Written By Leta
Jan. 21, 2018, 11:40 p.m.(1/6/1008 AR)
I went to watch the Donkey Knights do battle with a dragon. I was in my cups a bit and to tell the truth I didn't understand half of what was going on at any time, but it was a proper show and I had some laughs and it's for a good cause, I was told.
It made me think maybe I should get a horse. I thought of getting a donkey while I still had a bit of brandy in me but I don't think that would be the same. I'm a knight so I should have a horse, some folk might say. The problem is I'm no good with the sort of weapons you would from horseback. Maybe I can use a lance and then jump off the horse and fight on foot. I can ride a horse and I figure I can hold a stick straight. Maybe I ought to see about joining the next joust if there's any.
It made me think maybe I should get a horse. I thought of getting a donkey while I still had a bit of brandy in me but I don't think that would be the same. I'm a knight so I should have a horse, some folk might say. The problem is I'm no good with the sort of weapons you would from horseback. Maybe I can use a lance and then jump off the horse and fight on foot. I can ride a horse and I figure I can hold a stick straight. Maybe I ought to see about joining the next joust if there's any.
Written By Leta
Jan. 15, 2018, 1:47 p.m.(12/21/1007 AR)
I have not written a proper journal entry in a while, not as such.
There's a war on the horizon, as folk say, this one being the horizon you see when you look out on the bay. I am not much of a boat person myself. I don't mind sailing in one, but I fight best with my feet planted solidly on a piece of earth I believe. But if I have to fight on a boat I can fight on a boat. Now the bad thing about a boat is if you fall into the water you might drown. If you fall off a wall you can break every bone in your body, but if you are on a field or on a street then it is not so bad. I think I would rather die on land. I know some folk say drowning is not so bad but I've a hard time believing it.
But I don't know where I'll be fighting, so there is time to worry when it's time to worry.
I came in fourth at the Gauntlet, which I reckon isn't too bad considering how many folk were there. Princess Marian won and it was quite a sight to see. I hurt my knee a little on the tall hurdles twice, but some things just got a grudge against folk for some reason.
I expect climbing ropes and over railings and such is something that happens when you're fighting on boats so maybe that's good practice. Also swinging from ropes, I imagine that happens as well. It's easier if you fight with one hand, I can't rightly see how I can fight and swing from a rope at the same time, but I reckon it's a matter of practice, as folk say.
There's a war on the horizon, as folk say, this one being the horizon you see when you look out on the bay. I am not much of a boat person myself. I don't mind sailing in one, but I fight best with my feet planted solidly on a piece of earth I believe. But if I have to fight on a boat I can fight on a boat. Now the bad thing about a boat is if you fall into the water you might drown. If you fall off a wall you can break every bone in your body, but if you are on a field or on a street then it is not so bad. I think I would rather die on land. I know some folk say drowning is not so bad but I've a hard time believing it.
But I don't know where I'll be fighting, so there is time to worry when it's time to worry.
I came in fourth at the Gauntlet, which I reckon isn't too bad considering how many folk were there. Princess Marian won and it was quite a sight to see. I hurt my knee a little on the tall hurdles twice, but some things just got a grudge against folk for some reason.
I expect climbing ropes and over railings and such is something that happens when you're fighting on boats so maybe that's good practice. Also swinging from ropes, I imagine that happens as well. It's easier if you fight with one hand, I can't rightly see how I can fight and swing from a rope at the same time, but I reckon it's a matter of practice, as folk say.
Written By Leta
Jan. 12, 2018, 2:19 p.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
(A series of sketches or rough doodles of cats. The artist has no real eye for proportion, or composition, or shading, or much of anything as far as art goes. But at least you can mostly tell these are cats. There are cats with spots, and cats with stripes, and black cats. Some of the cats are just doing cat things, like running around or eating small creatures, but a few of the cats have crowns or helmets or are armed with spears and bows. There's even a little cat castle with cats in the battlements.)
