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Written By Thea

May 21, 2021, 6:46 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Malcolm

I was getting set up in my office, getting comfortable. Ok. Not office. My conservatory, when Rocco comes in look a bit--well his face looked funny. He had a smirk on his lips. And then he looked amused. Before I knew it, he pulls something out from his robes producing a---fucking PUPPY! With a note. My patron, well it seems one of Graypeak's Moutain dog's had a litter and has promised---or to make up for the all the awful jokes he's made me suffer through--sent me one. It's a large adorable ball of ivory fluff and drool...Named Strawberry Pupcake. He will be large. And be quite the guard dog.

Finn, no! Don't teach him that!

Written By Natasha

May 21, 2021, 2:38 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

Years of uncertain estrangement, born from the same libertine father, raised separately by the machinations of a bloodthirsty tyrant, and yet here we are, somehow.

People will claim differently, but from my perspective, you have always been the very core and foundation of my story - the bedrock upon which my hopes for our world are founded.

You are the most astounding person I have ever known, and I trust that you will keep surprising me until the day we are dust.

Written By Jamie

May 21, 2021, 12:01 p.m.(7/7/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Simone

An intriguing woman with a spine of steel. Though I've known her for years, I've come to understand that I don't -really- know her. Her grace and charm carry me out of dark places and bring a little of the old Jamie back. My cousin by marriage, yes, but someone I may one day call a true friend. Somehow, I'll have to persuade her to forget this idea of political marriage, though. I can't imagine the woman who'd take the seat beside me, good man or no. Too many sleepless nights, too many dreams.

Written By Ludovic

May 21, 2021, 11:49 a.m.(7/7/1015 AR)

An account of the Silent War, given from the perspective of a recently returned Prodigal, recounted in the style of his people's oral history:

We have stalked the swirling snow,
Felt the shiver of heavy wind blow,
We have seen the churning of the storm,
White and wing'd, death given form.

We were young and number'd twenty-four,
Our little band, a distraction nothing more,
The tales we told were wide and tall,
To bolster the courage of one and all.

To the west we turned our heels,
In valleys green with easy meals,
We raided them in verdant lands,
And there spilled blood, with our hands.

We grew to men, strong and fierce,
Forged in battle, our spears did pierce,
We walked in the shadow of our tribe,
But from Tolmar Brand, we could not hide.

To the east perchance we went,
Through thorn and peak, were sent,
Tigris, Gemma, Guld, Kamon, Ulyips,
We buried them beneath the rosehips.

In that valley distant we left yet more,
Riven, Vind, Shea, and Lahore,
Time had given us its own scars,
Shaped like those fallen 'neath the stars.

We heard the call of the mammoth tribe sound,
And steeled ourselves to hold our ground,
On Spire's slopes we met their host,
Until, of us, only six remained, six at most.

Home at last I came to see,
Was it here, or was it there, I came to be?
Clasps on my shoulders, children on my knees,
Still I see their shades and memories.

Written By Gael

May 21, 2021, 4:25 a.m.(7/6/1015 AR)

Scholar,

I've finally shed the last of the bandages from all the lessons learned at Pieros. I had them taken by a helping physician at the Saving Grace out of pure convenience. It's on the way from home to the House of Questions, of course. I stayed there three weeks when I first arrived back from the fight, and have been revisiting it to have the bindings changed and the old poultices scraped off for newer swatches. Saw plenty of people come then go all that time, and I noticed that...

Sometimes, a gravely sick patient feels better for a day, right before his final end. The pain fades away, his mind grows clearer, and those who care for them and had stayed by their hospital bed for weeks, finally sigh with relief. They believe that their recovery was the work of a divine agency, and their hearts shine with hope. This temporary rise is the greatest sign; it says that death is near and true peace comes at last. Or so some believe.

Even a failing body hopes to spend its last day with dignity, I realized. To yield what little vitality it has left to this horrid world with its head held high. This appreciation of the human condition has truly hurt my spirit. I think I need another drink.

Curse the night.

