Posts
It has been a while since I have posted here.....I have been quite busy. In fact a few weeks ago I went to see Wicked when it was here in town. Contrary to all the warnings I was able to draw parallels between the book and the musical. I think I made need to read the book again, then "Son of a Witch" and "A Lion Among Men" the third I have not read yet. I bought the sound track something that is one of my biggest guilty pleasures. My darling daughter has been playing it constantly so much so I find mt self filling silence with bars of music from the CD. A few days ago a very dear friend posted a wonderful you tube video....I had to share! hopes the ebedding by way of email post works....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Women of the House of the Unicorn (Part two)
Or: Week one of mini Nano
I was unable to write as much as I would like to have and I have done VERY little editing so bear with me But pleas what would a head house keeper in the late 1800s be named? I can't stick with X
Of all the thing she could have suspected this little old man’s pronouncement was not on the list.
She gaped at him as he and the queen walked out the door and began ordering things to happen.
Alone in the hall way she looked at the wall that were painted with patterns the likt she had never seen before. She had never seen so much painting before nor hah she seen so much open space. It looked like a dining hall but was more open and the focus of the room seemed to be the door and the staircase. The stairs has a rug on them as well as some shiny wood.
The woman on the strange back dress returned and she was pushing a small carriage it was very delicate looking, the wheels were so fine. The fascination drew Jaione to examine the structure. The delicate wheels and the structure that held the carriage compartment above it was cool to the touch like an elegant spoon. They curved up ward and held the blue compartment that had a white blanket and cushion in side. NO bigger than a baby’s bed.
“You may use this to set the child in to sleep and wheel it from place to place.” May of the past princesses have used it for their baby princes” Stated the woman.
“What is this?” Asked Jaione.
“It is a Perambulator. You put the child in here to take it for walks. Keeps you arms from getting tired and in the house here you can keep him near you.”
“I have never seen one before,” Jaione said standing and for the first time regarding the woman and her odd dress closely. He dress seed to be made of light fabric that was fitted through the torso showing her figure. The skirt was wider and was gathered at the waist. The was small simple but elegant lace at her wrists. She no had a very light almost transparent apron on over the black dress. Jaione suddenly felt awkward staring at her clothing in such a manner.
The woman chuckled “Every princess of the house of the Unicorn has regarded my dress with as much curiosity and scrutiny as you have. I ma used to it now.”
“I am so confused by all I see” Jaione confided. “I know not what to expect next.”
“Come I’ll show you the house, it will not help your confusion but you will know where to go for the next few days. First the kitchen!”
“But who are you?”
“I am XX’s housekeeper, and I keep this place going and have for a long time. I have seen many new Princesses from your house come hear. Even you mother in Law Bakarne came when she was the new princess she was more frightened than you, But come follow me”
Jaione followed he through whit hallways with a floor that shined like it was wet but was dry to the touch.
She entered the kitchen she had expected to see the high stone walls with meat hanging from the rafters with herbs and spices hung around as well filled with smoke from the fire and a lone wood table covered with the dishes and food in prep for the evening’s meal.
There was a table with food in the center of the room and a hearth at one end but the walls were lined with doors and one had several metal boxes with many doors vessels were on top of them steaming and bubbling, obviously cooking. She was stunned by this magical sight until she saw a boy open one of the doors and put more wood into it. Shortly after another door was opened and a loaf of bread was removed. She had never thought of fire being contained to cook but this was magical and so very practical.
“The wizard must have been so very busy to have created all of this to help his kitchen maids.: Jaione found herself saying out loud.
X laughed “ he did not create these. Someone else invented them. But they do help.”
Jaione walked around the kitchen watching all the cooking that was happening the activity picked up and then she felt a hand on her elbow and X extracted her from the happenings. Jaione had not realized how late it had become and the late fall darkness had begun to set in. The baby was beginning to fuss but the hose was till warm and bright the sconces and lamps that lit better than a candle with larger flames and a funny smell.
