OOO - I wanna go!!

For BardHaven's report from the Star Trek Museum of Science, please CLICK HERE. I think I just found my plan for exploration tonight. :)

Photographic Evidence of a FABULOUS Time at the BardHaven Ball

I give you 2omb Raiders: Stop Screaming and Dance




My most sincere thanks once again to The Royal Society - particularly Kate Nicholas and Adso Krogstad, our DJ- Kiralette Kelley, and (of course) Zealot Benmergui, Baron BardHaven.

First Report from 2omb Raiders

It has been an extremely busy, but good RL day after a phenomenal night in Loch Avie. Thanks go out to Lord BardHaven, Lady Kate Nicholas, Professor Adso Krogstad, and Lady Kiralette Kelley for all the hard work put into this event.

BardHaven has made a wonderful post, which I link for your enjoyment. I will be editing photos tonight and tomorrow. Hope to come up with a post adequate to show you what a fun evening was had at the BardHaven Ball: 2omb Raiders.

Muah!

Announcement of Three Special Events This Week - DATES CORRECTED

October 22nd at 7pm SLT ~ Story-Telling Event On Grounds of the Monestary in Caer Blanco.

Caer Blanco is a special sim, created specially for Halloween by some of Second Life’s top designers. There is a fully furnished haunted castle, a crooked cottage, a ghostly ship, and a ruined monastery to explore. There are also silent auction items avaialable and many special events planned. All this will raise funds for a small medical clinic in Lesotho, Southern Africa, through the charity Partners for Others.

Hotspur O'Toole will lead the group in a story-telling session whose theme is Inner Fright. Come prepared to listen to several short-stories in this theme - and perhaps to share your own.
What scares YOU? Vampires? Spiders? The economy? Success?



October 23rd at 7pm-9pm SLT ~ Gypsy-Themed Dance on the Grounds Surrounding the Castle of Caer Blanco.

Diamanda Gustafson will DJ and I will provide hostessing assistance.
Theme: Gypsy
Muscial Style: Flamenco and Gypsy



There are other possible events, including a live musical performance, for this charity for this week as well. Once I have confirmation I will post the information on that.


And Finally....

It seems that my own dear friends in the Royal Society in their zeal for knowledge performed a survey of the grounds of Loch Avie. Professor Krogstad was quite beside himself when he discovered "something" underneath one of the smaller hills in my lands. So of course, he and Professor Nicholas immediately began digging (in their most I'm-not-going-to-let-the-thrill-of-the-possible-discovery-of-something-HUGE-get-in-the-way-of-scientific-process manner). They tell me that they believe they are on top of a large vault of some sort, but it will be a few days before they can safely break-through what they believe is the opening given the resonance that is showing up on their steam powered sound bouncing device.

But while they have been charged with excitement, I have had an increasing sense of dread. Something is not right. I have the feeling that something evil is approaching, but I cannot run nor hide. I must meet this evil face-to-face.


Meh.....Perhaps we'll dance.

Once again, the BardHaven Ball is coming this Halloween to grab Caledon by the throat and sacrifice it upon a dark and funkadelic altar.

This year BardHaven, the Duchy of Loch Avie and the Royal Society have joined forces to investigate rumors that the scholars have dug too deeply into the dark and twisted history of the House Bellambi. In their zeal to uncover the secrets of the past the intrepid adventurers of the Royal Society have set into motion a terrifying sequence of events.

An ancient tomb has been defiled.

A deathless curse has been invoked.

A multitude of decadent secrets have arisen.

A cornucopia of surprises have been scattered.

A vast array of gifts and door prizes have been assembled.

An unspeakably well-dressed horror has been unleashed upon Loch Avie and all of Caledon.

On Saturday Night, October 25th from 9 PM to 1 AM SLT ~ Caledon Loch Avie

Join Baron Bardhaven, the Duchess of Loch Avie, Dr. Kate Nicholas, and DJ Kiralette Kelley for a party the like of which Caledon and Winterfell have not seen since the LAST BardHaven Ball.

BardHaven Ball: 2omb Raiders…Stop Screaming and Dance.

adapted from BardHaven's post

Winter Night Revelry

The Second Annual Snowflake Ball

Gathering in Loch Avie

Now Winter Nights Enlarge
by: Thomas Campion (1617)

Now winter nights enlarge
The number of their hours,
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze,
And cups o’erflow with wine;
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine.
Now yellow waxen lights
Shall wait on honey love,
While youthful revels, masques, and courtly sights
Sleep’s leaden spells remove.

