The Frasers of Skye and Good Night, Loch Avie

Continued from Ancient Homelands:

I walked over to where Exrex was kneeling. He moved aside and held the torch nearby the cave wall. What I saw there, down low on the rock-face, partially covered by snow and ice amazed me.

Exrex's topcoat slipped from my shoulders as I knelt, but I did not feel the cold at this moment.

A crest!

The Frasers

My family.

Mo annsa, we will build a home here with our people. Our clan will thrive here and our family grow. The winds of change that blew us from our home - perhaps temporarily - in Inverness have landed us here on this good land overlooking the sea. This hill is easily defended and we will build a strong sturdy home upon it...the rolling hills around us seem to be fertile. He smiled and held his beloved to him, touching her belly. And we shall ensure the fertility of our new home tonight.

The lady blushed slightly. No - really she flushed - her skin reacting to his touch and suggestion as it had many times before. The difference was evident to me as I viewed this from my place in time, as was her new comfort and ease of manner. Yes, I could hear her thought, we are home.

Exrex watched me as the visions appeared to me. I suspect he was afraid I would faint again. I smiled at him assuring him that all was well. At that point, I just wanted to get to Loch Avie and begin making plans. I needed to make inquiries on the land to determine if anyone was claiming this place. I had documents to get in order, crates to pack. So much to do!

He helped me back on board the airship. We saw that Nellie was not moving to leave the place, and we set off for my home...or what was currently still my home.


***
We landed near the pub and as Exrex was calling several of the Lancers out to assist with the care of the ship after her long journey, my cousin, Gabrielle, arrived. Excitedly she asked me if I had forgotten that the Realm of the Roses Ball was this night.

I smiled at her and told her that it had currently slipped my mind, but that I had made all preparations the preceding week. The conservatory and surrounds were ready for our guests.

Gabrielle and I had spoken a couple of weeks before and she asked if I would hold the evening Realm of the Roses Ball in Loch Avie. This is her annual Holiday Gift to those of us in Caledon, Winterfell, and our other sister communities. And what a gift it was.

(OOC comments -
When Gabi and I were planning this event together, we knew that it would be the last formal event for Loch Avie prior to the awful OS restrictions going into place. I knew it would be special - and likely very difficult, since I will leave Loch Avie behind very soon. I had really had no idea just how difficult nor wonderful the night would be. What follows are pictures from the event, which saw 60 avatars in the sim for much of the night. The music was wonderful. Gabrielle chose traditional Christmas music, but with a Loch Avie flavor. Pipes, Jigs, and during one very precious portion of the night - Songs about a rose.
I was incredibly touched and moved, and I (ME...the REAL PERSON) was in tears as I heard the songs, watched my friends and neighbors enjoying themselves in my lands, and received private notes and public comments about me, Loch Avie, and how much we have meant to individuals and the community.
Honestly - these were some of the most tender and genuine comments - and I shall treasure them for a long time. Particularly the ones sent privately from people even those that I never really knew. Thank you. Thank everyone for attending this, for sending Loch Avie off with such love. Thank you for allowing me feel that love. And thank you, Gabi, for your gift to ME. )

Early in the night, I shared a dance with my dear friend, Grafinya Inbir Abigh, Kate Nicholas

The crowd steadily grew and the minuet was a huge hit.

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach kisses my hand

The lovely Miss Teaa and her friend enjoy the night.

A waltz with Lunar

Kamilah Hauptmann, Radslns Huchence, Dr. Mason

Kamilah has apparently captured the sun for warmth in the cold snowy night. I was, however, incredibly warm as I danced and enjoyed my beloved friends.

The setting. Friends dancing inside and out.
Would that I could name all the names of the guests.

THANK YOU, Cousin.

Eva and Gabrielle

The Wedding of The Dragon and The Nightingale

I hope that you will enjoy the storyboard created from the pictures taken at the ceremony today.

Despite some technical issues, including one sim crash, it was a very lovely proceeding. I wish you both many blessings. And welcome to the family, Azul!

If the slideshow/storyboard does not play fully for you, please click the picture and you will be taken to my Koinup site.


<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Koinup</span>: Your &<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lt</span>;a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">href</span>="http://www.koinup.com/">Virtual Life&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lt</span>;/a>

Reflections

I find myself sitting at the end of a busy RL day thinking through some of the things that are going on around me. Some relate to my typist directly - others do not. All cause some sort of stress - good or bad. The same may be said for those of us who exist here in the Metaverse.

Today, it seems, there are many things swirling about us. Griefers. Former friends and colleagues who would (and often do) threaten us. Exhibits to be completed. Businesses to be nourished. Clients. Landlords. Friends. Lovers. Even just the "what to wear to the theme night dance" question.

