Written By Marian
July 10, 2016, 10:34 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Edain had sent me a message asking to meet, saying he had something for me. I am not certain what I expected, truth be told, but I was surprised with a very fine suit of steel. Adorned with a white dragon, in the style of House Valardin of course. I grew up with leather, and prefer it, but thanks to a lifetime in the Greenwood, north of Sanctum, fighting other tribes and the Valardin knights, I still know steel. This is very good work, something I could have seen Valen wearing, as the son of a High Lord and Sword of his family. I love my leathers, for the freedom of movement, but I will have to wear this plate to the training grounds a few times at the very least. Perhaps I can grow used to it.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:59 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Rohkir
I didn't meet this man at the Moonlight Sonata or whatever it was. I wanted to, but it's just stupid to get my hopes up. Everyone was talking about how big and dangerous he was, but I know it's just a disappointment waiting to happen.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:57 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
This one is always calm and collected. I can appreciate that, even if I wonder if he's always. . .oh, wait. Esera named him the Sword, that's why people were hinting I should fight him. Forget that. He'll do a good job. I'd have to find my sword to fight him, anyway.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:54 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
Not sure if she's as pretty as I remember, or I was already drunk. I'm somewhat interested in finding out. I like a woman I can call by one name.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:34 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Valencia
Here's how I know our cousin Valencia was tired of living in the frozen north: she went berzerk when she showed up to a Lycene party. Then Phil went berzerk, and they amped each other up to dangerous levels of good cheer. Everyone knows how dangeorus that is.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:29 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophelia
I'm glad she's come to Arx. I can keep an eye out for her, here. In theory, at least. In practice she's usually just on item five of her list by the time I'm ready to doze off.
Written By Luca
July 10, 2016, 9:27 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Prince Duke Uncle, or whatever Phil calls him. I gave up trying to figure out if she's inventing these titles or just adding them all together years ago. These are horrible times, his wife gone and no one to blame for it, yet. He's holding up well, though. Admirable. For my own information: Our House words are apparently "No one may harm us unpunished." Intense.
Written By Freja
July 10, 2016, 9:09 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Rohkir
A bear of a man. Clearly a Redrain and of Northern Blood. A temper and a chip on his shoulder. He's not too tall for me to knock it off, if that ego of his grows too big. Still, protective and has my best interests at heart.
Written By Freja
July 10, 2016, 9:06 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
She recognized me nearly immediately at the tourney. I really hope I don't look that much like my brother...regardless, she was a quick friend and I feel one I may come to trust with more exposure. She is a Northerner that has a good head on her shoulders. Feck, she can even get my brother to look remotely less annoyed with life.
Written By Freja
July 10, 2016, 9:04 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
I have left my Northern home to journey to Arx, where there is unease as the city is uncertain, this King in a comatose state from what I gather. Already I miss the snows, the Red Run. The River. My home. But, I have family here and I will be needed I feel. It is a journey none take lightly, and none never should. I find myself still wearing the leathers I traveled in, wrapped in my cloak at night to catch the faint scent of snow still lingering in the furs. These southerners and their fashions, their pomp and superfluous fashion, is something entirely. A new battlefield to traverse and conquer.
Written By Freja
July 10, 2016, 8:52 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Fergus
Recently rejoined in company, his temper and moods are the same as always. I do wish to help him, but you can only help someone as much as they will help themselves. I love and trust him dearly. Here's to hoping he'll lift my spirits and I his.
Written By Bliss
July 10, 2016, 7:59 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
A few days after the wine tasting, I found myself visiting the Ambassador Salon. The Whisper House made mention of wishing to seek out new patrons, as this is where we get most of the House's wealth, and I'd sought to find a sponsor. I did, though in an unlikely place. I first met Prince Aurelian Valardin, a scholar seeking to restore lost knowledge. He was not terribly receptive, and left fairly early. Sir Ralston, however, was far more receptive despite his lower rank. He flirted (of course!) and we had a duel. I won handily, but he was a good sport about it. I doubt he could ever afford my company, but perhaps we'll spar at some point.
Written By Ravna
July 10, 2016, 7:56 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
To Archscholar Aldwin:
A most curious man entered today to deliver his journal. He appeared to doodle nonsense on a page, as follows.
"Scribblescribbledoodledoodledoodledoodlelonesloneslonescirclescirclescirclestitstitstitswinestaininksplatterdoodledoodledoodlecatprintswalkingacrossthepagedoodledoodle."
