Written By Morrighan
Nov. 24, 2016, 7:10 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
He's a twat. Punches a lot harder than I thought he would have, but I got a few in, so I'm mostly pleased. One day it's going to be -me- beating the shit out of him. That day can't come fast enough.
Written By Eithne
Nov. 24, 2016, 3:34 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
I'm not the kind of lass that gets asked to tea but the Princess was insistent. Who am I to refuse royalty?
We had a lengthy discussion about armor and fashion and somehow the topic of my sister taunting me with the idea of making me a dress with cherries embroidered on it became the catalyst of Natalia's inspiration.
I am now the proud owner of a creepy red headed doll wearing a mint green dress with cherries.
Thank you, Princess. I'll cherish the nightmares forever.
We had a lengthy discussion about armor and fashion and somehow the topic of my sister taunting me with the idea of making me a dress with cherries embroidered on it became the catalyst of Natalia's inspiration.
I am now the proud owner of a creepy red headed doll wearing a mint green dress with cherries.
Thank you, Princess. I'll cherish the nightmares forever.
Written By Eithne
Nov. 24, 2016, 3:28 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
More than a drinking buddy; more than my neighbor. He is someone I consider a friend.
He lets me wear his hat and he's okay with this.
He lets me wear his hat and he's okay with this.
Written By Eithne
Nov. 24, 2016, 3:26 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Work, work, work, work, work...That's all I ever do. This isn't a gripe or woe is me for never doing anything else. We've fallen on dark days and the people of Arx need armor to protect them. They need -the best- armor and I intend to give it to them. Even when it is exceptional, it's still not good enough in my eyes. I can always do better. The people inspire me, they are my muse and I cannot fail them.
Written By Eos
Nov. 24, 2016, 2:13 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
It was difficult to not be in the Saiklands these past weeks. It was difficult to not be there for the funeral pyre or the interment of my father's bones in the family crypt. I sent a letter, words for my mother to read to the family and the people on my behalf. Pyres will burn across the Saiklands for a few days longer in rememberance, and those words, promises to the people that they will always have a lion in the Saiks, will be carried to pyre to pyre, to those who gather at them to remember the fallen, to hopefully bring them some comfort.
The memorial we held in Arx for those of us who could not break away from the city at this tumultuous time was a quiet but poignant evening. I was touched by the words, gifts, and gestures of those friends and allies the Saiks have made since establishing ourselves in the city.
With this last thing set behind us, it is time to look fully forward and to the future. There is more than enough work, more than enough to be done, to keep our minds occupied while time does what it will to dull the ache.
The memorial we held in Arx for those of us who could not break away from the city at this tumultuous time was a quiet but poignant evening. I was touched by the words, gifts, and gestures of those friends and allies the Saiks have made since establishing ourselves in the city.
With this last thing set behind us, it is time to look fully forward and to the future. There is more than enough work, more than enough to be done, to keep our minds occupied while time does what it will to dull the ache.
Written By Silas
Nov. 24, 2016, 1:33 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
It was an elegant ceremony, as far as memorial services go. They seem to be a close-knit family and it is obvious that the loss has hit them hard. I do not envy the burden now upon Lord Eos's shoulders.
Lazarus wanted to gift them a bottle of wine, so I had to go rummaging around for a suitable choice mere hours before it was to start. I think I found something suitable that wasn't -too- fruity: you don't want to be visibly enjoying yourself at something so somber.
Lazarus wanted to gift them a bottle of wine, so I had to go rummaging around for a suitable choice mere hours before it was to start. I think I found something suitable that wasn't -too- fruity: you don't want to be visibly enjoying yourself at something so somber.
Written By Hana
Nov. 24, 2016, 1:06 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
I've never had an uncle before, but if Fortunato's anything to judge by, uncles are a good thing to have.
He's something of a philosopher, but he seems to understand me. We've only really spoken a handful of times so far -- I haven't known him very long -- but I've enjoyed every conversation. He always leaves me thinking.
(Besides, he did all the paintings for the walls of the Storied Blade, and I love them dearly.)
He's something of a philosopher, but he seems to understand me. We've only really spoken a handful of times so far -- I haven't known him very long -- but I've enjoyed every conversation. He always leaves me thinking.
(Besides, he did all the paintings for the walls of the Storied Blade, and I love them dearly.)
Written By Morrighan
Nov. 24, 2016, 12:54 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
There's nothing more disappointing than being proved wrong with something you had a firm belief in. Something you were so sure about that maybe it created some elaborate, well-constructed illusion. Sometimes it takes a poignant slap in the face to be brought back to reality, to really see what's there, rather what you wish to. Maybe it's the naivety of my youth that's to blame, or maybe I'm just incredibly stupid. I don't really know what I'm doing, but I'm sure I'll figure it out once I've got a few bottles of whiskey in me. Alas, everyone makes mistakes, what's most important is that we learn from them, lest they happen again.
