Written By Lianne
June 14, 2021, 1:34 a.m.(8/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
While I'm not sure we can find anything to top how we celebrated our birthdays--much belatedly--last year, I feel it merits an attempt.
Let's find ourselves an adventure, my magnificent dawn. Let's begin our next decade well.
Let's find ourselves an adventure, my magnificent dawn. Let's begin our next decade well.
Written By Medeia
June 14, 2021, 1:22 a.m.(8/26/1015 AR)
Scholar Clive, you've been away a while. I'm glad it's you who will take this journal for me.
I have recently been dealing with a situation in the northern Mourning Isles. Yes, the same my husband recently wrote of. There have been groups of Arvani who remain committed to the ideals of the late Ivan Helianthus setting up camps on the Isles of various Shav'arvani settlements. They fight under the banner of a red sun. These 'Ivanites' - of any stripe - are indiscriminate in their attacks. I have seen the horrible aftermath of their efforts to destroy both Shav'arvani and Prodigals. There is suspicion they may also be responsible for attacks on other noble houses which have not taken a more decisive stance against High Lord Victus.
These traitors hide behind symbols of the Faith, words of righteousness, and claim justification by tradition. Many such people were slain among the enemy at Pieros. It is clear that they have chosen to stand against the Compact. Their support of Ivan Helianthus and Waldo Bellerive has brought death to our very doors here in the city. The actions of their raiding parties disrupt trade coming from and going to the Isles. This cannot continue.
It would be good and just for the Compact to remember where Prodigals and neo-nobles have been in all of this - standing with the Compact against foreign and domestic foes, taking the lion's share of loss while enduring public prejudice, all without turning their backs or raising their arms or bolstering the ranks of the enemy against us. They should be lauded for their exemplary displays of honor and fidelity. Their blood has spilled the same in defense of all we hold dear.
In fact? Perhaps a good distraction from how little I can do while I recover from being nearly knocked unconscious and stolen away - presumably to collect a ransom - by an Ivanite would be reading stories of Prodigals and neo-nobles who did great things in the battle against the Skal'dajans. I invite anyone who reads this to write to me of what they saw, or what they did. Or come visit and tell me in person.
I have recently been dealing with a situation in the northern Mourning Isles. Yes, the same my husband recently wrote of. There have been groups of Arvani who remain committed to the ideals of the late Ivan Helianthus setting up camps on the Isles of various Shav'arvani settlements. They fight under the banner of a red sun. These 'Ivanites' - of any stripe - are indiscriminate in their attacks. I have seen the horrible aftermath of their efforts to destroy both Shav'arvani and Prodigals. There is suspicion they may also be responsible for attacks on other noble houses which have not taken a more decisive stance against High Lord Victus.
These traitors hide behind symbols of the Faith, words of righteousness, and claim justification by tradition. Many such people were slain among the enemy at Pieros. It is clear that they have chosen to stand against the Compact. Their support of Ivan Helianthus and Waldo Bellerive has brought death to our very doors here in the city. The actions of their raiding parties disrupt trade coming from and going to the Isles. This cannot continue.
It would be good and just for the Compact to remember where Prodigals and neo-nobles have been in all of this - standing with the Compact against foreign and domestic foes, taking the lion's share of loss while enduring public prejudice, all without turning their backs or raising their arms or bolstering the ranks of the enemy against us. They should be lauded for their exemplary displays of honor and fidelity. Their blood has spilled the same in defense of all we hold dear.
In fact? Perhaps a good distraction from how little I can do while I recover from being nearly knocked unconscious and stolen away - presumably to collect a ransom - by an Ivanite would be reading stories of Prodigals and neo-nobles who did great things in the battle against the Skal'dajans. I invite anyone who reads this to write to me of what they saw, or what they did. Or come visit and tell me in person.
Written By Raimon
June 14, 2021, 12:38 a.m.(8/26/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aisha
A Whispered Dance with Truth Herself,
Ideals held in close embrace!
To gaze within a silvered mirror . . .
Meet one's own -Self-, face-to-face.
Who knows the mysteries revealed
When all one's Masks are stripped away?
Who knows the secrets thence unsealed
regarded in the Light of Day?
The Stars alone bear witness to
the histories of all who live.
Shall not we stretch our arms aloft
to thus receive what Light they give?
Ideals held in close embrace!
To gaze within a silvered mirror . . .
Meet one's own -Self-, face-to-face.
Who knows the mysteries revealed
When all one's Masks are stripped away?
Who knows the secrets thence unsealed
regarded in the Light of Day?
The Stars alone bear witness to
the histories of all who live.
Shall not we stretch our arms aloft
to thus receive what Light they give?
Written By Lucita
June 13, 2021, 10:14 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Sometimes it seems like one can tell just how good a friend one is by the way they meet after a long absence apart. Some dive into talking and sharing lives, showing warmth and generosity of self like they were never parted while others are more distant, more aloof, like a nervous cat padding around something it has not made its mind up about just how wary to be.
