Written By Sonnet
Oct. 13, 2023, 10:01 p.m.(1/3/1021 AR)
I got a pretty gift today. It's mine now. A human made a spiderweb out of metal and it's perfect. I'm supposed to share it but I won't. Unless it's Symonesse.
Written By Magaen
Oct. 13, 2023, 9:06 p.m.(1/3/1021 AR)
I ache to see my son. Leaving him at Glacial Grove is made harder by knowing that being there troubles his sleep. I have asked Charlemagne to keep his days busy with sword practice and Faith study - I know I can rely on him for both to protect and prepare Charon's heir. I have also asked him to keep Trevor out of Fidel's wanderings into the forest.
Written By Jan
Oct. 13, 2023, 8:04 p.m.(1/3/1021 AR)
I've moved back to the Kay for the moment to ensure I am on hand if there is trouble. I know I don't need to worry about Pasquale but I inevitably will anyway. Up until there's something to worry about then I expect my focus will be solely on my family and fealty.
Written By Ripley
Oct. 13, 2023, 7:33 p.m.(1/3/1021 AR)
I don't like this. It's going to get noisy.
Written By Aelgar
Oct. 13, 2023, 10:42 a.m.(1/2/1021 AR)
I am doing a review of the Archives security and safety. The lace has had many such to ensure it can withstand fire and earthquake or whatever, but one more time around cannot hurt. I am in awe of the size and complexity of this place, something that comes right into my face when I am doing such a thorough walkabout...
Written By Emmelline
Oct. 12, 2023, 10:22 p.m.(1/1/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Met the lady Eirene today. She is such an amiable sort, just the same in many ways as lady Medeia. I will enjoy working with obth of them. though I think lady Eirene at least, will be out in the filed moe, should war come to our lands. I was made liaison of the valardin ward today. Which sounds amazing, and I was told in some respect what my duties will entail. But... I am still unsure on my job, and hope I will receive some training sooner than later.
Written By Jaenelle
Oct. 12, 2023, 9:19 p.m.(1/1/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Leona
Leona,
I thought you would be happy to hear I have replaced you with Lord Cillian. Both of our twins are off doing things without us, so we felt it best to team up here in Arx and be each other's replacement twin. It is working out wonderfully, though I do admit I need to set up Thursday morning breakfasts with him as we used to do. I am sure the chef in the King's Own tower won't be too upset when we arrive. I have perfected the pout enough to atleast get us a dozen pastries.
We shall be 38 this year? 37? It seems as if each year older is just like the last. Especially after you left and I was forced to celebrate alone. Granted you did surprise me that one year and it might have been my favorite surprise ever. Much better than the year you gifted me a rug. I never actually asked why you gave me a rug, but it still rests on the floor of my chambers. You'll also be happy to know that the Whirlpool came to Lenosia for a bit before venturing off once more. I hope that the time spent in the south gave it some much needed rest and self reflection. He wasn't sad anymore at least, so that will always be a win in my book.
The entry can't be completely happy, nothing in life is, and I know if I didn't write at least one troubling thing you'd give me a look that without words speaks everything. The city has been threatened. I know you love her, and I know this news would ignite something inside you that no one should witness, but please remember your love for humanity as well. Know that we are doing our best to see that she stands and endures as she alway has. Keep your faith. Please.
I suppose I should also say that I will do my best to survive whatever dangers may come. It has not always been easy to do so, but I know how angry my death would make you and I would rather not experience that. You are the intimidating one, after all. If I die ill be late to your return to Arx and I do hate to be late for anything.
Come home soon, you are so very missed.
I thought you would be happy to hear I have replaced you with Lord Cillian. Both of our twins are off doing things without us, so we felt it best to team up here in Arx and be each other's replacement twin. It is working out wonderfully, though I do admit I need to set up Thursday morning breakfasts with him as we used to do. I am sure the chef in the King's Own tower won't be too upset when we arrive. I have perfected the pout enough to atleast get us a dozen pastries.
We shall be 38 this year? 37? It seems as if each year older is just like the last. Especially after you left and I was forced to celebrate alone. Granted you did surprise me that one year and it might have been my favorite surprise ever. Much better than the year you gifted me a rug. I never actually asked why you gave me a rug, but it still rests on the floor of my chambers. You'll also be happy to know that the Whirlpool came to Lenosia for a bit before venturing off once more. I hope that the time spent in the south gave it some much needed rest and self reflection. He wasn't sad anymore at least, so that will always be a win in my book.
The entry can't be completely happy, nothing in life is, and I know if I didn't write at least one troubling thing you'd give me a look that without words speaks everything. The city has been threatened. I know you love her, and I know this news would ignite something inside you that no one should witness, but please remember your love for humanity as well. Know that we are doing our best to see that she stands and endures as she alway has. Keep your faith. Please.
I suppose I should also say that I will do my best to survive whatever dangers may come. It has not always been easy to do so, but I know how angry my death would make you and I would rather not experience that. You are the intimidating one, after all. If I die ill be late to your return to Arx and I do hate to be late for anything.
