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#71
Changes: Chapter 4: Fiona Investigates

It was late afternoon and Fiona was sitting at a table in the students' solar staring out the window before her at the sunny garden. Her elbows were on the table, her chin supported by her cupped hands. She appeared to be deep in thought. She sighed as she considered the paths opening before her, some of which she had not even considered when she entered the Schola. Now her time as a student was coming to an end, and there were choices to be made.

When she had left her uncle's manor to warn the king of treachery being planned against him, she had given no thought to what she would do once that objective had been accomplished. So many things had happened since then, but her primary goal for several years had been to gain admission to the King's Schola and learn about her Deryni powers and how to use them wisely. She had remained fiercely focused on achieving this. She had now reached her goal and was graduating. The main problem now occupying her mind was "what next".

Uncle Mac and Aunt Olivia wanted her to return home to their manor and to reside there until her future was decided. This idea did not suit Fiona at all. She loved them but she was not prepared to sit and wait while others decided her future. She had taken her future into her own hands before, and she was not prepared to surrender control of it now.

There were several possibilities before her. Queen Araxie had broached the possibility of Fiona becoming one of her ladies-in-waiting. Fiona had great respect and affection for the queen who had been most understanding and supportive throughout her stay in Rhemuth, and she was very aware what an honor it was to be a lady-in-waiting to the queen. But she could not feel that this role best suited her talents. She often had difficulty observing the rather strict decorum demanded at court and had been known to get into trouble on this account.

Fiona had done very well in her Schola studies and was highly thought of by her tutors and instructors. She was one of their top students. She also worked well with the younger students, especially those newly admitted. She excelled at setting them at ease and helping them as they began their learning journey. Based on their observations of her teaching and her ability to gain rapport with students, she had been asked to become an instructor in the Schola. They had need of teachers with her abilities. She had given it much thought. She enjoyed teaching and found her contributions to the development of the students very rewarding. But she was not sure this was the direction she should take.

Then there was Lord Washburn. She was aware that many at court had assumed that upon completion of her studies she and Washburn would marry. Indeed, she had expected their betrothal to follow quickly on her graduation. He had received permission from Earl Iain to court her but their meetings had not been as frequent nor had they lasted as long as she had expected. Wash had been much occupied with rebuilding the manor granted him by the king and establishing the healing center there. His letters had focused more and more on his work and seemed to contain less and less of his feelings for her. She had begun to wonder if his feelings for her were fading.  She sighed.
                                                                                                                                                                   
She thought back to the first time she had seen him riding into the stableyard of her uncle's manor, a handsome blond knight on a great black warhorse. She remembered how she had said to herself that maybe dreams did come true after all. They had been through much since then, and she had come to care deeply for him. When they had finally been able to meet alone together to talk, he had assured her that his feelings for her, rather than diminishing, had grown deeper. He had spoken of his regret that he had done such a poor job of telling her of his love for her. He had been on his knee before her beginning what she was sure was a proposal of marriage but they had been interrupted by a page summoning him urgently to attend the king. Now a betrothal had been placed on hold by the king out of concern for a threat caused by the presence of a known spy at court. Until it was known what information he was collecting, why and for whom, he represented a potential danger both to Wash and to her.

Fiona was so deep in thought that she failed to hear a soft knock on the door. When a second knock elicited no response, the door opened and Lady Isla peeked around it, surveying the room.

"Fiona, may I join you? I have been searching for you. I am hoping we can talk." She smiled as Fiona turned her head to see who had entered the room.

"Of course you can join me. I always look forward to our time together." Fiona smiled back at her friend.

Isla took a seat next to Fiona who turned to face her.. "What is it you wish to talk about? Is there a problem?"

"I am concerned about you. I know you have been worried about  Washburn and his intentions toward you. I certainly do not think that he has fallen out of love with you as you feared. I have seen how he looks at you and I think he is besotted with you. I thought we would hear that he was asking for your hand in marriage and that a betrothal ceremony is being planned. But nothing has been announced. Has something happened? What has gone wrong?"

