Written By Lucita
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
It has been an odd few days. Perhaps the winter cold is wearing on me as I miss the warm Southern climes. It seems to make watching turmoil, rumors, and serious differences of opinion start to weigh heavy on the mind.
My husband is in the process of joining the Scholars. I think he will make a good one.
One of my best friends has discovered a romantic interest and not even bothered to tell me, just seemed to start drifting away? Aren't friends supposed to share news of meaningful things in life? I feel happy for them but at the same time, need to think about this a while, when I'm in a better mood. It makes me remember not to let so much time between visits to other friends pass that a friendship starts to fade instead of just being delays with life being terribly busy.
Arranging for upgrading armor is not easy. Probably just as well this will take a long time to do since have not started thinking about colors or patterns or style as yet. I'm thankful for all who have been so willing to help and make suggestions on what materials to use and such.
My husband is in the process of joining the Scholars. I think he will make a good one.
One of my best friends has discovered a romantic interest and not even bothered to tell me, just seemed to start drifting away? Aren't friends supposed to share news of meaningful things in life? I feel happy for them but at the same time, need to think about this a while, when I'm in a better mood. It makes me remember not to let so much time between visits to other friends pass that a friendship starts to fade instead of just being delays with life being terribly busy.
Arranging for upgrading armor is not easy. Probably just as well this will take a long time to do since have not started thinking about colors or patterns or style as yet. I'm thankful for all who have been so willing to help and make suggestions on what materials to use and such.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 9, 2018, 9:22 a.m.(2/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Amarantha
Oh, my sweet, talented cousin has let me read and make a copy of a book of poems she wrote. I'm going to put it with my music collection because they have the potential to become the basis of a song and inspire music. I hope she will soon write more!
Written By Lucita
Feb. 9, 2018, 9:18 a.m.(2/22/1008 AR)
To know people liked the song, enjoyed it enough to sing it round campfires and while mending armor was a relief. It was required a lot of time and thought and effort to combine a catchy tune with the needed wording. I hope others in the Compact will also enjoy and use it. The household servants, in the meantime, won't have to worry about what to use in coaxing bedded fireplace embers to a warm blaze in mornings, there are lots of crumpled song failure papers to use.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 5, 2018, 6:56 p.m.(2/15/1008 AR)
To Arms, Came the Rallying Call
1008 - written to help reinforce speeches and remind of the need for answering the calling of banners.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Protect your homes, help defend us all.'
Volunteers came from all walks of life
Craftsmen, nobles, a man and his wife
Scholars or warriors, weak or strong,
They're heroes to whom our thanks belong.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Through long days these heroes did train
Then marched trough forests, crossed a wide plain.
They climbed in and out steep, wild ravines
And struggled to ford flooded, raging streams.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Protect your homes, help defend us all.'
Others sailed forth on wide, tumultuous seas
Working together to use the faintest breeze
Fending off those dangers as cohesive teams
Supporting each other is what unity means.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Faith sustains us through troubling days
To find heroic bravery not fearful ways
Unity binds us giving strength and hope
Like fragile fibers wound into strong rope.
1008 - written to help reinforce speeches and remind of the need for answering the calling of banners.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Protect your homes, help defend us all.'
Volunteers came from all walks of life
Craftsmen, nobles, a man and his wife
Scholars or warriors, weak or strong,
They're heroes to whom our thanks belong.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Through long days these heroes did train
Then marched trough forests, crossed a wide plain.
They climbed in and out steep, wild ravines
And struggled to ford flooded, raging streams.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Protect your homes, help defend us all.'
Others sailed forth on wide, tumultuous seas
Working together to use the faintest breeze
Fending off those dangers as cohesive teams
Supporting each other is what unity means.
