Spent the day relaxing! The "House" was so quiet I swear you could hear a mouse fart. Alfred and Jennifer told Olivia that they had "volunteered" to help Izzy and I with the clean up crew today. So the 4 of us had some time to make plans for Olivia's birthday tomorrow. Izzy has gotten her evil little hands on some fine "refreshments" for the party. And so far the response to the invitations has been pretty good. I predict this will be the Drow bash that will set the standard for all future parties.

01-03-06

               Oh my God! Well, we can definitely say the Olivia's party was a success. I'm not sure how long it will take for the "House" to recover! The turnout was great! The entire Drow population showed up, as did all of Olivia's students, Michael, Vesta, Izzy, Morag, and Dr. Saunders. Cordelia was rather conspicuous with her absence, but she did send a gift with Justine. Even Malcolm was there. To be honest, most of the evening is a blur to me. We were all at the Tower. Michael brought some of his mead, I brought a half dozen bottles of Tequila that I had stashed away, Izzy had gotten quite a lot of ale from the Dwarves, and I can only assume that she got the first-class fungus from the hydroponics people. She must have completely depleted their supply! Some of Olivia's students had set up a bunch of continuous lights of all different colors. It was quite a sight. Alfred got a hot tub from somewhere and it was full all night long with various groups of people, Connor was quite the vision! He and Alfred are pretty much a matched set. And a beautiful set at that. At one point I was in the tub with….someone. Can't remember who, when Malcolm joined us.
               Now, what happened next, or how it happened, I'm really not sure. But Malcolm and I started talking, then we started doing shots of Tequila, then we ended up on one of Olivia's couches off in a dark corner. Now, I'm not trying to blame it on the 'shrooms or the Tequila, because I've always thought Malcolm was very attractive, but I never thought to act upon the thought. And boy did we act upon it! And, of course, it would have to be Olivia and Izzy who found us! They're never going to let us hear the end of this one! Anyway, once we'd been busted, Malcolm and I figured "what the Hell?" In for a penny, in for pound, right? So we found a spot that was just a tad bit more private to finish what we had started. And that was where we woke up this morning. We were so hungover! Malcolm figured he'd better get back to his quarters before most of the "House" woke up. I stuck around to help with the cleanup then headed for the kitchen. I walked in and Izzy started laughing, thought she was gonna bust a gut. I finally got her to stop laughing and take some pity on me. She had one of the cooks fry me up some nice greasy potatoes to soak up all that damn Tequila. As I was leaving to head for my rooms, she yelled out "That empty bed is going to be pretty cold. Should I give 'you know who' a call, and have him meet you there?" I stuck my tongue out at her and left.

01-04-06

               I left the "House" at first light. Not sure if I was looking for something today or if I was just trying to avoid Malcolm. (and Olivia, and Izzy!)

01-05-06

               Today was beautiful! So I went out riding again. I was quite a way from the "House" when I came across a deer with a broken leg. So I finished it off and put it out of its misery. Then with just a little bit of magic I got it onto the back of my horse to take home. I felt like quite the little Hunter/Gatherer! Izzy had some of her people take it in to clean and told me that Morag was waiting for me, more refugees to interview.

01-06-06

               Again, something woke me at dawn. I did my usual, quick bite and then to the stables for a horse. I found myself in a grove of trees in a secluded little valley. I sent a question out to Corellon; "You brought me here, didn't you? This is the place, isn't it?" and I was instantly filled with a feeling of completeness. I rushed back to the "House" to find Malcolm's secretary. When I found him, I requested an appointment to speak to the King. He looked at me very oddly, but told me there was an opening right before lunch. When it was time, he escorted me in and announced me. Malcolm was very startled to see me there and asked why didn't I just come and see him like I usually do. I told him that I had an official petition for The King. And I asked him to grant me title to the land I found. He granted it without prejudice, and had his secretary draw up the papers. As he handed them to me, he gave me a big hug and asked me to show it to him sometime. I left the audience chambers feeling more at peace then I have for quite some time now.

01-07-06

               It started snowing early this morning. I had another person approach me suffering from cabin fever. So I sat him down and asked him what kind of things he liked to do "before". Seems he was quite a fan of martial-art movies, so I told him to follow me and took him over to the Tower. I asked Olivia if I could borrow Alfred for awhile. Wrong thing to say! "Why? Is Malcolm busy?" When I got her to stop giggling I explained why I needed him and of course she agreed. So Alfred made arrangements to spend some time with this guy doing some training.

