Two days passed while Gillie recovered in the medical ward of the castle. Her transformation had taken a toll on her body, but she was finally up and moving around. Oberon entered, accompanied by his Harold,
“How are you my dear?” he asked as he took a seat on the bed.
“I’m fine father” she responded as she placed her feet on the ground for the first time in days. Her wings had fully developed but she still had trouble controlling them. Oberon stood up and asked Gillie if she would like to join him for a walk in the garden. She nodded and they made their way to the rear of the castle. They strolled the path through the roses, stopping to admire them every so often. Oberon turned to Gillie and took her by the hands.
“Are you ready to fly?" He asked with a large grin. Gillie bubbled with excitement and began to ask a plethora of questions.
“Slow down,” he exclaimed as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Take a deep breath, spread your wings, and feel the warmth of the sun radiate through them. And when you exhale just think of flying and trust your body.” She did as her father instructed, she took a deep breath and spread her wings. She thought about a butterfly and how it gracefully floats through the air, her wings began to flutter and she lifted off the ground. She climbed higher and higher until she was above the castle. Oberon circled around her encouraging her.
“Try and keep up.” He said with a chuckle as they made laps around the spires. They spent the better part of the afternoon playing in the wind. It was dark before they could make it back to the castle. The moon was nearly full, its light illuminating the land. Gillie stood on the balcony, staring across the kingdom, a powerful gust blew through the air and she could hear a foul voice on the wind, but couldn't make out the words. It lasted for just a moment, and the wind calmed down and all fell silent.
That night, she slept restlessly, her dreams invaded by visions of a kingdom on fire. The people cried out to their gods, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Through the smoke a set of eyes starred at her. Shrouded by dark flame. The creature held his hand out to her as they remained locked in each other gaze. Gillie recoiled from the creature and turned to run, tripping over a book on the ground. She picked up the book inspecting the cover. She looked up to find the creature on top of her, all she could make out were those searing eyes surrounded in dark flames. The creature grabbed her by the throat and spoke.
“I will have your heart of hearts”. The creature took its other hand and plunged it into her chest ripping out her still beating heart. Gillie woke in terror, shaken by her dream. The light of the moon cascaded though her windows bathing her in its glow.
The sun peaked over the horizon, and the birds began to sing. Gillie could hear commotion in the halls, she opened her door to find the queen’s dressmakers. Standing before her stood 3 very small brownies, bickering with each other in a language she couldn’t understand.
“Hello” said Gillie. The brownies looked up at her in shock as if they hadn’t noticed her standing there. They bowed to her and she returned the gesture. Without hesitation the brownies rushed the girl inside her room and began to measure her. They fussed amongst each other, stopping every few minutes to smile at the girl before returning to the ongoing argument between each other.
Once they finished, the brownies gave the girl another bow and took off through the hall. Gillie got dressed and made her way to the feast hall. The queen was sitting with her hand maiden having breakfast at the large table at the head of the hall.
“Come join us my dear” the queen said, pointing at the chair next to her. Gillie took a seat and began to tell her mother of the dream that woke her in the night. The queen insisted that it was merely a dream, but Gillie pressed the matter.
“If you think you are having visions my child, then you should tell your father. He could help you make sense of this” the queen told her. Oberon entered the hall surrounded by all manner of fae,
“The moon shall be full in two nights, we will have a celebration for my daughter. And the whole kingdom is coming!!” He yelled across the hall.
“Father I need to speak with you” said Gillie, standing from the table. She walked around the castle with her father, explaining what she had seen. But he too insisted that she had a nightmare, and that all was well.
That night Gillie tossed in her bed as she dreamed of fire and death. She stood on a hill, in a circle with 5 other princesses, each holding their own heart. In the center of the circle was the book, burning in dark flames but remained undamaged. She could hear the haunting voice of the creature chanting on the wind. The book flew open and the flames began to stretch towards the sky. In the dark fire stood the creature, starring at her with those menacing eyes. It stepped forward out of the flames and began to walk to her. It took the heart from her hands and drew a dagger, the creature starred into her eyes as it plunged the dagger into the heart. Gillie woke in a frantic state, covered in sweat.
She got out of bed and put her robes on, then quickly made her way to Rhoane's room. She told him of the dreams and how no one would take her seriously. Rhoane assured her that her mind was not slipping and that the gift of foresight is more of a curse than a gift. But that the evils of one world were not worth risking the safety of this world to save.
