April 26, 2019, 11:53 a.m.(12/28/1010 AR)
Pressure, tension, worry, friends and family sick or suffering affects of an attack.
I could be pragmatic after thinking back over the last few years and say what else is new, but there is always some variation, something different, something troubling.
It would be hard to keep the spirits up and maintain hope if not for being so darned stubborn at times and if not for good friends who offer a hug or their companionship at the perfect time, when things verge on being 'too much'.
Even when things go wrong, I feel blessed and that am not facing things alone. That gives hope and strength to endure.
April 21, 2019, 9:13 a.m.(12/17/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Luca
Too late.
We waited too late to share that bottle of whiskey and you tell me stories about my late husband.
The grief was too sharp, the pain was too raw when you made the offer and then you got busy.
And I got busy and between the two of us time just slipped away.
But I remembered. I'm sitting here drinking part of that bottle set aside for that talk that had resolved to have soon, remembering you fondly but it is too late.
Too late.
You'll be missed, Luca, and your tales have passed with you.
April 18, 2019, 6:04 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Rowenova
A survivor. Some of the things she experienced and relates are enough to give nightmares to others.
April 18, 2019, 6:02 p.m.(12/12/1010 AR)
The more we learn, the less we know. Finding one bit of information does not fill in a missing puzzle piece but make one realize the puzzle is much bigger than one imagined.
April 14, 2019, 8:44 a.m.(12/3/1010 AR)
This week Princess Valencia and I organized a dinner to recognize and thank ones traveled with us to Saikland to assist with the cleansing of the beach there. The weather cooperated to let us dine under the stars yet not feel the autumn chill with small warming fires placed strategically. We made a good team, a mix of fealties, skills, social strata and beliefs yet all with a willingness to work together, and did so peaceably and cohesively. It gives me hope and belief in the future together.
April 6, 2019, 10:02 p.m.(11/16/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Jasher
Friendship grows slowly but steadily, accepting each other's quirks, faults, and strengths. He's someone to whom can confide weaknesses and they do not think less of me for them. We can pass hours in conversation or companionable silences. It is nice to have someone accept you for yourself.
April 6, 2019, 10:29 a.m.(11/15/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Madeleine
Archlector Madeleine and I have known each other for a few years and spent many a day walking along the beach, sitting at the koi pond and talking for hours on end. She has a sense of humor I enjoy, an ease of manner, gentle on the surface yet steel hard in her faith. She is wise and supportive. Friendship has grown and I am thankful for it. Next time I loan her armor, will have to get the leather craftsman to adjust the top to fit a fuller form than mine.
April 3, 2019, 10:26 p.m.(11/10/1010 AR)
The days pass steadily, teaching lessons at the Bard's College, planning a celebration, schooling my children in proper manners... girls curtsy, boys bow and other such little things little ones must learn. And there is time for catching up with old friends and renewing acquaintances before they fade away. I dread the coming of winter.
April 3, 2019, 10:23 p.m.(11/10/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Eleyna
I wear the collar given me when named one of the thirteen members of the Order of the White Lily. It is my way of remembering and mourning former Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa and my outfit bears the hues of her house, the twilight purples. She will be missed.
March 25, 2019, 6:13 p.m.(10/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Jasher
An amicable escort, though I regret that it resulted in such a headache. Good thing I knew just what to do to ease that. Mistress Valerie's pouches of herbs did the job nicely. I expect that won't be the first headache I give Prince Jasher, so will have to add shopping for more to my already lengthy to-do list.
March 25, 2019, 6:03 p.m.(10/20/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Gawain
Such a good sport. He even made losing fun.
March 21, 2019, 6:20 p.m.(10/12/1010 AR)
The creativity of the Glassworks artisans in Saikland always makes me smile. Beaded pouches padded to carry bottles and fragile items, ornate bottles for wines and whiskey, tiles to inset into chests and tables, map corner weights, jewelry, glassware in various shapes and hues are all being produced. Jayus has blessed them.
March 20, 2019, 10:16 a.m.(10/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Domonico
We've had a nice long discussion about some interesting things. Domonico was almost as good at keeping a relatively impassive façade as I was. Keeping those times that almost broke me, having to deal with terror and heartbreak, with feeling lost, the almost crippling worry, the burden of expectations largely tucked out of view of all but a very few others is one of those things that is never easy, sometimes bits of it show when one does not wish. Still it becomes a deeply ingrained habit, a façade one puts on like one does their garments in the morning.
