Written By Gisele
Oct. 26, 2016, 10:15 a.m.(12/12/1004 AR)
The silver lining of the building that once housed my shop being sold is that it forces me out to remind myself that there is a world outside my door. A very large and very complicated world, where I must find storage space for my stock, a place to live, and funds sufficient to find a new space to rent.
But this is a silver lining. Surely it is. There is purpose here and it's for the best. Good will come of it. Even if that good is only the opportunity to rest my hands, preserve my supply of ink and paints, and practice speaking with real people.
How bad can it be?
But this is a silver lining. Surely it is. There is purpose here and it's for the best. Good will come of it. Even if that good is only the opportunity to rest my hands, preserve my supply of ink and paints, and practice speaking with real people.
How bad can it be?
Written By Orazio
Oct. 26, 2016, 9:37 a.m.(12/12/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
This is an entirely personal entry, so if you were perusing my journals with hopes of another mini-sermon, you shall be disappointed. And yes, I am aware that no one does that, but leave an aging man his pleasures of the pen. I do not get to sermonize much in my current position.
I cannot remember the last time I was invited to a dinner that was not related to my duty as the Archlector, so the invitation I received from Lady Calypso was as rare as it was welcome. The hospitality was, as expected from the Lyceum, exquisite, but it was the company that made the night. Lord Eos, Lady Kima, and the courtier Master Saedrus rounded out the evening's guests, to my pleasure. I cannot say whether I made good company, for it has been a while, but for me, the evening was a most pleasant one.
This is an entirely personal entry, so if you were perusing my journals with hopes of another mini-sermon, you shall be disappointed. And yes, I am aware that no one does that, but leave an aging man his pleasures of the pen. I do not get to sermonize much in my current position.
I cannot remember the last time I was invited to a dinner that was not related to my duty as the Archlector, so the invitation I received from Lady Calypso was as rare as it was welcome. The hospitality was, as expected from the Lyceum, exquisite, but it was the company that made the night. Lord Eos, Lady Kima, and the courtier Master Saedrus rounded out the evening's guests, to my pleasure. I cannot say whether I made good company, for it has been a while, but for me, the evening was a most pleasant one.
Written By Orazio
Oct. 26, 2016, 9:31 a.m.(12/12/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
I remember her when she was much younger, eschewing the typical pastimes of young noblewomen for an intense interest in the arts of war. With time, she has become more refined and confident in her power, as a commander and otherwise, but I do not believe she has ever lost that core of strength and passion. It is good to see.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 26, 2016, 4:01 a.m.(12/11/1004 AR)
[the pages are stuck together and are impossible to pry apart]
Written By Silas
Oct. 26, 2016, 3:53 a.m.(12/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurora
Mistress Aurora Thornburn is a talented tailor within the city.
She also seems fond of my cousin Horatio, for whatever reason, and I think the feeling may be mutual if their interactions at the tea tasting were any indication.
I find this hilarious.
She also seems fond of my cousin Horatio, for whatever reason, and I think the feeling may be mutual if their interactions at the tea tasting were any indication.
I find this hilarious.
Written By Silas
Oct. 26, 2016, 3:50 a.m.(12/11/1004 AR)
I did not expect to be holding a tea party at any point, but with the arrival of my brother and his interest in seeing our family move into the tea trade, I took the initiative and organized a small get-together to showcase our first tea forays. I am more of an ale and wine sort, so my knowledge of tea is limited at best, but thankfully Lazarus was present to enlighten those with questions and make his sales pitch. It was a successful pitch: Lady Dawn, Lady Samantha, and Mistress Acacia made order requests and Lazarus was thrilled when we got back to the manor. It was like watching a puppy with a bone.
I put my carpentry skills to work and fashioned a tea box for everyone who attended and tasted our teas. I included a sachet of one of the blends served at the party, at random. Those who attend each party we have henceforth may use them to start their own personal collections.
I put my carpentry skills to work and fashioned a tea box for everyone who attended and tasted our teas. I included a sachet of one of the blends served at the party, at random. Those who attend each party we have henceforth may use them to start their own personal collections.
