Written By Niccolo
Feb. 5, 2017, 5:31 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Carlotta Velenosa, the Grand Duchess of the Lyceum. She was far from that when I first met her, she was a princess then, and I was a young lord. Much has been written about us, about the love that drove me to abandon my claim to my dear Setarco, the many journals my father filled calling me foolish for wishing a marriage that brought neither House an advantage. What a stubborn young man I was, driven yes, but stubborn.
So I challenged fate itself in order to marry this woman, because of a love that I never thought would find a rival. A love that I fully dedicated myself to. She was my everything, she was everything. Gods I still miss her presence, I still miss the way she looked at me when we saw each other after months of being apart and I thought, I thought I'd never feel a love so deep. I thought that was it.
But then my children were born. Of all the gifts Carlotta ever gave me, that is perhaps the sweetest. Yet again in my life, I was blessed enough by the Gods to experience a love like no other. The Gods might have taken my son from me, but they still left me with two daughters. Two beautiful parts of my now departed wife that I loved the moment they entered this life.
I find it hard to describe the love I felt for my wife sometimes. This is even harder. It is something that just doesn't feel like it can fit in my chest. To love someone so much, even before you get to know them. That is what I felt for Esera, for Isolde when I first met them, when they were born. It was of course a different kind of love, but no less potent, no less powerful and overwhelming.
Duty often kept my family apart, for often Carlotta would find herself in Arx, and I'd find myself in the lands around Lenosia spilling the blood of our enemies. But it was that knowledge of being reunited with my wife, with my children that made the days easy to tolerate, that made that distance easy to accept. That same distance that sometimes made me not the best of fathers, that kept me from experiencing so many of their lives. Both Esera's and Isolde's.
And now, I still have my Isolde, but my Esera is gone. Just like her mother, she is gone. And just like it's hard for me to describe the love I feel for her, it's hard to describe the pain that seeks to crush my heart with every breath I take. But it is that love that I've felt since the moment she was born that now drives me. It drives me to set my grief aside, for there is so much that must be done. I miss her, but I will honor her by keeping her dreams alive, by doing what must be done.
Esera, I love you. I miss you. I will forever keep you with me, until the day we get a chance to meet again among the stars.
So I challenged fate itself in order to marry this woman, because of a love that I never thought would find a rival. A love that I fully dedicated myself to. She was my everything, she was everything. Gods I still miss her presence, I still miss the way she looked at me when we saw each other after months of being apart and I thought, I thought I'd never feel a love so deep. I thought that was it.
But then my children were born. Of all the gifts Carlotta ever gave me, that is perhaps the sweetest. Yet again in my life, I was blessed enough by the Gods to experience a love like no other. The Gods might have taken my son from me, but they still left me with two daughters. Two beautiful parts of my now departed wife that I loved the moment they entered this life.
I find it hard to describe the love I felt for my wife sometimes. This is even harder. It is something that just doesn't feel like it can fit in my chest. To love someone so much, even before you get to know them. That is what I felt for Esera, for Isolde when I first met them, when they were born. It was of course a different kind of love, but no less potent, no less powerful and overwhelming.
Duty often kept my family apart, for often Carlotta would find herself in Arx, and I'd find myself in the lands around Lenosia spilling the blood of our enemies. But it was that knowledge of being reunited with my wife, with my children that made the days easy to tolerate, that made that distance easy to accept. That same distance that sometimes made me not the best of fathers, that kept me from experiencing so many of their lives. Both Esera's and Isolde's.
And now, I still have my Isolde, but my Esera is gone. Just like her mother, she is gone. And just like it's hard for me to describe the love I feel for her, it's hard to describe the pain that seeks to crush my heart with every breath I take. But it is that love that I've felt since the moment she was born that now drives me. It drives me to set my grief aside, for there is so much that must be done. I miss her, but I will honor her by keeping her dreams alive, by doing what must be done.
Esera, I love you. I miss you. I will forever keep you with me, until the day we get a chance to meet again among the stars.
Written By Inigo
Feb. 5, 2017, 5:10 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
What a curious thing, time... though moving at a constant rate there never seems to be enough of it.
Written By Anabelle
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:55 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Demura
Demura... Mur, Mur, Mur. I swear you... I'm never sure if you're happy, sad, or just something else. You have this air about you as if you're always waiting for everything to collapse. I never quite understand it. Maybe it's just me. You sent me a letter about having missed me, or to that affect, at the "event." Tournament? Sparring match? Let's call it the Sword Measuring Contest. So I missed you at the Sword Measuring Contest, and I get this messenger saying that. I sent you one back and... nothing. No response to me.
I do hope you understand why I do what I do. I hope you understand why I might not always be around or be free to talk to you - a bit like how you're not always able to talk with me. I miss you though. I miss our silly games when we were kids. I miss trying to talk you into a corset and a dress (still think you'd look great in one). I miss trying to scheme into the kitchens.
