A New Twist For Carmina

Those of you who know me well (and likely many who don't know me so well) know of my love of Carmina Burana, which was detailed in this blog in April. Last night at the Court of Carntaigh's Investiture Ball, which will be described in the near future, The Duchess Carntaigh played Orff's masterpiece, O Fortuna for the Court's dance. It was stunningly beautiful as always.

Edward Pearse, Earl Primbroke, passed this very funny kinetoscope in my direction as we danced. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Thank you Lord Primbroke! I laugh every single time I watch it!

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.

May I Present to you Dame Lapin Paris...

The Lady Of Tanglewood.

Last evening in Tanglewood, Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann, presided over an extremely well-attended ceremony to induct Lapin Paris into the chivalry. A more worthy individual would be difficult to find. Her grace and style under pressure and her personal investment in the Relay For Life speaks volumes for this wonderful lady.

She was cheered and lauded by MANY in Caledon for an extended period of time during and after her official ceremony. (Beautifully done, Your Excellency!!)

Below are just a few snapshots of the moments shared last night. Please join me in extending your congratulations and thanks to Dame Lapin when next you see her.

Dubbed with a wrench - an instrument of creation...not destruction

Among the crowd, Sir JJ Drinkwater, Miss Serra Anansi, Miss Autopilotpatty Poppy, The Duchesses of Loch Avie and Carntaigh, Grafinya Kate Nicholas, and Miss Terry Lightfoot.

Admiration

Mr. 1wuz Gray's presentation and poem.

Loch Avie, Carntaigh, and Inbhir Abigh

Dame Lapin hugs Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann

The cavalry witnesses the event.

Journey to.....Mysterious Island: Eva's Preparation

After completing my packing list whilst having tea with Gabrielle, I decided that I needed to get back to Loch Avie and have my own crates and trunks brought into the manse so that I could begin preparations for the journey to Phillip.

So many things were running through my mind.

Obviously the sudden appearance of Phillip seems to point to sinister things. I began to wonder who or what might actually be controlling this....the forces of nature. I heard rumors while I was riding around the Cay earlier that Baron Bardhaven - a member of my own court - might have planned this. Perhaps it is true, but I find it hard to believe that he would have done such a thing without first warning me, as he generally does out of respect (or just to see me squirm), when he has plotted some devilish event.

Now that my "invitation" to join the circus - or rather, the expeditionary team - to Phillip had arrived as predicted, I also wondered about the other members of the group. All are familiars:

Dr. Oolon Sputnik, whose powers as Timelord should offer obvious advantages. I understand that he is likely to bring his companion along. She is interesting and delightful by all accounts, and I certainly have no objections to this as long as she will pull her weight in the work of the mission.
Gnarlihotep Abel. A grand adventurer and the owner/trainer of what will be our Sherpa fleet. The penguins.
Lady Darkling Elytis. Despite her recent bouts of falling out of thin air, or off of roof tops, her powers of divination and other magik are well-known. And she has always been a bonny raving companion.
Lady Amber Palowakski. The spirits are strong with this one, too. This assumes that she does not dip into the imported or distilled spirits too often along the way. With the three of us (Lady Darkling, Lady Amber, and me) on board, the God and Goddess should never be far from the expedition's side.
Her Grace Gabrielle Riel. She is convinced to come along, and tells me that she has received her letter of invitation as well. She will bring fight and fire to this adventure - Phillip may have met his match. And she does have the music for the parties in the event that we need to entertain ourselves or the natives.
Zealot Benmergui, Baron of Bardhaven. Of which much has been written, but little evidence found. He who would lead this group to Phillip with uncertain motives.
And me. Duchess. Scientist. Distiller (that bit should also come in handy along the way). I have some knowledge of intelligence work and battles.

As I went about the house thinking about this motley crew, and collecting the items I needed, I decided that there were a few things to do before heading to the dock.

Calling on my Knight, Sir Telemachus, I requested some instruction and sparing with the new bow that I had just received from the north lands.

I certainly want to be prepared for any eventuality. Who knows what lurks underneath that mountain?

Sir Tele is a fine instructor - and perhaps was not running as fast as he normally would have - but I think my skills with this bow are improving.

Once that was completed and Sir Telemachus was thanked and charged with care of the Loch in my absence, I returned to my private chambers to check on the readiness of the crates and changed into some proper adventure attire.

Bows, pistol, Claymore, sword, dirk, whisky, ladies spy camera, clothes....

Then decided I should swing by the offices of the Royal Society for a few pieces of equipment and to determine if Kate had any of the data from Phillip interpretted as yet.

Yes - I believe we will need some of this equipment.

Ah yes, the hygroseismogrometer...just what we need on the island.

Here is the data I was looking for, along with several files on the team members. I note that Lady Darkling's file is quite a bit thicker than I would have imagined. I really had no idea that she had been published so frequently. I really must sit down to some herbal tea with her and discuss these articles.