'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Faith sustains us through troubling days
To find heroic bravery not fearful ways
Unity binds us giving strength and hope
Like fragile fibers wound into strong rope.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 1, 2018, 10:56 p.m.(2/8/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
If all goes well, my soon-to-be-cousin! Odd how things work out! I hope only happiness for you and Quenia.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 29, 2018, 10:16 a.m.(1/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
The thoughtfulness of your gift will never be forgotten. A beautiful piano, a unique one made just for us. It caused happy tears the first time I played it. You understood so well how music brings peace, joy, settles troubled thoughts, and comforts when nothing else will. And you gave us something to help bring that to our household and share that with us. Thank you, my friend.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 29, 2018, 10:07 a.m.(1/21/1008 AR)
It has been a few days since my wedding, and have been kept too busy to write in journals. (Stop smirking Scholar! There was moving in, rooms to rearrange, and a funeral to attend and just.... stop smirking!) We are glad the reception guests shared the day with us. They seemed to have fun with toasts, good food, company, jests, enjoying the ice sculptures and the warmth of the bonfires. Thank each of those friends and well-wishers.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 26, 2018, 11:36 p.m.(1/16/1008 AR)
Since most of the flowers I can think of are already in use or claimed, I think it would be nice to be a four leafed clover. People are happy to see them, seek them out, and think them to bring luck. They carefully preserve them and keep them. The soothing green color helps contrast and accentuate the other flowers so they go well together.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 26, 2018, 10:41 a.m.(1/15/1008 AR)
A few idle musings about, languages, symbolism.
(Warning: Stop reading now if you find rambling thoughts from too many glasses of wine while waiting for others to return home boring.)
Lord Tomwell commented about an orange rose and its meaning in his white journal. Makes me wonder if the Knight of Roses has returned to Arx and is once more teaching the language of roses to others. A long time ago Lord Ignacio taught me that with roses yellow meant jealousy and infidelity, red was courage, respect, not just love and passion but additionally, the various shades of red meant emphasis on different things, and I forgot the details. Pink was platonic love or friendship, and that was as far as the lesson got. Then he sent a vase full of different colored roses that added to my confusion.
(No, this is not a response about Duke Harlan's mention of flowers, it is simply relating a memory.)
Lord Arik used to try to explain the language and meaning of furs to me. They have to be gotten yourself, not just purchased to have true meaning (other than I'm cold, this would be warm). I am so _not_ going to hunt down, kill a bear and give its skin to Baron Estaban to make him realize he has to pay attention to what I am saying and show am a strong capable woman. I've got my own ways of doing that, none of which I am willing to discuss. Nor am I going to hunt white bunnies to let their fur imply anyone is helpless or a coward. Lord Arik once asked what color roses meant disdain or hatred, anger. I did not know! Will have to ask Lord Ignacio when he returns to Arx.
Wines have their own meanings and symbolism. They have nuances like a backward or closed flavor needs to mature and grow up or a flabby wine has a flavor of disappointment. A simple journal entry would turn into a thick tome if I got into that detail. So I won't. You're welcome.
(Warning: Stop reading now if you find rambling thoughts from too many glasses of wine while waiting for others to return home boring.)
Lord Tomwell commented about an orange rose and its meaning in his white journal. Makes me wonder if the Knight of Roses has returned to Arx and is once more teaching the language of roses to others. A long time ago Lord Ignacio taught me that with roses yellow meant jealousy and infidelity, red was courage, respect, not just love and passion but additionally, the various shades of red meant emphasis on different things, and I forgot the details. Pink was platonic love or friendship, and that was as far as the lesson got. Then he sent a vase full of different colored roses that added to my confusion.
(No, this is not a response about Duke Harlan's mention of flowers, it is simply relating a memory.)
Lord Arik used to try to explain the language and meaning of furs to me. They have to be gotten yourself, not just purchased to have true meaning (other than I'm cold, this would be warm). I am so _not_ going to hunt down, kill a bear and give its skin to Baron Estaban to make him realize he has to pay attention to what I am saying and show am a strong capable woman. I've got my own ways of doing that, none of which I am willing to discuss. Nor am I going to hunt white bunnies to let their fur imply anyone is helpless or a coward. Lord Arik once asked what color roses meant disdain or hatred, anger. I did not know! Will have to ask Lord Ignacio when he returns to Arx.