This is just a picture I drew from my head, it's not something that exists, for any Scholars that read this a hundred years from now. But a whole kingdom of cats would be a sight to see, that's for sure.
This is just a picture I drew from my head, it's not something that exists, for any Scholars that read this a hundred years from now. But a whole kingdom of cats would be a sight to see, that's for sure.
Written By Leta
Jan. 12, 2018, 1:28 p.m.(12/14/1007 AR)
I like cats. I don't know what's going on in their heads, and to tell the truth they're (the word assholes has been struck out) not terribly nice for the most part, but they are pretty and they're fun to watch. Also they catch mice and such and they guard the house at night from some other sorts of unnatural creatures, as I see it, though sometimes they make a bloody mess of bird guts and such all over. Now, you never know when they'll rub up against you or give you a scratch for your troubles, but that's just in their nature. I don't suppose you can hold it against them. I've a cat myself, Meowlarice, and she's good company. I'm not sure I'd feel the same if she could talk, and I don't reckon I trust her, but she is what she is.
Anyhow, I just thought I'd write something more about cats, for future Scholars, in case cats vanish or folk forget about cats in years to come.
Anyhow, I just thought I'd write something more about cats, for future Scholars, in case cats vanish or folk forget about cats in years to come.
Written By Leta
Jan. 9, 2018, 8:10 p.m.(12/8/1007 AR)
Here is how you make stew. I heard folk were writing of cooking and such. Also, maybe Scholars in years to come won't know how to make a stew, seeing as folk happen to forget all sorts of things from olden days. Whether that's monsters and unnatural things or stew, you never know.
You take a pot, you put some vegetables in it and some meat if you have it. I like to put some onions and carrots myself and oats are fine as well, but any sort of plant will do. Any sort of meat is fine as well, I think. I like mutton and rabbit myself. If you got some herbs you put some in, such as thyme or rosemary or other herbs, but not too much, and you can even put spices such as they have in the Lyceum or the Isles or faraway parts, for fancier sorts of stews. You put some grease in it too, it could just be oil or butter or lard, it makes it better. You put some water in the pot to cover the whole lot up and then you leave it in the pot for a few hours over the fire, but not right on top of the fire unless it's a very small fire. If it dries out you can add more water to it. You can add some beer or wine to the water as well. If it's older or tougher meat, like game and such, you leave it longer on the fire until it's ready.
That is about it. Anyone can make it, as long as you have vegetables and water, which I expect future Scholars will still have. If you have some meat and grease, so much the better.
You take a pot, you put some vegetables in it and some meat if you have it. I like to put some onions and carrots myself and oats are fine as well, but any sort of plant will do. Any sort of meat is fine as well, I think. I like mutton and rabbit myself. If you got some herbs you put some in, such as thyme or rosemary or other herbs, but not too much, and you can even put spices such as they have in the Lyceum or the Isles or faraway parts, for fancier sorts of stews. You put some grease in it too, it could just be oil or butter or lard, it makes it better. You put some water in the pot to cover the whole lot up and then you leave it in the pot for a few hours over the fire, but not right on top of the fire unless it's a very small fire. If it dries out you can add more water to it. You can add some beer or wine to the water as well. If it's older or tougher meat, like game and such, you leave it longer on the fire until it's ready.
That is about it. Anyone can make it, as long as you have vegetables and water, which I expect future Scholars will still have. If you have some meat and grease, so much the better.
Written By Leta
Dec. 19, 2017, 6:55 p.m.(10/20/1007 AR)
The knight, she's gone beyond the walls,
Beyond the fields on which we'd roam,
And gods, whichever hears my calls,
Please lead the wild knight home.
Gods, for her hair, a ribbon I've bought,
I want her back, so my silver's not for naught.
My boots, they once trod far and wide,
In their wake broken hearts and songs,
But where I left and laughed and lied,
'Tis now my heart that frets and longs.