I must again repeat my petition for transfer to the Lower Library and away from the Audience Hall. I have been advised that my health has become imperiled from my sessions with Lord Victus and Lady Kima, and sessions such as this speed my decline. I implore you, in the name of Lagoma, have pity.
A most curious man entered today to deliver his journal. He appeared to doodle nonsense on a page, as follows.
"Scribblescribbledoodledoodledoodledoodlelonesloneslonescirclescirclescirclestitstitstitswinestaininksplatterdoodledoodledoodlecatprintswalkingacrossthepagedoodledoodle."
I must again repeat my petition for transfer to the Lower Library and away from the Audience Hall. I have been advised that my health has become imperiled from my sessions with Lord Victus and Lady Kima, and sessions such as this speed my decline. I implore you, in the name of Lagoma, have pity.
Written By Ravna
July 10, 2016, 7:52 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Red...the colour of blood, of sunrises, of sunsets and shit wine. The kind of wine you know is going to get you fucked up, fucked over and fuck. The good sort of shitty wine. That were, you know, the colour of her hair. Her. Hair. But...but, but, but. B-U-T.
Oh, her voice.
Her voice, clearly, is that of some messenger of Gloria. Maybe Toria? Tivvy? The God of Wine and War. Oh, but her voice!
Then of course there is that boooooody! Not the sort to give birth to bear-men, but, oh! Such arms! Such fists! I do not know whether to fuck, or to fight, maybe both? Do I play dice, and cheat (though I never need to cheat) just to be caught and start a fight? O BUT HER VOICE, DEAR GODS!
She even fed Rabbitsfoot, this glorious, gorgeous, gargantuan woman of genuine generosity and gratuitous violence. If she were to read to me, in that voice, well, I may just play dice with The King.
Well, you know, when he wakes up.
Oh, her voice.
Her voice, clearly, is that of some messenger of Gloria. Maybe Toria? Tivvy? The God of Wine and War. Oh, but her voice!
Then of course there is that boooooody! Not the sort to give birth to bear-men, but, oh! Such arms! Such fists! I do not know whether to fuck, or to fight, maybe both? Do I play dice, and cheat (though I never need to cheat) just to be caught and start a fight? O BUT HER VOICE, DEAR GODS!
She even fed Rabbitsfoot, this glorious, gorgeous, gargantuan woman of genuine generosity and gratuitous violence. If she were to read to me, in that voice, well, I may just play dice with The King.
Well, you know, when he wakes up.
Written By Ravna
July 10, 2016, 7:42 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Nightgolds. Night-in-Golds? Whichever, however. Redanian's who support this legendary rite of passage, you know, up in the mountains: Of young men wrestling bears and killing them, for the right to take a woman! While the women, burse the orphaned cubs! Heee! This explains so very much, you know, because if you make a Redanian woman run fast enough, she will start a fire with her legs. It is all the hair. Oh, and, I learned today you know, that Noblegolds or...er...Nightingolds? Nethergelds? Whichever. Their nipples! Dipped in ink, make glorious quills!
Written By Donella
July 10, 2016, 7:40 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
I attended a tournament. Half a tournament, actually. I had been making petty wagers with Princess Alis Valardin and a Culler from the lower borroughs; I had been actually about to make the acquaintance of His Grace, her brother. That's where things went awry.
I don't know what possessed me, but I saw the Sword of Velanosa cast caltrops upon the list field, to lame his opponent's horse, a fine gray, at least 17 hands. And I cried out the foul. Just, blurted it. Yelled it, actually.
People snickered, and commented on how 'cute' was my reaction... how NATURAL. Humiliating. But I wonder if they aren't simply used to looking the other way when they see such shameful waste for pleasure, and no one calling it wicked. After that, though, the crowd became agitated, as the man was disqualified. For a few minutes, I feared I may have started a riot.
But things settled... And I left, my appreciation of the whole affair spoiled. But the action or by my misstep, I know not. Certainly, it was a thing that my Grandfather would never have done. I surely have caused some to question what sort of Thrax I am.
I don't know what possessed me, but I saw the Sword of Velanosa cast caltrops upon the list field, to lame his opponent's horse, a fine gray, at least 17 hands. And I cried out the foul. Just, blurted it. Yelled it, actually.
People snickered, and commented on how 'cute' was my reaction... how NATURAL. Humiliating. But I wonder if they aren't simply used to looking the other way when they see such shameful waste for pleasure, and no one calling it wicked. After that, though, the crowd became agitated, as the man was disqualified. For a few minutes, I feared I may have started a riot.