March 16, 2019, 12:51 a.m.(10/1/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on
Rysen
It was interesting to meet Lord Rysen. He seems to like poetry and appreciates music. Lady Peri and I spent some time shopping and we wound up there looking for ale or mead for some friends from the north who like that better than wine. Didn't find quite what we wanted but it was still a worthwhile, time well spent. He has listened to me play and sing and asked if interested in playing for him to recite his poetry some time. I may just do that if the poem fits some of the music I know.
March 16, 2019, 12:44 a.m.(10/1/1010 AR)
A whole day without turmoil. That is a rare thing to have had. Makes me wonder if trouble is just holding back and gathering up momentum for a really hard punch.
March 13, 2019, 9:50 a.m.(9/23/1010 AR)
Faith has been supportive of me during the past years, both personally during times of grief or turmoil, as sounding boards and advisors, teachers, friends, inspiration. At the beginning of this year I decided to try writing a song dedicated to each of the Gods as a personal means of thanks, an offering. With all my duties, I have managed to get four done so far. Wonder how long it will take me to complete this?
March 8, 2019, 11:59 p.m.(9/15/1010 AR)
The Courtin' Song
For Luis and Juliana
Luis went a courtin' and he did stride, un-huh
Luis went a courtin' and he did stride, un-huh.
His eyes held mischief and his smile was wide
His armor polished and sword at his side, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
Juliana went a courtin' and she did flirt, un-huh
Juliana went a courtin' and she did flirt, un-huh.
With a winking eye and a swirling skirt
And a sense of humor, that did not hurt! un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
Luis looked all around at the ladies fair, un-huh
Luis looked all around at the ladies fair, un-huh.
But none had such lovely long brown hair
And the risque gowns Juliana'd wear, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
Juliana looked around at the men so brave, un-huh
Juliana looked around at the men so brave, un-huh.
Which one from bachelorhood would she save
But the charming Luis, who the ladies crave, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
He wooed Juliana with his pale moon light, un-huh
He wooed Juliana with his pale moon light, un-huh.
For it was still day, oh yes that's right
And lovely Juliana winked at the sight, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
She wooed Luis with paint and a gauzy gown, un-huh
She wooed Luis with paint and a gauzy gown, un-huh.
The most risque dress you'd see in town
Made all the modest Ladies gasp and frown, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
The heads of house the contracts wrote, un-huh
The heads of house the contracts wrote, un-huh
With political gains for both to note
And a lively couple on whom they'd dote, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
What's that sound, was that a clink, un-huh
What's that sound, was that a clink, un-huh.
Thats wine poured to toast and drink
Till the newlyweds to their bed slink, un-huh, un-huh, un-huh.
(OOC Sung to 'Frog Went A Courtin' an old Scottish folk song from the 1548. If you are unfamiliar with the tune look up Bruce Springsteen Froggie Went a Courtin' on You Tube)
March 8, 2019, 11:32 p.m.(9/15/1010 AR)
After plans have set, it has been pleasant to spend time talking with friends, actually doing a tiny bit of shopping. Discovering the twins did not care if I read 'The Clever Fox stories' to them for the hundredth time or reports from Saikland Glassworks or letters from family in Saikland, as long as I use a 'story telling' cadence to the voice and reach over to give a hug now and then, has freed up a tiny bit more of time.
March 2, 2019, 10:52 p.m.(9/3/1010 AR)
It's been a busy few days, finishing up paperwork for a pending trip to Saikland, teaching a few knife techniques to a student whose skill now exceeds my own... and left me the bruises in a spar to prove it, catching up news with friends and family, paying respects at a wake and finally getting to sing with Dame Leta one of the songs she wrote. Today there was time for a breather, a bit of time with the twins. It is a bit sad when we have to divert them as they miss some who used to be such frequent visitors they were dubbed an honorary "Unka". They will be two in just a couple of weeks.
Feb. 23, 2019, 12:38 a.m.(8/15/1010 AR)
Today was a pleasant day. Spent time talking of simple innocent joyful for the most part things with two Redrain princesses Kace and Donella, studying bits of information with Lord Mirk and starting to plan my brother's reception with Selene Whisper and spent time singing to my children. They are growing up so fast, will be 2 in October. I tell them a little something about Estaban every day that I am in Arx with them and show them his picture while they hold the stuffed animals he bought for them before he was killed.