Rochester, Jan 3, 25th in the Year of His Royal Majesty King Benedict Fairchild.

We arrived early this morning, greeted on all sides by our host, Mister Chatterton. How grateful I am to Father's dearest friends for this privilege, that we might be comfortable for the remainder of this terrible winter.

Our carriage arrived early yesterday morning, when Eddie was still shaking and covered in a sweat. The kind Doctor Griffin tended to him almost immediately, a gesture Father will undoubtedly repay handsomely I am sure. Mother is in a state - worried for our dear Edwin and praying for his recovery the whole way.

I have promised to visit the Temple with Armie. I shall allow the physicians their space, and pay my own respects to the Gods on my brother’s behalf.

Rochester, Jan. 7 E25

It is with a heavy heart that we said our goodbyes to dear Edwin. The Gods saw fit to return him to their side last night while Mother slept beside his bed. Her heart is broken - all of ours are. I am both gladdened and melancholy that Armie is perhaps too young to understand what has happened yet.

I pray that Eddie is able to rest soundly now. Such sickness for so long - the Gods have shown mercy by taking him in his sleep.

York, Feb. 1 E25

Since Eddie’s passing, Father has been in a frightful state. His concern for the politics of this Kingdom has never been so furious - he speaks only of intrigues & backstabbers at every corner. He is convinced that Eddie was murdered, but the Doctors have said it was sickness that took him from us.

He has requested my presence at his side when he attends Court tomorrow, to beg His Majesty for help in ascertaining the identity of anyone who might have wished our family harm. I hope that he does not seem as mad to them as he has to us as of late.

York, Feb. 5 E25

Although I had many reservations before, I was pleased by the Court. How spectacular it was to walk through the grand doors and into such a beautiful hall. We were greeted by the King Himself - His Majesty was a gracious host.

I was still not relieved by all the fine foods we were gifted, nor did the company of such affluent people bring me any such comfort. His Majesty did not seem to take my Father very seriously, though he was kind enough to listen regardless. Father was so convinced that Edwin’s death was a murder, that the King has promised a Guard to look after us during our stay in the city. I am grateful Father allowed me to attend, as it was illuminating. I never believed Court life would suit me, yet I admit it was all rather exciting.

York, Feb. 6 E28

A letter arrived early yesterday morning addressed to me, an invitation of sorts to attend a festival as an Honored Guest of Lady Charlotte Briscoe. We were all quite surprised by its arrival; I had spoken to the Lady only briefly during our visit to the King yesterday, yet the letter claims I have captured her interests somehow. It would be rude of us visitors to decline such a generous offer, of course, so I arrived with my Father as my escort, for Armand is too young and dear Eddie wouldn’t have enjoyed such a thing even if he were here now.

York, Feb. 7 E28

The festival was remarkable! The finest foods, jewellery, and performers were a grand sight to behold in person. Lady Briscoe was a delight as well - her eccentricities were no mere rumor after all. With her she had no male escorts, only a young male monkey she called “Martin”. It was a sweet thing, quite taken by my hair as I was with his soft fur.

But while I was there, I met an unusual man. He said he was an “inventor”, something of a “genius” - if you would believe the nerve of such an introduction. Quite brash and far too forward for polite company, though if he was truly a guest of the Lady as well, it would not surprise me. I admit his behavior inspired such irritation in me that I left his company without bothering to inquire his name. Just as well - I would very much not like to meet him again, if the Gods would be so kind to me.

York, Mar. 16 E28

Today I received a parcel from "Gabriel", the stranger from Lady Briscoe's festival. Inside was a strange contraption, one that looked entirely foreign to me at first yet it only seems to be a pocket watch of sorts. It is small and gold, with a floral design around its face. It is interesting, but I cannot keep it. If he made this, then it is too valuable for him to sell it than to simply give it away to strangers.

York, Apr. 13 E28

I fear I may have judged him too harshly. In my attempts to once again return the gift, I prayed to The Mother for patience. She answered my prayers and now I have come to know him enough to understand his behavior.

His mind is remarkable. There are countless men who can build, but so few create. He creates things from nothing, the Gods have given him such an extraordinary gift that he can conjure pure fantasy and turn it to reality. The watch he gave me looks so simple yet it is not - he is truly a genius, though I wish he would express humility for it.

Now that he is less of an affront to my senses, I find his company enjoyable. He was kind enough to introduce me to a dear friend of his - Hercules Ridgemont. The man is a genius in his own right as well, one that I am certain Armie would be eager to meet one day given their shared aspirations.

Father returns tomorrow with news from home. Hopefully his presence will bring Mother some much needed peace - I’m afraid she has only grown more despondent as time goes by without Eddie. I am certain Father will be able to lift her spirits.

York, Jul 13 E28

Father has seen fit to meet the Gods by his own hand. I pray he has found peace alongside dear Edwin.

I must tend to Mother and Armie.

York, Aug 20 E28

G’s company has been a blessing to me as of late. My poor Mother is in a sorry state, and I fear Armie has begun to withdraw. Mother insists I focus my attentions on the Court. If I tell her about G, I have no doubt she will insist we cease our meetings, as it is unbecoming of a lady to spend her days with young men like him. Yet, would it be so wrong? Surely when he is older, Armie will make a fine husband and a good man to the Court.

But perhaps Father was right. If Eddie was truly murdered, then surely Armie is not far from their lists. I pray to the Gods that he is kept safe, for I am uncertain Mother would survive another tragedy.

York, Jan 3 E29

The Court is abuzz with news of the Lady Stark’s death. It was a terrible tragedy - to die bringing her first child into the world - yet it is a sacrifice The Mother sometimes demands of us. Lord Stark is already said to be looking for a wife, though I cannot imagine the rumors are true. So soon after his wife’s death, I should hope he is looking after his daughter.

G showed me his newest invention commissioned by the King. It is a grand peacock clock that opens its feathers every hour, with soft chimes to accompany it.

Since Father’s death, I find it is difficult to leave G’s company. My heart is heavy when I am gone from him, and as the days press on and Mother’s interest in my future prospects becomes ever stronger, I fear our time together grows shorter.

York, Mar 17 E29

If Mother had her way, I would be married tomorrow. The rumors about Lord Stark were true after all - his wife’s death has prompted him to seek a new one, and Mother insists it is to be me. It is no wonder she has been so busy at Court, speaking so often to the other ladies. Worse, she has told me I am forbidden to see G. I tried to tell her of my heart’s condition, but she will not have it.

Since Father’s death, she has changed so much. His fears of political intrigue against our family have become hers, and she believes the only way for us to survive is if we marry into the Court’s inner circle.

Though I have heard Lord Stark is a good man, I will not have him. I do not want him, so long as I live, I swear it to the Gods.

York, May 9 E29

Gods forgive me, I have lied to my Mother these past few weeks. My trips to the city with Armie have been my only way to see him without her knowing. While she may be ignorant for now, I know it cannot last forever. I am to meet Lord Stark on the morning, and she is to accompany me. Should he decide to want me, there will be little I can do.

Why does she not understand? She and Father married for love, not for status. This godsforsaken city has changed her so much.

York, May 26 E29

Lord Stark - Brendan - is as the rumors about him say. He is kind and generous, and a true friend to the poor. I admit I did not look forward to seeing him, yet these past weeks have shown me I am still so ignorant of what the Gods have planned for me. Mother insists he favors me above all ladies of the Court, and if she is right then I may yet become the next Lady Stark myself.

I pray to the Gods for guidance. I know what my heart tells me, yet my mind tells me another.

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