Written By Ianthe
Oct. 15, 2016, 1:14 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Blacktongue
Wits as sharp as the edge of a blade that could tear one to pieces simply by holding it improperly. He speaks such flattering words, but there is a part of me that suspects that is part of the joke. How could I resist whatever lesson the Jester is willing to teach? Like in any good story, he refused me three times with warnings of cruelty.
Blacktongue asked me what I wish to learn from him, but I fear he would be disappointed in my answer.
His tongue is black. I wonder if his heart is as well.
Blacktongue asked me what I wish to learn from him, but I fear he would be disappointed in my answer.
His tongue is black. I wonder if his heart is as well.
Written By Salazar
Oct. 15, 2016, 12:13 p.m.(11/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Calypso Malvici is the kind of woman that breaks lesser men on the adamant surfaces of her sword and shield. I, however, have figured that I shall not be just another suitor chasing her with sweet words and gifts. Or a suitor at all really; people who value Calypso Malvici as simply the object of a political marriage to a family that commands the largest army in the Lyceum would be sorely mistaken. Especially since she's the one who commands that army personally. Having understood her needs and strengths - martial rather than marital - I've offered my services to help her house obtain business and contracts for their wine and other mercantile interests. It bores her; it is an interesting challenge for me. Perhaps this will be a fruitful relationship.
Written By Audric
Oct. 15, 2016, 6:16 a.m.(11/6/1004 AR)
I love this city. It reeks of too many people, so many of those people are always on edge, always worried about a knife in the back.
So worried, most of the time, that they don't consider a friendly smile and a sword in the front.
Arx is wonderful. I hope to never have to leave again. But I know I'll have to. There's so much coin to be made encouraging paranoia and treachery. It's the sort of city that could make a sellsword fall deeply in love with it.
So worried, most of the time, that they don't consider a friendly smile and a sword in the front.
Arx is wonderful. I hope to never have to leave again. But I know I'll have to. There's so much coin to be made encouraging paranoia and treachery. It's the sort of city that could make a sellsword fall deeply in love with it.
Written By Blacktongue
Oct. 15, 2016, 3:16 a.m.(11/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
A woman that has many stories and likes to be the subject of just as many, if not more. If her smile doesn't inspire them to be written than her smirk most certainly will.
She puts on a beautiful performance when she wants to. We'll see how my lessons help.
She puts on a beautiful performance when she wants to. We'll see how my lessons help.
Written By Natalia
Oct. 15, 2016, 1:50 a.m.(11/6/1004 AR)
I am upon my third day in our wonderful city. This punishment has been all I have thought it to be. My dearest brother has allowed me to have full access to the room.
I have met some most lovely people from Ladies to Princely Pirates. It is almost a dream of how wonderful my reception has been.
Of course, when the voice met me, she was instantly aware that I am to be the house of Grayson. She knew immediately that I was the on to arrange fetes and galas. I know that she is sure to trust me in such things.
Then there was the wonderful Prince Donrai. He was a bit more than unexpected, but I am interested to see how our games play out.
Now to get the seamstress to get back to me, so that I might start on my wardrobe. I'm a bit put out that I have not heard back from Aurora, but perhaps she is caught up in commissions. We shall see. For now, I can see the city is brilliant and happy to receive me.
They are all lucky to have me. They will find this to be true. Style has come to Arx.
I have met some most lovely people from Ladies to Princely Pirates. It is almost a dream of how wonderful my reception has been.
Of course, when the voice met me, she was instantly aware that I am to be the house of Grayson. She knew immediately that I was the on to arrange fetes and galas. I know that she is sure to trust me in such things.
Then there was the wonderful Prince Donrai. He was a bit more than unexpected, but I am interested to see how our games play out.
Now to get the seamstress to get back to me, so that I might start on my wardrobe. I'm a bit put out that I have not heard back from Aurora, but perhaps she is caught up in commissions. We shall see. For now, I can see the city is brilliant and happy to receive me.