No matter what, I still think of you though. I hope you know that too. I've set myself on this task to help Lyonesse's economic state, a pressure to help build us back up, and I thought of you when I did it. I hope, in a way, to surprise you with the new practice swords when we start producing them. I doubt I'll be able to hide that from you, but I would love the look of surprise on your face when I deliver one to you. Painted pink with a lacy bow.
I do hope you understand why I do what I do. I hope you understand why I might not always be around or be free to talk to you - a bit like how you're not always able to talk with me. I miss you though. I miss our silly games when we were kids. I miss trying to talk you into a corset and a dress (still think you'd look great in one). I miss trying to scheme into the kitchens.
No matter what, I still think of you though. I hope you know that too. I've set myself on this task to help Lyonesse's economic state, a pressure to help build us back up, and I thought of you when I did it. I hope, in a way, to surprise you with the new practice swords when we start producing them. I doubt I'll be able to hide that from you, but I would love the look of surprise on your face when I deliver one to you. Painted pink with a lacy bow.
Written By Anabelle
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:46 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
My older brother. You know, it still feels like just yesterday when he took up the mantle of a Crownsworn. I don't know about everyone else, but it was a bit of a shock for me. I suppose I just expected him to be the head of the House. Instead, he decided to go off on his own path and leave us behind. I think that's the only reason it really bothers me -- it feels a bit like he left us all.
Either way I'm quite proud of him. He still makes me smile, and I'm glad he's not above playing a prank now and again even on the Marquessa (dear Mur). He pulled on her braid the other day, it made me smile. I also found out that he's talkin' to the ladies! Way to go! I mean, who knows if it's really in /that/ way, but that's not really the point. The point is that he's still living, he's not cloistering himself away now that he's shouldered that mantle. Above all else though:
I'm still proud of him.
Either way I'm quite proud of him. He still makes me smile, and I'm glad he's not above playing a prank now and again even on the Marquessa (dear Mur). He pulled on her braid the other day, it made me smile. I also found out that he's talkin' to the ladies! Way to go! I mean, who knows if it's really in /that/ way, but that's not really the point. The point is that he's still living, he's not cloistering himself away now that he's shouldered that mantle. Above all else though:
I'm still proud of him.
Written By Morrighan
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:40 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Deva. Deva. Deva. She's very much a free-spirit. Wild and fiery. When Sherrod sent me here, I was to be her handmaiden, not that I really knew what someone of that particular station did, but it helped me to look after her. Kind of. She's sneaky. It's about as difficult as keeping Kieran out of trouble. The Princess is impish and spirited, does as she likes and she's not one to be bound or restrained. Also likes whiskey, but what proper Northerner doesn't? I'm particularly fond of Deva, and she's like family, much like the rest of the House. I thoroughly enjoy the freedom she gives from time to time to throat punch people who shouldn't be wandering into the Villa uninvited.
Written By Kima
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:40 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Things are always more complex than they at first seem.
Written By Morrighan
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:27 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I'm not as close to the Ruling Prince as I am with other members of the House, but regardless of that he's always treated me like one of his own, never regarded me as an outsider. If I needed to talk or had something to say, he has always listened. He's been very much like a brother - one that will give me gray hair before I'm thirty, but very sibling-like nonetheless. With everything going on with the world, times have been tense, decisions have had to be made, and he's always voiced what he thought was right, what was best, even if a vast amount didn't subscribe to his opinions and beliefs. He has been a respectable leader for the House, and he's earned it several times over. During times of adversity he has stood tall and strong, solid like an oak, unmoving in his resolve and has remained well-grounded. I'm proud of him, proud to call him our Ruling Prince, and without a doubt I know Sherrod is just as proud of his son.
Written By Neve
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:27 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Marius
I was able to spend a few moments with my cousin today. It was good to catch up with him, after what seems like ages and ages. I've always thought he was one of the best kinds of men and it soothes my heart to here the determined hope he has for our future.
Written By Anze
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:12 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Ideas and questions from visiting southern temples:
We should get a shark for the augury
I think all the southern gods have their own knights? Do they fight each other? Do they all get together and play cards?
The temple of gild is -really- fancy
We should get a shark for the augury
I think all the southern gods have their own knights? Do they fight each other? Do they all get together and play cards?
The temple of gild is -really- fancy
Written By Anze
Feb. 5, 2017, 4:10 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
I was wary about the southerner priestess. She convinced me not to be. Regardless of what happened, I'm glad I met her and hope that we'll still talk in the future.
