Written By Jarek
Oct. 30, 2016, 7:17 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Darkness engulfing the land, horror lurking at the edges. Deep in the unknown parts of the world terrifying and strange things happen. Yet those who believe this and consider it a concern seem so unwilling to actually do anything about it or only wish to work in bits and pieces. Insults I am used to, but it has been odd seeing two different men disregard not only me but The Flame and the gods entirely when talking about this darkness and terror. Healing and fire? Light and passion? Men are only mortal, the gods are eternal, shall we not forget that?
Written By Darren
Oct. 30, 2016, 7:07 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
Princess Sophie Valardian likes tea. I don't understand the obsession; I think tea tastes like dirt flavoured water. She invited me to High Tea in the near future. I have no idea what that means, but I doubt it has anything to do with drinking tea while perched upon a high cliff or high tower, which means it sounds altogether far less entertaining than I've made it out to be in my head.
Written By Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:29 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Princess Isabeau hosted an amazing Gala and Ball at the Valardin Manor. It was so strange seeing the Vow decorated so? festively. I am used to it being far more somber, but it was a welcome change. Not every day mind you, but nice for a time.
I made some rounds early on to greet the visitors, and the event was well attended and near as I could tell everyone had a good time. I faded into the background very quickly. Such social events will never be my arena I fear.
Princess Isabeau, Prince Beaumont, and even Princess Sophie, who I think enjoys social events less than her siblings, were all amazing ambassadors for the family and made sure everyone felt welcome. I am quite proud of them. Princess Isabeau in particular shows promise not just as an event planner but as a diplomat that can reach across family lines in a way I cannot. One day we may even call her our Luminary.
I made some rounds early on to greet the visitors, and the event was well attended and near as I could tell everyone had a good time. I faded into the background very quickly. Such social events will never be my arena I fear.
Princess Isabeau, Prince Beaumont, and even Princess Sophie, who I think enjoys social events less than her siblings, were all amazing ambassadors for the family and made sure everyone felt welcome. I am quite proud of them. Princess Isabeau in particular shows promise not just as an event planner but as a diplomat that can reach across family lines in a way I cannot. One day we may even call her our Luminary.
Written By Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:06 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jarek
I have had the opportunity to meet one Prince Jarek Velenosa. I must admit I found him surprisingly pleasant and less? well I guess there is no delicate way to put it, less pretentious than I would expect of a noble of the Lyceum without the burden of rule hanging over him. He is a bit of a wanderer as well which makes me think fondly, if with regret, of my brief time as an errant knight before the Tragedy.
Written By Cassius
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:05 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
With winter coming on and the summer ending, I have begun a drive to obtain extra wool to make warm cloaks for the poor and infirm in the House of Solace. I have sent two sailing men in my employ up the river to gather wool donations from my family's vassals, as they are godly folk who understand the cutting cold.
Written By Cassius
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:03 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
I met Lydia today after my shift at the House of Solace. Later in the afternoon we were joined by Nadia, and thusly we went to patronize the woman Joscelin, whom has made our signet rings like father had before his disappearance. They are most fine, and have a hammer and mountains on their effacement. Quite fine! And we went to the woman Ida and purchased a fine sword for me, as the work of Stonedeep's blacksmith cannot exceed that of the city's smiths. It is decorated as if it were made of ice, and the quality is fine.
Written By Gisele
Oct. 30, 2016, 5 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
My shop is now relocated to Thrax Row, and reopened with much of my earlier stocked replaced on the shelves. A busier week I have never had and I am grateful to once again have four walls and a roof around me. One whirlwind week a decade is enough to convince me that I would much rather remain home with a paintbrush in hand and pages opened in front of me than to be out and about.
Master Benjamin Carver is to be thanked for allowing the outright purchase of the little building in which I find myself. He offered a loan with such glowing terms that I was amazed that one person could be so generous. If sales remain as steady as they have been these last days, I should be able to repay him in no more than a few months.
Forced to set my work aside and socialize, I don't think I made too much of a fool of myself this week. The Voice of Thrax has made overtures of patronage and expressed some admiration for my work. A Master Aureth Grayhope will be sending commissions to me in the future, and several others have written to express interest in either my stock or future business possibilities. It all rather makes me want to hide in a closet but fortunately I need not venture out again any time soon, and much of my business can be conducted through messengers.
Now, to begin my Hall of Heroes series.
Master Benjamin Carver is to be thanked for allowing the outright purchase of the little building in which I find myself. He offered a loan with such glowing terms that I was amazed that one person could be so generous. If sales remain as steady as they have been these last days, I should be able to repay him in no more than a few months.
Forced to set my work aside and socialize, I don't think I made too much of a fool of myself this week. The Voice of Thrax has made overtures of patronage and expressed some admiration for my work. A Master Aureth Grayhope will be sending commissions to me in the future, and several others have written to express interest in either my stock or future business possibilities. It all rather makes me want to hide in a closet but fortunately I need not venture out again any time soon, and much of my business can be conducted through messengers.