Wines have their own meanings and symbolism. They have nuances like a backward or closed flavor needs to mature and grow up or a flabby wine has a flavor of disappointment. A simple journal entry would turn into a thick tome if I got into that detail. So I won't. You're welcome.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 24, 2018, 10:07 p.m.(1/12/1008 AR)
I played my lute and sang this tonight at the Flammas of Lagoma:
Blessed Lagoma of Light
'If you only have belief',
Such a simple phrase to say
Hope contained in words so brief
Yet over lives they hold such sway.
Cleansing flames, dancing bright
Help keep belief strong and true
They sustain us through the night
Until the morning begins anew.
With meditation and in prayer
There's comfort one can find
Life's changes lay a heart bare
With joy or sorrow close in mind
When within you beliefs abide
Light a candle share the light
Stand together side by side
Share your stories through the night
Blessed Lagoma of Light
'If you only have belief',
Such a simple phrase to say
Hope contained in words so brief
Yet over lives they hold such sway.
Cleansing flames, dancing bright
Help keep belief strong and true
They sustain us through the night
Until the morning begins anew.
With meditation and in prayer
There's comfort one can find
Life's changes lay a heart bare
With joy or sorrow close in mind
When within you beliefs abide
Light a candle share the light
Stand together side by side
Share your stories through the night
Written By Lucita
Jan. 24, 2018, 9:12 a.m.(1/11/1008 AR)
A good memory? It was when very young, still considered a child and was the first time I remember singing and played formally for a small gathering of family and friends in Granato, sharing the music I love with them. I was nervous, one hand twisting in an instrument carry-strap till it bit into my fingers, the other holding a wrinkled scrap of paper listing the songs, reminding of some of the more difficult lyrics. At first there was bored tolerance or indulgence on the faces of the listening adults, except for my tutor. The children, cousins showed impatience to get it over with and move on to fun things. And then I played and sang, my reward to see my sister's mouth hang open, my brother wide-eyed and nodding, my cousins quiet and not fidgeting, a misty-eyed look of pride on my tutor's face, and the expression of surprise and then enjoyment of guests. It made the long hours of practice, memorizing, and the sore fingers and hands all worthwhile.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 21, 2018, 9:48 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
Luis, Luis, Luis!
There is a mixture of pride in your becoming our house's new Minister of War and dismay that Marquessa Quenia did not wait till after the Gala to announce that. When did you turn so adult that you forego such an event to work on your new duties? And all that time we spent reading the Compendium books about all the court dances that were in the Archives and trying to learn the steps we did not know so we could join in the dances! We'll just have to dance another time so all the studies are not wasted. Reminder--Don't forget to thank Lord Marcos for providing escort for Quenia and me.
There is a mixture of pride in your becoming our house's new Minister of War and dismay that Marquessa Quenia did not wait till after the Gala to announce that. When did you turn so adult that you forego such an event to work on your new duties? And all that time we spent reading the Compendium books about all the court dances that were in the Archives and trying to learn the steps we did not know so we could join in the dances! We'll just have to dance another time so all the studies are not wasted. Reminder--Don't forget to thank Lord Marcos for providing escort for Quenia and me.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 21, 2018, 9:31 a.m.(1/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcos
Such a good-natured young man, my cousin-to-be! When muggers are attacking people in the streets and family and betrothed are too occupied, (Estaban on Iron Guard Patrol, Luis needing to delve into new duties.), Marcos was kind enough to provide escort to the Gala, and he even danced!
Written By Lucita
Jan. 18, 2018, 1:15 a.m.(12/26/1007 AR)
List for 12-25-1007
_/ 1. Ask vintners explain why an apple wine, there is already apple juice and cider and hard cider, do we really need apple wine, too?--done
2. Check with Luis to see how contingency defense plans for Granato are progressing.
_/ 3. Find missing shipping report on the sparkling wine.--done -on Quenia's desk
_/ 4. Complete song-book for Seraph Ailith and deliver it.--done
_/ 5. Track down missing harp strings. --done (explain to Vomus he will need to get bow strings from Estaban, not my harp)
_/ 6. Shrine visits--done
_/ 1. Ask vintners explain why an apple wine, there is already apple juice and cider and hard cider, do we really need apple wine, too?--done
