Written By Ianthe
Dec. 31, 2016, 3:50 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
While I regret the circumstances, I think moving into Duchess Belladonna Pravus' Estate is the best thing that has happened to me lately. The guards everywhere are distracting, but the gardens are really nice. There are pools there. I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to swim in them, but I'm afraid to ask.
Written By Darrow
Dec. 31, 2016, 3:19 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
A very capable researcher.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 31, 2016, 2:26 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
It's been too long; I meant to do more of these, but Society duties have kept me quite busy. Still, this seems like a topic that will be relevant to many people very soon, and thus I feel a need to cover it.
THE NOX'ALFAR: A Guide to Hopefully Not Becoming King Calithex's Headless Inkwell
Ancient records teach us that there were three types of elves in Arvum. This particular treatise is focused only on the Nox'alfar, also known as the House of the Moon.
Dealing with the Nox'alfar is an interesting experience, as any who've had a chance to talk to them will attest. They're rude, sarcastic, and generally act slightly bored with life overall. Living an immortal and largely unchanging life can, apparently, become rather dull quickly.
The greatest offense you can give to a Nox'alfar -- especially to their king, Calithex Thex -- is seemingly that of being boring. Predicable. Being *interesting* is the best thing you can do... and yet there are lines one should not cross. (Though unfortunately, so far as this writer can tell, those lines are not always in the same place.)
And so the great Twilight Court of the Nox'alfar, reached through the Night's Grove, is a place that seems the embodiment of insanity. Architecture with bizarre lines that makes no sense, spiders the size of Arvani buildings, impossible spaces, and a festival air that seems to be a desperate, insane pursuit of /any/ sort of new experience. Among the dancers and merry-makers, it seems not uncommon to encounter elves on fire, engaged in being eaten by spiders, or any number of other things the average Arvani would consider unpleasant. In no small number of cases, it appears those two groups intersect, and you may find someone on fire /while/ dancing. Audiences with Twilight Court nobility may well involve interruptions to account for stabbings and other brief mayhem. A courtier might have their head removed to allow their blood to be used as an inkwell.
Further, blood magic is not merely practiced by the Nox'alfar, but nearly a way of life; merely to open the door into the Court involves using blood magic, and they wield it both openly and unashamedly. Using the blood from injuries -- or the dead -- is done as casually as an Arvani might pick up the pen with which I write this journal.
In short, for otherwise seemingly-immortal beings, the Nox'alfar seem to consider death to be a mild inconvenience at best.
This is perhaps because they have a firm belief in the concept of reincarnation. Their goddess -- the Queen of Endings, the Mother of Beginnings -- is the goddess of both death and rebirth. If you know your soul will come back soon enough in a new body, a new life, then death might well seem like little more than a chance to take a brief nap in the Shining Lands. It's important to remember this, because this embrace of death makes them careless with life.
Theirs especially, but likely those mortals who interact with them as well.
In conclusion, diplomacy with regards to the Twilight Court is something of a risky enterprise. The best advice seems to be a bundle of contradictions: be cautious but not boring, be irreverent but not outright disrespectful... and be cavalier but do not let yourself be killed.
THE NOX'ALFAR: A Guide to Hopefully Not Becoming King Calithex's Headless Inkwell
Ancient records teach us that there were three types of elves in Arvum. This particular treatise is focused only on the Nox'alfar, also known as the House of the Moon.
Dealing with the Nox'alfar is an interesting experience, as any who've had a chance to talk to them will attest. They're rude, sarcastic, and generally act slightly bored with life overall. Living an immortal and largely unchanging life can, apparently, become rather dull quickly.
The greatest offense you can give to a Nox'alfar -- especially to their king, Calithex Thex -- is seemingly that of being boring. Predicable. Being *interesting* is the best thing you can do... and yet there are lines one should not cross. (Though unfortunately, so far as this writer can tell, those lines are not always in the same place.)
And so the great Twilight Court of the Nox'alfar, reached through the Night's Grove, is a place that seems the embodiment of insanity. Architecture with bizarre lines that makes no sense, spiders the size of Arvani buildings, impossible spaces, and a festival air that seems to be a desperate, insane pursuit of /any/ sort of new experience. Among the dancers and merry-makers, it seems not uncommon to encounter elves on fire, engaged in being eaten by spiders, or any number of other things the average Arvani would consider unpleasant. In no small number of cases, it appears those two groups intersect, and you may find someone on fire /while/ dancing. Audiences with Twilight Court nobility may well involve interruptions to account for stabbings and other brief mayhem. A courtier might have their head removed to allow their blood to be used as an inkwell.
Further, blood magic is not merely practiced by the Nox'alfar, but nearly a way of life; merely to open the door into the Court involves using blood magic, and they wield it both openly and unashamedly. Using the blood from injuries -- or the dead -- is done as casually as an Arvani might pick up the pen with which I write this journal.
