learning our culture, an I offer this perspective to help with that education. Not to mock him for lacking.
With that in mind, I find there can be no slavery in a free man or woman freely choosing to donate to charity, an evening of companionship to a worthy bidder. To say otherwise is to suggest that any Whisper, Courtesan or even any person who accepts a wage, honorarium or stipend for their work is a slave. I am rather of the mind, that the freedom to choose, and the payment of sums, is the defining line between slavery and freedom. Recompense and respect are the foundations of society, economy and our civilization.
I am no slave, nor thrall, and yet, I allowed an evening of my time to be auctioned off - for the benefit of my adopted city, for the benefit of my people, for the benefit of all. To compare the auction of the time and company of willing men and women to slavery, or to suggest it is comparable to mocking the dead of thralls lament is... not accurate. It is inaccurate to a degree of scale as to be outside the bonds of common thought.
There is no joke here. No sidelong jab or insult. I will not demean the topic with flippancy, nor with insult or scorn. I know Prince Mason is not of our lands, and is still in many ways, learning our culture, an I offer this perspective to help with that education. Not to mock him for lacking.
Written By Cybele
May 21, 2017, 9:35 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Mother Mercy Sister Sophie Valardin has asked me to take over the training of the novitiates. It is a great honour, and a task I look forward to taking on. I like talking, I like training. I will, of course, not be training all of them, but I will speak to them and try to assign them to mercies who fit their temper and skill, and I will get to meet every new Mercy who joins.
That, to me, is also a very exciting thing.
Thank you Mother Mercy Sister Sophie Valardin!
That, to me, is also a very exciting thing.
Thank you Mother Mercy Sister Sophie Valardin!
Written By Blossom
May 21, 2017, 8:20 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Dearest Mother,
We're supposed to dock at Arx today. I'm so excited! A whole city of new people and new things to paint! I painted a portrait of the ship captain on the way... he seemed disappointed. I don't know why, I thought it made him look handsome! He asked if I'd do something special for him - what's more special than painting?
I still have the directions you gave me to Casa di Corsetina. I hope our cousins are nice. I hope the city is nice. Maybe I'll see the King - ooh, I wonder if he needs a portrait painted? Oh, if I could paint the King, that would be the best ever!
Oh, we're docking! Love you!
<a quickly drawn cherry blossom is used to sign the letter>
We're supposed to dock at Arx today. I'm so excited! A whole city of new people and new things to paint! I painted a portrait of the ship captain on the way... he seemed disappointed. I don't know why, I thought it made him look handsome! He asked if I'd do something special for him - what's more special than painting?
I still have the directions you gave me to Casa di Corsetina. I hope our cousins are nice. I hope the city is nice. Maybe I'll see the King - ooh, I wonder if he needs a portrait painted? Oh, if I could paint the King, that would be the best ever!
Oh, we're docking! Love you!
<a quickly drawn cherry blossom is used to sign the letter>
Written By Edain
May 21, 2017, 8:11 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
I read some comments earlier today about the concerns for the merriment made at the Auction, and whether it is appropriate. I understand Prince Mason's feelings. In the Oathlands we are not known for our humor, and I am someone that used to find few things funny. But eventually I learned something.
Laughter is an amazingly powerful thing. And sometimes being able to make the most uncomfortable and horrible parts of life into the butt of a joke can give you the strength to move past your grief or your shock.
After the Tragedy of Sanctum a band of performers came to Sanctum and asked to perform for the Royal family, as a tribute to the Tragedy. I was aghast at the idea, but wanting to keep with the spirit of Oathland hospitality I granted their request to perform. They put on a play that was called 'The Troll's Tears' and in it a very short man portrayed Duke Arn Telmar, the Troll of Telmarch at the Tragedy of Sanctum, running around like a child throwing a tantrum, comically killing all the invaders that had the temerity to call him short.
At first everyone in the audience was silent and aghast at the offensive audacity. But by all the gods that little performer that was depicting Duke Arn rather than draw the performance to a close he double downed on his antics. He was so exaggerated and yet so spot on that that eventually, even though we tried to be angry, we couldn't stop ourselves from a few titters, and then a louder chuckle, which became a guffaw, and finally gave birth to cacophonous laughter from us all. It was crude, it was in poor taste, it was offensive, and yet that deep, inappropriate crass laughter was exactly what we needed.
I certainly understand why some might have found the charity auction offensive, but I also think that sometimes a little laughter at the things we find offensive can be a great catharsis that we all need once in awhile.
Laughter is an amazingly powerful thing. And sometimes being able to make the most uncomfortable and horrible parts of life into the butt of a joke can give you the strength to move past your grief or your shock.
After the Tragedy of Sanctum a band of performers came to Sanctum and asked to perform for the Royal family, as a tribute to the Tragedy. I was aghast at the idea, but wanting to keep with the spirit of Oathland hospitality I granted their request to perform. They put on a play that was called 'The Troll's Tears' and in it a very short man portrayed Duke Arn Telmar, the Troll of Telmarch at the Tragedy of Sanctum, running around like a child throwing a tantrum, comically killing all the invaders that had the temerity to call him short.
At first everyone in the audience was silent and aghast at the offensive audacity. But by all the gods that little performer that was depicting Duke Arn rather than draw the performance to a close he double downed on his antics. He was so exaggerated and yet so spot on that that eventually, even though we tried to be angry, we couldn't stop ourselves from a few titters, and then a louder chuckle, which became a guffaw, and finally gave birth to cacophonous laughter from us all. It was crude, it was in poor taste, it was offensive, and yet that deep, inappropriate crass laughter was exactly what we needed.
I certainly understand why some might have found the charity auction offensive, but I also think that sometimes a little laughter at the things we find offensive can be a great catharsis that we all need once in awhile.
Written By Jael
May 21, 2017, 7:46 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Well that was exciting! I was worried I might have to bail Cris out but he was won by a very nice woman. Which is a good thing, because I'd already blown most of what I had on me on...something else.
Fun party!
Fun party!
Written By Mason
May 21, 2017, 7:33 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Despite my years living here, I still do not understand all of the customs and traditions of the people of Arx.
To make merriment of the sale of people, even in jest, left me feeling as if choked by the great dunes in a sandstorm. I truly hope the people of Arvum never know why this event cut so deeply upon my soul. It is obvious to me now that they do not understand the depths of how far enslavement can go. Would you make a mockery of the battle with the Bringers of Silence, taking turns at pretending to be their victims? Would you play a game depicting the wreckage of Thrall's Lament?
To see another from Eurus participate? That troubles me greatly.
To make merriment of the sale of people, even in jest, left me feeling as if choked by the great dunes in a sandstorm. I truly hope the people of Arvum never know why this event cut so deeply upon my soul. It is obvious to me now that they do not understand the depths of how far enslavement can go. Would you make a mockery of the battle with the Bringers of Silence, taking turns at pretending to be their victims? Would you play a game depicting the wreckage of Thrall's Lament?
To see another from Eurus participate? That troubles me greatly.
Written By Agnarr
May 21, 2017, 7:23 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Some auction. Wonder how much a price I'd command - probably not that much.
Written By Silas
May 21, 2017, 6:42 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Whatever I did, you're welcome!
Written By Arianna
May 21, 2017, 6:40 a.m.(7/3/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Awwwww the baby was born! Gah. I have to visit. Love babies. I know Bella probably doesn't remember me, but perhaps my sweet cousin will still allow me to shower her, her husband and baby with loving gifts! I dare not mention a baby shower. Or do I? Maybe Sudara will introduce me again. Yes, then we can talk babies. <3
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