Fiona frowned a little, considering how much she could safely tell her friend. She knew that Kelson did not want news of a spy at court to spread. If repeated, it would fly around court like wildfire. She took Isla's hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "I thank you for being concerned about me. A problem has arisen that has led the king to put a hold on any formal betrothal between myself and Washburn for the time being."

"What problem? Washburn is not in trouble with the King is he? Surely he has not done anything to lead the king to delay your betrothal. It's not involvement with another woman here at court is it? No, it certainly can't be that. When would he have had time to dally with another woman?  What other action could have aroused the King's concern? Did he think that betrothal and marriage would distract Wash, leading to delays in completion of the Healing Center?"

"No, it is nothing like that. As you noted, he has had no opportunity for dalliance and he assures me that his feelings for me are stronger than ever.  It is another matter entirely, but I am not free to talk about it .  What about you and Prince Nivelon? I was not very receptive to his attention. I believe that Sir Washburn's rather strong responses to his attentions to me may have caused him to reconsider. After all, he may have found Wash's reputation as a warrior intimidating and he seems to have abandoned any pursuit of me as a possible future wife.  I have noticed that the Prince has been distributing his favors among several other ladies here at court. Lately he has singled you out, spending more time with you and directing more attention to you. How do you feel about him? Has he found more favor with you as a possible suitor?"

There was a pause then Isla replied. "I'm not sure. He can be very amusing but sometimes, when he is addressing me, I feel that his real attention is elsewhere. At first I thought it was a different lady but now I just don't know.  Sometimes I almost think the hunt for a Deryni wife is a smokescreen not his real purpose or at least not his main purpose for being here.  He can be very arrogant and boastful at times, then he can also be very sweet at other times. I'm not sure which is the real Nivelon. If he is serious about finding a wife, he is not going about it the right way. Ladies do not want to spend time sitting in a garden while their suitor talks about weapons and defense alliances. You would think a gentleman looking for love or romance would know at least a little poetry or some courtly phrases but he does not employ any. I'm not sure what to make of him."

Fiona remained quiet for several minutes, her brow furrowed, then she  spoke. "I am going to tell you something that must remain in strict confidence. You must not repeat it to anyone. But it may be that you can help us solve the problem that has led the king to delay my betrothal."

Isla looked at her friend, her eyes huge, "I won't breathe a word." she said.

Fiona took a deep breath. "The King has discovered that there is a known spy here in his court. No one knows what information he is seeking or whom he serves. One of the possibilities is that he is seeking information about Washburn for the man behind his kidnapping. That man could be  planning another attempt to capture him, and information as to his exact whereabouts and position at court could be useful to this man. There is danger for Wash if this should be true and, if I am known to be betrothed to him, danger for me as well. They could try to use me to get at Wash. It was tried once before, at Arx Fidei at Bishop Arilan's funeral and could easily have succeeded. That is why permission for the betrothal has been denied for now. The only way to resolve this is to discover his true identity and what his purpose is here."

Isla eyed Fiona with concern. "How can we do that?"

Fiona replied. "The man who has been identified as a known spy from the time of the Mearan Rebellion is new to court, a merchant offering high quality weapons such as swords and daggers to the knights, squires and other fighting men here at court. Certainly they would be valuable sources of information for him. But I believe there is another possibility".

"Who?"

"Prince Nivelon."

Isla gasped. "Why would you think it might be him? Why would a crown prince be acting as a spy?"

Fiona wrinkled her brow. "I think he is acting for himself not for another.Think about his behavior. He is supposed to be seeking a wife, but how much time or effort has he really expended in such an effort? He seemed interested in me for a  time but he has now shifted his attention to you and one of the other senior students at the Schola and even that effort is not as focused or intense as I would have expected. And he has spent more time with the weapons merchant than I would have expected of someone with only a casual interest in his wares. I have heard that he placed orders for several swords and urged the merchant to travel to Vezaire to fit the weapons to their prospective owners.  Why would he be arming a number of fighting men in Vezaire?"

