Bravely Broken #31 Iana

Iana and Joli. Joli comes from the french word for pretty. Iana is from . . . actually I have no idea. I think I just made it up. The confrontation between the sisters continues below. How easily we say things - or shout things - we don't mean to our family.

Bravely Broken

I waved to Joli from the window, tipping backwards unsteadily. She hauled me inside, dragging me roughly off the sill and down I crashed to the floor. My landing was not elegant, and I would certainly have bruises tomorrow.

"Didn't you hear me knocking earlier?" I asked.

Her face turned from pale to a livid purple, as it does when she is angry or embarrassed.

"Since you weren't answering," I complained. "I had to come around from the outside."

"That's no excuse."

"Sorry, I wanted to talk."

Prince Wandering, Iana #25

Click here for the events from last time; below we finally have reached her father's story.

The Story of Prince Wandering

I looked at my father as he spoke, his words sounded so heavy, each one a giant boulder sinking down to the bottom of a cold dark pond. This was the story he told. I have written it down as best I can remember.

As a young man my father often traveled about his father's kingdom, so that he might see for himself all the land he would one day inherit. His parents, the Good King and Fair Queen indulged his wandering, and soon he was known as Prince Wandering. "Where did you wander today? he was often asked and he would gladly tell them. Sometimes his wandering took him to the forests on the very borders of the kingdom. In those days wandering through the forest wasn't as dangerous, but occasionally he got lost. Once he wandered so far, and got so lost he somehow ended up in the Fire Woods, and he might never have escaped if not for the help of a bright young girl he met there.

Resolve - Iana's story #23

I just recently realized the Iana's story is only about one third of the way, maybe a little more than that, but not halfway done yet. It's about time for things to move a little faster, I hope they will now that the two strangers have arrived, the lion and the wolf.

So, let's see where this will lead Iana as the fourth chapter of her story continues.

Resolve

Of course, Mother was already with Father, standing outside the door of his study ready to greet the debt collectors in that precise, perfect way of hers. One of the winterguards or my Aunties must have informed her. Of course, she led them straight inside, treating them like important noble dignitaries. And then, of course, she stopped me and Joli from entering, telling us to return to our duties.

Well, if she expected me to obediently leave, she was in for a surprise.

Why keep all these secrets? Iana's story #21

You may or may not have noticed I've updated the blog, just freshened it up a bit. Feel free to take a look.  Iana's story continues below.

Previously in Prince Roderick's travel journals, and from before, read where Iana's search led here. The next chapter of her adventure now begins.

Why keep all these secrets? Iana's story #21

I couldn't understand why my Father would hesitate. He was the King of Winding. Didn't he want to save his Kingdom? He had within his grasp a power to do that. What was he waiting for?

Returning to the castle from Aunt Rosemary's I had to make my way through the gardens again. Of course this time nothing strange happened. Although I felt a piercing loneliness, as I passed the silent tower and it lingered with me until I reached the part of the castle beyond the bell tower, which wasn't falling to pieces. I could hear voices ahead, from within the servant's halls. My godmothers. From the shrill voice of Aunt Ravelle, to the loud shouting between Aunt Ginger and Aunt Hona, they're both slightly deaf, and my mother bossing people around in that precise way she has. I wasn't alone, not at all with them around. The castle was filled with my Aunties. My sister Joli was hiding out somewhere and my father still locked in his study, hiding away as well. Why would he do that? Why keep all these secrets? Why not share the wonderful life giving flower with everyone? That's what I would have done.

A bright burning red, Iana's Story #19

From last time, and now we shall see what Iana discovered in the garden.
---

A bright burning red, Iana's story #19

"It must be the first blossom from the orchards," Aunt Rosemary said. "I'll take whatever I can get this year. It has been the slowest spring coming. It's usually not this late, and this is much later than I've ever seen it. You can put the apple blossom on the table for now."

I looked down at my hand. I still carried the apple blossom I intended to bring her. I'd forgotten about it completely. I stumbled over to her work table. Flopping down on a stool I dropped the branch on the tabletop and stared at it, trying to sort out my wild thoughts and the uneasiness swirling around me. The dreaming had left me, or rather I'd finally left it behind, but the memory of it, the strangeness of it was beginning to shake me. It felt like I'd woken up, only I knew I had not ever fallen asleep.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Iana's Story #18

(From before, read how Iana stumbled into a dreaming, and now to see what she does next.)

Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Iana's Story #18

There was only one flower on the rose bush, a red bud so tightly coiled it looked more like a seed. There were too many thorns near it, so I didn't dare reach out and touch it. But I have to admit I was tempted. Some part of me wanted to feel how soft the petals must be. Without the thorns I would have easily plucked it right off the bush, like a sweet fruit.

I couldn't though. Fears of catching myself on the thorns kept my hands close to my body. Even in this dreaming it seems I was afraid of pricking myself. Finally I stepped away, dragging my feet. I couldn't stay there, kneeling as if in worship to a flower. I had to keep on. I thought about how Aunt Rosemary would know about the flower. I could ask her about it. She kept thick gloves and shears, perhaps I could borrow them and come back here. With thick gloves I could risk the deadliest thorns.

This dreaming, Iana's story, #17

(Since I'm having to break this next part up, I didn't realize it was going to be its open chapter, I'll post Iana's story more often. To read about how Iana got into this situation go here; read on to see what happens to her next.)

This Dreaming, Iana's Story 17

Even though I do not walk the gardens very often, not as my sister Joli does. It was unthinkable I could get lost within them. I dismissed the idea. Carelessness. My mind a bit distracted. That was all. It couldn't take that long to get to Aunt Rosemary's. So I kept to the path.

Perhaps it turned more than I remembered. I still felt certain I'd see Rosemary's glass house just around the next turn, just beyond the long needle pines. Just around here. Her house should be there, just beyond the leafy brown corpse trees, and the row of stone flowerbeds, but it wasn't.

In the gardens of honey and apples, Iana's Story #16

From before.

Aunt Rosemary lived in a glass house in the gardens, at the southend of the keep. Since the roof of the west chapel collapsed the only way into the gardens was the long way.

It was so much simpler before, cutting through the chapel, now I had to take the passage from the back of the kitchens, follow it along the branching hallway that skirts all around the Great Hall and climb briefly through the tower of silent prayers. That place will always unnerve me. Though father doesn't keep prisoners there anymore, years ago they used to, and sometimes I can hear voices trapped inside the tower.

How the past lingers. (Iana's Story #15 )

Previously and now continuing from where we left off.

The only other thing Aunt Luna said was to remember the Kingdom of Winding is strong. That it has survived plenty of hardships in the past.

"You know your birthday a few years past, your fifteenth, was a rather troublesome time," she said slipping into a very old, very familiar story. I should have tried to escape while I could. "Even after we did all we could to prevent it, somehow you still managed to find a spinning wheel and prick your finger on it, didn't you? Gave us all quite the fright. "

Iana # 14 Enduring

Previously from Princess Iantheia's journal, and then from Prince Rodier's travel journal and without further delay, (sorry I meant to post this last week, once a week is my goal), now continuing Iana's story.

This morning Aunt Rosemary mentioned she wanted apple blossoms. Aunt Adria had already asked me to air out the horse blankets, since the stablemaster has fallen ill. Aunt Hona and Aunt Ginger were scrubbing pots and sterilizing jars, a strenuous task to say the least. Aunt Clo had a mountain of threads to untangle. She would have me help her spin them, but knows I cannot go near her spinning wheel. If it wasn't one Aunt it was another.
I wish there wasn't so many of them.

It's no use complaining either. They just come up with more tasks for me, more errands, more chores. I run myself ragged. I suppose I could always refuse them, but then I'd never heard the end of it. These last few weeks they've been relentless. I'm starting to suspect they're doing it on purpose to distract me. From what I'm not exactly sure, but I know there is something. It is something secret that they won't speak of, and I'm determined to find it out what it is. What better way to pass my time?

Curses and Cursed ones. (Iana #13)

Previously from Iana's Story.

From the travel journal of Crown Prince Roderick of Carentas


17th day before Kalends of June, year 217

Nearly a month has passed since the brief encounter we had. I would like to say I have put her fully from my mind. I cannot.


16th day before Kalends of June, year 217

A proper and fond farewell we gave to Catha and to Lord and Lady Hildegale. There is a lightness to my step having put their company behind me. Leric finally recovered enough to continue our travels. I have been impatient to go. Lady Hildegale was sorely disappointed that she had not managed to find me a bride, and I was leaving Catha still unattached. How I managed all these weeks to elude her matchmaking is miraculous indeed. It was almost as bad as a curse. Of course, while Lady Hildegale would see being unmatched as a curse, to me Lady Hildegale was the curse.

Woeful and Poor. Again. (Iana # 12)

 Earlier Events,  including a brief interruption, and now continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding, upon her return to the Kingdom.

It is unbelievable to me that I must be in such a place as Winding again. I just cannot abide it. I cannot. And yet, I must. What other choice do I have?

