Written By Samantha
Sept. 26, 2016, 11:43 a.m.(9/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Barric
For as long as I can remember, Barric has wanted to be a hero. Like his cousin Dawn, he was frequently around in my early years under Duke Gabriel's roof and one of a small group of us who maintained friendships as children. He was practically the Duke's shadow back then. I haven't seen much of him in the past few years as our obligations have taken us on different paths.
Written By Samantha
Sept. 26, 2016, 11:14 a.m.(9/6/1004 AR)
My recent arrival in Arx seems to be of a modest success. My previous speeches in the Assembly have succeeded in carrying some weight, but there is so much that needs addressing, so much to fix if you will, that sometimes it feels like I'm the man in that story about pushing a boulder up a hill, only for it to tumble down again just as he's almost at the top, forever and ever into eternity. Can I do this? I must do this.
I am intrigued by the proposal offered by Lord Prospero regarding educating the kingdom's most poor youth, and found Lady Ashford to be most eloquent in her own support of such a venture. However, there's a number of factors to consider. I rather think that the idea of an informed populace is one that most nobles will be frightened of, however we all seem to share the belief that an informed populace is one that will prove loyal, and be good for the greater economics of our land. Establishing a custom of apprenticeships is an excellent idea, but we need to take it one step further. Great minds and talent are not the exclusive purview of the aristocracy, and when found among the lower classes, must be cultivated for the greater good of all. Is the key to this including them in the established sanctums of education, where they would intermix with those of higher station, or should new institutions be established? Would electing the former policy help to breach the divide of consideration between the classes, or cause resentment in both?
I feel as if I am but dipping my toe in a great ocean of problems that need to be addressed, that have gone unspoken in this society. There is only one of me. And I only have so much time in this life.
I think I will attempt to spend more time in the company of Lady Ashford.
I am intrigued by the proposal offered by Lord Prospero regarding educating the kingdom's most poor youth, and found Lady Ashford to be most eloquent in her own support of such a venture. However, there's a number of factors to consider. I rather think that the idea of an informed populace is one that most nobles will be frightened of, however we all seem to share the belief that an informed populace is one that will prove loyal, and be good for the greater economics of our land. Establishing a custom of apprenticeships is an excellent idea, but we need to take it one step further. Great minds and talent are not the exclusive purview of the aristocracy, and when found among the lower classes, must be cultivated for the greater good of all. Is the key to this including them in the established sanctums of education, where they would intermix with those of higher station, or should new institutions be established? Would electing the former policy help to breach the divide of consideration between the classes, or cause resentment in both?
I feel as if I am but dipping my toe in a great ocean of problems that need to be addressed, that have gone unspoken in this society. There is only one of me. And I only have so much time in this life.
I think I will attempt to spend more time in the company of Lady Ashford.
Written By Esera
Sept. 26, 2016, 10:44 a.m.(9/6/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Prince Darren, High Lord of the Redrain, is not like other men of the North. I am sure he is brave, and bold, as they are. I am sure he is fierce. But the man I have come to know has learned to temper his passions -- to control them. I wonder if that is only what he has allowed me to see? My friend, we are bonded by will. We will stand united.
Written By Prospero
Sept. 26, 2016, 5:50 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
She seems quite clever and pleasant, if a little sad. I have no doubt the Princess Jaenelle will run into her and correct the sadness in some way.
Poor dear, she was ducked on to aiding the cause of the orphans too. It happens when you associate with the bleeding hearts.
Poor dear, she was ducked on to aiding the cause of the orphans too. It happens when you associate with the bleeding hearts.
Written By Prospero
Sept. 26, 2016, 5:47 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
I ran into the Marquessa while taking a stroll with Delia Whisper through the menagerie. It is good to see such a level headed presence arrive in Arx. I look forward to expanding what has only been an acquaintanceship. The Marquessa has offered to help with my recent interest in charitable works.
Now, to find out if orphans are better suited to attend the Academy or if they need their own tutelage.
Now, to find out if orphans are better suited to attend the Academy or if they need their own tutelage.
Written By Silas
Sept. 26, 2016, 5:09 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
Samantha and I go some ways back. My mother was a servant under House Deepwood for most of her adult life, only leaving the Marquessa's service to start her own family, and she continued to correspond with her up until she was slain. Old Oak were always somber affairs thereafter, I imagine, but I enjoyed goofing off with her and I like to believe I gave her some fragments of a normal childhood.
