Written By Lucita
Dec. 1, 2022, 10:07 a.m.(12/19/1018 AR)
One finds the warmth of friendship and creating joint plans to improve the economy of holdings is as comforting as an old familiar song beside a cozy fire on cold autumn evenings. It signals hope for the future, that one is not standing alone, and helps ensure continuation if things go wrong.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 20, 2022, 10:08 a.m.(11/25/1018 AR)
My oldest twins are growing up so fast! They are already almost as tall as me, must take after their father, Estaban, in that. They have his rakish grin, too, especially when they are evading questions about whatever mischief they have been into while I was away from the Tower.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 18, 2022, 3:57 p.m.(11/21/1018 AR)
I am a Baroness-regent who freely admits that music is my passion. I sing, play a variety of instruments and do the usual acting and dancing that sometimes accompanies various songs, else one looks like a stiff stick standing there warbling.
When I travel, I sometimes use these skills as a bard. It gets one a welcome and treated to drinks and good food in most villages and hamlets. Singing in those circumstances is a pleasure. I must admit though that one of the lousiest songs I ever composed on the spot was when facing a slaver trying to capture me. I sang at him and taunted him as I cut his belt and pant waist so they fell to slow him down and eventually managed to get past his hatchets and get rid of him. I think the other slavers who evaded the group of those freeing the captives could not decide if the man died of embarassment or from the wounds I gave him. And believe me, it was such a lousy song, it does not bear being committed to paper unless it undergoes some serious rewording.
When I travel, I sometimes use these skills as a bard. It gets one a welcome and treated to drinks and good food in most villages and hamlets. Singing in those circumstances is a pleasure. I must admit though that one of the lousiest songs I ever composed on the spot was when facing a slaver trying to capture me. I sang at him and taunted him as I cut his belt and pant waist so they fell to slow him down and eventually managed to get past his hatchets and get rid of him. I think the other slavers who evaded the group of those freeing the captives could not decide if the man died of embarassment or from the wounds I gave him. And believe me, it was such a lousy song, it does not bear being committed to paper unless it undergoes some serious rewording.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 8, 2022, 9:52 a.m.(10/28/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirk
Despite the unsettling times, we still make time for friends and allies. Lord Mirk is such a wise man and so knowledgeable. He has earned my respect many times over.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 6, 2022, 9:20 a.m.(10/24/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
Charming, skillful, loyal and savvy. That's my cousin!
Written By Lucita
Nov. 1, 2022, 10:12 a.m.(9/2/1018 AR)
Sometimes 'interesting' things happen at the Bloodmoon Masquerade. Sometimes one wishes they had stayed at home and watched the skys from the balcony.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 22, 2022, 10:47 p.m.(8/11/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Sebastian
Such a wonderful artist. He puts so much emotion into his paintings.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 16, 2022, 10:58 a.m.(7/26/1018 AR)
Such a lovely meal and wonderful stories shared amid friends and allies at the Thrax Dinner last night. Princess Denica mentioned painting a mural featuring bits of those stories. I could imagine the inner sighs of relief from some there that none of the embarrassing or overly risque ones were told.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 9, 2022, 9:51 p.m.(7/13/1018 AR)
My oldest twins are 10, my youngest twins are almost 3. The years fly by so fast.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 4, 2022, 11:29 a.m.(7/2/1018 AR)
Watching the expression on the guard's face as they tried to make heads or tails of my musical notations and the hatchwork of attempts at lyrics and my 'to-do' list was amusing. I kept wondering if phrases like the 'the beating rhythm of a bluebird's wings' or '...impatient shouts at the garden gate' were thought to be some sort of code, along with 'send funds to castle builders, check on wine shipment delays, order more salve for Ringo's scratches on Golden's nose' were thought to be some sort of secret code or if they even could read them.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 24, 2022, 11:14 a.m.(6/10/1018 AR)
It was interesting to see sailors and soldiers learning a new song to sing together. Rough voices, sweet ones, some who could not sing at all and merely chanted... or growled the words yet all with the same intent, the same effort, to encourage thralls, 'help yourselves, we're here to help free you, now do your part'. Maybe that simple song is a little seed that can grow and spread amid the thralls and end this conflict. May Skald and Jayus bless the effort.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 18, 2022, 11:17 a.m.(5/26/1018 AR)
A bard always has plans, creating a new song, which instrument to play.. or not. Which event or location in which to indulge in musical expressioin and which garb best suits the occasion, if just one more glass of wine (or rum or whiskey) will make the songs flow more easily or might make the lyrics become garbled also might enter into a bard's plans.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 2, 2022, 1:42 p.m.(4/23/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Quenia
Cousins, allies, friends of many years. It is my pleasure to provide music occasionally for your gatherings.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 2, 2022, 1:39 p.m.(4/23/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Talwyn
Talwyn's Song - April 1018
Oh, sweet Tally, how I miss you, dear
Yet only in my dreams do you appear.