Isla frowned. "What do you think his intentions are? "

"I don't know. That is what we need to find out."

"But how?"

"I have seen him sitting with you at meals and walking with you in the garden. Get him talking, especially about himself and his plans. Flatter him. He has a very high opinion of himself and I am sure he would let slip some important information that we could give to the king. Any intelligence that we can provide that will help determine what exactly he is up to would be very helpful." Fiona reached out and squeezed Isla's hand.

Isla was silent for several minutes, then she looked  at Fiona with determination. "I"ll do it." she declared. "I can start right away. I have already agreed to join him in the garden after the evening meal, I will let you know what I learn. I really want to help. " Isla looked at her friend intently then rose and turned toward the door.

Fiona also rose from her seat. "I need to meet Lady Annabell for the noon meal, Will you join us?"

 Lady Isla nodded with a smile and the two young ladies left the solar together with their plan in place to help unmask the spy.




#72
The Chronicles of the Deryni / Re: James Nicoll's review of H...
Last post by Laurna - April 01, 2024, 12:17:04 AM
Thanks for sharing TM.  Always interesting to read the comments.
#73
Chat Logs / KK Chat -- 31 March 2024 Happy...
Last post by DesertRose - March 31, 2024, 07:22:56 PM
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:05 PM EDT] Join web97 has joined this channel.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:12 PM EDT] <The_Bee> It was in Paradise, CA after their big fire. Dundee was in his human's truck when someone stole it. A whole bunch of people teamed up to track him down and bring him home.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:17 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Hi KK!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Oh, there would be mischief!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:23 PM EDT] <bynw> Hi KK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:25 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> What about a tale about JANA when she goes to the schola. She might become friends with Briony and they could get into mischief.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:28 PM EDT] <The_Bee> HI KK!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:35 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Hi KK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:43 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Heck with the truck, just recover the cat!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> Happy Easter, KK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:21:57 PM EDT] Nick web97 is now known as KK.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:22:00 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Hi KK, Happy Easter
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:22:29 PM EDT] <KK> Hello, all. Happ Easter!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:22:38 PM EDT] <KK> Happy, too.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:22:47 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Evie said she might not make it to chat because she might be going to dinner with her parents. So I'll just convey a "Hi, KK, happy Easter!" from her.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:22:59 PM EDT] <The_Bee> They found the truck catless. The reward money was going to be used to feed feral cats at shelters.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:23:00 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Even though she didn't say to do that, I assume she'd say it if she were here.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:23:01 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> How was your Easter, KK?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:23:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> The cat did make it hoke didn't he?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:23:56 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Yes, Dundee got safely home.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:24:05 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> The cat did make it home didn't he?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:24:15 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> That's good.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:24:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Yay for DUNDEE
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:24:33 PM EDT] <KK> No problem. If I still had a mom and dad, I'd also go with them for dinner. Separately, though, because their divorce was not amicable.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:24:55 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> That's always fun. Not.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:25:01 PM EDT] <KK> What happened re the cat?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:25:14 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Maybe lunch with one and dinner with the other?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:25:25 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Team Dundee got him home.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:25:37 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> He'd been napping in his human's truck when someone stole it (from the Paradise, CA, area when they had that awful wildfire).
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:25:51 PM EDT] <KK> Ah, I scrolled up and found that answer. Thanks.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:26:43 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Grandpuppy pics! His name is Maximus, and he is extremely sweet and cute.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:26:43 PM EDT] <The_Bee> The owner left the truck to buy Dundee's medicine.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:26:44 PM EDT] [Photos redacted for privacy]
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:26:57 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Meanwhile Carys is by my leg grooming herself.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:27:00 PM EDT] <KK> Further on the cat front: Cameron and Anna have acquired another feline resident: a lovely big grey tiger they're naming Oliver.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:27:19 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Nice!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:27:30 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Oliver Twist?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:27:50 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> He found them, or they found him?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:28:01 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> How many cats do they have?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:28:12 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Some friends of mine had a cat who came to them as a tiny kitten and they named it Oliver Twist until they took "him" to the vet, at which point the name became Olivia Twist.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:28:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> That happens a lot
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:28:38 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Yup
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:28:54 PM EDT] <KK> Cameron brought him in from a 19 degree winter night.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:08 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> xds/'
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:10 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Whoa, that is cold
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:29 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Part of the reason my Christian kitty was so named; we couldn't tell if he were a boy or a girl at first and we figured that name would work either way, plus the character is the second lead in Cyrano de Bergerac, and we already had my Cyrano kitty.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:31 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Wow, glad Cameron rescued him from the cold
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> missmys just jumped up
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:29:37 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> That is Hell No levels of cold.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:30:17 PM EDT] <KK> They think he's about a year old, so he's still not full grown. He joins Iris, their other cat, who lost her sister about a year ago.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:30:24 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Well, not in Canada...😀
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:30:41 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> True, 19 C is tolerable.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:30:59 PM EDT] <KK> For short periods of time.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:31:00 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> 19C is balmy!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:31:01 PM EDT] <The_Bee> How do the two cats get along so far?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:31:04 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> 19 C is way different from 19 F