Now, to begin my Hall of Heroes series.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2016, 4:47 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
My first afternoon back in the shop brought distraction, but rather welcome at that. Prince Abbas Thrax, who looks exactly as though his reputation were made into flesh, came to commission an axe. Lord Victus recommended me. I was briefly surprised, but it seems my skills and availability are just better than other options for the moment. Still something to be honored by, I believe. It was a good discussion. His Highness knows exactly what he wants and didn't dance around explaining as much to me. I enjoyed the meeting.
The ever lovely Duchess Nadia Nightgold also graced my shop while Prince Abbas and I were concluding business. Her wolf-pup, Enigma, is a darling! Though surely will rip off someone's arm some day like a toy, once she is fully grown. It's always a delight to cross paths with the Duchess.
As though his ears were burning, the very Lord Victus Thrax also crossed my threshold, just as the other two were preparing to make their exits. I suspect I will never understand the famed general and am given to wonder why I bother to attempt friendly conversation with him. Perhaps it is because he respects my work, or so I think. It's likely I'll learn how to forge alaricite long before I learn how to forge a relationship of some sort with Lord Victus.
The ever lovely Duchess Nadia Nightgold also graced my shop while Prince Abbas and I were concluding business. Her wolf-pup, Enigma, is a darling! Though surely will rip off someone's arm some day like a toy, once she is fully grown. It's always a delight to cross paths with the Duchess.
As though his ears were burning, the very Lord Victus Thrax also crossed my threshold, just as the other two were preparing to make their exits. I suspect I will never understand the famed general and am given to wonder why I bother to attempt friendly conversation with him. Perhaps it is because he respects my work, or so I think. It's likely I'll learn how to forge alaricite long before I learn how to forge a relationship of some sort with Lord Victus.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2016, 4:31 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
I have not written as my mood seems to be leaning vaguely toward maudlin and I'd rather drink such things away than write about them. Maudlin may be too strong a word, really, but close enough. Likely, the visit to the hamlet near Sanctum is what's brought it about, but I'm back and will be equally hidden away catching up on work, as well as attempting rubicund yet again. Sometimes it feels like I'm always looking for something.
Written By Myrinda
Oct. 30, 2016, 3:34 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Well, if I am going to get to dress one of the five leaders of the Compact, I'd rather it was her than the old coot Donrai or a Valardin that'd insist everything be armor.
So I took her offer of patronage.
At least she'll look stunning as a canvas for my work.
So I took her offer of patronage.
At least she'll look stunning as a canvas for my work.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:53 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
The Duke always seems charming when we have met. It seems that our schedules keep us from ever getting to the actual tea portion of our meetings. It helps that we are both normally running into messengers and people that need our time. It will happen eventually and we will sit down for a pleasant conversation.
Written By Juliet
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:45 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
I have in my room a glass vase, long and slender. Fit to hold a single flower.
The flower it holds is singular too, though its stem is a bit short, and its light is fading, slowly.
It's a very rare bloom, rarely seen, and yet her Grace the Archduchess gave it away without thought, because it made me smile.
It makes me smile still, to look at it; to bring it to the windows under the moonlight, and watch the petals gain their shine still.
This is what is good about Arx.
The flower it holds is singular too, though its stem is a bit short, and its light is fading, slowly.
It's a very rare bloom, rarely seen, and yet her Grace the Archduchess gave it away without thought, because it made me smile.
It makes me smile still, to look at it; to bring it to the windows under the moonlight, and watch the petals gain their shine still.
This is what is good about Arx.
Written By Juliet
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:37 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Runa
The Lady Runa Hawkmoor makes for interesting companionship. I can see why my cousin keeps her around. Despite some nervousness among groups of people, she clearly has a keen mind and the way she talks inspires one to want to listen to her.
In some ways I envy her. And I know she, in some ways, envy me. But I'm sure our friendship can survive it, and we can be better together.
In some ways I envy her. And I know she, in some ways, envy me. But I'm sure our friendship can survive it, and we can be better together.
Written By Horatio
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:10 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
The move from Clemenstone to Arx was remarkably uneventful. I still have a great deal of equipment yet to arrive, not to mention my books, but such is the sacrifice I had to make to bring the clippings and animals with me personally. To be sure no moron mishandled them.
The city is as uninteresting as expected, and though the Manor is fine enough I do not think my cousins are all too pleased for sharing the space with my pets. What did they expect? I was not going to leave them to the care of the rest of the family back home, in addition to being sure they are not neglected, they are required for my work.
The only true annoyance is the perpetual presence of Lisette, my cousin's maidservant, who Silas set upon me as my shadow while I am still unfamiliar with the city. A baby-sitter seems more the case, undignified as it is. To even have peace just to come here and note these inane entries I had to back track through the Boroughs, and lose her in the markets in the city centre. I cannot leave the manor for simple damn walk without the woman following me like I am some child and--
-- She's behind me, isn't she?
The city is as uninteresting as expected, and though the Manor is fine enough I do not think my cousins are all too pleased for sharing the space with my pets. What did they expect? I was not going to leave them to the care of the rest of the family back home, in addition to being sure they are not neglected, they are required for my work.