In short, for otherwise seemingly-immortal beings, the Nox'alfar seem to consider death to be a mild inconvenience at best.
This is perhaps because they have a firm belief in the concept of reincarnation. Their goddess -- the Queen of Endings, the Mother of Beginnings -- is the goddess of both death and rebirth. If you know your soul will come back soon enough in a new body, a new life, then death might well seem like little more than a chance to take a brief nap in the Shining Lands. It's important to remember this, because this embrace of death makes them careless with life.
Theirs especially, but likely those mortals who interact with them as well.
In conclusion, diplomacy with regards to the Twilight Court is something of a risky enterprise. The best advice seems to be a bundle of contradictions: be cautious but not boring, be irreverent but not outright disrespectful... and be cavalier but do not let yourself be killed.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 31, 2016, 2:22 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Spirituality is a strange thing. I really envy the people I know who have some degree of surety in theirs; I've been struggling with mine for some time. Who I am and where I belong. I've found myself speaking with priests, shamans, and others about it.
And I still have no true answers.
Vellichor, in many ways, is the right fit; knowledge is the center of my life, and the Archives are arguably the space in this city closest to "sacred" for me. I try to do him proper honor by seeking things out for the Archives. But I also often worry that I'm too independent-minded... worried that the god would be somehow *disappointed* in my desire to dash off yet again to gods-know-where to do gods-know-what. So I don't quite feel... /right/, trying to pray to him for guidance, when I fear I wouldn't want what I'd be told.
Petrichor, then, perhaps? After all, I always feel better outside of the city walls, in the natural world. I do my best to pay proper honor to him as well, if not as highly as Vellichor. But no... I know those who feel Petrichor's call, and I don't feel the same. And I've never felt the same connection as to the Archives.
The spirits of the north, my mother's homeland? There's something to be said for finding your spirituality in everything around you. In treating the world itself as what you draw guidance from. I've spoken to several shamans lately, and while the exercises they've taught bring some comfort... I don't think the spirits are my path, either.
It's a strange thing in some ways: to explore so much of the world, but not to be entirely certain of yourself.
And I still have no true answers.
Vellichor, in many ways, is the right fit; knowledge is the center of my life, and the Archives are arguably the space in this city closest to "sacred" for me. I try to do him proper honor by seeking things out for the Archives. But I also often worry that I'm too independent-minded... worried that the god would be somehow *disappointed* in my desire to dash off yet again to gods-know-where to do gods-know-what. So I don't quite feel... /right/, trying to pray to him for guidance, when I fear I wouldn't want what I'd be told.
Petrichor, then, perhaps? After all, I always feel better outside of the city walls, in the natural world. I do my best to pay proper honor to him as well, if not as highly as Vellichor. But no... I know those who feel Petrichor's call, and I don't feel the same. And I've never felt the same connection as to the Archives.
The spirits of the north, my mother's homeland? There's something to be said for finding your spirituality in everything around you. In treating the world itself as what you draw guidance from. I've spoken to several shamans lately, and while the exercises they've taught bring some comfort... I don't think the spirits are my path, either.
It's a strange thing in some ways: to explore so much of the world, but not to be entirely certain of yourself.
Written By Eleyna
Dec. 31, 2016, 1:30 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Blacktongue
Note to self: Never... wait no... ALWAYS eat the apples that Blacktongue offers you. Something interesting is bound to happen.
Written By Eleyna
Dec. 31, 2016, 1:21 p.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Since the first dance we shared at the Valardin Ball, I have found the Legate to be nothing but intelligent, charming, and personable. He also understands what it is to be bound by duty and how, sometimes, those duties can stand in the way of other things one might want.
It's also wonderful to see that a lifetime in the Faith has done nothing to diminish his dancing skills. You can take the man out of the Lyceum, but you can't take the Lycene out of the man.
It's also wonderful to see that a lifetime in the Faith has done nothing to diminish his dancing skills. You can take the man out of the Lyceum, but you can't take the Lycene out of the man.
Written By Mydas
Dec. 31, 2016, 11:47 a.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Patrols have been increased after I received the message from Cassius. I will not have the Shavs cut us off from the capital by ambushing the roads. Communications will be kept open, and trade protected. Our lands will be secure, no matter the sort of Shav that intrudes.
Written By Talen
Dec. 31, 2016, 11:46 a.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
His grace has been more of a father than any other man I know. It is known his prowess as a leader of troops is far superior to many. I could learn a thing or two. Perhaps I shall sit for a time with him soon and explore somewhat further how I might follow in his footsteps. The archduchess will need more than just one man to command her forces in the years to come.
Written By Talen
Dec. 31, 2016, 11:41 a.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I may have spotted a fellow with even more outrageous fashion sense than you, general. I know, hard to believe.
Written By Talen
Dec. 31, 2016, 11:40 a.m.(7/14/1005 AR)
My brief reprieve of Arx has come at the best of times. Few people to speak to, good game to hunt and only a minor altercation that involved blood spilt. I didn't even start the fight for once.