Written By Hana
Nov. 24, 2016, 12:47 a.m.(3/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
It's strange, having a father where you never had one before. Knowing that half of you came from this person.
I don't really know Aureth Grayhope well yet. I've heard all kinds of things about him since I arrived in Arx, half of them contradictory.
So what do I know?
I know that when a daughter he didn't know he had showed up with questions, he welcomed her into his life. (I mean, first he nearly choked on his cider and fled the tavern to regain his composure, but eventually.) I know that he's tried to help how he could, being supportive in her efforts to open a shop. I know that when she had awkward questions about the family she never knew, he did his best to answer them.
He may not have been a very good father in the past -- or any kind of father at all, since he didn't know I existed -- but he's doing his best to be supportive now.
And there are plenty worse places to start from than that.
I don't really know Aureth Grayhope well yet. I've heard all kinds of things about him since I arrived in Arx, half of them contradictory.
So what do I know?
I know that when a daughter he didn't know he had showed up with questions, he welcomed her into his life. (I mean, first he nearly choked on his cider and fled the tavern to regain his composure, but eventually.) I know that he's tried to help how he could, being supportive in her efforts to open a shop. I know that when she had awkward questions about the family she never knew, he did his best to answer them.
He may not have been a very good father in the past -- or any kind of father at all, since he didn't know I existed -- but he's doing his best to be supportive now.
And there are plenty worse places to start from than that.
Written By Natalia
Nov. 24, 2016, 12:12 a.m.(3/13/1005 AR)
I wonder if anyone has ever had a situation that they are just not sure how to deal with? Like that moment that you are in it and thinking how surreal it is and how there is nothing to combat it.
I have been asked many times why I want to meet with people. I have been watched with skeptical eyes for each of these meetings. Or asked why I am helping one person. What I am trying to gain.
It is truly frustrating. Graysons are adventurers. I am not skilled in tactic or war or really even scouting. My adventures are not something that will bring heroics to my name; and truly I am fine with that. However, I am so vastly interested in everything about a person. Not just a secret or how to use them. They are people. I like to know what they love doing. What motivates them to succeed. What they worry about. If they need help in some area that I can provide or know where to direct them to someone who can.
I was asked recently what angle I was working. When I swore there was none. That I was giving my honesty in that I just wanted to help and learn about people; they called bullshit and told me I was a liar.
There are things I have errored in and people's truths I took as truth when perhaps they were not. Perhaps my guilt in that is in that I trusted people I should not have trusted. This has made me realize two things, one must strive very hard not to become bitter and see shadows all around them. Also, when you error, no one will help you learn. They will just condemn you and point the finger and tell you how you are wrong. How you were misled and foolish. They do not say that they understand how you could be misled. They do not give you what the actual truth is, even when you beg for it. I am not sure how I feel about this.
I am also not sure how you respond when you are telling the truth and they are calling you a liar. I have done one thing since my first day in the city that has never changed. I have taken tea with everyone. Ask around. Most will tell you I have met with them. They will probably tell you that I took an interest in their life and if you continue to actually ask around; you will find I have not used their information against them. If anything, I have tried to offer support or direction when I can. I have been open with my heart, with my coin and with my time. So what else must I do for these naysayers to finally stop telling me I am lying when I am telling the truth?
What do you do when you are not lying on intention and being told you are? There is never a way to speak against it; but I believe my actions in general have spoken. When confused, I have even sought answers and said I did not know what to do. Some helped. I adore them. Most... most just offer insult when I need clarification.
Maybe this is a bad idea to post in a journal that shows my actual thoughts, but I am not just a Princess of Grayson. I am a girl. I am someone who has lost their family, buried parents, lost a brother in a different way and have been at times misled by people that I sought to trust. I am still a person. I think perhaps people refuse to see that about their fellow men and women. We are, when stripped bare of title and birthright, only human. Perhaps more understanding and love and willingness to share over questioning intent, bitterness, fear and such could go a long way.
I have been asked many times why I want to meet with people. I have been watched with skeptical eyes for each of these meetings. Or asked why I am helping one person. What I am trying to gain.
It is truly frustrating. Graysons are adventurers. I am not skilled in tactic or war or really even scouting. My adventures are not something that will bring heroics to my name; and truly I am fine with that. However, I am so vastly interested in everything about a person. Not just a secret or how to use them. They are people. I like to know what they love doing. What motivates them to succeed. What they worry about. If they need help in some area that I can provide or know where to direct them to someone who can.
I was asked recently what angle I was working. When I swore there was none. That I was giving my honesty in that I just wanted to help and learn about people; they called bullshit and told me I was a liar.