This morning Joli politely inquired whether I read back through my journals. I stared at her, then said. "No, why should I? I'm not writing some girlish diary just for amusement. It helps to organize my thoughts if I write them. I know what I've written and have no desire to look back."

"So, you can only move forward?" she asked, eyes dropping to the floor.

"Of course. What else is there?"

I didn't tell her how unbearable it would be, how it would break my heart if I had to relive my past and how wonderful my life was in Catha compared to here. I gave up too easily. I should have fought harder, begged Lady Hildegale on my knees, nevermind how foolish I would have looked in front of that man, Roddy.

Vexation (Iana # 7)

Previously on Iana's Story. And before that.

Continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding

Never before, and hopefully never again, will I have to ride behind a carriage, clinging to the iron rails. A princess should ride inside a carriage. I can't remember how many times I nearly fell off. Olwen kept having to catch me and pull me back up.

Poor Joli, being so petite, rode up on top, packed in with the chests and bags, much like a pickle.

Had I realized this fate awaited me I'd have stayed in Catha. The journey home to Winding has been such a nightmare.

We left Castle Radiance so quickly, in a splendid carriage too. I recall velvet seats, and curtains made of silk drawn across tiny windows. At the time I didn't notice much else. I was out of sorts, sequestered in my thoughts, while Joli sat demurely to my side. She could sense my mood and left me alone. When we arrived at the edge of the city the carriage stopped. Olwen, the steward mother sent to fetch us, held open the door. Both Joli and I peered at him in confusion.

From the Travel Journals of a Lonely Prince (Iana #6)

From the Travel Journals of Roderick, crown prince of Carentas

Magic is a marvel, or else the people who to desperate seek such trite enchantments. Spells do not come cheap, wizards in Catha are highly sought. A good thing, for how else could Leric and I survive, not without my seemingly inexhaustible connections or his entertainment.

Most wizards look haggard, their eyes mere slits from lack of sleep, and a queasy complexion. Not Leric. I suspect most of the time Leric's faking. Most people can't tell the difference between real magic and mere tricks anyway.

We head south tomorrow, leaving the outer circle to return to Catha's center, Castle Radiance.

I do not miss the crowds or the fine company, which Leric claims he cannot do without. Of course, I know he prefers a quick wit to a pretty face. I will be glad to see the last of the circle kingdom. Good lord there are far too many Princesses here and all of them seem to be eligible.


We will stay with Leric's friend, Lord Hildegale, again, I loathe the thought, but it can not be helped.


I did not come to the circle kingdom looking for a wife, despite my mother's declaration that I may not return to Carentas unless I bring home a suitable bride. I can only image the kind of woman she'd find suitable. I think I prefer exile.

--
Fifth day before the Ides of April, year 217


Wet and unrenlenting rain. We held up in a tavern, the Hurthog for the night. Leric entertained. That he can come up with such rowdy ridiculous songs on the spot still bogs my mind.
--
Fourth day before Ides of April, year 217


Having met Lord Hildegale earlier in the spring I can safely say he is a good scholarly man. Leric and Lord Hildegale can speak for hours on the odd customs and histories of this ancient land. They speak not of spellwork or curses, and I find it hard pay attention to their rambling. Lord Hildegale is no fool. But good lord his wife!


There is no escaping Lady Hildegale, though I try. You'd think being a Prince in a kingdom like Catha, overrun with too many of them, that I would not stand out. You'd be wrong.


Apparently, Carentas is far enough away and exotic sounding. Somehow Lady Hildegale knows that I cannot return home without a bride. She aims to remedy this.


I only came to Catha in the hopes to get as far away from Carentas and mother's schemes as I could. Perhaps I have not traveled far enough.
--

Third day, year 217


I started this recording keeping to track where I spent my coin, how to get from here to there, my destinations and travels throughout this ancient land, what I might see , the different climates and people I have encountered. It was never my intent here to scribe a diary like some school girl. Yet I can find no other place to put my thoughts. And I don't know what else I could do to drive this irritation from my mind. Perhaps if I describe her, the encounter, then I might free my thoughts from dwelling on her.


Lord Hildegale keeps several libraries. There is no escape from Lady Hildegale's constant attempts 'to secure my happiness', as she calls it, except to retreat to one of the libraries. I always attempt to find the one farthest away from the room where Lady Hildegale entertains. I didn't get far enough it seems, for I saw Lady Hildegale bring a young woman in to the very library where I was hiding. The girl appeared quite weak, stumbling on her feet, and Lady Hildegale was intent to make her sit still and remain in the room. And then she left without a backwards glance toward me.