X took her upstairs and showed her to a suit of bright rooms. There was a small room that seemed to be suited for the baby that was attached to a larger room with a large and delicate bed. Her tapestry that she had brought was hung above it. The third room had a larg white tub in it and was lined with shelves with many bottles one them.
“every princess has wanted that hung there and after the first severl we started to just hang it there” x replied to Jaione’s curious look. “Feed your son and rest before dinner I will assign you a maid who knows the house she can work with your ladies in waiting someone will come for you when dinner is ready.”
There was a cushioned chair in the corner near the door way that joine the baby’s room with the main room. She sat and nursed the baby she had never found it so relaxing before and soon the baby was asleep with a happy smile on his face. She felt the weariness melted from her and she put him in the small gated bed.
His bed coverings were bright white and soft and on examinations so was hers. On a small table to the left of the bed was a small statue of a dragon that reminded her of the one in the tapestry.
She held it up and compared it to the one in the tapestry. They were very much alike she wondered which came first.
I was unable to write as much as I would like to have and I have done VERY little editing so bear with me But pleas what would a head house keeper in the late 1800s be named? I can't stick with X
Of all the thing she could have suspected this little old man’s pronouncement was not on the list.
She gaped at him as he and the queen walked out the door and began ordering things to happen.
Alone in the hall way she looked at the wall that were painted with patterns the likt she had never seen before. She had never seen so much painting before nor hah she seen so much open space. It looked like a dining hall but was more open and the focus of the room seemed to be the door and the staircase. The stairs has a rug on them as well as some shiny wood.
The woman on the strange back dress returned and she was pushing a small carriage it was very delicate looking, the wheels were so fine. The fascination drew Jaione to examine the structure. The delicate wheels and the structure that held the carriage compartment above it was cool to the touch like an elegant spoon. They curved up ward and held the blue compartment that had a white blanket and cushion in side. NO bigger than a baby’s bed.
“You may use this to set the child in to sleep and wheel it from place to place.” May of the past princesses have used it for their baby princes” Stated the woman.
“What is this?” Asked Jaione.
“It is a Perambulator. You put the child in here to take it for walks. Keeps you arms from getting tired and in the house here you can keep him near you.”
“I have never seen one before,” Jaione said standing and for the first time regarding the woman and her odd dress closely. He dress seed to be made of light fabric that was fitted through the torso showing her figure. The skirt was wider and was gathered at the waist. The was small simple but elegant lace at her wrists. She no had a very light almost transparent apron on over the black dress. Jaione suddenly felt awkward staring at her clothing in such a manner.
The woman chuckled “Every princess of the house of the Unicorn has regarded my dress with as much curiosity and scrutiny as you have. I ma used to it now.”
“I am so confused by all I see” Jaione confided. “I know not what to expect next.”
“Come I’ll show you the house, it will not help your confusion but you will know where to go for the next few days. First the kitchen!”
“But who are you?”
“I am XX’s housekeeper, and I keep this place going and have for a long time. I have seen many new Princesses from your house come hear. Even you mother in Law Bakarne came when she was the new princess she was more frightened than you, But come follow me”
Jaione followed he through whit hallways with a floor that shined like it was wet but was dry to the touch.
She entered the kitchen she had expected to see the high stone walls with meat hanging from the rafters with herbs and spices hung around as well filled with smoke from the fire and a lone wood table covered with the dishes and food in prep for the evening’s meal.
There was a table with food in the center of the room and a hearth at one end but the walls were lined with doors and one had several metal boxes with many doors vessels were on top of them steaming and bubbling, obviously cooking. She was stunned by this magical sight until she saw a boy open one of the doors and put more wood into it. Shortly after another door was opened and a loaf of bread was removed. She had never thought of fire being contained to cook but this was magical and so very practical.
“The wizard must have been so very busy to have created all of this to help his kitchen maids.: Jaione found herself saying out loud.
X laughed “ he did not create these. Someone else invented them. But they do help.”