I have today learned of stress that a couple of my friends have been dealing with as gracefully as possible. In fact, with more grace than many could muster.

That reminded me of a conversation that Gabi, Soliel, Dia, and I had on Sunday afternoon. I was in world only briefly, but had an invitation to come dance in Gigglesford. (What a lovely sim, Soliel.) I found that it was only the four of us dancing. But that small number was just perfect for conversation.



We spoke of many things, not the least of which was our concern over friends - the HUMAN friends - who had or were feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike. We learned that some of our friends had made contact with folks in world to let us know they were safe if perhaps without power or water. I, though, then expressed my thoughts on how difficult it is knowing people as well as we do some of our good friends in world (for as many of us have expressed from time to time and certainly after CaleCon, our characters in world are generally who we are in RL and TRUE friendships form) and not always having a method of checking on them if one of us is suddenly without power or computer access. I have often considered the helplessness I would feel if I did not see or hear from close friends for days unexpectedly. I would be very worried that all was not well. And I would wish that I could speak to my friend - or at least inquire of him/her with family. For some friends that is or would be possible. For others it would not.



I draw no conclusions for you as I write this. Suffice it to say we had a very good discussion about relationships, keeping in touch - and many other things. It was a lovely time with three good friends (in the Metaverse or out).



And then I heard this song on the radio.........seems appropriate.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

(chorus)
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

(chorus)

Lee Ann Womack

Blessings on you, all my friends.

*

St. Kitts Safe???

Kate Nicholas
Boyarina, Winterfell Eventide
12 August

Dear Kate-
I sit here in my makeshift offices while abroad on holiday staring at a letter that has just been delivered by special courier from my cousin, Gabrielle. It is an invitation to make sure that I am able to join our Benevolent Dictator for Life, Desmond, in St. Kitts this coming Monday for a beach party. ???

She says that he had an external consultant review the stability and safety of the island, and that it has been declared entirely safe. My word, Kate! How is that possible? When last we took measurements on the island, the geologic patterns suggested entirely the opposite as I recall.

I fear that St. Kitts is entirely UN-safe. This could prove to be a disaster of epic proportions if Desmond's "experts" are wrong.

The courier has awaited my response to Gabi, which I have written expressing my fears, and that same gentleman is to deliver this to you. I am cutting my holiday short, and am having my things packed post-haste to join you as soon as is possible. I suggest that we must gather more seismic and geologic data as soon as possible for review by the Guvnah.

I am, as ever, your dear friend and colleague~

Eva

Journey to....Mysterious Island: Cream of Duchess Soup?!?

Well now! What a revolting development this is! Sitting in a very large iron cooking pot with Gabrielle. Beady-eyed natives staring at us and licking their chops. Mind you, we have been in hot water together before with people staring at us and licking their lips, but not with this particular look in their eyes. Good Lord! What now??

Thankfully the water was not yet boiling, nevertheless, my head was pounding and spinning. Gabrielle seemed to have fainted dead away. My hands were bound and I could not check her pulse or look for obvious injuries, but I could see the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, her head laid back over the edge of the cauldron.

Shaking my head in an effort to clear it and remember how we got here, I suddenly had the strangest sense of deja vu. Wait! I felt this way earlier in the day, too. What in the world happened?

*cue the cheesy dream music. No. NO! Not the penguin NIGHTMARE music! Just put on the "hey, I'm having a flashback moment music" would you?*

Oh yes! Now I remember.

I was standing on the beach watching Lady Darkling as she struggled to "help" one of the sailors. Previously I been resting in the sun, but quickly changed into some adventure gear as the day progressed. I witnessed Dr. Sputnik and Miss Lightfoot as they circled around Darkling repeating the same Latin phrase in excited tones. It was not anything to do with the dying man laying under Lady Darkling....something about a... giant bunny.

Odd.

Suddenly I noticed the very large imprint in the sand. I ran to my little hut on the beach, grabbed my sketchbook, and began to make some notes for the Royal Society. Professors Krogstad and Nicholas would need to have a look at this. Dr. Sputnik was good enough to take the measurements; I jotted them down on the drawing as he shouted them out.

Then I heard my cousin calling for me:
"Eva? I have some important Duchy business that I would like to discuss with you!"

Bless her, she had brought the Dom Perignon out for our discussion.

Yes. Now I remember.....

We dashed-off into the foresty-jungley area surrounding Phillip trying to follow Gnarlihotep. My eyes were blurry, I admit it. But the figure standing in the bushes just did not look like Gnarli - even from this distance. Who on earth could it be?


