Message Received Cousin Kendra!!

Plans are well underway. Soon you will be free.

Moving pictures of Beltane!!!

Found this little snippet from the Beltane Festivities in the Loch on Dr. Mason's fine journal.

THANK YOU!!

A BLESSED BELTANE

It has taken some time, but with a few friends' help I have been able to collect several wonderful pictures from my Beltane celebration to share with you. I freely admit that I was a little bit nervous hosting my first event at the Loch. And I was more than a bit busy at times as I performed the knighting ceremony for 3 extremely worthy gentlemen bringing them into the chivalry and the Order of the Red Rose, lit the Beltane fires whilst sending my voice into the æther for the first time, and juggling multiple IMs and chat conversations. Whew!!

Thanks to all who joined in the celebration. At one point we had nearly 50 people dancing around the Maypole!! It makes me very happy to be hostess to such a fine gathering of Caledonians and other friends.

IT WAS WONDERFUL!!

The unfortunate side of things is that I have very few pictures from the ceremonies themselves. I will share what I have been given, but I ask if you have pictures of Sir Adso or Sir Telemachus that you are willing to share, will you please send them along to me?

The following are the [edited] cermonial transcripts for the Knighting Ceremony and the Lighting of the Beltane Fires

Duchess Loch Avie:
The strength and stability of the State of Caledon lie in these virtues of its people: creativity, service and chivalry - for if any of these are lacking, Caledon fails. The fighters of the Kingdom defend it with their swords and with their honor bring it glory on the field; the scientists and artists provide avenue for advancement, and with their honor bring knowledge and beauty to the citizens and the State.

We are minded to admit ZenMondo Wormser to the Order of the Red Rose. Let him now come forth.

Candidate:
kneels in front of Loch Avie

Loch Avie:
ZenMondo Wormser right mindful of your skill in scripting, your code poetry on behalf of the State of Caledon, and your service to Loch Avie, and responsive to the wishes of your peers,
We are minded to create you
a Member of the Order of the Red Rose.

We are minded to admit Adso Krogstad to the Order of the Red Rose. Let him now come forth.

Candidate:
kneels in front of Loch Avie

Loch Avie:
Adso Krogstad right mindful of your prowess in the fields of science and exploration, and your service to Loch Avie, and responsive to the wishes of your peers,
We are minded to create you
a Member of the Order of the Red Rose.


We are minded to admit Telemachus Dean to the Order of the Red Rose. Let him now come forth.

Candidate:
kneels in front of Loch Avie

Loch Avie:
Telemachus Dean right mindful of your prowess upon the field, and your service to Loch Avie, and responsive to the wishes of your peers,
We are minded to create you
a Member of the Order of the Red Rose.


Will you accept this honor,
and will you swear fealty to Loch Avie and indeed the State of Caledon?

Candidates:
Yes, Your Grace

Loch Avie: Will you now give Us your word that you will henceforth comport yourself as befits a Knight of Our Realm, as you most surely have until now, and that you will attempt in all your endeavors to be a noble example to the people?

Candidates: I will.

Loch Avie: Will you promise further to treat all with Courtesy, and to uphold the Laws and traditions of Loch Avie and the Independent State of Caledon?

Candidates: I will.

Loch Avie: On what sword do you wish to swear fealty?

Candidates:
place sword on the ground at Loch Avie's feet

Candidates:
Here do I swear
by mouth and hand
fealty and service
to Loch Avie
to speak and to be silent
to come and to go
to strike and to spare
to do and to let be
in such matters as concern the Duchy and the State
on my honor
and the lawful commands of Her Grace
in need or in plenty
in peace or in war
in living or in dying
from this hour henceforth
until the Duchess depart this land
or death take me
or the world end
so say I ZenMondo Wormser.
so say I Adso Krogstad
so say I Telemachus Dean

Loch Avie:
And this do I hear,
nor fail to remember,
and I for my part do swear fealty to you,
ZenMondo Wormser,
Adso Krogstad,
Telemachus Dean,
to protect and defend you
and all your household,
with all my power,
until I depart from this land,
or death take me,
or the world end.
So say I, Eva Bellambi, Duchess of Loch Avie
I dub thee Knight.

Know, now that you are made a Knight,
that you must succor the defenseless,
seek justice for those of every station,
and maintain the honor of Knighthood.

Arise Sir ZenMondo. Knight of the Order of the Red Rose.
Arise Sir Adso. Knight of the Order of the Red Rose.
Arise Sir Telemachus. Knight of the Order of the Red Rose.


ZenMondo Wormser approaches his knighting


ZenMondo swearing fealty to Her Grace, Eva Bellambi, Duchess Loch Avie


Arise Sir Zen. Knight of the Order of the Red Rose



At the lighting of the Need Fires of Beltane

The fertile Goddess of Summer walks through the land
With the Great Horned God of the Forest,
And the dark time of Winter is behind me.