This time doth well dispense
With lovers’ long discourse;
Much speech hath some defence,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well;
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys,
They shorten tedious nights.

Thank you for such a wonderful night. To say that I was - and still am - overwhelmed by the merriment, beauty, and love which was the result of all of you in attendance at the Snowflake Ball in Loch Avie this past Saturday would be an understatement. The night was more than I ever hoped.

Thanks, in particular, to mo charaids, Edward and Christine (McAllister) Pearse, for the fine music presentation and hostessing and technical assistance. Also thank you to my cousin, Gabrielle and to Diamanda Gustafson for some last minute help with more dance poses as the crowd grew, a couple of special benches for resting and watching Nellie, and for helping me keep the fun going well-past the wee hours of the morning.

Chatting with Lord and Lady Primbroke just prior to the first dance

Greeting new acquaintances and old friends. (Her Grace of Carntaigh, Gabrielle Riel, on the right.)

Special thanksgiving for Mr. TotalLunar Eclipse. Sir, thank you for working to make my vision of the Conservatory a' Ghaidhealtachd a reality. It is truly a beautiful building and very special to me thanks in no small part to your friendship and the artistry with which you work.

Mr. TotalLunar Eclipse and Miss Eugenia Burton

A spectacular view. The wrought iron and glass ceiling is a dramatic crowning touch.

Taking time to say hello to guest as the first dance commences. (in the background, Carntaigh, Primbroke, and Lord Kintyre and Lady AutoPilotPatty )

As I look back on the night, I am most pleased that the old and the new mingled and each others' company. Early on in the evening I had the pleasure to speak to not a few new citizens of our fair Independent State. Many were excited to attend the ball, but had questions about formality and etiquette at such an event. "What should I wear?" "How strict is the period theme?" "How does one use the dance card?" "I really want to attend, but I am feeling a little intimidated by it all."

Guests meeting and greeting one another

Happily all of those with whom I spoke, and many other new citizens, decided to brave the unfamiliar waters of a formal ball and arrived in Loch Avie as Lord Edward was setting up his musical equipment. There were at least 26 of us in the sim well before the first dance began at 7:15pm joyfully chatting and getting to know one another a little better.

As many of these new friends took my hand leaving the ball, they commented on how much they enjoyed the event, and how welcoming everyone had been to them. It warms my heart, truly, when our community can come together for a time and be fully at peace and be so welcoming to one another and to strangers.

I was also pleased to welcome friends from Steelhead, Babbage, Lovelace, and some Caledonians that I have not seen in ages. Imagine my surprise as Mr. Deckard flew by waving his hellos just as we were beginning the event. (Sadly he was apparently unable to join us.) Later in the evening, Miss Hypatia Callisto joined us as did Miss Charlene Trudeau, Miss Serra Anansi, Her Grace of Primverness, Mr. Shaunathan Sprocket, and Miss Eggberta Echegaray. Save for Hypatia and Serra, I have not seen these folks in ages. I was smiling from ear to ear to have a chance to talk to them for a little while, to offer them some whisky and some wintertime hospitality.

Lady Kintyre, and Sir ZenMondo

Captain Ballinger of Cape Wrath twirls a dance partner around in the snowy fields of Loch Avie

Mr Iason Hassanov in top hat and scarf twirls me amidst the steam during dance set number two.

The setting underneath the aurora and stars

Lady Kate Nicholas joined us for a little while in the middle of the evening. Despite the lag she experienced, she tells me that she had a lovely time. Here she discusses entomology with a scientist who expressed interest in joining the Royal Society.

Dancing with Touma Yoshikawa.

His Grace of Cymru and Miss Samantha Glume

Dear friends, Colonel Exrex Somme and his lovely lady, Callipygian Christensen

Her Grace of Primverness, CoyoteAngel Dimsum and Miss Charlene Trudeau enjoy a quiet conversation near Nellie's Cove

Mayor Shaunathan Sprocket of Babbage catches up with us shortly after his arrival

Mr. JJ Drinkwater and Miss Serra Anasi, Seneschal of Winterfell

Peeking through the windows of the conservatory as I dance with Mr. Marcus Tairov

Lord Kintyre and I tango as Miss Eggberta Echergaray looks on

The Marquise of West Spierling Isle, Darkling Elytis, and I dance together once again....this time with shoes on (unlike our jig-waltz at the Thanksgiving Ball).