There are things I have errored in and people's truths I took as truth when perhaps they were not. Perhaps my guilt in that is in that I trusted people I should not have trusted. This has made me realize two things, one must strive very hard not to become bitter and see shadows all around them. Also, when you error, no one will help you learn. They will just condemn you and point the finger and tell you how you are wrong. How you were misled and foolish. They do not say that they understand how you could be misled. They do not give you what the actual truth is, even when you beg for it. I am not sure how I feel about this.
I am also not sure how you respond when you are telling the truth and they are calling you a liar. I have done one thing since my first day in the city that has never changed. I have taken tea with everyone. Ask around. Most will tell you I have met with them. They will probably tell you that I took an interest in their life and if you continue to actually ask around; you will find I have not used their information against them. If anything, I have tried to offer support or direction when I can. I have been open with my heart, with my coin and with my time. So what else must I do for these naysayers to finally stop telling me I am lying when I am telling the truth?
What do you do when you are not lying on intention and being told you are? There is never a way to speak against it; but I believe my actions in general have spoken. When confused, I have even sought answers and said I did not know what to do. Some helped. I adore them. Most... most just offer insult when I need clarification.
Maybe this is a bad idea to post in a journal that shows my actual thoughts, but I am not just a Princess of Grayson. I am a girl. I am someone who has lost their family, buried parents, lost a brother in a different way and have been at times misled by people that I sought to trust. I am still a person. I think perhaps people refuse to see that about their fellow men and women. We are, when stripped bare of title and birthright, only human. Perhaps more understanding and love and willingness to share over questioning intent, bitterness, fear and such could go a long way.
Written By Juliet
Nov. 23, 2016, 11:26 p.m.(3/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Runa
I will name her Sweet, from the stories she read me.
She soothes me. Brings me peace.
Would that I could have her read me bedtime stories every night. My sleep should ever be restful, and filled with the most wondrous imaginings.
Does my cousin know what a treasure his assistant is?
She soothes me. Brings me peace.
Would that I could have her read me bedtime stories every night. My sleep should ever be restful, and filled with the most wondrous imaginings.
Does my cousin know what a treasure his assistant is?
Written By Fortunato
Nov. 23, 2016, 5:14 p.m.(3/13/1005 AR)
Not a painting, but a full work. Entirely done in chalks and silverpoint. The subject, the Stone Grove. The standing stones stand like shaped shadows, the shadows they cast somehow fainter. The altar in the center is unshaded, pale. The most detailed part of the work is the flora, unique to the Grove, and this Fortunato has rendered in delicate detail. Wherever the flora crosses the line of a stone, the flora takes precidence. In the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest corners of the canvas are four heavy, messy marks, like words violently scribbled out.
Written By Blacktongue
Nov. 23, 2016, 4:57 p.m.(3/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
The Princess is harder on herself than she should be, but the facade will never crack. The porcelain is too finely crafted, too beautiful to ever show a blemish. I would see her smile - even if it was out of cruelty.
Thus far, the best match to my wit and exchange of slights.
I do love to leave her pondering; do I see the spider or do I see the web?
Thus far, the best match to my wit and exchange of slights.
I do love to leave her pondering; do I see the spider or do I see the web?
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 23, 2016, 1:42 p.m.(3/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Lady Eirene's entry reminded me that I have a lot to say about the Princess Natalia.
At my worst these past months, Princess Natalia was one of the first people to reach out to me. She was quiet, sweet, not overly flowery. Her message to me was very simple:
"Do you need anything?"
As the one so often reaching out, I forget sometimes that it can happen in return. While she definitely was not the only one to metaphorically offer a hand and inquire as to the state of my being, that she did at all to a virtual stranger says a lot about her. While it's not always smart to help people you don't know, it does express a caliber of character few wish to divulge and many can't show. How do you explain the sense of compassion you can feel towards a person who's only commonality with you is a pulse? You really can't. It comes off as idealistic at best and terribly naive at worse.
I daresay if we had more reckless compassion and idealism, we'd be better as a community. Natalia's efforts to better her neighbors' lives, be they commoner or noble, has not gone unnoticed.
Many try to untangle her motivations, suss it out like there's a deeper meaning behind it, but it's as simple as this:
Princess Natalia of House Grayson is a thoughtful, considerate, unique person who thinks less of herself than most would know, and courageous in ways that are quiet and yet intensely profound.
At my worst these past months, Princess Natalia was one of the first people to reach out to me. She was quiet, sweet, not overly flowery. Her message to me was very simple:
"Do you need anything?"
As the one so often reaching out, I forget sometimes that it can happen in return. While she definitely was not the only one to metaphorically offer a hand and inquire as to the state of my being, that she did at all to a virtual stranger says a lot about her. While it's not always smart to help people you don't know, it does express a caliber of character few wish to divulge and many can't show. How do you explain the sense of compassion you can feel towards a person who's only commonality with you is a pulse? You really can't. It comes off as idealistic at best and terribly naive at worse.
