Written By Freja
Oct. 2, 2016, 7:11 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I am awake, though feel like I have been beaten on the head three times over and then once more for good luck. Nothing a hearty meal and long sleep won't cure though.
The messengers were fewer than I expected it, but I will take that as a good sign. If people are talking it is all the better for it. The North has traditions that will never die, and I will see to it personally that while they may not be held with reverence to those that practice other 'faiths', but it will be respected.
I do look forward to seeing what kind of stir it makes, if any.
The messengers were fewer than I expected it, but I will take that as a good sign. If people are talking it is all the better for it. The North has traditions that will never die, and I will see to it personally that while they may not be held with reverence to those that practice other 'faiths', but it will be respected.
I do look forward to seeing what kind of stir it makes, if any.
Written By Aislin
Oct. 2, 2016, 7:06 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
Lady Cara is the widow of my cousin Addison, and I'm finding myself rather fond of her. Lycene by birth, but she's proven herself an Ashford in spirit. Not in terms of seeking knowledge physically in the world, mind you; I cannot imagine Cara climbing an ice cliff or scrambling down into a collapsed tomb in search of some bit of lost knowledge. But intellectually? She's as adventurous as any of us. She pours through historical records with as much determination and stubbornness as would do any blooded Ashford proud.
Written By Vincere
Oct. 2, 2016, 7 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
This move to Arx feels like far more of a change than assuming the mantle of Count of the March from our mother: it's a departure from known lands, from known friends -- and known enemies.
But it is a change that has the feel of a challenge, and one I'm eager to meet. I have Pietro at my back, after all, and welcome in the form of Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie. They have offered us lodging at their estate while we find our feet in the city, and it's hard not to feel a bit like it's a return to when we were wards of the Rubino family.
I feel half my age and as though the world is just beginning to share new secrets all over again. I am eager to see the Great Archive, and working on plans to trick Pietro into coming with me.
So. New lands, maybe, but not entirely friendless. The rest will no doubt come in time.
But it is a change that has the feel of a challenge, and one I'm eager to meet. I have Pietro at my back, after all, and welcome in the form of Lord Valkieri and Lady Sylphie. They have offered us lodging at their estate while we find our feet in the city, and it's hard not to feel a bit like it's a return to when we were wards of the Rubino family.
I feel half my age and as though the world is just beginning to share new secrets all over again. I am eager to see the Great Archive, and working on plans to trick Pietro into coming with me.
So. New lands, maybe, but not entirely friendless. The rest will no doubt come in time.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:56 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I so rarely get the opportunity to compete and sad to say, I didn't perform to the best of my ability at Prince Edain's command competition. But even having the chance to do so was a joy. The opportunity to command the finest soldiers in Arvum (save, of course, for Grayson soldiers) is a rare treat not often enjoyed by those outside of the Oathlands. And to see the others who competed, and how they tackled the problem of getting across the finish line...
If and when it comes time for Arvum to face its enemies, our armies are in capable hands.
The winner has no doubt been recorded elsewhere but I'll add a note of congratulations to Lord Eos Saik for his victory. And to Duchess Nadia Nightgold as well, for her fine performance, and near win.
If and when it comes time for Arvum to face its enemies, our armies are in capable hands.
The winner has no doubt been recorded elsewhere but I'll add a note of congratulations to Lord Eos Saik for his victory. And to Duchess Nadia Nightgold as well, for her fine performance, and near win.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:51 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I've now had a chance to speak with the prince a number of times, some more private than others. So far, I find him to be a good man, honest man. I find his insights to carry weight, and be deserving of listening to. We're not very familiar, that seems to be more the case with my daughters, but it makes sense. Still, perhaps he and I will get a chance to get to know each other better.
Written By Dawn
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:46 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
I've never seen a shamanic ritual before. It was strange to my eyes but in the Northerners' worship, I saw the same faith and devotion we here in the Crownlands and the Oathlands give to our Pantheon. Just in... rather more visceral form.
I could have done without having swords drawn on the audience but one expects their caution is justified.
Hopefully Princess Freja is alright.