They are all lucky to have me. They will find this to be true. Style has come to Arx.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 15, 2016, 1:43 a.m.(11/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Blacktongue
Met this fascinating gentleman at the fountain in the city center while meeting the gem-merchant today. The Harlequin was a delight I've seen in my peripheral, it was good to actually exchange words with the man. That voice is a bit like a purr, I could probably listen to him read trading manifests and not get bored.
Also, he keeps his apples in strange places.
Also, he keeps his apples in strange places.
Written By Kima
Oct. 14, 2016, 11:31 p.m.(11/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Calypso, Hadrian's older sister.
Growing up, we were not often in contact with one another. She was so thoroughly determined to transform the soldiers of Southport into her extended family and I with my eyes on an entirely different martial prize that we rarely had cause to interact. I recall her as a sombre young woman, however, endlessly re-enacting past battles, always looking for things that could have been done differently. Better.
There was a time when I wished my brother would have married her. They seemed more suited to one another than any other young woman that I could imagine at the time. Bear in mind I was very young, and notions of fancy - such as marrying far above our modest rank as well as riding high upon the back of a dragon - were not unfamiliar to me.
It is good that Calypso is here in Arx. She is a grounded and stable individual, and will do both the Duke and House Malvici proud.
Growing up, we were not often in contact with one another. She was so thoroughly determined to transform the soldiers of Southport into her extended family and I with my eyes on an entirely different martial prize that we rarely had cause to interact. I recall her as a sombre young woman, however, endlessly re-enacting past battles, always looking for things that could have been done differently. Better.
There was a time when I wished my brother would have married her. They seemed more suited to one another than any other young woman that I could imagine at the time. Bear in mind I was very young, and notions of fancy - such as marrying far above our modest rank as well as riding high upon the back of a dragon - were not unfamiliar to me.
It is good that Calypso is here in Arx. She is a grounded and stable individual, and will do both the Duke and House Malvici proud.
Written By Kima
Oct. 14, 2016, 11:22 p.m.(11/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
I am not certain many of my peers, save for those in far-flung, and more rugged regions that sport a smaller populace, can say that they know their commoners half so well as we Saiks. The Cicisbeos have tended to our vineyards for several generations, and though Saedrus has chosen a different path from that of his ancestors, his five sisters remain. (Though technically they've all married into other families).
He serves my House in a new capacity now. One I dare say papa ever expected. Imagine, a Saik with their own courtesan. Eos has stood in as his patron, though I can only imagine this is in hopes of smoothing his less than socially adept rough edges.
If anyone can, it is Saedrus.
He serves my House in a new capacity now. One I dare say papa ever expected. Imagine, a Saik with their own courtesan. Eos has stood in as his patron, though I can only imagine this is in hopes of smoothing his less than socially adept rough edges.
If anyone can, it is Saedrus.
Written By Valkieri
Oct. 14, 2016, 6:28 p.m.(11/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
I feel myself in some danger here.
I know that I have little feeling in between nothing and everything. I know. I have been aware of it most of my life, although I have often felt powerless to control it. I grew up wondering if others just felt less or were simply far more talented at controlling themselves. As a man grown now, I find it is something of both.
I can recognize my own feelings now. It is not the first time I have found myself suddenly so aware every time I'm in the same room as someone. Intensely conscious of gestures I have difficulty tearing my gaze from. When I was a boy, such fancies were of little consequence: in some cases, they were satisfied by a season's fling and a rush of youthful intemperance with no future. In adulthood, they come rarer, and now they can bear the weight of my own expectation.
Would I be satisfied to simply spend a season with her, being as intemperate as we might chance for a few months? It is possible. An actual match with the lady -- that is more complicated. Were she recognized, I might hesitate less; as an heir to House Grayson, her appeal would be not only personal, but political. But as Voice, with no security in her current position were the Crown to come to a vote...
And then there is the matter Cara has spoken of.