Miraculously within moments of Lady Hildegale leaving whatever ailed the girl fled and she sat up again.


"That was quite the performance." I remarked.


She denied it, of course. But I have traveled far enough to know better than to believe what a woman claims. Next she would be upon me with her charms. But, in that it seems I was mistaken.


She headed toward the door, her head and shoulders squared in a most remarkable way. The light flittering in made her - you see, you see how she has caught hold of my mind. Even describing her is maddening.


I could see from her brief conversation with Lady Hildegale, the girl wanted something. Perhaps help in finding a husband. It only seemed right to warn her off, that throwing herself on Lady Hildegale's mercy was the worst possible idea ever. Even if she was another one of the women Lady Hildegale intended to throw in my direction.


So what happened next was only a little bit of self interest, you see, I didn't want to break another heart, or have to flee the city again.

I told her it wouldn't work out. "Even I can see what you're trying to do. It doesn't matter how good your acting is Lady Hildegale won't be swayed." Neither will I, I thought. "She has nothing to gain from taking in a girl like you." And using you so poorly. Surely you have more pride than that! It sickened me to see a beautiful young woman, or anyone else, forced to throw themselves at someone like Lady Hildegale, hoping for some measly advantage.

Even now the words stick in my mind. Yet, why didn't I speak that part aloud. My words failed me. And the look on her face as she turned to leave the room. It was deathly cold. It haunts me even as I write this.

I was bothered by our conversation, or my lack of it, but I couldn't bring myself to approach her again. Why do I not speak my mind sometimes?

Later I found out her name, Princess Iantheia. Iantheia. She's not one of Catha's Princesses it seems, there are enough of those, but Princess of the small Kingdom of Winding. I have seen that name on a map of Ancienia before, but heard nothing else. They have some ties to the circle kingdom, of course, why else would she be here? I will have to ask Leric about what he knows, after he recovers. Well, except his eye I'm told.

What happened was an unfortunate accident. His eye is gone. The healer did everything he could to save it. Leric is resting. It was an accident, and a stupid mistake on his part. The whole morning felt like a series of strange accidents, quite unnatural. I didn't see what exactly happened. I tried to leave, to escape before Lady Hildegale captured me for lunch, when I heard the commotion. The mayhem was almost amusing. Hard to believe one person could cause so much damage. Cups flying in the air, drinks spilled, custards and creams all over. I felt bad for her, for Iantheia.

Tomorrow perhaps, I can let her know about Leric, that she didn't cause his accident, that lute strings don't usually break that easily, unless you're a wizard like Leric, who mixes up his spells.
--
Second Day before the Ides of April, in the year 217

A mystery. It seems she has disappeared. Even Lady Hildegale is surprised. I am - perhaps the right word is - disappointed. I do not think I will see her again.


to be continued . . . .

Next, Letter Nine

It's up. I've been thinking really hard about what to do and this is what I decided. The new letter number nine.

I decided to pass on this letter, well... at least postpone the dramatic stuff a little. I can't possibly put the original letter number nine up, because it just won't work... yet.

Terrwyn I love this new development you're working into Mirth story. It's so very exciting. I'm hoping you'll be willing to write the next bit of Mirth's story - and then I'll have Ange respond to that.

Right now, I can't have Ange responding to such a happy gleeful letter from Mirth with her own tale of doom and gloom and woe is me. I can't picture that at all. At least it doesn't fit the dramatic curve of the story, over all.

So, basically I'm passing the baton back to you rather quickly. I hope you don't mind.

Oh, and, I'm don't mean to be bothersome - but can you possibly somehow get Lackscroft and Roe into your the next letter (or the one after that would be ok too.) Because I must have them meet Mirth - so she can be their dark maiden. It's vital to a future letter.

Anyway, I hope this makes sense.

Disaster strikes! (Iana #5)

continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding...


She was avoiding me. Lady Hildegale must have known my intentions, and I couldn't find a moment alone with her. After my brief rest in the library Lady Hildegale had welcomed me back to the circle, but there was no chance to get close to her.

Perhaps my distress at this made me careless, or the encounter in the library put me off, his words still drummed in my head 'She has nothing to gain from a girl like you.' I don't know how else to explain the disaster that happened next.

I stared at him across the room (Iana # 4)

Continuing from the journals of Princess Iantheia . . . .

"What is it now?" Lady Hildegale scuttled over to us. Prince Flairon swept her a low bow.