Jaione walked around the kitchen watching all the cooking that was happening the activity picked up and then she felt a hand on her elbow and X extracted her from the happenings. Jaione had not realized how late it had become and the late fall darkness had begun to set in. The baby was beginning to fuss but the hose was till warm and bright the sconces and lamps that lit better than a candle with larger flames and a funny smell.
X took her upstairs and showed her to a suit of bright rooms. There was a small room that seemed to be suited for the baby that was attached to a larger room with a large and delicate bed. Her tapestry that she had brought was hung above it. The third room had a larg white tub in it and was lined with shelves with many bottles one them.
“every princess has wanted that hung there and after the first severl we started to just hang it there” x replied to Jaione’s curious look. “Feed your son and rest before dinner I will assign you a maid who knows the house she can work with your ladies in waiting someone will come for you when dinner is ready.”
There was a cushioned chair in the corner near the door way that joine the baby’s room with the main room. She sat and nursed the baby she had never found it so relaxing before and soon the baby was asleep with a happy smile on his face. She felt the weariness melted from her and she put him in the small gated bed.
His bed coverings were bright white and soft and on examinations so was hers. On a small table to the left of the bed was a small statue of a dragon that reminded her of the one in the tapestry.
She held it up and compared it to the one in the tapestry. They were very much alike she wondered which came first.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Women of the House of the Unicorn (Part one)
Jaione rushed to the window. She needed the fresh air. The noise and demands on her were too much.
“Princess leave that shut! The child can’t take the chill,” called her nursemaid.
“His lungs are as strong as a dragons, have you not heard his wails! As long as I am stuck in this room with him I will need fresh air.” Jaione pushed the stubborn shutters aside and the cold winter air filled her lungs. She fell to the ground sobbing.
It wasn't fair. She was beautiful, sixteen, and married to a handsome older prince, but she was now stuck in the castle as he went off to fight a battle with another prince over some trifle of farmland. She had a fantasy that she would be flitting through golden fields of flowers and fairies, being romanced by all the courtiers only to be rescued by her handsome prince if anything came close to harming her or her virtue. But now she was alone with a bunch of servants and a few ladies in waiting as the rest of the court went off to fight or take care of the wounded.
She was stuck with the baby that her husband was so proud to have made with her on their wedding night. She had been too tired and gravid to have had any of her fantasy. Now she was alone, awaiting his return. And this babe would howl.
She lay on the cold stone floor choking back her sobs. Behind her were some soft footsteps then a gentle hand stroked her cheek. “Jaione you need to get up and be the princess you came to be,” came a genteel voice.Rolling over she looked into the face of her mother-in-law. Queen Bakarne crouched by her side, her beautiful face full of kindness and compassion.
“I can’t be that princess. I have no court and I have a baby who will only stop crying for me. I am tired and lonely. I am supposed to be fawned after by all the men in the court and there are none here. I would rather be locked in a tower and held prisoner by a dragon.”
“I could arrange that” the Queen’s voice took on a calculating air to it.
All other noise was sucked out of the room and it seemed as if the winds ceased as well. Jaione sat up and looked at Queen Bakarne. Her face had a contemplative look to it but Jaione could not read it.
“Wha….What? What do you mean?” Jaione choked out.
“It is the tradition of the House of the Unicorn that when a son is conceived the men go to war and when the child is born the women are generally held by the dragon. The new princess needs to make that decision. I know how to make the arrangements, as you will when you are queen. It is my duty and pleasure to share it with you as you will to your son’s wife” replied Queen Bakarne with a hint of joy in her voice. “And my dear Princess it is more preferable to go there than to stay here.”
Jaione sat and stared at Bakarne who stood and arranged herself at the edge of the bed waiting for a response. Jaione felt challenged. She knew that something momentous was expected of her right now. Queen Bakarne’s beauty radiated from the foot of the bed, but all that Jaione could see was the tapestry on the wall at the head of the bed. She had never noticed it’s detail before now.
The tapestry had a large unicorn in the foreground which she had always assumed was because this was the House of the Unicorn. Behind it was a green expanse of forest not much different than the land to the north of the castle. A thin line seemed to show a small path through the intricately stitched expanse of trees. At the end of this path was a golden dragon sitting in front of an elegant tower with silvery threads coming from the upper most window.
