The Departure of Another Year

In some ways the holiday celebrations can be as stressing as going to war.

The time it takes to organize a gala, decide on the menu, oversee the decorations and manage the invitation list, is overwhelming to say the least.

Over the years I have hosted many parties in Krespania and have developed my own sense of perfection in arrangements, so that even in Agmar I find myself supervising with my usual vigor and commitment.

But after planning a Christmas event and then my brother's birthday celebration a few days after, I find myself a little fatigued amidst administrating the New Year's ball.

I have no sympathy from Lennox though; He would rather have me forget the whole thing since he does not particularly like social gatherings, with the exception of his birthday, of course.

But Meredith noticed, and has since then put an end to my party planning.

My lady-in-waiting says that I have already done more than enough, and that it is pointless to continue to stress myself when others can handle it.

Beginning with last month she has been especially protective of me, and I know it is because she fears I will exhaust myself as I did after going to war and have a relapse.

So she pampers and fusses over me, like a mother hen, and insists I rest if I show signs of even the slightest fatigue.

That is why I am writing at this moment, because she will not allow me to take part in any more activity until this evening.

I admit that the basis of her concern is reasonable.

At certain moments I still feel as if I have not quite recovered to full health, and I tire more easily than in the past.

For reasons I cannot understand the fight against the Lorates rendered me weaker than I would have imagined.

I have been in many battles and they have not had this effect on me. Perhaps I needed more reconditioning and training...

Anyway, Meredith will take it to prove her point that I should remain at Krespania instead of going to war.

The party decorations are festive and hung beautifully about the great hall, the long tables are being prepared and set with delicious food. Roast quail, partridge and other fowl will be served, along with mutton and Lennox's favorite, veal. There will be cranberry jelly, fresh pomegranates and strawberrys, vegetables, and piping hot bread also.

And very soon our friends and guests will arrive, and together we will celebrate the ending of this year and the beginning of the new year.

The thought of all this fills my heart with cheer and merriment, and makes me giddy.

I do not know what this new year holds for me but for now I am going to relish this moment together with my loved ones and friends and enjoy it as best I can.

May this new year find you in good health, and surrounded by family and those you love dearest.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania

The Dawn of Christmastide

It is hard to believe the Christmas season is once again upon us.

It seemed only yesterday that I started this archive and yet it is now nearly a year old.

The Agmar castle is aglow with festive decorations. Each object of garland hung on the walls and mantels speak of Christmas cheer, candles from every corner spreads an inner warmth and joy.

The dull gray stone walls have never looked more radiant in all their adornments.

A week ago the Ruler came into Saundros, the Krespanian sea-port, with Captain Christian Bentione bringing an invitation from my brother to join him at his castle for the holidays.

It has been several years since I have had Christmas at Agmar, usually having my own festivities to host at LunaMara, that Lennox always came to me but I thought this would be a good change of pace.

Since most of my childhood was spent at Agmar the place holds a dear position in my heart.

The familiarity in every wall, beam and staircase gives a heartwarming reminder of my parents and the many Christmas's we celebrated there together as I grew up.

The memories are bittersweet when I recall how we four sat by the fireplace many a time, sipping hot apple cider and listening to Father retelling a story of his younger days and his many adventures.

I can picture Lennox as he listened intently to Father, drinking in every word with wide eyes, and with a grin so large it filled half his face.

That same love for adventure has never been lost in him since.

Then there was Mother, sitting there as graceful and beautiful as ever I can remember, with a gentle smile, softly interjecting here and there that she remembered the story a little different then how Father was describing it.

And I remember how the fire glowed in the reflection of Father's animated eyes just as strong as the joy of telling his narrative.

And how his deep, strong voice rose and fell with the suspense of the tale, and when he laughed it filled the room with a sound both joyous and warmhearted.

Those were precious moments that I will not forget, and though our parents are not with us anymore, we still find joy in reminiscing those times and making our own traditions between the two of us.

Such as the tradition of handpicking our own Christmas tree.

A few days ago, Lennox and I, accompanied by a party of friends and servants, rode out to the forest close to the castle and searched for the perfect tree.

It was several hours before both Lennox and I were satisfied and agreed on one, and then he continued in his customary way to cut down the tree with his favorite ceremonial axe, that is too large and lavish to be of any ordinary use.

The tree is a glorious one, standing twelve feet high, and fills the Great Hall with it's fresh and earthy aroma. The foliage is a rich, deep green and it's branches are straight and well formed.

The hall's appearance was much improved by the Christmas tree once it was decorated and arrayed in all it's glory, and my brother and I are exceedingly satisfied at choosing it.

I cannot think of ever having a better one.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

Rest & Relaxation

One tends to forgot what a comfort the home is until they leave it.

The joy in first seeing LunaMara palace, as we crested the hill entering Estrillo, was full and heartfelt inside me. I did not know how much I had missed it until we returned home.

Since I had been away I had longed for it's warm fireplaces, it's cold stone walls and marble floors, and everything surrounding it.

But mostly I longed for my own bed, to be able to sleep on something more comfortable than the hard portable beds used for traveling.

From the time the war begun I had lost an enormous amount of sleep, laboring over tactics and strategies for hours on end and issuing orders and commands to the men; and then there was the battle.

It left me sapped of all strength, and the many hits to my shield left my arm severely bruised and swollen.

My ever so loyal lady-in-waiting, Meredith, saw my lifeless condition when we returned to the camp in victory and at once took control, seeing that I had sustenance and then rest and no disturbances for the duration of the journey home.

My body craved sleep and my eyes could not be held open any longer but sound slumber was not to be found, and I only dozed intermittently on the rough roads leading to Krespania.

Once we arrived at the palace I ordered a hot bath and then retired to my bed, where I collapsed, mentally and physically drained from the past ordeal.

I slept through a whole day before I awoke next and it was many days before I was completely rested.

But when I was recovered enough to bear some news I learned from Meredith that my dear friends, the King and Queen of Asram had arrived while I was away. Having been traveling near Krespania, they had decided to visit me but found I had gone to war therefore they chose to wait until my arrival home.

This was welcoming news to me. King Brinsley and Queen Acora had been close to my family for years being Agmar's neighbor and allies, and their visit shed some cheer upon my depressed countenance.

Between Meredith and Acora, who was just as concerned about my health as my lady-in-waiting, I could not make a move as they demanded I remain in bed and rest, much to my frustration. But with such intensive attendance I was back on my feet in a matter of days and my spirit is much rejuvenated now.

I do not deserve their pampering yet I am exceedingly grateful to them for being with me and helping me through it all, and without them I likely would not have recovered so speedily.

They are such a comfort.

I need to close now. I promised Meredith I would not spend too long writing and tax myself in the process.

Until later...

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania