Written By Valkieri
Nov. 27, 2016, 1:58 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)
The Velenosas call for unity.
They call for honestly. While they lie and evade and make disappointed noises at their vassals. They claim -- insist -- on not having any answers, only to spill some small sliver of their knowledge when pressed.
They claim to be ignorant of the Archduchess's protection in her ride through the Lyceum, but when faced with a room of those who know the truth, they suddenly knew a reason for it.
I know the Velenosas do not have all the answers for the questions plaguing me, but they know much, much more than they claim.
Duke Hadrian claimed that the Velenosas were the only ones who had shared a secret directly after they had been caught in a lie. He is either an idiot, blindly loyal, or wildly cunning. My guess is a mixture of the first two.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
They call for honestly. While they lie and evade and make disappointed noises at their vassals. They claim -- insist -- on not having any answers, only to spill some small sliver of their knowledge when pressed.
They claim to be ignorant of the Archduchess's protection in her ride through the Lyceum, but when faced with a room of those who know the truth, they suddenly knew a reason for it.
I know the Velenosas do not have all the answers for the questions plaguing me, but they know much, much more than they claim.
Duke Hadrian claimed that the Velenosas were the only ones who had shared a secret directly after they had been caught in a lie. He is either an idiot, blindly loyal, or wildly cunning. My guess is a mixture of the first two.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Natalia
Nov. 27, 2016, 1:26 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Tristan
Good For You.
Written By Juliet
Nov. 27, 2016, 12:56 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)
I seem to have an exceptional gift for expressing myself poorly lately.
Maybe I've fallen ill?
Maybe I've fallen ill?
Written By Alis
Nov. 26, 2016, 11:20 p.m.(3/22/1005 AR)
How long can a person stay awake at a stretch? I believe I am about to find out. And Sophie, answer your messenger before I worry more. You don't want me to worry more, do you? I know you don't!
Written By Darren
Nov. 26, 2016, 10:33 p.m.(3/22/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Princess Natalia Grayson is quite the social butterly. We've met a few times for drinks and light conversation and there seems to be a bit more to her than the ability to hold a pleasant conversation.
Written By Drea
Nov. 26, 2016, 2:25 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
It is strange to me to reminisce in the written form. I haven't allowed much time for personal reflection in quite a long while, hence the importance of my pilgrimage. I sit now by the fire's edge surrounded by the voices of eternity on an icy evening amidst the embrace of our homelands, finally taking a moment to put to words the thoughts that I have been ignoring this past year. Anger has broiled just beneath the surface of all other emotions and I've found myself swallowing not only that anger, but also ignoring it and the root of its cause. In my attempts to be a pillar of strength for my family in the face of our loss, perhaps I have also done a disservice to my children. In a lack of acknowledgment of Sharrod’s death, I did not acknowledge that they too suffered loss beyond the topical. Not only loss, but Darren then had to rise from the daunting shadow my Sharrod left in his wake.
The winter willows whispered a song that finally broached the divide between my mundane self and that of the spirit, allowing the two to finally come to terms with this loss and in their mutual healing I have become whole. Of course, the advice I received upon my Long Walk varied dramatically but the perspectives of the North have always been a choir of wisdom from many different sources. After all, the rock of the river will rarely have the same point of view as the falcon of the skies.
None the less, I appreciate all of them and now feel I may return to Farhaven cleansed as was the intent of this journey to begin with.
For the first time in quite some time I look toward the next few nights with a peaceful excitement. I have missed my children. Their eclectic personalities have been a beacon of light in my life since the first look upon Darren and Deva’s wailing faces. Oh, and then there is of course my smallest firelight, Kieran. It will be good to see them upon my return.
I will admit, young Morrighan has passed through my thoughts from time to time during my sabbatical and I look forward to renewing company in her as well. In many ways she reminds me of Kieran and Deva’s fire.
Freja is another I look forward to connecting with, though I have no doubt she is already aware that my return is soon in coming. Her strength in the old ways has blossomed so much in the past few years. I can’t help but be reminded of my own journey and hope that I may better guide her to the potential she already clearly exhibits.
In truth though, right now I look most forward to the comfort of a long, warmed bath. My bones are not as strong as they once were and I feel the chill creep more quickly now, but soon I’ll be back beside my hearth.
