Birthday Celebrations

This month has always been my favorite time of the entire year; the first being it is the month of Meredith's birthday, and the second, I do not know if it is vain of me to acknowledge this, but also my own.

And if you have only noticed one thing about me it would have to be that I adore celebrations of any kind, whether it is for another or myself.

Planning the festivities are my specialty but I enjoy participating in them just as much.

My birthday was a simple affair, yet I enjoyed it immensely.

The whole of Krespania observes it as a holiday and the villagers of the capital Estrillo where LunaMara palace is situated, decorated the streets and townhouses with boughs of lovely winter flowers.

I rode through the thoroughfare on my steed, greeting the citizens that lined the sides and waved to me, stopping here and there to speak to a few as I did every year.

When I returned to the palace, I spent the better part of the morning in the court, receiving subjects who wished me a pleasant day and presented to me their gifts they desired to give.

The farmers would bestow to me an assortment of land sown produce, from grain and fruit, to vegetables and herbs, each depending upon the manner of their trade.

Merchants would offer tapestries and richly woven rugs and material from the finest weavers.

While others such as metalsmithes would give jewelry made with silver and gold.

With these acts of kindness and well-wishing, I feel most appreciative of having such loyal and caring subjects.

Without their support the kingdom of Krespania could not continue or flourish as it has done for years.

That evening Meredith arranged a small gathering of relatives and close friends to the palace for a feast in my honor.

I was surprised and delighted to find Viscount Alessandro de Garza to have come, having thought that he was still traveling and not in the region.

He had not altered in the least from my recollection of our last meeting; his smile was just as contagious and handsome, his appearance just as dashing and dignified.

He bowed.

“Good evening, Your Majesty. May I wish you the best of birthdays?”

I responded with gratitude.

He was silent for a moment before saying, “Only last year I thought to myself that Your Majesty could not become any more beautiful when yet another year passes and I find that her beauty far outshines the full moon outside.”

I stifled a smile. “I see that your roguish tongue has not changed any over time; just as audacious and bold.”

He gave another smile. “I cannot be reformed, I am afraid. But if my queen finds it offensive I shall endeavor to conquer the impossible.”

Truth be known, I would not have him change anything about himself.

His unabashed manner was in fact intriguing and his outspokenness different to all others I must interact with in the court.

Alessandro was amusing and courteous in all aspects save for his bold speech and I always enjoy being in his company.

It had been many months since I had seen him last and he explained that he had been busy traversing the wide countrysides of his land, overseeing his farms and tenants, and assuring all was peaceful and prosperous.

“But I will be remaining in Estrillo for an uncertain amount of time, and henceforth I will amend the fault of neglecting my queen the paying of respects she deserves by visiting often.” He concluded.

I was not a little pleased at this news, and I look forward to his visits with anticipation.

Thus my birthday was concluded for this year.

For Meredith, it was not quite as large but I obtained a wonderful feast for her with a dessert of her preference.

And of course I made sure Luco Giovanos was to attend.

That I had invited the business man from Natilia must have secretly in her heart made her mostly pleased, but also partly embarrassed that her queen would connive and bring such thing to pass, knowing my full intention of it.

I do not deny it; my conduct and interference is shameful yet I am without regret.

They both are in need of a little direction, and being queen, there are marvelous advantages for it.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania

A Letter From Lennox

It is a cold in wintry day at LunaMara palace outside, but tranquil and warm inside.

Snow is softly and noiselessly falling to cover the garden grounds, I can see from the window, and is lining the trees with an unblemished white.

It is as if it quiets your very soul with it's peace and vanishes any reminder of bitter memories and cares.

It makes you feel isolated from the world as if nothing else did exist but this moment.

Makes you cease your striving and pause to admire this beautiful and simplistic thing that captures your attention so much.

At least, it has always done so for me, and I think that is one of the reasons I like it.

Other than this activity all is silent and still inside the palace.

It is as if the weather has cast an enchantment upon them; the servants all work in hushed whispers and muted movements, and there has not been anyone that requests an audience with me or brings a petition.

The bitter cold and snow has seemingly barricaded them indoors.

But I am grateful for the opportunity to be left in isolation and take this moment of seclusion to write to you what you must be eager to know.

Just as I foretold a letter arrived three days ago from my brother, explaining the full reasons for his departure last month on the eve of the New Year and the results that followed.

Once Lennox arrived at the Summit Isles and spoke with the League he discovered that it was Palkkan that was the root cause of this, just as he suspected.

The kingdoms became frantic at the sight of Palkkan's continuously growing army and feared that he would attack and besiege their cities, therefore they had come to the decision to surrender to him.