Written By Acacia
Oct. 26, 2016, 2:09 a.m.(12/11/1004 AR)
Well. I learned that tea isn't my thing.
I've tolerated tea before in the right company, but usually only to try to convey some subtle message of one sort or another in the process. I'm far from being a leaf-reading, taste-inspecting savant though and I'm not sure I could tell the difference between most types or qualities.
There was one towards the end though which reminded me of red berries and apples -- and it was surprisingly fairly delicious. I asked Sir Silas for a case, but with instructions that I could shove at someone to ensure it was made properly. A certain physician comes to mind for things like this.
Either way, it was interesting meeting another of the Mercier family. Sir Silas had mentioned that I should run into his brother Master Lazarus at some point, but I never got the chance. Bad first impressions? Well. Perhaps they make it more interesting.
Mistress Ianthe was amusing as ever and if anyone is wondering, apparently scones are the way to that woman's heart. Or at least, it's perhaps one way. She keeps laughter dancing on her eyes enough that occasionally I'd love to just crack open her head and see what quips she has hidden inside of it.
Blacktongue is ever fascinating. He has so many different sides and tiny tidbits are always revealed in just about everything he says. They're incredibly fun to silently collect. We might have different viewpoints on what constitutes a Ray of Sunshine, but Family is one thing I get.
Others attended, including the Marquesa Samantha Deepwood -- a naturally affable woman who I need to make time for at some point.
Overall though, the Mercier Men -- all of them -- did a great job. I'm sure the people who like tea appreciate it, or perhaps more importantly, will pay for it.
I've tolerated tea before in the right company, but usually only to try to convey some subtle message of one sort or another in the process. I'm far from being a leaf-reading, taste-inspecting savant though and I'm not sure I could tell the difference between most types or qualities.
There was one towards the end though which reminded me of red berries and apples -- and it was surprisingly fairly delicious. I asked Sir Silas for a case, but with instructions that I could shove at someone to ensure it was made properly. A certain physician comes to mind for things like this.
Either way, it was interesting meeting another of the Mercier family. Sir Silas had mentioned that I should run into his brother Master Lazarus at some point, but I never got the chance. Bad first impressions? Well. Perhaps they make it more interesting.
Mistress Ianthe was amusing as ever and if anyone is wondering, apparently scones are the way to that woman's heart. Or at least, it's perhaps one way. She keeps laughter dancing on her eyes enough that occasionally I'd love to just crack open her head and see what quips she has hidden inside of it.
Blacktongue is ever fascinating. He has so many different sides and tiny tidbits are always revealed in just about everything he says. They're incredibly fun to silently collect. We might have different viewpoints on what constitutes a Ray of Sunshine, but Family is one thing I get.
Others attended, including the Marquesa Samantha Deepwood -- a naturally affable woman who I need to make time for at some point.
Overall though, the Mercier Men -- all of them -- did a great job. I'm sure the people who like tea appreciate it, or perhaps more importantly, will pay for it.
Written By Acacia
Oct. 26, 2016, 1:54 a.m.(12/11/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
I kind of stand by the fact that whiskey can pair with just about anything, but I imagine this Mercier brother might say the same thing about his teas. I've floated through a lot of different circles over the years, but I suppose I just never spent time around tea drinkers. There's a whole etiquette associated that continues to elude me. The disdain for me adding a delicious bit of whiskey to my leafy little drink was as if I called his loved one corn smut or something. Yes, corn smut. The man's so knowledgeable that he actually knows that this is a thing.
If anyone has seen his brother, Sir Silas, try to sell things via a sales pitch -- they should probably know that he doesn't. His skills either show themselves, or they don't, and everyone goes on with their day without fanfare. Master Lazarus was the opposite. I'm fairly certain he could spend a whole day talking about the properties of dark leaf versus ... well, other leaf teas. He deserves credit for it. He's done his research and is cut from that kind of cloth.
A man with a dedicated eye for new things to sell and a willingness to do it well and thoroughly isn't that bad of an acquaintance to have. Just, maybe we should meet over alcohol instead.