01-08-06

               More snow overnight. Spent a couple hours at the archery range. Then I met with Izzy to plan our next "diversion". She liked my idea of a weapons and fighting demonstration. So we asked Alfred and some of the Klingons if they would participate. The Klingons were very pleased with the idea, and I think Alfred was rather happy that we thought of him. Then Izzy and I had to deal with some new refugees.

01-09-06

               Just a few more flurries today, pretty weak ones. I gathered the Followers together to let them know that I'll be leaving the "House" for a few days for a retreat during the next few nights of the crescent moon. Then I was summoned to the council room this afternoon to interview some refugees, a family. They were clearly frightened by the sight of Morag, but once they calmed down we both got the impression that they would be very helpful to the Kingdom. Before they had been driven off their land, they had run a quite successful apple business. So after the council accepted them, they were taken off to meet with the other farmers.

01-10-06

               After breakfast this morning I gathered up all my camping gear and warm clothes, then went out to see the Stablemaster. Made arrangements with him to take a horse for the next 3 days. Left word with Olivia and Malcolm's secretary where I would be the next few days, if I should be needed, and then I went to see Izzy about some provisions. Boy did she fret at me! I had to assure her then re-assure her that I wasn't going that far from the "House", that I would be very careful, and that I would be back no later than noon on the 12th, and that I would check in with her as soon as I got back. What a worrier! Took a nice, leisurely ride to what I now think of as "Corellon's Grove". Set up camp, gathered up some firewood and settled in for a few quiet days of seclusion and meditation.

01-12-06

               Got back to the "House" today, well before Izzy's deadline. Checked in with her, then got my horse settled in at the stables. Spent the afternoon with Morag and more refugees. At dinner, Izzy asked me to join her in a meeting with Malcolm. It seems that I'm not the only one dealing with people suffering from cabin fever. The "entertainments" that Izzy and I have been scheduling are helping but not enough. So Malcolm decided to declare a Holiday sometime soon. He told us he'd think about it and tell us what and when.

01-13-06

               Had to deal with a few more "fever" victims today. Found things for them to do to get them out of the "House" for awhile. At dinner, Malcolm announced the Holiday. On the 18th and 19th, the Peerage will take over all 'domestic' duties and give those people a couple of days off. And then (weather permitting) there will be a Grand Tournament on the 20th. The announcement seemed to really lighten the mood. Except for some of the Peerage who were quite unhappy with the 'assignments' Malcolm gave them. I drew kitchen duty. I know I'll survive, but will everyone else?

01-14-06

               A nice quiet day. Took some archery practice, had lunch with Olivia and we went for a short ride this afternoon. Then after dinner I met with a member of the Laborers Guild who had been an architect 'before', and he said he would be happy to help me design something for the Temple.

01-15-06

               Today was a gorgeous day! But will it hold for the next week? I had a session with Malcolm this morning, he is really quite disturbed by the reports we're getting about the war in the NDR and what affect it will ultimately have on us. So far we're rejecting about ¾ of the incoming refugees. Where are they going after we 'banish' them? Are we going to end up having to deal with them sometime in the future? Some of them are really quite bitter about everything that has happened to them, and are looking for someone to punish.

01-16-06

               Had a big meeting today with the Peerage to make plans for the Holiday. There was quite some grumbling, but I got the feeling most of it was in jest. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. Then I met with the head of the Laborers Guild and we negotiated an exchange of services. Once the weather stays warm enough, he and his people will help the Followers and myself to build the Temple in the Grove. In exchange we will provide them assistance on some of their jobs and I will provide them such things as minor healing for the members, some perpetual light devices for working after dark, and a few other things. I can't wait!

01-17-06

               Spent the day in he kitchen with Izzy working on the necessaries for the holiday. This is going to be a lot of work!

01-18-06

               Well, the first day of the holiday went pretty darn well. There were a lot of happy people for a change, and a lot of cranky ones in the Peerage, too. But I think at least some of us had fun. I know I did. I always did like to cook, but to cook such large portions! Corellon bless dear, little Izzy!