Lennox was enraged at this news and at their foolishness and declared that this decision was unacceptable and that they should not go through with it.

He then proposed his plan of action, he did not go into detail in his letter about it but the League yielded and agreed to it.

The only problem was that envoys of the Erelli-Lion kingdom had already embarked to surrender to Palkkan.

It was already too late.

But not in Lennox's opinion.

He departed immediately and set sail on The Ruler with the intention of overtaking them.

The Ruler is a lithe vessel with very few to compare with her agility and celerity, it was not long before they intercepted the Errelli-Lion's ship and explained the situation.

Now he writes that he is engaged in transporting his troops to the southern tip of Errelli-Lion, to counteract any anticipated move of Palkkan, and thwart his opportunity of attack.

He will explain his strategy more fully to me later, he says, but for now he wants my assistance.

For Agmar, their greatest power is in their troops, but Krespania's strength has always been in the sea.

The Krespanian armada is the largest of all kingdoms, possessing a total of three hundred vessels, and all built for war.

One would be foolish to attempt an attack on Krespania from the sea with this knowledge.

He bids me to have them ready to set sail at a moment's notice to Erelli-Lion when he gives the word.

It is evidently all part of his strategy to outwit Palkkan.

Although, I wish he would not assume that I will lend him my armada at any time, he does not rule Krespania after all, even if he acts like it.

But then, he is always like that, and I suppose I might do just the same, so I cannot really complain.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

An Urgent Interruption

It is a depressing time for me after the holidays; no future parties or festivities to look forward to, no event to plan and prepare for it's arrival.

There is nothing.

Life returns to the usual rhythm with little excitement to entertain you, and all the cheer that was around the holidays seems to vanish.

I suppose I would not be so down if I did not consume my time into the preparations of the galas, and pour myself into perfecting each design.

Because it lasts only for an evening and then it departs, leaving you with nothing to busy yourself with and a keen sense of disappointment.

The voyage home was dull, and uneventful and very quickly I fell into the routine of life about the LunaMara palace, filled with the tasks and duties of a queen, that I rather not go into now.

The parting with my brother was hurried and melancholic, not as a good-bye should be, but than his departure was rather sudden and unexpected.

For he was required to leave before myself, at the night of the New Years celebration to be exact, much to my displeasure.

It was a full gathering of friends, family and guests, and we had just sat down at the long banquet tables that lined the hall.

The feast was laid out, steaming hot with an aroma both delicious and mouthwatering.

Laughter and lighthearted discussion formed into a noisy hubbub that filled the air and competed with the melody the musicians played.

All was cheerful and jovial.

But while I was eating and listening to the ongoing conversation to my right, a servant appeared at my brother, the Emperor's side, and relayed news to him in a low voice that I could not make out.

A frown furrowed Lennox's brow in response and he stood and left the hall, as did his steward, Adam Saft, upon hearing it also from the servant.

What was the nature of this news that it should interrupt our feast? I wondered.

It took great strength of will to resist the urge to leave and discover the truth but I continued as though nothing had occurred and tried to give my previous attention to the guests however inside, my brain was searching for every possible explanation.

Fortunately I was spared any serious labor of that sort when a servant appeared a second time.

“His Imperial Majesty requests Your Majesty's presence in the library.” He relayed in a low voice as the time before.

I stifled my eagerness and nodded, coming to my feet and exiting the hall calmly so that I did not arouse attention.

Once outside I quickened my pace and was at the library in moments.

“Ah, there she is, though not as soon as I expected. Was there something that delayed you?” Lennox teased as he always did, knowing that I have a terrible curiosity and would be anxious to have it appeased, yet his voice lacked the usual light tone.

He leaned against the long oaken table that was positioned in the middle of the magnificent library. Adam Saft stood at his right.

“I did not want our guests to notice that both their host and hostess had quit the hall without as much as an excuse.” Then added. “What news is this that demands your attention?”

“Not pleasant. I was called away by a report that envoys of the Summit Isles have arrived here at the Agmar castle and was requesting an audience with me. The matter was urgent so they said.”

“Did you speak with them? What was it that was urgent?”

To have envoys sent during a holiday meant it was not any ordinary situation. Especially from the Summit Isles.

That was where all the rulers of every domain and kingdom joined together to discuss national threats and political decisions.

“They have come to notify me that the council of the Summit Isles has convened without me. Apparently it is an emergency meeting that only concerns certain kingdoms because not everyone has been summoned, Dastrias and you included. So I would not worry if I were you, on this point. But I am afraid I will have to leave as soon as they make ready on The Ruler, which will not be long.”