Come home soon, you are so very missed.
Written By Sen'azala
Oct. 12, 2023, 10:47 a.m.(12/28/1020 AR)
I've known where I wanted to be for just about as far back as I've got memories. I've imagined it. Dreamed about it. Plotted for it. Laid awake all night thinking about it. The only thing that's ever really been uncertain for me about my destination is the path I'll actually have to cut to get there. What I'll do, how I'll do it, how long it will take.
I don't...
You'd think I'd have given more thought about who I'd be when I got there. I didn't see why it would matter. Who cares what type of a person it is who kills a monster, so long as the monster is dead? People who are comfortable enough they feel like they can afford to be picky, that's who. That's never been me. And I've not done nearly enough good to qualify as a good person. You can't balance good things you've done against bad things you've done like some sort of moral ledger. I was going to kill the monster. That's what mattered, and that's all that mattered.
The thing is, good people, they just sort of...tug at you. Usually only a little, sometimes quite a lot. Often they're not even trying to do it, but eventually it starts corrupting you. It chips away at all the stupid shit you think you know. Rots at your reasons and excuses for not caring. They care. And if you don't watch out, you start caring too. At first, it's just because they do. You don't want to see them disappointed. You don't want to see them hurt. There's a room on a dark night where they're all grieving, and you just don't quite understand. The loss isn't yours. You don't know why you're there, except that they let you come with them. Let you stay. Let you see them vulnerable in a way you'd never, ever have let them see you.
I think about that night often. Nearly every day, of late. I think...maybe that's where it happened. Maybe that's where it set in. A night when the people I didn't realize were my friends were crying. The whole world changed that night. Maybe I did too.
And I think...there's someone I never met, who was a good person. A very good person. Maybe one of the best people, in the end. I wouldn't be quite who I am, where I am, in the way I am, if she hadn't left such a large, empty space in the people who loved her.
Did this entry somehow turn into a bizarre eulogy for a stranger? I don't know. You leave ripples, even when you're gone. Even when the people who loved you are gone. Maybe even when the people who loved them are gone. That's what I hope, anyway.
I don't...
You'd think I'd have given more thought about who I'd be when I got there. I didn't see why it would matter. Who cares what type of a person it is who kills a monster, so long as the monster is dead? People who are comfortable enough they feel like they can afford to be picky, that's who. That's never been me. And I've not done nearly enough good to qualify as a good person. You can't balance good things you've done against bad things you've done like some sort of moral ledger. I was going to kill the monster. That's what mattered, and that's all that mattered.
The thing is, good people, they just sort of...tug at you. Usually only a little, sometimes quite a lot. Often they're not even trying to do it, but eventually it starts corrupting you. It chips away at all the stupid shit you think you know. Rots at your reasons and excuses for not caring. They care. And if you don't watch out, you start caring too. At first, it's just because they do. You don't want to see them disappointed. You don't want to see them hurt. There's a room on a dark night where they're all grieving, and you just don't quite understand. The loss isn't yours. You don't know why you're there, except that they let you come with them. Let you stay. Let you see them vulnerable in a way you'd never, ever have let them see you.
I think about that night often. Nearly every day, of late. I think...maybe that's where it happened. Maybe that's where it set in. A night when the people I didn't realize were my friends were crying. The whole world changed that night. Maybe I did too.
And I think...there's someone I never met, who was a good person. A very good person. Maybe one of the best people, in the end. I wouldn't be quite who I am, where I am, in the way I am, if she hadn't left such a large, empty space in the people who loved her.
Did this entry somehow turn into a bizarre eulogy for a stranger? I don't know. You leave ripples, even when you're gone. Even when the people who loved you are gone. Maybe even when the people who loved them are gone. That's what I hope, anyway.
Written By Triton
Oct. 12, 2023, 10:12 a.m.(12/28/1020 AR)
Elora says we are due for some action. I do not welcome the misery it will bring, but I admit I am looking forward to the exercise. I helped exercise the dogs in the sparing yard a couple days ago and they are better prepared than I am! City life is going to be my end, turning me into a soft and fat alehead. If I survive the attack anticipated, I hope it will bring some opportunity afield.
Written By Emmelline
Oct. 12, 2023, 6:20 a.m.(12/28/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
Met the lady Medeia at the hospital the other day. She is such a gracious lady, and was quite welcoming. I am sure I can learn so much from her, and draw from her experiences. She referred me to a couple other people whom I must seek out within the city. Hopefully, with my return to the guild our visits will not be infrequent, and we might forge a friendship together.
Written By Nadir
Oct. 12, 2023, 4:43 a.m.(12/28/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Patrizio
I was very pleased to learn that Prince Patrizio has become the Archduke of Setara. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead us, and he has my full vote of confidence in addition to my unconditional fealty.
It's a difficult time to take on the heavy burden of leadership. Given the current state of affairs, he faces a trial by fire that could define our future and his legacy. After Archduchess Belladonna made Pravus into a Great House, many will expect even greater things from its next leader.
If anyone can overcome these challenges, it's Archduke Patrizio. I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion. His tenure will be one of great prosperity for Pravus and the Compact. May the Thirteen continue to smile upon us.