01-19-06

               Things went even smoother today than yesterday. I can say that we are going to survive it all. Although listening to some of the Peers bitchin', you wouldn't think so. Malcolm definitely had the right idea; there are some people getting their eyes opened the last 2 days. I only had to chase Izzy out of the kitchen twice today! I think she was of the opinion that my crew was going to burn it to the ground.

01-20-06

               The weather today was just perfect for the Tournament! Bright sunshine and blue, blue skies! The tourney was a great success, also. Lots and lots of people whackin' the Hell out of each other. Lots and lots of frustration being vented, and very few injuries to show for all of it. And the few we had were all pretty minor and were healed up quite quickly. I competed in the archery contest today, and I can honestly say that I held my own! I was pretty impressed with how I've improved. The Wood Elves made me look pretty silly, but I was quite pleased with myself.

01-21-06

               After breakfast, I got up the nerve to go see Izzy in the kitchen. She didn't throw anything at me. That's good, right? When I'd finished listening to her laundry list of complaints about what we did to her kitchen, I took advantage of the glorious weather. Got one of the bikes and went riding. Spotted a group of incoming refugees, so I got back and cleaned up just as Malcolm's page came to get me.

01-22-06

               Another great day, Olivia, Alfred and I checked out a couple of bikes and vanished for the entire day. But as we got back, the western skies were filling with some very dark clouds.

01-23-06

               Good thing we went out yesterday. It just DUMPED snow all day long.

01-24-06

               More snow! I took a couple hours on the practice range this morning and after lunch I met with Morag. He agreed to help me to "create" something using those beads I got from Randall. HE told me to really think about what I want to make them into. That we will be putting a huge amount of our energies into this, so I need to be sure exactly what I want before we even start. After dinner we had a weapons and fighting demonstration. It seemed to be a big hit!

01-25-06

               Snow. Again. Slept most of the day.

01-26-06

               Argh! Make the snow stop! Went to the archery range, but I just didn't seem to have any energy, so I went back to bed. I wouldn't even have gone to dinner, but I figured since I'm supposed to be helping people thru the cabin fever problems, I should at least put in an appearance. And I was so glad I did. The kids from the crèche' put on a little show after dinner. They sang us a bunch of songs their teachers had been teaching them, and it cheered me right up!

01-27-06

               More snow all thru the night and morning. The engineers went to Izzy with a concern. The weight of the snow was a real danger to the "House". So Izzy put out the call for volunteers to clear some of it off. Then she got her people to make up lots of hot drinks for the volunteers, and I hung around so I could help out by 'warming' anyone who got dangerously cold. It took most of the day, but the engineers were finally happy.

01-28-06

               The snow finally stopped and the sun came out! I have to admit all that snow looked awfully pretty with the blue sky and sun shining on it. But I sent a quick thanks to Corellon that I have some place to be where it's warm, unlike so many still out there.

01-29-06

               The snow started to melt today, but it's gonna take awhile. After dinner tonight, Izzy had the children taken off for some games because the 'adults' were going to have their own entertainment. I had no idea what the little devil had up her sleeve…a dirty (as if there is any other kind) limerick contest! We all laughed so much! I must confess, I've never heard Klingon limericks before - and I never would have been able to come up with something that rhymes with 'targh'.

01-30-06

               I was at that archery range late today when Malcolm summoned his advisors; a messenger had come in from Montrose. He had a terrible time getting in. On top of all the snow, he came across an avalanche on 550 near Silverton. From what he could tell it had been triggered by a battle between two groups of refugees. Malcolm decided to send a group to check it out, tomorrow.

01-31-06

               I went along with the group to see if there was anything I could do. From what the messenger told us yesterday, there were no survivors. But in case something happened to our people. When we finally got to the site it was almost dark. We couldn't find any indication of survivors, but we'll look again tomorrow.

02-01-06

               No survivors. But at least none of our people got hurt. We salvaged some weapons, but didn't really do any more than that. The Dwarven engineers with us said that it would be days before it's safe to start clearing the pass. So I held a brief service, and asked everyone in the group to offer prayers to whomever they believe in to help these people on their way, and to offer thanks that we had someplace safe and warm to call Home. Then we headed back. We didn't make it back 'til after dark. And I am lying here in bed, wearing layers and layers of clothes, with all the blankets I could find, and I am still cold.

02-02-06

               Well, at some point last night I finally got warm, 'cuz when I woke up this morning, all my extra blankets had been kicked to the floor. Took some archery practice this morning, and I was in with Malcolm this afternoon when a page appeared to tell us some refugees had straggled in. I couldn't believe it! After Izzy got them warm, dry and fed, Morag and I interviewed them. I was so happy that we did not have to turn them out into the snow and cold.

02-03-06

               More melting. It was so quiet in the "House" today. It really felt weird. After dinner we had a special treat, the older school children put on a play for us. "The Story of King Arthur". It was really great!

02-04-06

               I am going to be so sick tomorrow! It really turned warmed today. And the sky was so very, very blue. And so many people just had to go outside. And it was so muddy out there. And then, it was so muddy in here. And when Izzy got a look at the mess, (and let me tell you, it was a MESS) she went ballistic! I mean, she lost it! She was yelling and screaming and cursing and carrying on! So Olivia and I kinda shooed her into my rooms. And after we let her rant and rave for a while, I broke out a couple more bottles of my Tequila and the three of us proceeded to get DRUNK! A few hours later there was a knock on the door. It was one of Izzy's assistants. She had been looking for Izzy everywhere, and wanted her to know that people felt really bad about making such a mess, so they got together and cleaned it all up. Well, she took one look at us and said that she'd have somebody bring us some food. But it was tooooooo late. Around midnight or so (I think, it may have been later than that) Alfred came looking for Olivia. He "tsked tsked" at us, then he swooped Izzy up and carried her to her rooms. Then he came back for Olivia. I asked him "Aren't you going to put me to bed, too?" Olivia just giggled and giggled at me. But he swooped me up and tucked me into bed. Then he swooped up Olivia and she waved bye to me as Alfred closed the door.

02-05-06

               Oh my! I was so sick. I staggered to the dining hall to get something to eat and found Olivia and Izzy already sitting in a corner. They looked as bad as I felt. Quite a few people stopped by to say something to Izzy about yesterday, but after one look at the three of us, most of them just moved on. Some one came by, I can't even remember who it was, and told us that he and some friends had built themselves a sweatlodge, and offered it to us. I'm going to have to find out if Izzy or Olivia know who he was, 'cuz I want to remember him in my prayers, I think he saved my life.

02-06-06

               Izzy did indeed know who our savior is. We spent the morning baking him a cake to thank him for being so thoughtful. Then we spent the afternoon interviewing some refugees.

02-07-06

               I felt much better today. Dare I say normal? It was still warm and sunny (and muddy) so I got a horse and went out for some good, fresh air.

02-08-06

               Well, today was an exciting one. A caravan arrived today - about 30 people, both human and Changed. They had a couple of flatbed trucks and a half-dozen pickups & SUVs, all "Mad Max"-ed to the gills. They had come all the way down from the Pacific Northwest. Apparently a large "community" has formed up there and the call themselves "New Ectopia". They seemed to have weathered the Change, pretty well - a Hell of a lot better than most, in fact. They brought a whole bunch of excitement to the "House" And lots of trade goods, too - dried salmon, furs, and some enchanted items, like a torch with a flame that doesn't burn or give off heat and won't go out. They also had a couple of wands that could "freshen" spoiled food or tainted water. Izzy pulled out some of the goodies we "liberated" from the Mormons and trades for a few of those wands.
               Malcolm invited the leaders of the group to meet with him and his advisors. They said that they were headed east from here. They need to meet with Jesse about something. They were so happy when Malcolm told them how close they were to Jesse right now. He assured them that tomorrow he would have some of our people escort them up to the Springs to meet with him, and he would have someone radio ahead so that Jesse would be expecting them. Malcolm declared a revel so dinner tonight was special. There was music and dancing all night long. And all the new folk joined right in. There were 4 Drow women who created quite a stir when they announced that they were looking for men. Apparently all they've found so far are like Wormy. So it looks like Connor and Alfred are going to busy for awhile. These women really seem to want babies! While Alfred was busy, Olivia took great delight in introducing me to the one male Gold Elf who'd come in with the caravan. I don't know what his name was 'Before' but she introduced him as "Olias Kestrel". (Oh please!)

02-23-06

               I don't think I have ever been as tired as I am right now. The day after the caravan came in was the day that Morag and I had decided to start work on my beads. So we 'secluded' ourselves in his quarters to begin the work. We completely lost track of the time and of days. We only stopped for sleep and meals. Most of the time either his Followers or mine brought our meals to us. A few times we did actually stop long enough to go out. Izzy told us that there were some refugees waiting to be interviewed, but Malcolm decided to have them kept somewhere outside the "House" until Morag and I are able to do it. At some point we were eating in the Hall and Olivia started to tease me. She accused me of doing all this to avoid Olias. When I refused to rise to the bait, she left me alone. I had no idea I would be this tired. Morag warned me, but I had no idea.

02-24-06

               I slept all day. Woke up just in time for dinner, in fact. I spotted Olias as I entered the Hall. And, just to spite Olivia, I asked him to have dinner with me and we sat at one of the tables for two. We ended up talking and talking for hours. I told him about my work for Corellon, and he was very curious. Asked lots of very good questions. Izzy finally broke it up. She came out with a couple of mugs of tea and said, very pointedly "Now Jazz, you need to go get some rest. You've been working very hard for several weeks. You two can continue this tomorrow". So Olias told her that he would walk me to my rooms himself. He did, and I wouldn't be surprised if Izzy had one of her little spies follow us. If she did, she'll be disappointed. He walked me back, very politely said, "Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow" and left.

02-25-06

               Well I tried to get caught up on things today and failed. First Morag and I had to interview the refugees who'd come in while we were working. The council had just finished dealing with that when Malcolm's secretary came bursting in. A large number of troops had settled in near what used to be the city limits of Durango, and a group of officers were headed our way to speak to Malcolm. He asked us to leave so Malcolm could meet with them in private, but asked us to stay close so we could meet afterwards. When he called us back in, Malcolm told us that they were indeed Jesse's men, and they would be in Durango for a few days on their way to the NDR. But they were demanding food and supplies from us. Apparently the General in charge told Malcolm that he considers the Kingdom and everything in to be under Federal jurisdiction. And if we deny his "request" he'll order his artillery to open fire on the House!
               We spent the better part of the afternoon trying to get Jesse on the radio to straighten this whole thing out. But Jesse was refusing to take any of Malcolm's calls. All we could get were flunkies. They wouldn't even put us thru to a senior aide of some kind. Malcolm was getting more and more angry, when the Generals representative came back, just after sundown. He told Malcolm that if the supplies weren't delivered by 9:00 the next morning, not only would the General give his artillery the orders to open fire, he would even call in airstrikes. "And don't think that Magic of yours will help you. Our pilots know exactly where this compound is. And when they're thru, our men will come in and take everything." Then he turned and left the room without a salute or any other sign of respect for the King. After that, the meeting was really pretty short. Malcolm was so angry, you could almost see the steam rising off of him. But there is nothing we can do, we have no choice but to give them what they demanded. There are too many non-combatants here who simply cannot be put in harm's way. Malcolm ended the meeting, but asked us all to make ourselves available tomorrow.

02-26-00

               More meetings today, everyone is so angry, I'm very frightened. We still couldn't get thru to Jesse. This is a bad situation that has the definite possibility of getting worse before it ends. Some harsh words have been said, both in and out of the council room. I just wrote them off to tension and stress. But, just in case things should get worse, I'm keeping my eyes and ears open. This will not lead to open dissension if I have anything to say or do about it.

02-27-00

               This morning was pretty cold, almost frigid. But I had to get away from all the negative emotions in the House, so I bundled up and got a horse. Before I knew it, I found myself on a hill overlooking the spot where Jesse's men had camped. As I watched, they started to move out to the north. Right out of the Kingdom I hope. I rode back as fast as I could to report what I'd seen. Malcolm welcomed that news with a definite feeling of relief. After lunch, Izzy called in Morag and I so we could interview some refugees. Some have them had been waiting for almost 2 weeks while Morag and I were working.