I watch the seas for you every day
Wondering how long you'd stay away
When your duty draws you to Saikland.
To watch o'r our children I understand.
But my Tally, with your musical gift,
Those songs you play our spirits lift.
And here is where you are needed now
Bring the children, make a way somehow.
Sweet handsome Tally, you have to know
Without you at my side, my burdens grow.
Our music, so beautiful, true and pure
Is needed in Arx, its people to assure.
Come home and share your joy and dreams
Being apart is far harder than it seems.
On the gentle wind this song I release
Hoping soon this loneliness will cease.
Oh, sweet Tally, how I miss you, dear
Yet only in my dreams do you appear.
I watch the seas for you every day
Wondering how long you'd stay away
When your duty draws you to Saikland.
To watch o'r our children I understand.
But my Tally, with your musical gift,
Those songs you play our spirits lift.
And here is where you are needed now
Bring the children, make a way somehow.
Sweet handsome Tally, you have to know
Without you at my side, my burdens grow.
Our music, so beautiful, true and pure
Is needed in Arx, its people to assure.
Come home and share your joy and dreams
Being apart is far harder than it seems.
On the gentle wind this song I release
Hoping soon this loneliness will cease.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 27, 2022, 11:06 a.m.(4/10/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Neilda
A bad-ass leader for the Saik navy. I admire her skills and courage. She has matured over the last few years and stepped up when she was needed and for that, has my gratitude. She and my twin Ariella are close to kindred spirits I think.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 27, 2022, 11:02 a.m.(4/10/1018 AR)
In heated battles, especially naval ones, it is hard to keep track of friends and allies. All you can do is watch the enemy ships coming at you, try to dodge incoming arrows and the blades of boarders, protect your crew as best you can and keep hope and determination strong.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 21, 2022, 7:54 p.m.(3/27/1018 AR)
I have an entry in the bard's contest tonight. It is not as polished as I like my songs to be, the meter is not quite right in some lines but a good singer can prolong some words or shorten others to make it fit the music. Time just ran out. There has been so much to do, music has not had the focus I usually put into it.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 14, 2022, 2:56 p.m.(3/13/1018 AR)
Digging through rubble is no easy task, chip away a bit of mortar here, haul away a bucket of dirt over there, help roll a stone out the way and sing... yes sing, sing loud and long to let those trapped in the rubble know you are there and trying to get to them, give them hope. It is hard to sing when one's throat is choked up with sorrow and fear yet determination and years of training help to soldier through that and continue. The Song of the Sentinel was what I sang, the one that lets people know he is there when one is troubled and have a thrist for justice. This horrible mess is most definately in need of justice to correct this wrong-doing to Artshall and its citizens.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 4, 2022, 11:18 a.m.(2/20/1018 AR)
My mind needed a break from all the turmoil and the puzzling over the riddles that have presented themselves lately. I spent a few days enjoying the gardens and library at the Golden Hart then retreated to my music room to compose an instrumental piece and a dance to accompany it. If I manage to polish it up in time, will display it at the Bard's College winter concert.
Written By Lucita
July 31, 2022, 12:38 p.m.(2/13/1018 AR)
I must remember to vary my instrument playing and practices more often. I've been neglecting the harp because it reminds me so much of Talwyn. I miss my husband while he is away from the tower.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.