Written By Viviana

May 20, 2021, 8:10 p.m.(7/5/1015 AR)

Not bookends. Would still look very nice on a shelf.

Written By Raimon

May 20, 2021, 7:01 p.m.(7/5/1015 AR)

A Song is more than merely notes,
A Voice crafts more than sounds.
A Soul that's touched by Jayus
can defy all earthly bounds.
 
True Art can sing of Truths beyond
the reach of any word
And in the wake of Genius,
Hope's echoes can be heard . . .

Written By Amari

May 20, 2021, 10:48 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

I don't think the game at the Apple Blossom dance Adalyn and I hosted together was quite as fun as tongue twisters, or truth and lies. That was my misstep. It needed to be honed and simplified. Rather than a chain perhaps one person could whisper something, and everyone else guess at it. The closest to the original wins the round. That would have been so much simpler. The buzzing was fun though, and the dancing. I hope the guests enjoyed themselves, even if there was no fermented whale milk to drink.

Party favors of flannel will be a must, next time. Maybe an entire flannel ensemble. I can't believe now I didn't think to incorporate any into my own dress for the occasion, but it seemed to go over well enough without. I was a little worried it might not. The following day after a visit to the market, I admit that I strolled across the Sovereign Bridge for no reason, other than to get a reaction. There was wild spontaneous applause and cheering, which was far beyond the smattering of compliments and admiring looks I expected. Hopefully, this will all put House Clement's name out there in a glowing light. They're a fine family and certainly deserve the recognition.

Written By Mabelle

May 20, 2021, 10:02 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Jael

I'm not good at saying goodbyes.
And this is not a goodbye anyway.
Take care of you and we will take care of yours.
The rest, I suppose, will remain unsaid until your return. And maybe even after.

Written By Raja

May 20, 2021, 9:59 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

I had an idea! Yes, it did hurt. Ha! Anyways, now that all the rubble has been cleared and the foundations laid down for Sina Plaza and the Library, I want a fountain. A nice fountain with a marvelous statue on top! Yes, it is fancy. Why can't the Lowers have something fancy? There needs to be more inspiration down here. So, I decided to host a competition! I want people to come from all over the city to bring their designs! Then, the people will cast their lots for their favorite design! The winner will have their work displayed forever and will earn some sort of reward. I haven't decided what the reward will be yet. I was thinking they could choose between some resources or silver. But, that sounds so mundane. I will have to think more on it.

Written By Evaristo

May 20, 2021, 8:56 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Valenzo

I remember a children's rhyme from when I grew up in the Lowers.

Apple papple, pirum parum
Crow sat on the aspen branch
He said one, he said two
The one to go is you!

I just remembered it. I don't even remember what exactly it was used for - I think it was some sort of elimination game.

Written By Kia

May 20, 2021, 2:03 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Valenzo

Your crow speaks my name? I am flattered, I think.

Written By Kia

May 20, 2021, 2 a.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Relationship Note on Venturo

When I returned to Arx after much time spent in the Cyrto Archipelago, I had little thought to seeking a new patron for myself. Today that changed. I believe if something feels right in your heart that you should follow your instincts, thus am I now the protege of The Merchant Prince of Revelry. He has an open mind and listens when I speak, supports without judgement, and I am grateful fortune crossed our paths.

Written By Cambria

May 19, 2021, 11:11 p.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Well, here I am. Hiding under the bed, and from my own children, no less. Hadrian says he has hidden here before and that it always works, but I am not so sure. It’s difficult to write, since there is only one inkwell down here, and the Duke is terrible at sharing. Oh, he’ll deny it, but the proof is on the page. Everything I write is much lighter than his, and every time I attempt to dip my quill, he’s already beat me to it, dipping his in first and making it impossible for me to do the same, what with his big hand being in the way. He’s even looking right at me while doing so! He knows exactly what he’s doing, and I am going to make sure Vellichor and whomever else ever reads this does too.

One may ask why we are hiding from our own children. If you’re such a person, you either do not have children, or you’re abnormal.

