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Written By Desiree

May 30, 2021, 5:23 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Dominique

I got to have dinner the other day with my sister and her son which got me going awww so much.

The little boy is all starting to grow up with a little personality in him. I'm going to be the fun aunt though. Sorry Dominique.

Written By Desiree

May 30, 2021, 5:21 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

I had to take part in making up a poem and I'm not sure I did well.

Oops!

Written By Khanne

May 30, 2021, 4:27 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

I am the dawning sun rising over the horizon ready to illuminate a new day.

Yep... I think that adequately explains things for me right about now.

Written By Orland

May 30, 2021, 3:08 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

Thoughts of performing... and singing in front of a large crowd...

When Apprentice Aconite Whisper asked for performers, at once I put my name in with Savio's, not quite knowing what would be expected or asked of us. I'm glad we did the festival, getting up on stage again, filled me with a different sort of rush than one gets when ... well, it's different. I was nervous but I was also confident that beside Savio and with friends there, such as Cesare, Zakhar (although something was off with him), and Cassiopeia, it'd go fine. This was my second time singing in front of a crowd. It does get easier, singing.

The fans liked me so much I had to perform in tents, mobbed into doing other little requests by the dozen! The second night I didn't bring the lute, so there was some disappointment, until they saw the juggling acts and card tricks. The knives set on fire and juggled, probably my best feature of the night, despite there being a small crowd to see it.

I feel like I would only perform with others on a large stage though.

Written By Kiera

May 30, 2021, 2:31 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

I iattend the first night of the Rhythym of the World Festival. It was truly a moving experience. Apprentice Aconite outdid herself with the sheer pagentry and variety of cultural activitie. The air hummed with life. Yet it was the performances that truly moved my heart Lords savio and orland's duet about tremous in his native tongue while orland sang in arvani was an act of bravery as well as beauty that filled me at once with both sandness and hope. Whisper Cesare musings on setarco were equaly passionate. My heart thanks you all

Written By Valencia

May 30, 2021, 1:53 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

I adore good surprises, and so when I was invited to attend a recent Pravus event in the company of the Prince Patrizio I was delighted and so honoured to be asked. How could one not be? He is by far one of the most charming and admirable princes of the city at present.

It was a beautiful ceremony. Many good men and women solemnly remembered and the contributions of many brave souls who stood to defend our Compact so very rightfully acknowledged. The art to commemorate the events, as to be expected, was excellent and a worthy memorial to the valour, strength and unity shown.

All in all, I think it was a memorable night. I’m glad I said yes.

~~~~~~~<~<~<@

Written By Medeia

May 30, 2021, 1:51 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

Marriage. It isn't something I ever particularly looked forward to. As a girl, as a very spare Saik, I knew I was likely a token with which my family would bargain some beneficial alliance. I was trained well in social niceties: the perfect curtsy, proper forms of address, how to understand motivations and influence decisions. And so, I always knew I would be married. I would have children. I would likely be sent to some far-flung place from the home I knew and exist in relative obscurity. I did not expect I'd be one of the nobles granted the privilege of calling Arx home, but perhaps I'd be able to negotiate a comfortable arrangement

It was a surprise when I was brought to the city. And marriage was not something I wanted, no thank you. And then a request was made. Which I initially said no to. Which I tried to sabotage in at least three different ways after agreeing to consider it. I was advised by several people not to accept this alliance - that I was too young, that I would be kept from achieving my goals because I am a woman, that I would be the target of hateful people. I was even accused of settling! In a way, that accusation may not be entirely wrong. Our words do have a way of coming back to bite us, after all. Imagine the arrogance of declaring you wouldn't marry unless the betrothed loved you! We all have our moments of absurdity

I love my people. The people of Saikland Greens, and the people of Eswynd Rock. The alliance between Saik and Eswynd has been good for both houses, and I have been able to show my love to both by being that bridge connecting the two. I have continued my service to Saik as Minister of the Hearth, leading our vintners and distillers in producing wines and spirits. My husband helped bring more land under Saik control and has advised the sailors of the Saikland navy on new tactics to improve their skills. I have assisted in building relationships for Eswynd and bringing a new vassal into our fold. That love, mine poured out into the world, sustains me. Doing all I can for them - my duty as a noble of the Compact.

Reflecting on how I have met the expectations had of me as a girl feels strange. I have married, I have had children, and I have been sent off to some far-flung place from home. Yet, the dreams I gave up for myself in doing so are not ones I feel especially mournful for. And having a husband that I trust, whose strengths complement my own, has made it all the easier to settle into those expectations with pride.

Marriage. It's been worth all the challenges.

Written By Patrizio

May 30, 2021, 1:13 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

The war is, for now, behind us. I've few illusions that this will be the last attempt by Eurus to inflict itself upon us, or to come to our shores seeking slaves, but I am of the hope that this is largely now removed from their considerations, and that they should fear perhaps instead that next time, it shall be /us/ upon /their/ shores that they ought fear - that we will come, in due course, to come assist those struggling against the Dune Emperor and give them something truly to fear from our continent.

But that is a matter for another time.

In the meantime... I find myself getting accustomed, and as quickly as possible, to this new role to which I'm called as Voice to my house. As with when I was elevated to general - may I be gifted by the gods to serve my House and my Compact, and may we all move forward into an era of peace.

Written By Valencia

May 30, 2021, 12:52 p.m.(7/25/1015 AR)

There is something to be said about long rides with someone you enjoy.

Perhaps it is the respite from the heavy heat of the city. Or the rich scents of sun-warmed earth, leather tack, and the cool, fresh forest green.

Conversation and laughter can sometimes come easier there. Opening hearts and easing minds in the open air.

I adore it. I hope for more of it.