So, my Long Walk has come to an end and now it is time for me to face the world of the mundane with clearer eyes and a resolved spirit.
The winter willows whispered a song that finally broached the divide between my mundane self and that of the spirit, allowing the two to finally come to terms with this loss and in their mutual healing I have become whole. Of course, the advice I received upon my Long Walk varied dramatically but the perspectives of the North have always been a choir of wisdom from many different sources. After all, the rock of the river will rarely have the same point of view as the falcon of the skies.
None the less, I appreciate all of them and now feel I may return to Farhaven cleansed as was the intent of this journey to begin with.
For the first time in quite some time I look toward the next few nights with a peaceful excitement. I have missed my children. Their eclectic personalities have been a beacon of light in my life since the first look upon Darren and Deva’s wailing faces. Oh, and then there is of course my smallest firelight, Kieran. It will be good to see them upon my return.
I will admit, young Morrighan has passed through my thoughts from time to time during my sabbatical and I look forward to renewing company in her as well. In many ways she reminds me of Kieran and Deva’s fire.
Freja is another I look forward to connecting with, though I have no doubt she is already aware that my return is soon in coming. Her strength in the old ways has blossomed so much in the past few years. I can’t help but be reminded of my own journey and hope that I may better guide her to the potential she already clearly exhibits.
In truth though, right now I look most forward to the comfort of a long, warmed bath. My bones are not as strong as they once were and I feel the chill creep more quickly now, but soon I’ll be back beside my hearth.
So, my Long Walk has come to an end and now it is time for me to face the world of the mundane with clearer eyes and a resolved spirit.
Written By Anze
Nov. 26, 2016, 1:53 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
What is with Southport? I expected the Lycene to care about poison, dresses, and silk, and then all the sudden Southport comes along.
Every single one of them drinks whiskey, fights, and seems to find me at the very least amusing. I think I have to visit this place and find out what they're doing, because they're clearly doing something right.
Every single one of them drinks whiskey, fights, and seems to find me at the very least amusing. I think I have to visit this place and find out what they're doing, because they're clearly doing something right.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 26, 2016, 1:03 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
This skinny little tart has all the body fat of a rake, and yet the woman practically lives on pastries.
This even last, a gift from Messere Rook Grayward in the form of a plate-
-yes. a PLATE-
-of pastries was -absconded with-.
Gone! Pfft! A cloud of dust in her wake!
And she returns it, openly and everything, sets it on the counter, and there is one pastry left.
A pastry that has been licked clean of its honey-frosting.
And she grinned at me like it was a damn dare.
So I ate the thing. Right in front of her. And nearly choked for her expression and the laughter that followed.
This even last, a gift from Messere Rook Grayward in the form of a plate-
-yes. a PLATE-
-of pastries was -absconded with-.
Gone! Pfft! A cloud of dust in her wake!
And she returns it, openly and everything, sets it on the counter, and there is one pastry left.
A pastry that has been licked clean of its honey-frosting.
And she grinned at me like it was a damn dare.
So I ate the thing. Right in front of her. And nearly choked for her expression and the laughter that followed.
Written By Lark
Nov. 26, 2016, 1:03 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Archlector Orazio was gracious enough to allow me to hijack his charity bread and soup line. To tell the truth, it became a matter of pride once the man insinuated several times that the task might be beyond me. I told him that Grayson women had been wielding swords for generations and that surely, I could manage a ladle. ...at which point it and almost immediately it became very clear that I had not wielded a ladle in any capacity let alone to serve anyone with it in the entirety of my existence. It was hysterical.
Of course, now I’m waiting patiently for a certain document from the priest which may help me in my own charitable endeavors. It's to be a list of homes deemed unsuitable by the Church for rehoming displaced children.
Of course, now I’m waiting patiently for a certain document from the priest which may help me in my own charitable endeavors. It's to be a list of homes deemed unsuitable by the Church for rehoming displaced children.
Written By Juliet
Nov. 26, 2016, 12:26 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
The painting has arrived, and it is, I think, just about everything I'd hoped. Messere Fortunato has said he wishes to meet me again before he starts on the ~interesting~ one, and I am only too glad to oblige him.
I wonder how he'll riddle me this time.
I wonder how he'll riddle me this time.