She has since blossomed into a woman any parent could be proud of. I hope the harsher truths of the city do not make her cynical, but if there's anyone who can continue to hold their head high hardship after hardship, it's Lady Samantha Deepwood.
She has since blossomed into a woman any parent could be proud of. I hope the harsher truths of the city do not make her cynical, but if there's anyone who can continue to hold their head high hardship after hardship, it's Lady Samantha Deepwood.
Written By Silas
Sept. 26, 2016, 3:53 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
The Fencing Competition went better than I could have anticipated. A handful of fighters may be interested, I thought, but no - three princes voiced their interest and participated. There were a couple of last-minute entries, too, including the lone Grayson representative: the prodigal Master Viktarkim, who has managed to ingratiate himself with members of the royal family. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about that, but his participation on our behalf speaks well for him.
But I confess I misspelled his name on the parchment more than once.
Lady Dawn and Lord Tobias Telmar agreed to my invitation to be judges, the latter of which impressed me with his observations. I favored Prince Fergus Redrain to win, while he seemed to favor Prince Dagon Thrax after watching his first match; they ended up in first and second places respectively. Lady Lydia Nightgold joined us without a formal invitation, but I didn't see any harm in it, so it was allowed. Sir Stride wasn't terribly fond of the arrangement - he was supposed to be the third and final judge - but he can deal with it.
House Velenosa and it's vassals made up half of the competition - not at all surprising - but none claimed the top three spots. I wonder if their overconfidence sometimes gets the better of them. I suspect Prince Edain is feeling fairly good about a few of his performances. He ought to!
I think I enjoy participating in these events more than running them, simply due to how much scribbling and constant multi-tasking it entails (something I contend my siblings were always better at), but I am elated that both the participants and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the competition. In a sense it was more enlightening than an all-out melee.
Lady Sylphie contacted me shortly afterward to inquire about my carpentry services, having been informed of them by Mistress Joscelin. The project seems to involve an entire manor. Let us hope Jayus is kind to me in the coming weeks.
But I confess I misspelled his name on the parchment more than once.
Lady Dawn and Lord Tobias Telmar agreed to my invitation to be judges, the latter of which impressed me with his observations. I favored Prince Fergus Redrain to win, while he seemed to favor Prince Dagon Thrax after watching his first match; they ended up in first and second places respectively. Lady Lydia Nightgold joined us without a formal invitation, but I didn't see any harm in it, so it was allowed. Sir Stride wasn't terribly fond of the arrangement - he was supposed to be the third and final judge - but he can deal with it.
House Velenosa and it's vassals made up half of the competition - not at all surprising - but none claimed the top three spots. I wonder if their overconfidence sometimes gets the better of them. I suspect Prince Edain is feeling fairly good about a few of his performances. He ought to!
I think I enjoy participating in these events more than running them, simply due to how much scribbling and constant multi-tasking it entails (something I contend my siblings were always better at), but I am elated that both the participants and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the competition. In a sense it was more enlightening than an all-out melee.
Lady Sylphie contacted me shortly afterward to inquire about my carpentry services, having been informed of them by Mistress Joscelin. The project seems to involve an entire manor. Let us hope Jayus is kind to me in the coming weeks.
Written By Joscelin
Sept. 26, 2016, 3:29 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
(There is an absolutely scandalous drawing on this page, it appears to be a woman wearing a necklace; -just- a necklace)
Don't blush, scholar. You'll have your book back in just a moment.
Also? The next time I come back, these pages better not be stuck together, if you know what I mean.
Don't blush, scholar. You'll have your book back in just a moment.
Also? The next time I come back, these pages better not be stuck together, if you know what I mean.
Written By Joscelin
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:57 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Isolde was right.
Written By Cara
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:29 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Valkieri
My dear brother! After Zaccheri's death, I worry for him so. I hope I can be of some help to him; perhaps it will aid in taking my mind away from my own troubles.
Written By Aria
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:26 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
People tell me I wish to be a Baroness. Perhaps I do. What of it, if I do the work well and see my people fed and clothed, come to Court as the situation demands, and offer service to my Liege Lord. It isn't as if I have gotten of this anything I did not have already.