2. Check with Luis to see how contingency defense plans for Granato are progressing.
_/ 3. Find missing shipping report on the sparkling wine.--done -on Quenia's desk
_/ 4. Complete song-book for Seraph Ailith and deliver it.--done
_/ 5. Track down missing harp strings. --done (explain to Vomus he will need to get bow strings from Estaban, not my harp)
_/ 6. Shrine visits--done
Written By Lucita
Jan. 7, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(12/3/1007 AR)
Big round whitish-gray eyes, dozens of them, like poorly prepared boiled eggs or ones going bad. Skin the color of rotting marc of purple grapes. Long dagger teeth, coming closer and closer...so quick.
Again I awake, shuddering, heart pounding, but at least not weeping or crying out this time. Sleep evades me so may as well write a bit in this journal. These nightmares will fade in time like the others are starting to do, or else am getting used to them.
Makeup can only conceal but at least people are kind enough not to mention the circles under the eyes and such.
Again I awake, shuddering, heart pounding, but at least not weeping or crying out this time. Sleep evades me so may as well write a bit in this journal. These nightmares will fade in time like the others are starting to do, or else am getting used to them.
Makeup can only conceal but at least people are kind enough not to mention the circles under the eyes and such.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 6, 2018, 3:12 a.m.(12/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Madeleine
May the Gods and Goddesses give us the strength to bear and do what must be done and watch over and protect us afterwards. You mentioned what may be needed to cleanse the statue of Mangata at the beach. Your words were heeded and we did our best.
Written By Lucita
Jan. 2, 2018, 9:09 p.m.(11/22/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
My second spar. Lost it too, but held my own a goodly length of time and managed to administer more than tiny nicks and scratches this time. Thank you Master Caspian for the spar.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 25, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(11/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
The message received was 'I'm not dead.' Knowing Lord Ian that translates to 'bring whiskey or rum, pleasant company and a good healer.' None the less it is a very nice thought that one is remembered by a friend and that they have returned from some dangerous situation intact, or enough intact to send a message.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 24, 2017, 1:52 a.m.(11/1/1007 AR)
Mistress Valery and I saw Prism today at the Shrine of First Choice where she was talking to Archlector Aleksei. She is just as beautiful as was told she was.
Written By Lucita
Dec. 22, 2017, 6:09 p.m.(10/26/1007 AR)
For One More Day, a song of mourning
Notation: Though 'For One More Day" is not mentioned in the song, that is what those listening to it suggested for a title.
In memory of those who died 1007 AR - Composed by Lady Lucita Igniseri
Beneath the branches of an olden tree
Sat a lonely friend on its rooty knee.
By them an upended basket had spilled.
Their sad eyes with tears were filled.
When I knelt beside them to gently ask
Will saying what's wrong be a hard task?
Their sorrowful voice was husky, broken
As word by word their reply was spoken.
"I wanted more chances to say 'goodbye.'
"They're gone now." Came a soulful sigh.
"All that remains is there in the grass
"Letters from friends, messages passed,
"An old pet's toy, a sketch of a grouch,
"Some event tokens, a gift in a pouch.
"And beside them though you can not see
"Is my broken heart 'neath this olden tree.
Notation: Though 'For One More Day" is not mentioned in the song, that is what those listening to it suggested for a title.
In memory of those who died 1007 AR - Composed by Lady Lucita Igniseri
Beneath the branches of an olden tree
Sat a lonely friend on its rooty knee.
By them an upended basket had spilled.
Their sad eyes with tears were filled.
When I knelt beside them to gently ask
Will saying what's wrong be a hard task?
Their sorrowful voice was husky, broken
As word by word their reply was spoken.
"I wanted more chances to say 'goodbye.'
"They're gone now." Came a soulful sigh.
"All that remains is there in the grass
"Letters from friends, messages passed,
"An old pet's toy, a sketch of a grouch,
"Some event tokens, a gift in a pouch.
"And beside them though you can not see
"Is my broken heart 'neath this olden tree.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.