“But must you leave at this moment? Cannot it not wait until the morrow?”

Lennox shook his head. “I fear it has something to do with Palkkan, and if so it cannot wait or tomorrow may not come for some.”

Palkkan. The name sent a tingling of fear down my spine.
He had not openly enacted war against Agmar and it's allies, yet he was suspicious in his activities and further monitored when he attached himself to the enemies of the Summit League.
Since then Lennox had expressed that it was only a matter of time before he revealed his treacherous hand against them and it seemed the time had come a few weeks later when he begun amassing thousands of men into an army at his dominion in the southern continent.

Perhaps now was the time in which Palkkan would go into action and if so, there was reason to fear.

I knew it must be so yet I could not help feeling dismay at his departure.

Lennox stood upright, his face was pensive under the candlelight. “Now that you know all, I shall make haste. I am very sorry that I have to leave during your celebration, Sis, I know how much time you took in preparing it, but it is unavoidable. Will you relay my apologies to the guests?”

I gave a wry smile. “No, you are not sorry. If I did not know you better I would think you fabricated this whole scheme just to escape the party.”

A wide grin cracked my brother's solemn expression and he embraced me. “Why would I ever do that? I love social gatherings.”

“Of course.” I tried to be unamused but was not successful. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too, Em.” He said, and then he and Adam left.

Now, at LunaMara several days have passed and I have not yet received news from him concerning the events at the Summit Isles.

But I am sure that when he finds time he will write to me explaining everything, in due time.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

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

The Journey Home

The shadows have long since grown and faded as night has once again fallen on the camp. But tonight we have reason to rejoice, for victory has been won!


We are finally on our way back to Krespania. When we made camp, my Lady insisted on writing of the consequences of the ambush but I refused. She was exhausted and barely able to hold her Jomacha cup. So she entrusted the duty to me. Thus this entry will be written by Meredith de Barra, her lady-in-waiting.


In light of this responsibility, I shall take the liberty of starting my short narrative near the beginning but from a different standpoint. Worry not, my Lady's accounts will not be revisited.


When the hour for battle arrived I implored the Queen not to go. I told her her presence in the camp would be enough to incite courage in the men's hearts, but alas! She is remarkably stubborn and, I'm afraid, too adventure prone. Those of us remaining watched as they road off, the Queen leading her men to the rescue of the small kingdom of Kordana. When they were out of sight, I returned to the tents to help prepare for the coming injured. I will readily admit my frustration at not being allowed to accompany the Queen as I was accustomed to. Though I cannot measure up to the strength and experience of her bodyguards, Joktan and Jokthan, I was determined she needed me.


Reports of the battles' progress came too intermittently. We held our breath as our horsemen advanced from both sides of the Lorate army and drove them back to their camp. And when they succeeded in ousting the enemy from their own camp, we cheered for joy. But the next part of the plan was the essence of a good battle scheme. There was no surety the Lorate's would head for the Kruhn Ridge. They very well could have headed west further across the Valley of Kordana but the Queen's military commander, Emilio de Casimiro, a seasoned soldier, had a feeling the Ridge would be their escape route.


As our commander had suspected, the frightened Lorates fled the valley and headed straight for the westernmost part of Kruhn Ridge, seeking a moments solace to regroup and strengthen their members.
With thoughts of hope no doubt spurring them on, the Lorate army climbed the ridge and was soon out of sight of Kordana. But from nowhere, Krespanian archers penetrated their ranks. They were in fact hidden all along the mountain outcrops prepared for the enemy's escape. What remained of them was met by the remainder of our own army and it was soon apparent who was the stronger of the two. Now in captivity, the surviving Lorates are awaiting the decision of whether they live or die.


While I write, I hear the joyful voices of the men through the tent layers and I know that their happiness will only escalate the nearer we draw to LunaMara castle and home. I am so glad to be returning home, as I know everyone else is too. When we arrive the whole of Krespania will be crowding the streets to welcome us and their young leader, Queen Emerald. No doubt there will be feasting and all sorts of merry-making for at least a week. Only I wish the men would have some consideration at this moment for their tired Queen. Aside from mere battle fatigue, she suffered a dreadful blow to her arm. It is not broken, only severely bruised, but she needs as much rest as she can get before we continue our journey home tomorrow.


And I suppose I shall leave you at that. We are all very grateful the Lord has so blessed us. We sustained very few injuries and all went according to plan.


 In grateful relief,
-Meredith de Barra,
 Lady-in-waiting

(Blog Post Courtesy of Amy Molloy)
(http://overthehorizon-goldensails.blogspot.com/)