I don’t know where they get it from - the questioning - but if I had to blame someone, I’d blame their father...or maybe the Mirrormask myself and the boys spoke with at the shrine last week. But mostly, I’d blame their father, and not myself at all. I’m their mother, responsible for nurturing them, and caring for them, and making certain they grow into adults capable of functioning in society, and I certainly don’t have any White Journals that encourage asking questions. That would be silly.

Of course, it’s not just the questions. Sometimes, you just want a little time to yourself. Or a little time to yourself and a certain other individual. See, we have come back to sharing. How are we supposed to teach our children the value of sharing when someone under this bed is hogging the ink? I, on the other hand, am a selfless individual that shares...perhaps too much. Maybe it’s time for me to start hogging the ink, and the pillows, and blankets, and whatever else I can think of. Because I also need to teach my children the importance of looking after their own needs as well. You can’t give and give until there’s nothing left! Then what good are you to anybody?

I wonder if Hadrian has accounted for the height of our youngest, when compared to the height of the bed. I am fairly positive that Damianos would have to duck, and possibly Verus, but Soteris? I think we are probably right within his line of vision. I want to tell Hadrian this, but he looks so focused right now. Still, if we’re quick, we might just make it to the ho-

Written By Hadrian

May 19, 2021, 11:08 p.m.(7/4/1015 AR)

Dear journal,

Hello, it's me again. I recently came to the realization that I haven't hidden away under this bed while I got inside you for quite some time! So here we find ourselves now. Hiding in the gloom, stowed away under a bed with you, an inkwell, and a quill to offer my thoughts to Vellichor. There is obviously a reason that I'm hiding under this bed, but before I go into that I'm going to put some thoughts down that have been causing me some level of concern for a little time now.

Let's start with the matter of Pieros. I've spent some time now brushing up on the matters of battle, war, tactics, and all the rest. I've been fortunate to learn from a number of people over my lifetime, most recently being those who truly helped me knock the proverbial rust off of the intermediate learning that I was privileged to receive during my mandatory service to the people and city of Southport. Count Domonico Magnotta and Princess Reese Grayson were instrumental in helping me to achieve my desired level of competence. However, on a battlefield it isn't exclusively knowledge and scholarly competence that is fit to lead. Experience is a substantial component to the strategies one employs on a battlefield. It is for that reason that myself and the Third Hydra were kept in reserve in the event there was a substantial break in the lines; only a limited amount of direct experience commanding on that scale. I, nor my people, were sent forward to fight as a result of our placement. This has weighed heavily on my mind since the battle, because we were not called to the front while others fought and died to preserve us and the Compact as we know it. Everyone who fought and especially those who fell have my gratitude and appreciation.

The subject of Pieros turns my mind to another subject. I have noticed something amidst all the celebrations, ceremonies, and other observations of that battle. There has been little to no mention that I've heard of those who stepped forward to lend us aid, who are not part of the Compact. While I did not see them myself, I'm told that there were Cardians among our people during the frenzy of battle. People of another land who stepped forward during a pivotal moment in the Compact's modern history to lend us their aid. Our honor should demand of us that we acknowledge those lives lost alongside our own and metaphorically hoist them up to a place of honor as we would our own. We can disagree on this detail or that regarding another nation's customs, but the fact is that when steel was in hand and the threat of our lands being outright invaded was staring us in the eye? Those who believe in our potential stepped forward to stand and give their lives with us to safeguard our path into the future; even if for one more day.

It is for these reasons that I look to these foreign representatives and offer my gratitude. It is not because I believe we could not have carried the day without their aid or that we would have soon found ourselves bound by decree and chain without them, because to think otherwise would be to dishonor the legacy and efforts of our own people who were lost. I express my condolences and my appreciation because I recognize that they could have simply stood aside and let things unravel as they may. I choose to honor the lives that were given by people not born and raised on this land, who died fighting in support of those who were. They chose to give us their help and that is something that I believe warrants recognition, because it is the right and honorable thing to do. I'm at greater personal ease respecting someone who has fought and fallen beside my people, than spitting in their face in disrespect after the battle has only recently ended.

