Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 7:32 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
Scholars, I began the day proudly declaring that the women of the city were not just decorative flowers. Now the context of that matters and I stand by it. I must confess to a certain momentary frustration when I came back to peruse today's writings to see so many people declaring themselves and their loved ones' place in the garden of the city.
But then I thought about the relationships each of those statements represents. It means we are seeing the unique gifts that each of us brings to this city, how we connect to and see one another. The road we travel down at the moment leads to a dangerous destination. That we travel down it together, each our own individual facing some of the same challenges, each rising to meet them in their own way? It is more beautiful than any individual blossom.
Thank you for showing me that today.
But then I thought about the relationships each of those statements represents. It means we are seeing the unique gifts that each of us brings to this city, how we connect to and see one another. The road we travel down at the moment leads to a dangerous destination. That we travel down it together, each our own individual facing some of the same challenges, each rising to meet them in their own way? It is more beautiful than any individual blossom.
Thank you for showing me that today.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 6:54 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
The Oaks of Oakhaven welcome you.
You do realize I call all the babies and toddlers acorns, though. Well. A kraken among them can only make them stronger.
You do realize I call all the babies and toddlers acorns, though. Well. A kraken among them can only make them stronger.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 12:45 p.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Dafne
I cannot pretend to be an expert in the floral arts, but the name suggests it might match well with Princess Alis' flower of choice.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 12:42 p.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
For my part, I think I have found greater happiness in being an Oak than any flower I might have been mistaken for in youth.
If you wish to be a flower, they grow everywhere. I rather admire the tenacious ones that find ways to flourish unexpectedly.
If you wish to be a flower, they grow everywhere. I rather admire the tenacious ones that find ways to flourish unexpectedly.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 11:49 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
"That's the thing -- flowers aren't just pretty and smell good. They're very useful for a number of things. Medicine, perfume, dyes -- just to name a few. Perhaps people should be slower to jump to conclusions lest they fall on their backsides"
If we are going back to the message I sent after writing in this journal, and its response, let us provide context for our future readers.
I advised that the good Duke might be receiving some dead or dying flowers in the days to come and, yes, made my own impolite comment about feet being in the vicinity of mouths. However, I was making the suggestion that it might rather repair some of the damage of these comments if he donate a certain amount of silver to charity for each bunch of flowers received. I still find that a most worthy idea, especially with so many organizations in need as we focus on the urgency of the battles to come. And should he choose to embrace that idea in the spirit of making this a moment of light, I will further encourage all of you to send many, many wilting flowers to him that might otherwise go to waste. All the better if he employs those who might find purpose in them as perfumes (Those pretty scents for us to wear), as dyes (for that pretty clothing for us to wear), for medicines (No snippy comment here, I actually rather encourage that last).
You seem to be doubling down, m'lord. What you suggest is that you do recognize us as 'useful' and that I am leaping to a conclusion based on your earlier writings. So I have further conclusions to draw about the skill of those writings now, but I will leave that to the aforementioned future readers to infer on their own.
If we are going back to the message I sent after writing in this journal, and its response, let us provide context for our future readers.
I advised that the good Duke might be receiving some dead or dying flowers in the days to come and, yes, made my own impolite comment about feet being in the vicinity of mouths. However, I was making the suggestion that it might rather repair some of the damage of these comments if he donate a certain amount of silver to charity for each bunch of flowers received. I still find that a most worthy idea, especially with so many organizations in need as we focus on the urgency of the battles to come. And should he choose to embrace that idea in the spirit of making this a moment of light, I will further encourage all of you to send many, many wilting flowers to him that might otherwise go to waste. All the better if he employs those who might find purpose in them as perfumes (Those pretty scents for us to wear), as dyes (for that pretty clothing for us to wear), for medicines (No snippy comment here, I actually rather encourage that last).
You seem to be doubling down, m'lord. What you suggest is that you do recognize us as 'useful' and that I am leaping to a conclusion based on your earlier writings. So I have further conclusions to draw about the skill of those writings now, but I will leave that to the aforementioned future readers to infer on their own.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 10:33 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
A most functional and glorious bloom, to be sure. And I imagine that in motion, you are a spectacularly lethal bouquet.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 26, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
The women of this city, be they noble or common, be they unmarried or not, are not flowers to decorate some noble's hall or chamber. Look to our warriors, our scholars, our leaders of the faith, our craftspeople, our diplomats, our justice. If one sees the women you are meeting as sweetly scented ornaments, one of which might fulfill a 'need', you will be missing out rather entirely on seeing the gardens, the forests, the continents each and every one of us is capable of being.
Each with the potential for thorns, for worms in the roots, for the richness of the soil that raised us up.
And yes. Occasionally having to deal with rather a lot of bull-droppings to deal with when it comes to fertilization.
