Sept. 5, 2021, 10:16 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
Duke Cristoph Laurent showed off his horsemanship on the Equestrian course, handily winning that part of the Knight games! Dame Felicia and Count Artorius both did quite well too! The brackets for the melee tournament will be delivered quite soon as well. I'm quite excited to see how it goes as well!
Written By
Kiera
Sept. 5, 2021, 10:13 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
I attended a pair of wonderful social events week. The first being the second event of the knight games, hosted by Duchess Isabeau, the equestrian competition. Duke Laurent gave an exemplary performance, which likely felt redemptive. Baron Norwood will be pleased at the turn of events I'm certain
The second was the Midwinter event of the disciples of Jayus, organized by whisper Cesare. Many beautiful pieces of art were auctioned and inspiring performances were given by both the whisper and Nightengale Gianna. I even participated in a fun game called charades
Sept. 5, 2021, 8:46 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
People try to excuse their brutality by saying that it is the custom; but a crime does not cease to be a crime because many commit it.
Sept. 5, 2021, 8:04 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
I just realized that Prince Galen and I have been married for eight years now. That feels like forever ago at this point. I was so smitten with him when we got married, too. I mean, who wouldn't have been? That mustache! Definitely good luck on my part.
And I think that Prince Galen was also pretty smitten with me. An excellent political match with real affection. And now two children.
We've certainly grown in affection since then, too. I hope that I am as much of an asset to House Thrax as they hoped.
Sept. 5, 2021, 6:04 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on
Amari
Baroness Amari Redire. I have worked alongside no few in my time here in Arx. Dedicated families hoping to expand their lands and influence, or to better the lives of the people within their holdings. To build, to grow, to take something and make it better. Friends and allies, all of them, but this time it was a little different. I've always known that there was a bit more to the Baroness - a fire of quiet conviction that always saw her taking steps, even if they might have sounded nearly impossible. It was an honor to be a small part of the group she gathered to achieve these recent goals and I marvel, even now, at how easy she made it all look. It was not easy, but she certainly made it appear that way. Minnow brew, losing oars, and the most unique seating chart I ever had to come up with... It was a challenge, just those things, so what she accomplished...well. It, and she, are marvels in truth. Congratulations again, if a bit late making it to my whites. I am so fortunate to call you friend.
Sept. 5, 2021, 5:57 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
Got some interesting information from a trusted source. Much to ruminate on.
It's funny how when you get a little enlightenment on one thing, the more other things seem to be cast in deeper shadows. I'm either going to have to find some better illumination or become more adept at working in the dark.
Either is fine by me so long as me and mine find our way through this little adventure.
Sept. 5, 2021, 5:23 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
Winter continues to linger here in the city, and I'll confess jealousy of those cousins who returned to Setara to weather the season. Yes, yes, I'm aware that the spring will come soon enough, but that's not the point. Each time I step out into the streets, it seems the gods are trying to outdo themselves with how much of the abyssal white stuff they can drop on us.
This is one of those times where I'm very glad that my office hasn't any windows.
Written By
Ida
Sept. 5, 2021, 2:31 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
I've been sketching like crazy, and a couple of things even ended up in the shop. Maybe it's the cold, but there's something comforting in the quiet of falling snow and a good hot chocolate, and it apparently makes me curl up with a blanket intent on drawing.
Written By
Giada
Sept. 5, 2021, 2:22 p.m.(2/25/1016 AR)
They say waiting is hard, and perhaps I consider myself immune to "hard". Waiting is a massive part of logistics; the ability to be patient is indispensible to the job. While there's little idleness, it takes time to cross country. It takes time to do things right takes time to plan, time to prepare, and time to execute.
All that said? Waiting sucks.
Sept. 5, 2021, 1:20 p.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
On a completely different topic, I cannot believe how fast children grow. Garrick's 3rd birthday is coming soon enough, and the twins will be 6 this summer.
How is this even possible?
Sept. 5, 2021, 1:14 p.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
Prayers are interesting, I find. I've been praying as I often do, though it's rare that I pray for myself as well as others, at the same time for the same thing. Still, I find if nothing else, it helps me to focus in on what the issue it.
Which in and of itself is helpful.
Sept. 5, 2021, 11:29 a.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
By gods, it is all starting to make sense!
Sept. 5, 2021, 10:58 a.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
What does family mean? What is it that is special? What is it like to have a family?
But most importantly, is it worth it?
Sept. 5, 2021, 10:45 a.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
I have found a patron. I had quite a few replies, and fell behind in my responses and now I cannot for the life of me find those replies so that I can reply to them. I hope I haven't caused any hard feelings. I got incredibly busy for a moment stocking my wares at the market. I do so love my little stall. I wish I could spend more time there but I would freeze to death. Instead I have sent my new assistant Penelope. She's much better suited to this kind of weather.
