Written By Drea
Oct. 10, 2016, 7:28 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
I am rarely given to records in the white journal. I am not keen on writing, and reflections seem most potent when kept private. Regardless one is due, if only for family records.
I have returned to Arx and already miss Farhaven. Nonetheless, it is good to see family again and there is much to be done in the city. Darren shoulders his burdens well. Heard from Morrighan & others of Freja's demonstration, and that it was well received. That news was something of a pleasant surprise.
I attended the recent Velenosan gala. I have always found crowds suffocating, but the affair was hosted superbly and most seemed to enjoy themselves. After things concluded I enjoyed the company of a handful that stayed for some time afterward. Ianthe, the jeweler's sister, will eventually stop by to satisfy her curiosity of the spirits, assuming her interest lasts while sober. Glad to have met the two Valardin princesses in attendance.
I have returned to Arx and already miss Farhaven. Nonetheless, it is good to see family again and there is much to be done in the city. Darren shoulders his burdens well. Heard from Morrighan & others of Freja's demonstration, and that it was well received. That news was something of a pleasant surprise.
I attended the recent Velenosan gala. I have always found crowds suffocating, but the affair was hosted superbly and most seemed to enjoy themselves. After things concluded I enjoyed the company of a handful that stayed for some time afterward. Ianthe, the jeweler's sister, will eventually stop by to satisfy her curiosity of the spirits, assuming her interest lasts while sober. Glad to have met the two Valardin princesses in attendance.
Written By Signe
Oct. 10, 2016, 6:48 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
I've met this Lord Victus Thrax on a beach. He was fishing. Vidar and I interfered into his peaceful morning. It was a fun and beautiful morning and I got some fishes at the end of it. Likely, because Vidar kind of poked his nose into the bucket. So, Victus didn't want to eat that fish anymore. It was a tasty fish. Anyway, we will go hunting together. He does have this grumpy face and uses it as a protection. I get it. He is afraid to become friends with people, because friends leave deeper wounds than enemies in the battlefield. However, I still hope that he may become quite an amazing companion. We will have fun and he will get used to my presence.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 10, 2016, 1:36 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
He was a delightful companion tonight at the Lyceum gala, and he pulled off the mask I had commissioned for him rather well. I don't know quite yet what to make of the Thraxian prince, and only more encounters and time will aid with that.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 10, 2016, 1:26 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
How Lou came across this prodigal, let alone entrusted and recruited him into her employ, is beyond me. But I will not begrudge her a prodigal, nor will I pretend that I am not the least bit interested in his story.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 10, 2016, 1:07 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
We survived. You and I. And those who survive have a duty. Our duty is to do our best to keep living, to serve the people who we've sworn to protect with all that we have to give - until our last, with everything we've scourged from our depths. I am proud of the man he's become, and eagerly await to see how the North will flourish under his lead. I will support the Redrain and our liege as best me and my family know how. Always.
Written By Nadia
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:50 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
There are no words than can effectively summarize my experiences tonight at the Smoke and Shadows Gala. It was everything I envisioned it would be, and somehow the Lyceum still delivered more. The exquisite detail in the decor brought to life the very words of Duke Niccolo's opening speech. The music, the beautiful masks and dresses... And Prince Dagon? He looked absolutely handsome tonight. I don't even believed he tried to dress differently, but the mask I had commissioned for him last minute tied everything together perfectly.
Written By Freja
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:26 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
He wasn't the first person I would have expected to contact me concerning what I wanted to learn. After meeting him I couldn't be happier it turned out like it did. Two different walks of life, two different faiths, but still our paths may converge and meet somewhere in the middle on common ground. I hope not only for his instruction, but maybe even friendship as well. He seems a man I could spend hours talking to, aimlessly and pointlessly in direction of word but still be continuously learning more. Luckily, I am meeting with him in the early mornings after my morning runs and spars to do that very thing - pick his mind.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:17 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
I believe Lord Valkieri underestimates his own abilities. Perhaps he was not born with an innate interest in politics, and the attendant interactions required of them. And it is true I have seen him at times struggle between obligation and inclination. But when engaged in one on one conversation, he's both eloquent and thoughtful, and brings an honesty to the table that is sorely needed these days.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:17 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
I met Lady Sudara when I was nine years old, just before her wedding to Trogen. She was everything I was not. Beautiful, charming, educated, rich. I hated her. I wanted to be her. I resented that she would marry Trogen, give him children, and he would forget all about the foundling he fished out of the sea.