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:48 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Sir Morgan is very likely to plant you like a tree in the training center, but the experience is worth it. He's good drinking company as well.
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:48 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailith
I have met the Seraph on occasion, but have not had the chance to have any indepth conversation with her. She's a lovely woman, and I hope that someday I will be able to.
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:47 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valery
I met a particularly nervous young lady at the training center. I didn't catch her name but I have to admire her desire to try and watch the sparring matches even though she doesn't like fighting.
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:45 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Sir Silas Mercier is a member of the Iron Guard, officially under my command as a guard but I find it increasingly awkward to command him in anything since he's more than capable of planting me like a tree in the training grounds. Still, sparring with him has been and I'm still be most instructive. The more that I hone my skills against his the better I will be.
If you can get time in the ring with him, it is well worth it.
If you can get time in the ring with him, it is well worth it.
Written By Ainsley
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:43 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
[Written in not particularly nice script.]
I have learned several important lessons this week.
The first, do not spar with Sir Morgan without expecting to have your face planted in the ground.
The second, do not spar with Sir Silas unless prepared to be put face down in the training ring.
The third, Princess Reese is far politically wiser than I.
The fourth, Princess Reese is far wiser than I.
The fifth, the way to Princess Reese's heart is diamondplate. She told me as such.
The sixth, I am not strong enough nor skilled enough yet. I need to be training every moment that I can.
-A. Grayson.
Note: That fifth lesson is important insomuch that if I'm not careful my favorite cousin will drain my bank account in her quest for diamondplate.
I have learned several important lessons this week.
The first, do not spar with Sir Morgan without expecting to have your face planted in the ground.
The second, do not spar with Sir Silas unless prepared to be put face down in the training ring.
The third, Princess Reese is far politically wiser than I.
The fourth, Princess Reese is far wiser than I.
The fifth, the way to Princess Reese's heart is diamondplate. She told me as such.
The sixth, I am not strong enough nor skilled enough yet. I need to be training every moment that I can.
-A. Grayson.
Note: That fifth lesson is important insomuch that if I'm not careful my favorite cousin will drain my bank account in her quest for diamondplate.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:34 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
I'm moving out of the Hundred Cities Inn and into the Pravus Manor. I shall have a room at the Pravus Manor. A room of my own, that is not likely to have been rented out for some something nefarious at some point.
I'm overjoyed.
I'm overjoyed.
Written By Mirari
Dec. 31, 2016, 9:32 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
What a pleasant woman. I don't think our paths will cross ever so much, but if they do again I'll have to find a tree for us to climb.
Written By Aurora
Dec. 31, 2016, 5:30 a.m.(7/13/1005 AR)
After most had left, I said my real goodbyes, with just the family about. While yes, he was all of those things I mentioned during the memorial, he was all of the rest of the things I said he was after. Loyal, honest, brave.
He had the same focus for everything in life, whether work or people. When he stared at you, he was not simply looking but he saw you, you knew you were everything to him in that moment. I will miss being someone's everything. Silas was right though. Life will move forward whether I wish it to or not, and I can't allow it to move on without me. It is not a forgiving thing and I will be crushed beneath the weight of trying to hold all the slipping pieces together. It is an impossible task. Goodbye Horatio, I will think of you often, and fondly, but I must let you go.
He had the same focus for everything in life, whether work or people. When he stared at you, he was not simply looking but he saw you, you knew you were everything to him in that moment. I will miss being someone's everything. Silas was right though. Life will move forward whether I wish it to or not, and I can't allow it to move on without me. It is not a forgiving thing and I will be crushed beneath the weight of trying to hold all the slipping pieces together. It is an impossible task. Goodbye Horatio, I will think of you often, and fondly, but I must let you go.
Written By Valencia
Dec. 31, 2016, 1:56 a.m.(7/12/1005 AR)
I have been thinking about approaches to life lately and it has me pondering which of the great Houses or cultures may be the happiest.
I've heard the Thrax's "Tears in our wake, never at our wake" several times this week. It is beginning to grow on me. That might be dangerous.
~~~<~<@
I've heard the Thrax's "Tears in our wake, never at our wake" several times this week. It is beginning to grow on me. That might be dangerous.
~~~<~<@
Written By Fiachra
Dec. 31, 2016, 12:51 a.m.(7/12/1005 AR)
There is a trophy in the Valardin audience hall that my sister had made for Princess Alis. I am certain that she thought that I would be ready to strangle her for it, but no. If she wants to poke me with that particular stick, well then. I've never been one unable to rise to an appropriate challenge. Especially one that promises more entertainment in times ahead with the Valardin princess. Though that begs the question - instead of being a sympathetic ally to Prince Edain, am I now an accomplice in getting his hair to turn white before his thirtieth birthday?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.