The only true annoyance is the perpetual presence of Lisette, my cousin's maidservant, who Silas set upon me as my shadow while I am still unfamiliar with the city. A baby-sitter seems more the case, undignified as it is. To even have peace just to come here and note these inane entries I had to back track through the Boroughs, and lose her in the markets in the city centre. I cannot leave the manor for simple damn walk without the woman following me like I am some child and--
-- She's behind me, isn't she?
Written By Horatio
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:08 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
A costume maker, and tailor. Ultimately, she seems to complicate things that need not be complicated. She seemed to be of a mind she required talking points when she is with me, I do not think that is entirely true. I will note she has been the inspiration for my new appreciation for the theatre; I look forward to attending a late showing with her at some point. And thus far, has proven to be kind with Meandre.
Written By Horatio
Oct. 30, 2016, 1 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Silas, another of what I feel is a nearly endless list of cousins, is probably one of the more interesting family members. I honestly could not think of a vocation any further from the norm of the Merciers than a knight, an Iron Guard no less.
Well, no one is perfect.
I have seen him spar only once, and I will admit he makes it all seem quite effortless, but no conclusion should be made on a single experiment. I look forward to seeing more of his martial skill. I do appreciate that he has been so welcoming as well as accommodating. He's even tolerant of Meandre when I am certain he is not comfortable about her-- but it is his own fault for leaving wood-pieces about the Manor, she will only think them a place to rest, and if they are in his room that is not her fault.
Well, no one is perfect.
I have seen him spar only once, and I will admit he makes it all seem quite effortless, but no conclusion should be made on a single experiment. I look forward to seeing more of his martial skill. I do appreciate that he has been so welcoming as well as accommodating. He's even tolerant of Meandre when I am certain he is not comfortable about her-- but it is his own fault for leaving wood-pieces about the Manor, she will only think them a place to rest, and if they are in his room that is not her fault.
Written By Horatio
Oct. 30, 2016, 12:39 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
I would say I am grateful for my cousin Lazarus taking me in, but I feel that would be something of a falsity born of unnecessary politeness. My Father though is earnestly thankful for it, and told me countless times to reiterate that fact. I am however grateful Lazarus is amenable to that which the rest of my family is not. He has even said he wishes to have a laboratory and nursery built for me so I can continue my work. Likely as a means of expanding the family’s market further. I couldn’t care less, but I look forward to having a private place where I can study and work in peace.
I never particularly spent a lot of time with him as a child, and recall him as the golden child of the family. But he thus far has been accepting of my pets in the Manor, which I am happy with, even when they are let out to roam. I cannot promise Goliah will stop hiding in the paperwork on his desk; she seems to have made herself at home there.
I never particularly spent a lot of time with him as a child, and recall him as the golden child of the family. But he thus far has been accepting of my pets in the Manor, which I am happy with, even when they are let out to roam. I cannot promise Goliah will stop hiding in the paperwork on his desk; she seems to have made herself at home there.
Written By Horatio
Oct. 30, 2016, 12:30 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
The tea tasting was precisely what one would expect it to be. Lazarus was in fine form as the charming merchant, and Silas was ever the gracious host. At least with the both of them present I do not have to endure painful pleasantries.
It was not an entirely boring affair though, my date seemed to enjoy herself, or I assume as much. Even if she did seem put out for my (apparently) smiling at the Marquessa; which I don't quite understand. It is not my fault the woman has an appreciation for creatures that deserve appreciation. In any case, at least my cousins seemed happy with the event.
It was not an entirely boring affair though, my date seemed to enjoy herself, or I assume as much. Even if she did seem put out for my (apparently) smiling at the Marquessa; which I don't quite understand. It is not my fault the woman has an appreciation for creatures that deserve appreciation. In any case, at least my cousins seemed happy with the event.
Written By Saedrus
Oct. 30, 2016, 12:23 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
It is a shame I missed the tea tasting. I will have to endeavour to attend if there is ever another, and perhaps ask Princess Sophie if she would like to attend also.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 30, 2016, 11:46 a.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
So I wasn't expecting the Lady Dawn to maneuver me into such a position so easily, but then, she is single-handedly doing what it is she does best, so.... I shouldn't have been so surprised. However, I won't let it get the best of me next time. Clever, clever woman.
Another thing I didn't expect: for that silver fox of an Archlector to sweep me across the dance floor like that man -knew- what he was doing. A pleasant surprise, a true one, and I daresay I didn't do too badly myself. I haven't danced at an affair in years and years, but the practice privately has paid off. I don't know how quickly I'd jump into it again, but it's nice to be appreciated.
But it's nothing without a good partner if you aren't the one leading. Orazio Saik did his name proud, and his position too.
Another thing I didn't expect: for that silver fox of an Archlector to sweep me across the dance floor like that man -knew- what he was doing. A pleasant surprise, a true one, and I daresay I didn't do too badly myself. I haven't danced at an affair in years and years, but the practice privately has paid off. I don't know how quickly I'd jump into it again, but it's nice to be appreciated.
But it's nothing without a good partner if you aren't the one leading. Orazio Saik did his name proud, and his position too.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.