02-28-00

               I finally got the chance to take care of the things I started on the 26th. Took some archery practice. I can tell it had been too long since I'd done that, my arms hurt! I met with the Followers today, and asked them to help the Kingdom by praying to Corellon for aid, that we get thru this crisis without incident, then I told them that I would be leaving the House for a few days. I want to spend the next few nights of the crescent moon out at the Grove, again. Hopefully I will be able to find some peace out there. Then I had a session with Malcolm. He was so agitated that I couldn't even get him to sit down. He paced the entire time we were together. He kept beating himself up over the 'Jesse' thing. He would get this close to convincing himself that he had done the only thing he could, and then he would go off again. "I should have stood up to him. I never should have agreed to give in to his demands. I let the Kingdom down" etc. I tried time and again to reassure him that he did the only thing he could, that the very existence of the Kingdom had been threatened. Our people were still alive, and we can and we will rebuild those supplies. I had thought about mentioning to him some of the things that the 'opposition' had said, but today was not the time. Before I left him, I told Malcolm that I was going on a retreat and that if it were necessary, to feel free to send for me, Corellon would understand. I had dinner with Olias again, when I told him that I was going to spend a few days at the Grove, he asked if he could come with me. I was just about to say, "No" when I felt something in the back of my head. Kind of like a pushing, and before I knew it I was saying, "Of course you can go" So he helped me make arrangements for our trip. While we were in the kitchen, getting some provisions, Izzy gave me a big thumbs up behind his back. *****Sigh*****

03-05-06

               The morning of the 1st was noticeably warmer as Olias and I got the horses ready to leave. We were just about to mount up when one of Izzy's kids came running out to stop me. Some more refugees had come in, and Izzy didn't want to make them wait until I got back. So Morag and I interviewed them while I was still wearing my riding clothes. Since we got a later start than we had planned, when we got to the Grove and all we set up was the tent. Spent the 2nd finishing setting up camp. Olias wanted to gather more firewood, but I told him that we would only need enough for a small cooking fire, Corellon grants me the ability to keep us warm. I told him just about the only time I use it for myself is here in the Grove. Some how it doesn't seem right to cut wood there or even close to the Grove. The rest of the day I spent teaching Olias what I know of Corellon. But, on the 3rd something wondrous happened. I had suggested to Olias that we both spend the afternoon separately, in meditation.
               A few hours later, Olias came running over to where I was. When he got his breath back he started to tell me that while he was meditating, Corellon called upon him to enter His service. All I could do was smile at him because I already knew. I 'heard' the calling myself. I was meditating and I felt as if I was a hundred miles away from anyone or anything, when I heard His voice. I looked around me, and I 'saw' right there in front of me, Olias sitting under a tree, with a beam of Golden Light shining down on him. And then I heard His voice telling Olias that he had been chosen to help do the work of Corellon. Then, all the sudden I was back in my body, listening to Olias crunching thru the pine needles as he ran towards where I was. I reached into a jacket pocket and brought out one of the Holy Symbols of Corellon that I had made up.
               When I felt Corellon telling Olias (thru me) to come along on this trip, I had a feeling I was going to need it. At the time I just assumed the medal would be for another Follower, I never dreamed it would be for an acolyte. Yesterday we gathered fallen wood and some stones and cobbled together a rough altar where I picture the temple eventually being built. I sent an appeal to Corellon to sanctify this area and he Blessed it with Golden Light, when the light had faded, there was a crescent moon carved into the top stone of the altar. Then we spent the rest of the day talking and meditating. This morning we got up at sunrise and after breakfast we struck camp, making sure to clean up every single thing we took with us. We were in a hurry because we could see the snow clouds rolling in. And we had just finished un-harnessing the horses with the flakes started to fall.

03-06-06

               It was a very quiet day. I held a ceremony in the House temple tonight to dedicate Olias to the service of Corellon.

03-16-06

               Morag and I went into isolation again to continue our work on the beads. This time it was a little easier to break away from it, so we could actually join the populace in the Hall for most of our meals. Just like before, Malcolm and Izzy saw to it that we were not disturbed, but we were called into a council meeting today. Malcolm had received reports of some terrorist attacks. In Moab, a garrison of Jesse's men was attacked with nerve gas. The garrison in Provo suffered over 85% casualties, when some NDR infiltrated their security and mixed ground glass in sugar and salt, they also added some anti-coagulants to some of the food. But to make things even worse, LSD was added to the water supply. An evac hospital in Dillon was hit by a Juggernaut filled with a fertilizer bomb. There are at least 400 dead there. I couldn't take it, I had to leave the council room, I ran outside and became ill. I threw up everything in my stomach, and kept on throwing up.
               Olivia came out to see if I was okay, got me some water and walked me back in. The meeting had by then turned to what we can do to increase the security of the Kingdom. Things were discussed and decided that I cannot write here. When we broke up, Morag pulled me aside and suggested that we take the night off, and see if I was feeling better tomorrow. To try to work on the beads in my current state would be foolish. I don't know why he did it, if Olivia, or Malcolm, or even Morag sent him to me, but Olias showed up at my door tonight. He brought me some dinner that I couldn't even begin to eat. And without even asking what was wrong, he let me cry on his shoulder until I finally wore myself out and fell asleep. He must of put me to bed, because that's where I woke up.

