Written By Samantha
Jan. 16, 2017, 3:38 p.m.(9/6/1005 AR)
It may amuse some to know that from the age of five until I was fifteen, I lived at Pridehall with the Duke and Duchess of Bisland as my surrogate parents, and their children as my siblings. These were some of the happiest days of my life.
The Bislands are responsible for fostering and mentoring many of the noble children of the Crownlands. Princess Dawn, Prince Barric, Prince Ainsley, and Lord Killian, alongside Lady Lailah and Lord Michael, made ourselves something of a group, though Killian often remained at the edge, and Lailah despite being only a year younger than Michael, was considered quite young by the rest of us.
We all had our duties. To learn the arts of diplomacy, to learn the arts of war. To understand noble etiquette. To learn what would be expected of us, the future of the Crownlands. But in the times between lessons, that is when we were a force to be reckoned with.
We explored Pridehall, and the land around it. Stole sweets from the kitchen, or charmed them out of the cook. Climbed trees. Played at being great adventurers, knights, and pirates. Comforted each other when we awoke from nightmares, teased each other sometimes kiddingly, sometimes cruelly. And of course, there was what happened to That Frog...though a solemn vow of childhood demands I never speak to those particulars. I shall take it to my grave.
I wonder how the others regard this time in their lives. I hope that one day when I have children, they can have the chance for some of the joy I was privileged to experience. I see the fruits of those friendships to this day, and I feel blessed for it.
The Bislands are responsible for fostering and mentoring many of the noble children of the Crownlands. Princess Dawn, Prince Barric, Prince Ainsley, and Lord Killian, alongside Lady Lailah and Lord Michael, made ourselves something of a group, though Killian often remained at the edge, and Lailah despite being only a year younger than Michael, was considered quite young by the rest of us.
We all had our duties. To learn the arts of diplomacy, to learn the arts of war. To understand noble etiquette. To learn what would be expected of us, the future of the Crownlands. But in the times between lessons, that is when we were a force to be reckoned with.
We explored Pridehall, and the land around it. Stole sweets from the kitchen, or charmed them out of the cook. Climbed trees. Played at being great adventurers, knights, and pirates. Comforted each other when we awoke from nightmares, teased each other sometimes kiddingly, sometimes cruelly. And of course, there was what happened to That Frog...though a solemn vow of childhood demands I never speak to those particulars. I shall take it to my grave.
I wonder how the others regard this time in their lives. I hope that one day when I have children, they can have the chance for some of the joy I was privileged to experience. I see the fruits of those friendships to this day, and I feel blessed for it.
Written By Magden
Jan. 16, 2017, 2:18 p.m.(9/6/1005 AR)
Captain Gian treats ratcatchers like ladies, but -- he claims -- not ladies like ratcatchers. Save for some bowing and employment of titles, I don't see much difference.
Written By Silas
Jan. 16, 2017, 12:27 p.m.(9/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bethany
I didn't know my little sister was in the business of mummifying birds but apparently they're a big hit!
Written By Valery
Jan. 16, 2017, 11:45 a.m.(9/5/1005 AR)
Who would know words could hurt more than hits?
I should had known things wouldn't work. It was too beautiful. Too nice. I shouldn't had trusted anything like that would be for me.
Maybe Father was right.
I should had known things wouldn't work. It was too beautiful. Too nice. I shouldn't had trusted anything like that would be for me.
Maybe Father was right.
Written By Aureth
Jan. 16, 2017, 11:34 a.m.(9/5/1005 AR)
I'm just checking, but . . .
Blood magic.
One of those things the Inquisition is supposed to be against, right? They don't like the blood magic? They want to root it out? Correct?
Not, traditionally, offer their arms to the blood mage while she's going about blood magicking?
Blood magic.
One of those things the Inquisition is supposed to be against, right? They don't like the blood magic? They want to root it out? Correct?
Not, traditionally, offer their arms to the blood mage while she's going about blood magicking?
Written By Hana
Jan. 16, 2017, 11:03 a.m.(9/5/1005 AR)
For a place that's so... well, everything it is, the Murder of Crows has become very popular. It's suddenly the place to be for nobles, and Inquisitors, and elves, and all kinds of other people you wouldn't expect to find in the Lower Boroughs.
Most of who Aleksei will flirt with.
I hope business is going well for my father, at least! It certainly makes every visit "home" an interesting one.
Most of who Aleksei will flirt with.
I hope business is going well for my father, at least! It certainly makes every visit "home" an interesting one.
Written By Aleksei
Jan. 16, 2017, 10:52 a.m.(9/5/1005 AR)
Ahahahahahaha I totally banged an elf holy shit.
Written By Aislin
Jan. 16, 2017, 4:50 a.m.(9/5/1005 AR)
My father's health had not been good for some time; for all practical purposes, Harlan and I had been running things, as his Voices. So in many ways, this changes nothing for Ashford; the decisions will be made just as they have for the past year, by one of Barton's children.
And yet, in others, it changes everything.
The man who led us for so many years, who saw Ashford through so many campaigns, is gone. I choose to believe that, no longer able to live with the illness that was taking his mind, he chose to end his own life so as to bring his son to the title. To ensure strong leadership in a time when the Crownlands are under siege.
And I'll stand by my brother, whatever he needs. Even if, for the first few days, it might just be a shoulder to lean on.