~~~~~~~<~<~<@

Written By Auda

May 30, 2021, 10:54 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

I never thought of myself as much of a pet person, but apparently that was mostly circumstance?

Quartz and Mica are the cutest kittens.

Written By Lisebet

May 30, 2021, 10:09 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Today's tea is a black tea, with hints of chocolate and nuts. Very tasty. Emilie wanted to try it, so she had a small sip. She promptly declared that mommy's drink is icky. I think she may not be a tea drinker, but perhaps it will grow on her.

When she's actually old enough to consider drinking tea.

Written By Thea

May 30, 2021, 9:53 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Since Ive joined Wyvernheart, Ive racked my brain trying to find ways I can serve best. Then my role changed. Now they're MY people. Now the responsibility is greater. And you know what? And Ive never been more determined. We have idea and goals. I have complete faith in my house and people.

Written By Thea

May 30, 2021, 9:44 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Aconite

I don't know if you have seen Messere Aconite's work, but it's quite lovely. Im not one that pretends to know anything about art or jewelry or anything of the like. I however know how beautiful her work is, how she captures a feeling, a place. I'm proud to own these pieces and even more happy for the cause my silver is going.

Now to get working on that gift.

Written By Rosalind

May 30, 2021, 9:40 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Big things are happening in our house. So excited!

Written By Rosalind

May 30, 2021, 9:38 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

As of late, Ive been meeting some interesting people. Ive been venturing out of my comfort zone you know. Out of my ward. What? Why are you looking at me like that! I know I know! I like people, but even I grow awkward outside of my own..place? I dont know. That's the wrong word, I know. I just know Im enjoying myself more.

Written By Thea

May 30, 2021, 9:33 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Third. I placed third in gauntlet. I never thought I'd place at all, except the very bottom. I work and train hard daily, but I know I have much more to learn. More to improve on. Did I mention that rope? That rope glowers at me!

Congratulations to everyone that participated! It was quite workout!

Written By Gael

May 30, 2021, 9:01 a.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

Had quite a day today, Scholar.

I decided I'd be checking the roof on Raja's shop. That I'd give it a good sweep, I don't know, change cracked tiles and pitch some wood glue into any loose squares across their tiers, but that was a mistake. Rather than say why or make comment on the reasons behind it, it is fair that I preface a bit on how I ended up on her roof, to begin with. Why, well, the night prior as I tried to catch some rest, I could hear the incessant and insidious sound of tiny, diminutive footsteps. Small, sure, but hundreds of them. Rats, I asked myself? Was it rats? Mice? Maybe, I don't know, but the whole night of failed sleep the question hung heavy on my head as I tried to consolidate it again and again, but failed. The morning's eventual arrival became no more than mockery at my expense, as light inevitably filtered in through the stained glass of my window.

Finally, I told myself this wouldn't stand. I'd fix this.

Soon as I ended my daily affairs and made it back to the Lowers in the night of that same day, I arrived prepared to deal with the horrible bushwackers. From the corner store I purchased a sort of prepared kibble meant to lure out the supposed rodents, so that I could then scare and scatter them off into the docks by, like a maniac, waving a torch at them until it worked. If successful then, I'd plug all outside holes and climbables to prevent any further incursions on the roof from the outside. That was the plan. It did not go according to plan.

That night, as I climb up to the roof, I see white limply threads of something twisting in the wind right at its summit. Thinking back, it looked like smoke then, but the building was untouched. Nothing was burning. As I neared the highest and steepest point of the roof, Scholar, by my troth; pairs upon pairs of red eyes flared in the dark beneath each roof tile that like hedges housed them, peering out from inside them. Spiders. And they all scuttled forth in their spiny legs, clattering on the slats of wood and scratching the corrugated tiles, their mass of black bodies fluttering out their hidey-holes like the flakes of smoldered dandelions.

I freaked, swerved around in a panic, and ended up getting tangled in a wild array of white strands that locked my legs and sent me barreling down across the roof once my knees inevitably gave. On my catastrophic way down, I eventually bounced off of some rutty protrusion that I believe was the chimney heading, and it ended up propelling me past the awning, onto the unmortared floor of the porch. Hard. On my back, or my side? I don't know, I don't remember. It hurt a lot.

I'm not going back to that roof. It's theirs now.

Written By Aconite

May 29, 2021, 11:43 p.m.(7/24/1015 AR)

How can I express my overwhelming joy on the last few nights of the festival. I have learned so much about so many things in such a short amount of time. An idea born through a late-night conversation with a good friend.

