Written By Lydia
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:15 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
As I said, my sister has preceded me here. We've spent so much time apart since father disappeared, that it's been a relief to see her.
She's happy to see me, too. I know because every time I turn around, she is giving me things. She tries to make it seem like I'm aiming for them, but I swear I've been good and haven't done any begging! Most recently, I've heard rumors of a horse of my own.
She also seems to be happily settled in among the southerners. I've found her more often sitting and talking with nobles from other lands than I have with our own, it seems!
She's happy to see me, too. I know because every time I turn around, she is giving me things. She tries to make it seem like I'm aiming for them, but I swear I've been good and haven't done any begging! Most recently, I've heard rumors of a horse of my own.
She also seems to be happily settled in among the southerners. I've found her more often sitting and talking with nobles from other lands than I have with our own, it seems!
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:08 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Princess Alarissa had wedded bliss ripped from her a very short time. For quite sometime we never believed Prince Vance would settle down, but then the Princess in White stole his heart. She is smart, and she is an excellent hostess, and I lean on her, probably more than I should to navigate the waters of social events where I'd mostly like to hide under a table and snack on roast boar. Most importantly though, she made my brother very happy, even if only for a short while, and for that she will always have a home among the Valardin as long as she wishes to.
Written By Lydia
Aug. 7, 2016, 9:05 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
I've been in the city about a week now, and while I'm not exactly sure what it is that I was expecting, I can tell you that it is far different.
Of course, there are the sights and the sounds that exist in any city, but here everything seems so much louder and brighter and happier and warmer! The people, too, have been exceedingly friendly and among them is my sister, but more about her later.
Let it be said that while I miss home, that I am happy to be here, and I hope that my presence may bring a little of the North with me.
Of course, there are the sights and the sounds that exist in any city, but here everything seems so much louder and brighter and happier and warmer! The people, too, have been exceedingly friendly and among them is my sister, but more about her later.
Let it be said that while I miss home, that I am happy to be here, and I hope that my presence may bring a little of the North with me.
Written By Dagon
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:47 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
We've quarreled, and I'll admit I can hardly recall what it was about now, except I know that I am still irritable. I've been advised to make up with her by a mutual friend, and while I know they're both right, I'm still not willing to say so. I think I'll go sharpen my blade instead, and think on this matter again later on.
Written By Esera
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:44 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Skald
He came to me, and he gave me a gift. Though he asked for nothing, I gave him my breath, in return. And then I gave him my name, too. I wonder if he will take good care of both? Or -- no. I am sure he has forgotten already. But I have not, and I will cherish what he gave me.
Written By Edain
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:42 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
Poor Aurelian, he was kidnapped as a young child, and it still haunts him even now, close to twenty years later. He's chosen the quill rather than the sword, and he is quite smart and I rely on him a great deal especially when it comes to finding knowledge of our past that we have lost. I just wish he believed me when I tell him, that I consider his contributions to the family as important as those who serve House Valardin with blade in hand.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:42 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
The Iron Guard, the King's Own, The Inquisition, as it stands.. with the current crisis.. there are those who serve within such institutions who have been forgotten about. I have taken it upon myself to insure that at the very least.. those of lesser means will be well equipped so that they may better perform their duties. All in furthering the goals of House Grayson, and our Kingdom. I can only hope that in time these contributions will be later recognized, or at the very least, these assets will come to benefit House Grayson more directly.
Written By Gareth
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:34 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
House Grayson serves the compact, humbly, as with all things. Yet there are those who question the intentions of the house. Some who are uncultured, certainly, such as that woman of noble birth, Freja. The worst part of it all is that she has intervened in a game that she does not yet understand. Though it must be said.. Miss Acacia did not understand the point of the game either.. Hm. Perhaps I should rephrase in the future.
Written By Isolde
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:33 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
The rites for Strengthening are some of the most intense I know for the Thirteenth. I find them personally fulfilling, even when I guide them, but I can only wonder... will everyone be strong enough to undergo them? So many balk at the very notion of the Thirteenth as an abstract concept, how can I possibly expect them to have the fortitude to delve deep into the Rites. It is that weakness that is my true enemy, I think, the souls of men and women, unable to embrace the Completion. They'll fracture when the darkness comes, and I won't have any tears to weep for them. Brave men who are cowards with an incomplete soul are reprehensible to Him, and to me. Women who crumble at the first sign of conflict are but dust on the wind. I feel sad for the whole of our people, but I do not pity their cowardice. They choose the blindness. What I offer is there to see, for all.