The other day she found a lovely small, bright orange citrus for me. It's called a clementine and it was so sour, yet sweet and charming. When spring and summer comes again, I will again have to find these clementines.
In other news Boss is crankier than normal. Probably going to shed his skin again - he is looking rather fat.
Written By
Cufre
Sept. 5, 2021, 10:32 a.m.(2/24/1016 AR)
Months and months later, and I still cannot stop thinking about crowns.
I tried making one. My first ever. I think it's beautiful. I gave it away.
It's far easier to give away new things.
Sept. 5, 2021, 12:07 a.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on
Orelia
There were a great deal of rumors, copious amounts of speculation, and even a little factual information that came out of Bastion following the dastardly attack on it. Among all of those rumors, I had heard about my protege's actions. What I hadn't heard about was news regarding someone who carries the Mazetti name on their shoulders. It was Dame Reese who recounted some of the events that transpired with greater clarity, including that it was Lady Orelia who stood with her in battle and waded into a precarious situation to stand at the templar's back in order to engage the attacker's leadership.
If I consider Dame Reese courageous, then the can surely be said of one of Lady Orelia. This clarification from Dame Reese likewise brought another question to mind, one which was reflected in my initial thoughts regarding the news of my protege's actions. What does one gift a hero, beyond gratitude?
The actions of Lady Orelia reflect well upon her and if her actions reflect well upon her, then in the eyes of the Duchess of House Mazetti we are pleased beyond simple words. Such an act of sheer, selfless bravery brings to mind others throughout the Hydra's history who have given all in pursuit of achieving the safety of others. In more recent history this brings to mind the heroic act of Lord Valerio Mazetti, a loss that we remember well and do not forget. Fortunately Lady Orelia survived her ordeal, fighting in unison with Dame Reese of the Templars. For that House Mazetti is thankful beyond measure and pleased to know that we have another valiant defender counted among those of the Walled City.
It's enough to beg the question once more: what do you gift to someone so gallant?
Sept. 5, 2021, 12:06 a.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on
Reese
Aside from thanks, I find myself wondering of late what sort of gift one gives to a hero. The news out of and about Bastion is troubling, but I do find some things in it all to take a measure of solace. Despite such a dark moment in our Compact's history, there are still moments of heroism that stand out as stark reminders that even in the most heart wrenching times there are glimmers of hope and distinct acts of bravery that shed some light on an otherwise dismal moment.
I heard talk of one of my proteges embracing her duty as a templar and attempting to claim the head from the proverbial snake. By all accounts that I've heard, Dame Reese took strides to bring a swift end to the enemy's leadership. My understanding is that her efforts likewise drew a good deal of attention to her efforts and disrupted what were surely carefully laid plans. This in turn provided time for more to seek out and achieve safety. I can't begin to fathom the toll that may have been wrought had she not performed the selfless act that she did.
It takes a particular sort of mettle to wade into chaos in search of its source, while pushing against the tide of those who are eager to be away from danger. The feats and achievements of Dame Reese over the years surely do not need me to recount them, for they speak for themselves. I will say as a patron I am proud of her distinguished actions. As someone who loves our Compact, I will offer thanks to the Pantheon that Dame Reese is among us. As an associated bordering on a friend, I will say that I am pleased beyond words that she was able to have such a close brush with danger and able to live to see her next battle.
The question for me becomes what does one gift a hero, beyond simple gratitude? What does one gift someone who is humble enough not to proclaim their actions as heroic and vital to the world? What gift does one offer to someone who more than likely doesn't even want a gift?
Medals are a great form of recognition. I haven't given someone a medal in a while. Medals are fun.
Sept. 4, 2021, 7:43 p.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
I met a new friend the week! Well two really! From different places, but still! I met a Lord Matti and a Lord Artorius. I promised not to call him the nickname I came up for him! Despite being so different, we have something in common. It's nice when you can something you have in common with people, when people always seem to look forward the differences.
Sept. 4, 2021, 7:39 p.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
Between this, that and the other thing, I haven't had time to put in words the joy and supreme satisfaction I've felt being involved in the building of a shrine to Jayus in the new Artshall Arts and Culture District. From the first conversations with Lady Mabelle Laurent, to the laying of the cornerstone, to the collection of prayers at the Midsummer Night event for infusing into the shrine's eventual blessing ceremony, it has been an absolute delight to watch something beautiful grow, changed by every hand that touches it. I've come to think of the whole district as my "Artshall neighbors." I wonder if I'll have enough time to pull together one last welcome gift for them, here at home?
Sept. 4, 2021, 3:56 p.m.(2/23/1016 AR)
What a difference one season can make. The world changes, the ground freezes and the leaves fall off the trees. Yet, it will not be long and little buds will form and soon they will all be in bloom. We change too, we just need to embrace the rhythm that flourishes all around us. No day is like the last, and this can be both exciting and frightening. A journey for the ages. Oh what a woman will do, to feel the grass between her toes.