Written By Cicero
Oct. 11, 2016, 12:15 p.m.(10/23/1004 AR)
Quiet morning walk
A lady with faithful hound
News most surprising
A lady with faithful hound
News most surprising
Written By Salazar
Oct. 11, 2016, 3:59 a.m.(10/22/1004 AR)
I talked with that sweet, morose-looking cousin of Sylphie Zaffria -- Dafne. And as usual, we talked stars, moon, poetry, death -- whichever and wherever, though, she mentioned the Lodestar that pointed north always. For some, the Northstar meant safety and security, but as I explained to Dafne, for a Lycene pirate, it meant death and disaster. Following the Northstar would take you to the Mourning Isles. And an old poem we recited about the Mourning Isles comes to mind:
"Men returned with shrouds of darkest night
Or not at all, for Thraxian ships reaved by right
Those men gone to the Mourning Isles will see
T'is not morning light that greets you and me."
Kind of terrible and powerful at the same time. Islander blood runs through my veins. Fancying some ancestral urge to reave and pillage neighboring isles -- sometimes I find it amusing that people assume I am the like of those of House Thrax. And then again, perhaps I am. The Stormborn have always been men and women of salt spray and sea sand. What do people see when they see me? What do they think? ... The Argento lord pondered to himself.
"Men returned with shrouds of darkest night
Or not at all, for Thraxian ships reaved by right
Those men gone to the Mourning Isles will see
T'is not morning light that greets you and me."
Kind of terrible and powerful at the same time. Islander blood runs through my veins. Fancying some ancestral urge to reave and pillage neighboring isles -- sometimes I find it amusing that people assume I am the like of those of House Thrax. And then again, perhaps I am. The Stormborn have always been men and women of salt spray and sea sand. What do people see when they see me? What do they think? ... The Argento lord pondered to himself.
Written By Acacia
Oct. 11, 2016, 2:38 a.m.(10/22/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Blacktongue
There's not too many people who can successfully unnerve me by not doing anything unnerving at all. Blacktongue is one of them. Master Blacktongue? I can aggravate a lot of people, but he's one of the rare few that I'd prefer not to get on the bad side of. It's kind of a funny thing, considering he's exceptionally witty and skilled at what he does. His wordplay is phenomenal. Maybe there's just something about a mind like that that's intimidating in a way which puts him in a completely different realm than scholars or the like.
Written By Acacia
Oct. 11, 2016, 2:34 a.m.(10/22/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
Olives aside (even though they seem like a really big point), Lord Vincere took the fact I nearly mistook him for his brother with stride. I'm guessing it happens a fair amount, or at least that's what I'm hoping for. I think he even took it with humor. He seems to pay more attention to details than most, which automatically places him in that spot of holding my curiosity. I'm not sure how often I'll run into him, but even if I'm not quite as well-read as him, I do know that books make fabulous instruments to smack people with.
Written By Saedrus
Oct. 10, 2016, 10:34 p.m.(10/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
While lunching, without the actual lunch, with Lady Kima I had the honour, albeit brutish and brief, to have met Lord Victus Thrax. On telling me he had been sent to Axr, in part, to garner some more courtly mannerisms I did offer my services. After all, etiquette and sophistication are trades I deal in regularly. Though I left with the feeling the offer will likely not be taken up any time soon, if ever. There is no harm in trying, is there.
Written By Saedrus
Oct. 10, 2016, 10:33 p.m.(10/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
After all the couriered messages through the years, and even more recently here in Axr, I was delighted to happen upon by Lady Kima Saik in the flesh at long last. It feels like an eternity and yet that no time at all has passed. As bright and vibrant a woman as she was a young girl, ever quick to tease and yet there is a great deal more wisdom in her then I think she realises. I have missed her company a great deal for all the time I have been away, and I do not think I realised just how much until I saw her. There is still a great deal to catch up on between us, perhaps I will prolong my stay a while longer.
Written By Saedrus
Oct. 10, 2016, 10:31 p.m.(10/21/1004 AR)
I do normally promise to come to the Scholars the day I arrive back in Axr and as that was not the case this time, forgive my tardiness. A further change of tradition will be my saving you the hours of my regaling the truly thrilling tales of my exploits since the last visit...
No need to look quite so relieved, scholar.
Regardless, the last of my travels have seen many ships and carriages and I am far too exhausted to repeat the whole of it. I am particularly devastated that I had missed the recent gala. Truly a travesty if ever there was one. I will be certain not to miss the next. There were not too many ballroom affairs in the Isles and I do so miss them.
Which reminds me I must seek out a tailor. I have already grown bored of all the ensembles I had made in Setarco; something bright and fresh will no doubt brighten my mood. Lady Kima has suggested an apparently remarkable seamstress, but for now I feel I still require a day or so of recuperation. Do not be forlorn scholar, I will return with the details of my voyage through the Isles another day.
No need to look quite so relieved, scholar.
Regardless, the last of my travels have seen many ships and carriages and I am far too exhausted to repeat the whole of it. I am particularly devastated that I had missed the recent gala. Truly a travesty if ever there was one. I will be certain not to miss the next. There were not too many ballroom affairs in the Isles and I do so miss them.
Which reminds me I must seek out a tailor. I have already grown bored of all the ensembles I had made in Setarco; something bright and fresh will no doubt brighten my mood. Lady Kima has suggested an apparently remarkable seamstress, but for now I feel I still require a day or so of recuperation. Do not be forlorn scholar, I will return with the details of my voyage through the Isles another day.
Written By Ida
Oct. 10, 2016, 5:56 p.m.(10/21/1004 AR)
Training is going well, I think. I am so close - SO CLOSE - I can honestly sense it. Just the way I feel when I go through the new routines I've been trying and the extra work with weights, there's definitely progress. It's a good feeling to be out of doors and working. I long to get back to attempting to work rubicund, I admit, which seems within reach, should I dedicate as much time as I have to pugilism.
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!
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