Written By Helena
Feb. 17, 2019, 10:10 p.m.(8/5/1010 AR)
It was so lovely to celebrate the marriage of Gwenna and Lorenzo at last. Bliss Whisper did a beautiful job -- everything from the decor to the food to the music to the toast was a perfect homage to a most perfect union of winter and summer. The chocolate fountain was a big hit as well, quite a feat of artistry and artifice, though nothing was sweeter than the way Lorenzo looks at Gwenna or vice versa, not even strawberries dressed in ribbons of chocolate.
I can only hope at some point, if I am to wed, I would make as sweet or smart a match as they do, but if it were half as perfect, that might be enough.
I can only hope at some point, if I am to wed, I would make as sweet or smart a match as they do, but if it were half as perfect, that might be enough.
Written By Helena
Feb. 10, 2019, 11 p.m.(7/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Agatha
I am so thrilled to see my eldest sister after so many long months -- our travels seem to conspire against one another, and when I am here, she is there, or I am there, and she is here. For now, we are both, wonder of wonders, in Arx, so the world should tremble in fear, for all three of this branch of Redrain's daughters are here together. She is as beautiful and strong as I remember her, and I hope that my bravery will one day be half as much as hers.
Written By Helena
Feb. 10, 2019, 10:57 p.m.(7/19/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
The heat has its downsides, but it also has some perks. One was having a lovely little chat with Dame Ferron, as it was much too warm to run the forge. We chatted about weaponry and artistry and the need to learn to protect oneself. I did give a suggestion or two for pieces she might work on, and I'll be so thrilled if any of them come to see the light! I can't make things like she does, so beautiful and strong and useful, but if I gave even the tiniest bit of inspiration to the smallest glimmer of an idea, I will consider myself useful.
Also, the world can never have too many hairpins. I'm sure my sister Elgana will agree with that.
Also, the world can never have too many hairpins. I'm sure my sister Elgana will agree with that.
Written By Helena
Jan. 31, 2019, 1:57 a.m.(6/25/1010 AR)
Never before in my life have I been discouraged from being inquisitive and curious, from trying to learn more. But now I know the danger that comes with reaching for something someone doesn't want learned.
I hope I can be brave enough to continue searching. I hope that if I find what it is I seek, I will be wise enough to know how to use it. And I hope I'm lucky enough to be protected again, should I need it, by forces beyond my ken and understanding.
I know I will be lucky enough to have the understanding of my family and friends -- that is not a matter of hope but a certainty.
I hope I can be brave enough to continue searching. I hope that if I find what it is I seek, I will be wise enough to know how to use it. And I hope I'm lucky enough to be protected again, should I need it, by forces beyond my ken and understanding.
I know I will be lucky enough to have the understanding of my family and friends -- that is not a matter of hope but a certainty.
Written By Helena
Jan. 27, 2019, 8:26 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
Welcome to the world, littlest Redrain cubs, Princess Ailbhe and Princess Siaran!
You are born to wonderful parents and have a huge extended family, and the most beautiful realm to call home up in Farhaven. May you be as bright as the northern skies and as strong as the mountains below them, your highnesses.
You are born to wonderful parents and have a huge extended family, and the most beautiful realm to call home up in Farhaven. May you be as bright as the northern skies and as strong as the mountains below them, your highnesses.
Written By Helena
Jan. 27, 2019, 6:10 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
I passed my second level of testing and now have achieved the rank of Associated Teacher in the Scholars. I am very excited about this but also nervous, as the next path means giving a lecture. I have read many things, but they sometimes get jumbled in my head and come out wrong when I speak, so this makes me nervous. People never believe I'm not a fan of public speaking but it's true.
I'm also indecisive, so choosing a topic is a struggle in and of itself.
To the books, I suppose!
I'm also indecisive, so choosing a topic is a struggle in and of itself.
To the books, I suppose!
