Settling In

It was a typical afternoon in Babbage, the late autumn sun barely penetrating the smoke and soot in the sky. The weather had taken a cooler turn, and I was very glad for my warm cape. I had been out for a walk, getting my bearings of the city that I now called home, meeting some of my fellow citizens, including a mechanical man, who had the misfortune to be run down by one of the trolleys. Luckily Mr. Lightbulb Brightly was not seriously injured, but I hoped he'd be repaired properly by his creator soon.

Of course, a walk about town would not be complete without seeing the urchins out and about. For the most part they kept their distance from me, but I could not help but to notice that many of them had thin jackets and were not well dressed for the upcoming winter.

Mr. Gears met me at the front door and took my cape for me as I removed my gloves and hat before heading into the parlour for some tea and to look over any letters that came in the post. Settling into my favorite chair, I sorted through the mail, which consisted mainly of various notices, invitations, a few bills, the newspaper and two letters from my brothers. Putting the other mail to the side, I opened the letter from my older brother, Gunnar.

Of course, he was off in some exotic location, his letter full of vividly written tales of daring-do and adventure, the pages barely containing his bold, galloping penmanship. As well, he was madly in love, again, this time with a woman covered in snake tattoos who was the "refreshment server" at a local public house he was currently frequenting. I really did not want to know exactly what sort of "refreshment" she provided. He said he didn't think he'd be making it home for Christmas but would be sending something through the post to Edward and I. He also said he was planning on staying at his current location for a few months, hoping to make some more money doing various jobs to fund his explorations. I sighed as I folded up his letter as Nell came in with the tea tray, the sounds of Mrs. Clowes haggling with the Rag and Bone man in the kitchen trailing in after her.

"Ah, thank you Nell! This is just the thing to warm me up after being out. The weather has gotten so chilly, I really worry for those who haven't a warm place to call home if winter sets in soon. By the way, Mrs. Clowes is not stopping for idle gossip with the Rag and Bone man, is she? Last time he was here, he filled her head with such terrible stories about that voodoo man that she was nearly impossible for weeks!"

"No, ma'am, I don't believe she is. When I left the kitchen, she was trying to get a better price this time as she feels the rags and scraps are of a superior quality. Although, now that I've left, I really couldn't say which way the conversation has gone." Nell smiled slightly before bobbing a curtsy and heading upstairs to dust Edward's study.

I shrugged slightly and sipped my tea, the fragrance of bergamont soothing me, before opening the letter from Lunar. His letter was filled with news from Steelhead, the latest residents, recent social events and of course news of our friends there. Sheriff Fuzzball was managing to keep warm, in spite of his bald head and was maintaining law and order with his usual aplomb. Tensai had not blown up anything major recently but was working on a new device that had great potential and she sent her love. The main part of his letter, though, was devoted to the newest development of the city. Out of the wilderness surrounding Steelhead, Lunar was planning on carving out a unique addition to the community called "Nevermoor". He described it as being a "gothic forest nouveau" and that there would be very little in the way of buildings. He had included some sketches of the statues he was planning having there and with his detailed descriptions I could picture it clearly in my mind. His talents were certainly going to shine with this new development. I made a note to visit him and Tensai before Christmas to see this as well as ready my bakery for the holiday season.

Letters read, I sat back to savour my tea and my mind wandered again to the poorly dressed urchins and some of the other residents that I suspected might not get to enjoy a hot meal on a regular basis, nor warm clothes. My mother had instilled in me the thought that helping others is one of the best things you can do in this world. I sipped my tea some more, when an idea started to grow in my mind....

It's good to be back!

After some delay and a bit more fretting than I would like to do, I'm pleased to announce that I am able to get in world once again (in no small parts thanks to the efforts of my dear brother and sister-in-law....thanks again you two!!!).

I've still not received an official reason why I was banned, from what Tensai was able to gather, one of my addresses got caught by mistake when they were blocking the griefer. It is very frustrating when you've done *nothing* wrong, not broken any of the many rules that govern life in SL and yet you are punished. Thankfully, it was correctable and I'm very happy to be back in world.

Thank you to all of you for your kind words and outrage at my mis-treatment. I greatly appreciated it, more than you realize.

