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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:08:23 GMT -8
*a pocket sized chestnut brown leather bound book, with fresh cut parchment, and the letter 'A' embossed on the cover. There is a dusting of flour on the back cover and a stain of a fingerprint on the spine. Inside the front cover, there is a small folded drawing of two little elven girls swinging from a rope tied to a tree. The text is printed with graphite in a delicate slanted hand.*
______________________________
*sitting with a cup of tea before the hearth at the Winters Rose*
*thinking to herself Thyme jots notes in her journal*
I don't know how I got there... so far from our canyon. The gift of the fire spirit makes smelting so much easier but... all the way to Istas??
If the sun had not begun to set how much further would I have wandered the mountain ranges searching for Valorite to fill our stores...
*whispered quietly*
down to 12 ingots, not good enough...
*sips her tea as she begins to warm up by the fire*
Istas... its a beautiful city for all Sage claims of its not being a place to visit. The canyon that encloses the city is rich in rare ores.
Why does Sage dislike the city so much...
*sips her tea again as her thoughts continue to ponder the city and its puzzlements*
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:08:36 GMT -8
I wandered into Istas again today, I am drawn to the architecture.
Like the Freehold it seems they too drew on the stone of the canyon to build with for most of their buildings.
The city was quiet under the noon sun, I sat next to an open fountain and ate the lunch I brought wondering if I knew anyone who resided near by.
The fire spirit likes this canyon, there are many ice snakes for him to chase while I mine the ore from the canyon walls.
West of the building with the fountain, the one called Elysium is a museum, it shimmers I wonder if Sage knows its there?
*smiling down at the page* I stopped outside the conservatory also, there was a wonderful melody coming down from an open window. Its been a long time since I have heard singing...*pencil trails a bit before leaving the page*
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:08:50 GMT -8
*sips a hot cup of tea as she leans over her journal*
I could have sworn I heard footfalls behind me today...
I went back to Istas, I needed shadow iron and their is a lot to be found in the canyon surrounding the city.
I lost track of time, was after dark before I realized I hadn't even stopped to eat today, thats when I heard someone behind me. I looked around, but saw nothing, checked the shadow along the museum but couldn't find a thing. I climbed up on my fire spirit and recalled back to the freehold, but the feeling of being watched still itches at the base of my skull.
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:09:03 GMT -8
I have been visiting Istas for Ore for over a year now and find pleasure in each visit. I've watched as the city has grown, enjoyed the time among its architecture and solitude. Meeting Lady Diavolo has brought much joy. It's been lonely since Phaen left, we used to cook and chat together often. Sage can burn water... the childlings in the freehold though sweet don't need much care and with so many having left this past year, I find myself idle and alone often.
Angelique was new to these Northern Crags last autumn I met her and her beau while mining near their home. I offered a hand to help her move some crates into the chateau and they asked me to stay for a glass of wine. Angelique had many questions about the climate and surroundings, as we talked I found we had much in common, a love for food and cooking, fine fabrics and other textiles. Without hesitation I offered any assistance I could lend to helping them settle in, it felt good to be useful again.
As I think back to our meeting I am surprised at how fond I grew of them so quickly. I really do enjoy their company and they truly seem grateful for my assistance. I am glad I have been able to help watch over Angelique's uncle as his ailment has progressed; she seems lost lately, there are things I know she holds back when we talk, I wish I could be of more comfort.
Perhaps once I am moved in she can learn to trust me more. I though she needed something built or made when I received her letter. I could tell Angelique hadn't been resting well, she looked pale and tired. I wasn't surprised when she smiled up to Perrin and he spoke in his soft way, asking if there was any way they could convince me to become caretaker of the Chateau; move in on a more permanent basis. I could think of no reason not to other than Sage's constant reminders of how "unsafe" Istas was. I said yes without a moments thought.
I explained that I would still be needed in the Freehold occasionally, and Angelique was pleased that I took my family into consideration when making decisions; she was happy to oblige any time I needed away. Perrin is going to move a bed into the craft room for me and gave me my own key to the chateau.
I will visit Xander the next chance I get to ask him about anything I should know about living in Istas, and tell him of my decision to move into the city. All that really remains is telling Sage... she is not going to be pleased...
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:09:17 GMT -8
The Chateau is sad right now, Angelique and Perrin have lost their uncle. Jaques was a wonderful man, I am grateful I got to know, even for a short time. He came into my work room a few times over the past couple months and quietly watched me work on the loom. "Your hands could tell wonderful stories," he would say, and as I sit here now looking at my hands, his simple observation is so very true. I've woven fabric for royalty, and common folk, crafted many things for anyone in need. All the catering I've done over the years... every burn, nick or scar has a tale. Jaques was a wise man.
As I think back, I've always been a quiet person, I am finding the solitude of Istas very comfortable. I've already started to collect little treasures here, the latest is a recipe from Jaques for an old world sausage that really is amazing. Quiet reminders of work I've done and how it was appreciated. They mean more than all the notoriety in the world. I think I am going to like it here.
The other week I finally got to meet Lord Azrael, the governor of Istas. He approached me as I was working the canyon wall and asked to speak to me. I didn't find him frightening as I've heard him made out. Authoritative certainly, and his demeanor is intimidating. I believe however when treated with simple honesty he does so in turn, his concerns for his city are well founded as they should be, and a priority I find genuine. I am grateful for the certificate he gave me to prove permission to use the ore I mine in Istas. I hope my gift of the glass blown brandy warmer meets with satisfaction. I find myself smiling when I think of meeting with him, how I felt valued instead of liked. I have always preferred to be thought of as valuable, being liked is fleeting.
I am off to the Freehold for a day or two, Angelique and Perrin will return mid week from Moonglow, I will have the chateau ready when they come in. It feels good to be happy again...