That’s not how it all ended up. I grew to like Lady Sudara. She never made me feel less. Even now that he’s gone, I am still not less to her.
That’s not how it all ended up. I grew to like Lady Sudara. She never made me feel less. Even now that he’s gone, I am still not less to her.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:13 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
The Gala was a beautiful event. Exquisite and thoughtful. I expected no less, of course. It was like watching a pageant, all those beautiful people playing at those silly tasks. I’ve never laughed so much. The taste of wine, the smell of the smoke of the brazier, the sound of noble laughter, the sight of all those masks. I want to write it all down, commit it to memory. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to attend something so grand again.
I think Lady Acacia might have given me the wrong party favor, though.
I think Lady Acacia might have given me the wrong party favor, though.
Written By Cara
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:09 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
It is indulgent of me to put ink to paper on the subject of how a party makes me lonely, but I pray the Scholars will indulge me. I'm sure they've read much worse.
This was the first grand entertainment that I've intended as a widow. I found myself turning to remark to him as if he were still there, or drifting my hand to my side to have it taken the way he used to --
But there was nothing. Just an empty place where my husband once was. The gala itself was elaborate and well-executed, as one would expect of the Archduchesses' household, of course; the game of tasks was an entertaining diversion, and a pleasing way to break through the ice of an awkward beginning.
And yet-- and yet.
I have research yet to do, and honorable work on behalf of my liege house. Work is my refuge, not frivolity, not when I hear a man laugh and half-turn looking for someone who is not there.
This was the first grand entertainment that I've intended as a widow. I found myself turning to remark to him as if he were still there, or drifting my hand to my side to have it taken the way he used to --
But there was nothing. Just an empty place where my husband once was. The gala itself was elaborate and well-executed, as one would expect of the Archduchesses' household, of course; the game of tasks was an entertaining diversion, and a pleasing way to break through the ice of an awkward beginning.
And yet-- and yet.
I have research yet to do, and honorable work on behalf of my liege house. Work is my refuge, not frivolity, not when I hear a man laugh and half-turn looking for someone who is not there.
Written By Vincere
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:09 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Duke Niccolo's protege, she seems clever and very observant. She is subtle enough in her attempts to feel out her role that it would be easy to miss the way she hesitates over the proper fork.
But gods, how could she object so to olives!
But gods, how could she object so to olives!
Written By Dawn
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:09 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
Exquisite. No one entertains as the Lyceum does, and that proved true at the Smoke and Shadows Gala. Of course, I have it on good authority that the inspiration for this particular event came from one of Arx's own and all due praise goes to her, particularly for the idea of the tasks given to the guests.
It was a fine way to break the ice and provoke people to interaction which they might not have otherwise enjoyed. My challenge was to fill the glasses of four different guests, even if those glasses were already filled.
Thankfully, I was able to complete the task without ruining anyone's finery... and there was a great deal of finery on display.
My compliments must also go to the crafters involved. Mistress Aurora and Myrinda, Mistress Joscelin and Morrighan, Sir Mercier and Mistress Ida... everywhere I looked, examples of their work was evident, from the souvenirs given to the prizes in the raffle to the garments and jewelry that sparkled on the attendees. Also, Master Rook, who was the cause for so many compliments to my own appearance; I do not normally shine so and he must be thanked for that.
It was breathtaking.
It was a fine way to break the ice and provoke people to interaction which they might not have otherwise enjoyed. My challenge was to fill the glasses of four different guests, even if those glasses were already filled.
Thankfully, I was able to complete the task without ruining anyone's finery... and there was a great deal of finery on display.
My compliments must also go to the crafters involved. Mistress Aurora and Myrinda, Mistress Joscelin and Morrighan, Sir Mercier and Mistress Ida... everywhere I looked, examples of their work was evident, from the souvenirs given to the prizes in the raffle to the garments and jewelry that sparkled on the attendees. Also, Master Rook, who was the cause for so many compliments to my own appearance; I do not normally shine so and he must be thanked for that.