Now to attend to the changing of the seasons!

Oh There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays...

Edward and I arrived in Steelhead after the sun had set, not surprising at this time of year. While Steelhead did not have the thick fog Caledon did, there was a light mist, which gave the town a mystical feel. Edward and I walked to Rosehaven, our trunks having been sent earlier. We passed the Sheriff's house, noting that he had not yet had a chance to decorate for Christmas. For the most part though, the town was looking quite festive.

Lunar had managed to get the fires lit at Rosehaven, so the house was warm and snug when we got inside. Being rather tired, we had a very light dinner and then settled for the evening. Edward read the paper and I read a ladies periodical (so full of excellent holiday ideas!) before we headed to bed and a good night's sleep.

The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity and fun. We decorated the house and our businesses for the holidays, Edward putting out his Christmas gift to shop patrons, myself spending considerable time in the kitchen, baking up a storm. We attended the skating social down at the docks, which was great fun. It was wonderful to see the "old timers" as well as the new faces in town, along with those whom were known but now residents to Steelhead. I think everyone had a lovely time gliding across the ice to the tunes the Sheriff provided.

Ah yes, the Sheriff. After debating the state of his house one evening, Edward and I decided to take matters into our own hands and get his house decked out for the holidays. As well, a very special gift Edward and I had specially ordered had finally arrived. One afternoon, when Fuzz was out on his rounds, we snuck down to his house and put up a tree, swagged the outside of his house and put magical twinkling lights on his roof. The best part though, was the present we left carefully hung above his bed, with the appropriate sprig of mistletoe. Merry Christmas Sugar Booger! :-D

Being in Steelhead was a much needed change for us. We were able to rest after the hurried and frantic packing. Our spirits were calmed and restored as well, spending time among friends and family and just being away for awhile.

Word did arrive one afternoon that our new homeland in Caledon had finally been opened. I was very glad we had decided to spend this time in Steelhead because it would be a very busy time getting the new house (whatever it would be) ready for the holidays in time. However, refreshed and rejuventated, it would be less of a daunting task than it would have been.

I was thankful for Rosehaven in Steelhead. As much as I love Caledon, there are times that I miss the sense of community that used to exist. Perhaps it is just because I'm not involved with society as much as I once was, I'm not sure. Steelhead still has that feel and I hope that it never loses it. I will be glad to have closer neighbours in Caledon again, and I know that it is best to lead by example, so hopefully we will be able to host a few events at our new home.

Edward returned to Caledon before I did, to make sure our new home was fit to be occupied and at attend to a few other matters that required his personal attention. I made ready our trunks and cases and hoped that this truly would be the last move in a long while. On to the next chapter of our lives in Caledon!

Skill by Association?

As many of you readers may know, both my brother and my beloved husband are builders with skill. Wander around Steelhead and Steelhead Harbourside and you will see the many works of my brother (including his pink....yes PINK house....I think it needs flamingos in the front yard). He's also ventured into making treehouses as well. He is known for his flair with building and his skills are sought after by many, including the Duchess of Loch Avie, among others.

Caledon Penzance is the home of my beloved's latest build, the Radio Riel office building. If you've not seen it yet, you really should. Many little details are added that make the whole even that more perfect and pleasing. Adding to his list of building accomplishments are his shop in Victoria City, Caledon as well as the "Garage" (officially known as the Cay Mooring Tower, but in all seriousness, Edward did need a place to house his carriages, horseless and otherwise as well as the other modes of transport he has) in the Cay.

So, I am surrounded and buttressed by two wonderful builders. I have attempted making structures in the past, mostly for my own pleasure or purposes. My buildings have been rather simple and not of a grand scale by any means. I've never sold my buildings but have given away a couple to those who were needing shelter. I usually tinker with my cakes and perhaps make accessories like a table to hold my baked goods on. Until Miss Burton approached me.

Miss Burton has a photography business and was needing a shop in which to operate it. She had a definate idea on what sort of feel she wanted for this building and asked me to build it. I was a bit surprised as I don't consider myself to be a builder of great calibre, but said I would do my best. Last night, I was able to show her the completed building and she was delighted. She said it was all she had hoped for and couldn't wait to get it on the ground, as soon as a land transaction had taken place.