Gods, for her fingers, gold rings I'd wrought,
I want her back, so my gold is not for naught.
I know not on which wall to stand,
To gaze on gray or search the blue,
For hooves on stone or feet on sand,
That bring me peace, which once I knew.
Gods, for her garden, wild thistle I sought,
I want her back, so my wandering's not for naught.
Through outlaw wood and beastly den,
The valiant woman carves her way.
Should that path bring her home again,
Kind one, don't let her footsteps stray.
Gods, for her body, a tunic I stitched,
I want her back, for what else is there to wish?
Beyond the fields on which we'd roam,
And gods, whichever hears my calls,
Please lead the wild knight home.
Gods, for her hair, a ribbon I've bought,
I want her back, so my silver's not for naught.
My boots, they once trod far and wide,
In their wake broken hearts and songs,
But where I left and laughed and lied,
'Tis now my heart that frets and longs.
Gods, for her fingers, gold rings I'd wrought,
I want her back, so my gold is not for naught.
I know not on which wall to stand,
To gaze on gray or search the blue,
For hooves on stone or feet on sand,
That bring me peace, which once I knew.
Gods, for her garden, wild thistle I sought,
I want her back, so my wandering's not for naught.
Through outlaw wood and beastly den,
The valiant woman carves her way.
Should that path bring her home again,
Kind one, don't let her footsteps stray.
Gods, for her body, a tunic I stitched,
I want her back, for what else is there to wish?
Written By Leta
Nov. 19, 2017, 2:37 p.m.(8/12/1007 AR)
I was the opening of Mistress Valery's gardens up in the Redrain ward. There was a ceremony that I don't rightly understand but I am sure was fine and good to please such spirits as hang around up north. It was all very lovely, as is the garden. I played a little music and everything. I also asked Mistress Valery to teach me a little of gardening, as I ought to do some.
It is not real gardening, but I should pull up some weeds and water some plots and such. I've been trying, but I think some of my plants aren't doing too well. I've a garden, I've never really done much there. It's just some flowers and herbs, but I'd like to keep them alive until my woman comes back, she's always the one who tends to it.
It is not real gardening, but I should pull up some weeds and water some plots and such. I've been trying, but I think some of my plants aren't doing too well. I've a garden, I've never really done much there. It's just some flowers and herbs, but I'd like to keep them alive until my woman comes back, she's always the one who tends to it.
Written By Leta
Nov. 12, 2017, 5:49 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
The King I speak of in the last entry is King Alaric IV, in case folk forget this sort of thing in the future, one never knows.
Also, I saw the King riding on a horse the other day, but I imagine the King rides his horse often enough that there's no need to write that down for Scholarly purposes. In case there are no more horses in years to come, such as happens to other ancient beasts, they are beasts with four legs and hooves, and folk of our time ride around on them. They are mostly brown, but there is also white and black and gray ones. They are also used to pull carts and wagons and things of the sort. They eat grass and hay and carrots. I myself can ride a horse, though not too well, but enough that I won't fall off a saddle, which is a sort of chair or stool one puts on a horse's back.
I hope this satisfies future Scholars.
Also, I saw the King riding on a horse the other day, but I imagine the King rides his horse often enough that there's no need to write that down for Scholarly purposes. In case there are no more horses in years to come, such as happens to other ancient beasts, they are beasts with four legs and hooves, and folk of our time ride around on them. They are mostly brown, but there is also white and black and gray ones. They are also used to pull carts and wagons and things of the sort. They eat grass and hay and carrots. I myself can ride a horse, though not too well, but enough that I won't fall off a saddle, which is a sort of chair or stool one puts on a horse's back.
I hope this satisfies future Scholars.
Written By Leta
Nov. 12, 2017, 5:42 p.m.(7/26/1007 AR)
Here I am again with a quill in my hand and a journal to write.