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:31:43 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Hi and Happy Easter!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:32:02 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Hi Nezz. Happy Easter
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:32:03 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Hi Nezz
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:32:08 PM EDT] <KK> So far, Iris is putting up with him, immediately informed him she was the Alpha cat in the household. And he knows about living in a house, great manners.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:32:38 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Happy Easter to all observers of the day.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:35:24 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> I figured out how to get MissMys to stop presenting her butt. Last time she did it, I blew a tiny puff of air at the target. She turned around as if to say. "Mom, you sniffed backwards!"
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:35:38 PM EDT] <The_Bee> LOL!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:35:49 PM EDT] <bynw> LOL
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:36:06 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Too funny
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:36:17 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> I just swipe their tails down when they do that to me or the camera
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:40:16 PM EDT] * The_Bee drops a pin.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:40:27 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> *ting*
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:40:31 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Hello Happy Easter
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:40:46 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Hi Laurna
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:40:46 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Hi Laurna!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:03 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Hello everyone
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:06 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> MissMys is trying to sleep on my lap, but my stomach rumbling keeps waking her up. Should probably go eat supper.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:21 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I just tried my hand at Deviled eggs. Eadible by barely so I will not be sharing the real thing. LOL
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:31 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> We were supposed to have a warm sunny day today but the weatherman missed again. It was more cloudy than sunny and much chillier than expected\
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I just tried my hand at Deviled eggs. Eadible but barely so I will not be sharing the real thing. LOL
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:40 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Did you use vinegar in them?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:41:41 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Hi Laurna
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:42:01 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I boiled them with some vinigar
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:42:08 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> I'm in Texas atm and it's cloudy and 80*
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:42:27 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Mix it in the yolks and they will be properly "devilish"
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:42:36 PM EDT] <KK> What did you put in your deviled eggs? Seems hard to mess up; at least that's been in my experience.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:42:42 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Cold and very rainy here. It snowed at my sisters yesterday and last night
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:13 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I only had mircle whip and some paprika. definitly needs something else.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:29 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> mustard
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:39 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Mustard free home
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:40 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> I do mine with miracle whip, a bit of mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:42 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Salt-n-pepper and mustard powder
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:43:55 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> And paprika on top
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:06 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Maybe some vinegar would help
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:13 PM EDT] <The_Bee> I add feta cheese crumbles when I make deviled eggs. They've gone over well at church potlucks.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> " The devil inside"
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:31 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> LOL
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:50 PM EDT] <KK> Well, my weeping cherry burst into bloom literally overnight, putting on her Easter finery.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:50 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> I don't use vinegar. mustard, mayo, paprica and sometimes a little pickle relish
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:44:58 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Feta cheese... that sounds intriguing
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:02 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> pretty KK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:05 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> I don't like mustard in anything except deviled eggs and egg salad
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:25 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Oooh, cherry blooms! 🙂
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Spent my day putting together Lego cherry blossoms
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:45 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Jerusha, me too! 🙂
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:45:54 PM EDT] <KK> Sadly, they don't last very long.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:46:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Long enough to make you smile
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:46:29 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> The japanese Cherry blossoms in Va Beach were at peak last weekend. Gorgeous
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:46:33 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Beautiful, KK!. Does it have pink or white blossoms?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:48:04 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> Fortunately the forsythia is about done here. Almost two weeks of all the flu symptoms except the fever.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:48:36 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> two weeks of flue, YUCK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:48:46 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Forsythia has flu?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:48:57 PM EDT] <KK> Pink,
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:49:00 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> No, but good for allergies
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:49:11 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Love pink
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:49:33 PM EDT] <KK> I need some forsythia in my yard.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:49:33 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> I've been highly allergic to forsythia since getting the pollen in some scratches in the late '70's
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:50:06 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> In spite of the pollen, very pretty in spring
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:50:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> @CapnGramma You had the flu for 2 weeks. That's awful. We have had a really wicked flu going around but luckily it only lasted about 3 days
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:51:11 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Did you mean forsythia allergies?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:51:38 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> Not flu. Allergy, but all the symptoms except fever.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:52:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Yuk