So, dear readers, as much as I would have loved to have included pictures with this entry, I'm afraid you are going to have to wait until the building is standing firmly on the ground for which it was intended. Then I shall post a few images but I think seeing it in person will be even better. It is quite grand and opulent, but not massive. I am considering rearranging the interior layout and changing one or two exterior details and packaging it to sell, for any interested parties.

I do have to thank Lunar for dropping in to look it over during various stages of completion (and Fuzz too, even though he didn't have any tips to give, he does keep things interesting) as well as my dear Edward for putting up with my questions, giving me good advice and otherwise tolerating me in a fit of creative energy. He also double checked it to make sure everything was to his standard (he's slightly more detail oriented than I am *grins*). It was good to have him there when I wasn't sure which trim to use or wallpaper or how to keep my alphas from being at war (troublesome things that they are!).

Stay tuned for the upcoming pictures!!!

Strolling Steelhead Harbourside

(I apologize for this being so late....my photographic developing fluids froze and finding replacements was quite a challenge! Sadly, none of the photographs turned out, so you will have to use your imaginations, with my deepest apologies.)

Now that the holiday season has passed, the decorations have been put away until next year and life has settled down a bit, I decided to go to Steelhead to give Rosehaven a good cleaning and see to our shops. Since Edward was exceedingly busy with his various projects, I ventured off by myself, planning on getting the fires burning at Rosehaven, so all would be ready for him when he'd be able to catch the train to join me for the Friday night dance. The train is a very safe way to travel these days, even for a woman alone. With the courteous (and well armed) citizens of Caledon on one end and Sheriff Ortega waiting in Steelhead on the other, miscreants dare not meddle with the train. Upon arriving at Rosehaven and getting the fireplaces and the kitchen stove started, I decided to wander over to Harbourside to see how things were progessing in our newest neighbourhood

Upon entering the station, I noticed Lunar had renovated the building to have doors on either side, which was most thoughtful of him. I stepped outside and was greeted by the sight of a community that is starting to build itself up. Doc Wrangler's shop was directly opposite the station (most convenient when the new shipments arrive in on the train!) as well as a pub run by the Lady Protector herself, Diamanda Gustafson. The new doughnut shop was also nearby and it's been rumoured that our dear Sheriff has been seen in there quite often....I'm sure it's to warm his feet as he's doing his patrols.

As I made my way around the neighbourhood, I was delighted to see how well everyone was doing, getting their plots settled. While there are a few tents yet, they do not detract from the surroundings but seem to blend in perfectly.

Miss Eugenia Burton's farm seemed to be taking shape quite nicely too. I didn't see any stock yet, but I'm sure once the weather warms and she's made sure the barns and outbuildings are up to standard, her farm will be flourishing with all sorts of livestock....I have often wondered if she was considering operating a stud ranch, as she seems to have a good eye for male specimens of several species. *winks and grins*

Our noble editor/writer/publisher of the Steelhead Anvil had put the safety of all seafaring traffic first and added a lighthouse to her home. She is very lucky to have a view of Sushi happily leaping in the water. I'm sure Sushi is very glad to be back in Steelhead waters after being away for so long.

Of course, you can't have a stroll though Harbourside without pausing to admire Lunar's handiwork with the bridges. While I do love the smaller stone one, the tall bridge commands admiration. It is truly a thing of grace and beauty, not to mention built to withstand the winds that sweep in off the ocean. While the Grande Hotel and Ballroom is the crowing glory of Steelhead Centre, I would have to say that the bridge is the piece de la resistance in Harbourside.

There seemed to be a couple of plots left, so on my way back to Rosehaven, I stopped by the Town Hall to see what the main map said. Sure enough, there are still a couple plots available, hopefully to be filled soon.

After my travels, the house had warmed up sufficiently and the fires were burning well enough to boil some water (or ice, as it happened to be) for a cup of tea. The residents of Harbourside are making it a charming and delightful (not to mention whimsical) place to be. I look forward to seeing the neighbourhood develop further as people's ideas and plans are brought to life!

Shiver Me Timbers!!!!!!