But things settled... And I left, my appreciation of the whole affair spoiled. But the action or by my misstep, I know not. Certainly, it was a thing that my Grandfather would never have done. I surely have caused some to question what sort of Thrax I am.
Written By Ida
July 10, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
Don't get me wrong. I love a nice, stately ceremonial type of blade as much as the next person. One that has gems and metal from times long forgotten, that I can only perhaps dream of working some day. Crafting them can be a true labor of honor, to be trusted in such a way with such an august weapon. Other times, I am thrilled to work on a blade that I know will see use, will draw blood in an honorable way. Thanks to the kind words of Duchess Nadia and Prince Fergus, Princess Freja Redrain sent word about commissioning a sword. We met at The Spirits, which is a comfortable establishment. Doesn't make me feel out of place like The Ambassador often does. In any case, I really enjoyed the meeting. The princess is rather no frills and her sword was to be similarly so. Ice and snow type of sword, which I really enjoyed forging.
Written By Donella
July 10, 2016, 7:15 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
If any in the house were forwarned of my Grandfather's arrival, they certainly did not pass that knowledge along to me. The Prince of Maelstrom does love to keep us on our toes. When I was summoned, I found him with Lady Tyde. As sharp as I left him across the Bay. The circumstances of my dear cousin Genny's death-- Queen Genevieve, I should say, have his undivided attention. But he does not say who will be receiving especially receiving it.
Then there was His Majesty's particular slight against us. Leaving the city on a hunting party with his favorites, so soon after his wife's death-- well, it doesn't exactly speak of a mourning state of mind, or even respect, does it? It was very poorly done.
Which has only casts more suspicion on US, when the whole party, his Majesty included, returns in body only. Revenge, they say. But it only goes to show how deeply we are misunderstood-- so far as I know, no one on the receiving end of Thrax justice has ever slept as a result. And we were on friendly terms with at least some of the hunting party. Where, then, is our motive?
In the meantime though, with the realm in a state of upheaval, headless, the party seems to go on. Even for people who have lost near kin. The conduct of these people is startling to me. But this is the task that was set before me. Dagon, at least, does well here. As does Victor, who is little altered. In a world that seems hardly recognizable, I rely on the things which are constant to mark my way.
Then there was His Majesty's particular slight against us. Leaving the city on a hunting party with his favorites, so soon after his wife's death-- well, it doesn't exactly speak of a mourning state of mind, or even respect, does it? It was very poorly done.
Which has only casts more suspicion on US, when the whole party, his Majesty included, returns in body only. Revenge, they say. But it only goes to show how deeply we are misunderstood-- so far as I know, no one on the receiving end of Thrax justice has ever slept as a result. And we were on friendly terms with at least some of the hunting party. Where, then, is our motive?
In the meantime though, with the realm in a state of upheaval, headless, the party seems to go on. Even for people who have lost near kin. The conduct of these people is startling to me. But this is the task that was set before me. Dagon, at least, does well here. As does Victor, who is little altered. In a world that seems hardly recognizable, I rely on the things which are constant to mark my way.
Written By Ida
July 10, 2016, 7:12 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
I made a set of somewhat Redrain themed armor for Prince Fergus Redrain, which he seemed pleased enough by. Well, he wears it, so I suspect it meets his approval. Sometimes I believe I can tell his thoughts, but it can be a dicey thing, that. I thought the armor set was good work, so that was that. He recently requested a sword and that one I really enjoyed crafting. Dark, gray, and without much pomp or luster, but that's mostly what he requested. I etched a small knot on the cross-guard - not sure if he noticed and/or would approve, but I took the chance regardless. It tends to be so much more satisfying crafting something for someone I've spent time with sometimes. Makes it feel more personal when I work.
Written By Ida
July 10, 2016, 7:01 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)
While it is still fairly early days for me in the city, I find myself already somewhat torn between what set of armors might be my favorite. Princess Alis' blue flame set I just love, if it isn't awful of me to say about my own work. The themes truly come from those that make the commission requests, though, so I suppose the compliments are owed to them. The set that vies with Princess Alis' is Duchess Nadia Nightgold's set. She requested the colors of her family, reds and gold, as well as strike fear into the hearts of Shav'avarni - and be stylish. The colors were a real joy to work with and I favored the flow between them a lot, I must admit. Two swords as well, to match the armor. She seemed pleased with them, which was a relief, y'know? Sometimes I love something and the receiver thinks I'm mad, ha.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.