My dear friend, Baron Bardhaven, arrived as we were extending the festivities well-past the planned end of the ball.

Dancing into the morning hours

Lady Amber Palowakski and Mr. Roy Smashcan dance to the more up-tempo songs as the party continued.

The last dance of the night with Colonel Hotspur O'Toole

And so I went off to my bed, with tired feet and a happy heart. Thank you for allowing me to host you once again. It is always my pleasure to do so. There were 60 or so that attended the ball and danced to the music, talked to friends, and made new acquaintances. What a night!

As I quoted previously:

On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.
~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage

Spectacular Spooktacular

The weekend found me up to the wee hours of the morning dancing on the tombs of Lord Bardhaven's ancestors along with many other well-gothed Caledonians. To say that the event was a success would be an understatement.

Our dark host - Lord Zealot Benmergui

And our lovely hostess, Lady Kirawill Collingwood

The music, selected by Bardhaven himself, placed into a playlist and broadcast by my cousin, Gabrielle Riel, on her one year anniversary of being a DJ in SL, was perfect. The mood created in the sim by Lord and Lady Bardhaven was perfect for the season. And the little hidden treasures, gifts, and otherworldly surprises added to the experience for anyone brave enough to go searching.

The whole event caused me to reflect on the pagan nature which remains inside me from my ancestors of old....those who danced around Dunadd and Dál Riata in the ancient times.

Enjoy these few shots from the event for a little taste of what was created in that space.

Carntaigh, Murdann, and Loch Avie work the graveyard

Serra Anansi and Turing Weyland in the foreground

One of many apparitions that joined in the revelry that night.

In full swing.

(left to right) Serra, Gabrielle, Amber, Eva.
Diamanda is in the background.

Snow fell for a brief period of time...reminding several of us of real life trick or treat nights of long ago.

An undead Lord Greystoke. Eeek!

Gateway to great evil? or great pleasure? I leave it to those who encountered what was behind those doors to decide for themselves.

Here I am in the Siren's Grotto. A very comfy throne, but next time I wear my mermaid avatar.

Here I am toward the end of my time at the party, which went on for another 2 hours after I left, peering from behind my mask.

Happy Halloween! And thanks again Lord and Lady Bardhaven!

Two Members of the Court of Loch Avie Hold a Recommitment Ceremony

Last week the Baron and Baroness Bardhaven held a re-collaring ceremony after nearly 20 months together in their Second Lives. The lovely ceremony was witnessed by a few friends of the couple. I was certainly privileged to be present for the exchange of vows.

Hyacinth Tiramisu, Terry Lightfoot, Lady Darkling Elytis, and Serra Anansi

The Duchess Carntaigh, Sachi Vixen, Bullpup Udal, and The Duchess Loch Avie

Zealot and Kirawill~ You have my love and best wishes for many more happy years together.

Journey to....Mysterious Island - A Journey of Titanic Proportions

Watching from the bow of the ship, Aronnax, as the last of my equipment was sent below decks, I reminisced about the last time I sailed on her. It was another voyage for the Royal Society; a voyage that took us in search of Scylla and Charybdis. I shivered at the thought of the peril that we faced on that trip. Professor Krogstad barely made it back to Caledon with us in one piece as the angry heads snapped him repeatedly whilst he was taking measurements and recordings, and Kate nearly lost her life when she fell into the whirlpool.

Shaking those memories from my mind by taking the flute of Dom Perignon offered by Gabrielle, I went back to the work at hand. I carried a heavy small box with me to the prow of the ship. We were now underway to Phillip, and were making fairly good time at what the captain had estimated to me was about 5-10 knots at present. It seemed a good time to set up the theodolite for the accurate surveys we would need as we approached the volcano. I placed the box on the ground, walked as far forward on the prow as possible, and sipped the champagne. Mmm. Yes. The divine taste for which Dom Perignon is renowned. As the last golden drops fell from the flute onto my lips and tongue, I closed my eyes and felt the wind flowing through my hair and gown. We were not yet so close to Phillip that the air was intensely hot or acrid. As I stood there for a moment with my eyes closed enjoying the sensations taking over me, I heard what sounded like singing coming from - of ALL places - Phillip. I kept my eyes closed and concentrated on the sounds which were floating on the air. Low. Rhythmic. Enchanting. My hips began to sway almost involuntarily almost as if I had heard those sounds before. But how would that be possible? I had barely begun to attempt an answer to that question when I sensed a presence behind me.