I could have done without having swords drawn on the audience but one expects their caution is justified.
Hopefully Princess Freja is alright.
Written By Victus
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:42 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
The woman's already fucking insufferable most of the time. I expect I'll be hearing about her fucking brother's win for a week now, and having to pay for the ale as I suffer through the process.
At least good ale makes up for most things.
At least good ale makes up for most things.
Written By Niccolo
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:42 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Lady Sylphie has an interesting sense of humor. Like me, she recently lost her spouse. Unlike me, it seems she's looking to get married sooner rather than later. I don't judge her for this, of course, we all have our needs and what we want out of life. She thought she had offended me, but truly, I took no offense from her jest. I don't think Her Grace did either.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:40 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Based on his opinion, clearly needs to be introduced to good whiskey.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:39 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Not only is my lady grace incarnate, but also delightful. And funny. I have to wonder, though. How in the hell did she wind up connected to Duke Niccolo Velenosa? I'm not presumptuous enough to ask, but definitely intrigued.
Written By Victus
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:36 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
So you gotta wonder.
As she stood there at the very fucking end of Valardin's so-called fucking command competition (when the majority of participants are women, and a Whisper among 'em, call this Thraxian a fucking skeptic), what was going on behind her pristine fucking facade as every last pair of eyes in whole stadium focused on her?
The unacknowledged bastard of Grayson, and sure as fuck getting judged on more than just whether she could bully around a crew of Valardin cunts. I was. Yeah, you were too. To try to win when the odds are stacked against you, or simply play it safe so you can at least say you accomplished something.
Making that decision, did it say something about what kind of leader she might be?
That she went for perfection.
But only found muddy failure?
Heh. Whatever it says, I think the fact I was getting drunk in the stands pre-fucking-cludes me from judging it too damn harshly. It was just a game, anyway, and she's just a fucking girl.
As she stood there at the very fucking end of Valardin's so-called fucking command competition (when the majority of participants are women, and a Whisper among 'em, call this Thraxian a fucking skeptic), what was going on behind her pristine fucking facade as every last pair of eyes in whole stadium focused on her?
The unacknowledged bastard of Grayson, and sure as fuck getting judged on more than just whether she could bully around a crew of Valardin cunts. I was. Yeah, you were too. To try to win when the odds are stacked against you, or simply play it safe so you can at least say you accomplished something.
Making that decision, did it say something about what kind of leader she might be?
That she went for perfection.
But only found muddy failure?
Heh. Whatever it says, I think the fact I was getting drunk in the stands pre-fucking-cludes me from judging it too damn harshly. It was just a game, anyway, and she's just a fucking girl.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:33 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
The event at the stone grove was fascinating. And unnerving. I know the Shaman saw something when she looked out.
I don't know the Redrains, but I'd love to ask her what she saw because she looked... terrified. And I can't help but think, given how things are with the King, that it means something bad is coming.
For all of us.
I don't know the Redrains, but I'd love to ask her what she saw because she looked... terrified. And I can't help but think, given how things are with the King, that it means something bad is coming.
For all of us.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:29 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
You ever meet someone and think that they definitely got the wrong first impression of you?
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:24 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
This man cusses as if the angels of profanity have blessed his tongue. I think he might have tried to seduce me. I definitely tried to seduce him. Neither of us succeeded.
I'm going to have to reach very deep in my bag of tricks if I'm going to win this game, I think.
I'm going to have to reach very deep in my bag of tricks if I'm going to win this game, I think.
Written By Ianthe
Oct. 2, 2016, 6:21 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Though I haven't a drop of it, I recognize class when I see it. Prince Edain Valardin was challenged to a duel on erroneous charges and he never lost his composure. I tried my best to deflect his challenger with humor and inquiries about his "jib", but it was entirely unneeded.
A stark reminder as to why those with noble blood are a cut above the likes of me: I would have stabbed anyone who talked to me like that in the leg with my boot knife.
A stark reminder as to why those with noble blood are a cut above the likes of me: I would have stabbed anyone who talked to me like that in the leg with my boot knife.