03-17-06

               I felt better today, more at ease, so Morag and I got back to work.

03-18-06

               Morag and I were called away again, another council meeting. This time it was Cheyenne Mountain that was victimized. Some troops "captured" an Elder of the NDR, and he was taken to the Mountain for interrogation. A few days into it, he became ill. And before the medical personnel were able to diagnose it, 26 doctors and nurses were dead from Ebola Zaire - he had deliberately infected himself and allowed himself to be captured! Malcolm had Dr Saunders take over the meeting, trying to see if we can keep ourselves safe from this new type of attack. Quarantining refugees seems like a good place to start. Malcolm ordered a group of guards and a few healers to set something up in Cortez and Ridgeway, then sent a group of scouts on snomobiles to Montrose to barter for biohazard equipment. Cordie's mold farm won't do shit against Ebola....

03-19-06

               The council met again briefly today, Malcolm told us that in light of the recent attacks, Jesse has once again stepped up the airstrikes against the NDR. He has also declared the NDR to be a terrorist organization and ordered all active members tried for Treason against the United States. Morag and I worked together again this afternoon.

03-22-06

               We finished today! I feel almost as exhausted this time. I was better prepared, but the distractions drained off more energy. The scouts returned from Montrose with three space-suit things; Dr. Saunders seemed satisfied with them and went off to brief the quarentine crew on "protocols".

03-23-06

               I slept almost all day. Woke up this afternoon when Olias brought me some dinner. He told me, he'd spoken to Olivia and she had cast a silence spell on my rooms so nothing could wake me. How sweet.

03-24-06

               As we were lunching in the Hall today, the word went 'round that a small convoy of trucks had just arrived, filled with supplies from Jesse. Malcolm summoned his council and read to us the note that came with the supplies. It was from Jesse (handwritten no less!) apologizing for the "mix up" with his General and the requisitioning of supplies. The supplies were to compensate for what Malcolm had "so generously gave the forces of the US". We pretty much all agreed, Jesse's sucking up and calling in his allies after all the crap that's been going down. Morag disagreed. He said that the General had behaved without honor and brought shame on Jesse's "House", so Jesse was replacing the supplies in order to restore his honor. Malcolm didn't look happy about the whole thing. Morag told him some parable about a guy who died trying to make a sandstorm respect him and how "the wind does not respect a fool". Izzy said that we could replace food and fuel, but not the lives of the people who would have been killed trying to resist. He looked like he was finally starting to accept what I'd been telling him all along.

03-25-06

               Today was pretty nice, sunny and warm. I took some archery practice, but I just had to get out of the House so Olias and I took one of the bikes out and went riding. After dinner, Izzy arranged for some music and singing. Between that and the 'reconciliation' with Jesse, the mood in the House is definitely lighter.

03-26-06

               I had an extended session with Malcolm today. When we were finished he was feeling much better about the whole supply situation. Jesse sucking up to the Kingdom helped, a lot.

03-27-06

               It was so very warm today; I could not stay inside. So Olias and I checked out 2 bikes and I taught him how to ride.

03-28-06

               Malcolm called a council meeting very late this evening. He had his secretary radio down to Cheyenne Mountain this afternoon on some routine matter. But there was no response. They tried for several hours, but never got thru.

03-29-06

               There was still nothing from the Mountain today; Malcolm called Darren into the council meeting to see if he knew anything, he didn't. Morag and I didn't even need to use a truth spell on him; his distress was that obvious to everyone. Malcolm told him he'd better find out something, soon. Our civilian radios were still working, but we couldn't raise anybody on the satellite terminal. Darren checked the equipment in his helicopter, then came back saying that the central uplink system inside Cheyenne Mountain was definitely out - the satellite is still there, but it was showing that there was nothing but an antenna alignment signal coming from the Mountain.

03-30-06

               Still nothing from the Mountain, and no sign of Darren, either. I think the little weasel took off, but Malcolm decided to give him one more day before he sends someone up to see what's going on.

continured..