Movement - slow movement.

Nearly silent.





Standing still with my eyes now open, I caught a familiar scent. A musky cologne. Then a whisper in my ear as he stood there behind me on the prow of the Aronnax.

"I'm the King of the World."

Turning my head slightly I felt and saw Lord Bardhaven standing just behind me. Darkened spectacles hiding his eyes as always. Breath hot on my cheek. Hands playing with my....... theodolite.



"Are you now? The King of the World?" I asked voice low and a bit husky from the salt air. "And when were you elevated to such great heights, laddy boy?"

The Baron merely smirked. Then responding in a low - almost hissing - voice, "It was merely a moment's dalliance as I saw you looking quite the siren here on the bow of the ship. But, surely Your Grace, you know I always have a thing or two in my pockets that may be pulled out as a situation warrants. Title is but one of them."

"To be sure. Satin ribbons. Hand-cuffs. Blindfolds. Cat of Nine Tails." I detailed.



Oddly, I realized that I had begun fanning myself furiously even though the breeze off the sea was strong. Anyway...

I turned to face him fully and took the instrument from his hand.

"Have you the pole in that pocket of yours, then?"

He curled up one corner of his mouth as he began, "Well now, Your Grace, perhaps you would like to place your....."

Interrupting, I said, "No. I doubt that you have the detachable model #657-03, which is the only one that will fit this particular...theodolite. Never mind searching through your pockets. Do be a dear though, ‘Mr. King of the World’, and hand that pole in the box out to me. I need to get the equipment set up."

Chuckling, the Baron deftly handed out the required piece of equipment. Just as I was setting the post, I caught sight of our illustrious Captain Sparrow sliding willy-nilly across the deck as he nearly fell over himself running down the stairs to us.

"Captain? Are you quite all right?" I said with an arched brow and a grin.

"Savvy! Without doubt, Yer Duchessness, Ma'am. Just thought I heard that we had high ranking royalty on board. I mean higher than yerself and the other Duchy-girl. And of course I was wonderin’ whether there might be more money to be had….I mean more make-up….or rather, whether further special accommodations needed to be made."

“No Captain. No one is higher than the Duchesses on board this ship.” Bardhaven crooned.

I scanned the deck quickly to make sure that no one had found my stash of ceremonial herbs and my hookah. Then I chuckled a little at Lord Bardhaven, turned and began to put the instruments use.

One again the music came to me. This time it seemed that the Baron and even our strange ship’s captain heard it on the air for they stopped their bantering and turned towards Phillip. The music was otherworldly and driving. My body longed to move to these sounds yet again, but my mind was more fully in control this time. Spinning on my heel, I turned and seeing that the good captain had a telescope on his person, I pulled it from his belt (oops that was apparently holding up his belt. “Sorry there Captain.”) and searched the island for clues to this music.

Lady Darkling had emerged from below decks with Miss Lightfoot. They were both now looking at the mountain. It was clear they heard the music as well since both of them seemed to be engaged in animated discussion and were spinning around together.

The ship was now fairly buzzing with activity. All our party seemed to be manning the rails anxious to see what might await us as we came nearer the island. One could almost hear the thoughts and questions in the minds of our group as they stood there transfixed:

What danger lurks within the lava flows and steam vents?
Who or what is creating the music that we keep hearing?
Is there an evil mastermind behind this sudden upheaval in the Caledonian Sea?
Will they be selling plots? Or subplots?
Who will serve tea?
Are the public restrooms clean?
Is there a public house?
Will there be trees to climb?
Will there be artifacts to plunder and sell at ridiculously high prices on the black market?
Dear God, let there be a higher form of life found here. I need more intelligent conversation.
Hronk!

Hronk? Well now that caught my attention. Turning slowly around I saw one of Mr. Abel’s young Sherpas standing there looking at me. Actually, he was staring at me as if I were a dish of fine smoked salmon with a little caviar and crème fraiche.

I will tell you, I felt more that a bit odd about the way he was watching me. “Mr. Abel! Would you please get Pengi here back below decks?”



Next time: A surprise guest.