Written By Deva
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:52 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
I can't help but smile when I look back upon the time the king mixed me up with Esera as he gave that tour of the palace to us. It feels like ages ago, now. We were sisters in that moment. With technically only brothers of my own, I will always cherish that. I grieve for you and your family. I pray this new chapter brings hope.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:52 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Meeting Jael again after these months apart is a pleasure, the circumstances of our encounter less so. Bizarrely, the near brawl in the nicest salon in the capital was not at all her fault, my sister has in fact grown up, which is fortunate given the smouldering inferno that is Arx right now.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:43 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
A brave and honest man, very sincere in his honour and somebody I would trust absolutely. Perhaps I wonder if he is being assertive enough in pressing the cause of the Oathlands but then this is hardly the moment to seek personal aggrandisement and he would not be who he is if he sought it.
Written By Deva
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:25 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
No father should ever have to mourn their daughter, and all that could have been. It would be easiest to crumble in the face of so much loss. And then there are those who know they must pick up the pieces. The Sentinel sees all, and I pray for justice for the Velenosa family. We shall keep her memory alive.
Written By Rey
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:13 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Yarrow is excellent for treatment of bleeding wounds, and for ailments of the blood within the body itself. It is also good for helping the body release fluid because when taken it provokes sweating and urination.
The flowering heads can be carried dried and whole in pouches, with fresh leaves, to be stuffed into bleeding wounds on the battle field (a very quick lifesaver if the nearest Mercy is some distance away!). Tinctures, ointments, and salves are effective in treating mild abrasions, bruises, and swelling; I have even seen that yarrow salve improves the elasticity of old scars! Because of the effect of spirits on the blood, thinning it, I prefer to use a non-alcoholic recipe for yarrow tincture when taken orally. This uses apple cider vinegar instead of spirits. I am told it improves the taste.
It can be used for treating fevers and colds too, because of the sweating properties. I favor a combination of yarrow, elder bark, boneset, and peppermint for mild illnesses, but every Mercy seems to have their own recipe!
It is marvelous the things that can be done when Lagoma, Petrichor, and Mangata come together, to work as one. Truly we are blessed to be dear to them, and in their care.
The flowering heads can be carried dried and whole in pouches, with fresh leaves, to be stuffed into bleeding wounds on the battle field (a very quick lifesaver if the nearest Mercy is some distance away!). Tinctures, ointments, and salves are effective in treating mild abrasions, bruises, and swelling; I have even seen that yarrow salve improves the elasticity of old scars! Because of the effect of spirits on the blood, thinning it, I prefer to use a non-alcoholic recipe for yarrow tincture when taken orally. This uses apple cider vinegar instead of spirits. I am told it improves the taste.
It can be used for treating fevers and colds too, because of the sweating properties. I favor a combination of yarrow, elder bark, boneset, and peppermint for mild illnesses, but every Mercy seems to have their own recipe!
It is marvelous the things that can be done when Lagoma, Petrichor, and Mangata come together, to work as one. Truly we are blessed to be dear to them, and in their care.
Written By Michael
Feb. 5, 2017, 3:01 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Ambassador's Salon presented a most diverting time this afternoon. Each of the comings and goings provide diversions that I hadn't anticipated. Lili had suggested we go, and surely it proved worthwhile.
Written By Iona
Feb. 5, 2017, 2:37 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
How should I title this journal entry?
"I met the Lord Commander of the King's Own today!"
One might argue that is a proper title, if overly dramatic. He is just a man... And yet the Lord Commander is most definitely a very valiant person of excellent character. Formal to the point of excess, perhaps. It inspires people to laud his name subconsciously.
You see, the problem is that I could not truly relax around him. You can have Gabriel, and the room stiffens up. But after two decades of that, it is just like putting on another layer of formal clothing, and you move beyond it. But then you add the Lord Commander to the mix, and it is as if any ordinary word simply won't do anymore. The situation becomes truly stifling; and as a result, I can quite understand the tense expression I saw on a certain someone when they walked in on our discussion.
How is one supposed to relax the atmosphere with two of these goliaths playing a tug of war over the backs of everyone sitting in the room? I think it will be very difficult, and I can only hope not to share the same room as the two of them in the very nearby future.
"Rymarr." I can write the name, but get out and onto my lips? Around the man I met today, that is probably impossible, even though I wish I could take that liberty as easily as I could with others. As such, I arduously hope the Lord Commander stays employed for quite some time longer.
If nothing else, it will save me the thinking up of journal titles that embody the 'official aura' he carries with him. Because honestly, I would rather not have my journal read like a piece of stiff propaganda. There's no doubt other journals you can read for that.
"I met the Lord Commander of the King's Own today!"
One might argue that is a proper title, if overly dramatic. He is just a man... And yet the Lord Commander is most definitely a very valiant person of excellent character. Formal to the point of excess, perhaps. It inspires people to laud his name subconsciously.