If anyone has seen his brother, Sir Silas, try to sell things via a sales pitch -- they should probably know that he doesn't. His skills either show themselves, or they don't, and everyone goes on with their day without fanfare. Master Lazarus was the opposite. I'm fairly certain he could spend a whole day talking about the properties of dark leaf versus ... well, other leaf teas. He deserves credit for it. He's done his research and is cut from that kind of cloth.
A man with a dedicated eye for new things to sell and a willingness to do it well and thoroughly isn't that bad of an acquaintance to have. Just, maybe we should meet over alcohol instead.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 25, 2016, 11:51 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
The tea tasting event hosted by Silas Mercier was much more enjoyable that I would have thought such a thing to be. I don’t really -do- tea parties. Drinking glasses of whiskey in a crowded bar is much more my style, but, there tend to be less pastries in bars, so perhaps I need to change my ‘style’.
I don’t think I’m ever going to enjoy tea, but I am rather intrigued by the brothers Mercier. Our philosophies on selling are very different, I think, but I suspect that to be the result of differing personalities and offerings than a mistake made on either side. The Merciers offer products and must convince buyers to purchase. Customers don’t need to be lured for the types of things I seek to sell. It’s simply a matter of matching the right buyer with their heart’s desire.
I’ll admit, I enjoyed the company more than the tea. Mistress Acacia Culler is a delight, as always. I have thought that we should go out drinking together, but tea was not the beverage I had in mind. Marquessa Samantha Deepwood was there as well, but there was no time to speak with her between trying to drink the tea, stuff my face with scones, and maintain a semi-civil conversation. Another time perhaps. I can’t forget Master Blacktongue, either. His humor is sharp as a skinning knife. It certainly came close to peeling away any sense of propriety I have left a number of times.
I brought up the idea of hosting some sort of bazaar, but I might pass that particular duty off to Josie. If she wants to be Guild Master, she’ll need to be the face of the guild.
I don’t think I’m ever going to enjoy tea, but I am rather intrigued by the brothers Mercier. Our philosophies on selling are very different, I think, but I suspect that to be the result of differing personalities and offerings than a mistake made on either side. The Merciers offer products and must convince buyers to purchase. Customers don’t need to be lured for the types of things I seek to sell. It’s simply a matter of matching the right buyer with their heart’s desire.
I’ll admit, I enjoyed the company more than the tea. Mistress Acacia Culler is a delight, as always. I have thought that we should go out drinking together, but tea was not the beverage I had in mind. Marquessa Samantha Deepwood was there as well, but there was no time to speak with her between trying to drink the tea, stuff my face with scones, and maintain a semi-civil conversation. Another time perhaps. I can’t forget Master Blacktongue, either. His humor is sharp as a skinning knife. It certainly came close to peeling away any sense of propriety I have left a number of times.
I brought up the idea of hosting some sort of bazaar, but I might pass that particular duty off to Josie. If she wants to be Guild Master, she’ll need to be the face of the guild.
Written By Donella
Oct. 25, 2016, 10:56 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
My grandfather, the Prince of Maelstrom, for whom I was named to honor, and who I would have succeeded, had I been a prince instead of a princess. I have long known (for so I was taught) that my future, my fortunes, my very life was dependent on his good will. Even confined to a litter, there is no stronger leader, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. I tell you, the man still lives because Death is afraid to claim him. And I am his Voice and his student.
Written By Donella
Oct. 25, 2016, 10:25 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
My younger brother, heir to the Thrax line. He is everything a prince and heir should be, and much admired both for his social grace and his fencing skill. I think he is even starting to appreciate the advantages of the Thrax identity, though he hasn't let go of his lander ideals. That's alright. That is what I am for. I would pull down the sky to protect him. Was there ever a brother and sister whose fates are so bound up together as are ours?
Written By Orazio
Oct. 25, 2016, 5:32 p.m.(12/10/1004 AR)
To the Faithful Reader:
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Many wax rhapsodic about the miracles of the natural world. The beauty of a sunset, the play of light on water, the perfection of a faceted gem, or the silken touch of polished stone under the fingertips. The gods work in their shaping of the world around us, and on occasion, I wish that I had the tongue or the pen to describe these things. More, I wish that I had the proper talent to describe my favorite miracles: the Faithful.
