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Written By Helia

Nov. 8, 2018, 4:37 a.m.(12/14/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Cambria

Not always.

Written By Helia

Nov. 6, 2018, 6:25 p.m.(12/11/1009 AR)

I didn't die. Somehow I'm alive.

Nine will have to stay with me a while longer, it seems. Weirdly, she's been following me around since I returned. I only sleep when my body and mind give out in exhaustion, but when I wake up drenched in sweat after another nightmare, there she is on the pillow right next to my face. She still gives me the same look of mild contempt, but it's good to know she's with me. If not for her I might have turned to the booze for comfort, and I don't want that. I feel that if I allow myself to seek answers at the bottom of a bottle, I might be searching forever.

I was fortunate to come out of the battle unscathed, but most of that luck was made by others -- those who stood, and those who fell. Without them, the outcome would have been quite different, and I doubt I would be here writing this. It was my honour to do my small part by standing beside them and fighting for them.

This is one of those situations in life that requires a dexterity with words -- some degree of acuity and delicacy that I can only wield when I have a sword in my hand. But I'm a fighter, not a wordsmith, so I'll leave others to speak more eloquently where I cannot.

Written By Helia

Nov. 4, 2018, 5:40 p.m.(12/7/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

My sincere gratitude to everyone who expressed an interest in being my cat's guardian! I'm delighted by the kindness of so many smashing people in the city. I'm sure Nine would also be pleased, but she's very deadpan, so it might not be apparent. (I sometimes like to think she's smiling on the inside.)

I honestly found the choice quite a hard one to make, but I've selected Dame Ida Ferron to take care of my feline friend should I fall in battle. Or fall off a wall. Or something along those lines. Whatever the case, I'm certain Nine would be rather content to lurk around the forge with Dame Ida should that day come.

Many thanks to the Hammer of the West; stalwart adopter of orphaned pets, and crafter of glorious shinies.

Written By Helia

Nov. 4, 2018, 1:27 a.m.(12/6/1009 AR)

Important note. When I wrote 'If the above is something that appeals' (see my previous journal) I DID NOT MEAN, 'If eating cats appeals to you'.

Very important note!

Written By Helia

Nov. 4, 2018, 1:18 a.m.(12/6/1009 AR)

In the hopefully *extremely* unlikely event of my death, I'm going to need someone to look after my cat for me.

She is:
* Quiet, and will keep out of your way unless you offer her something tasty to eat.
* Has very short, very black fur. Stroke her down daily with a cloth of sheepskin leather, and it's unlikely she'll shed all over your clothes.
* Not too cuddly, but she'll sit on your lap in return for chicken.
* Terrific and prolific mouser. She won't gift you with the butchered remains of the rodents she murders. She devours them. Those are for her.
* Not likely to produce a litter of kittens. She actively avoids other cats. She thinks they're losers.
* At home on land or on the deck of a ship. She can also swim extraordinarily well, but doesn't like to do so. Because, y'know... cat.

You should be:
* Happy to be ignored for variable periods of time.
* In possession of treats for the times when you don't want to be ignored.

You should not be:
* An asshole who hates cats.
* Someone who would eat a cat or let someone else eat a cat.

If the above sounds like something that appeals, please send me a letter!

Written By Helia

Oct. 8, 2018, 9:35 a.m.(9/27/1009 AR)

Thanks to Dame Ida, I now have the most beautiful sword I've ever seen. Or rather, Redtyde does. But for now it's mine. Mwahahaha!

Written By Helia

Oct. 5, 2018, 1:53 p.m.(9/22/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Delilah

I heard he once wore a bedsheet to a duel and a girl fainted at the sight of it.

Showmanship!

Written By Helia

Oct. 3, 2018, 1:15 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Fredrik

Like I said, I'm not planning to die -- but if I have to, I'd rather it be because I was willing to give up my life to help others. I've learned from your example!

