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Written By Darren

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:50 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

The storytelling event went off without a hitch and was far more successful than I thought it would be. Lady Dawn was my most regal co-host, and we were entertained by storytellers from across all the different Houses.

In the end, of course, there could only be one winner. I'm proud to say one of my own, Lady Lydia Nightgold, took home the prize of the drinking horn. Her story of Luukas and the Land of Only Stars was exceptionally clever, and she deserves the win for the night.

Honorable mention, of course, went to Blacktongue the Harlequin. Lady Dawn and I both agreed that his story was worthy of a secondary prize, and she gifted him with a well deserved purse of silver.

To the others that attended - the stories and song were exciting and interesting. I hope we'll have another strong showing, should we do a similar competition in the future.

Written By Esera

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Blacktongue

He was my mother's jester, but before that he was her cupbearer -- her protector, in a world of peril and poison. He had a name, once. Something real. Now he has a lie. Blacktongue the Harlequin, you can bury your name, but you cannot bury the man you were. I will not forget your service to my mother. I pray I may earn your service, in kind. Your protection from peril, if not from poison.

Written By Joscelin

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I can't remember the last time I sang in public. I don't do it often these days, what with Ianthe grown up and most of my family either gone or away.

The one I sang tonight in front of a bunch of -strangers- however, was a favorite of my little sister. She likes tales of women with swords, as I recall. I liked seeing her all grinning over it. I have to remember that I have a voice and it's for more than just swearing at people.

But tonight, my song was for Ianthe.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

The talented bards of Axr at the Triumph Plaza made this evening's event a true delight to attend. Everyone who performed made a wonderful effort, adding to each tale with their own flair and vibrant style (though admittedly, I had not gathered drunk to be a 'style' as it was in one case.) and I was lucky enough to have a seat among three charming women throughout the duration. My praise goes to the hosts of the event as well, Lady Dawn and Prince Darren, since it would not have come about without them. And the pastries provided by the Marquessa Samantha were an absolute treat.

Written By Salazar

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:28 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

The wine business is good and has plenty of room for expansion. What next, they ask me -- whiskey from Redrain to sell in the Lyceum? Gilden Gold cider, to be hawked north? The possibilities are endless, and I find myself profiting quite well from this. I took advantage of a story-telling contest to make famous (or perhaps infamous, there's the idea that there's no such thing as bad publicity) the jingle that should keep Nilanzan red on the tongues of everyone, great and small:

"Nilanzan red! Oh sweet Nilanzan red,
It goes with all meats and all breads.
Blameless, we are, on sweet Nilanzan red,
What we do or say, blame on wine instead!"

Of course, there's the Mercier fellow who's been yelling me down about the quality of Nilanzan wines and his wines. There's the popular refrain that referenced; that I do not know what goes into the wines of my hearth and home, and he asks: 'Has this pirate prince ever spent a day in the fields?' Of course, to that, I answer: No, my good man, I don't spend time in the fields, picking the grapes from the grape trees like you do, my dear friend - they're grown on vines against the cliff-side vineyards, where I am from. Though it amuses me so, this wine business. Perhaps I should, indeed, leave the wine-peddling to the common man, sleeves rolled up and bare feet soaked in grape juice. But I must say, it brings me a sort of fine feeling, a sense of purpose. Lazarus Mercier's brother is a man I need to find.

Oh! I just remembered. Either Silas Mercier or Kima Saik -- or even perhaps my cousin, the Sword of Argento will do, seeing as she's arrived in town... I must improve my swordsmanship and my footwork. The scion of Argento can't be fenced to oblivion by any halfwit with a length of steel and the compunction to use it.

Written By Freja

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:25 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I miss the snows. I miss the wind whipping through forgotten vales, through rocky crags that time has forgotten the names we gave them when we were once sundered, separated by our own agendas and pride. Even in the warmth of the Southern sun I feel their chill in my bones and how I ache to feel its lash on my cheeks again. I miss the burn of ice on my fingertips even through layers of leather and furs, the song it sings when it crashes down from mountaintops to topple what it wishes at wild whims. I miss the lands steeped in archaic legends, predating time as we know it and carried on in the veins of us now.

Now, I miss them more than ever. They are calling, but I cannot answer.

Written By Aislin

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:23 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Salazar

I seem to keep running into Lord Salazar almost everywhere I go. I go to the Ambassador, and there's Lord Salazar. I go to walk atop the walls, and there's Lord Salazar. I go to the market, and there's Lord Salazar in the crowds.

Perhaps it's merely that he ends up almost everywhere in the city?

Still, the sight of him always brightens the day. He seems to approach life as if it weren't actually all that serious a matter; any problem is surmountable, any obstacle is only a temporary one. And for a little while, I can convince myself the same thing is true.

It's refreshing, really.

Written By Nadia

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:16 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I saw the wrinkles in his suntanned brow.
He shouldered burdens then; I see them now
I heard the cries of the people who in vain
Have shed tears two hundred years like rain.