"The animals breed and the plants pollinate,
As the May Queen and Green Man
bestow Their blessings upon the Earth
and Earth's creatures.
We, their children,
rejoice with Them and ask that
Their happy union become the example
for all humanity to live in love and harmony."

"I burn thee Birch to honor the Goddess;
and now add thee Oak to honor the God.
Thou Rowan I add for a magickal life;
and add thee Willow to celebrate death.
Thou Hawthorne I burn for fairies near me;
thou Hazel I burn for wisdom you bring.
I add thee good Apple to bring me love;
and thou Vine whose fruit is the symbol of joy.
Fir you are added as the symbol of rebirth;
your sweet scent reminds me of my immortality.
My blessings I give to all of thee,
and thy blessings I call from thee upon me.

"I greet the time of unions and give honor to
the Lord and the Lady for Their fruitfulness!
Tonight I witness the marriage of the Goddess and God.
May Their union be fertile and productive!"

With the ancient words of my forebears I light the Need fires that their warmth and light might spread to all of Caledon.
"Tine"

"The dark days are cleared away
so that the May Day can now begin!"



The gorgeous Maypole created by Kate Nicholas and scripted by ZenMondo Wormser




Dancing with our tireless Caledon Librarian, and good friend, Mr JJ Drinkwater


Sir Edward Pearse proposes to Christine McAllister to the surprise and delight of the assembled crowd.


The Caledon debut of the fireworks created by my friend, and renowned script writer, Radslns Hutchence




May, clad in cloth of gold,
Cometh this way;
The fluting of the blackbirds
Heralds the day.
The dust coloured cuckoo
Cries welcome O Queen!
For winter has vanished,
The thickets are green.
Soon the trampling of cattle
where river runs low!
The long hair of the heather,
The canna like snow.
Wild waters are sleeping,
Foam of blossom is here;
Peace, save the panic
In the heart of the deer.
The wild bee is busy,
The ant honey spills,
The wandering kine
Are abroad on the hills.
The harp of the forest
Sounds low, sounds sweet;
Soft bloom on the heights;
On the loch, haze of heat.
The waterfall dreams;
Snipe, corncrakes, drum
By the pool where the talk
Of the rushes is come.
The swallow is swooping;
Song swings from each brae;
Rich harvest of mast falls;
The swamp shimmers gay.
Happy the heart of man,
Eager each maid;
Lovely the forest,
The wild plane, the green glade.
Truly winter is gone,
Come the time of delight,
The summer truce joyous,
May, blossom-white.
In the heart of the meadows
The lapwings are quiet;
A winding stream
Makes drowsy riot.
Race horses, sail, run,
Rejoice and be bold!
See, the shaft of the sun
Makes the water-flag gold.
Loud, clear, the blackcap;
The lark trills his voice
Hail May of delicate colors Tis May-Day, REJOICE!


A happy, thankful and truly blessed, Duchess of Loch Avie.

Thank you for sharing in this ancient celebration with me and my court. It will not soon be forgotten.

News of the War - or Positive Press for Caledon and Neualtenberg

What a pleasant surprise to find that the lovely reporter, Katier Reitveld, whom I met at the Reconciliation Day event found our story of fundraising for Relay for Life of enough interest to take it to press in Metaverse Messenger

Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support of ALL the efforts to raise funds for Second Life Relay for Life!!

DEMANDS and MORE DEMANDS

The saga continues......

As I was working on the plans for my Beltane Festival (more to come on that in the near future), and also working through the details of the upcoming Tournament for Life, I suddenly found myself face-to-face with the Baron and Baroness of Bardhaven. They apparently found a way to use radiowaves to send their images and voices into the homes and businesses of Caledon. I was somewhat alarmed that this signal came through on my newest intelligence device as well. Who leaked the secure frequency to them? There are obviously still some renegades to ferret out - even among my own MI 5 staff.

The list of demands from these villains is found below:

Our just demands are as follows …

First of all, ONE MILLLIOONNNNN LINDEN

Kirawill Collingwood clears her throat slightly and leans close to the Baron’s ear. She briefly whispers to him.

Zealot Benmergui: Correction…

ONE BBBILLLLIIOOONNN LINDEN

Kirawill Collingwood nods firmly.

Zealot Benmergui: Good…going on.

Second, signing of title to the area formerly called Neualtenberg to Gov Desmond Shang to be renamed Caledon Neualtenberg. All steps will be taken by the former Neualtenbergers to expedite immediate Caledonian colonization.

Thirdly, that the Kaiserin and all her pointy helmeted nobles apologize publicly for the brutal murder and sadistic devouring of young Clive Benmergui, followed by a choreographed mass scourging with knotted cords and much lamenting and debasement.

And finally…

Kirawill Collingwood clears her throat slightly and leans close to the Baron’s ear. She briefly whispers to him.

Zealot Benmergui: Ummm…before finally, we also demand a bread pudding, fresh…and two forks sporks. And a nice Zinfandel, chilled.