The next day the castle was buzzing with the excitement of the ball. Flowers and creatures from across the land began to fill the castle. Gillie returned to her room to get ready. As she opened her door, the three brownies were standing around her bed congratulating each other on the success of the dress they had made. On the bed lay a beautiful gown. Gillie walked to the bed, and the brownies began to dress her. They stood at the mirror inspecting their work, one brownie began to give a speech to the other two and they began to argue again. “Well that didn’t take long” Gillie said with a giggle. The bells began to ring in the high spire, signaling the start of the ball. She made her way to the grand hall, but was constantly stopped by creatures wanting to pay their respects. Upon entering the hall Oberon stood in the center of the room. He introduced Gillie to the crowd and held his hand out to her. They danced through the first song, gracefully gliding across the floor. The night went on and a good time was had by all. Gillie sat in a window to get some air, the moon was full and bright, and she could see far across the land. as she looked into the distance, she saw fire on the hills, it spread fast, and soon covered the entire hill side. Gillie yelled out in alarm “fire!” As she turned to get help, she saw the entire court lay dead at her feet. Blood cascading over the stone like a river. Sitting in Oberon’s throne was the dark creature with its piercing gaze. She could hear its voice, “All worlds shall belong to me." She clenched her chest, feeling her heart pounding as she tried to catch her breath. A hand grabbed her on the shoulder, Gillie screamed and turned to see Rhoane standing there. The entire court was starring at her. She looked out the window to see the flames from before, but there were none. “What’s the matter?” asked Rhoane.
“Meet me in the war councils chamber” Gillie said as she stormed off.
Rhoane and his guards waited in the council’s chambers. The door opened, Gillie and her personal guard Etrigon enter the room.
“Father refuses to take this seriously, but I will not let my home burn again,? She said in a stern voice.
“We must go back to the kingdom of my birth and stop this evil before it destroys us all. Are you with me brother?” Gillie said holding out her hand to Rhoane. Rhoane nodded and grabbed her hand. Gillie held her hand out and opened a portal.
“We must not fail.” She said as they step through the portal.
Kingdom Midreign Nov 2019
Once again the time came for Midreign. Held at the 4H Camp in Lake Park GA, the kingdom came together for tournaments and games, food and fun. The highlight of any midreign should be the weapon master and between all of our top fighters plus Winter’s edge top fighters, the competition was fierce to say the least!
First up results for the 4 and under tournament:
Regan ran the Tournament (thank you)
4 (OoW)& Under
1st: Jae with a streak of 10
2nd: PJ with a streak of 7
3rd: Lance with a streak of 8
Shortly after there was the 5 and over Bracket:
Regan ran the Tournament (thank you)
5 (OoW) and Up
1st: Goose (39 Kills) 6 Streak
2nd: Atta (19 Kills) 7 Streak
3rd: Bolt (16 Kills) 3 Streak
huge favorite at every event is the midnight (or not so midnight) ironman. This too was run by Regan (thank you)
Midnight Ironman
1st Atta 21 Kills, 10 Streak
2nd Goose 19 Kills, 6 Streak
3rd Smurf 16 Kills, 6 Streak
The big highlight of the event is the Weaponmaster and really the main draw for any midrein:
Sir Squire Ran the Tournament (Thank you)
1st: Gillan (Winter’s Edge)
2nd: Goose
3rd: Auwyne
Weapon Master
You’d think that was it for the tournaments but no… there are more still!
An archery tournament happened, a magic tournament happend and an Archers Challenge happened plus night quests and so much more!
Recipe: Fight After Death by Chocolate
Published back in 2004-2005, this Recipe was posted by Sir Kelbo on the Falling Fire site.
Pastry with Cheese
Pastry with Cheese - Authored by : Ashram
This Recipe was taken from the Falling Fire Site
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 scant pinch pepper
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon shortening
1/3 cup grated cheese
1 egg yolk
Directions:
Sift the flour with salt, pepper, and mustard.
Cut in the shortening and add the cheese and egg yolk.
If needed, add a little water.
Chill for about 30 minutes.
Roll out and line pie pan.
Cook at 350 degrees until slightly brown on top.
3rd Annual Beach Battle
The third annual beach battle “Aquaman Emerges” happened and it featured food, fun, games and sun. Anosina of Kestrel Keep coordinates this each year and helps make it possible to step out of the box of the normal Amt routines. Among the crazy crew that showed up this year, a shark was spotted in the morning as well as a few dolphins later in the day, the difference was in the fins, and it is really quite a difference when you get to see them both! Don’t worry, no bites were taken out of anyone and no reports of sun poisoning and all enjoyed the water throughout the day. The kids found many creatures with the help of another beach-goer and their kids net! All in all it was a smashing success and we look forward to it again next year!
Great job once again Anosina and fam, thank you!