Some of the data requiring further study, although I did sign off on this yesterday.

This was on the desk as well plus several other notebook entries, which may be found at the Offices of the Royal Society.

In a few hours we will be underway......

The Cleansing of the Ballroom in Primverness

A message was received the other evening from my good friend, and librarian extraordinaire, Sir JJ Drinkwater, wondering if I might have time to discuss a matter of great importance for the Bookbinder's Ball. The ball is to be held tonight. All are requested to attend this formal occasion as a character from a 19th Century Novel.

Assuming that my event planning skills were to be utilized, I pulled my calendar from the desk and agreed to meet Sir JJ in the Loch Avie Public House to discuss what was needed.

I was entirely incorrect. He did not request any further assistance with planning the event at all. His need was of a more spiritual nature. He desired that the Ballroom in Primverness be cleansed prior to it's usage tonight. Lady Darkling will be in a ritual dance prior to the start of the ball for just this purpose, and he would like me to join her. I nodded, immediately understanding his meaning. The last usage of the ballroom saw events that should never be repeated, and his desire is to exercise any of the bad spirits from the premises.

My human's schedule does not generally lend itself to SL activities at that time, but I said that I would most certainly do my best to join the dance. He closed his eyes slightly and nodded looking a little deflated. He was not able to predict the next words from my mouth.

But, Sir JJ, I will most certainly perform my own cleansing and protection ritual in the space the night before the ball. He seemed quite pleased with this response. I told him that I would provide photographs of the ceremony and the text for his - and your - edification.

Last night just after midnight in my human's home, I performed the rites you see now before you.

Taking my fire bowl and sacred wood and oil I traveled to Primverness. Upon arrival in the grand ballroom space, I lit the flame. Looking east and west, north and south, I circled and chanted.

I hereby consecrate this space,
To the Goddess and God,
According to My Free Will,
And for the Good of All,
I hereby Release, Relinquish and Banish,
In All Time and in All Space,
Any Negative Cause, Effect, Manifestation, Form or Essence,
Any Negative Event, Thought, Idea or Vibration,
And Transform it to, And replace it with,
Only that which is Positive, Joyous and Good,
In keeping with the Universal Harmonies,
Of the Goddess and the God.

This space is Divinely protected,
This space is perfectly safe,
Nothing and No-one can enter this space,
Unless I or my loved Ones allow them to,
This Space is Sacred, Consecrated and Dedicated to the Positive and to Good Living,
For myself and my Loved Ones,
And for the work of the Positive
No Harm can come to this Space, nor to any within it.

Health and Happiness to all of us on this celebratory night!

Health and Happiness Sir JJ and Your Graces!

Journey to....the Mysterious Island: Eva Plans Her Adventure

Running Bucephalus wildly through the streets and greens of Caledon to get to the sight of what Kate described in her message to me as a bloody large, fire-spitting volcanic island just north of Caledon Cay, my mind was racing. Bucephalus and I had to jump over any number of objects and people in our way as everything and everyone had been dropped when the earth began to quake and the smoke and fire were seen. In fact, I barely made it over my friend, Sir Amplebeak Tinlegs, as he appeared from out of nowhere in our path. Shouting apologies behind me, we kept moving toward the growing haze and heat. What a sight we must have been as I rode hell for leather astride the horse in my silk day gown, ribbons and laces streaming behind me.

We pulled-up fast as we hit the dock area and scanned for Lady Kate and Sir Adso. Finding them at the front of the crowd, I urged Bucephalus on through the throngs staring wide-eyed and mouths agape at the newly created island in the middle of the sea.

“Insula magna atque ignea!” Kate shouted, now sounding more like herself. Adso was taking notes like mad in his leather-bound notebook. Kate was standing at the Royal Society’s base camp on the dock monitoring the seismodysgraphic, lavadralic and geometaphysicagorical instruments. She estimated that further quakes would shatter all of Caledon asunder “real soon”. Something must be done. She and I were in obvious agreement with that notion. Sharing with me that she had been developing a plan for the scientific exploration and observation of the island, she huffed that she had needed to spend nearly all of the reserve funds of the Society on bribes to get Hatshepsut out of St. Petersburg.

Just as I was about to offer funds from my private accounts, Lord Bardhaven stepped forward, looking rather dramatic in the glow of the nearby volcano. The shadow and light gave him a vaguely seductive appearance as he approached us with the flash of a smile. I let him speak wondering what he may be planning.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of my cousin, the Duchess of Carntaigh. She appeared well, if rather flushed from the heat and excitement. (Come to think of it, I have seen her look that way several times before.) I nodded to her and she gave me a look that told me she had just heard the same offer come out of the Baron’s mouth as I did.

I couldn’t help but overhear that you are a bit strapped for operating funds, vis a vis, an expedition to dear Phillip out there.” he intoned, a genial, friendly smile on his face, white teeth reflecting volcanic hellfire. “I think I could see my way clear to underwriting such important work pro bono…of course, quid pro quo, ipso facto, there would be certain…accommodations I would demand, ad nauseaum, habeas corpus, e pluribus unum.

