Written By Mason
Dec. 24, 2016, 11:54 p.m.(6/22/1005 AR)
I have sent a letter to the Minister of Defense, detailing to him what I wrote to Aislin. He seemed to be...moved what I had written.
Then I met Calypso and Eirene in the stacks at the Archives, discussing more matters with them. Nothing seems to get much better, and I feel at times I'm treading water. An irony, coming from a man who was born in a desert.
It would be nice, I should say, if for once, that whenever someone came to spoke of me, they asked about the weather. Or perhaps wanted to play cards. Feels like it's 'demons this' and 'beast in the woods' that. Not that these are not important topics, but I wonder if this is how it is going to be for the foreseable future. I'd rather hope not, but, this appears to be a task that I am expertly suited for.
What a job. Perhaps next time I see Aislin, I will ask her about her griffon. That would brighten my day, I think.
Then I met Calypso and Eirene in the stacks at the Archives, discussing more matters with them. Nothing seems to get much better, and I feel at times I'm treading water. An irony, coming from a man who was born in a desert.
It would be nice, I should say, if for once, that whenever someone came to spoke of me, they asked about the weather. Or perhaps wanted to play cards. Feels like it's 'demons this' and 'beast in the woods' that. Not that these are not important topics, but I wonder if this is how it is going to be for the foreseable future. I'd rather hope not, but, this appears to be a task that I am expertly suited for.
What a job. Perhaps next time I see Aislin, I will ask her about her griffon. That would brighten my day, I think.
Written By Valkieri
Dec. 24, 2016, 11:43 p.m.(6/22/1005 AR)
(A copy of the recent Gemecittan proclamation has been left in Valkieri's journal.)
Five hundred years ago, Duchess Vedette Zaffria and Duke Raphael Rubino tore down a wall and united a city. Where once stood Quartz Hill and Crowned Hill, two castles vying for the same land, competing for the same resources, there became one: Gemecitta. It was their unity that ensured the city's survival as others throughout the Lyceum fell to the sylv'alfar.
But the houses were never truly united. For the last thousand years, Houses Zaffria and Rubino have lived in an uneasy state of cooperation, never truly trusting the other. Unlike every other noble house in the Compact, our dukes and duchesses have kept to Gemecitta and sent their heirs to represent them in Arx, afraid of betrayal for any step they might take out of their home.
This ends today. A year ago, Zaccheri Rubino, the husband of Lady Sylvie Zaffria and the heir of House Rubino, was murdered. A week ago, after murdering several innocents of Gemecitta, the same assassin ended the life of Duke Giovanni Rubino. But today, the efforts of both houses have brought this murderer to justice. Today, two scions of Gemecitta have been avenged. We have faced darkness and razed it with fire and light.
We, Duke Valkieri Rubino and Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, today declare our refusal to live in a state of fear and distrust any further. We return to Arx as new-forged leaders of our houses and the proud citizens of Gemecitta, dedicated to unity -- true unity -- in this time of tragedy and need. Our family, our citizens, our city, and the Compact deserve no less from us than our fearless defense. The Compact needs the full and selfless leadership of its rulers now more than ever. We shall not fail or falter.
In Strength,
Lord Valkieri Rubino Lady Sylvie Zaffria
Duke of Gemecitta Duchess of Gemecitta
Five hundred years ago, Duchess Vedette Zaffria and Duke Raphael Rubino tore down a wall and united a city. Where once stood Quartz Hill and Crowned Hill, two castles vying for the same land, competing for the same resources, there became one: Gemecitta. It was their unity that ensured the city's survival as others throughout the Lyceum fell to the sylv'alfar.
But the houses were never truly united. For the last thousand years, Houses Zaffria and Rubino have lived in an uneasy state of cooperation, never truly trusting the other. Unlike every other noble house in the Compact, our dukes and duchesses have kept to Gemecitta and sent their heirs to represent them in Arx, afraid of betrayal for any step they might take out of their home.
This ends today. A year ago, Zaccheri Rubino, the husband of Lady Sylvie Zaffria and the heir of House Rubino, was murdered. A week ago, after murdering several innocents of Gemecitta, the same assassin ended the life of Duke Giovanni Rubino. But today, the efforts of both houses have brought this murderer to justice. Today, two scions of Gemecitta have been avenged. We have faced darkness and razed it with fire and light.
We, Duke Valkieri Rubino and Duchess Sylvie Zaffria, today declare our refusal to live in a state of fear and distrust any further. We return to Arx as new-forged leaders of our houses and the proud citizens of Gemecitta, dedicated to unity -- true unity -- in this time of tragedy and need. Our family, our citizens, our city, and the Compact deserve no less from us than our fearless defense. The Compact needs the full and selfless leadership of its rulers now more than ever. We shall not fail or falter.
In Strength,
Lord Valkieri Rubino Lady Sylvie Zaffria
Duke of Gemecitta Duchess of Gemecitta
Written By Percephon
Dec. 24, 2016, 9:47 p.m.(6/22/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
A fervent student to be certain. We met in the wee hours of the morning and shared our love of mythology. She can certainly be distracting, however. Still, our shared enjoyment of knowledge will have our paths meet again and soon, I am certain.
Written By Percephon
Dec. 24, 2016, 8:07 p.m.(6/22/1005 AR)
It's good to finally be out of the ill spell of poor health and family matters. It's allowed me opportunities the past few days to get out and about into the Academy and start understanding the large wealth of knowledge the capital has. Truly, the place is blessed with wise men and women over the years who have amassed a fine collection.
Very early morning meanderings have already had one happenstance run in turn fruitful... I'll have to spend more time within the hallowed halls to meet more of my fellow Scholars. At some point, I'll need to attend to the social etiquette of family visits to those who are within the Capital as well, I suppose.
Very early morning meanderings have already had one happenstance run in turn fruitful... I'll have to spend more time within the hallowed halls to meet more of my fellow Scholars. At some point, I'll need to attend to the social etiquette of family visits to those who are within the Capital as well, I suppose.
Written By Niccolo
Dec. 24, 2016, 5:36 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
The young Voice of Valardin impressed me with her heart and dedication to her family. She might be young, but experience comes with age. What she has is a keen mind, and a devotion to her House that I feel make her the perfect blade for Prince Edain to have at his side.
Written By Cai
Dec. 24, 2016, 4:59 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
06/21/1005
The boss's boss's boss. Think I have that right. But not actually boss. Noble ranks are strange, I don't understand it.
Certainly knows how to take a joke a run with it.
Is being afraid of nudity a thing with their house. Or does this apply to Arx everywhere. I don't think I'll ever actually understand it.
Maybe I'm not supposed to.
The boss's boss's boss. Think I have that right. But not actually boss. Noble ranks are strange, I don't understand it.
Certainly knows how to take a joke a run with it.
Is being afraid of nudity a thing with their house. Or does this apply to Arx everywhere. I don't think I'll ever actually understand it.
Maybe I'm not supposed to.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 24, 2016, 4:27 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Well.
This has been an interesting little while.
There were the reports from the Society expedition on the Beast of Sanctum, which were more than a little disturbing. I have enough on my plate, however, so I'll be delegating all of that to the Seekers to deal with; I did suggest Mason should speak to Vincere, as both a fellow Seeker /and/ the Minister of Defense.
But those reports were almost the least of it; it seems like many people have had... unusual experiences in the past few weeks, and felt a need to share or seek out guidance recently. My messengers have been quite the strange collection lately; I don't think I've seen so many exclamation marks on anything since I was scribbling down my own childhood stories about my future adventures.
I definitely need to see about calling together some of the Seekers to see if I can't task some of them to speak to people and look into various things more deeply. Because some of the things coming to light lately seem almost as wild as those adventures I used to make up for myself, if rather more dire.
(What? Oh, fine. This is why I usually write my own white journals, you know, rather than dictating them here.)
Since you ask, childhood story future-me did live a fairly interesting life. She had a griffin, for one thing; his name was Cloudstriker. They were inseparable and flew all around the world, even to Cardia (which I had decided was full of dragons). Story-Aislin also met a handsome Cardian prince who might or might not have also been a dragon -- I don't think I ever made up my mind on that point -- who became her plucky sidekick and companion.
With benefit of hindsight I have to admit those imaginary childhood adventures involved a lot less foraging for food and running from shavs than my real ones have. Though the direwolf quotient has actually proven surprisingly accurate.
This has been an interesting little while.
There were the reports from the Society expedition on the Beast of Sanctum, which were more than a little disturbing. I have enough on my plate, however, so I'll be delegating all of that to the Seekers to deal with; I did suggest Mason should speak to Vincere, as both a fellow Seeker /and/ the Minister of Defense.
But those reports were almost the least of it; it seems like many people have had... unusual experiences in the past few weeks, and felt a need to share or seek out guidance recently. My messengers have been quite the strange collection lately; I don't think I've seen so many exclamation marks on anything since I was scribbling down my own childhood stories about my future adventures.
I definitely need to see about calling together some of the Seekers to see if I can't task some of them to speak to people and look into various things more deeply. Because some of the things coming to light lately seem almost as wild as those adventures I used to make up for myself, if rather more dire.
(What? Oh, fine. This is why I usually write my own white journals, you know, rather than dictating them here.)
Since you ask, childhood story future-me did live a fairly interesting life. She had a griffin, for one thing; his name was Cloudstriker. They were inseparable and flew all around the world, even to Cardia (which I had decided was full of dragons). Story-Aislin also met a handsome Cardian prince who might or might not have also been a dragon -- I don't think I ever made up my mind on that point -- who became her plucky sidekick and companion.
With benefit of hindsight I have to admit those imaginary childhood adventures involved a lot less foraging for food and running from shavs than my real ones have. Though the direwolf quotient has actually proven surprisingly accurate.