Lady Dawn may perhaps be the most endangered person in the entire Realm. From all sides. If I listened only to the strength of my passions, I would simply cleave to her, offering whatever protections I might, making her struggles my own. And perhaps there might be value in becoming her quiet ally. Gemecitta is far from powerless here, and we may be able to help secure her continued position. Perhaps. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
I talk well, do I not? All I want to do is kiss the lady.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
I know that I have little feeling in between nothing and everything. I know. I have been aware of it most of my life, although I have often felt powerless to control it. I grew up wondering if others just felt less or were simply far more talented at controlling themselves. As a man grown now, I find it is something of both.
I can recognize my own feelings now. It is not the first time I have found myself suddenly so aware every time I'm in the same room as someone. Intensely conscious of gestures I have difficulty tearing my gaze from. When I was a boy, such fancies were of little consequence: in some cases, they were satisfied by a season's fling and a rush of youthful intemperance with no future. In adulthood, they come rarer, and now they can bear the weight of my own expectation.
Would I be satisfied to simply spend a season with her, being as intemperate as we might chance for a few months? It is possible. An actual match with the lady -- that is more complicated. Were she recognized, I might hesitate less; as an heir to House Grayson, her appeal would be not only personal, but political. But as Voice, with no security in her current position were the Crown to come to a vote...
And then there is the matter Cara has spoken of.
Lady Dawn may perhaps be the most endangered person in the entire Realm. From all sides. If I listened only to the strength of my passions, I would simply cleave to her, offering whatever protections I might, making her struggles my own. And perhaps there might be value in becoming her quiet ally. Gemecitta is far from powerless here, and we may be able to help secure her continued position. Perhaps. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
I talk well, do I not? All I want to do is kiss the lady.
*released black journal as stipulated by the will of the deceased*
Written By Blacktongue
Oct. 14, 2016, 4:18 p.m.(11/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
The nephew, now Sword of Velenosa. I have always been fond of him and always will. Like his father before him, he has a sense of duty and tightened jaw seriousness that requires my constant attentions to keep him in good humor - never publicly of course. We can't tarnish that blackened steel veneer with a smile.
The Duke may have been tasked with his upbringing, my brother's last wish, but it doesn't mean I don't feel a touch of responsibility for the boy. Blood is blood.
The Duke may have been tasked with his upbringing, my brother's last wish, but it doesn't mean I don't feel a touch of responsibility for the boy. Blood is blood.
Written By Cicero
Oct. 14, 2016, 11:31 a.m.(11/4/1004 AR)
Simple beach visit
Unexpected Rendezvous
No bluebells were packed.
Unexpected Rendezvous
No bluebells were packed.
Written By Lydia
Oct. 14, 2016, 10 a.m.(11/4/1004 AR)
I attended the Golden Arrow competition on my own, but was soon joined by my grandfather, Prince Augustus, Lady General Calypso Malvici, Princess Natalia Grayson, and later on, Master Rook.
The competition itself was a lively thing, if short, with Princess Deva shooting well, but the Prodigal took home the prize in the end.
Our booth was also quite lively, for all of grandfather's dourness. I made quite a connection with Princess Natalia and I believe we will be spending more time together in the future. The only downside to the evening came at the end when Master Rook joined us. I've always been fond of his company in the past, but he spoke quite rudely to Grandfather and seems unapologetic for it. I'm afraid that I will have to cancel the outing he had promised to take me on.
The competition itself was a lively thing, if short, with Princess Deva shooting well, but the Prodigal took home the prize in the end.
Our booth was also quite lively, for all of grandfather's dourness. I made quite a connection with Princess Natalia and I believe we will be spending more time together in the future. The only downside to the evening came at the end when Master Rook joined us. I've always been fond of his company in the past, but he spoke quite rudely to Grandfather and seems unapologetic for it. I'm afraid that I will have to cancel the outing he had promised to take me on.
Written By Lydia
Oct. 14, 2016, 9:53 a.m.(11/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Augustus
My grandfather has come to the city, finally!