I heard the drums, the time had drawn near
Your spirit drawn the beats they ring so clear
Song like prayers chanted through the night
Pleading for us to come, help end their plight

I've heard your cries and now stood at your side
We joined their prayers with both arms open wide
United spirits set to sing until dawn
When in the fire's flames a golden fawn.

Remembering a smile crossed my face
When we were one with Mother Nature's grace
The mountains and valleys flowing with waters clear
Flow sadly now, a bleak future we fear.

The weightless feathers that adorned his head
A grim, great truth weighed me down instead.
Now breathing deep he smelled winds of change
While here in the city my people rearranged.

Written By Sophie

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:11 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

It was a grand evening to be regaled by such inspired tales. I am starting to wonder, however, if it is possible for Lord Salazar Argento to go anywhere without promoting his wine. Should boisterous determination garner him sales, he surely has earned himself no small amount of coin.

Written By Saedrus

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:09 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I had the great pleasure of participating in the Golden Arrow Competition this week, hosted by the charming jeweller Mistress Joscelin, Lady Dawn and Master Silas who all served as the judges for the event. And I must say they did a fabulous job of putting the competition together, not a single fault throughout the entire affair.

It has been a while now since I last practiced, but I enjoy the sport greatly and could not help but join in. I will be the first to admit my performance was mediocre at best, but in the company I was in amongst I am not surprised. Master Aureth who tied with myself with four points did admirably, and the Redrain Princess set a high bar with her shots. Bravely followed by Princess Lou (that I think the Jeweller hostess made some faux pas of title, though I missed it myself.) that took to the further targets willing to take a risk, I for one, was not. Though the winner was clear when the last of the Master Viktarkim's shots landed as a bullseye! The first two shots I thought were impressive enough, and the man very much earnt his win.

The prize looked spectacular and I would call the whole event an utter success! I did not expect to win, and against other skilled archers I am not at all ashamed to be bested. I hope by the time the next rolls about I will have more practice in.

Written By Pietro

Oct. 16, 2016, 11:03 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I love storytelling, even if I haven't the knack for it myself -- more like an endless spill of words with no clear beginning, middle or end, but lots of exclamation points -- so it was great to go to the Hero's Tales event. I love heroes! I love tales!

Lady Sylphie's retelling of the story of unified Gemecitta was the best of the lot, never mind the winners and I write without any bias whatsoever. It was good to see her and Lord Valkieri so companionable. The strength of Gemecitta is always in unity, just like the story tells, and if there are two houses with more fortitude in their blood than Rubino and Zaffria in all the Lyceum, well, I can't imagine it!

Written By Dagon

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:52 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

I have realized that there are two ways of spreading light. Either one can be the flame or one can be the mirror that reflects it. I am inspired to continue my efforts to build and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.

Written By Nadia

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:50 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Man invented war.
Man discovered peace.
He invented war from without.
He discovered peace from within.
War, man throws.
Peace, man sows.

Written By Isabeau

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:42 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Lazarus

I do not know Goodman Mercier well but he is MOST generous with his wines and I must say, they are the best in the land I've had in my entire life. I have no doubt, before long they will become a staple within our Household.

Written By Isabeau

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:40 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Gareth

It is the fate of heroes to be sung of, to be celebrated in story and legends. Fate was not kind to Prince Gareth Grayson. Once I heard tales of his exploits but now I hear little. I find him curious but there is something dangerous about him. A man who has lost nearly everything and lived, is a man to be feared if not at least respected.

Written By Isabeau

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:35 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Edain

Uncle Radley was a paragon of our family and so is his son, Edain. As I trusted my Uncle, so I trust my cousin. My heart aches for him though, to be thrust into the role of High Lord after such great tragedy. It was not how any of us wanted to see his succession occur. The burden of command has been placed upon his shoulders, but despite his hesitation he is well suited to it. I have no doubt; he will go down in the annals of our family history as a hero. Until that day, I will do all I can to aid him, what strength I can offer to him, is given freely.

Written By Freja

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:29 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Lydia

I once thought her daft, a fleeing and flighty fancy from the North that sought silks and Southern men. I was wrong. She is quickly becoming my favorite Nightgold and I find her moments of insight pivotal when she puts trust in her words and confidence in her tones. Loyalty goes a long way, and I believe Lady Lydia will travel miles.

Written By Vincere

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:28 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Valkieri

Voice of the Rubino family, Lord Valkieri is one half of our hosting duo in Arx. He is still angry about the death of his brother, Lady Sylphie's husband Zaccheri. In fact, he is still angry, often. He is often very something -- whatever it should be at the time. He hasn't really changed over the years.

Written By Freja

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Mason

The prince seems a little skiddish, but with good reason. He is a stranger in a strange land and it makes me feel for him. I too, am in foreign territory. My entire life has been spent in my beloved North up until a few months ago. I pray to the Spirits for guidance that we may help one another, friends when needed.

Written By Vincere

Oct. 16, 2016, 10:27 p.m.(11/11/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Sylvie

Voice of the Zaffria family, Lady Sylphie is one half of our hosting duo in Arx. She remains troubled by the death of her husband, Zaccheri, though you could scarcely guess. She is a good and gracious woman.

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