Written By Leo
Jan. 13, 2017, 1:21 p.m.(8/25/1005 AR)
The Lyceum has always been a kingdom of deeply independent duchies, rich in individual culture and history. It also has a well deserved reputation for finding the ends often sufficient justification for the means; acclaim on offer for those that strive for and, most importantly, attain victory. This has occasionally made for a strength that, at times, has threatened the stability of our home. With every great undertaking, however, I believe there must be the pains of growth. It is through this that we find and redefine ourselves. I feel we now approach the beginning of a new journey as a kingdom.
For nobility, marriage is always a word that carries with it the heavy weight of responsibility. What are the terms? Why this particular match? Does this benefit our house? Theirs? Will blood be shed or peace purchased? It is often spoken of in the same breath as treaties and contracts, the two set to enter the union rarely more than passing acquaintances, if that. I was fortunate, then, as a head of house to be able to speak directly to another head of house for what our nuptials might mean.
Since our very first discussion of what would come if the Archduchess and I wed, she has shown nothing but great care for her people and a firm resolve for unity. She questions whether she contributes to the good of the world and she wishes to know the thoughts of her nobility and people so that she may rule with wisdom. Further, those that know her best show me the passion she inspires, from the protective fierceness of her father, to the willingness of the Dark Knight of Lenosia to lift a sword in challenge to my worthiness to take a place at her side.
She gives me hope. Hope for some of the hard blood memory that exists to find reconciliation. Hope that we will continue to strive for victory in our endeavors, but in such a way that it benefits our entire kingdom. Hope that we will find a distinctly Lycene path forward that carries all of its duchies and people with it. Hope that ours will not be a marriage in name alone. Hope.
I may not entirely fit the image of what it is to be Lycene, but I love my kingdom as fiercely as any. And while I have not the grace nor ability to inspire love as she does, I am a warrior who wishes to see the best for his home. I will stand beside the Archduchess and work to ensure the continued diversity and strength of the Lyceum, but a Lyceum with purpose. Our purpose.
For nobility, marriage is always a word that carries with it the heavy weight of responsibility. What are the terms? Why this particular match? Does this benefit our house? Theirs? Will blood be shed or peace purchased? It is often spoken of in the same breath as treaties and contracts, the two set to enter the union rarely more than passing acquaintances, if that. I was fortunate, then, as a head of house to be able to speak directly to another head of house for what our nuptials might mean.
Since our very first discussion of what would come if the Archduchess and I wed, she has shown nothing but great care for her people and a firm resolve for unity. She questions whether she contributes to the good of the world and she wishes to know the thoughts of her nobility and people so that she may rule with wisdom. Further, those that know her best show me the passion she inspires, from the protective fierceness of her father, to the willingness of the Dark Knight of Lenosia to lift a sword in challenge to my worthiness to take a place at her side.
She gives me hope. Hope for some of the hard blood memory that exists to find reconciliation. Hope that we will continue to strive for victory in our endeavors, but in such a way that it benefits our entire kingdom. Hope that we will find a distinctly Lycene path forward that carries all of its duchies and people with it. Hope that ours will not be a marriage in name alone. Hope.
I may not entirely fit the image of what it is to be Lycene, but I love my kingdom as fiercely as any. And while I have not the grace nor ability to inspire love as she does, I am a warrior who wishes to see the best for his home. I will stand beside the Archduchess and work to ensure the continued diversity and strength of the Lyceum, but a Lyceum with purpose. Our purpose.
Written By Lou
Jan. 13, 2017, 12:29 p.m.(8/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
People talk. People have always talked about Dawn since the day she was brought home by her father. However, I have learned that if someone wants to learn something from her, all they need to do is go talk to her. Recently, she was the Reagent of the Compact. Though, there was a scandal when she went out to sacrifice herself to the Tiend, yet came back to the city alive. This left me with a myriad of emotions. I talked to her and discovered her story. She is family. She is my friend. I will always have her back. I did name my daughter after her after all.