"Gabrielle? Can you tell who that is? Could it be....a SAVAGE!?!"


Suddenly this feeling was upon me for the first time today....a flicker of a memory...

As the gentleman laid his coconut shell scooter to the side, I heard Gabrielle exclaim, "...A fine specimen of a savage too. Quite…well grown. Look, his name tag says 'Hi, my name is Templeton'. How friendly!"

Even as I suggested that the only way to secure our freedom might be a Duchess Sandwich, I was still attempting to make sense of what my mind was trying to tell me.

"You know this savage from somewhere other than here. You have dealt with him before."


Mentioning something about the Liberace Deli - "Is that in the Bronx?" I wondered - his voice trickled down to a low pitched "woof" as Gabi and I stripped down to our corsets.

The effects of the Duchess Sandwich soon became obviously known, and I thought that we were going to win the freedom of Gnarlihotep, if he had in fact been captured by this man and his tribe. His tribe? Yes. I could sense the eyes hiding behind the bushes and trees. They were out there. He kept calling for things from the Liberace Deli. Mustard. Mayo. Large dill pickles. Boiling water. Double-sized pot. Really. I did not think this was the time to bring the ceremonial herb out, but.....

Wait!

Suddenly it dawned on me! I know this savage. I met him years before. Where? When?

I was on assignment with the Royal Society in Lauk....yes...in Lauk. I had been sent there as a novice scientist/explorer along with Professor Krogstad because of my adventuresome streak and my interest in other cultures. I was to study the yet undocumented nutritional habits of the Itchysporkchowchow tribe.

Having come into Lauk with high ambitions and lot and lots of tchotchkes to give as gifts to the tribal elders, we were fairly successful in our quest initially. They allowed us to study them from just outside the village seeming to enjoy the opportunity to have their pictures sketched for publication; even allowing the odd photograph to be taken with Professor Krogstad's new-fangled camera.

I suppose in my youth and inexperience I became too bold. I went into the village a number of times on my own, feeling completely safe in the presence of the young members of the Itchysporkchowchow tribe. The last time I ventured in...this man...this Templeton captured me. He bound my feet and hands and tossed me into a cook pot. This man!! I was lucky to get away that time....but that is another story.

What is he doing here on a mysterious island just off the coast of Caledon?

At the moment of this realization, I heard more than felt Gabrielle fall against Templeton's back. This pushed him into me. Gabi fell softly to the sand beneath our feet. She seemed OK. Just a little green about the gills.

Now what would I do? I confess my anger was barely held in check. I turned around to face Templeton and made some comment about an open-faced sandwich as I tried to keep him...erm...engaged needing to plot my escape and how to get Gabi out along with me.

I let my hand slide down my thigh and felt the comforting steel of the dirk held in place by my garter. Sir Telemachus and Sir Hotspur had advised that I should keep weapons by my side at all times. My father would have agreed, and this was the dirk he had given me so long ago before sending me on my way for Intelligence Service training. Bless him. But since none of them were around to keep me safe and out of trouble now, I would need to act quickly if Gabi and I were to get away. I hoped that my MI-5 training, and all the recent weapons work in the Loch would serve me well.

"Well you wanted adventure, Duchess." I could hear Lady Kate saying.

As Templeton was occupied with the rest of me, I slid my hand under the lace corset skirt. Rapidly pulling the dirk out of my garter, I tried to simply injure the man enough to get away. We would need to question him about his involvement in the appearance of the volcano. I struck him once on his thigh near his groin. He yelled out in pain, drawing several of the tribe from the bushes. Grabbing my wrist, he tried to make me drop the knife. I held fast and wriggled my way around to his back. He still had my wrist, but I was able to find the fleshy, exposed arse (never wear assless chaps in the jungle...good lord, who is this man's fashion consultant?). I lunged at it repeatedly. One hit. Two. Three. Four. Finally the wretched man released me as he grabbed his bum in pain.

Yelling Gabrielle's name and shaking her did nothing to rouse her. My poor Gabrielle. We had to get away. As I was bending to lift her, I was grabbed from behind. This time by several rather smelly men in matching bowling shirts. My dirk was now knocked from my hand, and despite my efforts to free myself - I did get several swift kicks to hit "home" on a few of the lads - there were too many. They had me. That wretch Templeton, yelled something about teaching me to sign my name to the check before dinner is over, and then hit me over the head with his coconut shell scooter.

Searing pain.

Then darkness.

Now here I sit in this pot of water. God! I hope some of the others miss us soon.

What did Templeton mean? Sign the check? Hmmm.

The Presentation Ball of the Court of Carntaigh

On August 11th, Her Grace Gabrielle Riel, The Duchess of Carntaigh, graciously hosted a ball in honor of her court. It was a grand affair, which was well attended by many Caledonians as well as guests from other lands.

