Written By Helena
July 29, 2022, 5:04 p.m.(2/9/1018 AR)
I find it serendipitous to find so many mentions of poetry in the whites the week I've returned home after so long away. It is a fond wish that I have been missed at least a fraction as much as I've missed this city and its dreamers.
* * *
We are all creators for we all dream,
and in our slumber, our minds craft
a universe uncharted, wrought of thought.
* * *
We are all creators for we all dream,
and in our slumber, our minds craft
a universe uncharted, wrought of thought.
Written By Helena
March 1, 2020, 8:14 p.m.(11/8/1012 AR)
I would like to write here a name for the sake of posterity: La'viena.
She was brave and she was selfless. She sacrificed herself long, long ago, to give her people the gift of time -- time to escape chains that would bind them. Some were not so lucky, and lost their names to that foe. Because names are important, I write hers here again: La'viena, poet and hero.
In her name, I vow to do whatever I can to stand against slavery and to uphold liberty.
Unfortunately, I have no gift with weapons; whatever small talent I have is with the quill, and so I am putting together a collection of poetry, with the help of Lord Rysen Crovane, on the matter of liberty. I do hope all poets of the city will send me a work or two to include in the anthology. Proceeds will be donated to the Liberators of Skald, of course, to benefit former thralls and former slaves in remaking a life for themselves without chains or fetters. Anyone reading this is welcome to contact either of us with queries or submissions.
She was brave and she was selfless. She sacrificed herself long, long ago, to give her people the gift of time -- time to escape chains that would bind them. Some were not so lucky, and lost their names to that foe. Because names are important, I write hers here again: La'viena, poet and hero.
In her name, I vow to do whatever I can to stand against slavery and to uphold liberty.
Unfortunately, I have no gift with weapons; whatever small talent I have is with the quill, and so I am putting together a collection of poetry, with the help of Lord Rysen Crovane, on the matter of liberty. I do hope all poets of the city will send me a work or two to include in the anthology. Proceeds will be donated to the Liberators of Skald, of course, to benefit former thralls and former slaves in remaking a life for themselves without chains or fetters. Anyone reading this is welcome to contact either of us with queries or submissions.
Written By Helena
Feb. 8, 2020, 5 p.m.(9.588218832671958/19.940254629629628/1012.7156849027226 AR)
Farhaven is now home to a Lodge of Petrichor, though I am thrilled to note that many of the locals simply call it the Leolan Lodge. It truly is the brainchild of Dame Leola, and so her name being spoken whenever it is mentioned is only fitting, though I know she is far too modest and humble to wish for that herself. I'm sure Petrichor wouldn't mind sharing, of course.
I am so happy that the hard work of all those involved has paid off and I hope that it truly helps to unite our peoples in ever more productive ways.
I am so happy that the hard work of all those involved has paid off and I hope that it truly helps to unite our peoples in ever more productive ways.
Written By Helena
Oct. 20, 2019, 10:26 p.m.(1/19/1012 AR)
As always, my heart is full after a poetry reading. Seeing new faces there is always a delight, especially when they are also dear friends who simply were too busy to make it in the past. But also, those who come each time to either read or support those who do, you make everyone worthwhile. I hope to see you all at the next one. If someone has an idea for a theme I haven't alighted upon yet, do send me word.
Written By Helena
Oct. 13, 2019, 6:44 p.m.(1/5/1012 AR)
I've been a little remiss in my poetry studies of late, and so choosing the theme for the next poetry reading is my attempt to invite the muses to inspire me.
More likely, I will write nothing interesting and will feel exquisitely jealous of the other poets who read that evening. In this case, jealousy isn't even terrible, for I am so enamored of hearing the beautiful words of others, and they in turn act as muses for the future.
Today's poet is tomorrow's muse.
The theme will be legends and myths; perhaps some historians will find their inner bards to share their favorite tales in meter and rhyme.
More likely, I will write nothing interesting and will feel exquisitely jealous of the other poets who read that evening. In this case, jealousy isn't even terrible, for I am so enamored of hearing the beautiful words of others, and they in turn act as muses for the future.
Today's poet is tomorrow's muse.
The theme will be legends and myths; perhaps some historians will find their inner bards to share their favorite tales in meter and rhyme.