There was something odd about this dragon. Jaione felt it was important to take closer look. She stood from her cold spot on the floor. As she stood the sounds of life in the area returned. She went to the bed and climbed up to see the dragon. She had never seen anything like it. It looked as though all of its joints were buttoned together. But it was sharp looking; its claws and teeth seemed to have knife like edges. She touched the stitching that made up the dragon almost expecting it to fell sharp.
“He is a wonder to see in person,” came Bakarne’s voice.
“Can we go to see it?” Jaione found herself asking.
“I will order the household packed and we can begin in the morning if you would like.”
“Yes I would, as long as we can bring the baby.” Jaione surprised herself at the strong motherly love that seemed to suddenly erupt in her whole being.
“It is most important that he come.” Bakarne said as she left the room. Jaione found herself alone in the room with her now sleeping baby and the tapestry. She knew that this tapestry would have to come. The small line through the trees had small symbols along the way that reminded her of the runes that her aunt had read for others during the dark and cold winters that kept them indoors with little to do. Her parents had never allowed her to have her runes read. But she knew their meanings and she saw one - was “misfortune of another” or the beggar. It was the first mark along the path from the unicorn to the tower.
Jaione took the tapestry from its hangings, spread it out and began to roll it up. Why it needed to come she couldn’t say but the feeling that it was important seemed to resonate through her. As she finished, two household maids arrived and asked about packing. As she instructed them on what to pack she held the rolled tapestry to her. She did not set it down until the mewing of a waking baby stirred her new found motherly love and she scooped up the small bundle wrapped in fur. “Shh… Shh, Peio. We are getting ready for a trip. It will be an adventure and in the end we will come home again and your papa will be home as well”
The day was filled with preparations. Jaione took her place directing the preparations, holding the baby on her hip. She tended to his needs and he never cried. She made sure that the tapestry was never far from her. In the end they had two full carts full of supplies and two covered carriages and two open ones to carry the skeleton court. The guard would be on horseback riding along. The captain came to Jaione and Bakarne with his map. “Mistresses, there is still day light and since we are ready I think we should leave before dusk. The sooner we are on the road the fewer cold days we will have to endure.”
“Let us return indoors. The kitchen is preparing food for the road and I agree we should leave as early as we can,” replied Jaione. She picked up the tapestry and they went into the small dining area just off the kitchen. Embracing the warmth, Jaione sent the servant to begin shutting up the rooms in the castle. Then she unrolled the tapestry on the table.
“Captain, is there a path like this through the forest?” Jaione asked.
“It is called Dragon’s Way, Captain.” Bakarne injected.
“I am familiar with it, Mistresses. My father told me of it and spoke of a day when I would lead the Queen and The Princess to the tower at the end.” He leaned forward and examined the tapestry. Opening his map he pointed to a thin line. “ This is it. I think we can get to the Beggar’s Inn before night fall if we leave within two hours.”
“Then we shall.” spoke both women at once.
With baskets of food and piles of furs around them, they rode out of the gates less than two hours later. Jaione had the baby in a basket firmly between her and the nursemaid. Across her lap was the tapestry. Looking out the window of the carriage, she knew there was no mistaking who they were: The House of the Unicorn. Each horse wore a horn on his bridle giving them the appearance of unicorns. Jaione allowed herself to imagine the beauty of the horses that her husband and the king would ride into battle. The horns on the chaffron and the white bard over the saddle would flutter as the horses galloped into battle. The effect would disguise the horses as unicorns. She was sure that the spectacle would create a stir in those they rode against.
The ride was uneventful. Just as the light was beginning to dim, she heard the call to pull off the road. She looked out her window. A small sign indicated the Beggar’s Inn was nearby. The trees and other foliage were thick and she could see only the start of the path. Its narrowness kept her and the other occupants of the covered carriage from seeing the Inn until they pulled in front of it.
