There was a message on my electronic message box from Queen Brighid the Bright,this morning. She had promised to send me the final details for my stint as storyteller in Dingley Dell Heritage Week,starting Monday.Rather than being full of reassuring pieces of information,it only served to heighten my sense of foreboding that everything may not have been satisfactorily worked out. There was no attached timetable,making it clear that appropriate breaks were being allowed for,in the busy schedule, but worse than that was her final announcement that the Castle had no heating whatsoever. I do remember being present at meetings where I am sure that some member of the commitee was detailed to sort that aspect out. Now it is clear to me that there was no further discussion of the matter - end result, no heating whatsoever .I would not be concerned if we were in the warmer months of Midsummer. A gossamer shawl would be enough to throw on,should the sun disappear behind the clouds. But weather forecasts are promising rain and temperatures of 8 or 9, with a good little wind blowing into the castle from the sea. Those of us who have volunteered to take part in this event are going to freeze our elven buns off, sitting around within the castle walls. Just put on layers and layers,shawl upon shawl, she says.My silk and lace gown,in the style of the Ancients, is not built to accomodate layers of thermal underthings .It has been made to follow the line and curve of the faery who wears it.It has been made to flatter and to look graceful in the sunlight,not to hang in lank folds in the misty grey gloom, or worse to become crinkled and rumpled under a trio of plaid blankets. I am to be dressed as a grand elfen lady,and I want to look as though I am enjoying the experience.The children from Dingley Dell who are visiting do not want to see me damp,and dressed in swaddling clothes ,with several shades of wretchedness ingrained on my face. I cannot sit all day in the cold,and my reply to Good Queen Brighid makes that clear. It does not help that lots of shawls do not figure largely in the oaken wardrobe.So with a heavy heart and considerable resolve,I headed off to the mercantiles of Brigantia to look for "shawls" .The best place to find these items was in the shops run by The Ladies of Mercy in Brigantia.I made some lucky finds. Firstly a voluminous dark green cape,warm and cosy,which could just be thrown on over the gown, and not spoil the line. Should the weather be really cold, I now also have a beautiful white suede and fur coat,full length, which can be slipped on and will go well with the dress underneath, enhancing its regal quality. Not that I am accepting that Queen Brighid should leave this situation as it is. I am trying to compromise,but I hope her return message to me will contain some sign that she has improved matters.If she does nothing,then I fear they may be missing a storyteller next week. And that would make me very sad indeed. Pendragon has not been very keen on my being involved all week ,so tonight I will be hearing him say "I told you so,once again."
I will wait for her message on the morrow before I make a final decision.
Tonight I have to make some small adjustments to the skirt of my gown. I also have cards to write and a parchment or two to compose. My many friends in Dingley Dell and beyond still prefer to correspond in the old way.I love the feel of fresh parchment,and new black ink on my plume. Sometimes I draw little sketches on the message,or decorate the envelope with pretty dried flowers.
This morning in Brigantia I met Renata ,the Rush Faery, sauntering along the main street,pausing only to peer in windows,pressing her short, broad nose against the window panes.She said she was looking for jewellery made in the mines of Nova Differentia, as it gleams like no other in our fair land.She did not spot anything desirable ,or at a geld price she could afford. So we chatted for a few minutes,mainly congratulating ourselves on our good fortune to be elven ladies of leisure.Renata always makes me smile with her bright and breezy chirping, so completely lacking either motive or guile. Brigantia was very busy today with throngs of buyers around the central arcades.Lunch was a quick affair,not in one of my fancier haunts, but in the local bakehouse,which has four little tables huddled closely towards the rear of the space.A bowl of fresh farmhouse potage with warm sourdough rye bread,left me feeling renewed with energy to complete my purchasing, and glad that I had chosen the "Millhouse Bakery" as my pit stop for today. Home before my cuckoo called three, I bathed,washed my flowing tresses, and prepared for a romantic evening with Pendragon, in my favourite place - our sweet little,red spotted fifth toadstool from the left. And so another fine weekend begins.
Much merrymaking to you all,my friends, and may your hopes and dreams of a new month, enrich your memories of the past one. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.