The choice of memorial, if we have one... any of that, I think it's up to my brother to decide, as the new Duke.
For myself, for now... I have no other words.
And yet, in others, it changes everything.
The man who led us for so many years, who saw Ashford through so many campaigns, is gone. I choose to believe that, no longer able to live with the illness that was taking his mind, he chose to end his own life so as to bring his son to the title. To ensure strong leadership in a time when the Crownlands are under siege.
And I'll stand by my brother, whatever he needs. Even if, for the first few days, it might just be a shoulder to lean on.
The choice of memorial, if we have one... any of that, I think it's up to my brother to decide, as the new Duke.
For myself, for now... I have no other words.
Written By Eleyna
Jan. 16, 2017, 12:22 a.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Like any good follower of the Faith, I revere and respect all the Gods, but Jayus has never been a very special one for me. I can appreciate beautiful things, of course, but I never troubled myself about their creation.
Mistress Joscelin was recommended to me as a jeweler of supreme talent. Having since made a number of commissions through her, I can safely say that any rumors underrated her talent, if anything.
I think she must be one of those truly touched by Jayus to be able to take a handful of words and bring a vision to life. There is something magical about sharing an image in one's head with her and having it made manifest in the palm of one's hand.
She's turned down my offer of patronage at least half a dozen times. I'll never stop asking, though.
Mistress Joscelin was recommended to me as a jeweler of supreme talent. Having since made a number of commissions through her, I can safely say that any rumors underrated her talent, if anything.
I think she must be one of those truly touched by Jayus to be able to take a handful of words and bring a vision to life. There is something magical about sharing an image in one's head with her and having it made manifest in the palm of one's hand.
She's turned down my offer of patronage at least half a dozen times. I'll never stop asking, though.
Written By Garza
Jan. 16, 2017, 12:10 a.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I've known the Captain General for a long time. The man's got something that others listen to. At first, I thought he would just be like the others I've seen lead the Few. They used to come and go. But nah, the man's sticking it out, and I can respect that.
Written By Garza
Jan. 16, 2017, 12:08 a.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
She's got some quick fingers, I'll give her that. Gotta keep my eyes on my smoke when around the woman.
Written By Maude
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:59 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Everything's going to shit at home, Bringers and dead forest closer and closer every day. So, I thought I'd come to Arx, where at least I'll be there to disapprove in person of decisions being made about my life or death as the case may be.
Arx is the same as ever, and so is Aldwin. I ran into the Archscholar in the Grotto, and promised him I'd finish that treatise on the history of the game. I might as well. The Archive's right here, and won't have to wait for scribes and messengers.
Everyone else is so fucking young. I think that's what being an old woman's about, ointment and being surrounded by babies.
I shouldn't judge, I was already very competent at their age. We'll see.
Arx is the same as ever, and so is Aldwin. I ran into the Archscholar in the Grotto, and promised him I'd finish that treatise on the history of the game. I might as well. The Archive's right here, and won't have to wait for scribes and messengers.
Everyone else is so fucking young. I think that's what being an old woman's about, ointment and being surrounded by babies.
I shouldn't judge, I was already very competent at their age. We'll see.
Written By Lianne
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Elonso
The joy I felt upon your arrival from Setarco has turned dark and heavy and complicated. It feels appropriate. How often had we reflected together on our shadowed hearts?
You are loved, cousin.
You are loved, cousin.
Written By Takruid
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:34 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Julea
She used to be a kid now she's the savvy one and I'm bumbling about. I don't know whether that bothers me or shames me, but it'll have to change sooner rather than later.
Written By Derovai
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:31 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
If I'm being completely honest, I would like very much to learn everything I possibly can from them. But I would also like to see how exactly they react to extreme pain. Perhaps both can one day be accomplished.
Written By Takruid
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:31 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Still no pots or pans but I've seen quite a few people in the city so far between the commons and the training grounds. The Valorous Few are interesting so far, I can understand why Julea runs with them. Speaking of Julea, she set met up with my own rooms on the ground level. It was nice of her but I'd best start earning my keep, which means pots and pans.
Written By Derovai
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:27 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
It was a pleasure to meet this woman, and I believe that we will be able to collaborate well together in the future when necessary.
Written By Morin
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:21 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
This sweltering city is still unbearable. I doubt my armour is required in the streets even with the fighting happening in the forests with the bringers. Silks have been mentioned as an alternative but I'm hardly interested in something so fine when it serves no purpose. Surely another fabric will do, regardless we will see... Soon I hope.
Written By Morin
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:20 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
The Princess Valencia is as the rumors said. I can see the hints of a northern woman in her, but she is very much the 'southern star'. I can only hope my brothers do not take after here, no matter how pleasant she may be we are of the north and need to return once the dangers we're facing are vanquished.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 15, 2017, 11:13 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
I wish I could say something that would ease her suffering. To know such loss is an invisible wound though it bleeds no less and leaves scars behind like any other. It is in these moments that we are changed as people, these moments in which we see the world for what it really is and understand that monsters do not only lurk in the deep of woods and darkness but sometimes are wrapped in smiles and shake our hands first. I have nothing but faith that the Lady Bianca will emerge from her storm a stronger and more determined woman than she was before, and then I suggest everyone take a step back and make room.
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