Move over Captain Jack! Saturday night saw a very special event take place aboard the Jolly Pidgeon which had made berth at the Steelhead docks. In hopes of getting Steelhead Harbourside up and running, we held a fundraiser and was it successful! Not only that, but what is better than a pirate dance? A pirate dance with bare chested men! *fans herself*

Indeed. It was a night to remember. Lunar decided to set the topless bar at L$15K. He should have set it higher (told ya bro). The men had stripped to their waists by 7:20pm. Ladies, bless you for having such generous natures. ;-)

So without further ado, I present to you the images I was able to capture that night. Lately, things have been very slow to rezz for me and unfortunatly, I was not able to capture pictures of all the men in their topless state as some appeared to be wearing shirts until nearly the end of the dance. I *know* that none of the men shirked their duty (bless their hearts!) and I'm certain you will see evidence of them on other journals. As well, I didn't capture any picture of the brave ladies who went topless when the pot hit L$60K. Sorry fellas!


Our very fine, obviously easy on the eyes Sheriff, Fuzzball Ortega


Yummy! And this is all mine! Ladies, eat your hearts out! ;-D


Aza, showing he has the heart for Steelhead (literally!)


Lunar (or "Abs" as he's been dubbed by Miss Burton) showing his stuff


A view of some of the revellers


Do I really need to explain this? *giggles*

Thank you to all our fine gentlemen who lost their shirts for Steelhead. As one of the ladies in the crowd, let me just say this....it was a night for drool buckets, with or without Robbie Williams playing. In fact, I think the water levels in the harbour went up about 6 inches. Thanks again fellas! It was truly a night to remember!!!

Steelhead Chippendales....well Almost

This Saturday, from 7-9 pm SLT, feel free to come down to the Steelhead Docks for a very special dance. The Jolly Pidgeon is being brought out of retirement for a pirate style dance on board. This dance is also a fundraiser for the sim, in hopes that we will be able to get Steelhead Harbourside from being a map to being up and running. Miss Eugenia wants her farm folks!

There will be a tip jar out and once a certain figure has been reached, the gracious (and good looking) men of Steelhead have agreed to remove their shirts for the remainder of the evening. As well, our dear Sheriff Fuzzball Ortega announced that if all the plots were booked, he'd even wear a grass skirt. Lunar suggested he might even do less clothing than that. ;-)

Of course, once the Steelhead men have lost their shirts, the other men in the crowd are more than welcome to bare their chests as well.

Now I know what some of you men might be thinking... "Why would I want to go to a dance where the men remove their shirts???" Gentlemen, may I point out to you that such a dance will draw ladies...lots of ladies. Pirate ladies. Who knows what may happen?? ;-)

The Men of Steelhead are: TotalLunar Eclipse, Fuzzball Ortega, Edward Pearse, Aza Zymurgy, Darien Mason, Hawc Decosta, Remington Pinion, Hotspur O'Toole, Phineas Messmer and Dominic Roffo. If you are a gentleman who is either currently renting or has your name down for a plot in Harbourside and would like to participate, please let me know.

Thank you and see you at the docks on Saturday, December 15 from 7-9pm SLT. Bring your lindens and let's party!

Gliding on Ice

Monday was her Grace, the Duchess of Middlesea's rez day. In honour of this, his Grace, the Duke of Greystoke hosted a skating party for all to enjoy. I was delighted to hear that my beloved Edward was going to be providing the musical accompaniment, so nothing would interfere with us being able to attend.

While I do not know her Grace very well, what I have seen of her has been very telling of what sort of person she is. Always pleasant and kind, finding good to speak of everyone and of a quiet yet fun loving nature, Gloire (if I may be so bold as to address her by her first name) seems to be a lovely lady and very much deserving of a splendid party.


An overhead view of the skating area

Gnarli had gone to a good deal of effort preparing an area for skaters to test their mettle. For those who wanted to observe or rest, plenty of seating was available as well. While Edward set up his musical apparatus, I strapped on my skates and hoped for the best.


Guests preparing to skate or testing their balance

There was a good mix of people at the party, including some that I've never met before. One lady was dressed as a snow fairy, which I thought was rather enchanting and suitable. She was with another lady who was dressed in darker clothes, but they did skate together quite gracefully.