It's a difficult time to take on the heavy burden of leadership. Given the current state of affairs, he faces a trial by fire that could define our future and his legacy. After Archduchess Belladonna made Pravus into a Great House, many will expect even greater things from its next leader.
If anyone can overcome these challenges, it's Archduke Patrizio. I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion. His tenure will be one of great prosperity for Pravus and the Compact. May the Thirteen continue to smile upon us.
Written By Nadir
Oct. 12, 2023, 4:42 a.m.(12/28/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Patrizio
I was very pleased to learn that Prince Patrizio has become the Archduke of Setara. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead us, and he has my full vote of confidence in addition to my unconditional fealty.
It's a difficult time to take on the heavy burden of leadership. Given the current state of affairs, he faces a trial by fire that could define our future and his legacy. After Archduchess Belladonna made Pravus into a Great House, many will expect even greater things from its next leader.
If anyone can overcome these challenges, it's Archduke Patrizio. I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion. His tenure will be one of great prosperity for Pravus and the Compact. May the Thirteen continue to smile upon us.
It's a difficult time to take on the heavy burden of leadership. Given the current state of affairs, he faces a trial by fire that could define our future and his legacy. After Archduchess Belladonna made Pravus into a Great House, many will expect even greater things from its next leader.
If anyone can overcome these challenges, it's Archduke Patrizio. I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion. His tenure will be one of great prosperity for Pravus and the Compact. May the Thirteen continue to smile upon us.
Written By Raven
Oct. 11, 2023, 11:35 p.m.(12/27/1020 AR)
I knew I should have returned sooner. It seems as if so much to do and the weight of passing hours is becoming crushing.
Written By Noah
Oct. 11, 2023, 10:07 p.m.(12/27/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Patrizio
Good Luck, Mate.
Written By Raven
Oct. 11, 2023, 7:19 p.m.(12/27/1020 AR)
It's bittersweet to be back. It will be very different from when I was last in Arx, I think. It is going to take some work to rebuild my network of scholars and advisors. Where should I start, I wonder?
Written By Sydney
Oct. 11, 2023, 6:12 p.m.(12/27/1020 AR)
I feel as though I've had just as many nights where I've marveled at how peculiar the weather or the sky is as I've had days where I've marveled at how mundane the weather or the sky is. It's difficult to even say 'these are strange times' when so much of my life has been a strange time.
These are, quite simply, the times we live in.
We can wail and gnash our teeth about it, or we can square our shoulders and face them head on. On second thought, I don't mind a bit of both. Square your shoulders, /and/ gnash your teeth.
A well-timed bite has always been quite an effective thing, in my experience.
These are, quite simply, the times we live in.
We can wail and gnash our teeth about it, or we can square our shoulders and face them head on. On second thought, I don't mind a bit of both. Square your shoulders, /and/ gnash your teeth.
A well-timed bite has always been quite an effective thing, in my experience.
Written By Emmelline
Oct. 11, 2023, 2:47 p.m.(12/26/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Patrizio
Met Prince Patrizio the other day. He is quite an amiable sort of man. I hope we can forge a friendship. We spoke of so many things, though I will admit much of it went quite over my head. I am afraid, that he will think me quite daft.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 10, 2023, 1:20 p.m.(12/24/1020 AR)
Had a lovely outing at the Murder of Crows. Can't say that the stew has improved with time, but whatever's in it - and I always prefer not to know - it never ceases to bring nostalgia with it. The cheapest bowl in the Burroughs.
Remembering where you came from is an important part of guiding the trajectory of your life.
I remember where I came from.
It's a relief to have clarity, after all this time. Nothing's changed, really, only that my mind's made up. It's surprising how much comfort it is to have a clear path forward. Once you know the path, you can start preparing for it, and set out walking. Far better than blindly walking in circles.
I know where I want to go. Time to walk.
Remembering where you came from is an important part of guiding the trajectory of your life.
I remember where I came from.
It's a relief to have clarity, after all this time. Nothing's changed, really, only that my mind's made up. It's surprising how much comfort it is to have a clear path forward. Once you know the path, you can start preparing for it, and set out walking. Far better than blindly walking in circles.
I know where I want to go. Time to walk.
Written By Emmelline
Oct. 9, 2023, 11:43 p.m.(12/23/1020 AR)
It's been awhile since I've been in the city proper. I've been catching up on the events that have past since I last was here. I am truly saddened to hear the passing of Prince Niklas. I remember he and his wife, and how truly in love they were. I still remember that winter's event, when he and she went on that sled ride, where in both of them ended up unceremoniously in the snow. My goodness, how many years ago was that? It was back when they were only just married. It seems though, that Sabella is coping well with the lost. I am only sorry I could not be there during her time of need. I considered both her husband, and she close friends.
Written By Raven
Oct. 9, 2023, 11:20 p.m.(12/23/1020 AR)
Hello, Arx. I have returned. Just in time for the fun it seems. Eager to see all those that I left and have missed while I was away.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.