I daresay if we had more reckless compassion and idealism, we'd be better as a community. Natalia's efforts to better her neighbors' lives, be they commoner or noble, has not gone unnoticed.
Many try to untangle her motivations, suss it out like there's a deeper meaning behind it, but it's as simple as this:
Princess Natalia of House Grayson is a thoughtful, considerate, unique person who thinks less of herself than most would know, and courageous in ways that are quiet and yet intensely profound.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 23, 2016, 11:16 a.m.(3/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Even before I had settled into my rooms in the Malvici estate, the Princess had a letter waiting for me saying she'd like to meet me. I dreaded this as what I had heard of her said we'd have nothing in common. Fashion to me means 'something that doesn't show bloodstains'. We had a very nice chat over tea, far shorter than I had expected.
So when news came that the Saiks were going to host a memorial for Sadoletto, I turned to her for help. I needed a black dress. Yes, a dress. I wear them on occasion. This was the right kind of occasion. The Saiks have always been good friends to my house and loyal retainers, and the least I can do for Sado is put on a fucking skirt so I don't look like I just rolled out of a triage tent and splashed my face with whiskey to clean up.
She not only was able to procure me one in a matter of days, it actually fit well and looked good. How these other people ever dress themselves with their mirror phobia is beyond me, but it looked good front and back. Right proper fucking ladylike. Sober wool and embroidered nicely and even a decent cut at the neckline.
I owe her one for this, whether she realizes it or not.
So when news came that the Saiks were going to host a memorial for Sadoletto, I turned to her for help. I needed a black dress. Yes, a dress. I wear them on occasion. This was the right kind of occasion. The Saiks have always been good friends to my house and loyal retainers, and the least I can do for Sado is put on a fucking skirt so I don't look like I just rolled out of a triage tent and splashed my face with whiskey to clean up.
She not only was able to procure me one in a matter of days, it actually fit well and looked good. How these other people ever dress themselves with their mirror phobia is beyond me, but it looked good front and back. Right proper fucking ladylike. Sober wool and embroidered nicely and even a decent cut at the neckline.
I owe her one for this, whether she realizes it or not.
Written By Victus
Nov. 23, 2016, 3 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)
Some people are too clever for their own good. You don't have to slowly unravel a fucking impossible knot if all it takes is to pull out your knife and cut the thing apart instead. Rope's cheap to replace, anyway.
Just like people.
So keep things simple, I say.
On a different note (or perhaps its the same fucking note), I never considered myself the quickest of thinkers. Things others take easy often requires me to sit down and chew on it for a while. Letters swim before my fucking eyes, and give me headaches. (Not that men aught to spend much time with letters, of course, it being woman's business.) Sometimes it seems to me like those quick thinkers get sloppy, though. They rush ahead to their brilliant fucking revelation, and forget to take the time to ponder.
Then it all falls a-fucking-part.
Because what works in theory ain't always practical.
Just like people.
So keep things simple, I say.
On a different note (or perhaps its the same fucking note), I never considered myself the quickest of thinkers. Things others take easy often requires me to sit down and chew on it for a while. Letters swim before my fucking eyes, and give me headaches. (Not that men aught to spend much time with letters, of course, it being woman's business.) Sometimes it seems to me like those quick thinkers get sloppy, though. They rush ahead to their brilliant fucking revelation, and forget to take the time to ponder.
Then it all falls a-fucking-part.
Because what works in theory ain't always practical.
Written By Darren
Nov. 23, 2016, 2:32 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)
Apparently Anze has made it a thing now to woo women with dead animals.
I wonder what a certain Princess would say if I started dropping dead things on her doorstep.
Eh, she probably wouldn't mind all that much, so long as it was made into something pretty first.
I wonder what a certain Princess would say if I started dropping dead things on her doorstep.
Eh, she probably wouldn't mind all that much, so long as it was made into something pretty first.
Written By Alis
Nov. 23, 2016, 1 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
Well, he knows how to pick a good turkey to send. I mean, what more can you ask for in someone who is already a giant warrior? Aside from the mistake of assuming I wouldn't be able to haul a deer across the city. But nobody is perfect.
Written By Alis
Nov. 23, 2016, 12:58 a.m.(3/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
There is much more in common here then I would have thought. I will only say that he is a good man. One I would neither be afraid to call friend, or come to the aid of if requested.
Written By Orazio
Nov. 23, 2016, 12:41 a.m.(3/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
There are some people who are pared down to their essence, with no room for extraneous frills or flourishes. Even as a much younger woman, Lady Eirene was just such a person, and I always admired her for it.
Meeting her again, I am pleased to say that she remains admirable. Perhaps even more so, with the passing of time. It is good to have her here, come what may.
Meeting her again, I am pleased to say that she remains admirable. Perhaps even more so, with the passing of time. It is good to have her here, come what may.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.