It was not the simple inn that could be called “The Beggar’s Inn” It was a large building the likes of which she had not seen before. It was not a timer building that was the norm of the merchants and towns, neither was it the stone structures like her castle or her family’s estate. It seemed to be stone. Solid grey stone. It was as tall as the castle, but the straight front wall had windows in it that sparkled in the sun like jewels. In the center of the wall were wide stone stairs that lead to a seemingly small door way. The door was a brilliant green.
“This is a fantastic place,” Bakarne glowed, “Let’s go in! I can’t wait to see it again!” In moves that seemed more like a young girl, Bakarne threw off the furs and opened the door. She jumped down from the carriage and reached for Jaione and the baby. Jaione moved slowly drinking in the sight of this remarkable building. There was an air of magic to it. “Come Jaione! I want to see if the Wizard is here,” Bakarne called.
“Wait here,” Jaione instructed the staff as she followed Bakarne up the stairs to the green door. Bakarne stopped at the door,hefted a large ornament from the face of the door, and used it to strike the door three times. A woman in a black dress of which she had never seen a similar cloth or cut, opened the door. She looked at the women and then stood aside saying nothing while sweeping her arm in a gesture of welcome. Once Jaione and Bakarne were in, she closed the door and left them in the bright room without a word. It was lit with devices that seemed magical to Jaione.
“Oh aren’t these fascinating? I love them! They can get brighter and dimmer with a turn of a key” Bakarne chirped. She was almost bouncing in her excitement. She seemed almost younger. A shuffling interrupted her and she turned toward the sound coming from a hallway. An old man in velvet robes came into the room. His outward appearance was the most normal thing that Jaione had seen since arriving.
“Bakarne! Has it been that long already? Your son is grown and married! Oh and a son for him as well! This must be his bride,” the man babbled and took Bakarne’s hand. “It is good to have you here again.”
Not knowing what else to do Jaione cleared her throat loudly. “I am sorry, sir, but who are you?”
“Ah young mistress, I am called Tovenaar. I am the wizard of these lands and will be here for your son’s grandchildren. I am an aide to the women who marry into the tradition of The House of the Unicorn. When each new generation is born, the women come her while the men are away and prepare them for their time in the tower and for the traditions that the Bloodline of the House of Unicorn maintain. But first let us get the horses stabled, the staff inside, and every fed the dinner that you all deserve.”
“Princess leave that shut! The child can’t take the chill,” called her nursemaid.
“His lungs are as strong as a dragons, have you not heard his wails! As long as I am stuck in this room with him I will need fresh air.” Jaione pushed the stubborn shutters aside and the cold winter air filled her lungs. She fell to the ground sobbing.
It wasn't fair. She was beautiful, sixteen, and married to a handsome older prince, but she was now stuck in the castle as he went off to fight a battle with another prince over some trifle of farmland. She had a fantasy that she would be flitting through golden fields of flowers and fairies, being romanced by all the courtiers only to be rescued by her handsome prince if anything came close to harming her or her virtue. But now she was alone with a bunch of servants and a few ladies in waiting as the rest of the court went off to fight or take care of the wounded.
She was stuck with the baby that her husband was so proud to have made with her on their wedding night. She had been too tired and gravid to have had any of her fantasy. Now she was alone, awaiting his return. And this babe would howl.
She lay on the cold stone floor choking back her sobs. Behind her were some soft footsteps then a gentle hand stroked her cheek. “Jaione you need to get up and be the princess you came to be,” came a genteel voice.Rolling over she looked into the face of her mother-in-law. Queen Bakarne crouched by her side, her beautiful face full of kindness and compassion.
“I can’t be that princess. I have no court and I have a baby who will only stop crying for me. I am tired and lonely. I am supposed to be fawned after by all the men in the court and there are none here. I would rather be locked in a tower and held prisoner by a dragon.”
“I could arrange that” the Queen’s voice took on a calculating air to it.
All other noise was sucked out of the room and it seemed as if the winds ceased as well. Jaione sat up and looked at Queen Bakarne. Her face had a contemplative look to it but Jaione could not read it.