Written By Lou
Jan. 13, 2017, 12:28 p.m.(8/25/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
People talk. People have always talked about Dawn since the day she was brought home by her father. However, I have learned that if someone wants to learn something from her, all they need to do is go talk to her. Recently, she was the Reagent of the Compact. Though, there was a scandal when she went out to sacrifice herself to the Tiend, yet came back to the city alive. This left me with a myriad of emotions. I talked to her and discovered her story. She is family. She is my friend. I will always have her back.
Written By Ida
Jan. 13, 2017, 11:56 a.m.(8/25/1005 AR)
Some years before I was so graciously offered a position with the Valardin smiths herein Arx by His Grace, Prince Edain, I spent several months on the road, as they say, for tournaments. I do not know why this occurred to me today, but after one rather rousing pugilistic battle at one such competition held just outside The Telmarch, I was offered some amazing words by an elderly man. It was obvious, at least to me, that he was no stranger to the circuit, though clearly hadn't been in a bout himself for a decade or so. I'd won the fight and already made my way to fetch a drink when he approached me to offer the words I quote here. Again, I'm not sure why they have been recalled to mind so sharply recently; figured I'd might as well write them down.
"Pay close attention to the people who don't clap when you win."
"Pay close attention to the people who don't clap when you win."
Written By Ida
Jan. 13, 2017, 11:31 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
The Crown giveth and the Crown taketh away, I suppose. The Low Council has been dissolved and apparently will be replaced by a Common Council. A whole lot of things happened in and around that, but... Right.
Perhaps it is for the best. I've little interest in politics and my focus should be with my talents instead.
Perhaps it is for the best. I've little interest in politics and my focus should be with my talents instead.
Written By Rowan
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:49 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
I imagine that if a squirrel drank themselves out of a pot of coffee, and then went on to eat all the beans left in the larder, it might compare to the raw energy and drive my dear cousin has.
I'm glad that the return to recognized nobility and something approaching propriety has not doused the fire that vexed so many over the years. I'm sure she'll do many a great thing here in Arx. I, for one, am glad all that damned energy is on my side.
I'm glad that the return to recognized nobility and something approaching propriety has not doused the fire that vexed so many over the years. I'm sure she'll do many a great thing here in Arx. I, for one, am glad all that damned energy is on my side.
Written By Dominique
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:48 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
The mournful wails of agonizing grief can be heard all the way back to the Oathlands and back for the House Wyrmguard.
Confirmed reports of Lord Damon Wyrmguard Missing. Howver no confirmation on his death or findings of his remains.
The House of Wyrmguard is now on lock down during this time of mourning and searching for their lost kin. A reward for promising information on Lord Damon's Disappearance has been posted by myself.
Confirmed reports of Lord Damon Wyrmguard Missing. Howver no confirmation on his death or findings of his remains.
The House of Wyrmguard is now on lock down during this time of mourning and searching for their lost kin. A reward for promising information on Lord Damon's Disappearance has been posted by myself.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:46 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
That was an informative week among the Silent Reflections.
(Eyes open.
Mouth shut.)
(Eyes open.
Mouth shut.)
Written By Rowan
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:43 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Some people just fit.
You meet them, and it's comfortable, and it's simple, and there's a natural familiarity like your spirits have known one another longer than you have.
Here's to you, Lady Stray, and the learning, rituals, victories, comraderie through the losses, stories, adventures, misadventures, familial disasters and rivers of whiskey to come.
You meet them, and it's comfortable, and it's simple, and there's a natural familiarity like your spirits have known one another longer than you have.
Here's to you, Lady Stray, and the learning, rituals, victories, comraderie through the losses, stories, adventures, misadventures, familial disasters and rivers of whiskey to come.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:28 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Today I saw Dawn for the first time since she left for the Night Grove. She is mostly unhurt but for the cut down her brow and cheek, which still pains her if she smiles too wide or laughs too hard.
She smiles and laughs anyways. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
And she loved my gift.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
She smiles and laughs anyways. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
And she loved my gift.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Dawn
Jan. 13, 2017, 10:26 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
Courtier and Minister of Treasury
Written By Julea
Jan. 13, 2017, 9:27 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
Aldwin makes for a surprisingly good writing companion that was not offended, despite many slips of the tongue in his presence. How he survived my visit and still maintain that composure will forever be one of the great mysteries of Arx.
PS. He is not as old as he looks.
PS. He is not as old as he looks.