I went to a ceremony of sorts that was put together by Princess Valencia at her Hart. It had something to do with throwing away your regrets or the bad things that were weighing you down, and you would do that by bringing something to burn. The King was there and everything if you can believe it, though he did arrive late.
I took something to burn, and I meant to, but I didn't. My reasons are my own, but I will say I don't know if you can unravel the good from the bad. I've my burdens, but they're precious to me, or they would not mine to bear in the first place.
But it was an interesting ceremony and I am writing this so folk that write of our time in days to come know that the King went to this ceremony, as I am sure the Scholars will care more about what the King did and didn't do, than they will care for my troubles. And I understand that sometimes journals go missing for mysterious reasons of one sort or another, and perhaps no one else wrote this down and so I did. It's not every day I see the King, anyway.
I went to a ceremony of sorts that was put together by Princess Valencia at her Hart. It had something to do with throwing away your regrets or the bad things that were weighing you down, and you would do that by bringing something to burn. The King was there and everything if you can believe it, though he did arrive late.
I took something to burn, and I meant to, but I didn't. My reasons are my own, but I will say I don't know if you can unravel the good from the bad. I've my burdens, but they're precious to me, or they would not mine to bear in the first place.
But it was an interesting ceremony and I am writing this so folk that write of our time in days to come know that the King went to this ceremony, as I am sure the Scholars will care more about what the King did and didn't do, than they will care for my troubles. And I understand that sometimes journals go missing for mysterious reasons of one sort or another, and perhaps no one else wrote this down and so I did. It's not every day I see the King, anyway.
Written By Leta
Oct. 29, 2017, 9:29 p.m.(6/27/1007 AR)
I haven't written anything in some time now, but I don't suppose Velichor will mind any. What's to write? I was content, so I wrote nothing. And then I was drunk, so I thought I'd spare the Scholars. But here are a few verses. They rhyme and everything. It's not a poem, it's just the start of one, more or less, but I don't think I'll finish it. There's a sweet spot for the writing of such things. Not too little wine, not too much, just enough. But wine's cheap, and it's hard to stay in-between long enough for what you'd call proper poetry.
Where did the wild wind waft the thistle's petals?
What starry skies smile to see the passing knight?
What prickly paths, bound in brambles and in nettles,
Will lead astray the laugh that lights the longest night?
Where did the wild wind waft the thistle's petals?
What starry skies smile to see the passing knight?
What prickly paths, bound in brambles and in nettles,
Will lead astray the laugh that lights the longest night?
Written By Leta
Aug. 29, 2017, 9:47 a.m.(2/11/1007 AR)
I don't know too much about Mangata. Usually when I think about Mangata it's not a good thing as it means there is weather, and I can't say I much care for weather. I've been on boats once or twice, but you really don't want weather when you are on a boat, the way I see it. The less weather, the better.
But then I suppose I do like drinking, even water if it's clean, and so there's that. I was at the ceremony for Mangata. I didn't have anything to say, I was just curious and wanted to learn more about the gods and such, but I am glad I didn't say a thing, not that I would have said anything that's likely to ruffle any feathers but you never know. They were serving mead and whiskey, and I'd already had some wine before I got to the beach and it all adds up to loose tongues, that's what.
But then I suppose I do like drinking, even water if it's clean, and so there's that. I was at the ceremony for Mangata. I didn't have anything to say, I was just curious and wanted to learn more about the gods and such, but I am glad I didn't say a thing, not that I would have said anything that's likely to ruffle any feathers but you never know. They were serving mead and whiskey, and I'd already had some wine before I got to the beach and it all adds up to loose tongues, that's what.
Written By Leta
Aug. 27, 2017, 8:12 p.m.(2/7/1007 AR)
I found a doll I made once from some old rags. It's a soldier, it's got a little hat and a sword. I make dolls like that sometimes, usually just to give away to children from the Lowers. It was outside, just in past Merchant's Gate.