This is why I am seeking a sculptor to create the memorial I envision. It is to be an acknowledgement of that cooperation between our people.

In other news! The renovations of the Salon continue, but a good deal of it has been completed through the fashionable and extremely talented efforts of (the now) Guildmaster of the Crafter's Guild, Caprice Artiglio! I could not be more pleased with the results that we've had thus far and have truly come to appreciate the Guildmaster's extremely creative and industrious mind. While it's not our first time working together on some project or another? It is the first time in recent history and I foresee my seeking to enlist her talents whenever she will permit me, because she's just that impressive. While I will not go into detail regarding the letter that I wrote to her upon her being named the new Crafter's Guildmaster? I will echo a small portion of it here: she has joined a legacy of great names, but I am optimistic hers will climb to those same heights by the end of her tenure - if not before.

The renovations were made possible by a charitable donation by Duchess Cambria Mazetti. Her generosity has granted us the means to update and, dare I say, refine the furnishings and decor that it may hopefully provide greater comfort to the Empirical’s guests. Because the Salon does not charge membership fees in the interest of creating an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, it’s often considered a hindrance to the potential for that dialogue. As a result the Salon continues to thrive from the generosity of its friends and patrons, so that we may keep the place functional and the conversations flowing. We should consider commemorating those who give freely; perhaps a statue? Too expensive, I think. Maybe a small bust or plaque somewhere within the Empirical itself? We’ll think of something.

Another matter that I wish to write about is my excitement for the expedition that I am arranging in support of Lady Mabelle Laurent's effort to create a new cultural dist

They've come. I can hear them. Seeking us, with their grubby hands and uncouth manner. The children.

Cambria is hiding here with me, journal. I hope that she will not give away our position. If we are discovered because of her? The Sentinel, Gloria, all of the Pantheon, please, forgive me for what I must do.

I should stop writing now, they may hear the scratching and then it will be an endless flurry of question upon question upon question upon question if we're discovered.

I've enjoyed being inside you,
Hadr


((The journal ends abruptly. A portion of it has been saturated with dark ink, while the edges of it seem to feature inky finger marks, as though someone was trying to grab it.))

Written By Haakon

May 19, 2021, 5:44 p.m.(7/3/1015 AR)

I'll soon be calling ships and spears for a reaving into the waters of the Lang Drager.

Scouts have found a knot of Arvani renegades and Abandoned tribes stirring up shit. Best cut the lot out now, ere their trouble grows.

Written By Viviana

May 19, 2021, 10:01 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)

A passionate heart with deep pockets and a pretty face -

or, alternatively, someone coldly ambitious (isn't that what all Pravus want, Scholar?)

- seeking same. Must be good with being second to the sea.

No - /third/ to the sea. That sounds right. Second to me.

That's the right order

Me, the sea, and you.

Written By Valenzo

May 19, 2021, 6:13 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)

Things that Corbin the Crow keeps repeating or has learned to say:

"Go away! Go away!" Spoken by yours truly.
"He was a prince there." - Ev
"Yours?" some scarred fellow I came across in the Black Crow.
"Kia..." - Lord Domonico.
"HA!" Don't recognise this one. Some crew member, maybe?

Ev's right. It's just a silly bird. I've got more important things to worry about that thinking some crow is out to get me.

Written By Raimon

May 19, 2021, 3:57 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)

Another year passes!
A toast with wine glasses!
A bobbing for apples
with good friends of yore!

Most excellent Hosting!
The laughing; the boasting!
The joy seen in every
new face at the door!

I do think I'd rather,
The next time we gather,
Be older and wiser
from all that's in store

But as for -this- moment
accept this bestowment
In thankful remembrance
of what's come before . . .

Best Wishes for -this- year
with Good Times and Good Cheer
And I'll hope to wish you
a great many more!

Written By Desiree

May 19, 2021, 1:36 a.m.(7/2/1015 AR)

Into the city once more, I'll miss Blancbier while I am away though. I expect with all the parties, fun and even work it won't take long until I forget all about missing home.

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