Winter Approaches

I removed the last bud from the roses when preparing them for winter. Until spring, they will gradually become dormant. The young apple tree is dropping its leaves. Frost has not yet arrived but I smell it in the air.

My body welcomes the changes even if the garden does not. Some things and some people enjoy the warmth and bright skies of summer, and they yearn for its return when winter’s winds chill. I am the reverse. They say that there is death in winter, and life in spring. I cannot deny those associations yet am eager for these next few months. 

Disgruntled

My beloved is unhappy. Partially with me, I think, for I somehow managed it poorly.

I mentioned missing tea with Nem and Westlynn in order to work on the carriage, and this was a reminder of the many things given up socially in order to satisfy the need for security. My offer then to arrange something solely for the two of us was answered with tangible barbs of indignation and disapproval. 

I do not know how to resolve this to the satisfaction of all. I would be content with the satisfaction of one.

Accidental Love

Some weeks ago Nemeiah made a small remark about how my beloved and I seemed “close.” I thought it an unusual thing to say, knowing what I have confessed to her. I asked recently if there was a greater implication behind the observation.  

Her reply was that she had not wished to assume that we were in love, if there was a chance she misinterpreted. Thus she had used the milder term and caused my confusion. She also had drawn upon her own experience and admitted that she was “not exactly good” at determining love.  I had thought the reality rather obvious. So I told her that this assumption was correct and that “those words” were used.

But what I did not tell her was that it all was an accident. I was not supposed to fall in love with this person. The aim was something else entirely.

A Strange Land

Several times I have been through the portal to the land of the bear-people, and thus far have managed to avoid significant contact with the inhabitants. There is a great deal to explore yet; mostly I am curious of the mountains spotted in the north.

And hidden all about are resources to exploit and retrieve. I have found golden flowers unlike any that grow elsewhere in the world. And white and black ores stronger than the saronite or elementium that most armor and weapons are made from.

Many lovely vistas there are to view as well. That is, if the Horde and Alliance do not mutually exterminate each other and the land in the process of conquering it. In particular, in a great valley lie many farms, flourished by vibrant and heavy rainstorms. Then in a few minutes the rain passes and there is warm sun again.  

But it is the temple that the Horde have commandeered that I discovered something less naturally wondrous, but nonetheless impressive. A great library with books and scrolls stacked to the high ceiling. My beloved would be very interested in this.

Nocturnal

It now seems that my beloved has no desire to return to daylight habitation. Because I could not safely construct the cabin during the heat of the afternoon, Nathan and I worked at night. My beloved adjusted to this pattern with ease and lately declared that it is preferred, even enjoyed.

There are fewer distractions and “errands” as D.A. calls my social obligations, and so there is more time afforded to be with each other. I do not think yet that this will be a permanent schedule change because my beloved always reserves the right to shift according to the whim of the moment. I do not complain though. The night is easier and more comfortable to move through.

Unwanted Suitor

This does not apply to me, but to Nemeiah. Weeks ago she told me of an elven paladin that had expressed unusual interest in her. He told her that that he found “death” beautiful, and I felt this inappropriate, even disturbing. Had he said that Nem herself was beautiful I would not complain or deem it strange. He seemed to view death with some unhealthy erotic fixation.

He disappeared for a time, or at least Nem had not spoken of him until a strange undead elf approached her in Orgrimmar while she chatted with me. His manners were poor, and his conversation abysmal. Nem appeared uncomfortable and I disliked him immediately. It was a relief when he excused himself, and then she revealed that this was the same paladin.

You may imagine, journal, how disgusted I was to learn he was still about her and still speaking of improper things. Even after whatever incident killed him. For now though, I likely will remain uninvolved.

Also this does not improve my opinion of paladins.

Cabin Complete

Work on the cabin is finished and Nathan is settled into it as his new residence. I must boast that it is a fine result. Although it was his experience that I relied on in order to build it. He is satisfied, as are my beloved and I. Although of all of us, Mirtai may be the most visibly enthusiastic.

While being introduced to the place she asked a great number of questions of Nathan, so many that my beloved alerted me to the excess with a rolling of eyes. It required a command to begin a routine (though redundant) chore to remove Mirtai from his room. But that is something to muse on at another time.

I feel accomplished by the cabin’s completion not only because it is a goal achieved, but also it is something that I helped make from nothing. I am designed for destruction, not creation. Perhaps it is silly to be proud of such a modest structure made of wood, metal, paint, and glass. But I do take pride and see it as the first step, the beginning of a larger ambition.