The Snow Fairy and friend, with Mrs. Peterman in the background


Gnarli and Glorie, ice dancing. They are rumoured to be courting and I wish them both every happiness

I believe his Grace must have had the ice enchanted, as I was able to skate far better than I had even dreamed possible. All sorts of fancy skating was seen, tricky steps that normally would fill my heart with dread. Edward and I coasted around the ice surface, as free as the wind and skating in perfect harmony. What a splendid time!




A tricky spin

Even my dear brother Lunar decided to drop in for some of the fun. He managed to get himself into a snowball fight with Miss Poppy (whom I think was winning and plastering his elven butt with snowballs as quick as you please). Sleigh rides for two were also free for the taking if one was not inclined to prepare for snowball battle (although, no promises you'd not get hit anyhow!)



Sadly, the night came to the end and my beloved and I had to depart. We had a splendid time though, and hope the Duchess of Middlesea has many more rezz days to come!

With This Prim, I Thee Wed

Last night saw the very unique wedding of my dear brother Lunar and his lovely Tensai. They chose last night as the day to tie the virtual knot as it was their 9th wedding anniversary in RL.

The ceremony was held on board "Her Majesty's Jolly Pidgeon", with Fuzz Elvis officiating and some of Steelhead's famous turkeys serving as attendants (and I mean the fowl, not some of the citizens who really fit under that title too). The bride looked radiant in her gown with skull lace trim, accessorised with a matching hat with veil.

The groom was dashing in his ensemble that had a Pirate King feel about it.

The moon passed silently overhead as the vows were said, rings exchanged and kiss shared (of course, I didn't get a picture of that!! Darn!!). Then it was time to PARTY!!!


Edward and I waltzed the evening away, visiting with the other guests, having a lovely time and remembering our own special day, not that long ago.


All in all, it was a lovely evening, celebrating the love between two people who have become very dear to me as well. Congratulations Lunar and Tensai, and I wish you wedded bliss for years to come!!!

Surprising News

Last week my dear Edward received some rather shocking news with the evening post. We were comfortably settled in at Davaar when we heard the mailman pass and a very large, very thick envelope was shoved (very forcibly, might I add) through the mail slot and landed with a very heavy thud on the floor. My beloved went and retrieved it, pondering the odd address from the Law Firm of Sue, Grabbit and Runne. Since that is not the firm my husband deals with, it added to the mystery. He was about to go up to his office to get the letter opener (he's very careful with his correspondence you know) but the suspense was killing me, so I showed him how a hairpin will do the trick and is far more portable too.

The contents of the envelope were very surprising. Amongst all the legal mumbo jumbo and rhetoric it said that Sir Edward was now the Earl of Primbroke, due to his cousin passing away in a brewery explosion (he must have died happy is all I can say). We were both rather astounded by this news. I knew that Edward had rather high born ancestors and relatives, but as I had not had the pleasure of making any of their acquaintances just yet (except his distant cousins, the Duchesses), the realisation hadn't fully dawned upon me. Edward has been in constant contact with his solicitors since the arrival of this envelope, finding out what is all involved with the title.

So this now means that I am a Countess. The very thought of that makes my knees slightly trembly and a wee bit weak. As many of you gentle readers may know (and for those of you who don't, I direct you to my very first post in this journal), I come from rather ordinary people. My father was a rather hot headed, adventuresome Irishman (Sir Hotspur O'Toole reminds me of him so very much!)who was a very hard worker and determined to better himself and his family the best he could. My mother was the daughter of an English merchant, a gentlewoman and she did her very best to school me in the domestic arts and social graces expected of a lady. However, the plains of Rupert's land aren't exactly the best French Finishing school, so I know my manners could stand to be honed and refined and my tongue bridled at times.

All these thoughts pass through my mind as I stand here at the dressmakers, having yet another fitting of my gown. I've settled on an elegant gown with lace trim and overlay on parts of the skirt. White gloves, my diadem and other jewels will complete the ensemble. I'm sure my parents, were they still alive, would be quite happy for me and delighted that I married a man that not only loves me dearly, is talented, charming, handsome, very intelligent, witty and kind but is also well placed socially. I'm sure my father would bring out the finest whisky he brought with him from his homeland and pass it around, smiling broadly with the merry twinkle in his eye. My mother too, would be delighted and doing her best to look composed, even though she would be nearly bursting with happiness.