Written By Lucita
June 13, 2021, 10:11 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Talwyn
Time seems to be passing all too quickly. It has been almost a year since marrying Tally, my second husband. And so much has happened since we wed.
Written By Michael
June 13, 2021, 9:50 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
I have seen the docks in the courtyard of Bisland Manor eating the frogs. I am overjoyed.
Written By Michael
June 13, 2021, 9:50 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
I have seen the docks in the courtyard of Bisland Manor eating the frogs. I am overjoyed.
Written By Michael
June 13, 2021, 9:50 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
I have seen the docks in the courtyard of Bisland Manor eating the frogs. I am overjoyed.
Written By Giada
June 13, 2021, 9:22 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Thank the gods for Humidity.
Written By Tarik
June 13, 2021, 8:38 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
It is still too hot! Way too hot! I really think next summer I am going to just spend the time in the Everwinter, or sitting in a pond all day.
Written By Michael
June 13, 2021, 8:10 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Gloriel
My cousin, Gloriel, has arrived in Arx! Wondrous news! I'm sure I'll remember why I demanded she come here sometime soon.
Written By Aedric
June 13, 2021, 7:34 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
The sound is the same both at home and sea.
Scratching. Nails on rotten wood. Loud enough to rouse one from slumber.
Sit and listen to the rats in the walls.
Scratching. Nails on rotten wood. Loud enough to rouse one from slumber.
Sit and listen to the rats in the walls.
Written By Piccola
June 13, 2021, 7:24 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Wise general, remember that the end of our victories is to avoid the infirmities of those against whom we prevail.
Written By Margot
June 13, 2021, 6:36 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Natasha
As I said, there were no boundaries that could not be over come.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Written By Raven
June 13, 2021, 5:34 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
It's time to mend my ways and mend fences, I think. Bella taught me manners, I should remember to use them.
Written By Khanne
June 13, 2021, 4:30 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
It has NOT been 10 years. How could it be?
...it's been 10 years...
I feel old now.
Also, I forgot your birthday, which means, I also forgot mine. I am sorry I am so forgetful.
Happy belated birthday, Beautiful Dusk. Here's to your next decade.
...it's been 10 years...
I feel old now.
Also, I forgot your birthday, which means, I also forgot mine. I am sorry I am so forgetful.
Happy belated birthday, Beautiful Dusk. Here's to your next decade.
Written By Isabeau
June 13, 2021, 3:27 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
A whirr of activity this time, scholars. Function after function. And once one is done, it's onto the next. But if one stops or stalls, one might lose momentum and that's when you slip and fall. The feast was great, though I wish more of the different fealties attended to experience the food from our great Oathlands. Perhaps next time. Now the important question remains, what to become for the masquerade?
Written By Cesare
June 13, 2021, 2:01 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
What a week it's been. Week? More than that, I think. I hardly know where to start. When I joked in my last White about having something more eventful to report, I didn't anticipate so much upheaval, although again, very little of it is fit to share here. I feel as if I've aged a year in about a month, although you wouldn't know it to look at me. Just that I've been in the sun - several kind people have asked me if I've perhaps been on a vacation, or enjoying the beach.
Our aid mission to Tremorus was as successful as I believe it could have been, given the circumstances. It was painful to see such a proud and vibrant people struggling in the ruins of a city which was so clearly a beautiful and treasured jewel. It was painful to watch conflict between Arvani aid workers and native Arakkoans, two groups of people ostensibly on the same side, but with mutual displeasure about the circumstance which had brought them together. I did my best to smooth over the tensions - it became a matter of necessity when a terrible storm arose and we were forced to evacuate our makeshift shelter for a cavern further upmountain. In any case I believe I've gotten a better handle on what the Arakkoans - and by extension, the residents of the Saffron Chain in general - expect as part of the Compact, and what value they bring to us as a whole people working together. I'm sure some will balk at that statement, at the idea that these new vassals have expectations at all, but if our choice is to tighten our fists rather than extending open hands, opportunity, safety, and strength will only slip through our fingers, leaving us open to the tender mercies of foes who are all-too-ready to see us brought low. Better to bend a little than to break entirely. (Of course a Whisper would say that, you're thinking.)
I fear the city looked worse when we left than it did when we arrived. The storm destroyed a number of structures which were on the verge of collapse already. But at least the people have food, supplies, and medical aid. I'll return again, if asked. Perhaps with a sun hat.