You see, the problem is that I could not truly relax around him. You can have Gabriel, and the room stiffens up. But after two decades of that, it is just like putting on another layer of formal clothing, and you move beyond it. But then you add the Lord Commander to the mix, and it is as if any ordinary word simply won't do anymore. The situation becomes truly stifling; and as a result, I can quite understand the tense expression I saw on a certain someone when they walked in on our discussion.
How is one supposed to relax the atmosphere with two of these goliaths playing a tug of war over the backs of everyone sitting in the room? I think it will be very difficult, and I can only hope not to share the same room as the two of them in the very nearby future.
"Rymarr." I can write the name, but get out and onto my lips? Around the man I met today, that is probably impossible, even though I wish I could take that liberty as easily as I could with others. As such, I arduously hope the Lord Commander stays employed for quite some time longer.
If nothing else, it will save me the thinking up of journal titles that embody the 'official aura' he carries with him. Because honestly, I would rather not have my journal read like a piece of stiff propaganda. There's no doubt other journals you can read for that.
Written By Iona
Feb. 5, 2017, 2:16 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
I was going to forget about this. Completely, utterly forget about this.
But it seems my sanity has decided that forgetting is too easy, and instead I need to vent, so my dear audience of one... you will be where I vent.
Imagine for a moment that you are sitting in the Grotto, having a pleasant talk with a pleasant woman in a rather big, heated pool. That's the life, right? And sure, it is a big pool, so others join. The more the merrier, no problems. And clearly the rest of my company knew eachother. I know how to listen and when to schmooze... totally fine.
The last thing I expected to find was for all these people to congregate into the same little corner of the pool and snuggle up as if they were some sort of married couple. Admittedly, nothing outright scandalous happened. Yet at the same time, a person can only watch a person pat other peoples hair so many times, just like how there is a limit to the amount of awkwardness this stuff brings into a conversation.
I have rarely found myself so eager to leave the company of people who were, prior to that, intruiging conversationalists. They still should be; I just need to keep their... inclinations to show public affection in mind for next time.
For now, though... I think I'll pass on any invitations to a bathhouse, no matter how dirty I am.
But it seems my sanity has decided that forgetting is too easy, and instead I need to vent, so my dear audience of one... you will be where I vent.
Imagine for a moment that you are sitting in the Grotto, having a pleasant talk with a pleasant woman in a rather big, heated pool. That's the life, right? And sure, it is a big pool, so others join. The more the merrier, no problems. And clearly the rest of my company knew eachother. I know how to listen and when to schmooze... totally fine.
The last thing I expected to find was for all these people to congregate into the same little corner of the pool and snuggle up as if they were some sort of married couple. Admittedly, nothing outright scandalous happened. Yet at the same time, a person can only watch a person pat other peoples hair so many times, just like how there is a limit to the amount of awkwardness this stuff brings into a conversation.
I have rarely found myself so eager to leave the company of people who were, prior to that, intruiging conversationalists. They still should be; I just need to keep their... inclinations to show public affection in mind for next time.
For now, though... I think I'll pass on any invitations to a bathhouse, no matter how dirty I am.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 5, 2017, 2 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
You hold my attention, Greenmarch o' Minx of the Marches... For a 100 silver, I'll play your messenger and for more, you have found yourself a man who knows how to work. I will await to see if you support me as much as I'm already supporting you... the Merchants may be a little more favorable to your cause...
Written By Edain
Feb. 5, 2017, 1:53 p.m.(11/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
I spoke very harshly about Marquis Vincere after the confrontation in the Iron Garrison. And then I found myself keep vigil in front of the rectory waiting for the Faith give up a man that murdered a High Lord. It is the kind of perfect storm that can quickly get out of hand, and you can never truly be prepared for how things will go. In short I was standing there in the kind of situation that can go wrong despite best intentions and being careful as you can be, and these were the very things I criticized him for.
I knew I could not keep things calm and peaceful on my own, and so I asked Marquis Vincere to help keep the vigil peaceful. Without malice, without any 'I told you so's' and without hesitation he has helped me keep things peaceful and civil here. So far we have been peaceful presence and I would not have been able to keep this vigil so if he had not helped me. I was wrong about Marquis Vincere, he is a man of the finest of character.
I know that saying I am sorry and that I was wrong, does not take back the past, but maybe he likes bacon. I can send him maple bacon and apple cider. Everyone likes both of those things right?
I knew I could not keep things calm and peaceful on my own, and so I asked Marquis Vincere to help keep the vigil peaceful. Without malice, without any 'I told you so's' and without hesitation he has helped me keep things peaceful and civil here. So far we have been peaceful presence and I would not have been able to keep this vigil so if he had not helped me. I was wrong about Marquis Vincere, he is a man of the finest of character.
I know that saying I am sorry and that I was wrong, does not take back the past, but maybe he likes bacon. I can send him maple bacon and apple cider. Everyone likes both of those things right?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.