In many ways, I've felt so adrift the past few years and I hope that he is the rock I need in so many ways - at least until my mother decides to join us.
We have already had a couple of talks, and he has helped guide me through some touchy subjects. He may be all dour and gruff, but that's only because he's seen more and knows more than most.
In many ways, I've felt so adrift the past few years and I hope that he is the rock I need in so many ways - at least until my mother decides to join us.
We have already had a couple of talks, and he has helped guide me through some touchy subjects. He may be all dour and gruff, but that's only because he's seen more and knows more than most.
Written By Victus
Oct. 14, 2016, 6:48 a.m.(11/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
There are ways a man can take to escape the drudgery of a peasant life.
In Thrax you pick up the sword. From mercenary bands to noble households, to serving aboard our ships. With time and skill, a man can become something no matter the origin of his birth.
In Lycene I suppose you dress yourself in silks like a fucking woman and laze about while selling your company to the desperately lonely.
In Thrax you pick up the sword. From mercenary bands to noble households, to serving aboard our ships. With time and skill, a man can become something no matter the origin of his birth.
In Lycene I suppose you dress yourself in silks like a fucking woman and laze about while selling your company to the desperately lonely.
Written By Tobias
Oct. 14, 2016, 6 a.m.(11/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Hit a nerve on the first meeting, hopefully we can try to make amends eventually.
Written By Tobias
Oct. 14, 2016, 5:59 a.m.(11/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
Has contracted long term retainers with their own tabards. So far, no complaints.
Written By Joscelin
Oct. 13, 2016, 11:24 p.m.(11/2/1004 AR)
I am a woman blessed with many, many things. Generous clients, a wonderful patron, a roof over my head that is mine and mine alone, a place to work, hands that listen to me and my inspirations, and amazing, fantastic friends who are also quite generous with their time and words of encouragement.
As for the competition, I couldn't be more pleased, save if we'd had more competitors! But there's always next time, and maybe word of the prize will circulate and others will feel the itch to compete.
And my dear, wonderful peer, Silas Mercier, who is the soul of discretion, encouraged me and didn't once mock me, nor did he tell the world of my nerves, or... my ..
I'm sorry, scholar. He said what?
As for the competition, I couldn't be more pleased, save if we'd had more competitors! But there's always next time, and maybe word of the prize will circulate and others will feel the itch to compete.
And my dear, wonderful peer, Silas Mercier, who is the soul of discretion, encouraged me and didn't once mock me, nor did he tell the world of my nerves, or... my ..
I'm sorry, scholar. He said what?
Written By Aureth
Oct. 13, 2016, 11:05 p.m.(11/2/1004 AR)
I attended the archery competition and, to the surprise of every Grayhope who has ever seen me shoot, participated in it.
There is a reason why I was never a hunter nor a soldier. If it hadn't been Mistress Arterius's competition, I would probably not have been willing to so embarrass myself in public. (What am I saying? I am a diviner and entertainer. Embarrassing myself in public is my profession.)
But considering my mother's attempts to embarrass her on my behalf, it only seems fair that I make a jape of myself for all and sundry in her honor.
All in all, I regret nothing.
When I read Viktarkim's future, I did not foresee his victory today, but it was a very beautiful shot.
There is a reason why I was never a hunter nor a soldier. If it hadn't been Mistress Arterius's competition, I would probably not have been willing to so embarrass myself in public. (What am I saying? I am a diviner and entertainer. Embarrassing myself in public is my profession.)
But considering my mother's attempts to embarrass her on my behalf, it only seems fair that I make a jape of myself for all and sundry in her honor.
All in all, I regret nothing.
When I read Viktarkim's future, I did not foresee his victory today, but it was a very beautiful shot.