Kate rapidly took the Baron up on his offer thinking she had no other choice. I smiled knowing that my adventure was at hand. As Lord Bardhaven turned to speak to one of the urchins groping him and trying desperately to entice him to drink the cranberry juice and tea they were selling as Lava Lightning, I spoke rapidly to Kate.

“Grafinya darling, now that the Royal Society is funded for this expedition and research, I want you to ensure that I am among the group.”

Looking as though she thought of denying this “request”, she then seemed to think better of it and nodded her agreement stating that she and Adso would stay in the Cay and monitor the situation from here. She murmured something about a pyschological study of Caledonians related to the stress induced hysteria that has been so evident over the last hours as well.

“Oh and Kate?”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Do make sure that Gabrielle is part of the team. I may have to drag her along, but she really needs to join in on this. I think it will do her a world of good to think of something other than parties and social events. That girl is firey and I would have her on my side in any battle…and this looks to be a battle against nature….or some force equally as strong.”

I knew she would readily agree for she has as much respect for Gabrielle’s ability and natural talent as I do.

Settled then.

I whistled for Bucephalus who came trotting through the crowd now surrounding the Baron, who looked most distressed to be touched by so many with so much dirt under their finger nails. Seeing that he could use a rescue - and since it was on my way - I rode through the group and dispersed them long enough for my dear Lord Bardhaven to move to his carriage. Lady Bardhaven would never have forgiven me if I had allowed him to be late for his dinner were it in my power to prevent such a thing. And in this instance it was.

Bucephalus and I found my cousin. She is quite athletic and limber even in her long gowns and petticoats, so I helped her up onto the horse and took her to her cottage where we washed our hands and faces, sat down to tea and began to make our packing lists.
My list:

Binoculars
Notebook
Seismograph
Pith helmet
Butterfly net
7 pairs of silk stockings
7 corsets – nighttime wear
4 corsets – day wear
thongs
calipers
dirk with garter
garter belts
Cask of Uisge Beatha
Silk sheets
Champagne
Grammaphone
Guns and amunition
Ornithopter
Leather adventure gear

…..and so on…prepared for any eventual need


We know the call will come, we simply don’t know when. But we will be packed and ready to go. Now to call the stable hands to bring our trunks 'round.

An itch that needs to be scratched

Caledon has been so lovely of late. Summertime events. Relay For Life now successfully completed. Dancing and talking with friends. Carriage rides through the towns. Picnics on the green. Despite all this, you may have noticed that many of my recent activities have taken me further afield and into different circumstances. Although, I continue to enjoy planning future events - really now, those of you who know me know that I LOVE planning events for Loch Avie and for Caledon - and spending time with my wonderful friends and neighbors, I find that I have a desire or need to have an adventure. Here or elsewhere.

Perhaps because I am descended from the warriors and strong women of old and those who fought bravely at Culloden, and having been trained by my father and his clansmen (as his only heir) in the finer points of exploration, intelligence gathering, and combat, I find my mind drifting toward some greater adventure. Or maybe it is the scientist in me that needs something greater to occupy my time. Just a mid-year itch? Who knows?

I decided to have a walk the other day to clear my mind and try to determine the cause of this wanderlust.



As I roamed around the Loch, I found Professor Krogstad (Sir Adso), digging in the glen near Nellie's cove.



Excitedly he told me that he believes that he has found remains of a Bronze Age person right in my back yard! I am so pleased for I delight in history and discovery, too.



He has certainly found his adventure for some time to come. Perhaps he will need some assistance from me, although, he assured me that Lady Kate Nicholas is planning on assisting with this dig personally. I suspect they have begun to unlock some mysteries, and I am sure we will all know more about that soon.

Last evening I found myself again searching....seeking....planning. What would I do next?

Where would I travel?

The others in the Royal Society seem to be well occupied at present. Perhaps I should contact Sir Telemachus regarding the combat system testing. Perhaps I should contact Colonel O'Toole to see where the Explorers are headed next. Perhaps Her Grace Primverness and I might take another run together somewhere. The possibilities are really endless. I simply must find the key.

Suddenly as I paced the upper level of the manse, an enormous shock-wave hit the Loch. As I was righting myself and trying to return my bookcases to their previous state, I heard what can only be described as a low-pitched rumble. The kind of rumble that one feels in one's bones. I was fairly vibrating from it. I looked out the windows and around my surroundings finding that Nellie was extremely upset and and thrashing about in her cove. Lady Kate and Sir Adso were quickly covering the dig and heading to the Royal Society Offices. Then climbing to the top of the tower, I saw what appeared to be smoke and ash billowing over Caledon from the direction of the Cay.


What is God's name has happened?

Perhaps my adventure has found me.

It begins here.