I've sent off a letter to my brother Gunnar, hoping it meets him somewhere in his travels and of course told Lunar of my happy news. He is looking forward to the investature ball and hopes to attend. I look forward to the ball as well, and pray that the dressmaker will have this gown completed in time!

The Learning Curve

As many of you know, there is a learning curve to being a resident of Second Life. You have to learn how to walk, talk, get from point A to point B via Teleports, search, buy things, make money and build, among many other things. Of all the items listed above, my biggest hurdle thus far has been building.

I did my level best to avoid doing building of any kind for the longest time. Mr. Wakka Weeks attempted to teach me to build, but his words of wisdom fell upon deaf ears and I would find other things to do, like shopping. My dear brother Lunar attempted to teach me to build, but with me having my mental block that it was far too difficult, I didn't learn much, not from his trying. Mr. Gnarlihotep Abel tried to teach me to build as well, but again, the student was not yet ready.

So, for the longest time, the best thing that I could build looked like this:



The beautiful plywood box. Notice the perfectly square corners, the smoothness of the wood. Yes, it was a simple box, but I was very particular about them.

Finally, the day arrived that Steelhead needed a notecard dispenser. I gathered up my courage and made my first practical item that wasn't plywood nor a perfectly square box. Behold the notecard dispenser in awe:



You must admit, dear reader, that it is a fine notecard dispenser indeed....and it remained the pinnacle of my building abilities for some time. As a testament to it's solid construction and durability, I will tell you that it still stands today, out in the elements, happily distributing notecards to those who ask.

As time progressed, I decided to try my hand at baked goods. By this time Sir Edward and I were rather close and he was helping me with my building. While my other teachers are all very talented too, the combination of Sir Edward's patience and my readiness finally allowed me to absorb some of the lessons I was having. After much work (and cursing and pulling my hair out) I finally completed my first cake, which I presented to Her Grace, the Duchess of Carntaigh for her Rez Day Party.



I was very impressed with myself at the time and while I do think it is still a lovely cake, I am happy that I've learned to cut down on the prims used. That cake required 40 prim! Suitable for a grand lady such as her Grace but a tad rich for the average person's plot.

I practiced on my bakery items, Sir Edward making suggestions as I went about textures, shapes to use, etc, all of which helped me greatly. I felt my skills were growing and that I was ready to tackle a much larger project. Which brought me to my latest project: A New Bakery.

While there was nothing wrong with my old bakery, in fact, it was rather cute, I became inspired by the bakery in Heritage Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For those of you who don't know, Heritage Park is made up of buildings from all over Alberta and is an open air museum, covering the Fur Trade all the way up to pre-WWI. They are currently expanding to include a 1920's area, but that is not there as of yet. Heritage Park is one of my favorite places in the world and I do love visiting. While there a few weeks ago, I took a good, long look at the bakery and thought that I would like one similar for my own bakery in Steelhead. Here is a picture of the building that inspired me to try my hand at construction:



It is a very typical small town construction for Alberta in the early 1900's. So, with many of Miss Persephone Gallindo's textures in hand (which, if you haven't gotten any of her textures, may I ask what are you waiting for!?!?!?!?!) and my beloved at my side to offer his advice, I began building.

All in all, I rather enjoyed the process. It took me a few days (SL was up to it's usual tricks and wouldn't allow me to link one day) but finally, it was finished. I present to you Rosehaven Recipes building in Steelhead:



I am very pleased with how it all turned out. I think it is a fair copy of the original, with a few changes. It has two floors, which gives me plenty of room for expansion or perhaps allowing others to use space for projects as well. I also made front display shelves to show off my baked goods in the front window.