Written By Silas
Oct. 13, 2016, 10:15 p.m.(11/2/1004 AR)
After much fretting and promising she was going to puke, Mistress Joscelin managed to host her first event with much praise. There was some commotion in the stands, but I assured her it wasn't anything to get sidetracked by. Master Viktarkim secured his victory with a flawless bullseye, and to him went the grandoise rubicund bow Mistress Joscelin somehow managed to procure; a wonderful finish, if I may say so.
Mistress Joscelin has expressed interest in holding an archery contest again in the future. I will be happy to help her if our schedules permit it.
I have also acquired the patronage of Prince Augustus Grayson. I had finished the furniture he ordered promptly and he was quite pleased with my work, so I approached him after word reached be that he was in the market for a crafter protege. It will be a fortuitous union for the both of us.
Now, I have several sculptures to carve. The versatility of carpentry ensures I will always have something to do - meaning my skill will never rust.
Mistress Joscelin has expressed interest in holding an archery contest again in the future. I will be happy to help her if our schedules permit it.
I have also acquired the patronage of Prince Augustus Grayson. I had finished the furniture he ordered promptly and he was quite pleased with my work, so I approached him after word reached be that he was in the market for a crafter protege. It will be a fortuitous union for the both of us.
Now, I have several sculptures to carve. The versatility of carpentry ensures I will always have something to do - meaning my skill will never rust.
Written By Eos
Oct. 13, 2016, 10:12 a.m.(11/1/1004 AR)
My days routinely consist of training and riding. I am as fit as the next career fighter. I did not expect much out of this week of exercises to tax me, but after training on uneven terrain alongside many of the soldiers, my calves remind me that routine is the enemy of progress. My legs were not accustomed to the incline and shifting footing and complain for it today.
The exercises have carried on without any major scuffles. There have been a few cases of clashing heads, mostly among the older soldiers with years enough to hold deeply held grudges, but on the whole I am pleased to find those troops present working well together.
Of the exercises I have personally attended, there was the uneven terrain combat, having been undertaken on wooden slopes and rocky mounds set up for the day in the tournament grounds. The northern soldiers much accustomed to such terrain had much to teach the south. The slopes were repurposed from the previous day's cavalry exercises, focusing on maneuvering through narrow walled passes and making the most of a mount's training in tight confines. This was a challenge for most when an open field is the chief domain of the mounted combatant. I have arranged for the archers to have their accuracy tested with swift and flighted targets by means of painted pigeon. What they fall before they cross the Seawatch Walls will be put to use for stew to feed the men. This weekend will be dedicated to drills made by the darkness of night.
Between the exercises I have had the opportunity to view some of the smaller demonstrations. I took in a pikeman display at the training grounds that was significantly more practical and technical than the boastful and theatrical duels I caught in different wards held more for the entertainment of the citizens.
I have left this evening free of any demand on the soldiers, to take rest, drink, and to fill the stands at the archery competition.
The exercises have carried on without any major scuffles. There have been a few cases of clashing heads, mostly among the older soldiers with years enough to hold deeply held grudges, but on the whole I am pleased to find those troops present working well together.
Of the exercises I have personally attended, there was the uneven terrain combat, having been undertaken on wooden slopes and rocky mounds set up for the day in the tournament grounds. The northern soldiers much accustomed to such terrain had much to teach the south. The slopes were repurposed from the previous day's cavalry exercises, focusing on maneuvering through narrow walled passes and making the most of a mount's training in tight confines. This was a challenge for most when an open field is the chief domain of the mounted combatant. I have arranged for the archers to have their accuracy tested with swift and flighted targets by means of painted pigeon. What they fall before they cross the Seawatch Walls will be put to use for stew to feed the men. This weekend will be dedicated to drills made by the darkness of night.
Between the exercises I have had the opportunity to view some of the smaller demonstrations. I took in a pikeman display at the training grounds that was significantly more practical and technical than the boastful and theatrical duels I caught in different wards held more for the entertainment of the citizens.
I have left this evening free of any demand on the soldiers, to take rest, drink, and to fill the stands at the archery competition.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.