Written By Khanne
Dec. 24, 2016, 4:12 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
He is a fine Warrior for my house, and one dedicated to keeping us all safe. He has offered me armed escort whenever I am in need, but too, seems to be becoming a valued friend as well.
Written By Cai
Dec. 24, 2016, 4:03 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
06/21/1005
Beware the deadly and elusive Beaver-snap. Make sure not to anger one, it'll be the end of you.
Beware the deadly and elusive Beaver-snap. Make sure not to anger one, it'll be the end of you.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 24, 2016, 2:33 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
(From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward:)
My latest attempts at blending teas and wines have dramatically improved.
Modesty would dictate that I not compare my most recent creation to my elder brother's.
However, my confidence demands otherwise.
My latest attempts at blending teas and wines have dramatically improved.
Modesty would dictate that I not compare my most recent creation to my elder brother's.
However, my confidence demands otherwise.
Written By Sinhoc
Dec. 24, 2016, 2:02 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
I took a soothing walk through the woods a while ago. Truly, walking without borders is a most calming pasttime. To know there is only sea blocking you from walking the length of the world is a peace the safe walls of the Compact cannot oblige. But, the walls are called safe for a reason. The dangers outside those gates are almost infinite, the amount being due not to the types of dangers, but the different ways they can catch you off-guard. I may be desensitized to the true protection of the walls, but in the end, when the slavering teeth and gnarled claws of the Wild's darkness tear at your flesh, you'll wish you had stalwart slabs of stone to shield you from the hunt.
Written By Kima
Dec. 24, 2016, 1:49 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
It is all rather frustrating when things don't go as you plan. Yet what else is there to do but pick yourself up (and perhaps several pieces as well) and move on?
Written By Percephon
Dec. 24, 2016, 1:35 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
Fellow Scholar
Written By Kima
Dec. 24, 2016, 1:21 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
I had worried that I would be ill-suited to raising Vomas. I needn't have. It's not simply that he's old enough that I don't have to fear he'll die without my constant attention. Rather, it is that I've realized that if I think more like a teacher than aught else, then things between us go swimmingly. Together we have read one of the books of law the Legate has so kindly sent me; we've sat in on the court for a day; wandered the perimeter of Arx and talked architecture as well as flora and fauna.
He gets a green look when I talk about horse riding lessons with Leola or further sparring with myself and Athas, but if my mother had cared a whit for green looks when I was a lass, then I'd not have the wonderful background of poetry, philosophy, or religion to broaden my soul. I might not be anything more than a laymen in such subjects, but I'm still richer for what I do know.
I am richer, too, for the time shared with my nephew.
He gets a green look when I talk about horse riding lessons with Leola or further sparring with myself and Athas, but if my mother had cared a whit for green looks when I was a lass, then I'd not have the wonderful background of poetry, philosophy, or religion to broaden my soul. I might not be anything more than a laymen in such subjects, but I'm still richer for what I do know.
I am richer, too, for the time shared with my nephew.
Written By Bethany
Dec. 24, 2016, 12:01 p.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
( From the desk of B. Mercier, Steward: )
Curious yet --
What are the most important lessons you, (dear citizen or visitor of Arx) have learned in life?
Curious yet --
What are the most important lessons you, (dear citizen or visitor of Arx) have learned in life?
Written By Lucio
Dec. 24, 2016, 11:45 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
A Thrax weaponsmith, Felix has done work for House Pravus in the past. He is curious man who thinks of his weapons as stories, and that has an obvious appeal to me. Thanks to Duchess Belladonna, he has agreed to craft me a new dagger.
Written By Lucio
Dec. 24, 2016, 11:34 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cybele
I met the Shaman at the Shrine of the Lost. The 'Walker Between' is unusual, but kind, and sang me one of the old songs of the north. Cybele seems a good source of knowledge for old stories and creation myths, one who might be very useful in my quest to craft new songs to sing.
Written By Pietro
Dec. 24, 2016, 11:32 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
It is with a gladder heart that I thank Duke Marco for his years of service. I know that my mother has been highly enjoying her retirement and I will join her in wishing Lord Marco the joy of it.
It is an honor to publicly congratulate Duchess Sylvie Zaffria. I know that in these difficult times, Gemecitta will go forward under her guidance with prosperity and strength. As well, of course, as the best of taste. House Igniseri is proud to serve you, my liege.
It is an honor to publicly congratulate Duchess Sylvie Zaffria. I know that in these difficult times, Gemecitta will go forward under her guidance with prosperity and strength. As well, of course, as the best of taste. House Igniseri is proud to serve you, my liege.
Written By Khanne
Dec. 24, 2016, 10:48 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
An interesting talk was had at The Spirits recently. I have come to know her a bit better, feel a bit closer to her as a friend, and yet, she frustratingly tells me absolutely nothing. I warned her I am stubborn and do not give up easily.
Written By Khanne
Dec. 24, 2016, 10:45 a.m.(6/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Agnarr
One day, warns someone to be careful after something said. Another, I want to throttle him for not taking his own advice.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.