It was breathtaking.
Written By Vincere
Oct. 10, 2016, 12:07 a.m.(10/19/1004 AR)
The crafter's fete and the smoke and shadows gala could not have been more dissimilar in some ways, but I found myself largely remarking on the ways in which they were the same. For all the recent tragedy, it's remarkable how little of it surfaces in these events. One could easily forget, particularly with the realm held in such steady hands.
Pietro made a fool of himself in the very best of ways, and I'm grateful again for the connections that Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie have made. The social circles in Arx are wide and high and entirely different from home, but seeing my brother thrive steadies me.
Pietro made a fool of himself in the very best of ways, and I'm grateful again for the connections that Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie have made. The social circles in Arx are wide and high and entirely different from home, but seeing my brother thrive steadies me.
Written By Pietro
Oct. 10, 2016, midnight(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
AN ADVENTURER'S SOCIETY.
Fighting monsters! Exploring ruins! Death-defying feats! Sailing to foreign places and climbing all over them!
One thousand elephants!
Fighting monsters! Exploring ruins! Death-defying feats! Sailing to foreign places and climbing all over them!
One thousand elephants!
Written By Darren
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:54 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
The Smoke and Shadows Gala was an extravagent affair. I would expect no less from the hosts, of course. It was a night of intrigue and entertainment, from beautiful music to tasks that required performance before one could remove their masks.
My own task was an interesting one - serenade another in the ballroom. Of course, my victim was easily chosen, and I think the serenade that I thought up was a very fitting one.
My own task was an interesting one - serenade another in the ballroom. Of course, my victim was easily chosen, and I think the serenade that I thought up was a very fitting one.
Written By Freja
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:48 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
All things considered, honesty is not always the best policy. Kind words are not forgiving or the best way to win friends, true ones at least.
What others have deemed as necessary to banter and pick apart verbally, I see as trite. There are far greater things to consider and I find it baffling that I have to humor some of these things.
Then again, kind is never the first adjective others use to describe me back home. To hear it so often here you'd think I was born anew.
What others have deemed as necessary to banter and pick apart verbally, I see as trite. There are far greater things to consider and I find it baffling that I have to humor some of these things.
Then again, kind is never the first adjective others use to describe me back home. To hear it so often here you'd think I was born anew.
Written By Pietro
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:45 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Completely delightful evening at the gala. The ingenious tasks broke the ice open wide and forced the partygoers to embrace the ridiculous. It gives me loads of ideas to pepper Sylphie with for the housewarming ball she clearly must eventually throw when the renovations are complete!
Even Valkieri enjoyed himself!
Even Valkieri enjoyed himself!
Written By Aislin
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Myrinda
A superb crafter. Her work on my gala outfit was of very high quality; should I need any more outfits for social engagements—as opposed to adventuring—I'll certainly seek her out again.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
While I hosted this event with Her Grace, I can't sit here and claim that I came up with all of this myself. My protege had a lot to do with it, and while she was not the host I'm taking the time to praise her here as well as to anyone that will listen to me.
She approached me around a month after I arrived to the city and since then, our business relationship has been a fruitful and successful one. I'm quite proud to be her patron.
I would also have to praise the efforts of Mistress Joscelin, as she was responsible for the favors, as well as those of Sir Silas, who built those magnificent chests that were awarded.
Finally, praise goes to Mistress Aurora, for she created the outfits the outfits worn by Acacia and I both.
I am pleased that everyone seemed to enjoy a taste of the Lyceum.
She approached me around a month after I arrived to the city and since then, our business relationship has been a fruitful and successful one. I'm quite proud to be her patron.
I would also have to praise the efforts of Mistress Joscelin, as she was responsible for the favors, as well as those of Sir Silas, who built those magnificent chests that were awarded.
Finally, praise goes to Mistress Aurora, for she created the outfits the outfits worn by Acacia and I both.
I am pleased that everyone seemed to enjoy a taste of the Lyceum.
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