I wonder how it got lost. This one I made for charity. I hope maybe someone just had it and thought they should put them out on the street for children to grab. It still looks fine, no reason to throw it away. Maybe whoever had it just lost it, children have a way of losing things. I hope they liked it. It's not very good, but I made a hat for it and everything, and it's got a sword, like I wrote. I might give it away to one of these babies being born, but I think maybe it's a bit dangerous for a baby. I just hope it's not because a little one died and someone got rid of it because it was too sad to have it around afterwards.
I wonder how it got lost. This one I made for charity. I hope maybe someone just had it and thought they should put them out on the street for children to grab. It still looks fine, no reason to throw it away. Maybe whoever had it just lost it, children have a way of losing things. I hope they liked it. It's not very good, but I made a hat for it and everything, and it's got a sword, like I wrote. I might give it away to one of these babies being born, but I think maybe it's a bit dangerous for a baby. I just hope it's not because a little one died and someone got rid of it because it was too sad to have it around afterwards.
Written By Leta
Aug. 20, 2017, 10:51 p.m.(1/22/1007 AR)
I think I will not play any games that have to do with drinking any kind of mysterious drinks at fancy dinners. Wine is bad enough as it is when you are trying not to stick your foot in your mouth, as they say. I'll just stick to watching other folk drink them, as there's a lot you can learn by doing that. I learned noble folk sent portraits to one another when arranging a marriage, but I suppose that makes sense if they don't all live in Arx.
I've tried gelato, and I find I quite like it, though I reckon I'd like it better in the summer. It was a very interesting Velenosa dinner, but they usually are. And I quite liked the wine as well which was very pleasant and went well with the gelato.
I've tried gelato, and I find I quite like it, though I reckon I'd like it better in the summer. It was a very interesting Velenosa dinner, but they usually are. And I quite liked the wine as well which was very pleasant and went well with the gelato.
Written By Leta
Aug. 14, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(1/9/1007 AR)
I've heard folk say there was talk of yielding in the tournament and why it's bad and why it's not. It don't rightly know what to think of this matter but I will try to write down my thoughts, seeing as I was at the tournament and got to the end of it before Prince Talen put me down.
Some mightier folk have responsibilities and such, and if they're fighting for honor or sport maybe it's a waste to risk their lives on it. But I can't judge a woman for what she thinks is worth it and what she doesn't, seeing as I have risked my life and killed folk for wine money and silk money and to cover my fingers in rings, and that's a lot less than a King's boon by my account.
Some mightier folk have responsibilities and such, and if they're fighting for honor or sport maybe it's a waste to risk their lives on it. But I can't judge a woman for what she thinks is worth it and what she doesn't, seeing as I have risked my life and killed folk for wine money and silk money and to cover my fingers in rings, and that's a lot less than a King's boon by my account.
Written By Leta
Aug. 13, 2017, 10:27 p.m.(1/7/1007 AR)
I held on to the end of the Grand Melee at the Tournament until it was down to me and Prince Talen. To tell the truth that was a lot of luck. I almost had it, though. Prince Talen had a break and a drink of wine before we fought, and I reckon that made all the difference, but in the end he fought better and laid me out in the field. I think it was pretty close, though. Also, I knocked a good few fighters better than me out of the running, so that has to be worth something and I can't complain, other than this hurts a whole lot and I shan't get out of bed for a whole week if I can help it.
Written By Leta
Aug. 13, 2017, 9:03 a.m.(1/6/1007 AR)
I almost forgot to write this down, Scholars. Cows eat grass and hay and such things. Folk squeeze the tits on a cow for milk, which can be for drinking or for making cheese and butter. Butter's made mostly by beating the milk a whole lot. Cheese I'm not rightly sure but I think you've got to put some bit of the cow in the milk and wait a while for the milk to dry.
That's about all I know on cows. I don't know if elves got an opinion on them or anything.
That's about all I know on cows. I don't know if elves got an opinion on them or anything.