Looking back, I've come a long way from my early days of plywood boxes. I am eager to try my hand at a few other ideas I have floating about in my head. Of course, keeping the bakery stocked with new goods keeps me busy as well. I have to put out my Strawberry Shortcake and new assortment of pies (pumpkin, lemon merangue, strawberry, cherry, etc) soon! Feel free to stop by the bakery and examine it yourself and then help yourself to either a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie before you rest for a bit on the chairs provided at the side of the shop.

Bwhahahahaha

It was "Evil Twin" Night in Steelhead. At first I couldn't decide what my evil twin would be and seriously considered having a headache that night. However after discussing the idea with Sir Edward, a thought came to me....a truly wicked, evil thought.

Yes, dear readers....that is truly me. The overly tanned, exceedingly busty, blinged out, bleach blonde, underclad person in the picture on the left is none other than myself. My dear brother Lunar became caught up in the spirit of the dance and became my twin as well....Twin Evil Twins! Sir Edward chose to wear camo board shorts and a "wife beater" top with sandals, a very shaggy blonde hairstyle with beer and a beretta for accessories.

It was a very fun evening with Sheriff Fuzzball Ortega spinning the tunes (he was an evil white werewolf with wings, of course). Tensai, being perfectly evil normally, came looking as sweet and innocent as a springtime day, dressed in pink from head to toe. It was interesting to see what or who everyone considered to be their "evil" twin.

Traitors, Poisons, Worry and Strife...with a serving of Cake

Now that my dearest Edward is resting comfortably, after his recent and most upsetting injury, I have a few moments to put pen to paper and try and make sense of the happenings of the past few days.

I made it to the ball a little late, due to the train running behind schedule, but it was apparent as I entered the doors of Carntaigh Court that the festivities were in full swing and the mood was light and cheerful. I soon spotted my dearest Sir Edward, looking ever so dashing in his uniform and he claimed me for a few waltzes. It had been so long since we had waltzed and it was wonderful to do so again. They were using a dance card system at this dance, but I had not put mine out yet...most novel idea those dance cards. Everyone was in their finery and the Kaiserine was there as well, looking charming in her lovely red gown.

After a couple of dances, Sir Edward danced with Miss Kelley and then he took the Kaiserine herself for waltz. It was then that the trouble started. Colonel Hotspur O'Toole and his band of hot headed ruffians stormed the court and claimed that they were there on behalf of "The Great and Glorious Leader Shang". I cannot believe Govenor Shang would be involved with such riff raff!!!! The crowd was shocked into silence as they read off a long list of trumped up (and no doubt ficticious) charges against the Kaiserine. Colonel O'Toole then ordered that saucy little chit, Miss Hermoinie Pennyfeather to attack Sir Edward, which she did....with a poisoned blade! What a low, cheap and underhanded thing to do!! My outrage at such an act cannot be adequately conveyed with words alone.

As Edward fell to the ground, I was in a state of shock and unable to move....I remember shrieking and running to his side after O'Toole and his band of misfit ruffians kidnapped the Kaiserine and spirited her off to parts unknown. Luckily, Miss Figaro was at hand with some of her herbs which I think helped Edward to survive his wounds. We left for Loch Avie, where he has been attended to and he's been given a mechanical orb to assist him with his duties as he recovers from his ordeal. If I ever see O'Toole or Pennyfeather....well, they will know what a woman's wrath is about.

As well, word reached me while I was in Caledon that my brother Lunar had taken ill and was being attended to by his partner, Miss Tensai. I was very concerned for him....his elven blood causes him to have ailments that I've never heard of and have less idea what to do about. He seems to be feeling better now though, for which I am thankful.

I'm sure in light of recent acts, there will be war now. I fear for Edward....if anything happens to him, I don't know what I will do. It has been suggested that his arm might not recover fully....he may have to have a mechanical one. This is of little consequence to me, the loss of his arm is nothing compared to losing him to a sniper's bullet or the cannonfire of war. I can't think of this anymore right now...the worry will make me sick.

I will have to busy myself with the preparations of my bakery. I am going to open a small shop in Steelhead, selling cakes, cookies, doughnuts and such. I hope to expand my inventory in time, but it's a start. At any rate, busying myself with baking will help keep my mind off other worries. I imagine Edward will want to remain in Caledon until this is over and I cannot leave his side....may this end quickly and swiftly, for everyone's sake.