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:54:51 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> 52F here and I keep having to micowave my tea to keep it warm.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:55:53 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> i thought we were starting to get spring weather two days ago, but we have reverted back to winter.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:01 PM EDT] <The_Bee> 50F outside, 80F in my apartment
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:05 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <stnezz> Ha, I'm warmer than you today Laurna. It's 80 where I am. 🙂
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:16 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Jealous.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:38 PM EDT] <KK> 60 here
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:43 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> My inside is set at 70F but the heater just keeps going on and does not seem to heat the house up much.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:56:58 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Burr KK.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:57:16 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> 77F here in Florida
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:57:35 PM EDT] <KK> That isn't bad.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:57:41 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Nice Jerusha. but what is it at your reall home?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:57:46 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> We thought spring had sprung but it has gone back into hiding. Cold front coming though tonight with rain
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:58:00 PM EDT] <The_Bee> indoors or outdoors, KK?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:58:12 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> 3 C
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:58:19 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Dfk, you are getting the weather we had yesterday. Snow down to 3000 elevation
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:58:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> What is that in F?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:58:39 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> 3C well..... above freezing, I guess.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:59:01 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> I have been watching the Big Bear Valley eagles. Nest and female eagle were covered in snow overnight
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:59:45 PM EDT] <The_Bee> F=9/5 C+32
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:59:48 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Yes, sadly they are not going to hatch their eggs this year. Fingers crossed that next year will be better. they sure are dedicated in all this snow.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [7:59:57 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> 37 F
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:06 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I love watching Shadow and Jackie
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> 3C is 37F so jusy above freezing
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:27 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Burr
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:34 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> But balmy for this time of year
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:35 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> 3C is 37F so just above freezing
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:00:51 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> They are quite the pair, Laurna
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:04 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Yes love to watch them.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:23 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> True love is demonstrated by a stick
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:37 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I also have been watching another pair that just hatched two eaglets.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:47 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> Cool
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:48 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> LOL
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:01:56 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Good!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:02:17 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> I saw a sand hill crane baby beside it's mother the other day. All legs and fluff
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:02:26 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> We thought spring had sprung because the Ospreys are back
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:02:27 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Oh fun
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:03:39 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> It was not a tiny chick
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:03:51 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> @Jerusha Have you become a snowbird, winters in Florida and summers in Canada?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:04:00 PM EDT] <KK> My robins are back.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:04:03 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Yes, and I like it that way
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:04:18 PM EDT] <KK> Not nearly as exciting as raptors,though.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:04:56 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> But pretty
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:05:04 PM EDT] <bynw> some iowa eagles: https://sportsmansparadiseonline.com/bald-eagle-cams/decorah-north-nest/
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:05:12 PM EDT] <The_Bee> PBS Nature is doing an episode about raptors in a week or two.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:05:21 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Robins protecting their nests are not for the faint of heart
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:07:35 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> I love the robins. but I have yet to see any this year
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:07:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <capngramma> Heading off. Need to eat.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:07:53 PM EDT] <KK> Don't know where my robis are nesting, but I have a fair about of woods behind my house.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:07:54 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Nighters, CapnGramma
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:07:56 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Good Day to you Capn
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:02 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Enjoy your !
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:09 PM EDT] <The_Bee> meal, capn
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:17 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> nite CapnGramma
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:32 PM EDT] <KK> Ak, I need to go as well. Call the Midwife has just started.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <jerusha2> Have a good week, KK
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:44 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> Zoom next week, KK?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:54 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Last year the Robins spent about a month in my front yard around the fountain before the weather turned warm and then they went up into the mountains to nest.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:55 PM EDT] <KK> Zoom next week. Have a good week.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:08:59 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <azdesertrose> G'night and good week, and thanks for coming to see us!
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:09:18 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <laurnarose> Good night KK, have a good first week of April
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:09:24 PM EDT] <CambersGhost> [discord] <derynifank> nighters kk
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:09:48 PM EDT] * KK steps onto her Portal, waves goodbye, and disappears in a shower of purple sparkles.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:09:56 PM EDT] <The_Bee> Thanks for coming, KK. Enjoy your show and your week. Zoom next sunday?
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:10:08 PM EDT] <KK> Nighters, all.
[Sunday, March 31, 2024] [8:10:16 PM EDT] Quit KK has left this server (Quit: Client closed).
#74
The Chronicles of the Deryni / James Nicoll's review of High ...
Last post by tmcd - March 31, 2024, 05:34:38 PM
James Nicoll is the one who came up with the famous aphorism