Today, I spent time in Solace Square. As always, I am humbled by the Faithful who make pilgrimage to Arx, from every corner of the Compact. They come in weariness, in pain...and in hope. Should any one feel moved to read this, it is likely to be a person who finds it hard to imagine leaving one's home and family and work, and treading the long path from holy site to holy site without any expectation of what you might find at the end of that journey. It is a pure expression of Faith, to subject oneself to wind and rain, to hunger and danger, simply because your love for the gods moves you. It is not a journey for everyone. But for those who make it, how can I do anything but admire them? How can I call their willingness to put themselves in the gods' hands anything other than a miracle?
In less reflective, but no less affectionate news, I had the opportunity to walk and talk with my nephew today. He and his sister have grown into fine scions of their House. I can claim no part of this, for I was absent for large parts of their childhood, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless. They will serve the Saiks well. And, I can hope, find pleasure and meaning for themselves in the bargain. They deserve it, if any of us do.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 4:18 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
I was struck by a memory today, of sitting by the fire on a warm summer night, me at Etali's feet while she threaded my hair, Ularan at her side binding my sword hand.
We three talked often about the Compact, the place I hailed from but had no intention of returning to. Conversation was easy, I took to the language quick enough and they were so informal after the second year we'd been married that our tribemates often mimicked us to sound like bickering gutterscamps prattle prattle prattle. But it was never such, the three of us were well suited to each other. And while I've let go the loss of them, I do miss them. Etali for her sharp wit and her sly tongue, and the way her eyes glazed over when I kissed her thigh, and Ularan, for his wisdom and council and how he wielded a hammer with such skill.
They'd have liked to join me, I think, when the children were grown and we were certain they'd find their own way.
That's another life. It's silly to dwell on what isn't.
We three talked often about the Compact, the place I hailed from but had no intention of returning to. Conversation was easy, I took to the language quick enough and they were so informal after the second year we'd been married that our tribemates often mimicked us to sound like bickering gutterscamps prattle prattle prattle. But it was never such, the three of us were well suited to each other. And while I've let go the loss of them, I do miss them. Etali for her sharp wit and her sly tongue, and the way her eyes glazed over when I kissed her thigh, and Ularan, for his wisdom and council and how he wielded a hammer with such skill.
They'd have liked to join me, I think, when the children were grown and we were certain they'd find their own way.
That's another life. It's silly to dwell on what isn't.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 3:04 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
The last time I fought a noblewoman, I was living in this city doing my best to not be what I was. She knocked me on my ass, then, but eh, gotta have someone to aspire to, aye?
General Calypso put up a good fight, I can't remember the last time I came up against an even match as her. I look forward to rollin' in the sands again, and if it's with her, I wouldn't that either.
General Calypso put up a good fight, I can't remember the last time I came up against an even match as her. I look forward to rollin' in the sands again, and if it's with her, I wouldn't that either.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:32 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
This was the first woman I met here. Cloaked in the banner of some mid-level house. She left an impression of strength. I wondered if a robust set of balls lay under that dress somewhere. She seems a knight. She talks a knight. I respect a knight. Shame I've butchered so many fucking knights. Hopefully she'll stick.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:30 p.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
What can I say? I find the duchess of Nightgold to be someone I enjoy being with. I have spent the last twelve years in blood and salt; this is something I have never known -- relating to women in such a manner that they are seen as equals. I have never ventured before to call a woman my equal. And I am still skeptical -- no woman would survive the Salt life I live. How could one expect there to be the nurture of babe to breast after such slaughter? Nor would I ever dream of placing her in the way of certain death. So I am left perplexed -- but she has become my one beacon in the stinking dredges of a fat and lazy Grayson led city.
Written By Abbas
Oct. 25, 2016, 10:14 a.m.(12/9/1004 AR)
I can't believe I'm fucking doing this. Writing thoughts and feelings down like some girl taking a piss about her feelings but here goes.