Written By Esera
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:25 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Tonight, the ball room glittered. More than glittered. There were flowers on the floor and in the air, scattered by each step and turn, swept up in the skirts and the silks of so many dancers. My mother loved flowers, as I do. I wish she could have seen it. I wish a lot of things -- but there is no point wishing. At the end of the night, my father pulled me into a dance, and whispered in my ear. You asked me a question, Father. I couldn't answer. Couldn't find the words. But, Father ... you asked me, and you made me wish more than I'd allowed myself to wish in a long time.
Written By Esera
Aug. 7, 2016, 8:10 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
A hundred lanterns lit the grounds of House Velenosa. Beneath the night sky, those lanterns shone like stars. They shone upon servants, as they poured glass after glass of wine. They shone upon dancers, as they spun, in glittering turns, around the pool. Oh, they shone bright ... until they went out. All those lights, all at once -- snuffed in an instant. In the darkness they left behind, you could see the stars, real stars, bright points of light above us. I have always loved the stars. I could watch them forever. But the servants returned with more lanterns -- there is no forever.
Written By Talen
Aug. 7, 2016, 7:50 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kieran
Prince Kieran Redrain isn't a man of martial stature and nor is he likely to ever be. That said, Talen respected the man's resolve to state clearly how he was ineffective in combat and then, despite it all, humour the Sword. With the Redrain feast supposedly requiring a little more energy according to Talen, he had marched across the room and promptly inferred a brawl ought be had between them. Talen means to reach out to the man sometime in an effort to learn more of the northerner.
Written By Talen
Aug. 7, 2016, 7:46 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Princess Deva Redrain's feast was certainly more tolerable than the majority of other social engagements the Sword has had to attend since arriving in Arx. With the more liberal northern attitudes there was room to accomodate everything from dancing to brawling and more. While Talen and his liege did close the evening in a dance of their own right it was initially circumvented by the appointment of champions in a dance off. Prince Luca Velenosa represented Master Talen Artiglio and Lady Calista Fidante that of Grand Duchess Esera Velenosa. With the hostess herself judging it was determined that the archduchess' chosen was the victor, resulting in the promise to drink a magnum of Thraxian rum by the southern swordsman.
Written By Deva
Aug. 7, 2016, 7:43 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Father was a busy man, but he always took the time to enjoy a good feast and get to know the people around him. Party planning is not a joy of mine (and -never- will be), but things seemed to go fairly well at the Northern Feast I held at our villa. There was plenty of dancing, drink, and even almost a good fight. Almost. Next time? Bear wrestling. All in all? A pretty damn good night, as far as I'm concerned.
Written By Isolde
Aug. 7, 2016, 7:41 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Prince Dagon gave me the loveliest ring. I'm surprised by his taste, and I wear it happily. I may have to look into more jewelry with these delightful black pearls. Perhaps something to wear about the ankle, or to adorn my hair. I think that might be rather fetching, indeed.
Written By Talen
Aug. 7, 2016, 7:32 p.m.(3/26/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jacinthe
Mistress Jacinthe Whisper is a lady of refinement and an astute woman. Talen's interactions with her have been limited but nevertheless positive. In the coming months there will be many engagements within Arx and it is both Talen's duty and that of the other Velenosa to retain only the finest company. It will prove interesting to see whether Jacinthe's personality and skill set aligns with their requirements and wishes.
Written By Freja
Aug. 7, 2016, 4:51 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)
Northern Feast - A one Princess Freja Redrain told off a one, Prince Gareth Grayson for insulting guests in a Redrain home, under their hospitaltity. While perceived as blunt by some, it received more accolades than the few mousy squeaks of disapproval. The squeaks didn't last long, and House Redrain remains rat-free. Latest Discovery of the Scout of the Snows: Silks are bearable if worn with scalemail accents.
Written By Freja
Aug. 7, 2016, 4:44 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Yet ANOTHER drinking partner of my brother's. I swear, I need to get him some help...but, this one I like. She seems like she can deliver punches as well as she can take them, both physically and verbally. She works quick and made me my first sword upon coming to Arx. It was fine quality, strikes true. I'll be recommending her as often as I can.
Written By Freja
Aug. 7, 2016, 4:42 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
A servant for House Redrain, this woman is always willing to lend a helping hand or needle if I ever find myself in a fashion 'pinch', though truly I think it will only be the once. She has a shop in the city center where I think she'll do well, if she can curb the Northern tongue a touch to sate the preferred silver taste for these silky southerners.
Written By Freja
Aug. 7, 2016, 4:33 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
A woman from the boroughs with more social graces than I have seen some nobility have. A supposed drinking partner of my brother's, that can only speak volumes. She sticks by her family and kin, 'adopted' or otherwise and that in itself is admirable. Some mixture of coal and diamond in there, depending on which facet you want to look at.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.