“Wha….What? What do you mean?” Jaione choked out.
“It is the tradition of the House of the Unicorn that when a son is conceived the men go to war and when the child is born the women are generally held by the dragon. The new princess needs to make that decision. I know how to make the arrangements, as you will when you are queen. It is my duty and pleasure to share it with you as you will to your son’s wife” replied Queen Bakarne with a hint of joy in her voice. “And my dear Princess it is more preferable to go there than to stay here.”
Jaione sat and stared at Bakarne who stood and arranged herself at the edge of the bed waiting for a response. Jaione felt challenged. She knew that something momentous was expected of her right now. Queen Bakarne’s beauty radiated from the foot of the bed, but all that Jaione could see was the tapestry on the wall at the head of the bed. She had never noticed it’s detail before now.
The tapestry had a large unicorn in the foreground which she had always assumed was because this was the House of the Unicorn. Behind it was a green expanse of forest not much different than the land to the north of the castle. A thin line seemed to show a small path through the intricately stitched expanse of trees. At the end of this path was a golden dragon sitting in front of an elegant tower with silvery threads coming from the upper most window.
There was something odd about this dragon. Jaione felt it was important to take closer look. She stood from her cold spot on the floor. As she stood the sounds of life in the area returned. She went to the bed and climbed up to see the dragon. She had never seen anything like it. It looked as though all of its joints were buttoned together. But it was sharp looking; its claws and teeth seemed to have knife like edges. She touched the stitching that made up the dragon almost expecting it to fell sharp.
“He is a wonder to see in person,” came Bakarne’s voice.
“Can we go to see it?” Jaione found herself asking.
“I will order the household packed and we can begin in the morning if you would like.”
“Yes I would, as long as we can bring the baby.” Jaione surprised herself at the strong motherly love that seemed to suddenly erupt in her whole being.
“It is most important that he come.” Bakarne said as she left the room. Jaione found herself alone in the room with her now sleeping baby and the tapestry. She knew that this tapestry would have to come. The small line through the trees had small symbols along the way that reminded her of the runes that her aunt had read for others during the dark and cold winters that kept them indoors with little to do. Her parents had never allowed her to have her runes read. But she knew their meanings and she saw one - was “misfortune of another” or the beggar. It was the first mark along the path from the unicorn to the tower.
Jaione took the tapestry from its hangings, spread it out and began to roll it up. Why it needed to come she couldn’t say but the feeling that it was important seemed to resonate through her. As she finished, two household maids arrived and asked about packing. As she instructed them on what to pack she held the rolled tapestry to her. She did not set it down until the mewing of a waking baby stirred her new found motherly love and she scooped up the small bundle wrapped in fur. “Shh… Shh, Peio. We are getting ready for a trip. It will be an adventure and in the end we will come home again and your papa will be home as well”
The day was filled with preparations. Jaione took her place directing the preparations, holding the baby on her hip. She tended to his needs and he never cried. She made sure that the tapestry was never far from her. In the end they had two full carts full of supplies and two covered carriages and two open ones to carry the skeleton court. The guard would be on horseback riding along. The captain came to Jaione and Bakarne with his map. “Mistresses, there is still day light and since we are ready I think we should leave before dusk. The sooner we are on the road the fewer cold days we will have to endure.”
“Let us return indoors. The kitchen is preparing food for the road and I agree we should leave as early as we can,” replied Jaione. She picked up the tapestry and they went into the small dining area just off the kitchen. Embracing the warmth, Jaione sent the servant to begin shutting up the rooms in the castle. Then she unrolled the tapestry on the table.
“Captain, is there a path like this through the forest?” Jaione asked.
“It is called Dragon’s Way, Captain.” Bakarne injected.
“I am familiar with it, Mistresses. My father told me of it and spoke of a day when I would lead the Queen and The Princess to the tower at the end.” He leaned forward and examined the tapestry. Opening his map he pointed to a thin line. “ This is it. I think we can get to the Beggar’s Inn before night fall if we leave within two hours.”
“Then we shall.” spoke both women at once.