Written By Helena
Sept. 29, 2019, 9:21 p.m.(12/5/1011 AR)
I realize that it has now been two years since I've made Arx my home -- I cannot say it is a permanent home when I shall always have Farhaven in my heart. But when I think of home, I think of Arx first rather than second now, and the friendly faces of those who reside in the city. It's a strange thing. So much has happened to me in those two years that I am not quite the same person I was then -- I have learned much, cried often, laughed more, and grown. I hope it is for the better and that I am a wiser, kinder person than I was then.
It also means my birthday is looming, as is my sister's. Plotting must commence.
It also means my birthday is looming, as is my sister's. Plotting must commence.
Written By Helena
Sept. 23, 2019, 9:32 p.m.(11/21/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
Sweetest sister of mine,
I am not sure what I did to deserve such public praise today, but if I am any of what you say I am, it is because I have followed in your footsteps and learned from you along the way.
I am not sure what I did to deserve such public praise today, but if I am any of what you say I am, it is because I have followed in your footsteps and learned from you along the way.
Written By Helena
Sept. 21, 2019, 10:22 p.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I do think that Dame Ida must be a tiny bit psychic, as she always seems to know what an outfit needs even before I've worn it or spoken of it. This time, her shop was stocked with new items of the new green gem everyone is so enchanted with. Green is my favorite color, and the hairpins are reminiscent of the woods in winter. I feel it was simply made for me, and funnily enough, I had just designed and had made a silvery green gown in seatouched wool -- swool! I forgot I had so abbreviated it -- feeling my winter wardrobe was wanting.
May Jayus continue to inspire her to such lovely creations. And thank you, House Stahlben, for sharing this beautiful new gem with us.
May Jayus continue to inspire her to such lovely creations. And thank you, House Stahlben, for sharing this beautiful new gem with us.
Written By Helena
Sept. 15, 2019, 7:27 p.m.(11/4/1011 AR)
There is a rare beauty in autumn that goes beyond the russets and oranges of the falling leaves that turn to dust beneath our feet. It is the beauty that comes with the promise that what dies will be return somehow, vibrant and resilient. Vital and reborn.
Written By Helena
Sept. 8, 2019, 5:24 p.m.(10/18/1011 AR)
I received an unexpected delivery the other day of a beautiful painting from one who said a poem of mine inspired.
I will not name the artist, for perhaps it was not meant for public consumption.
The painting draws all of the feelings of the day I wrote about in my poem -- the day that Copper died. It pulls me back to the fear and sorrow of that moment utterly -- is that not the mark of a true artist? To be able to capture the exact feeling of a specific moment in time?
I am humbled that my words were able to act as a muse for an artist of a different medium, and touched and grateful to that person for sharing with me their work.
I will not name the artist, for perhaps it was not meant for public consumption.
The painting draws all of the feelings of the day I wrote about in my poem -- the day that Copper died. It pulls me back to the fear and sorrow of that moment utterly -- is that not the mark of a true artist? To be able to capture the exact feeling of a specific moment in time?
I am humbled that my words were able to act as a muse for an artist of a different medium, and touched and grateful to that person for sharing with me their work.
Written By Helena
Aug. 15, 2019, 4:05 p.m.(8/26/1011 AR)
Thank you to the many who replied with messages to my query here in the journals. It is rewarding, even in such dire matters, to know that our words are read, even by those we do not know well, and that strangers will reach out to enlighten us in times of darkness.
Written By Helena
Aug. 14, 2019, 2:55 p.m.(8/24/1011 AR)
Having had to write out the phrase seatouched wool a few times in a missive to my sister, I've decided to call it "swool" from now on.
Written By Helena
Aug. 14, 2019, 2:41 p.m.(8/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
I dreamt of such myself, sister.
Who is House Thornweave? To the books I go, I suppose!
I welcome any information that anyone would like to share with me, of course.
Who is House Thornweave? To the books I go, I suppose!
I welcome any information that anyone would like to share with me, of course.
Written By Helena
Aug. 4, 2019, 10:18 p.m.(8/5/1011 AR)
I had someone ask me who I was at the last masquerade, but the truth is, I did not attend. By all accounts, it was beautiful, and I would have loved to see the finery and the living, breathing metaphors of all the masked attendees.