Each with the potential for thorns, for worms in the roots, for the richness of the soil that raised us up.
And yes. Occasionally having to deal with rather a lot of bull-droppings to deal with when it comes to fertilization.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 25, 2018, 1:41 a.m.(1/12/1008 AR)
Well that was both a disappointingly and reassuringly short engagement all at the same time.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 24, 2018, 9:51 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kael
I have noticed that many of the happy memories shared have a bittersweet tone in them - complicated relationships, moments of something like light in bleak time. I've had moments of cheer untouched by anger or sadness, but I can go along with the theme and perhaps make a gift to my nephew and a peace offering to his cousin, Baroness Blackshore. It is a memory of someone else's happiness.
Nadine was so very happy for a time. It started with those small, bashful looks that would arise for no apparent reason to her younger siblings. Grins at the oddest moments. Rushed partings in the middle of conversations after getting a message, always with the flimsiest of reasons, always with the fleetest of feet.
She only really confided in me the once, one giddy evening talking about how handsome he was, his smile, how absolutely smitten and in love she was.
There was a time, my dear nephew, when your mother was at her happiest, and it was your father that made it so. It may all have gone amiss, but you should know that much was done right. She would be proud of you as I am.
Nadine was so very happy for a time. It started with those small, bashful looks that would arise for no apparent reason to her younger siblings. Grins at the oddest moments. Rushed partings in the middle of conversations after getting a message, always with the flimsiest of reasons, always with the fleetest of feet.
She only really confided in me the once, one giddy evening talking about how handsome he was, his smile, how absolutely smitten and in love she was.
There was a time, my dear nephew, when your mother was at her happiest, and it was your father that made it so. It may all have gone amiss, but you should know that much was done right. She would be proud of you as I am.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 23, 2018, 12:16 p.m.(1/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Kael
You are not foolish, nephew. I hope that makes her proud.
Even if I may begrudge the years we have not had to know one another, I will be forever grateful to your good governess' work in making you the young man that came to Oakhaven, the young man that serves Oakhaven, and the young man that leads Oakhaven.
Even if I may begrudge the years we have not had to know one another, I will be forever grateful to your good governess' work in making you the young man that came to Oakhaven, the young man that serves Oakhaven, and the young man that leads Oakhaven.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 23, 2018, 12:12 p.m.(1/9/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
What a fascinating idea! I must remember to write to request a copy of the book. When we have had a chance to read it, would it be possible to organize a group to discuss the concepts you have set forth?
I am very much looking forward to reading your work.
M Keaton
I am very much looking forward to reading your work.
M Keaton
Written By Margerie
Jan. 22, 2018, 11:23 a.m.(1/7/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aeryn
Aeryn, dear, is that last note about the birdcage?
Written By Margerie
Jan. 21, 2018, 6:52 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
Low key and quiet, an auction. Hmmm. Perhaps some sort of penalty for breaking the silence? Or a contest to see who can keep their silence longest?
There would need to be music, of course. It might get rather alarmingly silent otherwise.
Oh! I saw you at the gala, and while we may not have met, you are a most energetic hostess! Thank you for all you and yours did for such a lovely event.
There would need to be music, of course. It might get rather alarmingly silent otherwise.
Oh! I saw you at the gala, and while we may not have met, you are a most energetic hostess! Thank you for all you and yours did for such a lovely event.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 21, 2018, 10:11 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Traditionally, the day after the gala may unfold in one of two ways.
The day of eating: This is the day of wearing very comfortable clothing and glowering at anyone that might want you to be more formal. And upon this day of comfortable waistlines, one replenishes body and spirit.
The day of thinking food is the worst idea ever: This is more frequent in those who could have followed the little food before and high drink content during mode of attack.
Be kind to your loved ones that might have indulged in the latter.
Be mischievous but not too cruel to your foes.
And wish Lord and the new Lady Telmar your congratulations!
The day of eating: This is the day of wearing very comfortable clothing and glowering at anyone that might want you to be more formal. And upon this day of comfortable waistlines, one replenishes body and spirit.
The day of thinking food is the worst idea ever: This is more frequent in those who could have followed the little food before and high drink content during mode of attack.
Be kind to your loved ones that might have indulged in the latter.
Be mischievous but not too cruel to your foes.
And wish Lord and the new Lady Telmar your congratulations!