Written By Helia

Oct. 3, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(9/18/1009 AR)

Perhaps I don't deal well with life, but my method of staving off the fear of the things I can't control or predict (or both!) is to get really, really drunk and flail my limbs around to the most riotously loud music possible. But I'm okay with that. Not everyone can be a deep thinker.

Written By Helia

Oct. 1, 2018, 6:49 p.m.(9/14/1009 AR)

In addition, I don't want anyone reading my Black Journals should I meet my untimely demise. They are a festering cabinet of angst and self-indulgent whining. Nobody needs to see those, believe me.

Written By Helia

Oct. 1, 2018, 5:26 a.m.(9/13/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Fredrik

In the event of my death, all my stuff goes to Count Fredrik RedTyde to do with as he sees fit. He's better at sorting crap out than I am.

And no, I don't plan on meeting an untimely end. So don't fret.

Written By Helia

Sept. 20, 2018, 7:53 p.m.(8/20/1009 AR)

I love life. Life is great. Being alive is the best, and certainly better than the alternative.

(All opinions herein this journal are my own.)

Written By Helia

Sept. 19, 2018, 9:10 p.m.(8/18/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Fecundo

You're a smashing duelist and you fought wonderfully. You really made me work for that victory! Thank you!

Written By Helia

Sept. 18, 2018, 5:14 p.m.(8/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

As far as I'm concerned, Dame Ida can make all of my weapons forever. She's just that good.

Written By Helia

Sept. 12, 2018, 5:49 p.m.(8/2/1009 AR)

I never felt the need to compete with my brother when we were growing up. I could have beat him up whenever I wanted to, and that's no fun.

Written By Helia

Aug. 30, 2018, 11:14 p.m.(6/28/1009 AR)

I've got to admit that I prefer cats to dogs just a /little/ bit. Especially ship's cats, or the kind that lounge around docks like they own the place. But this dog I've got? He's a particularly good dog. He likes swimming just as much as I do, and that's the most fabulous thing. Cats aren't quite as keen on the water, obviously.

Written By Helia

Aug. 23, 2018, 11:03 a.m.(6/12/1009 AR)

Reminder to self: Father is right. Coffee does not agree with me. Drank several cups today and spent the following hour or two sitting on the deck of the ship, wrapped in a blanket, gently vibrating.

It might also be the result of all the excitement that has been building within me having finally come to its peak. RedTyde is reborn as a county, and peacefully at that! Father, of course, is delighted and and overjoyed for what the future holds. It's fantastic to see him looking so happy.

Things are looking up, to say the least! So many plans to made, projects to work on, ambitions to be fulfilled. So many wonderful people have helped to bring the house to this point, and I thank them for it with all my heart. Hopefully I can be of aid to them in return, in whatever way I may be able.

Now I'm going to get a nice and incredibly watery cup of tea and try to calm down, because Gods know I need to. Many apologies to those I may have overwhelmed with my exuberance and hyperactivity since I arrived in the city.

Actually, no, not really. No apologies. I regret nothing!

Written By Helia

Aug. 10, 2018, 9:47 p.m.(5/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

So much style, skill and showmanship in one person. I'm your biggest fan!

Written By Helia

Aug. 2, 2018, 10:50 p.m.(4/23/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Rosalie

Can Kes swim? If she can't, she could come swimming with me and the puppy. I'll teach her!

And I still have the wooden sword that Father gave me when I was a kid. I'll get another made for her, maybe?

Written By Helia

July 25, 2018, 12:21 p.m.(4/6/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Fredrik

Gods. Not sure what I can say, except that you've been the most wonderful father I could ask for, and that I truly appreciate the many sacrifices you've made for me. (Even if it doesn't always seem as though I do. Sorry for that.) I just hope I can continue to make you proud of me, and not drive you to despair as much in the future.

But! The way you're telling it, it makes it sound like I was trying to whack the cat or something, which I would never have done. I loved The Captain! He was my best friend. It just so happened that I always had that sword in my hand whenever I was chasing him. Which is possibly why he was always running away from me. But still.

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