Written By Max
Jan. 13, 2017, 9:23 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Talen is a very odd duck.
Written By Julea
Jan. 13, 2017, 9:15 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Garza
I think I'll be feeling that last lesson for a few days yet, when you spar, you don't hold back do you? But, that's not a bad thing. It's probably a fine attribute for a sellsword to have.
Written By Julea
Jan. 13, 2017, 9:05 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
The Commoner's Court went better than I expected and I find myself equal parts pleased and disappointed that there was not at least one fist fight, or food flung, or any kind of roughhousing. I think next time we shall make a new rule: A shot of whiskey for whoever takes the floor to speak, I feel this a good plan and clearly no harm can possibly come from it.
I was also honoured by a request to join the Council of Commoners, which I accepted. So, I guess we will be doing this Commoners Court thing again. Though I think I may need to work on my speech writing skills, the Captain General outshone me in his talk of the Teind and received considerable praise after. Clearly he has missed his true calling as an orator and I'm sure after that, he'll popular for similar talks for many months to come. More people than I expected showed up and most of the houses and many organisations were represented at the talk, though I was a touch disappointed to not see a single Redrain there. There was another face missing from the crowd too, but I imagine the Archscholar is a busy man and hold out some hope that he will attend the next.
This week has gone well, and I have learned much and while I haven't yet worked out.. a few key things, I think I grow closer. And in doing so, hopefully it will make it a bit easier to stay alive that little bit longer. Finding my place in Arx helps, as a scholar, as a smith, as a sellsword and as a lover. I think a few more people see me now than did before.
The fucking elves arrive soon though, and I think my face will be among the many who have yet to see such a thing, and will be eagerly trying to catch a glimpse from the crowd.
Curious. Ever curious.
Julea
24th August, 1005 AR.
I was also honoured by a request to join the Council of Commoners, which I accepted. So, I guess we will be doing this Commoners Court thing again. Though I think I may need to work on my speech writing skills, the Captain General outshone me in his talk of the Teind and received considerable praise after. Clearly he has missed his true calling as an orator and I'm sure after that, he'll popular for similar talks for many months to come. More people than I expected showed up and most of the houses and many organisations were represented at the talk, though I was a touch disappointed to not see a single Redrain there. There was another face missing from the crowd too, but I imagine the Archscholar is a busy man and hold out some hope that he will attend the next.
This week has gone well, and I have learned much and while I haven't yet worked out.. a few key things, I think I grow closer. And in doing so, hopefully it will make it a bit easier to stay alive that little bit longer. Finding my place in Arx helps, as a scholar, as a smith, as a sellsword and as a lover. I think a few more people see me now than did before.
The fucking elves arrive soon though, and I think my face will be among the many who have yet to see such a thing, and will be eagerly trying to catch a glimpse from the crowd.
Curious. Ever curious.
Julea
24th August, 1005 AR.
Written By Talen
Jan. 13, 2017, 8:48 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Really, spiders are -meant- to wander. Oleander the tarantula never did a thing wrong. Perhaps her grace will let you keep it if only you ensure it doesn't end up in amongst her closet full of aeterna and fireweave.
Written By Talen
Jan. 13, 2017, 8:47 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Leo
The future Archduke is quick with the sword and fought far better than I would have expected. The man has received my token and my blessing to court her grace, Grand Duchess Esera of House Velenosa.
If he is as proficient a partner to my liege as he is at duelling then I only look forward to serving him as part of the family.
If he's to do anything to harm her, however, I will not fight fair as is so expected of me next time. That is a promise.
If he is as proficient a partner to my liege as he is at duelling then I only look forward to serving him as part of the family.
If he's to do anything to harm her, however, I will not fight fair as is so expected of me next time. That is a promise.
Written By Talen
Jan. 13, 2017, 8:44 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
'His sea has run dry'. Is this a Thraxian term for infertility? A shame, if so.
I'll send flowers.
I'll send flowers.
Written By Rymarr
Jan. 13, 2017, 8:09 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Gabriel
Stern, resolute, and quiet. I suspect because he is of the belief that actions speak louder than words.
I like this.
I like this.
Written By Rymarr
Jan. 13, 2017, 8:05 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
A monumental task.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.