Kirawill Collingwood smiles prettily and nods.

Zealot Benmergui: And NOW finally…a yearly ceremony in which all Neualtenberg citizens apologize again formally, in person, while wearing pointy hats for all the nuisances they have caused. The throwing of produce and rotting offal will be assumed.

The clock is ticking; Miss Bancroft is depending on her people. I anticipate their prompt reply…or very soon Miss Bancroft may no longer WISH to return.

BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

That is all.


Having received information that the Tanglewood Gun Bunnies are now called into action to protect the threats against our own Desmond Shang, it seems even more important that the process for freeing Cousin Kendra move forward rapidly. Perhaps the usual channels and precautions must be thrown aside for it is not only the Kaiserin and Neualtenberg at stake, but also Desmond and Caledon. Do I need to forego the professional, intelligence and diplomatic processes and resources? Likely.

The following is being sent to Baron and Baroness Bardhaven via several methods:

Understanding that you have not yet heard from Neualtenberg regarding your demands, I would like to discuss a counter-offer to you demands.
I see no issue with meeting some of the items listed. We can certainly provide you with a fine bread pudding as I am rather handy in the kitchen. As for the sporks, I will be willing to part with two of the sporks of war in my collection, which look quite lovely in my curio cabinet. My wine cellar is fairly extensive, and I do love a good red, so the Zinfandel is also easily obtained. But really...do you want it chilled? Please. Reds are best served just below room temperature.

The apologies from Kendra and her people will be more difficult, but my diplomatic skills are not without merit. We should be able to achieve this goal in some format.

The One Billion Lindens - ah - not sure anyone is willing to pay....I mean, I am not sure that anyone has resources to match your demands. However, (long dramatic pause) I believe that I may be able to provide something that would be of interest to you as an alternative, and am willing to discuss this post-haste.

You may contact me by what method you will, and I will make every effort to meet directly with you to discuss my thoughts. We should be able to determine whether these are acceptable measures to secure the Kaiserin's release before any further harm should be done to her.

Eva Bellambi, Duchess Loch Avie
Head - MI 5

Beltane Amnesty

Dear Friends -
Tonight we celebrate Beltane in the Loch. There will be ABSOLUTELY NO WAR ROLEPLAY. No villans. No victims. Tonight we are all friends. Thank you for your cooperation in this. We will have a splendid time bringing in spring, dancing round the maypole, and ensuring the fertility of our land!!

See you there.

Interrogation of a friend

The saga continues......

Several of my operatives in the field indicated to me that my friend, Mr. ZenMondo Wormser had been implicated by the villan, O'Toole. Mr. Wormser was reported to have created a code bomb for the renegades in order to prevent Duchess Riel and me from utilizing our Estate Management powers; therefore, ensuring that we were unable to knock him into space and out of Carntaigh. Those who were present at the Reconciliation Day ball will recall that we were dumbfounded when our powers were not working - at all. O'Toole merely sneered at us and said things which do not bear repeating.

I pulled Mr. Wormser into MI 5 for some questioning.




In the end, this is the deposition given:

In a recently intercepted dispatch from the Traitor O'Toole over the events at the reconcilliation ball, to my horror I have found myself implicated in a part of what happened that night.

To quote from the dispatch:

"Had a few words with the Duchesses-- they were threatening dire consequences to your humble servant. At this point I had to execute the malicious code worm for Carntaigh or that would have been the end of things right then and there. Again, as predicted, the code bomb did exactly as Agent Wurmser predicted. Estate controls crashed within seconds. Well worth the money you invested in the Code Poet's skills, sir!"

First I must protest that I am not an member of any Agency, as O'Toole doesn't even know how to spell my name correctly. But I must admit, with a heavy heart that the codebomb is indeed my work.

I was approached by Col. O'Toole then in good standing with the Caledon Militia, and a state of war existing between Caledon and Neualtenburg, with no news of reconciliation on the horizon. The code bomb was to be used as a weapon against Neualtenburg, and I was assured to be used only in the direst of circumstances.

That it was used against Her Graces of Carntaigh and Loch Avie has caused me to lose much sleep, seeing my creation used against those I am well known to serve wholeheartedly.

As to the second accusation against my good name, I took no money in the creation of this weapon. As I had thought I was serving my nation as a patriot, I donated the code, as I do all Code Poetry for free. I did not profit this in any way. Those of you who have used my services for the betterment of Caledon know this about me.

As a pennance (though I fear it may be too late) I am trying to construct a codeshelter that will will make future uses of the codebomb inefficient. It may be an impossible task, because of the fine craftsmanship of the original codebomb but I will at least put my sleepless nights to some use.

Signed,

Colour Sgt. ZenMondo Wormser, CodePoet.



Methods, which cannot be discussed here, were used to ensure the truthfulness of his statements. I am well satisfied that he was also a victim of this nefarious plot.

the story continues.........

Please also see the wonderful!!!! Machinima on Mr Sputnik's fine blog.