QuoteThe problem with defending the purity of the English language is that the English language is as pure as a crib-house whore. It not only borrows words from other languages; it has on occasion chased other languages down dark alley-ways, clubbed them unconscious and rifled their pockets for new vocabulary.

He reviews fantasy and science fiction professionally.

These Castle Walls / High Deryni  (The Chronicles of the Deryni, volume 3) / By Katherine Kurtz

Side note: don't worry about the tag. That's for "my weekly foray into the books I loved as a teenager, which is to say, books I first encountered between March 18, 1974 and March 18, 1981." Some have been visited by the Suck Fairy in the years since, as it is wont to do, hence the tag "Because My Tears Are Delicious To You".

I think it's a fair review. His forum discussion is well worth reading -- this is one place where you usually DO want to read the comments.

NOTE: you don't have to sign up for that site to comment there. In fact, I don't see that there IS a membership.
#75
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by DesertRose - March 28, 2024, 03:15:38 PM
Happy belated birthday, Nezz!

#76
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by Nezz - March 28, 2024, 02:38:42 PM
Thank you all so very much for the birthday wishes, I had a great day. :)
#77
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by Shiral - March 28, 2024, 12:20:27 PM
Happy Birthday, Nezz!
#78
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by Bynw - March 28, 2024, 10:17:46 AM
Happy Birthday @Nezz
Hope it's a great one!
#79
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by DerynifanK - March 28, 2024, 08:51:36 AM
A very happy birthday Nezz. Hope you have a lovely day.
#80
Birthday Wishes / Re: Happy Birthday, Nezz!
Last post by JudithR - March 28, 2024, 03:06:00 AM
Happy birthday