Written By Helena
Jan. 18, 2019, 10:53 p.m.(5/21/1010 AR)
I read this last week at my little poetry reading, but after last night's events, and Ashe's reminding us to remember, I thought I would write it here, as well. Thank you to all of those who remember and who have joined in the symbolic wearing of copper. Thank you to Prince Lorenzo for the idea and to those such as Dame Ida, Captain Evaristo, and our Legendary Tailor Petal, for ensuring that all of us can carry a little bit of copper-hued hope with us at all times.
The Day that Copper Fell
Somewhere, a clock stops ticking; quiet is its mourning song
Somewhere, murmurs a lament from lips silent everlong
Somewhere, shakes the ground below a temple black of stone
Somewhere, waits a paramour, feeling evermore alone
Somewhere, shatters a glass-wrought city, shards strewn far apart
Somewhere, stills for breathless moments a forever-beating heart
Somewhere, a castle from another “when” arrives in our “today”
Somewhere, a spark of brightest light bears part of the Dream away
Everywhere, hearts are broken, and one day, tales we will tell
of where we were, and who we were, the day that Copper fell.
The Day that Copper Fell
Somewhere, a clock stops ticking; quiet is its mourning song
Somewhere, murmurs a lament from lips silent everlong
Somewhere, shakes the ground below a temple black of stone
Somewhere, waits a paramour, feeling evermore alone
Somewhere, shatters a glass-wrought city, shards strewn far apart
Somewhere, stills for breathless moments a forever-beating heart
Somewhere, a castle from another “when” arrives in our “today”
Somewhere, a spark of brightest light bears part of the Dream away
Everywhere, hearts are broken, and one day, tales we will tell
of where we were, and who we were, the day that Copper fell.
Written By Helena
Jan. 12, 2019, 9:15 p.m.(5/7/1010 AR)
Today I spent a lovely bit of time writing music of all things with a friend. For those of you who know I do not play with any skill, nor sing aloud except for in the bath (well, no one knew that, but now you do!), it was not I who wrote the melody, but merely found some words to put on parchment.
To hear the words just sketched on a piece of paper, flat and inanimate, come to life with voices of their own -- it's something quite beautiful and inspiring, a new experience to wonder at.
Despite the compliments from my friend, I will not be the one to sing it aloud, should it see the light of day, but I know it will be well received when he does.
To hear the words just sketched on a piece of paper, flat and inanimate, come to life with voices of their own -- it's something quite beautiful and inspiring, a new experience to wonder at.
Despite the compliments from my friend, I will not be the one to sing it aloud, should it see the light of day, but I know it will be well received when he does.
Written By Helena
Jan. 6, 2019, 11:44 p.m.(4/23/1010 AR)
Writer's block's a thing, especially when you have a deadline of a public poetry reading. Hopefully more people will come to this one to keep me from having to read too many pieces of my own work. I've been distracted by so many things lately -- some of them terrifying and some of them wonderful, and all of them worth writing about, except that there are some secrets that I must keep for myself, and some terrors not so easily put in meter and rhyme. Still, quill to parchment, I must write something in case no one else is brave enough to read.
Poets of Arx, please do come and help lift our voices in a more choir of various tones and timbres. Or I will have to inflect another writing prompt as I did last time.
I still may do.
Poets of Arx, please do come and help lift our voices in a more choir of various tones and timbres. Or I will have to inflect another writing prompt as I did last time.
I still may do.
Written By Helena
Jan. 6, 2019, 9:21 p.m.(4/23/1010 AR)
Everywhere I look are glimmers of copper -- A copper scarf, passed from a sea captain to a nobleman, with an exchange of merry words. A copper brooch worn at the neck of a young shopgirl, her dark eyes gleaming with owning something so well-crafted, so hewn with love, and for nothing but the promise to remember and a vow to hope.
Written By Helena
Dec. 30, 2018, 11:15 a.m.(4/8/1010 AR)
The dark clouds, the melancholy and dread, keep coming, wearing different guises. But I find my strength -- meager as it is -- in friends, family and even strangers. Strength comes in different guises too, as does Wisdom. As does Hope.
-in the stranger become friend who sang me a song, who reminds me to value second chances.