The Members of the Court of Carntaigh await presentation.

The Court of Carntaigh's Dance

Featured music included, Handel's Water Music and Fireworks Music, and Orff's Carmina Burana.

Colonel Exrex Somme and Lady Kate Nicholas

Another view of Lady Kate's exquisite Tsarina Gown by Shenlei

The Duchesses Dance

(foreground) Dr. Oolon Sputnik and Lady Darkling Elytis

My dance with Sir ZenMondo Wormser

A waltz with Jarl Otenth Paderborn

Mr. JJ Drinkwater and Miss Serra Annasi

The evening concluded on a spectacular note with fireworks and applause.







Thank you Gabrielle. It is an evening that will not soon be forgotten.

It's good to be SILLY every now and then

Composing the previous post, I was reminded of a funny time a little less than a year ago, when the call came out over the Independent State of Caledon channel for an impromptu blimp battle in Caledon II. Though there were many fewer of us at that time, most of us descended on the sim, picked up our free blimp and took to the air. Some had weapons, but mostly we puttered around in the lag bumping into each other. IT WAS GREAT FUN!

Soooooo - last night around 8:30pm SLT, I decided that I would send the call out for this year's Zepplin Day lighter-than-air-ship silliness. After consulting with Kamilah about the best possible sim for this activity, it was determined that Eyre would suit our needs to a T (or as close to a T as one can get in Caledon these days).

Despite the error messages on the Independent State channel, I sent the message via "blue box" to the estate. And they came! Blimps, Zepplins, various aircraft, air-surf boards, DaVinci Copters, Boomslangs.....and they brought their silly weapons. Myself? I had the free blimp from last year, now with my Coat of Arms applied to the side, and had my Chicken Cannon along for the fun.

Good Lord! It was hilarious. The pictures below only tell a portion of the story. Things were pretty slow as everyone joined in the fun. I am sorry that I don't recall everyone who was there. I was awfully busy shooting, flying, bumping, and laughing my head off. :-)

At one point, though, I was shot with a laser of some sort (not Ms Tombola's) and was completely frozen in mid-air. Even a requested bump from Sir Edward and Lady Pearse in their massive Zepplin would not move me. At that point the battle had been going for 45 minutes or so, and I just decided to derez the thing and drop to the ground. Playing anti-aircraft gunner, I shot at a few of the remaining ships.

My thanks to everyone who joined my silliness for the evening!! We will do this again sometime.

The first two arrivals to the field (or rather, air) of battle. That's me in the small craft.

Sir Edward coming-in at ramming speed early on in the fun.

As Edward's mouselook weapons would not work in his Zepplin, he was playing bumper ships with everyone. :-)

The DaVinci just before I sent it to the next sim with the mighty power of my Chicken Cannon.

A good display of many of the ships present.

Miss Frequency Picnic and her hobo blimp.

Taking a hit from the laser weapon. Falling through the air....but oh the pretty colors.

***
More fun:

The manse on the Loch is coming together pretty nicely. I have only a few more pieces of furniture to place, some art to hang, and a few last minute detail changes. Now I just need decide on the name. I have some thoughts, but nothing has made itself known as THE name for my home yet.

This weekend also found me enjoying a bit of fun to go with my serious shopping and decorating. Oh, and a day or two prior to the weekend, I met up with Kamilah, Hotspur, and Virrginia and allowed Virrginia's new horses to stretch their legs a bit.

Highlights of the weekend:

Gen X with Gabi at the Rock Factory - the music was fantastic and the company of friends was, as always, great fun.

Finding a surprise gift of an Iron Clad Ship for the Loch...and heading out on patrol

Mr Writer's Canada Day party.

Oh - and my human and I have been planning our trip to Finland.....









Let the silliness never go away from our fair land. It is FAR too much fun!

Red Hot Jazz

This weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time listening and dancing to one of my favorite music genres. Jazz.

The first event took me to a Rex and Sassy broadcast that Lance Jansen was hosting. It was a great evening made even better by finding some friends there that I had not seen in some time. Woodstock Burleigh and his lovely wife, Catt Gable. AND - it was Woody's 2nd Rez Day.


Red was the theme for the night. (And the hotter the better)


Catt and Woodstock

Saturday night found me dancing in the Danica sim, near where my surprise party had been held, under the direction of DJ Gabrielle Riel and host, Rane.


The venue.


Singing for the crowd


And a few riffs on the piano.


Dancing Duchesses


Hermoine Pennyfeather and Amplebeak Tinlegs


Aldo Stern and Betty Doyle