Truthfully, it is a lot of work. That's why I told my Uncle I would serve in his stead as Voice in Arx. I wanted a challenge... And what a challenge it is. Half of it numbers upon endless numbers until I think my eyes will bleed. The other half of it dealing with people.
Which dress to wear to whose party and which drinks to take when. It's enough to make me want to tear the braids from my hair and stamp upon it or light fire to my silk dresses.
Not the emerald one. I look good in green.
Truthfully, it is a lot of work. That's why I told my Uncle I would serve in his stead as Voice in Arx. I wanted a challenge... And what a challenge it is. Half of it numbers upon endless numbers until I think my eyes will bleed. The other half of it dealing with people.
Which dress to wear to whose party and which drinks to take when. It's enough to make me want to tear the braids from my hair and stamp upon it or light fire to my silk dresses.
Not the emerald one. I look good in green.
Written By Aria
Sept. 26, 2016, 1:12 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Eos
What to say of Eos? I knew his poor, lovely Rosalynn well when I was younger. He's always been somewhat more dour but I've loved caring for their son, Vomas, when time has seen fit to bring us to the same place. He's come back from his war and I can only hope he's found some peace.
Written By Aria
Sept. 26, 2016, 12:55 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
The boy from across the straits. Next in line to be a Marquis? Do we, the Lycene, even have Marquis? Well, I suppose the Argento do rule over a March of sorts. Oh, whatever. He's got a roguish sort of charm and an adventurous spirit, which means he's always up to ill-advised things. We grew up together. A good man at heart. Good enough, at least.
Written By Aria
Sept. 26, 2016, 12:55 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
The boy from across the sea. Next in line to be a Marquis? Do we, the Lycene, even have Marquis? Well, I suppose the Argento do rule over a March of sorts. Oh, whatever. He's got a roguish sort of charm and an adventurous spirit, which means he's always up to ill-advised things. We grew up together. A good man at heart. Good enough, at least.
Written By Ianthe
Sept. 26, 2016, 12:06 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
I refuse to call a person clumsy based on a tiny, minor, insignificant incident on the night that you meet them. I mean, that was probably the first time she'd ever dropped anything in her life, so who am I to judge? That's just not the polite way to go about business. Besides, I think she is responsible for the Duke paying for my liquor. So, in my eyes, she is the epitome of grace.
Written By Ianthe
Sept. 26, 2016, 12:04 a.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
I didn't embarrass myself or my family in front of the Duke, and he bought me a drink. I figure if that doesn't spell a good night all around, I don't know what does.
Written By Ianthe
Sept. 25, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(9/5/1004 AR)
Just because a tavern is the first place a lady wanders after arriving to town doesn't mean that she has a problem with liquor. It's a perfectly reasonable place to discover the character of a new city. And if one just so happens to enjoy a glass or three of whiskey while trying to get a feel for a place, then what is the harm in that?
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 25, 2016, 11:22 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
I am relieved beyond measure to have my sister returned to the city.
Written By Aislin
Sept. 25, 2016, 11:02 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Viktarkim
A tall, tattooed Prodigal in the service of House Grayson. I found him practicing his sword work in the middle of the Grayson estate gardens, which is not perhaps the practice ring I'd have chosen. I believe he hails from out west, beyond the Oathlands. Perhaps I'll take him drinking sometime soon, and try to learn a bit more of the culture and history from his homeland. You never know where you might find your next clue to lead into an interesting expedition.
Written By Aislin
Sept. 25, 2016, 10:59 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Truth be told, I almost pity Nadia in some ways. That may seem strange to say about a Duchess, but politics are their own form of shackle; if I were ever to inherit Ashford, Gods forbid, I'd have to give up my adventuring and focus on the hold. I'd lose much—if not all—of the freedom I currently enjoy.
And of course it's pleasant to spend time with one's family; I always enjoy visiting the Nightgolds, whether here in the city or on my journeys through the Northlands.
But I'd be lying if I said at least part of why I make a point of bringing them stories from my travels wasn't to allow my cousin a chance to travel the world, even if only vicariously.
And of course it's pleasant to spend time with one's family; I always enjoy visiting the Nightgolds, whether here in the city or on my journeys through the Northlands.
But I'd be lying if I said at least part of why I make a point of bringing them stories from my travels wasn't to allow my cousin a chance to travel the world, even if only vicariously.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.