Written By Sina
Nov. 26, 2016, 10:32 a.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
I was looking through the stacks in the Archive of Vellichor -- which is, I begin, a fascinating building that I would have never imagined existed in my childhood aboard the Mistress. So many books in one place ready to simply be plucked from obscurity and read by mortal eyes; one could get entirely lost simply by reading book after book after book.
That would be a curious way to die.
It was one parchment that stood out, however: a translated treaty between Arvum and the elves. A 'Twilight Court' of something called the nox'alfar. And it was in this treaty that I was privvy to something both incredibly intriguing, and a touch beyond belief.
Article three, that the crown and the court shall be made closer through the bonds of marriage. If Queen Alarice married one of the elves, and if the elves have been married into the Peerage since then, wouldn't we have noticed before now? Didn't we all assume that the elves were no more?
If elves are real, I can only imagine what sort of horrifying monsters lurk across the world.
It's wonderful, really.
That would be a curious way to die.
It was one parchment that stood out, however: a translated treaty between Arvum and the elves. A 'Twilight Court' of something called the nox'alfar. And it was in this treaty that I was privvy to something both incredibly intriguing, and a touch beyond belief.
Article three, that the crown and the court shall be made closer through the bonds of marriage. If Queen Alarice married one of the elves, and if the elves have been married into the Peerage since then, wouldn't we have noticed before now? Didn't we all assume that the elves were no more?
If elves are real, I can only imagine what sort of horrifying monsters lurk across the world.
It's wonderful, really.
Written By Tobias
Nov. 26, 2016, 8:59 a.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Once upon a time, there was a boy.
This boy was to be groomed to be the heir to an impressive military tradition. He was fairly good at it, but the Overlord would never let him have time to himself.
Eventually, the boy took to slipping out of the family home for ways to have fun. Usually, he wouldn't get caught, but those times he did would mark the start of a a day long bout of 'education'.
The boys brother wanted to do scholarly things, so the boy at least did well with the Overlord since he actually was interested in the lessons.
Then, one day for various reasons, the boy had to leave, the brother staying behind.
Today, that boy hopes to reconnect with that brother, but time will tell how the Overlord reacts.
This boy was to be groomed to be the heir to an impressive military tradition. He was fairly good at it, but the Overlord would never let him have time to himself.
Eventually, the boy took to slipping out of the family home for ways to have fun. Usually, he wouldn't get caught, but those times he did would mark the start of a a day long bout of 'education'.
The boys brother wanted to do scholarly things, so the boy at least did well with the Overlord since he actually was interested in the lessons.
Then, one day for various reasons, the boy had to leave, the brother staying behind.
Today, that boy hopes to reconnect with that brother, but time will tell how the Overlord reacts.
Written By Tenebrae
Nov. 26, 2016, 5:17 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Yasmine
If she dressed like that in the north she would be frozen solid...but then she does that thing with her hips and you know the world would melt around her. Another prodigal and hopefully a friend.
Written By Tenebrae
Nov. 26, 2016, 5:12 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
My mistress...not that kind. The woman I have sworn an oath to protect and shall do so no matter the circumstances.
Written By Lazarus
Nov. 26, 2016, 3:08 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
I visited the memorial for the late Baron Saik, Baron Eos Saik's and Lady Kima Saik's father. While I was not privy to the relationship the Saik had with my father, I do know there was a mention of respect and I thought it polite to provide them with a special blend called the Saik Lion that came out of our House line but has yet to go on to the sale. I hoped to use ingredients familiar from their region and combine them with flavors typical of Arx. A blend of the two and a perfect representation of Baron Eos Saik and Lady Kima Saik reality. At first, I did not know why I had come to visit them but there I was with Silas, my brother, in a very private still made a public arrangement. I would be lying if I did not admit that at first, I felt out of place but as if fate was aligned the sense of predomination revealed to me the reason I was there. I was there to learn and to prepare me for the very position future that my father does not get well. I cannot let this peace and this fortune to make me soft and unable to handle whatever troubles make our way.
Written By Lazarus
Nov. 26, 2016, 2:57 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
A very interesting week for the Mercier. Considering all the threats, once absent from our thought, their hand now revealed, I feel a sense of safety for our city of Arx. Whether a figment of my thoughts or sign of a privileged life, I cannot tell. All that I know is that the motion to ensure our peace has been allowed to continue with very little confrontation. Those important figures of our city and the houses that make up its landscape are acting with the benefit of all.