Written By Leta
Aug. 13, 2017, 8:58 a.m.(1/6/1007 AR)
It is a new year. It has been for a few days but I haven't written anything in here since. So far it's going well enough, as years can go. Haven't been in any fights this year but I reckon I'll knock the rust off when I fight in the melee, and hopefully knock some folk out too before I get knocked out myself. Other than that, there is not much to tell that will matter for the Archives.
I feel like I should write more but I don't know what. I have a new ring from Mistress Sameera and it's right pretty.
Well, in case in years to come all the cows have vanished, such as what happened to some other beasts, I am writing this down for the Scholars. Cows have got four legs and they come in different colors and some of them got spots and some of them got horns. There's a lot of good eating in all parts of the cow. Also, their skin is good for leather.
I really don't know what to write. All is well.
I feel like I should write more but I don't know what. I have a new ring from Mistress Sameera and it's right pretty.
Well, in case in years to come all the cows have vanished, such as what happened to some other beasts, I am writing this down for the Scholars. Cows have got four legs and they come in different colors and some of them got spots and some of them got horns. There's a lot of good eating in all parts of the cow. Also, their skin is good for leather.
I really don't know what to write. All is well.
Written By Leta
Aug. 2, 2017, 9:13 p.m.(12/13/1006 AR)
Meowlarice eats spiders now and then, I've noticed, and maybe that's one reason elves aren't too fond of cats, as folk say. Well, some folk say it, anyhow, I wouldn't know. Can't say I much care for spiders either way. Mice, now, mice get in bags and spoil your food and gnaw on your things, but I never heard of spiders doing that. Can't stand moths, though. If spiders eat moths, that's a service well done at least.
Not that this interests Vellichor any, I don't suppose, but I thought I'd write something in today. Though maybe in days to come folk will wonder about such animals as we have now. I hear there used to be all kinds of animals that aren't around anymore, and maybe some day folk won't know what's a cat and what's a moth and what's a spider.
So, for future Scholars, a cat's got four legs and a spider's got eight and a lot more eyes than a cat. Moths have wings and they'll eat your finest wools and such if you let them.
Not that this interests Vellichor any, I don't suppose, but I thought I'd write something in today. Though maybe in days to come folk will wonder about such animals as we have now. I hear there used to be all kinds of animals that aren't around anymore, and maybe some day folk won't know what's a cat and what's a moth and what's a spider.
So, for future Scholars, a cat's got four legs and a spider's got eight and a lot more eyes than a cat. Moths have wings and they'll eat your finest wools and such if you let them.
Written By Leta
July 24, 2017, 6:15 p.m.(11/23/1006 AR)
Meowlarice mostly eats mice and other small critters. That's her job. She eats birds too. That's not her job but she does it anyway. Sometimes she brings them in for us to eat, but I can't say I've much of a taste for mice or small birds. Not that there's anything wrong with small birds, it's just all those little bones. You'll choke on those as sure as anything.
Sometimes she hisses at things that maybe are there and maybe aren't. I don't know. Cats got keen ears and keen whiskers for some things. I hear they don't get along with elves either but I'm not too eager to test that. Wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic mess just to see if it's true.
That's about it. She eats mice and she's good company. Not much of a story, but I was told folk were all writing these things so here you go.
Sometimes she hisses at things that maybe are there and maybe aren't. I don't know. Cats got keen ears and keen whiskers for some things. I hear they don't get along with elves either but I'm not too eager to test that. Wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic mess just to see if it's true.
That's about it. She eats mice and she's good company. Not much of a story, but I was told folk were all writing these things so here you go.
Written By Leta
July 23, 2017, 7:30 p.m.(11/21/1006 AR)
It's been a while since I have written anything. I have not had much reason to write much of note lately, nothing new that I'd care to share or that Vellichor's likely to be interested in. No point in preserving much of it for the ages to come. I've been looking to better myself, as one does, but life's comfortable enough, and I've been busy enough with this and that to keep from going out looking for trouble. Not that I ever do.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.