With baskets of food and piles of furs around them, they rode out of the gates less than two hours later. Jaione had the baby in a basket firmly between her and the nursemaid. Across her lap was the tapestry. Looking out the window of the carriage, she knew there was no mistaking who they were: The House of the Unicorn. Each horse wore a horn on his bridle giving them the appearance of unicorns. Jaione allowed herself to imagine the beauty of the horses that her husband and the king would ride into battle. The horns on the chaffron and the white bard over the saddle would flutter as the horses galloped into battle. The effect would disguise the horses as unicorns. She was sure that the spectacle would create a stir in those they rode against.
The ride was uneventful. Just as the light was beginning to dim, she heard the call to pull off the road. She looked out her window. A small sign indicated the Beggar’s Inn was nearby. The trees and other foliage were thick and she could see only the start of the path. Its narrowness kept her and the other occupants of the covered carriage from seeing the Inn until they pulled in front of it.
It was not the simple inn that could be called “The Beggar’s Inn” It was a large building the likes of which she had not seen before. It was not a timer building that was the norm of the merchants and towns, neither was it the stone structures like her castle or her family’s estate. It seemed to be stone. Solid grey stone. It was as tall as the castle, but the straight front wall had windows in it that sparkled in the sun like jewels. In the center of the wall were wide stone stairs that lead to a seemingly small door way. The door was a brilliant green.
“This is a fantastic place,” Bakarne glowed, “Let’s go in! I can’t wait to see it again!” In moves that seemed more like a young girl, Bakarne threw off the furs and opened the door. She jumped down from the carriage and reached for Jaione and the baby. Jaione moved slowly drinking in the sight of this remarkable building. There was an air of magic to it. “Come Jaione! I want to see if the Wizard is here,” Bakarne called.
“Wait here,” Jaione instructed the staff as she followed Bakarne up the stairs to the green door. Bakarne stopped at the door,hefted a large ornament from the face of the door, and used it to strike the door three times. A woman in a black dress of which she had never seen a similar cloth or cut, opened the door. She looked at the women and then stood aside saying nothing while sweeping her arm in a gesture of welcome. Once Jaione and Bakarne were in, she closed the door and left them in the bright room without a word. It was lit with devices that seemed magical to Jaione.
“Oh aren’t these fascinating? I love them! They can get brighter and dimmer with a turn of a key” Bakarne chirped. She was almost bouncing in her excitement. She seemed almost younger. A shuffling interrupted her and she turned toward the sound coming from a hallway. An old man in velvet robes came into the room. His outward appearance was the most normal thing that Jaione had seen since arriving.
“Bakarne! Has it been that long already? Your son is grown and married! Oh and a son for him as well! This must be his bride,” the man babbled and took Bakarne’s hand. “It is good to have you here again.”
Not knowing what else to do Jaione cleared her throat loudly. “I am sorry, sir, but who are you?”
“Ah young mistress, I am called Tovenaar. I am the wizard of these lands and will be here for your son’s grandchildren. I am an aide to the women who marry into the tradition of The House of the Unicorn. When each new generation is born, the women come her while the men are away and prepare them for their time in the tower and for the traditions that the Bloodline of the House of Unicorn maintain. But first let us get the horses stabled, the staff inside, and every fed the dinner that you all deserve.”
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Yellow
When she was seven her favorite yellow sundress had an empire waist line and thin straps that tied in a bow. The bodice was decorated with three embroidered flowers and the hem fell to her knees with a white eyelet lace poking out under the ruffle.
He was sitting on his porch drinking from a large cup as the kids walked home from school and he called out at them being rude an offensive. When she got home the yellow dress was tossed in the far dark corner of her closet never to be worn again.
He was sitting on his porch drinking from a large cup as the kids walked home from school and he called out at them being rude an offensive. When she got home the yellow dress was tossed in the far dark corner of her closet never to be worn again.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Nightly Boarder Run (or was a bell)
In answer to Heather's Border. Memories from my youth.