Written By Serafine
Nov. 26, 2016, 2:45 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Iovita
So very bright and thoughtful and sweet. I could eat her brains like honey-ed jam.
Written By Cara
Nov. 26, 2016, 2:09 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I rather enjoy making him laugh. Perhaps it's foolish to socialize with someone in his position, but it is nice to not feel bad about discussing the weighty things on my mind.
His kitten is ferociously adorable.
His kitten is ferociously adorable.
Written By Sebell
Nov. 26, 2016, 1:36 a.m.(3/20/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
About as tightly wound as the stitching on his robes. We all know the type. I still have faith that he can be reformed.
Written By Iovita
Nov. 25, 2016, 10:25 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
it's likely just a flight of fancy, but it feels like there is something special about the re-opening of igniseri house.
often, a place you visited as a child seems diminished, smaller, once you've encountered it as an adult. i find that isn't the case, here. if anything, the house seems grander, or at least entirely undiminished. i don't know if it's because now i can appreciate everything that has gone into making it what it is, everything that it stands for, or because now i have more than a small and haphazard hand in the planting undertaken in the atrium. (the lawn, as well, but that is mostly grass and needs little actual direction or guidance.) these first few weeks are going to be taken up almost entirely with pruning and inventorying; i have already begun to chart out which plots need a light hand, which a firm one, and which ones just need to be entirely dug-up and re-planted. all of the trees are doing well; the honeysuckle and jasmine the same, although they're also on the list for some heavy trimming back. otherwise, they might overtake the stairs, rather than simply frame them.
at least several of the things that need the most pruning are the prettiest, and most aromatic. i will send bouquets or crowns (depending on whether there is a lot usable or a little) to sylvie and dafne ... perhaps cara? and maybe serafine.
which reminds me -- i have invitations to (requests to have?) tea with serafine and natalia alike. it is the second such from the latter princess, so i really SHOULD do something about that. i need to begin to build my own social capital, to make --. well, no, friends is probably a little hasty. friendly acquaintances? connections, definitely. with people outside my family, and people i already know. i do not know natalia. what i know of her, though, is this: she is considered very pretty, very fashionable, very --
actually, come to think of it, that is all i know. but she has been here longer than i, so no doubt she knows more people and more of the general goings-on, on a level removed from my brothers' interests. she probably would not appreciate shed-dirt or lingering leaves, though. i will have to take extra pains.
i think my first task, upon ceasing this writing, is thinning and training the flowering vines. then, return both invitations -- schedule natalia's first, then serafine's, and answer both with gifts of out-of-season floral cheer.
often, a place you visited as a child seems diminished, smaller, once you've encountered it as an adult. i find that isn't the case, here. if anything, the house seems grander, or at least entirely undiminished. i don't know if it's because now i can appreciate everything that has gone into making it what it is, everything that it stands for, or because now i have more than a small and haphazard hand in the planting undertaken in the atrium. (the lawn, as well, but that is mostly grass and needs little actual direction or guidance.) these first few weeks are going to be taken up almost entirely with pruning and inventorying; i have already begun to chart out which plots need a light hand, which a firm one, and which ones just need to be entirely dug-up and re-planted. all of the trees are doing well; the honeysuckle and jasmine the same, although they're also on the list for some heavy trimming back. otherwise, they might overtake the stairs, rather than simply frame them.
at least several of the things that need the most pruning are the prettiest, and most aromatic. i will send bouquets or crowns (depending on whether there is a lot usable or a little) to sylvie and dafne ... perhaps cara? and maybe serafine.
which reminds me -- i have invitations to (requests to have?) tea with serafine and natalia alike. it is the second such from the latter princess, so i really SHOULD do something about that. i need to begin to build my own social capital, to make --. well, no, friends is probably a little hasty. friendly acquaintances? connections, definitely. with people outside my family, and people i already know. i do not know natalia. what i know of her, though, is this: she is considered very pretty, very fashionable, very --
actually, come to think of it, that is all i know. but she has been here longer than i, so no doubt she knows more people and more of the general goings-on, on a level removed from my brothers' interests. she probably would not appreciate shed-dirt or lingering leaves, though. i will have to take extra pains.
i think my first task, upon ceasing this writing, is thinning and training the flowering vines. then, return both invitations -- schedule natalia's first, then serafine's, and answer both with gifts of out-of-season floral cheer.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.