As if that weren't enough, I've also been attending my usual roster of events in Arx on either side of that jaunt to the south. Lady Medeia's poetry event was a pleasure. Such erudite company! And she always has the best refreshments. My internal rhyme of the day: Saik wine, so divine. If I could, I'd drink it all the time. And of course Lady Medeia herself is always the most gracious of hostesses, and nobody even drowned. I also had the pleasure of providing musical entertainment at Mockingbird Evaristo Arterius' dance aboard his ship this past evening, which was a rollicking good time and left my fingers quite tired. Never have I seen guests (or host) so eager to prove me wrong that Setarcans have the fastest of feet. We do, but I wasn't able to cement my claim as I was busy playing, so Evaristo took that title for the evening, though Marquessa Demura Lyonesse certainly put up a very solid effort. Impressive!
A final note: I've found myself patronless. I am in no great hurry to secure another, and won't be placing a classified ad for that particular reason, but anyone who is interested in a rather lackadaisical protege with entirely too much on his plate and little to offer other than charming company and social connections may send a missive. I promise precisely nothing in return.
Our aid mission to Tremorus was as successful as I believe it could have been, given the circumstances. It was painful to see such a proud and vibrant people struggling in the ruins of a city which was so clearly a beautiful and treasured jewel. It was painful to watch conflict between Arvani aid workers and native Arakkoans, two groups of people ostensibly on the same side, but with mutual displeasure about the circumstance which had brought them together. I did my best to smooth over the tensions - it became a matter of necessity when a terrible storm arose and we were forced to evacuate our makeshift shelter for a cavern further upmountain. In any case I believe I've gotten a better handle on what the Arakkoans - and by extension, the residents of the Saffron Chain in general - expect as part of the Compact, and what value they bring to us as a whole people working together. I'm sure some will balk at that statement, at the idea that these new vassals have expectations at all, but if our choice is to tighten our fists rather than extending open hands, opportunity, safety, and strength will only slip through our fingers, leaving us open to the tender mercies of foes who are all-too-ready to see us brought low. Better to bend a little than to break entirely. (Of course a Whisper would say that, you're thinking.)
I fear the city looked worse when we left than it did when we arrived. The storm destroyed a number of structures which were on the verge of collapse already. But at least the people have food, supplies, and medical aid. I'll return again, if asked. Perhaps with a sun hat.
As if that weren't enough, I've also been attending my usual roster of events in Arx on either side of that jaunt to the south. Lady Medeia's poetry event was a pleasure. Such erudite company! And she always has the best refreshments. My internal rhyme of the day: Saik wine, so divine. If I could, I'd drink it all the time. And of course Lady Medeia herself is always the most gracious of hostesses, and nobody even drowned. I also had the pleasure of providing musical entertainment at Mockingbird Evaristo Arterius' dance aboard his ship this past evening, which was a rollicking good time and left my fingers quite tired. Never have I seen guests (or host) so eager to prove me wrong that Setarcans have the fastest of feet. We do, but I wasn't able to cement my claim as I was busy playing, so Evaristo took that title for the evening, though Marquessa Demura Lyonesse certainly put up a very solid effort. Impressive!
A final note: I've found myself patronless. I am in no great hurry to secure another, and won't be placing a classified ad for that particular reason, but anyone who is interested in a rather lackadaisical protege with entirely too much on his plate and little to offer other than charming company and social connections may send a missive. I promise precisely nothing in return.
Written By Romulius
June 13, 2021, 12:26 p.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
Our Compact has no shortage of talented shipwrights.
We have mastered the efficient construction and fielding of diverse, versatile fleets. We have proven our dominance at sea recently, and the evidence of our ability rests on the seafloor of the Bay of Pieros. The blessings of Jayus and Mangata are plenty on our ships, and our sailors manage the vessels expertly.
We are not perfect, however, and there are aspects of the craft in which other peoples in our world undeniably surpass our ability. We possess skilled hands and sharp minds, but the Compact falls behind in naval innovations, too often unwilling to break from the traditional methods to experiment with those of our neighbors or to boldly venture where others have not before.
We have fallen victim to this sort of complacency before, and we have always managed to correct it and strengthen our Compact. I have no doubt we will do the same in this arena, as well.
We have mastered the efficient construction and fielding of diverse, versatile fleets. We have proven our dominance at sea recently, and the evidence of our ability rests on the seafloor of the Bay of Pieros. The blessings of Jayus and Mangata are plenty on our ships, and our sailors manage the vessels expertly.
We are not perfect, however, and there are aspects of the craft in which other peoples in our world undeniably surpass our ability. We possess skilled hands and sharp minds, but the Compact falls behind in naval innovations, too often unwilling to break from the traditional methods to experiment with those of our neighbors or to boldly venture where others have not before.
We have fallen victim to this sort of complacency before, and we have always managed to correct it and strengthen our Compact. I have no doubt we will do the same in this arena, as well.
Written By Deva
June 13, 2021, 11:45 a.m.(8/25/1015 AR)
It's hard to stay when you know what some of the possibilities are, and the unknowns are just as -- if not more -- exciting.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.