Written By Lucita
Jan. 28, 2024, 9:47 a.m.(8/20/1021 AR)
Flying is not like riding a horse. The gliding is smooth but some of the harder flaps of the wings are like a horse attempting a tall hedge beside a wide creek. Practicing evasions with quick turns of direction and sudden dips and rises make me glad I have been riding for a few years and used to a little of it. I expect some of the more inexperienced riders are having a tougher time of it... and have more sore muscles and saddle sores.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 19, 2024, 9:18 p.m.(8/3/1021 AR)
While awaiting the arrival of Saikland refugees, I decided to clean out closets, some who arrive will need what clothing we can spare. I had an old armor set not in use and sent it to faith to send to someone who could use it.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 15, 2024, 7:11 p.m.(7/23/1021 AR)
So much work to be done. Our gardens are lined with tents, communal cook fire areas, and necessities to help shelter incoming refugees. Food, medical and armory stockpiles are now packed in the various gatehouse rooms and a room set aside for birthing or infirmary. The training center jointly owned by Saik and Malvici is busy round the clock polishing skills of all adults and near-adults who take refuge with us. (All citizens of Saik, like those of Malvici, are required to have some degree of weapon training.) Heaps of makeshift weapons-clubs, pitchforks, scythe, sickle, big piles of stones for slings are piled next to racks and chests of knives, swords, spears, bows and arrows, lots and lots of arrows. Barracks are full, soldiers sleeping in shifts and some even putting bedrolls around the inside perimeter of the stable. Perhaps the snorting and whickering of horses is easier to sleep through than snoring of dozens of soldiers. Are we ready? No, of course not, but we're trying to prepare for all that we can, our lives are on the line.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 30, 2023, 4:45 p.m.(6/19/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
Wise, understanding, making tough decisions when they are necessary. I always come away from a conversation with her feeling like I have gained something or learned something and with a warm feeling inside.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 24, 2023, 10:26 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)
So many near miracles, stars, light, lightning, giant creatures on 'our' side, not against us to both stun with wonder and lift spirits. Allies of former hostile people united with one single purpose, save our world. I stood amid them, singing my heart out as I tried to protect, giving all I was to the effort which was sometimes successful and sometimes lost amid the screams and clashing weapons of battle. Afterward I looked for family and friends, seeing if they survived and found my face wet with tears for those many soldiers and Templars who had returned to the wheel. The cost of freedom was high. My prayers now are that we will not lose our allies, will accept and work with, not against them and remember this, for more challenges will face us.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 23, 2023, 10:37 a.m.(6/4/1021 AR)
So many things are happening so quickly. I stand beside old friends, gradually making new ones and praying, hoping we all can remain steadfast in our beliefs, our determination and our courage. It is getting late, and my thoughts are rambling. Verses of the song I sang at Archlector Avary's rousing speech keep running through my head mixed with thoughts of my children, family. May we see each other again soon. I best put journal and quill aside and try to rest. Gods watch over us all.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 21, 2023, 9:56 a.m.(5/28/1021 AR)
Being here in the camp beside Harrow Hall brings back so many memories of the time at Setarco. All the tents, the colorful banners, the sounds of the last minute weapon training and drills, wood being chopped to make a camp perimeter defense, the scents of the cooking, sweaty soldiers, the horses and livestock. So much is going on that it is organized chaos. With me not attached to any particular group, my time is spent trying to stay out of the way and drifting between campfires, tent clusters, and work groups singing or playing songs to boost morale.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 18, 2023, 8:50 a.m.(5/22/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Avary
The Archlector of the Sentinel is wise and it is so interesting to hear her speak of judging one's own actions and honesty, choices. Her skills at verbal eloquence and wealth of knowledge help bring comfort and cut away uncertainty.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 12, 2023, 9:33 a.m.(5/10/1021 AR)
The things we endure make us stronger. We learn about who we want to be and who we do not. Stories of the past, if we learn from them, help.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 29, 2023, 8:57 a.m.(4/12/1021 AR)
There are ideas that were thought to be unthinkable, songs thought to be unsingable, fears thought to be unstoppable yet here we are, in the midst of them all and clinging to each other, the familiar, and our faith for stability, for hope.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 25, 2023, 9:42 a.m.(4/4/1021 AR)
It is the time of year to watch the ice on the garden pond recede, the snowmen melt into lumps, and for repairs. This spring that includes cleaning off smoke stains around fireplaces (from when winter wind overcame the chimney updraft and sent smoke back down). It is still a little too cold to retire the winter clothes, need to still keep cloaks around for the crisp mornings and evening chill.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 13, 2023, 8:39 a.m.(3/8/1021 AR)
Singing songs to calm, reassure, offer hope and then tell stories to remind people how capable and strong they are, how they endure and learn has been fulfilling. Yet, it is requiring honey-lemon tea and some herbs to help keep the voice from becoming strained. So much tea, so very much tea. Shhhh, I'm being quiet and just writing, resting the voice for a little while before heading out once again.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 12, 2023, 9:14 a.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
Four of my six children a Valardin father who married into Saik. These four are to foster with the Great House Valardin when the correct age comes and when they reach adulthood, may choose to become Valardin or remain Saik. They are being taught respect, history, and culture of both fealties. We are giving all we can to build lasting bridges between houses. Perhaps some visits to their relatives might remind of this and help sooth.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 2, 2023, 9:16 a.m.(2/14/1021 AR)
Gazing at the red moon seems to signal to me that it is far from over. Gods watch over us all.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 27, 2023, 6:20 p.m.(2/3/1021 AR)
For the first time I felt the potential of a song without winding up feeling like I was going to die.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 19, 2023, 9:19 a.m.(1/14/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Cillian
Gunther and his pup will miss you, just as I will. We both enjoyed the guard dogs, conversations about explorations, shared goals of resisting the dark reflections... You will be missed.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 8, 2023, 10:47 a.m.(12/20/1020 AR)
Saik Tower is the highest structure in the Lycene District. We have offered its uppermost floor to serve as a watchtower, sending up plumes of colored smoke, bell alarms should there be dangers. Space for Velenosa guardsmen that supplement our own guards and food for them is provided as well as a guestroom so shifts can sleep or rest.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 28, 2023, 10:27 p.m.(8/15/1020 AR)
Relationship Note on Sen'azala
Sen'azala tells the most interesting stories.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 23, 2023, 1:43 p.m.(8/4/1020 AR)
Practice for the Bard's College concert showed me just how much paperwork and obligations have cut into my music playing time. For the first time in years there were sore fingers to get back into condition to play for extended times. Reminder to self--don't neglect obligations and paperwork but allow more time for playing music.
Written By Lucita
Sept. 19, 2023, 10:02 a.m.(7/24/1020 AR)
A visit from delightful friends was the highlight of my day. I hope they will be happy together.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.