Written By Margerie
Jan. 20, 2018, 3:56 p.m.(1/4/1008 AR)
Mind, for all the fuss of preparing for these events, I cannot help thinking that this one is well timed. We live in days and weeks of anxiety. Fate hangs heavy over all of us. Some families already have so much to grieve. But if for a few hours we can feel as though there is something to celebrate, it is a worthy cause and then some.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 20, 2018, 3:51 p.m.(1/4/1008 AR)
For those wondering what it's like preparing for events like the galas being held, here are some of the little things it entails:
Food! You will likely find you have missed food very much in the days coming up to the event, the better to fit into your clothing properly. Depending on the attire you have chosen, it may be a cruel twist of fate that the tables will be laden with the most scrumptious looking morsels one can imagine. Yet instead the imagination works overtime with visions of split seams or foregoing sitting the rest of the evening.
Pain! You will make friends with pain as your hair is teased and tested in different arrangements to find just the one to go with your clothing and chosen jewels. You will learn to better appreciate easy breathing as you are cinched and corsetted to within an inch of your life. But these things are not without their rewards. There are few pleasures more exquisite than when the ties are loosened at the end of the night and ones body remembers that there is a natural shape to be enjoyed. The well off are fortunate that we can afford excellent tailors, so there is not too much pricking of pins. Herein let me emphasize the importance of Not Being a Dick to those that are making things for you, or fitting you in them. I think that's rather an important lesson whether you're picking up the daily bread or having a throne made.
Hydration! Drink plenty of water, but even tea is a bit of a chance as it may stain ones teeth. Note that between points one and three, the libations at any celebration may be even more intoxicating than the norm. So much like the food, one may find themselves more looking longingly than indulging.
Time: There will never be quite enough. Always plan on an extra hour. Two if you are a pet owner.
Speaking of this, I really must find Norwood. I think he's made off with one of my slippers.
Food! You will likely find you have missed food very much in the days coming up to the event, the better to fit into your clothing properly. Depending on the attire you have chosen, it may be a cruel twist of fate that the tables will be laden with the most scrumptious looking morsels one can imagine. Yet instead the imagination works overtime with visions of split seams or foregoing sitting the rest of the evening.
Pain! You will make friends with pain as your hair is teased and tested in different arrangements to find just the one to go with your clothing and chosen jewels. You will learn to better appreciate easy breathing as you are cinched and corsetted to within an inch of your life. But these things are not without their rewards. There are few pleasures more exquisite than when the ties are loosened at the end of the night and ones body remembers that there is a natural shape to be enjoyed. The well off are fortunate that we can afford excellent tailors, so there is not too much pricking of pins. Herein let me emphasize the importance of Not Being a Dick to those that are making things for you, or fitting you in them. I think that's rather an important lesson whether you're picking up the daily bread or having a throne made.
Hydration! Drink plenty of water, but even tea is a bit of a chance as it may stain ones teeth. Note that between points one and three, the libations at any celebration may be even more intoxicating than the norm. So much like the food, one may find themselves more looking longingly than indulging.
Time: There will never be quite enough. Always plan on an extra hour. Two if you are a pet owner.
Speaking of this, I really must find Norwood. I think he's made off with one of my slippers.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 18, 2018, 9:55 p.m.(12/28/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
Well, the frogs are a probability, but really you should see how he reacts to ducks. He can't be trusted near them! One moment it's fine, the next he's up to his ears in mud, tracking it everywhere. I've caught him a time or two at the window staring out at them, and the look in his eyes. He's quite nearly mastered the art of getting whatever he wants from people with just a glance from those big dark eyes.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 18, 2018, 1:45 p.m.(12/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Yes, but then I'm the one having the leash tugged out of my hand and chasing after him. I probably won't be the one stuck giving him a bath, but still.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 18, 2018, 12:04 p.m.(12/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Oh, do be careful where you do that. I'm afraid Norwood might take to chasing the frogs.
Written By Margerie
Jan. 17, 2018, 7:58 p.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
A young man asked me if I would cheer for those going to war.
And of course I will. I will cheer, I will lift my voice in support. I will see and honor their courage and their service. It is worthy of celebration.
But I look at this lad, so much promise and brightness, and I find myself thinking of how many people I miss. And I am not so very old, and yet in that moment I feel every year.
I look at this lad and wonder how many he will miss and how soon.
You young men and women who go to battle in the days to come, may you find the bravery and strength the rest of us see in you. Know that it is not a service we ask for lightly. I will know the names of all who go to battle in Oakhaven's name, and I will know the names of all that do not return. And all will have a place of honor in my heart.
And of course I will. I will cheer, I will lift my voice in support. I will see and honor their courage and their service. It is worthy of celebration.
But I look at this lad, so much promise and brightness, and I find myself thinking of how many people I miss. And I am not so very old, and yet in that moment I feel every year.
I look at this lad and wonder how many he will miss and how soon.
You young men and women who go to battle in the days to come, may you find the bravery and strength the rest of us see in you. Know that it is not a service we ask for lightly. I will know the names of all who go to battle in Oakhaven's name, and I will know the names of all that do not return. And all will have a place of honor in my heart.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.