-in a Shaman mentor become friend who lets me know I am not alone.
-in the unexpected fervent embrace of one who reminds me there are times to leave dark thoughts behind.
-in the friends who've become family by ties that bind us in ways both welcome and frightening.
-in the cousin whose strength and diplomacy in all things I can only aspire to.
-in the sister and best of friends who buoys me up with every smile and every promise, and has yet to break one.
-in my family and all of our fellow citizens, our soldiers and our leaders, who rise up to fight against that which threatens us.
-in the stranger become friend who sang me a song, who reminds me to value second chances.
-in a Shaman mentor become friend who lets me know I am not alone.
-in the unexpected fervent embrace of one who reminds me there are times to leave dark thoughts behind.
-in the friends who've become family by ties that bind us in ways both welcome and frightening.
-in the cousin whose strength and diplomacy in all things I can only aspire to.
-in the sister and best of friends who buoys me up with every smile and every promise, and has yet to break one.
-in my family and all of our fellow citizens, our soldiers and our leaders, who rise up to fight against that which threatens us.
Written By Helena
Dec. 21, 2018, 2:15 a.m.(3/17/1010 AR)
I feel I have a hundred hearts and they have all been shattered.
People speak of hope. This is wise. I hear. I listen. I still feel broken. My tears spring back each time I push them away. If I don't smile today or tomorrow or the next day, please be patient with me. Share your faith with me and the others who hurt. Share your hope. Share your love.
I'm listening.
I hear you.
Maybe if there are enough words of hope and faith, at least one heart will mend.
It doesn't have to be mine.
People speak of hope. This is wise. I hear. I listen. I still feel broken. My tears spring back each time I push them away. If I don't smile today or tomorrow or the next day, please be patient with me. Share your faith with me and the others who hurt. Share your hope. Share your love.
I'm listening.
I hear you.
Maybe if there are enough words of hope and faith, at least one heart will mend.
It doesn't have to be mine.
Written By Helena
Dec. 17, 2018, 9:58 p.m.(3/11/1010 AR)
The feelings of the past day are hard to sort. Fear and worry and wonder and pain and now...
Now this gray melancholy that seems to burrow its way deep, leaving a hollow within. I fear I may not smile again -- that is dramatic, I know. The sun will show its face again, and I will lift mine up to feel its warmth. For now, at least, the rain washes away that terrible snow.
Green is usually my favorite color. But I think I'll slip my green garments to the back of the wardrobe for a few days at least. I still find it lovely, just not so on snow.
Now this gray melancholy that seems to burrow its way deep, leaving a hollow within. I fear I may not smile again -- that is dramatic, I know. The sun will show its face again, and I will lift mine up to feel its warmth. For now, at least, the rain washes away that terrible snow.
Green is usually my favorite color. But I think I'll slip my green garments to the back of the wardrobe for a few days at least. I still find it lovely, just not so on snow.
Written By Helena
Dec. 15, 2018, 1:56 a.m.(3/5/1010 AR)
A journey is in my future, to the north -- where a part of my heart and soul are perpetual residents, no matter where my body, so it will be good to feel whole again.
Arx is lovely but cannot compare in its man-honed beauty to the crystalline mountain air and expanse of sky found in the northlands. I am lit up within by excitement and also warmth, so touched at being asked to go along in such esteemed company. My quill and ink are at the ready.
Arx is lovely but cannot compare in its man-honed beauty to the crystalline mountain air and expanse of sky found in the northlands. I am lit up within by excitement and also warmth, so touched at being asked to go along in such esteemed company. My quill and ink are at the ready.
Written By Helena
Dec. 9, 2018, 6:40 p.m.(2/22/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Margret
I was lucky enough to hold the tiniest and most handsome Greenmarch today and have a lovely chat with his radiant, brilliant, and beautiful mother. Seeing how Lady Margret is able to do so much for our city as well as bless us with this newest addition to our population, I was inspired to ask her if she would allow me the honor of being her patron. I am sure I will get more out of this new arrangement than she is -- she was probably doing me a favor by saying yes, but I look forward to it, nonetheless.