I lowered my face trying to hide my embarrassment at Prince Flairon's outburst. As I curtsied to Lady Hildegale I said, "I wished to speak to you Lady Hildegale, regarding a private, personal matter."

It was the wrong thing to say if I hoped to have a private conversation with Lady Hildegale, now everyone near us would want to listen in.

Lady Hildegale came closer to me. "My dear Iana, are you all right? What's wrong?"

"You see I - It's - " All of a sudden, to further my embarrassment, my throat seized up. I couldn't speak. I bit back tears. My chin wobbled.

I couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried. I'm sure I would have put everyone off bumbling around with words. As it was my near breakdown had a remarkable effect on Lady Hildegale.

"I became so desperate that..." (Iana's Story #3)

Continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding . . .

Finding Lady Hildegale was the easy part. Off season she practically lived in her sitting room. She was always entertaining; food and drinks at the ready, exotic fruits and delicate sweets. I could go to Lady Hildegale's any hour of the day and expect to see people there. Important people sometimes, the up and rising, the latest singing sensation or the brightest new poet. No one entertained more than Lady Hildegale, except maybe the King.

The hard part was getting to speak to her. Everyone wanted to speak to Lady Hildegale. She was exactly the kind of woman I wished was my godmother. She knew everyone, and could introduce you to anyone in the Circle Kingdom. Since we arrived in Catha I'd been trying to get Lady Hildegale to take me and Joli under her wing. Every day I got a little closer to her. Now would be my last chance.

I took a deep breath as the footman announced my name and I entered Lady Hildegale's sitting room.

My Life in the Circle Kingdom (Iana's Story #2)

From the journals of Ianathia, Princess of Winding...

"My life is over Joli, completely over." I dropped mother's letter to the round table. It didn't matter how many times I read it. It had ruined my life and I couldn't unread it.

I moved to the window, wishing we had a pleasant view to distract me.

"It's not over." Joli said from her cozy chair. She curled her feet underneath her and her hands were busy stitching a dress. "We just have to go home. At least its not a bethrothal."

"If it was a good match then I wouldn't mind a bethrothal." I said leaning my head on the window taking in the bleak view. The oval window looked out to a narrow stone stairwell, and the tall walls of the castle keep, only a small circle of sky was visible above them.

Hardly anyone used these stairs, no one important I might wish to see. Only distant relative of Catha's king were housed in this part of the castle, like us. We had no choice but to live here. We couldn't afford to rent rooms in town. Just as we couldn't afford a footman, or even a maid. Joli had taken on that role, and she served as my handmaiden whenever I needed one. We hadn't fooled anyone by it, it was plain to see  Joli and I were sisters, only a year apart in age.

"Extravagances." I muttered, looking back at Joli and our tiny room, with one bed in the corner, a wardrobe of minimal portortions and a cracked looking glass over the dressing table. Mother's letter said we had too many extravagances. I could pull my hair out. "What extravagances was she talking about? We live on breadcrumbs and sleep on box springs." I kicked at the bed we shared, sending a stabbing pain through my foot. "The only reason our clothes are half way decent is thanks to you."

A Family Chronicle Begins (1)

This letter has been enscribed by the Queen's own scribe, Olwen the Scribe, sealed by his hand and given to the head guardsman for his review.

Reviewed and stamped by Captain Olwen, head of security,  and taken on his patrol to the Postmaster.

Signed by Postmaster Olwen. Everything looks in order. This is merely a formaility, really. Taken by Postermaster Olwen to the local runners guild.

Armless Art, runner. Am writing wit teeth. Run from Windin Guildhall to Catha. In all good speed.

To the daughters of the Kingdom of Winding
Formal Greetings from the Queen and King of Winding


Ancienia, Spring Year 217

To our dearest, sweet divine daughters, my angels,

May this letter find you in good heath. It has been nine weeks, and four days since we last saw each other, and our time apart has left me and your father ample time to ourselves. The chimes do not ring as brightly without your shining faces. In fact they barely ring at all.

How I long to see you again, my dear darlings. I know your father feels the same way. Perhaps you do as well?

My girls, I shall be blunt. It is time to come home. You've had your fun, and your festivities, the fine food and late nights dancing, but enough is enough. Winding needs you. I apologize for my frankness, but the debt collectors knock at my chamber doors even now. We cannot afford your extravagances any longer.

I say again, time for you to come home.

Iantheia and Jolianita, my angels, how I do miss you. Come home to your mama. Come swiftly.

No detours Iantheia.

I'm serious.

your dearest, dearest mama



....to be continued.