Written By Kima
Oct. 2, 2016, 5:39 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
To say nothing of the event itself, which was outside of the norm and quite fabulous for it, the competitors which took to the field surprised me somewhat. Some because of who, or what, they were, yet others because of their performance. I think we can all agree that Lady Aria Gilden's masterful show of skill gave everyone a run for their coin.
What pleased me best, however, was the competitions eventual winner. Oh, he tied with Lady Nadia Nightgold at first, and that proud woman is nothing to scoff at, but in the end my brother proved his mettle. Look upon us, Arx: we are the lions of the south.
What pleased me best, however, was the competitions eventual winner. Oh, he tied with Lady Nadia Nightgold at first, and that proud woman is nothing to scoff at, but in the end my brother proved his mettle. Look upon us, Arx: we are the lions of the south.
Written By Pietro
Oct. 2, 2016, 4:48 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
When I was a boy I used to dream of grand adventures. I suppose I always dream of grand adventures. They still quicken my heart. But whatever I expected from them, this one wasn't it.
The only thing that's right is that I come here with Vincere, following at his heel. He's Count of the March now, and the politics and intrigues of Arx open out before us like an unfamiliar network of roads, where I know he'll never ask for directions. The thing is -- I know his instincts are good, and I'd follow him through any winding road, no matter its pitfalls.
Valkieri and Sylphie has asked us to work for Gemecitta's interests, so I've sent messages to several of the merchants we know -- the ones who do the oil presses for our tithe -- and asked them to spread the word about the renovation project to skilled artisans. Valkieri wants me to stop talking -- what a silly idea! -- but at least I can put my tongue to good use like a proper vassal.
And we're supposed to update our wardrobes, so we don't look provincial, and be prepared for an upcoming gala. No swinging on chandeliers for me.
I wish I had something more exciting to do. I heard there's a training center in town where people can try their luck. Maybe Vincere will go with me. It wouldn't do to let him get rusty with a blade, particularly not here!
The only thing that's right is that I come here with Vincere, following at his heel. He's Count of the March now, and the politics and intrigues of Arx open out before us like an unfamiliar network of roads, where I know he'll never ask for directions. The thing is -- I know his instincts are good, and I'd follow him through any winding road, no matter its pitfalls.
Valkieri and Sylphie has asked us to work for Gemecitta's interests, so I've sent messages to several of the merchants we know -- the ones who do the oil presses for our tithe -- and asked them to spread the word about the renovation project to skilled artisans. Valkieri wants me to stop talking -- what a silly idea! -- but at least I can put my tongue to good use like a proper vassal.
And we're supposed to update our wardrobes, so we don't look provincial, and be prepared for an upcoming gala. No swinging on chandeliers for me.
I wish I had something more exciting to do. I heard there's a training center in town where people can try their luck. Maybe Vincere will go with me. It wouldn't do to let him get rusty with a blade, particularly not here!
Written By Pietro
Oct. 2, 2016, 4:41 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Lady Sylphie Zaffria is our hostess, a vision of taste and aesthetics. She was married to Zacheri. I can't believe he died so young, and not even in glorious combat against a known foe.
She has our full support!
She has our full support!
Written By Pietro
Oct. 2, 2016, 4:39 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
Lord Valkieri Rubino was our foster brother when our mother sent us from our home in Granato when we were children, and he's only gotten worse as time has gone by. He met us in the city and guided us to the Palazzo Gemecitta, where he and Lady Sylphie Zaffria invited us to stay.
OF COURSE he loves us. Or at least loves to loathe us! Hahah! I'm picturing his scowl as he happens to read this and laughing aloud.
OF COURSE he loves us. Or at least loves to loathe us! Hahah! I'm picturing his scowl as he happens to read this and laughing aloud.
Written By Pietro
Oct. 2, 2016, 4:36 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincere
Vincere and I have arrived together in Arx.
He is now the Count of the March, since our mother has retired from her position. Never mind the reasons why.
I know he is up to the task, and anyone who thinks he isn't will have to come through me.
He is now the Count of the March, since our mother has retired from her position. Never mind the reasons why.
I know he is up to the task, and anyone who thinks he isn't will have to come through me.
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