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:09:28 GMT -8
There is always something to do here, and it seems too something to learn. Istas' cold solitude has been invigorating in her welcome and her needs. I've enjoyed taking care of the Chateau, Angelique has allowed me much freedom in setting it up to my liking and tasks. With the addition of the new stone oven I've never been so well equipped not only to take care of them, but to try new things.
I've even found time to bring out the blackened wood I gathered from Umbra, its ebony surface is enticing and the hours I've spent working it... shaping it have been wonderful. I was happy to help furnish the new Science building in Istas, once all the utilitarian objects were in place however, the building lacked feeling... it felt sterile. The arcanist I had been sculpting seemed to fit into the use of the building. I left it with a note for Lord Azrael, when I thought the statue was complete.
Tonight, I ran into Lord Azrael at the Science building. Literally I turned and found him at the bottom of the stairs... he's so light footed, I didn't even hear him approach. We talked about sculpture and I was surprised to learn he too engaged in the art. I was proud of my work when he told me he was impressed. We gathered around the statue of the ebony arcanist and discussed technique and I found myself drawn to his explanations, how he could tell from my work that I was using carpentry tools, and the stance I used to sculpt in.
His cold touch when he took my hand and showed me how fluid motion in shaving the wood could achieve a more natural curve to the form, I don't think I will ever forget it. Lord Azrael left me his tools to continue to practice what he showed me and it wasn't til mid-day I grew too tired to continue. I stood in front of the tall mirror when I undressed back at the Chateau and I could see the benefit of his instruction; the arcanist I'd sculpted now shared the natural curve of my own back. I hope in time I can learn more from him, and see some of his work.
I am envious of his tools, I spent a long time handling each blade and file, I will make a few drawings and see if I can create tools better suited to work form into wood than the ones I use for cabinetmaking. Lord Azrael's tools are exquisite, you can see from their handles they've been used extensively but the blades and files are pristine. In many ways they remind me of the man.
I am glad I decided to move to Istas, even at the warnings of Sage... She encouraged me to pursue creativity and artistic expression, but Istas has given me the freedom to act on it and develop my skills; and I feel useful again...
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:09:43 GMT -8
*nestled before the hearth, sipping warmed spiced wine Thyme writes*
I feel guilty and giddy, its been a wonderful week. I love this time of year. Angelique brought me some jellybeans, I think she's noticed my sweet tooth. Tonight I went out and horded all the candy I could muster from the Merchants in Britain and Skara Brae... I think my candy satchel weights thirty stone... I still have some of the licorice from Xander's drawer, I hope he never catches on its me who takes it... mmm licorice.
I have something else new! I found a complete set of tools like the ones Lord Azrael let me used in the mailbox today, I was astounded, I couldn't help tearing up and just stared at them for a long while. I had a row with Sage, she is convinced I am in danger here, she just doesn't see clearly, she has been swayed by what others claim about Istas and her governors. There is no violence in the byways of Istas as in other towns. Those who choose to live here are cordial, and helpful and though often they keep to themselves, I've had no reason to be suspicious of anyone I've been in contact with.
Lord Azrael is a Vampire, he's never denied it to my knowledge. What good would it do him to allow Istas' reputation to be tainted by wrong doing of any kind. The city and the people who live here would only suffer if that happened. The surrounding communities would cut Istas off, socially and economically the city would die, those who have made their lives here would in time be forced to do so elsewhere. Along with the legal means of stripping Istas of its lively hood, vigilantes, and other sorts who make sport of tormenting the down trodden would move in like vultures. I've seen the witch hunts before... and the innocent who often suffer because of them.
I have too many friends, if I went missing someone would notice, if I was hurt or worse, someone would notice... I love my sister dearly but her fears are unfounded and irrational. Istas has welcomed me and I feel at home here. I feel needed and whats more I feel wanted and useful. I hope Sage comes around to understand, I am thriving here... and no one made this decision for me, I want to be here!
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Post by Angelique on Apr 12, 2012 14:09:57 GMT -8
November 19th
I am worried about Sage, she's not looking well and her temper is very short. The gold of her skin and her copper hair that usually shine like polished metal have dulled and seemed tarnished tonight. I hadn't intended to go to the Freehold this week, but something didn't feel right, I found her asleep curled up in front of the hearth in the third floor salon of the manor. Myosotis growled fiercely at me when I entered, pacing the floor, guarding Sage. It was some time before the Tressym let me near my sister.
Once she was awake, I touched her hands and they were cold as the ice of these mountains, not a trait a hot blooded Ghille often exhibits. I made hot tea, and warmed something that looked like stew she'd made herself... though she drank the tea she picked at the stew leaving the bowl mostly untouched. She wouldn't speak to me at first, but I could tell more was wrong than her anger over my relocation to Istas. My sister prefers to yell...silence is not her usual demeanor.
I busied myself in the kitchen around her making a pest of myself where I could trying to break her silence, and in time as I began sorting the seed baskets she took an interest in more than stirring her bowl. I noticed then there were no seeds harvested since I left in the summer... whats more there were none from her. I don't remember a winter where we didn't coax her own seeds into saplings, one where friends and family were not gifted with her own seeds to grow themselves. I stared at her for a long time before I asked and learned that Sage did not go to seed this year...
Few are aware how short lived a Ghille Dhu is, it broke my heart the Autumn she passed from her spring to her summer, as I knew she was one step closer to winter and passing on. Lost where the verdant greens of her skin and hair, she returned to the Freehold shining as the summer sun brilliant golden and copper, but those colours even to my enchanted eyes are not present now.
It leaves me wondering how long will her summer last... when will it fade and be replaced with Autumn and the last cycle of her short life? When the Ghille passes, what will remain of my sister? How long will it be this time before she is renewed again?
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