All I want is a fucking axe? I went around to a few shops and I see these monsters of weapons. I mean absolute fine quality but every single one of them is done up in beautiful oceans scenes with majestic ships that harken me back to some time when I was a wee boy and blah blah blah.
This just makes me want to vomit my scallops and clams all over the pretty things.
I just want a fucking weapon that will spill a guts ten times out of tens when fucking used with proper Thraxian guidance. I don't want the unfortunate villager to think I'm taking out the weapon because I want to sit and commiserate with his feelings about the sea. I want the shit to see it be like.. that looks functional. And real - and it best he hand over his taxation before I split his wig with it.
All I want is a fucking axe? I went around to a few shops and I see these monsters of weapons. I mean absolute fine quality but every single one of them is done up in beautiful oceans scenes with majestic ships that harken me back to some time when I was a wee boy and blah blah blah.
This just makes me want to vomit my scallops and clams all over the pretty things.
I just want a fucking weapon that will spill a guts ten times out of tens when fucking used with proper Thraxian guidance. I don't want the unfortunate villager to think I'm taking out the weapon because I want to sit and commiserate with his feelings about the sea. I want the shit to see it be like.. that looks functional. And real - and it best he hand over his taxation before I split his wig with it.
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 25, 2016, 7:42 a.m.(12/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I have been fasting all week. I will spend the next week at the shrine in meditation. Prelate Aeden and the others should have things well in hand while I am away.
Written By Serafine
Oct. 25, 2016, 2:55 a.m.(12/8/1004 AR)
Damn fools, a person leaves for a decade or so and suddenly everyone goes 'you're alive!' when you walk into the city you were born in.
Bleedin' arses, don't make such a fuss. Aye, I'm back and aye, I am alive. But stop fainting every time I tell you 'how' I'm alive and where I've been.
No, it's not bloody paint, it's woad, you little fucker. How often do I have to do this shite?
Bleedin' arses, don't make such a fuss. Aye, I'm back and aye, I am alive. But stop fainting every time I tell you 'how' I'm alive and where I've been.
No, it's not bloody paint, it's woad, you little fucker. How often do I have to do this shite?
Written By Aldwin
Oct. 24, 2016, 8:17 p.m.(12/7/1004 AR)
I pen this here, between the white leather folds of my public journal, that all may bear witness.
We are charged by Vellichor with a sacred duty to guard the knowledge of the world. Whether you believe in the literal meaning of the Canticle of Vellichor or take it for a metaphor showing the demons of ignorance that we face every day, our duty as Scholars remains the same. We wear the mantle of guardianship over the knowledge of the world.
There are those who argue that guarding knowledge does not mean that we need to share it. Others stand on the opposite side, claiming that the only true way to keep knowledge from perishing is to ensure that everyone has it. I will admit that I err more to the latter than the former. If we do nothing but keep knowledge locked away then it dies even as it is written on the velum of its eternal prison.
That is not to say, however, that all knowledge should be granted freely. For those who wish to know the best way to tend their fields, we will grant this without a second thought. For those that wish to know herblore, we may exact a demonstration of discernment. We, as Scholars, do not charge for this knowledge, but we must make an effort to ensure that it will be used somewhat wisely.
We are charged by Vellichor with a sacred duty to guard the knowledge of the world. Whether you believe in the literal meaning of the Canticle of Vellichor or take it for a metaphor showing the demons of ignorance that we face every day, our duty as Scholars remains the same. We wear the mantle of guardianship over the knowledge of the world.
There are those who argue that guarding knowledge does not mean that we need to share it. Others stand on the opposite side, claiming that the only true way to keep knowledge from perishing is to ensure that everyone has it. I will admit that I err more to the latter than the former. If we do nothing but keep knowledge locked away then it dies even as it is written on the velum of its eternal prison.
That is not to say, however, that all knowledge should be granted freely. For those who wish to know the best way to tend their fields, we will grant this without a second thought. For those that wish to know herblore, we may exact a demonstration of discernment. We, as Scholars, do not charge for this knowledge, but we must make an effort to ensure that it will be used somewhat wisely.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.