The room was too small for its use. Two rectangles stuck together in an attempt to make two common living spaces it was hard to serve the twenty-one inhabitants on the tower. A large chunk of the space was taken up by a walled entry way.
Two couches a box shaped stuffed chair sat opposite the small TV. Behind this seating arrangement and to the left, a dining room table and six wooden chairs. One wall was covered with book cases another with a small kitchenette. The two window in one wall gave the room some fresh air when opened. The beige room spoke of institution and the smell of too many bodies and bad cooking. Thankfully the window was open.
The TV blared and the sixteen people sat snugly on the chairs the couches and the floor small whispered conversations occasional hushed by those watching TV or the lone reader at the table.
Scuffles and scraping noises came loudly from the hallway and a few of the room’s inhabitants looked towards the door. The door flew open and a large bell was thrust into the room. Exclamations came from all that could see the door and others moved to see it. Two young men fell in after the bell laughing. “DONG! Bell Run!” yelled the taller man slapping the side of the bell and thrusting his hand out. There was rustling of wallets and purses and money appeared as the young men and women in the room called out their orders and thrust money at the young men.
The new flourish of the nightly routine was hardly mentioned and the Bell was tripped over for the rest of the night before disappearing before dawn.
The room was too small for its use. Two rectangles stuck together in an attempt to make two common living spaces it was hard to serve the twenty-one inhabitants on the tower. A large chunk of the space was taken up by a walled entry way.
Two couches a box shaped stuffed chair sat opposite the small TV. Behind this seating arrangement and to the left, a dining room table and six wooden chairs. One wall was covered with book cases another with a small kitchenette. The two window in one wall gave the room some fresh air when opened. The beige room spoke of institution and the smell of too many bodies and bad cooking. Thankfully the window was open.
The TV blared and the sixteen people sat snugly on the chairs the couches and the floor small whispered conversations occasional hushed by those watching TV or the lone reader at the table.
Scuffles and scraping noises came loudly from the hallway and a few of the room’s inhabitants looked towards the door. The door flew open and a large bell was thrust into the room. Exclamations came from all that could see the door and others moved to see it. Two young men fell in after the bell laughing. “DONG! Bell Run!” yelled the taller man slapping the side of the bell and thrusting his hand out. There was rustling of wallets and purses and money appeared as the young men and women in the room called out their orders and thrust money at the young men.
The new flourish of the nightly routine was hardly mentioned and the Bell was tripped over for the rest of the night before disappearing before dawn.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Laughing and Friendship in the Digital Age.
I was sitting at my computer last night and her name popped up on facebook. I don’t think she ever knew how much she stirred me. My girl friend and I were both turned on by her laugh. It was a wonderfully distinctive laugh. I can almost hear it now in the back of my mind. I know it if I heard it but it is just out of reach now.
I am sitting hear with my son on my lap considering friending her, but to what ends. My wife knows little about her but her sister might and I know her sister’s husband does. I have friended past girl friends including the one that was as turned on by S’s laugh as I was.
This social networking thing is such a tenuous thing it can get one in trouble with a friend or even one’s spouse, with a click of a button.
Well S’s husband was a friend and classmate. I suppose I have friended him so it should be safe. (click).
Well off to bed now the boy is asleep and with any luck my new pent up energy can be used tonight.
I am sitting hear with my son on my lap considering friending her, but to what ends. My wife knows little about her but her sister might and I know her sister’s husband does. I have friended past girl friends including the one that was as turned on by S’s laugh as I was.
This social networking thing is such a tenuous thing it can get one in trouble with a friend or even one’s spouse, with a click of a button.
Well S’s husband was a friend and classmate. I suppose I have friended him so it should be safe. (click).
Well off to bed now the boy is asleep and with any luck my new pent up energy can be used tonight.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Sign
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Sign
I am a forty plus year old woman and the first road sign that comes to mind when I think of one to describe my life, is warning curves ahead. Not only are we talking about my body which has taken on a new shape since my 20s, due to age the slowing of metabolism and having given birth to 2 children, but also the changes in mood that come with changes of hormone levels in a woman’s age.
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