I'm almost a proper adult these days. Hush, now -- Don't tell anyone.
I'm almost a proper adult these days. Hush, now -- Don't tell anyone.
Written By Helena
Dec. 8, 2018, 11:18 a.m.(2/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Katarina
Some may hate the cold winter weather, but last night it had a charming effect of bringing together friends and strangers at the Vellichorian Academy for a fun game of Princess Katarina's mad but delightful mind. It was clever and silly and dramatic all at once, and I quite enjoyed myself and the company of those present. I look forward to more such games and gatherings, no matter the weather.
Written By Helena
Nov. 20, 2018, 3:12 p.m.(1/11/1010 AR)
Adept Scholar -- It's not yet official, but I have the recommendation upon completion of my test this evening. In truth, I was nervous -- not because I don't have quite a lot of information in my airy head, but because I am never sure if it's quite the right information at times.
The test -- which I had been so anxious about these past few nights -- turned out to be quite enjoyable, or at least, to me. Scholar Oswyn made it seem like this theoretical adventure I was on and it was rather intriguing. I now look forward to helping in such investigations in reality instead of merely my imagination.
And my dear family Redrain, if Scholar Oswyn has the impression that we all drink from strange basins of blood without question, I apologize for that misplaced notion. I simply was hedging my bets on the final question. Luckily he was not too disturbed, and I passed despite some grisly imagery.
The test -- which I had been so anxious about these past few nights -- turned out to be quite enjoyable, or at least, to me. Scholar Oswyn made it seem like this theoretical adventure I was on and it was rather intriguing. I now look forward to helping in such investigations in reality instead of merely my imagination.
And my dear family Redrain, if Scholar Oswyn has the impression that we all drink from strange basins of blood without question, I apologize for that misplaced notion. I simply was hedging my bets on the final question. Luckily he was not too disturbed, and I passed despite some grisly imagery.
Written By Helena
Nov. 8, 2018, 2:41 a.m.(12/14/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
Happiest of birthdays to my sister and a thousand thank yous for my birthday presents as well. Each was beautifully crafted and lovingly chosen by someone who knows my heart through and through. The best present of course is to be treasured every day -- that you are my sister and someone I can look up and whisper my secrets to and tease and praise all at the same time.
Written By Helena
Nov. 3, 2018, 1:34 p.m.(12/5/1009 AR)
Strange days. I feel the pull of mystery and have come across those who beckon me deeper into that unknown, where strange things whisper -- are their secrets ones I wish to know?
Undoubtedly yes.
Should I know them?
That depends on who you ask, I imagine.
Thank you to those who keep me grounded when I might otherwise float away in my daydreams or in my dives into the mysterious. I've been called ethereal at times, flighty at others -- I do need that grounding, that earth, beneath my feet.
Undoubtedly yes.
Should I know them?
That depends on who you ask, I imagine.
Thank you to those who keep me grounded when I might otherwise float away in my daydreams or in my dives into the mysterious. I've been called ethereal at times, flighty at others -- I do need that grounding, that earth, beneath my feet.
Written By Helena
Oct. 21, 2018, 11:59 a.m.(11/4/1009 AR)
My return from the north has been as sweet and warm as a cup of tea with honey. I know that may clash with the image some have of the Redrains -- perhaps the visual of a cup of tea and honey sipped while wearing bear pelts and a crown of antler horns would fit that image better, but tea and honey nonetheless.
And of course, not a small amount of fine northern whiskey. We are Redrains, after all.
My sisters and cousins, either by blood or by bond, as much as I love the north, it is not home without my favorite people in it.
O, and let it be known, Artur is now the Pajama Prince (you're welcome).
And of course, not a small amount of fine northern whiskey. We are Redrains, after all.
My sisters and cousins, either by blood or by bond, as much as I love the north, it is not home without my favorite people in it.
O, and let it be known, Artur is now the Pajama Prince (you're welcome).
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.