The schedule went a little something like this…
Game schedule :
10am: Arrive/Ditch
11pm: Jump in Militia Game (Sky vs Sea)
12pm: Lunch
1pm: Class Game (CRABS)
2pm: Faction Game (Tsunami Incoming)
3pm: Water Ditch
*Bring a sword to get wet
4pm: Clean up/Leave
Kingdom Day Battle at North River
The day battle began with pop-ups taking over and an abundance of food being set out. It was hot, muggy and threatened rain but a little rain doesn’t stop a good time! Fun was had by all in attendance. Fierce competition and battles to the death as usual proved to be dirt filled, fast paced and most importantly, fun! Thank you to North River for hosting a great day.
Baron Castle had this to say after the event:
Good Morrow Never Winter!! Your friendly Baron of North River here to announce the results of the day battle
First of all a big thanks to those who helped reeve, Atta, Lyle, Thorin, Regan, and another round of thanks to all who brought food to make sure no bellies went empty!! Now, the results of the iron man!! In 3rd place with 17 kills and a streak of 5 we have Drithan!! Congratulations and good job!! In 2nd place with 17 kills and a streak of 7 is Atta!! Well me and again Congratulations!! And in 1st place with an Amazing 36 kills and a streak of 15!!! Is Worm a well met Victory for a great fighter!! Round of applause to all who participated and all who helped!!
For the kingdom game the heroes have held off the villains even after heroes had fallen, they still stood their ground and pulled out a win, congratulations to the Hereos of Neverwinter!!
For the militia kill the king game we sadly got rained out but before we called it Lyle had the most lives securing them a win!!
And for the final battle, the siege of my cousin Castle Lucinda, the defenders held off the vicious onslaught of attackers, the castle never fell and the defenders won!!
Keep on and Keep strong Castle Alair Dayore
The Update You didn't Realize we Needed
The Kingdom of Neverwinter gets a facelift!
Black Friday Crafter deals 2018
So it is THAT time again, where the "best" deals of the year break out in stores and web starting well...tomorrow in some places! As a crafter and a shopper, I absolutely love these days of getting gifts for friends and fam and shopping until my hearts content...and then some more! So let's get right into it, shall we? Crafters ready... get set... click!
If you spend $30 IN Joanns (yes in the actual store folks) who can't spend that in mere minutes in there honestly?!) You get a free crafting calendar and over $200 worth of coupons.
The catalog is here and in it, you'll find deals for what looks to be everything! 50% off baby yarn and save $3 a yard on Home Decor and Duck Canvas, a Cricut Explore Air 2 bundle (think custom designed vinyl for shirts and cars etc and scrapbooking,) for only $229! plus 30% off all accessories if you already have one! BOGO craft kits for kids (I love stocking up on these for my youngins). Sewing Machines starting at $99. BONUS: Their sale has already started in store!! 60% off dress forms (these usually go for 200 and up to start!)
Over at Walmart their Black Friday deals are starting Thursday (online) at 10pm. Need a shopvac? Its there for $30, need a new workbench? ( I know I do) There's one that looks pretty awesome for only $84! For our chefs our there they can find some really cool 20 piece knife sets for only $20, an 8qt pressure cooker for $60. and a really cool 30 piece ceramic cookware set with Google home mini for only $99. Looking for a hammock? They have a $10 travel hammock, I added it to my list!
Rotary tool (wood burning, carving, foam creations) $23 at Harbor Freight by Chicago Electric or for name brand and a larger kit try out Lowes for their Dremel 4000 39-Piece Variable Speed Corded Multipurpose Rotary Tool Kit and if you get that, you may want to get the Dremel 160-Piece Aluminum Oxide Multi-bit Kit too! Want to give a bigger gift for the crafter/fixer upper in your life? Watch your fingers folks!! Save $200 on a table saw: 15 Amp Corded 10 in. Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand
Find coverage at harbor freight with a 10x10 pop up for only $65!
If you spend $40 in Michaels, you get a free gift there too. Craft storage is 60% off and umm, I don't know about you but I have a problem collecting lots of crafting stuff and can ALWAYS use more storage! The Cricut air is on sale here too for $199 but it's not bundled. Save $7 on canvas packs, $10 for 10 pc. Tombow® Dual Brush Pens, and great deals on art supplies in general. Take a look!
No matter where you shop, what you get or don't, share with me (us) what you got and what you plan on making with it! Happy shopping and extra happy crafting! Tis the season!
With Love,
Lady Jae
Taking a Better Photograph with Lady Jae (Challenges included)
Taking a better photograph is as easy as finding the light. More tips with challenges to do inside the article.
Shields with Shen
Meet the man who’s crafting skills go beyond what is expected by far, Sien Do Rionn aka Shen. From hand sewing cloaks and making leather shoes to creating mini figures from start to finish and especially to shields that light up, he does it all!