I confess I find masquerades a little dizzying. I want to know who people are beneath the masks we wear every day, and not to guess who people are beneath the glittering and sparkling masks made of silk, metal, and paint.
I'll attend more in the future, I am sure. I do not judge anyone who enjoys them -- and I do enjoy them from time to time, but feel I was still recovering from the last such gala. So anyone wondering if they spotted me -- I was not there, not even as a wallflower, which is a mask I often wear.
The poet in me wants to say I was not there because I am not a flower but a forest of thoughts and dreams.
I confess I find masquerades a little dizzying. I want to know who people are beneath the masks we wear every day, and not to guess who people are beneath the glittering and sparkling masks made of silk, metal, and paint.
I'll attend more in the future, I am sure. I do not judge anyone who enjoys them -- and I do enjoy them from time to time, but feel I was still recovering from the last such gala. So anyone wondering if they spotted me -- I was not there, not even as a wallflower, which is a mask I often wear.
The poet in me wants to say I was not there because I am not a flower but a forest of thoughts and dreams.
Written By Helena
Aug. 1, 2019, 4:05 p.m.(7/26/1011 AR)
A little musing I wrote the other day, transcribed here as everyone dresses like flowers for the masquerade tonight:
Some nights I dream the flowers are spirits
of all the beautiful intangible things I cannot hold:
the bluebells ring the laughter of childhood,
red dahlias spring from kisses of a secret love,
white lilies are innocence long lost,
chrysanthemum, the golden hopes of youth,
dandelions, a long forgotten wish.
Some nights I dream the flowers are spirits
of all the beautiful intangible things I cannot hold:
the bluebells ring the laughter of childhood,
red dahlias spring from kisses of a secret love,
white lilies are innocence long lost,
chrysanthemum, the golden hopes of youth,
dandelions, a long forgotten wish.
Written By Helena
July 28, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(7/19/1011 AR)
Thank you to those who have bought the poetry collection from the Festival of Death poetry reading! The donations have all been made to the Harlequins in their honor as well, and the Harlequins will continue to do their amazing work and ministry thanks to your patronage.
There are still copies for anyone interested. Send a messenger with your donation and you will receive a copy of the anthology.
Once again, I want to thank the Harlequins and especially Second First Harlequin Evaristo Arterius for his vision of this festival. It has been enlightening and I hope each event helps people to see the good that the Queen of Endings plays in our lives.
There are still copies for anyone interested. Send a messenger with your donation and you will receive a copy of the anthology.
Once again, I want to thank the Harlequins and especially Second First Harlequin Evaristo Arterius for his vision of this festival. It has been enlightening and I hope each event helps people to see the good that the Queen of Endings plays in our lives.
Written By Helena
July 25, 2019, 5:55 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
The poems read in honor of the Queen of Endings at the Festival of Death poetry reading are now available in a book. A special thanks to all the poets who contributed again. Your work was was heartwarming and insightful. The rest of the copies are available for a donation of 5000 silver to support the Harlequins in their ministry and service to the people of Arx. Please message me with your donation and you will receive a copy of the anthology!
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
Written By Helena
July 9, 2019, 10:44 p.m.(6/8/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Malcolm
Northerners told stories of Skald long before he was considered a god. One legend is that he is a shapeshifter, and can turn into a pack of wolves.
Written By Helena
June 30, 2019, 10:26 p.m.(5/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elgana
Blue sky of mine, I shall always be your sunshine.
Thank you for always making me smile, even when times are troubling. And the gown is gorgeous. You know me too well, better than I know myself.
Thank you for always making me smile, even when times are troubling. And the gown is gorgeous. You know me too well, better than I know myself.
Written By Helena
June 30, 2019, 9:13 p.m.(5/18/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Dame Ida Ferron has outdone herself so many times before, it doesn't seem possible to keep doing it, and yet she does. Her selection of hairpins adorned by skulls and spiders to honor the Queen of Endings and Beginnings for the upcoming Festival of Death are just so delightful and charming. I would never have thought myself to be pleased to wear a spider or skull in my hair, but I will do so happily, for they are so adorable. And as some of the proceeds are being donated to the Harlequins as well, she is generous as well as talented.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.