The opening dance set the tone for the drama and flair, and unexpected intimacy of the Rythm of the World Festival that Whisper house graciously gave me hosting privileges. Each performance giving a glimpse into new worlds and the people who have shaped them. From the moving songs of Tremorous sung by Lord Savio and Lord Orland and the bone-deep performance of Cesare Whisper, Nina Autnumndals fabulous music encouraging moving and dance and even a performance from Legend Gianna. These are some notable mentions but almost every performance gave those enrapt throngs of people a story to tell and hopefully curiosity sparked into broadening their horizons.

There were so many new dresses and mesmerizing fashion rooted in tradition and dripping in inspiration. I regret I only had time to see it in passing, I would have dearly loved to hang on to the words of Bard Autumndale, Duchess Isabeau, and taken the time to really absorb Savio's flowing outfit. I may have already plied Princess Graziella for the pattern for her beautiful dress. But I am remiss, I am leaving out many more names that deserve mentioning.

But let me make special note of Caprice, who I think could ply even the hardest hearts with a few drapes of silk. Master Zakhar who not only made the crowns and scarves but also this honey silk outfit that I'm determined to live the rest of my life in. And my own brother Orick, who created drums and this delicious scent that reminds me so much of home.

Even in the tragedies, they came together, I cannot wait to see Vashtalyn truly perform. Without Sir Merek and Lady Eswynd, I foresee things would have gone very differently. They may have well saved our little festival.

I cannot claim even a margin of the credit that is due here but it was my pleasure to work with the blessed of Jayus in the Festival and the Auction which has raised a considerable sum that will be distributed happily amidst charities.

I shall float rather than sail back to Tor this week. Thankful for the great generosity of those that have given of themselves to shine light into the lives of others.

Finally, can I say to see people from Royalty to Commoner in the same space, humbled before the gifts of Jayus, is a truly religious experience.

Written By Maren

May 29, 2021, 10:22 p.m.(7/23/1015 AR)

I contemplate the twilight. I have always loved the night's kiss to the drowsing sun, the labors of the day flowing seamlessly into the blossoming energy and creation of the night. Where the embers struck to light the evening lanterns or bonfires appear almost magical, dancing beauties in their own right. It is a time between worlds, and the time that when I honor my beloved ones lost to me that I have sent the missives on the water, candles flickering in their small boats, until the water claimed them.

I remember the first days of remembrance on a shore that felt wrong, smelled wrong, even the light of the awakening stars was all in the wrong placements. I am no longer ashamed to admit that the gusts of salt wind dried tears of fear and grief and loneliness on my cheeks as I sent light and boats for my brothers, knowing that I could not send letters. Would not see the familiar and distinct script of each of their hand in return. At first they were sent out of longing. As years went on, apology for dishonoring tradition. As more years went on, they were a bridge, a hope to instill some feeling of kinship and interest and connection in my daughter for a place and people that it seemed impossible she would ever meet.

Now my feet rest on familiar sands, though it is my body that feels wrong, grown older and weaker where the feet that once delighted in walking the water's edge were young and strong. It seems strange that I survive, without the ones I missed so much, as lost to me here as they were in Weijin. Sometimes our journeys mark us in a way that will not allow our full return, even if we never truly arrived at the first destination. And I must accept that it is not just me that wanders this in-between place, but I have my greatest treasure travelling her own roads within it, in a very different experience than mine.

Tonight, on this familiar and strange sand, with my present and memory veiling the sea calling to me, and the most beloved of cities behind me, I will send another little boat and light of remembrance to someone lost to me forever, across the waters. On this day of your birth, Beloved, how I yearn for just one more time to be greeted with your smile and your caress as the sun rises. But I also am buoyed by knowing of the lives we helped to shape and all the fledglings we nudged to take flight. Our joy in taking from the fires of our passion and our determination a spark that may grow into just what the greater world will need someday, if that is where her path will lead her. I think every day of the gift of being able to at least touch the lives of my nephews, nieces, and their children, knowing that you had a hand in it as well. Selfishly I wish that you were here to meet them as well; but I understand it was not your path. I believe the mark of greatest love to be the ability to take strength in the time that you hold it in your grasp, and to not dishonor it with the inability to keep moving forward along one's path once like all things in this life, it is reclaimed. Set free.

But still, Beloved. I cannot promise that there will be no need for the soft hand of the summer sea's wind to brush away tears. Of joy, for the very ability to stand here, now, certainly. But also of solitude. Uncertainty. Grief that lessens but surely will never truly disappear. And hope, that the strength that you helped build in me will allow me to build more, love more, guide more until my last breath. That, I think, is the legacy of love. May I help give that, to those yet remaining to me.

Written By Isabeau

May 29, 2021, 7:47 p.m.(7/23/1015 AR)

My to-do list has grown very long. Most imminent on my mind is the Valardin feast in a month. It is bound to be a lot of fun, so I hope people will come. I think I shall host a smaller picnic soon for people to come and run the Gauntlet for bragging rights. I wonder who might show?

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